Guyana Times - Friday, April 21, 2023

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, April 21 – 04:15h-05:45h and Saturday, April 22 – 05:30h-07:00h.

PNC/APNU Members “bullying”

reps in Reg 5

…Jagdeo

–

PPP

to Police, GECOM

Friday, April 21 – 04:50h-06:20h and Saturday, April 22 – 05:10h-06:40h.

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 to light rain showers are expected throughout the day and into the night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to Easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.92 metres.

High Tide: 17:27h reaching a maximum height of 2.72 metres.

Low Tide: 11:01h and 23:12h reaching minimum heights of 0.35 metre and 0.55 metre.

Having boasted that it has the most diverse group of candidates contesting the upcoming Local Government Elections, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has complained that persons on its list are being bullied to withdraw their support for the Party.

In a statement on Thursday evening, the PPP/C disclosed that several residents of Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) – District #5 – have notified the Party that they are being bullied by members of the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Opposition.

Those being accused of “intimidatory tactics and bullyism” are Opposition Member of Parliament Vinceroy Jordan, APNU’s Chief Scrutineer Carol Smith-Joseph, and Darren Wade.

“These notorious characters are visiting the homes of persons in Region Five whose names appear on the PPP/C Backers’ List and threatening them, forcing them to withdraw their names by signing pre-prepared documents. These persons related that they are now scared for their lives and that of their families,” the PPP/C related.

LOTTERY NUMBERS

Thursday’s missive further stated, “The Party condemns in the strongest possible terms, these acts of bullyism, which is typical of the PNC/ APNU, particularly in the case of the notorious Carol SmithJoseph. We call on residents from across the country to be vigilant and to resist any such further attempts, as we bring this matter to the attention of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Elections Commission.”

This comes on the heels of Opposition Leader Aubrey

Norton, during a press conference earlier on Thursday, alleging, on the other hand, that the PPP/C has forged the names of several persons on its list.

In fact, the PNC Reform –the leading party in the APNU – in a subsequent statement claimed that the PPP submitted the names of several dozens of electors as signatories to its LGE list of candidates without their knowledge and consent.

The PNCR said most of these persons have since written to, or approached in person, the GECOM Returning Officer for the District to have their names removed from the PPP’s list.

Moreover, the Opposition party released some of these letters of objection. However, one of those letters is in the name of Rosaline Carmichael, whom the PPP had identified as its Candidate for the Union\ Naarstigheid Local Authority Area (LAA) in Region Five.

While the PNC is claiming that her name was fraudulently placed on the PPP’s list, Carmichael has since issued a statement testifying that her

signature was obtained “voluntarily and lawfully”.

“I am a constituency candidate of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic for the Union/ Naarstigheid NDC. During the month of January 2023, I obtained voluntarily, the requisite signatures of residents in my community in support of my candidacy for the June 12th, 2023 Local Government Elections. At no time did I engage in any unlawful conduct in obtaining the said signatures,” Carmichael detailed in a statement on Thursday.

Forgery

Meanwhile, PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo, during a press conference on Thursday, also highlighted instances of APNU forging the names of candidates without their knowledge, on its lists across the country, including in areas which are traditional Opposition strongholds.

In fact, Jagdeo read a statement from a resident of Linden, Marsha Mckinnon, who wrote the Return Officer there to remove her name from APNU’s list.

“We need to send a signal to anyone who’s contesting these elections – all the parties, the individuals as well as the other groups – that they should not commit fraud. If they’re seeking to represent the people of this country, they must not engage in a fraudulent process to contest these elections,” Jagdeo declared.

To this end, the PPP General Secretary noted that while his Party is taking steps to address this matter, he called on persons who found their names as a candidate on the Party’s lists without their consent to make a report with the Police and also indicate same to GECOM.

According to the PPP in its Thursday missive, these actions by the Opposition in Region Five are being carried out to divert attention from the fact that the PNC-led APNU is unable to compete in 55 per cent of the Constituencies and 24 of the Local Authority Areas (LAAs) across the country as well as to mask the glaring shortcomings of its lists, which include among others, a lack of diversity in age and ethnicity.

Jagdeo had boasted during Thursday’s press conference that the PPP was the only party with the most diverse list of over 2000 candidates with more than 25,000 backers for the upcoming local government polls in June.

Of the 2020 candidates on the PPP’s list, some 1161 are men and 859 are women. A further breakdown by age groups shows that some 613 are between 18 to 35 years, 691 are between 36 to 50 years, and 716 are over 50 years.

Of the candidates, 84 are Amerindians, 187 of mixed races, 341 Afro-Guyanese, and 1408 Indo-Guyanese.

“In every local area that we’re contesting, you can see [diversity in] the ethnic breakdown, the gender breakdown, and age in our list. Now, when you look at APNU’s list, the APNU’s list lacks diversity in almost every area… We have been able to field candidates from around the country – people from different races – and no, they were not paid to be candidates or to be supporters,” Jagdeo stated.

In fact, the PPP GS outlined that 98 per cent of his Party’s list in both Linden and Kwakwani – traditional strongholds of the PNC in Region 10 –comprised both Afro-Guyanese and Amerindians.

TURN TO PAGE 7

says APNU forging signatures of candidates; urges persons to report

PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Earth Day redux

As the world prepares to celebrate Earth Day on Saturday, we take a look back at our thoughts on the day: millions of people will be participating in activities around the world to draw attention to the urgency of the climate crisis and environmental degradation, and the need for immediate action. April 22 is also International Mother Earth Day, as proclaimed by the United Nations in 2009.

Here in Guyana, over the past few years, there has been much talk about climate change, and the devastating impact it is having and is likely to have on communities locally and the world as a whole. However, while Governments and policy makers are busy debating the issues at the national and international levels, many believe that enough is not being done in terms of designing and implementing critical projects at the community level to encourage and sensitise individuals about the need to play their part in mitigating the effects of climate change.

In fact, it could be argued that, on the global level, not many persons are educated about the issue, especially as it relates to the kind of impact climate change has on the environment and on individuals themselves. Citizens still do take the issue for granted, and do not pay much heed to the various messages about the need to change lifestyle patterns and so on.

Scientists have argued that the planet is indeed threatened by lifestyle patterns of individuals, and if persons continue to use resources the way we currently do, the planet’s reserves would be exhausted at an increasingly rapid pace. For many countries, there is still the challenge of getting everyone to not only understand and appreciate the idea of the need to work towards sustainable consumption, but also to take practical steps to move in this direction.

Certainly, Governments can set the framework with their policies; set targets, define standards, give incentives to make companies go green. Businesses and industries, together with researchers, can provide the solutions, but, in the end, the consumers have the power of the purse, whether they buy green products or not. The highly touted ‘green model’ reduces our ecological footprint, emits less greenhouse gases, uses less energy and raw materials, and can create new sources of growth and employment.

In essence, achieving economic growth and sustainable development requires that we urgently reduce our ecological footprint by changing the way we produce and consume goods and resources. As stated by UNDP, the efficient management of our shared natural resources and the way we dispose of toxic waste and pollutants are important targets to achieve this goal.

Based on statistics, the world’s population is growing rapidly, as more than a billion new people will enter the middle class by 2050. Experts have predicted that if citizens do not change their consumption patterns, the global use of resources would be multiplied by 15, which is considered dangerous for our planet, as it would not be able to satisfy the needs of everyone.

At the individual level, every individual does play a crucial role in defining his/her own consumption pattern, and can in a way also contribute to the fight against climate change. For example, we can reduce the level of energy utilised, and the money that is saved on energy could instead be used to develop climate-friendly technologies and appliances.

Official records show that, on a global level, more than 70 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions are related to household consumption. While it is accepted that it is not an easy task to get persons to change lifestyles and to work towards a climate- friendly environment, the task would be much easier if they are educated about the role they can play and the benefits of their own action.

Here, in Guyana, we still continue to dump garbage carelessly. For example, persons continue to dispose of plastics and Styrofoam items in a reckless manner, resulting in the clogging of drains and trenches, thereby leading to flooding etc. The 2005 floods exposed our vulnerability, and should have served as a big wake-up call for us to treat the environment differently.

For sure, there is need for more effective public education campaigns on climate change, and to highlight the effects of poor environmental practices.

Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess was on Wednesday given a memorable send-off by ranks of Base Camp Seweyo during a day of sport activities held as part of his pre-retirement activities. Brigadier Bess will officially hand over command of the Force later this month

Columnists hiding behind fake names have zero credibility

Dear Editor, Not a day goes by without elements of the Opposition calling for greater transparency and accountability. Yet, daily, top newspapers in the country publish the most asinine articles by columnists who lack the courage to put their real names to what they claim. The most cursory review of recent articles by “Peeping Tom” is a case in point. Allow me to demonstrate my position with direct evidence.

Case #1: In his April 14 piece, “Jagdeo is confusing himself”, Tom writes the following – “Jagdeo continues to insist that there was no private investor in the Marriot (sic) Hotel.” In the next paragraph, Tom attempts to make a slamdunk case by stating – “Yet, he [Jagdeo] conceded earlier that his government had been seeking an equity investor and a loan for the hotel.”

Readers, including our grade six pupils, would see that the premise of Tom’s argument and the evidence provided to support his claim have no relationship with each other. Could someone please explain to Tom that an attempt to secure a loan does not mean that the same materialised? May someone also remind Peeping Tom that the entire Opposition (political parties

and so-called civil society groups) were against building the hotel? All of them said it would be a failure, now these same naysayers want the Government to keep the thriving hotel.

Case #2: The April 18 column by Peeping Tom, titled “Jagdeo is wrong about Europe and natural gas”, is a product of confusion and incompetence. The columnist mixes up the intent of EU declared policy on natural gas with the reality of EU fossil energy consumption.

Tom writes the following – “Jagdeo is…confusing investments in LNG terminals and storage infrastructure, intended to handle greater imports of LNG.” Peeping Tom misses the key point, which is: EU consumption of natural gas - whatever the form it may take, and however it may be delivered - is among the highest in the world.

Tom and his fellow naysayers, such as Joly, Janki and Bulkhan, need to live up to the fact that the EU and North America, who make the most noise about climate change, are STILL the greatest per capita consumers of fossil fuels in the world, and that they continue to drill, baby; drill. Natural gas is a transitional fuel in the context of the current world energy situation.

Note the following from Reuters (17/1/23): “Britain's first oil and gas exploration licensing round since 2019 attracted 115 bids, up from 104 in the last round, with the licenses likely to be awarded from the second quarter…” According to the UK's North Sea Transition Authority, 898 blocks and ‘part-blocks’ were offered up to potential investors for oil and gas exploration. That is correct: 898!!

Case #3: On April 19, Tom decided to land a knockout punch with his piece “A straightforward question deserves a straightforward answer.” Here is Tom – “Any person that has ever taken a loan knows the importance of the interest rate on that loan. The higher the interest rate, the greater will be the loan repayments.” At one level, this is tautological, and therefore has no value added from a paid columnist. But worse is the fact that it is tragically misleading.

Peeping Tom takes the word “loan” as a generic financial instrument rather than differentiate among numerous types (for instance, consumer versus commercial), and other variables, such as the amortisation schedule. These last factors are necessary when discussing interest rates and total costs.

Tom also ignores the

details of the explanation provided by Vice President Jagdeo. On the oil and gas sector rates, the VP was keen to point out the multiple pressures against “easy money” that used to be available only years ago.

Quantitative tightening in the US (followed by the same elsewhere), combined with the EuroAmerican (undeclared) policy of squeezing Third World oil and gas exploration, has made interest rates almost punitive. The only thing left for the US, EU and UK to do is sanction lenders who provide development capital to Third World countries seeking to develop oil and gas.

As for the Marriott Hotel, the proof is in the pudding. The hotel will be sold at a profit, higher-than-normal interest rates incurred notwithstanding.

Case #4: In his April 16 deposit, “Local Government Elections will solve nothing”, Peeping Tom, in full hiding, declared that “David Granger demonstrated the greatest willingness to make (sic) Local Government Elections work.” This is the same David Granger who, according to some press reports, aided and abetted the most brazen assault on free and fair elections for five months in 2020.

Work moving apace to develop over 1800 house lots in Reg 5

Many of those communities, Bisnauth pointed out, are inundated when there is continuous rainfall.

“I am happy to say that a lot of those people were already awarded plots there,” he added.

Regional Vice Chairman Rian Pieters, who chaired the RDC on Thursday, explained that the region was fortunate to have the housing programme returned to the region.

Work is moving apace to develop some 1800 house lots in Region Five (MahaicaBerbice), some of which have already been allocated.

The three housing schemes are located at: Shieldstown, West Bank Berbice (WBB) where a 700-house lot scheme is being developed; Blairmont, WBB, where a 900-house lot scheme is being developed and Burma, East Coast Demerara (ECD) where over 250 house lots are being developed.

Blairmont

Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Ayure

Tajmool speaking at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) meeting on Thursday said works on the two schemes on the West Bank of Berbice were moving apace.

“These two new housing schemes will bring a lot of employment for residents in those communities and the environment. It is a very

good job being done by the Government,” Tajmool told the RDC.

In November last year, Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues stated that the land for the Shieldstown housing scheme was acquired by the Ministry in May 2021.

The lots at Shieldstown have already been allocated. The new landowners are persons who were promised house lots prior to 2020.

We welcome India’s External Affairs Minister

Dear Editor,

It is with joy unspeakable that our family welcomes the Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to this our great land of Guyana.

Guyana contains the bones of our Indian ancestors who were lured out of India by the tort of deceit, aka indenture, rendered by the British imperialist masters in the sugar belt in an environment of degradation, disease and despair.

Out of that suffering and Faith in Christ, Krishna and Allah have emerged a generation of Indian intelligentsia that makes them worthy of governing their dear land Guyana, once plundered by the British.

Honourable Minister, we have noted your performance on the world stage in the various international fora, where, with your

patriotic zeal and commitment; with your learning and experience; you demonstrate the independence of your great country India, for she shall not be a minion or mendicant to any power, but you are creating a policy among nations for equity, justice, and fair distribution of the services and economic wealth of the world.

Your robust articulation for social justice and equitable distribution of economic right makes India a beacon for the former colonies of the British Empire.

May you have a pleasant stay in this land of Guyana, of known hospitality, and share with our local dignitaries and the nation as a whole the joy, splendour and glory of your honourable presence.

Do enjoy your short stay.

Jai Hind

Meanwhile, former Regional Chairman Bindrabhan Bisnauth told the RDC that it took close to a decade to get the Burma housing project off the ground. He said some of the beneficiaries are persons currently living in riverine communities.

“I know that was a brainchild of President [Irfaan] Ali when His Excellency was the Minister of Housing. It took nine years before this housing scheme could come

to fruition. Over 250 beneficiaries in and around the Burma area and even from out of the area, people would

benefit. It would be of immense benefit to the people living in the riverine areas,” he said.

He pointed out that for a number of years following the 2015 national elections, the housing drive in the region was at a standstill.

735 drivers prosecuted using e-ticketing system – Traffic Chief

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) has prosecuted some 735 errant drivers from December 2022 to date, utilising the e-ticketing system that was operationalised along the Eccles-to-Mandela Highway in September 2022.

The system uses cameras and other technology to accurately monitor traffic –checking speeds and reading licence plates, etc – as well as tracking any traffic violations to ensure efficient ticketing.

Traffic Chief, Superintendent Dennis Stephens made the disclosure during an exclusive interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Thursday.

“We are currently enforcing the laws … as it relates to speeding and persons failing to wear seatbelts. So far, we would have prosecuted a total of 735 persons for exceeding the speed limit and failure to wear seatbelts,” Superintendent Stephens disclosed.

This system operates 24 hours and is expected to encourage drivers to follow traffic laws, promote greater discipline on the roads, and reduce the number of accidents caused by dangerous driving.

Superintendent Stephens explained that the Traffic Department utilises the safe city initiative, whereby Closed Circuit TV (CCTV)

cameras were placed in various parts of the country to identify errant and reckless drivers on the roadways.

“As it relates to persons committing themselves on the roadway where we have CCTV cameras, we would extract…in fact, traffic ranks are placed at the centre and observe traffic violations and we prosecute persons as it relates to that,” the senior Police Officer told DPI.

The e-ticketing system forms part of the Administration’s policy to modernise and improve the lives of citizens. It is expected to improve efficiency in the drafting and dispatching of tickets, as well as the enforcement of penalties and fines.

Columnists hiding behind fake...

The said column by Tom lacks focus, dashing in and out of issues much like an East Bank minibus driver on steroids. For instance, Tom cannot make up his mind on a series of questions, including basic ones such as: Is local government a good thing that needs support, or is it so bad it should be abandoned? At times, the problem for Tom is one of money, while at other times it is one of lack of qualified staff. And then, to top off the nonsense, Tom comes up with this – “The problem however goes much deeper. Local government is incompatible with our central political system.” Yes, you just read that.

So, let us focus here.

Peeping Tom, who thinks David Granger was the best hope for Local Government, himself believes that local government, based on our political system, is useless. This means that Granger is

FROM PAGE 4

most qualified for the one thing that Tom believes is unworkable!

With supporters like Peeping Tom, Aubrey Norton’s PNC and Ogunseye’s WPA are bound to fail. This particular Tom (if there is indeed more than one) is a disaster, not only for his credibility, but for the undeclared yet wellknown support he provides the Opposition through his column.

Those who want transparency and accountability must look after their own house first. The anonymous columns by Peeping Tom(s), the letters to the editor that are signed with fake names, or those that hide behind the sign “civil society” lack the basic minimum of transparency and accountability. I encourage Tom to come out.

Sincerely,

Dr Randolph Persaud

Developmental work taking place at the New Burma Housing Scheme of over 250 house lots

Work is ongoing to develop Shieldstown’s new 900-house lot scheme

Land clearance for the 700-lot scheme at Blairmont, West Bank Berbice

NGSA Math Questions

“One issue doesn’t define people”

Jagdeo on Chase-Green joining PPP

…says a lot can happen in Georgetown with cooperative City Council

People’s Progressive Party General Secretary

Bharrat Jagdeo has defended his Party’s decision to welcome former Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase-Green into its camp, saying the PPP is open-minded and will not let one issue define how it relates to an individual.

Chase-Green, a former People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) member, was heading the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) back in 2017 when the controversial Parking Meter project was introduced. She had headed the City Hall team that went to Mexico in 2016 to sign the contract with Smart City Solutions Incorporated. That initiative, however, was shelved after it sparked widespread civil protest action in the capital city.

With Guyana now facing a US$100 million claim from the Mexican company over the halting of the project, the appearance of the former Georgetown Mayor in the PPP camp earlier this week has raised eyebrows.

But the PPP General

Secretary has defended the move to accept the former PNC member.

“On the parking meter, yes Chase-Green was a central player, but as I said before… if she is found culpable in any way whatsoever, she’d have

to deal with the consequences. But we don’t let one issue define how we relate to people. And if we did that… we’d never basically have crossover,” he stated during a press conference at Freedom House on Thursday.

PNC/APNU members “bullying”...

Similarly, the bulk of the party’s list of Candidates for Georgetown are AfroGuyanese while the New Amsterdam and Rose Hall, Region Six, the list is also balanced – both being longstanding PNC-controlled municipalities.

“[We’re] the only party that has been able to cross a threshold to get their list of Candidates looking like Guyana,” Jagdeo posited.

On Monday last, contesting parties and groups had to submit their list of candidates and backers to GECOM in preparation for the upcoming local government polls.

While the PPP will be contesting all 610 constituencies across the country, the main

opposition party – the PNCled APNU – is only contesting some 279 constituencies, something which Jagdeo has described as disastrous under the Aubrey Norton leadership.

“For a national party like the APNU to contest in only 45 per cent of the constituencies in the country is a total disaster for that party under this leadership,” Jagdeo noted.

In total, APNU is not contesting 24 of the 80 LAAs across Guyana.

Moreover, the PPP General Secretary went onto outline that only about 327 constituencies in total are being contested across the country, leaving over 280 uncontested constituencies where

his party is running.

FROM PAGE 3

“When we look at how many constituencies are being contested by APNU and other groups in the country, it will be about 327 of the 610… So, what this means is that there will be no contest in about 283 of the 610 constituencies. That means that the PPP has already won those constituencies because we contested in all 610 right across the country,” Jagdeo noted. At the last LGE held in November 2018, the then PPP/C Opposition had secured 52 of the 80 LAAs. This had followed the holding of the 2016 local government polls, where the PPP/C had also claimed the majority of the LAAs.

According to Jagdeo, he had considered Chase-Green’s connection with the controversial project before welcoming her to the ruling PPP/Civic.

“So, yes, Chase-Green may have this thing with the parking meter and I looked at it… but we’re a party that moves on. We believe that people have second chances… Our party is open-minded [and] a broad-mind party,” he stated.

The PPP General Secretary pointed out that members of other parties were willing to cross over and join the PPP since they see, as demonstrated by current PPP members, that they can work their way up to senior positions within the Party even if they come from a different background.

“When we look at people who have come to the PPP, they’ve all made upward mobility in the party and in the

Government – we should’ve done this before… But that’s the conversation we want to encourage people to have,” Jagdeo posited.

On Monday last, contesting political parties and groups had to submit their list of candidates and backers to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) in preparation for the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE) slated for June 12.

Chase-Green was among a number of prominent persons who joined forces with the ruling PPP for these elections and told reporters, on Nomination Day, that she has confidence in the PPP taking over the Georgetown municipality, which has been traditionally controlled by the PNC.

“We just submitted a winning list to Georgetown… we look forward to full progress, unity, peace, and togetherness. Development of the city. When we’ve come out victorious… we’ll deal with that plan. We already have a plan [to improve the city],” ChaseGreen stated.

Also joining forces with the PPP for LGE is popular Albouystown entertainer Malcolm Ferreira, also known as “Mr Wickedee”, who ran as an independent candidate in the 2018 LGE, and former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Councillor at the M&CC, Trichria Richards.

According to Jagdeo during Thursday’s press conference, the Party has been going out and engaging a number of persons from other political parties with the aim of convincing them to support the PPP.

In recent weeks, the PPP General Secretary had declared that the PPP was eye-

ing major municipalities around the country, including Georgetown in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); New Amsterdam in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), and Linden in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) – all of which are traditional strongholds of the PNC-led APNU Opposition.

Jagdeo said he was pleased that the Party has been able to gather the support to contest in all of these APNUcontrolled areas. “We’re trying to point out to people in the city and other areas how they would be better served if they have a council that is controlled by the PPP,” the GS posited.

Zoning in on the Georgetown municipality, Jagdeo contended that the biggest issue at the cashstrapped City Hall is its lack of accountability and focus on development. He further outlined the many initiatives that the PPP-led Government has rolled out that would not only see the capital city getting a face-lift but also enhance the quality of life of residents.

“A lot of things can happen in the city with support from the Central Government… Look at what we’ve started already, we’ve always had these ideas about changing the country but also the city… You can’t collaborate with these [APNU representatives at City Hall now] …”

“Just imagine if you had a cooperative City Council, how much closer we can work with them on changing the city… And for every community and every region we have similar plans, not just the city. But we need to be able to get a supportive council to do some of these things,” the PPP General Secretary stated.

PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo with former Georgetown Mayor Patricia Chase-Green (fourth from left), Malcolm Ferreira and former APNU/AFC Councillor Trichria Richards (far left) during Monday’s Nomination Day activities

“Be more proactive, reactive in partnering with Govt”

– AG urges new GCCI Executive

Be more proactive and reactive in partnering with the Government on these initiatives, including participating in regular consultations with the Government on all matters of national importance.

This was the charge given by Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, to the newly elected Executive Management Committee of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) when its members paid a courtesy call on him on Wednesday at his Carmichael Street, Georgetown office.

The GCCI delegation, comprising newly elected President Kester Huston, Junior Vice President Gavin Ramsoondar, and Secretary Kathy Smith, thanked the Attorney General for providing them opportunity to share their plans for the year and voice their concern. They expressed an interest in fostering a greater relationship with the Government in order to execute the goals of the GCCI.

Concerns raised by the delegation included requirements at lending institutions for access to financing; strengthening businesses through information and communication technologies (ICT); cybersecurity; and the creation of an e-commerce system.

Nandlall informed the delegation that their meeting was at an opportune time, as Guyana is a nation in transformation. He apprised them of the slew

of legislation being undertaken by the Attorney General’s Chambers to support Guyana’s development, particularly those that are intended to positively impact business and commerce in the country; and updated them on measures being implemented at the Deeds and Commercial Registry Authority and across the spectrum of central Government that are designed to make doing business in Guyana easier and more efficient.

Those measures include a transition to e-transactions, including e-pay-

New era...

…in Indian IR??

In another acknowledgment of Guyana’s oil-fuelled rising star in the world, Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar has come calling. Now, of course, Guyana has long had close relations with India – not least because a good chunk of its citizenry originated from that neck of the woods. But because of that selfsame fact, where ethnic origins have become the driving force of local politics, the expressions of those relations always come with a frisson of caution!! Point of the matter, whether India likes it or not, some locals always look to see whether India’s “taking sides” or not!

ments and other paperless methods of conducting business. He further explained the legislative and policy initiatives which the Government is implementing in the area of data accumulation, use and protection, as well as new strategies that are being pursued to improve efficiency in the legal sector for the more effective and swift settlement of commercial disputes, including arbitration.

The GCCI has promised to meet with the Attorney General at regular intervals to continue with similar engagements.

India has also loomed large during our colonial history, with its struggle for independence influencing us and all the other British colonies. Their independence in 1947 was a shot heard around the empire on which “the sun never set”. The moment the Brits suspended our constitution in 1953 and threw out the PPP Government, Jagan and Burnham headed out to India to meet Indian PM Nehru!! After the latter and some other leaders launched the Non-Aligned Movement during the Cold War, it provided a vehicle for most other “Third World” countries - including Guyana - to articulate their concerns.

In 1968, India’s PM Indira Gandhi visited Guyana for one of those Non-Aligned meetings, and struck up close relations with Guyana’s then PM, Forbes Burnham. Guyana received one of the earliest Indian Cultural Centers out of that visit. Their assistance in technical training soon started, and has never wavered since. There were some other high level Indian officials over the years – especially when a VP came in for the 150th anniversary of Indian Arrival. In 2007, they funded and built our National Stadium at Providence, and saved our blushes for the Cricket World Cup of that year. Since then, they’ve built that ferry to the North West and are constructing the Ogle-Diamond Bypass Road. So, all in all, the Indian Government’s been a good friend to Guyana.

But, as we know in the relations between nations, “there ain’t no permanent friends or enemies - just permanent interests”. So, what is India’s interest right now? There’s, of course, the not-too-inconsequential issue of our oil – for which India would love to have a contract from our 14,5% share. There’s also the matter of leveraging our rising influence in Caricom – which can deliver 15 votes in the UN towards any of India’s initiatives as it jockeys for influence in an emerging multipolar world.

But what’s the quid pro quo for us?? If nothing else, more of the help we’ve been getting in so many areas to fulfill our national goals, such as agriculture.

Can India save sugar?? They certainly have the experience, know-how and equipment!!

All in all, should be a good trip.

…in local politics??

Good politics also ought to be good theatre!! Think of it: wasn’t it always so?? Look at those ancient Greeks with their plays and games; that was their politics. In the former, everyday governance issues and morality were on display. And in the latter, the competition was sublimated! So, when the PPP and PNC strutted their stuff in their red and green garbs on Nomination Day, they were following a grand tradition. We now gotta figure out what exactly we saw on Monday.

For instance, what’s the significance of the switching of sides by former PNC Mayor Patricia Chase-Green?? It seemed to’ve been greeted as a “Charrandas” moment by PNC supporters. “No, Patricia! No! No!” was the wail reverberating across the land!! Is she gonna trigger a wave of green shirts morphing into red come June 2 - and deliver Georgetown to the PPP?? Which would be tantamount to Charrandas making the Government fall – this time in the capital city of Georgetown!

Or was it just one-upmanship??

…in shipping

We just got ourselves a new, fancy pilot boat - to guide ships up the Demerara River. Well, it’s about time, don’t you think?? So, maybe now they’ll hire some new pilots to avoid hitting the Harbour Bridge??

From L-R: GCCI Secretary Kathy Smith, GCCI Junior Vice President Gavin Ramsoondar, Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, and GCCI President Kester Hutson

Husband, wife wanted for murder of Police Constable –

grave was already dug, awaiting cop’s body

earthedskeletal remains believed to be those of Lewis in a shallow grave in a sandpit at Madewini, along the Soesdyke/Linden Highway.

This breakthrough came after intensive interrogation of two suspects, who allegedly admitted that they had known about the killing of the cop. Both suspects cooperated with investigators and pinpointed the location where Lewis’s body was buried.

According to Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, the missing Policeman was reportedly lured to a woman’s

home on the East Bank of Demerara, where he was allegedly shot dead. His body was then transported to Madewini, on the LindenSoesdyke Highway, and buried in a shallow grave.

56-year-old Thakurdyal Samaroo and his wife Youseef Zahid, also known as Naqueeba Zahid Zafarali, of Lot 7 Ogle Front, East Coast Demerara, are wanted for questioning in relation to this heinous crime. Based on the information received, they are both out of the jurisdiction, and the Guyana Police Force is us-

ing all legal avenues available to ensure that they are extradited to Guyana to answer allegations made in relation to the death of the late Constable Quincy Lewis. New information revealed that on the evening the cop was killed, he had gone to a home on the East Bank of Demerara, where he was reportedly shot by Samaroo, after which his body was bound with plastic cable ties. The accomplices had then placed a black plastic bag over his head, and secured it with duct tape.

Hours after the skeletal remains of Police Constable Quincy Lewis were unearthed – he disappeared after leaving home for work back in 2020 - the Guyana Police Force

(GPF) on Thursday issued a wanted bulletin for the masterminds behind the gruesome murder.

After almost three years of mystery, detectives un-

Wanted: Thakurdyal Samaroo Wanted: Youseef Zahid, also known as "Naqueeba Zahid"

Dead: Police Constable Quincy Lewis TURN TO PAGE 19

Electrician busted with 2kg ganja in Berbice

Acting on intel received on the day in question, a party of Police ranks ventured to the Berbice River Bridge access road and intercepted Dominic Bernard Jones, who was carrying a black haversack. The ranks identified themselves and requested to search the haversack, and Jones consented. That search unearthed two bulky parcels wrapped in plastic, both containing cannabis.

was on Thursday intercepted with 2,000 grams of cannabis along the access road to the Berbice River Bridge.

Jones was immediately told of the offence committed, cautioned, arrested, and taken to the Central Police Station, where the ganja was weighed in his presence and amounted to 2,000 grams. Jones remains in custody pending further investigations.

A33-year-old electrician of Graham Street, Better Hope North, East Coast Demerara

Dominic Bernard Jones and the ganja that he was carrying in the haversack

New Indian BPO company to provide 120 jobs for Guyanese

– MoUs for production of millet, others to be inked during Indian External Affairs Minister’s visit

India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyan Jaishankar’s official visit to Guyana will see several agreements being signed between the two countries in an effort to continue strengthening bilateral relations.

This is according to the Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr. K.J. Srinivasa, who made this disclosure during a pre-arrival press conference on Wednesday.

For one, the Guyana Office for Investment (GOInvest) and Decipher Health Records, an Indian Business Outsourcing (BPO) company, are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in anticipation of the BPO’s establishment in Guyana within the next two months.

“It is going to provide 120 jobs…in the next few weeks for Guyanese,” Dr Srinivasa has said.

During Minister Jaishankar’s extensive visit, an agreement to commence the production of millet in Guyana, as well as the Air Services Agreement to ease travel between India and Guyana would both be signed.

Dr Srinivasa also relayed expectations to sign “a few deals” with the Private Sector, as the Federation of India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Private Sector Commission are looking to form a Joint Business Council.

“We have had tremendous interest in business-to-business (B2B) meetings… Companies from India from various sectors, especially agriculture and

agro-processing, engineering, infrastructure, food and beverages, renewable energies [and] chemicals,” Dr Srinivasa added. “So, we are organising B2B meetings.”

An MoU between the two countries in regard to the energy sector is also pending, as it requires clearance from both sides, Dr Srinivasa has said.

Following President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s official visit to India in January, a technical group was formed to consider how the two countries would move forward in their partnership in regard to the energy sector.

“There’s a joint working group on energy, and it’s not limited to oil and gas, [but] renewable energy also,” Dr Srinivasa has said. “We are going to have discussions on that, and we are working on that MOU, [but] it needs some clearance from both sides.”

India is an energy-hungry nation, Srinivasa explained, and that nation is openly diversifying its energy sources; exploring Russia, Brazil and Africa as well.

“We will work with Guyana because it’s a mutually beneficial thing. Guyana will get a direct buyer for a long time without the need for an intermediate,” Dr Srinivasa has said.

Jaishankar’s trip will come to a close on Monday. Within his agenda, he will be engaging with Foreign Ministers from 13 of the 15 Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states during both joint and bilateral discussions. He would also engage more than 80 leading Guyanese companies during a roundtable event; and have discussions with President Ali, VicePresident Bharrat Jagdeo, and Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir.

“Defection is not new”

as members join PPP/C

Nomination Day for the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE) saw many faces from the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) joining forces with the governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

During a press conference on Thursday, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton contended that he is still supported by his party and supporters. “As far as I know, I have the support of the PNC/R Members of Parliament - for me, the most important support of the membership of this party; and the people on the ground,”

Norton told the media as he responded to questions.

Moreover, he shared that defection is “not new”, and comes post-election. The most recent General and Regional Elections were in May 2020.

“Defection is not new in Guyana…It is not a trend, but there have been cases where people tended to move in another direction. There is always an uncertainty that goes with a post-election period,” the Opposition Leader said.

Former Georgetown Mayor Patricia ChaseGreen, sitting APNU Councillor Trichria Richards, and popular entertainer and former Councillor Malcolm Ferreira are among the new personalities who have gone over to the PPP/C as the party vies to take control of Georgetown at the Local Government polls. They were among the large crowd of PPP/C members and candidates who arrived at the Critchlow Labour College

to submit the party’s candidate lists for the LGE polls set for Monday, June 12.

Chase-Green and Richards were both once members of APNU on the Georgetown Mayor and City Council, while Ferreira was an independent Councillor. Chase-Green expressed confidence in both the vision of her party of choice and the list they submitted.

Meanwhile, Ferreira made it clear that he was with the PPP/C because of his confidence in its plan for the city, and his ability to work along with that party to get things done. He also noted that, since he was always an independent candidate, he could not be accused of “switching” allegiances.

“The Government invested a lot of money in infrastructure. That gave me an indication that persons were willing to work with others. And so here I am…I believe not in blowing my own trumpet, but I would have had a track record already as councillor,” Ferreira said.

In an interview with this publication, former

APNU councillor Trichria Richards said her decision to join PPP/C stemmed from her lack of confidence in her former party. According to her, she has confidence in the PPP/C’s plans.

“I have no confidence in the APNU/AFC coalition, more so the PNC. And the PPP is all about development and progress, and I want my constituencies to be a part of that. That’s why I (opted) to go with them,” Richards was quoted as saying.

The PPP/C General Secretary, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, meanwhile noted that the presence of former APNU/AFC members in his party’s ranks signals the diverse support the party has. According to Jagdeo, the PPP/C has demonstrated once again it is the only multi-ethnic party in Guyana.

Other notable personalities appearing with the PPP/C are former national and West Indies cricketer, businessman Steven Jacobs, national footballer Jeremy Garrett, and social media content creator ‘Selfie Boss’.

President Dr Irfaan Ali and Minister of External Affairs of India, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, in India

Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton

India’s PM, others extend Eid greetings to Guyanese

India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has extended his warmest greetings to President Dr Irfaan Ali and the Guyanese populace on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, which will be celebrated today.

“On behalf of the people and the Government of India, I extend warm greetings to you and people of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana on the auspicious occasion of the festival of Eid Al Fitr. Over the past one month, Muslims in India and across the world have observed the holy month of Ramadan and spent time fasting and praying,” Modi related in a letter to the Guyanese Head of State.

“We hope and pray for peace, harmony, good health and happiness for peoples across the world. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

In addition, President of the Arabic Republic of Egypt, Abdel Fattah Al Sisi; President of the Islamic Republic of

Pakistan, Dr Arif Alvi; Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Hissein Brahim Taha have all extended Eid greetings to President Ali and the people of Guyana.

Meanwhile, President of the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana, Al-Hajj Shahabudeen Ahmad joined the dignitaries in extending Eid greetings to all Guyanese, especially the Muslim community in the spiritual celebration.

Below is his full statement:

My dear brothers and sisters, in faith and humanity, Assalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuh. May the peace, mercy, and blessings of Allah (swt) be upon you all!

All praises are for Allah (swt), peace and choicest blessings on our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (saw).

Eid Mubarak, Eid Mubarak, Eid Mubarak! On this joyous day of Eid-

ul-Fitr, the executives and staff of CIOG join you in spiritual celebration. Let us glorify Allah (swt) with pure love and immense gratitude for the blessings He (swt) has bestowed upon us. Our Merciful Creator, AR-RAHEEM (swt), knows our frailty and shortcomings: ‘O Servants of Mine who have transgressed against your own selves! Despair not of God’s mercy: behold, God forgives all sins –- for, veri-

ly, He alone is much forgiving, a dispenser of grace.” (Holy Quran 39:53)

The 1st Shawwal is a day of great joy and reward. Our bodies, minds, and spirits have been rejuvenated by fasting and prayer, so that we may be more capable of receiving blessings and forgiveness. The Prophet (saw) said, “Angels on the day of Eid stand at the alleys and paths and say, ‘rush to the Generous Lord who

gives great blessings and forgives great sins.” “Allah (swt) says, ‘I call you to witness that, for their fasts (during Ramadan), and for their standing in prayer at night, I have made their reward My Pleasure, and my Forgiveness. Depart (from here), you are forgiven.”

Let us take the lessons of Ramadan into the other months. Fortified in faith and devotion, go forward with renewed spiritual strength, to be a channel to spread joy and love flowing through your words and actions.

During our celebration, remember our brothers and sisters who face difficulties and hardships, those facing the challenges of illness, hunger, and despair. Reach out and finds ways to help. Act in ways that comfort and sustain others, while filling them with hope and reminding them that Allah (swt) is gracious, infinitely merciful, and abundant.

“Those who have faith and perform righteous deeds, they are the rightful owners of Paradise.

Therein they shall abide forever.” (Holy Quran 2:82) Nurture harmonious relationships in our families, communities, and our nation. Invite our non-Muslims and sisters to join us in our Eid celebrations. Promote the core Islamic Values of coexistence, tolerance, and khidma – to be on the service of others. Let us lovingly serve and protect all of Allah’s (swt) creation.

May Allah (swt) bless and have mercy on us all. May Allah (swt) bless and have mercy on our country and the entire world. We beseech Allah (swt) to accept all our good deeds and forgive our shortcomings.

May Allah (swt) graciously grant us healing and abundance. (Ameen). I close with the pillar of reliance of trust in Allah (swt): “Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us).” (Holy Quran (3:173) Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak! Eid Mubarak! Wa-AlaikumusSalaam-WaRahmatullahiWabarakaatuh.

Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi

MoH preparing to launch 1st hybrid nursing programme

Ateam from the Coursera Platform is currently in Guyana to discuss and train personnel as the Health Ministry prepares to launch its first hybrid professional nursing programme.

On Wednesday, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony met with a team from the Health Sciences Division of the Ministry of Health and the Coursera Platform. While engaging the first batch, Dr Anthony stressed the importance of generating and producing the content in a way that is accessible and enjoyable to study for students.

“I know we spend a lot of time talking around the issue or trying to explain the issue, but the modern way is to respect people’s time and get to the point, so to speak, and be able to communicate that in a way that people can understand. And if they want more information, go to the resource material that you have”, Dr Anthony said.

Minister Anthony further stated that if this plat-

form is successful in delivering the Registered Nursing Programme, the Ministry would adapt to having all of itsprogrammes delivered on the same platform.

“You’ll be learning a lot as we go through this process. But what you learn here, we’ll transfer to our other programmes in the Ministry’s Training Division. We probably have about 18 different programmes, and if we master this, you will be the core people who can help us put all those other programmes on there,” Dr Anthony stated.

The MOH has recently

posted advertisements on its social media platforms inviting applicants to pursue their dream of becoming a nurse.

As Government invests in building the infrastructure for the health sector, emphasis is also being placed on upskilling human resources. The aim is to complement the seven regional hospitals that are being constructed in various parts of the country, as well as the Maternal and Paediatric Hospital that is being constructed at Ogle, East Coast Demerara.

The Health Minister had

previously said that training of over 3000 nursing specialists would match the infrastructural development in the sector.

The Government plans

to build regional hospitals in Anna Regina, Region Two; De Kinderen, Region Three; Bath, Region Five; Number 75 Village, Region Six; and at Diamond and Enmore in

Region Four, to increase access to quality healthcare. There will also be one in Bartica, Region Seven. During the COVID pandemic, the Education Ministry had partnered with Coursera to upskill the workforce. This marked Coursera’s first institutional partnership in the Region, and is part of a long-term commitment to help citizens prepare for a digital future by 4000 free online courses on the Coursera platform in various areas: such as Art, Business, Computer Science, Health, Social Science and Engineering.

Caricom leaders declare region’s crime situation a public health issue

Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) have declared the region’s crime situation a public health problem, and have registered their grave concern at the increase in the illegal exportation of guns from the United States of America (USA), which is a threat to democracy.

At the recently concluded two-day Regional Symposium addressing Crime and Violence as a Public Health Issue, hosted by Caricom and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean leaders engaged in discussions aimed at promoting dialogue and mobilising regional action for violence reduction and crime prevention, during which a number of solutions were identified.

These leaders are, among other things, alarmed by the epidemic of crime and violence in the Caribbean, fuelled by illegal guns and organized criminal gangs. The leaders view the situation as a threat to the region’s democracy and the stability of societies, and are cognisant of its costs to the region’s social, economic and health systems. As such, they have committed to working together to ensure that Caribbean people can exist in an environment of peace and safety.

The regional leaders, including Guyana’s Prime Minister Mark Phillips,

have promised a comprehensive overhaul of the criminal justice system to address criminal terrorists, with a focus on proactive management of prosecutions, sentencing, and the diversion of young people at risk.

Focus would also be placed on strengthening regional forensic capabilities and collaboration among national forensic agencies to improve the quality of evidence and hasten the conduct of trials.

Added to these will be the preparation of regional model legislation to bring greater harmonisation and efficiency to the development and revision of national laws, which would see immediate and effective implementation of the Caricom Arrest Warrant Treaty.

When it comes to the judiciary, the jurisdiction of magistrates would be augmented by consideration of defendants’ options to judge-only trials, and the intra-regional rotation of judges and magistrates to admit or foster their greater exposure.

Moreover, Caricom would explore reforming the region’s education system to empower citizens and better enable their socio-emotional development, in recognition that the social and emotional learning of the child is as important as technical and academic achievements.

Caribbean leaders are calling on the USA to join

its war on guns, and urgently adopt and take action to stop the illegal exportation of firearms and ammunition into the Caribbean. They have agreed to ban assault weapons in the region, except for security forces and sporting competitions, noting that they would stand with Mexico on its legal action against USA gun manufacturers and retailers.

Caricom will also work with all sectors and institutions to improve equitable access to services and options for rehabilitation and reintegration into society: psychosocial support and parental education, addressing domestic violence and integrating mental issues to treat with crime and violence.

“Heads of Government and distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen: violence in our region is an epidemic, and like any epidemic, effective strategies to combat the spread require data and research, as well as human and financial resources to allow timely implementation of solutions to address the root causes of crime and mitigate the devastating impact of crime and violence on our societies,” CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett told the symposium, which was held under the theme ‘Violence as a Public Health Issue – The Crime Challenge’.

Caricom leaders at the recently concluded Regional Symposium addressing Crime and Violence as a Public Health Issue, at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony and other stakeholders during the Coursera engagement

Outgoing PSC Chair charges successor to push more local businesses to go public

As he cited some of his achievements during his two years in office, outgoing Chairman of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), Paul Cheong, has said he hopes his successor would do his best to help boost more local businesses.

“As I prepare to pass the baton on, I hope that the next chairman will continue to push for more local businesses to go public,” Cheong remarked.

During the PSC’s Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, Cheong shared that the PSC has implemented strategies to push Private Sector growth. One such strategy is the establishment of a Guyana/ Suriname Private Sector Business Council in March 2022.

“Following its formation, we met with His Excellency Chandrikapersad Santokhi, President of Suriname,

to officially hand over a white paper detailing strategic areas of cooperation the council will like to see implemented between the Governments of Guyana and Suriname to improve trade and other relations between both sides,” Cheong revealed.

He added that President Santokhi welcomed the fresh ideas put forward and the pragmatic approach being taken by the Business Council to address issues outlined in the document, and added that there are many opportunities to be explored in agriculture and other sectors.

Additionally, Cheong has said there is need for new energy in the local business community, as he made reference to the vast opportunities being creat-

Over 9000 persons certified through BIT to date – Min Hamilton

tween the coast and the hinterland, the reach of the training programmes was expanded to interior regions and riverine communities for the residents to be upskilled.

“Our commitment to you is that the activities and the opportunities being offered to people on the coast and in Region Four, you will also have those same benefits. If you are talking about building more houses and you’re talking about necessary facilities, you have to have people in the village who can run wire and who can put on

ed for major and rapid economic transformation in the country. He added that Guyana is changing, and citizens must adapt and reposition themselves to be part of the change, and take advantage and lead Guyana’s development path.

“These are exciting times for the local Private Sector. Opportunities for investment and business growth and expansion are vast. The question is whether the local Private Sector is ready and willing to capitalise on these emerging opportunities. As Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, I will encourage youwhether you’re a small, medium-sized, or large business - to reposition yourself, be ready to take advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead. The Government

has done its part to create an enabling business environment with new opportunities, and we are already attracting much-needed partners. With this we have to be ready with our plans, proposals, and feasibility studies. The time has come for new energy in the Private Sector,” he declared.

In speaking about the rapid transformation that is taking place in the country, Cheong made reference to the rapidly growing oil and gas sector, noting that the Government is providing opportunities for locals to get involved.

“The PSC recognizes the commitment shown by the Government to ensure that Guyanese benefit from the oil and gas industry, but the onus is on us also,

the business community, to support the implementation of the Local Content Law,” Cheong stated.

He also highlighted that, in November 2022, the PSC hosted a Local Content Forum where feedback was garnered on the first schedule of the law. The PSC followed up with the businesses to get a better understanding of the challenges they are facing and general feedback on the changes they would like to see in the law. These responses were documented and presented to the Ministry of Natural Resources’ Local Content Secretariat.

“We look forward to these recommendations being included in the revised schedule of the Local Content Law,” Cheong has said.

The Board of Industrial Training (BIT) has certified more than 9000 persons countrywide to date and continues to make opportunities available for Guyanese to be fully equipped with the requisite skills to meet the high demand of the country’s labour market.

This was disclosed by Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton during a BIT graduation ceremony in Santa Rosa, Region One (BarimaWaini) on Monday.

“That is the reason why the Board of Industrial Training exists to ensure that persons can do a programme without all of the fancy requirements of life,” Minister Hamilton stated.

BIT offers more than 80 technical and vocational training courses free of cost, including block making, heavy-duty equipment operation, electrical installation, upholstery, craft making, solar installation and repairs, motor vehicle servicing and repairs, commercial food preparation, welding and fabrication, auto electrical and AC repair, and heavy-duty mechanics.

More than 600 residents

of Regions One and Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) have graduated recently, while another 254 graduated from various courses last month.

Further, approximately 169 residents along the East Coast corridor graduated through BIT. In 2022, some $448.5 million was allocated for BIT to facilitate training which benefited some 4000 persons. In that year, 2000 citizens were trained and certified while in 2021, 3086 persons were trained.

Persons were empowered by the programmes and are now earning an income or are entrepreneurs.

To bridge the gap be-

switches. And that is why the programmes are important and useful,” Minister Hamilton stressed.

BIT also collaborates with Village Councils, organisations, and other stakeholders to provide training programmes.

This is to ensure that every Guyanese, regardless of location, has equitable access to opportunities to improve their livelihoods and the country at large. The participants are given all the tools required to complete the programmes successfully, and no prior certification or qualifications are needed.

Outgoing Chairman of the PSC, Paul Cheong

A BIT graduation in Region One

Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton hands over a certificate to a BIT graduate

Silvie’s donates 160 sewing machines to Govt’s garment programme

FLOOR IT receives “Made in Guyana” certification

The garment construction programme being executed under the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has received 106 sewing machines, totalling over $4 million, from Silvie’s Industrial Solutions.

The donation was handed over at a simple ceremony held at the MHSSS Head Office at Lamaha and East Streets.

Chief Executive Officer of Silvie’s, Bramanand Persaud, has said the company is proud to be part of an initiative aimed at empowering young women in communities across the country.

Silvie’s Quality Management System

Manager, Deepawattie Persaud, has said, “The Ministry is doing such a great job helping those in need, and after Minister Persaud spoke at an event recently, we jumped at the opportunity to come on board and play our part. We would like to continue to help in whatever way possible.”

Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud said, “We are setting up the top floor of the GWLI as a sewing lab. We express our thanks, this will go a long way in assisting our sewing programme. We have received positive countrywide feedback, and we will be taking this to the people there in order to fulfill

our promise of making them entrepreneurs.”

Almost 300 persons, including persons living with permanent disabilities, have already been trained in garment construction through the WIIN programme. This is according to WIIN Coordinator Sanjay Pooran, who highlighted that the programme is expected to train 500 persons in this area in 2023.

“We are aiming to train about 500 persons in garment construction this year. Since the programme was introduced, we have consistently had a high demand for it to be offered, and with this boost in equipment, we will be better able to surpass our target,” Pooran said.

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) on Thursday issued the ‘Made in Guyana’ Standards Mark to a local company, Floor It Guyana. The mark is valid for one year, and within this time period, officers of the GNBS will do a surveillance audit to ensure Floor It maintains the quality for which it attained the mark.

CEO of Floor It Guyana, Andre Cummings, during his remarks at a simple ceremony, encouraged other businesses to get on board with being certified, and take advantage of the opportunities available in Guyana.

“Receiving this mark… not only speaks about the brand that Floor It has created; it also speaks about… our beloved country Guyana. Guyana is on a serious rise now, and we don’t want others to come here and…pull stuff from under our feet. It’s much here to be gathered, and we need to step up…and provide goods and services of world-class standards,” Cummings shared.

Executive Director of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), Nizam Hassan, during his remarks, encouraged the GNBS to partner

with the GMSA to educate business owners and consumers on the process of acquiring, and the importance of, the ‘Made in Guyana’ mark.

“This needs to be heavily promoted. We don’t want only the companies who are applying for this mark to know this (the 7 criteria for acceptance). So, I strongly encourage the GNBS, the GMSA is still willing to work with you on a…promotional programme to get this information out,” Hassan encouraged.

Meanwhile, Commissioner of Forests (Guyana Forestry Commission), Edward Goberdhan, has encouraged the GNBS to become a member of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF), so it can be up-to-date with new developments in the forestry sector.

“We also encourage the GNBS to become a member of the International Accreditation Forum, which is the forum that accredits auditors to do [an] international audit. Currently, and very soon, we are in the development stage of a… Guyana National Standards for Forest Certification, where it will be endorsed by one of the international bod-

ies so companies can apply and use that standard; but they will have to get an auditor accredited by an international accrediting company. So, it’s an opportunity for GNBS also, if they become a member of the International Accreditation Forum so they could accredit auditors to audit companies in the forestry sector,” Goberdhan explained.

Floor It Guyana was recently named winner of the 2023 BIZX America Awards for Best Import/Export Company, and in his acceptance speech, Cummings thanked the judges for recognising the company’s hard work and dedication to providing top-quality import/ export services to its clients.

“We are thrilled to receive this award,” said Cummings. “It is a testament to the tireless efforts of our team, and our commitment to excellence. We strive to provide our clients with the best possible service, and this award is a validation of our efforts.”

The BIZX America Awards are among the most prestigious business awards in the world, recognising companies and individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective industries.

CEO of Floor It Guyana,Andre Cummings, receiving the ‘Made in Guyana’ Standards certificate in the presence of staff and other officials

Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud (centre) and WIIN coordinator Sanjay Pooran received over 100 sewing machines from Silvie’s Industrial Solutions through Deepawattie Persaud, Quality Management System Manager

Kumu, Moco Moco hydropower projects progressing – PM Phillips

was accompanied by Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Dr Mahender Sharma; Lethem Mayor Mr John Macedo, Regional

Chairman Bryan Allicock, Moco Moco Toshao Thomas George, and Lethem Power Company Board Chairman Rodger King, among others.

GPF preparing for smooth hosting of LGE

Works on the US$12.8 million Kumu and Moco Moco hydropower projects in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) are progressing smoothly, as the Government continues its efforts to supply clean and efficient energy to the National Grid.

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips was given an update on the progress during a visit to the areas on Wednesday. The two projects will see the construction of a new 1.5-megawatt (MW) hydropower project at

Kumu and upgrades to the defunct Moco Moco hydropower plant to some 0.7MW capacity. The projects are set to increase access to electricity for the population in Lethem and nearby communities.

At Moco Moco, the Prime Minister noted that these projects are set to transform Region Nine’s energy landscape in accordance with Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).

He also stressed that the projects would open avenues for advancement in the tourism and business sectors

as the Government continues to invest in the vision of Region Nine becoming a hub for economic activity.

“You’re going to harness the energy and you’re going to become producers and sell your goods. Market this place, tourists will come and you will earn money. That is what I want, and that is why we are here,” he declared.

“Work with us…the people, the Government at all levels…can work hand-inhand, and we’re going to improve how we do things in Guyana,” the Prime Minister emphasised.

Phillips has said the Government would continue

to provide projects and programmes to train people how to utilise all the resources to improve their lives.

He also visited the 1.0-megawatt mega-scale solar farm facility at the Lethem Power Company, where he was assured that it has adequate capacity to provide a reliable power supply for the residents there, using the solar farm in addition to its present output.

These projects form part of the Government’s commitment to fostering energy security and reducing the country’s reliance on fossil fuels.

Prime Minister Phillips

As the day draws near for the hosting of Local Government Elections (LGE), the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is preparing and strategising for a smooth process.

Region 10 Police Divisional Commander, Hugh Winter, held a Study Divisional Headquarters, Mackenzie Police Station, to highlight the posture and plans that would be taken leading up to, and on the day of, the elections.

Those in attendance included members of the Guyana Defence Force and Guyana Fire Service, members of the Supernumerary arm, and subordinate officers within Region 10. “All counterparts involved made presentations based on their strength state, ability, response time, and partnership in event of an emergency,” the Force said.

Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall had set Monday, June 12, 2023 as the date for the holding of the much-anticipated and long overdue LGE in Guyana. Section 35 (1) of the

Local Authorities (Elections) Act, Chapter 28:03, empowers the Local Government Minister to appoint a day for the elections.

This is the first election that the electoral body will hold since the highly controversial March 2020 General and Regional Elections, which ended up in a fivemonth deadlock after there were blatant attempts to rig the elections. Throughout that time, there was unrest and a series of incidents which required a strong Police presence.

Last Monday, Nomination Day, saw a variety of independent groups and smaller parties submitting candidate lists for Local Government Elections. LGE, constitutionally due every two years, was last held in 2018. At the November 2018 local polls, the then People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Opposition had secured 52 of the 80 LAAs. This followed the holding of the LGE in 2016, during which the PPP/C also claimed the majority of the LAAs.

Husband, wife wanted...

The grave was already dug, according to the information reaching Guyana Times.

following the discovery of these skeletal remains, the GPF will be sending samples for DNA testing.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum has commended ranks of the Major Crimes Investigation Unit who worked tirelessly with the newly appointed Head of the Cold Case Unit to achieve this breakthrough and offer closure to the family of the deceased.

“I wish to recognise each and every investigator involved in this matter, since it’s their hard work, perseverance and diligence that ultimately led to the breakthrough in solving this case and locating the remains of the deceased,” he has said.

On June 19, 2020, Lewis had visited his home at La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara to uplift a

FROM PAGE 9

few pieces of clothing before boarding a vehicle. Family members became aware that he was missing when the owner of the car in which he had left approached them four days later to collect his car. The family had been under the impression that was on duty, and became alarmed when they were told he did not turn up for work.

Several efforts were made to contact Lewis by phone, but they were all in vain.

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance recordings later revealed that Lewis had crossed the Demerara Harbour Bridge, which is less than a 10-minute drive from where he was stationed at Agricola. He was last seen entering Greenfield Park, EBD. Months after he disappeared, Lewis’s cell phone was found in the Timehri, EBD area with the screen cracked.

Prime Minister Phillips being updated on the project

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips inspecting the Hydro Power Station at Moco Moco

Ranks and other officers engaging on the hosting of LGEs

CANU seizes $11.5M worth of ganja in fowl pen at Tuschen

The Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) on Wednesday found $11.5 million worth of imported cannabis in a fowl pen at Tuschen New Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo.

CANU has said it conducted an operation that resulted in the seizure of the cannabis in 23 brick-like parcels. The narcotics tested positive for an imported drug referred to as “creepy”, and had a total weight of about 63lbs, or 24.8kgs. The estimated street value of this seizure is pegged at $11.5 million.

No arrests were made at the time of the operation,

but investigations are ongoing. CANU has said it continues to work with other law enforcement agencies

to stem the flow of narcotics in and out of the country, while maintaining an effective presence at the various points of entry/exit.

The unit’s effectiveness undoubtedly yielded success in 2022 with the seizure of 3,403 kilograms of narcotics amounting to a whopping $1.1 billion. By type, the seized narcotics comprised 121.31kg of cocaine; 3280.25kg of ganja; 818.7 grams of ecstasy; 302.6 grams of methamphetamine, and 1kg of cannabis seeds. This represented a 68.26 per cent increase

in seizures over those made in 2021, when 2022.88kg of narcotics were recorded as seized.

According to statistics provided by CANU, these seizures were made in Regions Four, Six, Nine, Three, and Ten, with Region Four accounting for the largest seizure of narcotics. In Region Four, 104.49kg of cocaine, 410.12kg of cannabis, 302.6g of methamphet-

amine, 366g of ecstasy, and 1kg of cannabis seeds were confiscated. In Region Six, 50g of cocaine, 2845.52kg of cannabis, and 452.7g of ecstasy were seized; while in Region Nine, 22g of cocaine and 4.81kg of cannabis were seized. 16.74kg of cocaine and 118g of cannabis were seized in Region Three, and 19.67kg of cannabis were confiscated in Region 10.

CANU Head, James Singh, related that the Unit would continue to pursue its mandate in the hope of minimising such activities and reducing the amounts of illicit drugs on the market.

Among its activities are better interagency support; stakeholders’ involvement in the Private Sector; joint programmes with the Ministries of Education, Health and Social Services; and working with communities on outreach programmes.

2 die in separate accidents along ECD corridor

Two elderly men have reportedly lost their lives along the East Coast Demerara Corridor between Wednesday evening and Thursday morning.

The dead men are former Region 10 Vice-Chairman Byron Lewis, a 78-yearold resident of Kwakwani Village in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice); and 63-year-old Takurand Seemangal of Lot 157 Thomas Street, Georgetown.

Lewis reportedly died along the Bee Hive Public Road on Wednesday evening, while Seemangal died along the Good Hope Public Road on Thursday.

At the time of Lewis’s demise, he was reportedly getting his car towed when an incident occurred. The Police have said that accident occurred at about 20:00h, and involved motorcar PKK 3124, owned and driven by a mechanic of Kwakwani Village; motorcar PPP 5769, owned and driven by the deceased; and motorcar PJJ 8978, driven by a 33-year-old carpenter of Hope Lowlands, East Coast Demerara.

Ronis Lewis, son of the late Byron Lewis, who was driving PKK 3124, told investigators that he was tow-

ing his father’s car, PPP 5769, along the East Coast Corridor, and as they were proceeding along the Bee Hive Public Road, he observed motor car PJJ 8978 heading in the opposite direction at a fast rate of speed.

Ronis Lewis claimed that motorcar PJJ 8978 overtook a vehicle and ended up in his path, and as he attempted to avoid a collision, PJJ 8978 collided with the front portion of PPP 5769.

Both the carpenter and Byron Lewis sustained bodily injuries as a result of that collision, and they were both taken to the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital. Lewis was

pronounced dead on arrival while Persaud was treated for minor injuries to his body. He was later taken into custody to assist with the ongoing investigations.

Takurand Seemangal lost his life at about 06:10h on Thursday after the vehicle in which he travelling crashed into a parked lorry at Good Hope, ECD.

Based on reports received, at the time of the accident, the vehicle GGG 6387, which is owned by Seemangal, was being driven by a 38-year-old resident of Shell Road, Kitty, Georgetown. Police said the vehicle was proceeding east along the northern carriageway of the public road when its left-side front portion collided with the right-side rear ofparked motor lorry GLL 3694.

The driver and Seemangal sustained injuries, and in their respective conscious and unconscious state were picked up by public-spirited citizens and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where Seemangal was pronounced dead on arrival.

The driver was admitted as a patient at the GPHC, suffering from head injuries. Investigations are continuing. (G-12)

Essequibo man accused of attempting to kill ex-partner freed

An Essequibo man who had been on trial for attempting to murder his former reputed wife was freed of the charge on Thursday, after a jury returned a unanimous notguilty verdict.

Shalindra Mahadeo, also known as “Dado”, of Paradise Village, Essequibo Coast, had denied the charge fol-

lowing his arraignment before Justice Jo-Ann Barlow.

Particulars of the charge stated that on December 10, 2020, at Walton Hall, Essequibo Coast, Mahadeo unlawfully and maliciously wounded Renika Motieram with intent to murder her.

According to reports, Mahadeo allegedly attacked the woman with a shovel.

The jury, however, after deliberating for close to two hours, found him not guilty. Mahadeo was represented by Attorneys-at-law Kezia Williams and Tracy Marks, while State Counsel Taniesha Saygon presented the prosecution’s case. This trial was conducted at the Essequibo High Court.

The narcotics that were found during the operation

Deceased: Byron Lewis (Stabroek News photo)

Developments in local sporting facilities…

Bush Lot Multi-Purpose Complex set for month-end opening

- As BLUTC President Dharamjit stresses “safety first”

Guyana’s first ever MultiPurpose Sporting Complex will be opened at Bush Lot Village, West Coast Berbice on Sunday, 30th April, 2023.

Dharmindra Dharamjit, President of the Bush Lot United Turf Club (BLUTC), outlined, "First of all, let me wish the Muslim Community ‘Eid Mubarak!’. Safety comes first. This complex belongs to the village of Bush Lot, it will be an example of what a village can do for a country. This has become a reality because of the kind-hearted people of this village. They wish to remain anonymous, and I respect that. I do not want to identify any one person, but some young people have turned night into day to get this complex started. It will not be fully completed by our projected opening day - month

end. It is a work in progress, but history will be created."

Asked to expand on what the village could experience, Dharamjit remarked, "The village will see, for the first time in the history of horse-racing in Guyana, an all-weather track, and in due course a Family Entertainment Centre. It will be a model for other tracks to follow. We are here to help other tracks also."

Nasrudeen 'Junior' Mohamed, representing the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee (JJTRC) which will be staging the first sporting event on the opening day, shared what the village and patrons could expect. "Safety is our priority as well. We are preparing a Safety Manual for Horsemen. Alado could be making his seasonal run. We will have eight races on the card, all the races will be

named to honour people from the village. We will respect all, and remember the contribution and sacrifice of the present and past (BLUTC) members. We will be treating these honoured guests by giving them some special gifts. This is our way of saying thanks for their contribution to the sport and the club over the years."

Dharamjit advised, "This is our way of giving back to the village. This facility, when completed, will be a Family Entertainment Centre comprising of football, mini cricket field, basketball, tennis court, and dirt bike track. Our plans for this village are immense, but time and land space do not permit us. We want this to be a model for the country. I want to thank those who have made this a success. A resounding thanks!"

He added, "I would like to repeat: this complex belongs to the village, we are just the

TATA IPL 2023: Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders…

caretakers. However, if the safety protocols are not respected, those who breach (them) will be

penalised. We will be creating jobs for villagers (in terms of) the upkeep and maintenance.”

Bowlers, Warner end Capitals' losing streak

Delhi Capitals have finally earned their first win of IPL 2023, breaking a five-game losing streak.

It did not come easy. Despite chasing only 128 after their best bowling performance of the season, their batters struggled, with Kolkata Knight Riders overloading on spin bowling. Were it not for David Warner's fourth fifty of the season and Axar Patel staying on till the end, it could very well have been 0-6 for the hosts.

Even though their batting brought life late into the contest, it was the Capitals bowlers in the first innings who set up the win. Ishant Sharma - playing his first IPL game since May 2021 - took 2 for 19 in four overs, while Anrich Nortje (2 for 20) made batting difficult with his extra pace. Kuldeep Yadav and Axar ran through the middle order by sharing four wickets, while Mukesh Kumar impressed with his new-ball and yorker skills.

They ensured Knight Riders' batters struggled to put in a cohesive performance yet again.

Knight Riders made four changes to their playing XI, but except for Jason Roy's 43, their batting lacked direction. While their spinners dug deep, the target was too low in the end. They have now lost four games out of six, three on the trot.

The sizzle up top

Each of the three pacers took a wicket in the powerplay. Litton Das, playing his first IPL game, was the first to go, trying to pull Mukesh from outside off; and then Venkatesh Iyer fell from the high of a century to the low of a duck when he was caught at slip off a Nortje snorter that was going across the batter.

But the best bowler in the powerplay was Ishant, who bowled metronomic lines at a high pace to keep the batters in check. His persistence earned him Nitish Rana's

joined him. They picked up singles for two overs, before a 15-run Mitchell Marsh over gave Knight Riders some hope of a strong finish.

Ishant, meanwhile, left the

Anukul Roy lbw. That left Knight Riders at 93 for 8, which soon became 96 for 9 with Nortje dismissing Umesh Yadav.

Russell farmed the strike thereafter. He tried to deal only in boundaries, but his success rate was low. Mukesh delivered yorker after yorker to frustrate Russell in his penultimate over, and Nortje did more of the same. Kuldeep also upped his pace to restrain the big hitter.

The final over started with Knight Riders at 108 for 9, but Mukesh struggled to nail his yorkers. Russell smacked him for a hat-trick of sixes to give Capitals 128 to chase.

Standing tall again

As it has been all season, Warner stood at one end while wickets tumbled from the other. Shaw made only 13, while Mitchell Marsh and Phil Salt fell for single digits. That gave Knight Riders a glimmer of hope.

But Warner motored along to get his fourth fifty in six games this season, this one his quickest: in 33 balls. The small target allowed him to keep playing his shots, and he had hit 11 fours by the time he raised his bat for the halfcentury.

second victim when he failed to clear long-on. The atmosphere turned even more nervy when Rana rattled Aman Khan's stumps next. But with 15 needed off 18, Capitals remained favourites with four wickets still in the hut. Varun bowled a dream 18th over, in which Axar just about survived an lbw call and Lalit Yadav escaped a stumping, but the two batters

ensured they did not give their wicket away. Rana's tidy 19th brought the equation to seven off the final over. Rana would have preferred using spin for the 20th over too, but having exhausted all 16 overs of spin available, he turned to the pacer Kulwant Khejroliya. Axar comfortably negated his challenge to finish the game with four balls to spare. (ESPNCricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Kolkata Knight Riders (20 ovs maximum)

BATTING R B

Jason Roy c Aman Hakim

Khan b Kuldeep Yadav 43 39

Litton Das †c Lalit Yadav

b Mukesh Kumar 4 4

Venkatesh Iyer c Marsh

b Nortje 0 2

Nitish Rana (c) c

Mukesh Kumar b Sharma 4 7

Mandeep Singh b Patel 12 11

Rinku Singh c Lalit Yadav b Patel 6 8

Sunil Narine c Warner b Sharma 4 6

Andre Russell not out 38 31

Anukul Roy lbw b

Kuldeep Yadav 0 1

Umesh Yadav c & b Nortje 3 5

Varun Chakravarthy run out (sub [YV Dhull]/†Salt) 1 6

Extras (lb 1, w 11) 12

wicket, when he failed to clear mid-on in the sixth over.

It was a familiar sight for the Knight Riders, with another top-order collapse.

When Mandeep Singh and Rinku Singh were out to Axar, as they tried to take the bowler on, the score looked even worse at 64 for 5. Jason, though, battled on. He wasn't timing it perfectly despite initially looking fluent, and looked to hold one end up. He saw Sunil Narine holing out next, before Andre Russell

field with figures of 4-0-19-2 as Capitals brought in Prithvi Shaw as their Impact Player.

Lower-order clean-up

Jason perished for 43 in the 15th over to Kuldeep. After failing to clear square leg, he looked annoyed at himself for falling that way. Kuldeep looked delighted in equal measure, getting a wicket against his former side. Next ball, Kuldeep dented Knight Riders further when he had the incoming Impact Player

He was especially brutal against Narine, hitting him for four fours in one over, while otherwise being more expressive against the seamers. After Salt was the third man gone, Manish Pandey offered an experienced hand alongside Warner, and brought the equation to 35 in 42.

Conquering the nerves

However, the equation soon became 35 off 36 when Varun dismissed Warner for 57 and eked out a maiden. Pandey then tried to hit out, but he became Anukul's

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 6.35) 127

Did not bat: Kulwant Khejroliya

Fall of wickets: 1-15

(Litton Das, 1.6 ov), 2-25

(Venkatesh Iyer, 3.3 ov), 3-32

(Nitish Rana, 5.2 ov), 4-50

(Mandeep Singh, 8.2 ov), 5-64

(Rinku Singh, 10.2 ov), 6-70

(Sunil Narine, 11.2 ov), 7-93

(Jason Roy, 14.4 ov), 8-93

(Anukul Roy, 14.5 ov), 9-96 (Umesh Yadav, 15.4 ov), 10-127 (Varun Chakravarthy, 19.6 ov) •

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Ishant Sharma 4-0-19-2

Mukesh Kumar 4-0-34-1

Anrich Nortje 4-0-20-2

Axar Patel 3-0-13-2

Mitchell Marsh 2-0-25-0

Kuldeep Yadav 3-0-15-2

Delhi Capitals (T: 128 runs from 20 ovs)

BATTING R B

David Warner (c) lbw

b Varun 57 41

Prithvi Shaw b Varun 13 11

Mitchell Marsh c sub (D Wiese) b Rana 2 9

Phil Salt † c & b AS Roy 5 3

Manish Pandey c Singh b AS Roy 21 23

Axar Patel not out 19 22

Aman Hakim Khan b Rana 0 2

Lalit Yadav not out 4 7

Extras (lb 2, nb 2, w 3) 7

TOTAL 19.2 Ov (RR:

6.62) 128/6

Did not bat: Mukesh Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Anrich Nortje Fall of wickets: 1-38 (Prithvi Shaw, 4.3 ov), 2-62 (Mitchell Marsh, 7.2 ov), 3-67 (Phil Salt, 8.1 ov), 4-93 (David Warner, 13.1 ov), 5-110 (Manish Pandey, 15.5 ov), 6-111 (Aman Hakim Khan, 16.2 ov) •

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Umesh Yadav 1-0-6-0

Kulwant Khejroliya 1.2-0-20-0

Andre Russell 1-0-12-0

Dharmindra Dharamjit, President of the Bush Lot United Turf Club

Ishant Sharma celebrating the dismissal of Nitish Rana

David Warner playing a slog sweep

Linden ‘Guinness in the Streets’ set to commence tonight

Beverage giants Banks DIH have launched their ‘Guinness In De Streets’ football tournament’s 9th edition in Linden, and the battle for the total $1M in prize money, incentives and trophies starts with 10 matches tonight (Friday) from 6.30pm at the Silvercity Hard Court in Wismar.

At the launching, held at Golden Taste Fish Shop in One Mile on Wednesday night, Banks DIH Linden Branch Supervisor Shawn

Grant told the team representatives and players: “This tournament consists of four playing dates, with 32 teams (and) a total prize of $1M. We thank Linden and we thank the teams for being a part of this, and we ask

for your continued support throughout the games (and) in the market places within Linden. And (remember) that discipline play a key role in these matches.”

Communications official Kellon Josiah conducted the draws for the first two nights of football, set for the Sivercity Hard Court. The first game scheduled to start at 6.30pm involves Street Lights coming up against Gennaysd.

Other matches in this order are Dark Side versus DC Ballers, Aroaima versus Top Strikers, Coomacka Mines versus Universal Ballers,

TATA IPL 2023: Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Punjab Kings…

Du

Plessis,

Faf du Plessis revealed that he wouldn't have played this game had the Impact Player rule not been in place; his bruised rib was causing too many problems. But the new rules gave him the chance to affect the game with just his batting, and that's what he did.

Handing over the captaincy to Virat Kohli so he could play as a substitute, he hit 84 off 56 balls on a sluggish Mohali pitch to haul Royal Challengers Bangalore to 174 for 4, despite a late slowdown. Then he just rested in the dugout and watched Mohammed Siraj excel in both the powerplay and death to help them defend that total.

Presidential versus YMCA, Top Firm versus Street Warriors, and Ballers Empire will play Hi Rollers in the final game on day one.

Organizer Rawle Gittens has warned that the tournament is for players 18 years and over, and any player suspected to be under 18 years old will be pulled from the tournament until they can prove they are eligible to continue. Each team will register seven players for the night of their game.

As normal there will be giveaways on each of the four nights of the competition.

Siraj work magic in RCB victory

phase in IPL 2023.

After finding late inswing in the early exchanges, Siraj returned in the death to wrap up Kings' chase. Jitesh's late blows had given Kings a sliver of hope, narrowing the equation to 30 off 18 balls, but Siraj knocked over Brar and Ellis in an 18th over that cost only four runs. Siraj was also at it in the field, effecting a direct hit from mid-off to catch Harpreet Bhatia short at the

4 in the powerplay was down to contributions from their Impact Player Prabhsimran Singh and finisher Jitesh. Even as five wickets fell around him, Prabhsimran went after the RCB attack. He was particularly severe on Wanindu Hasaranga, taking him for 18 off eight balls. But when he fell four short of a half-century, the chase slipped further away from Kings' reach.

Jitesh briefly kept Kings

Royal Challengers had managed only 37 for 4 in their last four overs, after being on 137 without loss in 16 overs. However, they dominated the powerplay - both with bat and ball - to hold off Punjab Kings and give their campaign a

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TOURS

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

leg-up, after a narrow defeat against Chennai Super Kings at home.

The opening salvo

After a sedate start - du Plessis was on 3 off 7 balls at

powerplay and went on to bring up his half-century off 31 balls.

The slowdown

Kohli, though, slowed down after the powerplay, especially against legspinner Rahul Chahar and the slower variations of Sam Curran. After being on 29 off 19 balls at the end of the powerplay, he managed only 30 off his next 28 balls. His innings endedand Kings finally broke through - when he spliced a sweep off Brar and wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma completed a stunning one-handed catch.

Brar had Glenn Maxwell holing out for a duck next ball, and then Nathan Ellis, picked ahead of Kagiso Rabada, tricked du Plessis with a slower variation to shut down Royal Challengers at the death.

non-striker's end.

Jitesh, Prabhsimran flicker for Kings

That Kings got this close to the target from being 43 for

in the chase with his own counterattack, but Siraj and Harshal Patel eventually dismissed them for 150, and dragged RCB up to fifth on the standings. (ESPNCricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Royal Challengers Bangalore (20 ovs maximum)

BATTING R B

Virat Kohli (c) c †Sharma

b Harpreet Brar 59 47

Faf du Plessis c Curran b Ellis 84 56

Glenn Maxwell c Taide

b Harpreet Brar 0 1

Dinesh Karthik † c

Taide b Arshdeep Singh 7 5

Mahipal Lomror not out 7 9

Shahbaz Ahmed not out 5 3

Extras (lb 8, nb 1, w 3) 12

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 8.70) 174/4

Did not bat: Suyash

Prabhudessai, Wanindu

one point - he manufactured swinging room against leftarm fingerspinner Harpreet Brar and launched him over his head for six. Two balls later, he created more room and bludgeoned him over midwicket for six more. Kohli had also started strongly, driving Brar and then pulling the seamers for fours, as Royal Challengers ran away to 59 without loss in the powerplay. Du Plessis batted with similar high intent even beyond the

They were 91 without loss in ten overs, and later 137 without loss in 16 overs, but ended up with what seemed like a sub-par total at that stage. In the end, it proved to be 24 too many for Kings.

Siraj bosses both powerplay and death

Royal Challengers quickly regained lost ground when Siraj struck twice in the powerplay to trap both Atharva Taide (4) and the returning Liam Livingstone (2). With those two wickets, Siraj took his powerplay tally this season to six. No other bowler has more wickets during this

Hasaranga de Silva, Harshal Patel, Wayne Parnell, Mohammed Siraj

Fall of wickets: 1-137

(Virat Kohli, 16.1 ov), 2-137

(Glenn Maxwell, 16.2 ov), 3-151

(Faf du Plessis, 17.3 ov), 4-163

(Dinesh Karthik, 18.6 ov) •

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Arshdeep Singh 4-0-34-1

Harpreet Brar 3-0-31-2

Nathan Ellis 4-0-41-1

Sam Curran 4-0-27-0

Rahul Chahar 4-0-24-0

Liam Livingstone 1-0-9-0

Punjab Kings

(T: 175 runs from 20 ovs)

BATTING R B

Atharva Taide lbw b

Mohammed Siraj 4 2 Prabhsimran Singh b Parnell 46 30

Matthew Short b de Silva 8 7

Liam Livingstone lbw b Mohammed Siraj 2 4 Harpreet Singh run out (Mohammed Siraj) 13 9 Sam Curran (c) run out (de Silva) 10 12

Jitesh Sharma † c Shahbaz Ahmed b Patel 41 27

M Shahrukh Khan st †Karthik b de Silva 7 5 Harpreet Brar b

Mohammed Siraj 13 13

Nathan Ellis b Mohammed Siraj 1 2

Arshdeep Singh not out 0 0 Extras (b 1, lb 1, nb 1, w 2) 5 TOTAL 18.2 Ov (RR: 8.18) 150

Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Atharva Taide, 0.2 ov), 2-20 (Matthew Short, 2.1 ov), 3-27 (Liam Livingstone, 3.2 ov), 4-43 (Harpreet Singh, 5.3 ov), 5-76 (Sam Curran, 9.5 ov), 6-97 (Prabhsimran Singh, 11.3 ov), 7-106 (M Shahrukh Khan, 12.5 ov), 8-147 (Harpreet Brar, 17.3 ov), 9-149 (Nathan Ellis, 17.6 ov), 10-150 (Jitesh Sharma, 18.2 ov) • BOWLING

Standing from left are: Rawle Gittens and Kellon Josiah; sitting are Shawn Grant and Marion Gordon

Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis having a chat

Mohammed Siraj finished with four wickets and gave away just 21 runs

Jitesh Sharma smacking one down the ground

Guyana misses out on CONCACAF U20 Championships

…Following stalemate with DR

Guyana’s chances of competing in the 2023 CONCACAF Women’s Under-20 Championships were crushed on Wednesday evening, when the team had a hard- fought draw against the Dominican Republic.

While the Under-20 Lady Jags were able to stifle the home team’s scoring at the Estadio Olimpico Felix Sanchez Stadium in the Dominican Republic, a win was necessary for the team to advance out of the qualifying tournament.

opted for an unchanged starting lineup, which read: Nya-Grace Young (Goalkeeper), Se-Hanna Mars, Savannah Singh, Anika Sproxton, Shamya Daniels, Samantha Banfield, Sandra Johnson, Glendy Lewis, Heike Clarke and Jayda Schoburgh. Jalade Trim was handed the captain’s armband.

Both teams had several exciting chances, but the goalkeepers worked over time to ensure the game ended in a stalemate. As such, Guyana has missed out on a spot in the U20 Championships next month,

LGC to host Chung’s Global golf tourney this Saturday

Come this Saturday, the Lusignan Golf Club will come alive as they prepare to host Chung’s Global golf tournament. Tee off time is expected to be at 12:30 pm. The format of the tournament will be Medal play over 18 holes and shotgun start.

Prizes up for grabs will be:

Overall Best Net

1st Place – Trophy

2nd Place – Trophy

3rd Place – Trophy

Best Net Front Nine

Best Net Back Nine

Overall Best Gross

Nearest to Flag – Hole #4

Longest Drive – Hole #12

All participants are advised to contact the club’s manager on the day of the tournament to collect their scorecards, pay their tournament fees and proceed to their allocated tee boxes to begin play at 12:30PM. Once on their respective tee boxes, players must await the sounding of the horn or siren as indication to begin teeing off.

Chung’s global is located on Mandela Avenue, opposite the Dynasty Restaurant has

been in the construction industry for more than 15 years and specializes in a variety of construction and civil engineering services. These services range from construction of commercial and private properties, land and foundation preparation and even construction of parking lots, bridges, culverts. At Chung’s, the company believes in providing construction solutions for a better world. They also provide general maintenance services which can be tailored to suit any business or residential property

and customers can customize their maintenance which includes weeding, cleaning of drains & trenches, landscaping, pressure washing, etc. CGI operates from Monday to Saturday from 8 AM to 5PM and is reachable on numbers 2185120-22 or 603 541.

The company would like to wish all participants the best of luck and encourage everyone to have the most fun. Presentation of prizes will be held at the completion of the tournament at approx. 5:30pm.

Essequibo beat GCB Select XI

Matthew Pottaya. Khan's even 50 came off 75 balls, and included seven fours. Rajendra Ramballi fell for three, with Essequibo being reduced to 94-3. Vieira found a reliable partner in Ronaldo Schouten, who made 22, but he was trapped by left-arm spinner Chanderpaul Ramraj. Vieira made 50 off 144 balls in an innings that had four boundaries.

The explosive Lovell then came and slammed 67 from 96 balls. He remained unbeaten, and struck four fours and three sixes as Essequibo ended on 233-5, winning by five wickets. Ramraj claimed 2-43 in 20 overs.

with the Dominican Republic topping the group on account of goal difference.

Guyana was in Group C of the qualifying competition alongside the Dominican Republic, Dominica and Suriname, and the winner of each group gained automatic qualification to the Championships. Guyana defeated Suriname and Dominica 6-0 and 10-0 respectively, while the Dominican Republic did the same by 3-0 and 15-0 scores. While the two teams drew their clash on Wednesday evening, the DR had a superior goal difference of +18, as compared to Guyana’s +16.

Chase, Santa Rosa are finalists

Half-centuries from Thaddeus Lovell, Shaahid Vieira and Myhiem Khan led Essequibo to a five-wicket win against the Guyana Cricket Board’s (GCB’s) Select XI in round one of the GCB U-19 inter-county three-day tournament.

The match was played at GCC Bourda, and Essequibo resumed the third day on 70-1, with Khan

unbeaten on 46 and Vieira on 19. Essequibo ended on the winning side: on 233-5 in 80.2 overs.

In Essequibo's chase, they lost Harold De Matos for four, but Khan and Vieira added 85 runs for the second wicket.

Khan was dismissed on the final day when he was caught off the bowling of off-spinner

Essequibo are coached by current senior national spinner Antony Adams, who did a commendable job with the youths. Berbice had also recorded a first-round win against Demerara at Everest inside two days, after Isai Thorne claimed 7-33.

Berbice also won the 50over tournament. Both of these tournaments are organized by the GCB and sponsored by the Government of Guyana under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.

Sunday’s grand finale of the Milo Schools’ Under-18 Football tournament would involve Santa Rosa Secondary and Chase’s Academic Foundation in a monumental clash following contrasting victories in their respective semifinal games.

In action at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground on Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown on Wednesday night, Chase’s Academy were the first to secure their spot. Chase’s victory over Mackenzie High came in a 3-0 affair, with Matrim Martin, Seon Cato and Chai Williams finding the back of the net in the 12th, 18th and 33rd minutes respectively. While no goals were scored in the second, Chase managed to hold out for the win.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sport , Captain Seon Cato was surprised at how easily they had won, and expressed confidence that his team can clinch the title again.

“It was an easy victory. I

didn’t expect to play a match like this; I expect it to be harder, but I don’t know what happened to Mackenzie High, they played for relaxing. From we see that they relax on the ball, we start to press, and you know they came off their game, and that’s how we got to capitalize our chances and go at them,” Cato shared with this publication.

Cato went on to state, “Well, I think the team is good. We’re going into the finals, we’re looking to play hard and to win to carry away the championship once again.”

Conversely, it was an allpenalty night in the Santa Rosa vs Carmel Secondary game, which ended in Santa Rosa’s favour 2-1.

A penalty opportunity came Santa Rosa’s way in the 14th, and it was perfectly executed by Darius Williams for the 1-0 lead. However, another blunder in the box, this time on the Region 1 team’s part, saw Ian Daniels levelling the scores for Carmel in the 74th.

Just when it appeared as though the game would go down to extra time, Carmel slipped up again, resulting in another penalty opportunity for Santa Rosa. Williams delivered once again to steer his team to the Milo final.

Following their win, Captain Roy Vansluytman, assessing his team’s performance, said: “Well, I fell we performed great. It was a good game.” He added about their strategy, “We just pass around the ball and stayed calm.”

The Milo final is scheduled for Sunday, April 23rd at the same venue. At 16:00hrs, Mackenzie High will battle Carmel Secondary for third place. The highly anticipated final between Santa Rosa and Chase’s Academic Foundation is set for 18:00hrs.

The tournament is supported by Nestle Milo; Guyana Industrial Minerals Inc (GINMIN); General Equipment Guyana (Genequip) and MVP Sports, and is coordinated by the Petra Organization.

Head Coach Paul DeAbreu

The starting lineup of the Guyana U20 Women’s team for their game against the Dominican Republic

CGI Representative Alisha Wiggins handing over the sponsorship cheque to Lusignan Golf Club Representative Brian Hackett

Thaddeus Lovell scored an unbeaten 67 for Essequibo

A look at the Santa Rosa vs Carmel Secondary clash GCB U19 inter-county three-day tournament

Milo Schools U18 Football tournament 2023…

Anderson slams classy 153 for West Indies Academy

Guyanese batsman

Kevlon Anderson has stroked his maiden first-class century in the first match of the Headley-Weekes Tri-Series in Antigua. The righthander made 153 for the West Indies Academy, leading his side to 323 all out in 94 overs as they replied to Team Headley’s 259 all out.

West Indies Academy resumed day two of this fourday match on 49-2. Anderson and Kirk McKenzie (50) added 84 runs. Guyanese Tevin Imlach made only four, and West Indies Academy were reduced to 88-4. Kevin Wickham was trapped for five by Justin Greaves, and West Indies Academy lost half of their side.

Skipper Nyem Young and Anderson took the score to 130-5 at lunch. Anderson was on 44 and Young was on 10. The duo resumed after lunch and added 80 runs for the sixth wicket. Anderson continued to stand firm but he lost partners. He found a reliable partner in Johann Layne, the fast-bowler who claimed five wickets in the first innings.

Anderson and Layne (38) added 120 runs for the ninth wicket. The right-handed Anderson had struck 22 fours, and it was the first time he

passed 50 in a first-class game. He went on to score 153 in an innings decorated with 22 fours. He was again dismissed by Darren Bravo, who has now claimed his wicket on three different occasions.

Greaves had 3-46 in 20 overs, while Akeem Jordan and Marquino Mindley had two wickets each. At stumps, Team Headley were 27-1 in seven overs, trailing by 37 runs. Darren Bravo was dismissed

trapped leg-before by Young for 12.

Moseley out injured Cricket West Indies (CWI) has confirmed that Sunil Ambris has been named to replace Shayne Moseley in Team Headley for the ongoing Headley-Weekes Tri-Series first-class match against West Indies Academy at Coolidge Cricket Ground.

Moseley, the left-handed

opener, sustained an injury to his left knee on Wednesday morning, and was forced to retire hurt during Team Headley’s first innings. He was unable to return to bat, and was also unavailable to field. He is under the care of CWI medical staff.

The change is in accordance with the ICC Rules which govern first-class cricket matches and was approved by match officials.

Chase, Santa Rosa are finalists

Kevlon Anderson scored 153

Anderson scored his maiden hundred (Photos: CWI)

Chase’s Academic Foundation’s Chai Williams (on ball) fending off Mackenzie’s defence