Guyana Times - Friday, April 7, 2023

Joint Services destroy $1.5B in ganja found along Berbice River

AJoint Services operation at Ebini and DeVeldt along the Berbice River has led to the discovery and subsequent destruction of 18 acres of cannabis sativa plants and dried marijuana with a street value of $1.54 billion.

Police in a statement related that, acting on information received, a joint operation by ranks of the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force (Coast Guard) went to Ebini and DeVeldt villages in the Upper Berbice River, where approximately 58,000 cannabis sativa plants ranging from three inches to ten feet in height were discovered. The plants were destroyed along with three makeshift camps.

One trailer and two ploughs, and a large quantity of dried ganja were

also found at the location. The Police added that the value of the cannabis sativa destroyed by fire is estimated at $1,547,388,320.

At time of the operation, no one was found in the area, but investigations are ongoing.

Back in November last year, a joint operation had also led to the discovery of 17 acres of ganja with approximately 27,000 cannabis plants ranging from two to six feet in height, with an estimated street value of $340,194,300.

One month prior, a similar operation at said location unearthed $489 million worth of marijuana. A 37-year-old farmer of Stewartville, West Coast Demerara (WCD), who was attending to the cannabis plants, was arrested and has since been placed before the courts.

MV Ma Lisha arrives in Guyana

The $2.5 billion MV

Ma Lisha has now docked in Port Georgetown after arriving from Trinidad on Wednesday evening. The vessel sailed from Kolkata to Chennai, and then made its way through the Atlantic Ocean to Trinidad and then to Guyana.

MV Ma Lisha , from the native Warrau language meaning “friendship”, is being funded by the Government of India, and will ply the route between the Barima-Waini and Georgetown.

This North-West District ferry was built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited to facilitate special features to mitigate challenges faced by travellers.

This new North-Westbound ferry has a capacity of 276 passengers and 18 crew members, and also

carries 14 sedan-type vehicles and two trucks. It can also accommodate up to 250 tonnes of cargo.

It also comprises a front loading/offloading ramp that can accommodate easy

loading and discharging of cargo at ports at which it would call. The vessel also has a side boarding capacity.

A total of 19 navigational, mechanical, and auxil-

iary staff of the Transport and Harbours Department were trained in India in 2022 and earlier this year to operate the new ferry vessel.

A quantity of ganja being dried for packing and distribution

A quantity of dried cannabis being destroyed

MV Ma Lisha docked in Port Georgetown

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, April 7 – 05:15h-06:45h and Saturday, April 8 – 05:30h-07:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, April 7 – 05:00h-06:30h and Saturday, April 8 – 05:25h-06:55h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.

WEATHER TODAY

Sunny conditions are expected throughout the day, with clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to Easterly between 4.02 metres and 6.25 metres.

High Tide: 17:34h reaching a maximum height of 2.76 metres.

Low Tide: 11:07h and 23:21h reaching minimum heights of 0.37 metre and 0.51 metre.

Guyana-Venezuela border controversy ICJ dismisses Venezuela’s preliminary objections, clears way for substantive case to be heard – another victory for Guyana

Guyana is now one step closer to settling the border controversy with its western neighbour, Venezuela, as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has dismissed the Spanish-speaking nation’s preliminary objection that Guyana is not the proper party to bring the claim, and as such request a final and binding ruling on the October 3, 1899 Arbitral Award.

Guyana maintains that this Arbitral Award settled the land boundary between

claim.

Her position was that because the UK, which she had described as a “land grabber” and had accused of a “cover-up”, was a party to the Arbitral Award which saw Guyana being “given” territory, and owing to Guyana being a former British colony, it was the UK that ought to have asked the ICJ to resolve the border controversy.

But this was refuted by a member of Guyana’s legal team, Professor Philippe Sands, KC, who had argued

LOTTERY NUMBERS

the two countries.

By 14 votes to one, the ICJ on Thursday rejected the Spanish-speaking nation’s argument that because Guyana is a former colony of the United Kingdom (UK), it is the UK that should have approached The Netherlandsheadquartered tribunal to bring finality to the issue.

The ruling on Thursday clears the way for the substantive case to be heard by the international body.

Venezuela’s Executive Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, during oral arguments last November, had advanced that her country was not disputing the ICJ’s jurisdiction to arbitrate the matter, but instead asserted that Guyana is not the proper party to file the

that when Guyana became independent, the UK gave its consent to the United Nations (UN), and by extension its ju-

dicial arm — the ICJ — by way of negotiating, signing, and bringing into effect the February 17, 1966 Geneva Agreement with the power to

settle the border controversy between the two nations.

When Guyana gained independence three months later, it joined the agreement as an independent nation alongside the UK and Venezuela, fully taking over the former position of the British in talks with Venezuela regarding the border dispute, he had argued. Delivering the court’s judgement was ICJ President, Judge Joan Donoghue, who said most of the Judges had upheld Guyana’s position that the Articles of the Geneva Agreement expressly state that the controversy shall be settled between Venezuela and Guyana.

The Judges at the ICJ on Thursday

Guyana’s legal team at the ICJ on Thursday morning

Editor: Tusika Martin

News Hotline: 231-8063

Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761

Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707

Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Good Friday

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dear Editor,

The utterances of Ms. Janet Bulkan are highly contentious and misleading, and are an attempt to discredit Guyana’s Carbon Model and the credits certified under ART TREES.

The statements made by members of the Coalition for Rainforest Nation (CFRN) were the basis of her utterances, which are riddled with inaccuracies and falsehood.

Rather than fact-check, the author of the presentation made very misleading and incorrect assumptions, and in a way attacks Guyana’s Carbon Credit Model. And rather than fact-check, Ms. Bulkan went on to give credence to such fallacy.

I want to challenge the author of that statement to prove that our credits and baselines are fictional inventions. The fact is that the said CFRN founder has been unable to convince anyone that the product and systems he is trying to market are validation that he is not wrong and does not understand market-based carbon trading. The world is not going to buy what he is

advocating.

ART TREES is an internationally accepted and accredited standard, and Guyana’s leading role on the international front on climate change has come to light. Ever since this record -setting achievement by Guyana, forces unheard of for years and decades have popped up and want to discredit the certification and sale of carbon credits. Locally, some of our very own, including wellknown groups purporting to represent Indigenous villages, have been spreading false information and attempting to take bread from fellow Amerindians.

I am again calling on any groups that have any evidence to say or suggest that Indigenous villages have not accepted, feel their rights have been violated, have not supported the carbon credit system under ART TREES, and don’t want to participate in the certification and sale of carbon credits to let them produce the facts. Let the villages speak for themselves, let’s have the hard evidence, not hearsay.

I would urge the Government to continue looking after the interest of

Indigenous people by maximising the resource potential, including carbon credits’ sale, for Indigenous communities. I appeal to the ART TREES Secretariat and the ART TREES Certifier that groups are making dangerous and wicked allegations, and there are no facts, evidence, or documents to back these allegations. The High Court of Guyana has made a ruling on a case on Traditional and Ancestral Lands/Rights, the Land Titling Project which was stalled from 2015 to 2020 is again accelerating.

Across Indigenous villages, there is unity in support of the Carbon Credit Scheme and the sale of the credits. They have not given any group mandate to speak on their behalf, so don’t mislead people. I call on my fellow Amerindian brothers and their villages to stand up and not let a certain group take the bread out of your mouth. This is what they are trying to do, to stop funds and benefits from going directly to you and your villages.

Thank you, Peter

Persaud

Messages of peace and hope

Dear Editor, Resurrection Sunday has been, and will always be, a celebratory time of the year: when we are brought together to revel and spread joy among ourselves because, as our Christian brothers and sisters believe, Jesus Christ (Peace be upon Him) was risen through the grasps of death and into the light.

We, the Guyana Islamic Forum for Education, Peace, and Religious Solidarity, in association with the Electric Mosque’s Presentation of the Teachings of Islam and the Universal Peace Federation — Guyana, extend Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday greetings to the nation of Guyana, His Excellency President Irfaan Ali and family, distinguished members of the Government, the Opposition, and especially to our Christian brothers and sis-

ters.

The end of Jesus’s (PBUH) journey — which was once filled with strife and constant battles, much like the times we are living through now - should serve as an inspiration and motivator for us all, rather than indulging in our daily distractions, which unfortunately may have strayed us further away from what Resurrection Sunday is truly about.

Resurrection Sunday, as our Christian brothers and sisters believe, is a celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, but I implore us to look at the journey before, up until he was resurrected. We must remain steadfast and continue to trust in God and His plan, as Jesus (PBUH) did; only then can we transcend emotions such as fear and anxiety.

As we celebrate this weekend within the comfort of our homes and among fam-

ily and friends, we should also take some time to pray for prosperity, a calm heart, and peace; and for the world around us to once again be illuminated by the light of God Almighty.

Further, we take this opportunity to encourage all kite flyers to stay safe by flying kites away from utility posts and power lines. We would also like to urge all drivers and pedestrians, while on the roadways this long weekend, to take special caution. We advise you to use safe driving strategies, adhere to the speed limit, not take unnecessary risks, or drive under the influence of alcohol. To guarantee the safety of yourself and those on the roadways, we ask that you please do your part.

Sincerely,

Hajji Dr Roshan Khan

The Kurupukari Crossing is located along the Lethem-Georgetown Trail about a five-hour drive from Lethem and about eight hours from Georgetown. A boat service is available every hour to ferry vehicles across the Essequibo River (Path to Travel photo)

Let the villages speak for themselves

PPP’s candidate list for LGE “practically completed” – General Secretary

With Nominations

Day less than two weeks away, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) is aggressively preparing for the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE), and is in the process of finalising its Candidates’ List.

This was revealed by the General Secretary of the PPP, . Bharrat Jagdeo, who disclosed during a press conference on Thursday that the party’s Executive Committee is meeting to approve its candidates ahead of Nominations Day on April 17.

On Nominations Day, the political parties, voluntary groups and individuals contesting the election are required to submit their lists of candidates to the returning officer in the various districts, pursuant to section 41(1) of the Local Authorities Elections Act, Chapter 28:03.

According to Jagdeo, the party has already final-

ised its list for all the Local Authority Areas (LAAs) that it would be contesting across the country, with the exception of one Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).

“We’re in the process of [finalising our candidates].

We’re practically completed in every area except one NDC, where I have to go down on the ground and personally meet people, because there are lots of candidates that want to contest and we have to narrow it down to a limited amount. And I can only do it on the ground,” he explained.

The PPP General Secretary, when probed, opted not to disclose which NDC this is. However, he did reassure that this process is expected to be completed by next week.

“Now that we’re going through all of the approval processes, by Tuesday I’ll complete that. But we’re already getting our backers signing up because we know that would be necessary,

and people have been given statutory forms to sign up,” he stated.

In the meantime, the party is asking potential candidates not to make any public declarations until the PPP/ C’s List of Candidates is sub-

mitted on Nominations Day.

“Some people get very excited about it, and they want to jump the gun; therefore, I would urge all of them to await the submission of the candidates to GECOM (Guyana Elections

ICJ dismisses Venezuela’s preliminary...

“In light of the foregoing, the Court concludes that by virtue of being a party to the Geneva Agreement, the United Kingdom accepted that the dispute between Guyana and Venezuela could be settled by one of the means set out in Article 33 of the Charter of the United Nations, and that it would have no role in that procedure,” Justice Donoghue underscored.

In fact, she explained the court observed that the UK did not seek to participate in the procedure set out in the Agreement to resolve the dispute; nor did the parties, Guyana and Venezuela request such participation. As such, the ICJ noted, “Venezuela’s exclusive engagement with the Government of Guyana during the Good Offices Process indicates that there was agreement among the parties that the United Kingdom had no role in the dispute settlement process.”

To amplify her case, Venezuela’s representative had relied on the Monetary Gold Principle — a procedural legal rule that came with the historical practice of the ICJ — which means that international courts are not competent to settle disputes between states unless those states agree to exercise jurisdiction over this dispute by the court.

However, given the circumstances of this case, the ICJ held that the Monetary Gold principle does not come into play in this case. Having regard to its finding, the World Court concluded that “even if the court, in its judgement on the merits, were called to pronounce on certain conduct attributable to the UK, which cannot be determined at present, this would not preclude the court from exercising its jurisdiction, which is based on the application of the Geneva Agreement.”

Further, it unanimously

held that the preliminary objection raised by Venezuela is admissible, but by 14 votes to one, rejected it and said that it will go ahead and adjudicate upon the merits of Guyana’s claim. In light of this ruling, the ICJ made it clear that Venezuela can no longer raise any more preliminary objections. This was that country’s second preliminary objection.

The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, in January 2018 decided that the case should be settled by the ICJ, after exercising the powers vested in him to decide how the controversy should be settled by Geneva Agreement between Guyana, Venezuela and the UK.

He resorted to judicial settlement after the Good Office Process between Guyana and Venezuela failed. Within the framework of that agreement between the two countries, the Secretary-General conducted Good Offices from

Commission) and then the campaign can start,” the General Secretary stated.

The PPP/C has already indicated its intention to contest all the NDCs and municipalities at the upcoming Local Government Election, which is set for June 12, 2023.

In fact, Jagdeo had stated last month that the party is eyeing major municipalities around the country, including Georgetown in Region Four (DemeraraMahaica), New Amsterdam in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) and Linden in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) – all of which are traditionally strongholds of the People’s National Congress-led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Opposition.

The PPP/C’s declaration of its plan to take control of the Opposition-controlled municipalities comes on the heels of uncertainty surrounding the Opposition’s participation in the LGE.

only its supporters, but the country as a whole.

“So, we’re about just over a week from submitting our list of nominees for the various local government bodies and the major Opposition party in the country has not made a decision whether it would contest or not, but it’s preparing… Why are they doing it if they don’t know if they’re contesting as yet?

“Nevertheless, I think the country and his supporters and his candidates must be confused too… this is really just confusing to the country at large…,” the PPP General Secretary contended.

Jagdeo further noted that the APNU is having a hard time on the ground gathering candidates to contest the upcoming elections as well as backers for their list.

He reminded of the issue during the 2018 LGE whereby several persons in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) were misled into signing on as backers for the then APNU+AFC Coalition.

FROM PAGE 3

1990 to 2017 to find a solution to their border controversy. Guyana filed the case against Venezuela in March 2018.

Venezuela had subsequently questioned the ICJ’s jurisdiction to hear the matter; however, in December 2020, the court found that it indeed had the authority to preside over the case.

The Spanish-speaking nation is laying claim to more than two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass, Essequibo, and a portion of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in which more than nine billion barrels of oil have been discovered over the past six years.

Guyana, among other things, is asking the ICJ to declare that the 1899 Arbitral Award is valid and binding upon Guyana and Venezuela, and that the latter is internationally responsible for violations of Guyana’s sovereign rights, and for all injuries suffered by Guyana as a consequence. (Feona

Morrison)

Field operatives should conduct themselves with decorum

Dear Editor,

On Holy Thursday, the national power company conducted work on Cummings Street, North Cummingsburg, between Third and New Market Streets. At some point, some workers were seen lounging on my bridge, with one observed on the GWI water meter structure outside my premises. He was requested to remove from the structure, and he eventually complied.

However, one of his col-

leagues, who it seems took umbrage at my requesting the removal from the water structure, was observed earnestly looking into my yard, and made comments that my (GPL) meter needs investigating, as it did not seem to be working properly. No doubt, those remarks were uncalled for, and were intended to send a veiled message. To that operative, I say anytime the meter can be investigated by competent technicians from the company. I have nothing to

hide or fear. The meter in its present location was placed there by a competent and professional electrician.

From time to time, it has been observed that field operatives from companies (not just the power company) and other entities have this tendency to come on the bridges of residents, lounge against their gates and fences, or rest their footwear on fences and gates. It seems to be a habit and practice of field workers.

In my observation cit-

ed above, of standing on the GWI structure, this is a regular occurrence whenever work is being done in the area.

Companies need to impart decorum in their field operatives, and how to conduct themselves when in the field, particularly when they choose to be on the premises of residents. After all, their conduct and behaviour reflect on the company.

Sincerely, Shamshun

Mohamed

While the Alliance For Change (AFC) has already opted out of the race, the APNU is still undecided on its participation in the upcoming Local Government polls.

In fact, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton on Thursday said during his party’s press conference that while the PNC-led APNU is preparing for elections, it is still undecided whether it would contest the elections.

“We have always said that we don’t intend to let loose of our strongholds. At the level of the party, across the country we are preparing for Local Government Elections. It doesn’t necessarily follow that we will participate, but at present we see the need to prepare, we see the need to be ready,” Norton posited.

According to Jagdeo, the Opposition is confusing not

“[They] fooled a lot of people. They told them they were signing up to get house lots and then the people suddenly saw their names as backers for the [APNU+AFC’s] list in the Whim/Bloomfield area… In many other areas, they forged the signature of the backers, so we have to be very vigilant that this would not repeat itself, because they’re having a difficult time,” Jagdeo stated.

LGE, which are constitutionally due every two years, was last held in 2018.

At the November 2018 Local Government polls, the then PPP/C Opposition had secured 52 of the 80 Local Authority Areas (LAAs). This had followed the holding of the LGE in 2016, during which the PPP/C also claimed the majority of the LAAs.

PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo

NGSA Math Questions

Guyana confident ICJ will confirm "longstanding int’l boundary" with Venezuela – Pres Ali ...as APNU/AFC Opposition welcomes Court’s rejection of Ven objections

The Guyana Government is confident that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) will uphold the longstanding international boundary with Venezuela now that the path has been cleared for the court to commence the proceedings on the border case between the two countries.

This is according to President Dr Irfaan Ali on Thursday, following the ICJ’s decision to reject Venezuela’s Preliminary Objection on the admissibility of the border case before the court.

In a move that delayed the substantive hearing of the border case, the Spanish-speaking nation in June 2022 filed Preliminary Objections, claiming that the case is improperly before the court. It argued that such a case should not have been brought by Guyana, but by the United Kingdom – the then Great Britain, which had signed the 1899 Arbitral Award with Venezuela to demarcate Guyana’s boundaries. Guyana had been one of Britain’s colonies; it was known as British Guiana at the time.

Both Guyana and Venezuela had presented submissions on this matter before the World Court in November 2022.

On Thursday, the ICJ rejected Venezuela’s objections

in a vote of 14 to 1, whereby 14 judges rejected the claim by Venezuela and one judge opted to dissent.

The Guyana Government had previously contended that Venezuela’s objections are a blatant attempt by the Spanish-speaking country to delay the substantive border controversy case.

But in a broadcast address following the World Court’s ruling, President Ali said this decision would now allow the court to proceed to decide the dispute between the two States on its merits, and ultimately issue a final and binding determination on the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award that fixed the land boundary between Venezuela and then-British Guiana.

“Guyana remains confident that its longstanding international boundary with

Venezuela will be confirmed by the Court,” he posited. With its objections rejected, Venezuela will now have to submit its written pleadings on the merits of the case – that is, on the validity of the Arbitral Award and the international boundary that it established.

Guyana has already filed its Memorial on the Merits of the Border controversy case in March 2022.

The Guyana Government has persistently reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a peaceful settlement of this border case with its South American neighbour.

According to the Head of State in his Thursday address, “Guyana has always been fully committed to the peaceful resolution of the dispute with its neighbour and sister Republic, in accordance with international law. That is why, after attempting unsuccessfully to achieve a diplomatic settlement through talks mediated by the United Nations Secretary-General over more than two decades, Guyana brought the matter to the International Court of Justice for a final and binding determination.”

In fact, President Ali reminded that all Member States of the United Nations (UN), including Guyana and Venezuela, are obligated under the United Nations Charter to comply with the

Court’s binding judgments. Venezuela and the United Kingdom recognised the validity of that Arbitral Award and the resulting international boundary for more than 60 years. Upon its independence in 1966, Guyana also recognised the Award and the boundary, but Venezuela had changed its position and begun claiming more than two-thirds of Guyana’s territory west of the Essequibo River.

Meanwhile, Thursday’s ruling by the World Court was also welcomed by the parliamentary Opposition –A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC).

“The APNU/AFC stands with the Government and people of Guyana in welcoming the decision handed down today, Thursday 6th April 2023, by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). With the Court’s rejection of Venezuela’s preliminary objections, the way has now been cleared for the ICJ to adjudicate on the merits of the case in pursuit of a final and binding judgment on the matter,” the Opposition stated.

It was further outlined

in the APNU+AFC missive that the ICL’s decision is further proof of the validity and rightness of Guyana’s position.

“Guyanese will continue to stand united on the issue of defending its territorial integrity and sovereignty,” the Opposition declared.

Both President Ali and the APNU/AFC lauded the work of Guyana’s legal team and country agents.

After exhausting all means of negotiation with Venezuela and the failed Good Offices Process between the two South American neighbours, Guyana had moved to the World Court in

2019 for a final and binding ruling on the October 3, 1899 Arbitral Award settling the land boundary between the two countries.

Venezuela had initially refused to participate in the proceedings, and had even challenged the court’s jurisdiction to hear the matter. But on December 18, 2020, the ICJ established that it has jurisdiction to hear the substantive case –something which Venezuela did not accept. Hence, its Preliminary Objections in June 2022.

The Spanish-speaking nation is laying claim to more than two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass, Essequibo, and a portion of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in which more than nine billion barrels of oil have been discovered over the past six years.

Guyana, among other things, is asking the ICJ to declare that the 1899 Award is valid and binding upon Guyana and Venezuela, and that Venezuela is internationally responsible for violations of Guyana’s sovereignty and sovereign rights, and for all injuries suffered by Guyana as a consequence. (G-8)

President Dr Irfaan Ali

Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton

Death of 7-month-old baby Daycare owner remanded following manslaughter charge

Denise Benn, the owner of the Little Learners Day Care located at Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was on Thursday charged with the lesser count of manslaughter over the death of a sevenmonth-old girl who had been left in the institution’s care.

Benn was arraigned before Magistrate Alisha George at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Courts. She was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which alleged that, on March 21, she unlawfully killed seven-month-old Oriyah Gravesande. She was refused bail, and remanded until May 10.

Earlier this week, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had recommended that the owner of the daycare be charged with manslaughter. The Police had, the week prior, forwarded a file to the DPP’s office, but that file was returned with instructions for

further investigations to be done.

It was reported that on the day in question – March 21 – the child died at the Ogle, facility, which authorities have confirmed was uncertified for years, and ought not to have been in operation.

An autopsy has since re-

vealed that the infant died from haemorrhage and compression to the neck. The child’s parents had revealed to the media that, on the day in question, they received a call from the daycare, informing them that their daughter was unresponsive.

“They called me and tell me that our baby was unresponsive when they took her to the health centre, and by the time they reached the Georgetown Hospital, she was pronounced dead…she left home good, smiling and everything,” the mother, Shavanie Gravesande, had related.

The mother claimed she was contacted two hours after the incident, and by the time she arrived at the hospital, she was told that her baby had died. It was reported that the child had fallen off a bed and become trapped in some sheets; it is suspected that this had led to her demise.

Keeping eyes...

…on the Chinese prize

When you’re just a blade of grass in the world order in which we find ourselves - extant or evolvingyou gotta watch out for those elephants, cavorting or fighting!! So, as we try to stave off possible attacks from within by the “kith and kin” armed forces, let’s spare a thought – or two – about what the elephants are up to!! Over in Europe – the home of civilization, of all places! –the US is duking it out with its old adversary, USSR’s Russian rump, via a proxy named Ukraine.

That war’s now in its second year, and notwithstanding the usual wartime braggadocio – don’t forget truth’s the first casualty of war!! – has now ground to a standoff. There’s gonna be no “winners” coming out of Bakhmut!! The Russians under Putin have thrown everything they got at the Ukrainians – who’re receiving 40% of all the war materiel of the ENTIRE Western alliance, not just the USA! But they’ve been forced to remind all and sundry that they’ve got nuclear weapons as a last resort!! That was a sign of frustration – if there ever was one!!

A joint investigation into the matter was conducted by the Police, the Child Care and Protection Agency, and the Human Services and Social Security Ministry. Pending the probe, Benn was taken into custody for questioning, but was subsequently released on station bail and was ordered to report to the Sparendaam Police Station daily.

Now, your Eyewitness is pretty sure the Ukrainians are gonna be launching their long-anticipated “spring offensive” soon. And let’s not get too snarky about the Ukrainians being led by a former stand-up comic. Nazi Germany was led by a former sign-painter with a funny mustache, who did a helluva lot of damage before he was through!! And in any case, the fella’s got the entire NATO brain trust advising him – as well as training all those new recruits for the next phase. So, in case, dear reader, you were wondering when your bread and roti prices would be coming down from unrestricted wheat shipments out of Ukraine, don’t hold your breath.

But while we’re worrying about elephants, your Eyewitness hopes the Yanks haven’t forgotten about the big Dragon cavorting out in the East!! The Chinks have exploited the opening made by the Yanks against the Ruskies to emerge as the latter’s “Senior Partner” - by offering them more than moral support!! Even Mao, who’d chafed against the Ruskies’ paternalism back in the day, couldn’t achieve that!! But time moves on, doesn’t it?? And it’s now pretty clear that the line in the sand the Chinks drew over Taiwan is soon gonna be used as the screen for a “reunification”!!

When that occurs, China’s gonna be in control of 90% of the advanced semiconductors Taiwan presently supplies to the world!! Combined with its effective control of the rare-earth metals from Africa and South America, your Eyewitness sez the US got its work cut out for in to tame the Chinese Dragon.

But the fat lady hasn’t sung yet, has she??

…on the Guyanese prize

But we still gotta look at the gaping crater the Opposition’s creating for all of us here in dear mudland –including their own supporters!! It doesn’t appear they’ve taken into consideration how all those billions of barrels of oil – and sweet, light crude at that!! – have changed our circumstances. The days of softball are over: we’re now playing hardball with the big boys!! At a most mundane level, our demographics are gonna change, so that while we duke it out among ourselves, outsiders gonna literally slip into the saddle!!

And that’s not even the biggest threat!! In the financialised world we’re being integrated into, the entire edifice we hope to build – by either side - can be toppled with a finger on a keyboard. Think the CLICO meltdown that shook TT and the Caribbean – including us – was seismic?? You ain’t seen anything yet!! Our primitive banking system - and even more primitive capital markets - actually saved us!!

It’s gonna be the fire this time!!

…on the Venezuelans

The World Court just ruled against the Venezs on the preliminary point that Britain gotta be a party to the matter in front of them.

Now they can’t back out of the final ruling – which is also gonna be for us!!

Dead: Seven-month-old Oriyah Gravesande

Remanded: Denise Benn

Dr Balwant Singh’s Hospital rejects claim of medical negligence

…says operation had to be done to save patient’s life

In response to a $6.6M lawsuit filed against the Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital by a woman who alleges that her reproductive organs were removed without her consent, the medical institution has since denied the accusation, and is maintaining that the procedure had to be done to save the patient’s life.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the hospital vowed to defend the claim. The statement comes more than a month after the legal action was filed at the Demerara High Court, and one day after the details of the civil proceedings were widely publicised in the media.

Wonder Kellman-Hall, 45, a mother of two, is seeking damages in excess of $5 million from the private hospital and its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for negligence, exemplary and aggravated damages of more than $1 million, and special damages in the

sum of $659,500 – a total of $6,659,500 — for the unauthorised surgical removal of her cervix and ovaries.

On or around June 2021, Kellman-Hall deposed, she encountered problems that she believed were connected to her reproductive organs, and she visited the East Street, Georgetown hospital.

There she met a gynaecologist who advised her that she had fibroids attached to her womb and she had an umbilical hernia. After further consultation, the woman said, it was agreed that at an estimated cost of $650,500, she would undergo a surgical procedure to remove her womb and a second surgery to remove the hernia.

According to KellmanHall, after discussions, she decided to have the surgeries, and expressly stated that she did not want her cervix and ovaries to be removed.

On June 9, 2021,

Kellman-Hall said, she was admitted to the hospital to undergo the surgeries, and had to pay the hospital the full $659,500. She said she was discharged on June 11, 2021. Sometime after the surgery was performed, the woman averred, she visited the gynaecologist and she never indicated to her that her cervix and both ovaries had been removed.

In late August 2021, the woman said, she visited the Cancer Institute of Guyana in Georgetown, where she had an ultrasound performed on her, and that it was only then that another doctor informed her that her cervix and both of her ovaries had been removed.

Kellman-Hall said she has requested all the documentation from the Dr Balwant Singh’s Hospital concerning the surgery, but has not received any such information to date.

In telling its side of the story, the hospital declared, “Our records show

that Kellman-Hall has been a patient of Dr. Madhu Singh, Obstetrician and Gynecologist, and Chief Executive Officer, since May 2014. She was diagnosed with a condition in 2021, and surgery was recommended as the best course of action. The procedure was conducted on June 9, 2021.”

The statement added, “Kellman-Hall made a complaint about the procedure on August 23, 2022. It is important to note that Ms. Kellman-Hall was fully informed of the risks and benefits of the recommended procedure, and she gave her consent. Kellman-Hall’s consent was voluntary and informed, and at no time did the hospital or its employees breach any duty of care owed to her.” During the surgery, the hospital said, there was uncontrollable bleeding from one organ, posing a risk to her life, and as a result, it was necessary to remove the organ.

“It should be noted that the procedure is a routine one, and the organ removal poses no long-term effects on her ability to continue her normal life. Post-surgery, Dr. Madhu Singh informed Kellman-Hall of the circumstances and explained that, despite the action that was required during surgery, the overall goals of the procedure were met, and that

her post-surgery expectations have not changed. The post-surgery action required that everything that was removed during surgery be sent to the Georgetown Public Hospital for testing. The histopathology report from the Georgetown Public Hospital confirms the position of the Dr. Balwant Singh’s Hospital.”

According to the hospital, its priority is always the well-being and safety of its patients.

“We maintain strict adherence to medical standards and guidelines, and in this case, our actions were consistent with the practice accepted by a reasonable body of medically skilled personnel of the same specialisation,” the private hospital said.

Kellman-Hall, who is being represented by Attorney-at-Law Sanjeev Datadin, claims the unauthorised procedure has severely affected her ability to do her job as a travel agent.

Wonder Kellman-Hall, the claimant

Hadi’s World Inc, CHEC partner to supply 1M tonnes of aggregate annually

Hadi’s World Incorporated - a subsidiary of Mohamed’s Enterpriseand China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) have partnered to supply one million tonnes of aggregate on an annual basis to the Guyanese market – filling a crucial demand as the construction sector takes off.

Managing Director of Mohamed’s Enterprise, Nazar ‘Shell’ Mohamed, on Thursday inked the agreement with the Regional Business Manager of CHEC, Sammy Chan. A US$25 million quarry project was also signed with CHEC to cater to the needs of the country’s booming construction sector.

“Recently, the Vice President would have said that the kind of expansion that is going on and the kind of development that is going on, we would need over six million tonnes of stone, and it would be growing much more than that. So, we have decided that we would be a big part of the market,” Mohamed told the media at the signing ceremony on Thursday.

In fact, in June 2021, Hadi’s World Inc. secured its quarrying licences from the Natural Resources Ministry for Kwapau Quarry Areas 1 and 2, and ATANA Quarry Blocks 1 and 2

in the Mazaruni Mining District 3, after receiving the green light from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

One year later, the company signed a long-term Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CHEC to establish the quar-

ry, where the Chinese company would produce boulders and quarry aggregate for local and foreign construction markets.

Mohamed told Guyana Times that they are preparing for their first blast soon, and are eager to become a major player in this

market.

“We’ve done a lot of work. We’ve dredged the river so that the barges can go in, and it was a huge cast over. We’ve already acquired all the explosives, so we’re ready. We’ve cleared the land, and very soon, we will have

our first blast, where we would start producing boulders for sea defence projects, and hopefully for the NRG project that is ongoing at the mouth of the Demerara River.”

A few months ago, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had indicated that massive road projects for the public sector in 2023 will require a whopping six million tonnes of aggregate and while this is viewed as a positive sign, Government is now faced with the challenge of meeting these demands.

At the national level, the country can produce about 600,000 tonnes, representing just 10 percent of the demand. For this, he had shared, Government was exploring various options to keep the construction sector going. Neighbouring countries such as Suriname and Trinidad are also unable to fulfil these needs.

In 2023, the Ali-led administration will be focusing heavily on community infrastructure, having mobilised major projects within the last two years.

“We may have to explore bringing in stone from Canada or some other part of the world if we want to keep the building programme going for the Government sector,” Jagdeo had shared. (G-12)

Businessman Nazar "Shell" Mohamed of Hadi’s World Inc and Sammy Chen of CHEC share a photo after signing of the agreement on Thursday

Political trust “cannot be bullied”, must be earned – Pres Ali

Earning the trust of people to lead a modern society must be done through adherence to laws and proper value systems. It does not work by bullyism, President Irfaan Ali has underscored.

The Head of State shared these sentiments in a video message wherein he called out the Parliamentary Opposition, the A Partnership for National Unit (APNU), in their attempts in 2020 to “rig the elections” and subsequent actions to gain trust from the population.

“One cannot be bullied into trust; you have to earn trust. You cannot bully your way into gaining the trust of people. You cannot wish away your attempts to rig the elections by acknowledging ‘we are sorry and we’ve made a mistake…’ For us to build a society that moves into a modern era, we have to build trust, but that trust cannot be bullied. Trust has to come with certain values and certain elements. Political trust incorporates justice and adherence to democratic laws,” Ali posited.

He expressed worry over the conduct of some persons to build trust and bridge existing divides in the country, and expressed his condemnation of such approaches. “Many people today talk about building trust, bridging the divide, and helping to advance our country, but there are some truths that we cannot escape. If you look at how some people approach this whole issue, it is worrying. There’s some who believe we should succumb and ac-

cept it, and ‘attempt to steal the votes of people, and that would have been just’,” he said.

“They’re trying to erase that guilt, and they believe that it somehow reflects our moral and ethical compass to say ‘we want to create social harmony’ and ‘we want a united society, and that could have only come about through rigged elections…’ That is not the way you build a modern society and a democratic society,” the Guyanese Leader added.

Building a country on the pedestal of human rights and justice, he added, contradicts actions to commit electoral fraud. “It doesn’t work that way. If you’re talking about building and enhancing this trust and creating an environment in which we have political trust, we have to first of all fix this. We have to fix what took place in 2020. That does not say we cannot work on enhancing trust; we have to do that, but when the play-

ers try to demonstrate values that are not supported by their own behaviour, then you ask the question,” Ali underlined.

According to the President, weaponising race and ethnicity has no place in modern Guyana. A leader who has been on the ground in all communities since he took office in August 2020, Ali plans on continuing such efforts to build a united country.

“This has no place in modern Guyana. That is why I am going to work with the people directly. I am going to take my message directly to the people. I am going to the communities and embracing their problems and finding solutions with them, enhancing trust at the community level. We’re not going to allow the intellectual authors of this divisive, race-baiting politics to succeed.”

It was pointed out that through collaborative efforts and the mindset that everyone is equal, communities can achieve many goals and be built stronger. “I am not going to sit by and allow the historical narrative to return, to use it, to weaponise it. It has no place in modern Guyana. It has no place in our communities. So, we’re going to build communities stronger, working with each other, cement the gains of democracy by bringing people together,” the President vocalised.

He identified that Government has no disparity in its investments in agriculture, social services, education, infrastructure, and other areas which will benefit the lives of citizens. (G-12)

President Irfaan Ali

...reiterates race-baiting, divisive politics will not succeed

Fire ravages West Ruimveldt apartment building

At least twelve persons are making alternative living arrangements after a fire destroyed four living quarters at West Ruimveldt, Georgetown on Thursday.

The fire reportedly started at about 12:12h in one of the apartments. Station Officer Clive McDonald of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) told the media that the GFS received reports of the fire at about 12:23h, and several tenders, including the one at West Ruimveldt Fire Station, were dispatched to the area. The others dispatched were from Central and Eccles Fire Stations.

McDonald explained that upon arriving at the scene, the GFS found the range house engulfed in

flames and firefighters immediately went into operation to contain the blaze to one location.

“We’re still undergoing investigations to ascertain the origin, and then we will come up to the cause of the fire,” McDonald said.

The four dwelling quarters within the range house have some attachment, McDonald explained; so, as investigations continue, the investigators would be able to provide a clearer picture of the fire’s origin.

Several residents were in their respective homes when the fire started, but they all managed to escape the inferno without any reported injuries.

An occupant of one of the apartments, Veronique Noel, stated that she was in her home when the fire be -

gan. “I just smelled things burning. I called out to my neighbours, but the place was already in flames,” Noel stated.

Similarly, resident Nadia Divine expressed that a relative: 27-year-old Vanessa Moore, was the only occupant of the house at the time. Divine, who was outside with others, alerted Moore and others to run to safety.

“We notified them because they were inside, so when the fire started, Moore, she didn’t even alert anybody,” Divine said. “She was downstairs baking cross-buns.”

The woman added that the family runs a catering business from their home. “We lost all the money, because we have orders… We lost everything!” Divine

expressed. “Everything is gone. We barely get to save an old chair and a shoe rack. Nothing more we get to save —TV gone, freezer gone, the clothes, the bed, everything,” Divine added.

The destruction caused by the fire

A fire tender at the scene

Station Officer Clive McDonald of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS)

Regions 2&4 top National STEAM Fair 2023

Secondary for Behavioural Science; and Paramakatoi Secondary School for Home Economics.

In the Upper Secondary School category, Annai Secondary won for Mathematics; Friendship Secondary School for Integrated Science; Tutorial High School for Environmental Science; President’s College for Visual Arts; Covent Garden Secondary for Agricultural Science; Abram Zuil Secondary School for Information Technology; Tucville Secondary School for Behavioural Science; President’s College for Home Economics; Aurora Secondary School for Biology, Brickdam Secondary School for Chemistry; Marian Academy for Physics; and

Cotton Field Secondary School for Industrial Science.

In the primary district, CV Nunes emerged on top for Mathematics; Sparta Primary for Environmental Science; Coomaka Primary for Science; Skeldon Primary for Visual Arts, and Marian Academy for the Open category.

This year’s fair was held under the theme: ‘Transforming education through innovation and STEAM’, and returns after a hiatus of five years. Surrounding the idea was the expectation that proj-

ects would be relevant and sustainable to find solutions to local, regional and national problems.

Returning after a hia-

tus of five years, it provided an opportunity for students to share their innovative ideas and problem-solving skills with the public.

The curtains came down on the successful hosting of the National Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Fair 2023 with the winners in the various categories being announced.

Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) emerged as the overall champion district in the Primary category, while Region Four (MahaicaBerbice) copped the overall prize in the Secondary category, the Education Ministry announced. For the lower secondary schools, Anna Regina Secondary School copped the first place in Mathematics; Queen’s College for Integrated Science; St Cuthbert’s Secondary for Visual Arts; St Roses High School for Agricultural Science; Berbice High School for Information Technology; Manchester Secondary School for Environmental Science; Cotton Field

Some of the students being presented with their awards at the National STEAM Fair 2023

GFS warns against openly burning garbage heaps, grass

The Guyana Fire Service on Thursday issued a stern warning for residents to refrain from openly burning heaps of garbage or grass. This warning was sounded following the death of 75-year-old Sammy Munian on Tuesday after an unmanaged rubbish fire spread to a nearby building at Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara.

“If grass or garbage fires do occur, they should never be left unattended, as they possess the potential to become major fire emergencies. Persons desirous of using fire as a method of land clearing or for any oth-

13 improvised weapons among contraband items found during prison raid

Wednesday.

According to information received, the exercise was conducted by members of the Guyana Police Force and Prison officials between 05:30h and 10:30h. Other prohibited items found were: one cellular phone, three nails, four lighters, one bottle of fermented wine, one smoking utensil, 14 cigarettes, and two grams of cannabis.

Thirteen

er purpose must obtain permission from the Guyana Fire Service before proceeding further,” a release from the GFS stated.

The Fire Service added that citizens should note the open burning of garbage is prohibited and the perpetrators can be fined no less than $80,000 or spend three months in prison for the offence.

Further, the GFS has asked citizens to follow a few tips to control and prevent grass and garbage fires. These include desisting from openly burning grass and garbage. Find other means of disposal and/or land clearing. Never leave a grass or garbage fire unattended. Report large grass and garbage fires to the Fire Department. Do not throw cigarette or cigar butts on the ground or out of a vehicle. Be mindful of parking vehicles on dry grass or shrubs. Parents should emphasize to their children the dangers of playing with fires, and keep a shovel, bucket of water, fire extinguisher or other fire suppression tools on hand.

The search team comprised 38 ranks - 12 from Bartica Police Station and 26 Prison Officers of Mazaruni Prisons. The search reportedly concentrated on the Bricks Prison, Special Watch, and the New Mazaruni Prison.

Fire fighters putting out a garbage fire

FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 2023| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

perish in separate fires at Mahaicony, Rose Hall Town

Two persons were killed between Wednesday and Thursday in separate fires at Mahaicony, ECD and Rose Hall Town in East Berbice.

The dead men are 75-year-old Sammy Munian of Fairfield, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara (ECD) and Hermon Perreira, 64, a Pastor and businessman of Williamsburg, Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, Region Six.

According to the Fire Department, the Mahaicony blaze was the result of a deliberate setting of fire to a garbage heap, which subsequently spread to the house that was in close proximity.

By the time the fire was extinguished, the building and its contents were destroyed, and Munian’s remains were later discovered.

On Thursday at about 7:45h, Fire Service received reports of a fire at Williamsburg, Corentyne. At the time of the blaze, Pereira was reportedly sitting in a chair in the dining area, while his wife Patricia

Pereira was in the yard.

She soon was alerted to smoke emanating from the northern wall in the vicinity of an air condition unit. The woman ran out of the house and raised an alarm, leaving her husband in the house.

According to the Fire Service, one unit from Rose Hall and another from New Amsterdam responded, and by the time they arrived, the building was completely engulfed in flames.

“As a result of the fire, the building and its contents were destroyed, and Hermon Perreira lost his life,” the Fire Department said in a statement.

However, residents accused the Fire Service of not responding in a timely manner. Calls were reportedly made to the Rose Hall Fire Department and the firefighters responded only after residents went to inform them.

“I had to leff hea and go fo dem, although the ‘big man’ go fo dem. When I go, dem boys dea sit down, an we cuss dem up and tell dem that a fire going on and they drive out and they come. They come without no water,” one resident said in his native Corentyne dialect.

At the scene, the Fire Service alleged that there was no water source in the area, and as such, they had to make four trips to the Rose Hall Fire Department to get water to contain the blaze.

Perreira and six family members lived in the build-

ing. His son Sean Perreira related that he was downstairs when his mother alerted him that the house was on fire. He said he first called out to his sister, and then saw her running out of the building.

“I had a look inside, and it was too dark, I couldn’t see my dad. I run to the side for a barrel of water,” the cricketer said with a pause, before adding, “It was just fire.”

Residents broke a section of the floor to look for the el-

derly man, but there were no signs of him. They go away, and by the time they come back the whole house in flames.

“We broke the floor to go in and rescue Uncle Herman, but he was nowhere around in the bedroom,” one resident told this publication.

The Fire Service also made checks for the man in the building, but did not find him.

“When I left, the smoke was in the room, some electrical thing there. When

they come back, they take some water from my neighbour reservoir and then they when and check, but they didn’t see him… My neighbour [Perreira] pass through the floor and come downstairs and drop in the shop. When you look, you could see from his chest to his head,” the man said. Perreira was a father of six and also the pastor of The Tabernacle of Changing of Life Ministries of Williamsburg.

The destroyed home of Pastor Perreira

Dead: Hermon Perreira

NDC officials warned against issuing illegal approvals, stalling payments

Having received multiple complaints against the allegedly illegal actions of officials of various Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDC), Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall has warned that appropriate measures would be taken against perpetrators, should they refuse to desist.

Dharamlall made this comment on Wednesday during a handover ceremony for NDCs within Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

“Construction [is] going on in different NDCs, and I get reports that councillors [are] giving permission over and above the Council and without the knowledge of the overseer. I have complaints [that] the sanitary officers or the environmental health officers are issuing approvals without the knowledge of Councils,” Dharamlall stated, while adding that there are also concerns with overseers illegally signing documents.

He also mentioned that

several NDCs are refusing to take action against the establishment of shacks and illegal vending on reserves.

“When you break the law, you will face the consequences; and the law has to do with the overall de-

velopment of our communities. There are certain things that are allowable, and there are some things that are not allowed at all,” he noted.

In January 2023, overseer of the 52-74 NDC, Ravindra Dass, was fired on

account of several instances of questionable activities, including the alleged issuing of fake receipts to cattle owners for the release of impounded animals, the soliciting of funds for Christmas parties for children, and the removal of sand from Number 63 Beach and subsequently selling it to contractors without recording it in the NDC’s financial documents.

As part of the additional support that the Government is giving to NDCs on the administrative, technical, and operational levels, Croal said, each NDC should have a database of the issues that have been raised within them, and how they are

handled accordingly. “This will be a part of the appraisal of the administration of the NDCs, from the overseers to the other staff,” Croal said.

The Local Government Minister further condemned the work of District Development Officers (DDOs), particularly on the East Bank of Demerara, who are reportedly holding up payments of several community members.

“Local Government in the Regional Democratic Councils are to go into communities to ensure that our work is being done, that people’s issues around projects are resolved… They’re supposed to go and get the resi-

dents involved in the projects. That is their duty as Local Government, not to sit in an NDC and bully overseers into [completing] paperwork.”

He also reminded the Chairs of Councils of their duty to maintain decorum within their administration.

“You have a mandate, and your mandate is not to yourself, but to what you are elected for; and that is to make sure that your communities are [run] in an egalitarian, equitable way… We work on a One Guyana platform. We would like to see no discrimination of any of our villages and no victimisation (of) any resident of our villages,” Dharamlall posited.

Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall addressing representatives from the NDCs on Wednesday

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Berbice clothes vendor busted with 19.25lbs ganja in suitcase

Thirty-seven-year-old

New

pounds of marijuana following an intelligence-led operation conducted by members of the Police Narcotics Branch.

Based on reports re-

ceived, on Wednesday at about 17:45h, a team of Police ranks, acting on intelligence received, went to Vlissengen Road, Georgetown and intercepted a motor vehicle in which the suspect was an occupant. During the search of that vehicle, the ranks observed a black suitcase next to the suspect, who was in the back passenger seat.

Upon inspection of that suitcase, several wrapped packages with cannabis were found.

Spencer was told of the allegation, cautioned, and arrested. She and the 13 compact parcels of cannabis were taken to CID Headquarters, where the ganja was weighed and amounted to 19.25 pounds.

Spencer made an appearance at the Georgetown Magistrate's Court, where she pleaded guilty to trafficking in narcotics and was sentenced to three years, nine months’ imprisonment and fined $7.9 million.

Shabika Spencer, a clothes vendor of

Amsterdam, Berbice, was on Wednesday arrested in Georgetown with 19.25

The clothes vendor witnessing the weighing of the ganja

Shabika Spencer with the ganja on Wednesday at the CID Headquarters

–– sentenced to 3 years, 9 months

Pomeroon resident nabbed with ganja gets 3 years

A23-year-old man who was nabbed with a quantity of cannabis sativa earlier this week has been sentenced to three years in jail and fined $262,000.

Corwayne Gomes of Grant Opposition, Pomeroon River, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) appeared before Magistrate Esther Sam at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, and pleaded guilty to the charge which stated that, on April 4, he had 438 grams of marijuana in his possession for the pur-

pose of trafficking.

On the day in question, Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) ranks were conducting an operation at Charity Stelling when Gomes was spotted carrying a plastic bag. A CANU rank requested permission to search the bag, and that resulted in the discovery of the cannabis in the form of a red, brick-like parcel. Gomes was arrested and escorted to the CANU Essequibo location, where the cannabis was weighed and amounted to 438 grams.

Meanwhile, in a separate matter at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court, a 51-year-old man of Zeelugt New Housing Scheme, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) was remanded to prison on a similar charge.

Before Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul, Pradesh Hardwar denied the charge which alleged that, on April 4, he had 13.4 kilograms of marijuana in his possession for the purpose of trafficking. His matter has been adjourned until May 16.

Bandits rob Berbice NDC of $1.4M after holding guard at gunpoint

It was reported that on April 4, CANU officers intercepted motor vehicle HB 5990 at Zeelugt New Housing Scheme, EBE. A search subsequently conducted on this vehicle in the presence of the occupant,

Hardwar, led to the discovery of 12 brick-like parcels suspected to be cannabis.

Hardwar was arrested and escorted to CANU Headquarters along with the suspected narcotic, which later tested positive for cannabis. The drug has an estimated street value of $5M.

5 win big at GCOPD fund-raising raffle

Five lucky persons have won prizes at the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities’ (GCOPD) fundraising raffle on Friday. The winners are Kaden Pyneady, Marlene Perry, Donette McFarlene, Tricia Teekah and Lela Mamadashvili; and the respective prizes won are: a laptop, an electric scooter, a 32-inch smart television, a weekend trip for two to a popular resort, and another trip for two to a resort. Consolation prizes were won by Michaela Khan-Smith, Chricel Whitney, Guil Karim and Samara Gil.

The GCOPD is the overarching body that represents the majority of organisations for persons with disabilities (OPDS) across Guyana, working in areas of advocacy, education, capacity-building, and skills development, with the OPDS rep-

resenting disabilities of all types.

In December 2022, the GCOPD held its first National Youth with Disabilities Conference, in collaboration with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to advocate for changes within several Acts, in order to improve the quality of life for youths with disabilities in Guyana.

Concerns raised included amending the Guyana Persons With Disabilities Act to increase penalties for employers who discriminate against employees with disabilities; strengthening the reporting system in cases of discrimination; and including mandatory disability-sensitivity training sessions for staff across all sectors.

The GCOPD also brought up the need for additional accessibility measures within all public buildings, including ramps, accessible bathrooms and wide doorways, as well as accessible transportation services, traffic signals, pedestrian crossings, sidewalks and roadways.

Hindering qualified persons with disabilities from partaking in certain activities within the legislative, judicial and executive arms of the Government was also discouraged.

In an active effort to change the way persons with disabilities are referred, a September 2022 media workshop organised by the IFES encouraged reporters to use the correct terminology when referring to those with disabilities, and stay aware of data, laws and policies as those relate to those persons.

The Ordnance Fort Lands- Number 38 Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) was, in the wee hours of Thursday, robbed of $1.4 million in cash.

The perpetrators forcefully gained entry into the building at Cumberland, East Canje, Region Six (East Berbice–Corentyne). The security officer was reportedly held at gunpoint by one of the bandits while the other was executing the robbery.

The 64-year-old security guard recalled that he was seated in the guard hut when he heard a knocking at the gate, and shortly after, he was confronted by two masked men in dark-coloured clothing. Both of them, he added, were armed with guns.

He told Police that one

of the men held him at gunpoint while the other made his way to the building, where he broke the access door after removing the hasp and staple and padlock.

Chairman of the NDC, Roy Jaffarally, said the former NDC Overseer, Godfrey Evans, who lives opposite the NDC office, claimed that he had just returned from the airport at about 3:00h when he heard a banging sound.

However, out of fear, he did not venture out of his house, but moments later he went to the guard, who related the ordeal.

Guyana Times understands that the intruder gained access to the overseer’s office and removed the contents from the canister.

According to the NDC Chairman, they only received $1.2 million on

Wednesday afternoon.

“That money was to pay the part-time workers, and we had approximately $191,000 from taxes collected and councillor’s stipend that amount to $191,000.”

According to the Chairman, about half of the part-time workers were already paid. The money which was received on Wednesday was to pay another 40 of them.

The bandits reportedly escaped on bicycles.

Jaffarally said the Police are investigating the matter.

“They are questioning all of the workers; there were twenty of them on duty yesterday, the overseer would have already given a statement. Also, the watchman would have already given his statement.”

The parcels of marijuana that were found in the car Pradesh Hardwar was travelling in

Jailed: Corwayne Gomes

Remanded: Pradesh Hardwar

This parcel of marijuana was found in a bag Corwayne Gomes was carrying

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Don't get into a senseless argument. Take the high road and live up to your promises. How you treat others will determine what you get in return. An optimistic attitude will pay off.

(March 21-April 19)

Say what's on your mind and leave no room for errors or misunderstandings. An articulate description of what you are willing to do will be helpful and inspirational.

(April 20-May 20)

PEANUTS

(May 21-June 20)

Keep your plans secret, and you'll prevent someone from taking control or stealing your thunder. Concentrate on turning something you are good at doing into a prosperous venture.

You may not welcome change, but it will benefit you if you let things unfold naturally. Don't fight the inevitable or ignore something you should embrace. Romance is favored.

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

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Consider what you can achieve and get to work. Don't let anyone take advantage of you or bully you into doing something that takes you away from where you should be. Don't let anyone take you for granted.

Be receptive to new ideas. You'll learn quickly and can apply what you discover with ease. Spend time with someone who is doing something you want to pursue. Extend your hand in friendship.

Bartering will help you get what you need at a price you can afford. How you deal with others will determine what you get in return. Be fair and know your worth, and something good will transpire.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Emotions will get stirred up quickly. Don't hold back; say what's on your mind and make necessary changes. A romantic gesture will generate plans and add balance and stability to your life.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Be careful whom you trust. Someone will offer something to grab your interest or push you in a direction that helps them more than it does you. Don't hesitate to say no.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Push for what you want. Don't take no for an answer. Keep your life simple, live within your budget and avoid excessive situations. Making home improvements or hosting an event is favored.

Stay on track, finish what you start and refuse to let outside influences interfere with your plans. A financial opportunity is apparent, but don't go overboard.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Make personal improvements. Whether you update your image, fix up your space or tidy up loose ends, you will feel good about what you achieve. Reveal your intentions and make plans.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

Sponsors show significant support for potential greatest rodeo

The Rupununi

Ranchers Rodeo has evolved to become an important annual event on the national calendar, attracting mainly three segments of people: Rupununi residents, coastlanders (Guyanese and ex-pats) and tourists from neighbouring Brazil.

It is the biggest event on the calendar for the Rupununi region and provides a peak for businesses in the region. This year’s edition is expected to draw the largest turnout in the last decade, with Lethem already booked out and packed with coastlanders who have had to take up residence in neighbouring Brazil.

The event is a major economic boost for the Rupununi region and highlights the unique lifestyle of the villagers. The rodeo in

Region Nine at Tabatinga is nothing short of a celebration, with rodeo competitions, music, food, and festive activities.

This year, the event has seen unprecedented support from corporate Guyana and the Government of Guyana through its Ministries. The organisers said they were grateful for their commitment to helping create a memorable event for all involved. The coordinating team Rupununi Livestock Producers Association (RLPA) and the Rodeo Committee wish to recognise and thank their partners and sponsors for being a part of Rupununi Rodeo 2023. This year they have focused on garnering sponsorship to revamp and develop the ground so that the animals, vaqueros, and visitors will be much more comfort-

able.

Sponsorship Manager Maria Munroe indicated the cost of the infrastruc-

tural work was exceptionally high, but it was accomplished thanks to partners/ sponsors who have invest-

ed not to gain recognition but as Corporate Social Responsibility. “I am heartened by the positivity of all the businesses and ministries that said yes immediately. Companies unable to come on board this year have pledged their support next year, and this year’s sponsors have committed to supporting in a much larger way in the future. Through the Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI), Ministries of Tourism and Amerindian Affairs, the Government of Guyana contributed one million dollars, respectively,” she said.

Corporate giant Demerara Distillers Limited, under its El Dorado Rums brand, has partnered with us as one of our gold sponsors and as has long-standing partner, Digicel.

The silver sponsors are the Ministry of Natural

Resources and first-timer Frontier Pharmacy. Frontier Pharmacy has already pledged its support in writing for the next three years. The bronze sponsors are Superbet, Banks DIH, GTT and Team Mohamed’s. The bronze sponsors have all expressed their continued support for next year more extensively.

“We have 14 main events sponsored by businesses within Lethem and Georgetown, namely Trans Guyana, GBTI and Republic Bank,” she added.

Through this event, the RLPA is committed to celebrating the people, animals, land, and values that make up the Rupununi.

According to organisers, they are ready to show patrons a grand time, come April 8 and 9, at Rodeo 2023 “Dust ‘Til Dawn”.

Shardul and spinners dismantle RCB

Eleven-and-a-half overs into Kolkata Knight Riders' return to Eden Gardens, it seemed they were looking at a long, painful Indian Premier League (IPL) ahead. Having lost the first match, they were 89 for 5. Andre Russell had got out for a golden duck. Shardul Thakur nearly became Karn Sharma's hat-trick victim, but then fashioned one of the remarkable IPL turnarounds.

Thakur's 68 off 29 – second-highest score for a number seven in the IPL – took KKR to 204 – the highest total for a team five down for less than 100. It was still probably just a par score with small boundaries, a quick outfield, and dew already in. It looked so when Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli gave Royal Challengers Bangalore a flying start, but the two mystery spinners, Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy, ran through their batting to give them a reality check in an IPL they start as one of the favourites.

Willey slots right in

At some point in the lead-up to the match, Royal Challengers learnt that Reece Topley would be missing the whole IPL after he injured himself during the first match. Minutes in, David Willey showed he could be the perfect replacement. He cleaned up Venkatesh Iyer with seam movement in, and then squared Mandeep Singh up with a wobble-seam delivery to kiss the off stump. The latter put him on a hat-trick. Willey's figures of 3-1-9-0 in the powerplay were offset by the profligate Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep, who leaked 38 from the other end.

Gurbaz stopped short by Karn

Even as the wickets fell and the fans questioned

Knight Riders' work at the auction table, one acquisition, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, continued to show promise. His execution of aggressive intent took him to his first IPL fifty, off 38 balls despite losing four leg-glanced runs to a wrong leg-bye call. The first non-Gurbaz boundary came in the 11th over, but he had taken them to 79 for 3 in those 10 overs. A good total was still on.

In the 12th over, Gurbaz middled a reverse sweep off Karn Sharma, but found short third to perfection. Not for the first time, Knight Riders were down to Andre Russell or bust. Bust it appeared to be as Russell tried to hit the first ball for a six,

over, he got a free hit, which he deposited over wide longon.

What followed was what

others, in general, were ordinary at the death. It was indeed a day when everything Thakur did was com-

introduced in the fifth over. Coming off a rare match in which he went at 10 an over, Narine immediately settled into the perfect line and length. Five balls in, he had Kohli bowled through the gate. In the next over, Varun had du Plessis bowled as the carrom ball didn't turn and took the inside edge.

Royal Challengers tried funky things – sending in Michael Bracewell at number three and Harshal Patel at number four – but the spinners were just too good. There was an assortment of deliveries, but al-

most all of them were hitting the stumps. Varun bowled Harshal and Glenn Maxwell, Narine had Shahbaz Ahmed caught.

Thakur came in to take a wicket third ball, and the debutant legspinner Suyash Sharma, who bowled predominantly wrong'uns, some seam-up deliveries, and the odd legbreak – ended up with three late wickets.

When Varun came back and took his fourth wicket to end the match, Knight Riders had taken nine wickets through spin, the most in an IPL match. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Kolkata Knight Riders (20 ovs maximum)

BATTING R B

Rahmanullah Gurbaz †

c Akash Deep b Sharma 57 44

Venkatesh Iyer b Willey 3 7

Mandeep Singh b Willey 0 1

Nitish Rana (c)

c †Karthik b Bracewell 1 5

Rinku Singh c †Karthik

b Patel 46 33

Andre Russell c Kohli

b Sharma 0 1

Shardul Thakur c Maxwell

b Mohammed Siraj 68 29

Sunil Narine not out 0 1

Umesh Yadav not out 6 2

Extras (b 4, lb 6, nb 3, w 10) 23

and found long-off.

Thakur takes over

The hat-trick ball that Thakur faced was the farthest from an indicator of things to come. Big back lift, looking to drive a legbreak into the covers, inside-edging the wrong'un. The only sign of things to come was that the edge went all the way for four.

Thakur's next boundary was two balls later, a picture-perfect leg glance off Deep, aided by the small boundary and the quick outfield. Then he drove Deep over extra cover. In the same

you expect from an innings of 68 off 29. A lot of powerful shots that he kept nailing, and three more mis-hits that fell bang between the infield and the boundary riders. The strikes into the leg side were so crisply hit they managed to avoid as many as four boundary riders.

Rinku Singh, at the other end, kept turning the strike over before joining in the fireworks in the last two overs. From 23 off 25 he went on to get 46 off 33. The turnaround began when he scooped a high full toss from Siraj for a six.

Siraj, in particular, and

ing off, but Siraj, for example, bowled the last two overs with mid-off up and got hit over the fielder three times. None of them was a manufactured shot. Royal Challengers conceded 23 runs in extras.

The chase nosedives

Royal Challengers didn't go into panic mode. Du Plessis and Kohli even gave themselves a sighter for two overs before laying into pace. The fourth over, bowled by Tim Southee, went for 23.

It looked like it was game on when Narine was

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 10.20) 204/7

Did not bat: Tim Southee, Varun Chakravarthy

Fall of wickets: 1-26

(Venkatesh Iyer, 3.2 ov), 2-26

(Mandeep Singh, 3.3 ov), 3-47

(Nitish Rana, 6.1 ov), 4-89

(Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 11.2 ov), 5-89

(Andre Russell, 11.3 ov), 6-192

(Rinku Singh, 18.6 ov), 7-198

(Shardul Thakur, 19.4 ov) •

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Mohammed Siraj 4-0-44-1

David Willey 4-1-16-2

Akash Deep 2-0-30-0

Michael Bracewell 3-0-34-1

Shahbaz Ahmed 1-0-6-0

(b 4, lb 1, w

17.4 Ov (RR: 6.96) 123

of wickets: 1-44 (Virat Kohli,

ov), 2-46 (Faf du Plessis, 5.2 ov), 3-54 (Glenn Maxwell, 7.2 ov), 4-54 (Harshal Patel, 7.4 ov),

(Shahbaz Ahmed, 8.5 ov),

(Michael Bracewell, 11.3 ov), 7-84 (Anuj Rawat, 12.2 ov),

(Dinesh Karthik, 12.5 ov),

(Karn Sharma, 14.3 ov),

(Akash Deep, 17.4 ov) •

Marketing Manager Ramesh Rupchand hands over a cheque and handsets to Sponsorship Manager Munroe

Shardul Thakur and Rinku Singh rescued KKR with a century stand

Shardul Thakur hits an aggressive fifty Faf du Plessis cracks one away

GCB/GoG/MCYS Under-19 Inter-Club Super-50 Tournament…

Hutton, Madramootoo, Nanan shine in latest matches

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB)/ Government of Guyana (GoG)/Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS) Under-19 Inter-Club Super-50 Tournament 2023, continued on Wednesday, with Neil Hutton’s 115, Indergeet Nanan’s 5 for 34, and Malteenoes female player Tilleya Madramootoo’s 38, being the highlight performances, as Transport, Agricola, and Lusignan register wins in the Demerara matches.

Transport beat DCC by 2 wickets

Transport won the toss and inserted DCC who were bowled out for 145 in 36.1 overs. Jaydon Campbell hit 48 and Jonathan Vanlange chipped in 22 while 22 extras added to the total.

Transport’s bowling saw Stephon Sankar snatch 4-6 runs, as support came

from Shaquan Walters and Renaldo Grenville who had two wickets each.

Transport in reply finished nicely on 146-6 in 39.3 overs, led by Alvin Mohabir (49), who missed a half-century, and Riyad Latif (27*), who helped carry their team over the line. Nanan looked to stall a possible Transport, returning good figures of 5-34.

Lusignan defeat Buxton by 6 wickets

After making just 91 in 22. 1 overs batting first, Buxton had minimal contributions from their batters. Steven Hyles had 35 opening the batting, but no one else managed to trouble the scorers much. Lusignan bowlers were effective, led by Alex Datterdeen (4-12) and Chanderpaul Ramraj (2-13).

Chasing a low score, Lusignan reached 92-4 in just 13.4 overs. Some ma-

ture batting from Tularam Chintamani (29) and Ramraj (19), who showed their skill with the willow, saw their team through to a win, as Tyrone Prince (2-22) toiled for Buxton.

Agricola beat Malteenoes by 134 runs

Neil Hutton stroked a majestic 115 to take Agricola to 264-8 after 30 overs, with support from Andel

Manoharlall (31) and Dantè Deabreu (26). Malteenoes were then bowled over for 130 in 28 overs. Demerara female player Tilleya Madramootoo, playing for the Malteenoes Sports

Club in a male-nominated tournament, top scored for Malteenoes with 38. Bowling for Agricola. Aamir Mohamed was 2-5, while Alex Thomas also grabbed two wickets.

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream/Qualitea Café Cup Golf Tourney set for tomorrow … 150k in prizes to be won

On Saturday, the Lusignan Golf Club (LGC) will come alive as they prepare to host the third annual Bruster’s Real Ice Cream & Qualitea Café Cup Golf Tournament. The action will tee off at 11:00h and the format will be medal play over 18 holes in two flights with a shotgun start. The two flights are: 0-16 handicap and 1736 handicap (subject to change).

The annual spectacle will see up to $150,000 in prizes up for grabs. There will be prizes for: Best net in each flight: 1st place – trophy; 2nd

ACCOMMODATIONS

Aracari Hotel, Versailles, West Bank Demerara (between Harbor Bridge and Vreed-en-Hoop). Air-

Conditioned Comfort. Amenities include TV, Restaurant, Bar, Swimming Pool, Gym. Free Parking, Free Wifi. Spend 7 nights and get 1

Free. Rates from US$63 Breakfast included. Long term rates available. All inclusive Honeymoon, Weekend and Overnight Packages available.

Phone: 264-2946-9 www.aracariresort.com

ENTERTAINMENT

Swimming Pool Family Fun and & Picnic – Crystal Clear Pool. Kids and Adult Sections. Very Safe. Aracari Resort: West Bank Demerara (Versailles, Vreed-en-Hoop)-Every Weekend. DJ Music. Weekly Buffet

Lunch on Sundays from 11 AM – 3 PM Adults $3,000 and Kids $1,000. Groups and Excursions welcome – Phone 264-2946-9.

BUS SERVICE

Need a bus or planning a TourSuriname, Linden, Berbice, etc.? Call

Matthew’s Bus Service and Tours. on: 639-2663 or 673-2348 or check us on FaceBook.

place – consolation prize; 3rd place – consolation prize

Overall Best Net

Overall Best Gross Nearest to Flag –Competition will commence after the completion of the tournament on the 19th hole.

Longest Drive –Competition will commence after the completion of the tournament on the 19th hole.

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

SERVICE

Spiritualist - African and Dutch Work - From Suriname, A 100% Guaranteed in a few days, Husband and Wife, Family, Marriage, Lovers Togetherness, Business, VISA, Pregnancy, Evil sickness, Domestic Problems. Reading, Court matters, Gold Drudge operations, Bad luck jobs, Sexual problems, Health issues. Tel: 661-1777.

TAXI

Elegant Cabs. 24hrs service. Princess and Cemetery Road, Lodge. Tel. #: 231-1494/226-4277/ 231-1454/625-6600.

begin play at 11:00h. Once on their respective tee boxes, players must await the sounding of the horn or siren as an indication to begin teeing off.

Presentation of prizes will be held after the completion of the tournament at approximately 17:30h (5:30pm).

All trophies will be complemented with a Bruster’s product. The presentation ceremony was held at Bruster’s new store at MovieTowne Mall. It will feature a wide variety of ground coffees and bush teas along with Bruster’s ice cream, breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Kennard's Memorial to host meeting for horse owners/trainers on Saturday

The Kennard's Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) would be hosting a meeting on Saturday, April 8 for horse owners and trainers.

This meeting would aim to listen to the concerns of horse owners and suggestions to make racing events better for owners.

Another topic will be educating the owners on how to care/groom and train their horses. Each horse owner will be given a free 10-pound bag of horse minerals on the

day of the meeting.

The meeting would take place at the KMTC stand, Bush Lot Farm at 10:00h.

The KMTC, which is one of the premier horse racing entities in the country, undoubtedly has the best facil-

ities among the horseracing tracks in Guyana.

The club is led by Honorary President Mrs Chan Kennard, who took over the reins of the club from her late husband, Retired Chancellor, Justice Cecil Kennard.

The other Directors of the club are Pastor Quesi Henry, Walter Bagot, Ivan Dipnarine, Anil Ganesh, Ramesh Persaud, Earl Harvey, Therbhuwan Jagdeo, Fazil Younas, and Isaac Dalloo.

TOURS WANTED

Suriname Tours. Book early Suriname Tours. June 30th – July 3rd 2023. Dolphin Tours, Water Park Tours, Shopping, Site seeing, Malls, etc. Call: 639-2663 or 673-2348.

Domestic/Cleaner. Contact: 2235273/223-5274.

Diesel Mechanic. To work in Charity Essequibo. Contact: 687-5814/6880417/223-5273/74.

ANSA McAL Trading / Guyana Breweries Inc. makes ...

“Ansa McAL has been a very good partner of this event over the years and has shown a real commitment to ensuring the satisfaction of its customers here when it opened a Branch here back in 2018. We here in Bartica are very appreciative of the backing from your two companies towards Regatta

which has seen multiple sporting events as well as social activities.”

Softball cricket, football, grass track (April 8), cycling, and this Sunday’s marquee powerboat racing set for the Golden Beach Circuit are among the sports events. Mr. Prowell in re-

sponse noted that ANSA McAL Trading and Guyana Breweries Inc. is just happy to be continuing their longterm support of the event and the people of Bartica.

“We have been on board for many years and will continue to lend support towards this event that is the biggest in the community

and is looked forward to by thousands of Guyanese here and in the Diaspora. We would like to congratulate the Bartica Easter Regatta organising committee for ensuring that the event is maintained as it also creates great opportunities for all and sundry to earn and contribute.”

Neil Hutton Tilleya Madramootoo

Indergeet Nanan

LGC Captain Videsh Persaud receives the sponsorship cheque from a Bruster’s staff in the presence of Bruster’s Real Ice Cream Director Paton George and LGC Secretary Chet Bowling

The meeting will be held at Bush Lot Farm

GDF storm to Women’s League Championship

Scores of spectators were gathered as far as the boundary lines of the football pitch at the Eve Leary (Police) Ground in Kingston, Georgetown on Wednesday evening, as Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Women and Fruta Conquerors’ Women were locked in a riveting final battle. The two women’s teams were vying for the champion-

ship spot in the MVP Sportssponsored Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Women’s Development League playoffs, having booked their spots in the final last Wednesday.

The boisterous spectators were first sent into a frenzy in only the sixth minute of the game when the Fruta Conquerors goalkeeper failed to hold on to a catch, resulting

in an own goal.

Next, an infraction inside the box landed Fruta Conquerors the golden opportunity of a penalty kick, which was successfully converted by Jessica Teasdale in the 22nd minute, thus equalising the scores.

It was at this point that the encounter between the two powerhouses in women’s football became nail- bit-

ing. With the scores level, both teams fought ferociously to find the lead. GDF looked more clinical, while Fruta squandered numerous chances in the area.

Eventually, it was GDF’s women who broke the stalemate in the 74th minute with a goal off the boots of Abioce Heywood. As Fruta Conquerors searched unyieldingly for another equaliser, Cloetta Dublin shut down any chances of a comeback for the Tucville outfit in the 90th+1.

Capitalising off a set piece

from the corner, a touch from Dublin sent the ball spiralling into the corner of the goal for GDF’s third goal and a 3-1 victory.

Meanwhile, in the thirdplace play-off, which was played prior to the championship game, Guyana Police Force (GPF) Women sealed the final podium position with an 8-0 victory.

Hat-tricks came from Lakeisha Williams (21st, 47th, 48th) and Fiona Benjamin (20th, 51st, 56th), while Tiandi Smith (40th) and Shontel Greene (63rd)

netted one apiece.

GDF’s Glendy Lewis was eventually named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament.

The GFF Women’s Development League kicked off in June 2022 with 37 women’s teams from across the country competing. The end of the tournament was delayed until this year when the Play-offs segment, sponsored by MVP Sports, commenced early in March 2023. The play-offs saw 12 teams battling for a chance to lift the championship trophy.

Guyana Cup winner among entries confirmed for PMTC Easter Sunday horse race

Guyana Cup champion horse and President's Cup winner Alado are among the top horses confirmed for Easter Sunday horse racing.

The grand one-day race meet will run off at 12:00h at the Port Mourant Turf Club (PMTC) with eight exciting races on the cards.

Close to $10 million will be up for grabs on the day. Race one will be the J & Lower Maidens running at 6 furlongs. War Time, Top Rankin, Quiet Warriors, Rock Page Harbour, Republic 2, The Wicket Cat, Cash N Carry, Judge Not, Hurricane Lane, and Princess Sasha are the horses entered.

Race two will be the three-year-old Guyana Bred Maidens, running at six furlongs. Legacy, Caliente Coco, Maximum Wave, Tz Way, Storm Town, Royal Flight, Rags to Richest, Party Hard,

Hardcore, and Kingsnite are the horses entered.

Race three will be the H & Lower event. Bank Note, Here Comes Heidi, Smokin Heels, Memories, and Nuclear Fire are the horses entered. Race four will be the J Open. Not This Time, Plus Return, Amazing Grace, Tiny, Republican, Miss Universe, and Danstar are the horses entered.

The E & N/American first starters event will be the fifth race of the day. Creemore, Signal Note, Everesting, Nice Company, Converter, U Can't Handle This, Game Changer, Soca Symphony, and Ingreido are the horses entered.

Race six will be the threeyear-old Guyana and West Indian bred event, running at 6.5 furlongs. Ruff Ride, Rachel, El Dorado Queen, Gypsy King, Red Ruby, Princess Samiah and Renaissance Man are the horses entered. Race sev-

en will be the L Open event. Perfect Dream, Lord's Gift, Massapeque Dr, Malgaline, and Sarkar are the horses entered.

Race eight, which is the feature event, will see horses running at eight furlongs in the Easter Cup. Ariana's Vision, Wild Texas Tom, Alado, Our Stuie, Looking to Heaven, Coup D Etat and Ice Kreem Sundae are the horses entered.

The Easter Cup is open to all horses for a winner’s purse of $2 million, while the horse placing second would earn $1 million.

Sponsors of this event are Banks DIH, KP Jagdeo General Contractors, AJM, Jumbo Jet Auto Sales, Old Broom Lounge, Anil Sawh, Kascon Engineering, Delmur Company Limited, and Sandeep and Sons Contracting. (Brandon Corlette)

Bartica Easter Regatta 2023– “We Outside”… ANSA McAL Trading/Guyana Breweries Inc makes significant contribution

ANSA McAL Trading together with one of its sister companies, Guyana Breweries Inc, have made a substantial contribution towards the Bartica Easter Regatta 2023, which is being held under the theme, “We Outside”.

Regatta Committee Chairman Kenneth Williams, who also holds the chairmanship of Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), expressed delight at the two companies coming on board to add to the expected excitement of the event that will be catering to thousands of Guyanese.

Williams, who received

the sponsorship cheque from Branch Manager Akeem Prowell said that it was always important for the lead-

Women’s Football Association President Andrea Johnson presents the championship trophy to the GDF team

Fiona Benjamin (16) was instrumental in Police’s 8-0 win

Champion horse Alado will be the horse to beat on Sunday (Brandon Corlette photos)

ing companies in the community to be identified with events of this magnitude.

ANSA McAL Trading Bartica Branch Manager Akeem Prowell (left) hands over the sponsorship cheque to Easter Regatta Committee Chairman Kenneth Williams