Guyana Times - Friday, March 3, 2023

Guyana’s High Court confirmed as a heritage site by National Trust

very rich history that dates back to the year 1878. In 1878, a petition was made by the British Guiana Court of Policy to have a building constructed to conduct court proceedings. The petition was accepted in June of the same year.

The court was officially opened in the year of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee, on May 24, 1887, by Governor Sir Henry Irving.

The High Court is located at Avenue of the Republic

and Charlotte Street in Lacytown, Georgetown.

The building is bordered by Avenue of the Republic on the west, King Street on the east, Charlotte Street on the north, and South Road on the south.

This historic building was designed by Baron Hora Siccama, the Colonial Engineer at the time, and Mr. Cesar Castellani, then Assistant Architect attached to the Public Works Department.

The original design was “L-shaped,” with the lower flat being concrete and steel and the upper flat being a wooden structure.

The High Court building has been extended with the addition of the Family Court Wing and the Chancellor’s Wing (Land Court).

The building has maintained its historical architecture, although there have been numerous additions and rehabilitation projects over the years.

Body of Essequibo labourer found floating in canal

The Supreme Court of Judicature on Monday received a heritage plaque from the

National Trust of Guyana. The receipt of this heritage plaque signifies an acknowledgment of the High Court

as a heritage site.

The High Court of Guyana, also known as the Victoria Law Courts, has a

The body of 54-yearold Gharbaran Rampattie, also known as “Fill”, a labourer of Perseverance, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), was on Thursday pulled from a canal at Perseverance.

Information received is that Rampattie had suffered from epilepsy, and had also been a known alcoholic. He had reportedly last been seen alive at about 1:00h, pushing a bicycle as he headed in a northerly direction in the village.

Guyana Times understands that a vendor dis-

covered the man’s body floating in the canal at about 6:00h, and the Police were summoned to the scene. When the body was retrieved from the canal, no marks of violence were evi-

dent thereon.

The body has been taken to the Suddie Hospital Mortuary to await a post-mortem examination. Investigations are continuing.

A High Court staff receiving the plaque from a representative of the National Trust of Guyana in the presence of Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George and the Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards, and other staff

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, March 3 – 03:00h-04:30h and Saturday, March 4 – 03:30h-05:00h.

Friday, March 3 – 13:55h-15:25h and Saturday, March 4 – 14:30h-16:00h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Light to thundery showers are expected during the day followed by sunny conditions in the lateafternoon hours. In the evening, light showers are expected. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 3.58 metres and 6.26 metres.

High Tide: 14:19h reaching a maximum height of 2.16 metres.

Low Tide: 07:51h and 20:26h reaching minimum heights of 1.19 metres and 1.0 metre.

Guyana’s investment regime makes it an attractive destination for investors – GMSA

President after India visit

Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA)

President Rafeek Khan has stated that with Guyana’s investment regime, many foreign companies have indicated their interest in the various opportunities available in the country.

Khan was at the time participating in a webinar with other Private Sector players who were part of a high-level delegation led by President Dr Irfaan Ali to India in January. The team had included a massive Private Sector contingent that participated in the Madhya Pradesh Global Investors Summit in Indore, India.

“Companies are very, very excited to partner in Guyana. The cost of getting leased land is more lucrative in Guyana... We see our tax incentives are being easier to do business in Guyana. So, there is a wide range of opportunities in Guyana and why businesses want to come in,” he stated.

According to Khan, the GMSA had entered into several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Indian companies for potential collaboration and partnership in a number of areas, including furniture manufacturing.

LOTTERY NUMBERS

“We’ve met with one of the largest manufacturing companies in India for furniture [Mehidpurwala Furnishers Pvt Ltd]. As a matter of fact, their showroom alone is 100,000 square feet with seven floors. That company will be in Guyana within the next 60 days. They’ve already started their due diligence in checking out and doing some feasibility studies remotely. But this company is very anxious to come into Guyana to see how they can help build out the country [in the area of furniture-making], both for industrial and residential use,” he posited.

The MoU with Mehidpurwala Furnishers PVt (MFP) was signed on January 11 and seeks to facilitate the expansion of the furniture manufacturing industry in Guyana and allow both countries to access more opportunities for capacity building, transfer of technology and skills, capital, and market development.

The GMSA had noted at the time that the Indian company was looking to form consortiums in order to expand operations to Guyana as well as enter new markets, both domestically and in the region.

During the visit, President Ali had visited MFP’s massive showroom which featured a wide variety of furniture pioneered by the company for every type of consumer, from affordable to luxury furniture which is

utilised in the housing, hotel, hospital, educational, industrial, warehousing and other industries.

MFP is a fourth-generation company with more than 135 years of experience. The furniture products are constructed with materials such as Indian Tik wood, pre-laminated engineered board, and steel, some of which will be imported from India and finished in Guyana. Guyanese hardwood species will be used in manufacturing the furniture as well, thereby increasing opportunities within the forestry sector and building Indigenous manufacturing capacities within Guyana.

In addition to MFP, the GMSA also inked an agreement with NBR Cooling Systems for the establishment of a radiator manufacturing plant in Guyana.

“You might ask the question why a radiator company in Guyana? It is not a radiator for Guyana, but it is beyond Guyana. The market is there in the United States, in the Caribbean, in Latin

America, in South America whereby Guyana could produce or import certain raw material to make radiators… and that is being put together to make radiator coolers for the automotive industry for engines and turbines, and generators and so on,” Khan stated. This agreement between the GMSA and NBR, dated January 12, will see the Association identifying and engaging Guyanese companies or forming consortiums to establish a manufacturing/ assembly plant in the engine cooling (automotive) sector. The company will leverage NBR’s technological advancement, full range of high-quality raw materials and components, market resources, and access to international compliance codes and practices.

During the initial stages of establishment, NBR is committed to injecting approximately US$1 million. The framework for the business will incorporate: the transfer of skills and technologies of manufacturing and assembling radiator con-

denser and charge-air coolers from India to Guyana; manufacturing and production of radiator condenser and charge-air coolers made from aluminium, copper and brass; assembling and exporting various radiator condensers and charge-air coolers made from aluminium, copper, and brass to all the countries in Latin America and the United States of America; importing all the machinery and raw material required for manufacturing of radiator condenser and charge-air coolers made from aluminium, copper and brass.

NBR Directors have been in the radiator business for the last 20 years, and the company is a well-established manufacturer of a wide array of engine radiators; radiator cores, intercoolers and condensers and engine coolant.

The company is renowned for its high quality and standards and serves several industries such as the automotive, generator, and boring machines sectors. With an aim to expand its business operations and grow from being the second largest market player in cooling systems in India, NBR selected Guyana to execute the same vision globally.

According to Khan, the Association is also working on getting Indian companies to invest in other lucrative sectors in Guyana such as agro-processing, while adding that major developments will be made in the coming months in areas such as ICT and human resources recruitment, among others.

GMSA President Rafeek Khan

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Errant drivers, recklessness on roadways

Calls for better usage of our roadways seems to be falling on deaf ears as the accident death toll continues to climb.

Already the Home Affairs Ministry has confirmed that road fatalities have increased by 100 per cent. In a bid to caution road users and more so motorcyclists, Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken has called for better use of the roadways. To quote him: “We are going to step up the enforcement, it is necessary for us to do that. The category of road users that is giving us problems is the motorcyclist; so we are going to start a campaign, but we are going to enforce and sensitise them in terms of how they should use the road.”

But on his heels of his cautionary words, two Berbice men - 30-year-old Devindra Lakhraj and 24-year-old Ronny Persaud – crashed into a motorcar along the Number 79 Village public road in Corriverton, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). A mere 24 hours later, 38-year-old Samlall Mahaice was speeding and lost control of his motorcar collided with a culvert at Belle Vue Public Road at Canal Number Two Polder, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

There is no doubt that there is always an element of risk whenever someone uses the roadways, be it a motorist, passenger, cyclist or pedestrian. This is somewhat inherent, since it is believed that accidents will happen. Often, the fault is not with the one being cautious, the risks may manifest in various forms, such as a lack of street lighting while driving at nights; potholes, which when swerved from could place a vehicle in the direct path of another; absence of or non-functioning traffic lights, which can create uncertainty among drivers; roaming animals; speeding; drinking and driving; narrow streets and lack of traffic signage. In addition, disobedience of basic traffic etiquette and other rules exacerbate the risks.

Seemingly common now is the disrespect for designated major roads. Many drivers, including some within the public transportation system, refuse to adhere to what is mandatory. As a result, a number of accidents occur frequently at some of those points. Similarly, the practice of running red lights and the green signal that allows pedestrians to cross continues unabated, predominantly by minibus drivers. The danger this poses needs no explanation.

While there is a plethora of traffic violations on a daily basis, some appear more prominent. Undertaking, cutting in front of a vehicle, sticking out of a minibus conductor’s arm to do likewise from the other side, seem the new norm of driving. Aside from the obvious danger, especially to young and inexperienced drivers, and being an irritant, it is blatant bullyism and a potent source for road rage.

It appears that those who engage in such practices do not see themselves as being errant, or what they do as a traffic violation. Lanes that allow for turning-on-red are abused and used as if it’s the right-of-way. Speeding is foremost, causing areas that are supposed to be free of minibuses to become dangerous.

In addition, some drivers seemingly take pride in having an alcoholic beverage in their possession while transporting passengers. Adding to the woes of those who abide by traffic rules is that they are verbally abused when trying to stave off a potential transgressor.

What is desperately needed is a sustained national campaign to reduce traffic violations, and let the law take its course on the errant ones, regardless of who they are. The carelessness exhibited puts all road users at risk. This is where the National Road Safety Council would need to be supported and probably empowered to have a more visible presence and increased influence all year round.

It must be noted that drivers are not the only violators of traffic rules, for some pedestrians are equally guilty. Aside from the common jaywalking, they cross busy intersections when not authorised, and refuse to use the overhead pedestrian walkways, thereby bringing danger to themselves and others. Like errant drivers, they seem empowered to not observe basic traffic rules. This will only change when there is a constant stream of violators up the stairs of the courts across the country. There is a hope that that is not wishful thinking.

PNC’s no-confidence motion against Reg 4 REO failed

Dear Editor, I will like to shed some light on the recent development that is taking place in Region 4, since the REO stood up and defended the region and administration against the PNC Regional Chairman's bullying ways at the recently held Regional Republic Flag-Raising Ceremony.

In a recent letter published under the caption “Region Four Chairman attempts to propagate PNC bullying tactics”, I clearly stated that the PNC Regional Chairman has no authority to change the event's agenda without consulting the REO and/or those that are responsible for putting the programme together.

I also said that as a former RDC Councillor of Region Five, I can recall that the then REO and a Councillor on the Government side of the RDC were not allowing the PPP Regional Chairman, Vice-Chairman, or Councillors to be part of any National Events Committee meetings, or event to take part at regional events as head and members of the RDC.

That was not just done regionally, but also nationally by the then PNC Government, by rejecting the former Opposition members of the PPP from being involved in our na-

tional events and celebrations.

Let me get to the point as to the caption of this letter, because I firmly believe that the PNC’s no confidence motion (NCM) against the Regional Executive Officer of Region 4, Mr. Gajraj, stemmed from the Chairman’s bullying tactics at the flag-raising ceremony.

It was reported on some social media and print media news outlets that the NCM brought by the PNC against the REO was passed at the RDC statutory meeting, and that the Chairman wrote to the subject Minister, informing him of the same.

Now, let me say clearly that the PNC MP that turned up at the RDC meeting and deemed himself an expert and was advising the Regional Chairman seems to be uneducated about the laws that govern the RDC, and because he is uneducated about the very laws, he badly advised the PNC side of the house.

The head of the RDC is the Regional Chairman. The Regional Chairman is elected into office politically, and therefore he heads the RDC and leads the region as the political head. At no time can he make any decision without the council’s approval.

Unlike the Regional Chairman, who wears one

cap as the political leader, the REO has more caps, and is the head of the Regional Administration, the Accounting Officer, the Chairman of the Regional Tender Board, and the clerk of the RDC.

The REO cannot sit in any of the RDC statutory meetings as REO and Clerk. As long as he sits in the RDC statutory meetings, he sits as the clerk of the house, and not REO anymore. He can be asked to address the RDC as the REO, if a member of the RDC stands and asks that the standing order be dropped to allow/facilitate the REO who is the clerk to answer regional matters of importance that is at hand.

The clerk of the RDC has a role to play, and his/ her role is to ensure that all matters that are put before the RDC are lawfully and timely submitted, therefore the Regional Chairman has no authority to advise the clerk as to what is lawful and timely, and moreso, what are the matters that should be dealt with.

The RDC also has an agenda to work with, and that is what guides the Chairman and RDC as to how statutory meetings should be conducted, and in what matter.

Every important motion that is brought before the RDC at its statutory

meeting has a time frame to be submitted to the clerk of the RDC, and then the clerk would deliberate on same and ensure that copies of the motion are served to members of the RDC at the timeframe stipulated in the law before the next statutory meeting.

So, I will just mention to the PNC MP, who thinks he knows it all but knows little or none of the same laws, as when the PNC was in power from 2015-2020, he has to be more guided.

Now, let me deal with the misguided information being peddled by the Regional Chairman and his comrades and published by some news outlets. I will deal with the NCM in one paragraph, so that the public can be well aware of why I think that the NCM failed.

The NCM was submitted to the clerk of the house late. The clerk of the bouse hadn’t the opportunity to serve members of the RDC within the stipulated timeframe by law.

The Chairman tried to bully the clerk at the RDC statutory meeting to ensure the NCM is being put to the floor and debated on, and the clerk knew that it would be unlawful to do so because the NCM was not submitted within the lawfully required timeframe and he walked out.

The St Ignatius Roman Catholic Church in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) with the Brazilian border in the background (Mike Charles photo)

Has preoccupation with Exxon oil contract unwittingly squeezed out constitutional reform from centrestage?

Dear Editor,

The innumerable letters and commentaries on the Exxon & Partners’ oil contract have unwittingly thrown constitutional reform (CORE) to the periphery of the political landscape, despite Guyanese becoming amenable to reform since 2001. Prior to this, Guyana’s experience with constitutional reform has been one of distrust, as it was manipulated to (i) remove a political party (PPPC) from the Government (in 1953 and 1964); (ii) catapult another political party (PNC) into Government (in 1964), and allow it (PNC) to consolidate state power (1980); and abolish all referenda (1978).

The constitutional reform process resulted in the enactment of 200+ amendments in 2001, in accordance with the Caricom-brokered Herdmanston Accord, and has neutralised distrust for CORE. However, this change in attitude has not given rise to any significant momentum for constitutional reform within the last 8 years; rather, the position of CORE on the political radar has been overtaken by the relentless pounding of the Exxon Oil Contract by analysts, writers, and commentators.

Notwithstanding, this departure does not necessarily signal a lack of interest in constitutional change; rather, it forces a reordering of priorities, and shows how the public’s perception could shift, depending on their interpretation of social reality.

Civil society groups, politicians and individuals believe that constitutional reform in certain areas could lead to good governance, improved national development, less societal tension, and fair distribution of national resources. This is how one non-partisan group, RISE, describes the need for constitutional reform: “If implemented, it would lead to executive accountability, racial harmony, and political, economic and social inclusivity.”

Here are multiple and diverse views on constitutional reform that have been generated from focused interviews with a sample of Guyanese. These views do not necessarily reflect those of the wider Guyanese population. It is expected that intensive community engagements would determine which, or any of these would subsequently translate into constitutional amendments.

(1) How would constitutional reform improve the

PNC’s no-confidence...

Now, as simple as this may seem, as long as the clerk of the house walked out of that meeting and never returned, it means that the meeting is finished, and I mean finished. Therefore, if the Chairman proceeded with the said meeting, it is illegal and everything and or decisions that took place after the clerk walked out are deemed illegal. So, the NCM that the PNC Chairman is deeming as lawful is illegal, and at no time can it be accepted by the RDC as legal, because the presiding officer, who is the clerk, was not present to preside over that matter.

It’s simple. If a judge is presiding over several cases for the day, and walks off while the second case is going on in the court and never returns, the matter at hand cannot go on, and no other matter can be dealt with by the lawyer(s) or prosecutor(s) because there will be no legal presiding officer.

So, the PNC needs fiveyear of classroom teaching on the laws that govern the local democratic organs of this country. I hope the said MP also knows that an MP can be recalled from Parliament by the Head of the List, but a Regional

level of governance and expand inclusivity? (2) Would any consideration be given to power-sharing? (3) What type of civil sanction should be imposed for breaches of the constitution, and should there be established a Constitutional Tribunal to oversee constitutional compliance? (4) Should the people have the right to recall parliamentary representatives despite the list method of voting? (5) Would the people’s right to exercise their political choice at a referendum be preserved?

(6) Would constitutional change aid in the promotion of One Guyana and fairness in the allocation of resources? (7) Would there be any consideration for the restoration of a bicameral legislature that is a common feature in Caricom countries?

(8) Would election to the second chamber (senate) be on a first-past-the-post system?

Here are other issues: (9) Given the disparity in judicial sentencing, would any consideration be given to the establishment of sentencing

guidelines for the courts?

(10) Aren’t the existing libel laws stifling freedom of expression and the freedom of the press?

(11)Why should the Chancellor of the Judiciary and the Chief Justice sit as official members of the Judicial Service Commission where they decide who would become one of their colleagues (Judge)? Isn’t this a conflict of interest; why can’t their expertise be tapped as ex-officio members? (12) To avoid future controversy, shouldn’t consideration be given for the setting of an upper limit on how many political appointees an incoming Government can hire?

(13) With the rapid influx of migrants into Guyana, shouldn’t the existing citizenship qualifications be reviewed? (13) With respect to general elections, would the appointment formula for the GECOM Chair be revisited, as well as the status of Guyanese voters who are resident overseas?

An implied expectation

of constitutional amendments like those of 2001 was that these would have made it easier for Opposition political parties and others to become involved in the decision-making process of the state. A central issue, inclusivity, did not bring them closer to the result they had intended. At the political level, the main Opposition party PNCR lost the 2001 general and regional elections as well as the 2006 elections, and in their frustration, they began to clamour for further constitutional changes to allow for such provisions as shared governance (or power sharing).

Despite political parties’ rhetorical flourishes on constitutional reform, the drive in this regard has continued to subside since 2015. Besides a report generated by the coalition’s Constitutional Reform Consultative Commission (CRCC) after two years in office, no other important constitutionally related event occurred during 2015-2020. And after 2

years in office, the PPPC Government passed legislation with the expectation of moving forward with the constitutional process with the establishment of a 20-member Constitutional Reform Commission (CRC). However, this move has not ignited any momentum for constitutional reform, and the Attorney General (AG) blames APNU/AFC for non-cooperation. Mr. Anil Nandlall concedes that if the Parliamentary Opposition does not get on board, the Government cannot proceed with constitutional reform.

Several challenges have emerged now for political parties such as: “Would constitutional reform necessarily play to their advantage?” and “Would constitutional reform entail a recalibration of their political strategy?” Finally, would LGE 2023 (Local Government Election) scheduled for June 11th, be the catalyst for constitutional reform?

Sincerely,

Dr Tara Singh

PNC subversive politics will not work in modern Guyana

FROM PAGE 4

Councillor CANNOT be recalled by anyone, but can voluntarily resign from his or her position.

Brothers and sisters, this brings me to ask you all to recollect what the PNC REO and Clerk of RDC Region 5 did to that RDC and region for almost four years. For about four years, he walked out of the RDC statutory meetings. Never give any financial account to the RDC. Hand-picked several PNC contractors from out of the region, and one PNC contractor was given all the D&I works. Contractors were paid for works without the Works Committee approval; he blocked the functioning of several sub-committees; discriminated against RDC workers, etc.

So, what is unfolding at the Region 4 RDC by the Regional Chairman trying to bully the REO into having his way, the same was done in Region 5, where the former PNC REO bullied the Regional Chairman and RDC into having his and the PNC ways.

PNC must understand that there is a saying: “What goes around must come around”.

Regards, Abel Seetaram

Dear Editor,

When violence erupted at Mon Repos last year, everyone was dumbfounded as to the reason for that outburst of violence, the reason being those people at Mon Repos had nothing to do with the objective of the protesters’ anger.

What we were told is that the people were mounting a protest for one Quindon Bacchus, who was fatally shot by a Policeman in a faraway community of Golden Grove for a misdemeanor he had committed. How the people of Mon Repos became embroiled in that debacle is a total mystery to everyone.

For starters, what did the Indian vendors in Mon Repos have in common with a black Police officer shooting a wanted black man in a faraway village? And the answer is there is no connection, the only nexus one can conjure up is a political and racial one.

Now, here we had a Police shooting of a fugitive in another community, yet the innocent villagers at Mon Repos had to suffer untold damages; that is, being beaten, robbed, their stalls and vehicles burned, and the whole lot. If this doesn't reek of a sinister plot by some known political operatives, then what is?

When all of this was taking place, supporters of the party came out in strong support of the thugs who raided Mon Repos. They used excuses which were very asinine in content - such as it’s an "Indian Government" and therefore they had every

right to attack Indian people.

The situation was even worse when Government compensated the people for their losses, the very same individuals condemned the Dr. Ali Administration for doing this, claiming the people did not suffer any losses, the only losses they suffered were that of their own doing.

What we see here is the political manifestation of the usual suspects; that is, create major damage to people whom they claim to be supporters of the PPP/C Party, then sit back and watch them suffer. But that did not happen, so they became annoyed when those people were compensated.

Further to the issue, now when the perpetrators of those dastardly acts are caught red-handed, the PNC Leadership has come out to "defend them" because they are innocent.

Well, Mister Norton, you would have had a demon on your hands, because the rioters and thugs are all caught on camera. As it is said, “A picture is worth a thousand words”. Now that it is all on the video, you would have the devil's own job to defend them, which is not going to happen. They will be convicted!

Herein lies three fundamental facts about the PNC Party and its operations (a) Their penchant for violence, a reaction to what they consider an injustice meted out to them; (b) Their attack on persons they perceive to be PPP/C supporters; and lest I

forget, there is a third reason: their persistently targeting persons of a certain race.

But what I must remind the PNC's hierarchy is that those Burnhamite strategies of yesteryear are long gone, relegated to the dust heap of

the past. That party has to come into alignment with the "One Guyana Policy," which is a peaceful and progressive approach.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

13:35 Wheel of Fortune

14:00 I Didn't Do It S1 E8

14:30 Star Wars: The Clone Wars S1 E18

15:00 Indian Soaps

16:00 Danger Force S2 E1

16:30 Just Add Magic S2 E23

17:00 The Young & The Restless

NGSA Math Questions

ai) The pentagon is five-sided while the parallelogram has four sides 1aii) The square 1aiii) The triangle

bi) b= 45 degrees

a= 112 degrees

Govt removes PNCR from illegally occupying Govt building in Lethem …to facilitate construction of health facility

received notices from the Government, but added that due process has not been followed.

Despite being served with multiple notices, the Peoples National Congress Reform (PNCR) have refused to desist from occupying a Stateowned building in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), and this has resulted in the Government moving to evict them from the structure.

Guyana Times understands that, for decades, the PNCR have been occupying the building in question as its Lethem Office – for political purposes –despite the property (building and land) being owned by the State, under the purview of the Regional

Democratic Council (RDC). Government has, since last year, repeatedly notified the Aubrey Norton-led party to vacate the premises, since it has intentions to use the site to construct a health facility to serve the people of Region Nine. However, the PNCR have refused to comply, in consequence whereof the Government is moving to demolish the building.

Roysdale Forde of the PNCR has issued a statement expressing the party’s displeasure over the matter. Forde on Thursday claimed: “It matters not whether the land on which the building was situated is owned by the State or the

“This property has been on the Asset Register of the PNCR from the inception, in excess of 40 years. I will say as well that it is a fundamental tenet of law that one cannot be deprived of property without due process of the law. What I can say is that we are not in receipt of a court order or any court order that would indicate that there is some dispute about the ownership and possession of this property,” MP Walton-Desir told sections of the media.

But in a statement of his own on the matter, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, explained that the illegal occupancy of the building by the PNCR was flagged on numerous occasions by the Auditor General.

“I have been advised by regional officials that consistent Auditor

party.”

Amanza Walton-Desir, an Attorney-at-Law and PNCR Executive, has confirmed that the party had

No wasteful spending under PPP/C Administration – Min Rodrigues

Unlike its predecessor, the APNU+AFC Government, there is no wasteful spending under the PPP/C Administration, and all sums of money being expended can be linked to benefits for all citizens. This is the position being advanced by Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues.

“No wasteful spending… all of the spending that is taking place in our country, it is being invested back into our economy, it is creating jobs and it is an investment for the future,” she has advanced.

“When we spend billions of dollars to build a 300MW power plant in Wales, that will be delivered before 2025, to deliver on our commitment to reducing electricity cost by 50%; that is for every single Guyanese,” she said.

Further, the Minister explained that there is no form of discrimination in any of the spendings.

“You tell me how a cash grant for all school children…is discriminatory… how building a highway or highways, or a bridge that will bring ease to tens of

thousands of Guyanese…is discriminatory …how building hospitals, seven modern hospitals to serve the public, all the people of the country…is discriminatory…how training teachers and improving infrastructure so we deliver quality education to our children who can study in comfort…is discriminatory… Show me how the parttime jobs programme is discriminatory,” she challenged.

The APNU+AFC has been criticised for expending billions of dollars in wasteful spending during its five

years in Government.

Reports indicate that the APNU+AFC expended over one trillion dollars during that time, and that expenditure was partially financed by additional taxes of G$264.8 billion, as well as external debt and domestic debt.

However, the APNU+AFC Government spending did not produce jobs for Guyanese, induce more foreign and domestic investments, improve production of the country’s key sectors, or enhance the wellbeing of citizens.

General’s Reports have cited the non-approved use of Government buildings in the region,” the Minister pointed out.

He noted, too, that ample notice was given the PNCR officials to remove from the building. “In the case of the building under occupation by the PNC, I have been advised that numerous efforts and notices were sent to PNC officials in Region Nine to vacate a

Government building that they occupied for political purposes, and they have refused to do so,” he said.

Minister Dharamlall explained that the site is earmarked for a health facility, and the PNCR’s “continued illegal occupation of the building has stalled the construction of the facility.”

The Local Government Minister added, “The REO indicated to me that all materials removed are secured and stored at the RDC”.

Top-up or pay Digicel postpaid bill with GBTI’s Online Quick Top-Up

Digicel customers can now pay their postpaid bills or top- up their prepaid accounts using the Quick Top-Up option offered by the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry’s (GBTI) online banking platform.

“This easy and convenient process is one that can be accessed via the Go Banking online service at https://www.gbtibank.com/

“Once you have a GBTI

bank account, you can topup your prepaid account or pay your postpaid bill by logging in via the Go Banking website, clicking Menu, selecting Payment, Card and Bill Payments, "quick TopUp," then selecting GBTI Digicel Top Up, and entering your phone number and the amount you wish to pay,” the banking institution has stated in a release to the media. Further, it stated that with the sim-

ple and secure process, customers can quickly, easily, and conveniently pay their postpaid bills or top-up their prepaid Digicel accounts.

Digicel prepaid customers can top-up their accounts to purchase a Prime Bundle to stay connected to everything that matters. “Other bill payments, VISA card payments, and transfers are easy through GBTI’s GO Banking platform,” the bank has added.

The building with its roof demolished

Amanza Walton-Desir, MP

Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall

PNCR’s Roysdale Forde

Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues

Mahaicony man remanded over city drug bust

Elections...

…rigging anniversary

Thirty-one-yearold Peter Gordon Clarke of Fellowship, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara has been remanded to prison on a drug traf-

ficking charge following his arraignment before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan on Thursday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Clarke has pleaded not guilty to the charge, which alleges that on February 27, he had 2.144 kilograms of cannabis sativa in his pos-

session for the purpose of trafficking.

He has been refused bail and will be on remand until March 29.

The Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) has reported that its agents intercepted motorcar PZZ 2006 on February 27 at Hill Street Lodge, Georgetown,

between Durban and Norton Streets. Clarke was the only occupant of the vehicle, and a search conducted therein unearthed the cannabis in two brick-like parcels. He was arrested and escorted to the CANU Headquarters along with the narcotic, which is estimated to be valued at $643,200.

Today’s the 3rd anniversary of that day of infamy when - in front of the representatives of the entire free world - the PNC barefacedly attempted to rig the March 2, 2020 elections!! At the end of the voting day, the PNC and their sycophants congratulated themselves on well-run elections, and insisted they’d won hands down. But on March 3rd, Reg 4 RO, Mingo, earned himself a spot in the PNC Hall of Shame!! He started his manipulations –we’re now told by PNCites - to fix a wrong being done to PNC voters – read African-Guyanese.

The elections had been rigged, they screamed, by the PPP, which had gamed the electoral system. Your Eyewitness wonders exactly how Mingo learnt of this during the night of March 2nd. Was it a birdie whispering into his ears?? Was it in a dream that he divined - leading him to launch a series of (nasty) events to set matters right - starting with the mysterious illness that had him being rushed to GPHC? And subsequently involved laptops, flash drives and spreadsheets that transmogrified his SoPs.

Or was it simply that the PNC had added up their SoPs and discovered they’d lost to the PPP??!! And Mingo was put into the hot seat to invent numbers to show the PNC had won? After he was slapped down by the courts and told to ensure the law was followed - to display the SoPs to the Observers - Mingo then resorted to the infamous soiled bedsheet to kerfuffle them once again!! In came the courts again, but by then Granger had agreed to a recount - to be supervised by Caricom!!

The PNC took another tack during the recount, and threw up all sorts of red herrings in the form of levitating dead and emigrant apparations voting for the PPP. As to how then Mingo divined the “CORRECT COUNT” – which showed the PNC winning, according to CEO Lowenfield – without benefit of the PNC’s “evidence”, which came afterwardshas never been explained! As the noose tightened on the elections heist, the justifications became more strident –and threatening! But after five months, the PPP eventually assumed office on Aug 2, 2020.

Later, one Nigel Hinds, who’d abandoned a new party he helped form because he didn’t want to give up his US citizenship! - finally fessed up. “(The PPP’s) continuing assault on the economic well-being of PNC supporters actually justifies the rigging of elections by Burnham and Hoyte between 1964 and 1992. It also justifies attempts by the Granger administration to disenfranchise the votes of PPP supporters in the 2020 elections. The efforts by Lowenfield and Mingo to undermine the majority vote is now defensible.”

Imagine that!!

…In Nigeria

Well, the voting is over, and now the votes have been called in Nigeria - and the new president is…drumroll… Bola Tinbu!! He’s from the ruling party, and received 35.6% of the votes cast. According to Nigerian law, the party that wins needs only a plurality of the total votes and at least 25% in 25 of the 36 states - plus the capital of Abuja. Tinbu pipped his opposition rivals Atiku Abubakar with 29% and newcomer Peter Obi who garnered 25.4%.

But just to make the point that was made by the Yanks in the sixties: that our politics would be more like Africa’s, the Opposition parties have claimed the elections were rigged, and they’ll be going to the courts to challenge the results!! The turnout was amazingly low at around 25% - signalling that Nigerians are pretty cynical of change in their bleak fortunes - after oil revenues for decades didn’t move them out of poverty.

Obi’s Third Force was supposed to be different, but his support among the youths wasn’t enough.

…in Guyana

Our elections, of course, are due in 2 years, and the Opposition have already declared their campaign strategy. They’ve obviously decided they can’t stop the PPP’s oil revenue-oiled election machinery, and will claim the elections gonna be rigged!!

The parcels of marijuana that were found in the car

Accused drug trafficker Peter Gordon Clarke

BoG, Private Sector clash over availability of US dollars in Guyana

In a statement on Thursday, the GCCI expressed its dissatisfaction with the Bank of Guyana’s treatment of the “foreign currency shortage” in Guyana.

“…the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) is dissatisfied with the Bank of Guyana's (BoG) lack of action, vision and modern financial policies to improve access to financing for local businesses,” it contended.

According to the GCCI, Guyana’s economy is one of the fastest-growing in the world, with oil revenues generating hundreds of millions of US dollars annually.

The local Private Sector and the Bank of Guyana (BoG) have gotten into a public spat over the availability of foreign currency, United States dollars in particular.

Over the past few weeks, there have been conflicting reports from both sides on this issue after several companies and businessmen have complained about a shortage of US dollars in Guyana.

Among those who have been vocal on the issue was President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Timothy Tucker.

The Chamber pointed out that, “According to its own statistics, the Bank of Guyana has failed to intervene in the ongoing foreign currency shortage issue, despite the Private Sector complaining of a lack of US dollars since 2019. Therefore, the Chamber views the Central Bank’s inaction to activate mitigating strategies to address the foreign currency situation as a disregard for business.”

Nevertheless, the GCCI contended that it will continue to advocate this cause in hopes that a thorough, independent investigation is conducted in order to uncov-

er the root cause.

“An independent intervention is needed since the GCCI has lost confidence in the leadership of the Bank of Guyana or its capacity to implement policies that will guide Guyana’s financial sector to support growth being experienced in the real

clear mandate defined by law and in keeping with international norms and standards for central banking. Its objectives include fostering domestic price stability through the promotion of stable credit and exchange conditions.

Further, it noted that

– BoG

they demand. This is simply not how an open market economy operates, and is simply not how foreign currency availability and pricing are determined where floating currencies are concerned,” the missive detailed.

In a previous statement last month, the BoG had disclosed that the local banking system, with an average monthly turnover in excess of US$500 million, has an adequate supply of US dollars to meet demand.

sector,” the Chamber posited.

However, even as the GCCI is claiming a shortage of foreign currency, this has been dismissed by the Governor of the Bank of Guyana, Dr Gobind Ganga, who previously contended that there is enough money in the local market.

In a statement issued in response to the Chamber on Thursday, the BoG stated that it is an independent central bank with a

the law establishing the BoG also stipulates that the Guyana Dollar is a free-floating currency, traded in a market whose prices are determined by prevailing market conditions, that is to say, demand and supply.

“The GCCI appears to be of the mistaken impression that the BoG exists to ensure that foreign currency is available to their membership at the times that they demand and at prices that

In fact, it was noted that as of February 22, 2023, the banking system had US$99.5 million available for transactions. While the available funds are not evenly distributed among the banks, the BoG has noted that there is enough to cover the cash flow needs of transactions arising from businesses in Guyana.

Moreover, Dr Ganga had previously indicated that some banks could be “hoarding” their foreign currency which could be the cause of the apparent “shortage”.

As a result, key Private Sector players have since indicated that they wrote the Guyana Association of Bankers Inc (GABI) to discuss this matter.

In its Thursday missive, the BoG contended that “the

GCCI’s energies would be better spent engaging either the banks or the bankers’ association, who are also members of the Private Sector, with a view to better understanding the factors that influence the availability and pricing of foreign currency in the domestic market. The BoG remains committed to discharging its mandate and to engaging with the Private Sector on matters of concern to them in a mutually-respectful manner.”

Guyana Times understands that a meeting between GABI and the Private Sector is set for some time next week.

...GCCI says BoG failed to intervene in shortage of foreign currency issue ...Central Bank operates in keeping with international norms, standards

GCCI President Timothy Tucker Bank of Guyana Governor, Dr Gobind Ganga

FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Reg 2 science fair showcases creativity, innovation at its best

It was a display of creative minds, innovation, and talent at the Cotton Field Secondary School in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) on Thursday when the region hosted its Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) fair under the theme “Transforming Education Through Innovation and STEAM.”

The talented students wowed those who turned up to witness the event with their displays and the fluen

cy with which each exhibit was explained. The projects were mainly done by nursery, primary, and secondary school students.

Golden Fleece Nursery School’s project was mainly about the reusing of old tyres to make sinks, swings, dining tables, and chair sets among other innovative ideas.

In the primary category, CV Nunes Primary School presented a Mathematics game comprising numbers, number dice, and snake and ladder games.

In explaining the project, a student of the school said that she saw the need for improvement in Mathematics at the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) and as such, her teachers put together an educational game that will assist students to enjoy and make Mathematics a fun subject.

The Aurora Primary School project was based

gory, inventions were very unique and innovative. The Anna Regina Secondary School created an invention that converts wood into fire briquettes, which are used as fuel instead of firewood which when burnt releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

The Essequibo Technical Institute was far beyond innovative. They created a

on the recycling of coconut shells to make jewellery, utensils, and household items. In explaining the idea behind the project, one student explained that coconut shells when disposed of pollute the environment, so using them to make something creative would be more beneficial.

huge Biomass Gasification Power Plant to provide gas fuel for power generation which is considered one of the best ways for substituting fossil fuels.

Meanwhile, the other schools that participated are the Huis t’Dieren Nursery, Riverstown Nursery and Primary, Abrams

“When we dispose of coconut shells, especially in swamps, it eventually breeds mosquitoes that when feeding on humans spread sickness such as malaria. So, we went around the environment, grabbed coconut shells, and started to carve earnings, chain pendants, make bags and bands among others here on display.” the brave student said.

In the secondary cate-

Creek Primary, Huis t’Dieren Primary, Aurora Primary, Fisher Primary, 8th May Primary, Sparta Primary, Jacklow Primary, Hampton Court Primary, Lima Sands Primary, 8th of May Secondary, Aurora Secondary, Cotton Field Secondary, Wakapao Secondary, Cotton Field Secondary, Johanna Cecelia Secondary, Charity Secondary, and Abram Zuil Secondary School.

The Essequibo Technical Institute with its Biomass Gasification Power Plant

Anna Regina Secondary School’s wood-to-fire-briquettes project

Students of Aurora Secondary School with their creation

A cyberbullying presentation by Cotton Field Secondary

Stanleytown man dies after crashing

speeding car into koker

Speaker’s Youth Debating Competition aims to bring Parliament closer to citizens –

48 youth groups slated to participate

The Speaker’s Regional Youth Debating Competition was launched on Thursday as part of a series of activities to commemorate Parliament’s 70th anniversary. One objective of this exercise is to bring the law-making body closer to the people.

This year’s competition will see participation of 48 youth groups comprising over 144 persons from each of the 10 administrative regions.

As the carnage continues on Guyana’s roadways, 38-year-old motorist Shamlall Mohess of Stanleytown, WBD was killed on Thursday after he reportedly lost control of the car he was driving and it crashed into a koker along the Belle Vue Public Road, Canal #2 Polder, West Bank Demerara.

Based on reports received, at the time of the accident, Mohess was the only occupant of motorcar PAB 1939. He allegedly was speeding at the time he lost control of the vehicle, which crashed into the koker before careening into a nearby trench and toppling.

“As a result of the collision, the motor car toppled and ended up in a trench on the western side of the road, submerged with the driver inside. The vehicle was later pulled out of the trench by public-spirited citizens with the assistance of a motor lorry. The driver was taken out of the vehicle in an unconscious state with injuries to his head and body,” the Police have said in a release.

Rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, Mohess was pronounced him dead on arrival by Doctor Cameron. His body is at the Ezekiel Funeral Home awaiting a Post Mortem.

Only two days ago, 30-year-old Devindra Lakhraj, a beverage distribution agent of Rahaman Street

Corriverton, and 24-yearold Ronny Persaud, a spray painter of Springlands, met their demise in an accident along the Number 79 Village public road in Corriverton, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

It has been reported that the two men were travelling at a fast rate of speed on a motorcycle that Lakhraj was driving with Persaud as the pillion rider, and neither of them was wearing a safety helmet.

A motorcar occupied by the driver and a passenger was proceeding in the opposite direction along the said road, and the motorcycle allegedly collided with the front portion of that vehicle. These two bikers were catapulted into the air before landing on the roadway severely injured.

Rushed to the Skeldon Public Hospital, they were pronounced dead on arrival.

Police seeking assistance to identify male body found on ECD roadway

The Guyana Police Force is seeking the public’s assistance to identify the body of a deceased male that was found on the public road in the vicinity of Bee Hive, East Coast Demerara last Thursday.

This deceased male is estimated to be between 50 and 55 years old; is five feet, two inches (5’2”) tall, and is slim-built. The body is clad in a multi-coloured plaid shirt; a burgundy, blue and white Hollister-branded T-shirt, and a pair of black pants.

Anyone with informa-

Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, in his opening remarks at the launch of this event, explained that the programme also aims to look at the youth population’s participation in community activities, careers of service to the nation, and to make people more aware of Parliament as an institution.

He said the youth debating competition also provides tens of thousands of viewers of all ages with information on social and national issues.

This is the first-ever preliminary-level competition, and the final 16 groups

would advance to compete at the National Youth Debating Competition. About six debating sessions will be held per day on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Speaker Nadir also revealed that there are “some very exciting topics” in this year’s competition. “We asked young people to generate some ideas that they would want to debate on, instead of giving them top-

ics. Because if you are going to promote youth participation, at least let it start from scratch. Get organised, and have an input in what you want to debate. Because that also sends signals to those who are older and to who are making policy decisions,” he explained.

Among the topics to be debated are: “Separation of powers work in Guyana”, “Multi-party democracy is the best form of governance”, “Guyana should have remained dependent”, “Carbon credit markets will not last”, “Public service rules are archaic”, “The 40-hour work week is ludicrous”, “Poverty is a mindset”, and “Hinterland regions are incapable of offering job opportunities”.

Further, Speaker Nadir has declared that he is looking forward to “clean debating”, and is happy to see schools showing keen interest in participating.

“This is working. The fact that we are now seeing 48 youth groups starting the preliminary round is an indication that we have done something right,” he rea-

soned. The debates will be broadcast live on Parliament’s Facebook page and are expected to conclude in June. Guyana held its first elections on April 27, 1953, Parliamentarians were first sworn-in on May 18, 1953, and the first ceremonial opening of Parliament was on May 30, 1953.

tion that may assist in identifying the deceased is kindly being asked to contact the Cove and John Police Station on telephone numbers 229-2019 or 225-6411.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir

The car that was driven by Mohess at the time of his demise

Dead: Shamlall Mohess

In less than two weeks, the Guyana National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) will see the return of “Clash of the Titans”, with several big names slated to perform. The event, which was absent for several years, is returning with a bang, and from all indications, the venue will be packed to capacity.

There was only one show held at the venue, and it had an audi-

ence of over 25,000. Now, with the return, the promoter, US-based Guyanese Mahendra Ramkellwan, is optimistic that the attendance record would be broken with the return of the music extravaganza. Presently, tickets are available in all three counties: Demerara, Berbice and Essequibo, with several ticketing locations having been set up in each county. Tickets for the event are also available online for overseas fans.

Some big names already confirmed for the show include music legends from Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, the USA, Holland, India, Canada and Suriname.

The GT posse includes Vanita Willie, Nehal B, Vacadi, AW Lyrical, Bunty Singh, Steven Ramphal, and the Shakti String Orchestra, among others. The Trini posse comprises KI and his Band, Ravi B and his Band, Rakesh Yankarran, Rikki Jai,

Neval Chatelall, Veekash Sahadeo, and others.

Neesha, daughter of the famous musical couple Babla and Kanchan, will be coming directly out of India. US-based Guyanese artistes Terry Gajraj, Prince JP, Fiona Singh, Queen Yasmin and others will be performing.

There will also be several bands on stage on the evening of March 18, including the Caribbean Hotshots Band, De Wave Band out

of Canada, Freestyle Band out of Suriname, Holland Band, De Jai Master Band out of the US, and others.

General tickets for Clash of the Titans cost $3,000, while the VIP tickets cost $10,000 and the VVIP All-inclusive tickets cost $30,000. The first performer will take to the stage at 19:00h, but the gates will be open from 17:00h.

A strict security presence is expected.

The 2023 edition of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s (GHDS) Holi Utsav is set for Tuesday, March 7 at the Everest Cricket Club Ground. The event which has been absent for at least two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic will see its

return on Phagwah Day.

The event is expected to colourful affair with several cultural presentations and stage performances with the headlining act being Neval Chatelal out of Trinidad and Tobago.

Also performing will be Vishale

Sukram, Ganindra, Kishan Sugrim, Sookrane Boodhoo, Rekha Ranglall, Suraj Singh, the Dharmic Nritya Sangh, Feel the Beat Tassa Group, and several Chowtal groups. There will be lots of colour throws and lots more activities for

the entire family. Admission to the event is absolutely free.

Meanwhile, on March 4, the Sabha will host its annual Rang Rasiya and Folk Dance Festival at the Dharmic Rama Krishna School, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown (Next to Giftland

Parking Lot). The event will feature dances, songs, skits and other cultural items. In addition, there will be a wide range of sweetmeats, games and Phagwah Items. Tickets cost $1000 while children under the age of five will be admitted free.

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Mechanics embrace new challenge of repairing electric vehicles

By Tassia Dickenson

With years of experience to their credit, two mechanics who had undergone training to repair electric vehicles are looking forward to the new challenges ahead as more Guyanese take the lead in importing these greener modes of transportation.

Joshua Lynch, 33, and Carlos Lyte, 29, are among 25 mechanics and auto electricians who were trained by the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), through an initiative supported by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), to effect repairs and maintenance to electric vehicles.

Lynch, who has been a mechanic for about a decade, told INews that repairing electric vehicles is a completely different ballgame from what he was accustomed to in regard to motor vehicles.

“It’s a little more complex. You have to observe all safety precautions, you have to be in…an isolated area, and before you start any work on the electric vehicle, you have to turn it off…isolate the capacitor, isolate the vehicle… [and] label the area that you’re working. You have to wear your safety from head to toe,” the mechanic, who also works with a Private Company, explained.

Lynch dreams of one day owning his own garage, and as such, he ensured he properly certified himself in the field.“ I started (Guyana Technical Institute). I started that lowest course that they have there; that is, motor vehicle repair. Then I did engine system. I got my own vehicle, so… what I learned from [GTI] and other places, I decided to practice on my own. And I continued to grow in the field,” Lynch explained.

Though he has not repaired any electric vehicles outside of the training initiative, the mechanic is hoping to soon put his newfound knowledge to the test. There are currently some 168 electric vehicles traversing the country’s roadways, and Government projects many cause more to be imported, given the high incentives and cost-effective nature of these vehicles.

A plus in owning electric vehicles, however, is its low maintenance/repair feature. In fact, Lynch explained that most electric vehicles are maintenance-free for the first 3-4 years of use, according to

manufacturers.

Moreover, he shared that repairs are known to be costly, especially when it comes to importing parts into the country.

Lynch, nevertheless, is determined to expand his expertise. He noted, too, that with many trial-and-error moments, he constantly learns from his mistakes, and is getting better with time.

Lyte also shared with this publication that repairing electric vehicles can be expensive for the owners; and moreover, it is a complex undertaking. But, like Lynch, he is also up for the challenge.

“I’m always up for a challenge. The EV vehicles…you have to be very, very careful, safety is number one,” he stressed.

He noted, too, that despite being costly to repair, there are many benefits that come with owning electric vehicles, including being cheaper on the pockets and being environmentally friendly.

Reflecting on how he started his career, Lyte shared that he was taught by a family friend when he was younger. After being trained by that person, he got certified and attended the Guyana Industrial Training Centre (GITC) and the Guyana Technical Institute (GTI). Lyte has been a mechanic for over 15 years, and is currently employed at the GEA.

The Guyana Government is moving to put the necessary infrastructure in place to encourage more people to utilise electric vehicles.

This includes installation of six public charging stations at strategic locations across the country: Giftland Mall on the East Coast of Demerara; Little Rock Suites in New Amsterdam, Berbice; Big Kiss Parking Lot in Parika; Amazonia Mall, East Bank

Demerara; the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) at Timehri, and outside of the GEA office on Quamina Street, Georgetown.

Last year, a US$141,199.38 contract was awarded to Jamaicabased Flash Motors Company Limited to procure and install the six public EV charging stations.

Meanwhile, in addition to the infrastructure to encourage the use of EVs in Guyana, the Government has recently announced the removal of taxes on the importation of electric vehicles as one of the measures in Budget 2023. The removal of the Value Added Tax (VAT) on electric vehicles applies to new (less than four years old) electric motor vehicles – not hybrid –of any power rating.

Further, to support the investment decision of businesses to switch to more environmentally friendly vehicles, a further increase in the writing down allowance applicable to all-electric motor vehicles to 50 per cent annually has been implemented.

These measures are in keeping with the Guyana Government’s commitment to traversing a low-carbon development pathway.

Unlike combustion vehicles, electric vehicles are propelled by electromagnetism and propelled by an electric motor. They are charged using electricity, eliminating oil changes and other features distinct to gasoline or diesel vehicles.

GEA Head Dr Mahender Sharma recently explained that based on current electricity prices, it costs about US$0.04 per kilometer when compared to US$10 per kilometer if gasoline or diesel is used.

“And just imagine when we lower the cost of electricity by 50% what that number looks like for e-mobility,” he invited.

Joshua Lynch

Carlos Lyte

Businessman gets 3 years for trafficking Venezuelans

…ordered to pay victims $2.1M in restitution

Principal Magistrate

Faith McGusty earlier this week sentenced 64-year-old Feezal Shaw to three years in prison for trafficking Venezuelan nationals for labour exploitation. As part of his sentence, Shaw must pay $2,127,000 in restitution to the victims.

Shaw, a businessman involved in the wildlife trade, was found guilty of the offence on February 3, following a trial at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. Charged over three years ago with trafficking in persons, Shaw, of Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara (EBD), has been convicted of recruiting, transporting, and harbouring two male Venezuelans for the purpose of exploiting them. This crime was committed between February 14 and June 14, 2018.

The prosecution had submitted that apart from holding the victims against their will, Shaw had also threatened that if they did not comply with his wishes, he would report their illegal presence in Guyana to the Police, and have them arrested, charged and deported.

The Prosecution’s case is that the Venezuelan nationals arrived in Guyana on February 14, 2018 via Port Charity. On February 15, 2018, they were taken to a house at Timehri to build exotic cages at $10,000 per cage.

After three weeks, Shaw re-

portedly paid them some money, but took away their passports, although he had promised to assist them to obtain work permits.

At his first court appearance in September 2018, Shaw was remanded to prison after the prosecutor had highlighted the serious nature of the charge levelled against him.

He was eventually released on $100,000 bail, pending the hearing and determination of his trial.

According to a statement from the Human Services and Social Security Ministry, the restitution request was presented by a senior officer attached to that Ministry’s Counter-Trafficking in Persons Unit, which continues to support survivors of

this egregious act.

The Ministry said it has been closely following this case since 2018, appearing at every hearing and supporting the survivors. The convicted businessman, the Ministry noted, brought the victims from another country and forced them to work in what is called a ‘local zoo.’

The conditions in which the survivours were forced to work can only be described as inhumane, and they were subjected to substandard living conditions, the statement added.

Reacting to Shaw’s conviction, Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud said, “The Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s CounterTrafficking in Persons Unit has been actively working to ensure persons who engage in trafficking in persons face the full force of the law, and we are satisfied that there is not only a conviction, but restitution has been awarded to the victim. The Ministry is serious when it comes to human trafficking.

“We have also been doing a lot of countrywide and specialized sensitization to heighten awareness to encourage reporting and advise persons of the support to survivors that we offer. I hope many more perpetrators face the full force of the law in the future…as conviction and restitution are steps in the direc-

tion we want.

“The restitution is a significant step in the right direction, and I believe it will definitely let the person affected understand that justice is served; and I am pleased to know justice was served in this case.”

Head of the CounterTrafficking in Persons Unit, Tanisha Williams-Corbin, has said the Unit is committed to its cause, which includes advocating and ensuring victims of human trafficking get the necessary justice they deserve.

“We are satisfied the perpetrator was brought to justice, and also elated that the survivors will be compensated,” she declared.

Government’s commitment to preventing human trafficking has been demonstrated in the implementation of several policies and collaborations with various stakeholders, including the Guyana Police Force (GPF); Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC);

Maritime and Airport security officials; medical professionals; and Education, Welfare, and Guidance officers. Guyana has maintained its Tier One status in the US Department of State 2022 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report. According to the report, “The Government of Guyana fully meets the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking.

The Government continued to demonstrate se-

rious and sustained efforts during the reporting period, considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its anti-trafficking capacity; therefore, Guyana remained on Tier 1.”

The Human Services and Social Security Ministry continues to encourage people to report all suspicious activities on hotline numbers (592) 227-4083 or (592) 623-5030. Spanish-speaking persons can contact (592) 624-0079.

Convicted human trafficker Feezal Shaw

Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty

Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud

FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Police in Berbice quell protest over arrest of armed robbery suspect

Quick response by Police officers on the Corentyne Coast in Region Six has averted the development of what could have been an ugly situation as residents attempted to block the road and burn tyres in protest over the detention of an armed robbery suspect.

Concerned family members and friends of this suspect -- Rommel Thomas, called “Govo” -- took to the streets of Rose Hall Town to demand his release from Police custody.

Thomas was arrested by the Police in connection with a robbery committed on the Jackpot Lounge at Portuguese Quarters in Port Mourant, Corentyne. Reports are that the business place was robbed on Monday evening, and that the gunmen had carted off $5M. According to reports, an employee had gone to clear one of the slot machines, and had removed in excess of $1M in cash. As she was leaving, two men armed with handguns confronted her and pulled out of her hand the bag which had in excess of $5M in cash.

Regional Commander Shivpersaud Bacchus said several persons were arrested in relation to the incident.

He said on Thursday he was informed that residents had gathered tyres and other flammable materials and had assembled to protest the detention of the suspect.

Barbara Harry has said her son was arrested on Monday and was still in custody more than 72 hours later, without being charged. She is alleging that her son was with some friends at an entertainment centre opposite the business place which was allegedly robbed. The mother contended that the protest was organised be-

cause, during an identification parade, a Police officer allegedly instructed one of the staff from the business place which was robbed to pick out her son as the one who robbed the Jackpot Gaming Lounge.

According to the Police Commander, the suspect has since been released. He has also said that during his engagement with the organisers of the protest, several issues were raised and addressed. The Police Commander said his ranks successfully negotiated with the residents and got them to come off the streets.

As recent as on February 1, an operation conducted by the Customs Anti-Narcotics

Protestors on Thursday

Unit (CANU) had resulted in the arrest of a man who had in his possession a large quantity of marijuana. That development resulted in several hours of protest action by residents of Buxton, East Coast Demerara.

Persons took to the main road to protest the arrest of the suspect, who is well known in the community. They gathered on the roadway and burnt debris, while a truck driver was pulled from his vehicle and his vehicle was set alight. The driver of a Canter transporting wood was also attacked, and the windshield of his vehicle was damaged by debris thrown at it.

Less than a week later, on February 5, another protest erupted at Hopetown, West Coast Berbice, following an accident that left two persons from the area injured. The driver of the vehicle was badly beaten by residents and his vehicle was set on fire. The main access road was also blocked.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall has already warned that persons who engage in this type of behaviour would face the full consequences of the law. In fact, several persons who were involved in the June 2022 unrest at Mon Repos, ECD have already been charged.

Nine persons surrendered

after the Guyana Police Force had issued wanted bulletins for 12 males in relation to the Mon Repos incident, which was sparked by protest action against the fatal shooting of ECD resident Quindon Bacchus during a Police sting operation in June last year.

AG Nandlall has reminded that during the unrest, protesters not only blocked the public road and burned debris, but set alight vehicles, robbed commuters as well as persons at the Mon Repos Market, and looted and destroyed stalls and businesses in the market and its surroundings – all of which, he said, was done with impunity.

Foreign investors need Guyanese ‘know-how’ to operate thriving operations in Guyana – GMSA Head

While Guyana may currently lack the adequate human resource capacity to man the various sectors in the country, some Private Sector stakeholders believe that foreign investors coming here, even with their vast experience and expertise, still need the input of Guyanese in order to operate thriving businesses.

This was highlighted by President of the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA), Rafeek Khan, during a webinar with other Private Sector players who were part of a high-level delegation led by President Dr Irfaan Ali to India in January. The webinar was hosted by the IndoCaribbean Society.

Khan pointed out that there are many Indian companies that are eager to tap into the business opportunities available in Guyana, but noted that they have to do their due diligence before any concrete investments can be made.

According to the GMSA President, while the influx of foreign investors is good for the Guyanese economy, it is imperative that locals do not miss out on opportunities for collaboration and partnership. To this end, he challenged potential Indian investors to connect and find local partners.

“You cannot do it on your

own. Many companies have tried and failed… While we are Indians in Guyana and in India alike, there are cultural barriers that we will face…Culturally, we understand certain things from experience. We understand our natural resources more than any investor who will come to Guyana. So, I do want to encourage businesses that are coming into Guyana to partner with us, seek out, connect with the GMSA, and we will connect you with businesses to build capacity.”

Khan explained that there are many Guyanese businesses with large plots of land and major infra-

structure already in place. however, they may need capital, technology or skills to build out or expand into these new sectors.

“What is important is to look and see what is already there before you spend a lot of money going and buying buildings and land to develop. Look at the existing operations and see how you can partner with those operations, then if you cannot find the opportunity there, you can go beyond and try to create a new one,” he stated.

The GMSA President outlined that one of Guyana’s biggest challenges is its lack of adequate human resource capacity to

service a booming economy. This challenge is twofold, in that: on the one hand, many of the traditional sectors are losing their skilled workers to the burgeoning oil and gas industry, and on the other hand, the country does not have the necessary skill sets to service this new sector and the spin-off industries it is creating here.

According to Khan, while the local Private Sector and the Government are working together to build technical capacity in the country, there is no doubt that Guyana would eventually have to import some skillset.

To this end, he posited that India has a vast array of ex-

pertise that Guyana can tap into to help create the local skillset that is needed.

As a matter of fact, one of Guyana’s largest construction companies – GAICO Construction & General Services Inc. – already has experts from India working and training Guyanese.

This is according to GAICO’s Health, Safety and Environment Director, Chandini Singh, who was also part of the massive Private Sector delegation in India, and also participated in Thursday’s webinar session.

Singh had initially raised the issue of the lack of human resource capacity in Guyana. She, too, is of the view that Guyanese have special expertise about the environment here that would be beneficial to foreign investors.

“You might have similar resources, but there is something that local people know how it is in this environment…that’s the important part of partnerships. Because you would have the expertise on further developing that product [or natural resource] but then Guyanese have the expertise on the simpler form of the said product,” she noted.

Singh has recommended that there be more training and skills development programmes to build local capacity. She also suggested

tapping into the experience and expertise of expats in this regard.

Meanwhile, Guyanese cricketer and businessman Steven Jacobs also gave his input on the matter during Thursday’s webinar. He noted that his main priority in joining the Guyanese contingent in India was to source a potential partnership for his venture to develop a jewellery-making school in Guyana.

According to Jacobs, who is the owner of Jacobs Jewellery and Pawn Shop as well as co-founder of First Change Builders constructing firm, his family has been in the jewellery sector for over 20 years. He noted that the gold sector, which is now Guyana’s second largest sector, is losing its skilled workers, and steps need to be taken to reverse this, especially now that the country is getting more foreign visitors, who would want to buy local jewellery.

“When persons come to Guyana, they would want a piece of Guyanese gold, so we would then need to continue this tradition and also open up [new] markets… We also know that India is one of the leading countries in terms of jewellery-making… so we want to bring them over to Guyana to teach our jewellers or potential jewellers,” Jacobs stated.

45 graduate from map reading, navigation course

Forty-five participants of the Guyana Mining School and Training Centre Incorporated (GMSTCI) Global Positioning System (GPS) Navigation and Map Reading short course were provided with certificates on Wednesday, following their successful completion of the programme.

This is according to

In an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Thursday, Felix noted that the training aimed to equip participants with the necessary skills to effectively read and interpret maps.

The participants had the opportunity to learn about the basics of GPS, map read-

ing, navigation, and the latest technologies and trends in the field. The training also focused on developing their practical skills, such as orienteering, plotting coordinates, and reading topographic maps.

Further, participants were taught to extract the coordinates of marked locations from maps, place points on maps at identified

coordinates, and determine distances on maps.

Fundamental concepts of the GPS, such as its functions, components, sources of error, and proper maintenance of a GPS receiver, were also imparted. Among those who graduated on Wednesday were 10 ranks who are attached to the Criminal Investigation Department within the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

Beneficiaries of the programme included members

of the Amerindian People’s Association, National Bureau of Statistics, Central Housing and Planning Authority, Civil Defence Commission, Fanta Mining, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, Guyana National Road Safety Council, the Guyana Police Force, GTT, Guyana

Water Incorporated, Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission, Hydrometeorological Services Office, Agriculture Ministry, Health Ministry, National Data Management Authority, and several interested individuals.

A second iteration of the programme has been eyed for May of this year.

GMSA President Rafeek Khan, local businessman Steven Jacobs and GAICO Director Chandini Singh with host Kishore Kumar

GMSTCI Administrator Vaughn Felix.

GMSTCI Administrator Vaughn Felix

Some of the graduates

One of the trained personnel receiving his certificate

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Stop talking and start getting things done. You’ll have to act fast if you want to make up for taking on too much. Preparation will require innovation and originality.

(March 21-April 19)

Don’t fall short of your goal because you haven’t prepared properly. Look over your options and call on trusted allies. A group effort will pave the way to victory.

(April 20-May 20)

Ignore what others are doing, or you will lose sight of what you want to achieve. Helping others is admirable, but before you proceed, ensure your efforts are appreciated.

PEANUTS

(May 21-June 20)

Stop overdoing it. Indulgence of any kind will cost you one way or another. Think about what you want and act accordingly, and you will reach your goal. Face interference head-on.

(June 21-July 22)

You are not alone. Join programs, groups or pursuits with like-minded people, and start something fulfilling. Someone you encounter along the way will help you recognize what you have to offer.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Don’t let what others do disrupt your plans. Bring about what you want to happen and let others fend for themselves. Put your needs first. You must be astute if you are to come out ahead.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Take advantage of whatever comes your way. Be ready to change course midstream if necessary. Hesitation is the enemy, so trust your instincts. Procrastination is a mistake.

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(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Sit tight and see where the dust settles. A friend or peer will lead you astray if given a chance. Focus on home and family and what you can do to make your life easier.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Avoid compromising situations. Taking on more than you can handle will cost you. Look at your domestic budget and make plans to enact changes that encourage your success.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Think outside the box, and you’ll find a way to outmaneuver someone trying to manipulate you. Don’t make a change for the wrong reason. Choose your path based on your goal, not on someone else’s.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Be original in your approach to life, love and happiness. You can reach your goals if you aren’t afraid to take the road less traveled. Trust your instincts and head in a positive direction.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

Karateka Beaton lands Industrial Safety Supplies Inc’s support for SVG Open

Thanks to the generosity of Industrial Safety Supplies Inc

ASK Guyana Karateka

Keith Beaton is set to represent Guyana alongside several team-mates at the SVG Open Karate Competition, organised by the Hairouna Karate Federation, which is set to take place April 6-9, 2023 at the West St George Secondary School, St Vincent and the Grenadines.

On Wednesday of this week, Beaton, a second-degree black belt, was presented with a cheque to cover his expenses by the Office Manager of Industrial Safety Supplies Inc, Crystal Kallu at its Camp Street head office.

Beaton, a veteran of 33 years in the sport, informed that he was more than elated to be once again able to

compete for Guyana, thanks to the support of Industrial Safety Supplies Inc. He shared that ASK Guyana is aiming to send a total of 10 athletes to St Vincent for the SVG Open, which will see competition in the Kata and Kumite categories.

“I would like to thank Mr Hemant Narine for his kind sponsorship to facilitate me to attend this tournament of which I’m very confident that I would win a medal or two. This is an honour to go and represent my country after four years. Once again, I’m very thankful to Mr Narine and his company for this kind gesture to showcase my talent.”

Kallu, on behalf of the company, wished Karateka Beaton and the team that will travel to represent the Golden Arrowhead every success.

Lyon spins India out again; Australia need 76 to win

Aremarkable eight-wicket haul from Nathan Lyon put Australia on the brink of a rare Test win in India. The game, however, was far from over after a stunning first-innings batting collapse from the visitors and an obdurate half-century from Cheteshwar Pujara kept the hosts in the contest in Indore.

Day two was even more chaotic than day one, with Lyon claiming 8 for 64 to bowl India out for 163 in the second innings on the stroke of stumps, setting Australia a target of just 76. It would not have been that many without Pujara’s 142-ball 59. It might not have been that many without another chaotic Australian collapse in the morning session that will give India’s bowlers hope on the third day.

Australia had led by 77 runs with six first-innings wickets in hand at drinks on the second morning only to lose 6 for 11 in 34 balls of chaos to let India back into the game. On a spinner’s paradise, Umesh Yadav took three wickets in three overs to finish with figures of 3 for 12, while R Ashwin bagged three at the other end to bowl Australia out with a lead of just 88. Their tail has provided no resistance on the entire tour, but this was statistically among the worst lower-order collapses in Australia’s Test history.

Pujara had to work exceptionally hard to erase India’s deficit without much help from his top-order teammates as Lyon never let them breathe during an unwavering spell from around the wicket after lunch. Pujara stood firm, but he never stood still in nearly four hours of attrition to keep India alive. Having learned from his mistake in the first in-

nings, he played almost exclusively on the front foot with a vertical bat, always playing in front of his pad, and used his feet superbly to smother the spin of Lyon, Todd Murphy, and Matthew Kuhnemann. It was something his team-mates could not manage. Shubman Gill fell to a wild heave across the line to Lyon in the first over after lunch. Rohit Sharma misjudged the length going back to a full ball from Lyon. Virat Kohli played an ill-fated crossbat shot off the back foot to Kuhnemann, before Ravindra Jadeja was unable to get his bat in front of his pad as he was trapped plumb in front by Lyon.

India’s deficit though had been whittled to just nine by tea and it quickly became a lead of 23 with six wickets in hand just four overs after the break. Shreyas Iyer thumped three fours and two sixes to leave Australia wondering if they had let the game slip from an impregnable position, just as they had done in Delhi.

But Steven Smith, who captained magnificently in Pat Cummins’ absence, pulled the right rein by bringing Mitchell

Starc into the attack. Shreyas chipped the ball to midwicket where Usman Khawaja took a diving catch to his left, having spent almost all of the second session off the field.

Shreyas’ exit allowed Lyon to attack again from around the wicket. He beat KS Bharat on the outside edge with one that slid on to crash into middle and off before trapping Ashwin plumb with one that spun back past the inside edge.

India led by 52 with three wickets in hand, but Australia were still sweating with India’s best batter in the series Axar Patel joining Pujara. Lyon kept probing, Smith kept tinkering with the field,

and eventually the reward came. Smith took a stunning one-hander at leg slip, having left that position vacant quite a lot during Pujara’s innings. Lyon was able to claim the final two wickets without Axar doing major damage and they avoided a nervy couple of overs starting the chase on the second night in the process.

It was sweet relief for Australia, having earlier butchered a chance to take the game well beyond India’s reach in the first innings. Peter Handscomb and Cameron Green had added 30 without loss and without any drama in the first hour of day two. Both batters had defended well and used their feet smartly to find scoring options without huge risk. Less than half an hour later Australia were all out with a lead of just 88, having lost 6 for 11 in 34 deliveries.

It was a stunning turnaround sparked by Ashwin and Umesh, two bowlers Rohit had hardly used in the first hour. Ashwin found the perfect length that he had been searching for on day one and extracted some extra turn and bounce to have Handscomb caught at short leg. Umesh then claimed the key scalp of Green with a ball that just straightened a touch off the seam and had

SCOREBOARD

Gill, 4.6 ov), 2-32 (Rohit Sharma, 14.4 ov), 3-54 (Virat Kohli, 22.4 ov), 4-78 (Ravindra Jadeja, 30.5 ov), 5-113 (Shreyas Iyer, 37.2 ov), 6-118 (Srikar Bharat, 40.1 ov), 7-140 (Ravichandran Ashwin, 48.1 ov), 8-155 (Cheteshwar Pujara, 56.3 ov), 9-155 (Umesh Yadav, 56.5 ov), 10-163 (Mohammed Siraj, 60.3 ov)

Green playing the wrong line as he tried to work through the leg side. He was hit on the back leg and adjudged lbw by Joel Wilson. Had he not been given out, India would have had no reviews to use. Ball tracking had it clipping the outside corner of leg stump. Australia

folded from there as they have done so often in this series with Umesh castling Starc and Murphy’s off stump with fast reverse-swinging deliveries from around the wicket while Ashwin got through Carey and Lyon’s defences with ease. (ESPNcricinfo)

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Industrial Safety Supplies Inc Office Manager Crystal Kallu presents the sponsorship cheque to Keith Beaton in the presence of her colleagues, Accountant Nyeesha Joseph and Customer Service Representative Mechaela Hohenkirk

Cheteshwar Pujara was the only better to reach a half-century for India

Motorcycle for Rawle Toney 3x3 Classic MVP

…compliments of Rock Auto Trans

The third edition of the Rawle Toney 3x3 Classic basketball tournament is just about two weeks away, and the Most Valuable Player (MVP) prize has been secured by Rock Auto Trans and Spare Parts. Out of a pool of 64 players, one lucky baller will ride away with a motorcycle, compliments of Rock Auto Trans and Spare Parts, located on Charlotte Street, Georgetown.

During a simple handing-over ceremony on Thursday afternoon, the MVP prize was handed over to organiser Rawle Toney.

Managing Director of

the company, Yolanda Ross, touched on its recent involvement in sport, expressing its elation at being able to assist.

“We wanna say thanks again to the general public for their support. We have just completed our first Futsal tournament and now we’re pleased to be a part of Rawle’s third edition Classic. We will be giving away one bike, as we would’ve done in our previous tournament. We would’ve given away two bikes, but now we’re happy to give back to the youths of Guyana, a chance to win one of our Lindy motor scooters,” Ross told media operatives

VSH United contributes to Jefford Classic Golden Mile

at the company’s Charlotte Street location on Thursday.

On the receiving end of Rock Auto Trans’ generosi-

ty was Sport Journalist and mastermind of the 3x3 tournament, Toney, who highlighted it as a first of its kind

initiative for the sport.

“Let me just say, thanks to Rock Auto Trans. This is monumental, it might seem rather small, but it’s monumental for the sport of basketball, given the fact that I’ve been involved in the sport for a number of years as a player and covering the sport as a Journalist for close to two decades,” Toney related.

The organizer went on to reveal, “During my playing time and on a professional basis for work, I’ve never heard or seen where a motorcycle or anything of the sort was given away to a player, or in this case, the

Most Valuable Player. So, this is historic, not just for me but for basketball in general.”

“Again, I can’t thank Rock Auto Trans enough for this prize,” Toney further stated. The Rawle Toney 3x3 Classic is set to bounce off on Saturday, March 18 and culminate the following day. Sixteen teams from Guyana, Grenada, Dominica, St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, and the USA are slated to compete. The basketball action is set to get underway at 17:00h (5pm) at the Burnham Court, Georgetown.

(Jemima Holmes)

contributes

Cycling fans, supporters, and the Bartica public can be assured of an exciting day of racing come this Sunday when the second edition of the “One Guyana” Bartica Cycling Classic is held, organised by We Stand United Cycle Club (WSUCC).

On Thursday, Industrial Safety Supplies Inc Office Manager Crystal Kallu handed over her sponsorship to WSUCC President Franklin Wilson at the entity’s Camp Street location, noting that it was towards making the event a success.

VSH United Guyana Inc on Thursday handed over its sponsorship for the Jefford Classic Golden Mile, which is slated for March 12 at the National Park Circuit featuring Guyana’s best athletes from as far as the Rupununi.

In a press release Thursday, the Jefford Track and Field Classic organisation said that it was the support of companies like VSH United, who understand their corporate and social responsibility, that is making the resuscitation and rebranding of the traditional Golden Mile race possible.

“We want to thank VSH United for their contribution. It will help us produce

an event that will be second to none in Guyana,” the release said.

VSH United is the sole distributors of Red Wing Shoes and products, in cluding Personal Protective Equipment and gear.

The Jefford Track and Field Classic brand is lead ing the rebranding and re suscitation efforts of the Golden Mile, and the event promises to be a mouth-wa tering showdown among the best milers in Guyana. The athletes will be compet ing for training grants, ed ucational grants, vouchers, hampers, and medals.

There will be a special prize for the athlete who breaks the four-minute bar rier in the mile.

Accompanying Kallu was the company’s Accountant, Nyeesha Joseph and Customer Service Representative (CSR) Mechaela Hohenkirk.

Speaking on behalf of Managing Director Hemant

building friendships and camaraderie among the athletes, and fans as well, noting that the event could become a staple on the sporting calendar in a community that loved sports.

Wilson extended his club’s deep appreciation to the management and staff of Industrial Safety Supplies Inc for showing a high level of confidence by being an integral partner.

“Without your backing, this event would not have been possible for the second time around. It is partnerships such as these that allow our athletes to breathe comfortably knowing that they would be properly compensated for their efforts. I must also inform you that resulting from the first edition of this race back in 2019, cycling has grown in a huge

way in Bartica and will become even better,” Wilson stated.

The winner of the elite/ senior race will pocket $120,000 with $70,000, $50,000, $30,000, $20,000, and $10,000 going to the second to sixth-place finishers. The seniors will be riding for 1 hour 45 minutes with an additional two laps.

Masters, Under-45, and Over-45 will be riding together for 60 minutes with an additional two laps, while the ladies, juniors, and juveniles will pedal off the day’s activity from 09:30h and will be riding for 45 minutes with an additional two laps.

Registration is being done at the Professional Key Shop, Carmichael Street or Chin Chan Cycle Store, Robb Street.

Organiser Rawle Toney

Garment Customisation Lead Steffanie DeAbreu (right) hands over the sponsorship to Edison Jefford at VSH United Carmichael Street office

WSUCC “One Guyana” Bartica Cycling Classic… Industrial Safety Supplies Inc

handsomely to Sunday’s event

Industrial Safety Supplies Inc Office Manager Crystal Kallu hands over sponsorship to WSUCC President Franklin Wilson in the presence of her colleagues, Nyeesha Joseph and Mechaela

Rabada’s 6-for leads South Africa to victory over Windies

West Indies threatened to turn the tables on South Africa by rolling them over for 116 on the third morning at SuperSport Park, but their own batters collapsed in similar spectacular fashion, chasing 247. Kagiso Rabada was chiefly responsible for that collapse, bagging 6 for 50 to dismiss them for 159 and seal South Africa’s victory inside three days on a track that offered variable bounce.

Jermaine Blackwood’s thrilling counterattack – 79 off 93 balls – raised West Indies’ hopes, but Rabada found a little extra kick off the pitch to take him out and ensure the new era under Captain Temba Bavuma and Coach Shukri Conrad began with a victory in Centurion, where the South Africa women’s team that reached the T20 World Cup final five days ago was also in attendance.

It was Roach who had set

welcomed back by his teammates; Jimmy Adams, West Indies’ director of cricket and Brian Lara, the team mentor.

However, the mood and tempo of the match changed quickly when Rabada struck either side of the lunch break. After having Captain Kraigg Brathwaite caught down the leg side for a duck, he drew an outside edge from number three Raymon Reifer.

Tagenarine Chanderpaul kept playing and missing at full balls, but was not particularly flustered against that length. It was the short ball that bothered him. He fell on his backside twice while trying to deal with them and then when he dared to hook a head-high bouncer from Marco Jansen, he could only top-edge it to midwicket for 10.

Roston Chase misjudged an inswinger from Jansen and was castled after offering no shot. Then, when

tinued to regularly pump the ball over the top, running away to a 51-ball half-century. At the other end, Joshua Da Silva was more circumspect and contributed 17 to a 58-run sixth-wicket partnership before he fell to Rabada.

Blackwood, though, went after South Africa’s premier seamer and shanked him over his head for an imposing four. When Anrich Nortje shifted his angle to around the wicket, he ramped him over deep third for four. Jason Holder also operated at almost a run-a-ball in a 37-run seventh-wicket stand with Blackwood before Rabada had him nicking behind with

lead closer to 250. Markram aside, Coetzee was the only South Africa batter to score more than 10 runs in their second innings. He then combined with Rabada,

Jansen and Norje with the ball to compensate for their batting collapse and wrap the game up before drinks on the third afternoon. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

South Africa 2nd Innings

BATTING R B

Aiden Markram c † Da Silva b Roach 47 58

Dean Elgar c Reifer b Joseph 1 8

Tony de Zorzi c †Da Silva b Roach 0 1

Temba Bavuma (c) c

†Da Silva b Joseph 0 1

Keegan Petersen lbw b Holder 7 8

Heinrich Klaasen † c †Da Silva b Holder 5 8

West Indies 2nd Innings (T: 247 runs)

BATTING R B Kraigg Brathwaite (c) c †Klaasen b Rabada 0 3 Tagenarine Chanderpaul

Jermaine Blackwood goes over the top

the scene for the day with his 11th five-for in Test cricket – and first away from home since 2017. He also surpassed Joel Garner’s tally of 259 to become West Indies’ fifth-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket. Just before lunch, Roach was warmly

debutant Gerald Coetzee produced extra bounce to get rid of Kyle Mayers, West Indies were 33 for 5 in the 15th over.

Blackwood came in and hoicked the seventh ball he faced, off Rabada, over square leg for four. He con-

a perfectly-pitched delivery. Though Rabada looked like he was not at his best earlier in the day, floating some balls in the lower 130-kilometre-per-hour range, his seven-over spell post tea, in which he dismissed both Holder and Blackwood, was perhaps the most decisive passage of play.

The day had started on a more promising note for West Indies. Roach struck with his first ball to cut Aiden Markram’s innings short at 47 off 58. He went wide of the crease, tricked

Markram into playing for the inward angle from over the wicket, but got it to straighten late off the seam and graze the outside edge. Marais Erasmus, the onfield umpire, did not rule Markram out initially, but he opted to walk back to the dressing room. In his next over, Roach went wide of the crease again, but this time he beat Jansen’s outside edge and hit the top of the off stump.

Roach also helped snip the South African tail, but Coetzee’s spunky cameo (20 off 15 balls) pushed their

Senuran Muthusamy c †Da Silva b Gabriel 4 36 Marco Jansen b Roach 6 9

Kagiso Rabada not out 10 23

Gerald Coetzee c †Da Silva b Roach 20 15

Anrich Nortje c †Da Silva b Roach 4 7

Extras (b 4, lb 2, nb 6) 12

TOTAL 28 Ov (RR: 4.14) 116

Fall of wickets: 1-31

(Dean Elgar, 3.6 ov), 2-33

(Tony de Zorzi, 4.6 ov), 3-34

(Temba Bavuma, 5.3 ov), 4-49

(Keegan Petersen, 8.1 ov), 5-57

(Heinrich Klaasen, 10.2 ov), 6-69

(Aiden Markram, 17.1 ov), 7-76

(Marco Jansen, 19.3 ov), 8-80

(Senuran Muthusamy, 22.2 ov), 9-109 (Gerald Coetzee, 25.6 ov), 10-116 (Anrich Nortje, 27.6 ov) •

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Kemar Roach 10-0-47-5

Alzarri Joseph 8-0-30-2

Jason Holder 7-2-7-2 Shannon Gabriel 3-0-26-1

Petra mulling further addition to Milo tournament

Following the preliminary stage, the eight groups in this year’s Milo Schools football tournament have been determined. But, according to Petra CoDirector Troy Mendonca, the tournament can expand further before it kicks off on Saturday.

The ninth edition of the Under-18 Milo Schools’ football tournament is ready and rearing to kick off this Saturday at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground, Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown.

However, during a ‘fixture release’ press conference on Wednesday, Petra Organisation Co- Director Mendonca explained how the 32-team line-up may probably increase to 36, following a pending decision on the Organisation’s part.

“Also, there is a consideration based on the response

of teams, of adding another group, which we will decide before the week is out. If that is so, it wouldn’t affect the flow, we will just add maybe a day or two during the week to accommodate that,” the Petra Co-Director disclosed.

“That is because of the response of the teams and enthusiasm displayed by some teams. I just thought I should mention that, but if that is the case, we will let you know,” Mendonca indicated.

On Saturday, following the march past ceremony, Marian Academy will oppose East Ruimveldt Secondary, after which Bartica Secondary and Bush Lot Secondary will lock horns.

In that light, Mendonca went on to share the format that the tournament will use, after the preliminary round.

Mendonca shared, “We have 32 teams divided into

eight groups of four. Like each team from each group will play one another once and the top two teams will proceed to the round of 16 stage.”

“The first round will be two playing weekends, four days. I didn’t release the oth er part, because we suspect we might have some changes to make,” he further stated.

The first game is set to kick off at 11:00h on

South Africa celebrate

Kagiso Rabada’s six-wicket haul helped South Africa post a big win

Petra Co-Director Troy Mendonca

Lyon took eight of the

Rock Auto Trans’ Yolanda Ross presents Rawle Toney with the key to the motorcycle in the presence of Wayne “Harry” Griffith