Guyana Times - Friday, March 8, 2024.pdf

“We strive for excellence and overcome all obstacles” – women working in O&G sector

Shawn Gurcharran is new GBTI CEO

Dredge owner dies after being pinned underwater as land caves in Village Council Elections Hinterland village leaders urged to “get affairs in order” ahead of elections …this includes submission of financial reports – Sukhai

10 Guyanese certified as ambassadors for cybersecurity practices

Gun, ammo, ganja found in makeshift camp

Body of Essequibo Coast fisherman found floating at foreshore

Election fraud cases Judiciary,

magistracy undermining

governance in Guyana – Jagdeo …says delay will embolden riggers, coup plotters

General Secretary of the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Bharrat Jagdeo has again expressed dissatisfaction over the prolonged delays with the electoral fraud cases, stating that the magistracy, and the Judiciary by extension, is undermining the governance system in Guyana.

On Wednesday, Magistrate Leron Daly, who is presiding over the 2020 election fraud case, referred a request from the defence team for copies of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) minutes, to the High Court for “constitutional considerations” – a move which the State’s Special Prosecutor, Darshan

Ramdhani, KC, said would not help the defence’s case, calling it a delaying tactic.

Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, former Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, and his deputy Roxanne Myers, along with other GECOM staff and members of the People’s National Congress (PNC)led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) party, are facing electoral fraud charges following the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

During his weekly press conference on Thursday at the PPP’s Freedom House head office, Jagdeo bemoaned the slothfulness of the cases in the Magistrates’ Courts. He

stated, “…as a citizen of this country and also General Secretary of a party that would not have been in office had the designs of PNC-led APNU/AFC and these individuals – Mingo, Lowenfield, Myers – had they succeeded, this country would not have been a democratic country and would probably be under sanctions, etc. This is a serious matter.”

Embolden riggers, coup plotters

Jagdeo pointed out to the seriousness and urgency with which courts in other countries deal with electoral fraud cases, compared to the local judiciary.

“In our case, you’ve had merry-go-round. It’s

all transparent. That they don’t want these people to go to trial, because the evidence is so overwhelming that it would support a conviction and jail for these individuals. And so, the Judiciary here [and] the Magistracy, they’re frustrating the will of the people and they’re not allowing justice to be done, and they’re undermining governance in this country, because any would-be rigger or coup plotter, or anything else, may be emboldened by this,” he argued.

Without encroaching on the carved-out territory preserved for the Judiciary, Jagdeo posited that there may be a need now for serious introspection by this branch of the government

and possibly a revision of the contempt of court laws.

According to the PPP General Secretary, in countries like the US, persons can openly discuss decisions of a Judge whereas in Guyana, one has to tiptoe around the issue in fear of being held in contempt of court.

“It’s time now that we speak up about this… People talk about criticism of the Judiciary; well I think we got to look at these matters – contemptof-court proceedings. In the US, you can examine any decision of a Judge or a Magistrate openly without being cited for contempt. Here in Guyana, people are tiptoeing around the issue, because they’re worried about it and I think maybe it’s time we address this legislatively,” he opined.

Jagdeo outlined that the other branches of Government – Legislative and Executive – are often bearing the weight of public opinion while the Judiciary is spared being held accountable by the people.

“The legislative arm of the Government has to be accountable to people or they get changed. The executive arm would get changed by the people if they are not accountable. So, it can’t be that only one branch of the Government could be unaccountable for performance when it harms the interest of the people of the country. I’m not asking for a particular decision. We’re not saying we want the persons convicted or not, we’re asking that you proceed with the trial. It’s been too long; it’s been almost four years now and we can’t get to trial,” the PPP General Secretary contended.

In June 2021, Mingo, Lowenfield and Myers, along with former PNC Reform Chairperson Volda Lawrence; PNCR activist Carol Smith-Joseph, and GECOM employees Sheffern February, Enrique Livan, Denise BabbCummings, and Michelle Miller were slapped with

fraud charges, stemming from attempts to rig the 2020 General and Regional Elections in favour of the then incumbent APNU/ AFC coalition.

These accused persons, who are all out on cash bail, are accused of a number of offences, including misconduct while holding public office, presenting falsified documentation, and planning to manipulate Guyana’s voters by presenting an inaccurate vote total.

Since those charges were filed, however, the cases have been languishing in the Magistrates’ Courts.

Moreover, the cases will now be even further delayed given the recent request by Defence Attorney Nigel Hughes, for the GECOM meeting minutes and the subsequent decision by Magistrate Daly to refer the matter to the High Court to determine whether Section 140 (2) of the Representation of the People Act (ROPA) clashed with constitutional considerations pertaining to the right to a fair trial and the disclosure of the documents, which are in GECOM’s possession.

Section 140 (2) of ROPA states that “No evidence of any deliberations of the Elections Commission or communications between members of the Commission regarding its business shall be admissible in any court”.

Special Prosecutor Ramdhani told Guyana Times on Wednesday, “We do believe that the minutes that they’re seeking from GECOM really takes their defence nowhere. We believe that this, coming at this stage, is an attempt to delay and derail this matter. We, of course, are bound by the order of the Magistrate, which indicates whether ROPA Section 140 (2) interferes with the right to a fair trial. The Magistrate felt that that matter had to be determined. And the Magistrate sent that matter to the High Court.” (G8)

PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo

The

Friday,

Friday,

Police spaces must be places of trust, confidentiality – Pres Ali tells cops

In calling for the buildout of a highly professional Guyana Police Force (GPF), President Dr Irfaan Ali has posited that law enforcement spaces must be spaces of trust and confidentiality for the public.

At Thursday’s opening ceremony of the Annual Police Officers' Conference 2024, the Guyanese Leader shared that the greatest investment in enhancing the GPF’s capabilities has been made over the past three years. In return, significant strides and positive outcomes have been realised over the course of this period.

Nonetheless, Ali stressed that the trust of those persons who visit police spaces must be reciprocated, as he voiced, “The police space must be a safe space, a welcoming space, a space of trust. When people come to the police, they come because they trust. They come with a sense of trust that they will get their matter dealt with. So, how do we ensure that the space, the police space, remains welcoming, remains a place of trust, a place of confidentiality, a place of honour, a place of dignity, a place of pride? These are non-financial values that are driven by human action, that are critical in building the type of Police Force that we want to build.”

One intention behind this position is to create a sense of reliability: that the Guyana Police Force is capable of safeguarding the nation, protecting the rule of law and upholding democracy. The President outlined, “At the end of the day, what is important is that we build a highly professional Police Force, so that any citizen can go to bed, sleep well, knowing that there are institutions in our country that will not falter and disappoint the people of this country.

“In doing so, the Police Force must be so professional that safeguarding democracy and the rule of law is natural. It's not based on influence, but it's natural; it becomes an inherent character and an inherent part of who you are when you put on the uniform. But when you put on this uniform and people look at you, they must see someone who will not hide when a country needs them to defend democracy, defend the rule of law, and uphold your constitutional requirement; and that is all we want,” he added.

Government has been investing to rebuild assets in police stations across the country in a bid to not only enhance its response, but to improve facilities for police ranks. In so doing, the President called on ranks to

adopt a new culture of caring for their environment and the service provided to the public.

“You can build the best facility, but if our attitude to that facility remains the same, then you know (we) will be stuck where we are forever. So, this is how basic we have to get sometimes. Not only building the facilities, but teaching big men and women how to take care of the facilities. This should not be. This should not be in a modern society. As one may say, these are small issues, but they are not small issues because it affects the way you serve, it affects those who come for the service. It can be a deterrent to the public,” Ali told the officers.

Human value

Over the course of one year, the Guyana Police Force has had the greatest expansion of training for men and women in uniform, with a

number of persons achieving undergraduate and postgraduate diplomas. In the next four to five years, Ali anticipates that Guyana would have a highly trained, competent and qualified Police Force.

Looking at the human

value aspect of this, he added that ranks must be able to climb the ladder throughout their professional career without being overshadowed by slots filled. The Commander-in-Chief discussed, “What I've seen in the Police Force is that you have good police, who would work 30 years and retire as a constable, because the system is designed in such a way that there are numbers and ratios that you have to fulfil in terms of senior command to constable, to the sergeants, and all of these things. So, we have to find an innovative way in which the human assets feel appreciated and feel connected for after 30 years of service, after ten years of service, and after 15 years of service…I don't believe that the system gives value to those who have contributed 20 and 30 years to the Guyana Police Force, and that is important for the future transition as well.” (G12)

President Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister Mark Phillips, Police Commissioner (ag) Clifton Hicken, GDF Chief of Staff Omar Khan joined officials and ranks of the Guyana Police Force for a photo op

President Ali speaking during the opening ceremony of the Annual Police Officers’ Conference

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress

Once again, as we have been doing unofficially for over a century, and officially since 1967 under the auspices of the UN, we are commemorating “International Women’s Day”. Apart from “celebrating” the achievements of women in all spheres of human endeavour, because of the realities in every country of the world, there are inevitably exhortations for accelerating “gender parity”. Whatever women have achieved has come in spite of, not because of, present structures in our societies.

For instance, starting in Ancient Greece, the “cradle of democracy”, women were on par with slaves, bereft of the right to participate in decision making of the city states. This status was only grudgingly changed in the “progressive” West after WWI, following a long and contentious suffragette struggle.

As is usual, there is a “theme” announced annually, and for this year, it is “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”, which, according to the United Nations, is a reminder that “ending the patriarchy requires money on the table.”

In his message for 2024, UN Secretary-General António Guterres appealed for sustained financing to “support women’s organizations on the front line”, and for programmes to end violence against women and “drive women’s inclusion and leadership in economies, digital technologies, peacebuilding and climate action.” He further noted that financing for equality not only is “the right thing to do”, but it also makes financial sense. “Supporting women to enter formal labour markets grows economies, boosts tax revenues, and expands opportunities for all,” he said.

An op-ed offers a good snapshot of the status of women today, and the rationale for the theme: “On International Women’s Day, we celebrate women and girls around the world, and we applaud all they have achieved in the fight for equality. Women and girls have made great gains –demolishing barriers, dismantling stereotypes, and driving progress towards a more just and equal world. Yet they face immense obstacles. Billions of women and girls face marginalisation, injustice and discrimination, while the persistent epidemic of violence against women disgraces humanity. Our world still reflects millennia of maledominated power relations.

“And progress is under attack, with a fierce backlash against women’s rights. At our current rate, legal equality is some three hundred years away. We must move much faster. On International Women’s Day, we stand with women and girls fighting for their rights, and we commit to accelerating progress. This year’s theme – Invest in Women – reminds us that ending the patriarchy requires money on the table.

We must support women’s organisations on the front line. And we must invest in programmes to end violence against women, and to drive women’s inclusion and leadership in economies, digital technologies, peacebuilding and climate action. This all depends on unlocking finance for sustainable development so that countries have funds available to invest in women and girls.

“We also need to increase the number of women leaders in business, finance, central banks and finance ministries. This can help drive investments in policies and programmes that respond to women and girls’ needs. Women’s rights are a proven path to fair, peaceful, prosperous societies. It is good for us all. Together, let’s take urgent action to make it a reality.”

In addition to increasing “money on the table”, there is need for a more vigorous, effective and sustained campaign against violence against women, and females in general in Guyana. We must begin with our “law and order” institutions: the law to explicitly define stiffereven draconian - sanctions against perpetrators of violence against females, and the police and judiciary to ensure the law is observed. There has been too much talk and too little action on this subject.

Women will have to agitate for these changes, since the status quo never changes without struggle.

Happy International Women’s Day!

Women's Day

GAWU

supports women’s leadership roles

The Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) has made significant strides in promoting equity in the workplace. As a union that values fairness and equality, GAWU has prioritised negotiating for equitable gains for all workers, regardless of gender or background. In addition, GAWU has invested resources in increasing the representation of women at all levels of the union, and providing support for women to take on leadership roles in their workplaces. These efforts have helped to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all workers, and demonstrate GAWU's commitment to advancing equity and empowering its members.

It's important to remember the story behind International Women's Day (IWD), which originated from the struggles of women workers in the United States. Those brave women organised themselves to demand better working conditions, fairer pay, and voting rights, all while fighting against gender inequality and wom-

en’s oppression. Their experiences help us understand how closely linked economic and political rights are, and how the concerns of working people are shared by women and men across the world.

This day gained prominence when socialist women workers recognised it as a day of action to rally against the First World War. On March 8, 1917, a strike of working women in Russia protested the killing of 2 million soldiers in the war. This strike provided a significant impetus for the history-making Russian Revolution, which resulted in the birth of the first socialist country in the annals of civilisation.

IWD serves as a reminder of the struggles and resistance that women have faced across the globe. It also provides an opportunity to recognize the numerous achievements that women have attained. The fight for gender equality is ongoing, and the GAWU is committed to challenging workplace inequality and discrimination through representation and collective strength.

The United Nations has chosen

“Invest in women: Accelerate progress” as the theme for IWD 2024. This call to action urges governments and corporations worldwide to tackle the gender disparities that continue to be among the biggest human rights’ issues. Women still face deep-rooted inequalities, including unequal participation in the workforce, a persistent gender wage gap, overrepresentation in the informal sector, and workplace harassment.

Moreover, decades of progress towards gender equality, including fair participation in the workplace, economic and political empowerment, and access to education, are being undermined by authoritarian regimes.

On this year's International Women’s Day celebration, the GAWU extends heartfelt greetings to the women of Guyana, its women members, and all the women across the world who are at the forefront of advancing the cause of women for overall social progress and peace. Your unwavering commitment to the cause of women is an inspiration to us all.

Women still do not enjoy the same rights as men – CCWU

In 2024, the Clerical & Commercial Workers Union celebrated International Women’s Day as women around the world gathered to march for women’s social and economic autonomy. The 4th Global Action of the World March of Women will bring together women activists from every continent on the planet, united in their demands for a sustainable and caring economy, and for social justice, peace and democracy.

Twenty-nine years ago, governments adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action –a ground-breaking road map for governments, civil society, trade unions, and private sector actors for the advancement of gender equality and women’s rights.

The Trade Union Movement celebrate March 8th as International Working Women’s Day. This year, it will be celebrated under the theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress.”

The world is facing many crises, ranging from geopolitical conflicts to soaring poverty levels and the escalating impacts of climate change. These challenges can only be addressed by solutions that empower women. By investing in women, we can spark change and speed the transition toward a healthier, safer, and more equal world for all.

Twenty-nine years on, the challenges remain stark:

1. Women’s trade union membership stands on average at 40 percent, yet women occupy only 15 percent of the top decision-making positions in their organizations.

2. Women’s labour force participation rates are stagnating at 26 percentage points lower than those of men.

3. Women continue to predominate in informal, low-quality, precarious and undervalued jobs.

4. Women’s average wages are between 4 and 36 percent less than those of men.

5. Gender-based violence remains an all-too-tolerated feature of the workplace, with no comprehensive international legal standard to outlaw it.

The long shadow of austerity continues to affect women heavily, cutting jobs where women have traditionally worked; slashing public services which women tend to rely on more than men; and increasing their already disproportionate share of care responsibilities. Women living in poverty are particularly vulnerable to economic policies that redistribute wealth away from the 99% to the 1%, while their labour subsidises global and local economies by providing the care services that governments won’t fund.

On 8th March 2024, the CCWU calls for governments, policymakers and businesses to adopt an economic agenda for women: an agenda that includes jobs and growth plans to increase women’s access to decent work; an economic agenda that would tackle structural barriers to women’s effective labour force participation, including through adequate investment in care provision, creating decent care jobs for women and men, family-friendly workplaces, and workplaces free from violence; an econom-

ic agenda that would lift women and families out of poverty and provide a sustainable model of growth.

Violence against women is a big issue worldwide, especially here in Guyana. Violence in the home leads to physical and mental health issues for all members experiencing violence. What is sad is that this violence stops women from enjoying their basic rights: to work; to help raise a family; and to live a long, healthy life, free of fear.

We hear repeatedly about gender equality, that women should have equal rights as men. We know some of the troubling statistics related to women’s issues of health and wellbeing, including maternal death. So, what can be done to improve the lives of women, so that they can enjoy the same rights that men do? Men must play a very important role in reaching gender equality for all; they should be part of the solution. Men need to have role models who teach them good leadership and problem-solving skills, and treat women with respect. Both men and women need to work together without the use of violence.

Today also serves as a day to keep women’s issues in the spotlight; because, despite all their accomplishments, women still do not enjoy the same rights as men. They are still more likely to die from HIV/AIDS and climate change, live in poverty, and suffer from gender-based violence.

This year, let’s turn that into a global act of solidarity.

Trade union leader Sister Jimena Lopez was sacked from her cabin crew job after a successful organizing drive at her workplace.

International Women’s Day

“We strive for excellence and overcome all obstacles” – women working in O&G sector

In the traditionally male-dominated oil and gas sector, women have been breaking barriers, shattering stereotypes, and making significant strides towards gender equality and diversity locally.

<<<Guyana Times>>> sat down with five remarkable women attached to Guyana Port Inc, an oil and gas support firm located at Supply, East Bank Demerara (EBD). In the competitive and demanding world of the oil and gas sector, the extraordinary narratives of Shabana Chiraunjie, Subrina Singh, Narwati Emanuel, Latoya Pereira, and Priscilla DeCosta serve as powerful testaments to the incredible capabilities and resilience of women in leadership roles. Beyond their impressive professional accomplishments, three of these five women have fearlessly embraced the challenges of motherhood while defying stereotypes and shattering glass ceilings in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Chiraunjie, who holds the post of Human Resources Assistant at Guyana Port Inc, shared her favourite quote “Don’t judge a book by its cover”, which she said leads her through life and every aspect of a career woman at just 25 years old.

“As simple as it is; it’s what I always tell people who are meeting me for the first time, since they tend to look at me as a quiet, easy-going girl. Yes, I’m quiet and easy-going but I’m also goal-driven and deter-

mined,” Chiraunjie said.

Although she’s only been in this role for seven months, in reflecting on her journey within the sector, she has discovered a sense of belonging and acceptance. Each day, she said, presents new challenges and opportunities for growth, shaping and understanding the dynamics in the workplace. When asked if she would encourage other young women to get involved in the same sector, Chiraunjie said “mostly definitely, yes”.

Meanwhile, Emanuel, the Project Controller Officer and a 41-year-old mother of three adult children, revealed having children and being married never gets in her way of being a career woman. Noting that at the toddler stage she could not leave her children, she said she jumped at the first opportunity to get into the world of work again and her goal is to remain in this very sector and get to her highest level.

Highlighting what it entails being a project controller officer, she said some duties include controlling projects and working out the resources needed inside out to see everything correctly organised.

These five women can be considered as part of a group of Guyanese women keen on changing the stereotypes of women in any male-dominated field. Even more keen on this effort is Pereira, the company’s Client Support Officer (CSO). Pereira previously worked in the media.

The 39-year-old said she was confident in her abili-

ty to contribute efficiently to Guyana’s growing economy as she works to provide for her three children, two of whom are currently studying in the United States of America. “Balancing work while being a single parent has its struggles. However, striking that balance is needed for that particular advancement in life, in general,” Pereira disclosed. “But I'm happy that I have been able to strike that balance. I'm able to still be a professional and a mom giving the support and the necessary support that my children need to venture into their endeavours,” the proud mother revealed.

In the oil and gas sector, she displays resilience and adaptability, drawing from her male counterparts and her background in Communication Studies, all while being devoted to her ongoing pursuit of an MBA in logistics and supply chain management.

Singh, the company’s Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment (QHSE) Manager, is no different from her other female colleagues. They all share some things in common: they love their jobs, the males on the work site treat them no different and they’re all determined to prove that women can succeed in any field of work they so desire. At 35 years old, Singh is assured that this is only the beginning of her career in oil and gas.

“I must say there are challenges that you as a mother and a full-time career person would have.

So, it does have its challenging periods. But all in all, it's a comfortable working environment. I do have full support from my husband when it comes to my career. And you know, balancing that work life – I have been working since the age of 20. As soon as I graduated from the University of Guyana, I began working at … a reputable company where I spent 12 years of my career. I initially started as the Quality Control Manager's assistant and later progressed to obtaining system certification, eventually becoming the Quality Manager and then a Senior Quality Manager. I’ve only been in my current environment for two years. Both workplaces were heavily male-dominated, making it challenging at times. Despite this, my goal is to continue growing in my field as I have a passion for quality and safety, which makes the journey more fulfilling,” Singh said.

Scheduling time and aligning schedules with her husband to manage basic family activities is critical, she noted, adding that planning for the weekends is as important as planning for the week ahead.

Singh envisions herself making a significant impact in the oil and gas sector, particularly in Guyana, as she has a strong desire to see growth in terms of safety and quality standards and aims to position Guyana Port Inc as a leading entity in this field within Guyana.

While only serving at the company for three months

now, DeCosta, a Health and Safety Officer, is currently a Public Management student at the University of Guyana. She alludes to having the full support of her family, even while working and studying.

Being at Guyan Port Inc has allowed DeCosta to somehow better understand the male gender and know that they’re not all the same.

“For me, I take things one step at a time. I mean, for other females push through, please push for your career and carry yourself with respect ‘cause that’s what will get you through working in any environment. Also, I think education is the main

source and working through things, one step at a time no matter what stage you're at,” she explained.

Significance of IWD

This international Women’s Day, the one message these five women are sending to other women is to know that “there is no force more powerful than a woman with a determined mind and self-respect”.

International Women’s Day is an opportune time to celebrate the achievements, contributions, and progress of women and girls, both in Guyana and around the globe.

Latoya Pereira - Client Support Officer Narwati Emanuel- Project Controller Officer

Priscilla DeCosta - Health & Safety Officer Sabrina Singh - Quality, Health, Safety and Environment Manager Shabana Chiraunjie - Human Resources officer

I8) 74.67

9) 32,541,218

Calculate using order of operations:

10) 4 x (7 –5)2 + (14 – 4) x 5 + (4 -2) x 4 + 33

11) 17 – (9 + 5) + (9 – 7) x 3 + (8 – 3)2

12) 23 + (2 + 4) x 4 + (5 – 3)4

7) 211,057,610,152

8) 74.67

9) 32,541,218

Calculate using order of operations:

10) 4 x (7 –5)2 + (14 – 4) x 5 + (4 -2) x 4 + 33

11) 17 – (9 + 5) + (9 – 7) x 3 + (8 – 3)2

Page Foundation

12) 23 + (2 + 4) x 4 + (5 – 3)4

13) 33 – ( 3 – 2)3 + (5 x 2 + (4)2

13) 33 –

What number property does each number display?

What number property does each number display?

14) 2 + 3 + 4 = 4 + 3 +2

15) 4 (5 + 7) = 4(5) + 4(7)

Power Up Maths Unit Test

16) ( 16 + 17) + 19 = 16 + (17 +19)

17) 35 (1) = 35

18) 9 + 0 = 9

Power Up Maths Unit Test

Power Up Maths

19) 15 (4 – 2) = (15 x 4) – (15 x 2)

Restate in exponential form, then calculate:

1) 3 x 3 x 3 x 3 x 3 + 2 x 2 x 2

14) 2

15) 4 (5

16)

Solve for x:

1) 3 x 3 x 3 x 3 x 3 + 2 x 2 x 2

What number property does each number display?

17) 35 (1) = 35

Unit Test

Restate in exponential form, then calculate:

18) 9 + 0 = 9

19) 15 (4 – 2) = (15 x 4) – (15 x 2)

Solve for

Solve for x:

20) 5 + x = 8

2) 4 x 4 x 4 – 5 x 5

2) 4 x 4 x 4 – 5 x 5

20) 5 + x = 8

3) 7 x 7 x 7 x 7 + 9 x 9 – 5 x 5 x 5

21) x – 6 = 13

3) 7 x 7 x 7 x 7 + 9 x 9 – 5 x 5 x 5

3)

22) 30 – x = 26

21) x – 6 = 13

Restate using scientific notation:

23) x + 31 = 91

4) 4,561,095.02

24) �������� 6 + 7 = 27

Restate using scientific notation:

24) �������� 6 + 7 = 27

5) 97,105.2

4) 4,561,095.02

Restate using scientific notation:

4) 4,561,095.02

5) 97,105.2

6) 0.01056

5) 97,105.2

6) 0.01056

7) 211,057,610,152

Solve the equation and indicate the point on the number line that corresponds with the answer:

Solve the equation and indicate the point on the number line that corresponds with the answer:

7) 211,057,610,152

6) 0.01056

8) 74.67

8) 74.67

7)

9) 32,541,218

8) 74.67

9) 32,541,218

9) 32,541,218

Calculate using order of operations:

10) 4 x (7

Calculate using order of operations:

Calculate using order of operations:

11)

10) 4 x (7

11)

10) 4 x (7

12)

11)

13)

12)

12) 23 + (2 + 4) x 4 + (5 – 3)

13) 33 – ( 3 – 2) + (5 x 2 + (4)

13) 33 – ( 3 – 2)3 + (5 x 2 + (4)2

What number property does each number display?

14) 2 + 3 + 4 = 4 + 3 +2

Solve the equation and indicate the point on the number line that corresponds with the answer:

What number property does each number display?

14) 2 + 3 + 4 = 4 + 3 +2

What number property does each number display?

15) 4 (5 + 7) = 4(5) + 4(7)

14) 2 + 3 + 4 = 4 + 3 +2

15) 4 (5 + 7) = 4(5) + 4(7)

16) ( 16 + 17) + 19 = 16 + (17 +19)

15) 4 (5 + 7) = 4(5) + 4(7)

16) ( 16 + 17) + 19 = 16 + (17 +19)

17) 35 (1) = 35

16) ( 16 + 17) + 19 = 16 + (17 +19)

17) 35 (1) = 35

18) 9 + 0 = 9

18) 9 + 0 = 9

17) 35 (1) = 35

19) 15 (4 – 2) = (15 x 4) – (15 x 2)

18) 9 + 0 = 9

19) 15 (4 – 2) = (15 x 4) – (15 x 2)

Solve for x:

19) 15 (4 – 2) = (15 x 4) – (15 x 2)

Solve for x:

20) 5 + x = 8

Solve for x:

21) x – 6 = 13

20) 5 + x = 8

Jumping pepper

Loveliest of trees, the cherry now Is hung with bloom along the bough, And stands about the woodland ride

Wearing white for Eastertide. Now, of my threescore years and ten,

21) x – 6 = 13

20) 5 + x = 8

22) 30 – x = 26

n this fun and easy science experiment for kids, we are going to explore static electricity and use it to make pepper appear to jump.

21) x – 6 = 13

23) x + 31 = 91

22) 30 – x = 26

23) x + 31 = 91

22) 30 – x = 26

24) �������� 6 + 7 = 27

23) x + 31 = 91

24) �������� 6 + 7 = 27

24) �������� 6 + 7 = 27

Materials:

Salt Pepper

and stir them together. Use equals parts salt and pepper. Now take the comb and run it through your hair. The person doing the demonstration must be the one that keeps holding onto the comb.

that have a negative charge attract things that have a positive charge. While both the salt and pepper have a positive charge, the pepper is lighter and thus moves more easily and appears to “jump” and separate from the salt.

Make this a science project:

Solve the equation and indicate the point on the number line that corresponds with the answer:

Plate Plastic hair comb

Solve the equation and indicate the point on the number line that corresponds with the answer:

Hold the statically-charged comb over the bowl and watch the pepper jump. If you get too close, the salt may jump also, so play with the distance to get it right.

Solve the equation and indicate the point on the number line that corresponds with the answer:

Try different items like sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and various spices. Are you able to negatively charge other items like a balloon, plastic utensil, etc. Test to see if the experiment will still work if the (sciencefun.org)

Twenty will not come again, And take from seventy springs a score, It only leaves me fifty more. And since to look at things in bloom Fifty springs are little room, About the woodlands I will go To see the cherry hung with snow.

WORD SEARCH

GPF challenged by persistent cybercrime, drug trafficking offences – Top Cop

Police Commissioner (ag) Clifton Hicken has highlighted a series of serious issues confronting the Guyana Police Force (GPF) as it endeavours to create a safer Guyana, and growing threats of cybercrime and drug trafficking stand at the top of the list.

This disclosure was made during the Annual Police Officers’ Conference on Thursday, held under the theme “Transforming Unity: Nurturing Trust, Youth Development, Professionalism and Safety Through Competence and Strategic Partnerships”.

Commissioner Hicken underscored that this confab creates the opportunity to reflect on the progress made while confronting challenges in reaching the Strategic Management Plan 20222026. The six-pillar framework has guided the GPF in strengthening its operations and ability to serve the public.

“The complex issues (range) from persistent threat of drug trafficking (to) increasing prevalence of cybercrime and digital security threats amid our resource constraints. The challenges

include negative social media influence, adapting to changing societal dynamics, balancing the needs of tourism and those of local communities, and addressing issues of petty crime and harassment,” Hicken disclosed.

It has been disclosed that substance abuse, gender-based violence, miner-related criminal activities, violence among youths, transnational crime, illegal migration, and porous borders are also among issues plaguing the Force. And the Force has also encountered internal challenges in recruitment and retention of ranks, the willingness of officers, and greater diversity within ranks.

“Nevertheless, we must remain vigilant, adaptable, and proactive in addressing these evolving challenges and safeguarding our communities from harm,” Hicken has added.

The Force has been successful in equipping police divisions with intelligence committees, implementing predictive analytics for traffic patterns, launching the e-ticketing system, installing cameras on the Mandela to Eccles highway, introducing safety initiatives, dig-

itizing police entrance exams, and decentralising the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), among other measures.

In looking to the future, Hicken shared that the Force is starting to embrace innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement to meet the needs of evolving law enforcement.

“Our projections are

10 Guyanese certified as ambassadors for cybersecurity practices

training programmes to effectively respond to mental health crises; and diverting individuals from the criminal justice system to appropriate treatment and support services.

The Force has committed to expanding the transportation fleet by 100 percent; which includes prison vans, boats, armoured vehicles and other vehicles. New police buildings would be constructed to meet international standards; and the Force would undertake capacity building and adopt a security posture for the 2025 Regional and General Elections.

Agroup of 10 Guyanese are now certified to promote online safety practices across Guyana, after undergoing training via the United Kingdombased ‘Get Safe Online’ ambassador scheme.

‘Get Safe Online’ is a non-profit organisation that is funded by the UK Government. It helps individuals and small businesses from over 20 countries to stay safe, secure and confident when using the internet. Through its Ambassador Scheme, it empowers persons to make a difference in their communities by providing people with the necessary awareness of online safety, to enable them to protect themselves and others.

This certification programme is delivered through the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) to promote online safety practices in Guyana, particularly in schools.

The latest group of ambassadors – the third batch certified in Guyana – are employees of the NDMA who, in recent months, have taken online safety training to numerous locations across the country. Many sessions were at schools, providing valuable online safety awareness sessions for the next generation of internet users. They additionally provided in-house training for their colleagues at the NDMA.

To celebrate the excellent work of this new

Police Commissioner (ag) Clifton Hicken at the march past activity before the opening ceremony of the Annual Police Officers’ Conference on Thursday therefore to integrate technology in policing methodology through advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and predictive policing tools (in order) to implement data-driven decision making in all procedures; enhance traffic management systems through stakeholders’ approach (in order) to implement an inventory of logistics management to improve accountability and transparency of the Force’s assets,” he explained.

group of certified ambassadors, the British High Commission in Georgetown hosted a reception on Wednesday evening to provide recognition of their noteworthy achievements in cyber security and cyber resilient practices in the country. British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller, pointed out that while innovation and technology have improved lives on a daily basis, there are also risks associated with using those platforms. She noted that Get Safe Online has been particularly impressed with the work that’s been happening in Guyana to promote safety online.

The plans extend to implementing SMART Traffic Management Systems and Automated Enforcement Systems in all police regional divisions, such as speed cameras and licence plate recognition; increasing the number of safe houses and Witness Support Programmes; recruiting and retaining sociologists to provide guidance and counselling in each division; establishing specialized crisis intervention teams and

The vocational training for at-risk youths and persons unsuccessful at CSEC examinations will be enhanced in partnership with the business communities, and Occupational Health and Safety Units would also be resuscitated.

In surveying this feat to be achieved, Commissioner Hicken posited, “Let us use this conference as a platform to celebrate our achievements, address our challenges, and renew our commitment to excellence in service. Together, we have the power to overcome any obstacle and build a safer, stronger and more resilient community for all.” (G12)

The group of Guyanese certified to conduct cybersecurity training are here sharing a photo with British High Commissioner to Guyana, HE Jane Miller

Parika backdam murder

Man wanted for killing wife arrested in Timehri

Two days after allegedly stabbing his 24-year-old wife Nikesha Sutton to death, Melroy LaRose, for whom the Guyana Police Force (GPF) had issued a wanted bulletin, was arrested in Timehri on Wednesday evening.

Upon his arrest, he was reportedly handed over to investigators in Division Three.

Sutton was reportedly stabbed to death by La Rose during an argument at their home at Parika Backdam, East Bank Essequibo (EBE) on Monday last. Police have reported that at about 15:00h on Monday, LaRose arrived home under the influence of alcohol, and a heated argument erupted between him and his wife.

Reports are that the man then left, but returned at about 17:00h with two bottles of alcoholic beverages in his hands. Another argument ensued between them, and it escalated into a scuffle.

At this time, Sutton’s sister intervened, and

LaRose soon instructed his wife to pack her things and move out of the house.

Information received is that Sutton had placed some clothes in a bucket, and was making her way through a track to her sister’s house nearby when the suspect picked up one

of the beer bottles, broke it, and dealt her one stab to the neck before fleeing the scene.

Sutton was taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival. LaRose is expected to be charged shortly.

10 Guyanese certified as ambassadors...

“These ambassadors have been working hard; working across Guyana, particularly in schools; ensuring that thousands of young people now can get online and get online safety. Whether it’s protecting financial safeguard, or whether it’s protecting their personal identity, the UK takes cybersecurity incredibly carefully, incredibly seriously, and Get Safe Online is just one of our instruments that we’re wanting to promote across the world to ensure online safety,” she ex-

pounded. High Commissioner Miller added, “Safeguarding personal data through robust security measures is crucial for privacy and trust in online interactions. This programme’s dedication and effectiveness highlight its immense value in equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools to navigate the digital landscape securely. Such initiatives underscore the UK’s steadfast commitment to innovation as well as enhancing global cyber resil-

ience.”

Critical online safety messages

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer of Get Safe Online, Tony Neate, underscored the important role the ambassadors play in spreading critical online safety messages and practices.

“The Get Safe Online Ambassadors Scheme cannot work without you. We believe in it because we are passionate in helping people wherever they are to stay safe when

Enabling…

…Guyanese electoral bullies

They say it ain’t over till it’s over. But even though there may be some last gasps against frontrunners Trump and Biden, the race to decide who’ll run in the US elections this November is over!! Trump’s challenger Nikki Haley has officially dropped out, after being beaten conclusively in the Super Tuesday primaries. Biden wasn’t even challenged by any big-name face. After Haley lost to Trump in her native North Carolina, her withdrawal was just about signed, sealed and delivered!!

So, we have got two geriatrics - Biden is the oldest president EVER! - vying to run America as, externally, it faces its greatest challenge to its world hegemony, and internally, it’s population inexorably changes from its majority white folks to coloured folks. From where your Eyewitness sits, it looks like the orange-haired wonder might just win it all! To the first challenge, he’s willing to call out China and increase the 25% tariffs he’d slapped on them to at least SIXTY PERCENT!! That’s a declaration of war, baby!!

But, funny enough, China’s rooting for Trump to win!! Why?? They figure that a Trump presidency would be so divisive domestically that the Yanks won’t have time to check their manoeuvres for world domination, from Latin America and the Caribbean to Taiwan and the Pacific!!

they’re online. We’re proud of what we’ve seen (in) individuals like you taking our advice…and using it in schools and communities in your area,” he said.

“Our Get Safe Online Ambassador Scheme epitomises what we do: striving to help individuals and small businesses to use the internet safely, securely and with confidence wherever they are in the world. These Get Safe Online Ambassadors have done some fantastic work here in Guyana, and we are delighted to see their efforts being rewarded today. We thank them for their tireless efforts, and hope that they continue to continue their excellent work,” Neate has said.

The Get Safe Online Ambassadors who were recently certified are: Muriana McPherson, Latoya Etkins, Irshad Nasir, Melissa Vandeyar, Rovin Scarf, Taruna Manger, Stephan Joseph, Chrison Jack, Renard Jacobis, and Miracle Singh. Collectively, they conducted numerous sessions over a two-month period in October and November 2023, reaching thousands of people, predominantly children. The sessions focused on protecting identity, sharing information safely, and how to avoid online threats such as ransomware.

Schools involved included Lodge Secondary School in Georgetown; Line Path Secondary School in Skeldon, Corriverton; Fort Wellington Secondary School on the West Coast of Berbice; Soesdyke Secondary School on the East Bank of Demerara; New Amsterdam Multilateral School in East Berbice; Leonora Secondary School and Vreed-En-Hoop Secondary School on the West Coast of Demerara.

The organisation is now looking to expand this training to other secondary schools across Guyana. (G8)

To the second challenge, Trump will certainly continue making immigrants the scapegoats for everything that ails his blue-collar and evangelical base, who long for a return of their good ole Jim Crow days!!

But the possibility that these doddering old men might inadvertently press some doomsday button and wipe out humanity isn’t your Eyewitness’s only concern; he’s worried about the REALITY of a man who refused to accept his defeat in the last elections, and encouraged an insurrection that went as far as invading Capitol Hill, now being allowed to run again for the Presidency of the country that protects democracy across the world!!

What do we say to our Opposition elements, who announced that when they pour into the streets once again to bring down the legally elected PPP – like Trump’s insurrectionists – our Disciplined Forces must “turn away their weapons”!?! Their response is gonna be, “If it’s good enough for America, then it’s good enough for us!!” Now that Green’s apologised for suggesting the PNC follow Burnham’s rigging ways, he might now INSIST they take power by brukking up our Parliament!!

Anyhow, there’s not much we can do about the American elections, so we might as well take comfort that Trump will be much more aggressive against Mad Maduro – and ensure the PNC’s checkmated by sending down Pompeo for a repeat performance!

Trump now knows that only direct action, rather than elections, would take these wankers out!!

…keeping profits

Now, everybody and their uncle thought that when Chevron made its bid to take over Hess, and the latter accepted, Exxon and CNOOC now had a new 30% partner!! Didn’t matter who they shared their profits with, right? Wrong!! Exxon just resorted to arbitration to accept its claim that, after all it did in developing our frontier Guyana offshore Stabroek Block, it deserves to have the right to first refusal on Hess’s shares!!

This goes to show you gotta create a LEGAL rationale when you wanna change commercial agreements that you don’t like!! So, will all those fellas and felines - who rightfully hold that Trotman gave away the store to Exxon - now do the same to get us more moolah?? Back in the day, your Eyewitness had suggested Trotman’s mental capacity to form a contract coulda been challenged, since he was an “idiot” – meaning he had an IQ of less than 25.

And how do we prove that?? Well, in law, “res ipsa loquitur” means “the thing speaks for itself”!!

…a labour brawl

Just when your Eyewitness thought we were gonna have an amicable ending to the teachers’ strike, the Judge allows the TUC and FITUG to join the talks. This now becomes a prequel to elections 2025!!

Melroy LaRose and Nikesha Sutton

“Govt has little say” – VP Jagdeo on Chevron-Hess deal

With the US$53 billion merger deal between Hess Corp and Chevron Corp under threat after ExxonMobil Corp filed arbitration to claim preemptive rights in the Stabroek Block operations offshore Guyana, the Guyanese Government has stated that it has little to do with the matter.

has received, Guyana’s laws do not necessitate the State’s approval for the merger transaction.

“Under our laws, we are not required to approve the transaction and that’s the legal opinion we got. So, really, it is a dispute over the joint operating agreement that the three parties signed. Exxon now has gone to arbitration to assert what it claims as its pre-emption rights… We’re not a party to

Back in October 2023, it was announced that Hess Corp has entered into an agreement to merge with Chevron – a deal that was expected to wrap up in the first half of this year. This deal would allow Chevron to buy into Hess’s 30-percent stake in the oil-rich Stabroek Block, which is operated by ExxonMobil, which has the majority interest of 45 per cent while CNOOC holds the remaining 25-percent stake.

On Wednesday, ExxonMobil announced that it had filed a case in the International Chamber of Commerce to assert its right of first refusal over Hess’s interest offshore Guyana.

During a press conference on Thursday, Guyana’s Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo was asked about the implications this could have for the country.

He explained that based on advice that Government

that matter,” Jagdeo stated.

Last year when the merger deal was announced, VP Jagdeo had welcomed the news stating that Chevron’s “deep pockets” would be good for Guyana – a position he reiterated on Thursday.

“Chevron would’ve been a welcomed addition to the number of players that we have here, because it’s a big company and often it is good to have a number of companies here. But we have very little say over that. It’s Hess who is selling their shares, they’re selling their company out, and we have little say. And it’s not the company in Guyana, it’s the global company he’s selling,” the Vice President noted.

While the Chevron-Hess merger was expected to be closed in the first half of this year, it will now be delayed in light of Exxon’s arbitra-

tion. However, both Hess Corp and Chevron are confident of the US-billion-dollar deal going through. An article published by Bloomberg on Thursday indicated that while the deal may be delayed, Hess Corp is confident its arguments would prevail in the arbitration case filed by Exxon.

In an email to employees

on Thursday, Hess said: “We disagree with ExxonMobil’s interpretation of the agreement and are confident that our position will prevail in arbitration… There is no possible scenario in which Exxon or CNOOC could acquire Hess’ interest in Guyana as a result of the Chevron-Hess transaction.”

According to Bloomberg, this disclosure marks

the first time either Hess or Chevron have said Exxon’s push to safeguard its pre-emption rights in Guyana could delay their merger. It’s also the first time either company has been so explicit about their disagreement over how Exxon is interpreting its joint agreement with Hess and Chinese oil giant CNOOC Ltd to produce oil off the coast of Guyana, according to the article.

Arbitration of this nature typically takes “five to six months”, Exxon’s Senior Vice President, Neil Chapman said at a Morgan Stanley conference on Wednesday.

Chapman had noted, “We’re absolutely confident that within this contract, we have pre-emption rights, and we have filed for arbitration to make sure that we can secure those pre-emption rights… The pre-emption rights are to give us the

opportunity to look at the value, which we can then match should we choose to do so.”

According to Bloomberg, if Exxon succeeds in blocking the takeover, Hess would be required to pay Chevron a US$1.7 billion break-up fee. However, both Hess and Chevron have declared their intention to seeing the deal through.

On Wednesday, Chevron said, “We remain fully committed to the transaction, and are confident in our position. We look forward to closing the transaction on the terms we’ve agreed.”

In its email to employees on Thursday, Hess added: “We remain fully committed to the transaction and look forward to closing.”

Hess said it would continue to work with the US Federal Trade Commission as it reviews Chevron’s proposed takeover, according to the article. (G8)

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

Education Ministry, GTU agree to discuss salaries

…but Ministry’s proposed figure not accepted by Union during talks

representatives of the GTU and Education Ministry during Thursday’s negotiations

The Education Ministry’s proposed figure for salary increases was not accepted by the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), as the highly-anticipated meeting between both parties got underway on Thursday, with the Union contending that the increase put forward by the Ministry was “below par”.

However, it was agreed by both parties to discuss salary increases for the years 2019 to 2023.

Both sides have decided to meet again next Tuesday, when Government will present a new figure for the period proposed, along with a clothing allowance; the two per cent difference for 2017 and 2019; and the Whitley Council allowance moving to three years.

In a statement following the meeting, the Education Ministry said, that during the meeting it was agreed that 27 issues would be tabled for discussion. Following this, the two

teams agreed on the order in which the matters would be addressed.

The first issue tabled for discussion was the establishment of a Terms of Reference for the meetings. After deliberations, it was agreed that there would not be a signed Terms of Reference, however, both parties agreed that at the end of each meeting, two representatives of each negotiation team and two witnesses will sign the minutes.

Some of the matters identified for discussion by the GTU are salary matters included in the multi-year proposal 20192023; two per cent difference in salary for 2017 and 2018; clothing allowance increase; the Whitley Council allowance being paid every three years.

Some issues identified by the Ministry are teacher absenteeism and punctuality, poor performing schools, continuous professional education, and completion of syllabus.

“The Ministry of Education reiterates its commitment to continuing dialogue with the Guyana Teachers’ Union that have been ongoing and which have produced several noteworthy results that will benefit teachers, children, and the system as a whole,” the statement read.

The Education Ministry was represented by the Chief Education Officer, Saddam Hussain; Deputy Chief Education Officer (AHED) Marti DeSouza; Deputy Chief Education Officer (Admin) Tiffany Harvey; the Ministry’s Human Resources Manager, Jacqueline Simon, and Senior Education Officer Kerwin Jacobs.

The Union was represented by its President, Mark Lyte; General Secretary, Coretta McDonald; Mariska Williams; Julian Cambridge; Heathcliff Peters; Sumanta Alleyne; Collis Nicholson; Donnette D’Andrade; Rabindrauth Boodram and Colin Bynoe, alongside three General Council members Deoraj Nauth, Sergio Joseph, and Vanessa Kissoon. The GTU had made 41 demands in a multi-year agreement it proposed to the Education Ministry, which has since fulfilled 25 of those requests. Of the 16 remaining proposals, two are specifically for the benefit of only GTU and its Executive Members, while two others are contrary to the laws of Guyana and the other 12 are currently under consideration.

The last of the engagements between the Education Ministry and the GTU took place on January 31, 2024. There, at least five salary-related issues that were on the agenda were addressed.

At the end of the meeting, there was no evidence whatsoever of any rancour, dis-

cord, or disagreement between the parties. As a result, the Government said it was understandably shocked when the Union, a few days after, announced its intention to resort to strike action.

Thursday’s engagement was the result of two extensive days of mediation, which also saw an end to the strike and teachers returning to classrooms. The GTU had filed court proceedings to block the Government from, among other things, cutting the salaries of those teachers who had been on strike since February 5.

During the hearing, presiding Judge, Justice Sandil Kissoon, named Senior Counsels Edward Luckhoo and Robin Stoby as mediators. This was done through the court invoking the Civil Procedure Rules 2016 Part 26 (Court Ordered Meditation). It saw a swift resolution in bringing both sides to the table.

Politically motivated

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo reiterated at his Thursday press conference that these actions by the GTU have been politically motivated.

Now that Government is being asked to address wages from since 2017 – under the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition, Jagdeo shared that it flags the duplicitous nature of the Opposition.

“They want to make this political. So, now we have to go back to 2017 to address wages during the APNU period. She (Opposition Member of Parliament, Coretta McDonald) is the spokesperson on education for APNU in the Parliament and she is telling us we must now, in 2024, address what the APNU didn’t address in 2017. They’re not interested in teachers’ welfare. That is what we pointed out several times,” he said.

He further stated, “It’s not the fact that they’ve gone back. It’s the duplicity on the part of APNU shedding crocodile tears about teachers now when in the majority of their term in Government, they had not dealt with these issues that the teachers are raising now.”

The VP underscored that the Education Ministry has met with the GTU every month since Government took office in 2020, and they were working on several issues to better the lives of teachers and the overall sector.

“They have been meeting with the Union. They gave us this information and the Chief Education Officer has confirmed this. From August 2020, they have met every month with the Teachers’ Union. I don’t think this happens in every country in the world…They were working on several issues,” he outlined. (G12)

The

Village Council Elections

Hinterland village leaders urged to “get affairs in order” ahead of elections

…this includes submission of financial reports – Sukhai

Amerindian and hinterland village leaders have been urged to get their affairs in order and ensure that their village’s financial reports are submitted to the Amerindian Affairs Ministry ahead of this year’s Village Council elections.

This call has been issued by Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai, on Wednesday, during the commissioning of several developmental projects in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

In a couple of months, residents of more than 200 Amerindian villages across Guyana would cast their votes for new toshaos and councillors, who would then serve for a period of three years, in keeping with the Amerindian Act of 2006.

The submission of audited reports of the financial affairs of these villages and asset registers that account for both movable and immovable village assets is a crucial step in ensuring transparen-

cy and accountability in the management of resources by the local councils, and by extension the Government.

In this regard, the Amerindian Affairs Minister has urged members of the

councils to prioritise the submission of these reports, as not only would the councils benefit, but also the residents of the villages in the long run.

“There is a handful of vil-

lages that don’t subscribe to submitting their financial report…but they’re in breach of the law when they don’t send in to the Ministry or to the Minister, as prescribed by law, their annual financial report. I am encouraging the village councils that, by March the 31, all annual financial reports should be in at the Ministry,” the Minister has said.

Further, Minister Sukhai underscored the importance of smooth transition to leadership, thereby avoiding any developmental delays within villages. In this regard, she admonished village coun-

cils not to spend large sums of money during this time, in an effort to ensure that administrative funds are in place for the new councillors following the elections.

“When there is a handing-over ceremony, many villages that have new councils, they always spend the rest of the year quarrelling over the financial status of the village, and they lose six months of work because they make all kind of spurious allegations: that the previous council didn’t leave any money, or that they don’t have the records, etc,” the Amerindian Affair Minister explained.

Moreover, by March 17, Amerindian villages across Guyana are required to publish their respective lists of candidates, to ensure ineligible persons are cleansed from the list.

Residents are required to be 18 years and older, and

must be of Amerindian descent to be eligible to vote, and they must be residents of the respective villages in which they desire to vote.

The Amerindian Affairs Ministry is in full preparation mode for the 2024 Village Leaders’ Elections. Officers from the Ministry will be dispatched to various polling stations to observe the proceedings, and lend assistance if any issue arises.

Amerindian villages elect their Village Councils, which are headed by Toshaos (Village Captains), every two to three years, in keeping with the Amerindian Act 2006.

The Village Council is responsible for administering the affairs of the village, including spearheading projects, listening and addressing villagers’ concerns, and providing national representation for their respective areas. (G1)

Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai greeting the Toshao of Quiko, Region Nine

Amerindian Affairs Minister Sukhai addressing villagers of Quiko, Region Nine

National Human Organ & Transplant Registry to be established

The Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Agency is actively working to establish Guyana’s first National Human Organ and Transplant Registry.

This platform, which will be managed by the agency, is part of efforts to modernise Guyana’s healthcare system and fast-track the process in which ill citizens access functioning organs.

Currently, the agency takes organ donors through a rigorous process before

they can donate organs. This process includes consulting with multiple stakeholders from various agencies after a donor has been identified and their family consents to the procedure being activated.

With the registry in place, the lists of national donors and recipients would be added to the Health Ministry’s database to allow citizens to become donors following their passing, and patients to receive organs, once available. The registration would include the con-

sents, amendments, and revocation of consents from adults regarding the donation of their organs, tissues, cells, or biofluids, among other things.

Director of Medical and Professional Services at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Dr Navindranauth Rambaran, has said the establishment of a National Donor and Transplant Registry is provided for in Part Three, Section 13 of the Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Bill 2021. In this regard, he disclosed that a prioritisation process would be implemented to ensure that recipients of organs are

catered for effectively.

“…so, the agency is actively putting together both lists. With regards to the latter list, that would be the ones who would potentially receive or be recipients of donations, there will be a process of vetting those persons and arranging in order of priority based on how far the disease is, and their age.

I am just giving examples of factors that are weighed in. And then that list will be dynamically updated over the years to ensure that, once organs become available, that these persons will be considered for a donation,” Dr. Rambaran has said.

The Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Agency also plans to expand its Transplant Suite located at the GPHC to accommodate more patients who have had successful transplant surgeries and require aftercare.

“As we expand, we expect that there will be a greater number of transplants being done, and we anticipate that the space for the care of these patients will have to expand,” Dr. Rambaran added.

Moreover, individuals who are in need of organ, tissue, cell, and biofluid transplantation, as well as those

Director of Medical and Professional Services at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Dr Navindranauth Rambaran

who have received such treatments, will be included in the registration process.

To fulfill this requirement, the Organ Tissue and Transplant Agency, through legislation, will assume the responsibility of managing, operating, and preserving the donor registry.

The Act specifies that “The Agency shall keep proper records of all its dealings in relation to its functions under this act, which shall include annotations and inventories of organs, tissues, cells, cell explants, cell lines, and biofluids and other substances available, and those used and how used.” (G1)

Members of the Human Organ and Tissue Transplant Agency

Shawn Gurcharran is new GBTI CEO

The Guyana Bank for Trade & Industry (GBTI) Limited on Thursday announced that its current Chief Executive Officer (CEO) James Foster will be replaced by his deputy, Shawn Gurcharran.

Foster’s last day at work will be on March 31, 2024, while the new CEO will take up his position from April 2, 2024.

“GBTI expresses its deepest appreciation to James Foster, our outgoing CEO, for his transformative leadership since 2020. Jim’s global banking expertise and strategic foresight have been pivotal in advancing GBTI’s position in the banking sector. Jim’s tenure brought about significant achievements, and set new benchmarks for excellence. The Bank is indebted to James Foster for this legacy,” GBTI has stated in a release.

With over 20 years in banking and a solid tenure

as GBTI’s Chief Financial Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Shawn Gurcharran, the GBTI CEO-designate, is uniquely poised to lead the management structure of the bank. His profile includes an MBA with a specialism in Finance, and ACCA and CGI fellowships, which have been instrumental in GBTI’s financial growth and strate-

gic transformation efforts.

The incumbent CEO is supported by an executive team that has extensive experience, a portent for a continuing trajectory of growth, innovation, and commitment to excellence. His appointment continues the legacy of strong Guyanese leadership at the helm and management levels of the Bank.

Health fair hosted at OTC

Athree-day health fair, part of a collaborative effort between Humanity First Guyana and the Guyana Police Force (GPF), was hosted in the compound of the Officers'

Training Centre (OTC).

It commenced on Tuesday. Five booths provided a range of free healthcare services such as testing for blood pressure and cholesterol, along with optical ser-

vices, a 'blood bank', as well as counselling, pharmaceutical advice and health tips. The initiative saw participation from Police ranks and officials, and members of the public. (GPF photos)

Body of Essequibo Coast fisherman found floating at foreshore

The lifeless body of a young fisherman was on Thursday found floating at the Jibb Foreshore in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) – four days after he had left for sea.

Gun, ammo, ganja found in makeshift camp

ATaurus pistol, one magazine with seven live rounds of 9mm ammunition, and a quantity of ganja were discovered in a makeshift camp during a police operation at Torauparu Backdam, Lower Puruni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Police have said that on Wednesday, at about 23:25h, ranks on an all-terrain vehicle observed a makeshift mining camp along the trail.

As they approached the

camp, they observed a male running away from the camp, but despite their giving chase, he managed to escape.

Ranks searched a hammock found under the camp and unearthed the firearm and ammunition. They also observed a bulky plastic bag which, when opened, contained 147 small transparent Ziplock plastic bags with cannabis.

An investigation is underway.

The gun and ammunition found in the hammock

Dredge owner dies after being pinned underwater as land caves in

Sixty-year-old Bertram Willie, a dredge owner of Wisrock New Housing Scheme in Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), met his demise on Wednesday while working at his mining operation at Cowing Backdam, Upper Mazaruni, Region Seven

(Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Based on reports received, Trevor Benn, another miner, related that on Wednesday at about 12:45h, Willie was submerged while extracting gravel in the Mazaruni River.

Benn said that as he looked closer, he observed

that a piece of land had caved into the river, and that was in the area where Willie was operating.

Benn explained that he called out to Willie, but did not get any response.

As such, he immediately raised an alarm, and with the assistance of other miners, the body of the elderly

man was found pinned underwater by a tree stump.

Willie was subsequently pulled from the water and taken to the surface, before being taken to the Imbaimadai Health Post, where he was pronounced dead. A post-mortem is expected to be conducted soon.

Dead is 23-yearold Mahindra Persaud, also known as “Bobo”, of Devonshire Castle Back Street, Essequibo Coast.

According to his brother Marvin, Persaud would normally go out to sea and spend about three days before returning home. He also stated that the now-dead fisherman was an alcoholic and had been suffering from seizures for about five years now.

Marvin further related that the now-dead man was last seen alive on Tuesday about 07:00h when he left home.

At approximately 06:30h,

on Thursday, Persaud’s body was found floating about 100 feet from the Jibb Seawall. The body was retrieved and positively identified as that of Persaud.

It was taken to the Suddie Public Hospital Mortuary to await a post-mortem. (G4)

Security guard’s house goes up in flames

The upper flat of the two-bedroom wooden structure was completely destroyed

Security guard Norma McIntosh, who resided at Lot 657 Number 76 Village Housing Scheme in Corriverton, East Berbice, is now homeless, after a fire, believed to be an act of arson, destroyed her two-bedroom house while she was not at home.

The 56-year-old McIntosh told this publication that she lived alone, and was in the market at Corriverton when she received news from a colleague that her home was on fire. She said that when arrived on scene, firefighters had already extinguished the blaze. She said the entire building and all of her belongings were destroyed.

According to McIntosh, upon arriving on the scene, she noticed that the padlock for her door was on the stairway, which was the only part of the building that was saved. She said one of the firefighters told her that, when they arrived, the door to the

building was open.

McIntosh said she had secured the building before leaving. “I always padlock the door. I used to padlock the gate, but I started leaving it open because, when it is padlocked, the water people can’t get to come in and read the water meter, and every month they sending me an estimated bill; so, I started leaving the gate open,” she said.

McIntosh said it appears as if someone used heat to breach the padlock and fly it. “Because the key can’t go in, and it looks like there is a burn by the keyhole. A woman told me that she was passing when the fire was small, and she saw it in the roof,” McIntosh disclosed.

She said she had built the house six years ago.

Persons desirous of helping McIntosh are kindly asked to contract her on telephone number (592) 6914519. (G4)

New GBTI CEO Shawn Gurcharran

Outgoing CEO James Foster

The cannabis discovered at the location

The makeshift camp that was raided

Mahindra Persaud

Around the World

OOIL NEWS

Oil prices nearly flat as market weighs Chinese demand, North America supply increase

il prices were little changed on Thursday as markets weighed new economic data from China against increasing supply from the Western Hemisphere.

Brent crude futures settled flat at US$82.96 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures ended 20 cents lower at US$78.93.

China's import and export growth beat estimates, suggesting global trade is turning a corner in a positive signal for policymakers as they try to shore up economic recovery.

But even as China posted a 5.1 per cent rise in crude imports during the first two months of the year from a year earlier, overall imports have been falling, continuing a trend of softening purchases by the world's biggest buyer.

"The import numbers were down substantially, because they are not willing to pay full price for barrels," said Bob Yawger, Director of Energy Futures at Mizuho. The lack of Chinese demand failed to impress the market, he said.

The global oil market is relatively well supplied with demand growth slowing and supply increasing from the Americas, the Head of the International Energy Agency's oil markets and industry division told Reuters on Thursday.

Oil inventories in the US rose last week for a sixth week in a row.

"The market continues to be pulled around demand concerns in China, on the one hand, and increasing supply out of the Western Hemisphere," said Andrew Lipow, President of Lipow Oil Associates.

The markets were bracing for the likelihood that the Federal Reserve could delay its first US interest rate cut to the second half of this year, which boosted the dollar, according to a Reuters poll of foreign exchange strategists.

A strong greenback dents demand for dollar-denominated oil among buyers using other currencies.

On Wednesday, Fed Chair Jerome Powell said the central bank still expected to reduce its benchmark interest rate this year. On Thursday, the European Central Bank kept its main interest rate unchanged at 4.0 per cent as expected.

Fuel consumption in India, the world's third-biggest oil importer and consumer, rose 5.7 per cent year-on-year in February, aided by strong factory activity. (Reuters)

6 Sri Lankans knifed to death in Canadian capital in rare case of mass murder

Six persons from Sri Lanka, including a mother and four young children, were knifed to death in the Canadian capital Ottawa late on Wednesday, Police said on Thursday, rocking a country where mass murders are rare.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he was horrified by what he called a "terrible tragedy". The father of the family was also wounded in the attack and is in hospital.

Police said Febrio DeZoysa, a 19-year-old male student from Sri Lanka, had been arrested and charged with six counts of first degree murder and one count of attempted murder. DeZoysa knew the family and had been living in the house, they said.

The victims killed were a 35-year-old woman and her children aged 7, 4, 2 and 2 months, as well as a

US to set up temporary port on Gaza coast for aid delivery

President Joe Biden is to announce that the US military will construct a port in Gaza to get more humanitarian aid into the territory by sea, senior US officials say.

The temporary port will increase the amount of humanitarian assistance to Palestinians by "hundreds of additional truckloads" per day, officials say.

However it will not include US troops on the ground in Gaza, they said.

The United Nations warns that a quarter of the population is on the brink of famine.

The port will take "a number of weeks" to set up, the officials said, and will be able to receive large ships carrying food, water, medicine, and temporary shelters. Initial shipments will arrive via Cyprus, where Israeli security inspections will take place.

It is not clear who will build the causeway or secure the aid on land, meaning crucial questions about whether the operation can succeed remain unan-

Meanwhile, a Hamas delegation has left talks in Cairo without a deal for a ceasefire in Gaza

swered.

Gaza has no deep-water port and so the US has for weeks been looking at ways to get shiploads of aid in urgently, while the administration has publicly ramped up its pressure and increasingly shown in public its impatience with Israel over the desperate situation on the ground.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) warned this week that

children were dying of starvation in northern Gaza, where an estimated 300,000 Palestinians are living with little food or clean water.

Meanwhile, a Hamas delegation has left talks in Cairo without a deal for a ceasefire in Gaza, but the armed group says indirect negotiations with Israel are not over.

It had been hoped that a 40-day truce could be in

place for the start of the Islamic month of Ramadan next week.

With more signs of a famine looming, international pressure has only grown.

But Egyptian and Qatari mediators have struggled to seal a deal that would see Hamas free Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli jails. (Excerpts from BBC News)

Haiti's main port closes as gang violence spirals

Haiti's main port says it is suspending operations due to sabotage and vandalism as the capital city descends further into violence and chaos.

Local media report that armed men broke into the port in capital Port-auPrince, looting containers.

It follows attacks by gangs on the airport, Police Stations and prisons this week. They are pushing for Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry's removal.

A three-day state of emergency has now been extended by a month.

40-year-old man who was an acquaintance of the family.

"This was a senseless act of violence perpetrated on purely innocent people," Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs told a televised news conference. Police said they had had no previous dealings with the suspect or the family.

Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, in a social media post, said it was "one of the most shocking incidents of violence in our city's history".

Ottawa, which has a population of one million, saw 14 murders in 2023 and 15 in 2022.

Wednesday's victims were found inside a house in the southwestern suburb of Barrhaven. Police arrived on the scene following emergency calls shortly before 23:00h on Wednesday.

Mass killings in Canada are infrequent.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Caribbean Port Services, the operator of the port, cited "malicious acts of sabotage and vandalism" as it announced the decision to suspend all services.

More than 20 trucks carrying vital equipment, medical supplies and food are stuck at the port, according to the UN's World Food Programme, which said it had suspended its maritime transport service, citing "insecurity".

The UN humanitarian affairs agency has warned that the country's health system is "nearing collapse".

US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken spoke to Henry to ask for an "urgent" political transition, a senior US official said.

Blinken spoke with the Haitian Prime Minister about "the urgent need to accelerate transition to a broader, more in-

clusive government today", Brian Nichols, US Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, said at an event on Thursday.

The gangs in the violence-wracked city stepped up their attacks when Henry left for a regional summit last week.

Henry attempted to fly back to Port-au-Prince on Tuesday, but ended up in the US territory of Puerto Rico instead.

He could not land in the Haitian capital, because its international airport was closed as soldiers repelled attempts by gunmen to seize it.

Henry has not given any public statements since he visited Kenya, where he met President William Ruto to salvage a deal for the east African country to lead a multinational force to help restore order in Haiti.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Sweden formally joins NATO S

weden has officially become the 32nd member of NATO after it completed its accession process in Washington.

The handover of documents took place at a ceremony two years after Sweden applied to join the military alliance following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said that "unity and solidarity" would be Sweden's "guiding lights".

NATO today "is stronger than ever," US President Joe Biden said.

"NATO stands more united, determined, and dynamic" the US leader said, adding that "together with our newest ally Sweden NATO will continue to stand for freedom and democracy for generations to come."

"This has been a little bit of a road, but we've known from day one that we would be here one day," US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken said.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg posted on X that Sweden brings with it "capable armed forces and a first-class defence industry" and that the alliance had become "stronger and safer".

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky also welcomed Sweden's accession to NATO, saying "one more country in Europe has become more protected from Russian evil."

Russia has vowed to take unspecified political and military measures in response to Sweden's move.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

A three-day state of emergency has now been extended by a month

DAILY HOROSCOPES

(March 21-April 19)

(April 20-May 20)

(May 21-June 20)

(June 21-July 22)

(July 23-Aug. 22)

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Make personal gain a priority. Don't waste time on empty promises or big talkers who don't deliver. Put your energy where it will do you some good. Don't let yourself be taken for granted.

Don't offer more than you can deliver. It's time to make needed updates. Keep your life simple and take care of your business before you offer to help others.

Tread carefully. Say little, do a lot and leave no room for error. Be aware of other agendas and steer clear of people trying to use you. Focus on personal improvements.

Evaluate situations, know who is on your team and prepare to indulge in pastimes that spark your imagination, bring back memories and reconnect you to old friends.

Don't second-guess yourself when you should be questioning others. Put your energy into what makes sense and will bring the highest returns or the most joy. Personal growth will require physical endurance.

Take the initiative to make things happen. Be the one to spread the word, take on projects and lead the way to positive change. Partnerships look promising if you set clear boundaries.

Relax and have fun. You don't have to break the budget to enjoy life. A reunion with old friends or time spent in nature will spark your imagination and sprout ideas and plans.

Don't make a rash decision before taking the time to verify information and consider how you'll be affected by what's happening around you. Use your ingenuity.

Take a breather. You owe it to yourself and those you care about to decide what's best for you. Don't let outside interference cost you mentally, emotionally or financially.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Don't take on someone else's responsibilities when you need to concentrate on what you can do to get ahead or to live the life that suits you best. Your happiness is your responsibility.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Stay calm, regardless of what others do. Distance yourself from situations and people who aren't consistent or make last-minute changes that don't fit your criteria. Focus on what works for you.

Being stubborn will deter someone who wants to take advantage of you. Don't let temptation get the better of you. Be direct, don't hesitate to say no and don't pay for something you don't want.

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

PICKLES

ARCHIE

28 teams gearing up for Climb

Guyana's Easter tournament

The Climb Guyana Cup is making a return, with its Easter Edition featuring a total of 28 male and female senior teams set to compete for both cash and glory in the North Rupununi.

The Aranaputa Sports Ground in North Rupununi will come alive from March 22 to 24 with 17 male teams and, for the first time, 11 female teams and four U15 teams, all representing North, Central and South Rupununi, when the Climb Guyana Cup is staged.

The Battle of The North champions, Massara Strikers FC, may have clinched victory in December, but with their absence from this competition, a new winning male team will emerge.

Participating senior men’s teams are: All Stars Blazers FC, Challengers United FC, Falcons FC, FC Basin, Guyana Rush Saints FC, Jaguars FC, Legends United FC, Moco Moco FC, Paiwomak FC, Snatchers FC, Snipers FC, Spartans FC, Tabatinga FC, Three Hills FC, Three Regions FC, Toka FC, and

Wowetta Thunderbolt FC. Senior women’s clubs are: All Stars Blazers FC, Challengers United FC, FC Basin, Flash FC, Gladiators FC, Guyana Rush Saints FC, Jaguars FC, Paiwomak FC, Strikers FC, Three Hills FC,

and Three Regions FC.

Climb Guyana Cup found-

er Amanda Wilson-Falloon has said the decision to host the tournament has been driven by a desire to contribute to the Easter festivities in the region, and provide teams with

more playing time in preparation for the start of the regional Senior Men's League. “Easter is one of the busiest travel times in Rupununi because it's rodeo season. We decided to host the Climb Guyana Cup to add to the

Dancehall sensation Jahshii inspired Slingerz FC

…Ahead of emphatic victory over Fruta Conquerors

In an unexpected twist at the Slingerz FC training ground this week, popular Jamaican dancehall entertainer Jahshii took to the football field to engage in a spirited training session with the club’s players, leaving an indelible mark on both the team and coaching staff.

The collaboration took place on Monday as part of Jahshii’s extended stay in Guyana to support the football team during their KFC Elite League match against Fruta Conquerors on Tuesday night. Slingerz defeated Fruta Conquerors 4-1 in another dominant performance under Coach Alex Thomas, with Jahshii looking on from the sidelines.

Jahshii, who had

previously performed alongside fellow entertainers Masicka and Guyana’s Bnick at the Slingerz Westside Mashramani Weekend Celebration at the Leonora Stadium on Saturday, decided to prolong his stay to witness the football team in action.

Under the watchful eye of their newly appointed head coach, the dancehall artist actively participated in the training session, and engaged the players in conversation, leaving a lasting impression on everyone involved.

Javed Ali, President of Slingerz FC, expressed his elation at having Jahshii join their training session, highlighting the positive impact on the players and

the club’s connection to the reggae and dancehall culture.

“We were elated to have Jahshii train with our club. The intensity of the training session showed that the players enjoyed him being there, and they were impressed by his footballing abilities,” said Ali. “Having such a popular and trending artiste visit the club helps motivate the players, so they understand that they can make it to the very top if they believe in themselves and show the required commitment to their craft.”

Ali emphasized the importance of Jahshii’s presence in inspiring the players and fostering a connection between music and football within the Slingerz

FC community. “Jahshii helped us tremendously in this regard, since his music is popular in our dressing room. He was willing to come train and speak to the players, and it was important for us,” Ali added.

Coach Alex Thomas echoed Ali’s sentiments, describing Jahshii’s involvement as a significant boost for both himself and the players. “To see this icon from Jamaica helps a lot. It was a big boost in the little time he was there, and we encourage more of this,” remarked Thomas.

He emphasized the positive impact on the mental aspects of the players’ game, boosting their confidence by witnessing Jahshii up close and personal during the training session.

“For me, when Jahshii joined the practice, that was a big boost, not only for me, but also the players and the club. The players accepted him with a warm welcome,” Thomas added. “Jahshii training with the club helps boost the mental aspects of their game, their confidence. To see this person close up and personal training with us, someone they only see on stage or on TV, was a great boost for us.” (Sportsmax)

Easter festivities in the region and to also give players more playing time in a competitive environment ahead of the upcoming new season of the Rupununi Football Association (RAF), Senior Men's League,” she explained.

“We are looking forward to another successful tournament at the Aranaputa Sports Ground: three days of intense competition and lots of fun. As a fitting conclusion to the event, the Aranaputa Rodeo is scheduled for March 25, immediately following our championship match.”

Each match is scheduled to last for forty minutes. All clubs will compete in the knockout stage, with the winners advancing to round two. This sequence would continue until only the top four performing clubs are left to compete in the championship and

third-place matches.

Wilson-Falloon added: “A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the clubs, the Rupununi Football Association (RFA), the North Rupununi Football Association (NRFA), and Aranaputa Upper Burro Burro Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) for their continuous support of Climb Guyana as we persist in highlighting a fresh platform for competition.” Fans will witness fierce competition between some of the Rupununi's premier clubs, who would be vying for a prize pool of one million dollars in cash and prizes.

Climb Guyana Region Nine Director Alphonso King noted that “preparations are on stream for the tournament, and the teams are eager to compete. We encourage all fans to come out and support their teams.”

Sterling Products commits to Westside Golf Course Easter ‘Eggstravaganza’

Sterling Products Ltd will become a main sponsor, alongside the Ministry of Tourism and the Guyana Tourism Authority, for the massive Easter Eggstravaganza weekend being hosted at the Westside Golf Course by the Klein/Pouderoyen NDC and Nexgen Global Promotions.

The Easter weekend celebrations will include a Car and Bike Show on Saturday; Duck Curry and King of the Grill Barbecue competition on Sunday; and Family Fun Day and Easter Egg Hunt, combined with a Fashion and Talent Show with lots of giveaways, on Easter Monday.

It is anticipated that over 10,000 persons would participate in the activities over the three-day event, and promote a range of attractions that Region Three would henceforth offer on a regular basis.

Marketing Manager Dellon Lynch indicated, “The company has committed to providing at least 500 kids with complimentary Igloo ice cream and several hampers filled with a variety of our wide range of products as prizes for the weekend’s activities.

Sterling Products has been a staunch supporter of the Guyana Golf Association and Nexgen Golf over the years, and contributed to the student programme with Nexgen Golf and the Ministry of Education, which has blossomed into a pro-

gramme of unprecedented proportions.

“The opening of the only golf course in Region Three for family activities comes at a timely moment, since the Joe Vieira Park is temporarily out of commission. This facility has parking for several hundred vehicles, and will ease the congestion on the main roads”, RDC Vice Chairman Omesh Stayanand has said.

And NDC Chairman Umesh Balram has said, “We are proud to have a facility in our area that can accommodate over 6,000 persons, who can participate in all kinds of family activities such as golf, cricket, football, fishing and cultural events.”

Persons interested in reserving a spot to participate in the activities or vend are asked to visit the office of the Klein/Pouderoyen NDC, or call 645-0944 as soon as possible.

A glimpse of what to expect in Climb Guyana’s Easter tournament

Sterling Products Marketing Manager Dellon Lynch

Dancehall entertainer Jahshii (second right) posing with Slingerz FC players after their 4-1 victory over Fruta Conquerors on Tuesday night

Drayton wins Caribbean Blitz chess title

Guyanese FIDE

Master Anthony Drayton is the Champion of the Caribbean Blitz 2024 tournament hosted by the Guyana Chess Federation on Wednesday, March 6th, at the Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel.

The competition was open to all members of the teams visiting for the ongoing Caricom Classic Chess tournament and to Guyanese chess players, and attracted more than forty participants. Among the players were females from both the visiting Caricom teams and from Caricomassociated members and local teams.

The fast-paced intense chess competition was played over seven rounds, with three minutes on each side plus 2 seconds’ increment after each move.

Drayton triumphed over his opponents to gain an undefeated 6.5 points. He won against Guyanese players

Rolex Alexander and Sachin Pitamber, Trinidadians Ysvett Hermoso Rodriguez, Quinn Cabralis and Joshua Johnson, and Jamaican Nathan Hinds. He drew with Surinamese Jason Yeung in the last round. Coming in second, third, and fourth places with 5.5 points each were FM Joshua Johnson, FM Quinn Cabralis, and Jason Yeung respectively.

Guyanese Candidate Master Ronuel Greenidge placed 5th with 5 points. Rodriguez, JhusticeDemonte McDonald (Jamaica), Phillip Corbin (Barbados), and Ryan Blackwood (Cayman Islands) also gained 5 points, with the 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th positions. Barbados Emar Edwards took the 10th position with 4.5 points.

Digicel and GBTI power up Regatta 2024

Under the theme ‘Is We Own’, the 2024 edition of the Bartica Easter Regatta, the biggest all-encompassing event in the sport and entertainment history of Bartica, is shaping up to be among the best ever hosted.

Regional Chairman Kenneth Williams, who also chairs the Bartica Regatta Committee, has disclosed that things are happening at a frenetic pace for this year's event concerning corporate support for the almost month-long activities, which commenced on March 3rd and will conclude on April 1st.

On board in a huge way are Digicel and the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry.

Digicel's Chief Commercial Officer, Ms. Simone Pierre, recently handed over that company’s sponsorship to Regatta Committee Treasurer Ms. Natalie Tilbury Bobb, and in brief remarks underscored Digicel’s commitment to supporting the event, which is not only a household name in Guyana, but forms a part of the sporting calendar of the nation.

“This event is one that persons locally and overseas look forward to each year. They plan and budget for it, those coming from overseas, so you can understand the value and importance it carries. We have been throwing

in our support over the years, and will continue to do so, as it helps to empower the community in a major and holistic way,” she said.

Ms. Tilbury Bobb expressed delight on behalf of the Regatta Committee, its Chairman Mr. Williams, and the people of the community on the continued partnership between the two entities. She noted that this year’s activity promises to be huge.

Likewise, GBTI Marketing Manager Pernell Cummings handed over the Bank’s contribution to Committee Chairman Kenneth Williams, who lauded the GBTI for keeping up the Regatta tradition, which brings together thousands of persons in sports and other activities that support community development and empowerment.

“We, here at GBTI, commend you and your committee for keeping this rich tradition going. You can depend on us for continued support, this is just one of the ways we give back to the community for its support of us. We look forward to seeing successful activities being held, and your marquee event, the powerboat racing on Easter Sunday,” Cummings has said.

In response, Williams commended GBTI for backing the event, which he noted will not disappoint.

Cash prizes totalling US$1,250, sponsored by the Guyana Chess Federation, were presented to the top ten winners, and the U14 prize went to 13-year-old Guyanese Sachin Pitamber.

The chess tournament was supervised by FIDE Arbiter John Lee and International FIDE Arbiter Kelvin Daniel from Barbados.

Several Guyanese players who are known for playing the speed chess format also participated. They included Davion Mars and the Motilall brothers. The speed chess format forces players to overwhelm opponents in a few minutes.

The GCF congratulates Anthony Drayton on his achievement, and thanks all the players who participated in the Blitz.

“One Guyana” Basketball League… “We are

100%

confident” – Coach Hooper

T“Regatta, as you would know, Mr. Cummings, is not only limited to Barticians, but we welcome persons from all across Guyana to our beautiful community and to indulge in the best we have to offer, be it sports activities and the many other events. So, I’d like to assure you and the Management of GBTI that your support is vital to the overall success of the activities.”

Following is the calendar of events for the Easter Regatta:

March 16: Miss Bartica Regatta Sashing March 22: Regatta in Kingston Jamaica Party March 23: Regatta

Jump Start

March 24: Regatta

Beach Lime/ Regatta Got Talent

March 27: Karaoke Finals/ Football Semi-Finals

March 28: Gospel

Extravaganza – Made to Conquer

March 30: Regatta

Football Finals/Street JamAll Black

Regatta On Land Tours/ Resort Hopping

March 31: Powerboat

Race Day/ River Swim/Road Race

April 1: Grass Track Racing/ Miss Regatta Pageant

he Stabroek Eagles will attempt to capture the “One Guyana” Basketball League title this Saturday, having established themselves as the only unbeaten team, despite numerous hurdles.

In a comment invited by Guyana Times Sport, Coach of Stabroek Eagles, Adrian Hooper, explained that his team is confident about adding this trophy to their case.

“We are one hundred percent confident. And I mean this team Colts was one to beat; they have been behind us many years, and they just kept edging us. But tonight we were able to get over the hump and get the victory, and we are happy and are heading to the finals,” Hooper said.

He related that team spirit was key to this team being undefeated so far in the tournament by saying, “Well, I mean the team spirit is there. I mean our camaraderie was there, and we held it together as a team. Going undefeated so far in the tournament is tremendous, and we could only stay here and get better and better.”

The undefeated Stabroek Eagles, led by national forward Travis Belgrave and veteran guard

National shooting guard

Dominic Vincente of the Kitty/ Campbellville Ravens

Michael Richards, will look to continue their streak as they go up against Kitty/ Campbellville Ravens, led by national guard Dominic Vincente and veteran guard Ryan Stephney, rival to Richards of Eagles, on Saturday March 9th.

The team winning the tournament would receive $1M along with trophies, while the runner-up team would receive $500,000

plus trophies.

The tournament was made possible by sponsorship from the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry; G-Boats Guyana; National Sports Commission; Guyana Basketball Federation, and Georgetown Basketball Federation. (Omar McKenzie)

Ronuel Greenidge receiving his 5th place prize

A

National forward Travis Belgrave of the Stabroek Eagles

GBTI’s Marketing Manager Pernell Cummings (right) handing over cheque to Regatta Committee Chairman Kenneth Williams

Golden Jags billed for historic FIFA series in Saudi Arabia

Afresh opportunity is on the horizon for Guyana’s Golden Jaguars, as they are set to compete in the first-ever FIFA Series 2024 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The FIFA Series initiative was launched in 2023, and is aimed at giving national teams exposure to compete against teams outside of their respective federations.

The first edition of the initiative will be played in the March 2024 international window, with Guyana’s senior men’s national football team, the Golden Jaguars, being one of the first teams in the world to have a chance at the friendly competition.

Guyana has been placed in the Saudi Arabia ‘A’ Group, alongside Cape Verde, Cambodia and Equatorial Guinea.

The official announcement of Guyana’s participation in the friendly initiative was made by Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde on Thursday afternoon, when he offered more information about the competition and voiced his hope that players can capitalize on opportunities there.

Forde divulged, “These friendly matches are part of a new initiative approved by the FIFA Council back in 2023; where, in every even-numbered year, they

will host friendly matches across the six confederations, which will bring together teams that may not have had the chance to play against each other outside of a World Cup tournament. This is the first edition of the FIFA series, and the Guyana Football Federation is very proud that we have been selected to be a part of this inaugural initiative.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a completely different part of the world. It's a brand-new experience for all of us, more so our players. The environment will be very different from what they are accustomed to in the Confederation of CONCACAF, and we hope that they will seize the opportunity to perform to their utmost and with the hope that they can catch the attention of some of the clubs out there in Saudi Arabia, and other scouts that will no doubt be monitoring those

games,” Forde added about the new opportunities that await the national team.

Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz elaborated on what’s at stake for the Golden Jaguars regarding opportunities that can go their way, and how the games will benefit their World Cup Qualifiers’ preparation.

“Historically, Guyana Football Federation being a part of this project is huge. You know, even being considered, much less being selected. Sometimes we take things for granted, and think…Look at the teams in this thing, this is a huge opportunity! Apart from the history that Guyana, for the first time, will actually be playing in the Middle East, you know, which is another historic moment; the opportunities it presents for players, as President Forde said, to impress teams in Saudi Arabia, scouts….It gives us

the opportunity before June to have at least the core of our players together so that we can evaluate going into June,” Shabazz related to media operatives present.

The Golden Jags boss further said, “First, I think it's always been difficult to persuade the Caribbean player who’s based in the Caribbean playing what football can do for him or her. This opportunity helps to solve that problem. You know, we saw it, I wasn't part of the team for Ethiopia, but it was a mind-blowing experience for them. So, going to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia exposes the athlete to (the) kind of benefit that could drive them to give a different level of commitment to football and the football life.”

While most of the local arm of the team are currently competing in the KFC Elite League, the play-

ers will go into training in a few days’ time. Touching on team composition for the Saudi Arabia assignment, Shabazz revealed that most of the locally-based players were part of the recent Nations League outfit.

“From the domestic players’ standpoint, we should have about 10 or 12 of them in the squad. They have been part of it in the qualification to League A, so they're not really newcomers, although the league has thrown up some faces and some performances that have forced us to argue.

“You know, people look at our staff and think, but it has forced a lot of arguments. We've seen, you know, a couple youngsters come up: the boy from Slingerz who scored four goals in his debut game; you know, the other centre-back from GDF, Kevin Layne, returning to football from

a knee injury,” the Head Coach revealed.

Shabazz went on to disclose that, given their emphasis on keeping the squad from March together for the World Cup qualifiers in June, approximately 2 international players would miss out on selection.

The Golden Jags will come up against Cape Verde and Cambodia on March 21st and 26th respectively in the upcoming international window. While Cambodia, out of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), is ranked below Guyana at 179th in the world, Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) Cape Verde is ranked almost 92 places higher, at 65th in the world.

Algeria(CAF), Andorra (UEFA), Bolivia (CONMEBOL), South Africa (CAF), Azerbaijan (UEFA), Bulgaria (UEFA), Mongolia, (AFC), Tanzania (CAF), Bermuda (CONCACAF), Brunei (AFC), Guinea (CAF), Vanuatu(OFC), Bhutan (AFC), Central African Republic (CAF), Papua New Guinea (OFC) and Sri Lanka (AFC) are among the other countries that would compete in the first leg of the FIFA Series tournament in Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, Algeria and Sri Lanka in the upcoming international window.

(Jemima

Holmes)

GFF President Wayne Forde

Golden Jags Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz