Guyana Times -- Thursday, April 7, 2022

Chancellor calls on lawyers to collectively advance rule of law

…says much expected, required of legal practitioners

P11 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 4972

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

Take action – PM tells PUC on poor service offered by telecoms agencies in Guyana Page 7

APNU/AFC cannot benefit from its own wrongdoing – AG

PRICE

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

P17 Norton, Lawrence to be sworn in as MPs next Wednesday

P2 “Put your houses in order” – Top Cop to Commanders

Page 3

Page 17

Brazilian P15 investors in Guyana to explore business opportunities

…oil & gas, agriculture, telecoms among areas of interest

Guyana's education system will produce analytical, innovative minds – President

Major int’l firms interested as Guyana prepares to sell carbon credits Page 15

No ‘proper’ applications – GECOM to re-advertise for DCEO, ACEO

Police Prosecutor charged for obstructing course of justice …stripped of duties, transferred to TSU

See story on page 8

Page 9

Miner busted with ganja at boathouse P8 Sex worker remanded P7 for allegedly robbing man Another P16 fisherman missing

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Put your houses in order” – Top Cop to Commanders C

ommanders for all 12 of the Police Regional Divisions were told by acting Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken, to “put your houses in order” and they have from now until Monday to ensure this was done in all the divisions across Guyana.

“Commanders, you are accountable for the officers and ranks under your command. I don’t want you to micro-manage, but you must have a handson and effective approach to managing your respective divisions,” the Top Cop told the 12 commanders at a closed-door Executive Leadership Team (ELT) meeting held on Wednesday in the boardroom of the Officers’ Training Centre in Georgetown.

Tuesday) when he met with all the Sergeants and Inspectors of the Police Force, the acting Commissioner has entrusted an extensive mandate to the commanders to raise “the ethical standards and behaviour, because it starts with us”.

Community outreaches

Acting Top Cop Clifton Hicken during a meeting with Commanders

“We cannot take things for granted anymore, so wake up, Commanders…we need to get busy,” the Top Cop is quoted as saying in a release issued by the Joint Service Public Relations Department.

Cohesive command structure

Hicken, during the highly-interactive leadership session, took the opportunity to thank the Commanders for their overwhelming support.

He, however, pointed out the need for a much-higher level of cohesion and teamwork in the overall command structure of the Force.

He noted that himself and others in the ELT would ensure that every effort was made to have a more cohesive command structure whereby all the commanders worked in unison as “one body” with a common purpose to serve and protect.

He also said standardi-

sation was necessary in order for the Police Force to achieve this cohesiveness at the Commanders’ level.

“And so, gone are the days when you’re going to have one commander with all the knowledge and the other commanders searching for knowledge. We don’t want a half-balanced Police Force. We want all the Commanders to be doing the same thing across the spectrum. And so, Commanders will communicate more often than ever and learn from each other’s experiences and best practices,” Hicken said.

Alluding to the fact that there was no such thing as a ‘perfect person’ or any one person who knows everything, the Top Cop said we were all ignorant of something.

“I want a cohesive command structure, as we cannot work in isolation. So, don’t allow the minority to blind the vision of the majority. If you want to swim against the tide, you will swim alone,” the Top Cop

declared.

Change is constant

Referencing the age-old notion, articulated by Albert Einstein that “the measure of intelligence is the ability to change”, Hicken told the Commanders that the only thing that remained constant in life was change and they must be prepared for the strategic and visionary changes that would take place in the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

He also advised the Commanders to “do introspection” and, where necessary, change their mode of operation in terms of how they manage the officers, inspectors and other ranks under their command. In this regard, he stressed that there would be no room for compromise when it comes to professionalism and accountability in the discharge of their duties as senior members of this noble profession.

Like the previous days this week (Monday and

Hicken told the Commanders to ensure that they go out into the communities in their respective divisions and interact with the residents and get to know them and understand their challenges.

“It is mandatory that you interact with the communities more often now than ever,” he said.

Acting Deputy C o m m i s s i o n e r (Administration) Calvin Brutus also spoke at length with the Commanders, during which he touched on a number of admin issues that relate to the Police divisions, specifically, and the entire GPF in general.

Among the issues that Brutus spoke on are: the GPF’s strategic plan 2022 to 2026, training, diversity and recruitment, decentralisation of services, community relations programme, infrastructure development, vehicle inspection and maintenance, inventories at stations, general returns and paying attention to the standing orders, theft of GPF’s assets, and efforts being made to change and update the Force’s standing orders, etc.

NEWS

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THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS OPENINGS BRIDGE

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, April 7 – 04:00h-05:30h and Friday, April 8 – 22:30h-00:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, April 7 – 07:05h-08:35h and Friday, April 8 – 07:50h-09:20h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily

WEATHER TODAY Cloudy skies are expected interrupted by light rain showers during the day and into the night.

Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Northerly to East North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 07:49h and 20:23h reaching maximum heights of 2.39 metres and 2.22 metres.

Low Tide: 13:54h reaching a minimum height of 0.85 metre.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2022

LOTTERY NUMBERS C

01 04 06

10 17 24

18

FREE TICKET

Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

01 02 08 17 26 LUCKY 3

5

2

3

6

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3

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DRAW DE LINE

01 03 04 08 10 13 21 SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY

FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022

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DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$103.20/barrel

+2.15

Rough Rice

$286.29/ton

+0.25

London Sugar

$547.10/ton

0.00

Live Spot Gold

USD Per Ounce

Bid/Ask

$1925.70

$1926.70

Low/High Change

$1914.40 +0.40

$1934.70 +0.02%

APNU/AFC cannot benefit from its own wrongdoing – AG I n response to legal proceedings filed by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition challenging the passage of the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Act, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, is contending that the Opposition cannot benefit from its own wrongdoing.

The legal documents filed highlight, among other things, the absence of the original Parliament Mace during the passage of the NRF Bill in December last.

The Bill was passed after a series of chaotic events in the National Assembly on December 29 when it was brought up for debate. The Opposition’s disruptions had escalated into a confrontation between some of its Members of Parliament (MPs) and Parliament staff after the Mace was stolen from in front of the Speaker.

But according to Attorney General Nandlall, the Opposition cannot now challenge the passage of the Bill when it had caused the damage.

“They removed the mace and attempted to run away with it, but in the process, they were stopped and the Mace broken – all of this was recorded – and they left the sitting. They left the Parliament after they did their damage… And then when the Bill was passed in their absence, they now turn around, Christopher Jones, in his capacity as a Member of Parliament, and Norris Whitter, as one of the persons who signed this petition, claimed that the Bill was passed illegally because the Mace was not in place.”

“A substitute mace was used, authorised by the Speaker [Manzoor Nadir] because they broke the real Mace. That mace was authorised by the Speaker and the Clerk [Sherlock Isaacs], and respected by the Assembly that was present as the Mace for the reminder of that proceedings, and the obstructionists – the persons who behaved like hooligans, broke the Mace so that the Parliament couldn’t have the Mace to continue its proceedings, now bring legal proceedings to say that the [passage of the Bill was] illegal because you didn’t have a Mace,” the Attorney General outlined.

Nandlall argued that instead of participating in the proceedings and debating the bill, the Opposition disrupted the proceedings and now wants to benefit from its own wrongdoing.

In the legal documents filed, the Opposition is accusing the House Speaker of allowing the NRF Bill to

Opposition MPs stealing the Mace in the National Assembly in December 2021

be passed without calling on any Opposition MP to debate the Bill.

“You have a principle in law, no matter which legal system you may be operating under – that a person must not benefit from his or her wrong… You cannot benefit from your own wrong…

But the courts in Guyana are now being asked to declare a law illegal because of one side of the National Assembly running away with the Mace and breaking the Mace, and once they did that, Parliament apparently supposed to stop,” he posited.

The Attorney General went on to note that if the Opposition was found to be right, then there would be no need for the voting process in the National Assembly since any time the Opposition, not only in Guyana but around the world, disagrees with some-

thing in the House, then all it needed to do is steal the Mace or break it to disrupt the proceedings.

“They don’t have to vote anymore in Parliaments…

You hold the whole Parliament at ransom and you benefit from your obstruction,” he asserted.

But the Attorney General contended that the “law is not an ass”, adding that Parliament proceedings are immune from inquiry from the court with the only exception being an allegation of violation of the Constitution.

However, he pointed out that nowhere in the legal proceedings filed were any constitutional provisions cited.

“Where is it stated [in the Constitution] that Parliament is governed by common-law principles and Parliament is governed by principles of inclusive de-

mocracy? These are no law; these may be political concepts. The courts of our country has no jurisdiction to enforce standing orders,” the AG stressed.

Another one of the grounds the Opposition raised in its legal action is the failure to consult with stakeholders in the enactment and passage of the NRF Act. But Nandlall reminded that the coalition did not consult when it had passed its own NRF laws in January 2019 just mere days after the APNU/AFC regime had fallen to a successful No-Confidence Motion.

He further argued that while his Government was open to public consultations, there was no legal or constitutional obligation that required it to consult in passing new laws.

TURN TO PAGE 7

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guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Paying taxes or improving city?

V

ery often, City Hall appeals to businesses to pay their rates and taxes. Doing so, it generally says, would enable administrators to improve the quality of services provided to the city. Whenever City Hall makes an appeal as this, it is often very difficult to ignore it – especially since it touches on the city’s management. Such appeals are routine, and reflect the municipality’s inability to get residents to cooperate with it.

This publication respects the statutory obligations conferred upon citizens, and urges businesses to pay their rates and taxes. This is notwithstanding businesses not taking a delight in City Hall. Their reasons are understood. The problem is if businesses – and even households – continue to base their reactions to the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) on sentiments, Georgetown would be in a wretched state. Whether the M&CC is liked or not, it is households and businesses that suffer when taxes are not paid.

The business community, in particular, should step up and pay their taxes. But – and there is a ‘but’ – inasmuch as paying rates and taxes is a statutory obligation, it is being honoured for a reason. Taxpayers expect authorities to provide them with quality services in return. That has always been the thrust of paying taxes.

Further, it is their responsibility to ensure that they receive the type and quality of services they are paying for. To their disadvantage, there is hardly a way available to them to ensure that authorities keep their end of the bargain. This is unfair, since authorities have legal recourse against delinquent taxpayers. Local government elections are the only measure available to residents to depose incompetent and inefficient administrators.

Regardless of the situation, taxes still have to be paid.

It is therefore incumbent that businessmen meet with city officials, lay their demands on them, and get a commitment on how soon those demands would be met.

If City Hall is able to impress residents generally, the latter would be disinclined to default on their payments.

Over the years, taxpayers have not seen the kinds of development they expected. Georgetown continues to battle with garbage; insanitation; strays, junkies and vagrants; petty robberies; and congestion among others.

Instead of there being any notable improvements, the landscape continues to deteriorate and the problems worsen, and Government is often called upon to assist.

In several beautification projects which the M&CC should have undertaken, it is the Office of the First Lady and the Government that are funding and executing these initiatives. In many instances, the municipality is unable to pay garbage collectors.

City Hall has a poor track record, which erodes public confidence in their ability to keep a commitment and use taxes efficiently to improve the city. This is responsible for the “chicken and egg” dilemma between the residents and the municipality. Should residents pay their taxes first, or does City Hall get its act together first? The municipality does need the money to run the city, so residents and businesses must be large enough to pay their taxes. But they must get City Hall to honour its obligations towards them. So long as they would have paid their taxes, residents have every right to have a go at city administrators for the inefficiency that has suffused them for too long.

President Dr Irfaan Ali presented the Outstanding Cambridge Learners Award on Wednesday afternoon to School of the Nations’ sixth-form student John McGrath. McGrath was awarded the prize and title of the World’s Top Student for Cambridge International Advanced Subsidiary (AS) English Language after he was able to secure 99 marks out of 100 in the June 2021 Examinations. He is the first Guyanese to top a Cambridge AS examination (Office of the President photo)

One country, one people, one future Dear Editor, The “One Guyana” policy embraces the idea of one country (a unifying national societal goal), one people (evolving a common set of values and aspirations), and one future (where there are possibilities for everyone to achieve the good life). This policy also recognises and sustains the ethnic-based core religious and cultural values, which would exist in harmony with the emerging mainstream value system.

Despite this novel policy initiative, aimed at moving away from the past failed attempts at societal integration and harmony, there are Opposition forces that denigrate this approach by producing false narratives.

A Norman Browne, for example, has made some astonishing comments against the PPPC Government, and put Dr Bharrat Jagdeo at the centre of his vitriol. He says nonchalantly: “The PPP has done terrible things to Guyana, and does not intend to stop… there is no question that the PPP is, and has always been, an uncaring Government that put the population through hell.”

Mr Browne recklessly blames the PPPC Government for the rise in cost of living, when everyone knows that this is a global problem linked to supply-chain issues. He also fails to acknowledge the mitigating measures - both “general” and “targeted” -implemented by the PPPC Government.

General (national level) measures include the elimination of the 50% excise tax on gasoline; the removal of freight charges, to reduce import duty, and thus the reduction in cost of imported goods and machinery. With foresight, the Government had earlier removed over 200 new taxes and fees imposed by the Granger administration, not to mention the removal of 14% VAT on electricity, water, education, and medical supplies.

One shudders to think what might have been the consequence if the PPPC Government had not taken this creative action!

At the targeted level, the PPPC Government is creating 800 jobs so that workers can supplement their household incomes in Region Two (Essequibo Coast), and a similar number (800) of jobs is being created in Region 10 (Linden). The Government has given annual grants in the sum of Gy$600,000 each to 79 dialysis patients. The Government is making cash grants to 250 small business owners. Other relief measures are under consideration.

Mr Browne would also know that, in a free market system, the Government does not determine price levels; that is a function of the market forces. And the imposition of price controls is not an option.

Mr GHK Lall makes the preposterous statement that the Vice President is a “leader lacking in what it takes.”

Dr Bharrat Jagdeo’s exceptional international credentials are compelling, and establish his political stature firmly. He has received five honorary doctorates, was elected in 2015 as Chair of the IMF and the World Bank; while the World Economic Forum recognised him as a young global leader, and the prestigious Times Magazine named him as a hero on the environment. In 2010, he was designated by the UN as a ‘Champion of the Earth.’

Dr Jagdeo served in 2010 on a UN High-Level Advisory Group on Climate Financing. In 2011, Dr Jagdeo was appointed a Roving Ambassador on forests for the Amazon, Congo, and South East Asia basins; while, in 2013, Dr Jagdeo was appointed a member of an ACP group to guide and recommend future relations with the developed world. And he was appointed Chair of a Commonwealth Expert Group on Climate Finance in 2013.

With all these powerful credentials, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo decided to take a sabbatical from politics after the 2011 elections. The Opposition always viewed Dr Jagdeo as standing between them (PNCR) and electoral victory. His sabbatical provided an opening which played to the PNCR’s

advantage; the PPPC lost the 2015 regional and national elections to a PNCR-led coalition. The PPPC was sent packing and feeling demoralised.

A group of PPPC members met with Mr Jagdeo in 2015 and pleaded for his return to the party’s leadership, to prevent it from buckling further. Dr Jagdeo rose to the occasion to save the party of Dr Cheddi Jagan.

As General Secretary since December 2016, he immediately began to rebuild the party from bottom up, and recruited hundreds of young people into it.

He knows that it would be the young people who would energise the party and bring it fully into the 21st century.

As part of the rebuilding effort, Dr Jagdeo supported one of the hardest working members of the PPPC and a former Cabinet Minister of Housing as the 2020 Presidential Candidate.

Dr Irfaan Ali’s Presidency has exceeded expectations. He is a President who readily connects with the people at all levels. His “One Guyana” is a revolutionary idea which, if fully operationalised, could become a major catalyst of positive change in the political landscape of Guyana. Bringing Guyanese together and reducing disparities would usher in the advancement of the common good for everyone.

One vehicle to help realise the “One Guyana” policy goal is the forthcoming Cricket Carnival.

While Dr Jagdeo admits that mistakes had been made in the past, those mistakes were not allowed to deter nor detract from moving the country forward. Under Dr Irfaan Ali’s Presidency, the sharp focus on implementing transformative projects that began under Dr Jagdeo’s leadership continues to gather momentum, and would change the social and economic landscape and likely usher Guyana fully into the 21st century with the real possibility of achieving the good life for all Guyanese.

Sincerely, Dr Tara Singh

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

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You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Norman Browne’s mental blackout Dear Editor, Who is Norman Browne, the self-proclaimed social and political activist? He makes the empty claim that “The PPP has done terrible things to Guyana, and does not intend to stop.” His unsubstantiated list of these “terrible” things sounds not just fictitious, but dumb. I will address just a few.

First, let me visit “cost of living”, and Browne noted that it “is sky high in Guyana”, but that is so in the world at large.

The ‘Next Advisor’ magazine states that the consumer price index, which measures changes in the cost of food, housing, gasoline, utilities, and other goods, rose by 7.9% over the past 12 months, the largest inflation surge in 40 years.

Prices were actually up 0.8% in February, according to the report.

Ipsos Group S.A. is a multinational market research and consulting firm with headquarters in Paris, France. In its last survey, it showed that 20,000 people in 30 countries found that at least half also reported increases in the cost of clothing and shoes, housing, healthcare and entertainment. Two-fifths of respondents expected prices to continue rising for at

By Hindus For Selfless Service

C

haitra Navratri is a nine-day festival to Goddess Durga’s nine incarnations and is observed every year after Holi. It is also known as Vasant/Spring Navratri, that starts on the first day of the Hindu LuniSolar calendar which falls in March or April. The festival is dedicated to Goddess Durga and each of her nine incarnations is worshipped on successive nights.

Chaitra is the first month of the Hindu lunar calendar and that’s why this Navratri is called Chaitra Navratri. It is also known as Rama Navratri, as Rama Navami, the birthday of Lord Rama usually falls on the ninth day during Navratri festivity.

This year Goddess Durga festival commenced on April 1, 2022, and will conclude on April 10, 2022. The festival celebrates the nine forms of Hindu Goddess Durga and each day is associated with a different colour.

Day 7 – Goddess Kalaratri Navratri 7th Day (Maha Saptami) observes the worship of the avatar of Ma Durga as Goddess Kalaratri.

This day, devotees also arrange the Utsava Puja. On Navratri day 7, Navagraha Puja is also performed. Maa Kalaratri is considered to be the most ferocious avatar of Navadurga, and is known for destroying ignorance and removing darkness from the universe.

Ma Kalaratri is depicted as the destructive form of the Goddess. She can be seen riding a dark black donkey. Her complexion is dark black, and she has four hands. She has three eyes that shine brightly, with flames emanating from her breath. The positioning of her hands is in Abhaya and varada mudra, and she carries a sword and an iron hook in her left hand.

Colour: Green

least the next three months.

And right now, based on the oil fluctuations, experts are predicting that inflation would stay around for a while.

Let me add that we are still in the period of shortages of raw materials and finished products, caused by the economic woes after lockdowns were universal.

Browne must do some research, if only to follow the news. Had he done so, he would have found out that “Around the world, seven out of 10 people in the Ipsos survey said they had experienced rising prices for vehicle fuel, car payments, maintenance, parking and public transport, as well as groceries, meals and restaurants.”

Secondly, and I hope my two debunking points would put to rest the likes of Browne, is that the infantile ‘cusser’ stated that “There is no question that the PPP is, and has always been, an uncaring Government that put the population through hell.”

Again, I see here nothing to back his wild accusation. I remind all that after the post-2020 March 02 elections, Guyana was a broken state politically and economically. However, instantly after taking of-

fice, and re-prioritising and re-programming fiscal measures, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government managed to add $20 billion in relief to the “pockets” of Guyanese, at a time when the nation was faced with the effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and the said recently-concluded protracted electoral process.

How about these for those who want evidence of a good, caring and prudent Government in recent times? the one-off grant of $25,000 to all old-age pensioners; an electricity credit

paid to Guyana Power and Light Inc. (GPL) on behalf of households consuming not more than 75 kilowatts per hour (kWh) per month; and payout of a one-off grant of $25,000 to all public assistance recipients and persons living with disabilities.

We need to remember that these inputs were in addition to the COVID-19 relief cash grant that was rolled out when office was assumed by the Government.

I think I have made my point.

Yours truly, H Singh

All too familiar Dear Editor, The Elections Commission of Pakistan is of the firm view that it cannot be ready to hold elections within three months, as constitutionally mandated, following the dissolution of Parliament.

Sounds familiar?

In seeking to thwart the Constitution, the Commission is throwing a lifeline to the 'fallen' Government. Again, this is all too familiar to us.

The role of an election commission is not to prop

up a Government when it is clear it has lost the mandate to govern, but to follow and adhere to the rule of law in ensuring the will of the people is respected and upheld in choosing a Government of their choice. Such a mandate is through the ballot, conducted when due according to the Constitution of the country. Anything else has to be seen as anti-democratic and outside law-abiding nations.

Sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed

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THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

Page

Foundation ◄

By Wilfred Owen

I

n this fun and easy water science experiment for kids, we’re going to use science to try and catch an ice cube.

Materials:

Bowl of cold water 12-inch piece of string ice cubes salt

Instructions:

Float an ice cube in the bowl of cold water.

Lay one end of the string over the ice cube and the other end over the rim of the bowl.

Sprinkle some salt over the ice cube.

Wait about two or three minutes and then lift the piece of string.

The string should have frozen to the ice cube.

How it works:

The salt will cause the ice to melt and will allow the string to fall down through the ice. The fresh water will creep into the crevice created by the string and refreeze.

Once the water refreezes around the string, you will be able to easily lift the ice cube from the water.

Make this a science project:

Try different types of salt like Epsom salts or rock salt.

Try different types of string. Try this experiment with wire. (sciencefun.org)

“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn” – Alvin Toffler

Bent double, like old beggars under sacks, Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge, Till on the haunting flares we turned our backs, And towards our distant rest began to trudge.

Men marched asleep. Many had lost their boots, But limped on, blood-shod. All went lame; all blind; Drunk with fatigue; deaf even to the hoots Of gas-shells dropping softly behind.

Gas! GAS! Quick, boys!—An ecstasy of fumbling Fitting the clumsy helmets just in time, But someone still was yelling out and stumbling And flound’ring like a man in fire or lime. — Dim through the misty panes and thick green light, As under a green sea, I saw him drowning.

In all my dreams before my helpless sight, He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning.

If in some smothering dreams, you too could pace Behind the wagon that we flung him in, And watch the white eyes writhing in his face, His hanging face, like a devil’s sick of sin; If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood Come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs, Obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues— My friend, you would not tell with such high zest To children ardent for some desperate glory, The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est Pro patria mori.

Summary

The poem is written as a harsh, but ultimately fair criticism of the atrocities of war. The poet wrote this whilst hospitalised after experiencing fighting in the trenches of Northern France in World War I. The soldiers in a languid, drowsy state march slowly, shell-shocked by the traumas of war and losing touch with their own senses. He recounts in graphic detail being caught in the noxious gases of chemical warfare and watching one of his fellow soldiers unable to fit the gas helmet on in time.

This man, stumbling, yelling and screaming suffers a slow painful death, choking in the cruel toxic gas.

This image of the man dying before the persona's eyes, with him unable to help, stays with him in his dreams. This graphic, traumatic sight leads the persona to a blunt conclusion. Having seen this man die before his eyes, his lungs corrupted by the chemicals, he finds no true glory or goodness in martyrdom for one's country. The image of an innocent man needlessly killed in his country's conflict drives the persona to rebuke the hackneyed maxim 'dulce et decorum est pro patria mori.' He doesn't believe that any child searching for glory should ever be told this; a shameful falsehood that death on the battlefield is 'sweet.' Owen does not hold back in this criticism, and sincerely concludes the gruesome death of war is not sweet, nor are these innocent lives lost in such traumatic ways reflective of a joy in patriotic martyrdom.

The themes of the poem include war, propaganda, patriotism, trauma and martyrdom. The mood of the poem is pitiful, and the tone is both critical and pitiful.

WORD SEARCH

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THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Take action – PM tells PUC on poor service offered by telecoms agencies in Guyana N

oting the plethora of complaints that have been made by persons over poor quality of internet services, Prime Minister Brigadier (retired) Mark Phillips has written the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), expressing the Guyana Government’s concern and urging them to take action.

In the letter, addressed to PUC Chair Dela Britton, the PM zeroed in on the reports of poor-quality service being offered by telecommunications agencies in the country.

He also called on the PUC to examine the Telecommunications (Consumer Protection) Regulations 2020 with a view to addressing some of these concerns, and made it clear that he would be following up the “procedural requirements for effecting the amendments in the near future.”

“The Government of Guyana is extremely concerned at numerous reports

PM Brig (ret’d) Mark Phillips

of poor quality of public telecommunications services, especially with respect to fixed and mobile broadband internet services. I am advised that institution of appropriate technical quality of services standards is a necessary part of the solution to this issue. I therefore request that the Commission examines the Telecommunications

(Consumer Protection) Regulations 2020 with a view to amending Schedules 1 and 2 to include at a minimum the following quality of services parameters with appropriate definitions and standards,” the Prime Minister wrote.

These fixed and mobile broadband quality of service parameters include availability, Packet Loss Ratio (which can cause dropped calls and buffering), average throughput for packet data (which can also cause buffering), latency (a discernable delay between two persons speaking on the phone) and jitter (video freezing).

Just over two months after entering office, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government, in October 2020, issued commencement orders for the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector in Guyana, thus opening up massive business opportunities for new entrants in the Information and Communication Technology

Sex worker remanded for allegedly robbing man

S

ex worker Ronda Junior, the mother of a three-year-old girl, was on Monday remanded to prison after it was alleged that she had robbed a man on April 1, at Regent and Wellington Streets in Georgetown while being armed with a surgical blade.

Arraigned in the Georgetown court of Magistrate Dylon Bess to answer the allegation that she had robbed Joel Jacobs

of $208,000 in cash, this South Ruimveldt Georgetown resident pleaded not guilty to the charge, and was remanded until April 19.

The Police prosecutor told the court that Jacobs was walking along Regent and Wellington Streets on the day in question when Junior approached and asked him if he wanted to do “business” with her.

According to the prosecutor,

Jacobs walked away without responding to the defendant, and Junior, along with two unidentified men, then walked up behind Jacobs.

One of the men choked Jacobs, while the other pushed his hands into the victim’s pockets and relieved him of the cash mentioned in the charge. Junior then pulled out a surgical blade, and used same to slash Jacobs on his left hand.

The robbery was reported to the Police station, and following investigations, Junior was arrested and charged. Her alleged accomplices are being pursued.

The prosecutor raised serious objections to the woman being released on bail, citing the serious nature and prevalence of the offence, and the penalty it attracts.

In the end, Magistrate Bess refused Junior bail and remanded her to prison. (G1)

PUC Chair Dela Britton

(ICT) and ICT-enabled businesses to operate locally.

It had been expected that this would have ushered in more ICT investments. Last year, the Prime Minister had said that the PUC had

executed some works in preparation for the expected influx of opportunities from the transformed telecommunications sector.

He had also referred to the establishment of an internal monitoring unit to ensure that effective monitoring and compliance with the required quality of service standards are maintained by operators.

On October 23rd 2020, by the requisite publication in the Official Gazette, seven accompanying telecommunications regulations became effective: Licensing and Frequency Authorization; Spectrum Management; Universal Access and Universal Services; Interconnection and Access; Pricing; Consumer Protection, and Competition. As a consequence of this development,

competition was increased, and modern (4G and beyond) service is being extended to previously underserved areas.

Competition is driving innovation as companies move to improve service and keep/acquire customers. Operators are investing in networks to provide modern and up-to-date services to Guyanese in order to win and retain customers.

The new submarine cable to be landed by U-Mobile (Cellular) Inc. is expected to lead to more competition for international data and international long-distance service, thus resulting in reduction of prices, especially for high-speed Internet.

Government is currently in the advanced stages of awarding another telecommunications licence for a 5G carrier. (G3)

APNU/AFC cannot benefit...

FROM PAGE 3

“Let me say that consultation is an important component of good governance.

It’s a prerequisite in a democracy; they are good values, but you are dealing here with law. There is no legal obligation on a government to consult. They passed this very bill, they passed a NRF law – which grouping did they consult?”

“Which part of the world, under which legal system, a government must consult before passing a law? And I’m not saying we didn’t consult, we consulted on this bill – perhaps not with that group, and I don’t know that we have to or any government has to consult any

group or all the groups,” he argued.

In fact, the Attorney General reminded of a recent ruling by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) on a case in which the name change of the Ogle International Airport in Guyana to the Eugene F a C orreia International Airpor t was being challenged. The regional court made it clear that while consultation was desirable, it was not a legal requirement unless the law expressly says that.

To this end, Nandlall criticised the Opposition’s constant invoking of Article 13, which states “The principal objective of the polit-

ical system of the State is to establish an inclusionary democracy by providing increasing opportunities for the participation of citizens, and their organisations in the management and decision-making processes of the State, with particular emphasis on those areas of decision-making that directly affect their well-being.”

According to the AG, “In my view, and perhaps now we will have it determined – in my view, Article 13 is not an enforceable right but is declaratory of an aspiration… Their presence in the Constitution does not make them enforceable.” (G3)

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Police Prosecutor charged for obstructing course of justice …stripped of duties, transferred to TSU

Charged: Vishal Munilall

Charged: Kulwantie Munilal

Charged: Dehodary Odit

Charged: Police Shawn Gonsalves

olice Sergeant Shawn Gonsalves, who is accused of obstructing the course of justice, has been stripped of prosecutorial duties and transferred to the Tactical Services Unit (TSU).

Accompanied by Attorney-at-Law Bernard DaSilva, he appeared in the Diamond/ Golden Grove court of Magistrate Sunil Scarce on Wednesday to face an allegation that, between July 23, 2021 and November 27, 2021, at Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD), he conspired with persons unknown to obstruct the course of justice, to cause the disappearance or to falsely execute two sentence warrants in favour of Vishall Munilall, 34, of Houston, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Sergeant Gonsalves, a father of three and resident of 577 Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), has been granted self-bail, his case

continues on May 5.

Defence Attorney Bernard DaSilva has told this publication that he has written the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for a review of the charge, with the hope of having it withdrawn.

On November 27, 2021, Vikram Munilall was apprehended by the Police on two sentence warrants issued for him by City Magistrate Annette Singh. As a result, he was escorted to the Golden Grove Police Station, EBD. While at the station, an allegation was put to him that he and another man had obtained money by false pretence from Robin Bostwick of Eccles, EBD during February 2017.

Munilall requested a telephone call to his lawyer, which was facilitated by the Police; and soon after, his counsel arrived at the station. Kulwantie Munilall, 25, also of Houston, arrived afterward and gave Vikram

Munilall a package.

Vikram Munilall then requested to speak to the investigating officer, and his request was granted.

In the presence of another Policeman, he gave the investigating officer $700,000 to forego investigation/prosecution against him.

The investigating officer immediately told the Munilalls and Dehodary Odit, 26, of Gordon Street, Kitty, Georgetown, of the offence committed: to wit, corrupt transaction with an agent, and cautioned them.

The money was seized, marked, and lodged at the Police station.

On December 2, 2021, these three persons were charged with the offence of corrupt transaction with an agent, and were released on cash bail. On that same day, Vishal Munilall and his older brother Vickram Munilall, 37, were jointly charged with Odit for obtaining money by false pretence from Robin Bostwick

back in February 2017. Bail was granted to them.

P

Sergeant

“Ducking”

Moreover, the prosecution is contending that Vishal Munilall and Odit provided Police with information about Sergeant Gonsalves “ducking” the sentence warrants. Investigations were launched, and Sergeant Gonsalves was subjected to a video interview, during which he denied the allegations, the prosecutor added.

But, according to the prosecutor, while he was under close arrest and being escorted to TSU Headquarters, Sergeant Gonsalves admitted to a Police Inspector that he was involved in the crime.

As a result, investigators compiled a file that was sent to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice.

It was advised that the lawman be charged with the present offence. (G1)

Miner busted with ganja at boathouse

P

olice on Tuesday arrested a 53-year-old miner of Triumph, East Coast Demerara (ECD) after he was found with 279 grams of cannabis.

The incident occurred at around 10:00h at the Vulture Boat House at First Avenue Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

According to Police, ranks from the Bartica Police Station were on vehicle patrol in the vicinity of Vulture Boat House on First Avenue, Bartica when a male suspect, upon seeing the patrol, ran aback of the boathouse.

The Police gave chase and caught the suspect.

Conducting a search on his person, they examined a black plastic bag that he had in his right hand, wherein was found a parcel wrapped in transparent plastic containing a quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis.

The suspect, when told of

The ganja that was found in the miner’s possession

the offence committed and cautioned, admitted to ownership of the bag. He was

arrested and escorted to the Bartica Police Station, where the suspected nar-

cotics were weighed in his presence and amounted to 279 grams.

The suspect has been placed into custody, pending charges.

Only three days ago, a barber was busted with a quantity of cannabis during a Police operation at Tuschen Public Road, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).

According to reports, a mobile Police patrol was in the area when ranks observed the man standing in the vicinity of the car park, acting in a suspicious manner.

He was approached and a request was made for him to be searched. During this activity, five transparent Ziplock plastic bags, each containing a quantity of ganja, were discovered.

He was arrested and taken to the Leonora Police Station, where the suspected cannabis sativa was weighed in his presence and amounted to 11 grams.

He remains in custody, pending charges. (G9)

Underbrush to clear..

I

…in the Opposition camp t was long in coming, and it was like pulling teeth – deeply embedded molar teeth!! – but it looks like Aubrey Norton and Volda Lawrence are gonna soon be sitting in Parliament. There’s the caution about “slips between cup and lip,” but since Granger dotted his “I’s” and crossed his “T’s” – and certainly took his time with it!! – a slip appears unlikely. So, at the very next sitting – about which Norton has already claimed “undue delay and foot dragging by the PPP” – we should see the two PNC veterans among all those young’uns Granger had sent to Parliament.

That in itself might prove nettlesome, since there’s no love lost between Norton and Volda. Their beef goes back to 2009, when he ran afoul of Corbin after he was ousted as Chairman of the Georgetown District in favour of Volda Lawrence, a Corbin protégé. But Volda did back him in the Dec 2021 leadership race when she decided to stay out (for medical reasons?). Maybe they’ve kissed and made up? Well, maybe not kissed!! Also, since they were both sidelined by Granger, it’s possible they’re also drawn together by their common antipathy to the Sanctimonious Gangster, who saw them as too lumpen!!

But, once inside the House, Norton’s job would’ve only just begun. He’d long announced he wanted to be the Opposition Leader. But it ain’t gonna be an automatic shoo-in, since he’ll have to be elected by a majority of the 31 Opposition MPs – 16, unless some fancy math is invoked! We should take note of Ramjattan’s carefully worded announcement – after he huddled with Norton upon list representative Granger’s instruction. He noted that the 9 MPs selected by him for the AFC are sacrosanct.

The remaining 22 were all selected by Granger, and Norton has some serious courting to do.

His announcement that there will be some serious pruning of those 22 might prove to be a tactical mistake.

Everybody and their uncles (and godfathers) will be working overtime to ensure they retain their place at the public trough! Those perks!! Those perks!! Knowing the AFC (and more to the point, Ramjattan), they’ll try to leverage their nine MPs for pole position at the aforementioned trough. They still haven’t learnt anything from their Granger experience!! Your Eyewitness believes Norton’s gonna squeeze in as Opposition Leader – but he’ll have to do some serious horse trading. Does he have the horses?

And then what?? Granger brought in all those neophytes – so they’d be beholden to his place-holder Harmon – they don’t have extensive links to the APNU base. This isn’t glamorous work – it’s away from the limelight, and is mostly listening kvetching!!

Which, being out of Government, they can’t resolve!! …on “shell” parties Another item that Norton would need to direct his immediate attention to is the status of those one-person parties that make up the APNU fig leaf to cover the PNC’s stripes. Now, he and the rest of the PNC were perfectly comfortable back in 2011, when APNU was launched with some one-person parties like Keith Scott’s NFA and CN Sharma’s JFAP. The WPA at least had a long-lasting leadership cadre plus residual sentiments in the PNC’s traditional constituency.

A year after the 2020 elections – when the JFAP and WPA quit APNU, Granger took the one-person-party farce to its ridiculous conclusion by announcing that members Sharma and Tabitha Sarabo-Halley respectively had founded two out-of-thin-air new parties – Equal Rights and Justice Party (ERJP) and Guyana Nation Builders Movement (GNBM). APNU was reconstituted!!

The PNC’s CEC, however, dubbed them “shell parties”.

Now one Norton partisan has demanded MP Sarabo-Halley prove GNBM. And the others?

What says Norton about them now?? ...of Granger Assuming that Norton – who’s already PNC and APNU Leader – becomes Opposition Leader, what does he do about Granger as “Leader of the List”??

Shouldn’t he be sent out to pasture, like was done with Harold Lutchman??

The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

NEWS

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No ‘proper’ applications – GECOM to re-advertise for DCEO, ACEO Silva was appointed to the position. He holds a Master of Laws Degree in Public Law from the University of the West Indies (UWI).

After being called to the Guyana Bar, he served as the Judicial Research Assistant for acting Chief Justice Roxane George and other High Court Judges from 2017 to 2019.

Prior to Da Silva’s appointment, Attorney-atLaw Excellence Dazzell served as GECOM’s Legal Officer. It was announced in June 2021 that she, along with then Chief Accountant Joseph Eastman, had resigned over contractual issues. GECOM is presently advertising for a new Chief Accountant.

The Guyana Elections Commission

T

he Guyana Elections C o m m i s s i o n (GECOM) has taken a decision to re-advertise the Deputy Chief Elections Officer (DCEO) and Assistant CEO (ACEO) positions, as it pushes to fill important posts left vacant since last year.

In an interview, GECOM Commissioner Bibi Shadick informed Guyana Times what transpired at Tuesday’s statutory meeting. She explained that a decision was taken to advertise the two positions, although she could not say exactly when this would be done.

“So, we have re-advertised for Chief Accountant.

And the advertisements will go out back for DCEO and ACEO… I know the decision was taken to re-advertise. When that will happen is for them to work out,” she explained.

While Shadick did not say why the positions have to be re-advertised, sources privy to the Commission’s discussions had explained to this publication that the first round of applications received by GECOM with respect to the two positions did not impress some Commissioners. In fact, those applications were described as not “proper”.

Since last year, GECOM has been searching for a new CEO, DCEO, Chief

Accountant, Legal Officer and Voter Education Manager. The CEO position has since been filled by former DCEO Vishnu Persaud, who was sworn in on December 14, 2021.

Persaud was one of two persons who were shortlisted after applying for the job when the vacancy was advertised in October 2021. The decision to select Persaud came down to the casting vote by GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh, who has since justified her endorsement of him.

The only other position to have been filled was that of Legal Officer. Last month, Attorney-at-Law Kurt Da

Debunking PNCR claims

GECOM is presently in the midst of continuous registration, which started early in March and is being done at all 28 permanent registration offices in order to update the List of Electors and pave the way for the hosting of Local Government Elections (LGE).

During a recent press conference, People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Leader Aubrey Norton had made claims that GECOM was registering Venezuelan migrants not entitled to vote.

While this matter did not come up at the meeting, Shadick did address it

GECOM Chair, Retired Justice Claudette Singh

during the interview. She debunked such claims as untrue and explained that there were Venezuelans of Guyanese lineage who, once they satisfy the requirements, could be registered.

“There’s no way, with all you have to go through at GRO, that you can have false registration. Because the law says, a person of Guyanese citizenship, who – even if they lived in Venezuela for the last 20 years, doesn’t lose their Guyanese citizenship.

“And if they got five children, and those children got grandchildren, all those children are entitled to be registered as Guyanese. And

then their children would also be entitled. The process is law,” she explained. (G3)

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

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CANU unearths gun, ammo during drug raid R

anks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) found a gun along with ammunition at a house in La Penitence, Georgetown on Wednesday during a drug raid.

It was reported that the CANU officers conducted an intelligence-led operation at Independence Boulevard, La Penitence, which resulted in the discovery of one 9mm Glock 17 pistol with a magazine containing four 9mm rounds.

Following the discovery, one male suspect, David Lynch, aka “Convict”, 44, was arrested and escorted to CANU Headquarters

cise was conducted by officers from the Unit’s Special Operations team.

Of the two handguns seized, one was a Taurus 9mm pistol along with a 10-round magazine and the other was a .38 Special Revolver.

The gun and ammunition that were discovered by CANU on Wednesday

with the firearm and ammunition.

Investigations are ongoing.

Only a few weeks ago,

CANU conducted several operations in Georgetown during which two illegal firearms and ammunition were discovered. The exer-

According to CANU, these operations are part of its collaboration with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to keep communities safe as part of the National Safe Country Strategy.

“CANU would like to thank the general public

for their support, as well as the numerous tips we have received from various communities; we will continue to work with you in rooting out narcotics and criminal activities from your respective areas,” a brief message from the Unit read. (G9)

Another drug bust in “Spliff Street”, Buxton

P

olice for the third time this year have made yet another ganja discovery at “Spliff Street”, Buxton, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

About 16:00h on Monday, Police in Regional Division 4C, during an intelligence-led operation, went to “Spliff Street”, where leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis were found in a black plastic bag on a bench.

The plastic bag also contained $2010. It was taken to the Vigilance Police Station where the substance was weighed and amounted to 100 grams.

No one has been arrested.

On January 6, also at “Spliff Street”, Police found 138 grams of cannabis on an open plot of land.

Reports are that a party of Policemen conducted a cordon-and-search exercise in the street, during which a

The money and marijuana that were found

black plastic bag containing several transparent Ziplock bags containing cannabis was found in an un-fenced empty plot of land.

No arrest was made for that discovery.

Meanwhile, on January 28, during a raid for ammu-

nition, firearms, stolen articles, and narcotics, a number of tobacco leaves and 19 Ziplock bags of suspected cannabis were found on “Spliff Street”.

The suspected cannabis was weighed and amounted to 48 grams. (G9)

NEWS

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Chancellor calls on lawyers to collectively advance rule of law …says much expected, required of legal practitioners are in defiance of it, or doing anything to diminish the respect for the rule of law and the confidence of the public in the legal system, of which they are a part. Rather, they must refrain from making irresponsible allegations of corruption or partiality, which may tend to weaken or destroy public confidence in legal institutions; and they shall obey and show respect for the law.

She went on to further remind lawyers that they have quite an important role to play, one which is seen through their conduct and etiquette at the Bar. “The fact

Much expected, required

Justice CummingsEdwards told the members of the Bar Council and attorneys-at-law that much is expected and required of them.

She recalled that the author Marvel Webber, in documenting the origins and history of Bar Associations, spoke about the earliest association of the Bar in relation to the United States (US).

Webber, she added, pointed out that the earliest association of lawyers was an association that existed in New York from 1744 to 1770. She said the writer explained that “patriotic impulses” led to it

President of the Bar Association of Guyana, Pauline Chase

Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards

C

hancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards, has urged attorneys-at-law to continue speaking up for the rule of law. She has reminded them that they have a legal duty to the public to so do.

She made those remarks to scores of lawyers who gathered at the Victoria Law Courts in Georgetown for the ceremonial opening of the Demerara Criminal Assizes for April 2022 and the inaugural Law Week 2022 post-ceremonial programme.

The Head of the Judiciary declared that, even though the rule of law might have come under siege and been threatened sometimes, and criticised, the rule of law is very much alive and well in Guyana, being an integral part of the country’s jurisprudence, citizens’ lives, and the nation’s development.

She therefore charged lawyers to collectively promote and advance the rule of law. In so doing, she reminded them of their obligations under the Legal Practitioners Act, which among other

things establishes the criteria for the admission of persons to practise as lawyers in Guyana, regulates their functions, provides for their professional discipline, and stipulates how they must conduct themselves.

Legal obligation

The Chancellor specifically pointed to the heading “rule of law”, which is contained under the Code of Conduct for Lawyers in the Act, remarking that this is why the Bar Association of Guyana is so passionate about promoting the rule of law.

The Chancellor explained that the Code of Conduct stipulates that lawyers must subscribe to the rule of law, which they shall use as an unalterable and fundamental guide in the conduct of their professional affairs; shall encourage public respect for; and strive to improve the administration of justice.

She admonished that they must not subvert the law by counselling or assisting in any activities which

Scores of attorneys-at-law, including judicial officers, marched around the precinct of the Victoria Law Courts in Georgetown to mark the opening of the Demerara Criminal Assizes for April 2022

that what you [lawyers] are called upon to do: importantly service, and, more importantly, the fact that you have an important part to play in the administration of justice…,” she said.

Encouraging attorneys-at-law to take their roles seriously, she described it as “an important role to perform in serving the needs of the people and upholding the rule of law.”

organising at the time to resist the encroachment of the British Crown in the exercise of the King’s Prerogative.

Highlighting that the roles of Bar Associations are expanding, Justice Cummings-Edwards referred to the recent events of the American Bar Association in providing an evaluation of the integrity of Judge Katanji Brown-Jackson, who has been nominated to sit on the US Supreme Court.

Despite the ravages of the pandemic and the new normal, she advised members of the legal profession that they have to recalibrate, be re-energized, be revitalised, and be committed to upholding the rule of law. “Let the rule of law be maintained, and let the rule of law be upheld even in a pandemic. Even though the heavens may fall, even though it may appear that the entire world may be grinding to a halt, the rule of law must not be compromised; it must not fail”, said the Chancellor

in closing.

Founded in 1980, the Bar Association of Guyana is a voluntary, unregistered body comprising of attorneys-at-law duly admitted to practise law in Guyana. It is recognised as the body for representing lawyers in the country.

Besides upholding the rule of law, its objectives include dealing with all matters affecting the legal profession, and taking such action thereon as may be deemed expedient to promote, preserve, regulate and protect its interests; to act as a representative of the Bar, and to answer questions and lay down rules regarding the etiquette and practise of the legal profession; and, from time to time, to provide its members with such assistance and protection as may be desirable.

The Association is governed by a 12-member Bar Council that is elected annually. This Council comprises of a president, two vice-presidents, secretary, assistant secretary, and treasurer, being the Executive and six Council Members. Its current President is Pauline Chase, who was elected to the post in May 2021. (G1)

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Exciting adventure awaits: Pakaraima Mountain Safari returns this weekend

Proprietor of Rainforest Tours, Frank Singh

H

aving been on a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 19th annual Pakaraima Mountain Safari, which is expected to kick off on April 10, is expected to provide scores of outdoor enthusiasts with the perfect opportunity to explore the magnificent beauty of Guyana’s mountainous regions.

This highly-favoured expedition, which is being held under the theme “Adventure of a lifetime”, has been organised by the Pakaraima Safari Club and Rainforest Tours, in collaboration with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Administrations of Regions

Eight and Nine.

The event will run for seven days, beginning April 10, and four Indigenous villages throughout Regions Eight, Nine, and Ten will be visited.

The journey will commence at the East Bank main terminal at GuyOil gas station, and will take nature lovers to tourist hotspots like Annai, Yurong Paru, Kato, and Orinduik.

During a simple launching ceremony, the proprietor of Rainforest Tours, Frank Singh, expressed satisfaction with the return of the safari, noting that COVID protocols would still be in effect.

“We will still have to wear our face masks, and

Acting Director of the GTA, Kamrul Baksh

sanitize our hands as often as possible…in this safari, there are many opportunities on the way to Orinduik.

You will get to see the culture and customs of the Indigenous people. On our way back, we get to stop at the Canopy walkway, and you will get to see the beautiful mountains of Guyana”, he said.

The safari convoy would also visit the Lethem Rodeo before returning to Georgetown.

Action-packed

Meanwhile, acting Director of the GTA, Kamrul Baksh, has said this year’s safari would be action-packed.

“I am extremely excited about this resumption. It has been a challenging time, and as you know, events are the heartbeat of any destination. And with that, the event such as the safari organised by Rainforest Tours and all others gives a unique perspective of a destination… the safari has all facets of that”, he said.

“This safari here really speaks to the nature and the type of tourism product we have here in the country.

It’s exploring the outdoors, it’s about getting to know one’s country”, he said.

Tremendous growth

Founder of the Pakaraima Mountain Safari,

Founder of the Pakaraima Mountain Safari, Harrypersaud Nokta

Harrypersaud Nokta, was also present at the launch, where he reminded that the event commenced back in 2003 and has grown tremendously over the years.

He described the event as recreational and educational, creating networking that would allow persons to use it as an adventurous experience.

A person desirous of participating in this year’s Safari must have a 4×4 vehicle. It would be inspected by a team to ensure it is safe for travel, before that person is allowed to pay a registration fee. Each vehicle will also have to make a donation to the Indigenous communities to be a part of the trip.

In the outbreak of the pandemic, the tourism sector was hardest hit. It not only made tourism vulnerable, but tourist hotspots across Guyana were bearing the brunt of the ailing jobs market.

It was only in February that the national measures were lifted after the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, paving the way for businesses to fully reopen.

A national curfew was instituted countrywide following the first COVID-19 case detected in Guyana in March 2020. While the timings have since varied, the latest renewed measures stipulate a curfew from 00:00h to 04:00h. (G9)

NEWS

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Major int’l firms interested as Guyana prepares to sell carbon credits globally

S

everal international firms are expressing interest as Guyana prepares to sell its carbon credits on the world market.

This announcement was made on Wednesday by Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat, who is travelling around the country consulting with stakeholders on the expanded Low Carbon Development Strategy – LCDS 2030.

Guyana seeks to continue having low rates of deforestation, but at the same time, seeks to continue developing and taking advan-

Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat

Minister

tage of its natural resources.

Currently, persons are being given opportunity to have their say, including making objections and recommendations as part of the national consultation process of the LCDS 2030.

With 18.4 million hectares of largely pristine forests storing 5.31 gigatons of carbon, officials estimate that Guyana could earn upwards of US$300m by selling its carbon credits on the global market.

These and other matters were discussed on Wednesday during a national

Brazilian investors in Guyana to explore business opportunities …oil & gas, agriculture, telecoms among areas of interest

A

A section of the Brazilian investors at one of the sessions

number of Brazilian investors, under the umbrella of PanAmazonia, are currently in Guyana, exploring various opportunities for investments, and holding meetings with members of the Private Sector Commission (PSC).

According to correspondence from the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), seen by this publication, the group met with the PSC and various businesses on Wednesday at the Herdmanston Lodge during a morning and afternoon session.

It was explained that PanAmazonia is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) with headquarters in Manaus Amazonas, and is made up of over one hundred of the most reputable and respected associations from Brazil, Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Venezuela, Suriname, French Guiana, Ecuador, and now Guyana.

“The group believes it will be an excellent opportunity to promote Guyana, Guyanese businesses, and Guyanese products to the Brazilian and PanAmazonian markets,” GMSA explained. “The main purpose of this visit is to allow the Guyanese Private Sector and the Brazilian Private Sector to engage in

meaningful face-to-face discussions to identify potential business and investment opportunities and to find ways to work in collaborative efforts towards growth and social/economic development in Guyana, Brazil and the Pan Amazonian Region.”

According to GMSA, the delegation is seeking information on the current development agenda of the Government, in order to be assured that Guyana is a good place for their investments. There are a number of sectors that the delegation is interested in, ranging from industry and commerce, wood, ores, construction, tourism, engineering, telecommunications, oil and gas, and agriculture.

The manufacture of ceramic blocks, renewable energy, waste processing, mining and the export of food and beverages are also areas of interest to the investors.

Brazilian investors are already involved in the cultivation of 115 acres of soya bean and a five-acre corn pilot project in Ebini, Upper Berbice River, where harvesting started last year.

The project is a joint venture between various local and foreign investors – aimed at proving all raw materials for the production of livestock and poultry feed for the local sector.

The initiative is being

developed by a consortium of investors that includes the owners of Guyana Stock Feed Ltd, Royal Chicken, Edun Farms, SBM Wood, Dubulay Ranch, and Bounty Farm Ltd, along with the Brazilian-owned NF Agriculture.

The Government plans for Guyana to be a net exporter of soya bean in the next five years. With Guyana spending close to US$25 million annually on proteins just for the poultry sector, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government, since taking office, has taken steps to promote domestic cultivation of grains like corn and soya bean.

Government, in its 2020 Emergency Budget, removed Value-Added Tax (VAT) on agricultural machinery, fertilisers, agrochemicals and pesticides, making it more feasible for such investments.

Additionally, the Government has reversed land lease fees across all sectors, and reverted water charges back to 2014 rates.

And President Dr Irfaan Ali has repeatedly said that, in the next four years, Guyana, via the cultivation of more diversified crops, would be aiming to reduce the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) food import bill by 25 per cent. (G3)

Stakeholders at the consultations at the RDC boardroom in New Amsterdam, Region Six

consultation on the expanded Low Carbon Development Strategy in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

What Guyana is seeking through the new LCDS is a continuous flow of carbon finances. Between 2015 and 2019, Guyana had earned US$250m from Norway for its low deforestation rates under the original LCDS. Guyana still has 99.5 percent of its forests intact.

“Guyana is still covered in forests, that is why I say that we are blessed, and all of us here have responsibility to ensure that we keep it that way,” Natural Resource Minister Vickram Bharat told stakeholders at the consultations in New Amsterdam.

Natural Resource Consultant Vanessa Benn, addressing stakeholders at the consultations, pointed out that Guyana has great potential for sale of carbon credits. 87.5 percent of the country is covered with forest. In fact, Guyana is the second most forested country in the world.

What is needed, she explained, is for Guyana to be able to continue to maintain its forests, but the country must be compensated for so doing.

The LCDS 2030 vision has four components, which are: 1) to manage water and other resources properly; 2) adapting to climate change; 3) producing clean energy, and 4) aligning with global climate and biodiversity goals.

In an interview with this publication following the event, which was held in the Board Room of the Regional Democratic Council, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharat spoke about the value of the country’s carbon credits.

“There are many organisations and companies around the world that have expressed interest in purchasing carbon credits, and what is happening now, especially in the corporate world, is that companies in certain developed countries are being forced to budget for the purchasing of carbon

credits as a part of their programme,” Minister Bharrat said, as he pointed out that some of the major oil companies have indicated they would be focusing on renewable energy or would offset carbon emissions in the form of monetary contributions for carbon credits that are on the market.

Guyana has already received positive responses from the Lowering Emissions

by Accelerating Forest finance (LEAF) coalition on its proposal to retail its carbon credits to the world.

Guyana has also signed a letter of intent with Emergent, a US-based non-profit organisation, to market Guyana’s carbon credits, which will be sold to private international companies.

“After the consultations which are taking place now on LCDS 2013, and then the final document will be formulated and then we will go on the market for the sale of carbon credits,” Minister Bharrat explained. (Andrew Carmichael)

16 NEWS

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Formula for appointment of Chief Justice, Chancellor not working – AG Leader of the Opposition.”

But during his weekly programme – “Issues In The News”, AG Nandlall contended that this process simply did not work.

“The reason being that since its addition to the Constitution in 2001, a President has never been able to secure the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition in either of those appointments. As a result, since 2001, we have had no Chief Justice appointed and no Chancellor of the Judiciary appointed. That is an unfortunate state of affairs,” he posited.

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall

A

ttorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, has agreed that the current formula that requires consensus between the President and the Opposition Leader for the appointment of a Chief Justice and Chancellor has not worked in the more than two decades since it was put in place.

His statement came on the heels of Guyana Bar Association President Pauline Chase, on Tuesday, calling for the formula to be changed when it comes to appointing the two top judicial officers. During her remarks at the opening of the Demerara April Assizes, Chase urged “…those who

the duty so falls to start the consultative process and put into motion the machinery to address the correction of this unworkable and failed formula… It is, therefore, inimical to the rule of law that there are acting appointments of our highest judicial officers. The absence of confirmed judicial officers since the amendment of the Constitution for their appointments some 20 years ago is no clearer evidence that that system is no working.”

Article 127 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana states “The Chancellor and the Chief Justice shall each be appointed by the President, acting after obtaining the agreement of the

Formula

According to Nandlall, only two countries in the Commonwealth, including Guyana, have such a formula in place.

“All I’m stating is the facts, the formula has not worked… That recommendation, for there to be agreement, I have no doubt was born out of the best of intentions, but it simply has not worked and perhaps that is why we are one of the two countries in the world where that formula exists,” he stated.

The Attorney General outlined that it was the very Bar Association that was among those that supported the current formula in place for the appointments of the two senior judicial office-holders.

Fortunately, he added, an adjustment

was made for an alternative in the event that there was no agreement between the President and the Opposition Leader, that is, for the President to make acting appointments to have those positions filled.

Consequently, since 2005, upon the retirement of former Chancellor Desiree Bernard, there has been no confirmed Chancellor.

Retired Justice Carl Singh served as acting Chancellor from 2005 until his retirement in 2017.

Similarly, the late retired Justice Ian Chang was appointed acting Chief Justice in 2005 and served in that position until his retirement in 2015.

AG Nandlall recalled that efforts under the administrations of President Bharrat Jagdeo and President Donald Ramotar to have the two jurists confirmed in their respective positions had failed.

With Justice Roxane George being appointed acting Chief Justice since 2017 and Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards acting as Chancellor since 2017, Nandlall also revealed that even attempts to appoint these two judges substantively were futile.

In fact, former President David Granger, under the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) regime, had moved in 2018 to appoint overseas-based Justice Kenneth Benjamin as substantive Chancellor of the Judiciary and Justice Cummings-Edwards as substantive Chief Justice.

However, he was unable to secure the approval of then Opposition Leader, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s Bharrat Jagdeo, as required by the Constitution. Since then, there has not been any consensus between the two sides on the matter.

Support for confirmation

Meanwhile, the current Dr Irfaan Ali-led Government has publicly declared its support for the confirmation of Justices George and CummingsEdwards as Chief Justice and Chancellor, respective-

Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Yonette Cummings-Edwards (right) and Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George

ly. Up to last August, the Head of State indicated that their substantive appointments were dependent on then Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon.

But Harmon resigned as Opposition Leader in January this year, and People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Leader Aubrey Norton is slated to take up the post after he is sworn-in as an APNU/ AFC Opposition Member of Parliament next week.

Nevertheless, Nandlall further pointed out during his programme that with Guyana about to embark on a constitutional reform exercise, he hoped that stakeholders could learn from experience and prevent another situation where Guyana has an acting Chief Justice and an acting Chancellor for decades.

“The thing does not work. It makes no sense putting into law, and worse yet putting into a Constitution, a mechanism that is going to cause deadlock, and here you’ve had deadlock now for [nearly] two decades. I don’t think we need more lessons; we have 22 years of experience. So, when we start the constitutional reform pro-

cess, I hope we will be guided by these real examples and don’t make fanciful recommendations, idealistic and unreal recommendations… that turn out to be impossible,” the AG asserted.

This is not the first time Guyana is being asked to review this formula.

Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) President, Justice Adrian Saunders during his visit to Guyana in August 2018 had urged the Guyanese authorities to revisit this procedure.

“That formula is likely to throw up this kind of situation and so perhaps some attention should be given to perhaps whether that is an appropriate formula or if the formula is to be kept, what other mechanisms should be put in place to break a deadlock. But for the country to not have a Chancellor, and it has implications for the Chief Justice as well, because it just cascades down for that length of time, it’s just not right,” the CCJ Head had posited, while noting, however, that it was not his place to say what measures should be put in place to break the deadlock.(G8)

Another fisherman missing

By Andrew Carmichael

A

Corentyne fisherman is now feared dead after he fell overboard in the Atlantic Ocean during a fishing expedition on Tuesday.

The missing man has been identified as 52-yearold Kallicharan Mohabir of Lot 14 Ulverston Village, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

Reports are that Mohabir and a crew of four left for the

sea on Sunday and the incident occurred on Tuesday.

Guyana Times understands that Mohabir was in the process of lowering the seine into the ocean when the crew heard a loud splash.

When they looked, they did not see Mohabir in the vessel.

Family members say they were informed of the incident on Tuesday by the boat owner.

The crew returned to shore on Wednesday and have all been taken into cus-

tody.

It was also on Sunday that Shunny Jagessar, 42, of Albert Street, Number 79, Corriverton, Berbice, who worked as a fisherman, went missing after reportedly falling into the Corentyne River in the vicinity of Orealla.

Investigators were told that Jagessar was at the bow of the boat when suddenly, he fell into the river.

His body was fished out of the Corentyne River on Tuesday.

NEWS

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THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana’s education system will produce analytical, innovative minds – President P

resident Dr Irfaan Ali has said that Guyana’s education system will work harder to create a conducive atmosphere to produce brilliant young minds that are innovative and visionary.

He made the statement during a simple ceremony at the Office of the President on Wednesday, which was held in honour of School of the Nations’ student John McGrath, who has officially been presented with the Cambridge Learners Award.

The 17-year-old has been awarded the prize and title of the World’s Top Student for Cambridge International Advanced Subsidiary (AS) English Language after he was able to secure 99 marks out of 100 in the June 2021 Examinations. He is also the first Guyanese to top a Cambridge AS examination.

The Head of State told McGrath that he is looking forward to his development, and would like, in the future, to see his name beside “global

articles and writings that are celebrated”.

The sixth form student’s result was better than those of over a million students from across 136 countries.

“And that is where our education system is going — creating educated minds that can be analytical, can be innovative, can be visionary,” President Ali is quoted as saying in a release by the Press and Publicity Unit within the Office of the President.

“So now, Mr McGrath, we have a writer among us in Guyana who can write brilliantly about what we offer as a country,” the President said.

Partnership with private institutions

President Ali took the opportunity to laud Nations, (which also has a tertiary arm) and pointed out that recently, the Government of Guyana and the school have collaborated on a number of initiatives involving different Government agencies.

President Dr Irfaan Ali, along with 17-year-old John McGrath, Education Minister Priya Manickchand, and representatives of School of the Nations

He said the results so far have been good, and that the Government is “looking to expand our partnership with the Private Sector [and] private institutions”.

“I always felt that the abil-

ity to offer beyond secondary education —university education — in an environment in which people can still pursue a career and work is one that has untold benefits, and the range of universities that

Norton, Lawrence to be sworn in as MPs next Wednesday

A

fter prolonged delays, People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Leader Aubrey Norton and former party Chairperson Volda Lawrence are slated to be sworn-in as A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs)next week.

This was indicated by Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, after he was informed that the two PNCR officials’ names were extracted from the APNU/AFC List of Candidates to fill the two vacancies in the National Assembly.

According to a missive from the Parliament Office, the Speaker was on Wednesday told of the declaration by Chief Elections Officer of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Vishnu Persaud.

“There will be a sitting of the National Assembly on Wednesday, April 13, 2022, where Mr Aubrey Norton and Ms Volda Lawrence are expected to make and subscribe, before the National Assembly, the Oath of Office which shall be administered by the Clerk,” the Parliament Office said.

Representative of the Opposition’s List of Candidates, former PNCR Leader and former President David Granger days ago had written the CEO to extract the two names from the List.

Norton and Lawrence will be filling the seats that were vacated following the resignations of former Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon and former Education Minister under the coalition Government, Nicolette Henry.

Harmon, who had initially

PNCR Leader Aubrey Norton

stepped down as Opposition Leader on January 26 this year following mounting pressure from the new PNC Executive, had initially planned to remain an MP, but last month announced his resignation from the House.

Harmon had contested for leadership of the PNC, but lost to Norton who won by a landslide victory. Granger, who was the immediate past Leader of the PNCR, did not contest for re-election.

In fact, neither Harmon nor Granger was elected to the Central Executive Committee of the PNC – the highest decision-making body of the party.

The PNC executive had already made it clear that it wanted Norton to become the next Opposition Leader.

Riding on that mandate from the PNC faction of the APNU/AFC, Norton is already preparing to take up the new role and during a press conference on Tuesday, said he was of the view that the party must make more use of the Freedom of Information Act. “There are a number of priorities, but I do not want

to signal almost immediately what it is I intend to do.

I am going to meet with all our Members of Parliament shortly, and the ideas I have, we will then discuss together and work a way forward,” he said.

“Mind you, it’s not solely the Leader of the Opposition; it has to be a collective effort in which all persons will contribute. But I do believe that we need to make more use of the Freedom of Information Act,” Norton said.

He was also asked whether there would be any changes to the Opposition parliamentary side, once he was appointed as Opposition Leader, such as persons being recalled. According to him, while there would certainly be portfolio changes, he has not considered recalling anyone.

“I don’t know what you mean. If you’re talking about changes in terms of portfolios, yes. There have to be, because at least two persons would have left. And it seems self-evident to me that there will have to be changes,” he said.

“The question of recall is not something that I’ve put in my head and will determine willy-nilly in advance. Recall is, as I understand it, based on the party’s lack of confidence in someone. If that situation arises, then as a party we will deal with it,” Norton explained.

He also spoke about what factors were involved in the selection of Lawrence, who did not contest the PNC election in December, to accompany him to Parliament.

Lawrence, who served as Public Health Minister and Social Services Minister under the former APNU/AFC Government, is an accountant by profession.

you have a relationship with is also extraordinary.”

Tourism aspirations

Like his father Sean McGrath, who has contributed to the development of Guyana’s tourism industry, John also has aspirations to further his studies in that field.

The President told the young man that tourism is a very viable option for Guyana at this stage of the country’s development.

“Sometimes people have

a misconception about what tourism is. Tourism requires the best of writers, the best of promoters, the best of marketing skills; but, more importantly, tourism is about managing people.”

The President emphasised that the tourism sector is one that is essential for the development of Guyana, and said there are “many opportunities for you to pursue this interest here”.

President Ali also implored McGrath to not allow his accomplishment to be a singular celebration, but to be a motivation to others.

“And the only person who can do that is yourself. So, I would like to see how you would go back to those in Nations and across the country in motivating them to accomplish as you have accomplished.”

Education Minister Priya Manickchand also remarked on the teenager’s achievements.

“Guyana takes particular pleasure in owning you and celebrating you, because this is the first time that we have, as a citizen, topped the world in any field in the Cambridge AS awards.”

President Ali was also joined by Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal and representatives from School of the Nations.

Russia’s withdrawal from Kyiv and Chernihiv complete – Pentagon Former PNCR Volda Lawrence

Chairwoman

Lawrence has been accused of electoral fraud, and has since been charged following the March 2020 elections. It is alleged that on March 5, 2020, with intent to defraud, Lawrence uttered a report purporting to be a true declaration of all votes cast in District Four for the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, knowing same to be forged.

The APNU/AFC Opposition accounts for 31 of the 32-seat parliamentary Opposition, while the joinder list, comprising A New and United Guyana (ANUG), the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), and The New Movement (TNM), occupies the remaining seat.

The governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) holds a one-seat majority in the 65-seat House, having won 33 seats.

Representative of the Joinder list, LJP Leader Lenox Shuman had previously indicated that he would not be participating in the process to appoint the new Opposition Leader, which will have to be done by the Opposition MPs. (G8)

A Ukrainian soldier retrieves a wedding photo from his flat in the town of Hostomel, outside Kyiv (Getty Images)

U

S Defence Department officials have said that Russia’s withdrawal from the Kyiv and Chernihiv regions is now complete.

“Russian forces near Kyiv and Chernihiv have completed their withdrawal from the area to re-consolidate and refit in Belarus and Russia,” a Pentagon official told reporters on Wednesday.

“We are not showing Russian forces in or around Kyiv or in or around Chernihiv,” Pentagon spokesman John Kirby later added, saying that Russian President Vladimir Putin “has achieved zero of his strategic goals”.

“He’s really only taking control of a small population centres....They haven’t taken Kharkiv.”

It comes days after Russia announced that it would fo-

cus its efforts on Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region.

A senior Pentagon official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the Russian troops may be heading back to Kyiv in the future, and that it remained unclear if the retreating troops would return.

According to the Institute for the Study of War thinktank, the Russian units retreating from around Kyiv are unlikely to “regain combat effectiveness for some time”.

Of the 130 Russian battalions that have been sent to Ukraine, more than 80 still remain in the country, the official said.

The Associated Press, citing a US defence official, reported that the number of withdrawing Russian troops amounts to at least 24,000 men. (BBC News)

18

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

Regional

Jamaica will not withdraw bid UNC leader reiterates: T&T for Commonwealth Secretary Government illegally spying on citizens General job – Morgan T

M

inister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister, Robert Morgan, says there is no chance that Jamaica will withdraw the country’s bid to have Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith installed as the next Secretary General of the Commonwealth.

Morgan, who is the de facto Minister of Information, was responding to a question from a reporter at Wednesday’s post-Cabinet media briefing at Jamaica House. The question was posed in the context of the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, stating that Jamaica’s candidature was a “monumental mistake” that would likely divide Caricom.

Browne made the comments following the surprise announcement from Jamaica House last Friday evening that Johnson Smith was throwing her hat in the ring. She will challenge the incumbent, the

Minister without portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister, Robert Morgan

Dominica-born Baroness Patricia Scotland in June.

Scotland has indicated that she will be seeking a second term and Caricom leaders issued a communiqué at the end of their March 1-2 Inter-sessional summit held in Belize, in which they expressed their “overwhelming support” for the re-election of Scotland as Secretary General of The Commonwealth.

This prompted Browne’s criticism of the Jamaican

Government. But, Morgan is insisting that Jamaica will be going all the way.

“Jamaica is a sovereign democracy. What that means is that Jamaica has a right, a responsibility towards its citizens and itself to push forward an approach that is in the interest of Jamaica. That interest also takes into consideration the regional associations and international associations we’re a part of,” Morgan told the media briefing.

“And I don’t think there’s any evidence of a division in Caricom,” he added.

Morgan pointed out that Holness was engaged with other Caricom leaders Wednesday morning regarding the matter which Holness admitted in the Parliament on Tuesday had divided Caricom in the recent past. Morgan pointed out, like Holness, that Jamaica had received widespread support for Johnson Smith’s candidature.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

El Salvador criminalises showing gang-related messages in media

E

l Salvador’s Congress has approved a request by President Nayib Bukele to criminalise gang-related messages in the media, including news outlets, in a step to control the rising cases of homicides in the Latin American nation.

The move on Tuesday, which includes 10 to 15year sentences for offenders, comes amid a Government crackdown on gangs that has led to one of the world’s highest murder rates. The crackdown, which included Bukele invoking emergency powers to suspend some constitutional rights in February, has led to con-

cerns over human rights abuses.

“When the Germans wanted to eradicate Nazism, they prohibited by law all Nazi symbology, as well as messages, apologies and everything aimed at promoting Nazism,” Bukele wrote on Twitter. “Now we will do the same with gangs.”

The reform to the penal code applies to those who “reproduce and transmit messages or communications originating or allegedly originating from said criminal groups that could generate anxiety and panic among the general population”.

The measure also targets

those who “mark” their territories with acronyms, referring to a common practice gang members use to threaten those who report them to authorities.

The new policy was quickly met with “concern” from El Salvador’s Journalists’ association over what they called a “clear attempt at censorship”.

In a statement, the group referred to the measure as a “gag” reform, saying it “threatens with imprisonment the media and Journalists who report on a reality that the current administration … seeks to hide”.(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

he day after the Prime Minister told the country law-abiding citizens were not being spied on, Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar reiterated that the State was invading citizens’ privacy.

In a media release on Wednesday PersadBissessar said Local Government Minister Faris Al-Rawi was a victim, as he was being spied on and his WhatsApp messages monitored.

On Monday night she claimed, for the second time in 12 years, that the Government was secretly spying on selected peo-

ple in politics, media, the Judiciary and business.

At a public meeting on Tuesday, Dr Rowley denied the allegations, saying it was “all a lie”. Earlier that day, National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds said it was just an attempt

by Persad-Bissessar to remain relevant.

Dr Rowley said on Tuesday night he must respond as Chairman of the National Security Council of Trinidad and Tobago.

He said of PersadBissessar that she “goes behind a screen and tells the world that the Government of T&T, which I lead, is spying on the entire popula-

tion...All of a sudden T&T is North Korea! What are you doing that you are afraid the Government would know? If you are a legal, law-abiding citizen you would not have that paranoia. Only criminals have that concern.”

In response, PersadBissessar said: “Rowley’s ‘if you have nothing to hide’ defence of illegal spying on citizens is most commonly used by paranoid dictators who violate their citizens’ privacy rights for personal political gain.”

Persad-Bissessar said she learnt of the alleged invasion of privacy from a whistleblower.

(Excerpt from Newsday)

Mottley, Trudeau to co-chair Sustainable Development Goals Advocates group United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday named Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley and her Canadian counterpart, Justin Trudeau as new cochairs of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Advocates group amid the growing number of development crises facing the world.

“The Sustainable Development Goals are the world’s blueprint to build a healthier, greener and sustainable future by 2030.

With the clock ticking and multiple crises driving us further off track, we must do everything in our power to deliver the SDGs,” said Guterres.

“I’m pleased that Prime Minister Mottley and Prime Minister Trudeau will help lead advocacy to do just that,” he said.

Mottley said it was necessary to “seize the moment to move forward, together, to ensure the full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by the end of the Decade of Action and Delivery on the Sustainable Development Goals”.

Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley

Mottley has campaigned extensively for climate action and debt sustainability in middle-income countries and small states. In 2021, she was awarded the Champions of the Earth Award for her leadership.

Trudeau has been a strong advocate for climate action and nature protection, the empowerment of women and girls around the world, and ensuring an inclusive and resilient recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“To build a better future for people and the planet, we

must all place the values of inclusion and sustainability at the heart of everything we do. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals aim to create a world that is fair, equal, and peaceful, with clean air and clean water for everyone.

“As co-Chair of the SDG Advocates group, I look forward to rallying countries, Governments, the Private Sector, and others, to come together to accelerate our progress and continue to raise our voices – and our ambition – on the path to 2030,” said Trudeau.

(Excerpt from CMC)

Peru’s Castillo lifts Lima curfew St Lucia moving to expand banana trade after widespread defiance, anger

P

eruvian President Pedro Castillo on Tuesday afternoon lifted a curfew order following widespread defiance on the streets, as protests spiralled against rising fuel and fertiliser prices triggered by the Ukraine conflict.

“I must announce that from this moment on we are going to cancel the curfew order,” Castillo said in a meeting with Congress. “We now call on the Peruvian people to keep calm.”

Castillo issued a sudden curfew mandate minutes before midnight on Monday, ordering Lima residents

to stay at home between 02:00h and 23:59h in an attempt to curb nationwide protests over surging prices.

But the curfew triggered a fresh crisis for the Castillo Administration, with thousands of people taking to the street to defy the curfew. He cut the curfew short just after 17:00h local time.

The new protests on Tuesday added to a broader crisis that started a week ago in Peru over mounting inflation, which rattled Castillo just days after he survived an impeachment trial.

Western sanctions on Russia have cut supply of oil

and fertilisers, hurting fragile emerging economies like Peru. Like many countries, Peru was battling high inflation before the war started, but the conflict has accelerated a surge in the price of food, fuel and other essential items. Peru’s March inflation at 1.48 per cent was the highest in 26 years.

Castillo rose to power last year with overwhelming support from Peru’s rural population, but rising prices have led that same group to stage the most significant protests so far in his Administration.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

T

he St Lucia Government says it is encouraged by the talks held with an established buyer on the possibility of using Antigua as a distribution hub for the sale of bananas to countries in the region “Currently, we are moving between 2000 and 2500 [boxes] per week. But we have asked for the possibility of increasing it to 8000 because we believe the opportunity exists for additional distribution to Antigua, St Kitts, St Thomas and St Maarten,” Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Rural Development Minister Alfred Prospere said.

Prospere had last year led a delegation in a bid to secure new and existing banana markets and, following the most recent research efforts by Export St Lucia and the National Fair Trade Organisation (NFTO), it landed a new market in Antigua with the first shipment of 460 boxes arriving in that Caribbean island at the end of last month.

“I applaud St Lucia’s farmers because the quality of the fruit exported was encouraging. Antigua has expressed interest in importing high-quality bananas, as we have been doing for export to the United Kingdom.

“We need now to ensure

that we work toward maintaining and improving that quality so that bananas can continue to be exported to the UK and other countries in the region,” Prospere said.

The Minister said he was encouraged by the feedback with the “established buyer” in Antigua due to the high level of interest shown.

The Agriculture Ministry said its focus remained on securing existing banana markets and expanding into new regional and international markets and that farmers are encouraged to ensure that the quality of the bananas produced remained among their highest priorities. (CMC)

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

19

Around the World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil slumps to 3-week low after Fed minutes, big IEA reserve release announcement

O

il futures fell sharply on Wednesday after large consuming nations said they would release oil from reserves to counter tightening supply and hawkish minutes from the US central bank that bolstered the dollar.

Selling accelerated into the close, leaving both the Brent and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) benchmarks at their lowest closing levels since March 16. Brent crude futures settled down US$5.57, or 5.2 per cent, at US$101.07 a barrel, while US crude fell US$5.73, or 5.6 per cent, to US$96.23 a barrel.

Member States of the International Energy Agency (IEA) will release 120 million barrels from strategic reserves to try to quell price gains. The release will include 60 million from the United States, according to two sources familiar with the matter. That commitment forms part of the previous US announcement of a 180-million-barrel reserve release.

This is the second time the IEA has released reserves this year and effectively boosts worldwide supply by roughly two million barrels a day for at least the next two months as the world tries to overcome the potential loss of Russian oil. The group collectively has about 1.5 billion barrels in strategic reserves.

Crude markets have been through weeks of volatility, with prices surging on supply concerns after Russia's invasion of Ukraine and subsequent sanctions on Moscow by the United States and its allies.

Lately, the market has been pulling back following reserve releases along with worries of slowing demand in China, where a resurgent pandemic has prompted lockdowns of cities including Shanghai. Chinese refiners of late are avoiding new contracts with Russia, suggesting Beijing is being cautious not to overtly support Moscow at this time.

The US Federal Reserve minutes, meanwhile, detailed that the US central bank was planning to raise rates by 50 basis points at its most recent meeting, but opted for a smaller hike due to the war in Ukraine. The minutes suggest a hawkish approach for the Fed as it tries to curb inflation, which boosted the US dollar. Oil often moves in the opposite direction to the dollar, because most oil transactions are conducted in the US currency.

"This market mostly appears to be reacting around the Fed comments and the [US Energy Information Administration] EIA storage report," said Gary Cunningham, director of market research at Tradition Energy. The Fed has "given some strength to the dollar and that's being reflected in lower oil prices".

US crude stocks rose by 2.4 million barrels in the latest week, the EIA said, while analysts had expected a drawdown.

Output also rose, hitting 11.8 million barrels a day, the most since late 2021, and output is expected to continue rising.

The United States also released nearly four million barrels from its strategic reserve in the week.

"The SPR release was huge which does raise confidence that they can move a lot out of the reserve on a weekly basis," said Phil Flynn, senior analyst at Price Futures Group in Chicago.

The United States and allies on Wednesday prepared new sanctions on Moscow over civilian killings in Ukraine, which President Volodymyr Zelenskiy described as "war crimes."

Russia denied targeting civilians.

The 27 member states will decide whether to approve proposed European Union (EU) sanctions that would ban buying Russian coal and prevent Russian ships from entering EU ports.

The head of the EU's executive, Ursula von der Leyen, said the bloc was working on additional sanctions, including on oil imports. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Ukraine seeks ruinous sanctions on Russia amid European hesitancy

U

kraine wants sanctions that are economically destructive enough for Russia to end its war after accusing some countries of still prioritising money over punishment for civilian killings that the West condemns as war crimes.

The democratic world must reject Russian oil and completely block Russian banks from the international finance system, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in his daily video address early on Thursday.

After grisly images of dead civilians in the streets of Bucha sparked international condemnation, Zelenskiy said Kremlin forces were trying to cover up evidence of atrocities.

"We have information that the Russian military

A cross and a destroyed dome of a local church damaged by shelling are seen on a road, as Russia's attack on Ukraine continues, in the settlement of Hostomel, outside Kyiv, Ukraine, April 6, 2022

has changed its tactics and is trying to remove people who have been killed from streets and basements ... this is just an attempt to hide the evidence and nothing more," Zelenskiy said, but did not provide evidence.

Moscow has denied targeting civilians and says images of bodies in Bucha were staged to justify more sanctions against Moscow and derail peace talks.

Russia's six-week-long invasion has so far forced over four million to flee abroad, killed or injured thousands, left a quarter of the popula-

tion homeless, turned cities into rubble and prompted a slew of Western restrictions on Russian elites and the economy.

Washington on Wednesday announced measures, including sanctions on President Vladimir Putin's two adult daughters and Russia's Sberbank, and a ban on Americans investing in Russia.

The United States also wants Russia expelled from the Group of 20 major economies forum and will boycott a number of meetings at the G20 in Indonesia if Russian officials show up.

But the head of Ukraine's presidential office Andriy Yermak said late on Wednesday that its allies must go further.

"Sanctions against Russia must be ruinous enough for us to end this terrible war," he said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Sudanese mark removal of al-Bashir with protest Putin's daughters against army rule targeted by US sanctions

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One of Putin's daughters Katerina Tikhonova The protest march in the capital Khartoum started in the afternoon [AFP]

T

housands of Sudanese took to the streets to commemorate the anniversary of mass unrest that led to the toppling of former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir in 2019, and to protest the military’s ongoing grip on power.

Rallies were held in Khartoum and outside the capital on Wednesday to mark the removal of alBashir and to express public anger at a military coup in October that derailed a two-year transition period to civilian rule in Sudan.

The economic situation in Sudan has deteriorated since the military’s power grab, with hyperinflation reaching 250 per cent annually.

“We are going out today, because we promised our martyrs [that we will] fulfil the civilian state,” protester Yousif Abdallah, 34, said.

“The civilian state, with its diversity, that … is what we are looking for at the moment,” said Abdallah, a member of Sudan’s activist “resistance committees”

network that mobilised against al-Bashir’s rule.

Police reportedly fired tear gas at the protesters in Khartoum and the military’s headquarters in the capital was sealed off by soldiers, razor wire, and dozens of military vehicles.

In 2019, protesters had gathered for months at the headquarters and it is unclear whether activists will try to stage a new sit-in.

Hundreds of protesters were killed in a bloody crackdown by security forces in June 2019 when a large pro-democracy sitin was organised against a military council that seized power after deposing alBashir.

Sajida al-Mubarak, a 22-year-old medical student, told Al Jazeera that she was protesting to say “no” to the military: “No to partnership and no to recognition of the Army.”

“We will tell the Army that they should go back to their barracks and leave politics to civilians,” she said. (Al Jazeera)

he United States has imposed sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin's inner circle, including his adult daughters.

The list also includes the family of Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and major banks.

The measures follow new revelations of atrocities by Russian troops in Ukraine, including images of bodies of civilians scattered on the streets of Bucha, near the capital Kyiv.

Russia says, without evidence, the images are staged

by Kyiv officials.

Even though satellite images have shown the civilians were killed when Russians were in control of Bucha, Putin on Wednesday described the event as a "crude and cynical provocation by the Kyiv regime".

Referring to the Bucha murders, US President Joe Biden said on Wednesday: "There's nothing less happening than major war crimes."

"Responsible nations have to come together to hold these perpetrators accountable," Biden added.

The US said that Putin's adult daughters, Katerina Vladimirovna Tikhonova and Maria Vladimirovna Vorontsova, were being put under sanctions "for being the adult children of Putin, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked".

The announcement described Tikhonova as "a tech executive whose work supports the GoR [Russian Government] and defence industry".

Her sister, Vorontsova, it went on, "leads State-funded programmes that have received billions of dollars from the Kremlin toward genetics research and are personally overseen by Putin".

Asked why the US was targeting Putin's daughters, a senior Biden administration official said the US thought they could be in control of some of their father's assets.

Meanwhile the UK has announced further sanctions against eight oligarchs and Russian banks, including the country's largest, Sberbank, and Credit Bank of Moscow. (Excerpt from BBC News)

20

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Listen to what people are saying before you respond. Don't get involved in a debate with someone stubborn or vengeful. Don't take on someone's problem, debt or fight.

(March 21-April 19) Discuss sensitive issues openly and honestly. Ignoring problems will lead to assumptions. Be assertive and get to the bottom of any situation that can hurt your status or reputation.

DILBERT (April 20-May 20)

(May 21-June 20)

Target your goal and test your skills. Refuse to let an emotional situation escalate or keep you from pursuing what's important to you. Set expectations, and don't lose sight of your destination.

Practice makes perfect. Hone your skills and use them to impress someone who can improve your life. Don't let self-consciousness or introversion stand between you and what you desire.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Share your experience and put your expertise to good use. A diligent approach to using what's available to you will enhance your chance of success.

Don't spend money to impress someone.

(July 23-Aug. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

A physical display will make your objective clear and conclusive. Don't beat around the bush when time is of the essence. Think outside the box and make your dreams a reality. Avoid second-guessing.

Curb your emotions. If you are too revealing, you will distract from what you are trying to achieve. Be smart, use common sense and work independently. You can reach your dreams!

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Put your plans in motion. Invest in yourself, your surroundings and your long-term goal. Refuse to let anyone stand in your way. Seek out people who share your vision. Networking will pay off.

SUDOKU (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Put your energy where it counts, and don't waste time on people who are bad influences or on indulgences that will slow you down financially or physically.

Think things through.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Don't invite trouble. Make changes that don't require permission or help from others. Put your energy and time into taking physical action and doing the work yourself. Keep your emotions out of the mix.

LAST PUBLISHED WORD-- MULETA

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Set your goals high and keep your mind fixed on the best route forward.

Embrace supportive people and offer positive input. A good plan and a disciplined attitude will pay off.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

(Feb. 20-March 20)

Check what everyone is doing and offset anything that might deter you from pushing forward with your plans.

A change will help you put things in perspective and adjust your plans accordingly.

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

21

IPL 2022…

Cummins's 14-ball fifty stuns Mumbai, makes Knight Riders table-toppers Pat Cummings scored his 50 in 14 balls

S

uryakumar Yadav's 360-degree game provided the thrill, Dewald Brevis exhibited his fearlessness, and Tilak Varma showed why he's rated highly.

As well as each of them did to set up a potentially tricky 162 chase for Kolkata Knight Riders on a sticky Pune deck, Mumbai Indians clearly had not envisaged the mayhem that was to follow.

Having taken five wickets in what was a spirited defence up to a point, Mumbai saw the match unravel really quickly, as Pat Cummins walloped the jointfastest IPL half-century, in just 14 balls, to seal the deal with four overs left.

Venkatesh Iyer, who overcame a slow start, made a half-century of his own, before watching the final few moments from the best seat in the house: at the non-striker's end. By the end of the match, Mumbai had slumped to their third straight loss, and Knight Riders continued their joyride to establish a small lead at the top of the leaderboard.

Cummins steals the show Pat Cummins and Venkatesh Iyer came together in the 14th over with Knight Riders needing 61 off 41 balls. Andre Russell had just been taken out by a Tymal Mills short ball, Jasprit Bumrah had two overs left, and Knight Riders were down to their lower order.

It could have made a few teams jittery, but not the Knight Riders; or not Cummins, at any rate.

Cummins smashed the second ball he faced for six over deep-backward square leg, scythed the third between backward point and short third for four, and deposited Bumrah over deep midwicket off his sixth.

And just like that, the Knight Riders were up and running -sprinting, actually.

With the asking rate well under ten always, Knight Riders ensured the loss of wickets weren't going to be a deterrent to their no-holds-barred aggression. Venkatesh, on 9 off 14 at one stage, found himself hitting higher gears to bring up a 41-ball half-century. It wasn't a flawless innings, but one filled

The partnership eventually read 83 off 49 balls. This set up the game for Mumbai, after they had lost Rohit and a struggling Ishan Kishan in a slow start. The innings ended with a flurry of sixes from Kieron Pollard, many of them thick edges, as Cummins conceded 23 off his final over. He more than made up for that with the bat later, didn't he? (Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD Kieron Pollard hit three sixes in his unbeaten five-ball 22

with oodles of luck.

Slashes flew over the fielders, swipes went off inside edges, and pulls landed in vacant areas.

In between all this, Iyer made a serious run, cashing in on some loose bowling to find boundaries with such regularity that loss of wickets wasn’t even a bother.

Cummins caught up very quickly. After the early flourish, he took on his Australia teammate Daniel Sams for a sequence of 6, 4, 6, 6, 2nb, 4 to hoist a 14-

midwicket.

In trying to keep three Bumrah overs for the second half, Rohit Sharma may have had a quiet laugh at what had transpired, before the sensational onslaught came along. It was over in a flash after that.

The Surya-Varma repair job for Mumbai Returning to competitive cricket after an injury break, Suryakumar Yadav started slowly,

superbly was Tilak Varma, the left-hander who has made brutal look beautiful this IPL. Setting up with a strong base, and marrying his powerful wrists with swift footwork, Varma kept picking boundaries to keep the scoreboard chugging along.

His fearlessness shone through as he walked across to scoop Cummins, slog Sunil Narine, and throw Varun Chakravarthy off his lengths.

Along the way, Varma rode his luck, too, when Billings put down a steepler early in his innings.

MUMBAI INDIANS INNINGS (20 overs maximum) Rohit Sharma (c) c Sam Billings b Umesh Yadav 3 Ishan Kishan (wk) c Shreyas Iyer b Pat Cummins 14 Dewald Brevis st Sam Billings b Varun Chakaravarthy 29 Suryakumar Yadav c Sam Billings b Pat Cummins 52 Tilak Varma not out 38 Kieron Pollard not out 22 Extras ( nb 0, w 1, b 0, lb 2, pen ) 3 TOTAL( 4 wickets, 20.0 overs ) 161 DID NOT BAT:Daniel Sams , Tymal Mills , Murugan Ashwin , Jasprit Bumrah , Basil Thampi BOWLING O-M-R-W Umesh Yadav 4-0-25-1 Rasikh Salam 3-0-18-0 Pat Cummins 4-0-49-2 Sunil Narine 4-0-26-0 Varun Chakravarthy 4-0-32-1 Andre Russell 1-0-9-0

KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS INNINGS (Target: 162 runs from 20 overs) Ajinkya Rahane c Sams b Mills 7 Venkatesh Iyer not out 50 Shreyas Iyer (c) c Tilak Varma b Sams 10 Sam Billings † c Basil Thampi b Ashwin 17 Nitish Rana c Sams b Ashwin 8 Andre Russell c Brevis b Mills 11 Pat Cummins not out 56 Extras(lb 2, nb 1) 3 TOTAL 16 Ov (RR: 10.12) 162/5 Did not bat: Sunil Narine, Rasikh Salam, Umesh Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy BOWLING O-M-R-W Basil Thampi 3-0-15-0 Daniel Sams 3-0-50-1 Jasprit Bumrah 3-0-26-0 Tymal Mills 3-0-38-2 Tilak Varma 1-0-6-0 Murugan Ashwin 3-0-25-2

E/bo Softball Cricket League Over-40 competition Roundup…

Bissoon’s 114 leads Sunrisers Masters to 5wkt win over Ravens Sports Club

S Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav lifted the stuttering Mumbai innings and gave it respectability

ball half-century, before clearing his front leg and smoking the last ball of the 16th for a six over the sight screen to seal victory.

Prelude to the mayhem Until then, Knight Riders kept finding fielders as they searched for big hits. A sluggish start up top forced Ajinkya Rahane's illadvised hook off Mills, which he top-edged to fall for 7 off 11.

Then Sams got rid of Shreyas Iyer with a short ball that the Knight Riders’ captain pulled straight to deep square-leg.

Sam Billings timed the ball superbly for a sparkling 17 before he picked out long-off, and Nitish Rana holed out to deep

taking 18 balls to hit his first boundary. Though the runs didn't come quickly - he came in at 45 for 2 in the eighth over, and that became 55 for 3 by the end of the 11th - he held his composure and shape.

Off the next 17, Suryakumar cashed in on some loose bowling to hit four fours and two sixes, including a neat little glide over short third to raise his halfcentury.

All the elements of a typical Suryakumar innings were on display: the wristwork, the whiplash strokes, the sweeps, the paddles and the ramps, as he scored all around the dial.

Complementing him

hivsankar Bissoon struck an impressive 114 to lead the Sunriser Masters to an exciting five-wicket victory over Ravens Sports Club in the latest round of the Essequibo Softball Cricket League’s (ESCL’s) Over-40, 20over competition, played at Zorg Beach, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

Bissoon hit seven sixes and five fours as his t e a m last Sunday reached 235-5 in the 18th over, replying to Ravens’ 231-5 off their 20 overs.

Former Essequibo senior inter-county opening batsman Ravi Beharry supported Bissoon with 72, as Rishie Bishop claimed two wickets for 11 runs from 2.1 overs.

When Ravens batted, the consistent Fazeer Khan scored 97, while Punraj Singh made 48.

Beharry proved his all-round capability with 4-42 from his maximum four overs.

bowler for Queenstown Tigers with 4-29 from four overs, and Curtis Russell bagged 2-22 in his fourover spell.

Queenstown Tigers defeat Hibernia Strikers by three wickets At the same venue, Hibernia Strikers were all out for 132 off 16 overs, while Queenstown Tigers devoured the target in 13.2 overs.

Shawn Hubbard led the way with 32, and 23 came from Paulo Narine. Deochan Ramroop picked up 4-20 off four overs.

In Hibernia Strikers’ innings, Heman Lakhan scored 43 and Sidique Ramjohn Shivsankar Bissoon scored 22. Motielall Narine was the star

Devonshire Castle Sports Club beat Caribbean Cricket Club by 33 runs Again at Zorg Beach, Devonshire Castle rattled up a sufficient 1878 at the expiration of their 20 overs, while the Caribbean Cricket Club could respond with only 154-9 when their overs ran out.

Latchman Singh hit 72 for Devonshire Castle, while Darshan Lall made a supportive 46 as Joel Da Silva snatched 2-17 off two steady overs and Prashad Mahadeo claiming 2-21 off three overs.

When Caribbean Cricket Club batted, Eshwar Singh scored a fighting 36, while Wakeel Layne came in with 30. Manoj Lall took 2-15 off 3.1 tidy overs.The competition will enter its fourth round on Sunday with three more matches being played. Hibernia Strikers will tackle Devonshire Castle, while Sunrisers Masters and Queenstown Tigers would do battle. Caribbean Cricket Club is set to engage the Ravens.

22 Cricket West Indies holds first face-to-face meetings since start of COVID-19 pandemic C THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

ricket West Indies (CWI) has held official face-to-face meetings for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The three meetings in Antigua included a Board of Directors’ meeting on March 10, a joint Board and Members’ Forum on Governance on March 11, and the 23rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) on March 12.

The Board of Directors, which has met remotely on numerous occasions since the start of the pandemic, met face-to-face at the Verandah Hotel in Antigua for its third meeting of the 2022 calendar year. Key highlights of the Board’s deliberations included the approval of regional cricket venues and match schedules for the remainder

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

of 2022, and plans for the Emerging Players Academy at Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG).

The Board also received presentations on a robust fitness and medical action plan, as well as an update on mat-

ters related to sponsorship & media rights.

The Members’ Forum on Governance featured a presentation from internationally reputed governance expert Dr. Chris Bart of the Caribbean Governance

Training Institute. Dr. Bart’s presentation was themed “The Principles of Good Governance: What Every CWI Director Should Know”.

The Governance Forum was another step in CWI’s governance awareness and trans-

5-0 retain King of Studies III Championship

…First-place trophy named in honour of Kristoff Shepherd

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he third edition of the King of Studies III football competition was held on Sunday last at the University of Guyana. It saw 5-0 defending their title against Agri Conquerors in a thrilling 2-0 encounter.

The winner walked away with a handsome $100,000 in cash among other incentives.

Speaking to Guyana Times Sport at the end of the tournament, founder of the event, Jafar Gibbons, said, “The tournament went well again.

We are proud to say that we held another incident-free, highintensity football tournament.

The players were all elated to participate. For some, it was their only sporting event ever done at the university in their four-year degree programme, and we are happy that the King of Studies

First place winners and defending champions, 5-0

football tournament facilitate that.”

He relayed that, in playing the tournament, UG was able

to honour one of its very own students, Kristoff Shepperd, who suffered an accident earlier in February. In doing so, the first-

place prize adopted his name.

The tournament’s first place prize was again won by 5-0, which is a testament to how seriously teams take the tournament.

When asked about hosting the lucrative tournament twice per year, Gibbons noted that, as a committee, they have never thought about hosting the event twice a year, as this would congest the sporting activities planned at the university, and the committee felt it was best to host the event once a year.

Gibbons has also said he wishes to thank the Vice Chancellor and the UG administration for once again facilitating the King of Studies football tournament.

This tournament was sponsored by Gibbons and the Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana.

Minister of Foreign Affairs launches inaugural Victory Valley Easter Basketball Tournament

Minister Hugh Todd and Her Excellency Guo Haiyan, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, engaging in a game of basketball

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he Honourable Hugh Hilton Todd, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, has launched the inaugural Victory Valley Easter Basketball Tournament in Linden, Region 10.

Minister Todd was accompanied in this endeavour on Sunday, 03 April 2022 by Her Excellency Guo Haiyan, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Guyana, and Dr Peter Ramsaroop, Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Office for Investment.

The basketball tournament included three teams in the

under-18 category and three teams in the over-18 category competing for the first-place trophy in each category. The tournament, held at the recently commissioned Victory Valley Basketball Court, is expected to be an annual event for the community.

The Basketball Court was rehabilitated after a commitment was made by Minister Todd when he visited the area in 2021. The Minister had made several visits to the community to ensure that work on the site was on track towards the completion of the basketball court. The basketball

Minister Hugh Todd speaking at the launching of the ceremony

court will serve the community of Victory Valley in Wismar, which has approximately 800 residents.

According to Minister Todd, these community and youth development initiatives are a priority of the Government, as they foster the togetherness of people in the community and help to achieve the goal of the “ONE GUYANA” Initiative as is conceptualised by His Excellency President Mohamed Irfaan Ali. The basketball court is just one of the many sports spaces that are being rehabilitated and developed across Guyana to

encourage and promote youths to harness their skills and talents.

The teams that competed in the first ever Victory Valley Easter Basketball Tournament were awarded trophies and medals of participation which were provided by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Guyana. The residents of the area, especially the youths, were elated, and welcomed the tournament and expressed their gratitude for the new basketball court. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation)

formation process, which is being coordinated by CWI’s Governance Transformation & Stakeholder Relations Standing Committee.

The interactive and informative session generated intense discussions on the Wehby Report’s recommendations for the way forward.

Commenting on the three events, CWI President Ricky Skerritt has said, “The Board has met remotely and frequently over the past two years, but these face-to-face interactions presented a tremendous opportunity for more thought-provoking and strategic exchanges. I am happy that we were able to host the AGM at CCG, where all attendees were able to get a close look at the entire facility for the first time.

“I was especially pleased with the quality of learning and feedback that Dr Bart’s timely Governance presentation generated at the Members Forum.”

The AGM gave directors and shareholder members the opportunity to receive the annual report on relevant cricket, financial and commercial matters, and to ask related questions on local, regional, and international cricket.

Attendees received a tour of the 20-acre CCG property which has recently become the new home of CWI. For the second year in succession, CWI has published its Annual Report in its continued effort to improve transparency and accountability to all stakeholders. (Windies Cricket)

2022 South American Youth Games…

Stingrays Swimming Services back Vladimir Woodroffe

Vladimir Woodroffe receiving an undisclosed sum from a Stingrays Swimming Services representative

V

ladimir Woodroffe, one of the swimmers heading off to represent Guyana at the 2022 South American Youth Games, has received a contribution from Stingrays Swimming Services to boost his preparation for the event, which takes place in Rosario, Argentina, from April 28 to May 8.

A member of Dorado Speed Swim Club, Woodroffe has said he’s looking forward to representing Guyana at the multi-sport event, to improve his times and hopefully land on the podium.

With sponsorship being hard to come by, Woodroffe’s participation in the sport is dependent on his parents.

Recognising this, Stingrays Swimming Services have said they are eager to help this talented mid-distance swimmer realise his fullest potential with their assistance, thereby allowing Woodroffe to focus on his exploits in the pool.

Woodroffe has thanked the company for their support, while adding that he’s working overtime to make the most of his opportunity to compete internationally.

Woodroffe has had a good showing at his previous international outing, the Barbados Swimming Association (BSA) International Invitational, where he ended the three-day event as the 13–14 age group overall winner.

Meanwhile, of the 11 medals won by Guyana at the two previous events, in Peru (2013) and Chile (2017), Linden’s Deshanna Skeete holds the

country’s only gold medal.

Skeete won the girls’ 400 metres in 2017. Guyana’s total medals at the games also include four silver and six bronze.

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BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Restaurant for Rent – West Bank Demerara (at Aracari Resort, Versailles – between Harbor Bridge and Vreed-en-Hoop). Turn Key Business. Covid-19 Reduced Capacity 60; furnished and equipped.

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VACANCY Vacancy exists for one security guard contact 655-6511.

23 Keemo Paul credits CWI for hosting white-ball camp THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

– calls for more of these initiatives

By Brandon Corlette

W

est Indies all-rounder Keemo Paul is currently making a return to the highest level of cricket. The 24-year-old Guyanese is currently in Antigua for a West Indies white-ball camp that commenced on March 31 and will conclude on April 13.

During a recent interview with this daily publication, Paul said: "It is really good to be back among the West Indian set-up. It is really good. I know a lot of guys, just to be around the environment, it feels really good. We have been here for a week, and we had skills training, like we are focusing on specifics, to get shots right, bowling the Yorkers, and it has been really good.

"The camp has been really good. So far, I have enjoyed it thoroughly, it is really good, I must say.

I must commend CWI for this, and I think we need a lot more of this, moving for-

ward. (I speak) for me, and all the rest of players will share the same sentiments; and the weather has been good to us," Paul said.

In addition to Paul, the other Guyanese among the 16-players selected for the white-ball camp are Chandrapaul Hemraj and Nial Smith.

Prior to the start of the camp, Head Coach Phil Simmons outlined that the camp would focus on improving skill sets as the West Indies look ahead to two major global events over the next two years – the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia later this year, and the 2023 ICC

Men’s Cricket World Cup to be played in India.

Simmons said: “The camp will be a chance for us to do some work with players in the white-ball format, players who might have a chance to play in the coming white-ball teams later this year. The most important thing is that we will be doing things in the camp that we have not been doing well, such as rotating strike, sweeping, and playing spin better. It’s about working on things that we’re not 100 percent at yet. We have several players at IPL who will be working at their games as well, so we’re working with the players here to make sure they keep up the standard and improve.”

Simmons added: “Keacy Carty was a reserve for the team which toured India in February. If there was any reason why players couldn’t go, he was the next batsman in line. He is one of the players we have looked at before. Nyeem Young is

Keemo Paul is eager to play for West Indies again

one of the potentially good young all-rounders we have around the Caribbean, so we just want to bring them in and get them to understand what we expect of them if they get to that level.”

The camp will be held at Coolidge Cricket Ground, the new home of Cricket West Indies in Antigua.

It will also help preparation for West Indies 2022 schedule with home and way tours all featuring white-ball cricket. In late May, West Indies travel to the Netherlands for the first ever three-match One Day International Series between the two teams, to be followed by the rescheduled three-match ODI

Series against Pakistan which was postponed in December. These fixtures form part of the ICC ODI Super League, wherein teams would have opportunity to secure points to try and secure one of the top seven places, excluding hosts India, to gain automatic qualification for the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. West Indies will then be hosting tours by Bangladesh, India and New Zealand, with all three series featuring white-ball matches.

LIST OF PLAYERS AT THE CAMP: Nkrumah Bonner, Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Shai Hope, Brandon King, Kjorn Ottley, Keemo Paul, Anderson Phillip, Raymon Reifer, Nial Smith, Devon Thomas and Nyeem Young.

Tyndall looking for redemption Bartica hosting table tennis tournament in CARIFTA long jump event …Seenarine, Gomes emerge victorious in respective categories

A

The winners pose with their trophies

ction in the Bartica Table Tennis Steering Committee’s (BTTSC’s) tournament, played at the Bartica Community Centre on Sunday April 3, 2022, has seen the likes of Jaswan Seenarine and Ian Gomes winning in their respective categories.

Heading into the tournament, all players were aiming to bring their best versions of the game to the table. They had their game faces on, and were determined that only the best of the best would emerge victorious. In fact, the anticipated matchup has seen the “B” and “C” class players battle, with names such as Jaswan Seenarine, Tyrese Gomes, Rhyse Belle, Marcus McKenzie, Ian Gomes, Joseph Charles, Jameel Seeram, Zinedine DeSantos, Youlandy McThyer, Adrian Fordyce, Zinco DeSantos, and Lawrence Garnett participating.

Jaswan Seenarine bested Tyrese Gomes in an intense final of the “B” Class, which ended 11-9, 9-11, 8-11, 1210 and 11-5. Rhyse Belle and Marcus McKenzie finished as joint third-place winners.

In the semi-finals, Seenarine defeated McKenzie 3-1, and Gomes defeated Belle 3-1.

Ian Gomes, on the other hand, won the “C” Class title by defeating Zinedine DeSantos 11-8, 11-6 and 118.

Jameel Seeram and

In fact, Linden Johnson had coached Azruddin 20 years ago, and Azruddin went on to represent Guyana on the international stage.

Team Mohamed’s wished the youngsters the very best, and encouraged them to remain committed and dedicated to the sport.

BTTSC, Team Mohamed’s and the participants of the tournament

Xeohon Dutchin finished as third-place winners. In the semifinals, De Santos defeated Dutchin 3-0 and Gomes defeated Seeram 3-0.

The tournament attracted over 20 players, and one guest player, national junior Krystain Sahadeo, who also played with former junior national Azruddin Mohamed.

As Team Mohamed was about to leave Bartica, National Table Tennis Coach Linden Johnson invited Azruddin Mohamed, Nazar Mohamed and Sheik Moen to give words of encouragement to the young table tennis players. The youngsters were extremely happy to meet the men, and took in every word of encouragement given to them.

The Guyana Committee of Services officials, spearheaded by Lyndon Jumbie Jones and Joe Sahadeo, were on site, and made a monetary donation and playing uniforms to the Bartica Table Tennis Steering Committee, so that the players can benefit from the donation. They also did a raffle for players, who won cell phones and watches, and a token of appreciation was given to coach Johnson.

The BTTSC has extended much praise to GTTA President Godfrey Munroe, Teacher Wendy, Rats Mining’s, GCOS, Super Gold and Pawn Shop and GTTA for their donation, which made the difference.

By Jemima Holmes

T

hree years ago, Wesley Tyndall qualified to represent Guyana in two events at the CARIFTA Games, hosted then in the Cayman Islands. Little did he know that injury would plague his participation in his pet event, the 100M sprint, a little over a year later, after his big CARIFTA achievement.

However, all has not been lost for the teenager, since he still had another event to fall back on. With the CARIFTA Games being cancelled in 2020 and 2021, the teenager took the time to focus on another event, the long jump.

“It was hard because, in the 100M, which I used to participate in, basically the reason I switched is because of injury, and because I was fast and being explosive, it would hamper my hamstring.

And the jumps, it could aid in my hamstring getting better,” the teenager told Guyana Times Sport as he spoke about his journey.

Asked about his emotions during that time, the 18-yearold answered, “Yes, it was really disappointing, but I had to push, put in the work, get help to massage and make the foot feel better.”

Continuing his story of injury, disappointment, a switch and then success, Tyndall discussed what led him to solely focus on the long jump event, that he dabbled in prior.

He explained, “I saw persons participating in the long jump, and I thought it looked fun and easy, so that’s how I got the motivation and everything to participate in the long jump.”

It was in the Long Jump pit at the Leonora Track and Field Facility, West Coast

Wesley Tyndall (Jemima Holmes Photo)

Demerara (WCD), that the 18-year-old qualified for his second outing at the regional event. During the second trials hosted by the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), the 18-year-old leaped to a whopping 7.30m to cement his place in the 49th edition of the CARIFTA Games this year.

To give an idea of just how impressive he has been this season, the CARIFTA qualifying standard was set at 7.10m.

Tyndall spoke of his expectations during the qualification period, as he hopes to make his supporters proud.

“Well, I was excited, and that was my expectation to make the mark and maybe even surpass the mark, which

I did,” he related. “In all, it was very hard, I had to put in all the work. As I said, I put in the work, and now that I’m qualified, I’ll do my best.”

As Wesley Tyndall will suits up for Guyana next week in Jamaica, he will have a point to prove. Once there, he will be putting his past disappoints aside in order to focus on bringing home gold for Guyana.

Tyndall revealed to this publication, “Well, my expectation is basically to achieve gold, but in everything, you have to put in the work, which I’m in the process of doing, and I will achieve my goal,” the athlete promised.

The CARIFTA Games are scheduled for April 16-18 in Jamaica.

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022

Sport is no longer our game, it’s our business

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Tyndall looking for redemption Page 23 in CARIFTA long jump event

– calls for more of these initiatives

Minister of Foreign Affairs launches inaugural Victory Valley Easter Basketball Tournament

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