Guyana Times - Friday, April 12, 2024.pdf

"We must leave no one behind"

– Commonwealth

SG urges greater adoption of digital technology

Government to buy 36MW of ‘emergency power’ from Turkish company – VP Jagdeo

– to be installed within 3 weeks at Everton, Berbice Technical team to meet today on way forward in Conversation Tree $1.8B road project

PNCR to establish committee to finalise members’ list ahead of August congress

Guyanese, Ghanaian companies to offer real-time monitoring of oil & gas production

2 years later

Pearl man charged, remanded for Sand Hill Backdam murder

Kamarang District Hospital well equipped to provide quality healthcare services

– Chairman ... says leadership focusing on “uniting” party Brothers charged in connection with Arimu Backdam double murder

GRA intercepts vessel with large quantity of alcohol, chicken at Annandale

EPA conducts environmental audit at Kato’s hydropower site – $450M contract signed under APNU/AFC to construct mini hydropower plant

Annandale construction worker gets 3 years for narcotics possession

CANU finds gun during operation in Agricola

GRA intercepts vessel with large quantity of alcohol, chicken at Annandale

Four persons are in custody following the interception of a wooden vessel laden with a quantity of spirituous liquor, Heineken Beer and Rockingham Chicken at Annandale, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The operation was executed by Customs Law Enforcement Officers of the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) on Wednesday.

In addition, two minibuses were seized. The four persons are currently in custody assisting with investigations.

In a release on its website, the GRA stated that it continued to carry out operations in its continuous efforts to curb smuggling and other such illegal activities, thereby allowing for a level playing field for legitimate businesses and the collection of associated revenue.

“The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) wishes to remind the public that smuggling is illegal and anyone who attempts to import or export goods with intent to defraud the Revenue Authority of any duties is guilty of an offence and is liable for such offence to fines and/ or imprisonment in accordance with Section 218 of the Customs Act, Chapter 82:01,” the release added.

Four persons were arrested and charged.

Earlier that month, a motor vessel laden with a large quantity of foreign liquor and other uncustomed items was intercepted and seized at the Abary foreshore in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

That vessel was being operated by three men, who were arrested even as they attempted to evade the law enforcement authorities.

confidentiality and such persons may be rewarded.”

“All information provided will be dealt with strict

The Revenue Authority urged the public to report any illicit, unlawful or smuggling activities on telephone number 227-6060, extensions 3201, 3204, 3205, 3206, 3211, 3212, or 3408.

Back in August 2022, GRA intercepted and seized three motor vehicles that were each carrying a large quantity of uncustomed chicken at Cane Grove, Mahaica, ECD.

Apart from that incident, another motor vessel and a minibus, both laden with large quantities of foreign alcoholic beverages, cigarettes and other uncustomed items, were intercepted and confiscated at the koker at Number 43 Village, Corentyne, East Berbice. Five persons were arrested in that operation, and they were later charged.

Alcohol and chicken seized

Electricity woes Govt to buy 36MW of ‘emergency power’ from Turkish company – VP Jagdeo …to be installed within 3 weeks at Everton, Berbice

In a move to alleviate the current electricity woes across the country, the Guyana Government is moving to purchase 36 megawatts (MW) of emergency power to add to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc grid.

This was revealed by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo during his weekly press briefing on Thursday.

A ministerial group – comprising VP Jagdeo; Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC; Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, and Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar – was established to look into the current wave of power instability across the country.

According to the Vice President, the group is currently working on a proposal to purchase “emergency power” to supplement GPL’s generating capacity.

The company that the Government will be buying the power from is the Latin American arm of Turkishbased Karpowership –which operates a fleet of ships that generate electricity. The contract is expected to be signed in the coming days and the power installed within the next three weeks.

“Today, we are meeting with the company to supply emergency power. Hopefully, before the end of this week, we can conclude this contract and have this vessel arrive in the country maybe two to three weeks later. That will see a significant injection of power into the grid in addition to what we have,” Jagdeo revealed.

The Vice President added that most of the terms of the contract have already been ironed out. Based on the current arrangement, Karpowership will supply 36MW of electricity.

According to Jagdeo, the Government was considering bringing in a vessel with a larger generating capacity – more than 70MW – but GPL’s current infrastructure would not have supported such a massive injection of power into the national grid.

For example, he pointed out that the transmission main at the Kingston Power Plant cannot accommodate the additional power, not even the 36MW since it can only transmit power generated at that facility.

“So, we wouldn’t be able to produce there, because the transmission main can only move the Kingston power. So, this is why we’re looking at bringing it into the Berbice River at Everton. That way, we’d be able to

dispatch the power [into the national grid].”

“We had to look at the river, the depth of the river, the connection to the existing grid – that has been done; the type of fuel… and the terms of the contract which we seem to now have

The company has installed some 6000MW of capacity in more than 20 countries across the world. In this region, they currently have operations in neighbouring Brazil and the Dominican Republic.

According to VP Jagdeo,

Demerara, utilising natural gas from the oil production activities offshore Guyana.

“We intend to contract this [Turkish company] for two years until the Gas-toEnergy Project is completed.

So, we’re hoping that within a matter of weeks, we’re hoping to bring this to normalcy and then have extra power to address any failure of equipment as we have experienced recently,” he added.

For the past week, Guyana has been enduring a heightened spate of blackouts following what the GPL had described as engine failures at different locations. At least two engines are currently down.

With its current challenges, GPL is now generating some 165MW of pow-

settled. So, barring no unforeseen circumstance, we should be able to wrap this up in a day or two and it will take about two to three weeks [for the vessel] to deploy here,” Jagdeo stated on Thursday.

When it comes to the cost of this deal, Jagdeo explained that Guyana would only be paying for the equipment and the operation of the power ship, which amounts to some eight cents per kilowatt/hour (kwh).

“There is a capacity charge and an O&M (Operate and Manage) charge – combined that’s less than eight cents per kwh, but then we supply the fuel… So, they will supply the equipment and operate it and we will supply the fuel,” he noted.

Karpowership is the owner, operator, and builder of the world’s only powership (floating power plant) fleet and has an active role in medium to long-term investments, providing access to fast-track, affordable and reliable electricity.

the Government had previously received a proposal from the company, but that deal was for a longer period than the two years agreed upon in the current contract.

Nevertheless, he posited that this latest intervention by the Government will support the State-owned GPL until the operationalisation of the Government’s model Gas-to-Energy (GtE) Project, which features a 300MW power plant at Wales on the West Bank of

er. However, the current peak demand for electricity is 180MW.

The Government has blamed the issues at the State-owned power company on several factors ranging from aged infrastructure and systems to lack of maintenance, to human resources gap and the growing electricity demand coupled with public destruction of the entity’s transmission utilities.

One of the floating power vessels that is operated by Turkish-based Karpowership

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

Views

Helping mothers with post-partum depression

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh had said last year that money was budgeted for countrywide screening for post-partum depression. Coming on the heels of that announcement, Guyana’s health minister had also confirmed that health professionals would be trained to diagnose and treat women with postpartum depression.

Worldwide, more than 3 in 10 women and babies currently do not receive postnatal care in the first days after birth – the period when most maternal and infant deaths occur, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). At the same time, according to WHO, the physical and emotional consequences of childbirth – from injuries to recurring pain and trauma – can be debilitating if unmanaged, but are often highly treatable when the right care is given at the right time.

Director of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing at WHO in 2022 had said that the need for quality maternity and newborn care does not stop once a baby is born; adding that, indeed, the birth of a baby is a life-changing moment – one that is bound by love, hope and excitement – but it can also cause unprecedented stress and anxiety. Parents need strong health care and support systems, especially women, whose needs are too often neglected when the baby comes.

Here, in Guyana, Dr Singh had said, several initiatives are to be rolled out, including one that aims at expectant mothers in the hinterland having at least one ultrasound, and being visited at least once by an obstetrician during her pregnancy. Additionally, screening for post-partum depression will be implemented countrywide.

He also said there have been investments over the years to help reduce maternal mortality, which stands at an estimated 112 per 100,000 as of the end of 2022. Reducing this incidence would be augmented by the training of 29 traditional birth attendants in Regions One (Barima-Waini) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), and the purchase of over $250 million in related equipment and expanded training of health care providers in family planning.

Adding to this, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony had subsequently said that one of the areas that the ministry is working on is to “improve the care that we give to mothers, so we have focused a lot on pregnancy - first, second and third trimester - so that delivery is safe; but we also recognise that, after delivery, some mothers develop what is called postpartum depression, and we recognise this and want to create a programme to prevent depression.”

Last October, it was announced that some 200 doctors and Medexes at health centres countrywide would receive specialised training to identify depression.

Studies have shown that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the overall prevalence of postpartum depression was similar to that before the pandemic. However, there was a marked increase among women who gave birth during wave four of the pandemic.

According to one study, the pandemic has had a major impact on the occurrence of depressive symptoms after childbirth, and can be used to formulate psychological interventions to minimize depression among these women.

In its comprehensive plan to assist countries deal with this phenomenon, WHO came up with over 60 recommendations that help shape a positive postnatal experience for women, babies and families.

WHO has also said evidence shows that women and their families want and need a positive postnatal experience that helps them navigate the immense physical and emotional challenges that occur after their babies are born, while building their confidence as parents.

Medical Officer with WHO’s Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research and the UN Special Programme, HRP, Dr Mercedes Bonet, has said that dedicated postnatal services should provide vital physical and mental health support while helping caregivers thrive in providing the right care for their newborns.

It is hoped that Guyana’s undertaking of countrywide screening for post-partum depression achieves its objective, as this topic within families is one of the ‘taboo’ issues.

Striking Roman paintings uncovered in Pompeii after nearly 2000 years

Buried and unseen for nearly 2000 years, a series of striking paintings showing Helen of Troy and other Greek heroes has been uncovered in the ruined Roman town of Pompeii.

Discovered inside what archaeologists described as a “spectacular dining room” with unusual black walls, the remarkably well-preserved frescoes were inspired by the Trojan War, as recounted by the Greek poet Homer.

The startling finding — one of the most important in years — was revealed to the public on Thursday. It comes from block No. 10 of Pompeii’s ninth section, a never-before excavated area of the town destroyed in the eruption of the Vesuvius volcano in 79 A.D.

For wealthy politicians and business owners, an elaborate classical painting, complete with animals, was a prime showpiece and talking point when entertaining guests.

“It provided a refined setting for entertainment during convivial moments, whether banquets or conversations, with the clear aim of pursuing an elegant lifestyle,” the Archaeological Park of Pompeii said in a news release.

Pompeii and nearby Herculaneum were seaside resorts favored by wealthy Romans when they were devastated by the eruption, which lasted for more than 24 hours and had the power of many thousands of nuclear bombs.

The room is 50 feet long and 20 feet wide and opens onto a courtyard with a staircase leading to the first floor. The frescoes are in such good condition

that some have speculated they may have been painted just before Vesuvius erupted.

Apparently abandoned tools and building materials, and some less impressive artwork, add weight to this theory. In the fresh plaster of an adjoining stairway’s arches, experts identified a charcoal drawing of two pairs of gladiators. Nearby is “what appears to be an enormous stylized phallus,” meaning penis. A hint to the identity of the villa’s owner was given by the discovery of the initials ARV on a wall — experts believe this to be Aulus Rustius Verus, a rich politician mentioned in political propaganda of the period.

High Roman society was steeped in Greek mythology. The wealthy citizens who owned houses in Pompeii and Herculaneum would have known well the stories of Helen of Troy, Paris, Cassandra and Apollo, the Roman god of arts — all of whom are depicted in the frescoes.

“The dominant theme seems to be that of heroism, shown by the depictions of pairs of heroes and deities involved in the Trojan War, but also of fate and, at the same time, of the possibility, often not seized, that humans have of changing their own destiny,” the park’s news release said.

“These stories were very much part of their foundation because the Romans actually believed that their whole people had descended from the people who were at Troy,” Daisy Dunn, an award-winning author and classi-

cist, added.

Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the archaeological park, said in a statement that the black walls and the flickering light of oil lamps would create the illusion of the paintings moving, “especially after a few glasses of good Campanian wine.”

Zuchtriegel also argued that the black color scheme helped to hide the smoke from the lamps.

But Dunn argued that this was more likely an aesthetic choice.

“You’re walking into a room with an all-white floor, all-black walls. I mean, that’s something that would be impressive today and it definitely was back then,” she said.

The discovery underlines just how much of Pompeii remains buried: More than a third of Pompeii is untouched and unexplored by archaeologists.

The excavation revealed this week is part of a much larger project to help protect and preserve the excavated and unexcavated areas of Pompeii, which already include more than 13,000 rooms in 1,070 houses and apartments.

“One of the most extraordinary things visitors don’t always realize is that up to a third of the city is still unexcavated. There’s been more of a focus in recent years on preservation and safeguarding what’s already been found than on finding new stuff,” Dunn said.

(By Patrick Smith – NBC NEWS)

A nine-member team led by Major Mwana McDonald is currently in Saint Lucia attending the Regional Security System Unity Exercise 2024 (UNEX 24). The team is working alongside ranks from eight participating nations and is engaged in a series of scenario-based training exercises

Fresco depicting Paris and Helen of Troy

A fresco depicting Apollo and Cassandra

An overview of the salon in Pompeii

Guyana’s agri sector remains on top, despite challenges

Dear Editor,

No one could stop anyone from penning an article to the media, but those who are writing must present facts to the public; they must bring the truth.

It seems, however, that some are hell-bent on lies and misinformation, which fully support the rhetoric of the Opposition APNU-AFC.

I always say that before one can look at the present development in any sector, one must look at the past, and I will again go back to the bitter and bleak years for agriculture under the present Opposition when they were in Government from the years 2015-2020.

Before the APNU-AFC took office in 2015, they had known it all as to how to develop Guyana. But let me talk about agriculture, be-

cause it was the votes from the areas within the agriculture sector that gave the AFC the upper hand to ensure that the PNC got into government (APNU is basically the PNC).

After the coalition took office in 2015, we saw a rapid decline in all the agriculture sub-sectors. We saw they increased taxes on agricultural products and machinery, land and D&I charges for rice farmers; and little or nothing was done to better cash crops; nothing to better the fishing sector; cattle farmers were struggling to gain access to lands; livestock farmers were left alone (except for the piggeries within the PNC areas).

Further, there was hardly any work to better the drainage and irrigation

If so convinced, then get it in writing

Dear Editor, The Attorney General is convinced in his assessment of how to ensure that ExxonMobil will pay in the event of an oil spill, even if it is $100 billion. Given his conviction in the law, he should have no problem in getting a legally-binding, signed agreement from the parent company, supporting his conclusion that they would pay all costs in the event of an oil spill.

Unfortunately, what the AG has overlooked is the requirement that ExxonMobil carry such a liability mitigation strategy in its financials. This must exist to ensure that in the event of a major spill or environmental disaster, there is no delay in payment, and investors are aware of the potential liability. The AG must therefore also ensure there is

a financial instrument to back up the legal requirement as stated in the law; one that convinces him there is no reason to worry. He must also consider that ExxonMobil is in litigation in numerous parts of the world for issues surrounding its operations and the environmental damage its operations have caused.

This is not a producer that would voluntarily do the correct thing. We must have a legally-binding, signed agreement to ensure we get what the law requires.

Apart from such an agreement, the EPA and the AG must act in accordance with what is best for Guyana and its citizens, and must stand on the correct side of the legal proceedings.

Best regards,

Jamil Changlee

system in Guyana; nothing to better agriculture in the hinterland; sugar was going to be put to rest, etc.

Community outreaches within the various sectors of the Agriculture Ministry were at a standstill. Former Minister Holder was never seen on the ground, except when raising the rates and taxes on farmers.

Moreover, during those five-plus years in office (don’t forget the attempted rigging months in office), the entire Caricom was looking down on Guyana when it came to agriculture, because nothing was done, and we were considered the food basket of the Caribbean but yet were not trying to secure food for our nation.

I am going to say, as I have been mentioning in several articles before, that the entire PNC government’s aim and objective was to cripple the agriculture sector of this country; because they had no vision, and were hard of hearing as to how to better agriculture.

When the PPP/C took office in late 2020, I was looking on for a few weeks as to what they were going to do differently to improve agriculture for Guyanese. I was

wondering if the appointed minister would be the same as the former minister in this ministry. I was wondering if the appointed minister is on a thank-you walkabout within the regions to meet the PPP/C supporters just after the elections.

And boom, there goes a shockwave in the entire agriculture sector. I attended several community meetings where the minister and his teams visited across Regions Five and Six, and not a lengthy thank you was given to the supporters, but the minister was down to work. He was finding out from those in the agriculture sector what was affecting them, and how he and his ministry could work to better their situation. Not only was the minister there, but so also were almost all of his technical staff and sub-agency heads (which Holder never did). I applauded the minister and the Government from then for their work, especially in the agriculture sector.

Months after taking office, President Ali's government brought back the much-needed pride and praise for Guyana, as he took charge of agriculture in Caricom, and has taken

the lead in ensuring that agriculture stays on top of the Caricom agenda and Guyana becomes food secure, not only for the benefit of locals, but the entire Caricom and afar.

Locally, we saw cash crops being taken to a different level, and many farmers are more involved. This is a sector that we all depend on daily to survive, and with the present input by this Government through the Ministry of Agriculture, we are seeing what we could not have seen in the days of the PNC; and that is food security for our nation.

The leadership of the Agriculture Ministry by the Hon Zulfikar Mustapha, MP, is far more open, and he is bolder in his approach to better the sectors within his ministry, with more than 99.5 per cent of work than what was done by the former AFC minister at this stage in office.

Guyana is presently faced with prolonged dry weather, and we all know that everything depends on water for growth, and yet farmers are not backing down, but are investing more. Why? Because they see the works and input daily by the ministry officials on the ground.

Complaints are being looked into; as a matter of fact, as soon as a complaint is brought to the attention of those in authority, it is looked into. This never happened under Holder’s watch, because, before he acted as a minister, the PNC authoritarians had to be informed, then make a decision, and pass it on for Holder to act.

The agriculture sector is rising more than we can all expect, and because of that, some Opposition supporters who pen letters are ashamed and are trying to cover up their bleak past in this sector.

Despite the weather pattern and the many challenges being faced in this sector, the agriculture sector remains on top, and I must commend the leadership of Minister Mustapha, but moreover must give kudos to His Excellency President Ali for his strong and visionary leadership, especially towards this sector.

Guyana will remain on top of the Caribbean on food security in many years to come under the PPP/C Government.

Yours respectfully,

Abel Seetaram

Page Foundation

Double-Line Graphs

A double-line graph often compares how information changes for two or more persons, places or things as time passes.

Example

In which year were the most dolphins seen in Guyana and Suriname?

Step 1: Look for the highest point on the graph for the Guyana data (80)and then the Suriname data(100).

Step 2: Look along the horizontal axis for the time that point relates to: 1999 (Guyana) and 1997 (Suriname).

Exercises: Interpret

1) What can you say about the supply and demand of ice cream from the double-line chart?

Materials

Shaving cream

A large glass

Water

Food colouring

A spoon

Instructions:

Fill the glass 1/2 full with water

Spray some shaving cream on top of the water to fill the glass to 3/4 full.

Use your finger or a spoon to spread the shaving cream evenly over the top of the water. The top of the shaving cream should be flat.

2) What conclusion can you draw from the double-line graph about students’ grades and how much TV they watched?

Storm in a glass

Mix 1/2-cup water with 10 drops of food colouring in a separate container. Gently add the coloured water, spoonful by spoonful, to the top of the shaving cream. When it gets too heavy, watch it storm!

How does it work?

Clouds in the sky hold onto water. They can hold millions of gallons! The layer of shaving cream is our pretend cloud in this experiment. The shaving cream layer can also hold onto wa-

ter. Clouds can’t keep storing more and more water forever, eventually they get too heavy. When that happens, the water falls out (precipitates) as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.

Further experiments

Try more water and less shaving cream, or less water and more shaving cream. Which one looks more like a drizzle, and which one looks like a downpour? (sciencefun. org)

WORD SEARCH

Technical team to meet today on way forward in Conversation Tree $1.8B road project

Days after the Government of Guyana threatened to terminate the $1.8 billion contract awarded to Kalco Guyana Incorporated for the completion of Lot 8 B of the Conversation Tree to Dennis Street road project, President Dr Irfaan Ali on Thursday announced that the technical team would meet today to discuss a way forward.

During a visit to the site, President Ali said that immediate drainage and irrigation works must be conducted on the incomplete portions of the project, to avoid flooding should the weather conditions take a turn.

“We have to do some D&I work here, because I don’t want this remaining work to cost us. We have to make some decisions here,” the President stated.

The project was split into two lots, the first of which was completed by S

Jagmohan Construction and General Supplies Inc. The second phase was awarded to Trinidadian company Kalco Guyana Incorporated, which has been flagged on multiple occasions for poor performance.

The construction of two large concrete bridges to establish a connection to Dennis Street is also part of the work.

The President also engaged with youths in the area, who lamented that the ongoing roadworks have disrupted the construction of the nearby ballfield. In response, President Ali contacted the Culture, Youth, and Sport Minister, Charles Ramson Jr, who assured that work would restart immediately.

He committed to return to the community to engage with the youths.

President Ali was accompanied by Public Works Minister Juan Edghill; Head of the Ministry’s

Work Services Group, Ron Rahaman, and Senior Project Engineer Kester Hinds.

Currently, works are not ongoing at the site, even though the initial project deadline was set for November 5, 2023. In fact, during an inspection conducted on March 4, Edghill was informed that Kalco Guyana Inc had instructed its engineers to halt operations.

The Public Works Minister stated, “The Conversation Tree [project], we are engaging the contractor with the view of terminating…Kalco did not live up to expectations.”

Just a few days ago during a meeting with representatives of Ministries and agencies responsible for awarding and monitoring Government contracts, President Ali ordered that penalties outlined in several Government contracts be enforced for companies that

continue to default on their contractual obligations.

During the said meeting, the Head of State also instructed that project updates for several ongoing works be completed for review and according to Minister Edghill, work was ongoing to fulfil the President’s order.

The project updates will be provided to the Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall and letters of notice would be issued while the Finance Ministry is tasked with calculating the liquidated damages.

Liquidated damages refer to a provision allowing for the payment of a specified sum in the case of a breach of contract. In this case, the President says the

Government will go after those defaulting contractors that have gone past their project deadline and the justifiable extensions.

“All projects beyond the contracted time, where we have exhausted justified extensions, (we will) issue a letter today instructing that the liquidated damages be instituted immediately. We cannot tolerate this.”

“The Minister of Finance (Dr Ashni Singh) will ensure that the internal auditors clarify the related damages and ensure that they’re calculated and deducted,” Dr Ali said at the time.

Further, the Head of State disclosed that action must now be taken to strengthen project management teams in the public sector.

As a result, the Attorney General’s office will now have a specialised unit dealing with contracts and project management, as part of efforts to ensure compliance.

Dr Ali noted that all project managers and senior engineers under this unit will be properly qualified.

“We are adopting a no-nonsense approach in contract management. We are going to have an independent team managing and reviewing project files so that we have project audits. As project engineers and project managers, you have to ensure that your files are updated, your minutes are recorded and signed. As we take action, we have to get paperwork intact,” the Head of State said.

President Dr Irfaan Ali along with Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and other officials at the site on Thursday evening The paving of Conversation Tree roadway

CANU finds gun during operation in Agricola Layers… …under Gaza war

Ranks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) have discovered a .22 pistol in an abandoned house lot at Agricola, Greater Georgetown.

CANU has said that its ranks were conducting an operation in the area on Wednesday when the discovery was made. At the time of the discovery, no one was seen, and the weapon was as such taken to CANU Headquarters, but CANU continues to investigate the find.

For 2023, a total of eight firearms/weapons were confiscated as well as a quantity of ammunition.

Construction worker get $250K bail on ganjatrafficking charge

Charged: Isaiah Smith

Twenty-one-year-old

Isaiah Smith, a construction worker of Sparendaam, East Coast Demerara, was on Thursday placed on $250,000 bail for narcotics’ trafficking. Smith was arrested on Tuesday, and appeared before Sparendaam Magistrate Abigail Gibbs on Thursday, where he pleaded not guilty and was placed on bail. The matter has been adjourned to April 29, 2024.

Your Eyewitness recently read an article about the war in Gaza: “You must be living under a rock if you didn't come across one of the thousands of videos and articles published recently about the Red Heifer. It seems like everyone is nervous about it. What scares people so much about the Red Heifer?” Is your Eyewitness living under a rock?? How dare they?? But it so happened he’d actually never gotten even a whiff of anything bovine in the war, and his interest was piqued! What the heck was going down in Gaza with the red heifer?!! Well, like with most of what’s happening in that benighted piece of real estate, it goes back to hoary stories thousands of years ago.

Seems that in the Book of Numbers, Chapter 19, God said to Moses: “Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring thee a red heifer without spot, wherein is no blemish, and upon which never came yoke: And ye shall give her unto Eleazar the priest, that he may bring her forth without the camp, and one shall slay her before his face: And Eleazar the priest shall take of her blood with his finger, and sprinkle of her blood directly before the Tabernacle of the congregation seven times: And one shall burn the heifer in his sight; her skin, and her flesh, and her blood, with her dung, shall he burn: And the priest shall take cedar wood, and hyssop, and scarlet, and cast it into the midst of the burning of the heifer.”

To cut a long story short, the ashes of the heifer would make those who touched it purified, so that they could enter into the sacred ground where God had appeared. And so, when the First and Second Temples were later built at Mount Moriah or Temple Mount in Jerusalem, unblemished heifers were killed, and the ashes were used as directed.

Of course, we know the two temples were destroyed - first by the Babylonians and then by the Romans, and later Muslims built the Dome of the Rock in the Temple compound, from where the Prophet ascended into heaven. Mosque Al Asqa was built in the compound.

Well, cut to the present, and your Eyewitness is now informed that hard-line Jews believe the Third Temple - where their Messiah will appear - must be built where Al Asqa now stands!! In preparation, they’ve secured 5 unblemished heifers and assembled Priests who are descendants of Eleazer so that the necessary sanctification is performed. The point of all of this for us, then, is that we’re informed that Hamas’ attack was the occasion for the present war, but not the cause.

The cause is to ensure Al Asqa is demolished – to build the Third Temple. No peace until then!!

…of security

Our govt’s finally taking the threat from the madman in the West seriously!! Following up with the purchase of helicopters from the Yanks, transport Dorniers from the Indians, now comes news that the GDF acquired an ocean patrol vessel from France. Whereupon Mad Maduro’s attack dog VP Delcy Rodrigues screamed: “The false victim Guyana buys an ocean patrol vessel from a French company. Guyana, together with the US, its Western partners and its former colonial master, constitute a threat to the peace of our region. Venezuela will continue to monitor these actions by Guyana, and will persist on the path of international legality”!!

Your Eyewitness has been saying all along that “when blind man seh he gon pelt yuh, he done gat brick in he hand!!” Happens the Venezuelan Navy has 2 submarines; 1 frigate; 6 offshore patrol vessels; 6 gun boats; 19 patrol boats; 10 amphibious and service vessels; 4 transport aircraft and 4 helicopters!!

Who’s a threat to peace??

…of vendors

Following Muneshwer's resorting successfully to the courts to remove the unsightly vendors blocking its pavements comes news that Banks DIH has followed suit!!

The M&CC just served notice to create an unobstructed sidewalk in front of Demico House!

The gun that was found in Agricola

Gas-to-Energy Project

Arbitration looms as Govt, contractor in dispute over delays

– VP Jagdeo says timeline for full project still on track

The Guyana Government and its contractor for the model Gas-to-Energy (GtE) Project, Lindsayca CH4 Guyana Inc (LNDCH4), are at loggerheads over the timelines of the project and associated costs.

The Joint Venture formed by United Statesbased Lindsayca and CH4 was awarded the US$759 million contract in November 2022 to build the 300-megawatt (MW) Combined Cycle Power Plant and a Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) facility at Wales, West Bank Demerara – key components of the GtE Project, which will utilise natural gas from oil production activities offshore Guyana in the Stabroek Block.

However, there was a three-month delay in other components of the project that would affect LNDCH4’s

the financial claim,” Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said at a press conference on Thursday.

This rejection has now resulted in the contractor moving to a dispute resolution mechanism. According to the Vice President, this was done through a process called ‘Dispute Adjudication and Arbitration Board.’

delivery of the power plant. While the Government has extended the deadline, the contractor is not satisfied and wants more time. It is also making financial claims, because the delay would cost the company.

This request, however, was rejected by the Guyana Government, which was advised by the project consultant, Engineers India Limited (EIL). The Indiabased firm was contracted in January 2023 to provide consultancy services for the construction of the NGL and power plants.

“Our independent engineering supervision firm… has reviewed the claim and rejected it totally to say it doesn’t have merit. So, we have a legal opinion to say they have no merit on

“So, the matter is likely to be determined by three persons from that Board, which is currently being set up. Now, when they determine this matter if, at the end of the process, either party is not satisfied with the result of it, they can then ask for arbitration. So, that is the full picture,” the Vice President explained.

Delays

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration’s flagship GtE initiative is divided into five components: the pipeline from offshore production activities to Wales, then the building of the power plant and NGL facilities, the transmission main to move power generated at the power plant, a new con-

trol centre at Eccles, East Bank Demerara, and upgrading the national power grid.

While the JV partners were given the contract to build the two plants, the procurement and installation of the 225-kilometre gas pipeline from the offshore oil field to the Wales project site is being executed by US oil major ExxonMobil Guyana, which is carrying out production activities in the Stabroek Block.

The installation of the US$1 billion pipeline also includes the upgrade of the roads to get to the site at Wales, the Material Offloading Facility (MOF) and site preparation for 100 acres as well as a laydown yard – all undertaken by Exxon and subcontracted out. The Guyana Shore Base Inc (GYSBI) and GAICO Construction were the two companies that had delays in delivering their components of the works.

According to Jagdeo, the delays in question stemmed from Exxon's failure to hand over these projects on time to LNDCH4 for it to start work.

Based on the contract, the JV contractors are required to deliver 228MW of power with four gas turbines coming on stream at the end of 2024 at 57MW each. To get the entire 300MW, another two steam turbines are expected by the end of 2025.

Govt to buy 36MW of ‘emergency...

According to VP Jagdeo, the ministerial team is currently focused on ensuring that GPL’s generating capacity is maximised. This involves bringing into operation the remaining containerised generator sets.

Back in December, 17 generator sets were purchased to the tune of US$27 million to enhance power generation during the Christmas holiday. Procured from Apan Energy Service, these sets were expected to contribute an additional 28.9 megawatts to the national grid, but there were

shipment delays and technical issues in setting them up.

Only nine of these gensets were installed before this month. Last weekend, another five of the generators were connected (on Saturday night) while the remaining three sets will be installed by the end of this week.

“They told me hopefully by Saturday that they should be able to get most of the equipment or some of the equipment up and running again, that will allow us to have capacity that maxi-

mises the peak demand… I’m going on what GPL is saying, because I don’t like putting my neck on a block for GPL and I don’t want to disappoint people, but this is what we’re told and they’re working in earnest to get that done,” the Vice President said.

GPL Chief Executive Officer Kesh Nandlall had previously told <<<Guyana Times>>> that approximately 10 megawatts would be added to the national grid with the operationalisation of these remaining eight generators. (G8)

“What we have is a delay for the four turbines [to be installed]… And the delay, we believe, is by three months, so taking it to end March [2025]… [But now] the contractor wants to complete the gas turbines by August [2025].”

“So, that is where we’re arguing the three-month delay came from. They [the contractors] want a longer period because of the liquidating damages... If they don’t complete the project on time, it will be over US$11 million per month they have to pay in liquidating damages for delay on the project. So, their argument – we need more time than the three months, but we’re saying three months is adequate for you because that’s the delay we’ve had,” Jagdeo stated.

No change in timeline

Meanwhile, the Vice President also refuted claims that the project com-

pletion is delayed. He noted that “the total project timeline has not shifted”, adding that the project would come online by the end of 2025.

Following the completion of the pipeline and associated infrastructure, the Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels will be shut down for a short period to connect the line to the vessels leading to a pause in oil production. According to the Vice President, this is expected to take just two weeks and has been considered in the planning process.

Therefore, he also refuted claims that the country will lose US$1 billion during this period.

“This was taken into account in our forecast for revenue for this year. It is not a billion dollars of loss, we estimate six-seven million barrels of deferred production, but they're hoping to bring forward maintenance for that period on the

FPSOs for the period when they have to shut them down to make the connection,” he explained.

Guyana’s GtE Project features approximately 200 kilometres of a subsea pipeline offshore that would run from Liza Destiny and Liza Unity FPSOs in the Stabroek Block to the shore. Upon landing on the West Coast Demerara shore, the pipeline would continue for approximately 25 kilometres to the NGL plant at Wales.

The pipeline will be 12 inches wide and is expected to transport per day some 50 million standard cubic feet (mscfpd) of dry gas to the NGL plant, but it can push as much as 120 mscfpd.

A whopping $80 billion has been budgeted in 2024 to advance this project and its associated infrastructure, including transmission and distribution upgrades to offtake the power. (G8)

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

‘We must leave no one behind’ – Commonwealth SG urges greater adoption of digital technology ...as Secretariat launches 3-year collaboration to accelerate entrepreneurship using AI

Commonwealth Secretary-General

the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland, KC, is supporting the growth of digital technology with a particular focus on artificial intelligence (AI).

The Commonwealth Secretariat is doing its part to accelerate progress with citizens in its 56 member states. Special attention is being paid to the 1.5 billion young people who are citizens of the Commonwealth, recognising that there are also underserved groups, including girls and the differently abled, within that number. One initiative is the recently launched Commonwealth AI Academy, which equips citizens with essential tools for upskilling, and provides a foundation for a future wherein AI is ubiquitous.

ing Platform. These are: Introduction to AI for Youth; Introduction to Generative AI; Introduction to Web 3.0; Introduction to Responsible AI Skills; Demystifying Intel® Rev Cloud; and Demystify AI and OpenVINO™ toolkit.

In partnership with Intel, six online courses are now available on the Commonwealth eLearn-

Similarly, Government officials can, through the Digital Readiness for Public Sector Leaders program, explore strategies to safeguard their citizens' interests effectively.

The online self-paced course was launched in March 2023 and aims to demystify emerging technologies among senior-level public sector officials in Commonwealth countries. It also provides an overview of artificial intelligence, its potential applications, current challenges, and the digital readiness of respective countries.

The second initiative, a collaboration with Open Weaver, aims to allow small and medium-sized businesses to build websites and mobile applications using the platform’s no-code solutions.

The Commonwealth Secretariat initiated a three-year collaboration with Open Weaver on April 11, commencing with launch of the Accelerating Entrepreneurship Using AI & Digital Program.

During the launch, the Commonwealth SecretaryGeneral declared the ‘makeathon’ portal open for applications. The opportunity is open to all Commonwealth citizens, with an emphasis on underserved communities, including women and girls.

This digital upskilling project will provide one-onone mentorship to ensure that all Commonwealth citizens who apply can make the best of these opportunities.

Over the three years of this collaboration, more than 10,000 applicants would benefit from US$4.1 million in platform credits, which they would use to create projects that boost their earning potential, provide jobs, and create other solutions for advancement.

has been formed to help accelerate the use of AI in the 56 member states. The CAIC includes global tech firms, world-leading research institutions, and non-profit organisations.

Six Commonwealth member countries have also been included in the CAIC, and would champion AI innovation in their own nations and throughout the union.

In October 2023, the CAIC agreed on an action plan that seeks to leverage the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to support small states. With an emphasis on empowering young people and women to ensure inclusive growth, the CAIC is focused on ensuring member countries

The Commonwealth Secretary-General has said, “The world is facing unprecedented challenges, so there is a pressing need for us to deliver solutions that are collaborative, inclusive, and stamp out inequities. I see technology, and in particular the use of AI tools, to be central to the process of uniting the world to help solve our common ills. I have been unequivocal about the path ahead - it is digital.

“As a person from a small island state, I also understand and have seen the effect of inequity. So, it is crucial that we ensure that all who can learn about these tools can get access to them. The world needs our innovative approach, global leadership, and commitment to joint action to truly advance. And the Commonwealth’s continued resilience depends on it.”

The Commonwealth Secretary-General has asserted that increased use of technology would also enable economic advancement across the 56 member states.

It was revealed that the Commonwealth Artificial Intelligence Consortium (CAIC), launched in 2023,

use global AI innovations for economic development, sustainability, healthcare improvement, and job creation.

This plan also includes a framework allocating roles and responsibilities and the establishment of four working groups focusing on policy, capacity-building, data and infrastructure, and research and innovation.

The Secretariat’s launch of the AI Academy and collaboration with Open Weaver demonstrates the Commonwealth AI Consortium’s commitment to fulfilling the directives established during the previous Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held in Rwanda in 2022.

At the last CHOGM, Commonwealth member states reaffirmed their commitment to equipping citizens with the access and expertise needed to maximise the benefits of innovations, emerging technologies, and opportunities in the digital realm.

Commonwealth Secretary-General the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland, KC

Guyanese, Ghanaian companies to offer real-time monitoring of oil & gas production

Ajoint venture between local company e-Magic Guyana and Ghana-based West Coast Gas Ghana (WCGG) Limited has led to the establishment of AnaWorX Inc – a company that aims to revolutionise how the local oil and gas industry monitors and manages production in real time.

Through this partnership, e-Magic Guyana, which is known for its expertise in industrial IoT and digital twins solutions, and WCGG – an innovator in hydrocarbon accounting and oil and gas data management – are combining their expertise to benefit stakeholders in Guyana’s oil and gas industry.

AnaWorX Inc, which embodies the rich heritage of 'ana' from Guyana and Ghana, and integrates the cutting-edge 'WorX' from e-Magic's proprietary TwinWorX® software platform, represents the fusion of advanced technology with profound industry insights. The company will focus on improving natural resource management by using advanced technology and the expertise of e-Magic and WCGG.

In a press statement, it was noted that AnaWorX Inc is poised to support Government and local industries in Guyana and elsewhere with better oversight, to help establish national oil and gas data archives, and to employ cutting-edge technol -

ogies. This initiative aims to enhance resource management, increase transparency, and build trust within the oil and gas industry. e-Magic brings over 35 years of technological leadership and its advanced TwinWorX® platform to the partnership. This platform features a cloud-based architecture using Microsoft Azure, ensuring scalable, secure, and efficient solutions for resource management. e-Magic's commitment to open and scalable systems, along with its experience in sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and infrastructure, positions

2 years later…

AnaWorX Inc to tackle the unique challenges of managing natural resources, especially in developing countries.

Meanwhile, WCGG brings expertise in designing, developing and operating hydrocarbon monitoring systems that allow for accurate hydrocarbon accounting, oil and gas nominations and value-chain optimisation, contract management, and oil and gas data management, using advanced technology. Over the years, WCGG’s bespoke technologies and applications have delivered significant value to its diverse customers through revenue assurance, portfo -

Pearl man charged, remanded for Sand Hill Backdam murder

Two years after allegedly shooting and stabbing to death 22-year-old Ray Narain of Spring Gardens, Essequibo Coast, a miner of Pearl, East Bank Demerara (EBD) was arraigned for the heinous crime.

Shawn Thomas, also known as “Troy Richards”, “Mark Baxter” and “Cutty”,

lio optimisation and other value chain efficiency-driven tools. “We are thrilled to embark on this journey with e-Magic,” said WCGG Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Emmanuel Johnson.

He added, “Our shared vision is to leverage our respective strengths to provide oil and gas production monitoring and natural resource management. Together with e-Magic, we will redefine how technology can enhance production processes, minimise risk, and drive sustainable growth.”

cal expertise, with West Coast Gas Ghana’s indepth industry knowledge,

cy, and sustainability in these vital sectors.”

we will provide a comprehensive monitoring capability that will revolution -

The President and CEO of e-Magic, Tony Harris, stated, “We are confident that by combining our TwinWorX digital twins’ platform and deep techni -

ise how public and private industry manage oil production and natural resources. Our joint venture aims to set new standards for efficiency, transparen -

The launching of this new company stems from a joint venture agreement signed between e-Magic Guyana and West Coast Gas Ghana Limited back in August 2023 in Guyana.

Signed on the sidelines of the Ghana-Guyana Local Content and Capacity Building Conference held last August at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown, the JV agreement was the realisation of a vision laid out in a strategic partnership deal entered into between the two companies in December 2021.

on Thursday appeared before Magistrate Teriq Mohamed at the Bartica Magistrate's Court and was not required to plead to the indictable charge.

Police stated that on September 29, 2022, at Sand Hill Backdam, Cuyuni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), Thomas murdered Narain. The accused man was remanded to prison until May 3, 2024.

It was reported that after committing the crime, the accused and his son, Ackime Richards fled the scene, but Thomas was arrested in February 2024 along Mandela Avenue, Georgetown.

President and CEO of e-Magic, Tony Harris (left) with CEO of West Coast Gas Ghana, Emmanuel Johnson at the August 2023 signing of the joint venture agreement in Georgetown

Murdered, Ray Narain Wanted, Ackime Richards Charged, Shawn Thomas

EPA conducts environmental audit at Kato’s hydropower site –

$450M contract signed under APNU/AFC to construct mini hydropower plant

Compliance officers of the Public Infrastructure, Transportation, and Tourism departments of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently conducted an environmental audit at Kato’s hydro dam site in the mountainous landscapes of Kato, in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), the EPA has said in a brief statement.

That exercise was aimed at evaluating the impact the Kato hydro dam has on the surrounding ecosystem, in order to ensure it aligns with environmental conservation goals.

“The hydro dam is expected to provide renewable electricity for nearby indige-

nous villages in the future,” the EPA has said in that brief statement. The Kato mini hydro-

power and irrigation project is situated close to the border with Brazil. The hydropower plant would use the

water from the Kato waterfalls at the Chiung River close to Kato village to provide about 320kW of electric power, which would be used to power the pumping station to lift irrigation water from the river into a storage reservoir connected to a

gravity irrigation system.

Electricity would also be supplied to the secondary school to be built in the village of Kato, to the village of Kato itself, and to Paramakatoi village some 18km distant. An electronic facility and transmission lines will also be installed.

A $450 million contract was awarded in 2019 for supply and installation of the hydropower plant at the Chiung River at Kato Village in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni). The US$2,250,880 contract for the design, supply and installation of the plant was awarded to B&J Civil Works under the then Public Infrastructure Ministry. It was understood that the project would run for a period of 18 months, with a 12-month defects and liability period after the project was completed, in order to ensure that the contrac-

tor would correct any faults at his own expense. Upon taking office in 2020, President Dr Irfaan Ali had said the project was potentially at risk. During a meeting with residents of that community, he had noted that when the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government took office, it found that the contractor had not even mobilised at the site. He had nevertheless told the gathering that the PPP would do an assessment on the possibility of installing a mini hydropower plant in the community.

“Part of our energy plan for Guyana is to ensure that every community has access to energy. Whether it’s mini hydros; whether it’s solar, or the coastland investment in natural gas, our focus is to ensure every single community has access to energy,” Ali had said.

The Kamarang District Hospital in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) is well equipped to provide quality healthcare service to that community and contiguous hinterland communities, according to the Head Doctor of that district hospital, Dr. Mark Allen.

Communities contiguous to Kamarang include Waramadong, Jawalla, Quebanang, Kako, Phillippai and Paruima; and according to Dr Allen, this healthcare facility, which once had little to no resources, is now outfitted with a surgical block, a well-equipped biochemistry lab, and full diagnostic capacity.

this hospital

Former Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson with other officials and a representative of B&J Civil Works, last year after the contract signing

EPA officers conducting the environmental audit

Officers during their visit to the community

GPHC, GOLI launch 1st Paediatric Cardiac Mission for 2024

– 5 surgeries completed

Tlifesaving corrective surgeries will undergo procedures facilitated by a dedicated team of medical professionals.

Spearheaded by Cardiac Surgeon Dr Rodrigo Soto, the GOLI team comprises 21 doctors, nurses, perfusionists, and respiratory therapists, all committed to delivering top-tier care to patients in Guyana.

Supported by a team of 35 health professionals from GPHC, the mission has already achieved significant milestones.

As of today, five successful surgeries have been completed, with two more expected to be performed by the end of the day. These interventions represent vital steps towards improving the health and well-being of young patients grappling with congenital heart conditions.

sations to providing essential cardiac care to vulnerable children in Guyana.

but also exemplify the power of collaboration in healthcare."

he Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), in collaboration with Gift of Life International (GOLI) on Thursday announced the commencement of the first of three Paediatric Cardiac Missions scheduled for 2024. GOLI is an international non-profit organisation that provides lifesaving cardiac treatment to children in need from developing countries. This groundbreaking initiative kicked off on April 6, with a comprehensive screening clinic aimed at identifying potential surgical candidates with complex congenital heart defects.

Throughout the week, children in critical need of

This mission marks the third collaborative effort between GPHC and GOLI in the second year since the inception of the partnership. Building on the success of previous missions, which benefited a total of 17 patients last year, this ongoing partnership underscores the commitment of both organi-

"We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Gift of Life International in delivering life-saving cardiac surgeries to children in Guyana," the Head of the Paediatrics Department at GPHC, Dr Tarik Davidson stated.

"These missions not only transform the lives of young patients and their families

As the mission progresses, GPHC and GOLI remain steadfast in their commitment to advancing paediatric cardiac care and enhancing healthcare access for all residents of Guyana. Through collaborative efforts and unwavering dedication, they aim to create a brighter, healthier future for the nation's children.

Kamarang District Hospital well well-equipped to provide...

Communities that are actively benefitting from this intervention include Waramadong and Paruima.

“Kamarang and the Upper Mazaruni in general are one of the most isolated parts of Guyana, and is only accessible via plane. To literally have an independent facility where maybe unless it’s a cancer case, where we would have to refer, but to have everything done: ultrasound, X-ray, CT scans, to (be) able to diagnose and treat (patients) here, is a massive achievement,” Dr Allen has said.

Dr. Allen further dis-

closed that the implementation of telemedicine at the facility has also played an integral role in the expansion of the administration of healthcare services. To date, some 250 telemedicine interventions have been conducted at Kamarang.

“Telemedicine started last year, and almost every day we normally communicate to the outlying areas via telemedicine. We normally give a diagnosis, we prescribe treatment as well; if need be, the patient is referred to Kamarang and further to the Georgetown Public Hospital,” he disclosed. “We had a child

in Chinoweng. The child was reported to us via telemedicine, and we noticed the child had respiratory distress. We managed to medevac the child out of Chinoweng, which was a very difficult job to do, and we managed to save that child’s life,” Dr Allen explained.

Expansion of telemedicine

The Health Ministry plans to establish at least 50 more telemedicine sites across the country in order to complement the current 25 sites in various hinterland communities across the country.

Telemedicine is a twoway, real-time interactive communication between a patient and healthcare provider at different sites. This type of system is supported by audio and video equipment, and integrated medical devices that allow healthcare workers to diagnose, evaluate, and treat patients remotely. In addition to a computer connected to the internet via satellite technology, these sites include a digital stethoscope, a pulse oximeter, an infrared thermometer, a blood pressure monitor, mobile ultrasonography, exam cameras and other equipment.

These telemedicine sites aim to bridge the gap between the hinterland and the coastland by allowing medical personnel in the hinter-

land to get real-time assistance from those working in Georgetown.

This programme was officially launched in Guyana in 2022 with four Amerindian communities in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) being part of the pilot programme. It was later expanded following an allocation of $1.8 billion in the 2023 National Budget.

Budget 2024

The Ministry of Health has received its largest budgetary allocation this year, and efforts are ongoing to train more health practitioners and build modern healthcare facilities.

The sum of $129.8B would play a crucial role in upgrading and constructing health-

care facilities, expanding diagnostic care and treatment services, procuring medicines and medical supplies, and expanding tertiary education for health practitioners.

In fact, of that sum, $10.3 billion would go towards the paediatric and maternal hospital at Ogle. Another $15.5 billion will go towards the construction of six regional hospitals at Bath, De Kinderen, Diamond, Enmore, Lima, and #75 Village.

During his budget presentation, Senior Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh disclosed that Government is investing heavily to engender a “resilient health sector.”

Last year, the health sector got $90.2 billion in budgetary provisions.

The GOLI team at the GPHC

Doctors performing one of the procedures

Director General of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Vishwa Mahadeo, and the surgical team have been photographed in front of Kamarang’s surgical theatre

The newly operational surgical theatre at the Upper Mazaruni District Hospital in Kamarang, Region Seven

Lethem Hospital gets 1st simulation laboratory to boost healthcare delivery

The delivery of healthcare services at Lethem Regional Hospital is expected to be significantly boosted in the coming months following the commissioning of its first-ever simulation laboratory.

This facility will serve as a crucial learning hub for students enrolled in the Hybrid Professional Nursing programme and the Hybrid Nursing Assistant programme.

Managed by Nurse Deshona Mentis, the laboratory will provide students with hands-on experience and practical skills crucial for their future careers in health care.

Through immersive simulations and cutting-edge equipment, students will have the opportunity to de-

velop their clinical competencies in a safe and controlled environment, ultimately enhancing the

quality of patient care in the region.

In addition to the inauguration of the laboratory,

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony and doctors and nurses at the Lethem Regional Hospital

the launch of the Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) programme and the Community Health Worker (CHW) programme further underscores the commitment to strengthening healthcare services in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

Currently, 28 MLT students and 40 CHW students are undergoing intensive training, poised to become valuable assets in addressing the healthcare needs of

the community.

This initiative represents a collaborative effort between the Lethem Regional Hospital, Region Nine Regional Democratic Council, Health Ministry, health sciences, and healthcare professionals, demonstrating a collective dedication to advancing healthcare education and enhancing the overall well-being of the region's residents.

Guyana s public health sector received a sum of

$129.8 billion this year a significant increase compared to last year's $90.2 billion. This year marks the largest-ever budgetary allocation to the health sector, as the Government seeks to train more nurses, build more modern health facilities, and tackle chronic diseases that affect thousands of people annually,

Currently, the Government is set to construct 12 new hospitals across the country.

Pearl man charged, remanded...

In the same incident, Narain’s twin brother and another man, Rakesh Chunilall, also a miner, of Banana Land, Berbice, were injured.

According to reports, the motionless body of Narain was found covered with several tree branches in the northern corner of the main access road in Region Seven.

Upon examination, two gunshot wounds were seen to the chest area along with one-inch lacerations to the abdomen and shoulder. A two-inch laceration was also seen on his right arm.

One suspected exit wound was observed on the right side of his back, and a warhead was also recovered near the victim which ap-

pears to be .32 (calibre) ammunition. The brothers operated a dredge in the Sand Hill Backdam.

The surviving brother, Ron Keme Narain had explained to the Police that he and his brother left their 4-inch mining operation and went to Sand Hill Landing, Cuyuni River, and while sitting on the front step of the Shanaz Allicock shop, a Honda XR motorcycle approached from a western direction with the suspects.

Ron Keme Narine said he recognised the pillion rider, as only a few days prior he had an altercation with him, and he relieved him of a firearm and ammunition, which was later handed over to the Police.

He said the suspects dismounted the motorcycle, hurriedly walked in their direction with handguns, and started to discharge several rounds in their direction.

After the shooting, they escaped in a western direction and while running, the suspects were still discharging rounds in their direction. Ron Narine added that while running, he saw his brother collapse on the roadway, and he continued to run and sought refuge in some bushes where he remained for about two hours before returning to the landing.

As he returned, he found his brother lying motionless on the road in a pool of blood.

A healthcare worker practising in the simulation laboratory

PNCR to establish committee to finalise members’ list ahead of August congress – Chairman - says leadership

The People's National Congress Reform (PNCR) party is currently establishing an oversite committee which would be tasked with finalising its members’ list ahead of the congress slated for August.

According to Chairman of the PNCR, Member of Parliament Shurwayne Holder, the committee is part of the party’s efforts to ensure elections are conducted smoothly.

focusing on “uniting” party

Holder, who believes there will be at least 1,000 delegates at that congress, is claiming that persons who walked away from the party are now returning.

It has been explained that this oversight committee would also ensure transparency and accountability at the elections, since two current Executives of the party - Roysdale Forde and Ganesh Mahipal - have both publicly expressed interest

in contesting for the post of leadership.

According to Holder, while he is supporting Norton in the upcoming congress, it doesn’t matter who the new leader is, given that the party has one common goal, which is: to be returned to Government.

“I believe that we are in a strong position at this point.

Over the last two years, the leadership team has worked hard on the ground, tireless-

Brothers charged in connection with Arimu Backdam double-murder

Thirty-two-year-old

Travis Fredericks and his 28-year-old brother Fernando Fredericks, both residents of Tuschen Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, have on Thursday been charged in connection with the murder of Zaheer Mohammed Sheriff and Donvan Washington.

Police have said that these two men, who have been charged separately with the offence of being an accessory after the fact of murder, have been arraigned before Bartica Magistrate Teriq Mohamed and were not required to plead to the indictable charge. They have both been remanded to prison, and will make their next court appearance on April 25, 2024.

RECAP

The body of 50-year-old Sheriff, a father of three and resident of Byderabo Road in Bartica, and that of his 26-year-old porter Donvan Washington, also a father of three and resident of Seventh Avenue in Bartica, were riddled with bullets on March 3, 2024 at Arimu Backdam, a Cuyuni riverine community.

It was reported that two masked men on a red all-terrain vehicle (ATV) carted off from these deceased persons 102 ounces of raw gold, valued at $37 million, and two

licensed firearms (a .32 pistol and a 12-gauge shotgun), property of Sheriff.

Investigations so far have revealed that Sheriff was the owner of a sixinch land dredge operation at Arimu Backdam, and he had ‘washed down’ on that Sunday morning be-

fore leaving the camp with Washington to go to Bartica on an ATV.

According to the police, the general manager of Sheriff’s operation reported that about five minutes after his boss had left camp, he heard several loud explosions, which he suspected to be gunshots. He said he went to investigate, and about 500 metres from the camp, found both Sheriff and Washington lying in the trail with gunshot injuries about their bodies.

Police said the 39-yearold manager reported ob-

serving that both of Sheriff’s firearms and the gold were missing. He later made a report to the Bartica Police Station.

Sheriff’s body was examined, and it revealed that he was shot in his right upper chest, upper right thigh, upper right arm, and left upper back.

Washington’s body, when examined, revealed that he was shot to his lower abdomen, left chest, left shoulder, left hand, and left elbow; and he had four wounds to the right thigh, two to the left thigh, and one to his back.

The scene was processed, and one .32 magazine with eight live matching rounds, seven 9mm spent shells, and three .32 spent shells were

found.

A close relative of Washington’s told Guyana Times they received a call on that Sunday morning informing that the two men had been ambushed shortly after processing raw gold from the mining operation. The relative said the family was still in shock at the man’s sudden death.

Autopsies performed on the bodies of Washington and Mohammed Sheriff by Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh on Monday gave the cause of death as ‘multiple gunshot wounds’.

ly. We have shifted the powers that we think (were) a little away from us now to a position where they are speaking with us regularly, understanding our vision, understanding our policy and the direction that we want to carry this country into,” Holder said.

When questioned by media operatives about growing tension among senior members of the main Opposition, Holder posited that “public banter” and leadership contests illustrate how democratic the party is. Holder said he and Norton are solely focused on uniting the party ahead of next year’s elections.

“You will see more coalition as we get closer towards General and Regional Elections…My focus going forward would be to continue the work of the party until congress time, and even after congress; and continue to fight and put us in a position in which we can win the next general and regional elections,” Holder posited.

Holder has revealed that he intends to vie for the

chairmanship of the party. “Once nominated for the position of Chairman -- and I intend to contest for that position -- I can assure you that my position and the leader’s position when he (Norton) is re-elected will be to work towards unifying the party. It is the only way to go,” Holder has said.

Norton became leader of that party following the 22nd Biennial Congress, where he was challenged for the post by Joseph Harmon and Richard Van West-Charles.

New leadership positions will be determined at the party’s 23rd Biennial Congress, which is likely to be held by the end of August 2024.

Re-election Leader of the ruling Opposition, Aubrey Norton, is positive he would be re-elected leader of the People’s National Congress/ Reform (PNC/R) when that party holds its congress this year.

“I have no doubt that, at the next congress, I will be returning as leader of the

party,” Norton said during a recent PNC/R press conference.

According to Norton, he has done a great job in maintaining the party, and his work as leader of PNC/R speaks for itself.

Coalition

Meanwhile, when questioned about the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) partnering again for the 2025 General and Regional Elections, Norton disclosed that both parties have to meet to discuss this. Norton explained that engagements would be held for a decision to be made as to whether these parties would form a coalition or go forward separately.

“In a coalition, you work together: you discuss, you narrow the differences, and produce some kind of confluence of interest to be able to move forward…the AFC makes its decisions, PNC APNU make our decisions, and then we have to meet to find a confluence; but it's not a case where the PNC can decide for AFC, or the AFC can make decisions,” Norton explained.

The Alliance For Change (AFC) formally broke its coalition with A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) back in December 2022.

The revised Cummingsburg Accord, a political agreement between these two organisations, had provided for this separation. At the time, AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan had indicated that the two political organisations would do their political work separately, but work in Parliament jointly.

PNCR Chairman, Member of Parliament Shurwayne Holder Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton

Murdered: Zaheer Mohammed Sheriff and Donvan Washington

Charged: Travis Fredericks and Fernando Fredericks

Regs 3, 4 & GT teachers benefit from 2-day ESL training workshop

The Education Ministry’s Migrant Education Support Unit (MESU), along with the School Support Services and in collaboration with the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF), is hosting a twoday workshop on English as a Second Language for teachers across Regions Three, Four, and Georgetown.

The workshop, which is being hosted in the auditorium of the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD), is aimed at building the capacity of 70 teachers to teach ESL (English as a Second Language) and integrate SEL (Social & Emotional Learning) in the classroom. These ESL after-school classes will be implemented in 60 schools within Regions Three, Four, and Georgetown, and would target approximately 1,100 migrant children who are enrolled in nursery, prima-

ry, and secondary schools.

The ESL after-school programme aims to eliminate the language barriers that hinder migrant children's access to education. It helps students develop their English language proficiency and communication skills, enabling them to thrive in a multicultural society.

The SEL programme would be focused on building emotional intelligence, resilience, and empathy, equipping students with

Annandale construction worker gets 3 years for narcotics’ possession

CDemerara was on Thursday sentenced to three years’ imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to narcotics’ trafficking.

The 27-year-old was arrested on April 8, 2024, but appeared before Magistrate Allan Wilson at the Mahaica Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, April 11. The charge was read to him, he pleaded guilty, and the magistrate imposed a three-year sentence on him.

RECAP Adams was reportedly arrested following the discovery of a quantity of ganja in a haversack he was carrying.

Police have said that on the day in question, between 16:00h and 17:20h, a party of ranks conducting a roadblock exercise along the Helena Public Road in Mahaica, ECD had stopped several vehicles, including minibus BAC 6035.

At the time, the con-

struction worker was carrying a camouflage haversack and was observed acting suspiciously. This prompted the ranks to search the bag, which led to the discovery of two bulky parcels wrapped in transparent plastic and containing a quantity of cannabis.

The suspect was told of the offence, cautioned, arrested, and escorted along with the bag to the Mahaica Police Station, where the cannabis was weighed and amounted to 3,563 grams.

Rampattie Bisanuth has expressed that this new ESL implementation would focus on the importance of inclusion and tolerance, not just as educational goals, but as fundamental pillars of our community. By valuing diversity and fostering a culture of acceptance, she said, the schools aim to create a safe and supportive space where every student feels valued and respected.

Project Director of PADF (Pan American Development Foundation), Jermaine Grant, has meanwhile commended the Education Ministry for the work done to ensure migrant children are properly integrated into the classroom.

MESU Coordinator

valuable life skills that go beyond academics. The selected schools would be provided with continuous support, training, and all resources necessary for the ESL after-school classes.

Govt launches media training to enhance public communication

The Office of the Prime Minister on Thursday launched a series of comprehensive media training sessions for public relations officers working at various Government ministries and agencies. The aim is to ensure clear and timely communication between the Government and the public.

The training, launched at the Windjammer Inn in Georgetown, would see participants receiving refresher courses in areas like crafting media releases and preparing for media interviews.

National Training Coordinator

Marcia Hope has said that Guyana’s growing economy presents challenges and opportunities for the media fraternity. “We know that Guyana is a country that is vastly growing. We believe that our people must be upskilled and trained to match this. The media and communications training is just one aspect of the Government’s training mandate to ensure that its people are up to par with what’s going on in the economy.”

enhance the supply of information.

“While we are improving on the journalism side of things, as reporters, we also have to improve on the side of public relations -- building relations with the media,” she told the Department of Public Information (DPI).

This falls under a wider work programme being spearheaded by the OPM’s Department of Public Affairs.

Meanwhile, Communications Specialist and facilitator of the first session, Martina Johnson, has emphasised that the training aims to empower media operatives to effectively navigate the media landscape, maximise positive media exposure, and avoid potential pitfalls.

She explained that the training encompasses integration of technology into public relations in order to

Recently, the Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, with Responsibility for Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy, launched the fourth instalment of the Media and Communications Academy with a similar aim. These initiatives reflect the Government’s drive to revolutionise the country’s media landscape, promoting greater efficiency, competency and transparency.

By strengthening public communication, the Government hopes to ensure citizens are well-informed about its policies and programmes.

National Training Coordinator Marcia Hope

Communications specialist and training facilitator Martina Johnson

Teachers at the workshop on Thursday

Reading materials to be used by teachers

onstruction worker Kellon Adams of Marshall Street, Annandale, East Coast

Sentenced: Kellon Adams The ganja that was found in the haversack

Mexico takes Ecuador to World Court over Embassy raid

Mexico has filed a case against Ecuador at the United Nations' top court saying the armed raid on the Mexican Embassy in Quito last week violated a UN treaty on diplomatic relations, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) said in a filing on Thursday.

The raid sparked global outrage and condemnation of the South American nation as well as triggering a diplomatic break between Ecuador and Mexico.

Diplomatic ties between the two countries have been suspended since last Friday, when Ecuadorean Police forcefully entered the Embassy in order to arrest former Ecuadorean Vice President Jorge Glas, who had sought and had been granted political asylum in Mexico.

Regional Governments rallied around Mexico after the Embassy raid and Mexican Foreign Minister Barcena expressed confidence that Mexico's case would be supported at the court. Under international law, Embassies are considered the sovereign territory of the country they represent.

Peru's Congress passes latest pension withdrawal proposal

Peru's Congress approved a controversial proposal on Thursday that will allow retirees to tap savings accounts that the country's financial regulator estimated could force pension fund administrators to sell some US$7 billion in assets.

The bill was passed with 96 votes in favour, five against, and five abstentions.

Over the past four

years, lawmakers have approved six previous pension fund withdrawals worth some US$24 billion in a bid to provide a boost to cash-strapped savers at a time of sluggish economic growth in Peru, once one of South America's star performers.

"Mexico is accusing (Ecuador) of violating the diplomatic immunity of its embassy," Barcena said, calling it "a violation that is not justified anywhere".

The Government of Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa has argued the asylum protection was illegal because of corruption charges Glas is facing.

Mexico has asked the ICJ, also known as the World Court, to issue emergency measures, including securing the Embassy and other diplomatic premises

and allowing Mexican officials to clear diplomatic buildings and the private homes of their diplomatic agents in Ecuador.

Usually the ICJ sets hearings on emergency measures within weeks of an application. A final ruling in the case can take years and while its rulings are final, the court has no means to enforce them.

Ecuador's Government did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Thursday.

(Excerpts from Reuters)

Colombia's ELN rebels freeze peace talks planned for April

Colombia's National Liberation Army (ELN) rebels said on Thursday they are suspending participation in the coming cycle of peace talks with the Government, planned for this month, but will attend an extraordinary meeting scheduled today.

The announcement is the latest development in recent troubles at the talks, restarted by President Gustavo Petro at the end of 2022 as part of his efforts to end Colombia's six-decade conflict, which killed at least 450,000 persons.

The guerrilla group said

the suspension was caused by "Government insistence in carrying out a demobilisation operation in Narino against the ELN", referring to regional talks with one of its factions taking place southwestern province.

The parallel talks are contrary to the fair play and good faith which should characterise negotiations, the rebel group, which objected earlier this year to similar talks with communities in Narino, added.

"It is necessary not to lose time," the Government's negotiating team said in its own statement, saying it was imper -

ative work at the negotiating table move ahead.

The dire situation that people living in the provinces of Arauca, Choco and Narino are confronting must also be attended to, the Government added.

The Government previously has defended the community talks and said the ELN was unnecessarily prolonging negotiations.

The ELN said its delegates are already in Caracas, Venezuela for an extraordinary meeting it requested with the Government earlier this week. (Excerpt from Reuters)

CCJ Head hails Michael de la Bastide: He shaped Caribbean justice

ormer Chief Justice

Fthe late Michael de la Bastide has deeply shaped the workings of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) said CCJ President, Justice Adrian Saunders at his funeral, amid several calls for Trinidad and Tobago to join the CCJ in tribute to de la Bastide as the regional court's inaugural President.

De la Bastide was given an official funeral on

April 11 at the Church of the Assumption, Maraval. Those attending included President Christine Kangaloo, former President Anthony Carmona, Chief Justice Ivor Archie, acting Prime Minister Colm Imbert, Attorney General Reginald Armour, Director of Public Prosecutions Roger Gaspard and businessman Ken Gordon. Saunders and Archie gave tributes. Saunders

said de la Bastide now occupies a special place in the heart of the CCJ's staff and Judges.

"As inaugural President of the court, it naturally fell to Justice de la Bastide to establish the norms, rules and processes that would shape the operations of both the CCJ and the regional judicial and legal services commission for well into the future." (Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

Peru's four major pension administrators, which include funds owned by Credicorp and Bank of Nova Scotia, manage a combined portfolio worth some 128 billion soles covering 9.4 million retirees, according to data from banking regulator SBS estimated as of late March.

Retirees with pension funds in Peru represent a minority, however; as about seven out of 10 workers in the country are employed in the informal economy and do not contribute to retirement accounts.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

At least 8 dead after bus crash in north-eastern Brazil

At

least eight persons have died and 23 were injured after a long-distance bus hit an embankment and flipped over in Brazil's north-eastern state of Bahia, local authori-

ties said on Thursday.

The bus, which had departed Rio de Janeiro and was heading to the tourist coastal city of Porto Seguro, crashed overnight near the town of Teixeira de Freitas,

according to Brazil's Federal Road Police.

The injured, some of them in critical condition, have been taken to a nearby hospital, authorities said. (Reuters)

US lawmakers, activists urge action on migration from, firearms to, Haiti

US lawmakers on Thursday called for the country to take further action to stop the flow of firearms to Haiti and to halt the forced return of migrants seeking to flee worsening street violence and shortages of essential supplies.

Democratic Congresswomen Ayanna Pressley, Cori Bush and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick met with human rights advocates and Haitian organisations to call for the extension of temporary protection status for migrants, an end to deportations and stronger controls at Florida ports, which the United Nations considers the main route for trafficking firearms to gangs which control most of the capital.

Attendees included representatives from the Haitian Bridge Alliance, Florida Immigrant Coalition, Family Action Network Movement and Amnesty International USA.

Haitian armed groups have tightened their grip on the Caribbean country even further since unelected Prime Minister Ariel Henry announced his resignation a month ago, deepening a humanitarian crisis as people live under frequent gunfire while ports remain closed, hospitals lack key supplies, and stores run out of food.

There has been little in-

ternational reaction besides bolstering border security.

"We have to do everything we can as Americans to not continue to support the gangs by giving them the ammunitions they need to terrorise the Haitian people," said CherfilusMcCormick Congress's only Haitian-American representative.

She also called for lawmakers to come together to unblock the majority of some US$300 million the Government pledged to support a security force to Haiti, that has been mandated to help Police restore routes for humanitarian supplies.

The force has been on hold as Haiti awaits a new government, a process that was expected to take a couple of days from Henry's March 11 announcement he would step down, but has dragged on for over a month with the outgoing Cabinet

yet to authorise the publication of a decree formalising the transfer of power.

Activists at the meeting also called for US government clarification on the possible use of Guantanamo Bay to control migration after Southern Command General Laura Richardson spoke last month of a "contingency plan" involving the US naval base located on the island of Cuba, without giving further details.

The base was last used to hold Haitian and Cuban migrants in the 1990s when it achieved notoriety for the imprisonment of hundreds of people fleeing a coup d' tat.

Many Haitians are wary of international interventions after previous UN missions left behind a devastating cholera epidemic and sex abuse scandals, for which reparations were never made. (Reuters)

Mexican Foreign Minister Alicia Barcena speaking during a news conference in Mexico City, Mexico, April 11, 2024 as Mexico is calling for Ecuador to be suspended from the United Nations until the South American country issues a public apology for its raid on Mexico's Embassy in Quito [Mexico Presidency/Handout via Reuters]

US Rep Cori Bush (D-MO) rallies with US Rep Ayanna Pressley (D-MA) outside of the US Department of Justice in Washington, US (Reuters/Leah Millis file photo)

Around the World OIL NEWS

Oil prices head back up on Middle East jitters

Oil prices rose in early trade today on heightened tensions in the Middle East, where Iran has promised to retaliate for a suspected Israeli air strike on its Embassy in Syria, which could risk disruptions to supply from the oil-producing region.

Brent crude futures climbed 34 cents, or 0.38 per cent, to US$90.08 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose 44 cents, or 0.51 per cent, to US$85.45, at 0033 GMT.

The gains erased some losses from the previous session, which was dominated by worries about stubborn US inflation that dampened hopes for an interest rate cut as early as June.

"The geopolitical risks remain elevated," ANZ Research said in a note, adding that oil prices have jumped almost 19 per cent also supported by improving economic conditions and supply cuts by the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies, together called OPEC+.

In Europe, where the labour market has begun to soften and growth is stagnating, central bankers left the policy rate unchanged on Thursday but signalled they remain on track to cut rates as soon as June.

"The European Central Bank's decision to leave policy rates unchanged ... was expected, but accompanying statements open the door for near-term monetary easing," S&P Global Market Intelligence said in a note.

However in the US, Federal Reserve officials signalled on Thursday no rush to cut interest rates, as sticky US inflation remains a concern. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Ukraine war: Key power plant near Kyiv

destroyed by Russian strikes

Amajor power plant near Kyiv was completely destroyed by Russian strikes early on Thursday, energy company Centrenergo said. Trypillya power plant was the largest electricity provider for three regions, including Kyiv, officials said.

"The scale of destruction is terrifying," said Centrenergo Chairman Andriy Hota.

Russia has long been deliberately and systematically targeting Ukraine's energy system.

Hota told the BBC that Thursday morning's strikes destroyed "the transformer, the turbines, the generators. They destroyed 100 per cent".

A fire broke out in the turbine workshop of the Trypillya plant located 50 kilometres (31 miles) to the south of Kyiv following Thursday's large-scale airborne attack.

The Centrenergo boss said the plant was targeted by multiple missiles. Staff on shift were able to escape, he said, because they ran for cover as soon as the first drone hit.

Residents were urged to shut their windows, charge all their devices, and stock up on water.

More than 80 missiles and drones targeted sites across

Ukraine in the early hours of Thursday. Many targeted energy infrastructure and almost a third made it through Ukraine's air defences.

Hours later, Centrenergo confirmed its Trypillya plant had been put out of use. Hota said his company's entire generative capacity in Ukraine was now destroyed. It was one of Ukraine's largest providers of electricity and heat. It operated two other power plants one in the Kharkiv region which was destroyed in late March, and one in an area of the Donetsk region that was taken over by Russia in 2022.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Russia, Germany and UK urge restraint as Iranian threat puts Middle East on edge

Russia, Germany and Britain on Thursday urged countries in the Middle East to show restraint and Israel said it was preparing to "meet all its security needs" in a region on edge over an Iranian threat to strike Israel.

The German airline Lufthansa, one of only two Western carriers flying to Tehran, extended a suspension of its flights to the Iranian capital and Russia warned against travel to the Middle East.

Iran has vowed revenge for the April 1 airstrike on its embassy compound in Damascus that killed a top Iranian General and six other Iranian military officers, ratcheting up tension in a region already strained by the Gaza war.

Israel has not claimed responsibility for the attack, but Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday Israel "must be punished and it shall be", saying it was tantamount to an attack on Iranian soil.

The "imperative for Iran to punish this rogue regime" might have been avoided had the UN Security Council condemned the strike and brought the perpetrators to

OJ Simpson, the American football star and actor who was acquitted in a sensational 1995 trial of murdering his former wife but was found responsible for her death in a civil lawsuit and was later imprisoned for armed robbery and kidnapping, has died at the age of 76.

Simpson, cleared by a Los Angeles jury in what the US media called "the trial of the century," had died on Wednesday after a battle with cancer, his family posted on social media on Thursday.

Simpson avoided prison when he was found not guilty in the 1994 stabbing deaths of former wife

justice, Tehran's mission to the United Nations said on Thursday.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was keeping up its war in Gaza, but making security preparations elsewhere.

"Whoever harms us, we will harm them. We are prepared to meet all of the security needs of the State of Israel, both defensively and offensively," he said in comments released following a

visit to an air force base.

Iran has signalled to Washington that it will respond to Israel's attack in a way that aims to avoid major escalation and it will not act hastily, Iranian sources said.

Conflict has spread across the Middle East since the eruption of the Gaza war, with Iran-backed groups declaring support for the Palestinians waging attacks from Lebanon, Yemen,

and Iraq. Tehran has avoided direct confrontation with Israel or the United States, while declaring support for its allies.

Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reported on Thursday Gaza s Health Ministry has said at least 63 Palestinians were killed and 45 injured in Israeli attacks across the enclave in the past 24 hours.

(Excerpt

Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman in Los Angeles. Simpson later served nine years in a Nevada prison after be-

ing convicted in 2008 on 12 counts of armed robbery and kidnapping two sports memorabilia dealers at gunpoint in a Las Vegas hotel.

Nicknamed "The Juice", Simpson was one of the best and most popular athletes of the late 1960s and 1970s. He overcame childhood infirmity to become an electrifying running back at the University of Southern California and won the Heisman Trophy as college football's top player. After a record-setting career in the National Football League (NFL) with the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Simpson parlayed his

football stardom into a career as a sportscaster, advertising pitchman, and Hollywood actor in films including the "Naked Gun" series.

All that changed after Nicole Brown Simpson and Goldman were found fatally slashed in a bloody scene outside her Los Angeles home on June 12, 1994.

Simpson quickly emerged as a suspect. He was ordered to surrender to Police, but five days after the killings, he fled in his white Ford Bronco with a former teammate carrying his passport and a disguise. A slow-speed chase through the Los Angeles area ended at Simpson's mansion and he was later charged in the murders. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Vietnamese billionaire sentenced to death for US$44B fraud

t was the most spectacular trial-ever held in Vietnam, befitting one of the greatest bank frauds the world has ever seen.

Behind the stately yellow portico of the colonial-era courthouse in Ho Chi Minh City, a 67-yearold Vietnamese property developer was sentenced to death on Thursday for looting one of the country's largest banks over a period of 11 years.

OJ Simpson, football star turned celebrity murder defendant, dead at 76 I

The decision is a reflection of the dizzying scale of the fraud. Truong My Lan was convicted of taking out US$44 billion in loans from the Saigon Commercial Bank. The verdict requires her to return US$27 billion, a sum prosecutors said may never be recovered. Some believe the death penalty is the court's way of trying to encourage her to return some of the missing billions.

It's a rare verdict she is one of very few women in Vietnam to be sentenced to death for a white collar crime.

The habitually secretive communist authorities were uncharacteristically forthright about this case, going into minute de-

tail for the media. They said 2700 people were summoned to testify, while 10 State

Prosecutors and around 200 lawyers were involved.

The evidence was in 104 boxes weighing a total of six tonnes. Eighty-five others were tried with Truong My Lan, who denied the charges and can appeal. All of the defendants were found guilty. Four received life in jail. The rest were given prison terms ranging from 20 years to three years suspended. Truong My Lan's husband and niece received jail terms of nine and 17 years respectively.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

from Reuters and Al Jazeera)

A picture of late senior Iranian military commander General Qassem Soleimani hangs amid rubble after what Syrian and Iranian media described as an Israeli air strike on Iran's consulate in the Syrian capital, Damascus, April 1, 2024 (Reuters/Firas Makdesi photo)

OJ Simpson watches his former defence attorney Yale Galanter testify during an evidentiary hearing in Clark County District Court in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 17, 2013 (Reuters/Ethan Miller/Pool)

Truong My Lan is accused of looting one of Vietnam's largest banks over a period of 11 years

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(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)

Attend a reunion or event that connects you with people who share your interests or background. Offering your insight will lead to valuable conversations. Romance is favored.

Don’t promise more than you can deliver, and you’ll do remarkably well. Opportunities are heading your way, and picking up skills will position you for success. Update your resume.

Refuse to let anyone take charge or ruin your day. Go where the action is and show everyone what you have to offer. Someone you least expect will show signs of jealousy.

Don’t put your future in someone else’s hands. Take the initiative and be bold, and you will get what you want. Now is not the time to be shy; it’s time to show everyone what you can do.

Don’t reveal too much information. Show compassion and be a good listener, but keep your personal life and opinions to yourself. A reunion or chance meeting will lead to an exciting friendship.

Taking an active role in your community will encourage networking and the potential to get ahead. Question the validity of something someone close to you says.

Don’t settle for less. Align yourself with people who share your concerns and interests. Stop vacillating; take control and put your plan in motion. Love is on the rise.

An emotional incident can affect something you want to pursue. Make it clear what you are willing to bring to the table to make your plan work. Put your energy into whatever brings the highest returns.

Push hard for what you want, but don’t promise something you cannot honor. Be sure that you are clear regarding what you are willing to do and what you expect.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Don’t engage in extravagant pastimes. Stick to a healthy, moderate lifestyle. Stay focused on being positive and achieving something that will help you advance.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

(Feb. 20-March 20)

Emotional situations will escalate quickly. Avoid joint financial ventures, lending to or borrowing from a friend or relative and shared expenses. Concentrate on personal gain.

Pay attention to detail. Put your energy into something meaningful. Say no to those trying to lead you astray or taking advantage of what you have to offer. Discipline will be a must.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

Indian Premier League 2024…

MI in bruising win over RCB

– thanks to Bumrah’s five-for, fifties from Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav

The bash-throughthe-line Wankhede pitch and dewy conditions contributed to five 50-plus scores, including a 17-ball half-century from Suryakumar Yadav, but it was Jasprit Bumrah who produced the most decisive performance on the night to set up Mumbai Indians' second successive victory at home.

Bumrah's 5 for 21 - he was on a hat-trick twice - kept Royal Challengers Bengaluru to 196 for 8, despite Dinesh Karthik's inventive 53 not out off 23 balls. Karthik hit four sixes and a four off the last seven legal balls he faced to give RCB a biggish total.

But it looked smaller than it was when Ishan Kishan cracked a 23-ball

nine balls in his first over, the third of the innings. In the next over, Akash Madhwal generated his signature skid to have Will Jacks, who made his IPL debut in place of Cameron Green, flapping a catch to mid-on for eight.

Du Plessis tried to salvage the powerplay by staying leg side of the ball and using his hands to pump the ball over the top. Patidar, too, started quickly and later overtook du Plessis to become the first of many half-centurions in the game. Patidar reached the landmark with back-to-back sixes off Gerald Coetzee, but the South Africa quick hit back the next ball to bounce Patidar out for 50 off 26 balls

half-century inside the powerplay in the chase. It looked a whole lot smaller when Suryakumar, playing only his second game back from injury, reminded the world of his power and range. MI eventually mowed down the target with seven wickets and nearly five overs to spare.

Captain Hardik Pandya was booed when he bowled a solitary over earlier in the night, but a packed crowd celebrated with him when he finished the chase with a six

Patidar, du Plessis prop up RCB RCB were 23 for 2 in the fourth over when Faf du Plessis and Rajat Patidar came together.

Before that, Bumrah had Virat Kohli swiping and edging behind for three off

Bumrah's masterclass

After removing Kohli with the new ball, Bumrah returned with the old one to almost shut down RCB's in nings.

In a 17th over, which was full of yorkers or low full-tosses, he dismissed du Plessis (61) and Mahipal Lomror (0). Du Plessis failed to get under a hard-to-hit low full-toss and holed out to long-on while Lomror was pinned lbw by a yorker off the next ball.

In his next over, Bumrah found himself on a hat-trick again but didn't get to it this time either. He bounced out Saurav Chauhan, RCB's im pact player, and Vyshak Vijaykumar off successive balls, but Akash Deep some how kept out the hat-trick ball, which was a yorker. Bumrah's five-wicket haul, though, had his former

captain Rohit Sharma lifting him off the ground, and his former bowling partner and current bowling coach, Lasith Malinga, on his feet, applauding him from the

deal in boundaries and repeated his feat of smashing a fifty in the powerplay for MI.

A SKY-high return

Akash Deep stopped Kishan on 69 and Jacks removed Rohit for 38, but there would be no respite for RCB.

Their bowlers kept missing their lengths as the dew set in and Suryakumar

day when 439 runs were scored. Thursday's performance was even more special on a dewy night. Karthik, who has represented MI in the past, had the Wankhede crowd chanting his name when he picked a slower ball from Bumrah and launched it over extra-cover, providing a throwback to his six that won India the Nidahas

He played a number of other sensational shots as well. When Madhwal denied him easy access to the shorter square boundary on the leg side, Karthik scooped him for a pair of fours over short third in the 16th over that cost MI 19 runs. Karthik also helped take 19 off Madhwal's final over, also the final over of the innings, but it would not

Mohammed Siraj and Reece Topley swung the new ball in the early exchanges, but that didn't stop Kishan from maximising the power-

When Siraj swung one into his pads, he picked it up over square leg for six. Then, when Topley moved one away from him, Kishan crunched him over point. Kishan had a nervy moment on 12, when Topley found his edge, but it flew between keeper and first slip for four Kishan continued to

went about making life even more difficult for them. Suryakumar could have

been dismissed on 15 but Maxwell dropped him at backward point and then left the field, writhing in pain. Suryakumar then unfurled his Supla shot and used his wrists and fast hands to scythe wide balls over point. He charged to his fastest T20 fifty with a sequence of 4, 6, 4, 4 off Topley in the 13th over. He holed out in the next over, but Hardik and Tilak Varma

an

Jasprit Bumrah 4-0-21-5

Akash Madhwal 4-0-57-1

Shreyas Gopal 4-0-32-1

Romario Shepherd 2-0-22-0

Hardik Pandya 1-0-13-0

4-0-42-1

sealed

NRR-boosting win for MI with 27 balls in hand.

That's the comeback fifty, off just 17 balls

Dinesh Karthik brought out his best finisher's self on the night

Reece Topley took a blinder at short fine leg to dismiss Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma provided able support to Ishan Kishan during their 101-run stand

Minister with responsibility for finance and public service, Dr Ashni Singh, has revealed that more upgrades of sports facilities across the country would continue this year.

Last year, Government spent $400M on upgrading grounds and community recreational areas in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), and progress would continue there this year, according to Minister Dr Ashni Singh, who has parliamentary responsibility for that region.

The overall initiative started mid-last year, when grounds were identified for priority intervention and over 50 community facilities were upgraded. During the initial stage of the project, over 120 grounds across the region were identified.

Speaking on the sidelines of a recent event

held at the Port Mourant Community Centre Ground, Minister Singh pointed out that the project is not over.

Grounds have been land filled and fenced, and washroom facilities have been rehabilitated. And in some cases where they did not exist, sanitary blocks have been built.

“We will be doing more on these grounds, depending on their condition; in some cases, depending on the level of activity. Some people are asking for lights. We may not be able to put lights on all of the grounds, but at least some of them are also improving spectator facilities. So, during 2024, we are going to be doing a second phase of upgrading of sports grounds,” Dr Singh pointed out.

Impact of the interventions has thus far facilitated more organised and larger scale participation in

Tsporting activities, and Dr Singh has noted that further enhancements would be undertaken based on the condition of the grounds, their level of activity, and their size.

“Berbice has historically produced some of the country’s finest cricketers. Some of West Indies’ finest cricketers have come from the Albion-Port Mourant area. We want to see that happen yet again. We want to be able to produce more world-class sports people. Just last week, we saw our young track and field athletes having tremendous success at the Carifta Games. This is a reflection of the investments that we have been making in sports facilities, and investments that we have been making in our young people, ensuring that they are able to participate,” the minister told reporters. (G-4)

The local motorsport world is abuzz with anticipation as Anand Ramchand gears up to debut in the Renault Sport Megane Trophy at the GMR&SC Circuit Championship opening round on April 21st at South Dakota Circuit.

A seasoned driver with an impressive track record, Ramchand is optimistic about his prospects in the upcoming season, and this is adding to the excitement.

Ramchand's confi-

dence in the Renault Sport Megane Trophy is palpable. "It's a reliable car," he stated, emphasizing his belief in its capabilities on the track. With his sights set on podium finishes, and even a shot at victory in the GP4 Class, Ramchand is poised to make a strong impression in his debut race.

A former GP3 and Starlet Cup champion, Ramchand brings to this endeavour a wealth of experience. His success in multi-

ple classes speaks volumes about his skill behind the wheel. Alongside his debut in the Renault Sport Megane Trophy, Ramchand would also be competing in the BAL Toyota Starlet Cup and the SIC GP3 with his trusty 911 Toyota Starlet.

With his proven track record as a seasoned driver and a race winner across multiple classes, Ramchand's presence on the grid adds an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming season. Fans can expect to see thrilling battles and memorable moments as Ramchand takes on the competition in pursuit of victory.

As countdown to the GMR&SC Circuit Championship opener begins, all eyes will be on Anand Ramchand as he embarks on this new chapter in his racing career. With determination, skill, and a competitive spirit, Ramchand is ready to make his mark on the track and cause the 2024 season to be memorable.

he ExxonMobil Linden Inter-School Football Tournament is set to commence today: Friday April 12, with a doubleheader at the Wisburg Secondary School Ground commencing at 14:00hrs.

A vibrant opening ceremony is scheduled prior to the start of this third edition of the tournament.

Officials of the sponsors ExxonMobil will be present alongside representatives of the Ministry of Education and the Upper Demerara Football Association (UDFA) to deliver remarks.

The action-packed tourney would commence with Kwakwani Secondary opposing Wisburg Secondary, and last year’s

champions Christianburg Wismar Secondary going head-to-head with Mackenzie High School.

The tournament, organised by New Era Entertainment, would feature eight schools divided into two groups. Group A comprises Mackenzie High School, Christianburg Wismar Secondary, Linden Technical Institute (LTI), and Harmony Secondary School. Group B comprises Wisburg Secondary, New Silvercity Secondary, Linden Foundation Secondary, and Kwakwani Secondary.

These teams will battle it out in a round-robin format during the group stage, and the top two teams from Group A and

Following the conclusion of the Women’s Under-19 InterCounty T20 tournament earlier this week, the Under-19 Men will spring into action today in the Guyana Cricket Board’s (GCB’s) Male U19 super50 tournament.

In round 1, Berbice play Essequibo at the Malteenoes Sports Club Ground in Thomas Lands, Georgetown, while Demerara battle the GCB Select XI at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The squads read:

GCB Select XI U19Deonarain Dindyal, Anthony Khan, Justin Doobay, Amos Charles, Shiloh Adams, Nityanand Mathura, Avishkar Persaud, Andres Fraser, Avishkar Beharry, Stephon Sankar, Natron

Gill, Jayden Dowlin, Jerimah Hohenkirk, Rajikar, Ari Kadir.

Manager: Yueraj Khemraj

Coach: Kumar Bishundial Berbice U19 - Rampertab

Ramnauth (Captain), Matthew Pottya M (ViceCaptain), Rampersaud Ramnauth, Salim Khan, Kevin Kristen, Damion

Cecil, Sanjay Algoo, Kumar

Deopersaud, Afraz Budhoo, Romesh Bharrat, Rashad

Gaffur, Ayhinde Roger, Devon Wharton and Okasie Boyce.

Manager: Shamar Angel

Coach: Seon Hetmyer

Essequibo U19Thaddeus Lovell (Captain), Myhim Khan, Jadon Campbell, Navindra Sankar, Gulcharran Chulai, Joash

Charles, Benny Persaud, Shahid Viera, Rajendra Ramballi, Bruce Vincent,

B would advance to the semifinals.

In addition to today’s doubleheader, matches are scheduled for April 13, 14, 16, 19, 20, and 21. The highly anticipated finals will take place on April 26. ExxonMobil’s substantial investment of $5M in this year’s championship underscores that corporate giant’s commitment to community development through sports. Ryan Hoppie, ExxonMobil’s Community Relations Advisor for Public and Government Affairs, has highlighted the company’s dedication to supporting the community and youth, highlighting these as key areas of investment.

Darwin Joseph, Renaldo Jeffery, Justin Sutton, Shaziff Mohammed

Manager: Nazeer Mohamed

Coach: Antony Adams Demerara U19Mavindra Dindyal (Captain), Romeo Deonarain, Vikash Wilkinson, Sachin Balgobin, Alvin Mohabir, Zachary Jodah, Johnathan Van Lange, Anthony Lim, Kelvin Raymond, Wavell Allen, Krsna Singh, Neeran Bani, Riyad Latiff, Riyan Latiff, Arun Gainda, Dave Mohabir, Zahid Mohamed, John Persaud and Udesh Seetaram.

Manager: Puneeth Jaigopaul

Team captains of seven of the eight participating schools are seen with the championship trophy for this year’s ExxonMobil Linden

the Renault Sport Megane Trophy

ExxonMobil’s Future Warriors tournament expands to Essequibo

ExxonMobil Guyana’s commitment to youth development was showcased with their continued investment in the Future Warriors Tapeball Tournament for primary schools.

A tournament that started in Georgetown and expanded to Berbice will now head to Essequibo from April 13-14 at the Imam Bacchus Ground at Affiance, Essequibo Coast.

Twelve primary schools: Mainstay, Charity, Taymouth Manor, Queenstown, Suddie, Aurora, C.V. Nunes, 8th of May, Good Hope, Huis’t Dieren, Hampton Court and Fisher, will participate in the tournament.

Organised by FL Sport, the tournament aims to expose grassroots talents to cricket, and schools are allowed to field both boys and girls on their teams at their discretion.

Community Relations

Advisor for ExxonMobil Guyana, Ryan Hoppie, has challenged the participants to dream big, as they might well be the next stars of Guyana or West Indies cricket. Hoppie has said he hopes the children would use the

GBF to roll out training programme

With the lack of officials in Guyana being the chief motivator, the Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) is set to host a training programme to cater to referees, commissioners and table officials. It is set for the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue in Georgetown, and would likely widen the pool of officials in the country.

The programme comes with different age eligibilities for the varying formats; as, in the 5X5 format, participants can be from 25 – 35 years old, and in the 3X3 format, ages can be from 21 –40 years despite the format Official’s retire at the age of 55.

Organizers of the event, while speaking to this publication, indicated that the programme is likely to commence on April 18th, but dates are tentative and are subject to change with the arrival of overseas officials on local shores.

In a comment made exclusively to Guyana Times Sport, President of the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA), Jermaine Slater, expounded on the need for a larger pool of referees with the number of games expected to be rolled out.

“It is going to help the basketball fraternity on the whole, as in at the associations with the increased number of games that we are trying to push. The fact that we are short on staff, if we want to effectively keep tournaments promptly, we can't be dependent on the same people even though they are willing so we have to get a larger pool of persons we can choose from for us to increase the number of basketballs being played each year.”

He went on to explain that this training program will help officials already within the sport to get acquainted with updated rules that FIBA has approved.

opportunity to develop their talents and build lifelong friendships.

Co-Director of FL Sport, John Ramsingh, is confident that, based on the success of

the other two tournaments, teams would give their all and have fun while competing.

Noticeably absent from the other two tournaments,

Ramsingh has said he envisions a plethora of talent on show, and hopes the players can transition into clubs or a more structured programme.

The format will be eight

overs per side, and be contested on a straight knockout basis. Teams can field 11 players from their squad of 13.

The three remaining teams after day one will be outfitted with jerseys and return to play a round-robin final on Sunday.

Matches commence at 08:30h on both days, and organisers would provide bats, balls, and transportation free of cost to all participating schools, along with various meals and refreshments throughout the playing days.

The winning team would earn a gear bag with numerous pieces of equipment for tapeball cricket, and also secure a spot in the upcoming ‘Champions of Champions’ tournament, where that winner would be ‘adopted’ by the Guyana Amazon Warriors during their home leg of the Caribbean Premier League in September.

Stella Maris Primary (Georgetown) and Cropper Primary (Berbice) are two champions of their districts.

Queenside Chess Camp sees more women participating in chess

The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) and the Guyana Women in Chess Community (GWICC), last Sunday, April 7th, 2024, hosted the Queenside Girls and Women Chess Camp at Cara Lodge in Georgetown.

It is the second year that the GWICC has hosted the female-only chess camp. The core mission of the annual camp is to close the gap in gender parity in the game.

The GCF has seen a significant membership increase in female players, especially in the girls' division in the age category tournaments of rapid games.

The annual event attracted more than 50 girls

younger girls were enthusiastic and vocal in their expressions and joy only chess players can attain in play-

and women aged from eight years to forty-eight years, who came to enjoy an afternoon of fun and social interaction among their peers. In the group, some beginners eagerly learned from the seasoned players, while others focused solely on playing.

The chess camp aims to empower girls and women through chess, and encourages knowledge sharing while fostering friendships among the females. The afternoon event certainly achieved this goal as the

ing chess. These promising young players are poised to contend for the championships vacated by aging competitors.

Secretary of the Guyana Chess Federation and organizer of the Queenside event, Marcia Lee, in opening remarks at the camp, expressed gratitude for the strong support received from the GCF, parents, and the sponsors of the event: International Import and Supplies. Mrs. Lee spoke about the need to hold a

space for female chess players who can develop their skills and encourage each other. She noted that the number of girls and women playing chess, whether casually or competitively, has increased when compared to previous years.

Queenside Event sponsor representative Mrs. Jagmohan also made some remarks that encouraging

and empowering young girls to be their best and continue to break barriers.

The one-day camp is the perfect lead into the next tournament, the 2024 Women s Chess Championship Qualifiers, which would be played at the National Racquet Center on Woolford Avenue, from the 13th-14th April and 20th 21st April 2024.

girls in chess. She lauded the federation for its progress in promoting the sport over the years, creating opportunities for children to play from a young age.

The Guyana Chess Federation thanks the Jagmohan family for their continued support in promoting the game of chess

Chess teaches life skills, some of which are respect, how to focus, and making decisions under pressure.

Interested persons are welcome to sign up to become members of the federation and also register for Guyana Chess Federation's Chess Club for students at https://guyanachess.gy.

GABA President Jermaine Slater

Community Relations Advisor Ryan Hoppie handing over the sponsorship to FL Sport’s Romario Samaroo (far left) and Yusuf Ali (centre) at ExxonMobil Guyana’s Offices in Duke Street, Kingston

Scenes from the Queenside Girls and Women Chess Camp

2024 West Indies 4-Day Championships…

Permaul, Imlach put Harpy Eagles in driver’s seat

The Guyana Harpy Eagles (GHE) were an all-round force to be reckoned with on day 2 of their 6th round West Indies Championships clash with the Jamaica Scorpions at Sabina Park, as Veerasammy Permaul, Tevin Imlach and Kemol Savory shone with ball and bat respectively.

Veerasammy Permaul with yet another five-for helped the Harpy Eagles rout the Jamaica Scorpions cheaply in the afternoon sessions.

Guyana were bowled out for 424 runs, an occurrence which forced the lunch break. However, when they returned to the pitch, the Harpy Eagles’ bowling flummoxed the Jamaicans.

The pacers first set the tone, with Isai Thorne picking up the first two wickets; then Ronaldo Alimohamed and Gudakesh Motie did their thing before the Permaul Show started. This experienced spinner claimed figures of 5-55 from 21 overs, while Thorne ended the day with 2-19 from 8 overs. Alimohamed and Motie claimed the other two wickets for 29 runs from 7 overs and 46 runs

T20 World Cup Trophy’s tours begin in West Indies today

The Caribbean leg of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy tour gets underway in the Caribbean from today, Friday April 12, with its first stop being Barbados, host of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final on June 29th.

Between April 12th and 20th, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy travels to Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, and Saint Lucia, before returning between May 16th to 24th in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana.

The international launch of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy Tour began in the USA where the Empire State Building was lit up by USA player Ali Khan and two-time T20 World Cup winner Chris Gayle. The six West Indies host venues are now ready to welcome T20 cricket’s biggest global prize to the Caribbean.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup represents a once in a lifetime opportunity for the Caribbean to be highlighted on a scale of this magnitude and the Trophy Tour is an opportunity for fans to mark the moment by being photographed with the Trophy all 20 international teams will be competing for in June.

Opportunities for the public to be part of the Trophy Tour include:

Saturday, April 13, Barbados: ? The travel-

from 20 overs respectively.

However, though rattled, the Scorpions survived the day’s play with one wicket in hand.

Brandon King had the highest score for the home team, hitting 32 runs in 51 balls before losing his wicket via controversial lbw, bowled by Motie. Ramaal Lewis had the second highest score with 24 from 36, while Romaine

ing caravan begins from 10 a.m. through the streets of Bridgetown and around the island with major stops including Broad Street for a cultural display, Rihanna Drive for a street party, and finally the people’s place –Oistins.

Thursday, April 18, Antigua and Barbuda: The streets of St. John’s will come alive from 3 p.m. with a cultural parade from the Historic Redcliffe Quay to the Antigua Recreation Ground. ? Veteran party DJ Chiki, Antigua’s four Cricket Knights, the legendary Burning Flames and other notable personalities will all be present. ?

Saturday, April 20, Saint Lucia: ? Two-time ICC Men’s T20 Champion Daren Sammy will be on the caravan moving through several Saint Lucian communities concluding at the centrally located Constitution Park where more excitement will unfold from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. In addition to the major activities prepared with fun and fan participation in mind, the ICC Men’s T20

World Cup Trophy will visit and be photographed at iconic landmarks and in the midst of cultural displays. Opportunities to engage, encourage and inspire the cricketers of tomorrow have been included in each island’s Trophy Tour Schedule. These include school visits, interactions between legends and young cricketers, and cricket displays on the beach and within communities.

Local Organising Committees across all venues are encouraging fans, cricket lovers, party enthusiasts, families, children and everyone else to come out in their numbers to be a part of this major milestone leading to the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup West Indies and USA 2024. Fans can look and listen for more information on their host Venue trophy tour activities via their local media and social media platforms.

Tickets to the event that will see the best cricketers in the world playing 39 matches hosted across the Caribbean are on sale now at https:// tickets.t20worldcup.com.

Morris remains unbeaten on 21 off 41 balls.

Marquino Mindley was the other unbeaten batter, on 13 from 45 deliveries, which assisted in getting the Scorpions to 153-9 in 61 overs.

Earlier in the day, Captain Imlach and Savory continued their impactful partnership from the evening before, and along with several scores from the tailenders, got the Harpy Eagles to their mammoth total in 116.3 overs.

After his ton on day 1, Savory eventually ended on 155 from 309 deliveries, encompassing 16 fours and 3 sixes.

Imlach, on the other hand, slammed his third first- class century in 167 deliveries and back-to-back centuries in two games, after the likes of Niall Smith and Isai Thorne had bought him some time to get to the achievement. Smith hit 33 from 28 deliveries, while Thorne had 11 in 10 balls, while Imlach remained unbeaten on 101* from 169.

When Jamaica’s Morris and Mindley resume today, from 11:00hrs local time, they will look to see how best they can cut down the 271 runs by which they still trail the Harpy Eagles.

8-member Guyanese Boxing team for ‘Champion of Champions’

Containing the largest representation of female fighters in recent memory, the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) has finalised its fight roster that will compete in the ‘Champion of Champions’ boxing tournament in St. Lucia from April 12th–14th.

Three females will form a significant aspect of the eight-member team, which will be under the tutelage of national coaches Lennox Daniels and Clifton Moore. They are siblings Abiola (heavyweight) and Alesha Jackman (middleweight), who represented Guyana at the World Championships in India. The other female who will be making her international debut is Angelina Rodgers (flyweight).

The other members of the squad are: Shakquain James (welterweight); Ryan Rodgers (bantamweight); Keyon Britton (44 kg); Zidhan Wray (super-heavyweight); and Junior Madray (28 kg).

Also making the journey are International Technical Officer Elton Chase and OneStar Referee/Judge Lawrence Assanah. Some of the major territories that have confirmed their participation in the competition are: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Martinique, and Trinidad and Tobago.

GBA President Steve Ninvalle has said his executive is seeking to have world rated Akeela Vancooten travel to St. Lucia, but this was floored after difficulty in securing opponents in her

weight and age categories.

“What is historic about our participation in this championship is that three females will compete on the international circuit, which is a major step in the development of the women’s component of the discipline.

This has not occurred in years and is evidence of the strides that we are making and realising in the female aspect. Our participation in this competition arrives weeks after the introduction of the inaugural GBA Academy, an initiative that further adds to the structure that has encompassed our developmental ideology,” Ninvalle added.

“The GBA views this event from a developmental standpoint, as we aim to expose our emerging talents, especially females, to the rigours of international competition, which unmistakably is experience that will prove vital with the Caribbean Championships scheduled for August.

“This is even more signif-

icant for the females, who are expected to lead a revolution in aspiring for more participation in the future, which is a major objective of the academy,” he added.

Guyana’s Travelling Contingent Roster

Abiola Jackman (heavyweight)

Alesha Jackman (middleweight)

Angelina Rodgers (flyweight)

Shakquain James (welterweight)

Ryan Rodgers (bantamweight)

Keyon Britton (44Kg)

Zidhan Wray (super heavyweight)

Junior Madray (28Kg)

Two-time T20 World Cup winner Chris Gayle displaying the coveted trophy

GBA President Steve Ninvalle

Kemol Savory slammed 155 from 309 deliveries Tevin Imlach remained unbeaten on 101