Guyana Times - Friday, March 1, 2024.pdf

Caricom “on target” to remove 6-month limit stay in CSME countries – PM Mottley

…as DR, Martinique associate membership status being considered

The Caribbean Community (Caricom) is on target to meet the March 31, 2024 deadline for extending the stay limit for regional citizens visiting Member States.

Currently, citizens from one Caricom country travelling to another State in the Region are given a six-month limit to stay there. However, under the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) initiative, there is a push to have full freedom of movement within Member States by removing the stay limit.

At the July 2023 Heads of Government Meeting held in Trinidad and Tobago, regional leaders had committed to work towards the free movement of all Caricom nationals within the Region by March 31, 2024. To achieve this, it was agreed that any appropriate amendments to the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas would be dealt with during the period leading up to that deadline.

During the closing press conference on Wednesday following the recently-concluded Heads of Government Meeting held in Guyana earlier this week, Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley provided an update on this matter, stating “we’re on target”.

According to PM Mottley, there were only two policy is-

sues that were referred to the Heads of Government during the meeting this week to settle. Having had the intervention of regional leaders, the inter-governmental taskforce will now meet on March 7 to finalise the necessary documents.

Then on the following day, the Legal Affairs Committee will sign off on the drafts after which those documents will be presented to the Heads of Government at a March 15 meeting.

“[There is] hope that we can sign off in time [ahead of] the deadline given in Trinidad of the 31st March for the full freedom of movement of people… What we’re taking about is removing that six months’ constraint but we equally have to understand

what are the minimum rights that are guaranteed to our citizens when they move from one country to the other, and those are being resolved right now,” the Barbadian Prime Minister stated.

While there was a renewed push for free movement, not all Caricom Member States are fully on board – at least not as yet. Freedom of movement within the Region is one of components of the CSME, but not all Caricom Member States, such as the Bahamas, have signed onto the single market and economy initiative hence this free movement concept was not applicable to those nations.

Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, who will take over the chairmanship of Caricom from President Dr

“To allow people the right to move and then tell them that they have to pay separate sums to form companies – the same company, doing the same business – in each of the countries they’re going in is a burden too heavy for you to carry in a single market and single economy,” the Bajan leader stressed.

process to facilitate the request of the two Caribbean countries have already been activated and is being dealt with by the Georgetown-based Secretariat.

Irfaan Ali in July, explained during Wednesday’s press conference that even for those CSME participating countries, some of them have requested to have the issue of a caveat be considered.

“Essentially, caveat in terms of a longer time period before they get to a point of full free movement. So, that is being discussed,” the Grenadian leader stated.

While he opted not name those countries that asked for the caveat, PM Mitchell noted that the other Member States have committed to meet the March month-end deadline.

Meanwhile, in addition to the movement of people, Prime Minister Mottley also spoke on the integration of regional businesses under the CSME initiative. Regional leaders have agreed to get a mutual recognition of companies across the Community established by the upcoming meeting set for July in Grenada.

To this end, PM Mottley noted that Caricom would have to engage international bodies such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) since many of the corporate registries in the Region are the subject of much of the discussions when it comes to integrating the Caribbean into the global financial sector.

This, according to the Barbados Prime Minister, needs a common digital platform for regional companies so that their registration in one Member State can be accessed and used in another country. She added that the necessary Information Communication Technology (ICT) experts will have to be in place as well as the consequential amendments required to make this a reality.

Meanwhile, the Caricom leaders also discussed the issue of new membership during their engagements over the three-day conference earlier. Specifically, they looked at requests by the Dominican Republic and Martinique to become Associate Members of the 15-member regional bloc.

President Ali, the current Caricom Chairman, told reporters at the press conference on Wednesday that the

“The [Caricom] Secretariat is going to work with both Martinique and the DR to fulfil the procedural aspect of things so by the time we get to July [for the next Heads of Government Meeting in Grenada], the full mechanism would be applied and recommendations would come to the Heads,” the Caricom Chairman noted.

The Dominican Republic has previously applied for associate membership status with Caricom twice – in the late 1980s and then again in 2013, when discussions were suspended over the Spanishspeaking nation’s treatment of citizens from neighbouring crisis-ridden Haiti – a full Caricom member.

During Wednesday’s press conference, Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis told reporters that this issue was part of the procedural process that the Caricom Secretariat is looking at as it considered DR’s request to join the regional bloc.

“Part of the procedural process is to work through that and there have been some progress in achieving a resolution of that issue… Work has been continuing, it came out and we recognise what some issues are, and those issues would be worked out between the Dominican Republic and our Secretariat,” PM Davis stated. (G8)

From left: Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis; Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley; Caricom Chairman and President of Guyana, Dr Irfaan Ali and Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell at the closing press conference on Wednesday evening

The

Friday,

The

Friday,

Court

Teachers strike

appoints mediators

to address stalemate between Govt, GTU today

…as VP Jagdeo urges teachers to return to classroom

In an effort to end the stalemate that has led to the ongoing strike action by teachers over the past four weeks, the High Court has identified two mediators to advance talks between the Guyana Government and the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU).

The GTU had filed court proceedings to block the Government from, among other things, cutting the salaries of those teachers who have been on strike since February 5.

During a hearing on Thursday, the presiding judge, Justice Sandil Kissoon, named two mediators in the persons of Senior Counsel Edward Luckhoo and Senior Counsel Robin Stoby with a view of ending the strike and ultimately the stalemate between the Government and the union. This was done through the court invoking the Civil Procedure Rules 2016 Part 26 (Court Ordered Meditation).

Those mediatory talks will commence today at the High Court and the presiding judge urged the two parties to put their best foot forward. In fact, Justice Kissoon is hoping that during today’s mediation that the issues would be resolved thus resulting in teachers returning to the classrooms as early as Monday.

“We look forward to positive results [on Friday],” the Judge stated.

No need for mediation

However, Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, argued that there was no need for mediatory intervention since there was never a breakdown of talks between the Education Ministry and the GTU. He added that Government has always been open to engaging the Union, but it is the GTU which broke away from those engagements.

He told Guyana Times following the hearing that, “…the Government is ready, willing and able to resume engaging the Union. The Government never stopped engaging the Union. The Union attended a meeting up to the 31st

January and then decided to go on strike. There is no bad relation and was no animosity expressed at that meeting. In fact, a date was fixed for the meeting to re -

ing teachers who are on strike until the court proceedings are determined.

On Wednesday, Chief Education Officer Saddam Hussain was hauled be-

sume on 21st February, but the [Union] decided to strike. The Government is prepared to meet with them…”

Last week, the High Court granted Conservatory Orders for the Government to, among other things, continue pay-

fore the court and ordered by Justice Kissoon to rescind a circular that was issued to Regional Education Officers on Tuesday to continue documenting the names of teachers who were absent from work in a bid to deduct their pay

for the days they were on strike.

Eventually be cut

Meanwhile, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo contends that the salaries of those teachers on strike will eventually be cut.

“We intend to follow the interim order. The order says that we shall not deduct money from those who are striking at this point in time, pending the hearing of the case. We don’t know what the outcome will be… But let me just make it clear, we will continue to collect information from those who are absenting themselves from the classroom – the teachers,” Jagdeo stated.

The Guyana Government had labelled the strike action as illegal since the established processes under the law and under the employer-employee relationship through the Collective Bargaining Agreement had not been exhausted.

Senior Counsel Edward Luckhoo

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

GTU President Mark Lyte

Justice Sandil Kissoon

Senior Counsel Robin Stoby

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Tomorrow, 4 years ago

Tomorrow marks four years since the elections of March 2, 2020, and five years, two months after the No Confidence Motion (NCM) of December 21, 2018. These dates are markers of the People’s National Congress’s desperate efforts to destroy the democratic edifice the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) built after 1992, following the PNC’s rigging of elections in 1968, 1973, 1980, and 1985. In those 28 years, the Burnhamite regime had installed a defacto authoritarian one-party state that made a mockery of its democratic pretentions.

It was against this background that as soon as it slid into office by the narrowest of margins in 2015, the PNC, under its leader David Granger, prepared to hold on to power by any means necessary. This was signalled by Granger’s refusal to adhere to the clearly-stated constitutional rules for appointing the Chairman of GECOM and to unilaterally appoint his choice, James Patterson. The latter justified his selection by throwing several spanners into the election machinery until he was adjudged to have been unconstitutionally appointed by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

Concomitantly, Granger refused to obey the even more pellucid Constitutional stricture of Art 106 (6)(7) for his Government to resign following its defeat in the NCM moved by the PPP. This precipitated a constitutional crisis that was a harbinger of the lengths Granger and the PNC would go to, to hold on to power by any means necessary. In the words of one constitutional expert, “This was a “crisis of fidelity”, which occurs when important political actors are simply unwilling to adhere to the constitutional commitments as they understand them. If consequential political actors determined that a constitutional rule or a prescribed constitutional outcome should be ignored, because some other political priority than following the Constitution was more important, then the Constitution’s ability to guide and constrain political behaviour has, to that degree, been cast into doubt.”

After a tortuous passage through the three tiers of our Judiciary, that crisis was resolved and the PNC was forced to schedule elections. But not in the three months after the judgement in July 2019 as was mandated, but eight months after, on March 2, 2020. The courts were cynically used as a sword to subvert the constitutional basis of our democratic order. Two days before the elections, the US Ambassador issued a statement on “democratic elections” which was eerily prescient as to what lay ahead. We published that statement on Election Day in this space: “To cast a free ballot and minimise the opportunity for intimidation, voters in a democracy must be permitted to cast their ballots in secret. At the same time, the protection of the ballot box and tallying of vote totals must be conducted as openly as possible, so that citizens are confident that the results are accurate and that the Government does, indeed, rest upon their "consent."

While it was universally accepted that the first part of the caution – the actual voting – was satisfied, on the following day, all hell broke loose. In full view of the international observers of the US, UK, Caricom, EU, Commonwealth and local observers, the PNC crudely attempted to rig the elections as the Region Four Returning Officer, Clairmont Mingo refused to display the Statement of Polls (SOPs) being tallied as statutorily demanded and declared the PNC the winner of the region and consequently, the general election.

The country was plunged not into a constitutional crisis this time but a naked grab for power that once again used the courts as a sword to deny the right of the people to select their government. It was only because of the fortitude of the people of Guyana, the international community, and the integrity of the CCJ that the elections of March 2, 2020 were finally declared in favour of the PPP, five months later on August 2.

Let us never allow the trampling of our Constitution as had happened between December 21, 2018 and August 1, 2020.

Justice Kissoon’s decision implies that the GTU may have prematurely called strike

Dear Editor,

As a concerned citizen deeply invested in the fabric of our educational system and the well-being of our nation’s children, I find myself compelled to address the recent actions taken by the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU).

The decision to initiate a strike, now extending over 25 days, has not only disrupted the educational journey of countless students, but also raised serious questions about the adherence to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that governs the relationship between the GTU and the Government.

Justice Sandil Kissoon’s

recent order for mediation between the Ministry of Education and the GTU highlights a critical point: the possibility that the GTU may have prematurely called for a strike, thereby breaching the CBA.

Such actions undermine the very foundation of trust and negotiation upon which our labour relations are built. The legal framework and agreements like the CBA exist precisely to prevent such impasses and ensure that disputes are resolved through dialogue and mutual understanding, not through actions that ultimately harm our students and our future.

While I understand

and fully support the right of teachers to advocate for fair wages and working conditions, the path to such outcomes must be navigated with adherence to the agreed-upon processes.

The Government contends that negotiations were underway, with some agreements already being implemented. This begs the question:

Why resort to a strike when channels of negotiation were still open?

The GTU’s actions, as presented, suggest a departure from the principle of good faith negotiation. It is imperative for the GTU to provide a clear

and transparent rationale for their decision to strike, especially considering the potential breach of the CBA. The education of our children and the stability of our nation’s future should not be jeopardised by premature or unjustified actions.

As mediation begins, I urge both the GTU and the Ministry of Education to approach the table with openness, honesty, and a commitment to finding solutions that prioritise the well-being of our students and the integrity of our educational system.

Sincerely,

Ryan Newton

Govt must be commended for voting in favour of a recognised Palestinian State

Dear Editor,

These past few months have opened my eyes to the frightening and daunting reality of the world.

Widespread ignorance pollutes the air of Guyana, where we are racially abused, religiously scorned and mocked for standing in solidarity with an oppressed nation, irony in a once colonised country where our Indigenous peoples were killed. Our ancestors were tortured, enslaved, la-

boured and disgraced by a coloniser nation.

I commend our Government for continuously voting in favour of a recognised Palestinian state and their recent votes and calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire.

However, I find it incredibly offensive, disheartening and hypocritical for our government to welcome the United States Ambassador to the United Nations in our country.

This is not only offensive to the few Palestinians residing in Guyana but also disgusting to have a person who was tasked to carry out a vote against an immediate ceasefire and dispersal of humanitarian aid to Gaza to step foot on our lands. Guyana was built off of immense slavery and labour, and it is hypocritical and ironic to pally up with coloniser-states and to allow someone who voted in favour of genocide in our

country.

I am even more surprised that the general public is taking this lightly, because genocide has been plaguing the earth for decades, and Guyana itself was colonised, occupied and experienced a silent genocide not so long ago. I am incredibly disappointed that the Palestinian flags hoisted around our country were taken down by our leaders.

A Policeman from the Traffic Department of the Mahdia Police Station in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) interacting with pupils and teachers of the Micobie Nursery School on Wednesday during a discussion on road safety (GPF photos)

A traverse in travesty!

Dear Editor, Knowing the truth will set anyone free. There comes the ultimate moment when the guilty mind has to reconcile with the uncomfortable truth coming from the pure heart to appease the inner person, so that the body can once more relate and function as a conscientious human being, thus, freeing the true self. The Mahatma wrote, “Truth is the end, not a means to something beyond itself.” MK Gandhi and ML King Jr promoted and practised the principle of “truth and non-violence” as a policy in life. Many in the Guyanese society are fighting, fumbling and faking the truth as they fan the wheel of fraudulence and lie to sustain self-preservation and retain leadership. Will the instigators of violence, inciters of racism, condoners of corruption, supporters of rigging, champions of tongue twisting, touters for doom and gloom, defenders of dishonesty and the naysayers to peace, progress and prosperity step forward and begin the process of confession? A light-hearted person is cer -

tainly cheerful and happy and worries less.

Former President

Granger had alerted, “We can still see how easily it is for the ranting of a few persons to rekindle racial animosity, a retrograde step which has no place in modern society.” He further cautioned, “We want to warn that such inflammatory tirades run the risk of degenerating into social instability, degenerating into the fostering of distrust, into the fomenting of disorder.” Did he have a dream that his own “kith and kin” would be embroiled in such prejudiced undertakings? The Elder fulfilled that dream when he referred to the PPP/C Party as “devils, bastards and demons!” while suggesting and subscribing to election rigging.

Today, former President Granger’s favourite tune is “Sound of Silence.”

Did the so-called “Civil Societies” embraced the speaker as a bosom colleague and endorsed the speech as a matter of fact?

The serenading silence is ludicrously loud and disturbingly not distant! The PNC and their surrogates

Govt must be

Our moral duty should be to amplify our voices to fight for the Palestinians.

The general public utters words such as "We have bigger fish to fry" when called out on their collaboration and lack of concern to show solidarity with Palestine, which is incredibly ignorant and inhumane to say. Genocide that happens in any part of the world affects everyone in the world. Everyone should be hurt, angered, furious and determined to fight and pressure governments to listen to the plea of an oppressed people.

The last 100 days show humanity to be non-existent, where it is normalised to see videos of children gathering body parts of family members into plastic bags, mothers pulling their babies from under the rubble, fathers carrying children with their brains hanging out of their skulls, orphaned kids embracing the graves of their freshly-buried families, men humiliatingly stripped to their underwear, bodies piled up in mass graves, doctors amputating legs with no anaesthetic and stitching up cracked skulls on bloodied hospital floors because there were no beds

have all stayed quiet to provide the unspoken answer, promptly and proudly delivered. Unquestionably, they leave no ambiguity in their unequivocal and deafening response!

There has been no word of objection from the GHRA, IFAAD, TIGI nor the ERC to date. Guyana can forget IDPADA-G, for obvious reasons. All the other treaded pretenders of equality, justice and freedom advocate organisations have chosen not to say anything. This stillness is not surprising but expected. A solitary poor excuse was offered as an alternative explanation enveloped in a clumsy interpretation. Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has been condemned for his “lowlife” description. The entire alphabet jumped on his neck and marched straight to the court.

It was left to the advocates of democracy to fly the flag of defence, assail the attack of audacity and confront the attack of effrontery. After suspended days and nights of suspicious suspension, the placid water surface was broken, the calm of the

atmosphere was ruffled, the earth tremored and aroused from the stilled darkness, a screened apology emerged from the depth of delinquent submersion! Should Guyana cheer or criticise?

What evidently prompted the shameful scribe to finally script an explanation or exclamation of travesty? Was it a “pricked conscience”, or remorse, or embarrassment, or to fool the unguarded public, or to fill a moment of complacency or to satisfy a request or demand? Was it free and voluntary or under any degree of duress?

Is there a hidden contingency clause? Does the question of sincerity arise? Why the delay and now and not before?

Guyanese are fully awake and not gullible or naïve. They are guarded and do not take anything for granted. The cautious ones are no longer becoming prey to lies and deceits. Why should Guyanese accept his words and believe him? There is a track record monitored by history!

Yours respectfully,

Jai Lall

commended for voting...

left, healthy men going grey in the space of a few short weeks from the sheer trauma of what they have been witness to, Journalists being bombed and sniper-shot at, and hopeless to the point where they cannot continue documenting such atrocities any longer, and tragic and desperate attempts of acts of self-immolation to get the world to wake up.

Ignorance supersedes the ability to think logically and contextually for many. One side is grieving and suffering immensely, while the other side celebrates committing genocide and posts it for the world to see, and folks still label this as "complicated and complex".

I have always been proud of Guyana and honoured to speak for my country's acknowledgement of a Palestinian State. But as of this week, I am ashamed, humiliated and furious at the actions of our Government.

If there is an atom's weight of humanity, research and find ways to help. BDS, one of the many organisations that dismantled Apartheid South Africa, has an updated list of companies that are ex-

plicitly funding Israel with billions of dollars to commit genocide. I urge you to use your voices and speak up for what is right. I will

It is important to recognize there are varieties of capitalism

Dear Editor, All too often columnists, letter writers and politicians in Guyana deploy the construct “neoliberalism” to indicate displeasure with a particular form of global capitalism. Without fail, neoliberalism is taken to be a form of exploitative market-based structure of accumulation that privileges the rights of businesses over and against the economic rights of workers and communities.

While there are legitimate concerns about the economics of what used to be called Reaganomics, or about the institutional expression of the latter as the “Washington Consensus”, we need to recognise that there are varieties of capitalism. For instance, Canadian and American capitalism are remarkably different. While the former is based on a combination of market-based economics combined with significant social welfare protection, the latter is an aggressive form of what I described elsewhere as personal responsibility capitalism.

Nowhere is this more pronounced than in the dif-

FROM PAGE 4

not stay silent, nor will I be silenced.

Yours sincerely,

Richard

Moore

ferential pricing for prescription medications. Drugs produced in the US are not only cheaper in Canada, but cheaper in the US when reexported. Social market capitalism in Germany and the Scandinavian countries are also remarkably different from the neoliberal model.

It is fundamentally incorrect to label Guyana’s political economy in the language of neoliberalism. This is because of numerous measures that constructively alter market conditions and subsidise end-user goods and services. Of these measures, Government-subsidised house lots, combined with a progress mortgage-rate structure, best exemplify the unique model we have here. In my view, Guyana’s political economy is based on the capabilities approach developed by Amartya Sen. In this approach, the focus is on what people are empowered to do in terms of political, civic, and economic freedoms. That is the Guyanese variety of capitalism.

Sincerely,

Dr Randy Persaud

Power Up Maths

Page Foundation

Solving equations by multiplication and division

Before you begin to solve equations by multiplication and subtraction, you should review some interesting things about numbers.

Division is the “opposite” of multiplication. Multiplication is the “opposite” of division. If you multiply an original number by a second number, and then divide the product by a second number, you are left with the original number. For example: 4 x 6 ÷ 6 = 4.

Solving equations by multiplication and division

Before you begin to solve equations by multiplication and subtraction, you should review some interesting things about numbers.

If you divide an original number by a second number, and then multiply the quotient by a second number, you are left with the original number. For example: 4 ÷ 2 x 2 = 4.

Division is the “opposite” of multiplication. Multiplication is the “opposite” of division. If you multiply an original number by a second number, and then divide the product by a second number, you are left with the original number. For example:

4 x 6 ÷ 6 = 4.

If you divide an original number by a second number, and then multiply the quotient by a second number, you are left with the original number. For example: 4 ÷ 2 x 2 = 4. That works because division is the same as multiplying by a reciprocal.

That works because division is the same as multiplying by a reciprocal. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Examples:

Examples:

4 x 6 ÷ 6 = 4 x (6 x 1 6 ) 6 x 1 6 = 6 6 = 1

4 ÷ 2 x 2 = 4 x ( 1 2 x 2) 1 2 x 2 = 2 2 = 1

You know that if you have a fraction with the same number in the numerator and denominator, the fraction is equal to 1. So 6 6 = 1, 2 2 = 1 and �������� �������� = 1. (You do not even need to know the value of x!)

Remember

You know that if you have a fraction with the same number in the numerator and denominator, the fraction is equal to 1. So (6 )/6 = 1, 2/2 = 1 and x/x = 1. (You do not even need to know the value of x!)

Exercises: Solve

In an equation, you need to treat both sides the same way. Whatever you do to one side, you must also do to the other side.

Remember

Exercises: Solve

By C.P. CAV AFV

In an equation, you need to treat both sides the same way. Whatever you do to one side, you must also do to the other side.

1) 3x + 14 = 19 2) 7y – 4 = 32

3) 24 + 4p = 88 4) 10b + 18 = 128

5) 14 + n = 7 6) 8z + 25 = 45

1) 3x + 14 = 19 2) 7y – 4 = 32 3) 24 + 4p = 88 4) 10b + 18 = 128

7) 9p – 4 = 29 8) 4 + 6 = 2m

5) 14 + n = 7 6) 8z + 25 = 45 7) 9p – 4 = 29 8) 4 + 6 = 2m

ABuild a weather station for weather watching

ll weather stations need certain instruments and today, we will make: An anemometer

A wind vane

Anemometer:

Measures wind speed

You will need four plastic cups, a paper plate, a skewer, a cotton reel and some tape.

Decorate your cups, make sure they are all different so that you can see them spinning

around when you are done.

Tape your cups onto a paper plate.

Tape your cotton reel to the other side of the paper plate.

Place your skewer into something firm, the ground, we used a tree stump.

Place the cotton reel onto the skewer and let your anemometer spin in the wind.

Wind vane: Measures wind direction

You will need some card, a square piece of paper, a skewer, a pen cap, some tape and a compass to set it up.

Draw a large arrow shape on your card.

Tape your pen lid to the arrow

Decorate your arrow.

Place compass points along the four sides of your piece of square paper.

Use a lump of plasticine (play dough) to hold your skewer in place and slip your piece of paper

onto the skewer as well. Set your compass up directed towards North and align your paper, with the compass points, with it. North aligned towards the north.

Pop your pen lid onto the top of the skewer and your wind vane will spin around and align with the wind. You measure the wind from the direction it comes, so a south wind comes from the south.

(Adapted from se7en.org)

WORD SEARCH

“We don’t need wars” – Brazilian President talks on uniting South America

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has stood firmly on the position that his country does not support any acts of war, as it works on creating partnerships and peaceful relationships that will bring about prosperity.

The Brazilian Head of State made this disclosure as he addressed media operatives during a press conference on Thursday, shortly after meeting with President Dr Irfaan Ali.

The integration with Guyana, according to him, is part of a strategy towards working intensively to keep South America as a peace zone.

“We don’t need wars. War brings destruction, destroys infrastructure, destroys lives and brings suffering. Peace brings prosperity, education, job cre-

ation, and tranquillity to the human being. This is the role that Brazil intends to play in South America and the world,” President Lula stressed.

In return, President Ali expressed his appreciation to President Lula and the Brazilian Government for their consistent and principled support in favour of peaceful settlement of disputes in the South American region, in accordance with international law.

Ali also recognised Brazil for its critical role of facilitating dialogue for peace and cooperation between Guyana and Venezuela, within the context of the Argyle Declaration.

The Guyanese President’s comments come weeks after engagement with his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolás Maduro in St Vincent

and the Grenadines back in December. That engagement initiated out of concerns by regional leaders after the Maduro Government held a referendum on December 3, 2023 with the aim of annexing Guyana’s Essequibo region – two-thirds of the country’s territory.

The Caricom/CELAC/ Brazil-brokered meeting was geared towards maintaining peace in the region. The talks were led by Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves of St Vincent in his role as President Pro Tempore of CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States), and supported by

Last month, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd led a high-level delegation to Brasilia, Brazil to advance talks with Venezuelan officials in continuation of the progress made by their respective Presidents.

While making it clear that Guyana remained committed to resolving the border controversy before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Minister Todd had noted that, in the meantime, through the Argyle Declaration, the two countries could work together.

During the dialogue, Guyana’s delegation pre-

ised crimes, pursuing economic cooperation, dealing with the effects of climate change, and addressing the migration situation.

Minister Todd also suggested that the two countries could discuss agreements already entered into between them on drugs, Jet A1 Fuel, and matters relating to food security. He had also recommended that regional and hemispheric statements on peace and security could be a means of moving forward in the discussions.

International law, prosperous region

Meanwhile, Presidents

the Caribbean Community (Caricom). The Brazilian President also played a key role in organising the meeting.

sented to the Venezuelan team several areas in which the two countries can collaborate: such as on tackling transnational and organ-

Ali and Lula have underscored that international law, human rights, democracy, social justice, rule of

law, and sustainable development are paramount pillars for a peaceful and prosperous region.

Thursday’s engagement also surrounded issues of regional and international concern including the situations in Haiti, Ukraine and Gaza. Both Presidents expressed their deep concern over the dramatic humanitarian situation in Gaza, and echoed their call for an immediate ceasefire and the resumption of the peace process.

They reaffirmed the urgent need for a two-State solution, with a viable State of Palestine living side by side with Israel in peace and security, within mutually-agreed and internationally-recognised borders. They also reiterated their unwavering support for Palestine`s full membership in the United Nations.

President Lula said, “We never wanted and we don’t want to have any kind of litigation with any country in the world. Brazil wants peace, prosperity, economic growth, and the improvement of lives of our people.”

The Brazilian Head of State will be attending the Summit for CELAC in St Vincent and the Grenadines slated for today, March 1, 2024.

“I do hope that we have a CELAC meeting that will be productive, in harmony and that all of us should leave that meeting talking about peace and prosperity and not in hatred,” he stated. (G12)

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during Thursday’s engagement in Guyana

Presidents Irfaan Ali and Nicolás Maduro meet in St Vincent and the Grenadines last December

Berbice man found guilty of ganja trafficking jailed, fined $3.5M

Forty-five-yearold Paul Lewis of Number 30 Village, West Coast Berbice (WCB) was on Thursday jailed for two years and six months

for having in his possession 3.954 kilograms of ganja. Lewis, who was charged

and remanded to prison, appeared before Magistrate Peter Hugh at the Fort

Wellington Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, and was found guilty of the offence.

In addition to the sentence, he was fined $3.5 million.

CANU had stated that on June 7, 2023, its officers conducted an operation at a residence in Number 30 Village, WCB. A subsequent search of the premises revealed 22 parcels of cannabis, and the male suspect arrested.

Lewis was escorted to CANU Headquarters with the narcotics, which, when weighed, amounted to 41.79 kg (about 92.13 lbs.), with a street value of approximately $12.5 million.

North East La Penitence man jailed, fined $3.4M for cocaine trafficking

Forty-seven-yearold Ian Griffith of North East La Penitence, Georgetown was on Wednesday sentenced to three years and one month behind bars after he was found guilty of having 2.330 kilograms of cocaine in his possession.

The ruling was handed down by Magistrate Zamilla Ally at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court upon the conclusion of the trial. In addition, Griffith was fined $3.4 million.

He was arrested on

Sentenced: Ian Griffith

March 3, 2022, with the cocaine during an operation by the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) between Ruby, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) and Den Amstel on the West Coast of Demerara (WCD). The street value of the cocaine at the time was $2.6 million.

In August 2016, Griffith and another person were charged and remanded to prison after a quantity of cocaine was discovered in a suitcase belonging to a 14-year-old boy.

In late August 2016, the boy was awaiting a flight to New York at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) when Police uncovered the cocaine in the handles of his suitcase. He was later released, and Griffith and the other person were charged.

They were arraigned on separate charges which stated that on August 26, 2016, they trafficked 1.004kg of cocaine.

Poking…

…Uncle Sam’s eye

Mad Maduro’s definitely bucking for a fight with Uncle Sam. After making nice by participating in a prisoner exchange and making promises at a US-backed Barbados meeting with his Opposition for this year’s elections to be “free and fair”, he had sanctions lifted. Most importantly, for Chevron to start pumping and shipping oil. But with his support dwindling internally as the economy continues its inexorable implosion after passing the tipping point a decade ago, he realises his chances of getting re-elected in any fair election are absolutely nil!! So, he launched moves to facilitate his rigging.

His main ploy was to block his strongest opponent from the Opposition – Maria Machado – by having his lapdog kangaroo court bar her from participating because of “anti-national” activities and “corruption”. This is a well-known ploy by dictators the world over and while it doesn’t mean Machado’s an angel, she like everyone else must have due process!! He thought he was clever by having his Court clear some other banned small potatoes Opposition candidates. Another manoeuvre is to ensure the elections will be held late this year – even though the Barbados Agreement specified by mid-year. He obviously needs more time to prepare the necessary massive rigging apparatus!

As he’d done with his “referendum” in December to give him “legitimacy” for Essequibo’s annexation, he launched a “nationwide dialogue process” to craft an electoral schedule. The groups “consulted”, of course, were all carefully curated to guarantee a late election. So, earlier this week, National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez announced that the consultation had yielded an agreement endorsed by all participating parties. Signed by 152 representatives from “diverse sectors of Venezuelan society”, the document proposes 27 potential dates for this year’s presidential vote and will be formally presented to the National Electoral Council (CNE) today for its review. They’re expected to announce an electoral calendar by the end of March. We know what’ll be, no?

But most significantly, the Opposition Unitary Platform, including Machado – which had negotiated the Barbados Agreement – was not part of the “diverse sectors” consulted!! They’ve compiled a list of Maduro’s violations of the Barbados Agreement and sent it to the Norwegian mediators. So, now we have a standoff: the US insists that Machado must be allowed to run, while Mad Maduro insists otherwise. He, of course, is turning hoops hoping that a weak opponent would demand less blatant rigging –and is also hoping that the Unity Platform might also dump Machado!! What all of this boils down to is that, in the words of Rowley after Granger was refusing to concede the 2020 elections: “This will not end well”!!

Meaning that tensions in Venezuela for the rest of the year, will inevitably dull our rosy prospects!

…democratic change

Some very smart fella once pointed out that “democracy ain’t instant coffee”. You gotta be patient to enjoy it!! America launched their democratic revolution since 1776 and they’re still busy straightening out kinks. And it’s not even a matter of what the Yanks are doing –it’s more about whether we want to live in a democracy or not!! If we don’t – like China, for instance – that’s fine especially, since they’re doing so well!! But we can’t run with the hares and hunt with the hounds, can we??

So, we gotta accept that if we don’t win an election, we gotta “take our licks like a man” – as one Caricom PM advised and try again next time. And until then, fix what went wrong and get ready. For instance, is the present leader of the PNC the best that they can come up with?? We can’t have folks promoting rigging elections and even using violence to stay “pon tap”

This is just guaranteeing that the Opposition might all lose “corn and husk” in 2025!

…the thug image

Hamilton Green acquired a well-deserved reputation back in the day for political skullduggery against the Opposition. It’s rather disconcerting that today, some of those leaders who suffered at his hands are now sycophants!!

Guyana’s VP to lead regional mechanism to unlock financing for Caricom Development Fund

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has been selected to lead a regional working group that would be responsible for unlocking financial resources for the Caribbean under the Caricom Development Fund (CDF).

This decision was made during the recently-concluded 46th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) held in Georgetown this week.

At a closing press conference on Wednesday evening at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, Caricom Chairman, President Dr Irfaan Ali outlined the importance of mutual agreement among Member States to unite efforts towards regional financing that will promote growth and enhance resilience.

“We just don’t want to look at raising financing, but we want to align the financing that comes into the Region now, to the growth and development and prosperity of the Region while, at the same time, we ensure we coordinate our financing through a common mecha-

nism to deal with adaption and resilience,” the Guyanese Leader stated.

The Caricom Development Fund was established by the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas to assist disadvantaged Member States that are susceptible to climate change.

During the recent meeting, leaders of the 15-member regional bloc committed to the third round of replenishment of the Fund. In addition to financial commitments from Member States, however, Caricom would also

be mobilising funds especially from the Private Sector in the financial institutions of the Region – both bank and non-bank.

Consequently, it was agreed that Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, who is leading the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) initiative in Caricom, will coordinate the establishment of a Working Group on Financing for Caribbean Development.

That working group will be convened and headed by Vice President Jagdeo –

Court appoints mediators to...

According to the Vice President, the teachers are being misled into thinking that they will continue to be paid even if they do not work. He pointed out that while this may be the case for the period pending the outcome of the court proceedings, legal experts have advised the Government that the Laws of Guyana do not support the principle that if you do not work, you can still be paid. In fact, he noted that

this precedent was set by the Privy Council which has upheld that principle of ‘no work, no pay’.

To this end, VP Jagdeo urged the teachers to return to the classroom and to not be further misled – something which could massively cost them in the future.

“My fear is that they are misleading teachers into believing that the matter is resolved [in the court] and they can strike

FROM PAGE 3

as long as they wish and they will be paid forever. We believe, based on what we’ve seen – the precedent, that this matter will be determined in favour of the principle that has long been established and the deductions, if taken at that time, will be harsher for teachers. I’m urging the teachers not to be misled by what you hear from the Union…,” the Vice President posited. (G3)

and how they[‘ll create] a winwin situation,” Mottley said.

Further, the Barbados Prime Minister informed media operatives that in the next four months, a report inclusive of recommendations to unlock funding would be formulated.

tasked with addressing the mobilisation of financing to be intermediated through the Blue-Green Investment Bank and the CDF to advance the objectives of regional resilience and growth.

Additionally, this Working Group on Financing for Caribbean Development was given a deadline to conclude its work within the next four months and submit its Report by the next meeting of Heads of Government scheduled for July in Grenada.

PM Mottley said during Wednesday’s press conference that she would be working also with the Guyanese Vice President on this.

“Vice President Jagdeo will chair that Working Group look into see how we will unlock the liquidity from the private banking system

“It is our view that the Region is full of liquidity but what is missing is the appropriate mechanism to unlock that liquidity and to allow those countries that need access to concessional funding, as is available under the Caricom Development Fund, to be able to access them so that we can build up the systems to promote growth, rather than treating to it just purely for the adaptation and resilience aspect of it,” she noted.

Additionally, Caricom leaders have pledged to support the Blue Green Investment Bank – an institution that aims to inject investments into climate-prone countries and regions.

Commitments have already been made by the Governments of Guyana, Bahamas, and Barbados, with each country pledging US$15 million and the Green Climate Fund committing a similar amount.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has also pledged US$2.5 million.

“We hope that we can reach at least [US]$100 million in seed capital. Barbados has the draft bill for the institution and we hope to operationalise this institution as a matter of urgency to service the needs of the Caricom with respect to resilience and adaptation,” PM Mottley highlighted.

Meanwhile, on the issue of climate change, the 15-member regional bloc expressed concerns that while COP28 was widely regarded as a historic event, with the completion of the first global stocktake (GST), on progress in achievement of the Paris Agreement goals, the outcomes of GST show that emissions of greenhouse gases continue to rise and the nationally determined contributions (NDCs) of Parties will not keep global temperatures below the 1.5-degree goal enshrined in the Paris Agreement.

New finance goal

Heads of Government are also concerned about heading into COP29 where a new finance goal will be articulated to replace the US$100 billion goal, which has not yet been met when developing countries, including those in the Caribbean, require trillions to deal with the escalating impacts of climate change.

(L-R) Caricom Chairman, President Dr Irfaan Ali and Guyana’s Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo

Govt considering establishment of National Water Council – Rodrigues

The Government is actively considering establishing a National Water Council to manage the usage of water across the 83,000 square miles of Guyana.

This was disclosed by Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues during a recent discussion on the Guyana Dialogue.

According to Rodrigues, Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy, which was crafted by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration caters for the establishment of such a council.

On this point, the Minister said developing such a body would play a critical role in addressing the pressing need for efficient water management amid challenges posed by climate change, which continues to threaten this valu-

able resource.

In this regard, she disclosed that work would commence soon on a water use policy to govern the function of the National Water Council.

“Looking at a National Water Council that will have

oversight of all sectors that use water so, it’s not just potable water but all the sectors and this includes agriculture and Hydromet…This is to ensure that water is used responsibly and that we have proper mechanisms to preserve and conserve water and

that’s been missing from our architecture in terms of water use. So, we want to get that policy done and that council in place,” Rodrigues explained.

In addition to policy initiatives, the Government is taking concrete steps to im-

prove access to potable water, particularly in hinterland regions.

Rodrigues announced plans to drill an additional 40 wells in the hinterland, supplementing the 75 wells already drilled in the past three years. This initiative aims to address water scarcity issues in remote communities and enhance water security.

“We have several communities still that’s how they receive their water – through

that well with a photovoltaic system, pumps, extra storage for the villages and the distribution network,” the Minister said.

Since the PPP/C assumed office in August 2020, more than 35,000 applicants have gained first-time access to potable and treated water services through the current Administration’s comprehensive water accessibility programme.

As a result, nearly 100 per cent of coastal residents now

rainwater harvesting, creek or stream or a hand-dug well in some cases too. So, that is why we are so aggressive in the hinterland and we set ourselves a target of 100 per cent access to water… So, that people can have access to a well and we accompany

having access to clean water.

Rodrigues emphasised that this significant expansion recorded is part of the Administration’s national agenda that advocates for the implementation of sustainable water management practices. (G1)

Guyana’s VP to lead regional mechanism...

Developed country parties have not provided enough finance at scale, technology and capacity building support required to help developing countries tackle their pressing needs to build their resilience, especially in adapting to the adverse and increasingly catastrophic impacts of climate change. The clear absence of definitive timelines for action and quantitative commitments for scaling up of investments, and particularly adaptation finance emerging out of COP 28, cause great concern to the Region.

The Conference noted that Small Island Developing States (SIDS), recognized as the most vulnerable group of countries and a special case for sustainable development, have been facing strong push back against the recognition of their special circumstances especially in the context of climate finance. There is limited international support for special allocations for SIDS within financing arrangements and available climate finance from international and private sources is limited, expensive and too onerous to access.

In light of the preceding, Heads of Government called for Caricom to take a

strategic, unified and coordinated approach to ensure that the Region remains influential in the climate and development arena through engagements with key partners and advocacy groups.

They further pushed for a renewed focus by the Region to advocate for inclusion of forests, nature-based solutions and blue carbon into market mechanisms with the aim of articulating clear regional positions and strategies. Heads of Government reiterated the call for improved readiness programmes, simplified approval procedures, a change to the criteria for determining access to low-cost finance, and for the adoption of programmatic approaches to address the bottlenecks in accessing finance.

The Region reiterates its support for the Bridgetown Initiative’s call to expand capital adequacy of international financial institutions.

Heads recognized that the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States, scheduled to be held in Antigua and Barbuda, 27 – 30 May 2024, will be an inflection point for many of these discussions to be articulated. As such, the Region remains committed to participating in the Conference at the highest level. (G8)

Fire Service contains rapid grass fire at UG road

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) on Thursday contained a massive grass fire from spreading further – a situa-

tion which could have escalated as it threatened nearby buildings.

About 10:54h, the Fire Service received reports of

a grass fire at University of Guyana Road, Turkeyen.

Acting swiftly, firefighters were dispatched to the scene, and their prompt re-

Engineer charged with shooting fiancée to death freed

The Berbice engineer who was charged with the murder of his fiancée in November 2023, was on Wednesday set free by a Berbice Magistrate after the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case.

Berbice engineer Neil Madramootoo, who was charged with the murder of his fiancée, Ashmin Mahadeo, was freed by Magistrate Peter Hugh.

Mahadeo, of Williamsburg, Corentyne, took her last breath on November 13, 2023 and Madramootoo, who was initially charged with attempted murder, was subsequently charged with murder after her passing.

sponse was crucial in containing the blaze. A water tender, land rover and 22 firefighters arrived at the location by 11:20h, ready to tackle the inferno.

“The fire previously threatened three buildings in the vicinity. However, firefighting efforts managed to contain the fire,” the Fire Service shared.

Residents and bystanders had been urged to cooperate with emergency personnel and follow any instructions provided for their safety and the successful extinguishment of the fire.

In neighbouring Suriname, nearly 1400 hectares of land has already been burnt due to a current spell

of drought. In Wageningen, Nickerie, the population has been suffering for days from heavy smoke as a result of

forest fires. It is a scenario which has strained the firefighting resources in the area.

Police Legal Adviser Mondel Moore prosecuted the case while Attorney-atLaw Nigel Hughes represented the accused.

The prosecution had been relying on a dying declaration together with some evidence in relation to a firearm found at Madramootoo’s home.

However, Hughes challenged the evidence that was presented by the prosecution, stating that the prosecution built its case on circumstantial evidence while also challenging the prosecution’s reference to as a dying declaration.

As such, he made a nocase application which the court upheld and freed the 29-year-old resident of Shoe Lane, New Amsterdam.

Mahadeo died at the New Amsterdam Hospital

one month after the shooting incident.

She was initially admitted to the Georgetown Public Hospital but was transferred to New Amsterdam Hospital.

She was reportedly shot to the neck at her Williamsburg, Corentyne home on October 1, 2023.

At the time of the shooting, Madramootoo and Mahadeo were packing items in Madramootoo’s company vehicle to be taken to Port Mourant.

It had been reported that Madramootoo had allegedly told the woman’s relatives that he did not know what had transpired, and had even suggested that she was shot during a robbery.

He also allegedly said that he did not know where her cellphone was and also said that he could not locate his when investigators requested Madramootoo’s phone.

However, both phones were subsequently discovered in a vehicle that Madramootoo had access to and were confiscated by Police. (G4)

The grass fire was contained by firefighters

Freed: Neil Madramootoo

Neil Madramootoo and Ashmin Mahadeo in happier times

Guyana, Brazil to advance infrastructural …to

bolster greater defence

Recognising a timely opportunity to strengthen economic integration, the Governments of Guyana and Brazil will be advancing cooperation in infrastructural connectivity, Private Sector integration and greater defence mechanisms.

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Thursday facilitated bilateral discussions with his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

Thereafter, both Presidents reaffirmed their mutual commitment to the full development of a partnership programme between Guyana and Brazil, aimed at further action and practical measures to deepen the bilateral cooperation.

In addressing local and international media following this engagement, Ali shared that the two sides discussed areas where the economies can be integrated, and how the Private Sector can spark investments.

“For Guyana and Brazil, there is an opportunity that is now, that can highly integrate our economies and create enormous opportunities for the people of our two countries. We discussed the connectivity of infrastructure not only through roads, ports and air transport, but we discussed the connectivity of our people, the involvement of our Private Sector and how we can get our Private Sectors more integrated,” the Head of State disclosed.

The two sides will work towards organising a mission from Guyana to Brazil in the second quarter of 2024, comprising officials of the Government and the business sector, with the aim of expanding trade and investment between the two countries.

Infrastructure

Speaking on infrastructural linkages between both countries, President Ali informed that both countries will be working on the financial mechanism for projects that will further connect Guyana and Brazil.

“We’re going to put together a technical working group that would commence working immediately to develop a mechanism through which we can have the financing and to mobilise financing for the deployment of investment on various projects to link our two countries,” he discussed.

One of the main infrastructural linkages to Brazil will be the Linden-to-Mabura Hill road, which will eventually reach all

the way to Lethem, Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

lion contract for the road 2022 with Brazilian company Queiroz Galvao SA for the 121-kilometre road.

Defence Meanwhile, deepened defence and security these talks. A working established in taking Consequently, Ali also Lula’s commitment and against issues facing fostering regional integration.

He commended, “His development is focused silient, strong, sustainable which the people of this fil our potential, in which mechanism through come to every citizen markable.”

Moving President Lula arrived dress regional leaders Meeting of the Conference Government of the Caribbean (Caricom) this week.

As he delivered remarks, Leader shared that this moving forward a policy in 2010, but was later with Guyana but the through changing leadership try.

Lula expressed his the engagement as he tives, “There is a vast Private Sector to make in Guyana. On the other lot of interest in Guyana process that will allow cess to Brazilian agricultural cially through its closest is the Roraima state of

A joint communiqué dialogue indicated that phasised the need for the implementation both sides on this agenda, portance of effective monitoring ation of agreed initiatives.

Among other actions vival of the established Groups to further bilateral between the two countries;

Presidents Irfaan Ali and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at a joint press conference on Thursday following bilateral talks

connectivity, Private Sector integration defence mechanisms

Region Nine (Upper Essequibo). The US$190 milroad was signed in May company Construtora for the construction of road.

Defence deepened collaboration on will materialise from working mechanism has been these issues forward. also lauded President and consistent stance the region, as well as integration.

“His focus on people-led focused on building a resustainable region, one in this region will all fulwhich we can build a which prosperity can of this region; it’s re-

forward arrived in Guyana to adleaders at the 46th Regular Conference of Heads of Caribbean Community remarks, the Brazilian this is the first step in policy which commenced later paralysed not just the rest of the world leadership in his counhis satisfaction with he told media operafield for the Brazilian make their investments other [hand], there is a Guyana for the integration allow Guyana to have acagricultural goods, especlosest neighbour, which of Brazil.”

communiqué after Thursday’s that the Presidents emfor greater impetus in of commitments by agenda, stressing the immonitoring and evaluinitiatives. actions taken were the reestablished Ministerial Working bilateral engagements countries; full implemen-

tation of the Guyana-Brazil International Road Transport Agreement (IRTA); expanding the provisions of the Partial Scope Agreement; promoting South American cooperation initiatives under the leadership of different countries in the region; and actions to enable full operationalisation of the Agreement on Cooperation and Facilitation of Investment.

There have also been pledges for greater collaboration in agriculture and food security, through sharing information and best practices, enhanced collaboration between their respective research institutions, and promoting investment.

Additionally, talks also included advancing the process of the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in November 2020 for the Technical Feasibility Studies for the installation of a fibreoptic link between Guyana and Brazil.

There will be strengthened bilateral dialogue and collaboration on frontier, consular and migration issues. The framework of engagement between Brazil and the Caribbean Community that seeks to contribute to enhancing food security in the region will also be explored.

President Lula expressed, “We should make it happen, the necessary integration, to bring development to our region. That is why I would like to communicate to you that I leave this country very pleased.”

On the margins of the Conference of Heads of Government of Caricom meeting, the leadership of Guyana and Brazil also met with Surinamese President Chandrikapersad Santokhi during a trilateral working meeting on Wednesday.

They agreed to deepen discussions on cooperation in the oil and gas sector, including exploration and production, regulation and contingency plans and emergency response, while also expressing interest in the development of sustainable projects of hydroelectric generation and integration of electrical networks, in order to strengthen the energy security and efficiency of regional systems.

The three countries also reaffirmed their common interest in strengthening cooperation in the fight against transnational crime, through joint police operations, exchange of intelligence information, capacity-developing activities and negotiation of cooperation projects for the use of remote sensing images as a tool to combat transnational organised crime. (Rupa Seenaraine)

Govt efforts have been critical - Mount Sinai’s rep to Pres Ali on modernisation of health sector

…says Guyana on the verge of transforming healthcare for everyone …as new nurse assistant curriculum to be launched this month

President Dr Irfaan Ali received an indepth report on the significant progress being made in the implementation of national strategies to strengthen and expand access to quality healthcare in Guyana.

During a meeting at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre, on Thursday, the Head of State was briefed by the Health Ministry, Mount Sinai and Hess Corporation on the major successes in the modernisation of the health sector.

In conjunction with the Government and Hess, Mount Sinai is advising and aiding the development of high-quality primary care with specialised services in cardiology and oncology. Mount Sinai, a New York-based health system, has also made significant improvements at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC).

The Mount Sinai team, working in partnership with GPHC, has focused on improving care outcomes for

infants treated in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with advanced training for NICU nurses and established quality and safety programmes. This, their representatives explained, would improve the ability of GPHC to reduce infections and prevent major adverse events.

President Ali was also informed that the health system is working with the leadership at GPHC to improve hospital operations by training GPHC staff to use LEAN and continuous process improvement methods to deliver better, more efficient service. These initiatives are in addition to the support the Mount Sinai group has given towards the development and opening of a new state-of-the-art pathology laboratory at GPHC.

Early detection

It was revealed that to date there has been a rapid rollout of school-based health screenings. Through this programme, collaboration between MoH and

Mount Sinai allowed for more than 60% of Nursery I and nearly 25% of Nursery II children being screened nationally. An additional 87,000 primary school students will be screened by the end of 2024.

The screening aims to aid in the early detection of health-related illness and to identify necessary care and prevention treatment plans. Some 23 per cent of children screened, were referred for medical attention.

Under the National Primary Care System Strengthening Initiative, over 400 clinicians have been trained to implement the new national diabetes screening and treatment guidelines.

New nurse assistant curriculum

Later this month, the Health Ministry with Mount Sinai’s support will launch a new nurse assistant curriculum and training programme. This launch adds to a new programme started earlier this year to train Spanish-speaking nurses to provide care in English.

Mount Sinai’s representative Rachel Vreeman, MD, MS, told President Ali that “the efforts by the Government of Guyana, Ministry of Health, and their teams have been critical to these successes. Together, we are on the verge of being able to transform healthcare for everyone in Guyana and deliver on the promise of better health for all.”

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony, Hess Corporation CEO John Hess and other key stakeholders in the collaboration were also a part of the meeting.

President Dr Irfaan Ali along with Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony; Mount Sinai’s representative Rachel Vreeman, MD, MS; Hess Corporation CEO John Hess and other senior officials on Thursday at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre

Silica City master plan expected by mid-2024

The master plan draft for Silica City, Guyana’s inaugural modern and sustainable city project, is expected to be available by mid-2024.

we signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Miami for them to deploy all of their exports in architecture and design so that they can do

This was disclosed by the Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues during a discussion on the Guyana Dialogue.

Silica City will be established along the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway.

The project aims to address the impacts of climate change and sea level rise, as well as the issues associated with the growth of non-coastal urban settlements.

Rodrigues said the project will further be advanced when the masterplan arrives.

“You would have seen last year that there was a delegation here from the University of Miami, and

the master plan for silica city… They have about six months to get back to us on a draft…About mid-this year, we should be in possession of a draft of this master plan,” Rodrigues posited.

The project has set aside some 3,800 acres of land,

Emergency repairs to stellings Temporary ferry arrangements for Parika/Supenaam route

The Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) has announced that as a result of extensive damage to the abutment beams and linkspan bridge at the Parika and Supenaam stellings, emergency repairs will be carried out. The works will commence on March 10 and is expected to be completed by March 16.

T&HD said that it will not disrupt the provision of ferry services between Parika and Supenaam, adding that the service will continue even as workers are carrying out the repairs.

However, it added that there will be some changes to the service among which the M.V Sabanto and the M.V. Kanawan will not be used on the Supenaam route during this period; vessels using side boarding will be utilized; the daily schedule will remain the same during the period; bookings for these vessels will be made through Ferrypass; each vessel is estimated to take approximately two and half

The MV Sabanto Ferry, which plies the Parika to Supenaam route

hours to complete a journey.

Considering the two and half hours journey time, the T&HD is advising passengers that when planning their trips, they should factor in any delays due to unforeseen circumstances.

Additionally, the T&DH has also advised that persons with medical emergencies who may wish to travel during this period must take note of the longer travel time.

“T&HD understands that the rice season has

started and therefore there will be an increase in the movements of trucks and trailers transporting paddy/ rice between regions. The agency is asking for consideration and patience as we seek to serve everyone under a temporary arrangement. During this time, all trucks transporting cargo will be restricted to 20 tons. The 25-ton capacity will be reinstated after the repairs are completed,” the transport body stated in a release on Thursday.

and work on the infrastructure is already underway.

This includes creating 100 residential homes in addition to shopping centres, apartment complexes, condos, hotels, restaurants, and other facilities.

Rodrigues explained that the project is still in the first phase and Guyana is seeking to develop approximately 10,000 acres of land.

“We want to do this properly. We want to deploy the use of experts and people who have done this in other countries like Latin America, the Caribbean Europe, and around the world…So that it can achieve all of the objectives that we would like to achieve,” the minister added.

She emphasised that access to the new city will be easy, as Guyana is already constructing a highway from Mandela to Eccles to provide enhanced access for persons to traverse.

“This highway will go all the way to Timehri and will give people access to the Linden/Soesdyke Highway…. It is very accessible. There is a road built there already to take you to Silica City,” Minister Rodrigues stated.

With its potential to become the nation’s most sought-after location for contemporary, environmentally eco-friendly living, Silica City is a significant advancement in Guyana’s developmental approach toward a sustainable and climate-smart future.

In addition to green areas and other facilities, the state-of-the-art development will include smart homes outfitted with the newest energy-saving technologies.

In February 2023, some $2.1 billion worth of contracts were signed to expedite these efforts.

Minister Rodrigues ex-

plained that the government will continue to execute its mandate to provide affordable and sustainable housing solutions to Guyanese.

Over the last three years, over 30,000 house lots have been allocated to Guyanese throughout the country. Of this number, 35 per cent or 13,834 of the beneficiaries are single women, and 54 percent were young adults ranging from ages 21 to 35 years.

Meanwhile, 92 per cent of the allocation went to low, moderate, and middle-income earners.

“The objective was to give low-income earners access to affordable housing. We have stayed true to that ideology…The 30,000 is just a number. When you break it down and look at the impact that the housing programme has had on the lives of all of these people, you really appreciate the bigger picture,” she emphasised. (G1)

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues

Silica City along the Soesdyke/Linden Highway

Assuria launches roadside assistance, vehicle tracking services

Assuria General GY Inc has announced that it is in collaboration with Arrowten Inc to launch RESCUE Breakdown Recovery and Roadside Assistance to Assuria customers with exclusive pricing. This innovative service is now available to customers with comprehensive motor insurance, offering peace of mind and reliability on the roads of Guyana.

RESCUE, the company said, sets itself apart by offering an unparalleled level of service, combining advanced technology with a commitment to safety and efficiency. The company added that until February 2025, the first 6000 eligible customers with comprehen- sive motor insurance will receive RESCUE services at no additional cost.

Key features include high availability and safe response, with a 24/7 availability and rapid response team. RESCUE ensures that assistance is always within reach, providing prompt support in any situation; advanced equipment and technology: Each response team is equipped with body cameras, safety gear, and identification badges, ensuring transparency & accountability; vehicle tracking. Utilizing state-of-the-art vehicle tracking technolo-

gy, RESCUE can pinpoint the location of customers in need, expediting response times and minimising downtime; ROSPA Defensive Driving: Highly trained response teams are certified in ROSPA defensive driving techniques, guaranteeing a safe and efficient approach to every rescue operation.

Coverage areas for RESCUE extend from Georgetown to Timehri; Parika; Patentia and Mahaica.

Assistant General Manager of Assuria General (GY) Inc, Patricia Persaud, commented, “We are excited to partner with Arrowten Inc to introduce RESCUE, a service that reflects our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. With RESCUE, our custom-

ers can travel with confidence, knowing that help is always at hand.”

According to the company, itself and Arrowten Inc are dedicated to revolutionising roadside assistance

in Guyana, adding that as technology continues to evolve and customer needs change, both companies remain committed to delivering innovative solutions and exceptional service.

Drugs unearthed during raid at Mango Landing

Ranks from the Mango Landing, Police Outpost in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) conducted a raid exercise between 04:55 and 05:30h on Thursday at the premises of shop owner and a cook where a quantity of drugs was found.

According to Police, the 39-year-old shop owner, who is also a miner, and the 39-year-old cook were in the shop when the raid was conducted.

During the search, one of the ranks found a black bulky plastic bag behind a gas stove in the kitchen. The bag contained a quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems sus-

The narcotic that was found during the raid at Mango Landing, Potaro

pected to be cannabis, along with a quantity of cash.

Both suspects were arrested and escorted to the Mango Landing Police Outpost with the narcotic

after which they were taken to the Mahdia Police Station, where the narcotic was weighed and amounted to 185 grams. They remain in custody pending charges.

100-person team douse wild fire in Central Rupununi

Ranks from the Guyana Police Force joined in the efforts to extinguished wildfires in Nappi Village, Central Rupununi in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

On Tuesday, the media

reported that the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) and the Civil Defence Commission were monitoring a brush fire in the Lethem region. The fire began on Sunday at approximately 08:30h and was fuelled by dry and windy

conditions.

At the time, efforts are being closely coordinated to ensure the safety of residents and effective management of the fire.

Though the terrain hindered fire tenders’ access

to the mountainous area, Village Toshaos and fire personnel were seen transporting black tanks of water to the scene to aid in extinguishing the blaze.

On Thursday, the GPF reports that ranks from the

Lethem Police Station and a group of persons from Men on Mission entered Nappi Village in Central Rupununi to assist in putting out the wildfires.

They joined the Regional Executive Officer Carl

Singh, ranks from the Guyana Fire Service, other officials, and residents of the village, to help douse the fire near the Kanuku Mountain range. Some 100 persons were part of the team that helped extinguish the fire.

Former US diplomat pleads guilty to spying for Cuba for more than 40 years A

Aformer career US diplomat who had served as the US Ambassador to Bolivia has pleaded guilty to working as an agent of Cuba for more than 40 years.

Victor Manuel Rocha, 73, was charged with secretly passing information to the communist-run Cuban Government since 1981 while working for the US State Department.

On Thursday, he changed his initial not-guilty plea in a court in Miami.

He is due to be sentenced at a hearing on April 12.

The move brings one of the highest-profile espionage cases between Cuba and the US to an unexpectedly rapid conclusion.

Thursday's court hearing was supposed to be about how to handle classified documents involved in the case, according to the Miami Herald.

But instead, Rocha, his lawyers, and Prosecutors acknowledged that a plea deal had been struck.

When Judge Beth Bloom asked him if he wished to change his plea to guilty, he responded: "Your honour, I am in agreement."

He is charged with violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act by acting as a foreign agent, wire

fraud and making false statements to obtain a US passport.

The evidence collected by investigators includes covert recordings of Rocha admitting to working for Cuba for decades, praising the late Cuban leader, Fidel Castro as "Commandante", and calling the United States "the enemy".

(Excerpt from BB News)

Cuba asks UN for help as food shortages worsen

Cuba's Government has for the first time asked the United Nations' food programme for help as food shortages on the communist-run island worsen.

The World Food Programme (WFP) said it had received an unprecedented official request from the Cuban Government for help providing powdered milk to children under seven years of age.

The request is a sign of the seriousness of Cuba's economic crisis.

As well as a shortage of milk, fuel and medicines are also running low.

The WFP confirmed to Spanish news agency Efe that it been approached by the Cuban Government to "continue the monthly delivery of 1kg [35oz] of milk for girls and boys under the age of seven throughout the country".

The WFP said it had al-

Many Cubans struggle to get hold of milk and even children who are entitled to the subsidised rations have been going without

ready started delivering milk powder to the island.

Powdered milk and other basic foods are provided to Cubans at a subsidised price through ration books, but delays and lack of supplies are common, especially at times of economic hardship.

The system was first introduced in 1962 by Cuban leader Fidel Castro after the United States imposed sanctions on the island, which exacerbated shortages.

The Cuban Government

continues to blame the ongoing US sanctions for the dire state of its economy, but critics say Government mismanagement is behind the current economic crisis – the worst in three decades.

Last year, Vice Prime Minister Jorge Luis Tapia Fonseca did concede that progress in making Cuba more self-sufficient was lagging and blamed Cuban workers, whom he said lacked a "culture of productivity".

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Gang violence sparks in Haiti as Prime Minister visits Kenya

wave of panic swept through downtown Port-au-Prince on Thursday, with an outburst of violence marked by heavy gunfire and improvised barricades, and a gang leader took responsibility saying it was a demonstration against authorities.

The violent events took place on the same day Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry arrived in Kenya for talks on the deployment of a multinational security mission in the country backed by the United Nations.

By midday, most institutions and businesses in the city had closed and thousands of people commuted back home in public transit or walking to seek shelter,

according to local witnesses. Haitian airline Sunrise Airways halted flights as violence flared in Haiti, a company spokesperson said, adding shootouts near the capital's airport had put people in danger.

Special police units were deployed throughout the city to respond to the violent events, a Police spokesperson told a local radio station.

"We have chosen to take our destiny in our own hands. The battle we are waging will not only topple the Ariel [Henry] Government. It is a battle that will change the whole system," said former cop and gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, also known as “Barbecue”, in a video

shared on social media.

Henry, who came to power after the assassination of the country's last President in 2021, had pledged to step down by early February, but later said security must first be re-established in order to ensure free and fair elections.

Gang violence has flared up in Haiti since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. The United Nations estimates the conflict killed close to 5000 persons last year and has driven some 300,000 from their homes.

Kenya has pledged to send 1000 troops and Benin another 2000 to help National Police fight armed gangs. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Nicaragua accused of violations

“tantamount to crimes against humanity” by UN experts

Nicaragua's Government committed human rights violations that amount to "crimes against humanity", a United Nations-appointed team of human rights experts said in a report on Thursday.

The report called for President Daniel Ortega and his wife and Vice President, Rosario Murillo, to be "held accountable by the international community" for widespread abuses.

"Serious systematic human rights violations, tantamount to crimes against humanity, continue to be perpetrated by the Nicaraguan Government for political reasons," the experts said in a statement.

The Nicaraguan Government did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report's findings.

Ortega's Government in the past has ignored reports from the UN and the Organisation of American States (OAS), which it says are part of an international campaign against it.

The UN-appointed

Jack wants to make peace between Kamla, Gary

Former Government Minister Jack Warner believes the fracture in the relationship between Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Gary Griffith can be repaired, and he can also play a role in mending it.

Warner’s comment came after Persad-Bissessar and Griffith traded verbal jabs over the National Transformation Alliance’s ability to bring a meaningful contribution to the United National Congress’s push in next year’s general

election.

Even with the apparent rift, Warner said he will not let the parties go their separate ways.

“The situation is, it’s not, of course, irretrievable and I think dialogue on both sides can resolve it and I will do what I can to assist in getting that dialogue together,” Warner said.

He said he would not comment further on the matter, as he wants to be in the best position to mediate in the issue.

UNC deputy leader Jearlean John also again refused to address Griffith’s claim that it was she who was influencing PersadBissessar in her attack against the NTA.

Meanwhile, the Movement for Social Justice (MSJ), a former UNC coalition partner, said it knew exactly which party PersadBissessar was referring to during the cottage meeting in Preysal.

“You know there’s a saying that when you pelt a

stone at a pig pen the one that squeals is the one that got hit? So obviously, there’s something going on with herself and Gary Griffith because Gary responded right away, and the MSJ, we have nothing to do with that, that does not bother us,” MSJ leader David Abdulah said.

Asked if the MSJ will entertain Persad-Bissessar’s invitation for parties to join her, Abdulah said curtly, “Absolutely not.” (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

group, formed to investigate human rights abuses in the wake of Nicaragua's 2018 political crisis, has previously found that the Government committed acts of torture, extrajudicial executions, and arbitrary detention beginning in 2018.

Although appointed by the UN, the group does not speak for the world organisation.

"Nicaragua is caught in a spiral of violence marked by the persecu-

tion of all forms of political Opposition, whether real or perceived, both domestically and abroad," said Jan Simon, the chair of the group.

The experts called for an international investigation into Ortega and Murillo after identifying abuses throughout the Government and Police's chains of command.

The group did not identify the army as being involved in such crimes.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Mexican President issues “respectful” criticism of Canada for new visa requirements

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador issued a "respectful reproach" to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during a regular press conference on Thursday for reinstating some visa requirements for Mexican nationals.

The move by Canada, reported on Wednesday, is in a

bid to curb the flow of asylum seekers, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp earlier said citing a senior official.

Lopez Obrador said he felt a "small, fraternal, respectful reproach to the Prime Minister" for Canada's decision but also that Mexico would act with "prudence" in response.

(Reuters)

Former US Ambassador to Bolivia, Manuel Rocha admitted to acting as a Cuban agent for more than 40 years

Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega attends the opening ceremony of the G77+China summit in Havana, Cuba, September 15, 2023 (Reuters/Alexandre Meneghini file photo)

Around the World

OIL NEWS

Oil inches down as US inflation data, rising OPEC output weigh

Oil prices edged lower on Thursday as US inflation data implied a softening of the world's biggest economy that could weaken crude demand, with rising Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) production also weighing on prices.

Brent futures for April delivery settled at US$83.62 a barrel, down six cents. US crude settled at US$78.26 a barrel, losing 28 cents.

The Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge, the US personal consumption expenditures (PCE) index, showed January inflation in line with economists' expectations, keeping a June interest rate cut on the table.

"The economic data, which is mixed, is helping to argue for interest rate cuts for the Fed, which is supportive of oil demand," said John Kilduff, partner with Again Capital LLC.

"At the same time, those cuts are going to come, because the economy is slowing and that impacts oil demand."

Reports on consumer and producer prices earlier in February signalled sticky inflation and a guarded approach from Fed policymakers, which prompted investors to push back expectations of rate cuts to June from March.

Eurozone inflation dipped further this month, strengthening the case for the European Central Bank to start easing interest rates later this year, data from some of the Region's biggest economies showed.

High interest rates have served many major Western economies to curb inflation, potentially reducing economic growth and oil demand.

On the supply side, crude inventories in the US, the world's top producer, have risen for a fifth consecutive week, increasing by 4.2 million barrels, official data showed on Wednesday, exceeding forecasts of a 2.7 million-barrel build. .

An extension to voluntary oil output cuts from the OPEC+ producer group was also on the table.

"With the demand outlook remaining uncertain, we think OPEC will extend the current supply agreement to the end of the second quarter," ANZ analysts said in a note.

A Reuters survey showed OPEC pumped 26.42 million barrels per day (bpd) this month, up 90,000 bpd from January, the survey found. Libyan output rose month-onmonth by 150,000 bpd.

Meanwhile, global benchmark Brent has hovered comfortably above the US$80 mark for three weeks, with the Middle East conflict having only a modest impact on crude flows.

However, the conflict shows few signs of abating, with both Israel and Hamas playing down prospects for a truce in their war in Gaza. Qatari mediators have said the most contentious issues remain unresolved.

President Joe Biden said the US was checking reports of Israeli troops firing on people waiting for food aid in Gaza and that he believed the deadly incident would complicate talks on a ceasefire.

A Reuters survey of 40 economists and analysts forecast an average price of US$81.13 a barrel for the front-month contract this year. (Reuters)

More than 100 killed while seeking aid in Gaza, overall death toll passes 30,000

Gaza health authorities said Israeli forces on Thursday shot dead more than 100 Palestinians as they waited for an aid delivery, but Israel blamed the deaths on crowds that surrounded aid trucks, saying victims had been trampled or run over.

At least 112 persons were killed and more than 280 wounded in the incident near Gaza City, Palestinian health officials said.

The loss of civilian lives was the biggest in weeks. Hamas said the incident could jeopardise talks in Qatar aimed at securing a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages it is holding. When asked if he thought it would complicate the talks, US President Joe Biden said: "I know it will."

Medics in Gaza said they could not cope with the flood of serious injuries, which came as the death toll in nearly five months of war passed 30,000, according to Palestinian health authori-

apart. In the first, dozens were killed or injured as they tried to take aid from the trucks and were trampled or run over.

He said there was a second, subsequent incident as the trucks moved off. Some people in the crowd approached troops who felt under threat and opened fire, killing an unknown number in a "limited response", he said. He dismissed the casualty toll given by Gaza authorities, but gave no figure himself.

ties.

Israel disputed the account provided by officials in Hamas-run Gaza, which has been bombarded by Israeli forces for months since the Palestinian militant group's deadly rampage in southern Israel on October 7.

The Israeli military said the trucks were operated by private contractors as part of an aid operation that it had been overseeing for the past four nights.

Putin warns West of risk of nuclear war, says Moscow can strike Western targets

President Vladimir Putin told Western countries on Thursday they risked provoking a nuclear war if they sent troops to fight in Ukraine, warning that Moscow had the weapons to strike targets in the West.

The war in Ukraine has triggered the worst crisis in Moscow's relations with the West since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. Putin has previously spoken of the dangers of a direct confrontation between NATO and Russia, but his nuclear warning on Thursday was one of his most explicit.

Addressing lawmakers and other members of the country's elite, Putin, 71, repeated his accusation that the West was bent on weakening Russia, and he suggested Western leaders did not understand how dangerous their meddling could be in what he cast as Russia's own internal af-

fairs.

He prefaced his nuclear warning with a specific reference to an idea, floated by French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday, of European NATO members sending ground troops to Ukraine – a suggestion that was quickly rejected by the United States, Germany, Britain and others.

"(Western nations) must realise that we also have weapons that can hit targets on their territory. All this really threatens a conflict with the use of nuclear weapons and the destruction of civilisation. Don't they get that?!" said Putin.

Speaking ahead of a March 15-17 presidential election when he is certain to be re-elected for another sixyear term, he lauded what he said was Russia's vastly modernised nuclear arsenal, the largest in the world.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

One Israeli official said there had been two incidents, hundreds of metres

Hamas issued a statement rejecting the Israeli account.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Bangladesh building fire kills at least 43, injures dozens

Amassive fire raced through a six-storey building in Bangladesh's capital Dhaka late on Thursday, killing at least 43 persons and injuring dozens, the country's health Minister said.

The fire originated in a restaurant and quickly spread to other floors, fire service officials said.

At least 43 persons have died and 22 others are being treated at hospitals with burn wounds, Health Minister Samanta Lal Sen told reporters after visiting the Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

All 22 admitted with severe burns are in critical condition, Sen added.

It was not immediately clear what caused the blaze, which was under control after two hours of frantic efforts by 13 firefighting units, the fire service officials said.

Survivor Mohammad Altaf, speaking to reporters, recounted narrowly escaping the blaze through a broken window. Two of his coworkers perished, he said.

"When the fire started in the front and broke the glass, our cashier and servicemen made, got everyone out. But both of them died later. I went to the kitchen, broke a window and jumped to save myself," Altaf said.

Firefighters used a crane to rescue people from the charred building, the fire service officials said.

Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence Director, Brigadier General Main Uddin said the fire could have originated from a gas leak or stove.

"It was a dangerous building with gas cylinders on every floor, even on the staircases," he told reporters.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Former Canadian PM Mulroney, driver of US free trade deal, dies aged 84

Brian Mulroney, the former Canadian Prime Minister who struck a free trade deal with the US but whose legacy was marred by revelations of improper business dealings with an arms dealer, has died.

Mulroney died peacefully surrounded by family, his daughter Caroline Mulroney posted on social media platform X on Thursday. He was 84.

Mulroney had a heart procedure in August and was treated for prostate cancer earlier last year, she said in a social media post in late August 2023.

A corporate lawyer turned businessman, Mulroney led the centre-right Progressive Conservatives to a historic win in 1984 over the Liberals of Pierre Trudeau.

A skilled politician with a gift for public speaking, Mulroney sought to emulate in Canada the conserva-

tive leanings of the Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher era by revamping the tax system and selling off government assets.

His nine-year stewardship was marked by negotiations for the Canada-United States Free Trade Agreement in 1988, which helped boost Canadian exports, and the introduction of a goods and services tax in 1991. The tax was enormously unpopular politically, but helped fix the government's finances.

Under Mulroney, some government-run corporations were sold off, including Air Canada.

Mulroney took an active interest in foreign affairs, pushing through a treaty with the United States to curb acid rain, spearheading efforts to tackle the 1984 Ethiopian famine and speaking out against apartheid in South Africa. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers his annual address to the Federal Assembly, in Moscow, Russia, February 29, 2024

(Reuters/Evgenia Novozhenina photo)

SUDOKU

DAILY HOROSCOPES

(March 21-April 19)

(April 20-May 20)

(May 21-June 20)

(June 21-July 22)

(July 23-Aug. 22)

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Take it upon yourself to do the legwork. Keeping busy will help you stay out of trouble. Live up to your promises, but don’t deny yourself the time you need to soothe your soul.

Take a breather. Don’t exhaust yourself physically. Accidents will happen if you are worn out and overly emotional. Focus on pampering yourself and rethinking what’s in your best interest.

Don’t be fooled by what others say. Get your facts straight before you participate in something. The time spent on personal growth and self-improvement will lead to better decisions.

Participate in events that can teach you something. A receptive attitude will allow your imagination to run free. Sometimes, the simple things in life are best.

Don’t feel you have to make a move or follow in someone else’s footsteps. Consider your options and what makes sense, and you’ll discover a manageable path. Keep the peace.

Ignore outside influences and carry on with your plans. The changes you want to implement will open doors to new beginnings. Attend events or reunions that enable you to address questionable issues.

Physical activity will clear your head. Decisions regarding joint ventures will cost you if you let your emotions call the shots. Work on doing things yourself.

You’ll face tough choices. Innovative thinking will be essential if you want to succeed. Take the blame for your mistakes and the credit for your triumphs. There is no shame in learning as you go.

Distance yourself from pushy, relentless individuals eager to mislead you and make you look bad. Trust in yourself and in what’s tangible. Avoid unfamiliar places and people.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Sidestep controversy and avoid being put in a precarious position. Take a unique approach to how you use your disposable funds to invest in yourself.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

If you muscle your way forward, you will make mistakes or run into opposition. Patience and moderation will be necessary. Choose simplicity over complexity.

Don’t waste time; set your sights on your goal and refuse to let anyone lure you off track. Show your strength and courage by ignoring temptation and embracing what makes you feel alive.

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

PICKLES

ARCHIE

Intending to enhance youth development through the area of sport, First Lady of Guyana, Arya Ali commissioned Guyana’s first outdoor gym at the National Park, Georgetown on Thursday afternoon.

The outdoor gym is

split at two locations in the National Park; one at the Albert Street entrance and the other at the Carifesta Avenue Entrance to cater to the wide influx of Guyanese, as the gym comprises over 20 pieces of equipment. Chairman of Protected

Areas Commission, Jason Fraser, speaking at the commissioning ceremony, highlighted the importance of the project toward community development.

Fraser said, “The whole point of having these designated spaces is to foster that

The Bush Lot cricket ground in the West Coast of Berbice on Sunday the 3rd of March would come alive when arch rivals Rose Hall Town Pepsi and the Albion Community Center Cricket club clash in the finals of the Berbice Cricket Board organized Diors Bits and Pieces Under 23 tournament. The match is expected to be a thriller with several of the county’s top player being involved. The venue was chosen after discussion with the sponsor Miss Sandy Ross owner of the Diors bits and pieces boutique. The tournament started last year with over 20 teams drawn from across the county. Albion defeated Tucber Park Cricket Club by 4- wicket in the first semifinals while Rose Hall Town Pepsi got past Blairmont Community Center by 75 runs in the other to advance to the finals.

Over the years the two cricket clubs have dominated the game in the ancient county and the finals on Sunday is expected to be another close encounter. Rose Hall Town Pepsi is expected to be led by national player Kevlon Anderson in his final match at this level and he would be supported by Junior Sinclair, Jonathan Rampersaud, the inform Romesh Bharat, Tyrese Sealey, Ramzan Koobir, Lucas Arthur and

Matthew Pottaya with the bat. The Pepsi team bowling attack would be spearheaded by Pacers Raj Tika and Anderson who recently claimed his maiden 5 wicket haul versus the Leeward Islands in the cricket West Indies 4- day tournament.

Devin Lalbehari, Afraz Budhoo and Tameshwar Mangal. The Albion bowling is based mainly on spin with Arvin Jawarhir supporting with peace. Off spinners Leon Cecil, Afraz Budhoo would receive support from

First Lady Arya Ali commissions 1st outdoor gym Pogba ‘sad

sense of community and I would like to think that persons that use our gym at the National Park and I’m pretty sure that you have built some friendships out of this, met some people, have some good conversations and so is a functional space that creates the atmosphere for community, for family.”

He went on to express gratitude to SYNOC for their collaboration towards the project.

“I would like to thank SYNOC and their team for collaborating with us on building out this new space within our urban parks and creating that runway, that fitness, that health an area where we can all come and enjoy both promenade and also get some work in,” Fraser gratified.

Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud, while delivering his remarks at the ceremony, appealed to persons using these facilities to care for them ef fectively.

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba says he is “sad, shocked and heartbroken” after being banned from football for four years for a doping offence.

The France international, 30, was provisionally suspended in September after a drugs test found elevated levels of testosterone in his system.

“Everything I have built in my professional career has been taken away from me,” he said in a statement.

The former Manchester United player added he would appeal.

Pogba was randomly tested after Juventus’ first match of the season on 20 August.

not naturally produced by the body from testosterone - were found, and the results were “consistent with the exogenous [external] origin of the target compounds”.

What is Pogba’s contract situation? - Analysis

Mina Rzouki, Italian football journalist

A player who won four Scudetti and helped Juventus reach the Champions League final in 2015, Pogba remains a beloved figure in Turin and news of his ban - which he will appeal against - has provoked profound sadness.

Both the club and the player wanted to write the story of the icon’s triumphant return. Instead, we will be left wondering what will happen to a player who never quite fulfilled his true potential.

The spinners in the attack would be off spinners: Sandia, Sealey, Pottaya, Kulmalchan Ramnaris, Bharrat while left arm spinner Arthur and Jeremy Sandia are also vital member of a strong bowling attack.

Albion is expected to play as one unit their main strength over the years and they would be led by former national and 19 left arm spinner and senior in the county player Kevin Umrao. Their bathing would be led by Umroa, Leon Cecil, Damien Cecil, Ari Arizal Kadir,

left arm spinners Kumar Deopersaud, Umrao, Gaurav Ramesh and leg spinners Lalbehari and Feaz Baksh.

The positive test was confirmed by Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal (Nado) in a second sample in October, and the anti-doping prosecutor›s office requested a four-year suspension.

Juventus told the BBC they received notification from the anti-doping tribunal on Thursday morning.

Pogba said he believed the verdict was “incorrect” and he would “never knowingly or deliberately” dope.

“When I am free of legal restrictions, the full story will become clear,” he said, adding he would appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas).

“As a professional athlete I would never do anything to enhance my performance by using banned substances and have never disrespected or cheated fellow athletes and supporters of any of the teams I have played for, or against.”

The ruling means 2018 World Cup winner Pogba will be unable to play until 2027, when he will be 34, with the ban backdated to the date of the failed test.

Speaking at the time of the initial suspension, Pogba’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, said: “What is certain is that Paul Pogba never wanted to break a rule.”

Testosterone is a hormone that increases the endurance of athletes.

Nado said Pogba had violated rules when prohibited non-endogenous testosterone metabolites - substances

Pogba was initially earning an 8m euro (£6.9m) annual salary at Juventus, plus 2m euros (£1.71m) in bonuses, but when he was provisionally suspended in September 2023, this was reduced to approximately 2,400 euros per month (£2,054 per month), as provided by the collective agreement between clubs and the footballers’ association.

The club have a right to cancel the player’s contract. However, we understand that Juventus will discuss the next steps with the player and his representatives before making a final decision on how to proceed.

When Juventus announced the return of Pogba as a free agent in summer 2022, fans were delighted that the prodigal talent, who arguably performed at his worldclass best in their stripes, would return to help the club challenge for titles once again.

But a season of endless injuries and controversies meant he only managed 10 appearances for the club last term.

Choosing conservative therapy rather than surgery in hopes of ensuring his presence at the Qatar World Cup resulted in further delays to his recovery, and the player not only missed the chance to represent France again but also delayed the opportunity to star for his club once more.

(BBC Sport)

The outdoor gym at the National Park was commissioned by First Lady Arya Ali

Paul Pogba made 233 appearances during two spells with Manchester United and re-signed for Juventus in 2022

Rowland double help

Junior Jags edge Turks and Caicos

Alate goal from Turks and Caicos in the final minutes of their encounter with Guyana’s National Under 20 Men’s football team sent panic through the Guyanese camp, but the Junior Jags were able to hold their

One

nerves to complete the 2-1 victory, 3 minutes into stoppage time; ending their CONCACAF Men’s U20 Championship Qualifiers on a high note.

Ezekiel Rowland was the chief architect in Guyana’s narrow win on

Thursday, netting both goals for the Land of Many Waters.

Head Coach Kayode McKinnon opted three changes to his starting XI which read, Captain Solomon Austin, Goal keeper Julien Casimir, Gerry

Burnette, Tyler Lyle, Tyrel Stephen, Kymani Sealey, Ezekial Rowland, Matrim Martin, Brandon Khedoo, Shemaiah Samuels and Nathaniel Pydana.

Rowland first found the back of the net in the 32nd minute as the scores remained 1-0 at the end of the first half. Guyana’s tally could have moved to two in the 49th, but Nathaniel Pydana’s attempt from the penalty mark was saved by the Turks keeper Samuel Harvey.

Just six minutes later, Rowland secured the second strike and it seemed as though the scores would remain 2-0 at the end of the encounter.

However, Turks’ Emmanuel Martin pulled one back in the 90th to give his team hope in stoppage time. But the draw was not to be as Guyana’s defence held up for the victory.

The Junior Jaguars now end the CONCACAF Qualifying tournament with one win, two losses and a draw to Turks and Caicos, Suriname, Antigua and Barbuda and El Salvador respectively.

The Inaugural One Guyana Inter Region

Ten10 Softball Cricket Tournament is slated to take place from March 3rd and concluded under a grand style on the17th March 2024 according to Roraima Community Developers.

Throwing their support towards this inaugural tournament is West Central Mall located in Lenora, region 3. According to Ms. Tina Albert, Executive Director of the mall, her entity is elated to be part of this tournament. She went on to say that sports brings our people together and her entity fully supports togetherness and unity.

Ms. Albert said that being part of this inaugural tournament is part of her entity’s responsibility and she wishes all the teams the best in the tournament.

Ms. Sandra Edwards, representing Roraima Community Developers thanked Ms. Albert for her support and assured her that the competition will be played to the highest standard with its rules being in place.

Also throwing its support towards the tournament is Singh Brothers Contracting Services of region 4. Managing Director of the company Mr. Kapeldev Singh said that his company is very elated to be part of such a tournament that brings our

people together especially knowing it’s an open competition for all age groups.

Mr. Singh went on to say that such a tournament is going to bring back the discipline that used to be in softball before where the young and old will be together in a team and share experience and respect for one another.

He wishes all the teams the best and encourages all the players to maintain discipline and work hard to be on top of their game.

Representing RCD Ms. Edwards thanked Mr. Singh for his company support and assured him that the games will be played in the best of spirit within the players so as to have a successful tournament.

The tournament will see regional winners pocketing a cash prize of $80,000 and trophy. While prizes will be given to the runner along with trophies for the best bowler and batsman, and man of the final.

According to RCD over $500,000 in cash and prizes will be given out in the playoffs to the winner, runner up, 3rd place, man of series, man of final, best bowler, best batsman and each game man of the match.

The tournament will be played in an open category because over the years softball cricket has seen a tremendous decline nationally and that is because of the categorizing of the local cricket, where many could not get involved in the games regional-

ly and nationally because of age range.

According to RCD, they see this tournament as a grassroot one and in bringing back softball to the village level. While its aim and objective is to bring our people together as one.

They further said that cricket plays a very integral part in binding our people and mounding our youths towards a positive future.

The tournament will see all age groups participating within the teams that will be taking part and each region will have its own competition to crown its champion.

The tournament will be played on ten overs aside, round arm bowling and based on a one game knockout format. Teams from regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 already signaled their intentions in participating.

For registration teams can contact the regional coordinators, Region 1-Sherlon 668-3657, Region 2-Basil Persaud 610-0842, Region 3 – Mr. Sadiek (WCD) 698-6406, Mr. Surijpaul (Wakenaan) 673-7748, Mr. Frank Satnarine (WBD) 6155343, Region 4 – Mr. Fazal Khan 670-8114 and Mr. Darmin 668-2783, Region 5Mr. Mahase on 626-1869 and Mr. Chris on 706-7073, Region 6 - Mr. Ryan Ramdass on 627-0704, Mr.Teka 667-4121 or Mr. Omesh Sirikishun on 677-2826.

The local horse racing breeding industry on which focus is now being heavily placed will benefit immensely from this season onwards.

The industry will have the services of one of the country’s leading racehorses. He is no other than 2022 Guyana Cup winner, Alado. He will be joined in the breeding shed by former stablemate, Everesting for the 2024 breeding season which will get underway next month.

Alado recorded the elusive double Cup double of Guyana Cup/ President’s Cup has been retired from racing. The Master Z-owned Guyana Cup winner, who is blessed with tremendous speed will now stand stud duties at Jumbo Jet Racing Stables in Berbice from 1st March 2024.

He last race was last year in the Guyana Cup. He finished unplaced to stablemate Easy Time.

The handsome eight-year-old son of Algorithms - Glorious Success by Successful Appeal was born in Kentucky, USA.

The roan/grey Everesting has also been retired and will stand stud duties at Jumbo Jet Racing Stables from next month. He is a six-yearold son by Frosted out of Not For Love. The Kentucky bred raced during the period 2021 to 2022 at Aqueduct, Belmont Park, Gulfstream Park, and Saratoga. His sire Frosted also a roan/grey is a multiple graded son of Tapit.

Frosted was born in 2012 and raced from 2014 to 2016. He was sired by Tapit out of the Deputy Minister mare Fast Cookie. He was trained by Kiaran P. McLaughlin and was bred in Kentucky, USA. Frosted raced at Aqueduct, Belmont Park, Churchill Downs, Gulfstream Park, Keeneland, MeydanUAE, Parx Racing, Santa Anita Park, Saratoga with wins at Aqueduct, Belmont Park, Meydan-UAE, Parx

Racing, Saratoga. His stakes wins include wins in the 2016 Whitney (G1), 2016 Metropolitan (G1), 2016 Al Maktoum Challenge Rd. 2 (G2), 2015 Pennsylvania Derby (G2), and the 2015 Wood Memorial (G1).

Parties interested in the services of Alado or Everesting can contact Damain at 624 – 9082.

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

The

Sir Clive Lloyd to receive OCC award in July Caricom Chess tournament to be hosted on local shores

Revered Guyanese Cricketer and Caribbean hero

Sir Clive Hubert Lloyd CBE, AO, CM will be conferred with the Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC) at the next Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, which will be held in Grenada in July. This was announced by H.E. Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, CARICOM Chair on the final day of the 46th Regular Meeting in Georgetown, Guyana.

Sir Clive was a Special Guest during a plenary session and accompanied by young Guyanese Cricketer, Shamar Joseph, who was also recognised for having bowled the West Indies Team to victory during the recent Test Match against Australia. This marked the first victory for the West Indies Team against Australia in twenty-four years.

President Ali said in the brief announcement of

Lloyd’s impending accolade, “I am very pleased to report that this meeting had the greatest honour of bestowing upon Sir Clive Lloyd, the Order of the Caribbean Community. The official ceremony will occur in Grenada in our July meeting.”

Heads of Government and delegates paid tribute to Sir Clive Lloyd following the announcement and remarked on his illustrious tenure.

Emerging from humble beginnings in Guyana, Sir Clive is widely regarded as one of the greatest cricket captains of all time. He made his Test debut on 13 December 1966 against India and captained the West Indies in three World Cups, winning in 1975 (with Lloyd scoring a century), 1979 and the 1983 final.

In 1971, Sir Clive was named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year and captained the West Indies team between 1974 and 1985. He was also instrumental in its rise to become

the greatest Test and One Day International team of the 20th Century; only Australia achieved comparable success. Sir Clive is considered one of the most successful Test captains in the history of West Indies Cricket. During his captaincy, his side had a run of 27 matches without defeat, which included 11 wins in succession. He was the first West Indian player to earn 100 international caps.

In 2009, Sir Clive was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame and was knighted in 2022.

The Order of the Caribbean Community will be another crowning moment in Sir Clive’s decorated career and legacy.

Sir Shridath Surendranath Ramphal is the only other Guyanese to have received the OCC award, while Sir Clive will join fellow cricketers Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Viv Richards and Brian Lara who have also received the prestigious award.

The Guyana Chess Federation, in collaboration with the CARICOM Secretariat, is excited to present the CARICOM Classic Inaugural Chess Tournament, an international celebration of strategy, equity, and unity. The inaugural CARICOM Classic Team Chess Tournament will be held at the Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel, Guyana, from 3 -10 March, 2024 and will coincide with the 50th anniversary celebrations of the founding of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

While chess has proven to cultivate intellectual development and improve the strategic thinking in players, this tournament also aims to strengthen cultural exchange through understanding and interaction among the diverse backgrounds of each country. The overall objective is to build lasting friendships, increase competitive play, and promote regional cooperation.

Formidable teams from nine federations of CARICOM Member States and Associate members will compete for the CARICOM Championship title, medals, trophies, and cash prizes totaling USD 3,000. First, Second, and Third place trophies will be awarded to the top three CARICOM territories based on tournament results. Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals will be awarded to individu-

al players of the first three CARICOM teams.

The CARICOM Member States and Associate Members are being represented by 40 seasoned players from The Bahamas, Barbados, The Cayman Islands, Dominica, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago, and host country Guyana.

Guyana will be fielding two teams of four players each, two males and two females, with team one consisting of CM Taffin Khan, FM Anthony Drayton, current Women’s Champion Jessica Callender, and Shazeeda Rahim, and junior team two consisting of reigning Junior Champion Keron Sandiford, fourteenyear-old Kyle Couchman, Sasha Shariff, and thirteen-year-old Aditi Joshi. This local selection, a talented mix of junior and senior chess players, has gained significant tournament experience over the last few years. The qualifying team for the Guyana players emerged from the results of the Grand Prix tournaments held earlier this year.

The Guyanese chess players will meet their international counterparts over the board in the FIDErated tournament with nine rounds of classical games consisting of 90 minutes with 30-second increments after each move.

Barbadian International Arbiter Kelvin Daniel will oversee the tournament

with assistance from local FIDE Arbiters John Lee, Anand Raghunauth, and Irshad Mohamad. Round one is expected to start at 10 am and round two at 4 pm on Monday 4 March. Games will continue throughout the week and conclude on Saturday 9 March.

FIDE Deputy President and Grandmaster Mr. Viswanathan Anand, who will be visiting Guyana for the first time, will be the Special Guest. He will be present for the opening ceremony of the tournament on Sunday 3 March.

The Guyana Chess Federation expresses its sincere gratitude to The CARICOM Secretariat for collaborating with the Federation to organise this historic tournament.

Recognition and appreciation are also extended to the participating Member States, and their teams, the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the Confederation of Chess for the Americas (CCA) and the generous sponsors. The GCF also wishes to acknowledge and express gratitude to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and especially the Minister, Honorable Charles Ramson for their generous support.

The GCF noted that it is proud to be part of this partnership with the CARICOM Secretariat and hopes this initiative is the first of many to promote chess and goodwill within the Caribbean region.

Fans meet Shamar Joseph through GBTI initiative

Scores of cricket fans, on Thursday morning at the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) Water street branch, got the opportunity to meet and receive autographed tokens from cricket’s most recent superstar, Shamar Joseph.

Prior to the meet and greet engagement, however, Jospeh was presented with a GBTI Gold Mastercard, compliments of the Bank as he came in for high words of admiration from Business Development Manager Rawattie Mahandeo.

“Shamar, your dedication, skill and perseverance have brought immense pleasure and pride to Guyana and you’ve earned a well- deserved place among the sporting elite. As a proud, Guyanese- owned Bank, GBTI has recognized your outstanding contribution to cricket and your representation of Guyana on the international stage,” Mohandeo shared.

She went on to add, “And it is my honour to present you

with a GBTI Gold Mastercard. This card is not just a token of our appreciation but a symbol of our shared commitment to success.”

In sharing how the engagement was planned, Jospeh expressed his immense gratitude to the bank.

“It wasn’t planned. I got up this morning, received a call to come and visit the Bank. His daughter is super excited for me to be here. It’s a pleasure to be here once again and thank you guys so much for this, I appreciate it,” Joseph said.

A native of Baracara, Joseph achieved international stardom in January when his 7/68 on an injured toe led West Indies to their first Test win down Under since 1997.

For that performance, which encompassed 13 wickets in the entire match and a five- wicket haul in the first test, Joseph was named player of the series and subsequently, the ICC Player of the Month for January.

GCF Board Members take a photo opportunity with Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr following their meeting

Sir Clive Lloyd is pictured alongside recent West Indian superstar Shamar Joseph at the Caricom meeting

Several fans got the opportunity to take photos with cricket’s newest star, Shamar Joseph