P16
Lack
See story on page 3


"The law will take its course if WPA’s remarks found to be seditious" – Benn Duo released on $30,000 bail for assaulting WCB teacher

See story on page 10 P13
13% inmate population hike credited to increased crime-fighting – Min Benn


…17 officers dismissed in 2022 for non-adherence to prison rules Page 9

Chinese national killed after speeding minibus ploughs through fence at Timehri

Venezuelan men plead guilty to attacking, robbing Guyanese fishermen – to be sentenced on May 22 Over 1000 prisoners to be accommodated at newly completed facilities




"Marked improvement" at Leguan Stelling project – Min Edghill …contractor decries unavailability of labour



BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, March 17 – 01:00h-02:30h and Saturday, March 18 –02:30h-04:00h and 14:30h-15:15h.
Friday, March 17 –12:50h-14:20h and Saturday, March 18 – 13:55h-15:25h.







FERRY SCHEDULE

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

Sunny conditions are expected during the day, interrupted by thundery showers in the midmorning. Partly cloudy to clear skies are expected at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

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



High Tide: 13:08h reaching a maximum height of 2.26 metres.
Low Tide: 19:23h reaching a minimum height of 0.87 metre.
Lack of access to financing crippling local Private Sector competing in O&G, public sectors – GCCI ...calls for bankers to disclose hindrances to accessibility
banks have not been forthcoming with the information that could mitigate the challenges facing access to finance for local businesses.
This has led the Private Sector to believe that the issues affecting easy access to finance may be caused by the banking sector itself, hence the calls for the hindrances to be clearly stated.
LOTTERY NUMBERS




The continued bureaucracy at commercial banks in making access to financing easily available is putting local businesses at risk of becoming unable to compete in Guyana’s oil and gas sector, as well as losing out in Government’s projects. This is according to the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), in a statement on Thursday in which it called on the local banks to be proactive and outline the hindrances – whether legislative, economic, social, or environmental – that are restricting better access to finance for the local Private Sector.

It was pointed out that despite charges from the highest level of Government, including President Dr Irfaan Ali and Senior Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, coupled with concerns from the Private Sector, the
“Access to finance is one of the most critical issues facing the business community, and the Chamber believes that the banks play a major role in mitigating the existing challenge. The banks’ failure to respond to the concerns of the Private Sector leads to the assumption that the issue of access to finance may be a question of internal diffidence at their level, as opposed to a national legislation or policy concern,” the Chamber said.
Moreover, GCCI President Timothy Tucker underscored the importance of having access to multiple instruments of borrowing.
“Access to financing is the single most important thing for the Private Sector achieving their place as the engine of growth for Guyana… The Bankers Association and none of the banking institutions have so far presented any legislation or anything that needs to change in order to achieve contract borrowing, invoice factoring, lending on moveable assets, and receivable lending. So, legislatively, they have not identified what they said is prohibiting them from doing this additional source of lending; these new instruments
of borrowing for the Private Sector,” Tucker told Guyana Times.
Consequently, it was further noted that the local Private Sector “…risks becoming unable to compete with regional and international counterparts in the oil and gas sector.
The GCCI President added that it is also hindering opportunities in the Public Sector. “…it’s leaving the Private Sector, many members in the Private Sector, unable to take their receivables owed on projects that they’re doing, whether it’s in the oil and gas industry or whether it’s [in the Public Sector]. The Government is spending an extreme amount of money, and the Government has a process in which they pay, and you’re seeing that not being given priority [by banks] or have the [hindering] areas removed so that the Private Sector can borrow to fund and execute those projects in a timely manner with good access to finance,” he stressed.
According to Tucker, these concerns by the Private Sector have been
raised on numerous occasions with local banks as well as the Guyana Association of Bankers Inc. (GABI), but nothing has been done to remedy the situation.


The GCCI’s statement on Thursday is in keeping with the Private Sector body’s commitment to continue to push for greater access to financing for the local business community in 2023.
“We endeavour to enhance our efforts to push for amendments to policies and legislation, where possible, to promote better access to finance, capital markets, and tax reform…More needs to be done to foster capital markets developing for supporting business growth, which will boost their competitiveness,” Tucker indicated at an event in December 2022, during which he highlighted the Chamber’s goals for enhancing the local business sector this year.
He had expressed hope that the commercial banks would be able to fulfill the needs and demands of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, so as to enable them to realise their full potential.
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Managing of our wildlife
All over the world, especially in countries with a huge wildlife population, the call is being made for the authorities to take more proactive steps in halting the illegal trade in wildlife, and to manage wildlife in a more sustainable manner.
Some time ago, the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) had called for a ban on wildlife trade and commercial hunting in Guyana, in order to preserve the country’s biodiversity.

The experts have said, time and again, that the animals and plants that live in the wild have an intrinsic value, and contribute to the ecological, genetic, social, economic, scientific, educational, cultural, recreational and aesthetic aspects of human well-being and sustainable development. It is therefore to our benefit when systems are put in place to protect our wildlife population.
Some countries are way advanced in terms of legislative mechanisms to protect all forms of wildlife, while other countries are now in the developmental stages of such legislation. In Guyana’s case, in an effort to strengthen the regulation and management of the international wildlife trade, regulations were put in place to make provisions for, among other things, penalising the harvesting of prohibited species of wildlife; exporting, reexporting or importing wildlife without permits; and the use of prohibited devices and methods to hunt wildlife.
Over the years, several persons were charged and successfully prosecuted before the courts for attempting to smuggle birds and other small animals out of Guyana through our airports, to be sold abroad. However, there are still some challenges in relation to the implementation of the legislation, as the practice still continues, with some of the culprits even passing through our ports here undetected, only to be caught at their final destination.
It could also be recalled that, some time ago, there were reports in the media of the killing of a jaguar. A photo of the dead jaguar began circulating on social media, and it sparked debate about the need to protect this endangered species of animal. From all indications, based on the social media post, the animal was killed during a hunting trip. This is illegal, as the jaguar is known as Guyana’s national animal, and is protected by the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act 2016. According to the legislation, collecting, holding in captivity, hunting, killing, or otherwise molesting ‘protected’ species is prohibited.
The jaguar is the third-largest feline in the world, and the largest in the Western Hemisphere. Globally, jaguar populations are on the decline, mainly due to the loss of habitat and conflict with people. As a result, these animals are listed as a ‘near threatened’ species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
At the moment, there seems to be a lack of awareness by citizens here on the need to protect our wildlife population. Hence, there is need for more sensitisation sessions for miners and for residents of communities, especially where persons are more likely to come into contact with wild animals. The public must also be sensitised about the legislation governing the protection of wildlife in Guyana; for example, the hefty fines and possible jail time that one could face if one is found guilty of breaking the law.
The Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission (GWCMC) had begun working on developing a 10-year strategic plan as it relates to hunting, trapping, trade, protection, conservation, management and sustainable use of wildlife. This is indeed a step in the right direction, but in addition to this, as alluded to earlier, there is need for more stringent efforts by the authorities to ensure that such policies are effectively and efficiently implemented.
Dear Editor,
I am disappointed, shocked and appalled at the level of Opposition politics taking place in our country at present and in the lead-up to local government polls, to be held on June 12, 2023.
Firstly, the type of language and political rhetoric used at public meetings and rallies of the combined Opposition is increasingly inciting division and segregation among our people. It is publicly racist and demeaning.
I feel opposition politicians are not demonstrating the kind of responsible rhetoric that the public has come to expect from a leader who has an interest in becoming either the President or Minister in the future.
I condemn all the parties and groups that support either partially or wholly this level of politics or political rhetoric. I draw attention to the silence of the Guyana Human Rights Association, civil society, non-governmental groups, and independent commentors.
Every Guyanese who facilitates the political campaign being waged by the People’s National Congress Reform (PNC/R), A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), and the
Working Peoples Alliance party (WPA) is guilty of supporting more divisiveness and a disunited Guyana. They are supporting a Guyana in which the Opposition statements can go unchecked, unfiltered, and down a path of being unhinged.
Secondly, this is sad and unfortunate that leaders of combined Opposition do not research or know the subject of the topics they are speaking about at the meetings and rallies, leading to a vast and troubling amount of misinformation, disinformation, misleading statements and political lies being levelled against the Government of the day and individual members of the Government.
They slander and libel the members of the Peoples Progressive Party daily, without exception, and then abuse the privilege under the Parliament or politics, and the freedom of speech to shield themselves. I think the freedom of speech does not empower these Opposition politicians to tell blatant lies or different versions of the truth because they suit them politically.
Thirdly, I do not, nor will I ever, support the racial incitement of violence against the different eth -
nic groups seemingly by the combined Opposition. I stand against political violence because there is simply no justification for it in Guyana in the year 2023.
I reject the WPA, David Hinds, Tacuma Ogunseye and Rickford Burke for seeking to allegedly stir up conflict and the pot of ethnic hostility and racism in our society in order to win votes. These are dangerous men, but I know Guyanese will not follow, act, or listen to the things they are saying on their public social media platforms.
I support the military, joint services and the Guyana Police Force, which will act professionally at all times, regardless of the temptation to be political from either side of the political divide.

I support the law and legality, and hereby believe that the authorities should not turn a blind eye to political heresy, political and racial incitement of PNC/R, APNU, WPA and any other social media personality in the leadup to the local government polls.
This common, puerile and reprehensible type of politics must end in modern Guyana.
Finally, it is either you
have the facts, or shut up!
The Opposition is sounding very stupid whenever they make these allegations of discrimination and racism but cannot point to some specific cases. They must be challenged, because it is Guyana’s image regionally and internationally that they slander, not the PPP alone, as they seemingly intend.
The Leader of the Opposition should use some of the money or Opposition resources they have to commission a factual and analytical analysis of discrimination, racism, and all other allegations he makes against the PPP Government. Again, this is baby politics and politics 100 being practised in our society. Where are the issues, plans and policies that Opposition politicians will present to make local government work efficiently and effectively for the people?
Now is not the time for small-minded politicians, divisiveness, or racial politics, but the time for building Guyana, so the reality of ‘One Guyana’ can continue to be fashioned from an idea into a functioning reality.
Yours truly, Michael
YoungeNow is not time for small-minded politicians, divisiveness or racial politics
No solution to climate crisis without forests – Finance Minister tells OIC Meeting
...lobbies for global financing
The Guyana Government continues to emphasise the critical role that forests play in tackling climate change, and has reiterated calls for financing from the global community to aid vulnerable countries in their adaptation and mitigation strategies.
These remarks were made by Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, at the 49th Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) being held in Nouakchott, Mauritania on March 16 and 17 under the theme "Moderation: Key to Security and Stability."
Dr Singh’s presentation focused on three dimensions of resilience that are particularly important to Guyana; those are: climate security, food security and energy security.
According to the Finance Minister, climate change represents an existential threat to the planet, and requires collective global action. While lauding the United Arab Emirates ((UAE) for chairing the up-
coming COP-28, he sounded calls for a greater balance in the climate debate, especially by bringing the development and poverty reduction imperatives back on the agenda.
Dr Singh also used the opportunity to call global attention to the important role of forests in fighting the climate crisis. “As a heavily forested country, Guyana calls on the global community to recognise that there is no solution to the climate crisis without forests, and that concerted action on forests is needed, given the role of forests not only in the fight against climate change, but also in protecting biodiversity and in combating desertification,” he told the OIC Meeting.
In addition to its rich biodiversity and ecosystem, Guyana’s total forest cover of some 18.4 million hectares stores more than 19.5 gigatonnes of carbon, and removes some 154 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere annually.
Consequently, the current People’s Progressive Party/ Civic Government
signed a US$750 million carbon credit deal with United States energy major Hess Corporation back in December 2022 for the preservation of the local forests. Moreover, only Wednesday, President Dr Irfaan Ali also inked a contract valued over $1 billion with the European Union (EU), to increase forest preservation activities in Guyana as well as to foster sustainable development within local communities that are dependent on the forests for their livelihoods.
On the other hand, the Guyanese Finance Minister
further underscored to the OIC Meeting Guyana’s firm solidarity with all vulnerable countries in the struggle for improved access to financing for adaptation, mitigation, and loss and damage.

Dr Singh also went on to lobby for global financing in the other two dimensions of resilience – energy and food security. He pointed out that the ongoing onslaught of climate change, coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic and further compounded by the war in Ukraine, reversed many of the gains made as a global community in improving food security.
In Guyana, he disclosed, President Ali is spearheading the preparation of a strategy for the Caribbean Region to address food security. This strategy aims at increasing food production and productivity, ramping up agro-processing and value-added production, and promoting agri-business and intra-regional trade in food products – all aimed at reducing the region’s high food import bill.
“We urge this Council to call on the global community to leverage financial resources, both public and private, to increase food production; deploy science and technology to raise productivity; and remove barriers to regional and global trade in food products,” the Minister stated.
Meanwhile, Dr Singh posited that energy security is inextricably linked to both the climate crisis and food security. He said adequate and competitively priced energy is critical for the viability of value-added production.
The transition to cleaner sources of energy is also critical in the fight against climate change, he noted, while adding that ramping up energy production and tran-
sitioning to cleaner energy requires significant financial investment by both the Public and Private Sectors.
To this end, the Finance Minister said, “We urge this Council to call on the global community to recognise the crippling energy deficit in so many of our countries, and to mobilise financial resources to help address this deficit while at the same time supporting the transition to cleaner sources of energy."
In conclusion, Minister Singh is hopeful that emerging out of this OIC Session is an intensified resolve by the membership to better coordinate positions on global concerns, and to speak increasingly with a singular voice on matters of shared interest.
Dr Singh is being accompanied at the OIC session by Guyana’s Ambassador to Qatar, Safraaz Shadood.
The Guyanese Finance Minister has already had several bilateral engagements on the sidelines of the meeting, including with Qatari State Minister for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi, and the UAE’s Minister of State, H.E. Khalifa Shahine.
AFC has about 113,000 reasons to hide from 2023 LGE
Dear Editor,
First, Guyanese should ignore the call from the Leader of the Alliance For Change (AFC), Khemraj Ramjattan, to boycott the elections. People have a reason to go to the polls: our country is developing rapidly, and we play an important role in democracy and in holding leaders accountable, unlike when his APNU-AFC Coalition Government was in office and voter turnout dropped to below 50%.
A section of the media reported “The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) yesterday confirmed that a mere 36.3%, or
208,534 of the 573,923 registered electors turned up to cast their ballots when the 2018 Local Government Elections (LGE) were held across the country on Monday. The figure represents a more than 10% decline from the 47.1% recorded for the 2016 LGE. At the time of those elections, 239,070 of the 507,584 persons eligible to vote cast their ballots.
Based on these figures, this year’s polls saw over 30,000 fewer voters.”
That people did not participate as they should says a lot about the governance at the time. The fact that the
PPPC won significantly at the 2018 LGE also says that the APNU-AFC Coalition Government could not mobilise their own people to go out and vote. In contrast, by the time that the 2020 General and Regional Elections came around, an opportunity to change the Government, voter turnout was 72.58%.
Secondly, Mr. Ramjattan claims that his political party (if we can still call his outfit that) has valid reasons for not contesting the elections, and the main one is the Voters’ List. But the truth is that: one, the APNU did not go the 2018 LGE with the AFC, and the AFC is likely to
be left on its own again. Two, the AFC was beaten by the PPPC by 113,000 votes. And three, the AFC is unlikely to make any kind of inroads at the 2023 LGE. On the issue of the Voters’ List, as per Guyana’s Constitution and a ruling of the High Court, Guyanese who were registered to vote but have since migrated cannot be removed from the Voters’ List. The report from Elections Observer Missions (EOMs) in 2020 recognized that this contributed to the total number on the Voters’ List.
The final report from the Election Observer Mission sent by the Carter Center, on
Notice & Comment (N&C) Period for Model Petroleum Agreement
Dear Editor, It is commendable that Government has released the draft Model Petroleum Agreement for comments.
However, a Notice and Comment (N&C) period of only 14 days undermines the purpose of releasing the information for comments from the citizenry.
Unlike Government officials, citizens are not paid employees of the state, and can only read such documents during their after-work hours. Fourteen days is also prohibitive when it comes to procuring qualified specialists to provide advice, so that citizens and civil society organisations can make informed representation to the Government.
Certainly, 14 days
cannot possibly allow the Government to fulfill Guyana’s commitments under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and the International Labour Organisation Convention 69 (ILO69) for Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) of Indigenous Peoples.
An effective N&C effort would:
(1) Provide reasonable time for the public to engage with the material, and for appropriate levels of participation;
(2) Outline a clear procedure for how feedback would be received and made transparently available for all to see; and


(3) Outline the mechanism that would be used to report on how public feedback was addressed in
the development of the final model agreement.
The current 14-day N&C period does not meet the requirements for an effective public consultation process. The Government may wish to: extend this period to 45 days; engage and prepare the National Toshaos Council to actively review the draft and provide feedback from their communities; and identify the mechanism for receiving public feedback, making comments publicly available, and reporting on how these comments were addressed in arriving at the final model agreement.
Making use of digital platforms would enhance access for Indigenous and non-Indigenous communi-
ties across the country, and participation of the diaspora community, whom the Government has repeatedly asked to participate in building Guyana into a more prosperous country.
The diaspora is a critical stakeholder, that plays a pivotal role in financing social development and social safety nets through family remittances, and has carried a major burden of compensating for lackluster development policies and poor distribution of economic gains for decades.
Government should make good on its stated interest in engaging the diaspora.
Yours sincerely, Simone
Mangal-Jolypage 10 said: “The number of registered voters seems disproportionate to Guyana’s estimated population, in part because Guyana allows Guyanese living overseas to remain on the voters list.”
The European Union Election Observer Mission, in their final report, on page
16, said: "…Guyana’s high emigration rate may be the most significant factor accounting for an ‘inflated’ list.” The line about a bloated Voters’ List is worn out already. Enough is enough.
Yours truly, Anson Paul
NGSA Math Questions





Thursday’s answers



WORD SEARCH

Norton defends WPA's widely-condemned racist, divisive comments
In light of mounting criticism over the racist and divisive statements made by members of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton is contending that free speech must be respected. He has described the utterances from the WPA camp as just “poor choice of words”.
Norton, who had attended the March 9 public meeting at Buxton, East Coast Demerara, has been called out, even by his own party members, for not speaking out against the racist and inciting remarks that were made on the stage by the WPA members.
At a press conference on Thursday, however, Norton posited that “The Opposition believes that Mr. Tacuma Ogunseye’s right to free speech must be respected, even though we believe that his language could have been better chosen. The choice of his language is his preserve.”
He went on to say that the People’s National Congress Reform-led APNU+AFC Opposition has always promoted, and continues to promote, national unity, and opposes anything that would undermine national unity.
While insisting that he is not justifying or defending the WPA Executive Member’s “bad choice of words,” the Opposition Leader noted that Ogunseye accurately described the situation in Guyana, and probably went a little too far out of frustration.
According to Norton, any attempt to use the law against Ogunseye, who is being backed by the WPA, will further erode the guardrails of democracy.
“Mr. Ogunseye accurately described the situation in Guyana, and probably out


of frustration he went a little too far. The Government seems hell-bent on using the opportunity to increase its repression, rather than to recognise the problems in society and seek to solve them. We believe that good sense should prevail, and the Government should grasp the opportunity to address the problems raised by Mr. Ogunseye. The Government buries its head in the sand to its own detriment.
“Attacking Mr. Ogunseye and the Opposition will not solve the problem,” the Opposition Leader stated. Further asked whether his support of the WPA official is not contradictory, especially since several members of his own party, the PNCR, had come out criticising the remarks made, Norton explained that, as Opposition Leader, he came to the conclusion that while there might have been a wrong choice of language, the issues raised by Ogunseye are relevant and important.
“We did not endorse the language used, but we have made it very clear that what it describes is the reality on the ground,” he argued.

IRO condemnation
Meanwhile, more condemnation continues to pour in from civil society bodies, with the Guyana InterReligious Organization (IRO) being the latest body to join in. In a recent statement, the IRO said that after considering and reviewing a number of statements made at the political meeting, local spiritual and faith leaders have collectively condemned those publicly voiced remarks in the strongest terms.

“In light of our patriotic conviction, we, the members of the IRO, join with the members of the Government, the Joint Services, President Dr Irfaan Ali, the members of the Opposition who have spoken out against their fellow party members, and all objective and peace-loving Guyanese in registering our aggrieved sentiments for the ill-conceived and racial utterances of the few who spoke at that Buxton rally,” the religious body stated.
The IRO functions to foster collaborative goodwill, collective graciousness, and communal growth among all Guyanese. For over a decade, it has worked with all Governments, political organisations, international institutions and stakeholders to help secure religious, ethnic and racial harmony, tolerance and peace in Guyana.

President Ali, who is the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, has already described the WPA comments as inflammatory in a video broadcast last Saturday.
“Your President will stand up every single day for what is right; will stand up every single day in support of democracy, in support of unity, in support of develop-
ment. Because all the guns he’s talking about, let him turn them to me,” he had said. “Because no gun or bullet will stop us on this path of unifying our people, on this path of developing our country, on this path of uplifting the lives of our people.
“This is clear hate, ter-
rorism, and racism that come off of that stage. All of Guyana should be upset.
Imagine, the Joint Services had to issue a statement!”
In addition to civil society stakeholders such as the Private Sector and trade unions, several PNCR members - former PNCR

General Secretary and current Parliamentarian Geeta Chandan-Edmond, along with MPs Ganesh Mahipaul and Natasha Singh-Lewis, Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine and Region Four Chairman Daniel Seeram, who are all of IndoGuyanese descent - took issue with another part of the meeting in which a speaker denigrated the origins of Indo-Guyanese, and distanced themselves from the remarks made.
Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn has also warned that the law will take its course if it is determined that statements made by the WPA representatives are seditious.
cites "free speech"Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton
Venezuelan men plead guilty to attacking, robbing Guyanese fishermen

– to be sentenced on May 22
they failed to flee towards the Venezuelan border with the boat and outboard engines they had stolen from the fishermen.
“Enquiries disclosed that on the date and time mentioned, two Guyanese fishermen were asleep on the vessel, which was moored at Waini Point, North West District. They alleged that they were awoken by three suspects, two pointing long guns at them. The suspects were all wearing flashlights on their foreheads,” the Police stated in a press statement.
Tottering...
…Banking system??
You may be wondering, dear reader, why your humble Eyewitness has been talking up the Bank failures in the US. You do remember last week’s collapse of two U.S. mid-size banks - Silicon Valley Bank ($209 billion in assets) and Signature Bank ($110 billion)?? Well, Biden had to step in and bail them out, since, in the US, customers’ deposits over $250,000 aren’t insured. And for those banks, that was chicken feed – especially SVB with its go-go startup venture capital concentration!!
Three Venezuelan nationals have waived their right to a trial, and have pleaded guilty to robbing two Guyanese fishermen at Waini Point, North West District (NWD), Region One (Barima-Waini) recently.

They were charged contrary to Section 3 of the Hijacking and Piracy Act, and answered to the charge on Tuesday when they appeared before Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Diamond/ Golden Grove Magistrates’ Courts.
Charged are: Jose Beria and Reniel Valenzuela, both 23, and 21-year-old Aleyandio Valenzuela — all of Capio, Venezuela. They allegedly robbed the Guyanese fishermen of a white fibreglass boat valued at $600,000, a 15-horsepower outboard engine valued at $700,000, and a 40-horsepower outboard engine valued at $1.1 million. The items are the property of


Rajendra Singh.
In relation to the armed robbery charge, the three men were remanded to prison until May 22, when they will be sentenced for the crime. They will, however, face a trial for unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition.
The foreign nationals were arrested on Wednesday, March 8, following a collaboration between ranks of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guard.
On the day in question, at around 01:45h, the law enforcement ranks were alerted to a pirate attack in the area at Waini Point, North West District (NWD), Region One (Barima-Waini). As such, the ranks departed in a Coast Guard vessel in pursuit of the three pirates, who were armed with guns, bows, and arrows; and they managed to intercept them in rough waters as
The victims — a 24-yearold and a teenager — told investigators that the pirates
But even though those were regional banks, your Eyewitness explained that because of the seamless interrelationship of the global financial system, tremors in the US can cause earthquakes elsewhere!! And let’s remember that the source of the Banks’ troubles originated nowhere else than in the mighty US Fed that’s supposed to be looking out for the largest economy in the world. But as soon as the Fed raised interest rates to dampen inflation, this made the long-term bonds that the banks had massively invested in lose value - as they became discounted!! Actions – especially in banking – have consequences!!
Even across the Atlantic, tremors were felt as British Banks looked for Sunak’s UK Government to also intervene. But it’s Switzerland –regarded as the gold standard in global banking – that their second largest bank, Credit Suisse (CS), with over US$500 billion in assets – is tottering!! And they’re a global institution that wasn’t even too affected by the American travails. What this means is we have a new epicenter for troubles in the global financial structure. So how come Credit got into trouble?
The same way that most of us do – by playing fast and loose in what we’re involved!! But since we know how quickly global policemen jump all over us when the slightest error is committed, your Eyewitness wonders where were the Swiss regulators during all described below. We can start with the 2021 collapse of the British financial firm Greensil - forcing CS to shutter four funds with $10 billion exposure!! Four weeks later, they lost $5 billion when US hedge fund Archegos imploded!!
They same year, they had to pay fines of $475 million for bribery in Mozambique!! Gasp!! Yes, bribery for loans!! Then a press investigation revealed that the bank had billions in deposits from criminals dating back to the 1940s. And last year, a Bermuda trial revealed that CS had caused a client to lose $537 million. And was fined for facilitating a Bulgarian coke network; paid off $500 million to settle subprime loans in the US and paid $38 million euros to avoid money laundering charges in France, etc etc.
spoke to them in a foreign language (believed to be Spanish), and ordered them off the fibreglass boat that was being powered by two Yamaha outboard engines. They then took control of the fishing boat and its contents, and fled towards the Venezuelan border.
The victims managed to alert another nearby fishing vessel, which assisted them, and immediately contacted their boss, a 36-year-old businessman. The matter was subsequently reported to the Morawhanna Police Station.



As a result, the Police and Coast Guard ranks swiftly proceeded to an area called the Crab Dog area, where they observed and attempted to intercept the stolen fibreglass boat with the suspects inside. Upon seeing the Police, the pirates jumped overboard, but were eventually apprehended. The boat was searched, during which two single-barrel shotguns, one live 5.56 round of ammunition, and two arrows and one bow were found hidden in the boat.
They’ve just had to turn to the Swiss Central Bank for a $54 billion loan to maintain liquidity!! So, who’s corrupt?? And who’s sinking??

…old politicians
They say some old people don’t think any longer…they only remember. So, when confronted with a particular situation, rather than dealing with it with tools available in the present, they dredge up things from the deeeep recesses of their fading memories - and lay it on!! Unfortunately, at the very best, that’s a hit-or-miss proposition. It’s like the “infinite monkey theorem” which claims that a monkey hitting keys at random on a typewriter keyboard for an infinite amount of time will almost surely type any given text, - such as the complete works of William Shakespeare!!
Right now in Guyana, we got some old geezers dredging up an old political strategy from the seventies to call for the army to stand down - or turn their guns on the PPP – when they launch their action to remove them from office!! Problem is, during the 1970s we had a totalitarian dictatorship that oppressed the ENTIRE populationaccording to Walter Rodney.
That ain’t so today!!
…shibboleths??

Is your Eyewitness too old school to believe that discipline must be IMPOSED in schools?? To him, the very raison d’etre of schools is to impart knowledge to children. And the latter gotta be inclined to receive that knowledge!!

Political, civil leaders’ silence on WPA’s racist remarks “disturbing” – PM
Prime Minister Mark Phillips believes that the lack of condemnation by “political leaders” of the racist and inciting remarks made by WPA member Tacuma Ogunseye is most disturbing.
In a release to the press, the Prime Minister stated that Guyana is progressing rapidly, not only at the economic level, but as a united front; but there are a few

bitter persons fighting for power, who are willing to use any means necessary — even if it means destroying the very fabric of this great country.
He added that not only were the statements inflammatory, but they were also made in complete contrast to the principles of what the WPA represented under Walter Rodney.
“These outdated, obsti-

nate, and devious individuals who operate under the guise of WPA membership are as unpatriotic as they come. Rodney must be turning in his grave over the degeneration of his party,” the Prime Minister stated.
However, he added that the reality is that, in today’s Guyana, the WPA is no longer the ‘Walter Rodney WPA of the 1970s’. In fact, the current members are not only
Chinese national killed after speeding minibus ploughs through fence at Timehri

duplicitous, but delusional.
The WPA’s tailored attempts to conduct a series of rallies in Afro-Guyanese communities prove that they are clutching at straws. Those rallies were poorly attended, and further demonstrate their lack of relevance to the Guyanese population. Their hope of political redemption has failed at every corner.
“Mr Ogunseye did not stand alone. The inflammatory statements made by Dr David Hinds and his associates must also be condemned to the highest degree. Hinds’s cynical and race-hate commentary on his programme ‘Politics 101’

is an affront to the collective effort of the Government and the wider Guyanese society to promote racial harmony and to focus our people on the ever-expanding developmental path,” the Prime Minister has said.
He also said the deafening silence of organisations such as the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA), the International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly – Guyana (IDPADA-G), and the recently launched Institute for Action against Discrimination is particularly noteworthy in this instance.
“I condemn the racism and racist statements, as well as calls for terrorism and any intentional actions aimed at fostering violent behaviours in Guyana. We must prioritise Guyana’s development, and improve the lives and livelihoods of all Guyanese,” the PM added.
Phillips took the opportunity to call on all political parties to come forward and strongly condemn this racially divisive commentary, which has the underpinnings of terrorism and hostility. He added that this attempt to rile Afro-Guyanese for self-serving reasons must end.

“Afro-Guyanese are smart people, they are kind people, and as an Afro-
centric individual, I can tell you that we want to progress in the right way, in a law-abiding way. We thrive on respect, we are protectors and God-fearing individuals,” the Prime Minister has said.
The PM noted that Guyana’s democratically-elected Government is committed to the rule of law in Guyana and the enhancement of the democratic process, which remains fundamental to good governance and is a key pillar of the administration, and “we will not stand idly by and allow anyone to fuel the flames of hatred, racism, and violence in our society.”
AChinese national was on Thursday evening killed after a speeding minibus reportedly ploughed through a fence and struck him while he was standing in front of the Courtyard Marriott Hotel at Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD).
Dead is 59-year-old Gao Zhen Jin, a construction worker attached to the Chinese construction company contracted to build the hotel.
Police stated that on the day in question, at about 19:30h, a route 42 minibus, bearing registration number BYY 7852 and being driven by a 34-year-old resident of Middle Walk, Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara, was proceeding along Timehri Public Road at a fast rate

of speed. However, whilst in the vicinity of the roundabout, the driver failed to slow down, thus resulting in him losing control of the vehicle, which ended up driving straight across the road into Courtyard Marriott compound. The minibus reportedly ploughed through the fence and collided with Jin, who was standing in front of the building. As a result of the collision, Jin fell to the ground and received injuries to his body. He was picked up in an unconscious condition and escorted to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The driver of the minibus was arrested, and is assisting with the investigations.

Young professionals receive keys to brand new homes at Prospect
The lives of 12 young professionals and their families have been completely transformed, as they are now owners of newly-built young professional homes located at Prospect, East Bank Demerara (EBD).
The keys of the units were handed over to the beneficiaries on Thursday by Housing and Water
Minister Collin Croal, along with Managing Director of First Change Builders Inc., Steven Jacobs, and representatives of Demerara Bank Limited.
Each home is approximately 1700 square feet, and sports three bedrooms, including one self-contained room, a kitchen, and dining quarters.

Noting that the area was
previously filled with dense vegetation, Minister Croal said Government’s prudent foresight has resulted in tremendous development of the scheme. Over 200 homes, including low-income young professional flat homes and young professional elevated homes, are being constructed in the area.
The scheme is bordered by the Eccles-to-

Diamond Interlink Road, and is also in close proximity to the incoming Eccles-toGreat Diamond Four-Lane Highway.

The Minister also stated that Government is moving in a direction where more home construction would be done to make homeownership easier for Guyanese. He added that Thursday’s activity demonstrates the increased responsiveness of both the banking industry and contractors to the Government’s housing drive, which in turn leads to the creation of more job opportunities for skilled and unskilled workers, and boosts the nation’s economy.
Close to 600 homes have been handed over to Guyanese through the Government’s housing programme in the past few years. Additionally, some 1400 homes in different categories are at various stages of construction.


Meanwhile, Managing Director of construction company First Change Builders Inc., Jacobs, in brief remarks, stated that homeownership is a life-changing opportunity. He said the company is therefore pleased to help advance the Government’s housing drive.
One of the beneficiaries, Dellon Caesar, praised the
Government’s initiative and the work of the contractors, as he stated that the home will provide a more comfortable environment for his family.
“I’m quite excited for the home…I am now starting a family, my wife and I have a newborn, so it would be a good comfort zone,” Caesar said.
Another beneficiary, Jason Arjune, also expressed that the opportunity is a significant step forward for his family. “This is a very good start in life, and it’s gonna mean the world to us,” Arjune, who was in the company of his wife, said.
13% inmate population hike credited to increased crime-fighting – Min Benn …17 officers dismissed in 2022 for non-adherence to Prison rules
prove. Once you keep improving plans, we develop the synergism, and things will work out,” he said.
Dismissed
Meanwhile, in 2022, 17 ranks were dismissed from
the Guyana Prison Service for non-adherence to prison rules.

“There were 17 ranks who were dismissed from the organization for non-adherence to Prison rules, seven retired, 20 resigned for greater employment opportunities, while

three would have died while serving the organisation,” Elliot shared.
With a staffing capacity of 601 officers, there is a current complement of 510 personnel – a vacancy for 91 professionals. (G-12)
The inmate population of the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) has grown by 13 per cent for last year, according to acting Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot.
He was at the time speaking at the annual Senior Officers Conference of the Guyana Prison Service, on Thursday, March 16, 2023. This conference was organised to promote better operations, create synergies at the managerial level, learn from past challenges, and build coherent strategies for 2023.

Elliot shared that at the end of 2021, the inmate population stood at 1,880; but in 2022, this number was increased to 2,144, which represents a 13 percent increase.
“I must say this increase in population would have been attributed to the Guyana Police Force and their efforts in fighting crime,” the Prison Director indicated.
It was shared that 2022 was a productive period, despite challenges of postCOVID activities, overcrowding, shortage of staff, limited physical infrastructure, violence among prisoners, contraband, and ‘undesirable’ conduct of officers.
The GPS is seeking to enhance interagency collaboration in 2023, to reduce recidivism levels and reintegrate ex-inmates into society, Elliot


outlined.
“In the year 2023, the prison directorate will seek to strengthen inter-agency collaboration at all levels, with the aim of promoting offenders’ reintegration into society, thus reducing the likelihood of ex-offenders returning to a life of crime with aims of eliminating stigma and discrimination towards ex-law offenders.”
Rehabilitation
Compulsory training programmes were designed to address every class of inmates within the penitentiaries, where 1,415 inmates have been trained in literacy and numeracy, technical and vocational skills, and behaviour modification.
The administration also commenced the Fresh Start Programme, wherein 10 inmates have received tools to earn a sustainable income in cosmetology, tailoring, welding, carpentry, joinery, landscaping, and animal husbandry.
In terms of officer training, 398 personnel were engaged in areas of prison management, human rights, mental health, use of non-lethal weapons, criminology, and leadership.
Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn noted that old crimes are being replaced by a new wave and the issue of
transnational crime, which the system is now faced with.
“We have challenges with new forms of crime, new challenges. The Police have to deal with issues of transnational organised crime. The old crimes we are accustomed to doing, having to deal with the question of men and youth. It’s a big challenge. I would say, personally, we missed a big gap when we should have been in a better place,” Benn posited.
He noted that one of the focal areas should be programmes to reintegrate these inmates and prepare them for when they are released.
“It’s no use you have them in there, you spend [money] for feeding, clothing, and housing, and they lay about all day. I would like to see a dozen or more of them coming out and being given the tools and opportunity to do something and earn a living, and support their families,” the Minister voiced.
A vocational school at Lusignan has been completed, and soon prisoners will attend on weekdays. The Minister has called for continuous improvements in areas where positive results are seen.
“We should talk about continuous improvement. Everything we do, once it has a positive impact that we discern, we should put it down as something we should im-


Duo released on $30,000 bail for assaulting WCB teacher
Tray McPherson and Dishon Daniels were on Thursday charged for assaulting Marlon Daniels, a teacher attached to the Fort Wellington Secondary School, West Coast Berbice, on Monday last.
These two men appeared before Magistrate Peter Hugh at the Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court and were granted bail in the sum of $15,000 each.McPherson has additionally been charged with unlawful and malicious damage to property.
The two have been ordered to stay 50 feet away from the virtual complainant, and their case has been adjourned until March 30.
It was reported that on the day in question, Marlon Daniels was teaching a class when a male fourth-form student reportedly cursed him. As such, he escorted the student to the principal’s office. While there, the student reportedly continued using a series of expletives, during which he told Marlon Daniels and several other teachers that he would bring his uncle to the school to “deal” with them.
Marlon Daniels was attacked at a document centre near the school. It is alleged that the student, along with his uncle and four other male adults, beat the teacher with their fists and a steel bar. It is also alleged that they verbally abused the teacher.

The teacher received injuries to his back, face, and arms, for which he had to seek medical attention.

Only last month, Steve Dick, a construction worker of Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara, was charged for allegedly assaulting a public-school teacher. Dick was taken before Magistrate Alisha George at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Courts. He denied the charge, which stated that he unlawfully and maliciously as-
saulted Shawn Marshall on January 11, 2023 so as to cause him actual bodily harm.
Dick has been placed on $40,000, and instructed to return to court on March 23.
According to reports, Dick, a parent of a pupil who attends the Graham’s Hall Primary School, Greater Georgetown, physically assaulted the graduate teacher. It is unclear what led to the alleged assault, but Marshall reportedly had to be taken to the hospital after the incident.
Also in February, a 29-year-old cosmetologist accused of assaulting a teacher of the St Angela’s Primary School in Georgetown appeared in court and was placed on $50,000 bail.
Ashelle Clement of Lot 14 Dowding Street, Kitty, Georgetown was not been required to plead to the indictable charge when she appeared before the Chief Magistrate at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. It is alleged that on January 12, 2023, at St Angela’s Primary School, she unlawfully assaulted Nicasey Barker, a teacher, so as to cause her actual bodily harm.
The Education Ministry has condemned the frequent physical attacks on educators, and has warned that persons engaging in such acts would face the full brunt of the law.
Lack of access to...
FROM PAGE 3
Based on work done by the GCCI, it was noted that more than 50 per cent of businesses need formal financing to meet basic working capital needs, and less than 50 per cent need financing for fixed investments and to pay off debts.
To this end, Tucker had stressed the need for collaborative efforts to ensure there are more allowances for businesses to augment their growth potential through innovative forms of financing, such as invoice factoring, contract borrowing, and financing through receivables. Non-traditional ways of financing, he had added, can be spurred to support the participation of these entities and boost competition. Investor inclusion by floating micro bonds in the public domain would ensure that every Guyanese can participate meaningfully in the country’s growth.
In recognition of the challenges that local businesses face, the Finance Minister, in


his Budget 2023 speech back in January, had stated that the Guyana Government is committed to ensuring that movable collateral and financial receivables can be pledged as security for financing in the interest of promoting easier access. To this end, it was announced that the necessary legal amendments will be enacted this year to facilitate this process.
“Our Government considers an efficient, deep, and vibrant capital market to be an essential aspect of a modern financial system. Investors in the productive sector should be able to consider, as a viable option, the possibility of raising finance on the capital market. In order to advance this objective, we will be convening stakeholders, including the regulator, self-regulatory organisations and the Private Sector, to identify practical actions that can be taken to promote capital market development,” Dr Singh had stated.




























Over 1000 prisoners to be accommodated at newly completed facilities
Overcrowding at prisons in Guyana would be significantly reduced with the completion of expansion works at existing penitentiaries, which would accommodate hundreds of inmates.
Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot, provided an update on the state of accommodation for prisoners across the penitentiaries.
Phase One of the Mazaruni Prison Expansion has been completed, and will house 220 prisoners; while Phase Two is ongoing, and will be completed by the end of the year to house another 150 inmates.
At Lusignan Prison, construction of three buildings has been completed, and over 900 prisoners would be accommodated, while another three structures will be completed within a few months. In addition, a new facility will be constructed for female prisoners at Lusignan, resulting in 80 inmates being housed.
Motion sensor devices and a security fence were installed at Lusignan penitentiary, and an infirmary annex at the facility has led to improved healthcare services for inmates.
“We will continue all efforts to ensure that there is adequate provision in the area of mechanical and other forms of security interventions to provide a safe environment for employees, inmates and the general public,” Elliot explained.
He added, “A number of repairs were done to buildings, increased security searches, provision of adequate means of transportation; and functional technological devices, including surveillance and communication equipment to maintain the Service’s operational posture.”
For staffers, the construction of living quarters at the East Coast Demerara penitentiary is ongoing. Upon completion, 150 ranks will be accommodated.
General security at the prisons, the Director indicated, is considered ‘satisfactory’.
In light of this, five escapes occurred last year at various locations. Those persons were recaptured, and are back in custody.
“These escapes were mainly due to inadequate
physical infrastructure, along with the policy infractions made by staff who would have led those breaches of security,” he clarified.

In 2022, some $5.5 billion was set aside for the Guyana Prison Service, which aided in the modernising of prison infra-
structure and penal legislation, restructuring their operations, enhancing human resources, and strengthening financial management systems.
Construction of the Prison Headquarters and Command Centre is scheduled to be completed this year.
Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn noted that every segment of the disciplined services is under transition, which requires professional service and encapsulates adherence to human rights.
In the case of infrastructure, the Prison Service is being re-envisioned in a way that is sustainable, suitable for the country’s conditions, and financially feasible.
“We’ve moved from the position where we’re not spending enormous sums of money and bringing North American styles of lockups here, which under environment conditions here,

we’re discovering, can’t work, and which are not suited for this condition. At the prices which they come we can never afford it, but we have taken our own resorts in Lusignan in building out a prison complex in a way that is sustainable. We have to make it work.”
A further $2.2 billion of the Guyana Prisons Services’ $5.5 billion budget is allocated in Budget 2023 to advance prisons being constructed at Mazaruni and Lusignan, and to commence work for the reconstruction of New Amsterdam Prison.

The Government’s Overall Reform and Modernisation Programme for the Guyana Prison Service targets the transformation of the Prison Service from a penal to a correctional service, and promotes an environment wherein custodial safety is assured, and inmates are rehabilitated and successfully reintegrated into society.

Literacy and Robotics Programme launched
in Region 3 schools

Three more primary schools in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) will now benefit from the Ministry of Education’s Literacy and Robotics

Programme.
Kawall Primary, La Retraite Primary and Blankenburg Primary are the newest institutions to benefit from the Literacy and Robotics Programme,
which is being facilitated through the National Literacy Department and the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD).


"Marked improvement" at Leguan Stelling project – Min Edghill …contractor decries unavailability of labour
While there has been ‘marked improvement’ on the Leguan Stelling project, the progression of works is not up to pace, and authorities have signalled that it must be expedited.
Public Works Minister

Juan Edghill inspected the works on Wednesday, when he shared, “Even though it is not what we would like it to be, it is a marked improvement of what was happening here. Basically, we started to see light at the end of the tunnel. That is a good thing, but the work needs to be accelerated.”
The Minister had engaged the contractor, who reportedly communicated that there is a shortage of labour. As such, the Ministry has offered to publicise vacancies and con-
tact the Board of Industrial Training to fill those employment gaps.

Edghill notified, “He has said he can’t get workers to work. We said send the specifications you’re looking for. We will put it on our Facebook page and send it to the Board of Industrial Training. Maybe some of the people we have trained will be prepared to come and work on this project. We want to see a doubling up. We want to see this project moving faster. It’s not what we want it to be right now. We should have been way ahead of this, but it is much improved than what was going on.”
The project aims to rehabilitate the timber infrastructure and expand the stelling platform through a reinforced concrete stelling
that will be linked to the existing structure. Adding to the works is a link-span bridge to facilitate ferries and the offloading/onloading of goods, passengers and vehicles.

In 2022, the Government terminated S Maraj Contracting Service’s $413 million contract to repair the deplorable Leguan Stelling on the ground of project delays. Despite the company being granted several extensions, the project, which was supposed to be completed by June 18, 2019, had still not been completed.
Meanwhile, Minister Edghill also conducted verification of ongoing works on the Island of Wakenaam. Projects inspected include the rehabilitation of the main access to Sarah
Cremation Site to the tune of $36 million; main access road to Wakenaam Secondary School at $12 million; southern perime-
ter to San Souci Primary School, Wakenaam Island by Harry Enterprise to the tune of $13 million, among others.
Multi-million-dollar projects were also awarded for the rehabilitation of several streets and revetment works.
Grove man who chopped neighbour during argument over loud music appeals life sentence
Andy Boodram, the Grove, East Bank Demerara resident who was sentenced to life imprisonment back in 2018 for the offence of felonious wounding -- over the chopping of his neighbour, who had asked him to lower the volume of the music he was playing -- has mounted an appeal against his conviction and prison term.
The now 37-year-old man, a father of three, had initially been indicted by State prosecutors for attempted murder, but the jury, in March 2018, found him not guilty of that offence, and instead convicted him on the alternative count of felonious wounding.
The victim is Deonarine Persaud, called “Anil”.
When the Court of Appeal opened arguments in the matter on Tuesday at its Kingston, Georgetown courtroom, one of Boodram’s lawyers, Kim Kyte-Thomas, asked the Judges to revisit the sentence imposed on her client, stating that felonious wounding is usually an offence that is tried in the Magistrate’s Court, where the maximum sentence
would be five years’ imprisonment.
To support her argument, Kyte-Thomas relied on a case, Bowman vs Marques, in which she said the Court of Appeal found that 59 months in prison was a reasonable punishment for felonious wounding. That sentence, which was initially imposed by a Magistrate, was upheld by the Court of Appeal.
“Regularly in the Magistrate’s Court, this is to ensure that we have consistency in our jurisprudence. The sentence awarded for this offence will be either a fine or between six to 18 months in prison. We believe that this [life] sentence was unreasonable and excessive in all the circumstances of the case, and we therefore urge this court to find that our client has already paid his due to society, having already served 60 months, or five calendar years [in prison],” averred Kyte-Thomas, who amplified on written submissions made on the appellant’s behalf.
For her part, acting Chancellor of the Judiciary,

Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards, one of the three Judges who heard the case, pointed out that Boodram was charged under Section 57 (a) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, which stipulates a sentence of imprisonment for life for anyone convicted of felonious wounding.
While they were in court to do justice, she said, a distinction has to be drawn between the instant case and Bowman and Marques, and the fact that Boodram’s matter was taken indictably before a Judge and jury, and not summarily before a Magistrate only.
In reply, the defence lawyer submitted that Bowman vs Marques was a premeditated robbery, and during the course of that robbery, there was felonious wounding, and a finger was even severed; while the instant case was a fight between two grown men over loud music.
Chancellor CummingsEdwards, in replying, noted that Bowman vs Marques was tried by a Magistrate who was constrained by law to give that sentence.
Boodram’s other lawyer, George Thomas, also argued that the trial Judge erred in law when he admitted the oral statements to form part of the evidence, which he then relied upon in giving directions to the jury.
Meanwhile, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Mercedes Glasford, asked the court to affirm Boodram’s conviction, submitting, “This court should affirm the conviction which was arrived at by the jury. They [the jurors] were properly directed by the trial Judge.”
On the issue of sentencing, Glasford argued that the trial Judge had the necessary information before him, including the facts, and a plea in mitigation was made by defence counsel. As such, she told the appellate court, it must determine whether, in all of the circumstances and the facts of this case, the sentence was excessive, and whether the correct principles were applied in arriving at the sentence.
“Based on the evidence, it was an argument; but the complainant [Persaud] would have been around his car, and he was turning in the opposite direction, and

when he looked around, the cutlass came in connection with his head. He received injuries, was hospitalised, and had surgeries done. So, this was a very violent attack,” said the prosecutor in recounting the facts.
At the close of arguments, the Court of Appeal reserved its ruling for a later date.

Besides the Chancellor, Justices of Appeal Dawn Gregory-Barnes and Rishi Persaud also heard this appeal, while Abiola WongInniss was the other defence lawyer.
Boodram, also known as “Boy”, was found guilty of chopping the victim, Deonarine Persaud, in the head following a trial before Justice Navindra Singh and a mixed 12-member jury at the High Court in Demerara. The jury returned its verdict on March 29, 2018, and Boodram was sentenced that same day. The chopping incident took place on September 24, 2011.
During Boodram’s trial, Persaud had testified that Boodram, whom he had known about nine months prior to the incident, operated a shop, and would play music to entertain his customers.
However, Persaud said he came outside and asked Boodram to lower the volume of the music, as he and his wife had a young child. He claimed that they exchanged expletives for 15 minutes after Boodram told him that he was not “turning down no [expletive] music”.
Afterwards, the victim told the court, he was speaking with a woman called “Shirley”, who shouted: “Anil, run! ‘Boy’ coming with a cutlass!”
He said that he did not run at the said time, but when he turned around, he saw “Boy” swinging the cutlass. Persaud noted that after he was chopped to the right side of his head, he used his hand to block the accused, and was dealt a chop to his hand.
“‘Boy’ continued to broadside me even when I fell to the ground on my back,” he noted. He added that he lost consciousness, and only regained his senses at the Georgetown Public Hospital. He said he was hospitalised until October 4, 2011, with regular checkups after.
He added that he also had surgery six months after to fit three pieces of his skull that were preserved in his stomach back into place. He noted that swelling in his head had prevented doctors from immediately conducting the corrective procedure.
Under cross-examination by Boodram’s lawyer Thomas, Persaud admitted that he became angry when the accused did not want to turn down his music. He, however, maintained that he did not attack Boodram.

law will take its course if WPA’s remarks found to be seditious" – Benn
Home Affairs Minister
Robeson Benn has contended that the law will take its course if it is determined that the statements made by representatives of the Working Peoples Alliance (WPA) are seditious.
Benn is the latest in a long list of civil society representatives, including Members of the Political Opposition, who have strongly condemned the attempts by the WPA to preach race hate and divisiveness.
“While we are having legal review of them (statements), they appear to be frankly seditious; and if they are found to be seditious, the law will take its course,” the Home Affairs Minister told reporters today.
Describing the remarks as “open calls” for “misadventure and distress”, Minister Benn argued that “we cannot have persons who would want to call out in a democratic environment, where there is a Parliament, where there are courts…there are resorts in the Parliament, and there are resorts in the legal system.
“If any person or any organisation feels aggrieved, rationally, with their perception in relation to governance…there is representation in Parliament, and there (are) also the courts, the legal system. We should not allow persons to vicariously, in a crowded hall of people, shout ‘Fire!’ or call one set of people to attack another set of people, or to suggest that persons who have arms in a formal disciplined services area to turn those perhaps against the State or against (their) fellow Guyanese,” Benn contended.
There has already been widespread condemnation
of the statements made by WPA’s Tacuma Ogunseye and Rhonda Layne during a public meeting at Buxton, East Coast Demerara on March 9. President Dr Irfaan Ali, the Joint Services of Guyana, and Attorney General Anil Nandlall have already made strong statements condemning the racist remarks.
Opposition Member of Parliament Geeta ChandonEdmond issued a statement distancing herself from such utterances. Moreover, she condemned the remarks made by the WPA member, noting that it can lead to public disorder in an already ethnically-inflamed environment. She said: “I wish to publicly disassociate myself from the inflammatory statements, and call for responsible actions and commentaries from politicians, civil society, and activists alike. There must be stronger national effort to build a unified nation.”
The remarks were also condemned by the Opposition’s Ganesh Mahipaul and Natasha Singh-Lewis, Georgetown

Literacy and Robotics...
This is in keeping with the Education Ministry’s mandate to ensure that every child is a fluent reader by Grade Four, while advancing the use of technology.
Giving an overview of the programme, Assistant Chief Education Officer (Literacy) Samantha Williams stated that the programme has a three-tiered approach, and provides an intensive, fastpaced, remedial intervention to fast-track learners’ literacy skills. It will begin at the basic level, move on to the intermediate level, and culminate at the advanced level. Assessments will also be done to track the pupils’ progress.
During the launch, Education Minister Priya Manickchand stated that, following an assessment, it was highlighted that a significant number of pupils at each school were not reading at their grade level. Minister Manickchand said the children will be engaged in a strict six-week literacy
Mayor Ubraj Narine and Region Four Chairman Daniel Seeram. In their statements of condemnation, the Opposition members expressed disappointment that the comments made by the WPA rep were not challenged by any subsequent speaker at the meeting. These subsequent speakers included Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton.
Moreover, the Private Sector Commission, which is led by Paul Cheong, issued a statement labelling the remarks as irresponsible and completely reckless.
The PSC also called upon the leadership of every political party to condemn and reject this kind of political behaviour, which is aimed at threatening the peace and security of the nation.
The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), headed by Timothy Tucker, in its statement of condemnation, made it clear that it has absolutely no tolerance for any agent or agency desirous of inciting racial tensions, hostility, or ill-will against any person of a specific gender, class or race.
The GCCI expressed

that: “It is disheartening and appalling to see a fossilised way of thinking being resurrected, and urgings in the direction of sowing havoc, disharmony, and the destabilisation of our democracy. There is no place for this type of behaviour in the landscape of Guyana.”
The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) has also denounced the remarks, noting that it is deeply disturbed and appalled by open and unvarnished race-baiting by the WPA member.

FITUG reminded that: “Given our country’s difficult past of tenuous race relations, the expressions by the leaders of the WPA demand our widest condemnation. They have no place and should be confined to the dustbin of history. To engage in such narratives, in our view, demonstrates how far the WPA has drifted from its multi-ethnic moorings…It also indicates that the political grouping has really nothing really to add to the national discourse, and has chosen to descend to the pits in an effort to seek to remain relevant, though it really should be ostracised.”
Sophia man accused of verbally abusing Policewoman gets $2000 bail

FROM PAGE 16
programme.
The Education Minister noted it is important that the programme be conducted effectively, and urged parents to play their roles in providing support for their children. She advised parents that for the programme to work, their children need to attend school consistently.
Curriculum Subject Specialist – Information Technology, Kim Spencer, noted that the robotics component of the programme will not only see learners getting a chance to work in groups with their friends to assemble robots, but the literacy aspect would play a big role in the robotics component, as the children will have to read and comprehend the instructions to build the robots correctly while still having fun.
In February, the programme was officially launched at the Den Amstel Primary School. These four schools form part of the programme’s pilot.
Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan has placed a 54-year-old man on $2,000 bail for allegedly verbally abusing a Policewoman.
The defendant, Shawn Tucker of Block ‘E’ Sophia, Greater Georgetown, appeared before her on Wednesday, and denied the charge which alleged that
on Wednesday, March 8, in the aforementioned community, he abused Woman Constable Adams with the intent to embarrass or annoy her.
No facts were presented by the Police prosecutor. Tucker, in his address to the court, asked for reasonable bail. His case has been adjourned until March 23.
"TheHome Affairs Minister Robeson Benn
DAILY HOROSCOPES











Sharing secrets will backfire. Be discreet and focus on staying in shape. Take what's yours and go about your business; opportunities will unfold. Ignore someone trying to get a rise out of you.
(March 21-April 19)
Spice things up and enjoy the company of someone who shares your interests. A chance to test your physical skills will boost your ego and give you the confidence to engage in meaningful conversations.
(April 20-May 20)


Calm down and don't engage in conversations about love or politics. It's best to keep your thoughts to yourself and to give others the freedom to do as they please. Don't let anger drag you down.

(May 21-June 20)
PEANUTS



(June 21-July 22)
Take what's yours and keep moving. Trust your instincts and go after your dream. Let go of the past and embrace what's new and exciting. Live in the moment and discover a bright future filled with hope.
Be careful what you wish for. You will have second thoughts if you are too quick to decide your next move. Don't get into a battle with someone who is emotionally manipulative.
(July 23-Aug. 22)
CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Social events are favored. Mixing business with pleasure will encourage a better understanding of your colleagues and peers. Welcome discussions, and share your feelings and intentions.
Be open to suggestions, but don't let anyone decide your destiny. Traveling and exploring educational pursuits will feed your mind. Examine your options closely.
(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Say no to overindulgence. A lifestyle change will breathe new life into your plans. Embracing what comes your way will open your mind to options that offer the edge you need to advance.
(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)










Don't give up or give in to someone trying to mislead you. Spending more time at home will help stabilize your life. Refuse to let what others do cause you to second-guess your plans.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)
SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE







(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
You have more going for you than you realize. Look at your schedule and adjust your plans to include something that allows you to use your skills more broadly. It's time to build the life you want.
Dedicate your time to finishing what you start. Once you tidy up loose ends, doors will open, and you'll feel rejuvenated and ready to start something new and exciting. Don't share your plans.
(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)
Put your heart into something you love doing. Engaging in a hobby or using your skills professionally will pay off. It's time to change the way you earn and handle your money.
(Feb. 20-March 20)
West Indies Women’s Emerging Players squad announced for camp in Antigua
Cricket West Indies (CWI) on Thursday named 15 players for a West Indies Women’s Emerging Players HighPerformance camp which will be held at the Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG) from March 16 to 3016 to 30.
The squad includes several players with international experience and they will work under the guidance of Steve Liburd, Head Coach of the West Indies Women’s Rising Stars Under-19 programme.

Among the players selected are teenagers Djenaba Joseph, Trishan Holder and Zaida James, who were part of the West Indies Rising Stars Under-19 team at the recent International Cricket Council (ICC) U19 T20 World Cup and were also selected in the West Indies senior team at the ICC T20 World Cup in South Africa. Other players with international experience who will be participating are all-rounders

Jannilea Glasgow, Kaysia Shultz, Sheneta Grimmond, Qiana Joseph, and Shabika Gajnabi, while other members of the Rising Stars Under-19 team have been selected.
This High-Performance camp continues CWI’s increased investment in the women’s game and forms part of the overall HighPerformance Pathway. CWI’s strategic plan has committed resources to developing women’s cricket at every level. This HighPerformance Camp at CCG plays a vital role in the strategy to develop the talent pool and produce the next generation of West Indies Women’s players.
CWI’s High-Performance Manager, Graeme West said: “This camp is geared towards players aged 25 and under as part of developing the pool of talent across the Region. The camp will offer activities and support across technical, tactical, physical, mental and personal development areas with individualised programmes following each player’s involvement in the senior and Under-19 sides in the last six months. “We are looking to increase our investment in our most talented young female players and the introduction of an academy programme later in the year will provide a further 15 players with full-time support, training
and competitive opportunities as they make their way through the CWI HighPerformance Pathway,” West said.
“The camp represents an opportunity to prepare some of the players that will be strong contenders for academy places while sharpening the skills of several players that have already performed on the international stage at the senior level. These players will benefit from a fortnight of intensive work leading
MCYS to host adult “Learn to Swim” programme

into a busy summer schedule with regional tournaments and international se-

ries planned.”
West added: “We also have Cherry-Ann Fraser
Republic Classic Beach Football…
Remaining teams battle tomorrow night for semi-final spots

and Mandy Mangru who will come in for rehab from injuries that have held up their progress, so we hope to help them along their way with the intention that they will be fit for the Senior Women’s Regional tournaments in May.”

Full Squad: Earnisha Fontaine, Shabika Gajnabi, Jannilea Glasgow, Sheneta Grimmond, Trishan Holder, Zaida James, Djenaba Joseph, Qiana Joseph, Ashmini Munisar, Abini St Jean, Shalini Samaroo, Shunelle Sawh, Kaysia Schultz, Steffie Soogrim and Kate Wilmott.
NOTE: Cherry-Ann Fraser and Mandy Mangru will be attending as part of their rehabilitation work from injury. (CWI)
The Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport (MCYS), in partnership with the National Sports Commission (NSC), will conduct an adult “Learn to Swim” programme every Saturday during the month of June at the Colgrain Swimming Pool, Camp Street, Georgetown. This was disclosed by an official press release. The sessions will occur from 16:00h-17:00h and 17:00h-18:00h respectively during the aforementioned period.

Additionally, the release disclosed that the yearly Easter Vacation Swimming Programme will ensue from April 1 to April 15 at the National Aquatic Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown and the Colgrain Swimming Pool. Correspondingly, swimming lessons during the above-mentioned identical window will also be conducted at the Watooka Swimming Pool, Linden and at the Albion Estate Pool, East Berbice.
In-person and online registration for the Easter Swimming Programme commenced on Thursday, and will conclude on March 26. The link for online registration, which can also be found on the MCYS’s website, is https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/ 1FAIpQLSf-1s7HRb01M-rAjgqTkT2N27DYpm19OZHnT5t299guekf.
A replica of the child’s or children’s birth certificates must be presented by the parents or guardians upon in-person registration. The programme is for children aged 6-18.
Supplementary information can be ascertained from the Colgrain Swimming Pool and the National Aquatic Centre on telephone numbers 226-0387 and 222-1306 respectively from 08:30h-16:00h. Details can also be garnered from swimming coach Paul Mahaica via 615-5714. To guarantee participation, immediate registration is essential.


It’s down to the final eight teams who will now battle for places in the semi-finals of the inaugural Pinnacle Promotions' Group organised Republic Beach Football tournament, which takes place Saturday night at the Christianburg Community Centre Ground in Wismar, Linden.

Last Saturday, the eight qualifiers were determined after the results were Underdogs getting past Kwakwani Strikers 3-2, Aroaima were held to a 3-3 draw by Timehri Panthers, Coomacka Mines won when Young Kings failed to show, Haynes Hard Ballers knocked out Golden Stars 4-2, Underdogs eliminated Dave and Celena’s who did not turn up, Hard Knocks bettered Haynes Hard Ballers 4-3, and Young
Gunners edged Turf Kings 4-3.

Those advancing to play in the knockout round were Hi Stars, Underdogs, Turk Kings, Haynes Hard Ballers, Aroaima, Timehri Panthers, Hard Knocks and Young Gunners.
Saturday night the fixtures read Hard Knocks against Timehri Panthers at 19:00h, Haynes Hard Ballers versus Aroaima from 20:00h, Hi Stars meet Young Gunners at 21:00h and the night cap brings Turk Kings and Underdogs together from 22:00h.
For this beach football competition, the sponsors on board are the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and sport, Farose Investments, ANSA McAL Trading under its Magnum Tonic and Lucozade brands, and GuyOil.
German’s bouncing with Rawle Toney 3x3
With the Rawle Toney 3x3 Basketball Tournament set to bounce off on Saturday at Burnham Court, Georgetown, German’s Restaurant has caught the sponsorship train just in the nick of time.

During a simple handing-over ceremony on Thursday afternoon, German’s Clinton Urling made a presentation to organiser Rawle Toney, ahead of this weekend’s action that will feature teams from as far as the United States of America.
At the presentation ceremony, Urling shared, “Sport has always been a strategic pillar for German’s Restaurant over the years; this is not the first outreach in terms of sponsorship to sport-
ing organisations in Guyana. We believe that sport is one of those avenues that has an exponential impact in more than just the sport itself. But it permeates and radiates throughout the entire society and the entire country.”
“German’s Restaurant is always honoured to be on board with sporting events and sporting activities,” Urling reiterated about his company’s commitment to its corporate social responsibility.
Organiser Rawle Toney extended his gratitude to Urling and by extension German’s Restaurant.
“German’s Restaurant coming onboard is pretty significant, because this was initiated by Clinton. So it was the other way around, rather than me going to the
sponsor, the sponsor came forward and said ‘look next event that you have, I want to be on board’,” Toney said.
He further stated, “I want to publicly thank him for fulfilling that promise.”
The tournament is set to commence on Saturday, March 18, at Burnham Court, Georgetown and according to Toney, overseas teams began arriving on Thursday night, while others like the USA-based Ballin4Peace team will touch down today.
In other updates, Toney highlighted the inclusion of FIBA (International Basketball Federation) accredited referees.
“To remedy that we bring in accredited overseas referees to complement our local pool and so we can have a

smooth tournament,” the organiser said.
Updates on the 3x3 Classic can also be viewed
online at Play.fiba3x3.com.
The 16-team tournament will carry a winner’s purse of $400,000 and four
Blue Water U15 League launched in New Amsterdam
Development League was launched on Wednesday in New Amsterdam, Berbice
with an impressive match between Cougars Football Club and Vryman’s Erven
Secondary School. Cougars Football Club won 2-0 at the Scott School Ground in New Amsterdam thanks to goals by Annalisa Hinds and Xianna Castello. The match was played before cheering team-mates, classmates, parents, and supporters.
Women’s Football Association (WFA) President Andrea Johnson congratulated both teams, and stressed that the WFA, in partnership with the GFF, was working to ensure the league is played throughout Guyana.
“I am extremely happy today. I want to congratulate both teams for their participation. Special congratulations to Cougars Football Club on their victory. I also want to encourage other schools, villages, communities, and clubs to get on board with this development programme,” Johnson shared.
She added: “WFA and GFF will continue to work assiduously together to have tournaments that will help foster our young girls and women in football so they can become
better individuals in our society.”
So far, six secondary schools in New Amsterdam have signed up for the development league, which is also being played in Georgetown, Linden and the Rupununi.
GFF President Wayne Forde and the Council are committed to elevating women’s football through the identification of new talent and creation of strategic developmental programmes, including the Blue Water U15 Girls’ Development League.


23 named in squad for Golden Jags’...
The team will play their first game against home team Bermuda on March 25, after which they will head to Barbados to face Monserrat on March 28, in what should have been Guyana’s home game.
The Golden Jaguars squad reads:
Goalkeepers
1. Quillan Roberts (Western Suburbs FC, New Zealand)
2. Akel Clarke (Slingerz FC, Guyana)
3. Kai Mckenzie-Lyle (Welling United FC, UK)
Defenders
4. Colin Nelson (GDF,
Guyana)
5. Jeremy Garrett (Slingerz FC, Guyana)
6. Jaylen Jones (Cray Wanderers FC, UK)
7. Bayli Spencer Adams (Leicester City FC, UK)
8. Marcus Wilson (Caledonia AIA, Trinidad)
9. Liam Gordon (Walsall FC, UK)
10. Kadel Daniel (Folkestone Invicta FC, UK)
11. Samuel Cox (Welling United FC, UK)
12. Johnny Grant (York United, Canada)
Midfielders
13. Curtez Kelman (Police SC, Guyana)
14. Daniel Wilson
(Western Tigers, Guyana)
15. Nathan Moriah Welch (Newport County FC, UK)
16. Elliot Bonds (Cheltenham FC, UK)
17. Leo Lovell (Slingerz FC, Guyana) Forwards
18. Emery Welshman (Forge FC, Canada)
19. Omari Glasgow (Chicago Fire, USA)
20. Pernel Schultz (Police SC, Guyana )
21. Trayon Bobb (Western Tigers, Guyana)
22. Kelsey Benjamin (GDF, Guyana)
23. Tre Medford (Boston United FC, UK)
West Indies 4-Day Championship...
Guyana dominate Trinidad on bowlers’ day out


Ronsford Beaton’s four-wicket haul and Keemo Paul and Veerasammy Permaul’s three wickets apiece cleaned up Trinidad and Tobago Red Force for 160 all out as Guyana Harpy Eagles ended day two with a lead of 260 runs. Playing the third round of the West Indies four-day championship at the Brian Lara Cricket
the second day on 7-0 after one over. The Guyana Harpy Eagles seamers hit the right areas and despite beating the edge they were reward-
innings, claiming six wickets for 43 runs in the latter part of the innings. Mohammed was the top-scorer with an even fifty as Beaton
Bravo, with an inswinger.
In the match at Guyana, between Jamaica Scorpions and Windward Islands Volcanoes, Jamaica made
Academy, Guyana ended on 96-3 with Kemol Savory (34) and Leon Johnson (09) unbeaten.
Earlier, Trinidad and Tobago Red Force resumed
ed. Keagan Simmons was the first man out, caught for 15 off the probing bowling of Paul. In a strange coincidence, Red Force’s top three batsmen all scored 15 runs each. Jeremy Solozano was bowled by Paul for 15, and Darren Bravo was removed by Beaton for 15. Red Force were reduced to 59-3 in 21 overs, and the experience of Jason Mohammed stood firm. Mohammed and Jyd Goolie added 58 runs together to take Red Force to 117-4, but after Goolie departed, Red Force crumbled.
The Guyanese bowlers wrapped up the Trinidadian
led with the ball. The man from Essequibo demonstrated good use of his pace and short-ball skill as he claimed 4-31 in 13 overs. He was supported by his fellow Essequibian Paul, who had 3-37 in 13 overs. The veteran Permaul chipped in with 3-36 from 14 overs. Guyana opted to bat again despite Red Force failing to avoid the follow-on. In the second innings, Guyana were 96-3 in 34 overs. Savory was on 34 while Matthew Nandu scored 33. Tevin Imlach made only three while Kevlon Anderson made 15. He was again removed by

101 all out, replying to Windwards’ first innings score of 271. Justin Greaves had 6-34 from 10.3 overs. Windwards, batting a second time made 298, with Alick Athanaze scoring 97, following up his first innings’ 81. He was supported by Kaveem Hodge, who made 82.
Stumps were drawn when the Volcanoes innings closed, and Jamaica will need 408 runs to win with two days remaining. Meanwhile, in the match at Queen’s Park Oval, Barbados made 322 all out and Leeward Islands Hurricanes made 154 all out. Shane Dowrich
23 named in squad for Golden Jags’ Nations League campaign
A23-member squad has been named by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) in anticipation of Guyana’s senior men’s national football team’s return to the pitch next week for their remaining two matches in the 20222023 CONCACAF Nations League against Bermuda and Monserrat respectively.

During a press briefing on Thursday morning at the GFF’s Campbellville head office, the 23-man Golden Jaguars squad was revealed, consisting of 11 locals and 12 internationally-based players.
As such, Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz spoke on the composition of the team and the international versus local ratio.
“The squad will have more overseas-based players than locally-based players simply because, as opposed to the first time around when we played the matches some months ago last year, I was not as aware of the players as I’m aware now.
I’m satisfied that the bunch of players that we’re bringing in to join the squad will be much more cohesive than the last squad,” Shabazz related to media operatives.
However, when quizzed about the lack of friendlies
and other preparation amenities, the Head Coach explained that the Golden Jags were making do with the resources they had.
The Head Coach expressed, “For me as a coach, the ideal situation, we would’ve liked to have two matches, but what we did was the next best thing. We examined the overseas-based players carefully and up to yesterday, we pushed and we created an environment in the training – and they can testify – of very, very competitive nature.”
“And I feel with that, was the best we could have done under the circumstances,”
he concluded. Meanwhile, Omari Glasgow and Jeremy Garrett, who have been named in the squad, spoke of their preparations for the upcoming, must-win games.
Glasgow revealed, “The preparation was good with my club. We had pre-season, you know, working hard, we had a lot of running and stuff, a lot of friendlies too. But I was still in contact with Coach about my preparation, how I’ve been performing and the work I’ve been putting in.
“He also told me about the work these guys over here have been putting in over the last couple of weeks. So, I think the team is ready, mentally and physically, for the two matches we have coming up, because they’re very important and we just want to go out and win,” the forward added.
Garrett also shared about his preparation, which included a stint in the USA, “Before I left, the programme was going well, I think the coaches were tuned in and showing us what they wanted and the players really interacted and did what was necessary to keep ourselves intact and keep ourselves fit. Coming back from that, the programme is still going
well.”
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scored an unbeaten 122 for Barbados in their first innings. In Barbados’s second innings, they were bowled out for 78, with Rahkeem Cornwall and Devon Thomas claiming five wickets each.
At stumps, Leewards were 13-0, needing 234 more runs to win. Play in these matches will recommence at 10:00h Eastern Caribbean time. (Brandon Corlette)
SCOREBOARD
Trinidad and Tobago 1st Innings
Jeremy Solozano b Paul 15
Keagan Simmons c
Sinclair b Paul 15
Darren Bravo c Nandu
b Beaton 15
Jason Mohammed c
Bramble b Beaton 50
Jyd Goolie c Smith b Paul 22
Tion Webster c & b Permaul 0
Amir Jangoo c Sinclair
b Permaul 18
Imran Khan b Permaul 2
Bryan Charles c
Bramble b Beaton 0
Uthman Muhammad not out 1
Justin Manick lbw b Beaton 0
Total
(10 wickets, 52.0) (22 extras) 160
FOW: 38/1 (17.3) Keagan
Simmons 51/2 (19.2) Jeremy Solozano 59/3 (20.6) Darren
Bravo 117/4 (33.1) Jyd Goolie
118/5 (36.4) Tion Webster
150/6 (46.3) Amir Jangoo
154/7 (48.4) Imran Khan 155/8
(49.4) Bryan Charles 160/9
(51.5) Jason Mohammed
160/10 (51.6) Justin Manick
Bowling Keemo Paul (13-37-3)
Nial Smith (9-1-39-0)
Ronsford Beaton (13-3-31-4)
Kevin Sinclair (3-2-6-0)
Veerasammy Permaul (14-5-36-3) Guyana






