Guyana times - Friday 29, 2024.pdf

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Friday,

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Foreign workers will not earn more than Guyanese public servants – VP Jagdeo assures

– as Opposition criticises hiring of 500 Bangladeshi healthcare workers

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has assured that the remuneration packages for foreign labourers who have been brought to work in Guyana’s public sector would not exceed those being received by public servants.

“I can say to you that any person who is recruited from abroad to work in the public sector – cause a lot of these are not coming to work necessarily in the public sector, but if they come to work in the public sector, their conditions of service will be no better than what the Guyanese get. It will be comparable to what our people will get for the particular skill,” he assured.

“So, if you have a registered nurse who is making ‘x’ amount of money, including the other benefits, the Guyanese will have to get exactly that same amount, or maybe, in some cases, even higher. But they’re not gonna get less than anybody coming into this country to work in the public sector, where our people have comparable skill,” the Vice President explained during a press conference on Thursday.

Jagdeo’s assurance comes on the heels of the PNC-led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Opposition accusing the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government of a deliberate strategy to not only keep public servants in poverty, but to replace them with migrants.

These claims have followed a recent disclosure by the Foreign Affairs Ministry that approval has been given to a private recruitment firm, Sigma Engineers Ltd Inc., to recruit Bangladesh healthcare workers. In response to a request from the company, the Foreign Affairs Ministry has authorized the agency to recruit foreign healthcare workers, not just Bangladeshis, with the view to addressing concerns raised both by the public and private sectors on the severe skills shortage in the health sector.

At his weekly press conference on Thursday, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton called this recruitment of foreign workers “unacceptable”, and called for a halting of this process. He accused the Government of wanting to ensure that all public servants, including Guyanese healthcare workers, live in poverty by giving foreign workers a better salary, and thus a better way of life than Guyanese.

According to Norton, “The salaries and benefits being offered the foreign workers are substantially higher than for equivalent Guyanese workers in the healthcare system. This is a slap in the face of our hardworking Guyanese workers… The use of work contracts to recruit public servants from other countries is a devious stratagem by the PPP to suppress wages and benefits for local workers as well… Guyanese workers will

end up being second-class workers in their own country.”

But VP Jagdeo argued that the Opposition’s claims are “patently false” and a “conjecture.” He pointed out that the Opposition merely saw the approval letter and not the contract, but had begun to spread “fake” details about the recruitment process in an attempt to mislead public servants.

The Vice President went on to defend the Government’s move to import foreign workers, contending that this course is needed in order to meet severe labour shortages in certain sectors.

“We’ve said over and over, and…I’ve repeated this: that in some areas, we’re allowing labour to come into work. We pointed out that we’re allowing the Chinese to bring in their labour for the bridge, and they said they were gonna bring people from Bangladesh to work there, because they work with them in building the stadium in Qatar for the World Cup… We allowed others to bring in labour, because we have a labour shortage in Region Four, particularly for some types of labour. And if we want these projects to be completed – the bridges, the highways etc., we have to do that,” he contended.

With Government building 12 new hospitals across the country and planning to rehabilitate existing health-

care facilities, there would be need for more doctors, including specialist doctors, as well as an increase in the number of nurses. Jagdeo noted that Government is already facing a shortage of nurses within the public healthcare system, hence the possibility that foreign workers would have to be recruited to fill these critical gaps.

“We have to recruit people to come and work in these hospitals to make sure our people get the best quality care. We can’t just build the hospitals and leave them there without staff,” he declared.

In a statement on Monday, the Foreign Affairs Ministry explained that the Private Sector Commission (PSC) has, on numerous occasions, requested the Government's assistance in addressing the need to fill the skills shortages, not only in the health sector, but also in the critical sectors of construction, engineering, and services, given the expansion and growth of Guyana's economy.

Consequently, Sigma Engineers Ltd was appointed to liaise with relevant authorities from various countries to recruit healthcare workers, including, but not limited to, Bangladeshis.

The Ministry noted that it is within this context that the authorization letter was issued, to prevent issues such as human trafficking or any abuse of this process.

Moreover, it clarified that, to date, no one has been recruited through this recruitment agency for the public sector, since shortages are currently being filled by personnel from Cuba.

VP Jagdeo outlined on Thursday that in addition to filling gaps within the public health sector, Cubans are being recruited for the private sector as well. “The private sector has been recruiting these people (from Cuba) and also from other countries. So, the Bangladeshis are no different. If they come, they’ll be recruited,” he posited. (G-8)

Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Good Friday

Ask any child what Easter means to them, and more than likely their answer would revolve around kite flying, eating chocolate 'eggs', hat shows, and for little girls in particular, bonnet parades.

For many adults, the Easter weekend this year - after Covid-19 and its effect of social curtail – will be travelling for Regatta or Rodeo, or maybe overseas, because the weekend affords a four-day break without the need to take official holiday.

However, not enough attention is paid to the real meaning of Easter - the oldest and most important day of the Christian year.

The meaning of Easter is encapsulated in Jesus Christ's victory over death. It is about one man, who was blameless, assuming responsibility for all guilty men. And He promises eternal life for those who accept Him as their personal saviour, with the forgiveness of sins and adherence to the principles and teachings He advocated.

The Easter message is therefore one of renewal and hope. It is about the triumph of good, on Easter Sunday, over the desperation and gloom which must have overtaken followers of Jesus on Good Friday, the day of His crucifixion.

It is also about the redemption of man, who had fallen through his sinful choices, and for whom the eternal love of God had been shown by the sacrifice of His own beloved Son, so that the world, through Him, might be saved

This timeless message is one tailored for these times, if it is properly understood. It is, in a word, a message of hope!

This weekend, starting today with Good Friday, when we celebrate the monumental event that is at the centre of the Christian faith - "The Resurrection" - it is perhaps an appropriate occasion for reflection on the decline in behaviour and values, and the moral and spiritual challenges facing society.

In this context, we may also need to recall that Jesus's death was preceded by the public acclamation for the rogue and robber Barabbas, and the wholesale condemnation to the horrors of crucifixion of a man of whom Pilate could say that he had "found no fault with this man".

Even then, the public was given to choosing the popular and easy path in preference to the decision which would have accorded with the virtuous and unpopular way.

This is also the period when the leaders in our country, particularly those in Parliament, should reflect on their approach and treatment of each other in that august chamber, as any semblance of negativity demonstrated by them could easily be mimicked.

Living by example is not just for adherents of the Christian faith, but for all people of this country, and in particular those in positions of influence and decisionmaking.

So, as we observe Good Friday today, and then celebrate Easter on Sunday and rejoice at the Resurrection, both Christians and other members of our society need to reflect on the essential message of the season.

At the same time, we need to recognise the broader appeal of the message of the biblical doctrines: which provide hope for us in recessionary times, but can also provide a road map for citizens in a society which has been adversely affected by social deviance and increasing violence, that "one should love one's neighbour as one's self".

The meaning of Good Friday today, which leads into Easter, therefore includes a need to see the wider message of hope and renewal.

Justice Bernard carried herself with an aura of decorum and rectitude – AG Nandlall

While returning to Guyana from Geneva, in between airports, I learnt that the Honourable Madame Justice Désirée Bernard died. Justice Bernard has certainly carved a niche and cemented a place in the legal history of Guyana and the Commonwealth Caribbean.

Justice Bernard was both a pace-setter and a standard-bearer in the legal profession, in particular for women. It began as early as her entry into the profession itself in 1964. At that time, she would have been one of very few women entering the profession. This set the trend which would follow her career to the very end. She became the first female High Court Judge in Guyana and the Caribbean. Next, she became the first female Court of Appeal Judge in Guyana and the Caribbean. She then became the first female Chief Justice of Guyana

and the Caribbean. She then became the first female Chancellor of Guyana, the first female Head of the Judiciary of Guyana, and the first female Head of the Judiciary in the Commonwealth Caribbean. When the Caribbean Court of Justice was established, not surprisingly, she was the first female appointed to that Court, and was the only female member of that Court until her retirement.

During the tenure of her exemplary career, she was conferred with the National Awards of the Cacique Crown of Honour and the Order of Roraima. She wrote many scholarly judgments in various areas of the law, distilling some of the most complex and complicated legal principles in a style of writing that was commendably simple, clear and precise. These Judgments adorn the Guyana Law Reports, the West Indian Law Reports, and the Commonwealth

Law Reports.

No doubt, Justice Bernard, by her accomplishments, would have inspired several generations of women. I believe that the overwhelming majority of females entering the profession over the last two decades, not only in Guyana but across the Caribbean Region, is a testimony to the influence of a cadre of female lawyers and jurists of which Justice Bernard was the founder.

Both on and off the bench, Justice Bernard carried herself with an aura of decorum and rectitude in keeping with the nobility associated with judicial office. Yet, Her Honour remained accessible and approachable.

I know this because when I entered the profession, Her Honour was the Chief Justice and was doing all estate matters and trials. I did my first series of trials in civil law before Justice Bernard. To say that I learnt greatly would

be an understatement.

One quality of Justice Bernard I distinctly remember: Her Honour welcomed constructive criticisms of the Judiciary and Judges. When those criticisms were made, Her Honour engaged in an attempt to find a solution.

There is so much to say about Justice Bernard, but I would stop here. I know that other opportunities will present itself for greater elaboration.

Guyana has definitely lost one of her finest daughters; the legal profession of Guyana and the Caribbean has lost a leader par excellence, and women everywhere have lost a role model.

To Justice Bernard’s relatives and loved ones, I express my deepest condolences personally and on behalf of the Attorney General’s Chambers, the Ministry of Legal Affairs, and the Government of Guyana.

May her soul rest in eternal peace.

She has set a high standard for all judges – DPP

Despite having extensive practice in Civil Law before she was appointed as a Puisne Judge, Justice (retired) Desiree Bernard sat in many criminal cases in the High Court, in the Assizes as well as in the Court of Appeal and the

Caribbean Court of Justice, showing her diligence and ability to deal with all aspects of the law.

She has set a high standard for all judges who aspire to emulate her, especially female judges.

She always commented, on the ad-

mission of a young female lawyer to the bar, that more women are now being admitted, but they must not just be numbers, they must strive to excel at the bar.

This was her charge to young female lawyers on their admission.

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond presents a kite to a little one on Thursday as President Dr Irfaan Ali hosted an Easter Fair along Main Street, Georgetown

Reg 3 kid wins “Whiz Kids” season 3

The third season of the Guyana Learning Channel’s Whiz Kids wrapped up on Wednesday with Oshen Sooknanan from the Qayyim Academy in Region Three (Essequibo Island-West Demerara) emerging as the 2024 champion.

The finals which were held at the Arthur Chung Conference Center saw Oshen, Regan Beckles from the Friendship Primary School and Rachel Sawh from the Montrose Primary School competing for the title. The pupils answered an array of questions from four categories, English, Science, Mathematics and Social Studies.

The competition began with each pupil answering a series of questions in the lighting round which earned them points for the final round. After an intense final round with each pupil racing to provide the correct answer, Oshen emerged the winner with 160 points.

Counselling, other support for families of girls who died in Massara

Government has pledged to provide counselling and other support that may be necessary to the families of the three young girls who lost their lives by drowning in Massara Village in the North Rupununi area of Region Nine.

While interacting with the families on Wednesday, Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill related that Government is profoundly saddened by the loss of the three girls from the community. And after meeting with the parents and siblings of 5-year-old Michele Jeffreys and 9-yearold Alicia Dorrick, and the relatives of their 6-year-old cousin Nia Jeffreys, along with Toshao Lenny Moses, it was decided that the two

families would receive the much-needed counselling and other support required to help them through this very difficult time.

Arrangements for the children’s burial are currently being made by the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) as a support to the families, and Minister Edghill is inviting everyone

from across the country to pray for the Jeffrey families in their time of bereavement.

It has been reported that the three girls drowned in the ‘Razor Grass’ pond in Massara Village, North Rupununi. Police have said that the girls left their parents’ home to go for a swim, and after some time, the par-

ents called out to them, but they were nowhere around.

The frantic parents had formed a search party to look for the girls, and they were subsequently found floating in the pond by villagers who had joined the search. The toshao of the village subsequently notified the Annai Police of the incident.

Make do with what you get, and spend it wisely

Dear Editor,

Those were the words spoken by one of the most successful USA Presidents as he was, at the time, speaking to an international audience at our own Arthur Chung Conference Centre, here in Guyana. His sound advice to our Government is to utilise our sovereign wealth, which should redound to the development and prosperity of Guyana. The former head of state further emphasized that the country's oil deal is

just the beginning, and the revenue stream should be spent wisely.

Here, again, the emphasis is on the oil revenue to be "spent wisely." The Guyana Government is cognizant of the fact that this is sound economic advice coming from a First World Leader to a Third World Leader.

When one looks at the rise, and in most cases the fall, of Third World nations, the salient truth of the matter that defines the outcome is the wise use of the

resources. The "Wise use" formula, when evenly applied, can bring about a rapid transformation in one's country; the evidence is seen in places such as The United Arab Emirates.

Others, who were not keen on investing wisely in their country, saw the most dismal of failures. So, the bottom line to all of this is following in the line of reasoning of former President Bill Clinton. There is no other way.

Guyana, for its part, is

well on the way to achieving this, as we follow the path of the wise use of what we have. All across this country, there is a movement upward which augurs well for the future of our country. Our President has said it: we would aggressively harvest our sovereign oil wealth to the benefit of our people. And that is exactly what this country needs at this time.

Respectfully,

Neil Adams

In brief remarks, Education Minister, Priya Manickchand congratulated the pupils who participated. She also commended the team at the Guyana Learning Channel for the work put into producing Whiz Kids.

She noted that the Guyana Learning Channel played an important role in education delivery while schools were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Minister Manickchand highlighted that daily the channel produces content, which is not only educational but also interactive and entertaining.

Head of Distance

Learning – Ms Anieshaw Mohamed said that over the last three years, Whiz Kids has not only improved its content but it has also increased its viewership. She reiterated that the Guyana Learning Channel is committed to developing content which will help students across all levels learn in fun and creative ways.

The game show features Grade Six students from various primary schools competing against each other by answering questions in four categories (Mathematics, English Language, Science, and Social Studies).

FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2024

02:00 Movie - Katy Perry: Part of Me (2012)

03:30 Movie - Upside-Down Magic (2020)

05:00 A TVG Ramadan

05:30 Ramadan Special

06:00 A TVG Good Friday

07:00 Evening News (RB)

08:00 Stop Suffering

09:00 Good Friday Special

10:00 Movie - The Lion of Judah (2011)

11:30 Movie - The Young Messiah (2016)

13:30 Movie - I Still Believe (2020)

15:30 Movie - The Gospel of John (2014)

18:00 A TVG Good Friday R/B

19:00 Jeewan Ki Roti Easter

19:30 Explained

20:00 Stop Suffering

20:30 Movie - Anything Is Possible (2013)

22:00 Movie - The Passion of the Christ (2004)

00:00 Movie - Son of God (2014)

In second place was Regan Beckles with 155 points and in third place with 140 points was Rachel Sawh.

Oshen Sooknanan of the Qayyim Academy in Region Three and Education Minister Priya Manickchand

The finalists posing with Education Minister and members of the Guyana Learning Channel

L-R: Alica Dorrick, Michele Jeffreys and Nia Jeffreys

Page Foundation

Triangles

A 2-dimensional figure with 3 sides is a triangle. A triangle has 3 angles that always add up to 180o. This is one way you can classify triangles.

A triangle with only acute angles – angles less than 90o – is called an acute triangle. A triangle with one right angle is called a right-angled triangle or right triangle. A triangle with one obtuse angle is called an obtuse triangle

Since all angles in a triangle add up to 180o, a triangle can have at most only one right angle or one obtuse angle. Can you figure out why? Ask yourself: How many degrees are in two right angles? What is the smallest number of degrees that two obtuse angles could total?

IExercises:

Identify: Determine if the triangle is acute, right or obtuse.

Walking Rainbow

n this fun and easy science experiment, we’re going to explore and investigate colours by creating a walking rainbow. This classic experiment is awesome, bright coloured, and packed with amazing science!

Materials:

Several types of food colouring 3 clear plastic cups or glasses of the same size

Paper towels

Water

Instructions:

Select the colours you would like to incorporate into the walking rainbow water experiment. Fill up a plastic cup or glass with a few

drops of food colouring. Fill the rest of the cup about halfway full with room temperature water. Now replicate this step, but use a new unique colour. You need to have an extra empty glass of the exact same size for the water to walk into.

Cut a paper towel in half and after that fold it into quarters lengthwise.

Put one end of the paper towel into the coloured water and another end into the empty jar. Now use the other halved and folded piece of paper towel by placing one end in the other cup of coloured water and its opposite end into the empty cup.

Wait for the science to take place! You should soon see both coloured waters climbing the paper towels and joining in the empty cup.

How it works:

Because of capillary action, the water flows or “walks” up and over the paper towels right into the empty cup. The empty cup fills up with water until the water levels of every one of the cups are equal. The original colours will mix creating a new colour.

Make this a science project:

Try different colours. Try expanding the experiment with more cups or jars of coloured water and additional empty vessels to see how far you can make the water walk. Try different types of paper. Try substituting water with vinegar. Try and adding salt to the water. Try very cold water. (sciencefun.org)

When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom’d

By Walt Whitman

4

In the swamp in secluded recesses, A shy and hidden bird is warbling a song.

Solitary the thrush, The hermit withdrawn to himself, avoiding the settlements, Sings by himself a song.

Song of the bleeding throat, Death’s outlet song of life, (for well dear brother I know, If thou wast not granted to sing thou would’st surely die.)

5

Over the breast of the spring, the land, amid cities, Amid lanes and through old woods, where lately the violets peep’d from the ground, spotting the gray debris, Amid the grass in the fields each side of the lanes, passing the endless grass, Passing the yellow-spear’d wheat, every grain from its shroud in the dark-brown fields uprisen, Passing the apple-tree blows of white and pink in the orchards, Carrying a corpse to where it shall rest in the grave, Night and day journeys a coffin.

WORD SEARCH

Forde to challenge Norton for PNC leadership

– Mahipaul signals interest in race – Norton insists he has “integrity” to lead party

Executive Member of the People’s National Congress/Reform, Roysdale Forde, SC, has announced that he will be running for leadership of the PNCR against incumbent leader Aubrey Norton, who believes he has the “integrity” to lead the Opposition to victory at the 2025 elections.

On Thursday, Forde launched his campaign to run for the leadership of PNCR – the leading party in the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)-majority Opposition – at the upcoming Biennial Delegates Congress where the party elects its leader, chairman, vice chairman and 15 members to sit on its Central Executive Committee (CEC).

It was previously announced that the PNCR Congress would be held before its August 31, 2024 deadline.

While no date has been set as yet, Forde believes that there is a short time between the Congress and the upcoming 2025 General and Regional Elections. As such, he rolled out a “Regroup, Refocus and Rebuild” plan which he believes will deliver electoral victory for the party.

“I hereby announce that I’m making myself available for nomination to contest for the position of leader of the People’s National Congress Reform when Congress is officially announced.

“I have travelled to many communities across

Guyana and met with party comrades and supporters of the coalition who are demanding an approach that not only holds the People’s Progressive Party accountable but also an approach that imbues hope in the hearts and minds of Guyanese throughout the length and breadth of Guyana. An approach that shows unity, strength, collectivism, integrity and patriotism as we work together to build our strong future together. To build this future we must Regroup, Refocus and Rebuild,” he stated.

Having served in the PNCR since the 1990s and now being at the highest decision-making body within the party – the CEC, Forde, who is currently the Shadow Attorney General in the National Assembly, believes he not only has the experience but has garnered the support of membership across the country to take the top spot in the leading Opposition party.

“I believe that I have done the work that is required. I have travelled throughout the length and breadth of Guyana to interface with our supporters and I believe that they have expressed their interest and confidence in seeing me as the leader of the party. On the question of experience, I believe that I bring to bear, sufficient and adequate experience which will be able to impact positively on moving the party forward. I am aware

that the Leader said that he is experienced, and the party would not want to be placed into the hands of an inexperienced person, I certainly agree with him, but I believe that

my track record, in and out of politics, demonstrates sufficient experience,” Forde told reporters at his launch.

On this note, the PNC Executive added, “I call on our members and supporters to come on this journey with me, to regroup, refocus and rebuild, as we work to make our party stronger than ever. Join me as we work together to Unite the PNC and Rally the Coalition to Victory in 2025.”

At his campaign launch, Forde was surrounded by several top PNC members, including his colleague Opposition parliamentarians

Annette Ferguson, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley and Natasha Singh-Lewis. Also there to support Forde were former Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine and Region Four Chairman Daniel Seeram.

In addition to Forde, Norton could also be facing another PNCR Executive Ganesh Mahipaul, who has also expressed interest in running for the party’s leadership post.

Shortly after Forde’s announcement, Mahipaul, while sitting alongside Norton at the party’s weekly press conference on Thursday, told reporters that he believes he has what it takes to lead the PNCR. But he said that it would be up to the party’s membership to decide whether he would run.

“I believe that I am aptly qualified to run for leader of this party. I believe that I satisfy all the requirements, and I believe I am very experienced when it comes to the party’s structure and workings. And if groups from this People’s National Congress Reform see me fit and they nominate me for such a position, I will take into serious consideration, their nomination and decide at the right time,” Mahipaul stated.

In their quest to contest the leadership post at the upcoming Congress, Forde and Mahipaul would first have to be nominated by the party’s membership to challenge

Norton for the PNCR leadership.

Only a year ago, Forde and Mahipaul were at the centre of the leaked telephone conversation with Treasurer Faaiz Mursalin, who had expressed concerns about the PNCR leadership on a host of issues including him being instructed to sign several blank cheques.

Meanwhile, Norton is confident that he is the man for the job. The incumbent PNCR leader told reporters at Thursday’s press conference that while anyone could run for the position, he has the integrity to lead the party.

“This party is also a politically sensible party. A lot of party members speak to me and there are certain things they are looking for in the leader at this stage. One of them is that the PPP must have nothing on you so that they can use it to their advantage.

“You must not be involved in any oil scam or there must

not be any document left in the government drawers that could be used to control you.

And I am one of the persons who stand out as somebody whose integrity is intact and the Government has nothing on me. I believe that as a political party, our membership is politically intelligent,” Norton stated.

Following this remark, the Opposition Leader was asked to clarify whether he was inferring that those challenging him for the party’s leadership post were involved in corruption and he responded, “…there was never an inquiry into me and my actions, [but] there are some who are running that there are written inquiries on them and the Guyanese know that, and the membership knows that as well”.

Norton was elected PNC Leader in December 2021 after defeating Dr Richard Van West-Charles and Joseph Harmon, who was supported by Forde at the time. (G8)

Incumbent PNCR Leader Aubrey Norton

PNCR Executive Ganesh Mahipaul

PNCR Executive Roysdale Forde, SC

18 areas earmarked for new housing developments

Government has revealed a comprehensive strategy aimed at further reducing the backlog of house lot applications within the database of the Ministry of Housing and Water.

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, has announced that 18 areas have already been earmarked for new housing developments. As she spoke at an outreach at the Linden Foundation Secondary School in Region

Ten on Wednesday, she said, “In these 18 areas, it will yield over 24,000 lots, which means that everybody from the backlog up to 2019 will be addressed in our first term in office.”

As part of its manifesto, the PPP/C had promised to deliver 50,000 house lots by the end of its first term in office; and although over 30,000 house lots have been allocated so far, Minister Rodrigues high-

lighted, a backlog still exists. Region Five alone has 2,852 applications pending for residential house lots, and Region Four has about 38,000 applications pending.

“We have about 23,000 people from that period up to 2019, and we still have 20,000 allocations to make in our first term, in keeping with the promise that we made,” she clarified.

The minister highlighted a range of initiatives implemented to ensure persons have access to affordable housing opportunities, including investments in infrastructure, land acquisition for housing purposes, removal of taxes on construction materials, and provision of subsidies to assist individuals to commence construction of their homes. She is urging that persons take advantage of the initiatives implemented to aid in the construction of their homes.

Minister Rodrigues has also emphasised that individuals must adhere to the application process, and that allocation would be done within the framework of an “organized and sustainable” housing development strategy.

Addressing the issue of squatting, she highlighted that new squatting areas will not be recognised. “So, if you know of anyone who is even thinking about squatting, discourage them from doing it…It has too many challenges. It will delay the process even further. All of the people who have housing needs in this region and all the regions will be addressed,” Minister Rodrigues has reiterated.

Government has allocated $75 billion in its 2024 budget to continue the housing programme. Some 10,000 house lots are scheduled to be distributed this year.

Looking out…

…for carpetbaggers

With us Mudlanders grabbing headlines in all the major news agencies about our massive oil finds and our touted “highest growth rate in the world”, your Eyewitness wonders why local businesses weren’t prepared for “carpetbaggers” and grifters to arrive like locusts!! Remember that term “carpetbagger”?

After the North had defeated the South in the US Civil War, northern businessmen arrived with just their “carpetbags” – bags made from carpet material that contained their clothes – to make a killing rebuilding the South!! Today, with our backwardness and underdevelopment constantly emphasised, wouldn’t the modern carpetbaggers see us as Walter Raleigh did almost five hundred years ago: “like a virgin that had not as yet lost its maidenhead”!?!

In other words, all the hustlers in the world of business – and in business, “hustler”, of course, is quite redundant!! – have been informed we’re a prime candidate to be ravished. Which, with the dog-eat-dog morality in even the most famous multinationals – remember the contract Trotman brought back? - means we can be raped if we resist!! And Trotman didn’t even resist!! Ouch!!

But it would seem that locals bend over willingly once we’re approached by businesses from the “developed countries” – especially the US, and Britain. Chalk it up to the colonial mindset. They’re on a higher plane of business ethics than ours, aren’t they?? Aren’t they the ones who taught us the ropes, over the years, with all the rules and laws that they enacted?? Well, that’s the point, isn’t it?? Their con men - who exist in all societies – have been at it so much longer than we poor natives, who were just the other day exchanging cows for wives!!

Did you ever wonder how come Bill Clinton flew down with that Dominican Republic bunch of businessmen?

Turns out that the fella who signed that contract to straighten out GPL management issues was an old college buddy of Slick Willie. He’s an Argentinian, hence the Spanish name – but attended Georgetown University, and clearly kept in touch. He credits Bill for his getting into the electricity business in DR - which is still plagued with blackouts. Their govt last year signed a World Bank loan to help them straighten out transmission issues, and your Eyewitness wonders how the fella didn’t bid for THAT contract!!

Whatever…it’s been a case of mutual backscratching, since the fella is a director on the Clinton Foundationand when Hillary was running for President, made a US$100,000 contribution. So, Clinton must’ve collected his usual US$100,000 speaking fee – plus getting the opportunity to meet Pressie and other local bigwigs whom he’ll be connecting – for a fee!!

Now, there’s nothing wrong with all of this – just that we should know what’s really going on!!

…if you work on Good Friday

One of the charms of living in Guyana - the land of six peoples – is that we inherited a lot of stories and superstitions. And sometimes it’s pretty difficult to keep them apart! Good Friday is one of those days of the year that have generated all sorts of stories in Christian countries. And the one that’s most prevalent in Guyana is that you absolutely SHOULDN’T WORK on Good Friday!

This probably arose from the exhortation for Christians to spend the day reflecting on the significance of Jesus’s crucifixion on this day. But it was highly unlikely that our planters were particularly pious. Excepting for “saving the souls” of the poor Africans by enslaving and working them to death, of course! In that, they were most diligent! But, more prosaically, it was likely that, with accidents in the fields or factories occurring with greater frequency on Good Friday, correlation became causation.

Of the 30 countries designating Good Friday a public holiday - half of them are in the Caribbean!

…for EU visas

With France opening an Embassy here next year, we’ll now be able to apply for the “Schengen Visas” to visit Europe. With the oil money starting to circulate in the country, we just gotta visit gay Paris, no??

Minister Rodrigues and her team during an inspection

Justice (rtd) Desiree Bernard passes on Her remarkable career leaves an indelible mark on our legal landscape – Pres Ali

Justice (retired) Desiree Bernard, who served as Chief Justice and Chancellor of the Guyana Judiciary, passed away on Thursday at her residence in Trinidad and Tobago. She was 85.

In a message on his social media platform, President Dr Irfaan Ali has said that Justice Bernard, who had also served as a judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), has left an indelible mark on our legal landscape – one in which all Guyanese should take pride.

“Justice Bernard was a trailblazer for women in the field of law. Her stellar legal career, personal integrity, and her outstanding legacy, I am confident, will continue to inspire all who seek to serve within our legal system,” the president added.

Further, on behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, the president has expressed his deepest condolences to the relatives of Justice Bernard and to the entire legal fraternity.

“The loss of Justice Bernard is deeply felt, not just within our country, but throughout the region,” President Ali added.

Justice Bernard was, in February 2023, conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Letters by the University of Guyana for her distinguished service to the legal system and public ser-

vice. She is often referred to as the first female to break glass ceilings in the field of law.

The honorary degree was initially conferred on Justice Bernard in absentia in December 2022, when the university held a convocation ceremony for its Tain, Berbice campus, but was presented to her in March 2023 in Trinidad.

Justice Bernard read for a Bachelor of Laws at the University of London, and graduated with honours in 1963. After qualifying as a solicitor in 1964, she embarked on private practice in the Supreme Court of Guyana from 1965 to 1980.

During that period, she was appointed a magistrate (1970), Commissioner of Oaths & Notary Public (1976), and was admitted to the English Roll of Solicitors (1977).

Justice Bernard next established several professional “firsts” in being appointed the first female High Court Judge of the Supreme Court of Guyana (1980); the first female Justice of Appeal (1992); the first female Chief Justice of Guyana and the Commonwealth Caribbean (1996); and the first female Chancellor of the Judiciary of Guyana and in the Commonwealth Caribbean (2001).

She took the oath of office as a Judge of the CCJ at the court’s inauguration ceremony on Saturday, April 16, 2005.

During her long and distinguished career, Justice Bernard held memberships in various regional and international organisations, having been the founding Secretary of the Caribbean Women’s Association (CARIWA 1970-1974); first President of the Organisation of Commonwealth Caribbean Bar Associations (OCCBA 1976); member and Chair of the Caribbean Steering Committee for Women’s Affairs, later established as the Women & Development Unit of the University of the West Indies (WAND –1978).

Internationally, she served as both rapporteur (1982-1984) and Chair (1985-1989) of the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, during her membership, which ran from 1982 to 1998.

Moreover, she presented many scholarly papers at, and participated in, numerous international seminars and colloquia, both regionally and internationally, on a variety of subjects relating to the law, gender, and other matters of public interest.

For her exceptional con-

tribution to the improvement of the status of women and the development and practice of law, Justice Bernard had received several awards, the most notable

ed the Caricom Triennial Award for Women. She was awarded the degree of Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) by the University of the West Indies in November

being the Cacique Crown of Honour, and the Order of Roraima, Guyana’s third and second-highest national awards respectively.

In July 2005, this honourable Judge was award-

2007. In February 2011, she was appointed a Judge of the Inter-American Development Bank Administrative Tribunal based in Washington, DC, USA.

Justice (rtd) Désirée Bernard

Justice Désirée Bernard (centre) is flanked by UG Vice-Chancellor Professor Paloma Mohamed (left) and UG Chancellor Professor Edward Greene back in February 2023

Current dry spell to persist until end of April

– Govt urges citizens to avoid lighting fires

The significant decrease in visibility along the East Bank Demerara corridor up to Timehri; along the Soesdyke- Linden Highway, and along the West Bank Demerara corridor has been attributed to a combination of ground fog and smoke resulting from the eruption of grass fires at various places along these communities. The authorities have said that these fires are a result of a mixture of spontaneous combustion and human-induced land clearing and waste destruction.

A release issued by the Home Affairs Ministry has detailed that, “As we continue to experience a prolonged dry season, the risk of fires spreading rapidly and becoming unmanageable is heightened. According to the Guyana Hydrometeorological Service, the dry spell is expected to persist until the

end of April.”

The Home Affairs Ministry has said that the mixture of ground fog and smoke poses challenges for both motorists and pedestrians, because visibility has been made extremely difficult. As such, all road users are being urged to exercise extreme caution during this period; and motorists are advised to reduce speed and utilize both high and low beams, or hazard lights, as appropriate.

Additionally, there are significant health risks associated with smoke inhalation. For the safety and wellbeing of all stakeholders, the Ministry has strongly recommended adherence to the following precautions:

• Stay indoors: Whenever feasible, remain indoors, with windows and doors closed to minimise exposure to smoke.

• Limit outdoor activities: If outdoor excursions are unavoidable, wear a

mask for protection.

• Utilize air filtration: Employ air conditioning systems to help filter indoor air.

• Stay informed: Keep abreast of the latest information and advisories issued by the Fire Service and EPA.

• Consider alternate routes: When planning travel, explore alternative routes to circumvent smoke-affected areas and roadways.

• Exercise caution: Drive with utmost care in affected areas, due to reduced

visibility caused by smoke. Utilize hazard lights or high beams, and remain vigilant for other vehicles and pedestrians.

• Protect vulnerable groups: Take extra precautions to safeguard vulnerable individuals, including children the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.

The Home Affairs Ministry (MoHA) is urgently calling upon all contractors, land developers, and farmers to refrain from initiating fires on or near their properties. The MoHA has said inspections will be conducted by the Guyana Fire Service and the Guyana Police Force to ascertain the cause and source of any fire, and perpetrators found responsible will face legal consequences.

The MoHA is further imploring citizens to abstain from starting fires, adopt preventive measures, and extend assistance in extinguishing any fire, if possible. In the event of a fire, persons are asked to please promptly contact 912.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Thursday related that satellite imagery from its IQ Air Dashboard and NASA Worldview detected heat signatures which could indicate the occurrence of

fires near Santa Rosa Mission, Anna Regina, Belle West, Schoonord, Buxton, Cane Grove, Little Biabu, Soesdyke, Ituni, Moraikobai, and New Amsterdam.

“Air quality index (AQI) concentrations recorded for Region Two are considered ‘unhealthy’, with concentrations exceeding the standard. AQI concentrations for Georgetown, Eccles, Sophia and Linden are ‘moderate’, while the AQI concentration for Whim and Berbice is ‘good’.” The EPA has said.

The EPA has said it wishes to reiterate to residents within affected areas that they should remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions to ensure personal safety; and reduce exposure to the smoke, which could potentially cause a dry cough, throat and eye irritation, etc. Children, the elderly, and persons with underlying respiratory or cardiovascular illness are most vulnerable, the EPA release has detailed.

The public is advised to report any sighting of a fire to the Guyana Fire Service or the Civil Defence Commission, and adhere to any advisory issued by local authorities. The EPA has said it would continue to provide updates in this regard.

“Gunbutt” shot by armed men who took advantage of stepson

An investigation has been launched into a shooting incident involving 41-year-old Calvin Johnson, called “Gunbutt”, of East Ruimveldt Trench Road in Georgetown.

That incident reportedly occurred at about 20:30h on Wednesday, and involved five men, two of whom were armed with handguns.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim was in the Warlock area when his 14-year-old stepson informed him that some boys had taken advantage of him. Accordingly, Johnson approached the five young men whom his stepson had identified; and as he was enquiring what had happened, he observed two men approaching him, both of whom were armed with handguns. The men discharged three rounds in his direction, hitting him

Injured: Calvin Johnson, aka “Gunbutt”

twice in his left ankle. He managed to escape without further injuries, and was taken to the hospital by public-spirited citizens, where a doctor on duty admitted him as a patient.

His condition is regarded as stable.

Police are hunting the suspects, as investigations continue.

Head of GPF’s Major Crimes Unit detained, questioned by US authorities at JFK

Upon landing at the John F Kennedy International Airport in New York, the Head of the Major Crimes Unit of the Guyana Police Force, Superintendent Mitchell Caesar, was questioned for several hours by US authorities.

This has been confirmed by Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo during his press briefing on Thursday.

Jagdeo said, “The report, from what we gather, the report was made to the superior of that policeman.”

He added, “That will engage the leadership of the Police Force; that’s where the matter will be dealt with.”

However, before this revelation was made by the Vice President, Director of the Guyana Police Force’s Corporate Communications Department, Mark Ramotar, when pressed by media operatives on the issue, acknowledged he is aware that Ceasar had been questioned by US authori-

ties. Ramotar said, “What I can confirm is that Mr Caesar is currently on vacation leave in the US.”

Jagdeo has said that, after the interrogation, the senior police rank was permitted entry into the USA. Asked whether the Government was worried by this development, Jagdeo insisted that the Police Force would have to further probe the report.

“The US will not tell us why they question people,” Jagdeo has said.

Guyana Times understands that Caesar was part of a team that travelled to India on official duties, and he was intercepted and questioned after disembarking an Indian aircraft at the JFK Airport.

Back in March 2023, the Government had refuted a finding by the United States’ Department of State that the damning allegations made by Police Sergeant Dion Bascom against Ceasar and other senior of-

Fisherman nabbed with guns, ammo at Whim

A38-year-old fisherman of Whim Village on the Corentyne Coast in East Berbice (Region Six) has been arrested after police found him with two 12-gauge, single-barrel shotguns which reportedly had their serial numbers filed off, and five live cartridges in his possession.

The Police have said that, acting on intelligence received, several ranks proceeded to ‘Wire Dam’ in Whim, where they accosted the suspect as he was carrying a bag, and they requested to search the bag. The guns and ammunition were found in the bag, and the fisherman remains in custody, pending charges.

ficers of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) in 2022 had not been investigated. In its 2022 Human Rights Report on Guyana, the State Department had said, “…In August (2022), police officer Dion Bascom alleged that a businessman bribed members of the Guyana Police Force to foil an investigation into an execution-style killing of Ricardo Fagundes, a gold miner. As of October (2022), police had not investigated Bascom’s claims.”

Attorney General and

Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, S.C., had debunked this US finding by calling it “palpably erroneous”.

According to Nandlall, it is a matter of public record that the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) of the Guyana Police Force had conducted an investigation into the matter in August 2022, and a subsequent report was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice.

He also reminded that Bascom had refused to participate in the probe, or provide any evidence to support his allegations; and further recalled that the Guyana Government had even requested assistance from the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Regional Security System (RSS) to investigate the allegations made by Bascom. That investigative team was headed by a former Detective Chief Inspector of the Metropolitan Police Service’s Serious and Organised Crime Command (United Kingdom).

Upon completion of the investigation, a report was issued and published in the media on September 10, 2022.

Sergeant Bascom was among several persons arrested by the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) on August 8, 2022 after a quantity of cocaine was discovered at a house on Norton Street in Georgetown.

Days later, Sergeant Bascom, seemingly angered by his arrest, during several Facebook live videos, made damning allegations of corruption against several senior police detectives and a prominent businessman.

Bascom has alleged that police ranks have accepted bribes and are “covering up” the murder of Fagundes, called “Paper Shorts”, who was gunned down outside a nightclub on Main Street, Georgetown in March 2021. He later deleted the videos out of fear for his family members’ lives. Acting Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken and Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum have already debunked Sergeant Bascom’s allegations, calling them “malicious and untrue”.

The businessman, who from the onset had distanced himself from the allegations, has since filed

a $200 million defamation lawsuit against Sergeant Bascom, in which he contended in his Statement of Claim that the words and statements uttered by Bascom are all untrue, false, dangerous, disingenuous, malicious, irrational, unfair, unsubstantiated, unfounded, and baseless, thereby tarnishing and lowering his reputation.

Bascom is also facing a second $50 million lawsuit that was filed by 44-year-old Mark Richmond, attached to a private security detail, whom the sergeant had alleged was involved in the shooting.

Meanwhile, back in April 2023, former Permanent Secretary of the Home Affairs Ministry, Mae Thomas-Meerabux, was detained and allegedly manhandled by male officers attached to the US Customs and Border Protection. Her mobile phone was also confiscated during that ordeal.

Days after that incident, President Dr Irfaan Ali had said there was no ulterior motive behind the treatment meted out to Mae Thomas-Meerabux, and had added that it was a normal procedure.

Superintendent Mitchell Caesar

The guns and ammunition found on the fisherman

Pres Ali orders design for rehabilitation of Meadow Bank Wharf within 2 weeks

– assures fisherfolk of continued efforts to upgrade facility

resident Dr Irfaan

PAli has instructed Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and his team to complete a design and submit it within two weeks for the upgrade of the Meadow Bank Wharf, Greater Georgetown.

He passed this instruction during an impromptu visit to the location on

Thursday to experience first-hand the challenges faced by the stakeholders at the wharf.

One of the major concerns raised was the need to rehabilitate the wharf which is being utilised by approximately 42 fishermen, several vendors, and other stakeholders.

Upon the submission of

the design for the wharf, the tendering process will be undertaken. This process is expected to be completed within two weeks.

About a year ago, the President visited the facility and promised that major rehabilitative work would be undertaken. On Thursday, he returned to see if the improvements he committed to

were made.

“We did a lot of improvement from the last time, but we have to put up more lights, do a shade coming right through and we got to do this wharf.

“To do the design, put in some more lights, so within four weeks we’ll go out to tender for the wharf,” the Head of State added.

Fisherfolk and other stakeholders have so far benefited from enhanced security and access to clean water and washroom facilities, all of which were major concerns raised during previous consultations with Government Ministers.

In addition, during his engagements with the fisherfolk, he committed to procuring a fillet machine to make their work easier.

The wharf continues to be a hotspot for robberies and vandalism which resulted in many stalls being damaged.

Since the establishment of a Police outpost at the facility, the number of reported robberies has decreased.

The wharf services residents of the city and surrounding communities with wholesale and retail fish and

other products, and according to Ali, its development is a priority.

His visit to the Meadow Bank Wharf comes one day after he met with fishermen at Three-Door Fishermen’s Co-operative Society in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice).

During the meeting, President Ali was told that the wharf should be at least 250 feet out into the water to allow for easier access and transportation of fisherfolk’s catch. They also asked for lights to be installed in the area to ensure their safety at night.

In response, President Ali informed the fisherfolk that he would have the Agriculture Ministry look into the construction of the wharf.

Additionally, he promised to have a shed and the tarmac rehabilitated after the Co-op members complained about their current state.

The President instructed the Regional Engineer to work with the fisherfolk and come with up an estimate for the upgrades. A timeline was given for this to be done.

President Ali in discussion with a fisherman

President Dr Irfaan Ali engaging Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha during the walkabout

Linden Highway fatal accident Ranks were not properly attired with relevant reflectors – driver of lorry tells Police

The driver of the motor lorry involved in the accident that claimed the life of Guyana Defence Force Sergeant Deslyn Nicholson on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway on Wednesday evening has said he couldn’t see the soldiers as they were not wearing any reflective vests, lights, or other warning appliances. Moreover, the area was dark due to the absence of street lights.

The Police have said that this accident occurred at about 21:00h on Wednesday in the vicinity of the Splashmin Resort, and involved motor lorry GAC 5915, which was at the time being driven by a 26-year-old resident of Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara, and three soldiers who, according to the GDF, were part of the army’s annual 30km walk. The soldiers are Staff Sergeant Kwame Reid, Lance Corporal Kelly Jackson, and the late Sergeant Deslyn Nicholson, 33, a resident of Number 30 Village, West Coast Berbice. They were stationed at Base Camp Stephenson at Timehri.

The driver has alleged that he was proceeding south along the eastern side of the road at Madewini when he suddenly saw three persons in dark-coloured clothing walking three abreast on the east-

Dead: Sergeant Deslyn Nicholson

ern side of the road, heading south. At the time, he noted, they were not wearing any reflective vests, lights, or other warning appliances, and the area was also dark.

He said that upon seeing them, he applied brakes to avoid a collision, but due to the short distance, the left side front of his vehicle collided with them, causing them to sustain injuries about their bodies and fall on the road surface. The driver said that as he exited his vehicle, he noticed the three pedestrians were all soldiers.

The injured soldiers were picked up and taken by army ambulance to

the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where Nicholson was pronounced dead, while the two other ranks were treated and sent away. A breathalyzer test was conducted on the lorry driver, but no trace of alcohol was detected in his system. He remains in custody as investigations continue.

Meanwhile, the GDF has said that, by Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), a Board of Inquiry into this incident will be conducted. All precautionary measures are taken on board when an SOP is being conducted, inclusive of ambulance and reflectors etc.

GFS officials better equipped in data collection following BoS training

Key personnel across all Guyana Fire Service (GFS) stations are now better equipped to improve that organization’s data collection, analysis and management following a training exercise conducted by technical personnel from the Bureau of Statistics.

A total of 58 firefighters and subordinate officers from the 22 Fire Stations of the GFS have been trained, in two batches over two weeks, at the GFS Headquarters in Georgetown in areas that covered: the importance of statistics for decision-making; the importance of good stewardship of data; introduction to data collection and management; data analysis; and improving workflows and reporting outcomes.

This exercise has been in keeping with the Bureau’s commitment to strengthen its relationships with agencies across the national sta-

tistical system in order to maximize the benefits of data and statistics, and ensure a coordinated approach to data collection.

Chief Fire Officer Gregory Wickham, in remarks at the closing of the training exercise, impressed upon those gathered the importance of the GFS having accurate, relevant, and reliable statistics, which would have implications nationally

and even beyond.

He highlighted that those persons trained are now equipped with the requisite knowledge to represent their respective fire stations on the statistical front, which would thereby improve the reporting of statistics. In this vein, he urged the participants to practise what they learnt during their statistical training, and expressed gratitude to the Bureau for facil-

itating the capacity-building exercise.

The GFS Divisional Officer - Administration with responsibility for training, Haimchandra Persaud, also stressed the importance of the capacity building exercise, since statistics play an important role in budgeting, forecasting for procurement, as well as examining trends.

He also said that training would enable a synchronized

approach to data collection and analysis across the GFS fire stations countrywide.

And in commenting on the training exercise, Chief Statistician Errol La Cruez said the Bureau is pleased to collaborate with its sister agencies across the national statistical system to unleash the power of data and statistics in guiding better planning and decision-making.

“Firefighters are vital to keeping our communities

safe, and good data and statistics are critical tools supporting that effort. Through this engagement with the Guyana Fire Service, we are working to build appropriate capacity in the production and use of data and statistics that will facilitate better monitoring and evaluation, and enhanced effectiveness in the overall operations of this very important arm of our disciplined services,” he has said.

A BoS official engaging a member of the GFS at the training

Chief Fire Officer Gregory Wickam and members of the GFS after the training

UK donates drone for mangrove monitoring in Barima-Mora Passage

British High Commissioner, Jane Miller has recently donated a DJI Mavic 3 Pro drone to the Project Director of the Guyana Marine Conservation Society (GMCS), Annette Arjoon to monitor the region’s vast mangrove cultivation.

The UK envoy handed over the equipment during a visit to Barima Mora Passage in Region One (Barima-Wain) to observe the training of a group of young indigenous girls and boys to champion conservation efforts. In addition, they are trained to use drone technology to protect mangroves and raise awareness about their importance within their local communities.

Miller was accompanied by Programme Manager, Kassia De Santos and Political, Press & Public Affairs Officer, Tianna Graham. The training provided is part of the UK’s Blue

Social Challenge Fund.

The three-month pilot programme will see seven youths from Aruka, Smith Creek, Morawhanna, and Imbotero being trained and certified in drone operation for monitor-

ing mangroves and the coastal ecosystem.

Their work will support the Barima Mora Passage blue economy and enhance climate resilience. By monitoring and capturing aerial

footage of areas impacted by illegal clearing and natural as well as man-made fires. The climate champions will help to monitor the mangrove ecosystems and report threats so action can be taken to prevent further degradation.

High Commissioner Miller emphasised to the trainees the critical importance of mangroves in sequestering carbon. She impressed on them that the training would be transformative helping them to apply innovation to climate action in their communities. This is important since many indigenous communities depend on the ecosystem services provided by mangroves and fisheries from the adjacent rivers for their livelihoods. She told

them their efforts hold significant potential for positive change.

The Pilot she added, is instrumental in shaping the UK’s Blue Social Challenge Fund to be agile, responsive and effective in supporting communities to develop solutions to their climate challenges while building resilience and livelihoods linked to the blue economy.

On the other hand, Arjoon believes the training will help in the long term to strengthen the monitoring capacity of Barima Mora Passage communities. It will support research and raise awareness and knowledge to improve the blue economy through the conservation of critical marine and mangrove ecosys-

tems, building sustainable livelihoods, and climate resilience.

Two days after the graduation of the drone trainees their services were required by the Protected Areas Commission to assist in identifying the location of a forest fire in the Shell Beach Protected Area Guyana’s only coastal protected area which was established in 2011.

The Barima Mora Passage drone unit was headed by Shakira Yipsam of Aruka. She was accompanied by Mariam Jerome and Mark Sam who prepared a mission report for the Guyana Marine Conservation Society on the successful completion of their first drone mission.

British High Commissioner Jane Miller handing over the drone to the group of youths being trained

The group of young people operating the drone

Environmental sustainability must be at the forefront of tourism efforts – PM Phillips

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired)

Mark Phillips emphasised that Guyana’s ambition to become a tourism hub must prioritise environmental sustainability.

The Prime Minister was at the time delivering the feature address at the launching of the 2024 edition of the “Explore Guyana” magazine, at the Herdmanston Lodge on Wednesday.

He pointed out that Guyana has a wealth of natural resources and rich biodiversity, and these elements unlock vast potential for the tourism sector.

PM Phillips underscored the Government’s commitment to expanding eco-tourism, aiming for economic growth while safeguarding the integrity of Guyana’s natural environment.

Stressing the importance of protecting eco-tourism products from degradation and contamination, he further emphasised the need for sustainable practices to

Man chops reputed wife after threatened with eviction

Overseas-based Guyanese Deomattie Rampersaud of Highbury Village, East

lar phone in conversation with a male friend.

Based on reports received, on Wednesday evening, the 56-yearold Rampersaud and her 44-year-old reputed husband were engaged in an argument, and Rampersaud reportedly threatened to put him out of the house. This threat angered the man, and he reacted by arming himself with a cutlass and dealing her several chops about her body, after which he placed her in her car and drove to the New Amsterdam Regional Hospital, where she has been admitted as a patient. Her condition is listed as serious, but stable.

Bank Berbice (Region Six: East Berbice-Corentyne) is now a patient of the New Amsterdam Hospital after being chopped several times by her reputed husband during a heated argument over her being on her cellu-

Guyana Times understands that these two persons have been having trust issues with each other. The suspect, meanwhile, has been arrested and he is assisting with the investigations.

“We must cultivate a heightened consciousness regarding environmental stewardship and commit to minimising pollution and littering in all its forms to present the best version of ourselves. It is crucial to strike a delicate balance, ensuring that increased visitation does not compromise the pristine state of our natural wonders,” PM Phillips added. These efforts have even

received international recognition.

Recently, Guyana was awarded the Destination of the Year in the Ecological Tourism category by the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA). This award sheds light on the country’s growing emergence as a sanctuary for eco-conscious travellers.

“From thrilling jungle expeditions and exhilarating outdoor adventures to immense cultural, educational, and sporting experiences…. Guyana offers something for every traveller. By strategically investing in the sectors and showcasing the unique attractions they offer, Guyana can unlock more and more enormous opportunities for growth, drawing in visitors from around the world,” the Prime Minister stated.

With this in mind, PM Phillips said that this year’s edition of the magazine marked another significant milestone in the Government and Private Sector’s efforts to showcase Destination Guyana to the rest of the world.

He highlighted the pivotal role that “Explore Guyana” has played in highlighting Guyana’s cultural splendours and aesthetic

natural wonders, and commended its consistency in capturing these elements.

“We must also highlight the warmth of our people, the richness of our traditions, and the sense of tranquillity that pervades our environment. Tourism fulfils a crucial role in providing visitors with a fleeting escape, a profound and enriching experience that lingers in their hearts long after they have departed our shores,” the PM said.

Meanwhile, British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller said that the United Kingdom would continue to work with stakeholders in boosting Guyana’s tourism industry.

“The UK values eco-tourism, because it is important to the economy of the country, and as Guyana diversifies its economy, tourism is an important part of that,” she said.

This year’s edition of the magazine invites nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers to delve into the breathtaking beauty of Guyana.

The cover features the majestic hoatzin, commonly known as the “Canje Pheasant”, which is the national bird of Guyana.

The house where the chopping occurred

The injured woman

Prime Minister Mark Phillips receiving a copy of the book on Wednesday evening from a tourism official ensure long-term viability.

CoI into 2002-2003 crime wave will be conducted – GS Jagdeo affirms

The General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Bharrat Jagdeo said the Government would be conducting a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the various killings that occurred during the 2002-2003 crime wave.

He voiced the Government’s position in response to media operatives who questioned the Government’s willingness to conduct a COI, as recommended by the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC).

“The Government will be going ahead with the CoI, because the UN wants it; Granger wanted it and I hope that there will be no prevarication anymore.

There shall be a CoI,” Jagdeo stated during a press conference on Thursday.

In 2018, the coalition administration under former President David Granger promised that a CoI would be appointed to investigate

the circumstances of the crime wave.

“Society has been scarred by violence, which left a lingering legacy of distrust with the potential of fresh disorder. Monuments at Bartica, Buxton and Eve Leary have been erected for the vic-

tims of violence during the ‘troubles’ between 2002 and 2009. We still have an obligation to investigate those troubles and ensure that the culprits are brought to justice,” he was quoted as saying, noting that there were allegedly 1431 murders in that period. Mr. Granger had said too that his administration would have ensured that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

Further, former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Minister of State, Joseph Harmon had said after, that the CoI Granger spoke of would start working “before the end of the week” in 2018. While he did not give a definitive makeup of the

Commission, he did inform it would comprise as many as three persons and a judge would be among the members. “When the President says something, he means it,” Harmon stressed, noting that getting information was not an issue”.

However, this did not happen and he did nothing.

Following the February 23, 2002 Camp Street prison jailbreak, there was an unprecedented crime wave, with armed robberies and murders, including hits on Police, reaching unprecedented levels across the country.

According to Jagdeo, he believes that the CoI was discarded for several reasons.

“They knew: 1) it would

show that no 400 young Afro-Guyanese kids were killed; and 2) that they were complacent…that promise was made in one of their submissions to the UN in 2018. We now ask, where is this inquiry? he questioned.

The General Secretary noted that the CoI will only establish what has been in the Police records, “That APNU was complacent; first of all, the lies that they talked about 1400 people killed, then they got it reduced to 400,” he expounded.

Moreover, Jagdeo noted that the COI will also link prominent figures from the PNC-led opposition, who were allegedly supplying materials and equipment to the gangs responsible for the crime wave.

‘Utter ignorance’ – RPA on EPA’s call for rice farmers to stop burning fields

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ordered rice farmers to desist from burning their fields, a crucial practice in the cultivation of this important crop; but President of the Rice Producers Association (RPA), Leakha Rambrich, has said this EPA order is based on “utter ignorance” of the principles of rice cultivation.

It has been explained that the burning of rice fields is a critical aspect of rice cultivation. It is done to prepare the soil for another crop. Farmers say that while other methods are available, burning is both less time-consuming and less labour-intensive; and, more importantly, burning helps to better control weeds and pests.

The EPA has ordered rice farmers to desist from this practice. In a notice published on March 27, the EPA said farmers must discontin-

ue this practice of burning their fields, since burning may cause wildfires.

According to the EPA, farmers should transition to alternative methods of field management, including manual removal of the materials that are burned, or ploughing them back into the fields.

The EPA has also outlined that although burning may return some mineral elements to the soil, it results in the loss of most organic material and nutritional content of rice straw. Moreover, repetitive burning in specific locations can damage soil layers, particularly the surface layer, impacting physical and chemical properties.

Further, the EPA argues that burning releases significant air pollutants, and has specified some of them. The agency noted that the release of such pollutants can adversely affect human health by impairing lung function, exacerbating respiratory diseases and causing discomfort for individuals with allergies.

Rice farmers are, however, refuting the EPA’s assertions and are pushing back, so to speak.

Dannyram Persaud, a rice farmer of Number Naught Village Corentyne(Region Six: East Berbice-Corentyne), has said the directive from the EPA is akin to instructing rice farmers to stop planting paddy.

“Without burning the

field, we can’t go back in. There is no way you can prepare the land without burning. If you pump water into the land and start ploughing, then the water would become ‘lease’, and rice can’t grow on lease water,” he has asserted.

Former president of the 52-74 Water Users Association (WUA), Neazam Rajab, has also contended that most rice cultivating areas are far away from residential dwellings. He is contending that if farmers are prohibited from burning their rice fields, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) should likewise be prohibited from burning its cane fields.

“I don’t see the burning of straw as being an environmental problem,” he contended, as he added that it would be very difficult

to replant on a field that has not been burnt. “So, we have to burn it! But the rice cultivation area is way in the backdam, is it an environmental problem?” he asked.

He has also asked: if the burning of rice straw is an environmental issue, what about flaring and other activities associated with the extraction of oil?

“How much carbon is going into the environment? Is it not damaging the environment? Which one produces more tonnes of carbon? The EPA has to give us a better reason why we should not burn the straw, other than it is not healthy,” he argues.

President of the Rice Producers Association, Leakha Rambrich, expanding on his contention that the EPA order is grounded in ignorance of the principles of rice cultivation, has said,

“The EPA has to take into consideration the fact that the rice industry has been here for over 120 years, and Guyana has been exporting rice for over 105 years. We have been burning straws since the inception of this industry. While I understand that the burning of straw is not good for the environment, you have other countries that have been producing rice long before Guyana, and they burn straw.”

He noted that India, currently one of the world’s largest rice exporting countries, has been burning rice straw. “When they are burning, the entire province is affected by smoke,” he disclosed.

Rambrich has said that while he agrees that Guyana would eventually have to implement First World standards, Guyana is still a Third World country, and it

cannot be expected to reach First World standards in a day. He has called on the EPA to implement strategies that would result in that agency working with farmers to have them understand the benefits of implementing alternative measures.

“We don’t have winter, so (that) we have to bale straw and keep it,” he said. “We have enough arable lands that our cattle can go and graze. It is only now, because of the dry weather, that we are baling some straw, but as soon as the rain starts and the grass starts to grow, that would be history,” he pointed out.

“The EPA has to come up with sensible solutions to this problem. It seems that the EPA wants to close the rice industry,” he has declared.

Pointing out that Government has been investing in the rice industry, and is aiming for the country to produce one million tonnes by 2027, Rambrich has said, “I am highly disappointed with the EPA to come up with something like this! Look at all of the developed countries that are burning straw; even the USA! It is unacceptable! We would not accept that! Utter ignorance! Give us a solution to the problem! Set an example by starting with those who are damaging the ecosystem more than we are, and deal with them first!” (Andrew Carmichael)

President of the Rice Producers Association, Leakha Rambrich

A rice field being burnt

PPP GS, Bharrat Jagdeo

Around the World

OIL NEWS

Oil rises more than US$1 a barrel on tighter supply outlook

Oil prices jumped more than US$1 a barrel on Thursday, closing out the month higher on the prospect of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC+) staying the course on production cuts, ongoing attacks on Russia's energy infrastructure and a falling US rig count tightening crude supplies.

Brent crude futures for May settled at US$87.48 a barrel, its highest level since October 27, after gaining US$1.39, or 1.6 per cent. The more-actively traded June contract settled at US$87 a barrel, rising US$1.58, with the May contract expiring on Thursday.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures for May delivery settled at US$83.17 a barrel, rising US$1.82, or 2.2 per cent.

On the week, Brent rose 2.4 per cent and WTI gained about 3.2 per cent. Both benchmarks finished higher for a third consecutive month.

In the prior session, oil prices had come under pressure from last week's unexpected rise in US crude oil and gasoline inventories, driven by an increase in crude imports and sluggish gasoline demand, according to Energy Information Administration (EIA) data.

However, the crude stock increase was smaller than the build projected by the American Petroleum Institute (API), and analysts noted the increase was lower than expected for the time of year.

"We ... expect US inventories to rise less than normal in reflection of a global oil market in a slight deficit," SEB analyst Bjarne Schieldrop said. "This will likely hand support to the Brent crude oil price going forward."

US refinery utilisation rates, which rose 0.9 percentage point last week, also supported prices.

The oil and gas rig count, an early indicator of future output, also fell by three to 621 in the week to March 28, according to energy services firm Baker Hughes.

The US economy, meanwhile, grew faster than previously estimated in the fourth quarter. Gross Domestic Product increased at a 3.4 per cent annualised rate from the previously reported 3.2 per cent pace, the Commerce Department's Bureau of Economic Analysis said.

"The strength in the stock market suggests strong forward earnings that are, in turn, hinting at a surprisingly strong US economy conducive toward better-than-expected energy product demand," said Jim Ritterbusch of energy consultancy Ritterbusch and Associates.

Inflation data also affirmed the case for the US Federal Reserve to hold off on cutting its short-term interest rate target, a Fed Governor said on Wednesday, but he did not rule out trimming rates later in the year.

"The market is converging on a June start to cuts for both the Fed and the European Central Bank," JPMorgan analysts said in a note. Lower interest rates typically support oil demand.

Investors will watch for cues from a meeting next week of the Joint Monitoring Ministerial Committee of producer group OPEC.

Increased geopolitical risk has raised expectations of possible supply disruption, but OPEC+ is unlikely to make any oil output policy changes until a full ministerial gathering in June.

Attacks by Ukraine on Russian energy infrastructure have also boosted the sentiment around global crude supplies tightening and helped to support oil prices, said Again Capital LLC partner John Kilduff.

"It's a prime target, and they appear to have not heeded the ask by the Biden Administration to not attack Russian energy infrastructure," Kilduff said. (Reuters)

World Court orders Israel to halt Gaza famine; Hamas says ceasefire needed

The World Court on Thursday unanimously ordered Israel, accused by South Africa of genocide in Gaza, to take all necessary and effective action to ensure basic food supplies to the enclave's Palestinian population and halt spreading famine.

But Gaza's Hamas rulers said a ceasefire was needed to halt the humanitarian crisis.

The order from the International Court of Justice came as Israeli forces and Palestinian fighters battled in close combat around Gaza's Al Shifa Hospital, where the armed wings of Hamas and Islamic Jihad said they attacked Israeli soldiers and tanks with rockets and mortar fire.

Judges at the court said the people in the coastal enclave face worsening conditions.

the court ordered a ceasefire as an absolute solution to all the miseries our people in Gaza are living through, Naim told Reuters.

The new measures were requested by South Africa as part of its case that accuses Israel of State-led genocide in Gaza.

"The court observes that Palestinians in Gaza are no longer facing only a risk of famine (...) but that famine is setting in," the Judges said in their order.

Zelenskiy tells US House Speaker: Quick passage of military aid is vital

Ukrainian President Volodymyr

Zelenskiy told the speaker of the US House of Representatives on Thursday that it was vital for Congress to pass a new military aid package for Kyiv rapidly in order to maintain international unity on the conflict with Russia.

Republican Speaker Mike Johnson has held up a bill for months that would supply US$60 billion in military and financial aid for Ukraine.

"Quick passage of US aid to Ukraine by Congress is vital. We recognise that there are differing views in the House of Representatives on how to proceed, but the key is to keep the issue of aid to Ukraine as a unifying factor," Zelenskiy said on X.

In his nightly video address, Zelenskiy said he

Dengue cases in the Americas rose in the first three months of this year by three times the number of infections reported in the same period last year, the Head of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) said on Thursday.

Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay are the countries hardest hit by dengue in what PAHO officials described as potentially the worst outbreak in the

Senior Hamas official Basem Naim said the ruling did not go far enough and Israel must be ordered to end its military offensive to halt the suffering.

told Johnson that Russian strikes on Ukrainian cities were "escalating and can only be stopped by the physical force of our defence".

"And it is very important for Congress to maintain its leadership so that the defence of freedom remains an idea that unites within our countries and in a majority in the world."

Ukrainian troops are on the back foot on the battlefield, facing shortages of artillery supplies, with the US assistance held up in Congress and the European Union failing to deliver on time munitions that it had promised earlier.

The Ukrainian military said that its top commander, Oleksander Syrskyi, had spoken to the US Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, Charles Brown, about battlefield issues.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

"We welcome any new demands to end this humanitarian tragedy in Gaza and especially in the northern Gaza Strip, but we hoped

The United Nations Security Council voted on Tuesday to demand an immediate ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. The United States abstained from, but did not veto, the vote. There was no immediate comment from Israel's Foreign Ministry on the World Court ruling. Israel has said it is making efforts to expand access for humanitarian groups to Gaza overland, through air drops and by ship.

Israeli leaders have said Hamas can end the war by surrendering, freeing all hostages it holds in Gaza and handing over for trial those involved in the October 7 attack. (Excerpt from Reuters)

South Africa bus crash kills 45 Easter pilgrims, Transport Ministry says

AFirst responders work at the site of a deadly bus crash along the R518 in Waterberg District, Limpopo Province, South Africa, March 28, 2024 in this image taken from social media (Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety via Reuters) a bridge near Mamatlakala, causing the bus to go over the bridge and hit the ground, catching fire, according to a statement by the Transport Department.

bus crash in South Africa's northern province of Limpopo resulted in 45 deaths and one serious injury, South Africa's Department of Transport said on Thursday.

The driver lost control and collided with barriers on

Surging dengue cases in Americas cause alarm as potentially worst-ever season looms

Americas to date for the deadly mosquito-borne viral illness.

"Probably this will be the worst dengue season that we will have," PAHO Director Dr Jarbas Barbosa da Silva told a webcast press conference

PAHO, a United Nations agency, has confirmed more than 3.5 million cases of dengue and over 1000 deaths this year through March across the Americas.

Barbosa da Silva said the entire region saw around 4.5 million reported cases in all of 2023, which he said puts the Americas on track for its highest-ever number of cases this year.

Around 4 billion people, or about half the world's population, live in areas with a risk of contracting dengue, according to data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

The bus was taking Easter pilgrims from Botswana, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, to Moria, a town in Limpopo, it added.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa sent his condolences to Botswana and pledged support to the country, his office said in a statement.

Only an eight-year-old survived the crash and was receiving medical attention at a nearby hospital, Limpopo's Department of Transport said in a separate statement.

Some bodies were burned beyond recognition while others were trapped inside the debris or scattered on the scene, the provincial department said. (Reuters)

Smoke rises during an Israeli raid at Al Shifa Hospital and the area around it, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Gaza City, March 21, 2024

(Reuters/Dawoud Abu Alkas photo)

DAILY HOROSCOPES

(March 21-April 19)

(April 20-May 20)

(May 21-June 20)

(June 21-July 22)

(July 23-Aug. 22)

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

A little pressure will go a long way. Stand up for your rights. Set a budget and focus on saving money and redefining what’s important to you. Sell what you no longer need.

Establish what you want to achieve. Entertain the possibility of collaboration, and you’ll discover valuable alternatives. If you need to apply pressure, you should rethink your path.

Get your facts straight from the source. Someone will take advantage of you if you are naive. Ask questions and work to protect yourself and your reputation. Seek expert advice.

Don’t fear what others tell you. A proposal will grab your interest. Attend events that are conducive to meeting someone interesting. Love is apparent, and curiosity will lead to new opportunities.

Be ready to make a last-minute adjustment if necessary. Your undivided attention will ensure that everyone stays on track. Don’t disregard your inner voice.

Don’t let a friend, relative or colleague interfere with your personal decisions. An emotional argument will turn into a no-win situation. Be a good listener

Discuss issues openly and revise responsibilities and schedules. Don’t let anger set in when resolve is what you need. Choose intelligence over pressure.

Give yourself a chance to breathe. Don’t feel pressured by outside influences. Concentrate on what’s meaningful to you. Change what’s necessary. Take time to enjoy life.

Keep emotions hidden and your eye on how others act. An open mind combined with intelligence and the power of persuasion will help you stay out of trouble and make wise decisions. Stick close to home.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Follow the rules and concentrate on your achievements. Put a plan in play that helps you stabilize your budget. Make changes that will lower your overhead or broaden your horizons.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Avoid temptation and focus on bringing in extra cash and saving for something you want. Refrain from letting a last-minute change throw you off guard.

Finish what you start and present what you achieve; the feedback will lead to something new and exciting. Look for opportunities to invest in something that will increase your profile.

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

PICKLES

ARCHIE

Indian Premier League 2024…

RIYAN PARAG COMES OF AGE

–to keep Capitals and away teams winless

On a night when their big three batters managed 31 off 37 between them, Rajasthan Royals overcame a big conditions’ handicap through what many feel is the coming of age of Riyan Parag. When the ball seamed and swung, accounting for Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson and Jos Buttler, Parag played watchfully, but turned 16 off 20 into a match-winning 84 off 45.

Despite the Parag assault, Delhi Capitals would have felt confident they could chase down 186, what with the dew and reduced seam movement on offer; but Nandre Burger, Royals’ Impact Player, made early dents with the ball, Yuzvendra Chahal picked up wickets, and Avesh Khan and Sandeep Sharma closed out superbly with yorkers and wide lines.

Batters in a dance DC’s new-ball bowlers might not have the extreme pace, but Mukesh Kumar and Khaleel Ahmed maximised the early seam movement by bowling in areas where they kept at-

tacking the stumps. Even though

RR looked to weather the storm, they couldn’t afford to do so for too long, lest they batted themselves out of the game.

Thus Mukesh bowled Jaiswal, Khaleel drew an edge from Samson during his third over in the powerplay, and Kuldeep Yadav trapped Buttler lbw on the reverse-sweep. At 36 for 3 in the eighth over, it could be argued that decisive damage had been caused already.

Ashwin takes flight

Even as Parag struggled to reach even a run-a-ball in the first half of his innings, R Ashwin was promoted and he hit three sixes. The idea was probably to delay the introduction of Shimron Hetmyer, and in the process, make sure they didn’t use their Impact substitution on a batter. Not only did Ashwin hold out until the ideal point of entry for the bigger hitters, he hit DC’s best bowlers on paper, Kuldeep and Anrich Nortje, for three sixes. These blows took RR’s run rate past six for the first time.

In the 11th over of the innings.

Parag takes over

Playing on painkillers and flu medication after three days of illness, Parag took over after Ashwin got out. The switch-up started with a pulled six off Kuldeep in the 13th over, continued with 6,4 and 4 in the 15th to somewhat damage Khaleel’s figures, and ended with a glorious takedown of Nortje in the 20th over, which went for two sixes and 25 runs in all.

Hetmyer, who started his innings in the 18th over, ended with an unbeaten 14 off seven.

Sizzling Burger worth the wait

It was clear that RR were going lengths to get the services of Burger over Powell. The Parag assault in the final third of the innings helped them make their minds up. And Burger immediately vindicated the decision by getting rid of the marauding Mitchell Marsh and Ricky Bhui in the fourth over. On a night that Trent Boult went wicketless, forget taking his usual firstover wicket, Burger made sure RR caused the early damage. Marsh was bowled through swing at high space, and Bhui gloved a bouncer.

Chahal et al apply

Slight changes for Port Mourant Turf Club Easter Cup horse meet

Systems are moving apace for the Port Mourant Turf Club’s Easter Cup horse meet on Sunday, March 31. All the top horses from the top racing stables are slated to take centre stage, and more than 10 million dollars in cash and prizes would be up for grabs during the seven races that are on the cards.

Two changes have been made to the programme, in that the E Class race has been cancelled and the three-year-old race will now be only for Guyana-bred horses.

The feature event is the Easter Cup, which will be open to all horses and would be contested over a distance of 1700 metres for a top cash prize of G$1.5M.

Newly imported Trinidadian horse Soca Harmony is expected to debut in Guyana, while Jumbo Jet’s top duo of Spankurst and Easy Time will be aiming to extend their domi-

Seven

nance. Stolen Money, fresh from a win at Bush Lot, will also be a main challenger at Port Mourant on Sunday.

Additional races include the three-year-old Guyanabred, H3 & Lower non-winner in Guyana five years and over, ‘L’ Class & J 3 maiden. The ‘G’ & Lower and first-time West Indies starters, J & Lower four years and above and the

four-year-old West Indies and Guyana-bred races, which would complete the day’s event.

All races would be run under the guidance of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority rules, and races are subject to change. Only jockeys with less than five (5) wins for year 2023 will be allowed to ride in the ‘L’ Class and J3 maiden rac-

middle overs’ squeeze

The two big left-arm seamers took on the challenge of bowling inside the powerplay, which also probably meant less pressure on the remaining four bowlers to bowl 14 between them.

David Warner looked threatening, especially with a known asking rate and the conditions generally improving for batting, but then Avesh got him out with a full and wide ball. Pundits have already pointed out his open front foot has opened up the off side on straight balls, but has also taken him far away from the ball when it is bowled wide. It seemed here that he took out a fishing

pole to reach this one, and the edge flew to Sandeep at short third.

Yuzvendra Chahal then took out two left-hand batters, Risbhabh Pant and Ishan Porel. Ashwin could have ended the match in the 17th over, had Boult taken the straightforward catch from Tristan Stubbs, but the reprieved batter made it interesting with three sixes and a four off the next six balls that he faced. However, 22 off 10 is the closest the equation got for them, as Sandeep and Avesh nailed their yorkers and kept making the batters hit into the bigger boundary.

(ESPNCricInfo)

SCOREBOARD

Rajasthan

Delhi Capitals (T: 186 runs from 20 ovs)

BATTING R

David Warner c Sandeep Sharma b Avesh Khan 49 Mitchell Marsh b Burger 23

Ricky Bhui c †Samson b Burger 0

Rishabh Pant (c)†c †Samson b Chahal 28

Tristan Stubbs

es. No non-Guyana jockeys would be allowed to compete.

Horse owners are asked to contact Ginjo on telephone 618-7278 for any information or to make queries.

The Easter Cup horse meet is sponsored by KP Jagdeo General Contractors, Jumbo Jet, and Old Broom Longue.

Khaleel Ahmed 4-0-24-1

Mukesh Kumar 4-0-49-1

Anrich Nortje 4-0-48-1

Axar Patel 4-0-21-1

Kuldeep Yadav 4-0-41-1

(Abishek Porel, 15.3 ov) •

5-122

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Trent Boult 3-0-29-0

Nandre Burger 3-0-29-2

Ravichandran Ashwin 3-0-30-0

Avesh Khan 4-0-29-1

Yuzvendra Chahal 3-0-19-2

Sandeep Sharma 4-0-36-0

Nandre Burger is pumped up after sending back Mitchell Marsh and Ricky Bhui in the space of three balls

Riyan Parag won the player-of-thematch award

“De Chief Archery Club” attains affiliation with Archery Guyana

“De Chief Archery Club”, under the esteemed leadership of Toshao Yvonne Pearson, Member of Parliament and renowned community leader of Mainstay/Whyaka Village in Region Two, is now proudly announcing its official affiliation with Archery Guyana, the national governing body for archery in Guyana.

The club, which has been informally flourishing, with its members actively participating in the annual Heritage Games, has marked a significant milestone with its formal affiliation to Archery Guyana. This affiliation not only solidifies the club’s commitment to the sport, but opens up avenues for further growth and development.

In recognition of Toshao Yvonne Pearson’s dedication and leadership, President of Archery Guyana, Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, has extended heartfelt congrat-

ulations to the esteemed Toshao, emphasising the pivotal role she has played

in elevating the club to new heights. As a gesture of support and encouragement, on

behalf of Archery Guyana, President PersaudMcKinnon presented the

club with essential start-up equipment, including two complete target stands, tar

Inter-Association U19 Championship to conclude on Saturday

The Demerara Cricket Board /GFSCA Inter Association Under-19 cricket competition will be concluded on Saturday at the historic venue of the Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) from 09.30 hrs.

In a new DCB initiative, the winning Georgetown Cricket Association will take on a combined team of the other four associations that took part in the competition. This will give the DCB youth selection panel a perfect opportunity to see the top thirty under-19 players in the county.

The DCB under-19 team will soon compete in the Guyana Cricket Board’s InterCounty Under-19 Championship, and will be led by Alvin Mohabir.

In the line-up would be West Indies youth player Mavindra Dindial, versa tile young athlete Jonathan Van Lange, and leading run scorer Romeo Deonarain, who played only games.

National youth play er Sachin Balgobin will captain the “best of the rest” team, which would include the top wicket-tak er Krisna Singh and sev eral other national ju nior cricketers. Among those would be: Nicholas Shiopersad, Vikash Wilkinson, Anthony Khan, Nityanand

get butts, arrows, and junior recurve bows, among other things.

Expressing gratitude for the support received, Toshao Pearson highlighted the significance of this affiliation, emphasising the opportunities it presents for the club to advance the sport within Guyana, the region, and beyond. With aspirations to nurture and train potential Olympians, Toshao Pearson underscored the importance of Archery Guyana’s presence in Essequibo, and expressed optimism for the club’s future endeavours.

“De Chief Archery Club” looks forward to leveraging this affiliation to foster talent, promote inclusivity, and inspire the next generation of archers in Guyana. As it embarks on this new chapter, the club remains steadfast in its commitment to excellence, and looks forward to making significant contributions to the sport at both regional and national

Mathura and Arun Gainda. Steve’s Jewelry, Petama Enterprise, Motor Trend, Cricket Equipment Guyana, General Marines, Terry Mathura, Raj Mathura and Pandit Anand Persaud, who are all members of the GFSCA family.

GFSCA is known for pioneering softball cricket in Guyana and overseas. The tournament involves the five associations: Upper Demerara, East Bank, East Coast, West Demerara, and Georgetown, and was played on a round-robin format, with the Georgetown Cricket Association emerging the winner after playing

unbeaten, giving them the right to take on a “Best of the rest” team. This tournament is the main yardstick used by the selection panel to select the Demerara team for the GCB Inter-County Under-19 Tournament.

Teams: GCA: Alvin Mohabir (captain), Mavindra Dindial, Zachary Jodha, Wavell Allen, Romeo Deonarain, Jonathan VanLange, Kishawn Silas, Jayden Dowlin, Danesh Persaud, John Persaud, Ryan Latiff, Riyad Latiff, Shane Prince and Dave

Mohabir.

Best of the Rest:

Vikash Wilkinson, Sachin Balgobin (captain), Deonarine Dindyal, Jeremiah Hohenkirk, Nicholas Shieopersad, Shiloh Adams, Anthony Lim, Stephon Sankar, Sasenarine Haricharan, Anthony Khan, Arun Gainda, Neeran Bani, Krisna Singh, Kelvin Raymond, Ronaldo Grenville and Nityanand Mathura.

The DCB takes

portunity to thank

President of Archery Guyana, Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon (in yellow) presenting Toshao Yvonne Pearson (on left) and other members of “De Chief Archery Club” with start-up equipment

“Lots of positives from FIFA Series” – Shabazz

Following two international friendlies in the inaugural FIFA Series competition, Guyana’s Golden Jaguars have walked away with a mixed bag of results. First there was a 1-0 loss to Cape Verde, which is ranked 92 places higher than the Golden Jaguars; and then there was an imposing 4-1 victory over Cambodia.

At the conclusion of the international friendly action on Tuesday at the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in Jedda, Golden Jaguars Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz summed up the Saudi Arabia outing by deeming it “just what the doctor ordered”.

Shabazz mused, “When you look at the first game, we started slowly and we had to play catch-up. Again, this game, I thought we started slowly, we trying to put a game together where we build from the back, the guys are buying into it. I thought we looked well going forward, creating chances, but at times I felt we looked vulnerable at the back in this game.

“We definitely have some work to do on the defensive line. All in all, these two games are just what the doctor ordered for us. It has boosted the confidence in the team, the camaraderie and the team spirit; and I think that going into preparations for Panama, there

is more enthusiasm than fear,” the Head Coach added.

Responding to inquiries of whether or not the Golden Jaguars had achieved their set objective, Shabazz answered in the affirmative, highlighting that there were a lot of positives.

“I think partially we achieved the objective, in getting the guys to buy into

the game model more. as I said, I think the glass is half-full, because we looked very vulnerable to the counter-attack. We want to fix that and be a lot more organized defensively. But going forward, I’m satisfied that the guys have the concept of how we want to build up and play forward.”

Shabazz went on to divulge, “Now I think it’s a

matter of trying to get a good preparation in from this experience. There are lots of positives that we can take from here. So much good things happened to us that has opened our eyes to

Blue Waters partners with Petra Organization to erect concrete posts

With safety as a priority in the development of school football, the Blue Waters business establishment is partnering with the Petra Organization to transform the wooden posts which serve as holders of the lights at the Ministry of Education Ground into concrete ones.

Petra Co-Director Troy Mendonca, in expounding on the need for the wooden posts to be replaced by concrete ones in a further effort to ensure the safety of players and spectators, has said, “As you would recognize, when we use lights here, the

posts… And over the years, we saw the need to implement some safety measures by changing those posts to concrete posts.

“As you recognize…we were engaging other stakeholders in that regard, and we were able to initiate this process with Blue Waters, and immediately they saw the need for lending assistance to us, because I know they understand the importance of health and safety and for us to create a safe space for our kids and other users of the facility. They came on board, and have decided to assist us in replacing

these posts”.

Education Officer Joel Gonsalves, emphasising that the Ministry of Education is grateful for the progress sport is making in producing rounded children, emphasized, “We are extremely proud and excited for what is happening in sports in Guyana and in our schools. We know that football in particular is a great sport, and students tend to buy into it quite easily. So, having the lighting of the facility and all the other props to enhance football, it is aligning with our goals, which include making education

Shabazz emphasized that the national team has a lot of depth heading into its next important assignment.

“There’s a lot of focus on Omari, and rightly so, but we have a lot of youngsters in and around the squad.

Khedoo, Leo Lovell, we have players coming, and I think this augurs well for the programme,” Shabazz opined.

Referencing options like Nathan Moriah-Welsh, Stephen Duke-McKenna and Nathan Ferguson, the Head Coach revealed, “I am

more holistic. So, by playing a sport, or football, will make the child rounded in terms of education.”

VP of Sales and Development of Blue Water Shipping, Richard DeNobrega, has said the company expects this facility is intended for youth development. He declared, “The facility is the home to quite a few exciting games, and we have seen a lot of exciting games over the years. We wanna continue that trust, and we wanna continue to ensure that organizations such as Petra and the Ministry of Education have support along this journey. So we look forward to the support and we look forward to the camaraderie; we look forward to the grooming of more values coming out of playing sport; we look forward, of course, to ensuring that we see the same youths playing on this field playing on the international arena as well.”

The Petra organisation has been producing stellar football for Guyana, with the likes of Omari Glasgow who now is the CONCACAF Nations League’s top goal-scorer, and was also named the best young player following the conclusion of the 2023/2024 edition and many more.

pleased with the depth that we have in the squad, the hunger and enthusiasm; and I think it really now is to count down on the time to get together again and prepare for the next phase.”

The Golden Jaguars’ next assignment is a clash with Panama on June 6, which will kick-start the country’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign. For the World Cup qualifiers, Guyana is in Group D, alongside Panama, Belize, Montserrat and Nicaragua.

Farm Supplies and Mercury continue to support Bartica Regatta

FARMSUP Sales Coordinator Tracy Cox handing over the cheque to BERC member Adrian Branford

Farm Supplies Ltd. (FARMSUP), a pioneering force in the agricultural and industrial equipment sector, has again thrown its support behind the organisers of the annual Bartica Easter Regatta.

This week, Sales Coordinator Ms. Tracy Cox handed over the company’s sponsorship cheque to Adrian Branford, Member of the Bartica Easter Regatta Committee, and intimated that FARMSUP has been supporting the Regatta for many years now. She noted that Bartica is one of the many communities that support FARMSUP’s products.

“This is a way of saying thank you to our faithful customers, many of whom are from Bartica. We know that

Regatta is the most anticipated time for the community, and we will continue to play our part in ensuring that the many activities are successfully undertaken,” she has said.

FARMSUP was established in June of 1993 by Renger Oene van Dijk, and continues to play a pivotal role with the supply and maintenance of heavy-duty equipment in the agriculture, mining, construction, forestry, quarry, power generation, and marine industries.

Mr. Branford extended thanks to Ms. Cox on behalf of the Bartica Easter Regatta Committee, and to Management and Staff of FARMSUP for their committed support towards the event.

The Golden Jaguars’ next assignment comes in June

Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz is pleased with the depth of the squad

(L-R)Education Officer Joel Gonsalves, Petra Co-Director Troy Mendonca; Jennifer Falconer, Senior Vice President of Operations of Blue Water Shipping; VP of Sales and Development of Blue Water Shipping, Richard DeNobrega