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Monday Edition February 19, 2024 - Vol. 17 No. 08

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genocide Gaza to holocaust

Govt. hands prime city lands to Qatari investors to build hotel ...Pres. Ali says investment fits into plans for sustainable development 70% of students not attending school since teachers' strike

Man dies after car slams into concrete bridge

...GTU to ramp up industrial action this week

opens today

Energy conference ‘Teachers must be paid as much as ministers, MPs’ Int'l lawyer:

Several schools recorded low attendance during the first 10 days of the teachers’ strike

One of the world's wealthiest men sells shares in Apple, bought more in Exxon's Stabroek Block partner Chevron

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Monday February 19, 2024

Kaieteur News

Govt. hands prime city lands to Qatari investors to build hotel ...Pres. Ali says investment fits into plans for sustainable development

The Government of Guyana has handed out prime green spaces of lands-that were solely used for educational and recreational purposes along Carifesta Avenue, to private Qatari investors so that they can build a massive five-star hotel.

President Mohamed Irfaan Ali and members of the Qatari company, ASSETS Group on Sunday laid the foundation stone for the commercial project, the “Georgetown Sea-Front Resort and Convention Center” which is expected to be completed in three years.

The hotel facility will take up some 75,000 square meters of space and will be built on the Guyana National Service (GNS) and National Insurance Scheme (NIS) grounds along Carifesta Avenue. Those grounds are

among the few, city residents utilise for sporting activities.

During his address at a ceremony held at the project site on Sunday President Ali welcomed the multimillion US dollar investment because according to him, it blends in with his government's sustainable development plan for Guyana.

“This investment fits into our overall plan of sustainable development because part of what we want to achieve is whilst we have t h i s m a s s i v e transformational investment, that the essence of our country remains what we are known for and that is a country that is naturally beautiful green and returning the garden city to the status of the garden city…” He said, that is why his government was investing in planting

President Irfaan Ali laying the foundation stone for the massive hotel with Qatari Investors more trees in the capital city.

President Ali also explained that one of the ways he wants to diversify

Guyana's economy is through hospitality and tourism especially ecotourism and one of the ways he wants to achieve this is through such investments that provide world class hospitality services and by investing in heavily infrastructural projects to beautify and expand the city.

“We have to create events, we have to create an environment to create traffic to come into our country and that is what will support demand”, Ali added.

The massive hotel will include 261 rooms and suites, a separate branded hotel apartment project featuring 156 premium units, 10 duplex villas, a members club and a convention center.

Ali said that design of the hotel will mirror the history of Georgetown.

“The architectural design, the natural attributes of Guyana were taken into the design of the building”, Ali said.

Meanwhile there have been some questions raised by the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) over the handing out of the green spaces by the government without notifying or consulting them.

The Green spaces is a part of the 450 Acres plot Land on Plantation Thomas, City Mayor, Alfred Mentore told the Stabroek News. The lands were owned by Quinten Hogg and his family and are considered to be a rich legacy of Guyana's Natural and Cultural

Heritage. According to the National Trust of Guyana, in 1863, the Hoggs donated the area to the Georgetown Mayor & Town Council on the strict condition that it was to be used solely for educational and recreational purposes.

Therefore, no commercial establishments were to be within Thomas Lands.

More rooms added Meanwhile, Ali added that more than 1,300 worldclass rooms will be added to the local market by the end of 2024, as a series of hotels are currently under construction and slated to be completed this year.

He highlighted that these new ventures are a reflection of the government's commitment to diversifying the capital markets for investment. Approximately 10 new hotels will add to the national economy over the next few years, which include internationally acclaimed brands such as Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, Radisson, and Best Western Hotels.

“The Aiden Best Western in Georgetown is expected to open in June with 150 rooms, the Four Points Sheraton in Providence, which will have 172 new rooms, the AC Marriott at Ogle is expected to open its doors by December, adding 152 new rooms, and the Hyatt Place at Providence on the East Bank Demerara, which would add 136 new rooms,” he told those gathered.

In addition to these, King's Hotel and Residence is constructing its second branded hotel on the corner of Quamina and Waterloo Streets, which will be equipped with modern amenities and is expected to feature approximately 60 rooms. Works are also ongoing on the US$20 million Courtyard by Marriott Hotel at Timehri, East Bank Demerara, which is expected to be opened in the final quarter of this year.

The head of state pointed out that with these new facilities under construction, the total private sector investment amounts to over US$250 million.

According to the president, this speaks to the confidence that international partners have in the country's economy.

“These investors for these hotels span from North America to local and regional investors. So, you can see the diversity in the spread of investment that is coming into the country. We also have proposals that will see new announcements being made before the end of the year.”

This aggressive drive to bring new accommodations to the country forms part of the government's thrust to expand the tourism industry, and provide for the influx of visitors.

Against this backdrop, the government is confident that the goal of achieving 2000 hotel rooms by 2025 is well within reach.

Monday February 19, 2024

Kaieteur News

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Kaieteur News

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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

Presidential self-control Guyana’s striking teachers have taken offense of President Ali’s recent response on social media towards their action of taking to the streets. Teachers have objected to the head of state’s tone, the dismissive manner in which he has dealt with their situation. The president has been aggressive, reeked with hostility, in his efforts to intimidate Guyana’s striking educators with his powerful office, the bludgeons of his words. We agree that President Ali should do better, be more presidential, carry the dignity of his high office at a statesmanlike level.

Unfortunately, the president seems to think that he can blow through all human barriers, and blow away those who point to his litany of leadership failures. When Guyanese speak about oil and environmental failures, the President resorts to the hysterical and the slashing. He sees only those who are impeding the PPPC Government juggernaut, and not citizens who have genuine concerns about their place in this society, their safety, and their future. President Ali has transformed into what he should not be, certainly not at the elevation of the office that he holds. If it were a lower citizen involved, or a lesser office, then only a weak, clumsy bully would be what is seen. The president is best advised to calm down, slow down, and get down to the business of working towards solutions. Solutions help to remove flashpoints and bottlenecks. Confrontation only intensifies the rancor and deep distrusts that are now so pervasive across the length and breadth of Guyana.

The president has only himself to blame. He listens to who he wants to listen to, those who feed him what they know he wants to hear, and that is the limit of his world, the circle that he refuses to extend. Any Guyanese not agreeing fully with the president is a suspect, nothing but those he disdainfully dismissed as ‘self-made and self-appointed experts.’ The only expert in his eyes is himself and, if the president is allowed to have his way, then that is all that is to be said. It is hell from the president on any who is so bold as to speak a different truth.

There were those moments when this president reared up and let loose on those who say that more could be done by the PPPC Government, that sanctity of contract is a smokescreen that shows leaders at their weakest, and their worst. When assertive Guyanese escalate matters about the environment and inherent dangers posed by the inefficiencies of rubberstamp State institutions, President Ali drips with impatience and all the determination of a man who will not listen, will not be deterred. Now, when teachers take their fears to the street, the president who speaks about being for all the people is suddenly conspicuous in how he deals with them. It is the opposite of how he handles those close to him. His efforts are open to one interpretation. He believes that menacing, and browbeating, Guyanese who manifest their disagreement with his unilateral nature, and heavy-handedness, is the key to overcoming all opposition, his now settled modus operandi. Since President Ali is of this irreconcilable mind, then some senior presence in the Office of the President (or the PPPC) should have the courage to whisper to him that he is proceeding on the wrong track with striking teachers.

Those with doctorates, law degrees, and a long history of public relations gimmickry in this country should have the strength of character to advise the president that he is his own worst enemy. He makes himself look small, and he earns an increasingly terrible reputation as a leader. When the president delights in his tantrums, he does not impress, but he makes himself into the laughable. No Guyanese, whether they favor or detest the government could be pleased with a leader that triggers thoughts of what is juvenile.

It is time that the president remembers who he is and what responsibilities are vested in his office. He is the chief governor of Guyana, and not a man who conducts himself as though he is always on the election campaign trail. We suggest that President Ali reassesses his leadership approach, and begin on a new path.

Monday February 19, 2024

In one generation we can transform ourselves into a successful nation

DEAR EDITOR A country’s success does not depend on its natural resources, otherwise since Independence the people of Guyana would have been rich from Guyana’s gold, diamonds, bauxite, agriculture, forests, fish, etc.

Instead we are a society with a ‘bullyism’ culture, in which a few are super rich, most are struggling and some are eating out of garbage bins and sleeping on the street. We are in this despicable position because for decades the decision makers have made bad decisions.

A country’s success depends upon brain power – the ability to make the right decisions in an unstable and ever changing world. Brain power requires well educated people. Having well-educated people depends on having good teachers. A good teacher can enable a child to blossom, to believe in their self-worth, to emancipate their minds from

mental slavery (as the great Bob urged us), to dream of beauty and harmony and to join those who, like our brilliant poet Martin Carter, “do not sleep to dream but dream to change the world.”

But to get good teachers you have to respect them, pay them properly and provide opportunities for ongoing training and development.

Article 27 of the Constitution says that every citizen has the right to free education from nursery to university or at informal places, and that it is the duty of the State to provide education that prepares students to deal with social issues and meet the challenges of the modern technological age. Every single child in Guyana has a right to an excellent education. Governments have consistently failed to provide it.

You don’t need to be educated to be a member of Parliament or a minister or

President. You only need to be able to read English with “sufficient proficiency” so you can participate in the National Assembly. MPs can sit there, screeching incivilities at one another, voting for legislation that some of them do not understand (if they did they wouldn’t pass it), and drawing their generous salaries (and later pensions) paid for by citizens.

Most people will be familiar with the old saying: if you think education is expensive, try ignorance. We have tried ignorance. We cannot afford it any longer.

I have three modest proposals: (1) Pay teachers the same as MPs, ministers or the president depending on a teacher’s qualifications and responsibility. That might mean increasing teachers’ salaries astronomically, or reducing political salaries drastically, or something in between. But it is certainly doable and would rebalance

our value system in favour of Guyana’s children.

(2) Require the president, ministers and MPs to send their children to government schools not private schools. Then sit back and see how fast government schools would improve.

(3) Test all future MPs and presidents so we can see if they are up to the job. The test must include critical thinking, social skills, the Constitution, the rule of law, Guyana’s history, the works of Guyana’s brilliant Dr. Wa l t e r R o d n e y, b a s i c science including major threats to life on earth (e.g. oil and gas), the ability to read a balance sheet and balance a budget, and some acquaintance with the works of our wonderful writers and artists.

In one generation we can transform ourselves into a successful nation, but we have to start now.

Yours truly, Melinda Janki

‘Avoid polarized exclusionary politics’ DEAR EDITOR The freedom of a people depends upon its vigilance in designing, establishing, r e f o r m i n g , a n d implementing governance arrangements to keep the political establishment in check, and it is the duty of the law enforcement body, the government - usually politicians, - to ensure that the laws are followed. Plato opined that ‘Good people do not need laws to tell them to act responsibly, while bad people will find a way around the laws’. Ironically, universally politicians are thought to be the archetypical ‘bad’ people. In the world’s most/least trusted profession index, politicians are the least trusted: only 14% of those surveyed trusted government ministers and the number is 10% for politicians generally. On the other hand, teachers were among the top three most trusted professions: doctors 64%, scientists 61% teachers 5 5 % (https://www.eqs.com/comp liance-blog/).

The laws, then, must be very strong and more than that, last week I argued that ‘What the present teachers dispute also teaches is that democratic, open, and transparent government requires more than rules: it

requires a substantial body of citizens willing to stand up in the protection of the rules.’ This means protection of the law against recalcitrant employers as a category but also against politicians, an important constitutional guardian of the law, whenever they transgress the rules. This is why, as it is with the teachers, those who feel suppressed and cheated have to keep their power dry: ‘wait before taking action but be ready to take action if it is necessary.’

At the national level, last week I noted that VicePresident Bharrat Jagdeo suggested that when it comes to ‘who rules’ supporters in his ethnic strongholds ‘will vote PPP’.

At least subliminally, most of us have known for decades that what he said is true. For instance, a recent editorial in the Stabroek News implied that for the PPP supporters to do otherwise than he suggested is almost unreal.

‘It cannot have escaped its (the PPP’s) attention that the teachers have come out in numbers even in its heartland areas, where many of them would not dream of voting for APNU’ (SN: 07/02/2024). Similarly, amid many contradictions e.g., Cheddi Jagan was foolish not to support the

USA during the Cold War, but Forbes Burnham was wicked to do so - in his quarrel with Mr. Clement Rohee, Dr. Vishnu Bisram pointed out that Indians ‘did not vote to build communism … The(ir) choice was an African PNC or an Indian PPP. It was inevitable people would line up behind the party of their race!’

I have no problem with Bisram’s position of the right of people to vote for their ethnic group. But the history of Guyana and elsewhere has taught that once the contesting groups are sufficiently large the usual democratic manner of doing business - free elections together with even-handed governance – tends to be deficient. In a competitive democratic state it would be amoral and impractical to try and prevent politicians of a given ethnicity from attempting to protect the interest of that group.

But what Clement sought to avoid, and Dr. Bisram needs to consider, is how we are to liberal democratically organize the racialized masses that have resulted from our history.

This column objects to any formulation of a ‘One Guyana’ that implies that the PPP or any other party has a right, as the PPP has been

attempting to do to Africans, to destroy representative ethnic-associated organisations. This is particularly galling when the PPP blatantly does every possible thing to keep its ethnic base intact!

There is the admirable humanist approach such as that of Mr. Jamil Changlee, Chairman of The Cooperative Republic of Guyana. ‘Our sugar workers and all workers in our country’, he told us, ‘have a right to be heard. We all have a right to live in dignity. We know what we lose when our unions are weak. We know how much sacrifice was made for our unions to come into existence. It is our patriotic duty to ensure that we keep our unions strong and that we keep the legacy of our founding fathers alive.

I invite the Ministry of Education and the current administration to ponder on our history and the importance of organized labour. … It is time to show the world that Guyana will always stand with its workers and allow their collective voices to be heard and respected.’ (KN: 09/02/24).

Mr. Changlee’s type of moralistic exhortations that require timely wholesale behaviour change in (Continued on page 06)

Monday February 19, 2024

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Dr Jagan, Basdeo Panday & Race Politics DR DEAR EDITOR, A recent letter asserted that Dr Jagan’s politics transcended race, he didn’t appeal to Indians, and that he tried to bring the two major races together. Evidence suggested otherwise.

It is not a political crime for politicians to appeal to race or ethnicity in a ‘bifurcated’ or racially divided society. In fact, a politician could well be considered a traitor to his or

her ethnicity or race or if he or she does not champion the interests of his or her ethnic or racial group or appeal for racial (ethnic) solidarity.

Racial appeals bring votes needed to win seats and by extension government.

Those not supportive of the race are considered as outcasts and ostracized.

Anecdotal evidence in Trinidad suggested that Dr Jagan made remarks about and or was tied to racial

solidarity not different from other politicians on that island or in his home country. All politicians and community leaders — Indians, Africans, Mixed, Europeans, Creoles, French Creoles, among others, in both countries tend to pursue racial solidarity to capture the government.

In a racially polarized society such as Guyana or Trinidad, in which political parties are ethnic base, race

Avoid polarized exclusionary...

From page 04 politicians and the population are prevalent but nonetheless utopian. Laws are made by the people for the people and the idea of trying to remake people, particularly politicians, fit into existing perennially p r o b l e m a t i c a l administrative constructs by appealing to their good sense, is not useful.

The contribution of Mr. Timothy Jonas, the general secretary of a New and United Guyana (ANUG), is more grounded but no less problematical.

‘A New and United Guyana presents a solution’ he said, ‘if the Government of the day does not control the thirty-third seat in Parliament. Only if a third party holds that seat will the Government of the day be unable to unilaterally change the laws to consolidate its control.

It will be compelled to include the Opposition in decision-making, so that the two large parties will have to meet and agree on policies and spending and contracts and economics before any oil money is spent. It is only when both parties can participate in the decisionmaking that we will be able to truly say ‘One Guyana’ (SN: 07/02/2024).

Timothy’s final sentence

is true, but like Clement, the logical leap he made – ‘Only if a third party holds that seat will the Government of the day be unable to unilaterally change the laws to consolidate its control’ – is amoral, ahistorical, and unnecessary. Apart from a legal procrustean complex, what moral ground is there to give power to a party with one/two seats the right to determine if any autocratically inclined government ‘include(s) the opposition in decisionmaking’? Would it not be more democratic to have rules that allow the much larger opposition to perform this function for itself, its supporters and the country?

Secondly, Guyana’s history is replete with small parties joining with the government of the day to stymie the wishes of the opposition. In recent times The Alliance for Change could have objected or walked away from many unacceptable things the Coalition government did, but failed to do so! For example, it has been a part of We s t m i n s t e r- t y p e a n d

Guyana’s parliamentary tradition that the official opposition gets the deputy speakership (DS), but immediately upon the coalition coming to government that position was usurped by AFC. Indeed, perhaps ANUG would have been more of a moral/political force today if it had not taken, or had disassociated itself from taking, the DS position when it was made available by the PPP to the joinder-group.

‘Guyanese Society must go beyond the polarized exclusionary politics by which we operate presently’ (‘GPSU says budget will not address poverty, cost of living unless priorities reconsidered.’ SN: 15/02/2024). Broadly, this is the sensible answer to Clement and Dr. Bisram.

But it requires the removal of the winner-takes-all political system by using the whole range of consociational measures: vetoes, supermajority, etc., to where necessary, restrict the range of governmental powers and protect and enhance the interest of all Guyanese.

politics is inevitable. People are identified with a race based party. No political party, without an ethnic base, has been known to be victorious at an election.

Non-ethnic, including minor ethnic parties are crushed.

People vote ‘race’, that is, for a political party they feel represents their ethnic group’s interests. And all politicians have been known to appeal to race for political support.

The subjects of both colonies of the common imperial power Britain were divided by ethnicity — divide and rule. The racial or ethnic division was deep rooted and not surprisingly has persisted post independence. Appeal to vote race in both colonies started during the period of the introduction of self rule in the 1950s and has continued till this day, over half a century after independence. Eric Williams, Forbes Burnham, Patrick Manning, and other African politicians appealed on race for support. Ditto Indian politicians.

Over the last few decades, I went to Trinidad almost annually for the Diwali season and met Indian Trinis who related accounts of their encounters with Cheddi and or Panday.

After he was toppled from office in December 1964, Jagan made regular visits to Trinidad annually addressing gatherings in the North and Central. Many of the meetings were in Tunapuna and St Augustine.

Lutch was the main organizer of Cheddi’s meetings. The crowds were more than 99% Indian and hardly any communists.

Lutch and Cheddi appealed for donations. One hundred percent of the funds or donations Cheddi received were from Indians.

Cheddi also met with Hindu groups including the Maha Sabha and its Secretary General Sat Maharaj. Cheddi met Sat multiple times. Mr Maharaj related to me that he and other pandits appealed to Cheddi to ditch communism, a move they felt would endear him to America leading to free and fair elections. Cheddi rebuffed them, holding on to his c o m m u n i s t i d e o l o g y.

Maharaj increasingly became close with Desmond Hoyte to win his confidence so as to convince him to return Guyana to democratic rule. Hoyte was invited to the wedding of Maharaj’s daughter, evoking anger in the Indian communities in Guyana, Trinidad, and the

Indo Caribbean diaspora. At the ceremony in St Augustine, Hoyte was feted with all the food items (dhal puri, channa, potatoes, dhal, kharhi, bara, sahena, kachori, onion, garlic, canned milk, among others) that were banned by the Burnham dictatorship. It was hoped that the delicious Indian foods Hoyte consumed would help to soften him to end the ban on foods that constituted the Indian diet. Maharaj appealed to Hoyte to end the ban on basic foods and Hindu religious paraphernalia, pointing out that such a move would endear him with Indians.

Hoyte agreed to re-examine the food ban but told Maharaj that the country lacked foreign exchange to purchase them. Maharaj assured him that the private sector would use their own foreign currency and that visits would bring the banned foods. On his return to Guyana, Hoyte removed the ban on all imports and nullified laws imprisoning and fining those caught with banned goods. Later, he would allow organizations and parties to hold public meetings.

Last November I was invited as a special guest at a (Continued on page 06)

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Monday February 19, 2024

A More Prosperous and Happier Life Will Come as We Learn and Enable Ourselves to Produce and Share More and Better Goods and Services DEAR EDITOR I write in response to the headline, “You can’t build roads and teachers hungry”, attributed to the GTU President. Certainly, our teachers and all of us Guyanese need and are worthy of more and a better life. We have to develop ourselves and create the better life for ourselves, step by step. It will take time as we learn and make ourselves and our infrastructure more capable; and our patience would be tested. I want to share a lesson I received from a South Korean official visiting Guyana about fifteen years ago.

We a r e a l l r i g h t l y impressed with goods and services out of South Korea – Samsung, LG, Hyundai, Kia, Doosan, Gangnam Style.

Guyana and South Korea have a Joint Commission Agreement by which every

three years or so, teamsfrom our two countries meet in each capital, alternately, to speak about things for mutual benefit. There was one such meeting in Georgetown about fifteen years ago and I was leader of our team.

Travelling through Georgetown with the Leader of the South Korean team, we could not help noticing the garbage all around.

He said, we (South Korea) have equipment and techniques that could help you dispose of garbage. I concurred that equipment would be helpful, and we would need at the same time to develop changes in the understanding and views of our people. He acknowledged that it was often difficult for people to imagine a changed, different future. He recalled that when he was young in the early 1960s, not long

after the Korean war, South Korea was receiving alms, food aid, from the international community; and his family taking him, joining with others in protests against the government of General Park shouting – we want food, give us food not infrastructure.

However, he must say now, that that infrastructure was crucial in getting South Korea going on its path of rapid development to the - Samsung, LG, Hyundai, Kia, Doosan, Gangnam style of these days.

I join the call for patience, even as I know that some information has been very powerful in skyrocketing our expectations. True, on a per capita basis we may have more oil than Saudi Arabia, or Qatar – but it takes time to turn potential riches to realized real riches. How much longer, how much earlier was their oil

discovered? Our government is in a difficult spot. It has to try to restrain pay and consumption increases to be no more than our average (non-oil) increase in production and productivity. If any group forces a large increase, all others will push for similar. We could fall into a downward, runaway inflationary spiral as happened after our independence in 1966 unleashed great expectations.

It took the extremely painful medicine after 1985 (huge retrenchments and shutdowns in the public services and state owned enterprises) unto about 1995 to stabilize things again.

From 1964 rates of pay might have been increased about 100fold but prices rose about 500fold. Even with big pay increases after 1964 and perhaps partly because of them we, paradoxically had less, much less; and from 1990 we had to rebuild and restore much of what we had and lost; and then to build further out step by step. A responsible government and people would not want to go down that road again and would call for the discipline which in the not too long run would bring much more to us. The better life will come, as we learn and enable ourselves to produce and

share more and better goods and services. Life in the developed countries is better because they got going e a r l i e r, a t l e a r n i n g , accumulating and improving conditions for greater production and productivity and fairer sharing of goods and services which they produce, and knowing how they did it we can advance much faster and catch up with them. We can become like South Korea with Guyanese characteristics.

Samuel A A Hinds Former Prime Minister and President Ambassador to the USA and the OAS

Dr Jagan, Basdeo Panday & Race...

From page 05 Diwali celebration hosted by Member of Parliament Dinesh Rambally in Chaguanas.

At chai percha (drinking Indian chai or tea and feting know delicacies) with several Pandits and the Dharmacharya (head of all Pandits), discussion gravitated towards life in Guyana during the period of Burnham and Hoyte presidencies and their illtreatment of Cheddi. The Pandits narrated an account of an encounter with Cheddi, Basdeo Panday and several Pandits at a meeting in St Augustine. They said Cheddi urged the (pandits) to support Panday. And he implored Panday to never betray his Indian supporters. While they supported Panday, they noted that Panday did not take Cheddi’s advice. Panday turned his back on his base and lost power in 2001, never to return. Later, Kamla would also neglect her base and lose power in 2015 never to return.

One pandit related how on several occasions at official government functions in Guyana where Trinidad Pandits were guests of the Guyana Maha Sabha, Cheddi was disrespected.

At one particular program held at the cultural

center under the Hoyte Presidency, seating arrangements were not made for Janet and Cheddi on the podium. Janet was given a seat a few rows from the front and Cheddi in the back of the auditorium. Their presence was never acknowledged. The Leader of the Opposition was seated at the back and not accorded a proper welcome, unheard of in any country. On the podium were two Indians supportive of the government and a dozen Africans with no opposition PPP presence.

On another race oriented appeals, when Dr Jagan came to New York in 1988 and 1989 for Indian conferences that I helped to organize, in his remarks at both, he appealed for racial support. He referred to the Burnham/Hoyte regime as ‘apartheid’, and pleaded with Dr Thomas Abraham, leader of GOPIO, for sanctions on Hoyte regime to force free and fair elections. “Guyana is an apartheid regime. You all need to do something about it”, he pleaded to Dr Abraham.

Yours faithfully, Vishnu Bisram

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Monday Monday February May 02,19, 2022 2024

Govt. retenders for One of the world's wealthiest another Black Bush men sells shares in Apple, Polder pump station bought more in ExxonMobil’s …estimated to cost $799 million Stabroek Block partner Chevron A

W

arren Buffett, one of the w o r l d ' s wealthiest individuals and the owner of Berkshire H a t h a w a y, h a s m a d e significant moves in the stock market, selling 10 million shares of Apple while increasing his investment in Chevron, a partner in ExxonMobil's Stabroek Block venture offshore Guyana.

A recent Barron's report highlighted Buffet's company strategic reallocation of assets.

Buffett's decision to sell a portion of Berkshire Hathaway's Apple holdings comes as the conglomerate is set to benefit from indirect exposure to Guyana's burgeoning oil industry.

Chevron's acquisition of Hess Corporation's stake in the Stabroek Block for US$53 billion positions Berkshire to profit from Guyana's emergence as an oil powerhouse, boasting one of the world's fastestgrowing economies.

Hess Corporation's assets include a 30% interest in the Stabroek Block,

One of the world's richest men, Warren Buffett (AP Images)

where ExxonMobil has made significant oil discoveries exceeding 11 billion barrels so far.

According to Barron's latest report, Berkshire Hathaway reduced its holdings in Apple, Paramount Global, and HP in the fourth quarter while bolstering its investment in Chevron.

The conglomerate now holds 905 million shares of Apple, valued at approximately US$166 billion, or nearly half of the company's equity portfolio.

In contrast, Berkshire increased its Chevron holdings by purchasing 16 million shares, bringing its

total investment to 126 million shares valued at about US$19 billion.

The move underscores Berkshire's strategic shift towards energy investments, with Chevron emerging as a key beneficiary of Guyana's oil prospects . Buffett's company also divested a portion of its stake in Paramount Global and sharply reduced its holdings in HP, reflecting a recalibration of its investment strategy.

While Buffett oversees a significant portion of Berkshire's equity portfolio, managers Ted Weschler and Todd Combs play a role in

decision-making. The exact allocation of investment decisions among the three remains undisclosed, making it challenging to attribute specific actions to Buffett alone. Berkshire's investment in Apple has been a remarkable success s t o r y, w i t h B a r r o n ' s estimating a cost basis of around US$34 per share.

Wi t h A p p l e ' s c u r r e n t valuation at US$184 per share, Berkshire's profit stands at approximately US$135 billion – Barron's estimate. The timing of Berkshire's increased investment in Chevron comes at a time when Guyana is seeing remarkable economic growth fueled by its oil reserves.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 38% for Guyana this year, driven by its burgeoning oil industry. Market dynamics indicate a promising future for Guyana, with forecasts suggesting substantial increases in oil production over the coming years.

fter the contract for a pump station to irrigate the Black Bush Polder Frontlands in Region Six was terminated last year, the government through the Ministry of Agriculture is now seeking another contractor to construct a pump station there.

This is according to an advertisement from the ministry which was published in Kaieteur News Sunday's edition. The ministry in its tender stated that the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) would be the executing agency for the project and that the construction of the pump station is estimated to cost $799,729,350.

As previously reported, the Agriculture Ministry back in October 2021 had inked a $978.7 million with contractor Yunaz Civil and Building Construction to build a station at the Black Bush Polder Front Lands which was expected to be completed in early 2023.

However, the project had passed its deadline and the slothfulness of the works were raised by Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), Ganesh Mahipaul in October last year, who had voiced concerns over the projects among others.

Following the concerns

raised by the Opposition MP, the ministry in a letter addressing the issue had announced that the project was terminated by NDIA in September 2023, for poor quality and performance of works being executed.

Meanwhile, b e s i d e s tendering for Black Bush Polder pump station, NDIA also is seeking a contractor to carry out rehabilitative works at the Anna Regina pump station in Region Two. These works are expected to cost taxpayers $199,292,535.

Part of its trillion-dollar budget this year, Senior Minister with the responsibility for Finance, D r. A s h n i S i n g h h a d announced that the government have allotted some $72.3 billion to upgrade and maintain the national drainage and irrigation network in 2024. “ We w i l l a l s o b e investing heavily in our pump stations. In 2024, Government will continue works on pump stations at ALine sluice, Belle Vue, Canal No. 1, Charity, Cottage, Cozier, Jimbo Grove, Letter Kenny, and Meten-MeerZorg, and we will also invest in pump stations at Chesney, Farm, Grove South, and Little Diamond,” he had mentioned.

Kaieteur News

Monday February 19, 2024

PAGE 09

Utter disappointment!

The world stands on helpless while Israel continues its slaughter of the Palestinians. Even in the face of a provisional ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) demanding that Israel take all measures within its power to prevent the commission of all acts of genocide.

The disappointment over the fact that the ICJ did not order the end to the invasion of Gaza has obscured an important aspect of the court’s ruling. The ICJ did rule (at Article 54) that there were plausible evidence necessitating the need for the Palestinians rights to be protected from genocide. On the eastern front, Ukraine has reached a stalemate in terms of protecting their territory. Just recently, they had to withdraw from a major town in the Donbas region. Closer to home, the political crisis and violence

in Haiti has shown no signs of abating. And reports indicated that Venezuela was increasing its military personnel along Guyana’s frontiers.

This is the regional and international context in which Guyana assumed the virtually token Presidency of the UN Security Council for the month of February.

Instead of using the opportunity to force a discussion on the aforementioned regional and international hot spots, Guyana opted to launch a signature event on the effects of conflict on food and environmental security.

It was an utter disgrace and betrayal of the solidarity that Guyana has shown for the Palestinian people that Guyana should host such an event at a time when Israel continues to slaughter the poor and helpless Palestinians. It is a neglect of

the national interest that the occasion was not used to rally international attention around the need to protect states from the threat of foreign invasion. The United Nations have expounded ad nauseam on the effects of conflict on food security and on the environment. Last May, there was an event at the UN Security Council addressing the relationship between conflict and food security. In 2021, there was an Open Debate on the issue of conflict and food security.

Similarly, the issue of effects of conflict on the environment has been exhaustively highlighted both inside and outside of the Security Council. It is therefore shocking that instead of Guyana using its presidency to push for greater respect for the territorial integrity of states and for reviving the proposal for multinational mission to

DEM BOYS SEH

Dem Political Fossils Need Some TLC Dem boys seh it’s time to tuck away the political fossils with a cozy blanket, a fluffy pillow, and maybe even a baby comforter in dem mouth. The old guard in politics has been creaking around for far too long, like ancient relics in a museum of ineptitude. It’s high time we usher in some youthful vigor and vitality into the political arena.

These political fossils, with their tired rhetoric and outdated ideas, are about as inspiring as a flat tire on a rainy day. They shuffle mumbling about the good old days when they could actually get things done.

But let’s face it, those days are long gone, like last year’s calendar. The young blood of today is ready to shake things up, to inject some much-needed freshness into the stale air of politics. They’re not content to sit back and watch the same old faces make the same old mistakes. No, they’re ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work.

Unfortunately, the old political lions cling to power like a toddler to a toy. They refuse to step aside and make way for the next generation of leaders.

They’ve lost touch with the

pulse of the people, too busy napping in their ivory towers.

It’s time to give these fossils a gentle nudge towards retirement, to thank them for their service and send them off to pasture where they can reminisce about the good old days to their hearts’ content.. It’s time for the torch to be passed to the next generation, to light the way forward with hope, passion, and a healthy dose of youthful enthusiasm. Dem boys seh it’s about time we let the future take the wheel.

Talk half. Leff half

Haiti, it used its one month Presidency to have a debate on the impact of war and conflict on food and environmental security.

When Guyana assumed its seat on the UN Security Council, it stated that its service would be guided by a people-centered approach, a firm commitment to multilateralism, collective actions and the principles and objectives of the United Nations. It was further stated that Guyana would work collaboratively with all the Council members in addressing the Council’s agenda. Even more astonishing was that Guyana, a country facing a territorial threat, identified five areas will be given special focus: (i) climate change, food insecurity and conflict (ii) peace building and conflict prevention (iii) women, peace and security (iv) protection of children in armed conflicts and (v) youth, peace and security.

As stated before, while the Security Council’s remit does involve non-state

conflicts, it is assumed that these issues would be better handled within the organizations and institutions of the UN system such as the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) which deals with food security and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) deals with climate change matters.

How in the face of what is taking place in Ukraine and in Palestine could Guyana have lost the opportunity to force a debate on what is taking place in these parts of the world and to allow for a greater South perspective on these conflicts?

There are far more important issues relating to global security and in which Guyana has more than a passing national interest that to prioritize the effects of conflict on food and environmental security. As has been said before also in this column, one would have assumed that Guyana’s main focus during its tenure would

have been about ensuring greater compliance with international law, including the rejection of threats and aggression. It is in Guyana’s foremost national interest to advocate greater respect and territorial integrity of states.

A signature event on conflict should have been on the more immediate concerns of the ongoing conflicts around the world, including on the situation in Gaza. The United States is always going to block any resolution against Israel. Russia will not allow any resolution condemning its invasion of Ukraine. But a signature event can be used to have a discussion on these and other conflicts without the need for a formal sitting of the Council.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of this newspaper.)

Kaieteur News

PAGE 10 S

UTH

D TR

HAR

HK

BY G

LALL

Monday Monday February May 02, 19,2022 2024

H@RD TRUTHS

BY GHK LALL

Comparisons The PPP Government and its leading lights are fond of comparisons. Comparisons with what the PNC did using the point of 2020, and what the PPP did since then and up to now, 2024. Without a doubt, the numbers presented in various scenarios, with the context of the present teachers' strike being one of them, provide the basis for some degree of comparison.

But it is a flawed comparison, one that leaves out a fundamental element.

Because of the deliberate omission of this most meaningful of elements, any and all comparisons by the PPP relative to what it has done, and is doing now, versus the statistics extracted from the time of the PNC, when it was in government, is built on farce, and could even be interpreted as being exemplary in deviousness.

Before proceeding, I make this point clear: the PNC (and others in that alphabet stew) is competent enough to make its own representations.

What I present and assert is that of a man in the street, one that

owes no loyalty, claims no allegiance, to any of the domestic behemoths, some would say devils.

The element purposely ignored by the devious PPP leadership is that there was no oil money flowing into Guyana's coffers during the prior government's tenure.

Oil money, as limited as it is, and due to the auspices of the previous coalition government, is the new gamechanger, the incomparable component that makes so much possible.

For emphasis, oil is the whirring, humming, racing engine room behind all the numbers so proudly presented by PPP powers, PPP pundits, and PPP propagandists. The PNC had no such cushion, nor backing, nor luxury during its time. This difference alone is what renders moot any and all comparison to what the previous government did, and how much it did, as opposed to what and how much the PPP Government now delivers.

Instead of a new government to old government comparison,

which is not a bona fide comparison at all, there is a more relevant and practical exercise that should be essayed. It is what would serve the interests of the mass of the poorest in one of the richest societies anywhere on this planet. The exercise involves an honest examination of how the billions coming into the Government of Guyana's hands are being used and misused.

Being viewed as an expression of its self-serving or people-oriented visions.

And managed to realize leadership's personal illegitimate ambitions. And parceled out as corrupt or corrupting rewards. And withheld from adversaries, And used as a weapon against perceived enemies.

And generally well used, misused, or abused.

Parsing through the billions of dollars from the oil monies withdrawn, the billions more borrowed, and where they went would reveal not so much the failure of an impotent and nonexistent PNC, now on the margins of power and the

governance picture.

But more of how much the PPP Government and leadership have condemned themselves in the direction that the dollars went, and for what and to whom, and the volumes of such dollars, now usually in the billions. The old coalition government does not feature in this at all, and what is revealing is the appalling extent of the blatant irresponsibility, the covert criminality, of the PPP with the money that is totally in its hands to dispense or deny, without limit.

As examples, teachers and pensioners certainly have more in their hands in 2024 than what they had in 2020 when the last government e x i t e d i g n o m i n i o u s l y.

Unsaid, I remind one and all, has been the great contributor and difference-maker that the billions from oil deposits have made and the billions that can now be borrowed from anybody because of the powerful and proven collateral beneath the sea.

I contend and I insist that every presentation of the PPP Government about how many more schools and

kilometers of road it has built, among other things, is from the steroids of an economy that is 70% fueled by oil. It is not a dynamo, but a nuclear reactor, and all any government in the seat of power has to do is hold on to the steering wheel. Truth be told, considering the money that pours into Guyana's treasury, in the most liberal definition, governance in Guyana is the equivalent of a self-driving apparatus. Yet, even this, the PPP Government and leadership have mangled, distorted, and been devious about, rather than approaching in a spirit of balance, fairness, and what has the high potential to bring every Guyanese to the same place.

That is, one of contentment: that there is a government in place, and with leaders to match, that have done what is just by any standard.

Instead, what Guyanese have fallen foul of is a cabal of gangsters calling themselves a government. It is why there is implacable intolerance for any degree of dissent by those who say the government's leaders' clothes have holes. Plus, they smell.

To sum this up, and this specious comparison trickery engaged in by the PPP of today, and the con artists that it has for those leading the way, I have a comparison of my own to place on the public table.

Comparing what the PNC did in 2020 (or the few years before), to what the PPP is doing today is like comparing the power and reach and flexibility that Premier Cheddi Jagan had pre-independence to that of Kabaka and President LFS Burnham in postIndependence Guyana. It is not a comparison worth the word, or the realities of the two luminosities. There is no comparison at all. For one, had nothing while the other, had everything. Like before, there is that constant common denominator. To my fellow Guyanese, I give my fellow Americans.

(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.)

Energy conference Public Service credit union opens today elections set for March 2 The much-anticipated Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo is set to open today, allowing Guyana the unique opportunity to market its sheer potential for advancement in the sector to regional and international partners.

The conference will run from February 19-22, at the Marriott Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown. The event will be held under the theme: Fueling Transformation and Modernisation, the mega event has attracted participation from more than 21 countries, with close to 200 exhibitors, and 30 sponsors this year.

During these four days, key policymakers, private sector companies, investors, and energy experts will converge to explore opportunities for renewed and strengthened partnerships, while tackling concerns affecting the energy sector.

Challenges of climate

change mitigation and maximising the benefits of local content development in Guyana and the region will also be discussed. Key topics on the agenda include trends and challenges in shaping the future of energy, balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability, building resilient supply chains in the face of disruptions, and developing a workforce for the future.

President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips, Vice President, Bharrt Jagdeo, Prime Minister of the State of Qatar, His Excellency Sheikh M o h a m m e d b i n Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Suriname President, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, and Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Keith Rowley are among the dignitaries lined up to make presentations at the conference.

A d d i t i o n a l l y, t h e conference will present an

optimal launchpad for small and medium-sized businesses to network and build partnerships. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, Kurt Baboolall, has emphasised that the event is family-oriented and will allow the public to engage with a diverse array of entities.

“You can participate by just purchasing an exhibition ticket for $1000. Come in with your business cards, come in with your proposals, come in with your CVs. There are 200 exhibitors, who are there to interact with you.

So, I do believe there is opportunity for every person at different levels. There are opportunities for our sponsors, exhibitors, our delegates, and there are opportunities for the persons coming into the exhibition,” he said at a recent press conference on this year's event. (DPI)

The Guyana Public Service Cooperative Credit Union (GPSCCU) is set to host its special General meeting and Elections on Saturday March 2, 2024.

The meeting will be held both virtually and in person in the various regions.

Members in Region four will be allowed to vote at the Critchlow Labour College, Woolford Avenue. The meeting will be held from 9:00 am t0 1:00pm.

Members are asked to be on the lookout for information regarding online voting and Regional polling places.

The GPSCCU is urging the full participation of its members. Last month applications for a Stay of Execution of an Order directing the holding of Special General Meeting of the GPSCCU by Leslyn Noble, Ruth Howard and Karen Vansluytman-Corbin was dismissed by the Full Court.

Justices Nareshwar Harnanan and Damon

The GPSCCU headquarters on Hadfield Street, Georgetown Younge sitting in the Full Court, refused and dismissed Notices of Application filed by the GPSCCU and Noble, Howard and VansluytmanCorbin seeking Stays of Execution against the Order granted by Justice Navindra Singh on the 15th day of December, 2023.

Justice Singh had ordered on December 15, 2023 inter alia that the Special General Meeting of the Credit Union be held on the 5th day of February,

2024. The Committee of Management had however, appealed the order and sought a stay of its execution.

The Full Court later rejected the request for a stay and noted that the Appellants had failed to establish any special circumstances and or any irreparable prejudice they would suffer if the stays sought were not granted.

This was the second order of the court in less than two years. The first being (Continuned on page 16)

Kaieteur News

Monday February 19, 2024

PAGE 11

70% of students not attending school since teachers' strike ...GTU to ramp up industrial action to this week P

resident of the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), Mark Lyte on Sunday disclosed that less than 30% of students went to school during the two weeks of the nationwide teachers' strike.

During a live Facebook session, Lyte also disclosed that the industrial action will continue until the Government of Guyana (GoG) agrees to meet with the union to discuss improved welfare packages for some 14,000 teachers. “This strike has gone on for too long, the government has to be the big person in the room, they have to demonstrate maturity, and they have to demonstrate the ability to govern by bringing this standoff to an end,” Lyte said. He said after 10 days of strike less than 30 percent of the students showed up for school. During the first week of the industrial action, this publication had reported the many empty classrooms across the country. “No government that cares…how can a caring government sit back and allow 70% of the learners not to be engaged by their teachers because they have taken an arrogant position,” Lyte stated.

He noted that while the government has taken a position to wait out the strike instead of engaging with the Union, the GTU's statistics has shown that below 30% of the learners are going to school. He noted too that it has also not been business as usual in the classrooms for the learners who attend school. He lamented that one day of learning loss has significant impact on students. In a message to the government, Lyte said, “Swallow your pride, we didn't bring this upon ourselves you pushed us to where we are…” “We

During the first week of the strike, empty classrooms at Abram Zuil Secondary, Essequibo Region Two move into day 11, we ain't backing down,” Lyte added.

Moreover, Lyte read a letter that was sent to the Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, by David Edwards the General Secretary of Education International (EI), an international body based in Belgium, that represents more than 32 million teachers and education support personnel in 178 countries and territories.

A c c o r d i n g t o Ly t e , t h e international body, of the GTU is a member, wrote to the minister requesting that her ministry meets with the Union to engage in collective bargaining. “So, Education International is calling on the minister of education to act in line with the international labour organisation convention to which Guyana is a signatory to the convention,” the GTU President said.

He added that the body said that it is hopeful that there is a

First week of the strike an empty classroom at Cornelia Ida Primary school, Region Three

resolution for open dialogue with the ministry and the Union. Lyte stated too that EI noted in the letter that it is ready to assist. “We have been monitoring the recent developments between the GTU and the ministry of education and labour in Guyana…it has come to our attention that the GTU despite repeated efforts have faced challenges in initiating negations with the relevant authorities regarding salary increases and nonsalary benefits for teachers,” Lyte continued quoting the letter.

Additionally, in a letter on behalf of the Union Lyte said that the GTU is extremely proud and expressed deep pride in the unwavering determination of the educators amidst attempts by the government to instill fear over the last two weeks of strike action.

He highlighted that at the end of the two weeks of the industrial action the government has still not reached out to the Union. “We have put to rest the narratives that our

President of Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), Mark Lyte

cause is illegal, political, and racial.

Nothing stopped us from raising our voices in unity. The message has been clearly sent that the

Effect of the first week of the strike Windsor Forest Nursery School, Region Three

present era of educators will not bow to any power,” Lyte said.

Lyte highlighted that the strike is neither illegal, nor political but rather a unified stand for better conditions for educators across the nation.

As the strike enters its third week, GTU anticipates facing additional challenges but remains resolute in their pursuit of a fairer package for educators. Despite some dissent within the teaching population, Lyte urged unity and encouraged open dialogue regarding the way forward.

However, the Union's stance remains firm as the Union prepares to continue the strike into the coming week.

The President concluded his message with words of encouragement, urging educators to rest and recharge over the weekend, ready to resume the strike on Monday. “The Union's position is that we press forward in week three. This means Monday we are outside again since the strike rolls on into the third week,” Lyte said.

PAGE 12

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Monday February 19, 2024

Monday February 19, 2024

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Monday February 19, 2024

Monday February 19, 2024

Kaieteur News

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‘Teachers must be paid as - Int'l much as ministers, MPs’lawyer ...says paying teachers properly is imperative to success of nation International attorney, Melinda Janki has said that paying teachers properly is imperative to the nation's success.

Public school teachers have been on strike for the past two weeks with the Guyana Teachers' Union (GTU) promising that the action will continue this week.

In a letter to the editor, Janki emphasised the country's success does not depend on its resources but it depends upon brain power– the ability to make the right decisions in an unstable and ever changing world. She noted that to have good decision makers requires well-educated people. Janki explained that “having welleducated people depends on having good teachers. A good teacher can enable a child to blossom, to believe in their self-worth, to emancipate their minds from mental slavery (as the great Bob urged us)”.

The lawyer said therefore to get good teachers you have to respect them, pay them properly and provide opportunities for on-going training and development.

She noted that Article 27 of the Constitution says that every citizen has the right to

Teachers protesting outside the Ministry of Education on Brickdam last week free education from nursery to university.

Janki stressed too it is the duty of the State to provide education that prepares students to deal with social issues and meet the challenges of the modern technological age.

“Every single child in Guyana has a right to an excellent education.

Governments have consistently failed to provide it,” the international attorney said.

Janki noted too that “you don't need to be educated to be a Member of Parliament [MP] or a Minister or

President.

“You only need to be able to read English with “sufficient proficiency” so you can participate in the National Assembly. MPs can sit there, screeching incivilities at one another, voting for legislation that some of them do not understand, if they did they wouldn't pass it, and drawing their generous salaries (and later pensions) paid for by citizens.”

To avoid this, the lawyer suggested that all future MPs and Presidents test must include critical thinking, social skills, the constitution,

the rule of law, Guyana's h i s t o r y, t h e w o r k s o f Guyana's brilliant Dr. Walter Rodney, basic science including major threats to life on earth (e.g. oil and gas), the ability to read a balance sheet and balance a budget, and some acquaintance with the works of our wonderful writers and artists.

Further, she said suggested that teachers be paid as much as MPs, ministers or the president depending on a teacher's qualifications and responsibility.

“That might mean increasing teachers' salaries

International lawyer, Melinda Janki astronomically, or reducing politicians salaries drastically, or something in between…but it is certainly doable and would rebalance our value system in favour of Guyana's children,” she said.

The lawyer reasoned too that if the children of President, Ministers and MPs be attend government schools and not private schools improvements will occur quickly in the school system.

‘Govt. lacks will to sit down and treat people with dignity’ - former President Granger says

During a recent discussion shared on Facebook, former President David Granger, commenting on the nationwide teachers strike, underscored that public servants as well as teachers need more than a 6.5% salary increase.

Over the past two weeks, teachers across the country have been protesting that they cannot afford to live a decent life on a mere 6.5% increase to their salaries, especially in light of the increase in cost-of-living. In response, President Irfaan Ali has called on teachers to be fair and “have a conscience,” urging them to reflect on the myriad of efforts his government has

employed to make their work simpler. While the strike enters a third week, the Government has still not met with the Guyana Teachers' Union (GTU) to have discussions aimed at putting an end to the industrial action.

It was during a discussion with Mark A. Benschop when the former head-of-state said, “It is not a question of, you know, not having enough money. It's (you) not having the will to sit down and treat people with dignity.”

Granger stated, “Why can't the government sit down and speak to the elected legal representatives of those major bodies, the

GPSU (Guyana Public Service Union) particularly, and the GTU. That is the problem.” The former president said that there is no point in the government targeting individuals, particularly on the audited accounts of the GTU. “That is not relevant.

There are sincere problems in the teaching service,” he noted. To this end, Granger underscored that over 80% of the teaching population are women, many of whom are mothers with children who are school age. He alluded that the government is out of touch with reality; as such he suggested that government officials should go into the

various villages and see what it is like.

Speaking about the hinterland locations, and his experience, Granger stated that the living condition of teachers, nurses and even police officers is appalling.

He stated that if government officials experience what public servants go through they would say, “Oh, we can't have policemen living like this. We can't have civil servants living like this.

We can't have teachers and nurses living like this.

But I think the government is removed from reality and it's not a question of 6.5 (percent) is important, I agree that they need more but at the same time people need

to be treated with respect.”

Granger said what he has seen over the past two weeks, shows that the government has little inclination to respect the teaching profession. “It's a r e a l t r a g e d y. I t ' s a governmental tragedy, you know, in 2024…” he added.

He underscored that some teachers have to go into their own pockets to ensure that students get the learning and teaching materials needed.

The former president continued, “So, if they don't get enough from the ministry or from the government or from the region, teachers care so much about their students that they go into

Former President, David Granger their pockets.

That is one of the reasons why the teachers must be more comfortable.”

PAGE 16

Kaieteur News

President Ali, PM leads National Cleanup campaign

G

uyana’s first Na tional Clean Up Campaign for 2024

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LAND FOR SALE 44X80 located at Policeman Street, Dairy. 2 minutes away from Harbour Bridge, $11 mil neg. Call: 677-4286.

FOR SALE

Snakewood for sale. Call: 627-3650.

SERVICES

One live-in Security needed.

Call: 623-2728/ 619-0898.

One Maid for light housekeeping duties. Saturday only! For East Bank area.

Call: 620-7021/ 677-5986.

House lots & commercial plot for sale available at Blankenburg W.C.D. Call: 652-0251/ 650-0402.

Monday February 19, 2024

VEHICLES FOR SALE 1 Honda CRV, includes TV, music system, alarm, reverse camera, sproiler, crashbar, low mileage PTT Series (first owner). Contact: 649-0956.

1 Toyota Allion, Pioneer DVD, CD & USB deck, reverse camera, alarm, low milage. Excellect condition.

Call: 649-0956.

Better Hope, Friendship, Diamond East Bank, Kuru-Kuru, Lethem commercial zone and Eccles. Contact Ray's Realty: 627-9685.

FOR SALE/RENT

Toyota Hilux Vigo Manual Transmission 4WD. Call: 613-5628.

All sizes loaders, excavators & rollers, concrete pump & mixer trucks, mobile crane and Howo 30 ton dump trucks.

Call: 650-0402/652-0251.

Nissan X-Trail 2008 $2.3 Neg and Mitsubishi 3 stage Crone canter 4m51 Engine Manual $3.5 Neg. Call: 6718845/ 638-4755.

1 Lexus SUV, forklifts 3.5 tons diesel truck weigh scales -(60 tons,40 ft) Low bed trailers60 tons,triple axle. Call: 6653880.

commenced early Saturday morning with President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips setting an example at Houston and Agricola, East Bank Demerara.

Members of the disciplined services, private sector, volunteers, as well as the head of state were seen removing litter and waste from public spaces, making them cleaner and safer for everyone.

President Ali and Prime Minister Phillips were seen repainting the medians to beautify the surroundings alongside the other participants.

Also leading by example was the Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill,

who expressed concerns about the encumbrances and derelict vehicles that are currently occupying the public road in Houston.

“In the case of an emergency, those shoulders were made to be bypasses, ambulances to pass, people can get out of traffic.

We have to move them,” the minister stated.

He went on to say that while the government is taking steps to beautify and maintain a healthy environment, it is delinquent persons who are stalling this from becoming a reality.

“We have those who have adopted and are taking pride and they’re doing very, very well, volunteering and keeping their own surroundings clean and you have

those that just don’t care and we can’t be stopped by those who don’t care, we got to work with them” he firmly noted.

Other officials participating in the exercise included the Commissioner of Police (Ag) Clifton Hicken, Deputy Commissioner ‘Administration’ Calvin Brutus, and Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations’ Ravindradat Budhram.

The overall aim of the initiative is to promote cleanliness in the community by removing litter and debris from public spaces to bring about a change in the public’s behaviour.

Clean-up exercises were conducted in all ten administrative regions across Guyana. (DPI)

Several Reg. 10 communities to get new water wells In expanding its programme this year, the Guyana Water Inc. (GWI) is planning on spending another $152 million to drill more water wells in a few communities in Region 10 and at Timehri on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD).

GWI in an advertisement is seeking contractors for the jobs, stated that they are planning to drill wells in areas such as Old England, Malali, No.47 Village, and at Coomaka in Region 10. Additionally, they are seeking contractors to drill wells at two places in Timehri, and at Kuru Kuru on the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway. Each of these project, according to GWI’s engineer is estimated at $19 million.

During a community outreach at Coomaka last year October, President Irfaan Ali had made the commitment to residents in Coomaka that GWI will be drilling a deep well in their community.

It was reported that drilling of wells, and setting up of water supply systems across the country is aimed at increasing treated water cover-

age to 90 per cent on the coast by 2025.

Just recently, GWI had tendered for similar projects where it intends to spend approximately $478 million on drilling water wells at 25 hinterland villages.

Kaieteur News had reported that during this year’s budget presentation, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with the Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh had mentioned that government spent a total of $16.8 billion last year to improve water quality and supply systems across the country.

This year, government has budgeted $22.5 billion for further advancements in the water sector.

Public Service credit union elections...

From page 10 September 30th, 2022 the meeting was to be called October 24, 2022 and the latter December 15th, 2023 February 5th, 2024.

Back in September, Justice Singh ruled that the Committee of Management must issue a new notice within 10 days of the date of the Order, scheduling a Special General Meeting (SGM) to be held no later than the 24th October, 2022. This was not done and the notice was issued three days before the meeting and backdated.

Last March, Attorney-atLaw Forde, filed Contempt of Court proceedings against the Committee of Management of the GPSCCU. The action was filed on behalf of Mehalai McAlmont, and others. They petitioned the court to declare that

members of the GPSCCU Committee of Management (CoM) unlawfully failed to comply with the principal orders made by Justice Singh on September 30, 2022.

As such the lawyer had sought several orders including a declaration that the GPSCCU, Noble, Howard, and Vansluytman- Corbin, have unlawfully failed to comply with the principal orders made

by Justice Navindra Singh on September 30, 2022.

As a result, Justice Singh stripped three officers of the GPSCCU of their rights, duties and responsibilities within the Credit Union after they failed to show up in a contempt of court matter.

The judge had cited their barefaced disregard for the court, the judge ordered that Chairman of GPSCCU Vanslyutman-Corbin, Secre-

tary Pollard and Board Member, Howard no longer hold their positions or perform duties within the credit union until the hearing and determination of the matter in September. He had also ordered that former Chairman of the Credit Union, Trevor Benn, Vice Chairman, Patrick Mentore and Treasurer, Rajdai Jaggernauth fill their positions and perform their functions.

Justice Singh made the order after attorneys representing the three respondents, failed to provide a plausible explanation for their absence.

The lawyers explained that their clients were out of the jurisdiction and that they had left the country to attend a conference. However, Justice Singh did not find the excuse good enough

Monday February 19, 2024

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$23M to rewire Whim Magistrate’s Court The Supreme Court of Judicature is preparing to spend approximately $23.8 million to carryout rewiring works at the Whim Magistrate’s Court in Region Six. This was disclosed at the recent reading of bids at the National Procurement and

Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) office which revealed that nine companies have applied for the job. Notably too, at the reading of bids, the Health Ministry has tendered for company for the supply and delivery of boat and engine and water ambulance.

Supply and installation of one 344 KVA diesel generator with automatic changeover switch at New Amsterdam High Court judges quarter, Berbice.

Supply and delivery of condoms and lubricants for Lots 1 to 3.

Procurement of collection/ disposal garbage service for 2024.

Supply and delivery of boat and engine and water ambulance.

Below are the companies and their bids: Supreme Court of Judicature Rewiring of Whim Magistrate's Court.

Supply and delivery of Forklift.

Ministry of Health Provision of sanitact service for 2024.

Guyana welcomes connecting flights with Dominican Republic

G

uyana has welcomed Sky High Aviation Services’ move to officially launch three weekly flights connecting the Dominican Republic with Guyana.

The airline will offer weekly direct flights between Santo Domingo’s Las Américas International Airport (SDQ) and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport CJIA on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.

At the simple inaugural ceremony at the CJIA on Sunday, Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill affirmed that new flights coming here will significantly bolster the nation’s tourism product.

“This is just the beginning of what we would like to see of a very lasting, fruitful relationship with the possibility for growth and expansion,” he stated.

Sky High provides

scheduled passenger and cargo services across the Caribbean, Venezuela, and even the United States. The current route network includes flights to Miami, Caracas, Maracaibo, Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Antigua, St Maarten, St Kitts, Anguilla, and Havana Cuba, among other destinations.

The public works minister posited that the exciting new service will provide convenient and affordable travel options for business and leisure passengers. “[this will provide] great opportunities for business, recreation, and for other engagements that will only make things better,” the minister noted. Similarly, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic, His Excellency Ernesto TorressPereyra added that the direct flights between the two countries are a game changer and will create more

opportunities for engagement, and development. Further, he revealed that the Dominican Republic has reached a significant milestone of 10 million tourists and hopes this will be extended to Guyana through the partnership.

T h e P P P / C Administration, since returning to office, has been working assiduously with numerous airlines to incorporate Guyana as a destination within its flight schedule. This has seen the introduction of a series of air services such as Inter Caribbean, Jet Blue, Fly Always, Suriname Airways, and now Sky High. Minister Edghill also announced that United Airlines is set to come on board by April 1.

The airline will provide direct flights between Guyana and Houston. This will see Guyana having a

sum of 700,000 seats annually with plans for expansion. Similarly, in less than a year of its introduction, British Airways has transported 20,000 passengers. And the government anticipates a similar success with Sky High. Meanwhile, Minister Edghill highlighted that with the increase in travellers, there is a greater need for accommodation. He noted that the government has been making giant strides in expanding Guyana’s room accommodation. By the end of 2024, the Ministry of To u r i s m I n d u s t r y a n d Commerce is expected to add a total of 1,000 high-end rooms to destination Guyana.

This week an all-women own ecolodge will be launched in Diamond, East Bank Demerara adding to the accommodation capacity. (DPI)

Monday February 19, 2024

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Pres. Lula accuses Israel of committing genocide - likens war on Gaza to holocaust (BBC NEWS) Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said Israel’s military campaign was between a “highly prepared army and women and children”.

Israel accused Lula of trivialising the Holocaust and says it is fighting to destroy Hamas and return hostages taken by the militant group on 7th October.

The main Jewish organisation in Brazil has a l s o c r i t i c i s e d L u l a ’s comments.

Speaking from an African Union summit in Ethiopia, Lula said: “What is happening in the Gaza Strip with the Palestinian people has no parallel in other historical moments. In fact, it did exist when Hitler decided to kill the Jews. “It’s not a war of soldiers against soldiers. It’s a war between a highly prepared army and women and children.” The veteran left-wing politician condemned Hamas after its

gunmen killed at least 1,200 people and seized 253 hostages in a surprise attack on Israel on 7 October.

But he has since been vocally critical of Israel’s retaliatory military campaign, which the Hamasrun health ministry in Gaza says has killed more than 28,800 people, mainly women and children. His latest comments come after Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to press ahead with an offensive in Rafah - the southern-most Gazan city where some 1.5 million people have fled - in the face of increasing international pressure. Mr. Netanyahu s a i d L u l a ’s r e m a r k s amounted to “Holocaust trivialisation and an attempt to harm the Jewish people and the right of Israel to defend itself”.

“The comparison between Israel to the Holocaust of the Nazis and Hitler is crossing a red line,”

he said in a statement. Six million Jewish people were systematically murdered by Hitler’s Nazi regime during the 1930s and 1940s. Israel has summoned the Brazilian ambassador for a meeting on Monday.

The Brazilian Israelite Confederation said Lula’s remarks were a “perverse distortion of reality” which “offend the memory of Holocaust victims and their descendants”.

Lula endorsed South Africa’s case of genocide brought against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) last year.

Judges at the ICJ ruled in January that South A f r i c a ’s c a s e a g a i n s t Israel could proceed. The court instructed Israel to prevent its military from committing acts which might be considered genocidal, to prevent and punish incitement to genocide, and to enable humanitarian assistance

to the people of Gaza.

But the court stopped short of calling on Israel to immediately halt its military operations in Gaza.

Brazil and South Africa are members of the Brics group of countries an alliance of some of the world’s most important developing economies brought together to challenge wealthier Western nations. On the ground in Gaza, the W o r l d H e a l t h Organization has said the territory’s Nasser hospital has ceased to function following an Israeli raid.

The IDF said its operation was “precise and

limited” and accused Hamas of “cynically using hospitals for terror”.

Meanwhile, efforts to broker a ceasefire between

Israel and Hamas have been taking place in Cairo, though Qatar mediators said recent progress was “not very promising”.

Man dies after car slams into concrete bridge

A

n accident early on Sunday morning on the Corentyne Public Road has claimed the life of 28-yearold Lakchan Premkumar of Grant 1805 Crabwood Creek, Corentyne, Berbice.

Around 05:25hrs on the Sunday Premkumar was driving his car PAD 3732 along the Kilcoy Chesney

Public Road, Corentyne when the accident occurred.

According to reports he was driving at a fast rate proceeding west along the southern drive lane of Kilcoy-Chesney Public Road when he allegedly lost control of his vehicle and ended up on the northern side where he slammed into a concrete bridge.

He was subsequently flung out of his motorcar and into a drain where he sustained injuries about his body. Police picked up the injured man and took him to the Port Mourant Public Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The man’s body is presently lying at Ramoo’s Funeral Home.

Trump launches sneaker line a day after judge’s order to pay nearly $355 million (CNN) - Former President Donald Trump on Saturday launched a sneaker line, a day after he and his companies were ordered by a judge to pay nearly $355 million in his New York civil fraud trial.

The former president unveiled “Trump Sneakers” at Sneaker Con in Philadelphia. He placed a pair of gold sneakers, which a new website has listed for $399 and named the “NEVER SURRENDER HIGH-TOP SNEAKER,” on the podium as he spoke.

“This is something I’ve been talking about for 12 years, 13 years, and I think it’s going to be a big success,” said Trump, who is marching closer toward the 2024 Republican nomination and a potential rematch with President Joe Biden.

By Saturday night, the $399 sneakers were listed as

sold out on the website.

There had been 1,000 pairs of the sneakers available for purchase, according to the site.

The former president is also selling two versions of sneakers that have “T” and “45” on the sides for $199, according to the website.

Cologne and perfume are for sale at $99 each.

According to the website, the products are “trademarks of CIC Ventures LLC. Trump Sneakers are not designed, manufactured, distributed or sold by Donald J. Trump, The Trump Organization or any of their respective affiliates or principals.

45Footwear, LLC uses the Trump name, image and likeness under a license agreement.”

Takeaways from the $355 million civil fraud ruling against Donald Trump Biden campaign

spokesperson Michael Tyler slammed Trump’s appearance at Sneaker Con. “Donald Trump showing up to hawk bootleg Off-Whites is the closest he’ll get to any Air Force Ones ever again for the rest of his life,” he said, referring to popular sneakers from brands OffWhite and Nike. Following his appearance at Sneaker Con, Trump is expected to head to Michigan to address supporters for the first time since the rulings in separate New York cases thrust into the spotlight the legal peril he faces on multiple fronts.

On Thursday, a New York state judge confirmed that the former president’s criminal trial in a hush money case will begin March 25. A day later, Trump and his companies were ordered to pay nearly $355 million for fraudulently inflating the values of his properties.

Monday February 19, 2024

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Monday February 19, 2024

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Kaieteur News

England chastened as Lyles pips Coleman to win US never before in Bazball era as India win by 434 runs indoor crown AFP - Noah Lyles produced a dramatic late burst to defeat rival Christian Coleman in the 60m at the US Indoor athletics championships in New Mexico on Saturday.

Lyles, the reigning 100m and 200m world champion, took the tape in a world-leading time of 6.43sec to book his place on the US squad for next month’s World Indoor Championships in Glasgow.

The 26-year-old from Florida had never beaten world record-holder Coleman over 60m before Saturday’s race in Albuquerque.

Out of the blocks, it

looked as if that losing streak might continue as Coleman exploded clear of the field with a superb start.

But Lyles accelerated through the gears smoothly to pip Coleman at the line.

Coleman took second in 6.44sec, with Ronnie Baker third in 6.51.

“I’ve dreamed of the day that my 60m got faster; I come out every year trying to get faster and faster and faster,” Lyles said after the win.

Lyles said the blistering performance leaves him and Coleman as the men to beat at the world championships.

Noah Lyles pips Christian Coleman to win the men’s 60m title at US Indoor Championships in Albuquerque. (Sam Wasson)

Monday February 19, 2024 ARIES (Mar. 21–Apr. 19) A large weight should lift from your shoulders today, Aries. The air has started to clear, and the winds of communication have started blowing again. Listen closely to the buzz in the air.

LIBRA (Sept. 23–Oct. 22) The weightiness of the past few days seems to be lifting.

You will find a slight breeze building that will help fuel your fire, Libra. By building a solid foundation, you've created a reliable.

TAURUS(Apr.20–May20) People may be abrasive today, Taurus, but you will find after careful assessment that they don't mean any harm. More than likely they aren't fully informed.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23–Nov. 21) Now that you have a solid grip on your situation, unexpected things may come along that change the rules again, Scorpio. It may feel like the chair you just got comfortable. .

SAGIT(Nov.22–Dec.21) Use gadgets and electronic devices to make life easier today, Sagittarius. Why take the time to chop food by hand when you can use the food processor.

GEMINI (May 21–June 20) Don't criticize the situation until you've come up with a better solution, Gemini. Be creative. You can accomplish much if you approach the situation confidently.

CANCER (June 21–July 22) Your thoughts may have a dreamy quality today, Cancer. You will find that things are less stable than they have been for the past few days. Don't get discouraged by pessimistic people.

CAPRI (Dec. 22–Jan. 19) The Be careful of the information that comes your way today, Capricorn. People may make unwarranted claims and false accusations. The day has a dreamy, innovative quality to it that asks you to venture out on a limb.

LEO (July 23–Aug. 22) Your emotions are soaring, Leo, and you should feel free to indulge in your greatest fantasies. Take a break from reality for a while. Let your inner child play.

AQUARIUS(Jan.20–Feb.18) Maintain an air of detachment, Aquarius. Feel free to delve into your fantasy world and let your emotions carry you to another realm.

Today is one of those days when you might come up with a new invention.

VIRGO (Aug. 23–Se pt. 22) Reward yourself with two desserts today, Virgo. Take a bubble bath. Share your fantasies with others and express yourself fully. Don't feel like you have to say yes.

PISCES (Feb. 19–Mar. 20) You may find that things are much lighter than they were the past couple days, Pisces. This is a good time to let your physical body take a rest.

“World domination, we’re the best in the world,” Lyles said of the duo’s prospects in Glasgow.

“World domination — there ain’t nothing else to say.

We’re going to make sure that everybody knows we’re real world champions.”

The 60m duel was the highlight of the final day of competition on Saturday.

In other races, Aleia Hobbs left it late before overhauling training partner Mikiah Brisco to win the women’s 60m title in 7.02sec.

Brisco made an electric start to edge clear early on but Hobbs surged home in the final 10 meters to take the tape.

“My coach always says, ‘Be patient and trust your training,’ so I just tried to be patient,” Hobbs said after her win.

Elsewhere, two-time Olympic shot put champion and world record-holder Ryan Crouser served notice that he is ready to go one better than his 2022 World Indoor silver in Belgrade after producing a world-leading 22.80 to win his event.

Jamaica Olympic Association and...

From page 24 the buzz around the event intensifies. Jamaicans eagerly anticipate a taste of Paris, as Olympic sportswear is set to grace Independence Park. Inspired by the remarkable performances of Jamaican Olympians throughout history, the showcase promises to be a vivid celebration of the nation’s sporting legacy.

PUMA’s continuing commitment to the Jamaican Olympic movement is evident, with this display of Jamaican sport haute couture being hailed as “the dress rehearsal of greater things to come” by President Samuda.

SportsMax - England were chastened as never before in the Bazball era, all out for a meek 122 to collapse to their heaviest Test defeat in terms of runs since the Second World War. Yashasvi Jaiswal followed up his 209 in Visakhapatnam last time out with 214 not out in Rajkot as India became the first side to declare against England under the axis of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum.

After India amassed 430 for four to set a world-record 557 to win the third Test, England never looked like living

up to their billing as happy hunters and were skittled in 39.4 overs to lose by a whopping 434 runs.

Only once before have England been hammered by a wider margin – against Australia by 562 runs in a timeless Test in 1934 – while they were spared total embarrassment by the last three wickets adding 72. Scores: India 445 (Rohit 131, Jadeja 112, Sarfaraz 62, Wood 4-114) and 430 for 4 dec (Jaiswal 214*, Gill 91, Sarfaraz 68*) beat England 319 (Duckett 153, Siraj 4-84) and 122 (Wood 33, Jadeja 5-41) by 434 runs.

Kaieteur News

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Monday February 19, 2024

West Indies O60s record handsome victory in their warmup encounter vs Rest of the World - Deonarine Deyal and Roy Singh crack half centuries Having arrived in the beautiful city of Chennai on Thursday evening and immediately having a 2hrs net session at a nearby facility on Friday afternoon,

the 15-man Windies O60s squad journeyed to a picturesque ground about an hour away from their Hotel Citadines to have a solitary warmup practice match

against a formidable Rest of the World team.

The Sri Ramchandra College ground was blessed with brilliant sunshine and a very welcoming atmosphere

as the officials there were very accommodating of our every wish.

Skipper Zamin Amin called correctly and immediately decided to bat on a placid surface.

Openers Keith Lawrence and Sunderdat Sookram started very cautiously. They then lost Sookram in the 5th over with the score on 12. After a semi recovery by Lawrence & Heeralall, Lawrence went through an excellent catch in the slip at 45 for 2 in the 12th over to be quickly followed by Keith Seale in the 14th over making it 3 wickets lost in the 1st power play.

Deyal then joined Heeralall in a comfortable 56 run partnership off 52 balls before Mike Heeralall lost his wicket at the score on 104/4 narrowly missing out on a deserving half century (45 off 48 balls) with 6 spanking boundaries.

Former O60s skipper Roy Singh then joined Deyal and the 2 of them proceeded to

consolidate the innings with a century partnership (101 off 85 balls) and gave the innings the much needed impetus and foundation for the power hitters to follow before Deyal left at 204/5 contributing a solid 79 off 77 balls with 10 @4s.

Evergreen Richard Sieuchan then joined Roy Singh and they motored along until Roy Singh was bowled just after completing an even half century at 259/6 in the 43rd over.

Roy’s innings was peppered with 6 boundaries.

This was the 3rd half century partnership in the innings.

Richard Sieuchan with 38 off 27 balls with 5 @4s and a solitary maximum and David Ramsingh also closed off the innings with 17* off 8 balls with a six and one 4. Windies ended with a formidable 277/8 off their allotted 45 overs.

Bowling for ROW, there were 2 wickets apiece for

Julian Price, Rajan Sharma & Jerry Smith.

In reply, ROW started disastrously losing 3 wickets also in the 1st power play and the 4th in the 16th over to be precariously placed on 68/4.

Clark Mcconachie 34 and Peter Moses 30 staged a mini recovery, but the Windies attack kept taking wickets at regular intervals. There were 2 other innings of note, Peter Dudderridge 33 and Kevin Ferrie 34* as they finished with 214/9 to lose by a comfortable margin of 63 runs. David Ramsingh bagged 2 for 16 with his seamers whilst Howard Jodhan took 2 for 35 in 5 overs.

West Indies will face the same Rest of the World side in its first official match today, Monday and square off with Sri Lanka tomorrow, Tuesday. After a rest day on Wednesday, they have India & Australia on Thursday and Friday followed by the weekend off.

PMTC make clean sweep of Anil Lalsa & Sons Constriction Volleyball Tourney

By Samuel Whyte The Port Mourant Training Centre (PMTC) Volleyball club, which is made up of former apprentices of the Training Centre, defeated Castrol Strikers to win Guyana Volleyball Association (GVA) Inter-club Volleyball Competition. They made a clean sweep of the tournament that was hosted Sunday last at the National Gymnasium. The competition is played in memory of Parsram Sukra and was sponsored by Anil Lalsa and Sons Construction.

Four teams participated in the competition, namely

PMTC and Rollers from Berbice, Castrol Strikers and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). The teams were first involved in a round-robin playoff with PMTC and Castrol Strikers coming out on top to advance to the finals. In the ensuing encounter, PMTC dominated proceedings to win 2 sets to 0; the scores being 2512, 25- 20. The presentation ceremony followed immediately after with PMTC receiving the first place trophy and fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) for the win. Castrol Strikers had to settle for the Runners up trophy and thirty thousand dollars.

The PMTC dominance

continued as they made a clean sweep of the individual awards.

Devendra Latchman was awarded the MVP trophy, Levi Nedd (jnr) walked away with the Best setter trophy, Montel Denny got the award as the best Libero while Ronaldo Bobb copped the trophy for the Best attacker on show.

Representative of the deceased, Roopnarine Sukhra made the presentations on behalf of Mr. Anil Lalsa and Sons Construction. He thanked the teams for participating and putting on a good show. He in turn was lauded for his sponsorship of the volleyball tournament.

Why it should not matter if Shamar Joseph...

From page 25 version, the highest-earning contract a West Indies player can get is US$300,000.

After all these years I’d hope everyone in Caribbean media and fan base realizes that West Indies & all players outside of India, Australia & England don’t get paid well by their boards global standards.

The ICC has failed to do as FIFA does in football and create separate windows for international and league fixtures. Football players are never faced with ridiculous

choices as cricketers where they have to choose between club and international duty.

If the focus in 2024 is not criticizing the ICC for being a useless governing body & national boards for being afraid of BCCI/India and its global IPL empire - then everyone is wasting time.

Professional athletes don’t make the rules, they just play and try to maximize their income in the sporting landscape that the administrators create.

Therefore if Shamar lives up to his statement

fantastic, but if that occurs don’t let’s put him on an unnecessary pedestal over other players who choose the leagues over West Indies duty. Equally, if he chooses the T20s after seeing the vast monetary benefit, don’t use the nonsensical “lack of commitment” argument towards him.

(Colin Benjamin was a C r i c k e t We s t I n d i e s communications officer from 2019-2023. He has covered West Indies cricket for more than a decade for other global and Caribbean publications.)

Kaieteur News

Monday February 19, 2024

PAGE 23

GBA set for historic overseas Draughts Association holds 12th Biennial General Meeting participation in 2024

T

he Guyana B o x i n g Association (GBA) has informed that 2024 is expected to surpass the historic level of participation in the previous year on the international scene for boxing here. The GBA is initially set to take part in two important events, the 1st World Olympic Qualifiers in Italy and the prestigious Youth World Boxing Cup in Montenegro.

The three-member fight roster of Desmond Amsterdam, Keevin Allicock, and Joel Williamson will attempt to earn their places at the 2024 Paris Olympics in Busto Arsizio in Varese from February 29th - March 12th.

Caribbean standouts Joshua Thambaran and Shakquain James will represent the Golden Arrowhead at the Hotel Splendid Conference & Spa Resort in Budva from March 3rd - 11th at the Youth World Boxing Cup. Technical officer and national coach Lennox Daniels will serve in his traditional capacity.

A total of 59 berths will be on offer in the competition which is being supervised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

It was also informed that the Youth World Boxing Cup, which is being administered in accordance with IBA Rules and Regulations, comprises 13 weight categories for men and 12 weight divisions for

Steve Ninvalle, President of the GBA women.

For male fighters, the divisions are: 48kg, 51kg, 54kg, 57kg, 60kg, 63.5kg, 67kg, 71kg, 75kg, 80kg, 86kg, 92kg, and +92kg, whilst 48kg, 50kg, 52kg, 54kg, 57kg, 60kg, 63kg, 66kg, 70kg, 75kg, 81kg, and +81kg will comprise the female segment. All fighters must have been born during the period 2006–2007.

Each resulting divisional winner will be awarded a gold medal, while silver and two bronze medals will be presented to the second and third-place finishers. Special accolades will also be presented to the adjudicated best boxers.

President of the GBA, Steve Ninvalle, stated that, “Our developmental agenda endless undertaking. 2024 is geared to surpass the historic accomplishments of international participation, and these two campaigns, which are of utmost importance and prestige, set

the foundation and marker for a year that will be highlighted by several international assignments.

Development is a marriage of policy that is underpinned by local competition and international campaigns, the latter of which is intrinsically important if we are to prepare our fighters for the rigours and evolving elements of international competition.”

Ninvalle continued, “The importance of the Olympics speaks for itself, and we will utilize all avenues to prepare and give our fighters the best possible opportunity for success.

Similarly, participation at the Youth World Cup is equivalent in its significance.

It is an opportunity of historic proportions as it will afford us the scope to test our qualities against the best in the world, as the event is the strongest youth championship globally given the calibre of opponents that frequent its squared circle.

Notable champions inclusive of the titleholders from Europe, Asia, and Pan America, as well as medalists from various other world championships have graced this competition which adds to its prestigious and competitive quality and allure.

This is the type and level of competition that is required for advancement, especially for nations emanating from the Englishspeaking Caribbean.”

From right: Mr. Jiaram, Paul D’Anjou and Steve Bacchus. On left are Dr. Ivor English, Charles Hetemeyer and Ballieram Ramdeen.

T

he 12th Biennial General Meeting of the National Draughts Association was held on Friday 16th, February 2024 in the Boardroom of Transport sports Club. Chairman of the proceedings was Mr. Jiaram.

Mr. Jiaram was unanimously elected as President, while Mr. Paul D ’ A n j o u i s t h e Vi c e President. Mr. D’Anjou is also holding the post as Secretary. Mr. Charles Hetemeyer retained the position as Finance Secretary. Attorney at Law

Mr. Elias Gentle was retained as legal advisor.

Coordinators for Region 4 are Mark Brathwaite and Steve Bacchus, while Floyd Cumberbatch was re-elected for Linden.

Other members are Ballieram Ramdeen and Wayne Forde. Marilyn Ali and Reywattie Jiaram are retained for housekeeping events.

Discussions were also held on the invitation of Panam Draughts to be held in Costa Rica starting in April 2024.

The second part of the

meeting was the launching of the newly formed Draughts Club.

This Club formed by Dr. Ivor English PhD A.A who is also the President of Transport Sports Club.

Mr. Jiaram outlined the procedures of the Club and its expectation since it falls under the preview of the National Draughts Association.

Interested persons who would like to play the game can contact Dr. English at Transport Sports Club after working hours or call Jiaram on 614-6671.

Grant Holloway breaks his own 60m hurdles world record at US Indoor Championships Grant Holloway is the only athlete to run under 7.30 seconds three times. (Getty Images)

Flying Ace Cycle Club to host Mashramani Cycle Road race in Berbice The Flying Ace Cycle Club (FACC) of New Amsterdam, Berbice has organised a feature cycle road race around the town of New Amsterdam in observance of Mashramani.

The event, which is sponsored by the Peoples Pawn Shop of New Amsterdam, will be held on Mashramani Day Friday 23rd February.

The race is open to all cyclists in Guyana and will

see the cyclists covering 15 laps around the town of New Amsterdam. The cyclists are set to ride off at 09:00 hrs from Republic Road and Charles Place. The riders will then turn left into Vryheid Street, left into Main Street, proceed along Main Street, turn left at Tacama Turn onto Republic Road for 15 laps. Prizes will be awarded to the first six finishers, the first three juniors, the first three

veterans and the first three females. There will also be 10 prime point prizes up for grabs.

The top placers will be rewarded with cash, trophies and other incentives. The race will be coordinated by Cycle coach Randolph Roberts. According to coordinator Roberts, the club has secured sponsorship for several other events for the year.

(Samuel Whyte)

BBC News - Grant Holloway broke his own world record in the 60m hurdles at the US Indoor Championships in New Mexico.

The Olympic 110m hurdles silver medallist ran 7.27 seconds in the heats to shave two hundredths off the record.

Victory was Holloway’s 60th in succession in the 60m hurdles, a streak stretching back a decade.

“I knew it was going to be a good one after I got out of the blocks - 7.27 at a nice track is always a good thing,” said the 26-year-old.

Holloway, a three-time 11 0 m h u r d l e s w o r l d

champion, pulled out of the final as he was assured of a place in the USA team for the W o r l d I n d o o r Championships in Glasgow in March.

Tia Jones equalled the women’s 60m hurdles world record of 7.67 in her heat, before winning the final in 7.68.

Kaieteur News

PAGE 24

Jamaica Olympic Association and PUMA to unveil groundbreaking Olympic gear at CHAMPS 2024 SportsMax - The rhythmic beat of excitement echoes through the corridors of anticipation as the 2024 ISSA GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Championships, better known as “CHAMPS,” approaches the island of Jamaica. In a groundbreaking move, the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) and PUMA are set to turn this prestigious event into an Olympic fashion extravaganza, showcasing the bespoke apparel designs tailored exclusively for the Jamaican Olympic team at the upcoming Paris Olympic Games.

The announcement is met with palpable enthusiasm from JOA President, Christopher Samuda, who can’t hide his delight, “The designs meet our approval, and their display will be an innovation bringing Olympism into the

arena, reminding inspired youth that wearing the black, gold, and green is genetic, shaping character and tailoring personal aspirations, sewing seeds of success.”

A sense of historical significance hangs in the air as the national stadium, once again, prepares to take center stage. JOA Secretary General/CEO, Ryan Foster, eloquently expresses the symbolic nature of the venue, “The national stadium will once more be a focal point for Olympism, a landmark from which sportsmen and women have been catapulted into being Olympic champions and global personalities, becoming an inspiration to generations of youth.”

The JOA/PUMA partnership is lauded for its creative fusion of sports and fashion. President Samuda emphasizes the deeper

meaning of national sportswear, stating, “This activation by PUMA underscores that national sportswear should be an experience and an honor that goes beyond what you wear to being how you wear it, contributing to a country’s sporting legacy – and that’s Olympism.”

Fashion, as articulated

by JOA Secretary General/CEO Foster, is not merely a reflection of the times but a profound expression of identity.

“National apparel re-defines the past, defines the present, and shapes the future of a people.” He highlights the distinction between readyto-wear and custom-built, noting that the latter is driven by a ‘fit to size’ and bespoke value, characterizing the present and stylizing the future.

As the days count down, (Continued on page 19)

Monday February 19, 2024

Campbelle to lead star-studded Women’s team Shemaine Campbelle

Senior all-rounder Shemaine Campbelle was named Captain of the Guyana’s Women Super50 and T20 teams, ahead of the upcoming CWI Regional tournament.

Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Selectors announced the full 14-woman squad over the weekend, including reserves and coaching staff.

Campbell will have a number of weapons at her disposal, including a number of current West Indies players.

The likes of openers Mandy Mangru and Realeanna Grimmond, spinners Ashmini Munisar, Plaffiana Millington, Kaycia Schultz and others will play a huge role in the team’s progression.

Windies seamer CherryAnn Fraser, along with recent stars in the Intercounty like Trisha Hardat, Cyanna Retimiah, Sheneta Grimmond will add to the experience and form of both teams.

Guyana Women’s team Mandy Mangru, Realeanna

Grimmond, Naomi Barkoye, Shemaine Campbelle (Captain) , Ashmini Munisar, Sheneta Grimmond, Plaffiana Millington, Shabika Gajnabi, Cherry-Ann Fraser (Vice-Captain), Kaycia Schultz, Niya Latchman, Trisha Hardat, Yonette Welcome, Cyanna Retimiah

Standbys - Letisha Jordan, Melanie Dover, Crystal Durant, Roshanna Harper, Tilleya Maramootoo, Nikesha Narine, Luerene Williams, Nidia Andrew Manager: Treymane Smartt Head Coach: Clive Grimmond Physiotherapist: Natisha Mokutnauth

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Caribbean Venue Ticket Packages on sale ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Fans wanting to take in all the action at ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 matches at their favourite Caribbean match venue(s) can do so by purchasing Venue Packages for games at the following s t a d i u m s : S i r Vi v i a n Richards Stadium (Antigua and Barbuda), Kensington Oval (Barbados), Guyana National Stadium (Guyana), Daren Sammy Cricket Ground (Saint Lucia), Arnos Vale (Saint Vincent and the Grenadines) and Brian Lara Cricket Academy (Trinidad and Tobago).

Venue Packages include tickets for each game at a specific venue that is hosting matches in the Group stage and/or Super 8 stage. The Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua and Barbuda, and Kensington Oval, Barbados, will each feature eight games.

The Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in Saint Lucia will feature six games.

The Guyana National

Stadium, Guyana, and Arnos Vale Stadium, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines will each host five games, and the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad and Tobago will host four games. For the tournament’s complete match fixtures, visit https://www.icccricket.com/ “This is going to be the biggest sporting event on a global scale the West Indies has ever hosted,” said Fawwaz Baksh, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Tournament Director.

“With tens of thousands of fans and other stakeholders expected to come to the West Indies in June, these Venue Packages, which are available now, offer fans an early opportunity to secure their tickets and follow multiple teams at the venue of their choice.” “With Venue Packages accessibly priced for all games across all venues, cricket fans can look forward to embracing the

full spectacle of a Men’s T20 World Cup in person at some of the most iconic cricket grounds in the world.”

Fans who purchase a Venue Package will also be given first option to purchase a ticket(s) for a Semi-final and Final. For further information on Venue Packages and ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 t i c k e t s , v i s i t tickets.t20worldcup.com Follow the simple steps below to purchase your package: Log in to our account if you have one. If you do not, register for an account.

On the homepage of the website in the top right corner, select the Buy Packages option. This will open to reveal the available Venue Packages.

S e l e c t t h e Ve n u e Package or Packages you want, select the number of tickets for each game and the category you want, then add to your basket and complete your purchase.

Kaieteur News

Monday February 19, 2024

PAGE 25

Why should it not matter if Shamar Joseph plays for West Indies or T20 Leagues going forward?

Shamar Joseph after the Australia series.

Lara and Hooper reactions – Brian Lara (top) and Carl Hooper (bottom) react to Shamar Joseph and West Indies triumph over Australia in the recent Test series.

BY COLIN BENJAMIN The story of Shamar Joseph continues to captivate after his amazing heroics in Australia.

Joseph now has a lucrative IPL contract with Lucknow Super Giants & a CWI retainer. He has returned to Guyana with a hero’s welcome, an Everest Cricket Club life membership and corporate partners most notably GT&T making him a brand ambassador.

One would have to refer to how Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, and Grenada for example, reacted to Usain Bolt, Brian Lara and Kirani James doing world dominating first-time sporting achievements, to see a recent similar national and wider Caribbean visceral reaction to athletes’ global performance.

If Joseph replicates even half of Bolt/Lara/James accomplished - he would have had a truly fulfilling sports career. However, there is a major elephant in the

room regarding upcoming expectations of Shamar Joseph that needs to be addressed.

Every West Indies fan by now would have heard or seen the emotional moment of Brian Lara’s commentary reaction as Joseph ran off the field in celebration. Also the scenes of Carl Hooper crying. No one is under any illusions about how significant it is to former great players and the entire Caribbean cricket fraternity to beat Australia for 1st time down under since 1997.

Their reaction was no doubt a manifestation of relief because they were part of the generation of players who would go to Australia from 1975-1997 and always win a match or series.

This led to Joseph at the press conference where he made the following statement: “It was amazing to do it in front of Ian Bishop, Carl Hooper and Brian Lara,” “It’s amazing. I can’t explain it. Having people who

believe in you, that gives me a lot of confidence.”

“I will always be here to play Test cricket for the West Indies. I am not afraid to say this live. There will be times when T20 might come around and Test cricket will be there … but I will always be available to play for the West Indies no matter how much money comes towards me.”This statement has already led to strong and what I would call unnecessary discussion about whether Joseph will or not “commit” to the West Indies.

I am not a mind reader and nor would I question the genuine intention of Shamar - but I don’t know what people might have expected Joseph to say in that highly celebratory moment sitting next to Captain Kraig Braithwaite with Lara, Hooper and Bishop in the press conference room.

As a former CWI media officer, even if he didn’t think it himself, I’m sure he was advised to consider what

he would say at that moment

by CWI media.

My former boss the CWI CEO Johnny Grave was also publicly trying to defend CWI after legendary Australian captain Steve Waugh called out West Indies and South Africa were devaluing test cricket, by sending weakened teams to Australia and New Zealand.

The reality is the majority of top West Indies players leading up to the Australia tour did two things.

Reject CWI retainer contracts telling the board they only want to play T20I in preparation for the T20 world Cup later this year.

Secondly, when given a choice to play the test or ODIs in Australia, they choose to play in the T20

leagues in Dubai, South Africa, Bangladesh & Australia.

No player who was part of the test series in Australia is wanted on the T20 league circuit except Alzarri Joseph.

So what we are seeing due to global dynamics is that once West Indies players are exposed to the T20 league circuit - the majority go. CWI under the last two presidents Ricky Skerritt & Dr. Kishore Shallow is wisely not trying to risk past board mistakes and lawyer fees by trying to deny players No Objection Certificates (NOC).

Shamar is now about to be exposed to the T20 league world like his fellow teammates. Nobody knows and I don’t think from an

objective sports standpoint it’s worth anyone’s time trying to guess what he will do.

That would be baseless speculation.

The only thing one can do is look at the global calendar and see where West Indies fixtures clash with leagues & see what transpires in real time.

But here are some hard numbers to consider; Joseph’s India IPL deal is approximately US$350,000 and we don’t have any public information on his Pakistan PSL deal, CWI retainer and his Guyana business sponsorship. According to the CWI/WIPA MOU 20192024 which was recently updated to a 2024-2027 (Continued on page 21 )

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PMTC make clean sweep of Anil Lalsa & Sons Constriction Volleyball Tourney

PMTC were the winners of the Anil Lalsa & Sons Constriction Volleyball Tournament.

England chastened as never before in Bazball era as India win by 434 runs.

India celebrate during the match.

GBA set for Campbelle to lead historic overseas star-studded participation in 2024 Women’s team 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.