Guyana Times - Friday, March 22, 2024.pdf

38th Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean

Task force to be set up to implement FAO recommendations – Mustapha

…Guyana will play key role in advancing efforts – FAO Assistant Director

Atask force will be set up to implement the recommendations made at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation’s 38th Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean, held in Guyana this week.

As the curtains closed on the Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean (LARC), Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha shared during a press conference on Thursday that the task force was aiming to meet for the first time in Chile during the month of May.

However, individual discussions have already commenced with countries such as the Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados on advancing their agricultural plans.

“We will have a task force set up, which will be chaired

by myself as the Chairman of LARC for the next two years, and that task force will now look at implementation of the recommendations and decisions. In the mean-

time, lot of countries in the Caribbean and even some Latin American countries are looking for that leadership that Guyana is given out to Caricom. So, it is al-

ready started, but this task force that will be set up with countries like Guyana and big countries like Brazil and other Latin American countries,” Mustapha disclosed. He outlined that many

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) have called for financing mechanisms to be made available, advancing fisheries towards sustainability under the Blue Transformation approach; transforming agri-food systems in Latin America and the Caribbean; and addressing the challenges of the water-forest biodiversity-soil nexus in a climate change context.

He outlined, “Financing is very important here. Many Small Island Developing States are looking for financing and they have called on the FAO not to give the financing but to facilitate financing…They are looking also to help, for help in terms of equal trade. So that FAO can facilitate these trends. We’re also talking about the Blue Economy in fishing. There’s a number of issues at the World Trade Organisation where the playing field is not level at all, because Small Island Developing States only have a small capacity to fish.”

Mustapha added that the task force would address the gaps which previously existed between Latin America and the Caribbean, and both groupings can now work in unison.

“When we join forces with Latin America in the Caribbean, our strength will be vast. So, the link not only in Caricom but the link with Latin America will help us to bridge the gap that existed before between Latin America and the Caribbean,” he said.

During the confab, leaders decided that four key areas would be pursued:

efficient, inclusive and sustainable production; ending hunger to achieve food security and nutrition; sustainable management of natural resources and adaptation for climate change; and reduction of inequality and poverty and promotion of resilience.

Mustapha shared that LARC 38 served as a critical forum for Ministers of Agriculture and high-level officials from across Latin America and the Caribbean to discuss key challenges and collaborate on solutions related to food and agriculture.

He outlined, “LARC 38 was a landmark gathering that showcased Guyana’s commitment to fostering regional cooperation, promoting sustainable development, and addressing shared challenges. The conference focused on developing strategies for building resilience and sustainable food systems in the region.”

Key themes addressed included environmental sustainability, economic resilience, social inclusion and technological innovations. Delegates also discussed strategic strategies for enhancing regional integration and promoting trade.

Guyana is not only leading the Caribbean in food security but also chairing the Ministerial Task Force in a bid to achieve a 25 per cent reduction in the food import bill by 2025.

“Guyana looks forward to building on the momentum generated during this event, and continuing to work hand in hand with our regional partners to achieve shared goals and aspiration,” Minister Mustapha stated.

Key role

FAO Assistant Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Mario Lubetkin added that now was the time to think about the future. As such, Guyana will play a key role in advancing efforts to build a resilient and sustainable agriculture sector, as it remains deeply involved in decision making to address internal and external challenges.

“We need to think for the future and again, Guyana will play a key role, because you will chair all the process and all the decisions of the conference for the next two years,” Lubetkin said. (G12)

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha

FAO Assistant Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, Mario Lubetkin

The

Friday,

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reaching a maximum height of 2.40 metres.

Low Tide: 09:00h and 21:20h reaching minimum heights of 0.91 metre and 0.78 metre.

US-nominated UNHRC candidate’s question not linked to Washington – VP Jagdeo

…says official contaminated by Opposition propaganda

The Guyana Government believes that the question raised earlier this week at the United Nations Human Rights Committee meeting by the United States-nominated Candidate, Laurence Helfer, about corruption in Guyana is not linked to any concerns in Washington.

During the UN’s 140th Session of the Human Rights Committee in Geneva, Switzerland, before which Parliamentary Affairs Minister Gail Teixeira appeared virtually, Helfer asked about public frustration over the alleged failure on Guyana’s part to investigate reports of corruption against the Vice President, Police Officers and members of the Judiciary.

Speaking on this matter, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo said on Thursday that the question did not at all reflect concerns in Washington, DC – the capital of the US Government.

“If Washington is concerned about it, they will raise it directly with us. We have that engagement often with the senior leadership from the White House and from the State Department, from Treasury [and] everywhere else. These matters have never surfaced even after, you recall, APNU sent Vice President [Kamala] Harris a long dossier. They had the Washington conference, [the US Government] met with them here and they raised all the same issues about racism and we’re corrupt, and everything else,” he posited.

According to Jagdeo, while Helfer was appointed to represent the US at the Human Rights Committee, he operates in an individual capacity and not as a government representative. As a matter of fact, Jagdeo believes that the US-nominated candidate has been contaminated by political activists associated with the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Opposition.

“He is from New York and I think the contamination took place there… I can’t imagine how that would even surface there for anyone who’d done proper research excepting as if he was given a brief by APNU.

“I think they’re stupid questions. They did not have to be asked, but they were asked… It was propaganda from the Opposition that made its way up to that Committee. So, we will response to it, but then the local media… using the propaganda to create new stories as though we’re sanctioned by the UN,” the Vice President contended.

Jagdeo noted that the Opposition was not getting any traction with its utterances anymore in Guyana and so now it was moving its propaganda to international

platforms.

Nevertheless, while Government intends to defend its track record before the UN Committee on the issues raised, the Vice President pointed to the disadvantage the country faces in providing written answers to these questions since enough time was not given during the hearing.

To this end, he disclosed that Government would be asking the Committee to not only publicise Guyana’s responses but also to release the sources where the questions originated so as to ascertain whether the allegations made are from the Opposition or its proxy Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).

Default judgement

During the Human Rights Committee hearing, Minister Teixeira, in response to Helfer’s question about the Vice President, made it clear that there was no formal report made to the Guyana Police Force about the allegations.

“There is no follow-up, because there was no Police report made by VICE News or anybody else. So, the Police cannot investigate without

some form of report or complaint,” Teixeira explained at the UN meeting on Monday.

In 2022, US-based media outlet VICE News aired a feature titled “Guyana for Sale” that contained allegations against Jagdeo, but while it was deemed an “exposé”, it failed to implicate the Vice President in bribery.

Jagdeo has, on numerous occasions, denied the allegations and has said on several occasions that the documents he submitted to the Integrity Commission could dismantle any corruption allegations against him. He had also filed legal proceedings against the Chinese businessman, Su Zhi Rong, who made the allegations.

According to Jagdeo, his lawyers have applied for default judgment in the $50 million lawsuit against the Chinese businessman. He added that once this case was closed, he would be filing additional legal proceedings against other persons who have been peddling these allegations.

“There’re lots of allegations... The Su matter is only the latest iteration… I can tell you about 15 allegations of corruption that they in-

vestigated [but found nothing] and they’re still bringing back,” Jagdeo said about the Opposition.

Meanwhile, President Dr Irfaan Ali on Tuesday called out Helfer over his question, saying that the reference to corruption was not based on any evidence or facts. He said that the US-nominated Candidate is being fed with propaganda by the Opposition to paint the Government in a particular light.

According to the Head of State, the Opposition tried to use this individual to derail the two days of positive reviews Guyana had at the Committee.

Nevertheless, the Human Rights Committee on Wednesday concluded its consideration of the third periodic report of Guyana on how it implements the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

In a statement, the UN said the Committee Experts commended measures promoting gender equity, and raised issues concerning the border controversy with Venezuela over the Essequibo territory and alleged corruption regarding oil exploitation permits. (G8)

United States-nominated Candidate, Laurence Helfer

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

Editor: Tusika Martin

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‘‘Humanity, non-racism’’

Yesterday, Guyana joined the world in observance of International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

This year’s chosen theme: ‘‘Humanity, non-racism’’, is significant since, in many parts of the world, discriminatory practices are still widespread, including racial, ethnic, religious and nationality-based profiling and incitement to hatred.

United Nations Secretary General António Guterres, in his message this year, said racism is an evil infecting countries and societies around the world – a deeply entrenched legacy of colonialism and enslavement.

He called on all to commit to work together to build a world of dignity, justice, and equal opportunity for every community everywhere.

Here, in Guyana, the Ethnic Relations Commission, in giving statistics of complaints for 2023, said there were 80 complaints founded in racial or religious issues, and its investigative unit made significant strides in achieving varying degrees of resolution of those complaints.

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on March 21. On that day in 1960 in Sharpeville, South Africa, Police opened fire and killed 69 people who were participating in a peaceful demonstration against the apartheid “pass laws”. Proclaiming the Day in 1966, the General Assembly called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination (Resolution 2142 (XXI)).

In 1979, the General Assembly adopted a programme of activities to be undertaken during the second half of the Decade for Action to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination (A/RES/34/24). On that occasion, the General Assembly decided that a week of solidarity with the peoples struggling against racism and racial discrimination, beginning on March 21, would be organised annually in all States.

The apartheid system in South Africa has since been dismantled and racist laws and practices have been abolished in many countries; and, guided by the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the UN has built an international framework for fighting racism.

The Convention is now nearing universal ratification; yet, in all regions, too many individuals, communities and societies suffer from the injustice and stigma that racism brings. Racial and ethnic discrimination occur on a daily basis, hindering progress for millions of people around the world. Racism and intolerance can take various forms — from denying individuals the basic principles of equality to fuelling ethnic hatred that may lead to genocide — all of which can destroy lives and fracture communities.

Guyana’s ERC, in its message for this UN day, said that with its far-reaching, comprehensive mandate that encompasses all ethnic groups in Guyana, it fully endorses and reinforces support for the day.

To quote the ERC’s message: “The ERC’s primary objective is to canvas the support from citizens and stakeholders of all ethnicities throughout the country’s ten administrative Regions to build peace, tolerance, respect, inclusivity, understanding, and ethnic unity. By extension, the Commission’s mandate coincides with the pertinent and well-intentioned desire of the UN to promote racial and ethnic harmony everywhere. The ERC firmly believes that the elimination of prejudices is paramount for the preservation of peace and brotherhood. The ERC, which is vested with its 24 functions to promote national harmony, seeks the cooperation of everyone to achieve that monumental goal.”

This comes at a time when the international community has intensified its struggle against racism, and continues to place obligations on states and tasks them with eradicating discrimination in the public and private spheres. The principle of equality also requires states to adopt special measures to eliminate conditions that cause or help to perpetuate racial discrimination.

We look to all our leaders to defend our rights, and safeguard us against instability and social conflict; not to foster societal fractures.

Is Guyana working to strengthen electoral democracy?

Dear Editor,

Someone by the name of Edward Burrowes says that Guyana has been moving since 2018 towards “autocratisation” (a political situation in which power becomes highly concentrated in one person, who also moves to suppress dissent). To support his position, he cites a 2023 report prepared by the Gothenburg v-Dem Institute (V-Dem), which identifies four regime types based on certain characteristics (such as freedom of expression, fair and free elections, consultation, inclusivity, press censorship, etc.).

The regime types are:

(1) Liberal Democracy (e.g., Barbados, UK, USA); (2) Electoral Democracy (e.g., Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago); (3) Electoral Autocracy (e.g., Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines); and

(4) Closed Autocracy (e.g., Quatar, Syria, Iran).

With respect to a central issue: freedom of speech/ expression, contrary to the views of some critics, the PPPC Government insists that it is not averse to criticism, but reserves the right to defend Government policies, programmes and actions that have been mischaracterised.

Notwithstanding, the V-Dem report suggests that Guyana has lost some ground as an Electoral Democracy. The lower scores and rankings that Guyana was given on the 6 metrics, namely Liberal Democracy, Electoral Democracy, Liberal Components, Egalitarian Components, Participatory Components, and Deliberative Components, were partly attributable to the APNU+AFC’s refusal to step down from power following the No Confidence Motion against them in 2018, as well as their failure to accept defeat; and stepping down only after 5 months of imbroglio

following the declaration of the 2020 elections’ results. It would take time to restore the democratic credentials of Guyana from these and other impasse, like the failure to appoint a Chief Justice and a Chancellor of the Judiciary.

Both the PPPC Government and the APNU+AFC Opposition proclaim that they extol the virtues of democratic values and institutions. While the Guyana Constitution is still one of the best in the Caribbean (according to Attorney General Anil Nandlall), both parties have nevertheless agreed, after a hiatus, to promulgate constitutional reform through a participatory and consultative process. This process constitutes an important democratic move.

Given this and many other advances (e.g. 39 % of MPs are women while 12% are Amerindians) in democracy building in Guyana, I am perplexed with the award of higher scores and rankings to Jamaica, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, relative to the lower scores and rankings for Guyana, particularly for the Participatory and Deliberative Metrics.

For the Participatory Metric, Jamaica scored 0.59 (R55), Suriname 0.57 (R64), Trinidad and Tobago scored 0.58 (R62), and Guyana scored 0.51 (R101). For the Deliberative Metrics, Jamaica scored 0.81 (R53), Suriname 0.57 (R60), Trinidad and Tobago 0.93 (R13), and Guyana 0.37 (R138). (A perfect score is 1.0, R means Rank among 179 countries).

My research has found that the scores and rankings do not match reality. The PPPC Government visits every village or community every week, listens to citizens’ problems, and takes appropriate action to fix

those problems based on rational judgment. The PPPC Manifesto, which is a product of intensive consultation and interaction with people all over the country, already has an implementation rate of 95%. The PPPC have gone beyond the manifesto promises to execute additional projects, such as the construction of 2,887 (1,240 completed) houses for low and moderate income and professional families, and have built and rehabilitated hundreds of miles of community and ‘farm to market’ roads.

I reached out to Gothenburg V-Dem Institute to seek clarification, particularly on the methodology utilised in compiling the 6 Metrics. Their response is interesting. For every country, they identify 5 experts for each Metric. This means therefore that they gather information on Guyana from 30 experts. V-Dem reports that 2/3 (or 20) of the experts are residents. I asked if they could name these experts, and they responded: “We do not reveal the identity of our Country Experts, and preserve Country Expert confidentiality according to a strict policy.”

I wrote them again and asserted that an institute that reports on democracy and good governance, as well as deviations from these, is itself not necessarily transparent by its refusal to disclose the names of experts! Why confidentiality? The data that experts provide are not official secrets, or matters of national security value; they are to measure the strength of democracy and the movement towards autocracy.

Mr Burrowes has latched onto the findings of this report, and accuses the PPPC Government of trying to stifle the emergence of 3rd parties and freedom of expression. Referring to President Ali

and Vice President Jagdeo’s speeches at Babu John, he wrongly claims how they “threatened anyone thinking of forming a political party.” He continues to make misleading statements, such as: “Only a small percentage of the population has been enjoying the newly found oil wealth. Close friends, family members, and those with the right religious connection are the main beneficiaries of contracts in the hundreds of billions of dollars.”

The PPPC Government has built and rehabilitated thousands of miles of roads, highways, numerous bridges (2024 Budget Speech. 4.994.100); constructed 9 secondary schools, and 13 are to be built in 2024 plus 6 primary schools; 6 regional and one specialty hospital would be constructed, and others upgraded; old age pension has been substantially increased, as have disability benefits and cash grants to school children; 30,355 house lots have been allocated; 21,442 GOAL scholarships have been awarded; over 13,000 part-time jobs have been created to alleviate unemployment and poverty; and these are only some of the benefits. How could these visible accomplishments escape the scrutiny of any critic? The trouble is that misleading statements by Burrowes and others could find their way via “experts” into the V-Dem repository.

The Guyanese “experts” who provide information to V-Dem must identify themselves, in the interest of transparency and accountability. I hope they do not view themselves as secret agents using carefully scripted information to derail the democratic path that the country is pursuing!

Sincerely,

Dr Tara Singh

President Dr Irfaan Ali met with a delegation from St Stanislaus College on Wednesday afternoon at the Office of the President on Shiv Chanderpaul Drive in Georgetown. President Ali is a former student of this college (Office of the President photo)

Acceptance key to understanding persons living with Down Syndrome – educator

Accepting and overcoming the challenges that comes with caring for persons living with Down Syndrome is key when helping them integrate into society.

This was the assertion of Principal of the Gifted Hands Learning Centre for Special Needs Children, Marcia Smith, who contends regardless of how people feel about individuals with this particular disability, Special Needs children have been, and will always be, a part of society.

During an interview with Guyana Times, Smith explained that a culture change was needed so as to provide healthy environments for persons with Down Syndrome to flourish and contribute meaningfully to society.

This level of change and acceptance, she said, requires patience, cooperation, and widespread understanding about the disability.

“Children with Down Syndrome, like I said, they are humans, they could do anything that you can do and I can do. Nothing is absolutely wrong with anyone with Down Syndrome – the only thing that is wrong is people see them different,” Smith

posited. Smith believes that proper knowledge about Down Syndrome can play an integral role in helping young adults living with the disability gain employment opportunities.

She explained that they have the ability to take up jobs in the agriculture sector, and corporate settings among other industries.

“Mindsets have to change not only of the parents, but lawmakers… Because they’re young adults I personally want to see companies employing persons with disabilities and do not dis-

criminate [against] them and pay them,” Smith said.

Gifted Hands Learning Centre

The Gifted Hands Learning Centre for Special Needs Children was established by Smith, who cares for her autistic son.

Being the mother of an autistic child has allowed her to embrace a special ability to appreciate and care for children with special needs or who are differently-able. It was because of her keen focus on helping her son that he is currently in a mainstream school.

But ensuring that chil-

dren with special needs are properly cared for could, in fact, be a costly undertaking, especially for some less fortunate families. Smith understands all too well the challenges associated with raising a child with special needs.

It is for this reason that Smith has been doing all that she can, in her own way, to help educate the children who are entrusted to her care at the Gifted Hands Learning Centre.

More than two dozen special needs children are currently enrolled at her school, and many after receiving the skills needed to function in society were transferred to mainstream primary and secondary schools. At the facility, the learners are engaged in arts and

ERC spearheads several initiatives aimed at promoting harmony

…Heroes Avenue, Harmony Campaign 2.0 among projects

In a bid to promote harmony among Guyanese in a way that enhances equality and good relations between persons of different ethnic groups, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) plans to launch several initiatives during the tenure of the current body, which will last until 2026.

On Wednesday, Commissioner Neaz Subhan announced that the “Harmony Campaign 2.0”, the Harmony League football tournament across the country’s 10 administrative regions, a short film competition and a massive unity concert and cultural exposition, showcasing Guyanese talent and diverse cultural aspects, are among the plans.

According to Suban, the “Harmony Campaign 2.0” is the most significant project, since its sole purpose is to promote the importance of working and living in harmony during times when ethnic tensions surge.

As a result, the project will be launched ahead of the 2025 General and Regional Elections and this will see several high-level politicians taking the “I DARE YOU” pledge, designed to inspire positive

behaviour among citizens. “We are hoping that the politicians and public figures will take the “I DARE YOU” pledge publicly in an effort to encourage others and to influence people in a very positive way. That’s the intent of the campaign,” Subhan highlighted.

“Not because an election is coming we are doing a Harmony Campaign, I want to make that very clear. The Harmony Campaign is intended to be something that is there every day to remind us of why we need to work and live in harmony,” Subhan stated Further, the commission will be establishing safe parks and recreational

spaces around the country.

Subhan explained that the ERC was actively in talks with several stakeholders about creating an “Avenue of Heroes”, which will be used as a landmark area to educate Guyanese, especially youths about prominent persons that contributed to the country’s development.

He highlighted that schools and the public at large will participate in this initiative by suggesting persons they believe should be highlighted.

“We believe that if that is in the school system as a targeted subject, it will be able to remove ambiguities, it will enlighten people, ed-

ucation brings understanding and understanding can lead to tolerance and of course, tolerance can lead to unity.

“We have ideas where we want it to be, but permission has to be granted, so it’s a process we have to go through… As soon as all of these things are tidied up and we have confirmation of the location and first batch of heroes, we will let you know,” Subhan said.

The ERC is mandated to promote equality, harmony and good relations between persons of different ethnic groups, so as to eliminate all forms of discrimination on the basis of ethnicity.

It is also required to discourage and prohibit persons, institutions, political parties and associates from indulging in, advocating or promoting discriminatory practices on the ground of ethnicity.

On Wednesday during a press conference, the ERC reaffirmed its commitment to promoting harmony and good relations, recognising the importance of sustained engagement and collaboration in achieving its vision for a harmonious Guyana. (G1)

craft, basic subjects, agriculture and physical activities such as swimming, among others.

“Children get to the school as early as 7:30 am, but activities begin at 8:30 am. They do physical exercises. Reading, language and Maths are done on a one-onone basis. I have a non-verbal student who comes for reinforcement. I liaise with the school to get an idea of the work he does. He comes from 1:00pm to 2:30pm,” she added.

Smith and her staffers have all been able to benefit from training from the National Centre for Educational Resource Development’s Special Needs Education Department.

Like Smith, her employees understand all too well that the service offered is not about earning a major profit. In fact, Smith has been working to ensure that her school can be accessed by all strata of society.

World Down Syndrome Day

Since 2006, World Down Syndrome Day is observed each year on March 21 to create awareness. This year, the campaign’s theme is " End the Stereotypes”.

The estimated incidence of Down Syndrome is between 1 in 1000 to 1 in 1100 live births worldwide. Each year, approximately 3000 to 5000 children are born with this chromosome disorder.

To bring awareness to those who are born with three copies of Down Syndrome, individuals wear mismatched socks.

Some common physical features of Down Syndrome, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, include a flattened nose bridge; almond-shaped eyes; a short neck; small ears, tiny white spots on the iris of the eyes, and small hands and feet.

Down Syndrome is a lifelong condition. Services early in life will often help babies and children with Down Syndrome to improve their physical and intellectual abilities.

Most of these services focus on helping children with Down Syndrome develop to their full potential. These services include speech, occupational, and physical therapy, and they are typically offered through early intervention programmes. (G1)

Principal of the Gifted Hands Learning Centre for Special Needs Children, Marcia Smith

ERC Commissioner Neaz Subhan

Page Foundation

Unit Test

Exercises: Calculate

1) John is replacing the moulding around his windows. The perimeter of each window measures 1 metre and he has 6 windows. How many metres of moulding does he need?

2) Anne wants to make a big batch of sorrel drink. The container holds five gallons and she is using a 1-quart jug to fill it. How many jugs of water will she need to fill the container?

3) Harry is weighing black cake for shipping to the USA. The first cake weighs 32 ounces, the second weighs 2 pounds and the third weighs 12 ounces. Which cake is heavier?

4) Sandra wants to build a fence around her yard, and she needs to know how much chain-link material to buy. Her yard has sides of 20 feet and 20 yards. How much chain-link material does she need in metres?

5) Which has the greater area: a 100-yard square or a rectangle with sides of 10 metres and 11 metres?

6) What is the area of a triangle with sides of 3 metres, 5 metres and 60 inches?

7) Which is more expensive: $1000 per gallon gas or $275 per litre kerosene?

8) What is the volume of a shoebox with sides of 24 inches, 25 centimetres and 0.25 metre?

9) A modern spacecraft travelling at 17, 500 miles per hour would travel how far in 1 minute?

By Algernon ChArles swinBurne

10) If the earth is 24,000 miles in circumference, how much time would it take the spacecraft mentioned in Question 9 to orbit it once?

11) 98.6 o F = ______ oC

12) In track and field, the standard middle distance is 15,000 metres. How many feet is that?

13) My grandmother’s cookie recipe calls for 4 cups of flour and 1 pint of milk. Convert those quantities to metric units.

14) What is the volume of the triangular solid below ?

15) Annual rice production in Guyana for the year 2020 reached an estimated 1.1 million tonnes. How many pounds of rice would that be?

In this fun and easy science experiment, we’re going to make a squishy slime balloon.

Glue

Liquid starch

Balloon Scissors

Pour about ½ cup of glue into a mixing bowl. Slowly mix in about ¾ cup of liquid starch.

Materials:

Instructions:

Keep stirring the mixture until the slime begins to solidify. You want the slime to stiffen to almost the consistency of silly putty. Feel free to add glue or liquid starch as needed.

Allow your slime to sit for several minutes while you take the scissors and cut the neck off of a balloon.

Insert your fingers into the balloon and stretch it open.

Work a good sized ball of the rubber slime into the balloon. Tie off the end and enjoy.

How it works:

The liquid starch contains a chemical called sodium tetraborate. The sodium tetraborate links the polymers in the glue together creating slime.

Make this a science project:

Use other activators like contact lens solution or Borax to create the slime and observe any differences. Try different types of glue like clear glue. Try different brands of glue. (sciencefun.org)

Thy spirit is quenched not, albeit we behold not thy face in the crown of the steep sky’s arch, And the bold first buds of the whin wax golden, and witness arise of the thorn and the larch:

Wild April, enkindled to laughter and storm by the kiss of the wildest of winds that blow, Calls loud on his brother for witness; his hands that were laden with blossom are sprinkled with snow, And his lips breathe winter, and laugh, and relent; and the live woods feel not the frost’s flame parch; For the flame of the spring that consumes not but quickens is felt at the heart of the forest aglow, And the sparks that enkindled and fed it were strewn from the hands of the gods of the winds of March.

WORD SEARCH

Opposition will “lose the next elections” – Jagdeo

…says no one takes Aubrey Norton seriously

The ruling People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) is not worried about President Dr Irfaan Ali’s re-election at the upcoming 2025 General and Regional Elections, especially if his challenger is Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton.

This was the position of General Secretary of the PPP, Bharrat Jagdeo, who said at the Party’s weekly press conference on Thursday that no one takes Norton seriously. Jagdeo was at the time responding to a question whether the Party was concerned about Norton’s presidential candidacy posing a challenge to President Ali’s re-election.

However, Jagdeo does not believe that Norton nor any other candidate within the People’s National Congress (PNC)-led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Opposition would mount a formidable challenge.

“They’re gonna lose the next elections and they know that. Internally, they know this… Their leaders say ‘we know we’re gonna lose this’ …I don’t want to lend credence to Norton… He’s wasting my time.

“Because Norton doesn’t have, as I said before, a solid background on [policy] issues… He doesn’t get held

by the media to account. It’s either because nobody takes him seriously or they just giving him a free pass,” the PPP General Secretary stated.

According to Jagdeo, even party members within the PNC-led APNU – with Norton being the leader of both groupings – are not confident in his ability to be victorious at next year’s polls.

In fact, dismissing Norton’s claims that the PPP was paying people to spread rumours that he was corrupt, Jagdeo argued that this was not only delusional but the PPP did not have to put in this much work when this

was already the view of the majority of PNC’s membership. The PPP General Secretary went on to note that even if Norton put forward a sound policy plan, it would not be accepted by the Guyanese electorate who are still reeling from the last APNU/AFC coalition Government. He noted that even under the presidency of David Granger – who was much more credible than Norton – there were a lot of unfulfilled promises.

“The 2015 period, they promised to fix everything. People would have the ‘good

Guyana accredits new Saudi Arabia Ambassador

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday accepted the letters of credence of the newly-appointed Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Guyana.

The Guyanese Head of State received the credentials of Faisal bin Ibrahim Ghulam, Non-Resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to

Guyana, during an accreditation ceremony held at the Office of the President.

At that ceremony, President Ali said he looked forward to a vibrant and expanding relationship between the two countries. On the agenda is the establishment of bilateral trade in food production, energy, and oil and gas.

President Ali added that

with the Kingdom preparing to establish an embassy in Georgetown, there were many opportunities for the countries to deepen their bilateral cooperation.

Ambassador Ghulam signalled his readiness to work on advancing the bilateral agenda of the two countries.

Guyana and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia established diplomatic ties in 2012.

life’; they would fix the corruption; the Government would be efficient. But we lost welfare, economy started tanking and they became the most corrupt group ever in this country. So, who would believe Norton when he says anything about policy, etc?” stated Jagdeo – the Vice President of the current PPP/C Government.

Moreover, Jagdeo further outlined that apart from the main political Opposition, there was no other party that would mount a challenge for the PPP/C at the 2025 polls. On this note, he stressed that the two major parties – the PPP/C and the PNC-led APNU/AFC – have to ensure they run clean campaigns.

“These third parties can’t make a difference to the people of this country. The big political parties have start changing two things, and this is what I’m talking about with the PNC, you gotta stop dividing our people along racial lines – everything is race – and stop steal elections,” he posited.

At the 2020 elections, there were blatant attempts to rig the results in favour of the then incumbent APNU/ AFC regime. These efforts saw Guyana falling into a five-month political deadlock that was eventually resolved with steadfast pressure from local stakeholders and the international community.

This resulted in the PPP/C winning the presidency with a commanding 233,336 votes, a remarkable lead of 15,416 over its political rival, the APNU/AFC.

Meanwhile, as the country gets ready to head into another electoral cycle, preparations have already started in some quarters.

Only on Wednesday, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) urged political parties to engage the body ahead of next year’s polls.

During a press conference,

ERC Chairman Sheik Moeenul-Hack informed media operatives that the Commission has been successful in engaging members of two major political parties, the ruling PPP/C and the AFC, which has since separated from the APNU but remains in the co-

alition as the parliamentary Opposition.

However, ERC’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Gomin Camacho disclosed that efforts to engage other parties, including the leading Opposition party, the PNCled APNU, have proven futile.

ERC’s invitation of engagement is part of its efforts to garner the support of political leaders to assist it in the execution of its mandate, which is to promote harmony and good relations among all Guyanese.

On this point, ERC Commissioner Norris Witter underscored the importance of preventing the reoccurrence of ethnic tension leading up to and after the holding of the 2025 General and Regional Elections.

“The racial/ethnic tension in Guyana is primarily based between these two ethnic groups (Afro-Guyanese and Indo-Guyanese) either fall within the PPP or PNC, therefore, you cannot make any serious progress in terms of addressing the ethnic tensions unless you can get these two major parties on the table,” Witter said.

The ERC hosted a Code of Conduct signing for parties contesting the Local Government Elections (LGE) 2023. The Code of Conduct aimed to ensure that parties agreed to promote an election period that was free from hate speech, incitement, violence, discrimination, and provocation along racial lines.

The Code of Conduct addressed the conduct of politicians in all public forums, including political rallies. This is paramount since the Commission itself was birthed from electoral tension. (G8)

President Dr Irfaan Ali accepting the letters of credence of the newly-appointed Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Guyana, Faisal bin Ibrahim Ghulam

PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo

Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton

ExxonMobil in talks to merge Suriname, Guyana gas development projects

Exxon Mobil Corporation

XOM, alongside TotalEnergies TTE, is entering discussions with Suriname’s state-owned oil company, Staatsolie, to potentially develop natural gas fields along the maritime borders shared with Guyana.

To the west of Suriname, ExxonMobil has already made significant progress in Guyana, leading a consortium that has elevated the country’s oil production to 650,000 barrels per day. This consortium is exploring the development of gas fields in Guyana, intending to enhance the country’s energy revenues through domestic supply and exports.

In Guyana, ExxonMobil’s consortium has unveiled six projects primarily focused on oil, owing to the discovery of more than 11 billion barrels of recoverable resources. An upcoming seventh project may pivot toward gas, highlighting the

potential for expanded gas exploitation in the region. Notably, two of ExxonMobil’s natural gas-rich findings in Guyana are proximate to Suriname’s gas fields, discovered by TotalEnergies and APA Corporation APA. In Suriname, the spotlight is on Block 58, an offshore site under TotalEnergies and APA Corp’s stewardship, projected to initiate oil production by 2028. Yet, the project’s financial forecast is challenging, with drilling costs having doubled in recent years.

Despite these hurdles,

Suriname’s gas sector shows promise, especially with the involvement of Petronas and ExxonMobil in Block 52’s exploration efforts. Petronas, in particular, has hinted at the possibility of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) project, backed by favorable fiscal arrangements with Staatsolie.

The move is part of Suriname’s broader strategy to attract foreign investment in its burgeoning energy sector, aiming to become a regional gas hub. While Suriname anticipates its first major offshore oil

production to commence in about four years, the collaboration with industry giants like ExxonMobil and TotalEnergies could significantly accelerate its journey toward establishing a substantial footprint in the energy market.

The evolving landscape of Suriname’s energy sector is attracting attention from global players, indicating a competitive and expanding market. With Suriname’s recent launch of a bidding round, the potential for growth in its oil and gas industry is significant, setting the stage for the country to emerge as a pivotal energy hub in the region.

Price performance

ExxonMobil shares have outperformed the industry in the past three months. The stock has gained 11.9 per cent compared with the industry’s 6.2 per cent growth.

(Excerpted from Yahoo Finance)

Pensioner jailed for illegal gun, ammo

George Aubrey Archer, a 72-year-old of Suddie, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), was found guilty on a charge of possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

The case was heard at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday before Magistrate Esther Sam. The defendant was absent, but his counsel was present. At the time, his Attorney had told the court that Archer was unwell.

Archer was found guilty of both charges and was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment along with a fine of $50,000 for each charge. Both sentences will run concurrently.

Jailed in absentia: George Archer

The pensioner was nabbed with the unlicensed firearm and ammunition in September 2023 at Onderneeming Sand Pit, Essequibo Coast.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Police Force has indicated that a warrant was issued for the arrest of Archer. (G12)

…the Police Force

If there’s one thing we’ve attempted to do more often than “constitutional change”, it’s “reforming” the Police Force. This has been floated so many times you’d swear the GPF is made of “cork”!! Your Eyewitness has carried on (ad nauseam!!) on the NEED for reform. There were the Brits, who wanted to keep us as loyal Kikuyus; and Burnham, who wanted to keep us as loyal bowers and scrapers! They ensured the Police were trained to keep their knees on our necks. Well…on the necks of most of us!!

So, where do we begin to count the reasons why ”police reform” never got nowhere?? Let’s start with the governments that succeeded Burnham and his successor Hoyte – the PPP. Now, if there’s ANY government that should’ve wanted – no, yearned! – to straighten out the Police, it should’ve been the PPP. After all, hadn’t they been hounded and harassed for the (in)famous 28 years?? Well, Rodney and the WPA did draw the fire away from them between 1974 and 1980. But yet!!

So, what went down?? Some say Laurie Lewis - the Police Head they inherited - might’ve had “files” on them. But your Eyewitness don’t buy that! While there had to’ve been some peccadilloes committed - it’s politics, ain’t it?they couldn’t have amounted to much. Jagan was Mr Clean, and he’d showed that if any of his underlings stepped off the straight and narrow, he made sure they took the rap.

Others say they might’ve been afraid they were gonna be overthrown by the Police after the 1992 elections showed 92% of them supported the PNC. Yes…dear reader – they used to announce how the Disciplined Forces voted!! But let’s get serious, shall we?? Have you EVER heard of a Police Force overthrowing a GOVERNMENT?? A hot-dog stand, maybe; but NOT a government!! Police are trained to think LOCALLY – like hustling motorists for a fried rice, but not hustling a head of state out of office!!

Your Eyewitness believes there’s a much simpler answer. Jagan never liked firing people. The IMF had ordered Hoyte to slim down the bloated Civil Service, and he had started to do so. But Jagan refused to continue the axing. Not that he ever got any credit for that…but that was him and his “working class”!! His successors – Janet and Jagdeo - however, might’ve been more hard-nosedbut they were confronted immediately by a rampaging PNC under Desmond Hoyte’s “slow fyaah; mo fyaal” strategy!! They desperately needed the Police to keep the peace by any means necessary, and they weren’t about to poke no ants’ nest!!

Now, after Granger’s wholesale replacement of the Police leadership with his loyalists, the PPP’s taking flack for straightening his mess.

The deformed is finally being reformed!!

…the PNC

After democracy was restored in 1992, the PNC riggers were given the bum’s rush, as their “Committee to REElect the President” (CREEP) failed to gain traction, and faced a dilemma. NO…not how to explain why they actually went to the polls backed by CREEPs - but how, say, with a straight face, they were supporting DEMOCRACY!!? After all, nobody heard any booming voice from the heavens to suggest a Damascene Conversion!!

Well, Hoyte set the ball rolling with the PNC-Reform (PNC/R) in 2001, by imitating the PPP’s “CIVIC” with a welter of new fresh faces. Didn’t work, and he passed on. Corbin then had the bright idea of creating the PNC/Reform/One Guyana. But the acronym came out PNC-R1G!!! Couldn’t live it down at the 2006 elections. By 2011, they linked up with 4 paper “parties”, themselves APNU – and did better!!

For 2015, they hitched up with the AFC as APNU/AFC and took government!! Then Granger decided to RIG in 2020!!

Leaving a name change for Aubrey for 2025!!

…the AFC

WE all know you can’t cash the same cheque twice, don’t we?? So, what’s Ramjattan gonna be doing with the AFC after announcing they’re no longer joined at the hip with APNU??

Claim jumbie hold him after 2015??

School dropout in custody for murder of Patentia teen

…2nd suspect on the run

An old grievance on Wednesday led to the death of a 17-year-old male, who was allegedly stabbed to death by two teenage boys.

Dead is Aaron Bess of Lot 234 Patentia, West Bank Demerara (WBD), who was murdered at approximately 21:30h in the community.

Police have apprehended a 17-year-old suspect from Patentia, while the other suspect, a 16-yearold student from Skull City is on the run.

Based on Police reports, Bess was walking from Two Field, heading to a nearby shop to make a purchase, when the suspects began pelting him with bottles and bricks. <<<Guyana Times>>> understands that this attack stemmed from an old misunderstanding.

As Bess continued his journey, the suspects approached him, and one of the teens dealt him two

lashes with a piece of steel. The other suspect took out a knife from his waist and dealt him several stabs about his body. As a result of the injuries, Bess fell to the ground, and the suspects made good their escape on foot.

Bess was then picked up by public-spirited citizens and escorted to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor on duty.

The body was checked by the Police, and wounds

were discovered on the left upper chest, left lower stomach and right side of the neck (to the jugular vein).

The body is at the Ezekiel Funeral Home at Best Village, WBD, where a post-mortem examination will be conducted to determine the cause of death.

The suspect in custody, a 17-year-old school dropout, is assisting the Police in the ongoing investigations. The search continues for the second suspect. (G12)

Bartica man dies after crashing into concrete bridge

Daniel Anthony Lopes, a 22-yearold resident of Byderabo Road, Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) died on Thursday morning after the motorcycle he was driving crashed into a concrete bridge.

The accident occurred around 01:45h on the Caribese Hill road in Bartica.

According to Police investigations, Lopes was proceeding west along the southern side of Caribese Hill access road, ascending a hill, and while negotiating a right bend at a fast pace, he lost control of the motorcycle, JSP 3, and crashed into a concrete drain on the side of the road and then into a concrete bridge.

As a result, he received injuries to his head and body. He was picked up and taken to the Bartica Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The motorcycle which Daniel Anthony Lopes was riding at the time of the accident

CANU busts Linden duo with 11kg cocaine

Two Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) men were on Wednesday busted with 11.204 kilograms of cocaine by the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) along the Providence Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

CANU said that on Wednesday, its agents intercepted a motor canter at Providence and during a search, several bricklike parcels containing a substance accused to be cocaine were found concealed in a box.

The two men – a 55-year-

old of Rainbow City, Wismar, Linden and a 27-year-old of Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden – were arrested and taken to CANU headquarters, where the substance was weighed, tested, and confirmed as cocaine. Investigations are continuing.

Lindener wins car from ExxonMobil Guyana’s “Big Red Bus Tour”

ExxonMobil Guyana on Thursday announced that Lindener Ronique Bremner has won a car as part of its “Big Red Bus Tour” initiative.

In a release on Thursday, the US oil giant said that the highlight of the 50-day tour was Saturday's drawing for a brand-new MG motor car, which took place at the MovieTowne Mall. Bremner of Amelia’s Ward, Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) was selected the winner out of 10,000 entrants, with participation from every region except

Regions One (Barima-Waini); Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) and Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

According to the release, Ashley Singh of Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara); Tulsidai Etwaroo, Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and Dianna Dryden, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) also won iPhone 15 devices, while another device was snagged as a door prize at Saturday’s drawing. Five grocery vouchers valued at US$200 each were also won.

The “Big Red Bus Tour”, the company said, was aimed at fostering community engagement, understanding local perspectives, and discussing ExxonMobil Guyana's ongoing and future projects that impact the lives of Guyanese. The Tour enabled the company to reach out directly to communities, addressing their questions and listening to their valuable feedback. It also provided a platform for open dialogue, where residents could learn more about ExxonMobil Guyana's initiatives and express their thoughts in a fun and interactive environment.

"We are overwhelmed by the warmth and enthusiasm with which residents across the regions welcomed us," said ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge. "This tour not only allowed us to share information about our operations and benefits to the country, but also to listen, learn, and connect with the heart of communities around the country."

The cocaine that was found with the Linden duo

Exxon’s Public and Government Affairs Manager Matthew Scharf and Communications Advisor Nicholas Yearwood handing over the new motor car to Ronique Bremner

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)

Ask questions and discover what others expect of you before setting your sights on a specific goal. Allow yourself to take advantage of changes that develop.

Hidden matters will surface if you reveal too much about your beliefs and connections. Make sure to resolve all institutional and bureaucratic issues. Take care of business first.

High energy and hands-on effort will ensure that no one gets in your way or outshines you. Don’t take unnecessary risks. Keep your thoughts and plans to yourself and do your own thing.

Don’t stop to rest or to explain your course of action. Learn as you go, take advantage of what’s available and use your talents to separate yourself from the competition.

Let things settle before you move on. Time is on your side. Consider costs, outcomes and opportunities. The possibilities are endless if you wait for the right moment.

Mixed emotions will cost you. Embrace change, and opportunities will arise, giving you choices above and beyond your expectations. Don’t hesitate to engage in what brings you joy.

Get the facts no matter how difficult. Don’t let anyone pressure you regarding a financial, legal or medical decision. Choose what fits into your routine and comfort zone.

Let life unfold naturally. An open mind, ingenuity and a creative outlook will help you put into play the changes you want to make at home or in meaningful relationships.

Keep moving, asking questions and observing what everyone around you is doing. Keeping up with what’s unfolding will help you avoid getting caught in someone else’s drama. Stay grounded.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Follow the money. Emotional spending will leave you short on cash when you need it most. An offer too good to turn down is within reach. Be smart, tuned in and ready to act.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Set your course and keep your goal in sight, regardless of the changes others make. Follow leads and do your research, and you’ll have the know-how and confidence to forge ahead.

Channel your energy into personal gain, feeling good and looking your best. You don’t have to display how you feel; subtle changes will be enough to let others know you are on top of your game.

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

PICKLES

ARCHIE

The Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (RBL CPL) created for Guyana a record total economic impact of US$101,683,135 during the 2023 tournament.

Six regular season matches and four playoff matches were played in Guyana between September 13th and 24th, and the tour-

nament concluded in front of a sold-out home crowd at the Providence Stadium with the Guyana Amazon Warriors claiming the CPL title for the first time.

The economic impact study was compiled by the World-renowned research organisation YouGov Sport, which reported on the impact CPL had on the local econo-

my. A lot of factors were taken into account, though the key economic drivers were organiser spend, visitor spend, and media value for Guyana.

During the CPL window, the tournament was responsible for filling a record 23,217 hotel room nights in Guyana, made up by the CPL’s significant cohort, which included players, coaches, adminis-

MVP Sports to support Petra’s activities for 2024

MVP Sports, a sporting goods entity that avidly supports sporting activities in Guyana, especially football, has thrown its support behind the Petra Organization for a second consecutive year; in that it would be a staple sponsor of Petra‘s activities, spanning 8 schools’ football tournaments from the U11 to the tertiary level.

This announcement was made on Thursday at the company’s Giftland Mall location, and it has come two days before kickoff of the Milo Schools Football Tournament.

Owner of MVP Sports, Ian Ramdeo, has shared why he is so readily supportive of the Petra Organisation, and has called on corporate entities to support sports.

“We’ve committed to the Petra Organisation and all of their tournaments, or most of their tournaments that they’ve held over the past year and continuing into 2024. MVP Sports and our team are very happy with the way that the tournaments have been managed, have been run, and we definitely look to (lend) support not only in this year, but in the future, once we can keep having this level of football for our youths and for our developmental stage of football in Guyana,” Ramdeo disclosed.

Then he declared, “We hope to see more sponsors.

I’ve noticed, over the past few years, especially these tournaments, you’ve managed to get some new faces, new sponsors, on board, and we are very happy to see that; because not only football, (but) a lot of sports in general in Guyana need a lot of support.”

And he cautioned, “But it’s a two-way street. Organizations and federations also need to have a certain level of transparency in how they operate, and I think that one of the things I’d like to say is: for me, it has been a

great experience for us partnering with Petra.”

Effusive in his gratitude, Petra Co-Director Troy Mendonca highlighted that such support helps in the development of potential national talents. “I must say we are happy at Petra to have Mr. Ian from MVP Sports to endorse our programmes; and like our coordinator said, he has made commitment to all our activities, and we are very proud to know that an individual, through his business, can recognize the efforts that we have been making over the years,” he declared.

“I want to further say that, because of the generosity of persons like Mr. Ramdeo, that we would’ve organized tournaments that add to the national grid at all levels in this country,” Mendonca added.

When the Milo tournament kicks off on Saturday, Bush Lot Secondary will take on Abram Zuil Secondary in the first match, which would be played at the Ministry of Education Ground on Carifesta Avenue from 12:30hrs. At 13:00hrs, Bartica Secondary will battle L’Aventure Secondary at the nearby Queen’s College Ground.

trators, TV and media crews, team owner groups, league and franchise event management teams, and overseas visitors who arrived to watch the games. A large part of the total economic impact figure came from the money spent by these overseas visitors, who spent a considerable amount of time in Guyana during the CPL matches enjoying the many activities put on as part of the Cricket Carnival.

Guyana also benefitted from the tournament being broadcasted around the world, with CPL’s total audience reaching 853.5 million viewers. As always, the tournament worked closely with the local tourism authority to create world class

content which highlighted the fantastic eco-tourism opportunities that exist in this stunning country. These exclusive features and vignettes were shown during the CPL matches, further promoting the tourism message to a global audience.

Pete Russell, CEO of Republic Bank CPL, has said: “The conclusion of the 2023 tournament was certainly dramatic, as all eyes were on Guyana to see the Amazon Warriors claim their first CPL title. This was a fantastic moment for the country, and it is extremely rewarding to have seen both the social and economic impacts the tournament had in Guyana, with the figures released today confirm-

ing what we all felt during those memorable 11 days last September.

“Having the showpiece finale, the Biggest Party in Sport in Guyana was certainly a huge success, and these numbers show how sports tourism can leave a significant and lasting legacy.”

Kamrul Baksh, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, has said: “The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has been a game-changer for Guyana’s tourism industry. More specifically, since becoming the host nation of the CPL finals in 2022, Guyana’s visitor arrivals have significantly increased by 131% from 2022 to 2023. This is the highest number of visitors for September on record. In just two years, the rush of cricket fans and travellers from around the world has filled our hotels and restaurants, and provided opportunities for local businesses to thrive. The CPL has not only brought exciting matches, but has also displayed Guyana’s rich culture and natural beauty worldwide, reinforcing our status as a leading tourism destination. We aim to capitalise on this success, leveraging sports tourism to drive steady economic development.”

The Guyana Amazon Warriors lifted the RBL CPL Trophy even as a record economic impact was made on the country

Petra Co-Director Troy Mendonca and owner of MVP Sports, Ian Ramdeo

with bat and ball on Day 2

The Guyana Harpy Eagles were absolutely superb with bat and ball on Day 2 of their match against the Windward Islands Volcanoes. They played themselves into a commanding position heading into the penultimate day of the West Indies 4-Day Championships’ fifthround clash, in that

the ball, Imlach

the bat,

ter a 363-run lead at the end of Day 2, after routing their opponents for a meagre 113 runs in 31.5 overs.

After the Windwards’ pair of Kymani Melius and Jeremy Solozano had resisted the Harpy Eagles’ efforts late on Wednesday afternoon, the Guyanese pacers went to work on Thursday morning, and took 8 wickets for less than 50 runs.

Thorne was outstanding in claiming 4-38 11 overs, while Alimohamed picked up 3-30 from 7

At that point, Guyana had their opponents on 49-8, and Melius, with 14 runs from 34 deliveries, had the highest score, while the next best score was 10 runs from 7 balls, scored by Sunil Ambris. Then a frustrating partnership between Tevyn Walcott and Darel Cyrus got the challengers past the 100run mark.

A change of tactics, from strictly pace to an injection of spin, brought in the expertise of Gudakesh

Motie, who made a breakthrough within 2 overs of his introduction. Motie cleaned up Cyrus for 23 runs in 44 balls, and claimed the 10th wicket for Guyana -- his second wicket -- with the very next ball, in which he trapped Daurius Martin lbw. Motie eventually ended with 2-12 from 3.5 overs, while Nial Smith claimed the other wicket.

Opting to bat again instead of enforcing a follow-on, Guyana lost the wicket of Matthew Nandu early, who perished by the lbw route for a duck. However, the pair of Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Captain Tevin Imlach continued unfazed, and finished the day each unbeaten and well within arms’ reach of the 100-run mark.

Having a point to prove, Chanderpaul hit 78 in 160 deliveries, including 8 fours and 2 sixes, while Imlach raced past his partner for a 180-ball 88 runs, which included 8 boundaries.

With 9 wickets in hand, a 363run lead, and two days’ play ahead, the Harpy Eagles would likely capitalize on their strong position to set the Volcanoes a mammoth total. The 4- Day action at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua and Barbuda would resume today from 10:00hrs.

Asecond-minute goal scored by their opponents proved decisive in the fortunes of the Guyana senior men’s national football team, the Golden Jaguars, as they made their debut in the FIFA Series on Thursday afternoon in a game against Cape Verde, ranked 92 places above Guyana in FIFA.

The Golden Jaguars came away from the battle with heads justifiably held high, their opponents having won the encounter by a single goal, the scoreline reading 1-nil in Cape Verde’s favour.

This mature performance from the Golden Jaguars was recorded by a starting XI that read: Captain Daniel Wilson, Goal-keeper Quillian Roberts, and players Jeremy Garrett, Curtez Kellman, Colin Nelson, Elliott Bonds, Leo Lovell, Liam Gordon, Stephen Duke–McKenna, Deon Moore and Omari Glasgow.

The Golden Jaguars were caught off-guard when Cape Verde Captain Ryan Mendes received a service inside the box and quickly took the shot into the opposing corner of the goal for what would eventually become the game- winner.

Guyana’s keeper Quillian Roberts was almost superhuman in denying the African team

on several occasions to keep the score at 1-0. One of his most impressive saves saw him get a hand to a shot from inside the goal and pushing it up onto the crossbar, from whence it ricocheted back into open play for the save.

Minutes later, on two occasions, Roberts found himself punching out shots that were made about five metres away from him, to keep Cape Verde at bay.

Guyana also had a handful of chances, but were unable to capitalize on any. From a corner, Garrett headed the ball squarely onto the feet of Bonds, who was unable to escape the goalkeeper’s hands with his shot; and later, DukeMcKenna had a long- range shot, but his strike went wide of the goal.

In the second segment, a build-up between Kadell Daniel and Glasgow got Guyana within metres of levelling the scores, but Daniel’s assist never quite reached Glasgow’s feet, as he slipped after getting past the opposing keeper.

The Golden Jaguars will play their second game of this FIFA Series in the March international window against Cambodia on March 26th. That game will also be held at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Guyana’s Golden Jaguars lost to the much higher ranked Cape Verde by a single goal