Guyana Times - Epaper Sunday, May 14, 2023

“Being a single mother isn’t easy”

Father, son-in-law shot dead as gunmen invade Linden home

The community of Wismar, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), was shaken in the early hours of Saturday, as three masked gunmen burst into the home of Johnson Bowen, 87, and Manuel Dos Santos, 58, and brutally murdered them.

Guyana Times was informed that the family was sleeping soundly when the brazen home invaders broke in, armed to the teeth with guns and clad in black masks. The robbers showed no mercy as they unleashed a wave of violence that left the two men dead and one injured.

The home invasion was a terrifying and brutal affair, with the intruders re-

commotion coming from the house. Despite the odds, he managed to choke one of the attackers, while Manuel and Valdeir Dos SantosManuel’s son - armed themselves with cutlasses and fought off the others. The suspects were chopped in the process.

The situation quickly devolved into a chaotic bloodbath as the invaders fired indiscriminately at the roof, causing panic and chaos to ensue. Guyana Times was informed that the attackers had no regard for the lives of those inside the home, firing recklessly and causing damage to the property.

The brave family members fought back with all their might, but in the end, two of them paid the ul-

been a robbery gone wrong, the motivation of the attackers remains unclear.

Two suspects

According to the Commander of the Division, Kurleigh Simon, there have been some developments in the investigation. Two persons are now in custody, and the Police are optimistic that they will be able to shed light on the motive behind the attack and the identities of the other suspects.

“We are hoping that we can speedily resolve the situation and bring the perpetrators to justice. I cannot give too much details at the moment, but what I can tell you is that we are conducting investigations,” he told reporters.

The murders in Wismar, Linden, have also attracted the attention of the highest levels of Government, with Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn visiting the scene of the crime to express his disgust at the senseless violence that has claimed the lives of two innocent men.

sorting to violence almost immediately. Dos Santos's wife told detectives that she was awoken by the sound of the intruders in the living room and was confronted with a terrifying scene.

She said she saw her elderly father being tugged by the invaders, while one of her sons lay helpless on the floor. The attackers were ruthless and showed no hesitation in using force to achieve their objectives.

But even in the face of such a horrific situation, the family members fought back valiantly, with their bare hands and cutlasses they used as weapons.

It was reported that Denzil Roberts, the nephew of Dos Santos, who lives next door, rushed to the scene to help his family members after hearing a

timate price. Manuel and Bowen were shot dead, their bodies riddled with bullets.

Their valiant efforts to protect their loved ones and their home were not enough to save them from the ruthless invaders. Roberts sustained severe injuries and was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital for immediate surgery.

The community is still in shock following the senseless violence, and residents have taken to social media to express their struggles to come to terms with the tragedy and the reality that such an act of violence can occur in their quiet neighbourhood.

The Police are investigating the incident, and while it is suspected to have

Speaking to reporters, the Minister said that he could not understand the motive behind the attack, especially since the area in which the family lives is where the most vulnerable members of society live. He called on the Police to leave no stone unturned in their investigation and to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“I want to condemn this action in the strongest possible term and to call on all people to join up to help us solve this crime. Two persons are in custody and are going to be interrogated… they are still working on issue with the blood trail and the collection of other evidence… we hope that we will get a breakthrough soon within a matter of days,” the Minister said.

The arrests have brought some relief to the community, which has been reeling from the tragedy. Still, the investigation is ongoing, and the Police have urged anyone with information to come forward and assist with the inquiry. (G9)

…“We hope that we will get a breakthrough soon” – Minister …as 2 suspects arrested

Dead: Johnson Bowen

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn met with Manuel Dos Santos’s wife and Johnson Bowen’s daughter, Borgesilva

Regional Police Division 10 Commander, Kurleigh Simon, and Senior Superintendent Michael Kingston speaking with the media

Govt signs US$200M agreement with IsDB to finance SoesdykeLinden Highway reconstruction

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government on Saturday signed a US$200 million agreement with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), aimed specifically at financing the reconstruction of the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, and only one day after another US$150 million agreement was inked with a Saudi Fund.

In a statement, the Ministry of Finance explained that Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh signed the framework agreement with the President of the Islamic Bank, Dr Muhammad Al Jasser.

The US$200 million Framework Agreement was signed on the sidelines of the 2023 Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group’s Annual Meetings currently underway in Saudi Arabia. Dr Singh is leading Guyana’s delegation attending those meetings.

Upgrading the highway will involve the rehabilitation and reconstruction of 73 kilometres of the road with two lanes undivided, 9 bridges, 6 culverts with improved design, quality and standards. The project also includes ancillary works and road corridor improvements, providing essential public administration support, improved connectivity with communities, roadside and other facilities.

It was only on Friday that Dr Singh and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Saudi Fund for Development, Sultan A Al-Marshad signed a US$150 million Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the Saudi Fund to finance infrastructural development works for the housing sector and construction of the Wismar Bridge.

Additionally, Dr Singh had signed a Memorandum

of Understanding (MoU) with the IsDB concerning the Country Engagement Framework for Guyana for green, resilient and sustainable infrastructure as well as for supporting economic diversification and doing business.

Development

Ahead of Local Government Elections (LGE) 2023, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo was in Linden on Saturday where he assured residents of Linden, including his party supporters, that the billions of dollars being spent in developing Linden will have the net effect of making sure the town is the centre of cross-border trade with Brazil.

This development ranges from the work being done on the US$190 million Linden to Mabura Hill project, to the 48 bridges being built be-

tween Linden and the border. During a meeting with party supporters in Linden, Jagdeo pointed to how much they’ve spent on roads in Linden, compared to the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC).

“This year alone, we’ve spent about $2.5 billion so far on roads. We’ve never had more roads done in the history than in the last couple of years. And this year’s budget alone for roads in Linden, is more than the five years that APNU budgeted in the past.”

“And we made a decision that once it’s concrete roads,

only contractors from this region will get the work to build the roads in this region. That’s the difference,” Jagdeo also said, to the cheers of those assembled.

Speaking to the US$200 million Soesdyke-Linden Highway project, as well as the four-lane bridge across Wismar, Jagdeo was optimistic that these works will start by the end of this year. According to him, they are currently considering offers for the Wismar Bridge which will be financed from the Saudi Fund for Development.

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh and President of the Islamic Bank, Dr Muhammad Al Jasser, after the signing

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo speaking at the Linden meeting

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Rice prospects

Even as rice prices are predicted to rise later this year, because of challenges in production in some of the major rice producing and consuming nations - such as Pakistan, China and India, news was received that the Government will soon move to the International Chamber of Arbitration in France to recover over $1 billion owed by the Government of Panama to the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) for rice sold to the country. This particular debt was created during the last APNU/AFC regime, when PM Moses Nagamootoo announced quite ostentatiously that he had renegotiated the rice market with Panama after there were some issues with a prior shipment. Millers have taken the GRDB to court to recover their money.

There is also the matter of private miller Nand Persaud shipping 15,000 tons of rice to Cuba back in 2017, for which no payment has been made, notwithstanding the efforts of the miller’s Managing Director, who personally went to Cuba to resolve the matter. At the time of the shipments, we had just suffered the loss of the Venezuelan market for 200,000+ tonnes of rice and paddy annually. The Venezuelans cancelled their purchases when the Exxon oil strike was announced in 2015, and that was a serious bodyblow to both our rice industry and the nation for three reasons. Firstly, there was the size of that market - absorbing fully one-third of our exports. Secondly, there was the price of US$780/tonne, which was almost double that of the world market price. Third, the terms of payment were tied to the PetroCaribe Initiative, via which we were receiving oil at extremely concessionary terms. The arrangement became fundamentally a barter arrangement that meant we did not have to pay for oil in foreign currency (US dollars), but to our own farmers in Guyana dollars, which we print, but which is not convertible on the forex market.

Be that as it may, against the backdrop of the APNU/ AFC regime’s failure to ensure that the rice markets were serviced efficiently, the PPP, after 2020, moved decisively to return rice on its upward growth trajectory. By 2021, Minister of Agriculture, Zulficar Mustapha, announced that Guyana was able “…to secure additional markets for rice exports, and with the interventions made in the industry since August (of 2020), plans to double production and increase export over five years can be realised.”

As we reported in 2022, in the rice sector, over $100 million has been spent to improve rice yields. Additionally, support in pest control has been provided to farmers, while the Agriculture Ministry also marked the milestone of the Value-Added Laboratory becoming operational in March 2022.

“At the end of the review period, 16,277 bags of seeds were produced, and of this amount, 13,153 bags of quality seeds were produced at the Burma Rice Research Centre, while the remaining 3124 bags were by private seed growers from the No 56 Seed Facility. Research and testing continued in the first half with 6 of the 8 aromatic lines, 10 of the 12 high-yielding lines, and 4 of the 16 biofortified zinc lines selected for further testing.

“Additionally, the Value-Added Laboratory became operational in March 2022, while research on rice and rice products progressed to working with bakeries to commercially produce bread and pastries from rice flour. Further, the completion of the Soil Laboratory was delayed due to the challenges with the supply of equipment for the laboratory, owing to the global supply chain crisis,” the midyear report stated.

The Government must be commended for its commitment, not only to the rice industry, but to food security, both domestically and regionally, as evidenced by its investments to operationalize Caricom’s “Vision 25 by 2025” – to reduce food imports by 25% by 2025. The agricultural sector is an indivisible mosaic because of the common demands of irrigation, drainage, soil health, pest control etc. With the decline of sugar, rice now forms the backbone of our comparative advantage in agriculture, and as such must be given the maximum support for the necessary economic diversification.

Ronald Burch-Smith should avoid becoming embroiled in a Mother’s Day fiasco

Dear Editor,

The current executive of the Guyana Press Association (GPA) plans to hold elections on Sunday May 14 - Mother’s Day, to be exact. The elections were due in early 2020, which means the current executive has been squatting in office for three years.

In the past, executive members of the GPA have lectured the Government extensively on democracy, transparency and fairness. Astonishingly, the GPA’s elections process is marred by accusations of serious irregularities. These accusations are further compounded by the stubbornness of the executive to address the numerous concerns raised by the membership.

The dictatorial approach by the executive

- denying all requests for the voters’ list to be made available prior to the elections - casts serious doubt on the outcome of the voting, regardless of who gets elected. Dozens of media workers feel disenfranchised because of the newly imposed rules of a cut-off time for the registration of new members and payment of dues. Both are departures from common practice for the elections.

Members of the GPA have a legitimate expectation that the previous convention that allowed for membership and payment of dues to be made right up to the day of elections would still apply to these elections. Based on one’s reading of the GPA Constitution, the new rules could be open to legal challenge.

Despite official re-

quests from members to produce a list of eligible voters ahead of the elections, the GPA executive has closed ranks.

Instead of adopting a transparent approach to protect the integrity of the elections, the GPA executive has found a willing enabler in Gordon Mosely to divert his colleagues’ attention with great mediocrity and triviality.

All of the issues being ventilated in the public domain present a challenge for Attorney-at-Law

Ronald Burch-Smith, who is appointed as the Returning Officer for the elections. Burch-Smith is a reputable legal mind, but he risks becoming embroiled in the tainted elections process of the GPA. There are certain characteristics that are unique to the legal profession that

put lawyers at risk of involvement in corruption. Generally, the expectation is that lawyers do not assume positions in which private interests conflict with those applicable rules of professional conduct.

It is expected that a lawyer shall, at all times, maintain the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and fairness towards his/ her clients, the court, colleagues, and all those with whom he/she comes into professional contact.

There is still time for the goodly attorney to exercise his independent, unbiased professional judgement and withdraw his participation from the GPA elections process to protect his personal and professional integrity.

Regards, Erin Northe

E-bikes and licensing

Dear Editor, I have read many negative comments surrounding the usage of electric bikes in Guyana. There was news from the Traffic Department that riders must have a valid motorcycle licence; and recently, Hon. Attorney General Anil Nandlall planning to enact laws in Parliament to control the usage of e-bikes, all towards road safety and

proper rules for riders and the other road users.

I am aware of the misuse of these e-bikes; e.g., children riding, no lights, non-observance of traffic regulations etc.

My letter is more to ask the Government to take a mature look at e-bike usage, and not disrupt the livelihood of our Guyanese brothers and sisters. The e-bike has become

a Guyanese tradition, since it is an upliftment of our living standard.

People feel proud to own an e-bike. Some families have 3 or 4 e-bikes, as those have replaced bicycles. Females use them to take their children to and from school, and to run errands. Less affluent Guyanese use it to ride and sell, to go to work etc. On any given day, we see more

than 200 e-bikes in use. Husbands get a break because wives can assist, since motorcycles are tougher to use and they require a licence.

Please do not disrupt our people’s lives. Please think before you act, Hon. Nandlall.

Sincerely,

Artist Allim

Head Gardener Chris Crowder, 2nd right, and his team of gardeners work to prepare the world’s oldest topiary garden in the grounds of Levens Hall, an Elizabethan stately home near Kendal in north-west England. Levens Hall is hosting the World Topiary Day on May 14, 2023 (AFP)

Repaying Cuba - Building One Region

Dear Editor, I write to congratulate the President on his wholehearted acknowledgement of Cuba’s meaningful contribution to our nation’s medical services over the years. He was speaking recently on the West Coast. I am certain his opinion is shared by my (former) colleagues at Congress Place, who collaborated with Cuban counterparts in various cooperative endeavours.

President Ali’s presentation reminded me of being in Cuba on the return of the bodies of its civilians, martyred by American troops in 1983 while engaged in the construction of the new airport in Grenada.

The President’s gracious comments also stirred

memories of my participation in the fateful decision which saw the Cuban planes carrying troops to Angola refuelling at Timehri. Without this facility, the liberation of Angola and southern Africa would have been a much bloodier and protracted enterprise.

(It is unconscionable that the sacrifice of so many in Angola, Cuba, Guyana and beyond was appropriated by the likes of Isabel dos Santos, the daughter of President dos Santos, to indecently become the world’s second richest Black woman while her country remains mired in poverty).

In this same presentation, the President highlighted the billions of dollars which would be allo-

cated to our fledgling healthcare system. Happily, funding is no longer a constraint!

Guyanese and our regional compatriots are increasingly hobbled by the scourge of non-communicable diseases, chiefly hypertension and diabetes. Our magnificent petrochemical patrimony will mean little if our people’s well-being is curtailed by these and similar afflictions.

Thus, I urge the President and his Cabinet to engage Caricom, the Indian Health experts, and Cuban authorities in a cooperative endeavour from which the entire region could significantly and sustainably benefit.

Aligning Cuba’s worldclass research capacities and India’s manufacturing prowess with our finan-

cial resources can produce a medically- and commercially-profitable enterprise, and stimulate a local pharmaceutical industry. In doing this, we will be manifesting our gratitude in a tangible manner, while looking forward to a more healthful and progressive region.

Mr. President, your generous acknowledgement of Cuba’s widow’s mite can be made a concrete legacy by reigniting our leaders’ historic vision to free and now develop Guyana and peoples of the world!

With regards, Malcolm

Parris, CCH Former General Secretary of the People’s National Congress

The PNC are fighting a losing battle against change

Dear Editor,

The PNC are in a quandary, they are in real trouble trying desperately to stem the flood tide of positive change sweeping through this country. That change has come in the PPP/C wresting control from the hands of the Opposition in certain key areas, such as in the municipal jurisdictions. This is cause for concern in the PNC Camp, and they have responded in that harsh, lowdown, derogatory way; that is, referring to the crossover candidates as rejects of their party.

When that did not work - which, honestly speaking, was destined to failthey tried calling them all the vile names in the book. But again, that backfired, in that, with each vile accusation came another wave of supporters coming forward to work with the PPP/C in their campaign to build Guyana and move our country into a developmental mode.

That mass exodus of persons has not stopped, so they have resorted to their last stop, making up the propaganda statement that

GPA fiasco

Dear Editor,

It is with grave concern that I note what’s happening with the Guyana Press Association and the debacle surrounding the upcoming elections. Editor, permit me the space to express my surprise and worry at what I surmised to be the pinnacle of journalism and professionalism. As the vanguard of press freedom, the Association, by its own accord, is bound by principles of integrity, honesty and fairness.

Suffice it to say that a statement released by a key member of the Association is indicative of remnants of a certain five-month siege on democracy. The member indicated the list of persons who are eligible to vote would not be released until the day of the elections, and not a day before. This secrecy is necessary to protect the identity of its members, by their own request, the statement said.

Further, the Returning Officer, Attorney-at-Law

Ronald Burch-Smith, will thus unmask the voters’ list on the day of the elections.

Further, the Association stated, the key members unanimously arrived at this decision after consultations among themselves.

I will not draw upon conjecture to illustrate the implications of this; however, I will muse on the following, and encourage people to ponder as well: What are the rules governing the elections of the Press Association?

Additionally, an attorney-at-law who is bound by the moral fabric of his profession might need to reconsider the stance of protecting a list that is steeped in secrecy and ambiguity and is known only to a few.

Lastly, I ponder whether the hubris and controversy surrounding the Association is indicating to me that perhaps it is time for some semblance of, dare I say, change.

Yours sincerely, Alvin Hamilton

those persons were bribed or bought over by the PPP/C to support them. Well, come to think of it, that bribery charge is so ludicrous, because it would take an awful lot of bribe money to sway those thousands that are joining the ranks of the PPP/C.

So, there are two fundamental facts that the PNC have to face: (A) the difficulty to imprison the emancipated mind. With that difficulty comes the equally embarrassing fact that you

would not be able to convince the emancipated mass not to break ranks with your party, and this is a sure fact. And secondly, with a wiser and more reason-thinking population, people are going to gravitate to that positive energy source. Change has come to Guyana, and there is nothing stopping us from moving with that change.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

MATERNAL INSTINCTS

Today is Mother’s Day.

A day when we salute the women who nurture, love, cherish and selflessly devote their entire beings to their families including their companion animals; the glue that keeps us together!

On this special day, I have decided to devote this week’s article to paying homage to our female canine pets and to discuss their maternal instincts.

Much of what follows also applies to the maternal instincts in cats.

DO DOGS HAVE MATERNAL INSTINCTS?

This may seem a puerile

this article.

The surge of hormonal changes in the mother dogs during pregnancy and in the birthing period prepares her for motherhood and is responsible for the development of strong maternal instincts which she immediately displays towards her pups. Also, generations of mother dogs would have acquired the caring traits from the conduct of their ancestors.

The first noticeable reaction of the mother dog to the birth of puppies is her display of dedication. This includes;

Severing the umbilical cord, removing the birthing

threats

Later, as the puppies eyes and ears open, the mother dog establishes a teaching protocol; how to play, how to vocalise their needs and how to interact with the en-

maternal instinct can extend to new borns of other species. Many occasions arise where abandoned or orphaned kittens and puppies are suckled and cared for by mother dogs or mother cats. These

and personalities of our four legged friends!

Breeders may wonder if mother dogs are affected when their puppies are removed from them. Indeed they feel sad. They also experience physical and emotional distress if their offspring die shortly after birth. Both situations call for some Tender Loving Care (TLC)

question to anyone who has witnessed the birthing process and the protective behavoir of a mother dog over her litter of puppies. But, there are instances when the maternal instinct is not as evident, the causes of which are discussed later in

sac and cleaning the pups on her own

Nursing them

Stimulating them (breathing, urinating, defecating) via grooming

Keeping them warm

Protecting them against intruders or perceived

vironment. Researches have affirmed that early in the pup’s lives, the mother dog shapes their emotional development as well as trust and confidence in their immediate surroundings.

Mother dogs train their puppies through such actions as nudging, picking them up by the scruff of the neck, restraining their movement and by growling and even barking. Never intervene when you observe these actions; the puppies soon understand them and acquiesce.

Heartwarmingly, that

manifestations truly reflect the remarkable instincts

and consultations with your veterinarians.

DO ALL MOTHER DOGS DISPLAY THE SAME LEVEL OF MATERNAL INSTINCTS?

The answer is, regrettably, NO. Some mothers show less interest in caring for their offspring, while others may be too overtly anxious and protective. Such behavoir is infleunced by various factors, including breed, age and temperament as well as the level of care she received (and has received) from her caregivers.

It is quite understandable for a novice mother to not cope adequately with a litter of squirming puppies, especially in the first few hours. With your assitance, she can be shown how to nurse her pups.

And this brings me to an interesting observation that may be related to instinct, and which may undermine and be couterproductive to the coping of the novice mother. I am referring to the phenomenon associated with the mother dog which has developed strong bonds to humans. She may have

been “spoiled” since her arrival in her forever home. How do I, as a Vet, tell my loving and caring client that too much TLC can actually make the pet believe that she too is a human? When she does give birth to a litter, she is thrown into a confusing situation where she has to make a decision: Care for her puppies? Or continue to be companion for her caregiver? Veterinarians can advise owners on the steps to be taken to ensure that the novice mother dog concentrates on her offspring and adjust to her new circumstances without threatening her place in the family heirachy. Her maternal instinct will eventually kick in.

Some words of advice

A mother dog whelping her first litter must be watched closely but not intrusively.

Never totally abandon the novice mother. Take a peep every now and then to observe her behaviour and her maternal instincts. Actually, some mother dogs feel secure when their beloved caregivers are closeby to support and provide the comfortable environment.

DO NOT handle the new born puppies. Avoid the urge to cuddle them and allowing children to hold and hug them. This is particularly important if the mom is highly strung and uncomfortable in her new dispensation.

Visitors must be kept at the absolute minimum, particularly during the parturition period. This is especially relevant to cats, who are by nature secretive. We have noted that even when the caregiver has prepared a “delivery nest”, the mother cat may find another site to hide and give birth – e.g. under the bed, in a wardrobe, in the neighbour’s yard.

Next week, we shall continue in our series of popular dog breeds and crossbreeds in Guyana.

Happy Mother’s Day!!

Mother dog suckling and protecting orphaned kittens

Mother cat suckling her kittens and orhaned puppies

Kirwyn Mars’s murder

Suspect confesses to rejecting advances –Police invite media to view video statement

In his detailed confession to the murder of popular comedian and educator Kirwyn Mars, suspect Brian Richards recounted that their evening together turned deadly sometime after the deceased allegedly made advances towards him.

On Saturday, this publication viewed segments

of the confession, where 24-year-old Richards led Police to the various locations he visited with Mars before the incident.

Video footage showed the duo leaving Green City Bar together after 19:00h. The suspect said while in the vicinity of his residence at John Fernandes Squatting Area, he asked

Mars to let him out.

However, the latter indicated that he was heading up the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) and continued driving. Richards alleged that it was at this point the victim made advances to him – to which he declined, adding that this behaviour persisted.

While on the EBD, the

Govt signs US$200M agreement...

FROM PAGE 3

anyone about the murder, nor did he lend assistance to the victim.

Fifty-one-year-old Mars, who is popularly known as “Sir Mars” was found pinned under his car at Plantation Providence, EBD. An autopsy showed that he had eight stab wounds as well as crush injuries to the chest.

According to Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh, the cause of death was “crush injuries to the chest compounded by multiple cutaneous wounds.”

“We’ve just concluded a loan, since we got into office, to pave the Linden-Soesdyke Highway. Its US$200 million. We’re on the verge of contracting the company. We have to advertise to contract a company to build the road. But before the end of this year, you will see the project started. From the Soesdyke junction right into Linden would be paved.”

“We’ve started building a four-lane bridge right across the Demerara River that will make a difference to communities in those areas. So, you don’t have to open up bridges anymore. And we’re doing it in a way that will allow vessels. Because it’s a high bridge. The vessels can come all the way to Linden.”

No diversion

Jagdeo stressed that

once these projects and more are completed, traffic from across the border bringing trade and business opportunities will have to pass through Linden. He made it clear that the Government has no intention of diverting any trade from Linden.

“There are 45 bridges between Linden and the border. We’re awarding all 48 of them, to build concrete bridges so that trucks can come from Brazil, using the Linden-Lethem Road, passing through Linden. Not diverting the traffic from Linden as they claim the PPP will move it to Berbice. But coming through Linden over a four-lane road, going down to Georgetown and then maybe branching off and going to Berbice.”

“So that here can be a central area for develop-

ment. And 48 of those bridges have already been awarded. There are three parts of the Mabura stretch. So, 48 bridges, except for the Kurupukari. It’s the only remaining bridge we have to do. Then you can drive all the trucks and come through here. So, linden will be central in that business will flow through this community here and you will have good infrastructure.”

It was only a few months ago that Public Works Minister Juan Edghill had indicated that the Government is open to proposals for the Wismar to McKenzie Bridge. The bridge the Government intends to build would be a four lane one, able to facilitate the increased volume of traffic through Region 10. He has since reiterated that that invitation remains open. (G3)

Murder accused Brian Richards man told Police that he was carried through a ‘dark street’, where Mars allegedly put a knife to his neck and suggested that they be ‘more than friends’. However, the suspect said he responded, “I’m not into that”.

In the midst of the journey, he managed to disarm the comedian and dealt him a few injuries about the body, also striking him with a beer bottle to the head.

“I took the glass bottle and lash he to he head,” Richards is heard saying in the confession tape.

His recount of the incident wrapped up with Mars exiting the car to the rear end of the vehicle. While in the process of collecting his phone, Richards said he touched something and the car reversed, pinning Mars to the fence. He claimed he does not know how to drive.

The man confided in Police that he did not tell

Contradiction

On Friday, the murder accused, a labourer of John Fernandes Squatting Area, Georgetown, appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce for the capital offence.

He was not required to plead to the indictable charge which alleged that on May 7, in the Georgetown Magisterial District, he murdered Mars, 51, of Lot 211 New Settlers Street, Mocha, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

There, his wife told the media that he is innocent, saying that he was at home at the time of the murder. However, these recent utterances have contradicted her statement to the Criminal Investigation Department. Like the video recording, her statement too was shown to the media.

Claiming that he was home at 21:00h the night of the murder, her signed a statement reflected that

this was not the case. In fact, the woman initially told Police that she reached out to her husband at 22:00h that evening. The call she made, according to phone records, was declined by Richards.

The woman further stated in her statement that when she heard about the murder, it was about 23:34h and her husband was at home. However, she told investigators that she did not know at what time he arrived.

Meanwhile, another factor is not adding up. While she claimed that she did not know how the two knew each other, her statement to the Police also indicated otherwise. The statement detailed that since March 2023, she knew Mars to be a friend of her husband and that they met at a dance group.

Richards, who was represented by Attorney-atLaw Bernard DaSilva, was remanded to prison until June 23. The preliminary inquiry (PI) into the matter will commence on August 7.

…wife’s statement reveals her calls were declined by husband …tells Police husband, Mars met at “dance group”

Dead: Kirwyn Mars, popularly known as “Sir Mars”

A section of the gathering at the Linden meeting on Saturday

SBF Int’l found guilty of illegally importing fuel, fined $300,000

Magistrate

Rhondell

Weever found

SBF International Incorporated, whose president is Dorwain Bess, guilty of illegally importing fuel, the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) announced in a statement on Friday.

The company was charged back in 2021 with the offence of conducting the business of a wholesaler of petroleum and petroleum products without authority to do so under a wholesale and/or importing wholesale licence contrary to Regulation 4 (1) (c) Petroleum and Petroleum Products Regulations 2014.

The company was also fined $300,000 and was given up to June 30 to pay the fine, failing which one of its directors will be imprisoned for a term of three

months. The Magistrate handed down her decision on Thursday.

The lead prosecutor for the GEA was Attorney-atLaw Arudranauth Gossai, while SBF International Inc was represented by Neil Boston, SC, and Attorney-at-Law Dawn Holder.

Following the Magistrate’s ruling, the company’s lawyers begged for leniency.

The GEA charged SBF International Inc for selling diesel and gasoline to Guyana Industrial Minerals Inc (GINMIN) between September 28, 2020, and December 27, 2020, after the company’s fuel licence was cancelled on September 14, 2020.

Initial attempts to serve the summons on the Directors of the company Dorwain Bess and Dannel Munroe were futile since

they appeared to be evading service.

This resulted in Senior Magistrate Leron Daly issuing an arrest warrant for Bess. Subsequently, on July 8, 2021, Bess and his counsel appeared in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

According to the GEA, Bess thereafter caused several articles to be published against the GEA in the Kaieteur News and he along with a small contingent mounted several protests in front of the GEA’s headquarters in Georgetown.

“Notwithstanding the cancellation of the licence, Dorwain Bess continued his operation and was also charged with the offence of importing approximately 155,000 litres of diesel without a licence between November 3rd and 4th, 2020 aboard the vessel MV

Layel,” the GEA noted.

That matter is ongoing before the Diamond/ Golden Grove Magistrates’ Courts.

Following the cancellation of the company’s licence and the institution of charges, Bess, a US citizen, had contended that he was being victimised and had in fact reached out to the US Embassy in Georgetown for assistance.

Meanwhile, the GEA has pointed out that it will continue to carry out its mandate of ensuring compliance with the Guyana Energy Agency Act 1997 as amended and the Petroleum and Petroleum Regulations 2014. (G1)

…PNC lose GT?

Some bold predictions are being made by the PPP that they might actually be able to take Georgetown away from the PNC!! Talk about a “man bites dog” kinda news!! You know the hoary bit of advice to reporters, don’t you?? If dog bites a man, that ain’t news…but if man bites a dog, then you got a story on your hands!! Yes…the unexpected is always news!! So, were the PNC to lose control of GT, a whole lotta eyebrows would be raised!!

After all, Georgetown was controlled by the PNC when there was barely a PNC!! After the PPP was split for the 1957 elections and the PPP (Burnham) lost, the man became Mayor in 1959 - just months after he’d launched the PNC!! That’s right, folks – Burnham was Mayor of Georgetown! It was an in-your -face move by him against Cheddi to mark out HIS territory! “You may rule in the sticks, Buddy boy, but I’m king in the bright lights!!”

And the political import of that boast was evident in 1962, when Martin Carter wrote “a city of clerks became men”!! That’s when even Civil Service clerks abandoned their desks as the business district was burnt to the ground on Black Friday!! Yep…even the poet couldn’t prevent that bit of literalism. BLACK Friday and SOOT, get it??!!

But you may say that in 1994 the PNC lost the Mayorality in GT. Yup…but that doesn’t really count, does it?? That was just a pi55ing contest between Dessie and Hammie to show who was (PNC) maan!! Dessie might’ve been able to expel Hammie from the PNC party because he had control of the party machinery, but when it came to the Party’s base –which Georgetown’s ALWAYS represented – that was a different story!! Green ran with GGG – “Good and Green Guyana” – and, as know, the rest is history. Sordid history, but history!!

The point about GT being PNC territory is reinforced presently by showing that it doesn’t matter who you put up for mayor – even a Pandit!! Once they have the PNC tag on their forehead, they’ll get the votes. And we arrive at the PPP’s claim that the bell’s being tolled for the PNC in their bastion. Well, apart from the usual braggadocio of political pi55ing contests, is there a chance of the PNC being eased out??

Your Eyewitness can’t really say with certainty, but if there even was a chance – it’s now!! To say that the city has gone to the dogs from the time of Hammie to now is just stating what’s visible to anyone who isn’t blind!!

And the PPP – having motivation and money - can actually fix what ails GT!! Are GT voters gonna finally vote rationally??

…folks starve here?

Your Eyewitness has periodically been reading accounts of folks “struggling” in our dear land of Guyana. It’s based on the rising “cost of living”. Now, while there’s no question the reports are describing a reality – your Eyewitness is thinking about how we’ve come to this, when we have some 83,000 square miles of that land - with only three-quarters of a million people!? The focus of the articles seems to be that the Government ought to do something about this situation.

And hey!! They should!! But in the meantime, what about us?? How about the kitchen garden that used to be standard back in the day?? Each of the hard luck stories your Eyewitness read about concerned folks who were living in homes with backyards!! Is it that they don’t want to get their hands dirty to plant some Poi Bhagee and Bigan?? And how about minding some fowls??

Now, don’t get your Eyewitness wrong…there ought to be a governmental safety net…but let’s help ourselves, shall we??!!

…the media mediate?

Well, now that the GPA’s elections mightn’t be held today, because of the injunction filed, is it possible the incumbents might quit imitating the PNC and allow a free and fair elections to be held?? Man bites dog??

SBF International Inc President, Dorwain Bess

Italian, Canadian companies team up with locals to bid on project

…as bids opened for design, review and supervision of works

Bids were opened last week for a contract to design, review and supervise works on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) highway from Good Success to Timehri, as part of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government’s countrywide push to revamp Guyana’s infrastructure.

The contract is for the EBD public road improvement project, for which the Government held consultations in communities last year. It turns out that at least four bids were received for the project, including from both local and international companies, who have in some cases teamed up.

Among the companies bidding were Beston Consulting Limited, a local company based in Diamond, EBD. Also submitting a bid was Sheladia Associates Incorporated, a United States (US)-based company.

EXP Services Incorporated, a Canadian company based in Ontario, also submitted a bid in association with local company

CEMCO Incorporated. And Italian company Politecnica submitted a bid in association with SRKN’gineering, a Guyanese company.

The Government has been engaged in rapid road widening works along the Diamond/Grove Public Road on the EBD to relieve road users of the daunting traffic congestion, Last year September, the Public Works Ministry urgently facilitated rehabilitative work along the Diamond/Grove

area. It had said that these works are not only to ease traffic congestion but also to improve transportation efficiency and road traffic safety at these locations.

Works include milling and resurfacing of the existing roadway, widening of the roadway, and construction of a bridge linking Third Avenue Diamond into Grove. These works will aid in providing a smooth and uninterrupted flow of vehicular traffic through

Diamond/Grove area, and provide an alternative route for drivers who are using the Mocha/Diamond road link.

In Budget 2022, an allocation of $2.1 billion was made for the widening and paving of the East Bank highway from Grove to Timehri. And in January 2023, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) had approved some US$100 million to commence the Diamond/Grove to Timehri road project.

The loan was requested through the IDB’s Programme to Support Climate Resilient Infrastructure Development. Under this programme, the Government will be looking to improve road safety, pedestrian infrastructure, and utility networks. The aim is to mitigate congestion and delays faced by commuters traversing the corridor.

At the time, Government had been utilising local funds to desilt all the drains and widen roads along the Diamond/Grove corridor. Public Works Minister

Bishop Juan Edghill had noted that with this approval, they would finalise the procurement process.

“The Diamond/Grove to Timehri road, which is what people are very concerned about, will see that upgrade. We have the approval of the money from the IDB, and we are at finalising the procurement for the contractor to engage in the interim,” Edghill had said.

“I am sure commuters are satisfied inasmuch as we haven’t solved the problem totally. The ride through Grove has been significantly improved, and it is moving much faster because of the interventions that we have made, and we continue to do some maintenance work almost on a nightly basis,” Minister Edghill had further noted.

Works on widening and upgrading the Grove to Diamond road are expected to further complement plans to construct the new US$261 million high span bridge across the Demerara River, which will land aback

Nandy Park on the East Bank of Demerara and at La Grange, West Bank Demerara.

The new bridge will be a fixed 2.65-kilometre four-lane high-span cable-stayed structure across the Demerara River, with the width of the driving surface being about 23.6 metres. It will feature a bicycle lane and is expected to bring an end to closures to vehicular traffic with a 50-metre fixed high-span to cater for the free flow of vessels uninterrupted. The river will be dredged along a 13.5-kilometre stretch to accommodate large vessels.

This new bridge will replace the ageing floating Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB), which has outlived its lifespan by several decades. At 1.25 miles (2.01km), the current Demerara Harbour Bridge is a strategic link between the East and West Banks of Demerara, facilitating the daily movement of thousands of vehicles, people, and cargo.

Construction works in the Diamond/Grove area earlier this year

Drainage pump commissioned in New Amsterdam

…“Be ready for explosive development in this region” – Ali to Berbicians

President Dr Irfaan

Ali on Friday after-

noon commissioned a new drainage pump in New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

The pump is expected to assist with drainage to the north-eastern section of the town.

The project, which was undertaken by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), is expected to provide better drainage for the Vryman’s Erven area, Smithfield, Tucburg Park and Mount Sinai - which is popularly referred to as Angoy’s Avenue.

The entire Vryman’s Erven area frequently floods as a result of rainfall, with the Vryman’s Erven Housing Scheme seeing water covering the entire road network during heavy downpours.

The pump, which has the capacity to push 40,000 gallons per second, has been installed in Tucburg and will drain water into the Canje River.

Speaking at a simple commissioning ceremony on Friday, President Ali pointed out that the pump is one of ten which were purchased and installed in the region with a capacity of between 40,000 and 150,000 gallons per second.

He said within a few days a second such pump will be installed within the township.

“We are going to put another pump in this township because we want the township to be dry, but beyond that we have already decided that with the right Town Council, which is ready to work with

Central Government, we are going to invest in a massive overhaul of the internal drainage system of the town. We have to brighten the town, reenergise the town. You do that by creating an environment that welcomes people.”

On this note, the Head of State pointed to the tourism potential of the entire region, including the town of New Amsterdam.

“Don’t underestimate the potential for tourism. We can build products, second to none; we can make the township [a] holiday hotspot for persons coming and wanting to enjoy Berbice... We have

tremendous potential. As we commission this facility today, be ready for explosive development in this region,” the Head of State said.

Meanwhile the President took the opportunity to call on residents of the town to throw their support behind a team of new faces who will be contesting for seats on the Town Council at the upcoming Local Government Elections.

According to President Ali, since taking office in 2020, to the end of last year, his Government has invested some $55 billion on Region Six.

This, he pointed out, does not include the grants given to some sections of society, the assistance to school children nor the investment in both the health and education sectors. The $55 billion also does not include money paid as pension. Rather, it is only investments made in infrastructure, but does not include development to sea defences of farm to market access roads.

The change this has brought about is being seen in every community, resulting in many persons returning to Guyana.

“The economic prosperity of this region is linked to a Government that has a firm understanding of what the macro vision is. When we talk about energy security for the Guyana corridor starting from French Guiana coming all the way up, Berbice will be a part of that discussion; we talk about an exclusive economic zone, Berbice is a part of the discussion; we talk about the deep-water port, Berbice is a part of the dis-

cussion,”

The Head of State said while some are working on ways to divide the Guyanese people, his Administration is working on the next generation of projects which include a new single crossing bridge for the Berbice River.

“We are talking about ways in which we will expand the investment at Palmyra to support the expansion of New Amsterdam,” President Ali said.

Also attending the ceremony was Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, who has responsibility for the NDIA. (G4)

Reducing shortage of nurses key to better response to next pandemic – PAHO

Persistent Racism

As charges about anti-African racism in our society continue to be raised by the Opposition, I recuperate this piece I had written more than a decade ago. I quoted Black American scholar Cornell West about the condition of the modern African in the “New World”: “there is the lingering effects of slavery and past discrimination in the continued attack on black humanity and racist stereotypes which are designed to destroy black selfimage”. And in the process, keep Africans on the “margins” of society. Very pertinently, we note that Anti-African racism is a global phenomenon recently raising its head from Ukraine to Korea.

The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) has called for greater investments to close the existing shortfall of nurses in the Region, to ensure that countries have the personnel necessary to better respond to the next health emergency.

Statistics indicate that between 600,000 to 2,000,000 more healthcare professionals, including nurses, are needed to meet the health needs of the population of the Americas.

Ravi Dev

Following the demonstrated inability of the Indigenous Peoples of the Americas to withstand the labour regimen and diseases of the Spaniards (evidenced by 90% of then dying off in the Caribbean within decades of Columbus’ arrival) the Christian Church recommended the importation of Africans as slaves. Unlike with Amerindians, they could discern “no sign of a soul” in the latter group who were deemed beyond salvation. They were fair game for slavery – or extermination for that matter.

The enthusiastic entry of the English, French, Dutch etc, ensured that some 2.3 million Africans were eventually dragged across the Atlantic to the British West Indies but while there were some who had been given or bought their freedom, the fact that only 750,000 were freed at “Emancipation” in 1834 offers a clue to their prior living conditions. The appallingly barbaric treatment that included extreme physical brutalisation, destruction of families, wrenching away of languages and cultures etc. impelled some sort of rationalisation by the “civilized” Europeans. Unfolding a hegemonizing process, slaves, who worked alongside white European indentured slaves, were simply defined as “heathens” and could be kept on the margins as such. As they started to convert to Christianity colour became the marker to distinguish them from the “mainstream whites”. “Race” was created and transmuted into racist practice that relegated and maintained Africans to the margins of society especially in the 18th century. Other “races” were discerned and arbitrarily assigned their “place” on a “great chain of beings”.

In 1993, I wrote, “Race and racism, as we know them today, are very modern constructs arising out of a European 18th century “Enlightenment” discourse that ran parallel with the European conquest of the rest of the world and especially with the justification of African slavery. Notable names such as Hume, Kant and Hegel were involved in the project, which gave a social significance to physical markers. This is illustrated in Hume’s position that, “negroes… are naturally inferior to the whites”, and Kant’s view, summarised by his comment, “this fellow was quite black …a clear proof that what he said was stupid.”

“Race and racism” then, are part and parcel of the “Western Enlightenment,” exported as one weapon in the European arsenal of imperialistic conquest.” “African and Black” was constructed as the binary opposite to “European and White” and like all dualities it is not possible to eliminate one without the other. Racism is not a phenomenon that ended with the abolition of slavery – and it has not ended even though many assert that “race” has no objective existence. It persists in the totality of its relations that have become imbricated on the sinews of modernity.

Following Foucault one can consider racism as a discursive field that incorporates beliefs, descriptions and actions, and the principles on which racist institutions are based. The discursive formation that would include the normative rules and norms – including laws and moral rules about what we “ought” to act towards each other. In the words of, once again, Cornell West, racism is a product of the “structure of modern discourse…the controlling metaphors, notions, categories and norms that shape the predominant conceptions of truth and knowledge in the modern west.”

To appreciate its possible continued impact on the marginalisation of Africans in Guyana, one must inquire into the extent to which the premises of the old discourse of race and racism has survived into our particular socio-historical conjuncture and continue to influence our thinking, including that of AfroGuyanese. In the post-emancipation era, for instance, when Indians were introduced as indentured labourers, Afro-Guyanese deployed the racist tropes concocted by Whites against them. This persists into the present. To suggest the enormity of this project, consider that even the tools we would probably use such as, say, social psychology, are all contaminated with premises of “races”, “racial differences” and “racial attitudes”.

PAHO Director, Dr Jarbas Barbosa said, “A well-educated, skilled and equitably distributed workforce is critical to building resilient health systems, meeting population health needs and better preparing for future threats and pandemics.”

He was speaking at the International Nurses Day celebration, where he highlighted the fundamental role played by healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and acknowledged those who lost their lives.

According to Dr Barbosa, the investment made by countries of the Region in

the health workforce to respond to COVID-19 was essential. However, the nursing workforce “continues to face challenges related to shortages, poor distribution and inadequate working environments.”

Nurses represent 56 per cent of the total health workforce in the Americas, making them the mainstay of health services.

According to recent estimates, Latin America and the Caribbean has around 44.3 nursing professionals per 10,000 inhabitants, lower than the estimated 70.6 per 10,000 needed to meet the United Nations goal of universal health access and coverage by 2030.

To address the future needs of health systems, the PAHO Director called for a

redoubling of efforts in three key areas: health financing, including education and retention of nurses; quality of education, to ensure that future nurses are well-trained; and expanding the professional role of nurses in primary care to reduce gaps in coverage and access.

“On this International Nurses Day, let us join efforts to work together to recover stronger and better from COVID-19, and make the necessary investments for the development of the health workforce throughout the Region of the Americas,” Dr Barbosa said.

There are approximately 27.9 million nursing professionals in the world, 30 per cent of which are in the Americas. Some 82 per cent of nursing professionals are

in Brazil, Canada and the United States, countries that account for around 57 per cent of the regional population.

Moreover, 89 per cent of the Region’s nursing professionals are women and 43 per cent of countries in the Region have less than 30 nursing professionals per 10,000 inhabitants.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony expressed on Friday that the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) would have highlighted the gravity of nurses’ contributions in keeping people safe, as well as reducing mortality of infants and mothers in Guyana.

The current Administration has acknowledged healthcare providers’ efforts by invested $1.5 billion to increase salaries for nurses and other healthcare workers in 2023, with some nurses receiving up to 80 per cent salary increases.

Nursing education has advanced dramatically with more educational facilities, private institutions, and the option to pursue a Master’s in Public Health (MPH). (G12)

SUNDAY, MAY 14, 2023 |

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Public Works Minister

Juan Edghill on Saturday said that the Ministry is not halting economic activity but rather will continue to engage with East Bank Demerara (EBD) street vendors whose stalls were recently demolished.

“We have to get some developmental work done then we will make [the vendors] aware,” Edghill told this publication on Saturday.

“We are not interrupting economic activity. We will ensure that people continue to make a living but we have to restore law and order,” Edghill added.

As of now, however, the Minister said that relocation options will not be made publicly available in order to prevent further illegal vending on locations that are not yet ready or designated towards vending.

This comes after the Public Works Ministry on Friday removed several stalls along Red Road at Providence, EBD, due to their disruptions to traffic flow and hindrance towards the Government’s efforts to beautify the environment.

This led vendors to call on the Minister to advise them on how to proceed.

“The vendors, the taxi drivers, the truckers – everybody, we’re engaging with,”

Displaced Providence vendors

possibilities being examined – Edghill

Edghill said.

The Ministry had issued notices to all vendors within the area in November 2022, allowing a six-week grace period to vacate, with the final notice being delivered on Thursday, one day before the demolition exercise.

In a statement released on Friday, the Ministry expressed gratitude towards those vendors who willingly complied and adhered to the notices to vacate illegal structures along Providence Access Road and the East Bank Public Road at Providence.

“Final Notices were also served to vendors on the Road Reserve at Mocha Access Road, Herstelling/ Farm Housing Scheme Access Road, Diamond Public Road, Sheriff Street, Mandela Avenue and Grove through to Timehri along the East Bank Demerara public road,” the statement added.

Better conditions Government will not be displacing street vendors but rather, encourage and make investments to allow them to ply their trade under improved conditions.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday clarified that it is not Government’s intention to take vendors off the street and disrupt their livelihoods. However, the current

circumstances under which they operate calls for enhancements.

“In some of the most developed capitals in the world, they have street vending. The street vending here has to be done under better condition. We will need massive investments in our markets and to improve management and that is being promised. You go into markets, there are potholes and all sorts of things. There has to be major investments in the markets that we have promised,” the VP shared.

According to him, there is a disconnect whereby Government cannot inject monies into the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) to undertake such projects, given the history of financial misappropriation.

“You can’t give the money to the (Georgetown) City Council because they will spend it on everything else except the markets and improving the conditions. These are important for vendors in the market as well as the patrons.”

Meanwhile, he discouraged vending along the roadway which poses an encumbrance to businesses or prevents access to certain facilities. Jagdeo maintained the position that while the Administration is seeking to

– VP

find a balance in street vending, vendors also need to comply.

“Then you have vending alongside the roadway. Some of the vending is done by people who own the stores, some are not. People will continue to vend on the streets but it has to be done under different conditions. You can’t block people’s store entrance and the conditions there have to improve.”

He added, “The vendors need to understand that they would be allowed to continue earning an honest living but your conditions have to improve. That has always been the position. We have never had an extreme. We have been in the middle and we have to find that.”

About two weeks ago, the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) demolished several illegal structures that were hindering the city’s drainage system in preparation for the rainy season.

However, Local Government Minister Nigel Dharamlall met with the vendors and reassured them that their livelihoods would not be disrupted and that no one would be displaced. He also encouraged them to work with the Government to keep the drains and parapets clean to reduce the risk of flooding caused by backed-up garbage

and heavy rainfall.

Encumbering public reserves

Last year, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall reminded that encumbering public reserves inclusive of road shoulders, embankments, pedestrian walks, Government reserves, and State reserves is a criminal offence.

Nandlall had pointed out that the Mayor and City Council was legitimising criminal occupation of the reserves by accepting a fee from persons and allowing them to vend on these lands. These vendors erect makeshift stalls, sheds, or place caravans, motor vehicles, carts and other receptacles on these lands,

from which they do vending.

This Friday, the Public Works Ministry lauded vendors who willingly complied and adhered to notices to vacate illegal structures along Providence Access Road (Red Road/Massy Road) and the East Bank Public Road at Providence.

Notices were issued to all vendors at that location in November 2022, with a six weeks grace period to vacate. Final Notices were also served to vendors on the Road Reserve at Mocha Access Road, Herstelling/ Farm Housing Scheme Access Road, Diamond Public Road, Sheriff Street, Mandela Avenue and Grove through to Timehri along the East Bank Demerara public road.

Relocation

…will continue plying trade under better conditions

The demolition exercise on Friday along Red Road at Providence, EBD

By AlvA Solomon

In 1988, a team of regional officials was on a visit to the village of Santa Cruz, which sits on the Waini River close to the mouth of the Barama River in the North West District, Region One (Barima-Waini). The visit was, among other things, aimed at recruiting community health workers (CHWs) to support the health-care system in the region.

At the time, Elaine Thomas was only 16 years old, and had just completed school. She lived with her father and stepmother, since her mother had passed away a few years prior, and was working as a general domestic at a guest house in the village. While the regional officials were holding the meeting, they requested the names of three persons from the village for training to become CHWs. Thomas received a message that she was wanted at the meeting, and she immediately hurried over. Thomas was then confronted with a life-changing offer by the Regional Chairman: he asked Thomas if she wished to be trained as a midwife, and she accepted the offer.

Despite her small stature as a teenager, Thomas was excited about the new venture. “I was making $20 per day at the guest house, and I was working for a few months at the time. So, when they selected me, I said yes and the Regional Chairman, Mr. Ward, asked the Medex to ensure I sit the test to be selected,” Thomas recounted to Guyana Times recently.

After successfully completing the test, she was instructed by the regional officials to pre-

pare to travel out to Mainstay village on the Essequibo Coast, where the CHW training was undertaken.

“I used to live with my parents, but they couldn’t afford to take care of me. The manager at the guest house offered me some money, and so I got to travel,” Thomas said.

Too young

When she turned up at the Regional Administrative Office at Anna Regina to commence preparations for the CHW training, Thomas said, a regional official mentioned that she was too young to venture into Mainstay for the training session.

“So, he went to the person in charge, and she said no, I should go, that I would make it,” Thomas recalled.

Then when she arrived at the training facility, the trainer also remarked that she seemed too young. “But then they said they will give me a break and allow me to be trained,” she recalled. Two months later, she had successfully completed the training.

After the successful trip to Mainstay, Thomas went back to the village of Santa Cruz to commence work. She remained there until 2001, carrying out her duties within the village and at communities within the Barama and Waini Rivers. She recalled that she always upgraded her knowledge in whatever training session was offered by the health authorities. This included a trip to the Rupununi in 1990 for two months, when she was among the first batch of community health workers in Guyana to be trained in microscopy, which

entails undertaking smears/testing for malar ia. With this newfound knowledge, Thomas said, she travelled the length and breadth of the North West District to undertake malaria testing and diagnosis.

Midwifery and nursing

In 2001, Thomas said, she received a message that she should prepare to travel to Georgetown to commence training in nursing and midwifery. At the time, she had just given birth to her third child. She said her extended family and neighbours at Santa Cruz provid ed her much needed support as she undertook the training in the city.

She recalled that from 2001 to 2003, she trained to become a registered nurse. “I passed, and then I went back to Santa Cruz,” she recalled. By then the Medex who was based in the upriver village of Kwebana had retired, and Thomas was asked to work at the health centre there until a replacement could be found.

She spent four years there, during which she developed a liking for the community and her children were already in school there. “I was asked to go back to Santa Cruz, but I had already started life at Kwebana,” she recalled.

She had travelled back to the city to undertake training in midwifery, and around 2006, after completing that training session, her duties and ties to the latter village increased. She made that village her home until today. She built her home and settled in at the village.

Over 200 babies

As time passed Thomas, continued to upgrade her medical knowledge by taking part in training offered to her by health authorities. She said she was exposed to training in cancer screening last year as she continues to boost her medical knowledge.

With a smile, Thomas said she has been delivering babies throughout her medical career, and she noted that while the number of deliveries is more than 200, it may be close to 300, given the number of pregnancies she has handled annually throughout her career of more than 30 years.

Nurse Elaine Thomas standing outside the Kwebana Health Centre

The Environmental Protection Agency’s Biodiversity Research Process

Over 85% of Guyana’s land is covered in forests, as a result, Guyana, is one of the most biologically diverse countries. An ecosystem that is biologically diverse with plant and animal species, indicates that the area can sustain an abundance of life and continue to support development.

In Guyana, biological diversity serves as a crucial foundation for regulating the climate, reducing poverty, providing fresh water and hydropower, fostering economic growth and development in sectors like agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, and funding community-based economies, especially in the hinterland. Biodiversity research is an essential tool for setting baselines and monitoring changes in biodiversity over time, which is crucial for understanding the impacts of human activities on ecosystems and for developing effective conservation strategies.

Guyana’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP 2012-2020) identifies research as a priority area as it provides much-needed insight into the intricate relationships between different species and their environment, including the effects of climate change, habitat loss, and other human activities. Biodiversity Research has been utilised to provide baseline data for the monitoring and management of the impacts of logging and mining activities on forest ecosystems here in Guyana.

We recognise that continuous research in species populations and habitats aids in the detection of changes in biodiversity and assesses the effectiveness of conservation measures aimed at mitigating deleterious impacts. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the country's focal point for the Convention on Biological Diversity plays a key role in permitting, monitoring, and supporting biodiversity research in the country. Biodiversity research also allows the EPA to fulfil its legal mandate to coordinate programs in biodiversity management, and help Guyana to meet its reporting obligations for international conventions.

Who is required to apply for a Biodiversity Research Permit?

Under the Environmental Protection Act and its regulations, any person or organization that wishes to conduct research on biodiversity in Guyana is required to apply for a research permit from the EPA. This includes researchers from Guyana as well as those from other countries that fall into the following categories academic researchers, commercial researchers, and international film crews. Studies involving the following activities require a permit:

1. The collection of specimens of flora and fauna, including seeds, tissue samples, and live organisms.

2. The use of non-invasive techniques, such as remote sensing to survey biodiversity and film the forests, wildlife, natural sites, hinterland communities, and culture.

3. The manipulation of natural ecosystems, such as the removal or introduction of species.

4. The use of chemicals or other substances that may have an impact on biodiversity.

5. The use of indigenous knowledge or traditional ecological knowledge.

The Biodiversity Research Permit Process

Researchers desirous of conducting biodiversity research are required to submit an application (which can be downloaded from our website) to EPA Guyana and pay a non-refundable processing fee of US $75.00. Applications are to be submitted three months before the start of the research and late application will be subjected to a US $40 late fee. This in no way guarantees that permission and a permit to conduct research will be granted by the National Biodiversity Committee. The EPA Guyana may reject an application for biodiversity research if it is deemed non-compliant with the agency’s governing regulations and guidelines, lacks scientific merit, could have a negative impact on biodiversity, or has a conflict of interest or bias. Once granted permission, upon the completion of the research, it is required that a preliminary report, field notes, photographs, and recordings be submitted to the EPA before the researchers depart Guyana. Researchers who are desirous of exporting samples must apply for the EPA’s Export Permit. In addition, the EPA requires the submission of the completed final report and any publications based on the research.

The EPA welcomes the opportunity for biodiversity research to be conducted within Guyana as it establishes baselines that aid in our efforts to monitor, manage and preserve Guyana’s Biological wealth. However, we recognise the importance of holding researchers to the highest scientific and ethical standards to ensure that research activities are conducted responsibly and sustainably and that the interests of Guyana and its people are always protected.

We invite you to view The Environment Matters episode using this link https://youtu.be/o5eOYhne3FA

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O Communications, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Source: Environmental Protection Agency, Global Environment Facility, & UNEP. (2015). CBD Fifth National Report - Guyana (English version). https://www.cbd.int/doc/world/gy/gy-nr-05-en.pdf

Overcoming hurdles to realise a dream, couple opens dental clinic

Despite the obstacles they faced in building a new dental clinic, ‘Flawless Dental’, 27-year-old Danesh Persaud and 31-year-old Joanne Beejaimal remained dedicated to their vision of becoming entrepreneurs who could practise dentistry on their own terms.

“It was a long, tiring, exhausting and mentally challenging [process]. However, when we look back at it, and what we have accomplished, it was more than worth all the late nights we stayed up to communicate with suppliers and crying to each other about online orders that got misplaced. The driving force was that we love dentistry and we wanted to be able to provide our services at a high standard of care in an office that we created,” they have said.

These two persons, who have been in a relationship for four years and are now engaged for ten months, have always dreamed of

practising dentistry independently. Speaking with this publication on Monday, they recalled some of the challenges they faced from the time of signing the rental contract with their landlord to the time of fully completing the building.

“From the moment we signed the contract with the landlady, the wheels started turning. At first we thought

the entire infrastructural works would be done in about 1 month; it took 5 months. Joanne’s dad and mom came from Berbice on the weekends and helped, along with Danesh’s entire family. [On] Sunday evenings, we would take them back to Berbice and come back on Monday to start working again,” they shared.

Another major challenge

faced by the couple was balancing their day jobs while setting up their office space, which saw a lot of sacrifices being made by Dr. Persaud, who wore many hats to ensure the job was done correctly. Another challenge was offsetting expenses and sourcing materials and equipment while the office was not yet functioning.

“There were so many re-

sponsibilities to take care of at once. We needed to be practising dentistry and treating patients and at the same time [source] the right materials and labour to prepare the new office. Getting a dental office set up is very specific, with [the] placement of equipment etc. It came to a point where Dr. Beejaimal alone was practising and Dr. Persaud was over at the new building helping with construction, plumbing, wiring, etc himself,” the couple told iNews.

Reflecting on the most defining moments of their careers as they both pursued a Bachelor of Dental Surgery Degree at the University of Guyana, the young couple shared that it was when they both graduated that they developed a love for dentistry and was sure it was what they wanted to do.

“When I graduated, I was given the opportunity to do a post-internship stint with one of Guyana’s best dentists, Dr Sengupta, where

I was able to gather a vast amount of knowledge. This is when I knew for a fact I loved this profession. I then joined the Public Sector, and was limited with what I could have practised. I then started lecturing at [the] University of Guyana, and this once again piqued my interest. But when I decided to practise privately, it was the best decision I made. It definitely turned things around for me, and I love what I do now,” Dr. Beejaimal shared.

“After graduating and starting to practice at the very first office I worked at in Berbice, I knew I wanted to practise this level of dentistry and be able to deliver this kind of care to my patients. I was invested and intrigued beyond words. Working at the second office just reinforced how badly I loved this field. These were definitely when I knew I would want to excel in every aspect of dentistry,” Dr. Persaud added.

L-R: Owners of ‘Flawless Dental’: Joanne Beejaimal and Danesh Persaud, with other team members

Overcoming hurdles to...

They shared that running a private office, treating patients, being able to provide dental care at the highest level and standard, and [at] the same moment being a receptionist and an accountant is sometimes challenging. It is the love for what they do and the support of their teammates that keep them inspired.

“This is only possible with an amazing partner and team. We find that (responsibility of running a dental clinic) possible (for) each other and the teammates that we have. Even though it’s challenging to keep everything running smoothly, our eagerness to practise and learn and provide excellent dental care is what makes us continue,” they shared.

‘Flawless Dental’ is fully registered with the Business Registry as well as the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), and is owned and managed by dental surgeons licensed and registered with the Dental Council of Guyana.

The clinic, located at 161 Lusignan Public Road, East Coast Demerara, offers a wide range of dental services, including Preventive, Implant, Cosmetic, Restorative, Family, Pediatric, and General Dentistry, as well as prosthodontics and oral surgery.

Nurse Elaine Thomas...

Her first delivery, she noted, were twins. “It was a boy and a girl. The girl died some years after, but the boy is now around 34 years old. He visited me some time ago,” she said, as she laughed. She said she delivered the babies at Kwebana, noting that mothers would journey to the health centre there from villages along the Waini and Barama Rivers.

While she has years of hands-on experience, Thomas said, she does not take on the high-risk cases, and those are usually handled at the Kumaka Hospital in Santa Rosa, or are referred further if the case is deemed too risky. She said the riskier cases are usually mothers who are pregnant for the first time, or the older ones who may have a complicated medical history. She said there are mothers who may

not have attended clinic prior to giving birth, and as such, delivering the babies without knowledge of the mother’s medical history can be a challenge. Thomas said, however, that she is always in contact with other medical professionals at Kumaka, and as such, she would seek advice from the doctors there if the case is too risky for her to handle.

There are usually other cases where people may have a heart condition, or they may have sustained a wound. Those cases, she said, are usually handled first at the health centre before the persons are referred to the Kumaka hospital.

Retirement

Thomas is spending much of her time grooming the young community health workers at the Kwebana Health Centre, and she noted that she has implored that they continue

to enhance their knowledge of the field.

“Hilton is the CHW who has a lot of experience, and I have been passing on my knowledge to him,” she added.

She said that, during her career, there were situations which required her to treat patients based on her own knowledge and experience; and this, she noted, is key to the CHW’s career.

These days, Thomas spends time with her grandchildren on her farm at Santa Cruz. She says she has another four years until retirement, and while those days are numbered, she isn’t sure if she would hang up her gloves just yet. “I plan to stick around and relax at the same time,” Thomas said.

She said she has given her all to the field, and is proud to be a nurse who has made a difference in the lives of many families.

Flawless Dental

By AlvA Solomon

When Abigail Boyce was a child, she lived with her grandparents. At the time, her aim was to complete school, start a career in nursing, and become a mother.

Today, at 31, Boyce has managed to accomplish two of those goals; she completed school, and she is a mother of five. The only problem, she said, is that she is raising her four sons and baby daughter on her own, since her relationship with their father “didn’t work out.”

Boyce lives at Port Kaituma in Region One, and she told Guyana Times that it is a challenge each day in trying to ensure her children’s welfare is taken care of.

“Being a single mother isn’t easy, it isn’t easy, especially when you are not getting the help from the other party,” she said.

Boyce explained that she started her family in her late teenage years, after she met her partner and started what

was a fruitful relationship back then. She said she gave birth to twin boys. Later, the couple brought forth two additional boys from their union. Boyce said she and the children’s father both had jobs at the time, but things between them became awry. Then she decided to raise her children on her own, even as she tried her best to continue working. She then started another relationship, and this time, she said, she was hopeful that the union would last forever. However, sometime after her daughter was born, the couple grew apart, and Boyce was left to contemplate her next move. She said that was some two years ago.

“I want my twins to finish school first, then I will decide to further my education,” Boyce said. She added that they have a little over two years left in secondary school. She said she plans to become a nurse, and she noted that she is determined to enter the field despite not receiving positive responses

from the Ministry of Health regarding the nursing programme.

“I will continue to make sacrifices for my children, and I still know that one day I will become a nurse,” she added.

She said at the moment she finds seasonal work at Port Kaituma and whenever she is in need. She credits her mother as being her main support. “I try my best, and I get help from my mom whenever I need it. She is my everything. She helps me a lot when I am working by looking after them,” she said of her mother. She noted that her sisters also offer her sup-

port when she asks. Boyce is an avid cricketer, and she utilizes her free time to play cricket at Port Kaituma. She said whenever there are competitions, she would participate as both player and leader of her team. “We are playing tomorrow on Mother’s Day,” she said. The young mother has said she would continue to cherish the moments she spends with her children, and she noted that she is thankful for all the experiences life has brought her thus far. “I will continue to be a good mother to my children,” the single parent added.

Single mother Abigail Boyce with her four sons, two of whom are twins. Boyce is also the mother of a baby girl

Dr. Tariq Jagnarine Fam meDicine, enDocrinology/ DiabeTes

Agrowth delay occurs when a child isn’t growing at the normal rate for their age. The delay may be caused by an underlying health condition, such as growth hormone deficiency or hypothyroidism. In some cases, early treatment can help a child reach a normal or near-normal height.

HEALTH

CAUSES OF DELAYED GROWTH

Delayed growth can have a wide variety of causes. The most common causes include:

* A family history of short stature

If parents or other family members have short stature, it’s common for a child to grow at a slower rate than their peers. Delayed growth due to family history isn’t an indication of an underlying problem. The child may be shorter than average simply because of genetics.

* Constitutional growth delay

Children with this condition are shorter than average but grow at a normal rate. They usually have a delayed “bone age,” meaning their bones mature at a slower rate than their age. They also tend to reach puberty later than their peers. This leads to a below-aver-

age height in the early teenage years, but they tend to catch up with their peers in adulthood.

* Growth hormone deficiency

Under normal circumstances, GH promotes the growth of body tissues.

Children with a partial or complete GH deficiency won’t be able to sustain a healthy rate of growth.

* Hypothyroidism

Babies or children with hypothyroidism have an underactive thyroid gland. The thyroid is responsible for releasing hormones that promote normal growth, so delayed growth is a possible sign of an underactive thyroid.

* Turner syndrome

Turner syndrome (TS) is a genetic condition that affects females who are missing a part or all of one X chromosome. TS affects approximately 1 in 2,500 fe-

males. While children with TS produce normal amounts of GH, their bodies don’t use it effectively.

Less common causes of delayed growth include:

* Down syndrome, a genetic condition in which individuals have 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46.

* Skeletal dysplasia, a group of conditions that cause problems with bone growth.

* Certain types of anemia, such as sickle cell anemia

* Kidney, heart, digestive, or lung diseases

* Use of certain drugs by the birth mother during pregnancy

* Poor nutrition

* Severe stress

SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH DELAYED GROWTH

If a child is smaller than other children their age, they

may have a growth problem. It’s typically considered a medical issue if they’re smaller than 95 percent of children their age, and their rate of growth is slow.

A growth delay may also be diagnosed in a child whose height is in the normal range, but whose rate of growth has slowed. Depending on the underlying cause of their growth delay, they may have other symptoms:

* If they have certain forms of dwarfism, the size of their arms or legs may be out of normal proportion to their torso.

* If they have low levels of the hormone thyroxine, they may have a loss of energy, constipation, dry skin, dry hair, and trouble staying warm.

* If they have low levels of growth hormone (GH), it can affect the growth of their face, causing them to look

abnormally young.

* If their delayed growth is caused by stomach or bowel disease, they may have blood in their stool, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, or nausea.

DIAGNOSIS OF DELAYED GROWTH

A doctor will start by taking a detailed medical history. They’ll collect information about the child’s personal and family health history, including:

* Birth mother’s pregnancy

* Child’s length and weight at birth

* Heights of other people in their family

* Information about other family members who have experienced growth delays. The doctor may also chart the child’s growth for six months or more.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Certain tests and imaging studies can also help the doctor develop a diagnosis. A hand and wrist X-ray can provide important information about a child’s bone development about their age. Blood tests can identify problems with hormone imbalances or help detect certain diseases of the stomach, bowel, kidney, or bones.

In some cases, the doctor may ask a child to stay overnight in the hospital for blood testing. This is because about two-thirds of GH production happens while a child sleeps.

Also, delayed growth and small stature may

HEALTH TIPS

GROWTH DELAYS IN CHILDREN

sometimes be an expected part of a syndrome that the child has already been diagnosed with, such as Down syndrome or TS.

TREATMENT FOR DELAYED GROWTH

A child’s treatment plan will depend on the cause of their delayed growth. For delayed growth associated with a family history or constitutional delay, doctors don’t usually recommend any treatments or interventions.

For other underlying causes, the following treatments or interventions may help them start growing normally.

* Growth hormone deficiency

If a child is diagnosed with a GH deficiency, their doctor may recommend giving them GH injections. The injections can usually be done at home by a parent, typically once a day.

This treatment will likely continue for several years as the child continues to grow. The child’s doctor will monitor the effectiveness of the GH treatment and adjust the dosage accordingly.

* Hypothyroidism

A child’s doctor may prescribe thyroid hormone replacement drugs to compensate for a child’s un -

deractive thyroid gland. During treatment, the doctor will watch a child’s thyroid hormone levels regularly. Some children naturally outgrow the disorder within a few years, but others may need to continue treatment for the rest of their lives.

* Turner syndrome

Even though children with TS produce GH naturally, their bodies can use it more effectively when it’s administered through injections. Around age four to six, a child’s doctor may recommend starting daily GH injections to increase their likelihood of reaching normal adult height.

FROM PAGE 18

Like the treatment for GH deficiency, usually giving injections to the child at home. If the injections don’t manage the child’s symptoms, the doctor can adjust the dosage.

There are more possible underlying causes than the ones listed above. Depending on the cause, there may be other available treatments for the child’s delayed growth. For more information, talk to a doctor about how to help a child reach normal adult height.

PROGNOSIS

A child’s outlook will depend on the cause of their growth delay and

when they begin treatment. If their condition is diagnosed and treated early, they may reach normal or near-normal height.

Waiting too long to start treatment can raise their risk of short stature and other complications. Once the growth plates at the end of their bones have closed in young adulthood, they won’t experience any further growth.

Ask the child’s doctor for more information about their specific condition, treatment plan, and outlook. They can help the child’s chances of reaching a normal height, as well as their risk of potential complications.

Trade missions to Mexico, Canada & UK also on the cards – GCCI President

…Brazilian Chamber interested in doing business in Guyana

Fresh off Guyana’s successful participation in the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) is aiming to send more local businesses on trade missions to other countries including Mexico, Canada and further afield.

Between May 1 and 4, 2023, the GCCI was among the delegation of Guyanese who attended the OTC. According to GCCI President Kester Hutson, the conference was a useful one for Guyanese businesses to network and gain new insight.

Hutson, who was only recently elected President of the Chamber, made it clear during a press conference that he will be pushing for Guyanese to participate in more outbound trade missions. Among the destinations envisioned are Mexico and the United Kingdom.

“It is my desire and strategically, to have outbound trade missions to countries such as Mexico, the US of

course, the OTC being the first for the year. We’re looking at Brazil, we’re looking at the UK, Canada and further afield. Of course, this is not oil and gas specific. This is capturing all sectors that come under the umbrella of the Chamber of Commerce,” Hutson explained.

Back in April, it was the other way around, as the UK fielded a trade mission to Guyana. The trade mission came about through the

Energy Industries Council (EIC) in collaboration with Aberdeen International Associates (AIA).

When it comes to Brazil, representatives of the Brazilian Petroleum Chamber met with Hutson during the OTC. Hutson was optimistic that a Memorandum of Understanding can at some point be inked between GCCI and the Brazil chamber, whose members are

very interested in opportunities here.

“The Brazilian Chamber of Petroleum would have met with the representative of the Chamber of Commerce at our booth. And they’re also highly interested in doing business in Guyana. So, we’re looking to further discussions in setting up a MoU to strengthen our relationships between the bordering countries,” Hutson said.

Guyana has over the past few years established a plethora of connections with other chambers of commerce across the world. It was only a few months ago that the British Chambers of Commerce (BritCham) was launched in Guyana

The independent, non-profit BritCham will serve as a leading promoter and enabler of trade and investment between the UK and Guyana, one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. BritCham

Guyana will also work closely with the British High Commission in Georgetown and UK Government departments to support their advocacy work in Guyana.

The move to establish the new business Chamber came on the heels of the announcement of visa-free travel to the UK, direct British Airways flights from the end of March, and the signing of a partnership arrangement by Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd and His Majesty’s Trade

Commissioner for Latin America and the Caribbean, Jonathan Knott, CMG in November 2022.

The India-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (IGCC) was meanwhile also formed earlier this year, paving the way for the facilitation of trade, investment, and cultural exchanges between the two countries. This new organisation is an initiative between Guyana’s private sector and India through the impetus of the Indian High Commission. A Joint Business Council between the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Private Sector Commission was also formed.

The need for this Chamber was identified during a recent high-level visit to India.

Now established, it is envisioned that partnerships will be built through culture and commerce to serve the two nations through advocacy, culture, economic development, connectivity, business, and education. (G3)

GCCI President Kester Hutson (centre) surrounded by visitors to his Chamber’s booth during the OTC in Houston, Texas

Be vigilant – GFS warns public about fraudulent ex-firefighter

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) is urging the public to exercise caution when dealing with former firefighter Travis Samuel Sutton, who has allegedly been collecting funds from unsuspecting individuals with the false promise of securing them a position within the Fire Service.

On Saturday the Fire Service in a statement condemned Sutton’s alleged actions and have clarified that he is no longer affiliated with the organisation nor is he authorised to carry out any business on their behalf.

In addition, the GFS has emphasised that there

are no fees associated with becoming a member of the organisation. As such,

members of the public are urged to be vigilant when approached by individuals soliciting money for the promise of employment with the Fire Service.

“The Guyana Fire Service condemns his actions and would like to inform you that he is no longer employed with the organisation, nor is he authorised to conduct any business on our behalf,” the statement read.

According to the GFS, it was notified of Sutton’s activities, and citizens are being asked to be on alert and to report any information regarding this individual and his scheme to the Fire Service.

Sutton’s alleged contact number is listed as (592) 636-6636, and photos of him have been provided for public identification purposes.

The Guyana Fire Service further added that it is committed to ensuring that its recruitment process is transparent, fair, and free from any illegal

activities. Any individual found soliciting funds in exchange for a position within the organisation will face legal consequences.

They have also reminded members of the public that recruitment into the organisation is solely based on merit, and anyone interested in joining should follow the established procedures. As a responsible Government entity, the Fire Service has emphasised that it will not tolerate any fraudulent activities or behaviour that undermines the integrity of its recruitment process.

In light of these recent events, the Fire Service is calling on the public to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activities related to its recruitment process.

They stated that the safety and security of the Guyanese public are of utmost importance, and the Fire Service remains committed to serving the nation with the highest level of professionalism and integrity.

Calls by this publication to the number listed by the GFS as that of Sutton’s went unanswered.

Body under Takutu Bridge ID’d as North Rupununi teen

The body that was discovered on Wednesday last under the Takutu River Bridge, which connects Guyana and Brazil, has been identified as that of 17-year-old Geraldson Joseph, of North Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

He was identified by his sister Loriana Joseph, of Lethem, Central Rupununi. The 24-year-old woman expressed shock and grief at his untimely demise.

Geraldson was found dressed in a black long-sleeved shirt and black underwear. His hands and feet were tightly bound with a multi-coloured rope. A piece of cloth, believed to be from his pants, was used to tie his neck.

The body was discovered in a seated position, leaning against the concrete wall of the bridge. Visible signs of vio-

lence, including marks on the right knee and neck, were observed on the deceased.

The circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death and the motive behind the crime remain unclear at this time. However, the Police said that they are actively conducting their investigation and are appealing to the public for any information that may assist with the ongoing investigation.

According to Loriana, her brother lived in BonFim, Brazil, before his death, and she last saw him “alive and well” during last month’s Rodeo activity in Region Nine. She expressed deep sorrow over his death and called on the authorities to find those responsible and bring them to justice.

Geraldson was pronounced dead after the body was transported to the Lethem Regional Hospital.

Alleged scammer Travis Samuel Sutton

File photo: Takutu River Bridge

1000 “COPSQUAD” graduates equipped to better tackle domestic violence cases

Some 1000 members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) graduated on Friday from the Human Services and Social Security Ministry’s COPSQUAD initiative that provides them with special training to handle domestic and gender-based violence cases.

Done in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) under the Spotlight Initiative, this programme aims to train 2000 officers across the country on how to address such reports in a manner that follows international best practices.

During the graduation ceremony at the National Cultural Centre, Human Services Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud encouraged the graduates to hold themselves to a high standard as the country is on a fast-paced developmental trajectory and the Force holds a crucial role in that development.

“When that report is made, I urge you to treat it with every seriousness it deserves, make sure the report is written and submitted in a timely way so that prosecution can happen. This is the kind of thing that relates to the overall peace of our country… it is peace in homes, peace among family members, peace in the community and it starts with our attitudes, behaviour and our response to it,” the

Minister said.

Dr Persaud added that this initiative is not to be seen as “just another type of training,” but as a transformative catalyst where the GPF can earn the recognition of the citizens they serve through their proactiveness when it comes to combatting domestic violence.

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn commended Minister Persaud for her efforts while noting that there is a fruitful relationship between the two Ministries.

“I just want to thank Minister Vindhya Persaud for keeping us on the straight and narrow and taking us to higher levels with the support of the United Nations and other persons from the international communities,” Benn said.

United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator Ye?im Oruç also expressed appreciation for this effort and noted that this partnership with the European Union (EU) on eliminating gender-based violence through the Spotlight Initiative is the largest investment by the UN and the Government of Guyana to tackle this issue.

Meanwhile, Acting Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken assured of the Force’s plans to utilise the training.

“Training that is not used is no training at all so what we are going to do is have you decentralised across the 10 administrative regions at every Police station and outpost so that the level of service delivered to the public will be enhanced,” the Commissioner

said in regards to the graduates. The officers who completed the training also expressed enthusiasm as they prepare to implement the knowledge gained from this training.

“This training has impacted me a lot given the fact that I used to work patrol before and I used to be a first responder to domestic violence case and it taught me to identify and face certain

challenges that victims may face and how I go about dealing with the situation more so it would help me in my prosecution to ask questions which are more relevant so I would not have the victim relive or think what happened,” said Corporal John Munesh, a prosecutor at Leonora.

Meanwhile, 911 responder Taneisha Ramdhan said “this training has been a wonderful experience for me as a 911 call taker and I would be able to take reports of people who are being abused and I could be able to assist them as fast as possible.”

In February 2023, 500 officers had graduated, bringing the number of officers trained to effectively handle cases of gender-based Violence to approximately 1500.

Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud alongside graduates of the COPSQUAD initiative

Controversial GPA elections to be held today

Chief Justice Roxane George did not grant the injunction filed by social media commentator Mikhail Rodrigues, popularly known as “Guyanese Critic”, who had moved to the court to stop the elections of the Guyana Press Association.

Mikhail Rodrigues filed a Fixed Date Application (FDA) on Friday and named incumbent GPA President Nazima Raghubir and Executive Members Rawle Toney, Denis Chabrol and Svetlana Marshall as respondents.

The elections will be held at midday at the Theater Guild in Kingston, Georgetown.

In her ruling on Saturday, the Chief Justice said that Rodrigues’s application is not urgent, adding that the GPA is not a corporate entity, meaning that it is an unincorporated entity

As a matter of fact, the GPA is registered as a business in the name of the President of the Association, Nazima Raghubir. According to the registration seen by this publication, the business name is listed as “GUYANA PRESS ASSOCIATION”: Business No.:216005: Status: NEW. The two-address associated with the registration is that of a private residence and a business entity.

In her ruling the Justice George said that having perused the GPA’s constitution it is not “a corporate or any kind of registered entity that has personality that can sue or be sued.”

The controversy surrounding today’s elections of the Guyana Press Association (GPA) has heightened over the past week.

Recently, the GPA has been surrounded by controversy leading up to the upcoming election.

On Thursday, several local media entities signed a petition calling on the GPA to release the voters’ list ahead of the Annual General Meeting on Sunday.

In the petition, which was sent on Thursday the media houses expressed “serious concerns” about the AGM, which will be held at the Theatre Guild in Kingston, Georgetown, particularly about membership and the voter’s list.

They explained that in the past, it has been the practice of the GPA to register members and collect their dues on the day of elections in cases where dues had not been paid. In cases where new members who meet the eligibility criteria to vote, that is, three working years in the media,

wished to sign up and pay the required dues, they were allowed to do so. This way all members eligible to vote could only be known on the day of the elections itself.

“This year, the GPA Executive abandoned that convention and set May 6 as the date for the payment of dues for EXISTING members and has said registration of new members will be approved by the new executive. This decision effectively denies membership to many who are working members of the media for three years (and more) and who wish to participate in the elections,” the petition detailed.

To this end, the media houses said in the interest of transparency and accountability and to ensure the integrity of the GPA as well as to eliminate any concerns about the credibility of the list of voters, they called on the GPA Executive to immediately release the list of all members eligible to vote at the elections on May 14.

Meanwhile, the GPA Executive, in a statement on Thursday, was adamant about not releasing the 110-member voters’ list, claiming that some members have requested confidentiality prior to Sunday’s election.

“The Executive of the Guyana Press Association (GPA) today unanimously reaffirmed that the names of the 110 members who are eligible to vote for office bearers would be made known on Sunday, May 14, 2023, at the General Members Meeting and Elections, by the Returning Officer, Attorney-at-Law Ronald Burch-Smith. This is to preserve the confidentiality of a number of members who have requested that their membership remain confidential prior to the elections,” the missive stated.

According to the GPA, “Eligible members shall be allowed to vote in accordance

with the GPA’s Constitution for office-bearers to be elected by secret ballot. Every effort has been made to ensure that the elections will be free, fair, and transparent. We have invited a number of observers for Sunday’s process”.

Several media workers and media entities have indicated that they were not aware of the membership drive. Moreover, some reporters working in the outlying regions such as Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) have also complained about being unable to clear their dues or being allowed to register in order to vote at Sunday’s AGM.

In light of the concerns

raised, an urgent meeting has been requested with the GPA by veteran journalist, Neil Marks, who is contesting for the GPA presidency.

On the agenda for that meeting is the publication of the list of eligible voters for the upcoming elections; reverting to the convention of accepting applications on the day of the AGM; extending the deadline for the processing and approval of new members to the GPA by Saturday at 16:00h and accepting, and dues of existing members by the said deadline.

The GPA had not responded with a time for that meeting and the elections will be conducted today.

120 students to benefit from FFTP donations of kiddies furniture

Improving the seating accommodation for 120 students, Food for The Poor (FFTP) (Guy) Inc. on Wednesday donated 30 sets of kiddies furniture to the Department of Education in Region One (Barima-Waini).

The six schools to benefit from this donation are Mabaruma Nursery, Wauna Nursery, Hobadeia Primary School - Nursery Department, Blackwater Nursery, Barbina Nursery and St. Dominic’s Nursery.

Chief Executive Officer of FFTP (Guy) Inc, Kent Vincent, during the handover ceremony, reiterated the organisation’s commitment over the years to supporting the education sector through various initiatives such as the building of schools, facilitating Nursery, Primary and Secondary education, and providing school furniture, teaching aids and books.

“We are pleased to continue in this same vein as we officially hand over these Nursery School furniture to the Department of Education, Region One. We are also happy to be able to channel our support to the region and are committed to assist wherever there is need,” Vincent said.

Acting Regional Education Officer Cliva Joseph commended the FFTP (Guy) Inc. for their timely intervention, noting that the Nursery population has been increasing daily and space in the classrooms was becoming an issue.

Joseph added that the educational level in the nursery sector will increase with this addition of 30 sets of furniture as the children will be better accommodated.

Mabaruma Nursery

Headteacher Alisa Campbell

and Barabina Nursery Senior Mistress Lin Hernandez expressed their gratitude for this significant contribution towards the betterment of their respective schools and assured the usage of the furniture.

This initiative forms part of FFTP (Guy) Inc.’s effort to support and promote educa-

to allow 20 students to benefit from a 10-month programme come June where they will expand their Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.

This initiative also seeks to bridge the widening gaps in learning outcomes caused by the forced school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic.

tion in Guyana and address the United Nation (UN)’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Four which calls for inclusive and equitable quality education and the promotion of lifelong learning opportunities for all.

It specifically targets section 4A of this goal which is to “build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all.”

As such, FFTP (Guy) Inc. continues to play a pivotal role in ensuring that children across the country have access to quality education.

Earlier this year, the organisation partnered with STEMGuy to establish a Learning Pod at Baramita Primary School in Region One

In October 2022, the FFTP(Guy) Inc supported Barima-Waini’s Department of Education and the Regional Democratic Council to improve access to quality education for 165 students in eight communities within Mabaruma by committing to establishing nursery departments and providing furniture and teaching materials.

The communities and schools are Yarakita Nursery (Yarakita community), St. Anthony Primary (Arukamai community), St. Mary Primary (Lower Karibo community), Sacred Heart Primary (Sacred Heart community), St. Dominic’s Primary (St. Dominic’s community), St. John’s Primary (St. John’s community), Almond Beach Nursery School, St. Anselm’s Primary (St. Anselm’s community).

Food for The Poor (FFTP) (Guy) Inc. donates 30 sets of kiddies furniture to Department of Education in Region One (Barima-Waini)

Escazú Agreement finds strong

advocates in Jamaica and Belize

Jamaica and Belize, two Caribbean countries known for their stunning natural beauty and biodiversity, have recently signed the Escazú Agreement.

The agreement named after the Costa Rican town of Escazú, which was adopted in 2018 by the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), aims to promote environmental protection, ensure access to information, and promote public participation in environmental decision-making.

The signing of the Escazú Agreement by Jamaica and Belize is a significant step towards promoting sustainable development and protecting the environment in the Caribbean. Both countries have rich natural resources and a diverse range of ecosystems, including coral reefs, forests, and wetlands. However, these resources are increasingly under threat from climate change, pollution, and unsustainable development practices.

Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign

Trade Senator Kamina Johnson Smith emphasised the importance of the agreement for Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.

Similarly, Belize’s Minister of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and disaster Risk Management Orlando Habet, highlighted the benefits of the agreement for Belize’s rich natural heritage.

Jamaica is among the first six countries to sign the agreement, but it has yet to ratify the trea-

ty. Three Jamaican journalists are urging their Government to ratify the Escazú Agreement. The treaty also includes specific provisions on protecting environmental defenders, who are often at risk of violence, harassment, and intimidation for their work. The journalists argue that ratification would greatly benefit their work covering stories on the local environment and urge their Government to take the issue seriously. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Mexico to launch database of over 100,000 ‘disappeared’ people

Mexico will launch a new tool later this month to help record information on the tens of thousands of people who have gone missing, the country’s federal prosecutor’s office (FGR) said on Thursday.

The registry is set to gather information from a number of databases covering mass and clandestine graves, arrests, torture crimes, criminal records, fingerprints and genetics, the FGR said in Mexico’s official gazette.

Last year, authorities’ list of officially disappeared people surpassed 100,000, and the number is now estimated at more than 112,000. Numbers rose in the aftermath of former

President Felipe Calderon’s war on the country’s powerful drug cartels.

“Much remains to be done and this announcement is certainly a first step,” human rights group Centro Prodh said in a tweet. “The FGR has finally recognized its responsibility.”

A number of non-governmental organisations are dedicated to finding relatives who have gone missing (or been “disappeared” in Spanish), claiming that public offices dedicated to investigating cases are ineffective, unresponsive and under-funded.

The FGR’s announcement comes a day after Mexican Mothers’ Day, when crowds of mothers each year take to the streets to demand “truth

and justice” for their missing children.

The National Forensic Data Bank (BNDF), together with the National Register of Unidentified and Unclaimed Deceased Persons, is set to launch operations for the database on May 29.

The creation of such a database had been required by law since 2017, but stalled until a Judge ordered for it to be renewed last October.

The Judge’s ruling came in a case brought by Olimpia Montoya, whose brother went missing in Guanajuato state six years ago, declaring that her right to truth and justice was being hampered by a lack of information. (Reuters)

Spain seizes Brazilian fishing boat with cocaine haul on rough seas

Spanish authorities have seized a Brazilian-flagged fishing boat off the Canary Islands with 1.5 tonnes of cocaine in a hidden compartment in its machine room, Police said on Friday as they brought the boat to the port of Las Palmas. Authorities shared a video of the 25-metre (82.02

ft) Efesios 5-20 being approached on rough seas by a speedboat sent from the patrol ship Condor.

Officers arrested the crew of six people - five Brazilians and a Venezuelan national. The boat’s nameEphesians 5:20 in Englishis a reference to a prayer by Paul the Apostle praising and thanking God.

Government and the International Monetary Fund have reached a staff level agreement in the first economic review of the country’s second Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme from the Washington-based fund.

Additionally, the country has been adjudged to be well on course with the objectives of the funding under the IMF’s newly established Resilience and Sustainability Trust (RST).

Speaking at a press conference held at Government headquarters on Friday, head of the IMF’s Mission to Barbados, Pablo Morra, said that Barbados continues to tick all of the boxes as it relates to the objec-

tives under the Barbados Economic Recovery and Transformation (BERT 2.0) programme.

“We just completed our mission for our first review of the Extended Fund Facility and the Resilience and Sustainability arrangement that were approved by our board in December of last year. I am very happy to report that after very productive discussions with the authorities, we have reached a staff level agreement to complete the first review for both arrangements.

“This is going to go to our executive board expected in June and that would make available to Barbados the corresponding amount for

first review of the arrangement. We are happy to see that the economy is recovering strongly after all of the series of shocks that it suffered in the past few years,” Marro said.

Once the staff agreement is approved by the IMF’s executive board, it would release US$39 million to Barbados, US$19.5 million under the EFF and the same amount under the RST.

The IMF team also expressed happiness with the country’s economic outlook for the year while praising the Mia Amor Mottley Administration for sticking to the parameters of the programme.

(Excerpt from Nation News)

George Santos admits to theft in Brazil court

Republican congressman George Santos has admitted to theft and signed a deal with Brazilian authorities to drop the criminal charges in a 2008 case.

As part of the deal, Santos has been given 30 days to pay restitution and fines for the case to be dropped.

He is still facing more serious federal charges in the US of fraud, money laundering and theft of public funds.

Santos has pleaded not guilty to the US federal charges.

The 34-year-old lawmaker, who was elected to the House of Representatives in November, has been dogged by accusations of falsehoods and fraud throughout his brief career on Capitol Hill.

Among those were allegations that Santos spent about US$700 (£560) using a false name and stolen cheques in the city of Niterói, near Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, to buy items at a shop including a pair of trainers in 2008, when he was 19.

The case had been suspended because Brazilian authorities were unable to

locate him, but it was revived after Santos took office in the US.

On Thursday, Santos confessed to the theft in a virtual appearance before a Brazilian criminal court. He was given 30 days to pay US$2000 (£1600) in fines and US$2800 to the shopkeeper, according to local news outlets.

In exchange, the fraud charges against Santos in Brazil would be dropped.

“The case ended today,” Santos’ lawyer, Jonymar Vasconcelos, told the

Washington Post.

The congressman is still fighting 13 criminal charges in the US, including fraud, theft of public funds, money laundering and making false statements to Congress. He was indicted on Wednesday in the Eastern District Court of New York.

According to the indictment, Santos is accused of using donations to his political campaign for personal expenses, including designer clothes and credit card payments. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Police said boats transporting drugs from Latin America often transfer their cargoes to other vessels in mid-Atlantic to more easily reach the European market. The Efesios 5-20 caught their attention because it was so close to the Spanish islands off the north-western coast of Africa.

(Reuters)

Honduras will soon begin talks toward a trade deal with China, the Central American country's top diplomat said on Friday, marking the latest step toward stronger bilateral ties between the two nations after Honduras broke off relations with Taiwan.

Honduran Foreign Minister Eduardo Enrique Reina told reporters at a press conference that the goal is to launch talks "soon" and eventually ink a "free trade" agreement with the

Asian giant, the world's second-largest economy.

"It will be good news and (offer) opportunities for access to our products to China," said Reina.

In late March, Honduras ended its decades-long diplomatic recognition of Taiwan, after President Xiomara Castro opted to open relations with China in a bid for more investment and jobs.

Coffee will be the first Honduran export to the massive Chinese market, Reina noted, adding that both countries are also eval-

uating future shipments of shrimp and melon to China.

Honduras is one of Central America's top coffee growers.

Reina said that China has also expressed interest in buying Honduran beef and bananas, among other products.

In April, the diplomat said Honduras also hopes to reach agreements with China to lighten the nation's debt burden with the support of financial organizations from its new partner.

(Reuters)

Johnson Smith: By signing this agreement, we are taking a proactive step towards protecting our natural resources and building a more resilient future for our people

IMF gives Barbados two thumbs up in first review of BERT 2.0

Honduras will 'soon' launch trade talks with China as ties deepen

George Santos has been accused of using stolen cheques to make purchases at a shop near Rio de Janeiro in 2008

Around the World OIL NEWS

Russia says Ukraine used Storm Shadow missiles from Britain to attack Luhansk

Oil, gas drilling activity in US sees largest single-week drop since mid-2020

The total number of total active drilling rigs in the United States fell by 17 this week, according to new data from Baker Hughes published Friday, after falling by 7 last week. It is the largest single-week drop in the number of oil and gas rigs in the United States since June 2020.

The total rig count fell to 731 this week — just 17 rigs higher than the rig count this time in 2022 — and 344 rigs lower than the rig count at the beginning of 2019, prior to the pandemic.

Oil rigs in the United States fell by 2 this week to 586. Gas rigs fell by 16 to 141. Miscellaneous rigs rose by 1.

The rig count in the Permian Basin fell by 3, while the rig count in the Haynesville fell by 5.

Primary Vision’s Frac Spread Count, an estimate of the number of crews completing unfinished wells — a more frugal use of finances than drilling new wells, fell by 12 for the week ending May 5, to 282. This is 5 fewer finishing crews than a month ago, and 4 more than a year ago. It is the largest single-week drop since December 2021.

Crude oil production levels in the United States saw no changes in the week ending May 5, staying at 12.3 million bpd, according to the latest weekly EIA estimates. US production levels are up 500,000 bpd versus a year ago.

At 12:41 pm ET, the WTI benchmark was trading down US$0.56 (-0.79%) on the day at US$70.3, down less than US$1 per barrel from this time last week.

The Brent benchmark was trading down US$0.63 (-0.84%) at US$74.35 per barrel on the day, also down just shy of US$1 per barrel from last Friday.

WTI was trading at US$70.26 minutes after the data release, down 0.86% on the day. (Oilprice.com)

Russia's Defence Ministry said on Saturday that Ukrainian aircraft had struck two industrial sites in the Russian-held city of Luhansk in eastern Ukraine with Storm Shadow longrange cruise missiles supplied by Britain.

Reuters could not verify the battlefield reports.

Britain on Thursday became the first country to say it had started supplying Kyiv with long-range cruise missiles, which will allow it to hit Russian troops and supply dumps far behind the front lines as it prepares a major counteroffensive.

British Defence Minister Ben Wallace said the missiles could be used within Ukrainian territory, implying that he had received assurances from Kyiv that they would not be used to attack targets inside Russia's

internationally accepted borders.

The Russian Ministry said the missiles had hit a plant producing polymers and a meat-processing fac-

tory in Luhansk on Friday.

"Storm Shadow air-toair missiles supplied to the Kyiv regime by Britain were used for the strike, contrary to London's statements that

these weapons would not be used against civilian targets," the Ministry said.

It also said Russia had downed two Ukrainian warplanes - an Su-24 and a MiG-29 - that had launched the missiles.

In its latest bulletin, the Ministry also said Russian forces had gained control over another block in the eastern city of Bakhmut, which Moscow has been trying to capture for more than 10 months in an attritional artillery battle.

"The units of the Airborne Forces provided support to the assault units and pinned down the enemy on the flanks," it said.

The Ministry often uses the term "assault units" to denote the Wagner private militia, which has been spearheading the assault on Bakhmut at great cost in casualties. (Reuters)

US demands recall of 67 million air bag inflators

TheNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) demanded the recall of 67 million air bag inflators because it believes there is a safety defect, but auto supplier ARC Automotive Inc rejected the US regulator's request, documents released on Friday show.

The auto safety agency said the inflators pose an unreasonable risk of death or injury.

Even as ruptures mount, "ARC has not made a defect determination that would require a recall of this population," NHTSA said in its demand letter to the Tennessee-based company. "Air bag inflators that proj-

Canada's Alberta braces for more wildfires amid hot, dry weather

Canada's main oil-producing province of Alberta faces another hot and dry weekend, with warnings of more intense wildfires after blazes forced thousands to evacuate homes and temporarily shuttered energy production.

Authorities in at least one fire-ravaged area said Saturday they had already seen an increase in fire activity and were expecting more. Residents forced to evacuate early this month say they are frustrated with the indefinite displacement.

Special alerts have been declared across western

Canada, and officials urged vigilance with temperatures in some areas forecast to hit 30° Celsius (86°F), 10 to 15 degrees above normal.

"We are expecting hot and dry conditions in most of the province, which will make the wildfire danger climb," Alberta Wildfire official Josee St-Onge told a briefing on Friday.

"We're likely to see more intense wildfire activity this weekend and into early next week."

More than 100 wildfires over the past 1-1/2 weeks forced about 30,000 people to leave home at one point. Oil and gas producers shut

Smoke rises from a wildfire in Strathcona County, Alberta, Canada May 5, 2023 in this screen grab obtained from a social media video in at least 319,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, or 3.7% of national production. By Friday afternoon, 74 fires were burning across Alberta, 20 considered to be out of control, with about 16,500 evacuees.

Recent cooling and rain helped firefighters tackle some blazes and restored most of the energy production, but expectations of rising weekend temperatures have fanned worries. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Fighting continues despite Israel and Gaza militants agreeing ceasefire

Fighting has continued after a truce between Israel and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) militants in Gaza was supposed to have come into effect.

The Egypt-brokered ceasefire reportedly began at 22:00 (19:00 GMT), but within minutes there were exchanges of fire.

At least 33 Palestinians have been killed since Tuesday in Gaza, where Israel says it has struck PIJ targets.

Palestinian rocket fire into Israel has killed two people,

one Israeli and a Palestinian working in the country.

A Palestinian source familiar with the ceasefire negotiations told the BBC that Israel and PIJ had agreed a ceasefire to end five days of hostilities.

The source added that the agreement included a commitment by Israel to stop socalled "targeted assassinations". Israel was, meanwhile, said to have demanded a complete halt to rocket fire by PIJ at its civilians.

Egyptian officials called

on both sides to adhere to the agreement, but the Israeli military said militants fired rockets at over the cities and towns in southern Israel not long after the ceasefire was meant to start.

The military then announced that it had carried out air strikes in response, hitting two PIJ rocket launchers in Gaza.

Israel began its military operation in Gaza before dawn on Tuesday, killing three leaders of the militant group in their homes as well as at least

10 civilians, including relatives and neighbours of the men.

PIJ fighters then fired barrages of rockets at southern and central Israel, which they said were intended to avenge the dead.

Over the past five days, Israel has carried out air strikes across Gaza, killing three more senior figures in PIJ and targeting what it said were the group's rocket launch sites and command centres.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

ect metal fragments into vehicle occupants, rather than properly inflating the attached air bag, create an unreasonable risk of death and injury."

ARC air bag inflators are in General Motors, Chrysler-parent Stellantis, BMW, Hyundai Motor, Kia Corp and other vehicles. GM on Friday agreed to recall nearly 1 million vehicles with ARC air bag inflators after a rupture in March resulted in facial injuries to a driver.

ARC rejected NHTSA's tentative conclusion that a defect exists saying it is based upon seven field ruptures in the United States. NHTSA "then asks ARC to

prove a negative – that the 67 million inflators in this population are not defective" that were produced over 18 years. The company said it will continue to work with NHTSA and automakers to evaluate ruptures.

ARC noted there have been several testing programmes of inflators collected from scrapped or other vehicles but not a single rupture occurred during these tests. The 67 million inflators were produced for the US market on multiple production lines across different plants and used by 12 vehicle manufacturers in dozens of models. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Cyclone Mocha: People pack shelters as storm menaces refugee camp

Abouthalf a million people are being evacuated to safer areas in south-eastern Bangladesh, ahead of a cyclone that could be extremely dangerous.

Mocha is predicted to make landfall on Sunday, with 170kph (106mph) winds and storm surges of up to 3.6m (12ft).

There are concerns the cyclone could hit the world's largest refugee camp, Cox's Bazar, where close to a million people live in makeshift homes.

Rains are already falling on the camp and red warning flags have been raised.

Cyclone Mocha could be the most powerful storm seen in Bangladesh in nearly two decades.

As the weather system heads towards the Bangladesh-Myanmar coast, nearby airports have been shut, fishermen have been told to suspend their work and 1500 shelters have

been set up, as people from vulnerable areas are moved to safety.

Throughout the day, families have been arriving at designated cyclone shelters. Hundreds have been packing into classrooms at a school in Cox's Bazar.

Some brought plastic bags filled with a few of their possessions. Others arrived with their livestock, chickens and cattle.

Close to a million Rohingya refugees who have fled neighbouring Myanmar (also known as Burma) remain at risk, living in flimsy bamboo shelters with tarpaulin covers. The UN says it is doing what it can to protect these areas.

Bangladesh's Government does not allow refugees to leave their camps, so many say they are frightened and unsure of what will happen if their shelters are hit by the storm.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

A view shows an industrial building destroyed, according to Russian-installed officials, by a Ukrainian missile strike in the course of Russia-Ukraine conflict, in Luhansk, Russian-controlled Ukraine, in this picture released May 12, 2023

ARIES

(March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

GEMINI (MAY 28June 20)

CANCER

(June 21July 22)

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Take matters to heart. Listen, and do your best to correct any misunderstanding or error quickly. Keeping the peace will help you further your intentions and encourage others to contribute to your goal.

Take care of personal matters yourself if you want things to work. Your insight will help you eliminate what isn’t working for you anymore. Start putting your ideas to work.

Keep searching for a way to turn your dream into a reality. Look for opportunities that will make you stand out. Make debt reduction a priority. Verify anything you hear before passing it along.

You are in a good position. Don’t be shy; share your concerns and solutions. You’ll gain momentum and the support you need to improve your life. Romance and personal growth are favored.

Question your and others’ motives before you proceed. Understanding what everyone wants to gain will help you offer valuable incentives. Fairness will be necessary.

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Live and learn. Implement change that helps you grow mentally and encourages you to raise your qualifications. Staying on top of your game will ensure personal gain and popularity.

Take better care of yourself to avoid injury or illness. Distance yourself from indulgent or pushy people. Put your energy into what you can control. Protect your assets.

Host an event or do something that makes you feel good about life, love and happiness. Discuss your ideas with a loved one, and you can map out a plan that works for everyone.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

CAPRICORN

(Dec. 22Jan. 19)

AQUARIUS

(Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES

(Feb. 20Mar. 20)

Don’t be thrown off by someone trying to mislead you. Listen carefully and do what you can do to avoid getting involved in something you don’t approve of. Walk away from discord.

Use your imagination to devise a plan that inspires others to support your plan. Implement a change that improves your environment and brings you closer to your dreams. Make romance a priority.

A major move will lead to issues that require delicate handling. Discipline and knowledge will help you avoid a costly mistake. Keep the peace; anger will solve nothing.

Talk to experts about your intentions. The input you receive will help you formulate a solid and innovative plan. Romance will strengthen a meaningful relationship.

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

Pickles

TATA IPL 2023: Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings…

Harpreet Brar bowled Manish Pandey for a duck

Delhi Capitals knocked out of IPL 2023

-through heroics of Prabhsimran, Brar

In demanding batting conditions, the Punjab opener, with only one previous fifty-plus score in this tournament, found ways not just to survive, but to keep scoring quick runs in a way nobody else managed to. His innings was something of a comingof-age innings.

How it started

When there is pace in the pitch, it's easy to hit through the line and keep scoring runs steadily. When it is not there, it's hard to even get the ball off the square. So, you get your runs in fits and spurts. Kings suffered 22 balls for no runs in the powerplay, but hit seven others for 32 runs (5x4 and 2x6).

A lot of this work was the result of Prabhsimran's enterprise. His role in the team is to do whatever is necessary to maximise the field restrictions. And he performed admirably, switch-hitting spin for sixes, and moving around all over the batting crease

special century from Prabhsimran Singh has knocked Delhi Capitals out of the IPL 2023 and pushed Punjab Kings up to sixth place, well within reach of a playoff spot.just to throw the bowlers off their plans. But then his role changed. From being the guy who could not place any price on his wicket, he became the guy who simply could not get out. So, he settled in, got used to the pitch, and by the 12th over or so, he was finding ways to hold his shape and exert complete control over his shots.

Prabhsimran was 53 off 44. Then he was dropped on 68. Then he was 102 off 61.

That's 49 in 17 balls. And this on a pitch where none of his team-mates crossed 20, and only two others managed to score at better than a-runa-ball. This was a spectacular display of perseverance, even if he did have a tiny bit of help.

In conditions where the ball isn't coming onto the bat, all you have to do is take pace off, hit a hard length, and, most importantly, target the stumps. Do not let the batter free his arms.

Prabhsimran, though, was basically invited to free his arms. According to ESPNcricinfo's data, a majority of the balls he faced (33) were either outside off stump or, worse, wide outside off stump. And he took 60 runs

Delhi Capitals (T: 168 runs from 20 ovs) BATTING R B

David Warner (c) lbw b Harpreet Brar 54 27 Phil Salt † b Harpreet Brar 21 17

mishit to a ball that arrived in line with Prabhsimran’s body. They didn't learn, and they were punished.

How it ended Capitals had a great start to the chase. They came out knowing 168 was a tricky target, and that they had to knock off a significant portion of it within the powerplay. David Warner helped them accomplish that goal, taking them to 65 without loss in six overs. He cruised to a 23-ball fifty, scoring 42 of those runs in boundaries. But the thing is, Capitals only faced six balls of spin in that period.

It didn't make sense why

As it relates to her initial days in horse-racing, Aunty Chan said: "We were engaged at the time. The Queen came for Independence. We had the Demerara Turf Club at that time. He (Justice Kennard) took me to that meeting when the Queen came. Then you had to wear hat and gloves and what have you. But I went to the meeting, and I enjoyed that day. From then on, every time they have races at the Demerara Turf Club, he would take me."

Kings would have let any of that happen on a pitch where the ball was both stopping on the batters and turning more than a fair bit. Eventually, Shikhar Dhawan turned to spin, and the game changed. Cornered by Harpreet Brar (4 for 30) and Rahul Chahar (2 for 16) Capitals lost three wickets for two runs between the ninth and the 11th overs. ESPNcricinfo's forecast-

er quantified this swing in momentum: in a mere eight balls, Kings went from a lowly 20% chance of winning this game to 78% favourites.

By the end, Capitals

"I could have closed the track after he died, but I realized that if I do that, then I will deprive people from the Corentyne to come and enjoy a day's racing.

“Then the low-class horses, I give preference to them, so they can feel included in the horse-racing industry, and they are not left out because of the big horses”, Aunty Chan said.

needed seven players to combine just to reach the total they allowed one batter to get. These were not the conditions to give away a century. (ESPNCricnfo)

FROM BACK PAGE►

the boys," Aunty Chan disclosed.

Mrs Kennard also took the opportunity to wish all the mothers a happy Mother’s Day. "Mothers should be respected and honoured,” she said.

(Shikhar

(Liam

Sharma, 5.4 ov), 4-117

Curran, 14.4 ov), 5-129

Brar, 16.1 ov), 6-154

Singh, 18.2 ov), 7-165

(M Shahrukh Khan,

Ahmed 4-0-36-0

Aunty Chan, originally from Canje, Berbice, added: "Even when we got married and we moved to Georgetown, after the day's racing, he would bring home the boys from the Corentyne that were racing, and they would all have a good time at my home, talking about which jockey should have won and so on.

"I got involved more into the horse-racing industry, and since he (Justice Kennard) was taken up more with his job, which was very demanding, I was

back of it all, trying to sort things out, helping him out with the programme, helping him out with sponsors and what have you. Even at the turf club, I would see to it that the building is clean, everybody is comfortable, and at the same time assist him in the day's racing," the mother of horse racing said.

Despite the passing of her late husband Justice Kennard, horse racing continues to be a tradition at the Kennard's Memorial Turf Club. This rich horse racing facility is well-known for the Boxing Day racing event, which are highly successful meets.

"It is not easy to train horses. It is a very expensive way of doing horse racing. In horse racing, we also give work to people: the trainer, the jockey, the grooms, you have to employ those people. This brings money to the people’s pocket and this is why I said let me keep the track open for as long as I can, and let people know there is a track up the Corentyne where they can come an anytime and exercise," the horse enthusiast said.

"Our club is a members club. We have a board, and I took over as the President. I can say without hesitation that I am the mother to all

Prabhsimran Singh going big

Sam Curran and Prabhsimran Singh put up a 72-run stand

The Mother of Horse Racing...

Tata IPL 2023: Lucknow Super Giants vs Sunrisers Hyderabad…

Mankad, Pooran take Super Giants back to #4

Lucknow Super Giants have resurrected their flailing campaign with their first win in four matches, and have pushed Sunrisers Hyderabad to the brink of elimination.

With five overs to go and 69 runs to get on a slow pitch, it was Super Giants who were staring at a possible defeat, but Nicholas Pooran and Marcus Stoinis took 31 off the 16th, bowled by part-time left-arm spinner Abhishek Sharma, and turned the game completely on its head. Pooran stayed unbeaten on 44 off 13.

Krunal Pandya showed how tough a pitch it was

went for 63 in their six overs. Sunrisers’ Mayank Markande went for 39 in his three, which perhaps made Markram go to Abhishek for that fateful 16th over.

The win took Super Giants to 13 points from 12 matches, back in the top four, and Sunrisers have only a mathematical chance left, with just 8 points from 11 matches.

Sunrisers start well

They are not quite used to it, but Sunrisers didn’t get off to a disastrous start, even though they didn’t have big stands. Yudhvir Singh bowled with fire and got rid of Abhishek

On a surface with some turn, Bishnoi and Mishra frequently overpitched or went too short. Klaasen and Markram tucked into it, reaching 115 for 3 in 12 overs.

The Krunal Pandya over

Then suddenly Pandya showed what the pitch was capable of. He extracted big turn, even at his pace, to get Markram and Glenn Phillips in successive deliveries. Markram was stumped when defending on the front foot, as the ball turned from leg and dragged him out. Phillips went back to a similar delivery and was bowled.

Pandya had by

that start.

Sunrisers control start of chase It didn’t quite look underwhelming the way Sunrisers began their bowling.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Fazalhaq Farooqi gave Kyle Mayers and Quinton de Kock absolutely nothing. Phillips benefitted from those dry overs, as Mayers hit him straight to mid-on.

with the successive wickets of Aiden Markram and Glenn Phillips through sharp turn at high pace, but there was one difference: there was bounce in the pitch to work with. Ravi Bishnoi and Amit Mishra made errors, and

early, but Anmolpreet Singh and Rahul Tripathi kept hitting. They took two boundaries each off Avesh Khan’s first over, the fifth, and even though Yash Thakur bounced Tripathi out, Sunrisers got 56 off 2 in the powerplay.

then bowled three overs for 13 runs and had taken two wickets, knocking the wind out of Sunrisers’ sails. Two short balls - duly deposited by Klaasen - and Avesh missing his yorkers in the 19th over helped, but 182 was underwhelming after

Prerak Mankad and de Kock struggled to get going, as Sunrisers kept using changes of pace. The one bowler that provided some relief was Markande, as de Kock hit him for a six and a four at the end of the

GFF secures $10M from KFC for Elite League

The Guyana’s Football Federation’s (GFF’s) Elite League is set to return from a four-year hiatus today, when the 5th edition of the League kicks off at the Police Sports Club Ground at Eve Leary, Kingston, Georgetown.

Fast food giants KFC have, in the nick of time, hopped aboard the sponsorship train by plugging some $10M into this year’s edition of the league, and thus earning themselves the ‘title sponsor’ badge.

Wayne Forde spoke of the enduring partnership that the GFF shares with KFC.

“KFC Guyana and the Guyana Football Federation has had a longstanding partnership that started way back in 2018, when we did the first KFC Under-20 National Development League. Ever since then, we have collaborated on many projects, most recent is the One Guyana Cup that concluded on the 1st of January this year. We’re now taking a new journey in a new product that we have both agreed we would work hand in hand to build over the next couple of years,” Forde said, elaborating on KFC’s relationship with the Federation.

He went on to state, “This partnership has been an enduring partnership. The GFF team has worked really hard to reciprocate the value for the investment that KFC has been making

KFC Marketing Manager Pamela

Manasseh noted that the company looks forward to an exciting competition, and pledged their continued support.

“We are elated to be a part of this momentous occasion, and to be a part of the excitement we are sure it will generate. KFC Guyana vows our continued support. As a partner of GFF, we are onboard GFF’s vision for the Elite League and its objective to create a national culture of professional football and football management in Guyana,” Manasseh shared with the gathering.

The first match of this year’s shortened Elite League is set to commence at 18hrs this evening, and will be a clash between Western Tigers and Milerock FC. Thereafter, two-time defending champions Fruta Conquerors will begin their title defense as they lock horns with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) FC at 20:30hrs. Admission to the Eve Leary Ground is set at $1000. (Jemima Holmes)

seventh over. He targeted Markande again in the ninth, but a reverse-sweep got him out.

Mankad and Stoinis also got stuck, adding just 34 off the first 28 balls they faced. It was a typical slow Stoinis start, but the youngster Mankad - 36 off 29 at that point - looked under more pressure.

Time-out followed by knockout

Gautam Gambhir and Andy Flower had an animated chat with the two batters during the timeout. With eight wickets in hand, they still needed 94 off seven. Mankad jumped out of the crease first ball after the Time Out and hit a six. It helped that the bowler was Markande, who still had one over left after this.

That attack on Markande also perhaps necessitated the early return of Bhuvneshwar, but even he went for a six in the 15th over. Markram now had two overs from

Natarajan and one each from Bhuvneshwar and Farooqi. They were all bowling superbly. To get that final over in, Markram went to the left-arm spinner presumably because of the two right-hand batters at the wicket.

To be fair to Sunrisers, Abhishek had already bowled two overs for just 11 runs, so perhaps it was the right time to sneak one over in. However, instead of sneaking in quietly, Abhishek announced himself with a change-up first ball: an arm ball gone horribly wrong, and Stoinis hit the full toss for a giant six. Then Abhishek went over the wicket. Wide. Back around. Overpitched, and an even bigger six.

When Abhishek had Stoinis caught third ball, it actually turned out to be bad news for him. Out came a left-hand batter, not just any left-hand batter, but a spin-hitter who can go from ball one. And go from ball one Pooran did. Massive slog sweep, followed by a straight six, followed by another slog sweep. Pooran was 18 off 3, Super Giants needed 38 off 24, and despite the best efforts of Natarajan, it was a walk after that.

(ESPNCricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Sunrisers Hyderabad (20 ovs maximum)

BATTING R B

Anmolpreet Singh c & b Mishra 36 27

Abhishek Sharma c †

de Kock b Yudhvir Singh 7 5

Rahul Tripathi c †de Kock

b Yash Thakur 20 13

Aiden Markram (c)

st †de Kock b Pandya 28 20

Heinrich Klaasen †

c Mankad b Avesh Khan 47 29

Glenn Phillips b Pandya 0 1

Abdul Samad not out 37 25

Bhuvneshwar Kumar not out 2 1

Extras (lb 2, nb 1, w 2) 5

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 9.10) 182/6

Did not bat: T Natarajan, Mayank

Markande, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Fall of wickets: 1-19

(Abhishek Sharma, 2.1 ov), 2-56

(Rahul Tripathi, 5.4 ov), 3-82

(Anmolpreet Singh, 8.5 ov), 4-115

(Aiden Markram, 12.1 ov), 5-115

(Glenn Phillips, 12.2 ov), 6-173

(Heinrich Klaasen, 18.6 ov) •

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Yudhvir Singh 3-0-24-1

Kyle Mayers 1-0-11-0

Krunal Pandya 4-0-24-2

Avesh Khan 2-0-30-1

Yash Thakur 4-0-28-1

Amit Mishra 4-0-40-1

Ravi Bishnoi 2-0-23-0

Lucknow Super Giants (T: 183 runs from 20 ovs)

BATTING R B

Kyle Mayers c Markram b Phillips 2 14

Quinton de Kock † c

Abhishek Sharma b Markande 29 19

Prerak Mankad not out 64 45

Marcus Stoinis c Abdul

Samad b Abhishek Sharma 40 25

Nicholas

Heinrich Klaasen was on the offensive despite the fall of wickets

Prerak Mankad driving down the ground

Nicholas Pooran walked out and hit sixes off the first three balls he faced

WIFBSC 2023 Short Range Team Match…

Guyanese shooters almost flawless

…Win every range to take back the trophy

Magnificent shooting from the Guyanese marksmen, led by Peter Persaud -- who dropped three (3) points from a possible 150, including the only possible of the day at 500 yards (50.4) -- coupled with excellent coaching by Mahendra Persaud, Captain Dylan Fields and Lennox Braithwaite, ensured Guyana fired its way

of the possible 150, and reigning Individual champion Lennox Braithwaite dropped six (6) to ensure that, from the start -- the 300-yard range -- a solid foundation was set, upon which the team built at the 500-yard and 600-yard ranges.

to victory in the Short Range Match at the West Indies Fullbore Shooting Council 2023 Championships, which ended at the Crabbs Rifle and Pistol Range yesterday afternoon.

Peter Persaud’s performance has earned him the Wogart Trophy, which is for the shooter recording the highest score for the day. It was a vintage performance by the Guyanese, who had lost to host nation Jamaica last year by a single point. However, this year, the team was determined not to let anyone come remotely close, and from the first range, the dye was virtually cast.

Captain Fields and Roberto Tiwari each dropped five (5) points out

At 300 yards, no Guyanese shooter went below 44 points, and when the final shot rang out and the scores were tallied, Guyana was well ahead with 375 points and 25 V-Bulls. The closest nation was the host, with 365 points and 19 V-Bulls.

At 500 yards, the Guyanese took it up a few notches. Led by Peter Persaud’s possible 50.4, tallied 378 points and 21 Vs, the home team was again the closest 6-points back. The Antiguans fought bravely, but the deficit was way too much to overcome, the Guyanese being very focused and determined to reclaim the trophy.

The 600-yard range produced another fabulous shoot from the Guyanese, as they fired their way to 366 points and 15 Vs, an-

GFF/KFC Elite League…

other unbeatable score that propelled them to victory at this 2023 edition of the competition, organized by the Antigua and Barbuda Rifle Association on behalf of the West Indies Fullbore Shooting Council.

Guyana tallied 1119 points, along with 61 Vs, the most points and Vs by any nation at this year’s competition. Next was Antigua & Barbuda with 1099.53 points. Canada followed (1091.59), and Jamaica (1028.41), both eclipsing Barbados on Vs (34), as both ended with the same points.

Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, on hearing the news that Guyana won, immediately called Captain Fields to express the nation’s delight on behalf of

Minister of Sport, Charles Ramson Jr. Ninvalle told Fields and the team members that Guyanese are very proud of their achievement in showing the rest of the Caribbean that we are indeed the best in this sport at the Individual and Team levels. He promised that the Ministry and the National Sports Commission would work closely with the GuyanaNRA to further ad-

vance the sport.

Guyana is slated to host the 2024 edition of the WIFBSC Championships, which will also include the Long-Range Competition.

Meanwhile, President of the WIFBSC, Major Nelson, offered congratulations to the Guyana team from the Council and Jamaica.

Captain Fields spoke on behalf of his charges: “The result was proof that the

programme that was decided upon after Jamaica was the correct one. I was confident that this team was well prepared, and as such, the result was inevitable. I am happy for Guyana, and the people, the Government and the companies that have stood behind us. This win is for them. I also want to say congrats to Peter Persaud on winning the Wogart Trophy.”

Fresh-faced Fruta Conquerors begin title defence tonight

Afresh-faced Fruta Conquerors Football Club will today begin their title defense in the 5th edition of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF)/ KFC Elite League.

However, much has changed since the renowned Tucville- based club last lifted the championship in 2019, including much of their roster. As Fruta Conquerors prepare to take on the Guyana Police Force (GPF) FC this evening, Head Coach Sampson Gilbert discussed the team’s readiness for the game and the major task of retaining their title.

“I feel delighted to be the defending champions, coming into season 5. It’s obvious that, over the years, we’ve developed a lot of good players that would’ve contributed to us being the back- toback champs

Sampson shared with this publication.

The Coach went on to add about the young bunch one can expect to see in action at Eve Leary tonight. “Coming into season 5, we’re having a young group of players. We’re looking forward to expose

pecting at the Elite League; and from a developmental perspective, we know that the players are looking forward to be exposed and to perform well in this Elite League.”

When quizzed about some of the areas that he has focused on in training, the

ability to play high-level football.

“We’re working on, generally, our tactical awareness, developing the young players’ capacity, most importantly their mental ability, to be able to implement the things that are taught to them day in day out at the training sessions with intensity, and us-

ing the level of commitment that is expected of them at this level of football to really defend their title,” Gilbert explained.

Coach Gilbert is also unfazed about the major changes that his team has seen since 2019, noting that the club is known to develop and pre-

pare young players for other opportunities. He said about the changes to their roster, “We, as a club, we are accustomed to developing players, and then clubs and football entities from across the country and across the Caribbean really scouting those players out and exposing them to new opportunities. As a result of that, the players that are coming through are always excited to do well.

“The average age of our team is 21 years; and so, because of that, I think players know the sky is the limit, and performing well in this league means that the opportunities are endless,” Gilbert added.

The Fruta Conquerors vs GPF FC clash would take place at 20:30hrs tonight on the home turf of the GPF at Eve Leary. The defending champions will play their next league game - against Ann’s Grove FC - on Thursday May 25th at the same venue.

Fruta Conquerors will begin their Elite League title defence tonight

Fruta Conquerors Head Coach, Sampson Gilbert

Wind Coach Mahendra Persaud complimented the Wogart Trophy winner, Peter Persaud, on a fine shoot that piloted Guyana to championship honours

WIFBSC 2023 Short Range champions, GuyanaNRA

The Mother of Horse Racing in Guyana

By Brandon Corlette

Mothers are like glue, even when you cannot see them, they are still holding the family together.

That is the role Mrs Chan Kennard continues to play in horse racing in Guyana, especially at the Kennard's Memorial Turf Club at Bush Lot Farm on the Corentyne Coast in East Berbice (Region 6). Mrs Chan Kennard is the widow of the late Justice Cecil Kennard, and she continues to play a mother's role in horse racing in Guyana –a role she started playing since 1966.

In this Guyana Times Sport Mother's Day feature, Aunty Chan, as she is well-known, reflected on her early days in horse racing, and spoke about the role she played behind-thescenes when her late husband was the father of horse racing in Guyana. She also spoke about the role she continues to play today at Kennard's Memorial Turf

Club. "The Kennard family was in the horse-racing industry for over 112 years now. Justice Kennard grew up in that area of horse racing. They had horses and they were racing horses in the industry. I have some

trophies here (at the house) from since 1912. That goes to show we have been in the industry for such a long time. I was nev er involved in horse racing until 1966," Aunty Chan said.

Mrs Chan Kennard making a presentation to Jockey Patrick Justice Kennard, his wife Chan, son Gary and daughter-in-law Shanti share a family moment

GFF President Wayne Forde

KFC Marketing Manager Pamela Manasseh