Guyana Times - Wednesday, May 31, 2023

P11

US launches project in Guyana to steer youths away from violence, crime

Pres Ali urges maintenance of South American “zone of peace”

…increased integration, monetary policy & trade among proposals

Deadly Mahdia fire

Micobie teen dies, death toll now at 20

South P18 P14 P8

Chief Justice throws out APNU’s Carol SmithJoseph's challenge to LGE voters’ list …says application misconstrued, fails to prove GECOM breached law

…as 3 more victims laid to rest in Karisparu “Disingenuous”, “opportunistic”

– MoE calls GTU’s protest

Page 7 Page 12

WHAT'S INSIDE: P17

Micobie teen dies, death toll now at 20

edy who was air-dashed to Georgetown in the wee hours of May 22. She was listed as critical before being medevacked to Georgetown, and remained on the critical list until her passing.

“We thank the doctors, nurses, and other staff members who worked assiduously with the hope that a miracle would be possible,” the Ministry penned.

Sherana Daniels, a 13-year-old from Micobie village, is now the 20th person to succumb from the Mahdia Dormitory fire, the Health Ministry announced on Tuesday.

The death toll from the fire at Mahdia, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), on May 21 now comprises 19 female students from the dormitory and a five-year-old boy.

Information from the Health Ministry indicated that Daniels died shortly before 10:00h on Tuesday, while in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC).

Daniels was the first victim of the Mahdia fire trag-

Guyana Times understands that the young teen had suffered from carbon monoxide inhalation and several episodes of cardiac arrest. She was initially pronounced dead at the scene, but first responders had managed to successfully resuscitate her. She was then brought to Georgetown for treatment.

Travesty of epic proportions

Human Services Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud, who has been working closely with the families following the tragic fire, spoke out on the most recent death moments before it was announced.

“Our Government and people of Guyana struggle with the loss of now today, 20 beautiful souls…It has been a travesty of epic proportions. It has devastated our people. I really am grateful for the outpouring of love and support from ev-

eryone…It has not been easy for Government to deal with the loss of so many young people,” the Minister has declared.

Sending his condolences, President Dr Irfaan Ali also shared the following on social media: “We pray that her loved ones are granted strength and courage during this difficult period. My government and all of Guyana continue to keep you in our prayers.”

Meanwhile, an update on

the 13-year-old female who was air-ambulanced to the Northwell Burn Center at the University Hospital in Staten Island last Sunday has indicated that her condition remains stable and improving.

This young girl had the first of multiple surgeries on Monday afternoon. The Ministry has said she is doing well, and a positive outcome is expected.

“Her mom is with her, and her dad will be flown into NY this week to also be with them,” the Ministry’s statement read.

The girls who perished in the fire are: Subrina John, Belnisa Evans, Loreen

Evans, Bibi Rita Fiona

Jeffrey, Lisa Roberts, Tracil

Thomas, Delecia Edwards, Lorita Williams, Natalie Bellarmine, Arianna

Edwards, Cleoma Simon, Martha Dandrade, Mary Dandrade, Omerfia Edwin, Nickleen Robinson, Sherlyn Bellarmine, Eulander

Carter and Andrea Roberts.

Adanye Jerome, the fiveyear-old son of the dorm mother, is also among those who passed.

In the early hours of May 22, the fire had already ripped through the Mahdia school dormitory after being maliciously set by a 15-yearold student. The facility housed about 59 students

from the communities of Karisparu, El Paso, Micobie and Chenapau. Information from the Guyana Fire Service indicated that 14 youths died at the scene of the fire, while five died at Mahdia District Hospital.

On Monday, the teen suspect appeared virtually before Senior Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Diamond/ Golden Grove Magistrates’ Courts, and was not required to plead to the 19 murder charges.

Magistrate Scarce ordered that she be held at a juvenile holding centre until July 4, when the matters will be called for disclosure of statements. (G12)

Sherana Daniels succumbed on Tuesday at the GPHC

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Wednesday, May 31 – 02:00h –03:30h and 12:00h- 12:45h and Thursday, June 1 – 02:30h – 04:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Wednesday, May 31 – 13:30h – 15:00h and Thursday, June 1 – 14:20h – 15:50h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

There will be thundery showers and sunshine during the day. Expect clear skies and light rain showers at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 13:59h reaching maximum height of 2.4 metres.

Low Tide: 07:31h and 19:39h reaching minimum heights of 0.8 metre respectively.

Summit of South American Leaders Pres Ali urges maintenance of South American “zone of peace”

President Dr Irfaan Ali addressed Heads of State at the Summit of South American Leaders being hosted by Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva at Itamaraty Palace, the headquarters of the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Brazil.

The summit was organised by President Lula and is the first time since the last Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) summit held in 2014 that the majority of leaders on the South American continent have gathered for a meeting focused on South American integration.

The other leaders attending the Summit were Colombian President Gustavo Petro; Argentine President, Alberto Fernández; Bolivian President, Luis Arce; Chilean President, Gabriel Boric; Paraguayan President, Mario Abdo Benítez; Surinamese President, Chandrikapersad Santokhi; Ecuadorian President, Guillermo Lasso, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and Peruvian Prime Minister

Government in Health and expanding vaccination coverage.

Another proposal was meanwhile made for increased cooperation in the area of defence, including knowledge exchange in military matters. A regional mobility programme for students and researchers was also proposed.

Zone of peace

President Ali, while addressing the leaders at the

but this summit is at a time when we have a crisis of humanity, and I urge us to focus on the crisis of humanity and not a crisis of ideologies. We must support common interests and not work towards a common ideology but work towards the establishment of a common platform through which we can promote our common interests.”

“We have to build a Region that must ensure that we are a zone of peace. This is most

gistics systems so that we play a greater role in the supply chain for the upturn?

How do we use our competitive advantages individually, to bring collective success to the Region?” he further said.

President Ali further noted that of the $100 billion dollars that was promised to developing economies for climate adjustment, “not a cent has been allocated”. He made it clear that the Region must have realistic targets that are based on balance

Alberto Otárola Peñaranda.

Based on information coming out of Brazil, a number of proposals were put forward during the summit that centred on increasing integration in the Region. Proposals included the mobilisation of development banks, a monetary policy and creating a common reference unit for trade that would reduce dependence on extra-regional currency.

Also proposed was improving trade between countries in the Region and reducing the bureaucracy inhibiting the export and import of goods. Also discussed was updating the project portfolio of the South American Infrastructure and Planning Council (COSIPLAN), a forum that aims to integrate South American infrastructure.

Also on the agenda was climate change, including developing actions to tackle it. A proposal was also made for the reactivation of the South American Institute of

summit, expressed his support for the ideals of regional integration. He noted that there had been progress on linking northern Brazil with its neighbours including Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela, and Colombia.

“For a matter of fact, we had started the integration of our infrastructure, with the bridging of northern Brazil with Guyana. So, there are stories of our successes and Guyana remains open to hosting any other such meeting, as we did before,” the President said.

He noted, however, that there have been many changes since the days of UNASUR. This includes a more complex global environment where food security, climate and energy security have taken more prominence. He noted that the Region has all it needs to offer global leadership on these issues. But to do so, it must be a zone of peace.

“So, I see this summit, not as a crisis of ideology

critical. Everything we do, must secure this Region as a zone of peace, as a Region that upholds democratic values and promotes the rule of law. Guyana stands committed to the values of ensuring our Region remains a zone of peace, in upholding democratic values and traditions, and promoting the rule of law.”

Energy

Speaking on the energy crisis, the President noted that the role of fossil fuel and gas as a transitionary source of fuel has taken centre stage. He urged the Region to take a balanced approach to energy security.

“On the issue of food security, how do we as a Region, build a food ecosystem that integrates everything we do individually so that we can have food security, not only for this Region, but to security for the Caribbean?”

“How do we re-engineer our food production systems, our food distribution and lo-

and not extremism on either side of the equation.

When it comes to youth, President Ali noted the importance of their integration in the process and questioned whether they were setting the right examples as leaders. In terms of oil exploration, the President pointed to Guyana’s own auction of 14 blocks, as an example of the possibilities of a balanced energy policy.

“We have shown that even with all of this, our country remains net zero. There can be balance. So, I want to end by urging us to focus on results, not to focus on ideology, but to focus on humanity, and to set ourselves targets that will make us different, targets that are achievable, and let us commit ourselves to be part of the global solution and not to be preached upon as to what those solutions are. We can do it together. We can do it with each other, and we must commit to do so,” the President further said. (G3)

President Dr Irfaan Ali during the summit

American leaders during the Summit of South American Leaders

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Productive adults: steering youths from crime and violence

It’s a fact that youths today make up the larger part of the population of almost every country in the world. This presents certain challenges for policy-makers to develop, implement and maintain programmes and activities which must be economically and socially oriented to satisfy their (youths’) desires.

Generally, it is well known that the absence of well-thoughtout programmes with respect to youth development impacts negatively on our young people, and sometimes even lead to them resigning themselves to lawlessness and other anti-social behaviours that are damaging to society.

In Guyana an interesting project - Youth Resilience Inclusion and Empowerment (Y-RIE) programme- was launched on Tuesday. The aim of the United States Government project is to guide youths into productive adults - away from crime and violence. It targets youths at risk between ages 10-29. Based on the local media reports, Y-RIE’s aims to help systemsstrengthening activity based on a public health approach to violence prevention and incorporates positive youth development approaches.

Former Caricom Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, some time ago had said the majority of victims as well as perpetrators of crimes reported by the Police are young males 18 to 35 years old. He pointed to the fact that there are a number of socio-economic determinants of crime, the least of which is the high youth unemployment in the Region. This is surely reason to be concerned, as right away one would begin to worry about the kind of future these persons would have, and the contributions they would make to their societies, if any at all. Certainly, this is enough reason to cause governments and policy-makers to take a closer look at what is happening in their individual countries, and take steps to remedy the situation.

Certainly, there is a great need for intervention in order to combat the current challenges facing young people. In order to prepare young people for workplace success, job training programmes need to go beyond technical instruction and also teach “life skills” such as communication, reliability, and teamwork. This push to teach youths life skills has been validated by employers who have consistently reported that, above all, they want to hire employees who possess workplaceready skills, such as communication, teamwork, motivation and responsibility. Technical skills, they say, can be learned on the job.

In addition to teaching youths the life skills employers look for, there is need to introduce complementary life planning activities in this component. These activities help youths in assessing who they are, their aspirations for the future, and define realistic steps towards achieving these goals.

Guyana has a number of programmes geared towards equipping young people with various skills for the world of work etc. This is commendable, but more focus needs to be placed on combining teaching life skills with the various academic or technical subjects. Meaning, these programmes should include assessment and identification of ways to build competency and skills supportive of healthy behaviours, to help young people as they mature into adulthood.

Additionally, institutions such as the family and religious bodies need to take up their roles more seriously, as happened before. Historically, the older generation had managed to transmit their beliefs, values, traditions, customs and institutions to the younger members of their societies. This was achieved largely because of the impact of agencies of socialisation, such as the family, religion and the schools. Today, the impact of these institutions has been challenged and undermined by new forces, particularly television and the internet, and the pop culture as a whole.

It is well accepted that progressive countries in the world have strong systems for engaging youths in policy formation and in creating or altering programmes designed to support youths. We believe that if our young people are to make more mature and responsible judgments and engage in activities that are the hallmark of a socially productive adulthood, certain support systems for development must be present in the environment. Teaching life skills is a good way to start.

A leader should be a person of high moral character

Dear Editor,

I believe that for someone to fight for justice, they themselves should practice fairness. A hypocrite of injustice refers to someone who claims to stand against injustice or unfairness, but engages in hypocritical behaviour themselves. This person may espouse the values of equality, justice and fairness publicly, but fails to apply those principles in their own actions or behaviour.

Kian Jabour is fighting for justice, while being the epitome of those qualities of a hypocrite. Three years ago, Jabour sued me for defamation after I publicly spoke about my experiences with him. In the Facebook post I was sued for, I called him an abuser, liar, bully, and robber, among many other things. I was sued after I was threatened many times by Jabour to remove my post.

Today I received a winning verdict. At trial, Jabour was questioned about the verbal abuse that was seen in many screenshot conversations between him and me. In the screenshots, he said to me, “I will eff your life up until you have to leave this country”, “You are a stupid little girl”, “I will teach you a lesson.” When asked in court if he thought those statements were abusive, he said that he did not think they were abusive.

The libel case is worthy of mention in some detail. It was characterised by astonishing evidence. Jabour, under cross-examination by my lawyer, Mr Sanjeev Datadin, could not recall when he graduated high school. He could not recall what exactly he studied at university, and where his degree is, nor could he recall the years he went to university. He could not recall any teacher/ professor or any fellow student.

He alleged he was hired

to work in Guyana by a company called Global Elite, and as a result of what I posted on Facebook, he was fired. He claimed to be paid US$1,100 per week. Yet could produce no tax returns, no bank payment, no registration of the company in Guyana. It was clear that it was a lie constructed, once again, to defend himself.

It did not take much for the judge to see through the lies and dismiss the case against me.

At the trial, he could not produce an employment contract from Global Elite, a letter of termination, or any payment receipt. Instead, he claimed that it was a verbal agreement and the “owner”, Mr. Tim Shaw, paid him whenever he would come to visit Guyana from Canada.

He was also questioned about his role in this company, in which he claimed to be a consultant who would find people locally to work for other companies owned by Mr. Shaw. When asked to produce the number of people he hired and/or one name of someone he recruited, he could not do so. Jabour said, “I would discover them through social networking, it was just word of mouth”. When asked about what kind of jobs these people would have to do, he could not say.

Mr Shaw was also questioned in court on these matters, and could not produce any paper record of employment, letter of termination, payment slips, or bank transaction. Shaw also claimed that “Global Elite” is incorporated in Trinidad, where he is a shareholder. He could not produce a Shareholder Certificate; instead, he said that he did a lot of handshake deals.

Shaw and Jabour did not file any tax return in Guyana or Trinidad, nor did they pay

NIS. There was no declaration in accordance with Canadian law, no taxes paid, no employee declaration; nothing!

His most recent allegation of abuse was also brought before the court, where Jabour was seen in a video circulated on social media verbally and physically abusing his girlfriend by trying to forcefully take her phone, which he later broke. She also made a public post in which she expressed the physical and verbal abuse she faced from Jabour.

Regardless of their current understanding, it does not take away from the fact of what was said about him by her, and what he was alleged to have done.

Jabour also broke into my family property by bringing a court order that never suggested that he can enter our property and remove restaurant equipment. He was accompanied by two Police officers who served a document on my father in my absence. They alleged it gave them the right to enter our property. The document never gave them permission to remove things from our property. This is not the first time Jabour broke into our property by breaking padlocks when we were not there and removing things that did not belong to him.

Other than the defamation lawsuit, Jabour also sued me for equity to my family’s property. He thought he somehow had rights and ownership to it. This was the first thing Chief Justice Roxanne George dismissed, as she, too, wondered why he would claim something so ridiculous.

Jabour also filed an ex-parte injunction, while I was out of the country, to prevent me from entering my own home. I only recently found out about this during our court case. It

was ex-parte, so I did not have to appear in court. However, it was immediately dismissed, which he later appealed, and it was again immediately dismissed.

It was found by the judge that what I said in my post is not defamatory, and Jabour must pay $250,000, as it says in the court order.

My father, who had helped him in many ways, had also faced torment and bullying from Jabour before he passed. I will not let what he has done silently pass by. He made it public when he sued me, so I believe the results should be made public too. He is merely someone who is trying to gain power and publicity so that he can do this to someone else. A leader should be a person of high moral character, someone who leads by example and upholds ethical principles. Unfortunately, Jabour has repeatedly shown a disregard for honesty, often resorting to deceit and manipulation to achieve his goals.

How can someone who has a history of breaking the law and trying to claim your property, breaking into your home and trying to prevent you from entering your own home, make multiple false Police claims and abuses (among many other things) and try to lecture about justice? It’s comical, and he bears no trait to be a leader.

If he is claiming that he didn’t lose, he can appeal the decision to dismiss his libel case. It’s simple, and I would look forward to it.

Lastly, I would like to thank my lawyer, Sanjeev Datadin, who has immensely helped me through this process.

Sincerely,

Saleema Haniff

Chargé d'Affaires of the US Embassy in Guyana, Adrienne Galanek helped to plant a tree – along with children of the community, members of the diplomatic corps, and residents – in memory of the children who lost their lives in the Mahdia Secondary School female dormitory fire on May 21, 2023. Also in photos is British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller (US Embassy photos)

Henry Jeffrey’s litany of errors must not stand

Dear

Editor,

Please permit me to respond to Dr. Henry Jeffrey’s letter titled “Randolph Persaud exposes the PPP”. Rather than dealing with the genuine issues I raised in my critique of Dr. Jeffrey’s missive, the former PPP/C cabinet member-turnedsour offered only the most predictable of unsubstantiated innuendos, combined with a litany of elementary errors. These errors cannot stand without a response.

The careful reader would, no doubt, have already seen the misleading title of Jeffrey’s letter (above), because the only things I “exposed” were his inflammatory rhetoric. Letters like the one under consideration here are increasingly being fomented in what I see as a form of racial populism. Regrettably, instead of the informed and progressive ‘Black Nationalism’ of Walter Rodney, today we have the regressive, conflict-provoking, anti-democratic, and anti-patriotic deposits of those bent on disruption, disturbance, and destruction.

How sad it is that a former PPP/C cabinet minister has become a disciple of those who advocate authoritarianism in the name of freedom.

Editor, allow me to respond to some specific errors, distortions, and willful provocations informed by racial populism, which are evident in the letter under review here.

Firstly, Jeffrey states that “even the colonialists sought to hide their buying of votes, but today, the PPP is attempting to make of a

virtue of purchasing political allegiance and votes.”

This bit was in Jeffrey’s original piece, but was repeated in his reply to me. My response is to ask Jeffrey if he recognizes any of the names below, and if so, which ones he thinks are PPP/C candidates due to “purchasing political allegiance.”

Here is only a short list, Sir - Odayson Audwin Ashby, Jeremy Garrett, Quincy Anderson, Patricia ChaseGreen, Wilburn Lashley, Alana Persaud, Terry Albert Marques, Caeron Andrew Harte, Andre Dmitri Jackman, Arsenio Javon Beaton, Coleen A. Sampson, Alfonso Fidel De ArmasArchbold, Stephen Anthony Jacobs, Asha Wallace, Jewula Angela Cesar, Dion Yonge, Faye Andrea Matthews, Ronetta A. Small, Delroy N. Williams, Malcolm Ferreira, Trichria Richards, (Georgetown) Forbes Moore, Ava Smith, Paul Tyndell, Rawlin Teitch, Shurdon Murray, Dwayne Charles, Oneika Williams, Ryan Richards, Audwin Rutherford, Erol Roethof, Melinda Fredericks, Renna Fredericks, Sharmella Solomon, Candacy Allicock, Keith Ferrier, Nathoya Benn, Reycia Nedd Sherry Fyffe-James, Sancha Halley, Kenisha Dey-Venture, Nikita Roberts, Rufina Allicock, Akeba Richmond, Tanella Croal, Trevon Yaw, Warren Wintz, and Lorna Hall.

Jeffrey makes the following wild claim – “The PPP intention is to impoverish and degrade African individuals and institutions to force them into its ranks…” I challenge Dr. Henry Jeffrey to provide even the

most minimum evidence that any former APNU (or Afro-Guyanese) supporter of the PPP/C has been “forced” into switching. Jeffrey, and others within the racial populist mindset, quarrel that Afro-Guyanese do not get contracts. Yet, the ones who do are accused of either becoming house slaves or being subjected to some form of coercion.

Dr. Jeffrey holds a doctorate in political science, and he should therefore be quite familiar with the work of Stuart Hall. I would especially like to commend Hall’s brilliant lecture titled “Race - the Floating Signifier”, in which Hall calls for a politics without guarantees. This means you cannot, and should not, derive people’s politics from the appearance, or based on generic allusions to the past. Moreover, as a social scientist, Jeffrey already knows, or should know, that ‘intention’ is the methodological graveyard of scholars who generalize about the social and the political.

Jeffrey sought refuge in the overused ‘chant’ “Those who forget history are condemned to repeat it.” I agree, and this is why we should not forget the 2020 attempt at Electoral Grand Theft by the APNU-AFC and those attached to authoritarian social forces in this country. We should not forget party paramountcy of the PNC; we should not forget the Ministry of National Development which was an instrument for policing the Public Service to the last

detail; we should not forget the staggering incompetence in the management of the Guyanese economy, so much so that Guyana was the only country in the world with a lower per capita GDP at the end of the 1980s compared to the beginning of that decade; we should not forget maximum coercion exerted on young men, and especially women, to go to the bush to do National Service in order to get into UG; we should not forget senior officials having to do gardening chores at Hope Estate; we should not forget Walter Rodney, Father Darke, Vincent Teekah; and we should certainly not forget the rice-roti days of near starvation. Yes, Dr. Jeffrey, we won’t forget.

Dr Jeffrey has every right to factor slavery into his analysis. In fact, not doing so would constitute historical and epistemological negligence. All Guyanese should look carefully at our historical structures configured through conquest, colonization and foreign interference. These developments should inform a politics of solidarity, rather than one of using the past as a ‘political alibi’ for violent rhetoric. Political differences should be just that – differences based on ideology and policy preferences. What we should not do is to make emotional appeals that give succor to ethno-racial divisions, disturbance and violence.

Sincerely, Dr

Randolph Persaud

Dividing fractions by whole numbers

To divide a fraction by a whole number, multiply the denominator of the fraction by the whole number.

By JAV Bourne

This beautiful name Perfectly portrays the owner. The lovely rhythm of the syllables Flows with a poetic flavour and Evokes visions of crinoline, Lavender and Spanish laces; One sees autumn woods in young moonlight; And a young sylph-like maiden Tall, slender and graceful, Mingling with the myrtle...

Exercises: Multiply

WORD SEARCH

Chief Justice throws out APNU’s Carol Smith-Joseph’s challenge to LGE voters’ list

application

Acting Chief Justice Roxanne George on Tuesday dismissed the case filed by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Chief Scrutineer Carol SmithJoseph, challenging the voters list compiled by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

Smith-Joseph had taken GECOM to court to challenge the compilation of the Voters’ List for Local Government Elections

fails to prove GECOM breached law

ultra vires and unlawfully in compiling the List of Voters for LGE; that the action of the Chief Elections Officer and/or the Commissioner of National Registration in extracting a List of Electors pursuant to GECOM’s order was similarly ultra vires and unlawful; that GECOM acted in dereliction of its duty under the relevant electoral laws; and that GECOM has a constitutional duty to ensure that registration of electors is conducted in ac-

Registration, and the Attorney General as respondents - as misconstrued and relying on faulty evidence.

The Chief Justice pointed out that she could not find any breaches of the law that occurred. In fact, the Chief Justice noted in her ruling that not a scintilla of evidence was provided by the applicant to argue that the register of voters is not credible. She therefore noted that there was nothing to prove that GECOM did not extract a credible list for LGE. Additionally, she made it clear that the court could not deal with the issue of biometrics, but this was rather a matter for Parliament.

Even the case law used in Smith-Joseph’s NOA was critiqued by the Chief Justice. In one instance, Justice George noted that the case of Ram vs Attorney General was incorrectly cited by the applicant. She also noted that even if the correct case of Ram vs Chief Election Officer of 2019 was used, this case would still be misapplied.

While she made it clear that she would not give effect to the Chief Scrutineer’s attempts to malign the list used in the 2020 General and Regional Elections, the Chief Justice did, however, advise that the National Assembly take meaningful steps to harmonise the electoral laws.

ticipant in LGE 2023, though it is only contesting 260 of the 610 constituencies, while outside of those 260 areas, groups and individuals are contesting in another 58 constituencies. This means that APNU and other groups or individuals are contesting in a total of 318 constituencies.

(LGE). She had contended that the process used violated the Local Authorities (Elections) Act, and deprived electors of the opportunity to object to names on the register of voters.

Joseph, through her Attorney Roysdale Forde S.C, had asked the court to declare that GECOM acted

cordance with the law. With LGE set for June 12, SmithJoseph had also sought to have the extracted list of electors set aside.

Instead, Justice George described the Notice of Application (NOA)which listed GECOM, the Chief Elections Officer, the Commissioner of

Describing the application as much ado about nothing, it was not lost on the Chief Justice that Joseph’s case seemed intended to call into question the voters list used in the 2020 General and Regional Elections.

In a brief interview after the ruling, Forde made it clear that they disagreed with the court’s decision, and that he would consult with his client on the next steps.

Back in October 2022, Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall had set Monday, March 13,

2023 as the date for hosting the long-overdue local government polls in Guyana.

This was the earliest date that GECOM indicated the elections could be held.

However, despite filing legal proceedings that could potentially disrupt the holding of these polls, the APNU+AFC Opposition has already participated in the exercise of submitting its symbol to GECOM, which it admitted in the court documents.

APNU is an active par-

Following the April 17 Nomination Day, GECOM had approved the List of Candidates for political parties, individuals, or groups who are contesting the June 12 Local Government polls. GECOM has already announced that there will be no voting in 13 Local Authority Areas (LAAs) because there is no one to challenge the incumbent.

LGE, which are constitutionally due every two years, were last held in 2018. At the last LGE, in November of that year, the then People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Opposition had secured 52 of the 80 Local Authority Areas (LAAs). This followed the holding of the LGE in 2016, when the PPP/C had also claimed most of the LAAs. (G3)

…says

misconstrued,

Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George

APNU’s Chief Scrutineer, Carol Smith-Joseph

Carol Smith-Joseph’s Attorney, Roysdale Forde, SC

US-based Guyanese influencer gunned down in Atlanta

News First, law enforcement responded to reports of a person shot at approximately 04:30h near the intersection of Lindbergh Drive and Adina Drive in the Buckhead area.

The Atlanta Police Department revealed that a 30-year-old woman was fatally shot while riding in an Uber SUV. Investigators believe this was a deliberate attack, with multiple shots fired from different firearms.

Home stretch...

…for the LGE

Ahomicide investigation prompted road closures in northeast Atlanta, United States of America, as authorities work to unravel the details of a targeted shooting that occurred early Tuesday morning, killing a US-based Guyanese.

Dead is Tisha Brodie also known as “Tavie Baddie”. She is a Guyanese socialite and influential figure on social media.

According to Atlanta

However, it remains unclear if there was an exchange of gunfire. Witnesses reported the involvement of more than one vehicle, including a possible light-coloured sedan. Authorities are now actively investigating any potential connection between this shooting and another incident that took place nearby at Buford Highway and Lenox Road.

They have confirmed that the Uber driver is cooperating with their inquiries. During a brief interview at the scene, Atlanta News First spoke with the Uber driver, who confirmed that the victim was his sole passenger and that he escaped

unharmed.

Following the tragic incident, numerous individuals took to social media platforms to express their deep sorrow and condolences. The news of Tisha Brodie’s untimely death spread rapidly, touching the hearts of many

who were familiar with her vibrant online presence and charismatic personality.

Friends, acquaintances, and fans alike shared messages of shock, sadness, and memories of their interactions with “Tavie Baddie.” (G9)

Was a time when Local Government was all we had – in the form of Village Councils. That lasted from Emancipation to when Burnham decided he had a better idea to “mould the nation” - as he installed himself as dictator. In his 1980 constitution, he ordered there be ten regions for “administrative purposes” - supposedly forming a second-tier government. Then below that “Local government” formed a third tier with three types of council: municipal, neighbourhood and Amerindian village.

He grandly announced that “local government is a vital aspect of democracy, and shall be organised so as to involve as many people as possible in the task of managing and developing the communities in which they live.” Yet he abolished Village Councils on the Coast and cobbled together dozens of villages strung along our public road as “NDCs”, that would be closer to the “people”!! Can you imagine a councillor in, say, Parika grappling with garbage problems at Greenwich Park?? The “people” were involved all right – involved in struggling for survival under the jackboots of his tenfold-increased army!!

The first real LGE elections weren’t held until 1994 – after the PPP had been returned to power via the first free and fair elections since 1964!! THIRTY YEARS!! And that’s when Hamilton Green pulled a fast one on the PPP. He’d been thrown out of the PNC by Hoyte, and he formed his Good and Green Guyana (GGG) for the Georgetown Municipal Elections. There was a 3-way split, with GGG coming out on top, and they decided that each party would have one year as Mayor. Ranwell Jordan of the PNC went first (19951996); Green went second - and refused to hand over to the PPP after his year!! He continued for another two decades!! Well, this time, the way the cookie’s crumbling, the PNC might be in for a surprise!! With the PPP getting daily endorsements from erstwhile PNC leaders in the Big Mango, the PNC might just be left holding the stick this time around!! Payback’s a bitch!

But apart from the usual gamesmanship, your Eyewitness hopes this LGE - in the midst of our oil-fuelled development trajectory – will at long last spur movement towards the promised raison d’etre of local government: empowering the people!! For one, he feels that with the exponential growth of the size of villages in each of the regions, village councils will once again become the fulcrum of democratic expression. Meaning that these NDCs should be tailored so that local issues be confronted by locals!!

Another focus ought to be the provision of more services by the local bodies – even if the residents have to pay for them. Like, for instance, garbage collection. Power in the hands of the people!!

…or dead end??

While the rest of the world’s opening up their minds to the reality of human differences that MUST be accommodated – there’s been a massive step backwards in Uganda. There, President Musuveni just signed into law an even more draconian anti-LGBTQ bill than the one of 2014, which outraged the world. Since sanctions had been slapped on the country then, it means they’re prepared for a stand-off!!

While the new law does not forbid “identifying” as gay, it introduces a 20-year sentence for "promoting" homosexuality; that is, participating in same-sex activity. It also contains a provision that would punish "aggravated homosexuality" - same-sex sexual acts with children or disabled individuals - with the death penalty and life for “serial” homosexual acts!! Sending a strong message to the outside world, Parliament Speaker Anita Among said, "With a lot of humility, I thank my colleagues, the Members of Parliament, for withstanding all the pressure from bullies and doomsday conspiracy theorists in the interest of our country"!!

…for Ghana

Your Eyewitness sees Ghana as our twin for so many reasons. They struck oil in 2010, but spent so lavishly, they had to go twice to the IMF for debt relief since then. In the latest, they just received US$600 million of US$3 billion!

A screenshot of the crime scene

Dead: Tisha Brodie, also known as “Tavie Baddie”

3 more Mahdia fire victims laid to rest in Karisparu

The bodies of cousins

Bibi Jeffrey, Belnisa Evans and Loreen Evans were laid to rest on Tuesday in a solemn farewell at their home village

dormitory that took their lives and the lives of 17 others. Students and residents of Mahdia gathered at the town’s airstrip to bid

to be buried in the presence of their families. The funeral was attended by Prime Minister Brigadier (retired) Mark Phillips, acting as President, who was ac-

ery time my mind recalls the calls I received the night about the fire,” said Rihanna Jeffrey, sister of Bibi Jeffrey, in a social media post. “She was quite [a] simple, humble child, wellgroomed, well-trained with manners, respect and always willing to assist in whatever little way she can. She never [gave] us trouble at home. She was a true angel in human form living among us,” Rihanna Jeffrey wrote.

Last Wednesday, 16-year-old Sabrina John of

Karisparu was laid to rest in her home village. Hers was the first funeral of the Mahdia fire victims. The funeral of the dorm mother’s five-year-old son is expected to occur today (Wednesday May 31), while that of eight other girls are set for Thursday at Micobie.

In addition to supporting funeral arrangement needs, the Government continues to offer financial aid, counselling, and individualised ministerial support to survivors, families, teachers and community mem-

bers, where deemed fit. A dinner held by President Dr Irfaan Ali on Sunday also gave families the opportunity to voice their concerns and seek assurance from the Government on the commitment to their promises.

Meanwhile, 13-yearold Sherana Daniels, who had been taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) for further treatment following the fire, succumbed to her injuries shortly before 10:00h on Tuesday, now bringing the death toll to 20.

of Karisparu, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), following the tragic fire at Mahdia Secondary School’s female

their final goodbyes to the late Bibi Jeffrey and the Evanses before their bodies were flown to Karisparu,

companied by Public Works Minister Juan Edghill.

“I miss [Bibi Jeffrey] a lot…my heart breaks ev-

Bibi Jeffrey Belnisa Evans Loreen Evans

Persons paying their last respects to the three students who were interred on Tuesday, May 30

Police issue wanted bulletin for pilot slapped with 16 TIP charges

– accused denies allegations, hires attorney to clear name

The Police have now issued a wanted bulletin for 45-year-old Orlando Charles, a pilot and businessman of Middle Street, Georgetown against whom 16 Trafficking in Person charges have been instituted.

Police have said that between November 1, 2022 and May 18, 2023, Charles trafficked 16 Venezuelan nationals between Mazaruni riverine communities in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) and Georgetown. The victims reported the matter to the Guyana Police Force, and members of the Trafficking in Persons Unit of the Criminal

Investigations Department Headquarters immediately conducted an investigation.

Following that investigation, legal advice was given by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for Charles to be charged with 16 counts of Trafficking in Persons. He is expected to be arraigned in court shortly.

The Guyana Police Force’s TIP Unit, in efforts to combat Trafficking in Persons, will continue to work with other stakeholders to conduct intelligence-led operations, spot inspections, awareness, and training in every region of Guyana.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Charles is asked to contact the Police on telephone numbers: 216-0251; 4443429; 225-2896, 911, or at the nearest Police station.

Charles, however, has since denied the Police report that he is wanted for questioning in relation to allegations of trafficking in persons. In a response seen by this newspaper, Charles has said he was made aware of the Guyana Police Force issuing a Wanted Bulletin for him and immediately attempted to contact the numbers listed on the Wanted Bulletin, but all his calls have gone unanswered. “I have retained Counsel, Sanjeev Datadin, to act for me. I have promptly made contact, with the assistance of Counsel, with ASP Caesar at the Major Crimes Unit, Criminal Investigation Department, and have willingly agreed to present myself to the Police as requested.”

He admitted that, as a businessman in the construction sector, he had

hired several persons, but said he had had nothing to do with bringing them into Guyana, or controlling their movements or where they were employed.

“Indeed, a dispute arose with some of them over wages, and I agreed to resolve the matter to our mutual agreement, and some of the persons readily accepted settlement whilst others wanted more money”, he

disclosed.

He added that he had been contacted by the Police in Bartica and asked to give a statement, and he had provided one to them.

“They placed me on station bail, and I reported back to the station as required. It was therefore surprising to learn via the media that I was being accused by my workers of trafficking,” he declared.

Further, he stated that aggrieved workers were at a restaurant in Bartica discussing their grievances when they were approached by members of an NGO, who suggested that pay dispute could be classified as ‘Trafficking’, and offered to assist them in getting paid.

“I repeat, I did not transport these workers to Guyana, nor have I ever been in control of their travel documents”, Charles has said.

He also revealed that he intends to defend his name and reputation from being tarnished.

Wanted: Orlando Charles

US launches project in Guyana to steer youths away from violence, crime

The United States Government on Tuesday launched its Youth Resilience Inclusion and Empowerment (Y-RIE) programme in Guyana, positioning its intent to guide youths into productive adults, away from a life of crime and violence.

Y-RIE is a youth-centred, systems-strengthening activity based on a public health approach to violence prevention and incorporates positive youth development approaches. It targets youths at risk between ages 10-29.

Over a five-year period, the project will be implemented in four Caribbean countries, including Guyana.

The intention is to collaborate with Government to improve social services provided to youth who are at a higher risk of involvement in crime and violence. It will also enhance coordination between social services and justice institutions, particularly around referral pathways, and promote partnerships to support community crime and violence prevention efforts.

Chief of Party of the Y-RIE programme, Phelps Feeley explained that they are tackling crime and violence from the perspective that it spreads like a communicable disease that

passes from person to person if left untreated.

Guyana has been at the forefront of juvenile justice reform and taking on more rehabilitative approach to dealing with young people in the justice system, a reason for this partnership.

Feeley shared, “Y-RIE will continue to support Guyana in this critical and important journey, as well as work with the relevant Ministries and civil society organisations to provide programming for young people who are or have been part of

the juvenile justice system. Y-RIE will continue to collaborate with Government agencies, private sector entities and non-governmental organisation to reach at its core objectives, including improving learning outcomes for youth.”

Deputy Chief of Mission of the US Embassy, Adrienne Galanek also added that this brings hope for a better future for young people throughout the Region. The programme is funded by the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative.

“We have spoken with stakeholders across the country to identify a number of issues impacting young people. We have heard the challenges some youth face as they mature into adults. We have discussed how young people are influenced by their peers and how this impacts, for example, young man’s involvement in destructive groups. We have heard about the violence in schools and communities and in particular, the troubling state of violence against women and girls,”

the Deputy Chief of Mission identified.

She pointed out that Guyana is at a crossroads in its development path. The United Nations population estimates show that more than half of the population is under the age of 35.

However, while most children attend primary school, learning outcomes are uneven and many adolescents do not finish secondary school. In 2021, unemployment rates stood at over 31 per cent.

“We seek to help them discover and uncover their talents and use their passions and skills to advance their ambitions and goals. Young people aspire to be productive and responsible members of their community. And together we can help them fulfil these goals and more.”

Recidivism

Human Services Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud emphasised that an important plague to mitigate is recidivism, which can be targeted through such intervention.

“The important thing is to let them know that support is there. Opportunities are there, so that they can not only extrapolate themselves in these situations, but they can have the op-

portunity to develop their inherent potential,” the Minister contended.

Citing the public health approach, it was outlined that violence spreads endemically, and evidence-based treatment must be responsive to the risks and protective factors of victims and perpetrators to interrupt cycles of trauma, crime, and violence.

Youth are at the centre of the activity’s work in the design, partnerships. implementation, evaluation, and learning.

The systems strengthening aspect will deal with preventing youth crime and violence by working on factors that impact a young person’s pathway toward or away from crime and violence.

For positive youth development (PYD), Y-RIE aims to build on youth potential and capacity, fostering an enabling environment for youth to develop their strengths and contribute to positive changes.

The Eastern and Southern Caribbean (ESC) Region struggles with high rates of interpersonal crime and violence, with violent crime rates among the highest in the world. Of the top 20 countries in the world with the highest murder rates, 17 are in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). (G12)

Students with Human Services Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud; US Deputy Chief of Mission Adrienne Galanek and other officials at the launch

“Disingenuous”, “opportunistic” – MoE calls GTU’s protest

…as GTU protesting matters already being addressed

The Education Ministry on Tuesday called out the Guyana Teachers’ Union for being “disingenuous and opportunistic” after it staged protest actions against matters which are already under engagement by both parties.

The GTU, pursuant to a continuous engagement with the Government of Guyana, was invited to a follow-up meeting with the Office of the President scheduled for 09:00h on Tuesday.

The last such meeting was held on May 22, 2023, the Ministry said, adding that the Union accepted the invitation but requested that the meeting be postponed to 15:00h as 09:00h

“is too early for the Union.”

The Ministry noted that in the interest of continuing the engagement, it agreed to facilitate such.

However, the Union decided to mount protest action at 10:00h on Tuesday in front of the Finance Ministry, Main and Lamaha Streets, Georgetown, which, according to the Ministry, involved matters that are currently under examination at the aforesaid meetings.

These actions were led by APNU parliamentarian Coretta McDonald.

“The Union is aware that only this week two of the matters raised (clothing allowance and Whitley

Council entitlements) in the previous engagements were resolved and only yesterday (Monday) they were copied on correspondence to that effect,” a statement posited.

Moreover, the Ministry contended that all of the matters protested about were inherited from the former APNU/AFC Administration.

“All of them are being addressed by this Government in the best way possible and the Union is aware of this. We remind all that it is the PPP/C Government under the Bharrat Jagdeo presidency that engaged the Union continuously re-

sulting in the first and other multi-year agreements being signed by successive PPP/C Administrations,” the Ministry statement read.

Currently, under discussion between the Union and the Government is another multi-year agreement after the last one expired under the former Government.

It includes inter alia duty-free concessions for teachers, scholarships for post-graduate programmes, the housing revolving fund, salary increases, better remote area incentives for teachers in the hinterland, more clerical support at

schools, resolution of the 2016 fiasco where salary scales for new teachers were changed, increments for additional qualification and less academic workload on Head Teachers and Deputy Head Teachers, among other incentives.

“Many of these initiatives were proposed by Government because the Government has every interest in making sure teachers are comfortable. There was therefore absolutely no reason for this morning’s protest except to grandstand and claim credit amongst teachers for matters that

are well on their way to being realised. The GTU must consider whether it wishes to continuously be used by a failing Opposition member Coretta McDonald or if it wants to work to bring benefits to teachers,” the Ministry contended.

Teachers were assured that while the Government prefers to work with the Union, if that becomes impossible, the interest of teachers will still be paramount and prioritised in the Government’s considerations. This will ensure benefits for each and every teacher. (G12)

The GTU protest in front of the Finance Ministry

Summit of South American Leaders: President Dr Irfaan Ali and the other Heads of State at the Summit hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasilia. The other leaders attending the Summit are the President of the Republic of Colombia, Gustavo Petro; the President of the Argentine Republic, Alberto Fernández; the President of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Luis Arce; the President of the Republic of Chile, Gabriel Boric; the President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro; the President of the Republic of Paraguay, Mario Abdo Benítez; the President of the Republic of Suriname, Chandrikapersad Santokhi; the President of the Republic of Ecuador, Guillermo Lasso and the President of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Peru, PM Alberto Otárola Peñaranda (Office of the President photos)

Bids opened for works on National Intelligence Agency building

...5 firms vying for contract

Several companies are vying for works to be done on the building housing the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), which is currently operating at a location along Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown.

Based on the tender for the bids that were opened at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) last week, the construction works will see the ground floor of the current NISA-housed building being enclosed.

Among the bidders competing for this project are R Bassoo and Son Construction, C&L Construction Incorporated, M&P Investment Incorporated, Vas Global and Architect Design and Construction. With an en-

gineer’s estimate of $28.2 million, only one companyM&P Investment, had a bid below the estimate.

In April of this year, President Dr Irfaan Ali had instructed that the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) Bill that was tabled in the National Assembly that very week be sent to a parliamentary Special Select Committee in order to get feedback from stakeholders.

He had explained that this was to ensure the wants the views and ideas of all stakeholders on this proposed legislation are examined. While there had been some controversy over the establishment of NISA, President Ali had explained that the agency had been in existence for over a decade.

At the time of its es-

tablishment in 2010, under the Bharrat Jagdeo Administration, the agency was named the Central Intelligence Unit (CIU), and there were calls then for there to be legislation to govern this body.

However, in 2015, under the David Granger presidency, this unit was integrated into the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) established by the then A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, again, without the relevant laws to govern the functioning of this body.

Up to recently, NISA was headed by then Colonel Omar Khan of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF). He took over the helm of the agency from Colonel Bruce

Lovell, who resigned shortly after the change of Government in 2020.

However, President Ali had hinted that the agency will soon get a new Head since the now Brigadier Khan has been appointed Chief of Staff of the GDF, taking over from the former Chief of Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess.

The NISA Bill provides for the creation of an Intelligence Agency that will, among other things, protect Guyana against espionage, terrorism, and sabotage. The agency will also protect against agents within or outside of Guyana, as well as against foreign powers seeking to undermine the State. There is also scope for the agency to collaborate with other foreign agencies in the interest of

national security.

The Bill spells out the agency’s functions, which include to “collect information of national intelligence and security interest that provides a basis for decision making and preventative actions; gather, store, process, analyse and disseminate information that is relevant to national intelligence and security; conduct analysis of information of national interest and security interest.”

Additionally, the agency’s functions are to “maintain a national database of information of national intelligence and security; conduct relevant research to enhance efficiency in information management and all matters relating to national intelligence and security; provide national in-

telligence estimates and intelligence and security advice to the President… provide support to investigations of matters pertaining to threats to national intelligence and security.”

Additionally, the proposed legislations also provide for the President to appoint the Head of NISA. It also caters to the establishment of an Intelligence and Security Committee, which will have oversight over the conduct of NISA.

This committee will have three members appointed by the President. These include a nominee from the President, a nominee from the Opposition Leader after consulting with other Opposition parties in the National Assembly, and a nominee from civil society.

(G3)

Ramsammy’s Ruminations

Obnoxious, reprehensible, vulgar and ugly – Please give the families space to mourn

Let me be clear and, right up front, reject the notion that our Amerindian sisters and brothers are somehow less than the rest of us. It is time we stop classifying our Amerindian sisters and brothers automatically as vulnerable people. Many people living in the hinterland live in vulnerable situations. This will be a debate for another time.

But our Amerindian sisters and brothers living in the hinterland do not need others to speak on their behalf; they can speak for themselves, and they have been doing that. We must not think that simply because our sisters and brothers who are Amerindian are generally humble and quiet people that they are incapable of representing themselves. One thing is certain – the families directly affected can speak for themselves. It is offensive that some of us think we must speak for them.

There are vulnerable Afro-Guyanese families, Indo-Guyanese families, other Guyanese families. We do not call Indo-Guyanese or Afro-Guyanese or any other ethnic group vulnerable, but we automatically call Amerindian people vulnerable, and arrogantly decide we must speak for them.

A horrendous event took place in Guyana on May 21/22, Sunday night into Monday night. In the end, 19 children lost their lives. Families from various Region 8 communities were affected. The President and his cabinet, and various Government agencies: such as the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force, the Health Sector and others, came together almost immediately. The President himself was directing the response to ensure the danger was extinguished, that those in need of help got it immediately, that the families were supported in every way possible. Cost was not a factor, ensuring safety and that everyone was taken care of were the only things that mattered. The President was not preoccupied at that moment on what went wrong, or who, if any person, had to be blamed. There was time for the blame game, but that was not the moment.

More than a week later, this week, funerals are taking place. The acute response is still ongoing. The President and his government remain focus on the immediate needs of all affected. As a nation, in our time of crisis, we have rallied -- rallied as one nation -- to ensure that this scar will teach us, and that we will never have to endure another such tragedy. While quietly work has begun to ensure that those things that contributed to the tragedy are eliminated, the overwhelming focus has been on helping families get through this crisis, get through their grief and mourning.

We would be living in Utopia is we surmise that as the nation rallies, we are doing so with everyone in step, in unison. There are genuinely upset people who do not want to wait to identify what was wrong, what contributed to the tragedy, who would be held responsible. These persons include families and friends, and Government persons. There are also persons who see an opportunity to politicise the tragedy. There are persons who want relevance and cannot find a platform that gains traction. These persons have parachuted into the tragedy as if they are knights in shining armour. Even their own families reject that they speak for them, but they want us to accept they speak for the Amerindian people. It is obnoxious.

Some of them have not met one person from the families affected, but they have taken the liberty to speak on behalf of these families. It is obnoxious, reprehensible, vulgar and ugly. Some of them have even taken up placards and demanded that ministers resign or be fired. The families, on the other hand, have focused on their needs and on their grief and mourning. These are families confronting not only death, but injuries, need for hospitals, enduring severe mental stress, displacement etc. They need help, they do not need people fighting over them. Some have spoken eloquently to their leaders, some have made pleas about what they think must be done. Leaders have responded.

Outside of the public arena, where focus has been totally on the immediate actions, other things about fixing problems are being done.

A sister of one of the deceased, a mother of one of the deceased, and others who lost loved ones, who are parents and siblings and aunts and uncles, have publicly asked that their grief and their mourning and their loss not be politicised by others. They have asked social media influencers to desist from using their tragedy to create another fight. The persons who have lost loved ones, whose children are still dealing with health issues and other issues, are sensible people who want change, who want to see that their losses and sufferings lead to better conditions. The President has heard them; he has promised to act.

One political party posted a missive based on total misinformation so misleading that it had to be deliberate. The missive conveyed the message that the President must have made up the DNA results, because one week is not enough. On the other hand, the President still thinks we could have gotten the results even faster. One thing is true – it is possible to conduct DNA testing in less than one week. Therefore, the misinformation that a major political party tried to foist on the public is vulgar. The team that had the responsibility to get DNA results as fast as possible accomplished the task. We met the President’s instructions.

In the meanwhile, the Government did not set the fire. And the grills were there before August 2020.

US Embassy, NGO host medical outreach in Georgetown

sion in partnership with the Health Ministry.

As part of its ongoing humanitarian assistance partnership with Guyana, the United States (US) Embassy on Saturday collaborated with Guyana Medical Relief, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), to provide medical assistance and hygiene services to over 150 Georgetown residents.

Individuals received ophthalmology care, dental care, blood testing, triage care, haircuts, showers and lunch.

These essential services and support aimed to improve the quality of life for residents by providing them with safe and accessible care.

In attendance at the outreach were the US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Adrienne Galanek and Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony.

This is yet another initiative by the US Embassy to support enhanced public healthcare for all Guyanese, as they continue to strengthen their partnership with the Government of Guyana at all levels.

In February, the US Embassy donated US$33,000 worth of medical equipment and supplies to the Linden Hospital, including adjustable hospital beds, diagnostic equipment and patient care kits.

This donation, made through the Department of Defense’s Overseas Humanitarian Assistance Program and the United States Southern Command, aimed to support the Linden Hospital in providing quality daily care to patients within Linden and throughout

Region

10 (Upper

Meanwhile, in early March, the United States’ Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team (LAMAT), consisting of 29 US Air Force and Army medical and dental professionals and support staff, successfully completed a two-week medical mis-

During this period, the LAMAT team, in collaboration with local surgeons and technicians, performed more than 96 surgeries, treated more than 83 emergency room patients and provided care to over 1400 dental patients at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and West Demerara Regional Hospital.

Not only did the LAMAT team repair X-ray machines at the Diamond Hospital and West Demerara Regional Hospital, but approximately US$230,000 in supplies were also donated to the medical facilities.

Dr Leslie Ramsammy

DemeraraBerbice).

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony and representatives from the US Embassy, Guyana Medical Relief and Guyana Cancer Foundation during the outreach on Saturday

The US Embassy and Guyana Medical Relief hosted a medical outreach

MAY 31, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

21st anniversary celebrations

While the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) has managed to provide 97 per cent access to water across Guyana in its two decades of existence, the company has said that it is consistently working to improve customer service, employment opportunities and access to treated water over the next few years.

As part of GWI’s 21st anniversary celebrations, the company hosted a Health Fair and Blood Drive on Monday at its head office on Vlissengen Road, Georgetown, where they not only promoted the health of their staff and customers but also signalled their progress and upcoming plans to advance their operations.

“Water is crucial for healthy lives and we at GWI are committed to and have a responsibility to ensure that 100 per cent of our people have access to clean, potable water,” said GWI Vice Chairman Dharaamkumar Seeraj, during the event’s opening ceremony.

Over the next two to three years, GWI aims to en-

sure widely available access to treated water by actively working to provide 90 per cent of its population with potable water by 2025.

The Government has already invested $14.5B this year to enhance and expand water services as plans persist to construct 13 new treatment plants across the country and upgrade 12 existing ones.

– GWI Vice Chairman

“We kindly request the understanding of the population as we actively strive to meet their need for clean, safe water,” said GWI Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shaik Baksh, emphasising the focus on improving water quality and service in both coastal and hinterland regions.

The hinterland regions are served through

the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) project, which provides residents with access to safe water and hygiene facilities.

Recognising the company’s improvement over the last few years, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony noted that reports from the routine testing performed by the Ministry on the water supplies following Food and

Drug and Administration (FDA) guidelines are highly favourable.

“The water that is being supplied is well treated and the infectious rates for the spread of water-borne diseases have reduced,” Anthony said.

In addition to improving water access and quality to customers, Baksh noted that the company is also seeking to honour their employees’ contributions and improve their working environment.

Recently, new buildings have been constructed for staffers in Regions Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and Nine (Upper Takutu- Upper Essequibo), with offices in Regions Two (PomeroonSupenaam), 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) and on the East Bank of Demerara being refurbished and equipped.

Efforts are also underway to secure further funding for professional development while the company plans to honour retired employees and 20 craftsmen who successfully completed an upskilling programme.

The Health Fair and Blood Drive on Monday was one of several activities or-

ganised by GWI to commemorate its 21st anniversary, with similar fairs and blood drives held simultaneously in Regions Two (PomeroonSupenaam), Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Five (MahaicaBerbice), Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

The events offered a range of services including dental checks, HIV/AIDS counselling and testing, vaginal swabs, glucose and blood pressure testing.

The Health Minister commended GWI’s commitment towards promoting good health, noting that the key to a wellness lifestyle is a balanced diet containing the right amount of nutrients coupled with regular exercise.

“We need to incorporate more natural foods rather than processed food into our diet, limit the consumption of sugar, drink more water, exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes, have a full eight hours of sleep, learn how to manage stress levels and build a connection with friends and family,” Dr Anthony advised.

“Water is crucial for healthy lives”

…commits to providing 90% of population with potable water by 2025

Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) hosted a Health Fair and Blood Drive in Georgetown on Monday

ECD mechanic stabbed to death over old grievance

Twenty-three-year-old Shivram Mohabir, called “Vickash”, a mechanic of Agriculture Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD), met a tragic end on Monday evening when he was stabbed to death by his girlfriend’s uncle amidst grievances and an escalating family dispute.

The incident took place at Fifth Street Martyrsville, Mon Repos, ECD, where Mohabir was visiting his girlfriend, who resided there.

According to reports received, Mohabir was stabbed multiple times at about 18:30h and later succumbed to his injuries around 22:30h while receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The suspect allegedly inflicted the fatal wounds on

Mohabir while he was inside his girlfriend’s room. After the attack, the suspect fled the scene but was later apprehended by the Police.

In an emotional interview with Guyana Times on Tuesday, Raveena Persaud, the girlfriend of the deceased, said that there were a number of underlying tensions that fuelled the tragic event.

“We have been in a relationship for the past two years, and Vickash would often stay at my grandmother’s house,” Raveena explained. “This, however, caused anger and resentment from my uncle and his family due to an ongoing property dispute involving my grandmother, who is the suspect’s mother.”

“I grew up with my grandmother and have been

living with her for the past 13 years. Whenever my uncle and his children would see Vickash at the house, it would provoke them. Especially when my un-

cle had been drinking, he would confront my grandmother, asking what is he doing here and that we are not married. However, my grandmother never had any issues with Vickash staying with us.”

Prior to the tragic incident, Persaud said she and Vickash had been falsely accused of interfering with her uncle and his family. Persaud refuted these claims, saying, “As we passed by my uncle’s house, we overheard a woman hurling curses at us. We didn’t stop, we pass and he drop me home and he left and went back home to work. When I arrive home, my grandmother asked me why we picking trouble. She said my uncle wife called and say when we passing Vickash show she middle finger and

GNBS certifies Casa De Frances as Guyana’s 1st bed and breakfast facility

the customer at heart because what we wanted is that anyone visiting Casa De Frances to be comfortable and to be safe and secure. So, everything that we put into this, had to do with the customer. And I’m happy today that whatever we would have done was able to measure to the standards of the GNBS,” he said. GNBScertified properties have the GNBS’ Brand A or B Grade stickers.

Other persons interested in being certified can be guided by contacting the GNBS Certification Services Department on telephone number 219-006466 or email at certification@ gnbsgy.org

that she is coming to beat him.”

This incident occurred on May 20.

Concerned for her boyfriend’s safety, Persaud said she immediately called him to relay the incident and caution him to be cautious when passing her uncle’s house.

She said by the time she called him he was already confronted by her uncle’s wife and son. According to Persaud, her uncle’s wife slapped Mohabir while her cousin (uncle’s son) allegedly handed his mother a cutlass. She said Mohabir picked up a piece of wood and attempted to knock the cutlass out of the woman’s hand and in the process, he hit her.

She said her aunt made a report at the Beterverwagting (BV) Police Station. This, she said, led to the arrest of her boyfriend but he was released from custody after her aunt failed to appear at the Police station. However, tensions remained high. Persaud recalled that on Monday, her boyfriend was on his way to her home when her uncle’s son rode his bike in front of his vehicle. To maintain peace, she said Mohabir ignored her cousin but nonetheless went to the BV Police Station to file a report after which he picked her up before returning to work.

“He returned to my place later that night. While I was in the kitchen, my nephew alerted me that my uncle was approaching. Initially, I didn’t think much of it, assuming he was visiting his mother as usual,” she recalled

“He storm into my room and tell Vickash get out of here, what are you doing here and then I heard a scramble. When I go into

the room, I saw him on top of Vickash and Vickash was bleeding very badly… Vickash told me to hold my uncle’s hand and take away the knife but I couldn’t do it so I started to scream. My grandmother assisted me to take the knife away from him,” she said,

“To prevent my uncle from following us, I bolted the door and locked him inside. I rushed Shivram to the hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. The doctors informed us that his chances of survival were 50/50. Sadly, they later broke the devastating news that he didn’t make it.”

Upon being alerted, the Police promptly went to the scene. Persaud revealed that her uncle had attempted to evade capture by removing the louvres from the windows and hiding in the backyard. However, he was found and taken into custody.

Wonderful person

Reflecting on her loss, Raveena spoke fondly of Shivram, emphasising his character and the unjust nature of his death.

“Vickash was a wonderful person who always put me first. Anything I want he would, he get it for me. I just bought a car, who is gonna drive it now, what am I going to do with it? He didn’t deserve such a cruel fate,” she lamented. “I hope that my uncle faces the full brunt of the law for his actions.”

The woman said the loss of her boyfriend has added to her already saddened state since she recently lost her father and now her boyfriend of two years.

Meanwhile, the Police recovered the murder weapon from Persaud’s home and have launched an investigation into the incident. (G9)

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards on Tuesday certified

Casa De Frances Hotel, located at Plantation Farm, EBD, as the first bed and breakfast facility in the country.

The facility was cer-

breakfast facilities.”

The certification was handed over to Proprietor, Kurt French in the presence of GNBS’ Director (ag) Al Fraser.

He noted that the first bed and breakfast initiative started when all of the ho-

was limited space for them to stay. A lot of them resorted to staying at family friends and close relatives and that’s where the idea of bed and breakfast first started,” Fraser is quoted as saying in a DPI report.

He noted that the GNBS is proud to certify the facility, and the event is worthy of being celebrated. “Any hotel or facility we go to, we must be able to enjoy the pride of comfort, a comfortable bed, comfortable atmosphere, comfortable washrooms, these are what we expect, particularity when we are paying for the service,” he noted.

The certification lasts for one year and can be renewed.

The proprietor was encouraged to upkeep the required standard and quality of service.

tified on Tuesday to the Guyana Standard GYS

514:2016 (Amd.1 2022)

“Requirements for bed and

tels were booked to capacity and could not facilitate the number of visitors.

“Unfortunately, there

Meanwhile, French noted that the facility was opened in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. “When we started this construction, we had no idea about GNBS and their standards. What we had was

Dead: Shivram Mohabir

Proprietor Kurt French and GNBS Director (ag) Al Fraser attach the certification sticker on one of the rooms

Regional Lula's call for South American unity faces opposing views on Venezuela

Divergent views on Venezuela surfaced during a South American leaders' summit on Tuesday hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as part of his efforts to unite the region's development and give it a stronger voice internationally.

Lula urged South America's 12 countries to overcome ideological differences that have divided the region and join efforts toward more economic, cultural and social integration.

But their first continental gathering in almost a decade surfaced opposing views when the Presidents of Chile, a leftist, and Uruguay, a conservative, criticised Lula's embrace of Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro as a democratically elected leader.

Lula, who is seeking to restore Brazil's leadership role in foreign affairs, rejected the criticism. The United States, Western countries, and other critics consider Venezuela's Government to be "authoritarian" and have imposed sanctions in an attempt to pressure the country to hold new elections.

"I have always defended the idea that every country is sovereign to decide their political regime and their internal affairs," he said at a news conference after the meeting.

Lula met with Maduro on Monday on the Venezuelan President's first visit to Brazil in eight years as the countries restored dip-

lomatic relations amid the conference that brought together Heads of State of various South American countries.

He told reporters that there was "very large" prejudice against the country and that the image of an "anti-democratic" Venezuela was a "narrative" promoted by the Western countries imposing harsh sanctions that exacerbate the country's humanitarian and economic crisis.

On Tuesday, Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou challenged Lula's comments directly.

"I was surprised when you say that what happened in Venezuela is a narrative. You already know what we think about Venezuela and about the Venezuelan Government," he told the meeting of Presidents in comments shared via Instagram live.

Jamaican husband of dead Canadian woman charged

Police have charged the husband of Jaeda Pauline Whitehead, the Canadian who died while visiting Jamaica earlier this month.

Rory Palmer, a 28-yearold fisherman from Shearers Heights in Portland Cottage, Clarendon, was charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Palmer is to appear in the Clarendon Parish Court in May Pen on Thursday, June 1.

Whitehead, a 28-yearold school board employee from Toronto, Ontario, died on May 13 after she reportedly came to visit Palmer in the Shearers Heights community to celebrate their wedding anniversary.

A preliminary autop-

sy result indicated that Whitehead died from a blunt force injury to the head.

“We are still waiting on the toxicology results to determine if he will be charged for the homicide,” Superintendent Carlos Russell, head of the Clarendon division, told Observer Online. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

T&T Government has “tabanca” after Privy Council loss – Opposition MP

Barataria/San Juan Member of Parliament (MP)

Chilean President Gabriel Boric later told Journalists outside the summit that he disagreed with Lula's statements.

"It's not a narrative construction. It is a reality, it is serious," Boric said, adding that respect for human rights was "basic and important" for Chile.

And he pointed to the 5000 Venezuelan refugees that live in Chile "who also demand a firm and clear position regarding the fact that human rights must always be respected".

The meeting's joint statement said South America was committed to democracy, human rights, sustainable development and social justice, but it added that the region's countries agreed to respect diversity and the principle of non-interference in each other's internal affairs.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Child migrants crossing Darien Gap surge eightfold–UNICEF

The number of child migrants crossing a dangerous stretch of jungle dividing Colombia and Panama has rapidly increased during the first four months of this year, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said on Tuesday.

The thick jungle terrain of the Darien Gap, which is also home to roving bands of criminals, has become a key transit point for thousands of mostly US-bound migrants setting out in search of better lives from South America.

A record 25,431 children and teens, both accompanied and unaccompanied, entered Panama through the Darien Gap between January and April, according to a statement from UNICEF provided to Reuters.

The sharp rise in minor crossings marks an eightfold increase compared to the same four-month period last year, when just over

3000 children and teen migrants made the treacherous trek, according to the UNICEF data.

Adding to the already dangerous conditions, minors are increasingly arriving in Panama without an adult or guardian after crossing the Darien Gap, UNICEF said.

The UN fund noted that so far this year an average of between eight to 10 unaccompanied and separated children arrive daily at

Saddam Hosein claimed that the Government was upset about having to call Local Government Elections after the Privy Council ruled on May 18, that a decision to extend the life of Local Government corporations by one year was unlawful.

He made this claim in his contribution to debate on the Municipal Corporations (Extension of Terms of Office and Validation)

Bill 2023, in the House of Representatives on Monday.

In its judgment, the Privy Council said the extension of the life of local government bodies was unlawful. But it did not deem the extension a constitutional breach or that it deprived people of the right to vote.

On this point, Hosein said this was obvious because local government does not have any measures enshrined in the Constitution to protect it. He observed that Guyana has such safeguards for local government in its constitution.

Hosein claimed there was one reason why Government was reluctant to accept the core of the judgment which deemed the extension to be unlawful.

"They have a tabanca when they lose."

He said it was unfortu-

nate that it took "a court in England to tell TT what to do (regarding Local Government Elections)."

Hosein claimed that by extending the life of local government corporations, the Government substituted for the electorate.

He agreed with Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar that the terms of office of local government councillors and aldermen had expired.

Against that background, Hosein asked what actions was the bill designed to validate.

He demanded that the Prime Minister be "pellucidly clear in this House today

and call the election date."

Earlier in the sitting, Rural Development and Local Government Minister Faris Al-Rawi said local government elections were postponed seven times in the past.

There was no sinister attempt behind any of those postponements.

He cited election postponements in 2002-03, 20032006 and 2006-2010, as periods used to implement local government reform.

Al-Rawi said those efforts did not work because the United National Congress (UNC) does not want local government reform.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

UPP to protest for CoI outside Governor General’s office

The first of four days of protests was staged outside the Governor General’s office by the Opposition United Progressive Party (UPP) in Antigua on Tuesday.

its position.

The protests will run from Tuesday to Friday, from 8am-10.30am each day, with members of the general public invited to join.

the view that a probe into the airline and the Nigerian investors behind it is necessary to answer key questions.

migrant reception stations in Panama. That compares with under three a day last year, according to Reuters calculations based on UNICEF data.

If the current trend of minor arrivals to Panama holds, the number could top 100,000 by the end of the year, according to migration analysts, even though crossings tend to drop during the second half of the year as heavy rains soak the region.

(Reuters)

The UPP is renewing calls for Sir Rodney Williams to commission an inquiry into Antigua Airways and other flights from West Africa late last year, which resulted in hundreds of Cameroonian refugees becoming stranded in Antigua.

The Government has maintained its stance that the Governor General cannot call an inquiry without the advice of Cabinet, and has cited three legal opinions apparently received from King’s Counsels in support of

“The United Progressive Party has decided that we must bring attention to and put public pressure on the Governor General to reconsider,” the UPP’s Franz DeFreitas said.

Following initial calls by the Opposition for more information on Antigua Airways, which was hailed last year as providing a pioneering direct link between West Africa and the Caribbean, the Government responded by saying that there is nothing else to know.

DeFreitas, however, is of

“It is critical that the people of Antigua and Barbuda ask for an inquiry for the purpose of getting information,” he stated.

DeFreitas added that the international community is paying close attention to what Antigua and Barbuda will do next.

Former Attorney General Justin Simon, KC and current Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin have differing views on whether or not the Governor General has the authority to call an inquiry on his own accord. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

A migrant lies in a tent at a temporary shelter during acting US Secretary of Homeland Security Kevin McAleenan's visit in the village of La Penita, Panama, August 23, 2019 (Reuters/Erick Marciscano)

Colombian President Gustavo Petro, Bolivian President Luis Arce, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Argentinian President Alberto Fernandez and Chilean President Gabriel Boric hold hands as they pose during the South American Summit at Itamaraty Palace in Brasilia, Brazil, May 30

Barataria/San Juan MP Saddam Hosein

Around The World OIL NEWS

Ukraine war comes to Moscow as drones strike both capitals

Oil slides 4% on worries about US debt ceiling, OPEC+ talks

Oil prices fell more than 4% on Tuesday on concerns about whether the US Congress will pass the US debt ceiling pact and as mixed messages from major producers clouded the supply outlook ahead of the OPEC+ meeting this weekend.

Brent crude futures settled down US$3.53, or 4.6%, at US$73.54 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude (WTI) was down US$3.21, or 4.4%, from Friday's close, to US$69.46 a barrel. There was no settlement on Monday because of a US public holiday.

Some hard-right Republican lawmakers said they might oppose a deal to raise the debt ceiling in the US, the world's biggest oil user. Democratic President Joe Biden and Republican House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy remained optimistic the deal would pass.

Biden and McCarthy forged an agreement over the weekend that must pass a divided US Congress before June 5, the day the Treasury Department has said the country will not be able to meet its financial obligations, which could disrupt financial markets. McCarthy on Tuesday urged members of his party to support the deal.

"The big elephant in the room is the continued drama over the debt ceiling," said Phil Flynn, an analyst at Price Futures Group. "Until we get the votes, the market is going to be on edge."

The debt deadline nearly coincides with the June 4 meeting of OPEC+ - the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies including Russia. Traders were uncertain about whether the group will increase output cuts as a slump in prices weighs on the market.

Saudi Arabian Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman last week warned short-sellers betting that oil prices will fall to "watch out" in a possible signal that OPEC+ may cut output.

However, comments from Russian oil officials and sources, including Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, indicate the world's third-largest oil producer is leaning toward leaving output unchanged.

In April, Saudi Arabia and other members of OPEC+ announced further oil output cuts of around 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd), bringing the total volume of cuts by OPEC+ to 3.66 million bpd, according to Reuters calculations.

Chinese manufacturing and service sector data out later this week will also be scrutinised for cues on the fuel demand recovery in the world's top oil importer. (Reuters)

NATO to send 700 more troops to Kosovo after clashes

NATO is to deploy an additional 700 troops to Kosovo after 30 NATO peacekeepers and 52 protesters were hurt in clashes on Monday.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said the attacks were "unacceptable" and "must stop".

Police and NATO troops clashed with Serb protesters in north Kosovo, where there has been unrest over the installation of ethnic Albanian mayors.

Protesters had tried to invade a Government building in Zvecan.

The crisis dates back to April, when ethnic Serbs boycotted local elections in north Kosovo - allowing ethnic Albanians to take control of local councils with a turnout of less than 4%.

Both the European Union and United States have accused the Kosovan authorities of destabilising the situation in north Kosovo, and warned against any actions

Ukrainian drones struck wealthy districts of Moscow on Tuesday, Russia said in what one politician called the most dangerous attack on the capital since World War Two, while Kyiv was also hit from the air for the third time in 24 hours.

Since Russia sent tens of thousands of troops into its neighbour in February 2022, the war has largely been fought inside Ukraine.

Aerial strikes on targets far from the front have intensified amid a ragged stalemate on the ground with Russian forces entrenched along an extended line in Ukraine's east and south.

One of the strategic southern places Russian forces have controlled since nearly the beginning of the invasion is the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, and on Tuesday the United Nations nuclear watchdog chief asked Ukraine and Russia to respect five principles to

safeguard the station.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi has been trying for months to secure an agreement to reduce the risk of a catastrophic nuclear accident from military activity like shelling at Zaporizhzhia, Europe's biggest nuclear power plant.

In a briefing to the UN

Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes begins 11-year prison sentence

Disgraced Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes has reported to the federal prison where she will serve an 11-year sentence.

Holmes, 39, was convicted early last year on four counts of fraud linked to her failed blood testing start-up.

In mid-May, a court rejected her request to remain free on bail while a challenge to the original conviction was considered.

She will serve her term in a minimum-security prison in Texas.

George Shultz - into backing Theranos.

The firm, once valued at $9bn, promised it had technology that could detect conditions such as diabetes with just a few drops of blood. The tech, however, never worked. The company finally collapsed in 2018.

In tearful remarks ahead of her sentencing in November, Holmes said she regrets her failings at Theranos "with every cell in my body" but did not admit any criminal wrongdoing.

Security Council, Grossi said the five principles included

that there should be no attack on or from the plant and that it not be used as a base for heavy weapons such as multiple rocket launchers, artillery systems and munitions, and tanks.

In Moscow, the Defence Ministry said eight drones sent by Ukraine and targeting civilians were shot down or diverted with electronic jammers, though Baza, a Telegram channel with links to the security services, said more than 25 were involved.

Mykhailo Podolyak, a Ukrainian presidential aide, denied Kyiv was directly involved but said "we are pleased to watch events" and forecast more such strikes.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Man prises crocodile's jaws off his head at Australian resort

An Australian man has escaped with his life after being attacked by a saltwater crocodile while snorkelling at an exclusive Queensland resort.

Marcus McGowan, 51, has detailed how he managed to prise the predator's jaws off his head, suffering lacerations.

He was airlifted to a nearby island hospital, and later flown to Cairns for further treatment.

Crocodile attacks are uncommon in Australia, but there have been several in recent months.

McGowan said he was in the water with a group of people about 28km (17.3 miles) off Haggerstone Island near Cape York when he was bitten from behind.

was able to lever its jaws open just far enough to get my head out," he said in a statement.

The crocodile – suspected to be a juvenile – came back for another go, he said, but he was able to push it away, suffering a bite to his hand.

Queensland's environment department says it will investigate the incident, but "crocodiles in the open ocean can be difficult to locate as the animals often travel tens of kilometres per day".

Crocodiles are common in Australia's tropical north, which has seen a series of attacks recently.

that could inflame ethnic tensions there.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in February 2008, after years of strained relations between its Serb and mainly Albanian inhabitants.

It has been recognised by the US and major EU countries - but Serbia, backed by its powerful ally Russia, refuses to do so - as do most ethnic Serbs inside Kosovo.

While ethnic Albanians make up more than 90% of the population in Kosovo as a whole, Serbs form the majority of the population in the northern region.

Monday's violence in Zvecan resulted in 30 troops being hurt, officials said.

Their injuries included fractures and burns from improvised explosive incendiary devices. Three soldiers were also wounded by firearms.

Serbia and Kosovo's leaders have traded accusations over the violent scenes.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Holmes reported to the federal facility in Bryan, Texas, which holds between 500 and 700 inmates at any given time, on Tuesday.

There, the woman once billed as the world's youngest self-made billionaire might work alongside other inmates for between 12 cents (10p) and $1.15 (93p) an hour - much of which will go towards her court-mandated restitution payments.

Earlier this month a US judge ordered Holmes and her former romantic and business partner, ex-Theranos boss Ramesh "Sunny" Balwani, to pay US$452M to victims.

Balwani is already serving a 13-year prison sentence in California for his role in the scheme.

Together, the pair are accused of duping some of the world's richest and most prominent investors - including media tycoon Rupert Murdoch and former US Treasury Secretary

(Excerpt from BBC News)

"I thought it was a shark but when I reached up, I realised it was a crocodile. I

Under Queensland's management programme, "problem crocodiles" are removed from areas where they threaten public safety and, in rare instances, euthanised. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Uganda accuses West of blackmail in its response to anti-LGBTQ law

Uganda on Tuesday condemned the Western response to the East African country's new anti-LGBTQ law, considered one of the harshest in the world, and said sanctions threats from donors amounted to "blackmail".

The law signed by President Yoweri Museveni carries the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality", an offence that includes transmitting HIV through gay sex.

Its enactment, announced on Monday, drew immediate rebukes from Western governments and puts in jeopardy some of the billions of dollars in foreign aid the country receives each year.

US President Joe Biden threatened aid cuts and other sanctions, while Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Government would consider visa restrictions against Ugandan officials.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the law would impact Uganda's ties with international partners.

In the Ugandan Government's first detailed comments since Museveni signed the law, Information Minister Chris Baryomunsi rejected the condemnation.

"We do not consider homosexuality as a constitutional right. It is just a sexual deviation which we do not promote as Ugandans and Africans," he told Reuters.

"While we appreciate the support we get from partners, they must be reminded that we are a sovereign country and we do not legislate for the Western world. We legislate for our own people here in Uganda. So that kind of blackmail is not acceptable."

Ugandan activists and lawyers filed a lawsuit on Monday against the law. They said it encourages discrimination and stimgmatisation and allege it was passed without meaningful public participation.

In an interview, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk told Reuters he expects the courts to agree. (Excerpt from Reuters)

A view shows an apartment building damaged during a massive Russian drone strike, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, May 30, 2023

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Keep your feelings to yourself. Sharing too much information will put you in a vulnerable position and cause problems. Look at every angle before making a big move.

(March 21-April 19)

Don’t let anger take the reins when action is required. Use your connections to ensure you have a backup plan to reach your target. Fixing your personal space will boost your morale.

(April 20-May 20)

Consider what’s entailed before you offer help. Protect your reputation, position and key relationships. Refuse to let emotions interfere with your plans and decisions. Do things yourself.

(May 21-June 20)

Establish what you want to do before you start. Map out your plan from beginning to end and approach the people you need on your team to be successful. Listen to supporters’ suggestions.

(June 21-July 22)

You’ll be prone to impulsive behavior today. Don’t jump to conclusions. Listen to what others have to say. A change someone makes will give you insight into how to proceed.

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Take care of your responsibilities before moving on to pleasurable pastimes. You’ll enjoy yourself more if you don’t have to worry about what you left unfinished.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Be careful when dealing with others. Your actions or words will be misconstrued. Make your home or workspace functional. The better equipped you are, the more success you’ll achieve.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Don’t expect smooth sailing. Take a positive attitude, regardless of how others are acting. Focus on self-improvement, educational pursuits and getting along with people who have something to offer.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Pick up the pace, designate funds to cover your expenses and take a minimalist approach to whatever you do. It’s time to please yourself and do what comes naturally.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Spend more time improving your living arrangements. The changes you undertake will ease stress and give you hope for a brighter future. Focus on self-improvement.

You’ll encounter a challenge if you share too much information with a friend, relative or colleague. Don’t give away your secrets or let someone stifle your dreams. Act on your own behalf.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Push aside negativity. A positive attitude will invite new opportunities and input from people who share your vision. Choose quality over quantity, and you’ll be heading down a lucrative path.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

YESTERDAY'S WORD -- ADMIRING

HEAT ADVANCE TO NBA FINALS

-foil Celtics' bid at history

Jimmy Butler backed up his bold guarantee, and the Miami Heat bounced back to prevent the Boston Celtics from making history.

Butler led all players with 28 points as the Heat advanced to the NBA Finals for the second time in four years with a 103-84 rout of the Celtics in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals on Monday night.

Miami went ahead late in the first quarter, and never looked back en route to joining the 1999 New York Knicks as the only #8 seeds in a conference to reach the NBA Finals. The Heat will meet the Western Conference champions, Nuggets, with Game 1 to be held Thursday in Denver.

The Heat have also denied

Boston from becoming the first team in league history to win a seven-game series after losing the first three contests. Moreover, they made Butler's claim after Game 5: that Miami would win the series, a reality.

Boston had forced Monday's winner-take-all matchup with a dramatic Game 6 victory in Miami on Saturday, with Derrick White's buzzer-beating tip-in giving the Celtics a 104-103 win and extending the series. But the Celtics could never muster a comeback in Game 7, as Miami built a 27-15 lead early in the second quarter, and took a 52-41 advantage into half-time.

Boston got the deficit to within seven late in the third quarter, before Caleb Martin scored the first eight points

Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler celebrating with teammates of a 12-2 Heat run that put Miami up 83-66 with 10 minutes remaining.

Martin finished with 26 points and 10 rebounds for Miami, which went 14 of 28

from 3-point range, while the Celtics shot just 21.4 per cent from beyond the arc. Butler was named the Eastern Conference Finals MVP and received the Larry

Bird Trophy, named in honour of the former Celtics great.

Jaylen Brown led Boston with 19 points, but went 8 of 23 from the field, while

A review of the 2023 Tata Indian Premier League

Faf du Plessis - and not Shubman Gill - is the Most Valuable Player of IPL 2023, according to ESPNcricinfo's Smart Stats, an AI-powered tool that considers match context in valuing batting and bowling performances.

Du Plessis collected 59.38 Total Impact points per match for his performances - the highest for any player to have played at least seven matches in the season. Gill came second with 56.85 average points.

Royal Challengers Bangalore's batting was heavily reliant on their top order, and du Plessis was the vital cog. He made 40 or more runs ten out of the 14 times he batted, with eight of those scores contributing at least 30% of RCB's totals in the match. All these runs came at a decent clip of 153.6.

The Player of the Tournament, and the Orange Cap winner, Gill, was part of a team that had more batters. Apart from Gill, there were five other batters in the Titans’ line-up who scored 250-plus runs this season.

Smart Stats reckons runs came from du Plessis under more pressure than those coming from Gill. Gill, however, earned 966.40 Total Impact points this season, which was much higher than the 831.36 earned by du Plessis.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, adjudged Emerging Player of the Season, is at #3, followed by Mohammed Siraj and Axar Patel. Sunrisers Hyderabad's Heinrich Klaasen missed out on the top five by a whisker with his Total Impact per match being 48.01, a fraction below Axar’s.

Klaasen's lone hand makes an impact

Klaasen was the stand-

out batter for the SRH, often scoring runs when the team was on the back foot. He batted at #5 or lower in eight of his 11 innings in the season, and struck at 177.1. No other SRH batter who faced over 20 balls had a strike rate in excess of 150.

Klaasen's 448 runs in the season, the 12th most by any batter this season, were made with little support from the other end. This means that the Batting Impact per innings Klaasen had in the season was the fourth best, after du Plessis, Gill and Jaiswal. Suryakumar Yadav was ranked fifth among batters to have played at least nings.

Maxwell makes it count Glenn Maxwell was another batter who probably could have had a greater impact, had he faced more balls. A solid opening pair in Virat Kohli and du Plessis meant Maxwell often didn't come in to bat early enough. Seven of his 14 innings in the season started after the tenth over. He faced only 218 balls this season despite batting at #3

and #4.

There were 26 other batters in the top seven who faced more balls than Maxwell did, but only a few made each ball count as he did. Maxwell's Batting Impact per ball of 2.49 was the highest. At 2.28, Klaasen had the second highest.

Ajinkya Rahane, who played a few impactful cameos through the season, like the 13-ball 27 in the final, is fourth on this ladder, ahead of Suryakumar. Nicholas

Pooran, who played a similar hand for Lucknow Super Giants, slots in at #3.

Siraj ticks all boxes

There were eight bowlers who took more wickets than Siraj, but the RCB pacer overtook all of them to top the Bowling Impact charts. Siraj was his team's spearhead. He consistently provided his team with crucial breakthroughs and tight overs.

In the 17th over of Super Giants' chase in Bengaluru, chasing 213, Super Giants required just 28 runs from the last four overs, and had the momentum, having scored 93 runs in the previous six overs. Siraj gave away just four runs in the over, and took the wicket of Nicholas Pooran, who had scored 62 runs off just 18 balls until then. Super Giants managed to squeeze out a win only with a bye off the last ball of the match.

According to Smart Stats, Siraj’s 19 wickets this season were worth 26.37 Smart Wickets. Smart Stats considers the importance of each wicket, given the match

situation and the quality of the batter, and gives them a value that could be more or less than 1.

Mohammed Shami

- the Purple Cap winner - came second to Siraj in terms of Bowling Impact per match, despite taking 28 wickets in the season, which were worth 33.96 Smart Wickets. This is the highest value of Smart Wickets for any bowler in any season in the IPL. However, Shami's Smart Economy was 7.91 compared to his actual economy of 8.03. In comparison, Siraj's Smart Economy was far lower at 5.80, which meant that Siraj bowled economically in clutch situations far more often than Shami did. The impact he made through such spells was enough to pass Shami to the pole position. Piyush Chawla, Nathan Ellis and Varun Chakravarthy round up the top five in terms of Bowling Impact per match among those who bowled in at least seven matches.

CSK punched above their weight yet again In yet another season, Chennai Super Kings were more than the sum of their parts. Only one of their players made it to the top ten of the Most Valuable Player ranks in terms of Total Impact points earned per match. Ravindra Jadeja was CSK's highest-ranked player at #9 on this list. Ruturaj Gaikwad was the only other player who made it to the top 20. Titans had three players, and Mumbai Indians had four. RCB also had four in the top 20, including two in the top five. Their failure to make it to the playoffs underlined the fact that you need more than a few big stars to win the IPL. (Excerpted from ESPNCricinfo)

All-Star Jayson Tatum was held to 14 points, after playing through a sore ankle he injured early in the contest. (Sportsmax)

Players with highest total impact per match, minimum 7 matches played

Mohammed Siraj and Glenn Maxwell were among the bright spots for RCB this season

ent Street futsal players were all smiles as they walked out of the boardroom of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport yesterday $1M richer.

The team had just received their spoils for their remarkable performance in the “One Guyana” futsal championship finals.

The inaugural championship saw 32 of the country's best futsal teams competing for the coveted first-place prize, compliments of KFC Guyana. On May 21, in front of a mammoth crowd at the National Park, Bent Street defeated Sparta Boss 6-3 to clinch the top prize.

Colin Nelson was the star of the show for Bent

brace from Job Caesar and a single strike from Cecil Jackman. Despite a valiant effort, Sparta Boss had to settle for the $500,000 runner-up prize.

Back Circle pocketed $200,000 for their 9-4 drubbing of California Square in the third-place match.

The tournament saw a total of 331 goals scored, with Adrian Aaron's 12 goals being the most scored by any player.

At yesterday's simple presentation ceremony, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, congratulated the players for their sterling performances, and praised the tournament as a hallmark event that showcased the best of Guyana's futsal talent.

Minister Ramson also took the opportunity to update the players on several projects cur

Sir James France Cricket Tournament…

Bent Street receives “One Guyana” futsal spoils Wiruni registers second Championship win over Sand Hills Friendship

Cricket in Berbice riverine areas received a major boost over the last weekend when the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) hosted two major finals at the Area H Ground on the Corentyne.

The finals of the BCB/ Dave West Indian Imports 40 overs’ tournament were held on Friday last, and the finals of the Sir James France 20/20 Cup were held on Sunday last. Finalists for both matches were Sand Hills Friendship and Wiruni villages.

in communities across Georgetown that are specifically developed to cater to futsal.

Daniel Wilson, who is currently with the Golden Jaguars team preparing for the CONCACAF Gold Cup, was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player (MVP). The award was a fitting recognition of Wilson's outstanding contribution to Bent Street's success in the tournament.

The “One Guyana” futsal champion ship, according to the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation, was a resound ing success, with Bent Street emerg ing as worthy

The Dave West Indian Imports tournament saw Wiruni registering a victory over Sand Hills Friendship by 112 runs, while they also lifted the Sir James France Trophy by defeating that team by 5 wickets.

Sunday’s finals were played in front of one of the largest crowds at a Berbice finals in recent history. Sand Hills Friendship batted first and scored 84 for 6 after heavy rainfall forced the umpires to reduce the match to 15 overs per team.

The top performers for the runners-up were Winsbarth Caple with 27 (3×4) and Michael Caple with 15. The best bowlers for Wiruni were Neil Thomas with 2 wickets for 17 runs from 2 overs and Kurt Sinclair with 2 for 20

Needing to score 85 from 20 overs to win their second consecutive title in three days, Wiruni reached their target off 13.3 overs when the in-form Delroy Osborne sealed victory with a massive six. Osborne ended on 34 not out, which included three sixes. He received support from John Sinclair, who scored 15. Bowling for the run-

ners-up, Joshua Leacock took 3 wickets for 9 runs off his three impressive overs, while Kevlin Evans took 1 for 18 off 2 overs, and Waqar McKenzie took 1 for 20 off 3 overs as the other wicket takers.

The tournament was sponsored by popular contractor Nolan France and his wife Charlyn Artiga in honour of his dad, James France. “Sir James” as he was popularly known, was an outstanding educator in the Berbice riverine area.

Chairman of the BCB Competitions Committee, Leslie Solomon, hailed the tournament as a great success and expressed delight at the massive turnout of fans in the area. Fans had travelled for hours to be at the Area H Ground. Solomon committed the board to organizing more tournaments in the future.

BCB President Hilbert Foster had met with the representatives of both teams earlier in the day, and had responded positively to their several requests, which included coaching programmes for youth cricketers, training for umpires, provision of bowling machines and cricket gear. He also announced

that the area would shortly create history by playing First Division cricket for the first time. Representative of the sponsor, Dr. Mark France, expressed great delight at the success of the tournament and hailed the outstanding work of the Hilbert Foster-led administration in promoting cricket across Berbice.

He committed the France family to continuing their sponsorship in the future and also to seek other areas for cooperation. The winner; runner-up; and man of the finals, Delroy

Osborne, all received trophies and monetary prizes from the BCB, while the two teams received several items that were donated by the cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club.

Aliann Pompey Invitational shifted to July 22

The 2023 AP Invitational, the first-ever World Athletics Continental Tour event in Guyana, will now be held on July 22, organiser Aliann Pompey announced on Monday.

After a four-year hiatus, the AP Invitational track and field championship was scheduled to return on Saturday, June 24, at the National Track and Field Centre at Edinburgh, WCD.

Pompey, Guyana’s Commonwealth Games 400m gold and silver medallist, had seen her fifth edition of the AP Invitational, like most sports events in 2020, cancelled because of COVID- 19.

According to Pompey, “The decision was made to change the date to ensure we can have a high-level competition that meets all the international standards and expectations. The new date gives us a better chance to execute all of our objectives, and should be seen as a great thing - our athletes will be better prepared,

as it’s in the latter part of the season.”

Pompey’s decision to change the date of the AP Invitational places the event within the qualification window for the 2026 Olympics.

This event, the inaugural competition of which was run in 2016, had seen 11 athletes move on to compete at the Olympic Games in Rio.

“I’m extremely excited about this year’s competition -

the hiatus because of COVID and other factors made us all see the tremendous value of having something like this here in Guyana. I don’t think we’ve missed a beat. I believe this will be the best one yet,” Pompey has said.

The Olympian pointed out that “the financial backing of the Minister responsible for Sport, Honourable Minister Charles Ramson, and the new Guyana Olympic Association

(GOA) President, Godfrey Munroe, and his executives, makes it possible to add some new features to this year’s competition that will make it a must-see event.”

This year’s AP Invitational will be headlined by national 400m record holder Aliyah Abrams, who is having a sensational season. Abrams recently reset Guyana’s 400m record with a remarkable time of 50.20s at the NACAC

New Life Invitational in The Bahamas. Her time places her in the top five in the world this year, with only Britton Wilson, Gabrielle Thomas, Rhasidat Adeleke, and Stacy- Ann Williams running faster than Abrams in the 400m.

Already qualifying for the World Athletics 2023 World Championships in Track and Field, Abrams said one of her goals this season is to be a finalist at that event, set for staging during August 19–27 in Budapest, Hungary, while also “dipping under 50s.”

Pompey has said that, along with Abrams, the AP Invitational will feature a ros ter of high-lev el athletes from around the world.

Bent Street Captain, Adrian Aaron

The winning Captain receiving trophy and medal from Dr Mark France

A glimpse of what to expect at the AP Invitational

National 400M record holder Aliyah Abrams will headline this year’s AP Invitational

Guyana’s senior men’s national football team, the Golden Jaguars, in preparation for their CONCACAF Gold Cup Preliminary matches next month, are currently involved in a rigid training camp in Jamaica.

The camp is set to run until June 5, and according to Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz, “expectations are high”, since a cut will be made afterwards.

“Well, we’ve invited 28 players to the Jamaica camp, from which we will choose 24 to go to Miami. I expect guys to be competitive. You know, it’s always going to be difficult to pick the final squad, because we have internationally-based players (and) locally-based players,” Shabazz explained.

The Head Coach added, “So, I expect a very competitive camp, and one that will lay the foundation for us to go to Miami and give of our best.”

For the local arm, players were selected from the Slingerz, Western Tigers, Guyana Police Force and Guyana Defence Force football clubs.

The Head Coach disclosed the names of the international personalities that were invited to the training camp, as well as new faces to look out for. He revealed, “We’ve invited again Sam Cox, Nathan Moriah- Welch, Stephen Duke-Mckenna, Emery Welshman; the same list that played in the Nations’ League, with the addition of a few players. “We have Deon Moore coming out of the UK. He’s certainly going to be a new

one. Marcus Simmons, he’s coming out of Canada, a left back. So, they’re a couple new guys that we invited, and we’re looking to see how they mesh.

We want the team to be stronger than the last one, but we don’t want to mess with the chemistry, because we had something good going: good discipline, good tactical understanding, and the guys played with a big heart,” Shabazz explained.

Prior to the national

NAMILCO support young ‘Green Machine’

team’s participation in the Nations League earlier this year, international friendlies for preparation were a spot of bother. While the issue remains, Shabazz divulged that the team will benefit from two practice matches, though not high profile. The Head Coach shared, “Well we’re hoping to get two practice matches in Jamaica, one against possibly a local-based Jamaican team; that’s still in the works. And definitely in Miami, we’re expected to play Martinique. “So, we will get some practice games. It will not be high-profile matches because nobody wants to give away their team shape, the team make up, composition, at this stage, but we expect to have at least two matches that will be able to prepare us for the upcoming game against Grenada,” Shabazz divulged.

Following their training camp in Jamaica, the Golden Jaguars will head over to Miami, USA for another training stint up until June 15; after which they will battle Grenada in The Gold Cup Preliminaries on June 17.

The National Milling Company of Guyana Incorporated (NAMILCO) have again demonstrated their commitment to supporting the development of rugby in Guyana, following their sponsorship given to cover the expenses associated with the National U19 team's trip to Jamaica.

The young ‘Green

Reggae Girl Shaw signs two-year contract extension with Man City

Manchester City striker Khadija

Shaw has signed a two-year contract extension with the Women’s Super League outfit, running to the summer of 2026.

The 26-year-old Jamaica international, nicknamed ‘Bunny’, has scored 31 goals in 30 City appearances in all competitions in the 202223 season, and has netted 50 times for them in total since joining in 2021 from Bordeaux.

Shaw said in a statement from the club: “I’m delighted to continue my journey with this amazing group. Everyone made me feel welcome from the first day I came here. I enjoy the way

we play, and I’m at a stage now where I understand the way we play, and I can only get better and grow.

“I think here at City is the perfect place for me. I put all my effort and time on the pitch, and obviously for the position I play and the quality I have around me, I know I’m going to be in positions to score goals.

“I’ve always said Manchester feels like home away from home, too. I enjoy coming into the City ground every day and training with the group, vibing with the girls, and I also have family here, so Manchester has felt like home ever since I arrived.

“I just want to thank our fans for everything, all the

love and support they’ve given me since I arrived. I’ll just try my best to continue repaying them on the football pitch.”

City boss Gareth Taylor said: “Bunny’s growth and

development as a player over the past two years, but particularly this season, has been fantastic, and we’re thrilled to see her extend her contract with us.

“She has thrived, hav-

ing had the opportunity of extended runs in the team throughout the current campaign, and has shown on a regular basis what a talent she is, and why we brought her to the club.

“She scored goals regularly in France and America prior to joining us, and has now shown what she’s capable of in England too – which says a lot about her ability.

“She is still a young player though, who wants to improve and is hungry for success, and we’re only scratching the surface with her, which is a very exciting prospect, as we aim to develop her even further over the next three years.”

(Sportsmax)

Machine’ will compete in the July 12-16 Rugby Americas North (RAN) Senior Women's 12s and Men's U19 Championship at the University of the West Indies in Kingston.

During a brief ceremony held at the company's Boardroom in Agricola, East Bank Demerara, NAMILCO presented a sponsorship cheque to Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) Treasurer Troy Yhip, who expressed his heartfelt appreciation to NAMILCO for their unwavering support towards local rugby throughout the years.

The Men's U19 team are scheduled to depart Guyana in early July for their first outing at the RAN U19 Championship since the COVID-19 hiatus, and the GRFU is extremely pleased with NAMILCO's sponsorship.

Yhip appealed to other businesses and organizations to could join hands with the GRFU in its efforts to restore rugby to its former glory in Guyana. He urged them to consider supporting the GRFU as it strives to uplift and promote rugby within the region.

Chanderpaul leads batting as Windies ‘A’ make 320 on first day

Led by Tagenarine

Chanderpaul and Joshua Da

Silva, West Indies “A” team turned in a solid batting performance on the opening day of the third contest against Bangladesh “A” team on Tuesday.

Left-handed opener Chanderpaul topscored with 83 at the top of the order, while captain Da Silva made a fine 82. They registered two of the four half-centuries which helped the visitors to 320-6.

Alick Athanaze struck 59, and fellow lefthander Raymon Reifer struck an unbeaten 56 to further underline the dominance, after Da Silva won the toss and chose to bat on a hot day, with temperatures reaching 37 de-

grees Celsius.

Chanderpaul struck nine fours and a six in a patient 160-ball stay, while Athanaze faced 66 balls and counted seven fours and two sixes in a fluent knock, before he fell half-hour before lunch, being brilliantly caught at slip by Mahmudul Hasan off Nasum, to leave West Indies A at 98-3 at the interval.

“The pitch has some grass on it, so I tried to get through the new ball and then build the innings for the team. The longer I spent at the crease, that made the scoring easier. The weather was really hot today, so I had to dig really deep. I would have really liked to reach three figures, but to get 83 and do the job for the team was good…hopefully, I could get the century if we

bat again,” said Chanderpaul, who had made 83 in the first innings of the first match at the same venue.

Da Silva combined well with Chanderpaul to keep the home side wicket-less in the second session. Da Silva eventually outscored Chanderpaul as he hit 12 boundaries and two sixes in a 94-ball knock. He failed to add to his tea-time score with West Indies A on 215-3 when he was yorked by the very first delivery from Nasum after the resumption, leading to a slide which saw three wickets tumble for 45 runs.

West Indies A then found themselves at 260-6. Reifer provided the rearguard action in a 90-ball innings which has so far featured six fours and a six. He inspired a 60-

run, unbroken seventh wicket stand with Kevin Sinclair (22 not out), and they will resume when the match con-

tinues on Wednesday at 10am (12 midnight Eastern Caribbean/11pm Tuesday Jamaica).

SCOREBOARD

West Indies A 1st Inn

Batters R B

Tagenarine Chanderpaul

c †Quazi b Md Mushfik Hasan 83 160

Kirk McKenzie c †Quazi

b Shoriful Islam 0 3

ZachM McCaskie c †Quazi

b Md Mushfik Hasan 1 6

Alick Steven Athanaze

c Mahmudul Hasan Joy

b Ahmed 59 66

Joshua Michael Da Silva

(c) b Ahmed 82 94

Raymon Anton Reifer not out 56 90

Tevin llnlach (wk)

lbw b Ahmed 10 21

Kevin Oswald

Sinclair not out 22 52

Extras (wd 2, lb 5) 7

Total (6 wkts, 82.0 ov)

320 (CRR: 3.90)Yet to Bat:

Veerasammy Permaul, Akeem Kelvin Jordan, Anderson Ghoel Phillip Fall of wickets: 0-1 (Kirk McKenzie, 1.3 ov), 1-2 (ZachM McCaskie, 2.3 ov), 83-3 (Alick Steven Athanaze, 19 ov), 215-4 (Joshua Michael Da Silva, 51.1 ov), 241-5 (Tagenarine Chanderpaul, 58.4 ov), 260-6 (Tevin llnlach, 63.3 ov)

Bowlers O-M-R-W Md Mushfik Hasan 13-4-50-2

Shoriful Islam 13-1-58-1

Tanzim Hasan Sakib

NAMILCO offered their support to the GRFU on Monday at their Agricola Head Office

Golden Jaguars Head Coach, Jamaal Shabazz

Khadija Shaw celebrating one of her many goals for Manchester City

Joshua Da Silva made an entertaining 82

Bent Street Captain Adrian Aaron receiving his team’s “One Guyana” futsal spoils from Minister Charles Ramson Jr and members of the Kashif and Shanghai Organisation