Guyana Times - Frday, December 8, 2023.pdf

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Issue No. 5577

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023

Venezuela’s violation of ICJ order

Guyana expects “unanimous support” as UNSC meets to consider Guyana’s request for intervention – VP Jagdeo …UK, US reaffirm unwavering support for Guyana

...OAS to hold emergency meeting on Venezuela’s aggression, threat to regional peace …Caricom Heads call emergency meeting today Pages 3 & 5 GDF helicopter crash

WHAT'S INSIDE: Venezuela border controversy

P11 Guyana supported by international community – ExxonMobil CEO

Breaching of ICJ’s order

Venezuela could face P10 economic sanctions, travel restrictions – AG

“This loss is immeasurable”, “my USflightcommences operations across Guyana heart pains” – Commander-inChief on death of 5 servicemen Venezuela’s threats

Page 12

…“We’re not alone” – VP tells Guyanese, oil companies

P7

Over 100 teachers P17 granted dutyfree concession Retired Brigadier Gary Beaton

Colonel Michael Shahoud, Commander of the 1st Infantry Battalion

Survivor: Lieutenant Andio Crawford

Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome

Lieutenant Colonel Mike Charles Sergeant Jason Khan

Survivor: Corporal Dwayne Jackson

…survivors remain at crash site, 3 attempts to extract thwarted due to adverse weather …rescue team, medical personnel also at site

Berbice man succumbs to injuries 13 days after P16 being stabbed

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Venezuela’s violation of ICJ order

BRIDGE OPENINGS

BRIDGE The Demerara OPENINGS Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, December 8 – 01:00h-02:30h and Saturday, December 9 – 02:00h-03:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, December 8 – 13:20h-14:50h and Saturday, December 9 – 13:55h-15:25h.

Guyana expects “unanimous support” as UNSC meets to consider Guyana’s request for intervention – VP

…UK, US reaffirm unwavering support for Guyana Parika and Supenaam departure …Caricom Heads call emergency meeting today times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, FERRY SCHEDULE

16:00h, 18:30h daily.

WEATHER TODAY Sunshine and thundery showers are expected during the day. Expect partly cloudy skies and light rain showers with instances of thunder at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to South-Easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.92 metres.

High Tide: 13:14h reaching a maximum height of 2.33 metres.

Low Tide: 06:45h and 19:13h reaching minimum heights of 0.94 metre and 0.86 metre.

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he United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will today meet to consider Guyana’s request for intervention amid Venezuela’s blatant violation of the order of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), also known as the World Court.

The World Court had issued a ruling barring Venezuela from taking any action emanating from the December 3 referendum to seize Essequibo before the Court hands down its decision on the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award.

However, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has announced several measures which his administration intends to take to enforce the outcome of the

US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken

Venezuela.

Be it permanent or non-permanent, the former Head of State outlined, UNSC members will have to respect the ruling of an agency that is under the auspices

President Dr Irfaan Ali

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

measures. They said these measures are binding on parties. We believe that all of the members would have to support the provisional measures of the Court. We don’t want anything else, except that Venezuela complies

which Venezuela has flouted, have been sent to the United Nations Security Council by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres himself.

The Secretary-General’s Spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, made this revelation as he reminded that decisions of the ICJ are binding on all parties involved.

“I can tell you that the Secretary-General strongly supports the use of solely peaceful means to settle international disputes. He further recalls that, pursuant to the Charter and to the Statute of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), decisions of the Court are binding, and he trusts that both states will duly comply with the order from the Court,” Dujarric said on Wednesday.

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Caricom emergency meeting

referendum.

On Thursday, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo lauded the urgency with which the UNSC has sought to handle Guyana’s request for its intervention in light of developments taking place in

of the UN umbrella; in this case, the ICJ. Guyana is optimistic that its request would garner unanimous support.

“We’re extremely pleased that they’ve taken up this matter with this sense of urgency…The ICJ gave these

with the ruling of the ICJ… We expect unanimous support,” he told media operatives.

The orders of the ICJ, which prohibited Venezuela from aggravating its border controversy with Guyana,

Meanwhile, Heads of Government within the Caribbean Community (Caricom) have today called an emergency meeting to facilitate dialogue, as tensions rise and pressure mounts to safeguard the region as a zone of peace.

TURN TO PAGE 7

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guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023

Views

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

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Violation of rights

he local media have reported on numerous cases involving sexual assault that are engaging the attention of the judicial system. In quite a few of these court hearings, the nation has been shocked to learn of the details which emerged, of how the victims were sexually and physically abused.

In one of these cases, sometime ago, a taxi driver from Tucville, Georgetown, who has since been jailed for 11 years, preyed on a vulnerable sex worker. The victim, who in her impact statement said she is a mother of three, described the accused as a “monster”, noting that since the tragic ordeal, “I have a lot of fear, anger, hatred, and helplessness.” She besought the court to lock up the perpetrator for life, so that he could not hurt anyone else.

The rape survivor told the presiding Judge: “I want you to help me to get justice for myself and the other victims, because I wasn’t the only victim of that monster. I would want to kill him with my own hands, because that man destroyed our (her family’s) lives.”

This is just one of a long list of cases of women being sexually violated. While life would never be the same again for the victims involved, it is good to see that the perpetrators are facing justice for these despicable and cruel acts. However, this might just be the tip of the iceberg, as it is widely believed that many sexual abuse cases, including those involving children, are deliberately hidden and go unreported for various reasons.

Sexual violence against women and children is considered to be a gross violation of rights. According to UNICEF, sexual violence can take the form of sexual abuse, harassment, rape, or sexual exploitation in prostitution or pornography. It can happen in homes, institutions, schools, workplaces, in travel and tourism facilities; and within communities. Increasingly, the Internet and mobile phones also put children at risk of sexual violence, as some adults look to the Internet to pursue sexual relationships with children. There is also an increase in the number and circulation of images of child abuse.

A UNICEF study, “Hidden in Plain Sight”, estimates that, worldwide, around 120 million girls under the age of 20 (about 1 in 10) have been subjected to forced sexual intercourse or other forced sexual acts at some point in their lives. Boys also report experiencing sexual violence, but they do so to a lesser extent than girls.

Evidence shows that sexual violence can have serious short- and long-term physical, psychological and social consequences, not only for girls or boys, but also for their families and communities. Those include increased risks for illness, unwanted pregnancy, psychological distress, stigma, discrimination, and difficulties at school.

In Guyana, the Child Care and Protection Agency (CCPA) and the Human Services Ministry, along with various nongovernmental organisations (NGOs), have been on the frontline in bringing some of these cases to light. These agencies must continue to work diligently in ensuring that all such cases are brought to the fore, where they could be properly investigated and prosecuted.

The Guyana Police Force is also a key partner in the fight against sexual violence perpetrated on women and children.

The Force must continue to provide the necessary training to its officers in order to properly investigate sexual crimes against women and children. Our women and children need to be assured that when violence against them is reported, the law would act quickly to persecute the perpetrators, and that our judicial system would function efficiently and equitably to bring such criminals to justice.

Importantly, too, is that all the necessary support systems must be put in place to ensure victims and their families are provided with counselling, etc, to overcome the trauma of sexual violence.

Women and children, irrespective of their ethnic, religious, cultural or social backgrounds, deserve to live in an environment where they feel safe and are part of loving and nurturing families.

The Caribbean Examinations Council's (CXC) 2023 top awardees along with President Dr Irfaan Ali and Education Minister Priya Manickchand during a courtesy visit at State House. The students honoured for their outstanding performance are: Alex Muntaz, Guyana, Anna Regina Secondary School, CSEC - Overall Outstanding Achievement, Most Outstanding in Technical/Vocational; Siddiq Gafar, Guyana, I.S.A Islamic School, CSEC - Most Outstanding in Business; Meira Wohl, Jamaica, Campion College, CSEC - Best Short Story; Kayla Wright, Jamaica, Campion College, CSEC - Most Outstanding in Principles of Accounts (ACCA Award); Celando Matchevelli, Jamaica, Manchester High School, CSEC - Most Outstanding in Visual Arts - Two Dimensional; Deanna Beepath, Trinidad & Tobago, Rio Claro West Secondary School, CSEC - Most Outstanding in Visual Arts - Three Dimensional; Naila Rahaman, Guyana, Queen’s College, CSEC - Most Outstanding in Humanities; Abigail Stephanas, Guyana, Queen’s College, CSEC - Most Outstanding in Sciences; Naresh Jagnanan, Guyana, Queen’s College, CAPE - Overall Outstanding Achievement, Most Outstanding in Business Studies (ACCA Award); Matthew Dunn, Jamaica, York Castle High School, CSEC, Most Outstanding in History; Darius Payne, Trinidad & Tobago, Naparima College, CAPE - Most Outstanding in Natural Sciences and Rishi Rakesh Pokhriyal, St Maarten, Methodist Agogic Centre Comprehensive Secondary Education, CCSLC - Top Male Performer (Education Ministry photo)

Science and the courthouse

By Dr Jason Mckay

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any years ago when I first started engaging in police studies I chose forensics. It worked out to be just the beginning of a long road.

When I had qualified as a forensic investigator DNA was relatively new in respect of a tool to be used in criminal investigations. Even back then I saw issues it would create because of its complexity.

This absolutely played out in the case where OJ Simpson was charged for killing his estranged wife and the lover Ron Goldman she chose to move onto her husband's property.

I was often baffled as to what kind of 'little man' would actually move into another man's house, but I guess men will do anything for a free ride, both home and abroad.

The acquittal though, heralded by many as a victory for black America, occurred primarily because the attorneys managed to sell a farce that someone's DNA can appear to look like someone else's if the sample is not properly preserved.

This is total hogwash. Someone's DNA cannot look like someone else's own.

What can occur is that it can be less identifiable, but not ever look like someone else's.

So in essence, a man, although properly provoked, got away with murder using a fantasy defence.

I have my own fears, as I see science playing a greater part in trials in Jamaica.

Why? Because I am not sure that juries are exposed enough to differentiate junk science from real science.

What is the level of training of our prosecutors, judges, and even defence counsel in the area of science?

What is the educational level of our juries?

Can an OJ ruse one day free a killer or prosecute an innocent man?

Should we start to insist on only university graduates being jurors in major cases? Or maybe a judge's panel, like they do in China. Let's look at examples.

In recent time, police procedures include swabbing all recovered guns for DNA. Does our legal system realise how difficult it is for DNA to be transferred to a firearm. It can happen, but usually it requires a hair that may be caught in it, or significant sweating into the weapon.

It is extremely unlikely by simple touching or holding it for DNA to be transferred.

Therefore, a weapon that has been recovered from a man's waist has a significantly high probability of not having the offender's DNA on it.

On the same token, there is a remote possibility that an individual's DNA can be transferred to an object through third-party exposure. The aforementioned is touch DNA. So I touch you, you touch Sally, and my DNA is on Sally. This is highly unlikely, but possible. However, it is often sold to juries as probable or, depending on the expert, impossible.

The fact is it's really not an exact science, but it's rarely sold as such.

Then even in simplistic areas like pistols or revolvers, is the study of guns part of our judges' curriculum?

Do they know that pistols emit a spent shell and revolvers don't? Or that hard ball bullets over-penetrate and hollow point rarely do?

I know as a fact that these basic facts are not taught in schools and the average jury does not know them.

I have seen experts matching projectiles from Glock pistols to individual guns, usually to our police officers' detriment.

This is not possible. Hammerforged barrels cannot be matched to expended bullets. There are no striation marks that would be created in the production of a regular barrel to compare it to.

If this is confusing, think on the barely literate man who may sit on your son's jury and be subjected to 'white coat' indoctrination.

Even an old science like fingerprints, do you realise how difficult it is to find a fingerprint on a gun?

It's really difficult. I tested 400 when I was studying and didn't lift one, despite handling all of them.

An average juror may just believe no fingerprint means no one held it.

Science has its place in rape cases where fluids and hairs are involved; and murder when committed close quarter for DNA and ballistics when guns are used.

The wholesale use of it without significant training to our judges and prosecutors is dangerous.

I'm not a fan of the system that utilises a jury of your peers in any situation whatsoever, but I am particularly against it in cases where science is involved.

We can solve this issue with significant training of the actors in our judicial system, particularly the decision makers.

But have we put the cart before the horse? Have we gone all science crazy before we have done the training?

Looking to the future, is one of our political parties going to move us towards a system that does not include juries at all? It can't seem ridiculous to me alone.

Constitutional change is happening as we speak.

Do you know how you can participate in the revision of the Constitution?

It's important that it's not minor areas that don't matter, or major areas that will destroy us further.

You may remember what the removal of the exceptions that allow for remand acts has done to our ability to function in a crisis. We need to be involved.

This could be the end of the jury system. Let's do it.

I close with this proclamation: If science and scientific evidence is going to be a major part in our judicial system going forward, then we will have to end trial by jury.

Also, if we go to total trial by judges then we must train our judges, prosecutors and defence attorneys to at least a functional level in basic forensics that involve DNA, fingerprints and ballistics.

If not, the 'white coats' are going to walk us around the mulberry bush over and over again. (Jamaica Observer)

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023

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News

OAS to hold emergency meeting on Venezuela’s aggression, threat to regional peace T

PLEASE SEE BELOW THE FULL STATEMENT FROM THE OAS GENERAL SECRETARIAT REGARDING RECENT ACTIONS FROM THE REGIME IN VENEZUELA TOWARDS GUYANA

he General Secretariat of the Organisation of American States (OAS) expresses a sense of urgency and gravity regarding the aggressive stance of the Maduro regime of Venezuela towards the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, which has escalated to a point of significant concern for regional security and constitutes a matter that threatens the stability and territorial sovereignty within our hemisphere.

It is imperative to recall that the boundary established in 1899 by an international Arbitration Committee is in force and

legally binding on all parties under international law.

This award is currently reinforced by proceedings and decisions at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). These proceedings were mandated by the United Nations Secretary General in accordance with the terms of a 1966 agreement signed in Geneva by representatives of the Governments of Venezuela and Guyana.

The Maduro regime is continuing to take and promote unlawful actions against Guyana, such as conducting an illegal and illegitimate referendum on December 3, 2023, by

which it seeks to annex the Essequibo region. This action was taken not only in flagrant disregard for international law and decisions of the ICJ but also, once more, with an undemocratic use of democratic processes.

The Venezuelan regime had already pursued other aggressive actions before the referendum, including several incidents and acts of intimidation. These illegal actions have escalated and now the violations of the recent decision of the International Court of Justice are flagrant: the Venezuelan dictatorship is adopting jurisdictional actions in matters of defence,

nationality, administration and economics in clear violation of the jurisdiction and territorial integrity of another State.

It must be also especially taken into account that the Venezuelan regime has been in permanent violation of the universal regulations of Human Rights – as attested by reports from the United Nations system – and of the inter-American regulations of Human Rights – as attested by reports from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR).

The authorities of the regime are being investigated before the International Criminal

Court for crimes against humanity; the Venezuelan regime has been a stubborn and persistent violator of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, it has generated by its own actions the worst migratory crisis in the Hemisphere and the worst humanitarian crisis in the hemisphere, apart from the corruption trials referring to PDVSA and drug trafficking trials that involved circles close to the dictatorship.

The recent actions taken by the regime in Venezuela not only jeopardise the development and stability of Guyana, but also pose a broader risk to the securi-

ty of Latin America and the Caribbean – a situation that has been repeatedly condemned by the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

In light of these developments, and with the ICJ decision on provisional measures against Venezuela on December 1, 2023, the General Secretariat reaffirms and endorses the request for a meeting of the OAS Permanent Council as soon as possible. This meeting would aim to discuss possible measures to mitigate this crisis and explore solutions that respect international law and regional stability.

PM Phillips understands the nation’s problems Dear Editor, Since accepting the role of the second in command of the country, Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips has done an excellent job, which is indisputable and beyond the expectations of many.

Few expected such a superb performance from PM Phillips, who spent more than half of his life in the army and far away from politics. And those at home and in the diaspora who believed that the learning curve was very steep for the former army chief were wrong. Not only was he a fast learner, but he was able to prove to all and sundry that he is an in-depth, astute, practical, and profound thinker, with a political acumen and a sound understanding of the nation’s problems and how to solve them. He is keen and fully aware that the unity gap must be bridged, and racism must end for the country to develop and prosper, and the lives of the people improved.

Except for President Dr. Irfaan Ali, Brigadier Mark Phillips is perhaps the most active and multi-tasked Prime Minister in recent times. What he accomplishes in one day will take weeks for others to achieve.

Although the former Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is preoccupied with visiting various communities across the country -- to inform the residents of Government’s plans and development strategies, and to solve their problems – he yet finds time to address the Guyana/ Venezuela border controversy, and meet with foreign delegations such as the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR).

The objectives of the IACHR regional engagement with Guyana were initiated in January 2023 to pursue technical cooperation and to evaluate human rights’ challenges from governmental and civil society lenses, as well as to deliver train-

ing, where necessary, on the IACHR framework.

Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips, while performing the duties of President, told the IACHR delegation -- comprised of President Margarette May Macaulay; Vice President Roberta Clarke; Senior Advisor for Caribbean Affairs, Paul Spencer; and Specialist Technical Cooperation and Public Policies Officer, Wendy Singh, among others -- that the Government of Guyana does not practise any form of discrimination or racism. In fact, Prime Minister Phillips underscored the fact that the constitution safeguards the rights of all citizens equally, including the Indigenous peoples, and respect for rights of all majorities and minorities in the country.

But most importantly, Brigadier Phillips cited the Government’s respect for human rights and for rule of law, which is fundamentally important for democracy.

The Prime Minister wisely outlined to the IACHR delegation the Government’s comprehensive policies and strategies of inclusiveness, non-discriminatory practices, protections for the elderly and persons with disabilities.

Speaking truth to power, the second-in-command highlighted the fact that the six peoples of Guyana — Indigenous, African, East Indian, Portuguese, European and Chinese -have all been included in the development of the country and the equitable sharing of its resources.

On the issues of climate change, PM Phillips reaffirmed President Dr. Ali’s prioritisation of climate change by insisting that a balanced approach is needed to achieve net zero emissions, and that Guyana stands ready to collaborate with members of the international community to reach that target. Like His Excellency, the Prime Minister stressed that Guyana has taken a lead-

FITUG endorses Government’s actions on Venezuela’s ramping up of tensions Dear Editor, The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), like many Guyanese, is concerned by the pronouncements of Venezuela’s President Nicholas Maduro, as he spoke to measures in respect of the Guyanese territory of Essequibo.

These efforts are linked to last Sunday’s referendum, which, according to some media reports, did not see the popular participation of the Venezuelan people.

Additionally, the pronouncements and any actions which

stem from them come into direct conflict with the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on December 01, 2023.

In the same vein, the FITUG is fully supportive of, and endorses, the actions of President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and his Government to advance diplomatic and peaceful measures to address the increasing rhetoric emanating from Caracas. Our recourse to the ICJ and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) outlines Guyana’s commitment to respect international law

and norms. It demonstrates that our country is clearly committed to just, peaceful, and lawful resolution to an issue which had been conclusively settled over a century ago, and revived on very shaky grounds. Indeed, for its efforts, our country has earned even greater respect in the eyes of the international community. And for our part, we remain deeply appreciative and truly comforted by the support and solidarity from many of our long-standing partners and friends, who are standing beside us as we confront a political leadership

in Venezuela that is seemingly growing more belligerent.

At this time, the Federation remains staunchly opposed to any actions which violate or infringe on our territorial boundaries.

We urge Venezuela to remain respectful of international laws and rules, and to engage fully in the ongoing process at the ICJ. Let Latin America and the Caribbean remain a Zone of Peace.

Sincerely, Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana

ership role on energy and food security, and called for a global coalition to address them.

On President Nicholas Maduro’s irresponsible, dangerous, and hasty action following the December 3 referendum (with a very small turnout of only 10 percent of the population) to use force to unilaterally annex Essequibo, which is 74 percent of Guyana’s territory, Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips has reiterated the call for vigilance, unity, and continued patriotism, which

he asserted are the bedrock of resilience.

As patriots, let us recite the famous song by Dave Martin and the Trade-winds: We are giving up no mountain, we are giving up no tree We are not giving up no river that belongs to we.

Not one blue sackie, not one rice grain, not one cuirass, Not a blade of grass.

Sincerely, Dr Asquith Rose

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023

06:00 06:30 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:05 13:35 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 20:30 21:00 23:00 23:30 00:00

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023

Foundation ◄

Page

Test Questions

Song by Valerie Rodway

Guyana, Guyana, this fair land of ours Has broken the bondage of far distant powers, We love you Guyana from high land to sea, And pray God make worthy your children to be.

Chorus: All hail to Guyana, our country now free, One people, one nation, one destiny, We pledge every effort, we’ll cherish this earth And make here a paradise – Land of our birth.

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his quick and easy kitchen science experiment will teach you how to make a ketchup packet do seemingly magical and crazy things.

Materials:

Ketchup or any other small condiment packet Empty 2-litre soda bottle with cap Water Bowl

Instructions:

The first thing you will want to do is fill the bowl with some water.

Place your ketchup packets in the water. You ketchup packets will need to

float in order for this science experiment to work.

After you have found a ketchup packet that floats, put it inside the 2-litre soda bottle.

Fill the 2-litre soda bottle full to the rim with water and securely put on the cap.

The packet should be floating near the top on the bottle.

Now squeeze the bottle and observe what happens.

How it works:

When the ketchup packets are made, a bubble of air gets trapped inside. This bubble of air will cause the ketchup

packet to float. When you squeeze the bottle, the air bubble is compressed making it more dense. This will cause the ketchup packet to sink to the bottom of the bottle. Once you release the pressure, the air bubble will expand and cause the ketchup packet to float again.

Make this a science project:

Try different types of condiment packets. Add salt to the water to see if this causes the ketchup packet to behave differently when the bottle is squeezed.

Try different sized bottles. Test different liquids. (sciencefun.org)

No rich El Dorado has ever been found Though many have ended their lives on this ground, Our labour in factory, in office and field Will give us the wealth and the full harvest’s yield.

With purpose and vigour we’ll carve our own fate Unmoved by distraction, prejudice and hate, Together we’ll strive for our new nation’s goal, Inspired by goodwill, a kinship of soul.

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Venezuela’s threats

US commences flight operations across Guyana

“We’re not alone” - VP tells Guyanese, oil companies

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uyanese have been urged to desist from any unnecessary worry that can translate into fear, and to pay no need to Venezuela’s threats that the county of Essequibo would be seized.

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo gave this charge on Thursday, when he affirmed that under no circumstance would Venezuela succeed in its unlawful actions.

He added that Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is not just pushing against international law, but against a majority of the entire international community. Moreover, Guyana has strong allies on its side.

“We should all be concerned about it, but don’t let the worry paralyze us or cause fear, particularly on our children… Don’t worry unnecessarily, Venezuela is not going to succeed, now or ever. We are going to do everything within our capability and beyond to ensure that this does not happen.

We’re not alone in this,” Jagdeo encouraged.

During his press conference, the Vice President affirmed that any attempt by Venezuelan state-owned companies or state companies to explore for petroleum in Guyana’s territory will be seen as an incursion, and being contrary to the ruling of the International Court of Justice.

In this light, oil com-

panies currently operating offshore Guyana have also been asked to reject the ultimatum issued by the Venezuelan President.

Maduro has claimed that he would now authorise oil exploration in Guyana’s Essequibo Region, even though the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has not as yet pronounced on the border controversy case. As a result, Guyana has beefed up precautionary measures and alerted its bilateral partners.

Jagdeo has said, “I want to say to the companies that he has given an ultimatum to (that) they should pay no regard to Maduro or his ultimatum. We will defend that territory as sovereign Guyanese territory. They’re operating legally, lawfully, in this territory.”

Aerial sweeps

The United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) commenced “flight operations” across Guyana on Thursday, and has communicated that it would continue collaboration with the GDF in the areas of disaster preparedness, aerial and maritime security, and countering transnational criminal organisations.

The VP has affirmed that every single movement

by Venezuela, especially those at the border regions, is being tracked.

“We have a US military aircraft flying over our ter-

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

ritory. That’s part of finding out what’s happening, and our army and planners will respond accordingly. But you will never find the GDF or a politician telegraphing this. I can assure you that every single movement is tracked,” he declared.

Military drills

On Thursday, the US announced military drills with Guyana.

"In collaboration with the Guyana Defence Force, the US Southern Command will conduct flight operations within Guyana on December 7," the US Embassy in Guyana said in a statement.

The Embassy has said the flights are part of a routine engagement and operation to enhance security partnership between

Guyana expects “unanimous support...

The Vice President added, “We will fight this robustly and we are strengthening our defence cooperation so that should Maduro try to move to act on his illegal laws contrary to the ICJ ruling, that we have a capability for defending our country.

Caricom has previously positioned that Venezuela must not take any action to challenge, disrupt or interfere with Guyana’s longstanding control and administration of the Essequibo Region, which constitutes more than twothirds of Guyana’s land territory until the Court has issued its final Judgment on which State enjoys sovereignty over that territory.

According to the regional body, the order reinforces the fundamental principle of International Law, enshrined in the United Nations (UN) and OAS Charters, that every State has the duty to respect the

sovereignty and territorial integrity of others.

Unjustified

Every day, partners and global leaders are weighting in their support for Guyana.

US Secretary of State Antony, Blinken engaged President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Wednesday to reaffirm the United States’ unwavering support for Guyana’s sovereignty.

Secretary Blinken reiterated the United States' call for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing controversy and urged all involved parties to respect the 1899 arbitral award that defines the land boundary between Venezuela and Guyana.

He emphasized that this should remain in force unless the parties reach a new agreement, or a competent legal body decides otherwise.

During the call, both officials noted the International Court of

relationships with allies that share common strategic interests.

It has been assured, “One thing is important in this world. It is forging relationships with allies that have greater capabilities and share your strategic interests. In this case, we have allies who share our strategic interest, they want peace in this region.

The entire Caricom; the entire Latin America including Brazil, is prepared to defend peace in the region.”

This comment came in light of comparisons being made that Venezuela’s army is significantly larger than Guyana’s.

FROM PAGE 3

Justice order issued on December 1, which called for parties to refrain from any action that might aggravate or extend the dispute. The Secretary reiterated that the United States looks forward to working closely with Guyana once it assumes its non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council in January 2024. The two leaders concluded by agreeing upon the importance of maintaining a peaceful and democratic Western Hemisphere.

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom also voiced its concerned by the recent steps taken by Venezuela, with respect to the Essequibo region of Guyana.

“We believe this is unjustified and should cease.

We are clear that the border was settled in 1899 through international arbitration,” the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office stated on Thursday. (G12)

the US and Guyana, and to strengthen regional cooperation.

"The US will continue its commitment as Guyana's trusted security partner, and promoting regional cooperation and interoperability," the Embassy statement read.

The United States Department of Defense last week stepped up to offer a high-level presence, with several teams earmarked to visit this month.

The VP addressed concerns regarding Venezuela's reputation as a belligerent nation, and shed light on Guyana's strategic approach to safeguarding its territory. Guyana has forged alliances with nations possessing extended capabilities, emphasizing the significance of building

Diplomacy

In the meantime, Jagdeo has restated the Government's dedication to exploring all avenues to protect Guyana's territory.

Nevertheless, he warned that, in line with Guyana’s diplomatic efforts, optimal

outcomes are attained by maintaining proper diplomacy measures. Those include refraining from reporting on all outcomes from engagements with partners.

“Whatever it takes, we will pursue that path. And we’re going to spare no effort in safeguarding every bit of the territory of this country. We’re serious about that. That’s our commitment to the people of this country,” he said.

“What will not happen in this Government is that we’re not going to give a ball-by-ball blow of every meeting that we have, every discussion, every phone call we make. That is not going to happen because that’s not how you pursue diplomacy. We’re not going to conduct diplomacy which often is most effective when it’s done quietly - in a public manner,” the senior official underscored.

(G12)

8 NEWS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Child rapist seeking to overturn conviction H

aving been convicted last July of rape and sexual activity committed on a girl aged 15, Wesley Bazil, also known as “Tappy”, was sentenced by Demerara High Court Justice Navindra Singh to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

He has now launched an appeal to have his conviction and sentence overturned. His Notice of Appeal has been lodged with the Court of Appeal.

Bazil, a shopkeeper in Guyana, had been deported after serving time in a United States’ jail for a sex crime. In his sentencing remarks, Justice Singh had called Bazil a “recidivist predator”, and said he had dragged his victim through a trial knowing fully well what he had

Maduro’s…

A

Convicted rapist Wesley Bazil being placed on a stretcher after collapsing in court

done to her. Given the convict’s perverted ways, the Judge had asked, “Why would I release him?”

When the victim’s impact statement was read to

the court by the prosecutor, the teen shared that, as a result of the incident, she had gone through a period of depression.

“The situation got to

a point where I thought that everyone was better off without me. It made me drop out of school, and made me start practising self-harm and running away from home. All I had planned for my future was ruined,” she had written.

In December 2020, Bazil had touched the girl inappropriately after she had gone to his shop to make a purchase. The following month, he had dragged her to the back of his yard and raped her.

Her parents found out that she had been sexually abused only after her mother had taken away her cellphone and saw that she had been discussing the incident with a friend via text messages. A report was filed with the Police, and Bazil was arrested and prosecuted.

After the jury had announced its verdict, Bazil had attempted to commit suicide by inflicted several cuts to his throat with a razor blade. Swift intervention by the court marshals had, however, prevented him from further injuring himself, but he nonetheless had lost consciousness and collapsed.

He had immediately been rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) for medical attention. (G1)

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

…omni-lemma

dilemma’s when each of two choices before you leaves you in the lurch. It’s such a common situation that there are scads of expressions to illustrate it: “between the Devil and the deep blue sea”; “out of the frying pan into the fire”; “between a rock and a hard place”.

Well, that madman on our Eastern border – the ex-bus driver Maduro, who’s been ruling Venezuela only because his mentor Chavez succumbed to cancer – has steered himself (pun intended!!) into a unique position. He’s facing an omni-lemma!!

In this rather rare occurrence, the individual is so idiotic he not only ignores multiple opportunities to extricate himself from trouble – but actually digs up “ants’ nests” to create new ones. You do that long enough - like Maduro has for a decade since 2013 – that finally you’ve got no way out!! Domestically, he’s destroyed the Venezuelan economy so completely, it’s gonna take decades to bring back some kinda normalcy - in the best of circumstances.

He thought he was clever to raise the claim over our Essequibo to rally the remaining Venezuelans around him - since he wrapped himself in an emotional issue to most Venezuelans. But when just a minority voted in his referendum, he realized he was too clever by half – he’d lost corn and husk! So, he then pi55ed off the UN Secretary General by insisting the choice the latter made to send the Border Controversy to the ICJ is misguided! And now says he ain’t following the Court’s directive. So, he’s made himself an international renegade.

But, more dangerously, he’s tearing up a treaty on settled borders – knowing that 90% of the world is scared sh*tless of opening THAT can of worms!! Does he wonder why NONE of the countries surrounding him in Latin America have rallied to his side – even Brazil, whose Lula tries to project a “progressive” image?? He may be counting on Russia and China – both of which have expansionist designs in Ukraine and Taiwan respectively!! But he’s got another think coming is he believes they will be taking on the US in its own private Caribbean lake!! With Americans apprehensive over China’s rise – and Russia’s aggression in Europe - Biden or his successor are in an even stickier spot that JFK was in the missile crisis of 1962!!

Then Maduro’s taking on Exxon/Hess/CNOOC - who just had the fattest plum of an oil contract for the sweetest oil find in the world drop into their laps!! If he thinks Governments protect their turfs, then he’s gonna learn a thing or two about corporations!! Does he realize in that tiny head of his that CNOOC is even larger than Exxon, and they’re pulling 25% of the moolah??

Poor, Mad Maduro!! …folly Now, Venezuela first raised their Border Controversy at the UN back in 1962 - and were successful in stymieing funding for the Mazaruni Hydro Project. So, without an original thought in that hard coconut head of his, Maduro directed the country’s state-owned companies to “immediately” begin exploring and exploiting the oil, gas and mines in our Essequibo!! This, of course, was after “decreeing” that all the waters off our Essequibo were Venezuela’s – leaving us without a passage to the sea!!

Now, after taking this fiat, has he thought about how he’s gonna enforce all those orders? For example, who is PVDSA, their oil company, gonna be issuing licences to, when, with 300 BILLION barrels of their own oil, they couldn’t ever save enough capital or generate experience to even run a cake shop?? He’s turning himself into a laughing stock – and your Eyewitness wouldn’t be surprised if some Seargent Jose in his army throws him out on his ears!

For besmirching whatever dignity Venezuelans can muster at this time!! …and Dave “We are a peaceful people/ Struggle as we struggle/ And we don't look for trouble/ Just ask around But when outside faces/ From foreign places/ Talk about taking over/ We ain't backing down!”

Understand that, Mad Maduro!

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

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

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

10 NEWS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Breaching of ICJ’s order

Venezuela could face economic sanctions, travel restrictions – AG

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

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or blatantly violating the order of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Venezuela could face further economic sanctions and travel restrictions imposed by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

This is according to Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, who revealed that Guyana could also be given military support, as ordered by the UNSC, following Venezuela’s breach of the World Court’s order of December 1 in relation to the border controversy.

The UNSC, to which Guyana was elected as a nonpermanent member, is responsible for enforcing decisions delivered by the ICJ, Nandlall explained during his programme “Issues in the News” on Tuesday.

On December 1, the World Court ordered, among other things, that Venezuela shall refrain from taking any action which would modify the situation that currently prevails in the territory in dispute, whereby Guyana administers and exercises control over that area.

However, Venezuela has since violated that order, and the UNSC has since been informed of these dangerous developments; and according to Nandlall, there are a number of actions which can be taken.

“The UNSC has the power, at the request of the injured state, to take special measures to enforce judgements rendered by the ICJ,” Nandlall ex-

plained. “…and it can take a range of measures to ensure compliance, including economic sanctions, travel restrictions, and the use of military force,” he added, as he noted that the UNSC has had to take such actions in many cases.

Regarding the non-military actions that can be taken by the UNSC, Nandlall explained, “the Security Council may decide what measures not involving the use of armed force are to be employed to give effect to its decisions, and it may call upon the members of the UN to apply such measures. These may include complete or partial interruption of economic relations…and the severance of diplomatic relations.”

Nandlall explained that if those measures prove to be inadequate, stronger interventions can be made. “(the Security Council) may take such action by air, sea or land forces as may be necessary to maintain or restore international peace and security. Such action may include demonstrations, blockade, and other operations by air, sea or land forces of members of the United Nations.”

President Dr Irfaan Ali, during an interview with CNN, has urged the United States to revisit its current policy of lifting sanctions against Venezuela.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has claimed that, among other things, he would now authorise oil exploration

in Guyana’s Essequibo Region, even though the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has not pronounced on the substantive border controversy case.

Maduro has also claimed that he has announced the activation of a human and social care plan for the population of Guyana’s Essequibo that includes censuses and identity cards.

He has also claimed to have announced the creation of the “High Commission for the Defense for Guyana’s Essequibo region; and the creation of the Comprehensive Defense Zone for Guyana’s territory”.

The Venezuelan President has also announced that, in addition to oil, he will be issuing licences for mining and other activities to be conducted in Guyana’s Essequibo County.

Moreover, Maduro has announced a three-month period for companies already operating in the region to vacate the region.

The Maduro regime has since been facing widespread international criticisms over its current posture, while US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has since reaffirmed support for Guyana’s sovereignty during a phone call with President Ali. “The Secretary reiterated the United States’ call for a peaceful resolution to the dispute, and for all parties to respect the 1899 arbitral award determining the land boundary between Venezuela and Guyana, unless or until the parties reach a new agreement, or a competent legal body decides otherwise,” a statement from Blinken’s office has outlined.

“The Secretary reiterated that the United States looks forward to working closely with Guyana once it assumes its non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council in January 2024. The two leaders concluded the call by agreeing upon the importance of maintaining a peaceful and democratic Western Hemisphere”, the statement added. (G11)

NEWS

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Venezuela border controversy

Guyana supported by international community – ExxonMobil CEO C

hief Executive Officer (CEO) of ExxonMobil, Darren Woods, has commented on Venezuela’s ongoing border controversy with Guyana, wherein the Spanish-speaking country is laying claim to the Essequibo county, where the oil major’s operations are located.

Appearing on a CNBC programme on Thursday, Woods was asked to weigh in on the intensified threats from Venezuela to Guyana’s territory, and the risks those threats present to ExxonMobil’s operations, where production stands at approximately 620,000 barrels of oil per day.

Woods explained that, long before ExxonMobil found oil (2015) and started production (2019), the border controversy between the two South American nations existed. He added that the border controversy case is currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and that process should be respected.

Specifically, Woods expressed that the situation “is a matter between nation states and the international

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ExxonMobil, Darren Woods

community, it’s been ongoing, my expectation is that process will be respected.”

ExxonMobil currently has three floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels operating in Guyana’s Stabroek Block in waters offshore. The current production figures will be further buttressed by the Yellowtail and Uaru developments, which are already underway. They are each anticipated to contrib-

ute 250,000 barrels of oil following their respective startups.

An application for the sixth development, the Whiptail Project, was submitted by the Stabroek Block operator, ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) and its co-venturers. This project is currently under review by the Government, and once approved, will see Guyana producing just over 1.2 million barrels of oil per

day by 2027.

Moreover, ExxonMobil and its partners continue to explore for more oil in Guyana’s waters. In fact, in October 2023, the company announced the fourth offshore oil discovery in Guyana for the year at the Lancetfish-2 well, bringing the total number of discoveries from 2015 to date to 46.

The Lancetfish-2 discovery in the Liza Petroleum Production License area has unveiled an estimated 20 metres of hydrocarbon-bearing reservoir, along with approximately 81 metres of additional hydrocarbon-bearing sandstone.

According to CEO Woods, ExxonMobil will continue operations as per normal.

“From our perspective, we know what we need to do in country: develop those resources economically; environmentally responsibly; and do what we’ve been contracted to do. That’s what our organisation is focused on,” Woods asserted.

He further reasoned that should there be an escalation of Venezuela’s threats,

Guyana is greatly supported by the international community. In this regard, he said ExxonMobil expects that such support would be broadened.

“I’m not sure Guyana is standing on its own…you’ve all seen what happens when (a) nation’s sovereignty (is) challenged: there are a lot of actions taken. I think the world and outside community have grown pretty sensitive to that, so my expectation is there’s more support, more broad support in the international community, to make sure that the right processes are followed to resolve this [controversy],” he said.

ExxonMobil has spent over US$280M on local suppliers for the first half of 2023. ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge told this to the media two months ago, adding that in excess of US$280 million was spent on Guyanese suppliers.

From 2015 to date, more than US$1.2 billion was spent with Guyanese suppliers, Routledge further revealed.

Esso Exploration and

Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), Exxon’s local subsidiary, is operator of the Stabroek Block, and holds 45 per cent interest thein, while Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 per cent interest, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds the remaining 25 per cent interest.

However, Hess Corporation has entered into an agreement to merge with Chevron, and this transaction is expected to be closed in the first half of 2024.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that between January and June 2023, the Guyana Government earned US$705.2 million as revenue from its share of profit oil: from two lifts that occurred in the final quarter of 2022, and seven of the eight lifts that occurred in the first six months of this year. The Guyana Government has also earned US$110.8 million in royalties from the last quarter of 2022, and from production and sales in the first three months of this year. (G11)

12 NEWS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GDF helicopter crash

“This loss is immeasurable”, “my heart pains” – Commander-in-Chief on death of 5 servicemen …survivors remain at crash site, 3 attempts to extract failed due to adverse weather …rescue team, medical personnel also at site

F

ive of the seven soldiers who were aboard the Guyana Defence Force Bell 412 helicopter when it crashed in the mountains of Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) have perished.

They are Brigadier (ret’d) Gary Beaton, Colonel Michael Shahoud, Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles, and Staff Sergeant Jason Khan.

The two soldiers who survived the crash are Lieutenant Andio Crawford and Corporal Dwayne Jackson.

Brigadier Beaton was the project engineer; Colonel Shahoud, an attorney-at-law, was Commander of the 1st Infantry Battalion; Lt Col Charles was the pilot; Lieutenant Colonel Welcome was Commanding Officer of the Reserve Battalion; and Staff Sergeant Khan was from the 31 Special Forces Squadron.

At about 11:20h on Wednesday, an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal was received, but be-

loved ones of those who perished.

“The Guyana Defence Force is committed to providing unwavering support to these families during this unprecedented and challenging period of mourning. These Officers have served and given excellent service in the defence of our country, and will be duly recognized,” the statement read.

Adverse weather condition in the area where the GDF Bell 412 helicopter crash

cause of rough terrain and adverse weather, the search-andrescue team was able to reach the site only on Thursday at about 14:30h.

Following the news of the servicemen’s death, Commander -in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Dr Irfaan Ali, in a sorrowful message, said it is with “an indescribable heaviness in my heart and profound anguish that I come before you today (Thursday) to share the devastating news of the loss of five of our bravest sons from

the Guyana Defence Force.

These valiant men met their untimely end when the helicopter they were travelling in crashed in the rugged and challenging terrain of our beloved nation amidst treacherous weather conditions.”

The Head of State said he had known all of these servicemen and his respect for them was boundless. “They were not just military men; they were guardians of our sovereignty, defenders of our values, and champions of our freedom. Their commitment

Survivor: Corporal Dwayne Jackson

to duty was unwavering, as evidenced by their willingness to embark on missions even in the most treacherous conditions to ensure the safety of our Motherland,” the President said.

He added, “the pain I feel at the loss of these dedicated servicemen is immeasurable. For our nation and the Guyana Defence Force, this is a blow that words fail to capture adequately. Their sacrifice, made in the line of duty, will forever be etched in the annals of our history, a testament to their courage and devotion.”

He also extended condolences to the families of the servicemen, saying, “I cannot fathom the depth of your grief, but please know that our entire nation mourns with you.

Your loved ones, our heroes, will be remembered not only for their sacrifice, but for the honour and courage they displayed in service to our country.”

He added that this loss is immeasurable, and the void left behind is vast. “These men loved Guyana above all else.

They took pride in wearing the uniform that symbolised their dedication to our great nation. In humble reverence, I bow my head and lift their families in prayers during this difficult time.”

Drowns in sorrow In a post on social media, President Ali said, “My heart pains and drowns in sorrow at the tragic loss of some of our finest men in uniform. The scale of this loss to the families, our country, the GDF, and to me personally is immeasurable. My trusted friends and

Survivor: Lieutenant Andio Crawford

comrades, my brothers, how could this be? You loved your country above and beyond everything. Country and service were all that matter to you. I observe with so much honor the pride you took in putting on your uniform. We became a family bonded in service and brotherhood. I have experienced the love of all of you and it is ripping me apart.”

He continued: “My bothers, I embrace your families as mine, and will do as much as I can to represent all of you in service to country and family. On kneeling knees, I lift all of you and your families up in prayers and faith. I call upon all of us to hold these men, their families, the GDF, and our country in our prayers.

Rest in peace, my trusted friends. So many plans we had together. How could this be?”

Special forces team After adverse weather conditions had challenged the search-and-rescue team on Wednesday, the GDF said, at daybreak on Thursday, a special forces team was inserted into the area, and arrived at the crash site at approximately 14:30h.

According to the GDF, the team’s mission was to extract the servicemen, but at about 14:47h, the team reported that there were only two survivors: Lieutenant Andio Crawford and Corporal Wayne Jackson.

In a message following the discovery, the GDF said the Chief of Staff, Officers and Ranks of the Guyana Defence Force extend sincere condolences to the families and

Correction

Investigation next phase According to the GDF, the next phase of the operation involves the extraction from the area, followed by the commencement of an investigation into the incident.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Police Force, in a statement on Thursday evening, said that pursuant to a report of a missing aircraft, property of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), along with several servicemen on board, the crash site was located by one of the rescue teams from the Guyana Defence Force about nine miles southeast of "Blake Slater's" airstrip, Ekereku Top, Cuyuni River.

The GPF said the bodies of the other five GDF servicemen were found motionless.

“The survivors are being attended to by the rescue team, while strenuous efforts are being made to have the two survivors and the servicemen whose motionless bodies were found flown to Georgetown,” the GPF statement detailed.

Late on Thursday evening, in an update to the media, the Guyana Defence Force said its efforts to rescue and recover the personnel who were on board the ill-fated Bell 412 aircraft are continuing. The GDF said two search and rescue-capable helicopters provided by the company Omni had made three attempts to extract those at the crash site, with priority given to the two survivors. These efforts were, however, thwarted by the persistent severe weather over the site.

According to the GDF, the rescue team inserted earlier on Thursday, which included medical personnel, remains at the site, providing the necessary support to Lt. Crawford and CPL Jackson.

The rescue and recovery operation will resume today.

The GDF also extended its deepest gratitude to the search-and-rescue team for “their tireless efforts, working around the clock to navigate adverse conditions and challenging circumstances. Their dedication and resilience have not gone unnoticed, and we commend them for their selfless service during this trying time.”

Guyana Times inadvertently labelled the photograph of Lieutenant Colonel Andio Michael Crawford as that of Corporal (CPL) Dwayne Jackson. We apologise for any inconvenience this unintentional mislabelling may have caused.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Service of their country will May their memories be a forever be remembered and source of strength – PM Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips honoured” – VP Bharrat Jagdeo

I

extend my deepest condolences to the families and friends of the fallen soldiers, as well as the Guyana Defence Force on the loss of their comrades, offering my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

As a nation, our hearts are heavy with grief upon learning about the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of five brave soldiers - of Brigadier Gary BeatonProject Engineer, GOG; Colonel Michael ShahoudCommander 1st Infantry Battalion; Lieutenant Colonel Michael CharlesPilot; Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome- Commanding

Officer Reserve Battalion; and Staff Sergeant Jason Khan- 31 Special Forces Squadron - on December 6, 2023.

To Lieutenant Andio Michael Crawford and Corporal, Dwayne Jackson, I extend my fervent wishes for your swift and complete recovery, and express sincere sympathy for the loss of your comrades and friends. I assure you the courage and dedication of these soldiers will be remembered with the utmost respect and gratitude.

In the wake of the devastating news, I also extend condolences to the Chiefof-Staff, Brigadier Omar

Khan, and the entire Guyana Defence Force community. As we mourn this tragic loss, we stand in solidarity with the GDF, sharing in the pain of their grief. Our thoughts are with the leadership and colleagues of the fallen soldiers during this incredibly difficult time. May the Guyana Defence Force find strength, unity, and solace in the memories of these heroes, and may their legacy endure as a symbol of valor within the force.

May the memories of the fallen soldiers be a source of strength and inspiration as we navigate through this profound sorrow.

I

t is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that I extend my sincere condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the five brave Guyana Defence Force soldiers who tragically lost their lives in the helicopter crash on December 6, 2023.

During this difficult time, my thoughts and prayers are with you as you navigate the pain and sorrow that comes with the loss of your loved ones. The sacrifice and dedication of Brigadier Gary BeatonProject Engineer, GOG; Colonel Michael ShahoudCommander 1st Infantry Battalion; Lieutenant Colonel Michael CharlesPilot; Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome- Commanding Officer Reserve Battalion; and Staff Sergeant Jason Khan-

31 Special Forces Squadron, to the service of their country will forever be remembered and honored.

May you find strength in the cherished memories you shared with your loved ones and in the knowledge that their commitment to duty has left an indelible mark on the nation. We share in your grief and stand united in offering support and solidarity during this trying period.

In honoring the memory of these valiant soldiers, let us also acknowledge the selflessness and bravery they displayed in the line of duty.

Their service to Guyana will be remembered as a testament to their unwavering commitment to the principles of duty, honour, and sacrifice.

As you mourn the loss of

these heroes, please know that you are not alone. The entire nation joins hands in expressing our deepest sympathies, and we are here to offer any assistance and support that may bring comfort in this challenging time.

May the souls of the departed soldiers rest in eternal peace, and may you find solace in the collective embrace of a grateful nation.

I want to extend my heartfelt wishes for the swift and complete recovery of the two surviving soldiers – Lieutenant Colonel Andio Michael Crawford and Corporal, Dwayne Jackson – who endured this harrowing incident. Their strength and resilience in the face of adversity are a testament to their courage and commitment.

he Minister of Home Affairs, Mr Robeson Benn, Permanent Secretary, Mr Andre Ally and Staff of the Ministry of Home Affairs deeply mourn the devastating loss of our servicemen and extend heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, our beloved nation, and the Guyana Defence Force.

The profound impacts of this loss is beyond words, and the grief is immeasurable. We share in the sorrow and pain felt by the families, our country, and the entire Guyana Defence Force community during this difficult time.

In honour of their memo-

ry, we bid farewell to the following servicemen who dedicated their lives in service to our nation: Brigadier Gary Beaton Project Engineer, GOG Colonel Michael Shahoud - Commander 1st Infantry Battalion Lt Col Michael Charles Pilot Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome Commanding Officer Reserve Battalion Staff Sergeant Jason Khan - 31 Special Forces Squadron These men were foremost amongst our finest servicemen, exemplifying a commitment to duty and service to

our country with the utmost honour. Their service and examples are worthy of our consistent emulation. Their contributions and sacrifice will forever be etched in our hearts, and their legacy will endure in the annals of our nation's history.

As we collectively mourn this tragic loss, the Ministry of Home Affairs stands in solidarity with the families and the Guyana Defence Force.

We extend our deepest sympathies and wish them strength and resilience during this challenging period.

May the souls of these brave servicemen rest in eternal peace.

Bar Association mourns “This loss is beyond words” loss of GDF officers - Home Affairs Ministry T T

he Bar Association of Guyana extends condolences to the families of the Guyana Defence Force Officers, Colonel Michael Shahoud, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles, Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome, Brigadier (Ret’d) Gary Beaton and Staff Sargeant Jason Khan, who lost their lives in the course of duty in a heli-

copter accident in Essequibo on 6th December, 2023.

We join with the rest of the nation in mourning their death and express gratitude for their service to our country. We pray also for the good health and recovery of the two servicemen who survived, Lieutenant Andio Crawford and Corporal Dwayne Jackson.

The members of the Executive Council are particularly saddened by the death of our colleague Lt. Col. Michael Shahoud, who was admitted to practice in Guyana in October 2014. Lt. Col. Shahoud began his legal career at the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions before returning to active duty in the GDF.

“It is a sad day for all Guyanese” – Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton

I

t is a sad day for all Guyanese. It is with deep sadness in our hearts and anguish in our souls that we learnt that the missing GDF helicopter had crashed and five brave Guyanese souls perished.

We extend our deepest condolences to the family of Lt Col. Michael Charles, Commanding Officer of the 1st Infantry Battalion, Colonel Michael Shahoud, Retired Brigadier Gary Beaton, Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome, and Staff Sergeant Jason Khan. We will forever honor these current and former army officers as genuine and brave sons of the soil who gave dedicated service and their lives in defense of our dear homeland, Guyana.

Yesterday, from the moment we heard of the missing helicopter, all Guyanese

hoped and prayed for the best outcome for the entire crew.

Alas, it was not to be. Their services to their country and to their fellow citizens were needed elsewhere. May their spirits rest in peace! May they continue to fight the good fight!

We wish the surviving army officer, Lieutenant Colonel Andio Michael Crawford and Corporal Dwayne Jackson, a full and speedy recovery. We share the mixed emotions of their families. Our thoughts and prayers are also extended to you.

We expect that the survivors and their families will have the full support of the GDF in particular, and the Government of Guyana in general, as they seek to overcome the trauma associated with the accident.

To the entire GDF officer corps and servicemen, we stand with you in this moment of bereavement. At this moment when our country is under threat from abroad, we know you are standing resolute and brave, despite the loss of your comrades. Please be reassured of our support and appreciation of the great sacrifice you continue to make to defend our territorial integrity and sovereignty. For that we are eternally grateful.

The Parliamentary Opposition expects that there will be a thorough investigation into the accident with the aim of ensuring the safety of our troops in the future.

In this time of bereavement, all Guyanese have lost as we mourn with the families and friends of the deceased.

May their souls rest in peace!

PSC stands in solidarity with GDF

I

t is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that the Private Sector Commission of Guyana extends its heartfelt condolences to the families, colleagues, and friends of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) soldiers who lost their lives in Thursday’s tragic helicopter crash in Essequibo County.

In the face of adversity, we acknowledge the courage of those who survived: Lieutenant Colonel Andio Michael Crawford and Corporal Dwayne Jackson.

Our thoughts are with them

for a swift and complete recovery.

The Private Sector Commission mourns the loss of other brave souls who perished in this unfortunate incident, including Colonel Michael Shahoud, Commanding Officer of the 1st Infantry Battalion, Retired Brigadier Gary Beaton, Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome, Staff Sergeant Jason Khan and veteran helicopter pilot Lt Col. Michael Charles. Their contributions to the defense of our nation will be remembered with grat-

itude.

As we express our condolences, we also acknowledge the resilience of the Guyana Defence Force and its members during this difficult time.

The bravery and commitment of our armed forces are a source of inspiration for us all.

The Private Sector Commission stands in solidarity with the GDF, offering support to the bereaved families and the entire military community. We hope that in the midst of grief, there is solace in the memories of the remarkable lives lost.

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iss Universe Guyana, Liza Andrea Narine, recently returned home after representing Guyana on the international stage with 83 other women from around the world. She describes the experience as a lifechanging one; one that she would keep forever.

She says she is confident that she had done everything in her power to ensure that she wears her country’s name with pride and dignity.

T

he Miss World Guyana franchise is on the hunt for Change Ambassadors for the 2024 Miss World Guyana season, when it would be commemorating 10 impactful years under the ‘Beauty With A Purpose’ initiative.

T h i s exciting development follows the r e m a r k a b l e achievement of Rafieya Hussain, who not only clinched the coveted ‘Beauty With A Purpose’ Award in 2014, but also secured a top 10 placement, thereby becoming the first Guyanese in over 40 years to achieve such recognition on the global Miss World stage.

Rafieya Hussain's historic win of the ‘Beauty With A Purpose’ Award in 2014 marked a transformative moment Former for Miss World Guyana; Miss World Guyana, and this year's search aims Rafieya to build on Hussain that legacy

“I can proudly say I have greatly added to the foundation for our future girls to build on through the recognition I was able to bring on this platform during my time with the organization,” Narine added in a social media post.

She has expressed gratitude to the Miss Universe Guyana Franchise and all those who have played a critical role during her life-changing experience. Narine has also thanked her sponsors and designers who have

provided her wardrobe during her pageant journey.

And she has thanked Guyana for the unweaving support and love shown to her as she represented her country. “I promise to continue my work as your reigning Queen in my service to our country for the next year, but more importantly, I promise to continue to wear our country’s name across my heart forever.”

by identifying and empowering change agents, one of whom would proudly represent Guyana on the global stage at Miss World 2024.

In alignment with the ‘Beauty With A Purpose’ attitude, the Miss World Guyana Organization seeks young women who epitomise values such as being compassionate; having a sense of social responsibility; being purpose-driven; and having a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities. These Change Ambassadors would each play a pivotal role in championing causes aligned with the ‘Beauty With a Purpose’ ethos — the cornerstone of the Miss World Organization.

Reigning Miss World Guyana 2022-2023, Andrea King, believes the last decade has been extraordinary for Miss World Guyana’s national winners, who collectively raised $60 million, and she sees the ‘Beauty With A Purpose’ project as having a positive impact in the years to come.

"I am thrilled Reigning Miss World to be part of this Guyana, m o m e n t o u s occasion, as we Andrea embark on the

King

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2024 journey to find Change Ambassadors who will carry the torch of Beauty With A Purpose forward," Andrea King has said.

As the reigning Miss World Guyana, Andrea is currently in the heightened period of her final preparations to represent Guyana at the Miss World 2023 competition on March 3, 2024 in Delhi. Her dedication to the values of ‘Beauty With A Purpose’ serves as a powerful example for aspiring Change Ambassadors.

Follow Andrea’s journey on Mobstar by liking her posts and staying updated on her official Facebook page (MissWorldGuyana) and Twitter (MissWorldGuyana).

Prospective Change Ambassadors are invited to submit their applications electronically for a chance to participate in the Miss World Guyana 2024 national competition, and potentially become Miss World 2024.

The application process and finals will be rigorous, evaluating candidates on their commitment to social causes, talent, communication & public speaking, fitness, marketing & media, teamwork, leadership skills, as well as their ability to continuously effect positive change.

For more information on how to apply, and for updates on Miss World Guyana 2024, please visit www. missworldguyana.gy/apply or contact team@missworldguyana. gy.

Reigning Miss Universe Guyana,

Liza Andrea Narine

E

ighteen-year-old Rohini Mahadeo of Culvert City was last Sunday crowned Miss Rupununi 2023 when that pageant was hosted at the Tabatinga Sports Complex.

Mahadeo, who was sponsored by Pacaraima Golden Suites, outshone five other delegates to cop the coveted title. She also walked away with the Miss Congeniality Prize.

Coming in as 1st Princess was Maressa Lowe, sponsored

by Champions Choice; while Tamika Victor, sponsored by R Balram Trucking Services, was adjudged the 2nd Princess.

The competition was held in two parts – on Saturday, November 25, the delates competed in the introduction and talent segments, and on the evening of Sunday, November 26, they competed in tourism wear, beachwear, evening gown, and intelligence segments. After a close competition, Mahadeo walked away with the crown, trophies

and cash prizes, among other things.

Following the event, the newly crowned queen said it is an honour to represent Rupununi for the next year, while noting that being the title holder brings additional responsibilities and opportunities.

She has thanked the Rupununi Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the opportunity, and has described the experience as exciting and inspiring. She expressed gratitude to her sponsor for being the biggest support system, and has also thanked her family and the many others who played a pivotal role in her preparation leading up to and on pageant night.

She has disclosed that she is looking forward f o r their continued support during her reign.

Miss Rupununi 2023,

Rohini Mahadeo

NEWS

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Consumers urged to be cautious with local online shopping pages …as CCAC reports difficulty in securing redress T

he Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) is urging citizens to be vigilant when entering into any transaction with sellers on the local online market places. According to Head of the CCAC’s Consumer Affairs Unit, Rusante Perry, not being able to resolve cases in which citizens were scammed by online sellers has been a major challenge for the commission this year.

In an exclusive interview with Guyana Times, Perry revealed that complaints lodged this year ranged from the nonfunctioning of items purchased to items being materially different in brand and quality from those which were advertised. She noted that, in some instances, sellers immediately deleted their accounts after scamming buyers, while others oper-

ated under several different names online. This, paired with consumers’ reluctance to resecure sufficient information about sellers on the local market place, has posed a challenge for the commission when seeking redress from sellers.

“The only things they know is that they found this seller on the market place and they bought the item, but when we’re going to investigate, we sometimes cannot locate the seller on the market place. So, we’re urging consumers to collect sufficient information about the supplier even before making the purchase,” Perry cautioned.

In addition to securing sufficient information about sellers on the local market place, Perry issued a call for citizens to do background checks on sellers. Checks range from verifying information published by sellers

to conducting reviews on previous posts issued. She explained that this can play a pivotal role in resolving complaints and preventing buyers from being deceived by scammers.

“We also encourage consumers to see if they can pick up the location of the supplier, because we noticed that a lot of these suppliers offer delivery services. They will meet at Cuffy, they will meet at City Mall, and so (buyers) do not know where to find them. So, we’re not (saying) all businesses are like this, but sometimes if something is too good to be true, it’s too good to be true. So, (buyers) need to do their background checks for themselves as well,” she detailed.

Given the high demand for goods and services at this time, the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission is admonishing

DPP appeals man’s acquittal of murder charge T he recent acquittal of Dave Jacobs, who had been the accused in the January 3, 2020 murder of 43-yearold Loochan Kamaldeo, has been appealed by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

In its Notice of Appeal before the Court of Appeal, the DPP's Office is requesting that the jury's verdict of acquittal, which was returned at the trial Judge's order, be set aside.

Facing trial at the Berbice High Court for the capital offence of murder, 22-year-old Dave Jacobs of Corriverton, Corentyne, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), was freed on October 12 after the prosecution had closed its case and defence attorney Surihya Sabsook had submitted that a case had not been made against her client.

In that submission, Sabsook argued that there was not enough evidence to convict her client, and that he should not be called upon to lead a defence.

Trial Judge Sandil Kissoon agreed with the defence, upheld the no-case submis-

Freed: Dave Jacobs, now freed, is seen during his initial court appearance in January 2020

sion, and consequently directed the jurors to return a formal verdict of notguilty.

According to reports, Kamaldeo, who had lived at the Corriverton Market, and had been a watchman for roadside stallholders during the night while working as a porter by day, had been found in a pool of blood on January 3, 2020.

Based on reports received, his body had been found in a curled position, and had

had a wound to the left side chest. He was pronounced dead at the Skeldon Public Hospital.

Vendors at the market had reported that the late Kamaldeo had been put out of his home by his relatives, who had then locked the house and migrated.

He had been living in the market, and had been described as a very friendly person. He had also been referred to as a well-known destitute. (G1)

citizens to remain vigilant and safeguard themselves when engaging in online transactions. This includes, among other things, ensuring receipts and warranties are provided after every purchase has been made.

Defective items

The Competition and Consumers Affairs Commission has said it would be amplifying its business complaints inspection exercises in 2024 to ensure that items being advertised by suppliers are appropriate for sale. This year, a total of 1170 business inspections were completed across nine of ten administrative regions.

Perry explained that the Commission would continue doing inspection during the Christmas season.

“We want to see consumers getting redress

Head of the Consumer Affairs Unit, Rusante Perry

without our intervention.

We want to see suppliers doing what they’re required to do by the law; but definitely, during this Christmas season, we want to ensure they’re doing the right thing, because in January we usually receive a lot of complaints. I don’t think any month this year has surpassed the number of complaints we receive in

January”, she detailed.

Additionally, the Commission would be creating more sensitization content, which will be administered through social media platforms as well as on radio and television.

This is in an effort to educate consumers and suppliers about their rights, as stipulated in the Consumer Affairs Act.

16 NEWS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Berbice man succumbs to injuries 13 days after being stabbed

Dead: Kern Wilson

S

ome 13 days after he had been stabbed in an incident allegedly stemming from a $5000 bet, construction worker Kern Wilson succumbed to his injuries in the Intensive Care Unit of the New Amsterdam Public Hospital in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) last Wednesday.

The 45-year-old father of three, who had resided at Pepper Street in Heathburn Village, East Bank Berbice and had operated a bar and carwash, had been stabbed on November 24 at a shop which he operated at Edinburgh Village, East Bank Berbice.

According to his reputed wife Rosanna Hope, the mother of two of his three children, Wilson had called her at around 21:00h on November 24 to inform her that he had been injured.

She disclosed that Wilson and the suspect had had a bet wherein the stake was $5000.

“He said that they make a bet about somebody who used to work with him, and my children father said, ‘No, this person never worked with him’, so they put $5000 for the bet, and eventually like my children father win the bet. The guy like he wanted back his money because like he

The shop where the stabbing occurred

wasn’t satisfied, and he go into the shop and took the box with the money,” Hope detailed.

The woman said the suspect did not take out the $5000, but held on to the money box.

“It was more than the

$5000,” the woman said.

She said she was told that the ensuing argument escalated and resulted in Wilson being stabbed.

“I don’t know if he had the knife in his pocket and he started stabbing him, but the boys that were there

thought that he was cuffing him, until Wilson said that he got stabbed. He had on a black jersey, so you couldn’t see the blood or anything until he told that that he has to go to the hospital,” the woman revealed.

The suspect, Mortimer

Sandy, was eventually arrested by the Police. He made his first court appearance on November 28, and was remanded on a charge of attempted murder.

However, when he returned to court on December 5, he was granted bail in the sum of $250,000. Following the death of Wilson on Wednesday, Sandy is expected to be charged with the capital offence of murder.

According to Hope, Wilson had been a patient in the Intensive Care Unit until his passing.

“He was stabbed to his abdomen. The surgery took five hours. When they opened and checked, they did not realize that the wound was so intense.

He had multiple stabs to his abdomen, stabs to both hands, on his buttocks and his back,” the woman told this publication.

Police are awaiting a report on the autopsy. (G4)

'We don't want war in South America' - Brazil's Lula

B

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

razilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva voiced "growing concern" Thursday over a deepening border dispute between neighbouring Guyana and Venezuela, warning against a war in South America.

"If there's one thing we don't want here in South America it's war," the veteran leader told a summit of the Mercosur regional bloc in Rio de Janeiro as tensions surge over Essequibo, an oil-rich region under Guyanese administration but claimed

by Venezuela.

"We have been following the development of the Essequibo issue with growing concern," Lula said, calling on the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States to approach both sides about holding negotiations and saying Brazil stood ready to help.

"We don't need conflict.

We need to build peace," he said.

South American giant Brazil, which borders both Guyana and Venezuela, has been monitoring the

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva speaks during a meeting with presidents of countries members of the Mercosur at the Museum of Tomorrow during the second day of the Mercosur summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on December 7, 2023. MAURO PIMENTEL / AFP

dispute.

The Brazilian

army

said Wednesday it was reinforcing its presence in

its northern border region.

(Excepted from AFP)

NEWS

17

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ex-con appeals life sentence for murder of clothes vendor

Jailed: Wayne Anthony Chester

Jailed: Kevin Persaud, called “Boyce” (left) and Selwin Dawson, called “Crack Skull”

W

now appealing both his conviction and sentence.

The 26-year-old former resident of Diamond, East Bank Demerara was found guilty of the capital offence of murder in relation to the death of 40-year-old

ayne Anthony Chester had last July been sentenced to life imprisonment for murder committed on an overseas-based Guyanese during a robbery, but he is

Purcell Moore Jr., who had been shot and killed during a robbery at Craig, EBD on December 20, 2017. Moore Jr had been killed less than two weeks after he and his wife had welcomed a new baby into their family.

Over 100 teachers granted duty-free concessions

M

ore than 100 teachers across the 10 administrative regions have each been granted duty-free concession to purchase a motor vehicle, as announced by the Education Ministry on Thursday. Those who stand to benefit were announced, and they ranged from headteachers to heads of departments.

This concession granted

by Government would allow these teachers to each acquire their vehicle without having to pay duty thereon, thereby lowering the overall cost of the vehicle significantly.

There are different criteria for which teachers can benefit from duty-free concessions. Criterion A includes all Heads or Principals and Deputy Heads or Deputy Principals of Grades ‘A’ and ‘B’ institutions. They get this concession immediately on appointment, or with three (3) years remaining before retirement.

Criterion B covers Head Teachers or Administrators of Grades ‘C’, ‘D’ and ‘E’ institutions. They get this concession after three years in their appointment, or with three (3) years remaining before re-

tirement.

Criterion C is applicable to all Senior Masters or Mistresses; Heads of Departments of all schools; and Lecturer II of CPCE, Technical, or Craft Institutions. They get this concession after serving six years in the same position after their appointment. These persons must have at least three years of service remaining before retirement.

In 2021, a decision was taken to have the scholarship and duty-free concessions for teachers’ initiative managed by the Education Ministry.

After the robbery/murder, Chester had absconded, but was detained by the Police on January 6, 2019 in relation to an armed robbery committed on a Policeman.

Chester must serve 30 years before he becomes eligible for parole.

Wayne Anthony Chester is now the third person to file an appeal in relation to Moore’s killing. In June 2021, two men — Selwin Dawson and Kevin Persaud — were each sentenced

by Justice Kissoon to life imprisonment for killing Moore. Though initially indicted for murder, the duo, both 23, had opted to plead guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter. They must each spend 15 years in jail before being considered for parole.

Dawson and Persaud

have each filed an appeal against their jail sentences. The convicts’ Notices of Appeal have been filed at the Court of Appeal in Kingston, Georgetown.

At the convicts’ sentencing hearing, Justice Sandil Kissoon had remarked that Moore was “brutally and ruthlessly” murdered for property he had worked hard to acquire.

According to reports, Moore, a clothes vendor who had returned to Guyana from French Guiana for the Christmas holidays, had been returning to his parents’ home after visiting a shop when he was confronted by armed men. An argument had erupted between Moore and the suspects, and a scuffle had resulted, during which several shots had been discharged at Moore before the men had fled the scene.

Chester had shot Moore twice — once to the head, and once to the chest; and during the ordeal, Moore had been relieved of the gold chain he was wearing. The injured Moore was pronounced dead on arrival at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, EBD. In May 2019, Chester was jailed for a series of offences, including robbery under arms. He was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment on the robbery charge; three years’ imprisonment for possession of an unlicensed firearm; three years for possession of unli-

Dead: Purcell Moore Jr

censed ammunition; another three years for discharging a loaded firearm; and six months for damage to property. He has completed serving these concurrent sentences.

Chester’s robbery charge had detailed that on January 6, 2019, at Conciliation Drive in Tucville Georgetown, while being in the company of another and being armed with an unlicensed gun, Chester had robbed Policeman Cromwell of $512,600 in cash and jewellery. On the same date and at the same place, he had also damaged car parts belonging to Cromwell, and had shot at him. (G1)

18

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023

guyanatimesgy.com

Regional

Approval of Brazil's T&T Police union head sues over Lula roughly stable Deputy Commissioner slight in December -polls P

A

pproval of Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's Government was roughly stable in December, according to two polls released on Thursday.

Nearing the end of the first year of his third non-consecutive term after a fierce election, the leftist president had an approval rate of 38 per cent in a survey by Datafolha, flat from its previous release in September.

The percentage of respondents expressing disapproval edged down to 30 per cent from 31 per cent, but was still above the 27 per cent registered in June.

Another 30 per cent were neutral.

A separate survey by pollster Ipec also showed that 38 per cent of respondents had positive views of Lula's

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

government, down from 40 per cent in the previous poll released in September but within the poll's margin of error.

Disapproval was 30 per cent, compared with 25 per cent in September.

For 39 per cent of the people interviewed by Ipec, Brazil's economy is better

than expected, while 36 per cent believe it is worse.

Datafolha interviewed 2004 people in 135 Brazilian cities on December 5. Ipec polled 2000 people in 128 cities on Dec 1 to 5. Both surveys have a margin of error of two percentage points up or down.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Jamaica: DCS questions integrity of Stand up for Jamaica research on island's penal facilities

T

he Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is challenging a research paper about the situation within the island's prisons presented by human rights organisation Stand up for Jamaica (SUFJ) on Wednesday, which highlighted several barriers to justice for inmates.

At the launch of the paper, entitled “Justice for All”, held at The University of the West Indies (UWI) Regional Headquarters in St Andrew, Mona, director of medical services at the DCS, Dr Donna Royer Powe ripped into the paper, arguing that it did not present an accurate picture of the situation within penal institutions.

"I'm very, very passionate. I've been there 18 years and a lot of people there do a lot of hard work, and I don't like to see things that don't totally represent us and the

The Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre in East Kingston

reality on the ground," she said.

Dr Royer Powe was first out of the blocks in challenging the data after it was presented by researcher Jennifer Jones. Dr Royer Powe took task with the fact that only six people were interviewed for the study.

"I don't think it is fair

to the department or to the other 3000 and something inmates to use this as their voice. Six former inmates represent less than one per cent of the inmate population, so that is not a true reflection of what might be happening," she said.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

T&T Opposition MP calls for lower fuel prices for Christmas

P

ointe-a-Pierre Member of Parliament (MP) David Lee is calling on the Trinidad and Tobago Government to honour its promise to reduce fuel prices for Christmas now that global oil prices have decreased.

In a statement on Thursday, Lee made a case for a reduced fuel price, which has seen substantial increases in the last year.

Using West Texas Intermediate (WTI) and

Brent as benchmarks for his argument, Lee said that given the fall in the oil prices, Government must give serious consideration to lowering prices, based on its promise to reduce prices once that global reduction was significant.

“With WTI presently averaging US$70 per barrel and Brent at US$74 per barrel, the Government has absolutely no logical justification or merit to continue charging citizens a fuel price

at the pump that is based on an oil price of US$90 as stipulated in the 2023 budget one year ago.

“For the sake of our nation facing a sky-rocketing cost of living, incoming property tax as well as utility bill hikes, the Opposition calls on the Prime Minister for a fifth time this year to state why he has failed to live up to his promise of reducing fuel prices when the oil price decreased.” (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

olice Service Social and Welfare Association (PSWA) President, acting Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Gideon Dickson, has taken the Police Service Commission (PolSC) to court after he was disqualified for appointment or promotion to the office of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP).

On Tuesday, Dickson got permission from Justice Nadia Kangaloo to pursue his judicial review claim against the PSC. His lawsuit comes after he was told by the PSC in June that he did not have the requisite qualifications in the form of “any other rel-

evant Master’s degree.”

Dickson had applied for the vacancy in the post of Deputy Commissioner in March. He was one of 37 applicants.

He has a Master’s in Business Administration, a BSc in Criminal Justice (with a major in police science), and an associate degree in Criminal Justice. He also has CAPE and CSEC level certificates and almost 21 years of unblemished service, his claim contends.

In March 2022, the PSC developed a policy for the offices of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner, which set out the methodology for assessing which Master’s degree would be

considered a relevant degree.

In addition to other requirements, applicants for the two top posts in the police service must hold a Master's Degree from a university recognised by the Ministry of National Security in law, criminal justice, criminology, police service management or “any other relevant degree”.

Dickson’s lawsuit maintains that the policy defines what a “relevant degree” was, and his MBA was relevant to policing since it contained courses in strategic and executive management leadership.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

Peruvian Attorney General accused of leading “criminal organisation”

P

eru's justice oversight board has suspended the country's Attorney General Patricia Benavides as a probe into accusations that she was leading a "criminal organization" gathers pace.

The board said late on Wednesday in a statement that the suspension was aimed at "preventing obstruction" of the investigation. It did not elaborate, but last week Benavides dismissed the Head of the anti-corruption team investigating her.

Benavides' lawyer Juan Pena said on Thursday the accusations against her were false and that he would present the board with an appeal seeking to halt the suspension.

Benavides' office was not immediately available for comment.

Prosecutors allege that Benavides has led a team of officials for the last six months who have been coordinating a scheme in which lawmakers

Members of a delegation from Ollantaytambo stand outside the court of justice before joining the protests against Peru's President Dina Boluarte, in Lima, Peru, January 26, 2023 (Reuters/ Liz Tasa photo)

have criminal investigations against them cleared if they agree to appoint or dismiss certain judges.

An anti-corruption team from Benavides' own office has been investigating her and the officials.

Sharply-polarised Peru has seen significant political instability in recent years and this probe is the latest in a series of accusations and count-

er-accusations that have been waged by political and other leaders.

Benavides, who has held the office since June 2022, had previously filed constitutional complaints against both President Dina Boluarte and Boluarte's predecessor Pedro Castillo, jailed after illegally trying to dissolve Congress.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

China rejects spying concerns from Costa Rica leader over 5G network

C

hina forcefully rejected cyber-security and spying concerns on Thursday raised by Costa Rica's President as he explained why Chinese tech company Huawei is ineligible to run 5G mobile data networks in the Central American country.

In a statement, China's Embassy in San Jose blasted the Government's position as baseless, and in the past has said such statements could undermine economic ties with the Asian giant, the world's second-biggest economy.

On Wednesday, President Rodrigo Chaves argued that his focus was to promote national security, while also saying that China's Government obligates Chinese firms to provide it with all information

it requests.

"The country where Huawei is based doesn't have a solid judicial framework that prevents spying," Chaves told reporters at a regular government press conference.

A day later, China's Embassy shot back, stating that the "accusations over cyber-security lack reason".

The dispute over the development of Costa Rica's 5G mobile network – designed to provide more robust connections along with faster data and higher capacity – dates back to the summer, when a senior US military commander publicly questioned Huawei's suitability.

Shortly afterwards in August, Chaves signed a decree aiming to ban firms from 5G development coun-

tries that have not agreed to an international cybercrime convention.

The decree's ban applies to tech companies from China, South Korea, Russia and Brazil, among others.

Huawei currently provides Costa Rica's government with other telecommunication services, and the firm is currently awaiting a ruling from the country's constitutional court over whether it is being unfairly treated due to home base in China.

China "categorically rejects" all criminal wrongdoing, its Embassy said in its statement, adding that it also opposes what it described as the politicisation of scientific and other technological issues.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023

19

Around The World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil drops to 6-month low on weak economic outlook, high US supply

O

il prices fell on Thursday to six-month lows, as investors worried about sluggish energy demand in the United States and China while output from the US remains near record highs.

Brent crude futures dropped 25 cents to US$74.05 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures fell 4 cents to US$69.34. Both benchmarks posted their lowest prices since late June.

Front-month prices for Brent began trading this week at a discount to prices in a half year for the first time since June, a signal that traders believe the market may have become oversupplied.

With the largest global importer of oil (China) shuttering its thirst for crude, pressure remains on prices as the largest producer, the United States, continues with headline output," said PVM Oil analyst John Evans.

US output remained near record highs of over 13 million barrels per day, US Energy Information Administration (EIA) data showed on Wednesday.

US gasoline stocks rose by 5.4 million barrels last week to 223.6 million barrels, the EIA said, more than quintuple the 1 million barrel build that had been expected.

Concerns about China's economy also put a lid on oil's price gains.

Chinese customs data showed that crude oil imports in November fell nine per cent from a year earlier as high inventory levels, weak economic indicators, and slowing orders from independent refiners weakened demand.

While China's total imports dropped on a monthly basis, exports grew in November for the first time in six months, suggesting an uptick in global trade flows may be helping the manufacturing sector.

Ratings agency Moody's put Hong Kong, Macau and many of China's State-owned companies and banks on downgrade warnings on Wednesday, a day after it put a downgrade warning on China's sovereign credit rating.

Oil prices have fallen by about 10 per cent since the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (OPEC+), announced a combined 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd) in voluntary output cuts for the first quarter of next year.

"The market seems to be suggesting that they don't believe OPEC+ has the ability to follow through on their cuts," said Phil Flynn, an analyst at Price Futures Group in Chicago.

Saudi Arabia and Russia, the two biggest oil exporters, on Thursday called for all OPEC+ members to join an agreement on output cuts for the good of the global economy.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met on Wednesday to discuss further oil price cooperation, while OPEC+ member Algeria said it would not rule out extending or deepening oil supply cuts.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak on Tuesday said the producer group stood ready to strengthen oil supply cuts in the first quarter of 2024.

Russia has pledged to disclose more data on the volume of its fuel refining and exports after OPEC+ asked Moscow for more transparency on classified fuel shipments from the many export points across the country, sources at OPEC+ and ship-tracking companies told Reuters. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Hundreds more Palestinians killed in Israel's assault on Hamas in south Gaza

H

undreds more Palestinians were killed as Israel fought Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip's biggest cities on Thursday, and almost two million displaced Gazans facing shortages of food struggled to find safe refuge.

Residents reported fierce battles going on east of Khan Younis, southern Gaza's largest city. Palestinian health officials said three Gazans were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a house in Deir Al-Balah in central Gaza.

Israel said its forces killed a number of gunmen in Khan Younis, including two who emerged firing from a tunnel.

Israeli TV showed foot-

Smoke rises over Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, as seen from southern Israel, December 6, 2023 (Reuters/Athit Perawongmetha photo)

age, which Reuters could not independently verify, of what it said were captured Hamas fighters, stripped to

Australian man dies Trump fake electors after being buried buckle in Wisconsin, alive in sand get charged in Nevada

A

n Australian man has died after being buried alive in sand on a beach, Police say.

Josh Taylor was at a beach campground on Queensland's Bribie Island on Saturday when he fell into a hole that had been reportedly dug to roast a pig.

Taylor, 23, was airlifted to hospital shortly after the incident, but succumbed to his injuries on Thursday.

Authorities are still investigating the circumstances that led to his death.

Queensland Police said in a statement there "may be numerous people who were present and are yet to speak with Police".

Taylor was with friends on Bribie Island – a popular camping area located 65 kilometres (40 miles) north of Brisbane – when the incident occurred, according to local media.

The Courier Mail reported it took about 15 people to pull him free, before wild-

life rangers performed CPR on him until paramedics arrived at the scene.

Taylor's family confirmed his life support had been switched off on Thursday.

In an emotional statement, they called him "the best son, brother, boyfriend and mate we could all have wished for" who would be missed "every minute of every day", Nine News reported.

"Unfortunately, the injuries he received were too severe for him to overcome," the family statement added, while also thanking hospital staff for their efforts. ?

A fundraiser page organised on behalf of Taylor's parents described Taylor as "a vibrant and adventurous soul who has brought so much joy to those around him".

More than A$65,000 ($42,000; £34,000) has been raised to help support the Taylor family.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

After failed test vote, prospects dim for new Ukraine aid in US Congress

U

S Senate leaders vowed on Thursday to keep trying to reach an agreement to provide billions of dollars in new security aid to Ukraine, but faced uncertainty about doing so quickly after Republicans blocked a sweeping foreign security assistance bill.

Senate Republicans voted unanimously on Wednesday to block the emergency spending bill to provide US$110.5 billion in funds for

Ukraine, Israel and other security needs, to press their demands for more control of immigration via the US border with Mexico.

The result, which had been expected, threatened Democratic President Joe Biden's effort to provide new aid before the end of 2023. It came after Democrats and Republicans had negotiated for weeks to add immigration policy changes to the security bill to win enough Republican votes to pass.

their underwear with heads bowed sitting in a Gaza City street.

Some Palestinians rec-

ognised relatives and denied they had any links to Hamas or any other group. Hani Almadhoun, a Palestinian American based in Virginia, saw relatives in the picture and told Reuters they were "innocent civilians with no links to Hamas or any other faction".

"They took them from a house, that belongs to the family, in the area of the market. They detained my brother Mahmoud, 32, his son Omar, 13, my other nephew Aboud, 27, and my father 72, and several of our in-laws."

Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, said soldiers were fighting against militants in Hamas "centres of gravity".

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Those talks broke off last Friday, and emotions ran so high that a classified Senate briefing on Ukraine on Tuesday erupted into a shouting match from which several Republicans stormed out.

"We are left with only two paths forward to break the logjam. Either Republicans can take us up on an amendment offer or we can restart negotiations," the Senate's Democratic leader, Chuck Schumer, said as he opened

the chamber on Thursday.

By mid-November, the US Defence Department had used 97 per cent of US$62.3 billion in supplemental funding it had received for Ukraine and the State Department had used all of the US$4.7 billion in military assistance funding it had been allocated to help Kyiv as it battles Russian invaders, US budget director Shalanda Young said this week.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Former US President Donald Trump arrives to attend the Trump Organisation civil fraud trial, in New York State Supreme Court in the Manhattan borough of New York City, US, December 7, 2023 (Reuters/Mike Sega photo)

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evada charged six Republican fake electors in connection with a scheme to overturn Donald Trump's 2020 election loss to President Joe Biden, while 10 false electors reached a legal settlement in Wisconsin that affirmed the Democrat's victory.

Wednesday's actions marked the latest legal developments in a 2020 plan to persuade Republicancontrolled legislatures in election battleground states to name their own Trump-friendly electors.

The indictments made Nevada the third state, behind Michigan and Georgia, to bring charges against Republicans who served as fake electors in 2020. In Wisconsin's civil lawsuit, the Republican electors admitted the effort to overturn election results and acknowledged Biden's victory as legitimate.

In US presidential elections, voters do not directly pick who goes to the White House. Instead, their ballots determine each state's slate of electors, who select the president in a process mandated by the

Constitution.

Trump, 77, the frontrunner in the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, pushed the false claims of a stolen election that led to the January 6, 2021, storming of the US Capitol by his supporters.

Special Counsel Jack Smith's federal indictment accusing Trump of efforts to overturn the 2020 election included a charge that the then-President and his allies sought slates of phony electors to support his false claims that he beat Biden.

"Fake electors schemes in Nevada, Wisconsin, and Michigan may not involve household names, but they could produce important witnesses and documents for Jack Smith, and bring accountability for abuse of power in their states," University of Michigan law professor Barbara McQuade said on social media platform X on Thursday.

"We cannot allow attacks on democracy to go unchallenged," Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford said in a statement.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

DAILY HOROSCOPES Make better decisions. Don't let your ego or emotions prevent you from doing what's right. Do what you can to make a difference, and you'll impact others.

Choose your words wisely.

(March 21-April 19) Take advantage of an opportunity to try something new. Let your ambition lead the way, and success will follow.

A change of plans will help you see the possibilities.

PICKLES

(April 20-May 20) Execute your plans with precision.

The most effective way to influence others is with a passionate approach. Truth is the best way forward if you want to succeed.

(May 21-June 20) Hone your skills, stretch your mind and fine-tune your body. A healthy attitude will help you overcome any adversity you face. Refuse to let emotional matters cost you.

PEANUTS

(June 21-July 22)

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Donate your time and skills to a cause that concerns you. Take on a challenge that encourages personal growth and expands your awareness and expertise. Show discipline regarding overindulgence.

Keep the peace. Get permission before you make changes that will affect other people. Pay more attention to self-improvement instead of trying to change others. Learn something new.

CALVIN AND HOBBES (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

Explore your options. Find out where you stand and who is in your corner. A reunion or event that offers insight into something you want to do will give you the clarity you need to initiate your plans.

Your persistence and precise plan will turn heads and encourage the support you need to reach your goal. An opportunity looks promising, but you will need to keeps things close to the vest.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Slow down and give yourself enough time to deal with anything that doesn't sit right with you. Staying on top of situations and avoiding mistakes will save you time and money.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Let your charm help you avoid drama.

Your vision will help you put your money where it will bring the highest returns.

Home improvements and decorating for the festive season will lift your spirits.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Last-minute purchases will be costly and emotionally draining. Don't let overindulgence be your downfall. Stick to the basics and focus on your responsibilities.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Consider your qualifications, experience and where you see yourself heading, and you'll find the right path. Put a budget in place and create opportunities to suit your needs.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023

One Guyana Kings and Queens of the Sand…

Trophy Stall joins corporate supporters T

he One Guyana Kings and Queens of the Sand Beach Football Tournament kicks off today, Friday, December 8, with six exciting matches. And Trophy Stall has proudly joined the list of sponsors.

Trophy Stall proprietor and ardent sports supporter Ramesh Sunich said he was pleased to once again support sports and he was well aware that his patrons came from all across Guyana and Trophy Stall would continue to support sports throughout the 83,000 square miles.

Action begins at the PPP/C Linden office compound with a march pass at 18:00h, and all registered teams must participate, after which the first match will see Aroaima versus Golden Star B. Thereafter, a clash between Rockstone and Hillside Ballers, while Hururu take

on LA Ballers, Fearless battle Universal Ballers, Team Minerals oppose DH Ballers, and Goal is Money

come up against High Flyers.

Action resumes on Saturday, December 9, and continues for eight more

match days, culminating with the grand finale on January 6, 2024. All competition nights are free of charge for entry.

T&T Head Coach Eve blast lack of support from fraternity

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Trinidad and Tobago’s senior men’s Head Coach, Angus Eve

rinidad and Tobago’s senior men’s Head Coach Angus Eve pulled no punches, as he opened up about the lack of support received during his tenure.

Eve’s revelation came during a recent interview on the I95 sports radio programme, where he also disclosed that he was without a contract and was yet to have discussions with the Normalisation Committee (NC) regarding an extension, at that point.

“They (NC) are a little bit finicky to do something about it (the contract), because, the football fraternity, I don’t know if they want me to sign a new contract. I have not heard from any of them, since I have been doing this job,” Eve said, referring to the lukewarm response from the TTFA Zones.

The tactician, who led the Soca Warriors to a fairly-successful CONCACAF Nations League campaign, where they got to the quarterfinals and registered an historic win over the United States, but lost the two-leg tie on aggregate. Still, they have a second shot at Copa America qualification via a playoff fixture against Canada scheduled for March 23.

“But they are a little bit

“The puzzle hasn't fit” – Kerr ponders changes after Warriors rally for Portland win

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Stephen Curry contributed 31 points

Trophy Stall proprietor Ramesh Sunich presents organisers with one of the trophies up for grabs

hesitant to do anything because they are studying what the members will think. So, the members have not really shown me any support. Except the President of the South Zone, Dennis Latiff and Ross Russell (North Zone President) who is my friend, no other President has reached out to me or spoken to us,” Eve disclosed.

Eve believes it would be prudent if he signed a contract before the Canada game, having achieved objectives, which also included Gold Cup qualification.

“We have never been in this place before. We have never reached out of the group stage and into the knockout stage and try to reach in the quarterfinals and semi-finals of the Nations League before. So, I think we have achieved all of our targets, all of our objectives that have been placed in front of us,” he said.

“Win, lose or draw. I could possibly not be the coach (after March). Through the whole tenure it has been like that. I think there is a distinct lack of support. A lot of the things you read on social media is like if people don’t want me in the job, so I tend to want to focus on the guys,” Eve noted.

The outspoken Coach also alluded to the challenges faced with getting the twin-island republic back to this point of competitiveness.

“It has been a rebuilding process, and it has gone pretty much better than we expected.

Nobody expected us the way we got into the A, nobody felt that we belonged, and we were under pressure from the first match,” Eve shared.

“Also, there was some other stuff happening behind the

scenes, with some of the older players and it probably took a little of the focus away from the homing in on the games.

We were fighting against a lot of stuff, and I think that the staff and the Normalisation Committee pulled together, the people who support us.

“We insulated ourselves and I think you saw the fruit of that re-building where we won three of the four games and that was fantastic,” he ended.

(Sportsmax)

he Golden State Warriors rallied for a 110-106 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday as Jonathan Kuminga's impressive cameo left Steve Kerr pondering more changes to his line-up.

Stephen Curry overcame a slow start to finish with a game-high 31 points as the Warriors saw off Portland at Chase Center, though their victory was far from a sure thing until Kuminga's third-quarter introduction.

Against the team with the second-worst record in the Western Conference, the Warriors looked lifeless until the 21-year-old entered the fray.

Kuminga starred with 13 points in 17 minutes, stealing the ball from Toumani Camara at a vital moment late on to kick-start a move which ended with a Curry

Doncic triple-double helps Mavericks thrash Jazz

L

uka Doncic recorded a first-half triple-double as the Dallas Mavericks cruised to a 147-97 victory against the Utah Jazz.

The Slovenian finished with 40 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds, while Kyrie Irving added 29 points for Dallas.

It is the second time in three games that Doncic has reached 40 points and his fourth time overall this season.

Elsewhere, Joel Embiid scored 50 points as the Philadelphia 76ers claimed a narrow win over the Washington Wizards.

The NBA's reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP) had missed the Sixers' past two games with illness, but hit two free throws and a 15-foot jump shot in the final 50 seconds to secure a 131-126 victory.

Stephen Curry helped the Golden State Warriors rally to a 110-106 victory over the visiting Portland Trail Blazers.

Curry scored 31 points, finishing with a three-pointer with 10 seconds remaining.

Despite making his ninth

Luka Doncic is a four-time NBA All-Star

triple-double of the season, twotime MVP Nikola Jokic was on the losing side as the Los Angeles Clippers inflicted a 111-102 defeat on the Denver Nuggets.

The Chicago Bulls claimed their third straight win as they beat the Charlotte Hornets 111-100, while the Houston Rockets extended their winning streak at home to nine games with a 110-101 victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Meanwhile, Mikal Bridges scored with 4.5 seconds left to lift the Brooklyn Nets to a 114-113 win over the Atlanta Hawks.

21

The Cleveland Cavaliers claimed a 121-111 victory over the Orlando Magic despite Paolo Banchero's career-high 42-point performance.

Desmond Bane also recorded a career-high score of 49 points as the Memphis Grizzlies won 116-102 to hand the Detroit Pistons an 18th consecutive loss.

The San Antonio Spurs' losing run continued with a 10294 defeat by the Minnesota Timberwolves, while the Miami Heat won on the road as they defeated the Toronto Raptors 112-103.(BBC Sport)

three-pointer, making the result safe.

The Warriors are now 1011 for the season, with injuries and suspensions – most notably Draymond Green's five-game ban for putting Rudy Gobert in a chokehold – having hampered their attempts to build any lasting momentum.

Golden State have already used nine different starting line-ups this year, with only the Miami Heat naming more in the whole league, and Kerr expects the rotation to continue for the time being.

"The puzzle hasn't fit this year," Kerr said. "We've had a lot of guys playing well, but we may have to think about moving the starting line-up around from game to game depending on who we are facing.

"I'd still prefer to get something solid, but we haven't established anything this year. We're a quarter of a way through, so there is a lot of thought that has to go into this.

"I've really been patient and hoping to get our starting unit from the last couple of years into a good groove.

"It's easier to play and to coach when everybody knows exactly where they fit in. It's easier to play a role when there is a set rotation and the stars are playing well so the puzzle fits.

"Every night is going to be different with this team, that's what I am figuring out.

We don't have roster clarity in terms of who's going to play every single night."

Curry added that the Warriors need greater flexibility in games, saying: "There have been situations this year… obviously, we lost some big leads, because we haven't been able to adapt quickly enough in those kinds of games.

"It's the same thing with the coach's decisions that he has to make on a night-tonight basis." (Sportsmax)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023

Guyana to face Dominican 3 more teams name squads for Republic in W Gold Cup prelims DCB/SVC/Precision T20 Blast …Group Draw set for next Monday

Guyana’s Lady Jags qualified by topping the Group with 15 points in six games

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ONCACAF has confirmed important details about the 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup, including the complete list of participating women's national teams, the pots and procedures for the official draw, and the three pairings for the Preliminary Round (Prelims).

The inaugural edition of the region's new flagship competition for women's national teams will be played between February 17 and March 10, 2024, across four venues in three US metropolitan areas and include the participation of CONCACAF's and CONMEBOL's best women's national teams and some of the world's top players.

Following the conclusion of the 2023 Road to CONCACAF W Gold Cup, which took place during the FIFA Women's Match Windows of September, October, and November/December 2023 and included the participation of 34 CONCACAF Member Associations, nine teams have sealed a place in the 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup, joining six others that had already secured a berth – United States, Canada and CONMEBOL's four guests.

These 15 women's national teams are (listed in alphabetical order per round): Prelims (6): Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti and Puerto Rico.

Group Stage (12): Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, United States, and the three Prelims winners.

2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup details

The 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup will begin with the Prelims at Dignity Health Sports Park Track and Field Stadium on February 17, 2024.

The six national teams participating in this round have been divided into three pairings according to the CONCACAF Women's Rankings as of December 2023. The three pairings are as follows (highest-ranked teams versus the lowest-ranked teams): M1: Haiti (1) v Puerto Rico (6) M2: El Salvador (2) v Guatemala (5) M3: Guyana (3) v Dominican Republic (4) After single-match elimination play, the winning team in each match will advance to the Group Stage.

A 12-national team Group Stage will follow the Prelims and will be played February 20-28, 2024, at Dignity Health Sports Park (Group A); Snapdragon Stadium (Group B), and Shell Energy Stadium (Group C). After round-robin play, the group winners, runners-up, and the two best third-place finishers will advance to the tournament's quarter-finals.

The knockout stage will commence with the quarter-finals at BMO Stadium on March 2 and 3, followed by the semifinals and final at Snapdragon Stadium on March 6 and 10, respectively.

Draw Pots and Procedures

On Monday, December 11, 2023, CONCACAF will con-

duct the official Draw for the 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup. The event will start at 19:00 (7:00 pm) ET and will be widely available for fans across the region to follow and enjoy through the Confederation's TV partner networks, including CBS | Paramount+ (USAEnglish) and ESPN (Mexico, Central America, Caribbean, and South America).

As previously announced, the draw will be carried out using a single-blind system involving four pots. Based on the CONCACAF Women's Rankings as of December 2023 and the results of the 2022 CONMEBOL Women's Copa America, the 12 teams participating in the Group Stage will be distributed in four Pots as follows (three teams per pot): Pot 1: United States (highest-ranked CONCACAF team), Brazil (2022 CONMEBOL Women's Copa America winner), and Canada (second highest-ranked CONCACAF team) Pot 2: Costa Rica, Mexico, and Panama (three next-bestranked CONCACAF teams) Pot 3: Colombia, Argentina, and Paraguay (second, third, and fourthplace finishers of the 2022 CONMEBOL Women's Copa America).

Pot 4: Three teams that will qualify for the Group Stage from the 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup Prelims Furthermore, following the regulations governing the draw, the three teams in Pot 1 will each be pre-seeded into a group as follows: Group A, position A1: United States Group B, position B1: Brazil Group C, position C1: Canada The draw will begin by placing the three pre-seeded teams in pre-assigned group positions. Once confirmed, the draw will continue by drawing the spheres from Pot 2 and placing each team in sequential order in Groups A, B, and C, with no more than one team from each pot in each group. This procedure will be replicated for Pots 3 and 4.

The draw will conclude once all national teams have been assigned a group.

Rajendra Chandrika

Anand Barrat

Gariel McDonald

hree Associations, East Coast Canje Pheasants, East Bank Eagles and Upper Demerara Scorpions have announced their team for the Demerara Cricket Board/Sawh Voltcom Construction Inc/Precision Service Center Inc InterAssociation Senior T20 Blast, which is set to bowl off on Saturday, December 9, 2023, with two firstround matches fixed for the famous Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) Ground, Bourda.

East Coast Canje Pheasants will be led by former West Indies senior opener Rajendra Chandrika, East Bank Eagles by Anand Barrat and Upper Demerara Scorpions by all-rounder Gariel McDonald.

The tournament is sponsored by Sawh Voltcom Construction Inc (SVC), a company that have been established in the USA for several years. It now brings its enormous experience to Guyana in the field of construction (residential, commercial and medical).

Precision Service Center Inc is located at Lot Y Area B, Good Hope Public Road, East Coast Demerara. The Service Center provides quality and modern technology in auto repairs and is equipped with the latest diagnostics tools. The company also provides 24-hour tow truck services, steam cleaning, complete servicing, engine and transmission repairs. Contact can be made by telephone num-

bers 506 5632/701 6530 or email sales@precisionservcenter.com.

The $2 million tournament will be played on a round-robin basis and will involve all five Associations of the Demerara Cricket Board, namely, Georgetown Panthers, East Coast Canje Pheasants, East Bank Eagles, Upper Demerara Scorpions and West Demerara Jaguars.

The team with the most points after the preliminary rounds will play the fourth place in the semi-finals, and the second and third-placed teams will clash, with the winners to battle in a grand finale. Preceding the final is a third-place playoff between the two losing semi-finalists. The semi-finals and final day event will be streamed live. All the teams will be attired in colored clothing with cash incentives, trophies and medals up for grabs.

Each Association is required to select a minimum of two Under-19 players who are eligible to represent Guyana next year in Regional Under-19 tournaments, with at least one of them playing in every game. Players must represent the area they reside in, with the exception of Upper Demerara which will be allowed guest players drawn from the standby players of the other Associations.

Chandrika (Captain); Robin Williams; Krishna Deosaran; Neeran Bani; Vickash Wilkinson; Vishawanath Ramlakhan; Dominic Glasgow; Karamchan Persaud; Nizam Khan; Andrew Samaroo; Sachin Singh; Aaron Beharry; Anthony McFarlene; Ramnarine Chatura; Nicholas Shiopersad and Sasenarine Harricharan. The Coach is Latchman Yadram and the Manager, Vishnu Ramjeet.

East Bank Eagles: Anand Barrat (Captain); Sagar Hatiamani, Jonte Thomas, Anthony Lim, Jerimiah Scott, Ershad Ali, Leon Swamy, Floy Joseph, Anthony Antonio, Deonarine Dindial, Shamar Yearwood, Quazim Yusuf, Buddhan Baksh and Ricky Sargeant. The coach is Waqar Bacchus, and manager is Puneet Jaigopaul.

Upper Demerara Scorpions: Gariel McDonald (Captain); Ray Peters; Julian Fortune; Alvin Mohabir; John DeGrella; Joshua Wade; Tyreka Etienne; Ariel Tilku; Denzel Spencer; Romeo Deonarain; Shaquille Williams; Eon Reynolds; Gary Savory; Nicholas Lawson; and Judell McAllister.

The Coach is Hesey Niles and the Manager is Rastaff Oselmo.

Game one bowls off at 09:00h followed by game two at 13:00h next Saturday at the GCC ground, Bourda. A large turnout is anticipated at the former international venue as the teams battle for supremacy.

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Teams:

East Coast Canje Pheasants: Rajendra

Playoff push action to continue on Saturday

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he One Guyana Basketball League will be rejuvenated as the final playoff push is set to commence on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at the National Gymnasium with three exhilarating games.

The Jaguar Conference will commence the action at 17:00h as Kwakwani Untouchables, sitting in first place, will look to remain dominant as they come against North Ruimveldt Black Caimans.

The action will change as the Harpy Eagle

Conference will see Bounty Colts, with their mixture of youth and experience, looking to upset the McDoom/ Prospect Kobras looking to pounce back after a loss in their previous game.

The Stabroek Eagles will look to strengthen their form going into the next league round in pursuit of a win against UG Trojans, who are also coming off of a win in the previous game.

The tournament started with 14 teams in the Harpy Eagle and Jaguar

Conferences, with 56 to 63 games projected.

Teams have played the

teams within their individual conference twice, with the top four teams quali-

fying for the play-offs. The number one-ranked team will play the fourth-ranked team, and the number two team will play the thirdranked team. Winners of the playoff games will then advance to their Conference Finals, where they will play the best two-of-three series to determine who advance to the National Finals.

The tournament-winning team will receive $1 million along with trophies, while the runners-up will receive $500,000 plus trophies.

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023

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New CPL, WCPL logos launched as record Windies hunt 374 for audience figures announced victory on final day

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The new CPL and WCPL Logos

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he tournament logos for the Men’s and Women’s Caribbean Premier League tournament have been refreshed and updated ahead of the 2024 season.

The new logos are the first time the brand has seen an update since 2014 and represents the tournament’s evolution as it enters its second decade. The fresh design maintains the colour and vibrancy of the CPL brand, while giving it a modern feel.

The logo launch coincides with the release of the viewing figures for the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League with the digital and broadcast view-

ership growing to a record 853.5 million, a 27 per cent increase on the numbers from 2022.

This represents the fourth consecutive year where the total viewership of CPL has gone past half a billion viewers and the 12th consecutive year of the total viewers increasing year on year. There was a big increase in viewership in the USA with the broadcast audience up by almost 400 per cent. There was also a significant increase in broadcast viewership in India with a 33 per cent uplift on the 2022 numbers.

Pete Russell, CEO of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League and Massy

Women’s Caribbean Premier League, said: “The new logos represents the vibrancy and colour of the Caribbean, as does the CPL. Combining carnival and cricket has been a huge part in the success of the CPL over the years and this new branding further cements this for CPL going forward.

“We continue to grow as a tournament and to see our viewership numbers increase yet again is a fantastic achievement. We are getting closer and closer to a billion viewers across the event, and we are confident that this is something we will achieve in the near future." (CPLT20)

Elite League Cup final postponed

mammoth 374 runs will be required of the West Indies A team on the fourth and final day of the series-deciding third unofficial Test match, in order for the Caribbean side to taste victory in South Africa.

The tall total was mounted on Day 3 through joint efforts from Zubayr Hamza and Ruan de Swardt, who put on a 159-run partnership to propel South Africa to 272-5 declared in the second innings and a 420run lead.

Hamza remained unbeaten on 110 from 152 deliveries, encompassing 12 fours and one six. At the other end, de Swardt smashed 86 from 126 balls, including nine fours and a solitary six, before being trapped in front the stumps

by Guyanese pacer Shamar Joseph.

That wicket brought on the Porteas declaration, after a lengthy rain interruption, and the South African duo’s resilience took their batting innings well into the afternoon.

The de Swardt wicket also brought up Joseph’s second First-Class five wicket haul, as he claimed figures of 5-76 from 18 overs, and 8 wickets in this game overall.

No other West Indian bowler was able to penetrate like Joseph did, but the likes of Kevin Sinclair, conceding 60 runs in 17 overs, were economical.

Following the declaration, Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Zachary McCaskie went out to begin the Men in Maroon’s chase,

Zubayr Hamza was unbeaten on 110* from 152 balls

but an early hurdle saw McCaskie being caught off Dane Paterson’s bowling for 2 from 23 deliveries.

N o n e t h e l e s s , Chanderpaul and Kirk McKenzie saw it through to close of play. Chanderpaul currently has 11 runs off 69 balls, including one boundary, while McKenzie will resume Day 2 with 26 off 29 deliveries, inclusive of

two fours and two sixes.

Paterson had the only scalp of the afternoon for the South Africans, claiming 1-5 from 6 overs, including 4 maidens.

The fourth and final day’s play will bowl off at 04:00h local time, where West Indies A will have nine wickets in hand to pursuit the massive total and a series victory.

SCOREBOARD South Africa A 2nd Innings BATTING R Neil Brand (c) c †Da Silva b Joseph 4 Raynard van Tonder lbw b Joseph 30 David Bedingham lbw b Joseph 6 Zubayr Hamza not out 110 Khaya Zondo c †Da Silva b Joseph 31 Ruan de Swardt lbw b Joseph 86 Extras (lb 1, nb 2, w 2) 5 TOTAL 66 Ov (RR: 4.12) 272/5d Did not bat: Clyde Fortuin †, Mihlali Mpongwana, Hardus Viljoen, Duanne Olivier, Dane Paterson Fall of wickets: 1-23 (Neil Brand, 5.3 ov), 2-30 (David Bedingham, 7.1 ov), 3-45 (Raynard van Tonder, 11.5 ov), 4-113 (Khaya Zondo, 28.5 ov), 5-272 (Ruan de Swardt, 65.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Akeem Jordan 13-0-55-0 Shamar Joseph 18-1-76-5 Shermon Lewis 10-1-47-0

Kevin Sinclair Kavem Hodge

17-4-60-0 8-0-33-0

West Indies A 2nd Innings (T: 421 runs) BATTING R Tagenarine Chanderpaul not out 11 Zachary McCaskie c †Fortuin b Paterson 8 Kirk McKenzie not out 26 Extras (lb 1, nb 1) 2 TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 2.35) 47/1 Yet to bat: Joshua Da Silva (c)†, Kavem Hodge, Jordan Johnson, Kevin Sinclair, Jayden Seales, Shermon Lewis, Shamar Joseph, Akeem Jordan Fall of wickets: 1-14 (Zachary McCaskie, 9.1 ov) BOWLING Duanne Olivier Dane Paterson Hardus Viljoen Mihlali Mpongwana Neil Brand

O-M-R-W 6-3-10-0 6-4-5-1 4-0-22-0 3-2-8-0 1-0-1-0

Bolt lights up the pitch against Ronaldinho in CONMEBOL Legends Match

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KFC’s Pamella Manasseh and GFF’s Bryan Joseph display the Elite League Cup trophy; however, the final has since been postponed

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he anticipated final of the KFC Elite League Cup has been postponed once again, this time owing to the search and rescue mission for and subsequent loss of Guyana’s Soldiers.

Five servicemen were confirmed dead on Thursday following a helicopter crash in the jungle; on the other hand, two of the soldiers survived.

As such, the Guyana Football Federation issued a statement prior to the harrowing discovery, while the -and-rescue mission was still ongoing, disclosing the decision to postpone today’s game which would have fea-

tured the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) football team.

The statement read: “As the nation prays and hopes for the safety of the crew and passengers of the missing Guyana Defence Force helicopter, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has decided to postpone the GFF-KFC Elite League Cup finals scheduled to be played on Friday, December 8 to a later date. The finals would have featured the GDF Football Club versus the Western Tigers Football Club.

“In solidarity with not only one of our members, but with the nation at large, the GFF is duty-bound to

take account of the national mood. At this time, this mood is not of a celebratory nature as it pays respect to our nation’s men and women in arms who zealously protect our freedoms.

“Accordingly, the GFF would like to let the families, friends and members of the GDF know that they are in our thoughts and prayers, and to encourage them to hold fast to the confession of their hopes without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.”

Only on Wednesday, the GFF had unveiled the championship trophy, which the winner of the tournament will secure.

n a star-studded spectacle just before the much-anticipated draw for the 2024 Copa América on Thursday, sprinting legend Usain Bolt took the field alongside football icons such as Ronaldinho Gaúcho in the South American Football Confederation’s (CONMEBOL) Legends Match.

The electrifying game unfolded in the vibrant city of Miami, USA, at the Inter Miami’s DRV PNK Stadium.

Bolt, known for his blazing speed on the track, showcased his skills on the football pitch as he joined forces with luminaries like Colombian maestro Carlos Valderrama and Argentine sharpshooter Sergio “Kun” Agüero. The Jamaican sprint legend documented the memorable experience, sharing snapshots with his teammates on Instagram, most of which were captured in the camaraderie-filled dressing room.

Yet, it was Bolt's interaction with former Barcelona

Usain Bolt and Ronaldinho in action

maestro Ronaldinho that set social media ablaze.

The charismatic duo, pitted against each other on opposing teams, engaged in a quick chat, leaving fans thrilled.

True to his flair, Ronaldinho managed to find the back of the net, securing his team's only goal in a closely-contested match that ended with Bolt's team clinching a 2-1 victory.

As the final whistle blew, capturing the essence of sportsmanship, Ronaldinho posed for photographs with Bolt, capping off a night of

football camaraderie. The beloved Brazilian footballer even took a moment to sign Bolt's jersey before the sprint legend headed back to the dressing room.

Adding to the spectacle, Kasi Bennett, Bolt's longtime spouse, shared glimpses of the Legends Match, posting a short video capturing Bolt's presence on the pitch. The event not only showcased the fusion of speed and skill, but also celebrated the spirit of sport that transcends disciplines.

(Sportsmax)

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2023

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