Guyana Times - Friday, April 14, 2023

Grove woman gets bail over death threats to President Ali

She pleaded not guilty to this charge, and has been placed on $25,000 bail. She is to return to the Diamond/ Golden Grove Magistrates’ Courts on May 18.

In relation to the other charge: for attempting to excite hostility or ill-will, contrary to Section 2(3) of the Racial Hostility Act, committed on Raynard Sobers, Ali pleaded guilty and was fined $75,000.

Police continue search for suspect in Eccles shooting

A59-year-old woman who was seen in a viral video making death threats to President Dr Irfaan Ali has been arraigned for threatening language.

Zalena Ali, called “Kim Ali”, 59, a housewife of Lot 140 Section 'A' Block 'Y', Golden Grove, East Bank Demerara, was arrested on Sunday, and appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce on Thursday.

The defendant has been charged with threatening language, contrary to Section 141(a) of the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act, committed on the President.

In the video, which was posted to the popular social media site Tik Tok, Ali allegedly made a series of racial slurs, and called for President Ali to be assassinated. Given the nature of the threats, she was later arrested by ranks of the Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters.

This is not the first time someone has been arrested for making threats against the Guyanese leader. In June 2022, Marvin Richmond, known as ‘Wakie’, 37, of Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara, was arrested for allegedly threatening to kill President Ali.

Reports state that Richmond is mentally ill, and it is unclear whether he was ever charged.

He allegedly made the threat during a protest that

had erupted along the ECD corridor over the Police shooting death of Quindon Bacchus, a father of one.

Then in December 2022, 25-year-old Nigerian national Bethel Ikena Chimezie stormed State House — the President’s Official Residence — and demanded to meet with President Ali. When he was confronted by a Presidential Guard, Chimezie relieved the Police rank of his firearm and shot him.

He was later charged with attempted murder and discharging a loaded firearm, and was remanded to prison at his first court appearance.

The probe is continuing into the shooting incident on Tuesday at the property of photographer Keron Bruce – who was charged with a cybercrime offence relating to the social media cartoon character “Mudwata”.

On Thursday, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) stated that no suspect had been arrested as yet, but investigations were continuing.

The home of the 36-yearold resident of Eccles, East Bank Demerara EBD), was riddled with several rounds about 22:27h by an unidentified male on a motorcycle who was armed with a firearm.

The incident was reported to the Police at 23:10h, and the scene was visited a

few minutes later by ranks from Providence Police Station, EBD.

The victim resides in a single-storey concrete structure facing East in public view. It is in a wellfenced yard on the western side of a road that runs from North to South. The victim is also the owner of a white PitBull motor bus which was parked facing north on the eastern side of his yard.

On the date and time mentioned, Bruce was in his bed when he heard eight loud explosions coming from the eastern direction.

“After the explosions stopped, the victim said he peeked outside and observed the perpetrator on a motorcycle as he was about to ride away from the scene

and escape. The victim then went outside, where he observed that his bus was damaged from the gunshots fired. The eastern side of his house was also damaged,” the Police Force stated.

Checks were made for anything of evidential value and eight spent shells were found.

“Checks were also made for a possible suspect, but this has so far proved futile. Statements were taken and the investigations are ongoing,” the Police added.

Bruce is before the courts accused of being the person behind the social media cartoon character “Mudwata”, who, according to the Police, has made slanderous publications about several persons, contrary to the Cybercrime Act.

The bus that was shot at during the incident

Zalena Ali

President Dr Irfaan Ali

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, April 14 – No retraction and Saturday, April 15 – 01:00h-02:30h.

Amerindian communities can benefit from up to US$400M from forest carbon sales

– as Govt explores markets for remaining carbon sink

Friday, April 14 – 11:25h-12:55h and Saturday, April 15 – 12:40h-14:10h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery showers are expected until the earlyafternoon hours followed by sunny conditions. Partly cloudy skies and thundery showers are expected at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 2.23 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 11:27h reaching a maximum height of 2.17 metres.

Low Tide: 17:49h reaching a minimum height of 0.98 metre.

With more than half of the carbon sink in Guyana’s vast forest cover still available, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said Government was now looking at a competitive process to sell the remaining forest carbon.

“We still have 70 per cent of those credits to be sold. We’re looking at going through a competitive process to see that we maximise our take [from the sale of forest carbon],” Jagdeo disclosed during a press conference on Thursday.

Back in December, the Guyana Government signed a historic multi-year agreement for the sale of certified carbon credits to United States energy major Hess Corporation, to the tune of US$750 million.

This deal came after Guyana was the first country to receive certification of some 33.7 million carbon credits by the Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART) on December 1, 2022.

The 33.7 million credits sold to Hess Corp is just 30 per cent of the carbon sink contained in Guyana’s vast forest cover. The country’s more than 18 million hectares of forests are estimated to store approximately 20 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.

The remaining 70 per cent of Guyana’s carbon credits will be put on the market for future sale agreements.

LOTTERY NUMBERS

Moreover, Guyana has one of the few credits in the forestry sector that can now be sold in the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) market, which is the compliance market for abating airlines emissions.

With Guyana now a leading trader in the global forest carbon market, the Vice President noted that Government was looking at

ways to increase earnings from those transactions.

According to Jagdeo, a significant portion of these earnings will be injected into the development of Indigenous communities across the country.

“If we extrapolate, we will get over US$2 billion earnings from this sector, [of] which significant parts will go to the Indigenous communities – over US$400 million going to the Indigenous communities… That would help to transform the lives of the 240-something villages that are now beneficiaries of this credit… more money than they’ve ever had…,” the Vice President stressed.

The Government had already announced in December that 15 per cent of all of the proceeds from any sale of forest carbon will go towards the development of Amerindian communities.

Already, some $4.6 billion (US$22.5 million) from the Hess Corp deal has been disbursed to some 242 Amerindian and hinterland communities.

It was previously reported that each community would be receiving up to $35 million and no less than $10 million.

According to the Vice President, the villages are in the process of creating their respective development plans which will be financed by these funds.

“A few villages have submitted development plans… several others were on the verge of submitting. Once the villages ask for help [to draft their plans], the Ministry [of Amerindian Affairs] has a mechanism through which it can help, but the request has to come from the villages,” VP Jagdeo stated.

Moreover, he pointed out that the Government has already put systems in place to ensure transparency and accountability at the community level regarding these

funds.

“The monies are already sitting in their accounts. It depends on the pace at which they develop [their plans then they’ll access the monies], but they have to go through a particular process in developing these plans. They have to take it to each village and they have to have a vote on the plan, and that’s how you get a village buying into the development plans. So, it’s not just the Toshaos and two Councillors sitting down and coming up with something. They have to go to a Village Council. And similarly, too, there is a mechanism to ensure that the resources are accountably spent,” VP Jagdeo explained. The Guyana Government has long been pushing for the global community to recognise the critical role that forests play in tackling climate change.

In fact, President Dr Irfaan Ali said last month that Guyana’s forests were not just standing trees ,but an important global asset so it was only fair that the country earned from these services especially the people who ensure that it stayed intact.

“Guyana looks to provide a practical example to the world and how that environment – forests, freshwater, and biodiversity in particular – must be safeguarded to sustain mankind and life as we know it. We also look to devel-

op new ways of incentivising the global fight to safeguard forests. The main actions identified to be advanced by this cooperation will look to strengthen sustainable livelihoods in forest communities and enhance knowledge and capacity for sustainable use and supply of nature-based goods and services,” he noted.

The Head of State made these remarks at the signing of a more-than-$1 billion contract between Guyana and the European Union (EU) to increase forest preservation activities in the country as well as to foster sustainable development within local communities that are dependent on the forest for their livelihoods.

The €10 million “Sustainable Forest Livelihoods for the communities of Guyana and Suriname” project will see the injection of €5 million in each country to strengthen capacity development and sustainable livelihoods in and around forest-dependent communities over a four-year period.

This $1 billion agreement falls under the Forest Partnership Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that was signed between Guyana and the EU back in November 2022 on the sidelines of COP 27 in Egypt for the provision of a €5 million grant to advance its efforts towards sustainable forest management and preservation here.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Accountability at City Hall

Whenever City Hall is in the news, it is mostly either troubling news or about getting help to manage itself. Unsurprisingly, City Hall is in the news again, as a probe has been launched by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) into a conspiracy to defraud City Hall’s coffers. This conspiracy has allegedly been hatched between a contractor and staff at the Council.

While SOCU has not yet officially revealed the total sum of money involved in the alleged fraud, it has been reported in the media that this amounts to millions of dollars.

To capture the magnitude of the new allegations of corruption at City Hall, let’s examine the alleged scheme to defraud: 1) The contractor was hired in October 2015 to execute tasks such as weeding parapets, raking up debris, desilting alleyways and street drains, clearing empty lots, cutting down trees and painting tree trunks and lanterns.

2) in 2017, a staff of the Council asked the then APNU/AFC Government to pay the $127M bill to the contractor for the 2015-2017 period. 3) In November 2020, another senior official accepted and signed a letter claiming that M&CC owes the same contractor $128M. 4) the Council moved a motion requesting that 25% of the sum allegedly owed to the contractor be paid immediately.

Now, it has been revealed that the contractor was paid $130M by City Hall during the period 2016-2018.

Over the years, the issue regarding the operations of City Hall and the need for accountability has been a sore issue. When the PPP/C Government took office in 2020, Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall raised questions regarding accountability for the $300 million Restoration Fund which was contributed to the Georgetown Mayor and City Council for the restoration of the dilapidated City Hall Building.

The issues of transparency at City Hall have been many. It could be recalled also that the M&CC and then the APNU/AFC Government had embarked on a massive city-wide cleanup campaign in Georgetown and its environs. While these efforts produced fairly good results regarding the general appearance of the city and its environs, the political Opposition at the time (PPP) and other stakeholders had raised questions in relation to the contracts awarded to carry out the works.

The general perception was that friends and party supporters were the main beneficiaries. However, in spite of concerns that were raised about accountability and transparency, no effort was made to provide clarity to the public in relation to the sums expended and the beneficiaries of the contracts.

For years, taxpayers in the city of Georgetown have not seen the kind of development they expected. Georgetown continues to battle with garbage; insanitation; strays, junkies and vagrants; petty robberies; and congestion, among other issues. In many instances, the municipality is unable to pay garbage collectors. Instead of there being any notable improvements, the landscape continues to deteriorate and the problems continue to worsen, and Government is often called upon to assist. In several beautification projects which the M&CC should have undertaken, it is the Office of the First Lady and the Government that are funding and executing these initiatives.

City Hall have a poor track record, which erodes public confidence in their ability to keep a commitment and use taxes efficiently to improve the city.

There have been several letter writers, commentators and politicians calling for a forensic audit to be carried out on the operations of City Hall. These calls continue to reverberate in the interest of transparency and accountability of public funds.

Such an audit is needed, as in addition to determining to what extent public funds are being expended in a transparent and efficient manner, it would also seek to examine the taxcollecting system to determine if the allegations of dishonesty, deficiency and discrepancies have any merit.

Applaud President Jagdeo’s venturing on the Marriott – a success story

Dear Editor, I write in response to the “Blunt Truth” in Kaieteur News (KN) of Wednesday, April 12, 2023. KN Blunt, yuh wrong - as you have been about 80% of the time.

While I recognise your concerns that the Government is seemingly about to give away a “golden goose laying golden eggs”, there is a larger view for sustained long-term venturing, and the process of development of Guyanese and Guyana - an alternative view which must be presented.

Then-President Jagdeo’s venturing into constructing the Marriott had its worrying periods, but, on many counts, it has turned out just great –a great success story. Let us applaud him and thank him. I don’t know if he would claim to have been born with the boon of being a “see-far” man, but he has been steadily looking into our possible futures. His LCDS 2010 earned him worldwide recognition as Champion of the Earth, and set the stage for Guyanese and Guyana - and other similarly less developed peoples and countries - to earn money and other benefits from maintaining their standing forests, so that they could nevertheless get on with their development in these times of awareness of earth warming and climate change in a manner that would be win-win for all of our world and all peoples of our world.

No one ever knows how the future would turn out; so many things play into making the future. My President Jagdeo - now VP - over his twelve years as President, being desirous of, and committed to, the development of all Guyanese and Guyana (as we all were, and continue to be), ventured a num-

ber of projects based on the logic of, and faith in, development. One or two ventures have not turned out well, but that is to be expected, for nothing ventured means nothing gained.

Indeed, one of my set reading books of the late 1960s/early 1970s, “Up the Organization”, maintained that if, as a leader, you are doing better than one success in three ventures initiated, you may not be venturing enough, and are probably falling behind. The challenge is to discern in good time whether an ongoing particular venture is succeeding or not; and, if not, to adapt or end it, while salvaging and learning as much as you could. As the Gambler admonishes, you have to venture: and having ventured, you have to know when to hold, when to fold, when to walk away, when to run. The Marriott venture, acknowledging its worrying times, has turned out well.

In the third verse of “Blunt”, KN berates the VP for wanting to sell the Marriott, a golden goose; while, in the preceding verse, “Blunt” artfully derides the Marriott venture as placing billions of dollars of debt on (all) Guyanese heads. Which is it, a golden goose or a debt burden? It could not be both. We should not let KN Blunt have it both ways; indeed, Blunt should not have it either way.

This KN Blunt of Wednesday, April 12, (like the majority of its kind) creates and exploits the misconceptions, misunderstandings and confusion created when appropriate thinking for one situation is applied inappropriately to another. The Marriott venture is proceeding along the lines to its preconceived end, whether or not there was to be a discovery of oil off our shores. Of course, Exxon’s discovery of

oil made that project into a sure lucky venture. We needed a new brand name hotel to improve Guyana’s attraction to visitors, particularly potential foreign investors - a new hotel that might help ignite our development. At the time, no local or foreign individual or group was ready to venture, while there was an abundance of private liquid money in the banks that the Government had to be mopping up. Generally speaking, as in the case of the Berbice Bridge, the VP’s Government was ready to take the lead in bringing about a greatly required development by putting up the required risk-taking equity portion of capital, and thereby attract the liquid money to provide the much less risky debt portion of the capital. This is what was done to finance construction and establishment of that Marriott hotel.

The hope and expectation from the beginning was that some local or foreign investor would be emboldened to purchase the Government’s equity shares after the higher-risk period of construction and startup had been navigated successfully. There was never any intention for the Government to hold on to any equity in the Guyana Marriott hotel. The VP wanted to eventually have a sector with a number of hotels, everyone good for the money, and all competing freely for Government and other business. Continued ownership by the Government of the equity or any shares in Marriott could have an unnecessarily unsettling effect on a sector that is becoming wide open, with many players offering a wide range of grades and prices and competition seemingly assured.

This Path to Travel photo captured the best dressed cowgirl, Jada McLean, at Rupununi Rodeo 2023. The event was hosted during the Easter Weekend, and saw thousands in attendance

Govt working to get direct flights to the Netherlands

Fly AllWays to operate direct flights between Guyana and Canada

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has disclosed that the Government is looking to expand flight options to Europe through the Netherlands.

Only last month, United Kingdom’s national carrier, British Airways started operating flights from Guyana to London via St Lucia.

But according to Jagdeo, Government is now working to get the flagship carrier of the Netherlands – KLM Royal Dutch Airlines – to operate direct flights here.

“So, we’re in the process of encouraging airlines to come. We’re pleased that British Airways would give us access through Europe. We’re trying to work with KLM to see if we can get into Amsterdam directly,” the Vice President said at a press conference on Thursday.

KLM has been building up its network of long-haul international flights and has a strong presence in the Latin America and Caribbean region. The airline currently flies direct to 17 destinations in the region including neighbouring Suriname and

Brazil.

Jagdeo’s remarks come on the heels of two regional airlines – Dominican Republic-based SkyCana and Suriname’s Fly AllWays – announcing plans to fly the Guyana-Canada route.

According to the Vice President, it is in Guyana’s best interest to get as many airlines to come to operate here, which could possibly make the country a hub for regional travel.

He added too that greater competition in Guyana’s aviation industry would not only provide more choices but also see lowered airfares. Moreover, he noted that it would further enhance the country’s freight capacity, which would have a big impact on local exports, particularly perishable exports.

Nonetheless, Jagdeo pointed out that while the Government was engaging a large number of

international airlines to come here, they still have to undergo a rigorous regulatory process before they can get permission to start operations here – something which he declared that politicians do not interfere with.

“They all have to go through a very stringent regulatory process and that is [done by] a technical body that the politicians don’t get involved in. The Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) – headed by Mr [Egbert] Field has to ensure that these airlines meet certain international standards before they’re licensed to fly to Guyana,” he noted.

On Wednesday, President Dr Irfaan Ali disclosed on his Facebook page that SkyCana would commence flying the Guyana-to-Canada route from June 1, 2023. The airline will also fly to Houston, Texas in the United States.

The Head of State made this announcement after meeting with SkyCana’s Chief Executive Officer, Frank Diaz Gonzalez, at the Office of the President earlier on Wednesday.

According to reports, SkyCana

will be operating three flights per week to Canada with a stopover in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

SkyCana is a Dominican Republic company with a fleet that includes 3-AIRBUS A321; 4-AIRBUS A320; 1- AIRBUS A330-300 and 1-AIRBUS A330200.

Meanwhile, it has also been announced that Fly AllWays out of Suriname will also be operating non-stop flights between Guyana and Canada.

However, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill has stated that while the airline has already gotten approval, it is yet to indicate when it will commence flights for the new route.

Fly AllWays started operating in Guyana back in 2021 and currently offers flights from Guyana to Suriname, Barbados, and Jamaica.

On March 27, 2023, British Airways commenced flights to Guyana. The UK national carrier will operate two flights per week, via St Lucia, on Mondays and Thursdays.

No definition of grassroots fits Red Thread

Dear Editor, Allow me to respond to Red Thread’s opinion piece –“Mr. Persaud should understand that the term ‘grassroots’ is not restricted to his limited interpretation”published on April 7, 2023.

The letter signed by Wintress White, Halima Khan, Joy Marcus, Shirley Ault, Susan Collymore, Vanessa Ross, Maeve Ramsay, Jonel Perreira and Michelle John is further confirmation that Red Thread is a rudderless outfit, except

for its commitments to the wild ambitions of the WPA.

In their response to my original critique of Red Thread’s conspicuous political biases, the signatories to “Mr Persaud should understand…” boldly declare that one of their fundamental principles is that they stand against “all forms of violence.” I read this entry and framing of it a few times to make sure I have it right. You may recall I specifically critiqued Red Thread for remaining silent on Tacuma

Ogunseye’s racially-motivated call for the violent overthrow of the democratically-elected Government of this country. And here they are now, with the most blatant, brazen, and barefaced claim that they are against “all forms of violence.”

Editor, what is equally troubling about this little bourgeois group is concealment of their association with the WPA and other regressive social forces in Guyana. They embrace a particularly sinister kind

of cultural nationalism, one that is in sync with the central tenets of Ogunseye’s warped idea of what would constitute a just political economy.

Let me repeat what I argued in the first instance: The original letter signed by the nine persons above was a call for protesters. Red Thread’s declared purpose in that letter was to schedule protests at the Office of the President. The use of the label “grassroots” was the usual ploy employed to cov-

Applaud President Jagdeo’s venturing...

Further, in withdrawing from the hotel sector, Government has that money to venture and lead some other necessary developments.

Allow me to identify one achievement of VP Jagdeo’s venturing with the Marriott which we should acknowledge. You see the Pegasus today? President Ali recently led the glorious opening of its larger new addition. Recall the level to which the Pegasus had succumbed shortly before construction of the Marriott. The beginning of that Marriott construction sparked an elegant rehabilitation of the then existing Pegasus. There are other important achievements.

I write this article as

someone who sat at his desk and, looking through his window, saw the construction of the Marriott from the beginning to the end; someone who worked at the necessary preparatory stage of site preparation in rerouting one of our major sewerage outfalls outside the proposed property; someone who saw a different type of piling being used, with holes bored into the ground and reinforced concrete pilings being cast therein. I was pretty sure that, in its mood at the time, Pegasus would have rushed to the court for an injunction against pile-driving if that hitherto unusual method of construction was to be used.

I saw local building mate-

rials – sand and stone, bulk concrete and hollow blocksbeing delivered: a significant local content before there were local content laws. Even more, I learnt that the named contractor was a subsidiary of the Chinese firm established in Trinidad and Tobago. And a group of mostly Guyanese and T&T engineers from T&T called on me to say that they had been awarded the contract to design the foundation. As the VP hoped and expected, other newer technology was being introduced into Guyana, many opportunities to work were being created, and levels of skills were being lifted - and much was being learnt.

Pegasus, in the presence of all the criticisms of

FROM PAGE 4

the Government awarding the Marriott to a construction firm from China (which was evaluated as the best choice), turned to “follow the pattern” of Government, and chose a firm headquartered in China for its own huge, magnificent addition.

We all can, and should, applaud our VP’s venture in establishing the Guyana Marriott as that venture safely and successfully comes to its intended end.

KN’s “Blunt”, knowingly or unknowingly, and very wrongly, is doing very much more harm than good to our society.

Samuel A A Hinds Former Prime Minister

er up the decidedly political commitments of this overwhelmingly urban group with a long history of anti-PPP/C activities.

No definition of grassroots fits Red Thread.

Sincerely, Dr Randolph Persaud

The Netherlands’ flagship carrier, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

NGSA Math Questions

SOCU to probe multimillion-dollar conspiracy to defraud City Hall

The Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) has been called in to investigate a conspiracy allegedly involving staffers of the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, some councillors and a contractor to defraud the City of millions of dollars.

According to information reaching Guyana Times, the Georgetownbased contractor (named withheld) was hired by City Hall (M&CC) in October 2015 to execute works such as weeding parapets, racking up debris, desilting alleyways and street drains, clearing empty lots, cutting down trees, and painting tree trunks and lanterns. The contractor, through his lawyer, is now claiming that the M&CC owes his company a whopping $127 million for works done between 2015 and 2017.

City Hall records have shown that the contractor was already paid in excess

of $130 million for the period 2016 to 2018. In fact, back in November 2017, a senior member of staff at the City Council wrote the then A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government for help in footing the bill for the services provided by the company, which amounted to $127.5 million for the period 2015 to 2017.

However, in November 2020, another senior City Hall official signed a letter prepared by the owner of the contracting firm, accepting that the M&CC owes the company some $128,750,000.

Then last month the City Council moved a motion at its statutory meeting resolving that 25 per cent of the money allegedly owed to the contractor be paid immediately, and that a payment plan to liquidate the balance be developed.

Some City Hall officials are contending that the motion was illegal in the first place. This has led to an internal investigation, during which records to date show that the contractor received a total of $130,050,022 in payments from the municipality for the period 2016 to 2018. It was also found that all cheques were made out to the owner, and not to the contracting company.

Further, while the contractor claimed that he had six different contracts with the City for various sums, checks made within the Town Clerk’s Office have unearthed only three contracts. However, it was noted that one of the senior M&CC officials fingered in this matter had submitted six contracts, which amounted to a total sum of $136 million.

In light of these revelations, some City Hall officials believe “there is a

conspiracy with staff, the contractor and…councillors to defraud the Municipality.”

As a result, a report has been filed with SOCU – an

arm of the Guyana Police Force that deals with white-collar crimes – and an investigation has been launched.

This move has been welcomed by Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine. In a statement on Thursday, Narine said, “I welcome this probe, and invite SOCU to conduct its investigations throughout the administrative departments of City Hall.”

Narine reminded that dissatisfaction had previously been expressed with the administration of the Council, and recommendations had been made, which have not been considered by the Local Government Commission to date. These challenges have varied from failure to execute projects, to misleading the Council, to in-

competence of officers.

“As Mayor, I have complained about administrative staff taking political directives outside of the Council, rather than effecting the decisions of the Council. This has led to a significant breakdown in the management of the resources of the Council,” the Georgetown Mayor posited.

In fact, he disclosed that, only recently, the Council inquired about solid waste assets received from the Local Government Ministry, and is yet to receive a report.

Mayor Narine has expressed hope that the SOCU probe is conducted professionally, and provides further guidance to the Local Government Commission.

(G-8)

Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine

Aunt recalls taking stabbed nephew to the hospital

…as murder trial of ex-soldier commences

An aunt went face-toface with the man accused of killing her nephew back in 2018 as his trial commenced on Thursday before Justice Sandil Kissoon at the High Court in Demerara.

Rawle Munroe, formerly of Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara, is accused of the May 26, 2018 murder of Edward Beveney, a 23-year-old former soldier of Triumph, ECD. Munroe has pleaded not guilty, and is being represented by Attorneyat-Law Teriq Mohammed, while State Counsel Cicelia Corbin is presenting the prosecution’s case.

In her opening remarks to the jury, State Counsel Corbin told the court that Munroe and Beveney had been engaged in a physical altercation, which resulted in the latter receiving fatal injuries.

Debbie Beveney, 52, Edwards’s aunt, told the 12-member mixed jury that, on the day in question, she arrived at her Ogle Street, Triumph, ECD home, where she cohabited with her children and niece and nephew. She recalled that she was doing chores around the home, and at about 07:00h, she heard a “noise” — it was someone shouting for her nephew by his call name “Kester”.

As such, Debbie said, she ran out of the house, and saw a crowd gathered on a bridge, and her nephew staggering. He later fell onto the ground, she added. According to her, upon examining her nephew, she observed a wound to his chest, and so she called out to him, but got no reply. She then called a taxi and took the injured man to the hospital.

Across the road from where she lived, Debbie re-

called, she saw Munroe, whom she did not know prior to the day in question. Munroe, she testified, had an ice pick in his hand, and his body was covered in mud. Convinced he might have been the one who had inflicted the injuries on her nephew Edward, she said, she called out to persons, urging them to apprehend Munroe.

Back at the hospital, she said, her nephew was rushed for treatment, but, a few minutes later, a doctor informed her that “we just lost him”, meaning that he had died.

Under cross-examination by counsel for the accused, Debbie admitted that she did not see when Munroe inflicted injuries on her nephew. She also pointed out Munroe, who appeared in court virtually, as the man she had seen holding the ice pick while her nephew was on the ground bleeding.

Also testifying was Detective Police Constable Keon Burgess, who is stationed at the Kwakwani Police Station’s Criminal Investigations Department (CID). According to this witness, at the time of the murder, he was stationed at

the Beterverwagting Police Station’s CID, where he performed the duties of a Crime Scene Technician.

At around 08:40h on the day in question, Constable Burgess recounted, he was summoned to the scene of an alleged murder, where he took photographs of a drain and a bridge. He said he also took photographs of the ice pick and Edward’s body while it was at the mortuary. This trial is continuing.

Edward Beveney of Ogle Street, Triumph, ECD sustained multiple stab wounds on his body following an altercation with another man over his bicycle, which he had left at a shop. Reports are that Edward had visited a shop earlier in the day, and had left his bi-

The upcoming...

…LGEs

We’re just about eight weeks away from the scheduled Local Government Elections of June 12. There will be ten Regional Development Councils (RDCs), seven Municipalities (cities and towns), and 65 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) as well as 75 Amerindian Village Councils up for grabs.

cycle outside. But when he returned to pick up the bicycle, he was told that a man had moved it. As such, a confrontation ensued between the two men, who were both armed with sharp objects.

Anna Catherina fisherman died from perforated heart, lung – autopsy

An autopsy performed on the remains of fisherman Munaf Azeez, who was stabbed to death on Monday, has given the cause of his death as perforation of the heart and lung due to a stab wound.

The Post Mortem Examination was performed on Wednesday by Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh at the Ezekiel Funeral Home at Best Village, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

The body was subsequently handed over to relatives for funeral arrangements to be made.

Initial reports are that five persons have been taken into custody for the murder of the 26-year-old man of Sea View, Anna Catherina, West

Coast Demerara. Authorities have said they were alerted to the crime at around 8:00h on Monday, and their swift response led to the capture of the suspects.

It was reported that the men had accused Azeez of chopping up their fishing net, and this had led to a heated argument. In the blink of an eye, one of the men pulled out a sharp blade and plunged it deep into Azeez’s chest, leaving him gasping for air as he fell to the ground.

The attackers had scattered in different directions, but Police patrolling the area caught one of the suspects as he attempted to flee the scene in his car. This led to the apprehension of the others.

The young victim’s family was also alerted, and they rushed to the scene to pick him up. However, it was too late, and Azeez was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. The body bore the telltale signs of a violent struggle, with a deep wound to the chest and two small cuts to his arm. His body was taken to the Ezekiel Funeral Home to await a post-mortem.

Irate residents reportedly took matters into their own hands and set alight the suspect’s car, which was subsequently thrown into a nearby gutter.

But as far as your Eyewitness sees, it’s been a big yawn from the citizenry up to now!! For years, the PPP was criticized for being “undemocratic” in not holding these elections!! Democracy means placing Government in the hands of the people, so getting these layers of Government below the Central Government made sense, no??

The Europeans invented a fancy term – “subsidiarity” –for the notion that decisions affecting folks should be made at the smallest possible level. They invariably invoked the days of the Greek City States, when all the citizens gathered in the City Square to make decisions. Never mind that slaves and women couldn’t vote!!

Well, here in Guyana, we also experienced slavery, but as soon as they were freed, the slaves established villages run by Village Councils. That was subsidiarity in action!! The elected folks actually lived in those villages; so, as far as getting things right, they had skin in the game!!

But when Burnham introduced his 1980 Constitution, he abolished those Village Councils, lumped dozens of villages together, and called them “Neighbourhood Democratic Councils”!! This was now the lowest level of Government to serve the people. Trouble was, he ignored the most significant aspect of our coastal geography: the villages were strung linearly along a public road, so that, for all intents and purposes, the villages at the ends were MILES apart!! There was no greater apprehension of local problems than, say, at the national level!!

The whole point of Local Government was lost!! So, here we are, the PPP’s been beating the bushes for months to get the arrangements in place - and yet mass ennui!!

But the Opposition have also been playing a “hold meloose me” game. The PNC are locked in a nasty internecine squabble over leadership issues, and definitely are incapable of putting together slates for all the Local Government bodies. So, they’ve signalled they’ll only be contesting the Municipalities where they’re strong – to prevent the PPP from taking over!! Not because they have any plans to run those bodies any better!! A perfect example is the morass the PNC-controlled Georgetown M&CC have gotten Georgetown into!!

Well, maybe to inject some excitement into the LGEs, one of the Opposition paper parties has called for a “Day of Resistance” on June 12. Resistance to democracy at the local level?? This might just motivate the PPP supporters to come out en masse!!

And they’ll be “resisting” the PNC’s candidates and voters in their “safe” municipalities??

…open skies up north!!

Well, how the worm has turned?!! Imagine, from having a “Guyanese Bench” in Barbados, where we were quarantined so’s not to cast our shadow on “Little England”, we can now fly visa-free into “Big England”!! And via the old BOAC, rebranded as “British Airways”!! And the talks with Canada to also inaugurate a “no-visa” policy is so much of a sure thing that two new airlines have just announced direct flights into Toronto!!

So, who’s next?? The Yanks?? Well, to show they’re not as impressed with our “highest growth rate in the world”, your Eyewitness doesn’t think they’ll go that far. But he foresees a return to handing out visas like hot dogs - like before the 2011 and 2015 elections!! That was before Exxon struck oil, and had more to do with putting a finger on the electoral scale!!

And those visas gonna be snapped up like the said hot dogs!! Cause the oil revenues ain’t trickling down to the plebes for another decade!!

…recolonisation

One dyed-in-the-wool Burnhamite bemoaned the jettisoning of his Founder Leader’s anti-colonial shirt jac and food substitute innovations!! But he chose to forget that, on his deathbed, Burnham’s last wish was for a can of condensed milk!!

Ouch!!!

Murder accused: Rawle Munroe

Dead: Edward Beveney

Dead: Munaf Azeez

Justice and values “make society a whole” – Pres Ali

…as Seventh-day Adventist Conference opens

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday joined the Seventh-Day Adventist Church for the Guyana Conference Sixth Quadrennial, where his discourse focused on justice and values as important pillars of a harmonious society.

The conference is set to run from April 12 to April 14, 2023, at the Central Seventhday Adventist Church, followed by a convention and installation of officers at the National Cultural Centre on Saturday, April 15, 2023.

However, during his address to the gathering which included Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton and several Opposition Members of Parliament, the Head of State pointed to justice and the underpinning elements of freedom and democracy which it governs. He added that there was a choice for all of Guyana to practice such values.

“Justice comes with values. Values are what make

society a whole. Love comes with value and that is what binds society together. We cannot love and work towards justice if we don’t adhere to the core values of what love and justice are,” he declared.

“Democracy is a form of justice. Freedom is a form of justice. Love for the church is an important component in securing that love and justice that exists.”

The Head of State spoke about the importance of the Word of God and its enduring meaning which brings peace and solace. He also emphasised the importance of justice, morality, and the role religious institutions, like the church, play in human development and protecting and nurturing values that are sacred and anchoring.

“The word of God does not change with the tide or wind or circumstances…The condition for love, justice, peace, and harmony does

not change. The word of God does not have a double standard in the meaning of anything. It is simple, straight, precise and is there for us to follow,” he shared. Ali reminded that Government remained open to working with the church and other religious bodies in moving Guyana forward.

He urged, “Share with me those ideas and recommendations that will help me to be better as your President and will also help us to better deliver to you, the church, and the people of our country.”

In detailing the One Guyana policy, the President also encouraged all to be better citizens of the country and their communities.

“In this One Guyana that we’re building, I plead with every one of us to be better to ourselves, be better to our families, our community. If we are better to ourselves, our families, and our communities, we will be better for

our country. If we are better to our country, we will surely be better service to God,” the Head of State said.

The Adventist Church in Guyana has a membership of over 62,000, with worshippers in 228 congregations which are distributed in 31 pastoral districts scattered across the three counties of Guyana.

The theme of the session is “Anchored in His Promises, Advancing His Purpose,” and it brings together delegates from across the country to discuss mission goals, receive reports from administrators and directors, make suggestions for future effectiveness, and elect officers to serve for the new quadrennium.

The President along with senior members of the Seventh-day Adventist churches

President Dr Irfaan Ali delivering his speech at the Sixth Quadrennial Conference of the Seventhday Adventists

| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Region 8 to get 4 new telemedicine sites – Dr Anthony

Healthcare delivery to residents of Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) will be enhanced significantly with the establishment of four new telemedicine sites. Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony made this announcement during a recent visit to the region.

Through this technolo-

gy, when guidance is needed, medical professionals in the hinterland can connect to those on the coastland or to the nearest regional hospital and get real-time assistance.

“The healthcare worker at a remote centre would have a computer which is connected to the internet via satellite technology, and

they can easily, if they have a patient, call up someone in Georgetown or the nearest regional hospital and get guidance. We intend to have these sites operational within the next two months, so that’s what we are currently working on,” Minister Anthony shared.

Government has set aside some $1.8 billion to

Police are on the hunt for a man known as “Country” and “Brother”, who allegedly wounded a 43-year-old resident of Wismar, Linden during an incident on Thursday at Linda’s Shop at Quartzstone Backdam, Cuyuni River.

Dwayne Ward is currently nursing chop wounds to his face and fingers, and Police say his condition is regarded as “serious but stable”. He told investigators that at about 07:00h on Thursday, he was at the shop when the suspect called out to him and he ignored him.

It was revealed that the victim and suspect had previously worked in a partnership, but due to a misunder-

standing, the arrangement was discontinued.

Ward said he began to walk away from the suspect, and was attacked from behind. The suspect, who was armed with a cutlass, dealt him some chops about his body, causing him to sustain a gaping wound to his face and damage to his left mid-

dle finger.

With the assistance of public-spirited persons, Ward was transported to the Bartica Regional Hospital, from where he was later referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital for further treatment.

The suspect is currently in hiding.

implement the telemedicine programme in remote communities. The National Telemedicine Programme was launched as a pilot project in 2022 in Masakenari, ‘Gunns Village’. Currently, the telemedicine programme is also present in three other Region Nine communities – Nappi, Yupukari, and Parikawarinau.

The telemedicine centres in these villages have been equipped with the requisite technological devices which give Community Health Workers (CHWs) 24hour access to medical specialists at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC).

These devices include a digital stethoscope, pulse oximeter, infrared thermometer, blood pressure monitor, mo-

bile ultrasound, and examination cameras.

“Since we have implemented this system there, we saved quite a number of lives, because we were able to review patients in real-time and the doctors then made a decision that some of these patients needed to get out to Georgetown. We organised a medical evac to make sure that they get to Georgetown on time. This is how technology is going to help us,” Dr Anthony underscored.

However, more importantly, Dr Anthony explained, is that the sites should also have adequate medicines to administer to patients. “That is so important. While we are buying lots of medication and we

have them at the management unit in Georgetown, what we have to ensure is that these things get out to all of the regions in a very timely manner, so that there wouldn’t be shortages.”

The Minister was keen to note that there is already a difference in the quality of healthcare in the hinterland communities. He shared, “You would see the quality of healthcare in the hinterland being transformed. And already, what it was like three years ago, you can see that difference in the investments that we’re making, not just from the Government, but also with partners like the UK, PAHO and others, who have been helping us to do this.”

A patient and a Community Health Worker utilising the telemedicine programme at the Gunns Village Health Post (file photo)

Ex-business partner wanted for attempted murder of Linden resident

Guyana secures GRULAC support for UN Security Council candidature

Guyana has secured support from the Group of Latin America and Caribbean States (GRULAC) for its candidature for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2024-2025 term.

Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd recently met with Permanent Representatives of the GRULAC at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

The Minister took the opportunity to present to the Group Guyana’s candidature for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 20242025 term and to outline Guyana’s vision and priorities once successful.

Minister Todd also expressed Guyana’s appreciation to the Permanent Representatives for their respective Governments’ support for Guyana’s candidacy. The election is scheduled to be held on June 6, 2023 in New York.

During his presentation,

Minister Todd underscored the fact that the Latin America and Caribbean family have made significant contributions to international peace and security, including through the establishment of the region as a zone of peace.

Additionally, countries from the region, big and small, that have served and

are currently serving on the Council, have proven that the region punches above its weight in this regard.

“The Minister identified several priority areas that would engage Guyana’s attention as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, including climate change, food insecurity, and conflict; children

in armed conflict; youth, peace and security; women, peace and security and peacebuilding and conflict prevention,” the Foreign Affairs Ministry shared in a statement following the engagement.

Thanking the members of GRULAC that offered to share their experiences on the Council, the Minister

stated that Guyana’s term would not be a national flag-waving moment but a continuity of GRULAC’s contribution to peace and security. He emphasised the primacy of the United Nations Charter and the importance of multilateralism in safeguarding the independence and security of States, especially for Small States like Guyana.

GRULAC is allocated two of the 10 non-permanent seats on the Council,

currently held by Brazil and Ecuador. Guyana submitted its candidacy to GRULAC in 2011 and is the region’s sole candidate for the one vacant seat. It has received the confirmed support of all 32 members of GRULAC.

Minister Todd’s remarks were well received by the GRULAC Group and Member States concurred that Guyana’s successful bid will contribute to the continued success of GRULAC as a whole.

Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd representing Guyana during the meeting

Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan proceeds on preretirement leave

– to retire on May 15

Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, who is scheduled to retire on May 15, has proceeded on pre-retirement leave, the Supreme Court of Judicature confirmed on Thursday. In the meantime, Principal Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus is performing the duties of Chief Magistrate. It is unclear when McLennan’s leave commenced.

McLennan enlisted in the Guyana Defence Force in September 1985, and in 2007 was granted permission to be second-

ed to the judiciary to expand her legal career. She served as a Magistrate presiding in the Georgetown, West Demerara and East Demerara Magisterial Districts, and was appointed Chief Magistrate in 2015 by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

McLennan successfully graduated from the GDF’s Standard Officers’ Course 17 in 1986. Her academic education includes a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from the University of the West Indies (UWI) (Cave Hill Campus, 1994), a Legal Education

Certificate (LEC) from the Sir Hugh Wooding Law School, Trinidad (1996), and a Post Graduate Certificate in Diplomacy from the University of Guyana (UG). She was admitted to the Bar in Guyana in 1996.

After studying, she returned to the GDF, where she held several appointments, including Trainee Welfare Officer, Admin Officer Ground Forces Group, Personal Assistant to the Force Commander, Commanding Officer of Medical Corps and Legal Services Department, Staff Officer 2 within the G1 Branch, and Staff Officer to the Chief-of-Staff, before entering the judiciary.

In 2017, McLennan was conferred with the Golden Arrow of Achievement (AA) — the fourth highest award in the Order of Service of Guyana — by former President David Granger. This award is given to any citizen who has performed an outstanding and specific act of service or achievement of an exceptional nature, or is given for long and dedicated service of a consistently high standard in responsible offices, local government services, social and voluntary services, industry or trade unions, or in any other area of public service.

Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan

Nandlall dismisses “uninformed, premature” criticisms of e-ID card contract

Attorney General and Legal Affairs

Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, has deemed as “uninformed” and “premature”, calls for the cancellation of the US$35.4 million contract with German-based company Veridos Identity Solutions for the development of an electronic identification card (e-ID) system in Guyana.

Speaking on Tuesday, during his weekly televised programme, “Issues in the News”, AG Nandlall clarified that such a move would be “unlawful”.

He was responding to criticisms made by former Auditor General Anand Goolsarran who has called on the government to cancel the e-ID contract, as he believes, it breaches the Procurement Act 2003 and the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (FMAA). However, Minister Nandlall has made it clear that backpeddling on the already signed contract would be a contractual breach, which could attract litigation and discredit the Government’s standing on the international stage.

He said calling on the Government to unilaterally

cancel the contract would be encouraging unlawful acts in governance.

“These public commentators, when they choose to speak on these matters, have to be informed about the concepts and precepts that they utilise in their public statements … one cannot simply cancel a contract that has been executed [and] signed by two parties,” the Attorney General explained.

Minister Nandlall reiterated that the Government was acting in conformity with the procurement laws of Guyana when it was determined that it was necessary to sole source the contract.

The Procurement Act 2003 permits sole sourcing when the goods or services that are being procured involve matters of national security, in this case, information or data belonging to the citizenry of Guyana.

Further, he explained that it is the executive that determines issues that are of national security and importance, hence, the sole sourcing of the Germanbased company for the development of the e-ID card system locally.

“That is why, not any run-of-the-mill company ought to be awarded or considered for a contract of this type…when one examines the very arguments that these critics are advancing, those arguments qualify this instrument to be one that is so important that it falls into the category of national security and the appropriate mechanism in the legislation was used in respect of this transaction,” he underscored.

With regard to data protection, the Attorney General emphasised that

the contract spanned a period, during which the administrative mechanism for how the card would be issued would be developed.

Legislation on who qualifies for the card is currently being developed, and Minister Nandlall assured that consultations would be held with the relevant stakeholders on the proposed legislation.

“These guys don’t ask any questions, but they jump to conclusions. So, both the GHRA [Guyana Human Rights Association] and Mr Anand Goolsarran have levelled the allegation that there is no legislation in place, and that allegation

and criticism are premature.

“Legislation is not in place, neither is the card in place. But by the time the card becomes ready for issue, there will be the appropriate supporting legal framework, an administrative framework to support the issuance of the card,” he emphasised.

The Senior Counsel also made it clear that the FMAA was not infringed by the State as alleged by Goolsarran, who said in his statements that funds were not catered for in the 2023 budget.

In this regard, the Attorney General lambasted the commentators for speak-

ing on matters without being equipped with the relevant information.

The e-ID card will be compliant with 18013-5 of the ISO Standard and will be accepted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) for international travel.

Its capabilities are also in keeping with the Government’s commitment to promoting e-governance to improve the productivity of businesses and the delivery of Government services through the introduction of e-health, e-education, e-security, e-agriculture, and licence processing among other areas.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall

Govt to enhance system for granting motor vehicle fitness

– other measures coming to improve road safety

network as well as the assessment of road users’ awareness of issues of traffic regulations and road safety and preparing appropriate plans for educating the various categories of road users.

Developing a communication strategy and appropriate key road safety messages aimed at inducing changes in behaviour for all categories of road users are also requirements of the consultancy.

An estimated $50.6 million was awarded for consultancy services for the development of a Road Safety Diagnostic and Action Plan, which is ultimately aimed at reducing the number of deaths on the country’s roadways.

The US$239,424 contract was awarded to SRKN Engineering & IT Transport Limited on March 21, 2023, under the Public Works Ministry. The initiative is part of the Adequate Housing and Urban Transport Programme (AHUTP), which is being funded by the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB).

The project is expected to commence in May this year and will have a duration of six months.

Consultancy works will feature a wide range of services, including the review of existing operational procedures with regard to motor vehicle inspection to determine their fitness and identify deficiencies that exist, as well as draft guidelines to address current deficiencies.

They will also include the preparation of a draft inspection manual with special emphasis on public transport vehicles and trucks/lorries.

The project will also entail reviewing the existing Road Traffic Code and preparing a Draft Revised Road Traffic Code that takes into consideration the current standard of practice and operation of the existing road

The consultant must also identify the institutional deficiencies of agencies that have a role to play in road safety and accident prevention and make recommendations to improve coordination and enhance their efforts through a harmonised approach to road safety and review the existing practice concerning data collection on accidents on Guyana’s road network.

A review must also be done of the existing practice concerning accident control/investigation and present practices and methods of Traffic Police enforcement on Guyana’s road network.

Also on the agenda is the development of an accident reporting mechanism and database that is user-friendly which should include accident reporting forms that allow for the capture of all

categories of accidents and all possible relevant data on such accidents.

The consultants must also review the Traffic Police capabilities in enforcement, investigation, and training and prepare a detailed Road Safety Action Plan to address problems created by public policy, hazardous sections on the public road network, lack of education and enforcement, and vehicle fitness.

In an invited comment on this development, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill says through the implementation of this proj-

ect, the Government hopes to achieve “safer roads, enhanced awareness of road safety, better traffic flow and control, greater order on the country’s roadways.”

Road fatalities

For the year so far, the country has recorded a slight decrease in road fatalities, according to Traffic Chief Dennis Stephens during an interview with iNews.

He said 30 road deaths have been recorded thus far for the year, compared to 31 for the same period last year.

“What the traffic department is currently doing, we are currently working along with the National Road Safety Council on our educational awareness programme throughout the division. We are [also] working with NGOs [Non-Governmental Organisations] in promoting road safety across the country,” the Traffic Chief said.

He noted, too, that for the year thus far, they have distributed more than 100 helmets to motorcyclists, as they are considered the most vulnerable group of road users in terms of fatalities.

Harris Paints onboard Linden Town Week festivities

Linden is all abuzz and Harris Paints has stepped up to help the Mayor and Town Council’s building look its best for its big week of celebrations.

Harris Paints Retail Services Manager Nigel Dodson related that the transformation of Linden has been remarkable into

a key business and tourism hub in the country.

“We are glad to contribute to the upcoming celebrations of Linden, and as always, to add colour to the community and to this notable building which has housed local government since 1976,” he said.

There are reportedly over 40 social and cultur-

al activities lined up for Linden Town Week, which commences on April 22 and continues through to May 1. Harris Paints is a leading local retailer and supplier of quality paints for industrial, commercial, and residential projects and is the authorised distributor of International Paint protective coatings in Guyana.

Retail Services Manager Nigel Dodson and Finance Manager Ayeodele Knights of Harris Paints Guyana make a presentation to Linden Mayor Waneka Arrindell

Traffic Chief Dennis Stephens

A traffic light along the East Bank Demerara corridor

Corentyne fisherman remanded for attempted murder

the company of others, he at tempted to murder 29-yearold Avinash Sumintra.

The Prosecutor told the court that the Police are still investigating the mat ter, and the file is incom plete. As such, Magistrate Singh remanded Ally until May 4. Sumintra, however, remains hospitalised with stab wounds on his body.

Police have reported that on the day in question, Ally was at a popular bar at #78 Village when an argument ensued between himself and the victim. Ally reportedly left the bar, but waited on Sumintra, and as he walked out, Ali attacked him.

The Police have said that Sumintra received stabs to his face, neck and abdomen, and had a knife stuck in his stomach. His mother, Jennifer Sherkissoon, has expressed gratitude that her son is still alive. The woman, who works as a security guard at that hospital, was on duty when her injured son was taken there.

“A Canter come in with several persons, and when

the other security open the gate and I walk and go up to the Canter, I see my son with the knife in his belly. The knife was in his belly, and the doctor move very fast with him and rush him down to New Amsterdam. My son sustained injuries to his head, a fractured skull, and he lost his one kidney,” the grateful mother explained.

“At the New Amsterdam Hospital, the doctors moved

very fast with him and helped my son. They helped my son a lot. I must thank the doctors, and I want to thank all the nurses for whatever they did for my son,” this mother has said. She said Sumintra’s con-

dition had been improving even as he remains in the Intensive Care Unit. However, she said he has started to respond. “I feel so happy that I am getting some justice for my son,” she added.

Discussions still ongoing between Govt, Ramps Logistics on court costs

With the parties still unable to arrive at a consensus, lawyers for the Government and Ramps Logistics (Guyana) have been granted further time to continue discussions on court costs.

The parties have been in talks for quite some time, and the issue of costs arose after Ramps Logistics was successful in its judicial review application against the Government’s decision to deny the company a Local Content Certificate.

The company, earlier this year, had withdrawn its application for damages, and instead opted to only pursue costs against the Government.

At a previous court hearing last month, one of Ramps Logistics’ lawyers, Ron Motilall, had informed acting Chief Justice (CJ) Roxane George, SC, that talks on costs between the company and the Government have not been fruitful; and as such, the issue remained unsettled.

As such, he requested that costs be assessed in accordance with the Civil Procedure Rules. But with Solicitor General Nigel Hawke stating that the Government remains open to amicable settlements rather than litigation, the CJ had granted the parties more time, giving them until Wednesday to report on the status of their negotiations.

As at Wednesday, both

parties requested more time to continue discussions, and the matter was further deferred to April 24.

Background

After a brief court battle with the Government, Ramps Logistics was issued its Local Content Certificate on Monday, November 14, 2022, in keeping with an order made by Justice George.

The company, whose parent is Trinidadian, had initially applied for certification in April 2022, but that application was refused on June 8, 2022 after Government had determined that the company had failed to meet the requirements of the Local Content Act 2021. The company had then reapplied, but had never received a response. Maintaining that it had met all the requirements of the Act, including being a local company incorporated under the Companies Act and beneficially owned by Guyanese nationals, Ramps Logistics had filed judicial review proceedings against Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat, Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, and Director of the Local Content Secretariat, Dr Martin Pertab (respondents). The Act defines beneficial ownership as owning 51 per cent of the company. Also, a local company is expected to have Guyanese in at least 75 per cent of executive and se-

nior management positions, and at least 90 per cent in non-managerial and other positions.In its application, the company had said that it is a “Guyanese company”, and had contended that the Natural Resources Minister’s decision to refuse its application was not only “unlawful, unreasonable and arbitrary”, but had breached the Local Content Act.

“Guyanese company”

Finding that the company had indeed met the requirements for being a “Guyanese company”, the Chief Justice had ordered Pertab to certify the company by noon on November 14, failing which would have resulted in him being held in contempt of court, and he would have been fined.

Besides finding that Minister Bharrat had no authority under the Local Content Act to decide whether to grant or refuse certification, Justice George had found that Pertab had considered irrelevant matters in deciding to refuse the company’s application. The irrelevant factors to which she had alluded included the criminal charges against Ramps Logistics for making false declarations to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) - which were instituted in October 2022, several months after the company had submitted its application, and a mere five days after the company had mounted its judicial review action in September of that year.

Particulars of the charges stated that between 2021 and 2022, at GRA’s Camp Street, Georgetown Headquarters, the company had made several false dec-

larations for consideration of a customs officer on an application presented for tax exemption on items.

Representing the respondents, whom the Chief Justice held had fallen “woefully short” of countering the company’s application, was Solicitor General Nigel Hawke and other counsel from the Attorney General’s Chambers. Hawke had conceded that Ramps Logistics had indeed satisfied the requirements for registration in the Local Content Register, but had said that consideration of the company’s resubmitted application was halted pending the hearing and determination of those criminal charges.

While the law does not stipulate that a criminal charge is a ground upon which a company can be refused certification, Hawke had argued that considering this goes towards the company’s conduct, especially since the allegations levelled against Ramps Logistics involved tax evasion. He had submitted that not being Local Content-certified does not prevent the company from operating in the oil and gas sector, but rather just limits what it can and cannot do.

The Chief Justice, however, in her ruling, had questioned the Local Content Secretariat’s rationale for refusing to grant the company the certificate. “It’s just a charge; it hasn’t been proven,” she had told Hawke, while reminding him of the presumption of innocence principle in the Constitution of Guyana.

Justice George had reasoned that the company cannot be denied a Local Content Certificate on a ba-

sis that is not set out in the Local Content Act, and given the above constitutional parameters. According to her, the Local Content law provides a simple regime for registration once a company satisfies the criteria.

After reviewing relevant documents submitted by Ramps Logistics, the Chief Justice had ruled that the company had satisfied all the requirements and preconditions required by the law — in this case, being a Guyanese company — for the issuance of the certificate.

“There is no evidence submitted by the respondents to counter the information provided by [Ramps Logistics], which I have concluded satisfies the requirements of the Local Content Act. Mr Pertab, from his Affidavit in Defence, refers to a Form C — a list of requirements that have no statutory basis. He also refers to charges by the Guyana Revenue Authority, which are irrelevant to the determination of an application under the Local Content Act,” Justice George had held.

As a “Guyanese company”, the Chief Justice had

declared, Ramps Logistics is entitled to be issued with a certificate, and to be entered into the Local Content Register. She had found that Minister Bharrat had breached the Local Content Act when he refused to certify the company.

The Government had signalled its intention to appeal the Chief Justice’s decision.

Divested ownership

At a press conference, Shaun Rampersad, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ramps Logistics (Guyana), had related that the company divested 51 per cent ownership of its Guyana operations to Trinidad-based investor Deepak Lall, who has Guyanese parentage, to bring its operations in compliance with the Local Content Law.

Lall’s grandfather and father are both Guyana-born, but migrated in 1961, and the family now operates an oil and gas company in the Caribbean out of Trinidad. Apart from Guyana, Ramps Logistics also has operations in Trinidad and Tobago; Houston, and Miami in the USA; Colombia; Mexico; and Suriname.

ACorentyne fisherman has been remanded to prison on an attempted murder charge when he appeared before Springlands Magistrate

Renita Singh on Thursday. Twenty-one-year-old Mohamed Fazar Ally has not been required to plead to this indictable charge, which stated that on April 9, while in

Charged with attempted murder: Mohamed Fazar Ally

The knife stuck in Sumintra’s stomach

Injured: Avinash Sumintra

Drafting of new domestic violence legislation in final stage – Min Persaud

this year,” she said. The ‘Domestic Violence Act’ of 1996 is expected to be overhauled with some 40 proposed amendments, which the Government hopes will address the issue.

Although the current domestic violence legislation has a more civil component to it, as opposed to a penal one, the new legislation will contain both.

Berbice farmers to benefit from $19M drying floor at Cotton Tree

The Government is in the final stage of drafting the new domestic violence legislation, which will cater to newer forms of violence and further protect and respond to the societal ill of domestic violence affecting Guyanese families.

Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud is optimistic that once the process is completed the legislation would be tabled in the National Assembly this

year.

Minister Persaud told reporters on Thursday that the proposed legislation saw consultations with a number of important agencies, including the Guyana Bar Association and the Women Lawyers’ Association.

“With all of those recommendations, suggestions, and input, we are now at the stage where crafting what we hope will be the final legislation and if all goes well, then we can… see it on the floor [National Assembly]

The proposed amendments include requiring the expansion of the current Domestic Violence Act, which entails the definitions of domestic violence. This will consist of a more comprehensive definition of economic, emotional, and psychological violence.

In addition, penalties for breach of protection orders and inclusion of batterer intervention programmes and counselling as remedies under the law will be updated.

Heavy focus is also being placed on identifying mechanisms to tackle domestic violence as one of the key elements in modernising legislation and policies, ultimately strengthening the systems.

GPHC conducts close to 2000 CT scans monthly

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) is conducting some 2000 Computed Tomography (CT) scans on a monthly basis compared, a massive increase.

This was according to Advisor to the Minister of Health, Dr Leslie Ramsammy, during his recent appearance on the televised programme, “The Guyana Dialogue”.

“Up to last year, we were doing a couple of hundred CT scans per month. We are now doing close to 2000 CTs per month at the GPHC,” he said.

The increase came after the Government implemented a policy last November, which saw all CT scans at the facility being conducted at no cost to patients and administered based on the urgency of the issue.

The monumental move by the Government was met with praise, with multiple patients stating that the remov-

al of the fee would greatly assist in lifting the financial burden of health care. Before November 2022, the cost of a CT scan ranged from around $15,000 to over $50,000 in some instances.

The Government’s intervention assisted in removing financial constraints as well as expedited the treatment and care of patients, as there was no delay for patients who face difficulty in covering the cost of their CT scans.

The Government of Guyana is currently working to modernise and transform the health sector.

A slew of new measures that are being implemented will see every person in Guyana receiving access to high-quality and affordable health care over the next few years.

Teen wounded at Bath Settlement identifies attacker – Police

Seventeen-year-old Christopher Felix, also called ‘Buckman’, who was stabbed at a popular bar at Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, has disclosed to detectives the identity of his attacker.

The teenager remains hospitalised with a stab wound to his abdomen, and Police had said the stab-

bing occurred at about 03:20h by the suspect, whose name has been given as ‘Kevin’.

Police said Felix, a labourer of a community in the Abary River, was reportedly sitting at a bar when the suspect, whom he knew, approached him, took out a black-handle flip knife from his pants pocket,

and stabbed him once to the middle of his abdomen before making good his escape.

Felix was taken to the Fort Wellington Public Hospital by a public-spirited citizen, and from there was referred to the New Amsterdam Hospital for further treatment. He remains a patient there. His condition is listed as stable.

Farmers within the vicinity of Cotton Tree, Number 5 Village, and other villages along the West Coast of Berbice will soon benefit from a new asphalt drying floor that will be constructed within the area at Cotton Tree Village.

A contract totalling close to $19 million was awarded to NP Investments on March 21, 2023 for construction of the drying floor, and completion is expected in three months.

Speaking with this publication on Wednesday, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha shared that construction of this drying floor is aimed at reducing conflicts among farmers who dry their rice in the same area.

“The reason is to ensure that…we avoid the conflict

between farmers and motorists and pedestrians, because they normally dry their paddy on the road. So, we want to avoid those prac-

tices, because those were age-old practices. We’re trying to get these farmers to dry their paddy on drying floors that we have been building across the country. They usually go on the road and throw their paddy to dry, and sometimes they come in conflict with… motorists and pedestrians. So, we’re trying to get those things organized now,” Mustapha shared.

Mustapha highlighted that since he became Agriculture Minister in 2020, he has built almost one dozen drying floors across the country to better the lives of farmers.

“Since I became Minister of Agriculture, I…built almost a dozen drying (floors) across this country for the last 2.5 years,” Mustapha told iNews.

Easter Monday fatal chopping Police await legal advice

as

suspect remains in custody …2nd suspect being pursued

Police in Berbice are awaiting legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) on the way forward in connection with the Easter Monday fatal chopping that occurred in Corriverton.

Regional Commander, Senior Superintendent Kurleigh Simon, has said, “Legal advice being sought”, when asked for an update on the matter, while adding the suspect remains in custody. He also added that Police are on the hunt for a second suspect.

On Monday, April 10, 18-year-old Keon Byass, a labourer of Dukestown, Corriverton, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), was reportedly chopped by two brothers of the same community. He died the following day while receiving treatment at the New

Amsterdam Hospital. Hours after his death was reported, one of the two suspects turned himself in at the Springlands Police Station.

Byass was reportedly on his way home when he was attacked and chopped by the two brothers. Police suspect the chopping stemmed from an old grievance. The nowdead man’s mother, Bridgette Byass, related that this has not been the first time her son had been attacked, but the Police have never intervened despite several reports having been made.

“He and them had an ongoing problem since school days. The very first time they catch him was the year before the last, and they chopped him, and his hand couldn’t work until now. The Police never take no step, and this thing continues going on. Last year they at-

Dead: Keon Byass

tacked him, and he had to defend himself and he pelt a bottle and one of them get injured – stab or cut or something. Nothing come out that story,” she revealed. During that incident, one of her nephews was also wounded, the woman noted.

Minister of Health Advisor, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud

Farmers drying paddy on the drying floor at the GRDB Seed Facility at #56 Village, Corentyne (GRDB Photo)

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha

Oil drops 1% after scaling multi-month highs on OPEC's demand warning

Oil prices fell a dollar a barrel on Thursday, as an Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) report stoked summer demand worries and traders took profits after benchmarks scaled multi-month highs in the previous session.

Brent crude fell US$1.24, or 1.4 per cent, to settle at US$86.09 a barrel, only the second time this month that the global benchmark has finished lower. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude slipped US$1.10, or 1.3 per cent, to close at US$82.16 a barrel.

Both benchmarks had gained two per cent on Wednesday to their highest in more than a month, as cooling US inflation spurred hopes that the US Federal Reserve will stop raising interest rates.

The OPEC flagged downside risks to summer oil demand in a monthly report on Thursday, highlighting rising inventories and challenges to global growth.

The report shed light on the reasons behind a surprise production cut announced by OPEC+, which includes Russia and other OPEC allies, at the start of this month.

"Generally I would say we saw builds in oil inventories this week in those countries which publish stocks data, so maybe that is what has been a realisation that the market hasn't shifted into a deficit," UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo said.

Despite Thursday's declines, the OPEC+ decision has pushed Brent futures up nearly eight per cent so far this month, and it continues to raise expectations of potential future tightness in the oil markets.

Oil price declines were also limited as OPEC kept its forecast for global oil demand growth in 2023 unchanged. Other economic indicators lent further support.

A weaker greenback makes dollar-denominated oil cheaper for investors holding other currencies, lifting demand.

"With the dollar at its weakest in a year versus the euro, that formula kicks in with an exclamation mark," said Mizuho analyst Robert Yawger.

Signs of a demand recovery in China, the top importer of crude oil and products, provided more support for oil prices, Yawger said.

China's crude oil imports in March surged 22.5 per cent from a year earlier to the highest since June 2020, data showed on Thursday. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Over 18,000 cows die in Texas dairy farm blaze

More than 18,000 cows died after an explosion and fire at a family dairy farm in west Texas, marking the deadliest such barn blaze on record in the United States.

Firefighters rescued one employee from the South Fork Dairy near Dimmitt on Monday as flames raced through a building and into holding pens, according to images and statements from the Castro County Sheriff's Office.

The cause of the fire was under investigation and it was not immediately possible to contact members of the family who own the farm in one of Texas' biggest milk production counties.

The blaze prompted calls

Around the World

US arrests 21-year-old National Guardsman for online intelligence leaks

The FBI on Thursday arrested Jack Douglas Teixeira, a 21-yearold member of the US Air National Guard, over the leaks online of classified documents that embarrassed Washington with allies around the world.

Federal agents in an armoured car and military gear swooped in on Teixeira, dressed in gym shorts, a T-shirt and trainers, at his home in Dighton, Massachusetts, a mostly wooded town of 8000 about 50 miles (80 kilometres) south of Boston.

The arrest comes a week after the leaks first became widely known, setting Washington on edge about the damage they may have

The FBI on Thursday arrested Jack Douglas Teixeira, a 21-yearold member of the US Air National Guard

caused. The episode embarrassed the US by revealing its spying on allies and purported Ukrainian military vulnerabilities.

The leak of documents, posted largely on social me-

dia sites, was believed to be the most serious security breach since more than 700,000 documents, videos and diplomatic cables appeared on the WikiLeaks website in 2010.

Teixeira was an airman 1st class at Otis Air National Guard Base in Massachusetts, according to his service record. He joined the Air National Guard in 2019 and worked as a "Cyber Transport Systems Journeyman", or an IT specialist.

Attorney General Merrick Garland told reporters Teixeira was wanted "in connection with an investigation into alleged unauthorised removal, retention, and transmission of classified national defence information."

The FBI said its agents had conducted "authorised law enforcement activity at a residence in North Dighton, Massachusetts". (Excerpt from Reuters)

Jamaica seizes more than 200 guns in 1st quarter

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is reporting 332 arrests and major seizures of illegal guns and drugs during the first quarter of the year.

Commissioner of Police Major General Antony Anderson reported that for the period January to March, there were two major gun seizures at the ports. These, he said, included a shipment of 22 guns in January and 59 in February.

A total of 225 illegal guns were seized for the quarter.

“This represents the highest number of seizures since 2017. Additionally, 238 per-

sons were arrested and charged for gun-related offences over the period,” the police chief informed.

In addition, 1563 kilogrammes of cocaine and 4204 kilogrammes of ganja were seized, and 94 persons were arrested and charged for drug-related offences.

Major General Anderson said that work will continue to build the capacity of detectives to investigate gang-related matters, noting that a multi-agency approach has been taken with respect to training.

The Commissioner informed that 60 person-

Ukraine reports unrelenting Russian attacks on key city of Bakhmut

Russia's military on Thursday pressed on with unrelenting attacks on the smashed eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut and also shelled the southern city of Kherson, officials in Kyiv said.

nel recently participated in an anti-gang training course, which was aimed at strengthening the capacity of the law-enforcement community to investigate, prosecute and ultimately secure convictions in organised-crime cases.

The anti-gang training course was undertaken in collaboration with the National Centre for State Courts and the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs in the United States (US). (Excerpt from CMC)

Ex-Peruvian Minister complicit in reporter's murder

from the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI), among the oldest US animal protection groups, for federal laws to prevent barn fires which kill hundreds of thousands of farm animals each year.

There are no federal regulations protecting animals from the fires and only a few states, Texas not among them, have adopted fire protection codes for such buildings, according to an AWI statement.

The blaze was the most devastating US barn fire involving cattle since the AWI began tracking such incidents in 2013. Around 6.5 million farm animals have died in such fires in the last decade, most of them poultry.(Reuters)

The Kremlin sees Bakhmut as pivotal in its slow-moving advance through eastern Ukraine more than a year after it invaded its neighbour.

Ukrainian Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Malyar, writing on Telegram, said heavy fighting gripped all parts of the eastern front. She said pro-Kyiv forces repelled attacks in most areas.

"Most of the enemy's offensive efforts are occurring in the Bakhmut sector," she wrote, adding that Russian commanders had redirected troops there from other areas.

"The enemy is using its most professional units there and resorting to a significant amount of artillery and aviation. Every day, the enemy carries out in Bakhmut from 40 to 50 storming operations

and 500 shelling episodes."

The head of Russia's Wagner mercenary group said this week that his forces held 80 per cent of Bakhmut, but the Ukrainian military said that figure was exaggerated.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and other senior officials are pressing allies for more weapons that Kyiv hopes will enable it to launch a major counter-offensive later this year.

"We are readying our boys," Zelenskiy said in a video address late on Thursday. "We look forward to the delivery of weapons promised by our partners. We are bringing victory closer as much as possible."

Officials said two people had died in Russian shelling of the southern city of Kherson.

Away from the battlefield, Ukrainian officials are focusing on the massive rebuilding effort that will be needed as well as pressure from allies to show progress in tackling corruption. (Excerpt from Reuters)

APeruvian ex-Interior Minister was complicit in the 1988 killing of Hugo Bustíos, a Journalist who investigated human rights abuses, a court has found.

The former Minister, Daniel Urresti, has been sentenced to 12 years in jail.

The court ruled that Urresti, who at the time was a military intelligence officer in the army, took part in the ambush and murder of Bustíos.

Lawyers for the politician said they would appeal against the verdict.

Hugo Bustíos, a reporter for the weekly magazine Caretas, was killed at the height of the conflict between Peruvian security forces and rebels of the Maoist Shining Path group.

The Journalist reported on human rights abuses committed both by the rebels and the army in the Andean region of Ayacucho, one of the hardest hit by the armed conflict which left 69,000 people dead or disappeared.

On the day of his killing, he was heading to investigate the killing of a villager and her son, reportedly by the Shining Path.

He and a fellow journalist, Eduardo Rojas, were ambushed and shot at while they were making their way to the village by motorcycle.

Bustíos fell to the ground, injured, while Rojas, who had also been hit, managed to escape.

Witnesses said men in plain clothes then placed explosives on Bustíos and detonated them, killing him instantly.

The attack was initially blamed on the Shining Path, but eyewitnesses said it had been carried out by the army.

After a drawn-out legal battle, the commander of the local army base, Victor La Vera Hernández, was found guilty in 2007 of ordering the attack on the Journalist.

In a surprise move, when he was released from prison in 2011, La Vera implicated Daniel Urresti in the murder. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Daniel Urresti ran for President twice and was narrowly defeated in his attempt to become Mayor of Lima

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Stick to your plan, regardless of what others do or say. Do your own thing, and you'll be happy with the results. An opportunity will require you to adjust your lifestyle. Romance is favored.

(March 21-April 19)

The changes happening around you will result in an emotional trade-off. Have a backup plan to ensure you can live up to your promises, regardless of how things unfold.

(April 20-May 20)

Pay attention to criticism, but take it in stride. The help you offer others will stifle criticism. Speak from the heart, and you'll gain access to valuable information.

(May 21-June 20)

PEANUTS

(June 21-July 22) (July 23-Aug. 22)

CALVIN

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

High energy put to good use will pay off. Use what you learn to help others. Your kindness will encourage people to pitch in and help. Make your needs known, and success will follow.

Check out possibilities, set up an interview or expand your interests. Don't let others slow you down or cause you distress. Be true to yourself and stand up to anyone who takes you for granted.

A unique approach may not suit everyone, but it will weed out people who are wasting your time. Choose to be proactive, and you'll maintain control and get what you want.

Push yourself to finish what you start. Learn from every experience you encounter and apply what you discover to improve your health and the environment in which you live. Make romance a priority.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Your actions will count more than your words. Set high standards, and don't make allowances for anyone trying to manipulate you. Be wary of people attempting to manipulate your emotions.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22) (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Don't trust someone else to have your best interest in mind. Discover what's meaningful to you and find out how you can make your dreams come true. Take better care of yourself.

Adjustments at home will make your life easier. Don't let an outsider convince you to buy something you don't need. Set a budget and do the work yourself.

Refuse to let someone's decisions disrupt your plans. Home improvements, lifestyle changes or joint endeavors are favored. You'll be satisfied with the work that you do.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Put everything in order before you proceed. Knowing what you want and convincing others to accept your plans will ensure you get the help you need. Don't take a physical or financial risk.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

Developments in local horse-racing…

Jockey caught with prohibited riding device handed stiff suspension

Ajockey caught with a prohibited riding device has been issued a suspension notice that would prevent him from participating in racing activities in Guyana for the next nine (9) months.

This device, when pressed against the animal's body, shocks the horse and causes it to quicken its pace.

The jockey has not as yet been served with the letter of suspension, hence

his name has not been disclosed at this time. However, the letter was sent to the Port Mourant Turf Club to be relayed to this jockey. He was caught by the race day stewards before the running of the curtain event - the 1,760-metre Easter Cup. Our Stuie, trained by Therbhuwan Jagdeo of the Jagdeo Racing Stables and ridden by TnT rider Dillon Khelawan, won the event.

Gill, Tewatia show class as Titans return to winning ways

Another day, another last-over thriller. This one, though, wasn't as topsy-turvy as a few of the earlier games in IPL 2023, but it still required the ice man Rahul Tewatia's services. With four needed off the last two balls, Tewatia calmly scooped Sam Curran, who was bowling really well, over fine leg and ensured Gujarat Titans beat Punjab Kings by six wickets.

For the longest while, the chase seemed straightforward. Having restricted Kings to 153 for 8 with an all-round show from the bowlers on a decent Mohali surface, The Titans, led by a classy 49-ball 67 from Shubman Gill, were cruising. But with 13 needed off 12, Arshdeep Singh bowled a nerveless penultimate over that went for just six.

Curran then cleaned up Gill with the second ball of the final over before bowling an inch-perfect yorker which almost resulted in David Miller's run-out.

Through it all though, Tewatia just held his cool, like he normally does, and came out a winner.

Kings' batting plans go awry

After Kings were sent in to bat, Prabhsimran Singh bagged his second successive duck, meekly clipping an innocuous Mohamad Shami back-ofa-length ball to short midwicket. Shikhar Dhawan, the star of Kings' batting unit, then skied Josh Little to mid-on and fell for 8.

Matthew Short, however, looked impressive from the start. He got going with two crisp fours as Kings raced to 52 for 2 in the powerplay. But once Short fell to a Rashid Khan googly, the innings unravelled.

Bhanuka Rajapaksa managed 20 off 26 balls, Jitesh Sharma got 25 off 23, while Curran scored a

run-a-ball 22. The dot balls

failed to score off, while in

six overs, and 18 dots in the middle phase.

Shahrukh Khan, coming in at # 7, smashed a 9-ball 22 to get Kings over the 150-mark, but it was never going to be enough.

Mohit turns back the clock It hasn't been the smoothest of sailing for Mohit Sharma. He started quite well in the IPL, and was the purple cap winner in 2014, even making it to the national side. But his fortunes dipped soon after. Before this game, Mohit last played in the IPL in 2020 - a solitary game for Delhi Capitals. He was a net bowler for Titans last year, his work prompting the franchise to bid for him in 2023, and he repaid the faith with a sterling debut.

Mohit bowled overs 11, 13, 15 and 19, and conceded 18 runs while picking up two key wickets. The variations were back, and most importantly his control over them, something that had been missing over the last few years.

Arshdeep, before clipping Kagiso Rabada through midon. Saha got his boundary counter running with a stylish cover drive off Rabada, before he laid into Arshdeep, creaming him for four fours in the third over, as Titans raced to 36 without loss after three overs. While Rabada did claim Saha's wicket - his 100th in the IPL - Titans scored 56 runs in the powerplay. Kings needed to be better with the new ball, especially given they were defending only 153.

Sai Sudharsan and Gill then added 41 runs off 40 balls for the second wicket, with both players concentrating more on singles than boundaries. Hardik Pandya came and went be-

fore a lofted four over extra cover helped Gill reach his second fifty of this IPL. The opener continued to go hard, an 81-metre six off Rabada standing out. He added a 42-run stand with Miller off 30 balls, but his dismissal in the final over threw the game open; at least until Tewatia slammed it shut.

Impact Player Strategy Titans did not use their impact player, while Kings brought in Rahul Chahar in place of Rajapaksa at the end of their first innings. Chahar failed to make much of an impact, going for 24 runs in his three overs, and failing to take a wicket. (ESPNCricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Punjab Kings (20 ovs maximum)

BATTING R B

Prabhsimran Singh c Rashid Khan

b Mohammed Shami 0 2

Shikhar Dhawan (c)

c Joseph b Little 8 8

Matthew Short b Rashid Khan 36 24

Bhanuka Rajapaksa c

Shubman Gill b Joseph 20 26

Jitesh Sharma † c †Saha b Sharma 25 23

Sam Curran c

Shubman Gill b Sharma 22 22

M Shahrukh Khan run out

(Miller/†Saha) 22 9

Harpreet Brar not out 8 5

Rishi Dhawan run out (†Saha) 1 1

Extras (lb 2, w 9) 11

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 7.65) 153/8

Did not bat: Kagiso Rabada,

Arshdeep Singh

Fall of wickets: 1-0

(Prabhsimran Singh, 0.2 ov), 2-28

(Shikhar Dhawan, 3.2 ov), 3-55

(Matthew Short, 6.4 ov), 4-92

(Jitesh Sharma, 12.2 ov), 5-115

(Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 16.5 ov), 6-136

(Sam Curran, 18.1 ov), 7-152

hurt Kings the most. Even in the powerplay, where they went big, there were 20 balls which the batters

the middle overs - 7 to 16there were 28 dot balls.

In contrast, Titans faced only 12 dot balls in the first

Gill lights up the chase Titans' chase got off to a perfect start, courtesy of Gill and Wriddhiman Saha. Gill was up and away with a lovely cover drive off

(M Shahrukh Khan, 19.4 ov), 8-153

(Rishi Dhawan, 19.6 ov) •

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Mohammed Shami 4-0-44-1

Josh Little 4-0-31-1

Alzarri Joseph 4-0-32-1

Rashid Khan 4-0-26-1

Mohit Sharma 4-0-18-2

Gujarat Titans (T: 154 runs from 20 ovs)

BATTING R B

Wriddhiman Saha † c Short b Rabada 30 19

Shubman Gill b Curran 67 49

Sai Sudharsan c Prabhsimran

Singh b Arshdeep Singh 19 20

Hardik Pandya (c) c Curran

b Harpreet Brar 8 11

David Miller not out 17 18

Rahul Tewatia not out 5 2

Extras (lb 8) 8

TOTAL 19.5 Ov (RR: 7.76) 154/4

Did not bat: Rashid Khan, Alzarri

Joseph, Mohammed Shami, Mohit Sharma, Josh Little

Fall of wickets: 1-48

(Wriddhiman Saha, 4.4 ov), 2-89

(Sai Sudharsan, 11.2 ov), 3-106

(Hardik Pandya, 14.2 ov), 4-148

(Shubman Gill, 19.2 ov) •

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Arshdeep Singh 4-0-33-1

Kagiso Rabada 4-0-36 -1

Harpreet Brar 4-0-20-1

Sam Curran 3.5-0-25-1

Rahul Chahar 3-0-24-0

Matthew Short 1-0-8-0

The errant jockey has been suspended for nine months

Mohit Sharma, an almost forgotten man of Indian cricket, returned to the big time with a bang

Wriddhiman Saha ran out M Shahrukh Khan

Shubman Gill celebrating his fifty

TATA IPL 2023: Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans…

Seven Seas powers Archery Guyana’s National Indoor C/ships

Archery Guyana will shortly be hosting its Seven Seas National Indoor Championships 2023, with Ranking Rounds to be shot from April 23-29, and Finals on Sunday, April 30, at the National Gymnasium.

Guyana’s best local talents will be on display, aiming for the bragging right of Indoor National Champion. Here archers would have to demonstrate great discipline, strength and stamina to walk away with the title.

Qualities required by the archer to achieve success twin harmoniously with Seven Seas products. You may ask why Seven Seas?

This is because, for 88 years, we have proudly delivered to you the best products, sourced from the ocean and manufactured to the highest standards.

Seven Seas has been at the forefront of supplements and vitamins since 1935, when a co-operative of fishing trawler owners from Hull started producing bottles of pharmaceutical grade cod liver oil. Fast-forward to today, they are determined to support your complete health through the power of Omega-3.

Recently, at the handover ceremony at the Massy Distribution’s Head Office at D4 Starlite Square, Montrose, East Coast Demerara, President of Archery Guyana, Mrs Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, and Archery Guyana’s Competitions Committee

Chair, Mr Jeewanram Persaud, were able to learn more about Seven Seas products from the knowledgeable staff.

Ms. Karen Connell, Pharmaceuticals Manager of Massy Distribution; and Ms. Dileya Deonarine, Pharmacist/Brand Manager of the Seven Seas portfolio in Guyana, explained

that their tailored range supports an active lifestyle that focuses on the health of your bones, cartilage, muscles, and connective tissue. All these products start with Omega-3 & Glucosamine, with the addition of Chondroitin, Calcium and Turmeric to suit your specific joint care needs.

One of their featured products, Joint Care Max, has been specifically formulated to support an active lifestyle. It supports cartilage, bones, muscles and connective tissues to help in four important areas of joint care. It also contains our highest level of Glucosamine, at 1500 mg.

Perfect 7 Plus line

Pharmacist/Brand Manager

Ms. Dileya Deonarine explained that it brings together the benefits of a daily multivitamin and Omega-3 to help support the demands of modern life and your busy lifestyle. The Perfect 7 Plus Man aids the body in 7 key ways: supporting your muscles, heart, brain, bones, vision, metabolism and energy levels. The Perfect 7 Plus Woman aids the body in 7 key ways: supporting your brain, skin & nails, hair, vision, heart and hormonal

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activity.

Since founding of this brand, Massy Distribution and Seven Seas have striven to provide customers with the best quality products, and have committed to putting ‘you’ at the centre of ev-

erything we do.

According to Ms. Deonarine: “We feel it is our obligation to not only produce great products, but to also share our 88 years of expertise in vitamins and minerals with you!”

Gratitude has been expressed by Mrs. Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon, President of Archery Guyana, for Seven Seas’ collaboration as a competition sponsor.

Mr. Jeewanram

Persaud reminded the media that members of the public are invited to attend Archery Guyana’s Seven Seas National Indoor Championships on Sunday 30th April at the National Gymnasium.

Nail-biting matches as GUMDAC tournament continues

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Caption: Evin Lewis and Rashid Khan were teammates at St Kitts & Nevis Patriots last season

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Day two of the GUMDAC Badminton Tournament 2023 was exhilarating, as players competed in both singles and doubles matches.

The energy in the National Gymnasium was high, as scores of patrons turned out to show support. The Boys Under-19 quarterfinals between Raah Russell and Frank Waddell was an intense match, going to three games, with Frank Waddell emerging the winner by scores of 9-21, 21-11, 21-15.

Another crowd thriller was the Boys Under-19 match in which Jonathan Robinson opposed Jedidiah Uwagboe, with Jonathan coming out victorious 19-21, 21-11, 21-9.

A further nail-biting match was the Men’s Doubles quarter finals in which Colin Bowry and Viraj Singh of Berbice opposed Johnathan Debidin and Jason Stephney of Georgetown. The Berbicians emerged victorious with scores of 21-12, 19-21, 21-13.

The Mixed Doubles quarter final match with Chet Bowling and Ayanna Watson competing against Shivannie Persaud and Marlon Chung had spectators gripping their seats in anticipation as the battle raged on the court.

The tournament continues with semifinal matches in the main draw and consolation matches on Thursday at 5pm at the National

Gymnasium. The Finals are slated for Friday, April 14, at the same venue.

Below are the full results from Day Two (the winners are highlighted)

Men’s Doubles: Akili Haynes/Tyrese Jeffrey vs Onayi Andrews/Amaan Khan 21-2, 21-1

Under-19 Boys: Johnathan Debidin vs Gabriel Felix 21-5, 21-4

Under-19 Boys: Mohamed Farouk vs Haresh Persaud 21-10, 21-11

Under-19 Boys Consolation: Renako Bender vs Matthew Foo 21-13, 21-14

Men’s Doubles: Chet Bowling/ Matthew Beharry vs Jahiem Carmichael/Osafa Dos Santos 21-5, 21-4

Under-19 Boys: Raah Russell vs Nathan Morrison 21-6, 21-11

Under-19 Boys: Jedidiah Uwagboe vs Jonathan Caesar 21-11, 21-10

Under-19 Boys: Juan Ferreira vs Jonathan Robinson 21-17, 21-14

Men’s Doubles: Johnathan Debidin/Jason Stephney vs Mohamed Farouk/Matthew Foo 21-8, 21-5

Under-19 Boys: Matthew Spooner vs Lennox Morrison 9-21, 21-14, 19-21

Under-19 Boys: Xavio Alexander vs Nathan Vanbrook 21-10, 13-21, 21-6

Under-19 Boys: Frank Waddell vs Nikolas Pollard 21-10, 21-5

Men’s Doubles: Andrew Browne/ Andrew Browne vs Lennox Morrison/Nathan Vanbrook 21-6, 21-18

Under-19 Girls: Navaeh Eastman vs Sarah Lewis 2111, 21-8

Mixed Doubles: Frank Waddell/Malia Haley vs Jaquan Nedd/Gabrielle Felix

21-16, 21-17

Mixed Doubles: Marlon

Chung/Shivannie Persaud vs Nikolas Pollard/Genevieve

Bookram 21-9, 21-8

Mixed Doubles

Quarterfinals: Tyrese

Jeffrey/Ambika Ramraj vs Viraj Singh/Jefina James 2115, 21-16

Under-19 Boys

Quarterfinals: Johnathan

Debidin vs Haresh Persaud

21-12. 21-9

Under-19 Boys

Quarterfinals: Jonathan Robinson vs Jedidiah

Uwagboe 19-21, 21-11, 21-9

Under-19 Boys

Quarterfinals: Frank

Waddell vs Raah Russell 9-21, 21-11, 21-15

Men’s Doubles

Quarterfinals: Akili Haynes/ Tyrese Jeffrey vs Xavio

Alexander/Jamal Sinclair 218, 21-7

Men’s Doubles

Quarterfinals: Colin Bowry/ Viraj Singh vs Johnathan

Debidin/Jason Stephney

21-12, 19-21, 21- 13

Under-19 Boys

Quarterfinals: Xavio

Alexander vs Lennox Morrison 21-15, 21-17

Men’s Doubles

Quarterfinals: Raah Russel/ Frank Waddell vs Matthew Beharry/Chet Bowling 21-9, 21-11

Mixed Doubles: Quarterfinals: Akili Haynes/ Priyanna Ramdhani vs Frank Waddell/ Malia Haley 21-5, 21-4

Men’s Doubles

Quarterfinals: Wenyuan Chen/Marlon Chung vs Lennox Morrison/Nathan Vanbrook 21-8, 21-12

Mixed Doubles:

Quarterfinals: Chet Bowling/ Ayanna Watson vs Marlon Chung/Shivannie Persaud 21-12, 18- 21, 21-16

Under-19 Girls

Semifinals: Mishka Beharry vs Genevieve Bookram 21-5, 21-4

Under-19 Boys

Consolation: Jaquan Nedd vs Renako Bender 21-5, 21-12

Under-19 Girls

Consolation: Aaliyah Bacchus vs Gabrielle Felix 21-7, 21-7

Women’s Doubles

Consolation: Navaeh

Eastman/Malia Haley vs Aaliyah Bacchus/Gabrielle Felix 21-17, 21-11

Mixed Doubles

Consolation: Gabriel Felix/ Navaeh Eastman vs Nikolas Pollard/Genevieve Bookram 21-9, 1-5

Mixed Doubles

Consolation: Navaeh Eastman/Gabriel Felix vs Jaquan Nedd/Gabrielle Felix 21-15, 21-12

Seven Seas Pharmacist/Brand Manager Ms. Dileya Deonarine (centre) signing the official sponsorship documents with Archery Guyana President Mrs Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon. Witnessing is Archery Guyana’s Competition Chair, Mr Jeewanram Persaud

Archery Guyana’s Competition Chair, Jeewanram Persaud, receiving the sponsorship cheque from Seven Seas Pharmacist/ Brand Manager, Ms. Dileya Deonarine. Looking on is President of Archery Guyana, Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon

Men’s Doubles Quarterfinalist Xavio Alexander and Jamal Sinclair

Mixed Doubles Quarterfinalists Malia Haley and Frank Waddell

Swim programme hailed a success before conclusion

The Easter Swimming programme of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS), which is a collaborative effort with the National Sports Commission (NSC), commenced last Monday and is expected to be concluded this Saturday.

While revealing that the programme has had no hiccups thus far, Deck Coach Kenita Mahaica went as far as to say that this year’s programme has possibly been the best yet.

“So, I’m on the deck right now, and I would say that the programme is definitely a success. We had no incidents, our medic team was here throughout the programme, and there were no problems; we had no hiccups,” Mahaica explained. He added, “I think that this programme has grown from the time we started to now, and to me there might be room for improvement; but this one was by far the best, so far. Everything was smooth, the parents commended us for our neatness in the online registration, in putting the programme together this time. So, I think the programme has run smoothly so far, and it’s go-

ing well.”

Additional safety measures at this year’s programme included recruiting the services of 40 coaches, with 2 coaches assigned to each class of 6-8 children. With these factors in mind, several parents and caregivers applauded the efforts of organizers and the coaches.

“To me, the swimming programme is a very successful programme. Some kids come knowing not much, not leaving with the full 100% capacity, but the

knowledge they will gain is good. I have four kids here, and so far they show a lot

of improvements. From the time they didn’t know nothing, at least now they will learn a little skill. So, I think the programme means a lot to the kids them,” parent Dwayne Baker shared.

derful experience for them.”

our children, and they take our children life in their hands, which is such a high risk, and I must applaud them for the good job they have done,” Khan went on to share.

Meanwhile, Director of Sports, Steve Ninvalle, during a brief comment, stated that the annual initiative is indicative of Government’s resolute commitment to the development of the sports landscape via an encompassing approach.

He explained, “The growth of the programme, which has witnessed a 200% increase from the previous iteration of 600 participants, underscores the Government’s modus operandi in that the development of the sports sector should entail and be guided by a comprehensive blueprint.”

According to Ninvalle, the overwhelming success of this edition would certainly serve as a clarion call for expansion of the annual initiative. He declared, “The expectation is that the programme will eventually serve as a catalyst and conduit for the emergence of many Raekwon Noels, who historically clinched five gold medals at the recently concluded Junior CARIFTA Games (in Curacao).”

Changes

will be implemented by three of the country’s promoters starting from next race day - Sunday April 30 at the Bush Lot race course in West Berbice.

These changes come on the heels of an emergency meeting sanctioned very early on Tuesday morning at Port Mourant Turf Club in Berbice. It was called by four of the country’s major promoters of local horse racing. It was centred around the misleading information circulating on social media, and a letter published in Kaieteur News carrying an inaccurate account of Sunday’s incident.

In attendance were Fazal Habibulla (Rising Sun Turf Club), Nasrudeen ‘Junior’ Mohamed (Bush Lot Turf Club), Therbhuwan ‘Turbo’ Jagdeo (Port Mourant Turf Club) and Dennis Deroop (formerly of the Kennard Memorial Turf Club).

Spokesperson for the group, ‘Junior’, declared: “This incident has brought us closer together. This meeting was purposely held at Port Mourant to support our brother ‘Turbo’. It’s unfortunate. All sports will encounter challenges. We went there to deal with it, and good has come out of this meeting. We will release the changes this week.”

Reached for his comments on Sunday’s incident, Jagdeo remarked, “I will like anyone and everyone who are speaking out against…to come and inspect the track. I was moved by my fellow promoters’ action this morning. So far, I contacted the owners of the three horses that fellTiny, Miss Universe, and Plus Return - and injured young rider Vishal Ramnarian. I conveyed my feelings of their loss is like my loss, as I know how it feels to lose a horse.”

Asked if any assistance would be given to the owners and the rider, Jagdeo responded, “I promised the owners of Tiny to get anoth-

er horse for them at no cost.

Jockey Ramnarian will be assisted financially to help with his medical cost and living expenses. Javed Ali, on the other hand, offered to assist.”

Asked about yesterday’s emergency meeting, Jagdeo related, “All of us were concerned about what happened, and the need to address it immediately, hence the reason for the meeting. We debated what changes will be implemented, and will reveal the plans during the course of this week. My fellow brother promoters were there for me this morning, and pledged support moving forward. I am thankful for their moral support. They showered their love for the sport.”

Sharing exclusive information on the meeting, Jagdeo said, “Glen Mohammed, Steward on the day of the incident, revealed, ‘I immediately went into the Jockeys Room and asked the riders if the track was the reason for the incident. Everyone cho-

rused “No, it’s safe, there is a little soft spot after the finish line, and then deemed the incident as unfortunate.”

Jagdeo said at the meeting Mohammed recalled, “In 2019, at Santa Anita race track Acadia, California, USA, a record number of horses died on the track. The track was then deemed the ‘Death Track.’

Jagdeo continued, “Mohammed quoted Santa Anita officials have said they’ve made major improvements in horse safety after 2019 - when 42 horses died at the track, sparking widespread debate about safety issues at Santa Anita and about horse-racing in general. The uproar led to procedural and veterinary oversight changes at the park.”

In closing, Jagdeo stated, “I am no expert on track. I have been exercising horses at Port Mourant race track several years now, and close to 30 horses exercise on a daily basis on the track. We never had a horse that went down. We have some work ahead of us, and our plans will be explained is another story.”

Caregiver Ms. Juliet of the Hope Children’s Home, East Coast Demerara, spoke on the experiences of the ten children the Home has in the activity. She said, “It’s a wonderful experience for them, because some of them have never went to something like this before. Some of them don’t know anything about swimming, and so this is a won-

Touching on her observations on the coaching, parent Faneeza Khan explained, “Being a parent, I must say everyone would study ‘Oh this programme consists of 2000 children, how do these coach cope with that?’ For me, I see the coaches are doing a great job, that is why I think the best thing the organizer had did was put them in different age groups, so that the children would be more attentive to the coaches.

“I must thank them very much for that, because their life at risk along with

The Easter swimming programme will conclude this Saturday, April 15. This year’s initiative saw more than 200% increase in participants, with well over 2000 children being registered. It is likely that the programme would return for the summer vacation, with registration being free and online-based once again.

Team Mohamed’s joins DCB “Friends of Demerara Cricket Fund”

TeamMohamed’s of 29 Lombard Street, Werken-Rust, Georgetown is the latest sponsor of the Demerara Cricket Board’s initiative, ‘Friends of Demerara Cricket Fund’.

This new initiative was launched recently. Team Mohamed is the fourth business entity to provide support, following Gafoors of Guyana, KW Logistics and Bus Services, and Sunita Travel Agency. The DCB will use the funds raised to cushion the cost of its junior Inter Association cricket tournaments. Funds will also be used to assist in fulfilling its mandate to develop the game. The Demerara Cricket Board is aggressively embarking on playing cricket competitions at all levels, from under-13 to senior males and females. Training programmes for coaches and cricketers; seminars for managers; book, board and electronic scorers, match referees etc., will be done. Academies for junior cricketers will also be held across the five sub-associations.

At a simple but significant ceremony held recently, Azruddin Mohamed, owner of the business, presented the cheque to DCB’s First Vice President Puneet Jaigopaul, in the presence of other Executive Members of the Board.

Mohamed said he is happy to contribute to cricket, particularly to young play-

ers; and Jaigopaul, in response, expressed his gratitude and indicated that the funds would be well accounted for. He added that the funds would be used to cover some of the cost of the DCB Inter-Association Under-17 cricket tournament, as requested by the sponsor. That tournament is expected to commence shortly.

The DCB urges Guyanese to support Team Mohamed, so there can be continued contribution to the development of cricket in Demerara, Guyana, and the West Indies.

Now that Team Mohamed is on board, the sponsorship is $660,000. The DCB, while in negotiations with several sponsors, some of whose approvals have already been secured, recognizes the limited sponsorship dollars available, resulting in this innovation.

The Demerara Cricket Board encourages private individuals, private businesses, and Corporate Guyana to support this initiative and place Demerara Cricket back to its former dominance. We assure accountability for the funds, with widespread print and electronic media coverage.

Point to note: sponsorship for sports and charitable organizations can enjoy tax breaks as the law allows.

Anyone willing to support this project can contact Bissoondyal Singh, President, at 623-0055; Davteerth Anandjit, Secretary, at 617-8502; Vicky Bharosay, Treasurer, at 652-0947; Anil Beharry, Marketing Manager, at 623-6875; or any other Executive Member of the Demerara Cricket Board. The board looks forward to your support.

Children in Thursday morning’s session took some time out for a photo opportunity with coaches at the Colgrain Pool

Parent Dwayne Baker Parent Faneeza Khan Deck Coach Kenita Mahaica

‘Turbo’ Jagdeo feels hurt for horse owners …as changes loom

Therbhuwan ‘Turbo’ Jagdeo

Fazal Habibulla

Nasrudeen ‘Junior’ Mohamed (Brandon Corlette photos)

Dennis Deroop

Azruddin Mohamed of Team Mohamed’s making a presentation to the DCB First Vice President Puneet Jaigopaul in the presence of other Executive Members of the DCB

CARIFTA athletes get hero’s welcome

Guyana’s CARIFTA athletes, those who competed in the 50th edition of the Games over the past weekend, were treated to a hero’s welcome at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) on Thursday afternoon, upon their return to the Land of Many Waters.

A cultural presentation and cheers of family, friends and well-wishers awaited the Guyanese athletes, coaches and other officials upon their return, after facing several hurdles getting to and returning from the Games in Nassau, Bahamas. In the end it all paid off, as the athletes completed the Games with an 8-medal haul, one more than their collection from 2022.

In praising the athletes for their efforts over the weekend, Sport Minister Charles Ramson jr. touched on the benefit of his Ministry’s engagement with the athletes, and how it has paid dividends this time around.

“What I can say as well is we’ve seen some fruit of the investment that we’ve had from the last CARIFTA

Games, because many of the athletes who’ve performed well were able to secure scholarships through Government intervention in the United States and many other countries,” Ramson Jr. shared.

He added, “So, we were able to see some dividends paying benefit to us as Guyanese, having made

that investment for the first time last year; and what you’ll see if that’ll just continue to increase.”

The Minister went on to address the travel fiasco that occurred over the past few days, noting that it is not the kind of thing to be proud of. As such, he reiterated the need for Guyanese athletes to be treated well

when travelling to represent the Golden Arrowhead. He bemoaned, “No one in Guyana could ever be happy about not giving the kind of care and representation and management for our athletes. No one could ever be happy about what transpired there, much less coming from the Government of Guyana. And when the

Government of Guyana builds strong relationships with Associations, it is important that Associations take the leadership and fulfil the responsibilities that is expected of them.

“It is very important that when our athletes leave to represent the country, Guyana and Guyanese, that they are given the best

possible leadership, management and the opportunity to excel.

Coming from the Government of Guyana to the people of the country, what I can say surely is that whatever transpired over the last few days that led us to the point of having to intervene in that kind of way, that will never occur again,” Ramson Jr. went on to assure.

Guyana ended their campaign at the Games on Monday with eight medals. Javon Roberts has the highest individual medal haul with one gold and one silver in the Boys’ U17 800M and 1500M races respectively. Anisha Gibbons picked up her third consecutive Gold in the Girls’ U20 Javelin, while Tianna Springer struck Guyana’s third Gold in the Girls’ U17 400M event. Attoya Harvey clinched silver in the Girls’ Open 3000M event, while Trevon Hamer won bronze in the U20 Boys’ Triple jump. Also in the triple jump event, Ezekiel Saul won bronze in the U17 category, while Seon Booker had bronze in the U20 1500M event.

GFF, Marics Company hand over ‘President’s Cup’ top-scorers’ prizes

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and Marics and Company

Limited this afternoon handed over two new white and red Honda XR 150L motorcycles to One Guyana President’s Cup top scorers Abumchi Benjamin and Kelsey Benjamin. The simple ceremony was held at the GFF Headquarters in Georgetown.

Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) defeated Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) 2-1 in a spectacular January 1 final of the inaugural tournament at the Leonora National Track and Field Centre, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

Both members of this Benjamin duo represent the Guyana Defence Force Football Club, and each scored 10 goals. One of the motorcycles was donated by Marics and Company Limited, the home of Honda in Guyana, while the other bike was sponsored by GFF.

Marics and Company Marketing Manager,

Anjanie Hackett, said her company has always supported GFF’s tournaments, and is happy to present the XR Honda motorcycle to one of the top scorers of the One Guyana President’s Cup.

“Marics and Company Limited has always supported sport in Guyana. It’s not the first time we’re do-

ing it… Sometimes we give bikes, sometimes we give cash. So, we are happy to give this wonderful prize, and it’s $495,000 for the XR bike. So, we are happy for the winner.

Hackett assured that Marics would be sponsoring a prize for the 2023 yearend tournament.

GFF Secretary General

Ian Alves explained that the federation had to step in and sponsor another motorcycle after two players scored the most goals at the end of the national tournament.

“Initially, we got the donation from Marics and Company for the one motorcycle XR, because we were assuming there would have

been one highest goal-scorer. As the tournament was as competitive as it was… it should be noted that because there were two highest goal- scorers, we were forced to find another prize.

As a result, the Guyana Football Federation chipped in by purchasing the other motorcycle from Marics, so that both of the highest

goal-scorers could have gotten their prize.”

He added: “Marics is already committed to the tournament this year and to additional support for other Guyana Football Federation’s tournaments. For this, we are indeed grateful. Once we can guarantee support of companies like Marics, we can see our players being much more motivated and willing to give their best in these tournaments.”

The club leg of the One Guyana President’s Cup kicked off on November 13. It was followed by the championship round, which started on December 11 and featured 10 regional teams in two groups.

After collecting the keys for his new bike, Abumuchi Benjamin of the Guyana Defence Force Football Club said he was happy with the prize. “On behalf of GDF, I thank GFF and also Marics Company,” he shared.

Kelsey Benjamin added that he was “very, very excited!”

GFF’s Ian Alves and a Marics representative presenting the keys to Abumuchi and Kelsey Benjamin respectively

“That will never occur again,” – Ramson Jr.

The returning athletes and officials taking a photo opportunity with Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr., DoS Steve Ninvalle, and NSC Commissioner Cristy Campbell