Guyana Times - Friday , May 17, 2024.pdf

Guyana notifies allies of Venezuela’s threatening posture at border

2-year-old among 3 injured after lorry crashes into concrete bridge

Traffic Chief calls out drivers seeking favours from highranking officials Guyanese among 2 killed in upstate NY headon collision Essequibo Coast labourer gets 2 years for stealing goat Taxi driver busted with 22kg ganja gets 4 years, fined $19.8M GTU is not serious about conciliation, using teachers to push other agenda

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, May 17 – 01:00h-02:30h and Saturday, May 18 – 02:00h-03:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, May 17 – 11:50h-13:20h and Saturday, May 18 –12:50h-14:20h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

“There

will be reciprocity” –VP warns countries restricting Guyana’s commodities

IParika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily.

mports from any country which prevents Guyana’s commodities from entering its market will face similar restrictions when its exports are entering Guyana.

This is according to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, who on Thursday said, “We will insist upon full reciprocity in matters of trade.”

He was at the time addressing the return of bottled water and $20 million worth of milk imports from Guyanese company Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) which was recently blocked by Trinidadian authorities from entry. According to DDL Chairman Komal Samaroo, the import of milk was blocked based on Trinidad’s Animal Disease and Importation Act 2020 while the water was restricted. He disclosed that these products have been exported to other Caricom territories with no such problems.

Jagdeo, during his weekly press conference, said going forward “the way our goods and our exports are treated across the Region –but in this particular case in Trinidad and Tobago – the same way their goods entering the Guyanese market will be treated. [There will be] full reciprocity on all of the issues, because if they can insist on a phytosanitary test that we don’t implement on their goods, but that they want to conduct on our goods before they enter into their market, then we will have to deal in the same manner as they’re doing.”

He noted that the two countries share a long-standing trade relationship and therefore, the Government was not looking “for a fight” but for fair treatment of its commodities. Jagdeo added that phytosanitary restrictions should not be used to stymie the flow of goods and services across the Caricom Region.

“All we want is for our goods to be treated fairly in their market as their goods are being treated here,” he noted.

“We don’t want to get into a tit-for-tat fight with Trinidad and Tobago, but as I said before we have a good trade relationship and I have seen a statement out of Trinidad and Tobago that they are trying to address the matter; we hope that the matter is addressed through the mechanisms that are available. However, if any country believes that it could treat our goods unfairly when it enters their market or even prevent our goods from entering their market whilst having free access to our market, then we are going to ensure we examine everything and there will be reciprocity,” the Vice President said.

Additionally, he said, “it doesn’t necessarily mean that we are going to put in a repressive phytosanitary regime, but we will ensure that on the balance of things, you can’t have unimpeded access into our market and we will tolerate restricted access into your market. We are sending that signal and I hope it goes out clearly.”

In a statement on Tuesday, Guyana’s Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry slammed Trinidad’s decision to refuse the goods,

noting that the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, the implementation of the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) to which both Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana subscribe, requires free movement of goods and services under the regional integration framework.

While it acknowledged that regional products must satisfy sanitary and other rules, the Ministry also noted that the dairy products were in full compliance with these regulations. Moreover, they were accept-

ed in other jurisdictions. It was pointed out that Guyana has already opened its market to regional producers, hence it is expected that products from Guyana should be guaranteed the full benefits of regional integration.

Subsequently, T&T Trade and Industry Ministry released a statement in which it claimed that there was no prohibition on the importation of animal products into Trinidad and Tobago from any Caricom Member State, including Guyana. However, for these products to be exported to Trinidad and Tobago, countries must be approved by the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries (MALF). This is a one-time approval associated with first-time exports, it stated. Further, it added that for an import permit to be issued for ‘firsttime’ imports of milk from any country, a risk analysis is required to be undertaken by the Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO). According to the Trinidad Government, the T&T importer of the products was informed of this requirement.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

Editor: Tusika Martin

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“Control It, Live Longer”

Today, Guyana joins with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to observe World Hypertension Day, themed “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer”.

In his message, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony said that high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects an estimated 1.13 billion people globally, with more than two-thirds residing in low- and middle-income countries.

Men are slightly more affected than women. High blood pressure is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it typically has vague or no symptoms. According to the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO), in the Americas region, more than a quarter of adult women and four in every ten adult men have hypertension. He also reminded in his message that over time, uncontrolled hypertension commonly leads to chronic kidney disease, heart disease, stroke, dementia, and death. Stroke and ischemic heart disease, resulting from hypertension, are consistently among the top causes of death in Guyana.

In his message for the day, the Minister said: “In 2016, a STEPS survey conducted in Guyana revealed that 18.4 per cent of Guyanese had high blood pressure, but were not taking medication for it. The Ministry of Health (MoH) has implemented the HEARTS protocol to address high and elevated blood pressure. HEARTS stands for Healthy lifestyle counselling, Evidence-based protocols, Access to essential medicines and technology, Riskbased cardiovascular disease management, Team-based care, and Systems for monitoring. HEARTS focuses on evidence-based practice for diagnosing and treating arterial hypertension. The HEARTS protocol programme is currently available in 150 health centres throughout Guyana”

When the COVID-19 pandemic was at its peak, it became a stark reminder that both the health authorities and citizens must continue to take the issue of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) very seriously.

Based on what the medical professionals had found, the majority of the persons who died as a result of contracting COVID-19 had some kind of underlying heath complications, many of which were related to NCDs.

Even before the pandemic, poor lifestyle choices; such as tobacco use, alcohol abuse, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity had resulted in large numbers of people falling sick and dying.

It is also believed that around 40 per cent of Guyanese are either overweight or obese and of that number, the majority are women. Health experts say that chronic diseases result largely from bad food choices and low levels of physical activity. Reducing the risk of developing chronic illnesses, including Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and various cancers is associated with living a healthy lifestyle, which includes such factors as non-smoking, a healthy diet, regular physical activity, moderate alcohol intake and a sense of mental well-being. For example, evidence suggests that half of all cancers could be prevented by following a healthy lifestyle.

Further, NCDs come at a high cost to individuals and to nation states in terms of human suffering, expensive treatment and loss of production. It is estimated that the direct and indirect costs of treating non-communicable diseases in Guyana was over 10 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

What is noteworthy is the realisation that most cases of chronic non-communicable diseases are avoidable and it is within our individual powers to prevent these diseases from affecting our lives.

So, how do we make the breakthrough when it comes to getting our citizens to adopt healthy lifestyles considering the fact that some persons still operate with a high degree of ignorance.

To begin with, we believe that there is need for greater awareness and knowledge in the society about the dangers of chronic illnesses. On this basis, we urge that there be continuous public education and awareness campaigns across the country to address various health issues.

The Government, even though it must take the lead as it relates to policy drafting and implementation, etc, cannot do it alone. The entire society must be actively involved. Perhaps the temples, mosques, and churches can take up a more active role in educating their congregations about the need to adopt healthier lifestyles in order to live longer, more fulfilling and happier lives.

Consumer bodies, schools and other educational institutions, civil society groups, and more importantly, the media also have a role to play, as when we lose our citizens due to premature deaths, the entire country is robbed of its most valuable resource.

We agree with the Minister in his message in observance of the day when he said: “Everyone has to learn how to measure and control their blood pressure for a healthier life.”

7 in every

Dear Editor,

My heart goes out to the families of the five persons who were killed in a road accident on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway on Monday, May 13, 2024. Having recently experienced the loss (not by accident) of someone who, for decades, was closer to me than anyone else in this world, I can imagine the excruciating pain that now envelopes these families.

I also understand that the condition of 4 other persons is described as critical. No amount of soothing words can give enough comfort to the families of these deceased persons. The only vital relief could flow from the Lord. Our prayers are with the victims’ families.

This tragedy calls into question the rising carnage on the roads. It was reported by the Ministry of Home Affairs that road fatalities increased from 99 in 2022 to 175 in 2023 (an increase of 76.8%). An alarming trend is the high rate of motorcycle fatalities, which increased in 2023 by 166.7% over the 2022 figure.

A good perspective of the magnitude of Guyana’s road fatality situation is obtained by citing the relevant figures for Trinidad & Tobago. There, the road fatalities increased by just 8% - from 86 in 2022 to 93 in 2023 - yet they lamented this slight percentage increase.

The cause of accidents, the loss of lives, the grief, the economic impact and social dislocation are all combined and expressed as an abstract piece of official sta-

10 road fatalities due to speeding

tistics, devoid of humanity. Families of victims, however, worry if the trend in statistics on fatalities alone would determine public policy and action to contain the problem!

Commentators have suggested several measures, such as re-structuring the grant of licences to drivers of motor vehicles. All applicants, for example, should enter a licensed driving school or take lessons from a trained and certified driving instructor for 2 to 3 weeks, and then take a written examination set by the National Road Safety Council. When they pass both the training and test, they should be issued with a provisional licence. If, within 2 years, they are not involved in any accident, they could then be considered for a regular licence.

The fitness of vehicles should be delegated to authorized licensed workshops. Oversight functions could be performed by the National Road Safety Council and/or the Auditor General’s Department. This would tend to reduce police corruption and release more police to work on the streets to monitor speed and regulate traffic.

Home Affairs Minister the honorable Robeson Benn has said that speeding accounted for 61 of the 99 (or 61.6%) fatalities in 2022, and for 128 of the 175 (or 73.1%) fatalities in 2023. In 2022, therefore, 6 in every 10 fatalities were due to speeding, compared with 7 in every 10 in 2023.

The Traffic Chief has

stated that, apart from speeding, drunken driving and lack of attentiveness (distraction) are major contributory factors in fatalities. Fatalities are due to either one factor or a combination of factors.

However, making statements about behavioural attitudes (such as the need to observe rules and being attentive) would not yield any significant result, unless these are buttressed by relevant policies and programmes that are designed to regulate behaviour.

The Government should consider revising speed limits, as is being done in New York State, which has just passed the Sammy’s Law that allows New York City to reduce the speed limit from 25mph to 20mph, and to reduce it further to 15mph in designated zones.

Do drivers’ behaviours on the roadways reflect the social and moral decay that threatens the viability of Guyanese society? Social issues like suicide, broken families, alcoholism, crime, drug abuse, mental illness and domestic violence have not yet been elevated to the centre of the political radar. To ensure that the rapid physical and material transformation expresses itself in quality living for all Guyanese, this must be accompanied by “attitudinal” transformation.

Here is where the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, in association with NGOs like churches, could play a key role. It is great to note that President Dr Irfaan Ali is aware of this dichot-

omy, and he recently met with religious leaders to help in rebuilding our society on principles of equity and shared responsibility. I note, however, that these NGOs could play a greater cohesive role in nation building if the Government is willing to allocate annual subventions to them.

At the enforcement level, while e-ticketing and the setting up of cameras would help to control drivers’ behaviours, this must be complemented by having more “boots on the ground.” Education and training programmes for drivers and road users are important, but police must patrol streets, monitor speed limit, direct traffic, and conduct random traffic blocks. There are other measures that the Government could employ to contain the problem, but those would be discussed elsewhere.

I have given much thought to the traffic fatalities, including criminality, and I would recommend that the Government allocate the responsibility of immigration and naturalization to a separate entity, as was done by the previous Government (APNU+AFC), to be called the Ministry of Immigration and Citizenship. This move would allow the Ministry of Home Affairs to consolidate its focus on the public safety enforcement agencies (police, prison and fire service) to bring crime and road accidents under control.

Sincerely, Dr Tara Singh

President Dr Irfaan Ali shares a photo with Caricom Secretary General, Dr Carla Barnett and veteran Journalist Sandra Ann Baptiste on Wednesday evening at Red House, High Street, Georgetown, where Baptise’s book, Caribbean Perspectives, was launched. The book chronicles the early days of regional integration and articles on economic and social issues in the Caribbean (Office of the President photo)

Indian Indentureship: Protests

By Ravi Dev

We must always remember that any if the indentured Indian did not comply with the terms of the “girmit/ agreement” – such as being unable to work - it was deemed a criminal act for which he could be prosected under the law that was adjudicated by Stipendiary magistrates who were very friendly to the managers. The jails were expanded exponentially to accommodate convicted indentureds while hospitals were supposed to ensure the indentureds were not malingering. As was explicated stated by one planter to a Commission the indentureds were supposed to be in the fields – or else the jail or hospital.

As stated by Chief Justice Beaumont in 1870 after the inquiry into the protest at Leonora mentioned below: “

Practicaliy an Immigrant is in the hands of the Employer to whom he is bound. He cannot leave him; he cannot live without work; he can only get such work and on such terms as the employer chooses to set him; and all the necessities are enforced not only by the inevitable influence if his isolated and dependent position, but by theterrors of imprisonment and the prospect of losing bith favours and wages.

CASES BROUGHT UNDER IMMIGRATION LAWS (1865 - 1869)

YEAR No. of Cases against Indentured servants

1865-66 6,280

1866-67 6,148

1867-68

Any act on the plantations in protest over their working conditions could be defined as an “overt rebellion”, in which the police cold be summoned and result in at least onerous fines and increased length of indentureship. At the worse, the “riot Act” could be read and they could be shot and killed. As such immigrants did not lightly enter into such actions; one could only imagine the provocations when they did.

One skeletal outline of notable protests dring indentureship is

1869 Leonora; La Jalousie

1872 Devonshire Castle (5 killed; 7 wounded); Hampton Ct; Anna Regina

1873 Uitvlugt; Success, Mon Repos and Non Pariel ;Skeldon; Eliza and Mary

1879 Skeldon

1888 Enmore; Versailles

1894 La Bonne Mere; Success; Leguan; Farm.

1896 Non Pariel ( 5 killed; 59 wounded}.

1899 Golden Fleece; Mon Repos:; Blairmont; De Kinderen.

1903 Friends (6 killed, 7 wounded); Peter's Hall; Diamond; Wales.

1912 Lusignan (1 killed)

1913 Rose Hall (15 killed, 56 wounded).

Highly-anticipated annual cycle race will be gruelling and exciting

Dear Editor,

All eyes will be on the National Sports Commission’s (NSC’s) 41st Independence Three-Stage Cycle Race. Now an international threestage cycle race, this activity would attract more than 50 national and international cyclists.

The race will start on Saturday morning as usual at the starting point in front of the police station at Corriverton in Region 6, then proceed to the finish line of the first stage in New Amsterdam, Region 6.

At 2pm on that same Saturday, the second leg of the race will start at Rosignol in Region 5, and proceed to the finishing point at Carifesta Avenue in Georgetown, Region 4.

The third and final stage will start on Sunday morning in front of the Call Centre at Kara Kara in Linden, Region 10, and finish at Homestretch Avenue in Georgetown. This highly-anticipated annual cycle race, a signature event on the National Sports Commission’s calendar, will be gruelling and exciting.

Significantly, this event began as an upright cycle race, and as the discipline of cycling developed, it graduated into an international-

ly recognized cycling event. The former National Cycling Coach Hassan Mohammed must be commended for his contribution to making this event a success.

This event was abandoned during the APNU/ AFC’s five years in Government, but the PPP/C Government, with genuine efforts to further develop sport, made sure this event resumed happening.

There will be several categories of participants in the race. While the most Senior cyclists in the country and around the Caribbean would be riding for supremacy, an interesting and keen struggle is anticipated in the Juniors’ category. And while all eyes will be on some of the Veteran Over-50 and Under-50 riders, some attention should also be paid to the female riders, who are hereby encouraged to participate. Moreover, the participation of Juveniles in the first stage of this race is most welcome.

Last year’s winner, Phillip Clarke of Barbados, had a fiercely contested battle with Guyanese riders Romello Crawford and Curtis Dey; and the former winner of this three-stage race, the veteran Robin Persaud, was very impressive in finishing in fourth place. Alexander

Oscar Clarke was a dedicated politician

Dear Editor,

I am saddened to hear of the death of Oscar Clarke. He was a good friend and professional colleague for many years. He served his party, his country, and specifically the City of Georgetown with excellence and distinc-

tion. He was the epitome of a sincere and dedicated politician.

He will be missed.

My deepest sympathy to his family.

Yours sincerely, Kit Nascimento

Leung, Emmanuel Gayral and Jorryn Simpson were the other top finishers.

This year, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport has sponsored the race with a hefty three million dollars, along with transportation and other necessary assistance. This highly-anticipated national/international race would be attracting thou-

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

GAWU remains steadfast in its commitment

to workers' education

Dear Editor,

I write to address part of a letter penned by the former President of Guyana (May 15, 2024) and to set the record straight regarding the state of workers' education and the role of the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU).

It is appreciated that the former president is highlighting the vital role of workers' education and the historical significance of GAWU; however, unfortunately, he has no authority to speak about GAWU’s educational work.

The former president, who was previously associated with GAWU, is unaware of the current educational activities of the union. Since his departure, maybe he has not followed the develop-

ments and advancements in this area. May I remind this comrade that, for the 2023 Educational Subvention from the Ministry of Labour, it was only GAWU that qualified. I therefore need not elaborate on this matter. Already, for 2024, several activities have been held by the Union.

Be assured that GAWU remains steadfast in its commitment to workers' education, recognizing it as a cornerstone to empower the working class. The union will continue to prioritize educational programmes aimed at enhancing the wellbeing of our members and the working class generally.

Yours faithfully,

06:00 (Sign on) Inspiration Time

Cartoons

Evening News (RB)

Stop Suffering

The Loud House S2 E29

Seepaul Narine President - GAWU

sands of spectators, who would line the road shoulders in Berbice and Demerara; while massive crowds at the finishing lines at New Amsterdam, Carifesta Avenue and Homestretch Avenue are expected to record their usual lively presence.

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One-third of all oil money being directed towards housing sector – VP …as

Govt offers heavily subsidised house lots

The Government of Guyana has spent $200 billion on the expansion and development of the housing sector, which is equivalent to one-third of its earnings from the petroleum sector.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, at his weekly press conference on Thursday, said the sum invested in the sector was used to subsidise the cost of house lots to citizens.

“From 2020 to 2024, (we’ve allocated) about $200B for housing development, to put in the infrastructure. So, this means roads, often in areas that were overgrown with trees; build culverts, put in water and electricity…” he told reporters.

Jagdeo was at the time responding to a motion tabled in the National Assembly by former

Housing Minister Annette Ferguson, who was advocating for the establishment of a special select committee to review charges for house lots for Guyanese. The Opposition member has said that since Guyana is an oil-producing nation, with a production of over 200,000 barrels per day, it is evident that housing can become easily accessible for Guyanese who are earning salaries below $200,000.

Her motion recommended that a committee be established, headed by the Housing and Water Minister, to examine the issue of unaffordability. That committee should include representatives of civil society, financiers and other stakeholders, and it should submit proposals and make recommendations to be adopted by the Government.

On Thursday, the vice

president said 33,000 house lots have so far been allocated, while a contract has been awarded for the preparation of another 7,000 lots. Given this breakdown, he said, Government spends $5M to prepare one lot, which is then sold at a cost of between $92,000 and $200,000 for low-income earners; between $800,000 and $2M for middle income earners; and between $1M and $3M for high income earners.

“That’s the subsidy that people get, and that’s the transfer of wealth to people; because when they get a plot of land now, that is valued at a minimum of $5M (for less). If APNU were to examine what had happened in this sector, they’ll realise how much effort we’ve put into people having house lots and a home of their own, and this

is consistent with our promise,” the vice president said.

Minister of Housing and Water, Collin Croal, recently stated in the National Assembly that the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) government already has a sound plan in place to ensure affordable housing is provided to Guyanese. He explained that, currently, categories for house lots and houses from the Government range from low income to moderate, to middle and high- income. These are allocated based on an applicant’s income and other factors, the minister noted.

He added that, in some cases, an applicant may request a change in their category, and many times this is facilitated. And further, he pointed out that in such areas as Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam)

and Ten (Upper DemeraraBerbice), the cost for housing is less than what obtains in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica). Croal explained that prices are determined based on infrastructure, land size and the market.

President Dr Irfaan Ali has previously said that there has been a 41.25% growth in housing loans between 2020 and 2023. Comparing the period of 2015-2019 under the former APNU/AFC Government to that of 2020-2023 under his administration, the Head of State explained that there has been a 41.25 per cent growth in lending for home ownership and house construction over the past three years.

“This occurred because of very deliberate strategies by the Government to ensure that we reduce the

cost of home ownership and we bring down the cost of borrowing,” Ali said. “So, over the years, we have been able to increase the incentives to the banking sector to support lending to the housing sector. For example, the interest rate in 2020 for low-income housing was about 6 per cent. Today, because of the incentives and the policies we have implemented, that interest rate is between 3 and 3.75 per cent.” As recently as last month, Government revealed a comprehensive strategy aimed at further reducing the backlog of house lot applications within the database of the Housing and Water Ministry. As part of its manifesto, the PPP/C had promised to deliver 50,000 house lots by the end of its first term in office.

Infasturctural works ongoing at one of the housing schemes (CH&PA photo)

File photo: An aerial view of one of the Young Professional Housing Schemes (CH&PA photo)

Essequibo Coast labourer gets 2 years for stealing goat

– another sentenced for theft committed on businessman

Thirty-year-old Jason Gansham, also called ‘Doc’, of Lima, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) was on Thursday slapped with a two-year sentence for theft.

Gansham was not required to plead to the charge when it was read to him by Magistrate Tamieka Clarke at the Suddie Magistrate's Court.

Police have said that on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, in Lima, Essequibo Coast, he stole from Jairam Bissessar, a businessman.

Following the applica-

Sentenced: Jason Gansham

tion of the Administration of Justice Act (AJA), Gansham pleaded guilty to the charge, and was sen-

Sentenced: Arshaad Kowshell

tenced to two years’ imprisonment.

Meanwhile, 18-yearold Arshaad Kowshell

of Reliance Ballfield, Essequibo Coast has also been sentenced to two years’ imprisonment, for stealing a goat last Monday at Anna Regina. The animal reportedly belongs to Clifford Spellen.

The teenager made a virtual appearance at the Anna Regina Magistrate's Court before Magistrate Clarke, and two witnesses testified in the matter. After the prosecutor had closed its case, a no-case submission was overruled.

The defendant gave unsworn testimony, and this resulted in his sentence.

So, who… …to buddy up with?

In the decades following WWII, we, Third World countries, had to choose between the First World –read the USA – and the Second World – the then USSR, that’s now shrivelled into Russia. Since we happened to be in the US’ backyard, but the govt-of-the-day chose the USSR, realpolitik ensured we paid the price!! Which in our case meant the PNC’s 28-year dictatorship that delivered hunger, homelessness and nakedness – and Guyanese refugees streaming outwards!!

Well, after the USSR imploded and threw in the towel – no mas!! No mas!! – in 1989, governments recovered the plot, even the rump Russia, and fell into line. Yet, amazingly, in the unipolar world, the Yanks decided to build up Communist China - the largest country in the Third World – to First World status!! Death wish?? Naah… it wasn’t done out of altruism or humanitarian imperative, but was guided by that preeminent capitalist value –profits, profits, profits!! And boy, did the US – or rather its top 1% - rake in profits as China became the workshop of America. As well as providing Walmart and other chains with 90% of their merchandise!!

Was the best of both worlds, no?? The Chinese kept shipping real goods, and collected pieces of paper printed by the US called “dollars”!! But you know what the old people say: “Time longer than twine”, and pretty soon, with the Chinese holding TRILLIONS of greenbacks and the American factories having deteriorated into “rustbelts”, the sh*t hit the fan!! Meaning we had an industrialized China that has the wherewithal to create a new bipolar world order - if they decided to flex their muscles. Which they decided to do a decade ago, upon entering the homestretch to replace the US as the largest economy in the world. And we know it’s money that makes that world go ‘round, don’t we?!!

So, here we are, in another global standoff, caught between two behemoths – which we shoulda known would’ve happened sooner or later. Cause we know “two maan-crab cyan live in the same hole”, don’t we?!! China’s strategy is to use its economic heft to integrate its factories with the Third World through a Belt and Road Initiative (B&RI), via which it had access to the latter’s raw materials – paid for with the US greenbacks in its treasury!!!

For a while, the US couldn’t make up their mind whether to stick with profits over national pride and security!! But it looks like they’ve finally decided to confront the Chinese Dragon. They’re busy trying to build alliances across the globe to contain China, and are softening up towards Russia so’s to preclude a Chinese alliance.

So, whether we like it or not, we’re gonna be forced to side with either the Eagle or the Dragon!!

…can we court?

Now, while we gotta tread carefully between the American Eagle and the Chinese Dragon, shouldn’t we take a leaf from the US’ playbook and build our own alliances? There’s always safety in numbers. While we’re members of a host of international groupings, like Caricom and the Commonwealth, we need to tighten linkages with next door Brazil and Suriname -- if for no other reason than that some of our soi-disant “friends” in Caricom, like Ralph “Razor Blade” Gonsalves, are making goo-goo eyes at Mad Maduro!!

Hey…no hard feelings…it’s all about “interests”, innit?? While we can’t forget we’re still small potatoes in the grand scheme of things, closer ties with Suriname and Brazil ain’t gonna rile up the US – while offering cover against the covetous Venezies!! The government of Pres Ali has already done most of the heavy lifting to establish good rapport with Lula and Santokhi. We gotta operationalise some of the informal agreements – especially in energy, communications and infrastructure; and especially with Brazil!

…to trade with?

The Trinis turned back some milk exports from local firm DDL – even though for decades we’ve been importing light manufactured goods from them. They now say it was the importer who hadn’t filled out the right forms. Right!! Non-tariff barriers!!

Shopkeeper busted with cocaine, ganja remanded to prison

Devon Fordyce, a 47-year-old shopkeeper of Dartmouth Village, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), was on Wednesday taken into custody following the discovery of a quantity of cocaine and ganja on his person.

Based on reports received, police observed him standing in front of his premises acting suspiciously. As a result, the ranks approached him and requested to search his person, and he agreed.

That search unearthed a plastic bag containing six small parcels of cannabis and six parcels of cocaine in his pocket. When cautioned, he stated,

Remanded: Devon Fordyce

"Officer, me just buy it from Monkey Harry. Give me wan chance".

He was taken to the Anna Regina Police Station, where the cannabis was weighed and amounted to 171.9 grams, while the cocaine amounted to 148.2 grams.

Fordyce appeared at the Suddie Magistrate's Court on Thursday, and was remanded to prison after reportedly pleaded not guilty to both charges when they were read to him by Magistrate Tamieka Clarke.

The prosecutor objected to him being granted bail, and the defendant was thus remanded to Prison. He will return to court on June 12, 2024.

Charity duo charged with narco-trafficking

Sentenced: Vaughndel Tobin

Vaughndel Tobin, a 25-year-old labourer, was on Monday sentenced to one year’s imprisonment on a narcotics’ possession charge, after being arrested on April 20 with 1.4 grams of cocaine in his possession at his Back Street home in Charity, Essequibo Coast, Region Two. When he made his appearance before Magistrate Tamieka Clarke at the Charity Magistrate's Court, the charge was read to him and he pleaded guilty. As such, a one-year jail term was imposed by the magistrate.

Meanwhile, 19-yearold Ovid Akeem Williams, also of Charity Back Street, was last Friday granted bail in the sum of $100,000 on a charge alleging he had

Charged: Akeem Williams

39 grams of cannabis in his possession.

He was arrested on May 9 at Charity, and during his appearance at the Suddie Magistrate's Court, he pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

He is expected to make his next court appearance on May 20.

Guyanese among 2 killed in head-on collision in Upstate NY

AGuyanese woman is among two killed in a head-on crash in White Creek, Upstate New York.

The dead in that collision are 39-year-old Shumeka Burgan-Mentor, formerly of Timehri, East Bank Demerara (EBD), and Tricia A. Daigneault, 29, of Hoosick Falls, NY.

Based on Channel 13 News, the accident occurred at about 6:15h on Route 22 just south of Grandma Moses Road. At the time, both Mentor and Daigneault were driving their respective vehicles. The two women were pronounced dead at the scene.

Dead: Shumeka Burgan-Mentor

Relatives of Mentor are still in a state of shock following the dreadful news. One relative stated that they had received the news shortly after the accident, but they are still unclear as to what had transpired. Mentor, Inews understands, worked as a delivery personnel for Amazon, and was on her way to deliver packages when the accident occurred. She left Guyana several years ago.

The cocaine and ganja found during the search

2-year-old among 3 injured after lorry crashes into concrete bridge

Atwo-year-old is among three persons injured after the motor lorry in which they were travelling crashed into a concrete bridge along the Glasgow Public Road, East Bank Berbice, on Wednesday.

Based on reports received, the lorry, GAF 4495, was at the time being driven by 34-year-old Kevin Cort, while Shevon Abbensetts, 28 and Kevin Junior Cort, 2, were occupants.

Police have said that the motor lorry was travelling at a fast rate when the driver reportedly lost control and it collided with a concert bridge and concrete fence, flinging the occupants out of the vehicle while the driver remained within in a semi-conscious condition.

The two occupants were picked up in a conscious condition, and were taken with the driver to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, where they were treated for the injuries they had sustained. Kevin Junior Cort suffered a fracture to the right leg, while Kevin Cort snr sustained a fractured right

leg. Abbensetts and Kevin Junior Cort have been referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital for further treatment.

The driver has meanwhile regained consciousness, but remains a patient at the New Amsterdam Hospital.

Taxi driver busted with 22kg ganja gets 4 years, fined $19.8M

Fifty-three-year-old Eusi Wilson, a taxi driver who was interception along High Street, Georgetown with 22 kilograms of cannabis in his motorcar on April 21, 2024, has been sentenced to four years’ imprisonment and fined $19.8 million by acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus, before whom he appeared and

pleaded guilty as charged.

The Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) reported that, on the day in question, ranks conducting an operation along High Street intercepted a motorcar that was at the time being driven by Wilson, of Edinburgh, East Bank Berbice (EBB), upon ob -

serving Wilson acting suspiciously.

They searched the car and unearthed several bulky parcels containing cannabis. Wilson, the car and the cannabis were taken to CANU Headquarters, where the ganja was weighed and amounted to 22 kilograms.

2-year-old Kevin Cort, Jr.

Taxi Driver Eusi Wilson

The ganja that was intercepted

Senior teacher under probe for severely flogging QC students with belts

…sent on administrative leave

An investigation has been launched into the beating of some 10 students of Queen’s College, Thomas Lands and Camp Road, Georgetown.

According to reports, the incident occurred around 10:15h on Thursday when a senior teacher used the Grade Seven (Form One) students’ belts and severely beat them.

While the reason for the beating was not revealed, <<<Guyana Times>>> was told that the teacher was sent on administrative leave to allow for an investigation into the incident.

When contacted for a comment on the matter, Chief Education Officer (CEO) Saddam Hussain disclosed that the Education Ministry was notified of the incident sometime around

13:00h on Thursday and the matter was being dealt with through the “respective avenues”.

When asked about the physical state of the students, the CEO explained that the extent of injuries was now being examined, given that the students were not attended to by Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) or any health professional after the incident.

“I cannot confirm that they were injured physically, but I am sure that they were injured mentally. I cannot confirm for all the students what part of their body beaten as yet,” the CEO said.

This publication understands that the Chair of Queen’s College School Board will spearhead the inquiry assessment process

Traffic Chief calls out drivers seeking favours from high-ranking officials

Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh, in a candid address on traffic education aimed at curbing road accidents, took a firm stand against drivers who rely on connections with high-ranking officials to escape penalties for traffic offences.

He underscored the importance of traffic education in promoting road safety and lawful behaviour among drivers. He warned against aligning with influential individuals who may help avoid consequences for unlawful actions on the road by making a phone call.

The Traffic Chief stressed: “One of the things I want to point out in that regard is that the traffic education is bent on improving your understanding that you shouldn't align yourself to persons who may or have the ability to support your wrongdoing and/or unlawful act on the road by making a call. We want to tell the members of the public that each time you commit yourself and you think you’re go-

ing to rely on someone to help you, to assist you, to cause you not to be prosecuted or to be in receipt of a ticket, don't fool yourself.”

“Each time you do that, it's each time you're telling yourself, I can be involved in an accident and I may not die,” Singh added. Singh’s remarks come at a time when traffic violations and road accidents remain a significant concern. However, the Traffic Chief was keen to note that the Traffic Department was not overwhelmed by frequency of road accidents but would strongly urge the public to take more precautions as to what happens on the roadways. Singh was also keen on pointing out that while it may appear as though road accidents were on the rise compared to previous times, there was really no evidence to support such a conclusion.

Additionally, the Traffic Chief highlighted the critical need for proper enforcement to effect positive change on the roads. He noted that drivers must understand that road safety is paramount and should refrain from engaging in risky behaviours that put themselves and others at risk.

In light of recent traffic violations and road accidents, Singh is calling on drivers to prioritise road safety and respect for traffic laws across the board, whether you’re a Government driver or a chauffeur. In highlighting the futility and danger of relying on influential contacts to evade justice, Singh said the Police’s aim was to instil a sense of accountability and respect for the law among drivers.

with a representative of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU).

When asked about this, Hussain said that that was the standard operating procedure which relates to a violation of the corporal punishment guideline.

“We are currently following procedures… the regulation requires that a report has to be prepared within 48 hours and sent to my office,” Hussian added.

Queen’s College, Thomas Lands and Camp Road, Georgetown

Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh

Venezuela border controversy Guyana notifies allies of Venezuela’s threatening posture at border

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo informed media practitioners on Thursday afternoon that the Government of Guyana has informed all relevant international bodies, allies and other partners about Venezuela’s threatening actions at the border.

It was recently reported that Venezuela’s National Armed Forces has built a bridge connecting Venezuela and Ankoko Island in Cuyuni River as it allegedly advances towards Guyana’s Essequibo region. Ankoko Island is shared by the two countries with each owning half, but Venezuela illegally took over the entire island and also established a military base in 1966 after Guyana gained independence.

Asked about the Government’s response to that country’s action, the Vice President said: “We’ve notified all of the relevant partners, both of a multilateral and bilateral nature about the continued attempts by Venezuela to build up a presence at our border in a threatening posture and that it is inconsistent with what we agreed to – which is that we want to keep this region as a zone of peace.”

“We are very vigilant; we’re watching the developments; we have been working with our allies on this matter and our primary preoccupation is the retention of

our territorial integrity and sovereignty,” he added. Jagdeo referred to the Joint Declaration of Argyle for Dialogue and Peace signed between the two countries in December 2023 which stated, inter alia, that they would not threaten or use force against each another. The Presidents of both countries have also engaged each other, hoping to advance bilateral relations outside of the substantive border controversy.

Former Colombian President Iván Duque this week said the international community would not allow Venezuela to act on its ille-

gal and baseless ambitions for Guyana’s territory, but rather would respond strongly to any use of force against Guyana. During a recent interview with Newsweek, Duque spoke about the trouble Venezuela was causing in the region on multiple fronts, adding that Maduro was using the occasion to drum up nationalistic support, ahead of general elections in Venezuela.

Guyana and Venezuela are currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to determine a final resolution to the ongoing border controversy in which the Bolivarian

Republic is seeking to annex more than two-thirds of Guyana’s sovereign territory. Venezuela has since submitted its counter-memorial to the ICJ for the process to

continue.

However, even as the matter is being adjudicated, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in April 2024 promulgated the “Organic Law for the Defense of Guayana Esequiba”.

The Guyana Government rejected this move, noting that this action of Venezuela was an egregious violation of the most fundamental principles of international law enshrined in the United Nations Charter, the Charter of the Organisation of American States (OAS) and customary international law. It also contradicts the letter and spirit of the Joint Declaration of Argyle for Dialogue and Peace. At that time, Governments of the nations of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) and the Latin American and Caribbean Community of Nations (CELAC), as well as the Secretary General of

the United Nations and the Secretary General of the OAS were notified of the new developments.

Guyana maintains that if Venezuela wants to contest the territory in question, the proper forum is the ICJ, which will decide the issue objectively and according to the law.

Subsequently, Caricom released a statement noting that in its adoption of “the Organic Law”, the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has acted unilaterally, precipitously, and potentially, dangerously. In the process, it has: (i) offended “the Joint Declaration of Argyle for Dialogue and Peace between Guyana and Venezuela” of 14 December 2023; (ii) subverted international law; and (iii) signalled a possible embrace of an unworthy aggression to achieve its own articulated goals or purposes.

$117M owed in traffic tickets’ payments …237 drivers fined $18M for drunk driving

Drivers in Guyana face a staggering bill of $117 million owed to the Guyana Police Force following a multitude of tickets issued for driving offences across the country.

This was revealed by Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh during a televised programme on Wednesday morning.

According to Singh, this vast sum of money is owed for driving offences recorded this year.

“For this year only so far, paid tickets so far have amounted to $57 million so far, which is going to the Government’s financial system; however, outstanding tickets amount to more than $117 million,” the Superintendent revealed.

Explaining that these statistics are physically verifiable, he mentioned that the unpaid tickets were not intended to be left unresolved as the Police Force was continuously doing follow-ups on the tickets issued.

“Do we just take the unpaid tickets as a form of some action taken and leave it as it is? No, our ranks continuously work to follow up for court dates for matters that are pending, if summons were prepared and if warrants were issued for the arrest of a perpetrator or person who did not honour the date on their tickets for court,” he underscored.

Additionally, he disclosed that drunk drivers have contributed a substantial $18 million to the Government's coffers through fines paid for their violations.

“More than $18 million has been contributed to the Government’s financial system by drunk drivers. To be exact, 237 of them,” he revealed.

Only recently, Singh reprimanded drivers for their recklessness on the roadways. He referred to the fatal smash-up at Long Creek, Linden-Soesdyke Highway which claimed the lives of six persons.

He noted that accidents across Guyana could be avoided only if drivers use the roads more responsibly. (G2)

A video circulated on social media shows alleged Venezuelan troops building a bridge to Ankoko Island

CCJ rules in favour of Govt’s application to join Exxon oil spill insurance case

…as AG hails decision to reverse Court of Appeal ruling

The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has ruled in favour of the Government’s application to join the ExxonMobil oil spill insurance case, overturning the Guyana Court of Appeal’s initial decision to block the Government from being added as a party to the case.

Last year, the Court of Appeal blocked the Government’s application to join the ExxonMobil oil spill insurance case. As such, the Government had indicated

that it would approach the CCJ to overturn this decision.

According to the ruling of the CCJ, which was handed down on Tuesday by Justices A. Saunders, W. Anderson and M. RajnauthLee, the state can be added as a party to the appeal. No costs have been awarded.

During his latest episode of Issues in the News, Attorney General Anil Nandlall hailed the decision, which he noted follows a pattern. “So, once again, you see this decision of the Guyana Court of Appeal against the Government being reversed by the Caribbean Court of Justice. I have made reference to a series of decisions involving the Government in a particular type of case or cases. And the Court of Appeal consistently rules in a particular way, and the Caribbean Court of Justice consistently reverses the Guyana Court of Appeal,” Nandlall said.

Nandlall added that since the Attorney General is the Government’s legal representative, he had every reason to be added to the case. He was therefore ap-

preciative of the fact that the CCJ recognized the merits of the Government’s application.

“The Attorney General is the legal representative of the Government, yet the Guyana Court of Appeal refuses to add the Attorney General. Fortunately, the Caribbean Court of Justice made short shift of that ruling of the Court of Appeal and reversed it, making an order that the Attorney General be added to the appeal,” Nandlall said.

Last year, the High Court had ruled that ExxonMobil must provide unlimited insurance for its offshore oil operations in the Stabroek Block. Both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and ExxonMobil have since appealed this decision, and it is now before the Court of Appeal.

During a recent episode of his TV programme, Nandlall had described the Court of Appeal’s decision not to make the state a party to a case that deals with a contract it is already a party to, as well as a case that would have a huge impact on the state, as a violation of natural justice.

“All the physical expansions taking place in the country; all the infrastructure work taking place in the country; all the highways, all the bridges that are being built, all the hospitals, all the housing drives; this oil and gas contract and the revenues are connected to all of that. This sector is critical to the public good and developmental agenda of our country. So, not only are we a party to the contract itself, but Guyana and its people stand to benefit significantly from this contract,” Nandlall said.

Further, he pointed out that Guyana’s legislation allows for any citizen to institute legal proceedings, or to

be joined in those proceedings. This, he noted, is without exception.

Then there is the Petroleum Activities Act, which mandates that the state should be a party in any case that could see the petroleum industry being put at risk.

“Under the new Petroleum Activities Act, we have inserted a provision that these cases, when they are filed, the state must be made a party; because one of these sectors can be shut down and the Government is not heard,” he explained.

“Now, this case was filed in relation to the financial assurance that was not lodged by the oil company. The state was not made a party, the Government of Guyana was not named as a par-

ty. Now, the Environmental Protection Agency alone was named. The Government is a party to the contract, as I said. How can you take a case to the court in relation to this contract, in relation to operations under this contract, in relation to the licence issued under the contract, and you are not naming the Government as a party? They filed these proceedings. Look at the unfairness,” Nandlall further said.

In September 2022, the President of the Transparency Institute of Guyana Inc (TIGI), Fredericks Collins, and Guyanese citizen Godfrey Whyte moved to the High Court to get the EPA to implement the liability clause in the permit issued to ExxonMobil for its operations. They wanted the court to ensure EEPGL takes full financial accountability in the case of harm, loss, and damage to the environment from a well blowout, oil spill, or other failures in the Stabroek Block.

Andrew Pollard, SC, and Edward Luckhoo, SC, appeared for ExxonMobil; Sanjeev Datadin and Frances Carryl for the EPA; Dharshan Ramdhani, KC, and Arudranauth Gossai for the AG; and Seenath Jairam, SC, with Melinda Janki & Abiola Wong- Inniss, for the challengers Collins and Whyte.

Attorney Andrew Pollard, SC, who represented ExxonMobil

Attorney Edward Luckhoo, SC, who represented ExxonMobil

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

GTU not serious about conciliation following series of demands – AG

…says Union using teachers to push other agenda

In light of the recent ultimatum issued by the Guyana Teachers’ Union concerning the 20 per cent across-the-board increase for teachers, Attorney General Anil Nandlall believes that while the Government is making every effort to end the impasse, the Union continues to stall the process.

He made this disclosure during a recent interview on the National Communications Network (NCN) during which he added that the Education Ministry has scrupulously and studiously complied with provisions of the ruling of the court and the labour act to resolve the impasse.

As such, conciliation talks between the two parties had commenced under the watchful eyes of the Labour Ministry, but on the second day, the Union demanded that an interim 20 per cent increase be paid to teachers before any conciliation regarding the time frame for the payment period for salary increases continues.

On this note, Nandlall stated that even before an outcome of the previous impasse, another has surfaced.

“You have to agree first to resolve the impasse and then negotiate around that particular impasse what is the deadlock – 2019 to 2023 or 2024 onwards. Rather than negotiating a breaking of that deadlock, the GTU has now put on the table as conditions precedent, a series of demands which they are saying unless these demands are met, then we can’t start the conciliation.”

The Attorney General added that conciliation by law can only proceed upon the resumption of work while adding conciliation cannot subsist during a strike.

“In order for the conciliation to even start, you have to go back to work, but the Union has now imposed upon the conciliation a regime of demands which they are saying must be addressed before the conciliation even begins. Now that is in bad faith, that is contrary to the principles of conciliation and may very well be unlawful.”

Further, Nandlall stated that with the new regime of demands, he was confident that the GTU was not serious about conciliation and added that the teachers were being used for the Union’s own agenda.

“This union has illustrated even to those in support of it that they are not serious about conciliation; they are not serious about resolving any impasse. This industrial action is not a bona fide

one, it is influenced by other considerations. This 20 per cent demand for an increase in salary in my view demonstrates that the teachers are simply being used as a tool for the prosecution of some other objective, nothing to do with their welfare and their interest.”

Further, weighing in on the Union’s request for Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton to recuse himself from the conciliation talks, the AG stated that the Labour Minister was appointed by the Parliament to perform those functions.

“It is the labour act… it is the laws of Guyana which say who is to perform the functions that Joseph Hamilton is currently performing so it is not opened to any party,” he stressed.

Before the Union made its additional requests, both parties had agreed on a Terms of Resumption (TOR) agreement and were prepared to sign said document presented by the Union, so that there was no victimisation of either

party.

The document stipulated that during the consideration of the matter in dispute, there shall be no strike, stoppage of work whether of a partial or general nature, go-slow, boycott, picketing, retardation of production, or any other interference with the Ministry’s operations, by the Union.

In addition, the TOR stated that there shall not be any lockout or any other form of interference with the Ministry’s operations, by the Union, nor shall there be any lockout or any other form of interference by the Ministry.

Unreasonable

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Education Minister Priya Manickchand stated that the new requests by the Union were unreasonable and made it clear that the Government would not sign off on its requests and would also not negotiate under duress.

She contended that GTU was setting a “very bad

precedent not only for the Guyana Government but for Governments across the Region”.

The GTU resumed strike action across the country Thursday last after talks between the Union and the Education Ministry reportedly broke down. Teachers had only on March 6 returned to the classroom, after striking for some four weeks.

The teachers, through their Union, had ended the strike and agreed to return to discussions with the Government regarding salary increases.

When the strike had ended, the Union and the Government were engaged in discussions on issues affecting teachers.

GTU General Secretary Coretta McDonald later told media operatives that the decision to resume the strike was because the Union believes nothing is forthcoming from the Government as it relates to collective bargaining.

The Government has al-

ready addressed over 20 issues affecting teachers, aimed at improving their working conditions and overall welfare.

In fact, at the time of the last strike, President Dr Irfaan Ali had reminded that he had already met with teachers across the country and outlined the Government’s plan to improve their livelihood.

Moreover, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had calculated that by the end of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government’s current term in office, graduate teachers would have benefited from salary increases amounting to nearly 50 per cent.

On April 19, the High Court ruled in favour of the GTU and stipulated that teachers’ salaries should not be cut following their participation in the strike.

The High Court had also ruled against the Government’s decision to discontinue the deduction of union dues from the salaries of teachers for the GTU.

This came on the heels of the Guyana Government’s refusal to negotiate for salary increases for the period December 2019 to 2023, but it instead was ready to do so for a multi-year agreement starting 2024.

Attorney General Nandlall has since said the Government will appeal the ruling at the level of the Guyana Court of Appeal, with the likelihood that the case will go to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Guyana’s final court of appeal. (G11)

Significant increase in trained teachers recorded – Education Ministry …99% of local teachers trained or in training

The Education Ministry had reported a significant increase in trained teachers over a three-year period.

According to statistics provided by the Ministry, a total of 10,000 teachers were in the public education system when Government assumed office in August 2020, but that number has grown to 14,000, with a total of 2000 in training.

Additionally, it was revealed that over 188 teachers from the hinterland graduated from the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) in 2023, which represents a 488 per cent increase when compared to the 32 teachers from the hinterland who graduated CPCE in 2019.

Overall, some 1796 teachers from the hinterland and coast graduated from CPCE in 2023.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand told journalists on Tuesday that with the massive expansion of the CPCE Guyana has been able to achieve an average of about 99 per cent trained

teachers.

“Thirty per cent of our teachers right now, the increased number of teachers are training further for degrees, masters and PhDs… And their training for free at no expense to themselves, because the Government is paying for it, and that can’t be discounted as nothing,” the Education Minister said.

According to the Education Minister, getting

to 100 per cent trained teachers may take some more time since there are few instances where it would not be practical to ask older teachers in the system to get formal training now. Instead, she said those teachers were being supported otherwise.

She added that with this deliberate policy decision, coupled with improved access to training opportunities, the Guyana

Government has been able to ensure that students have access to a higher-quality education.

“Now what happens when you are trained as a teacher, when you’re trained as a teacher, you’ll get a better salary, you have better chances at promotion and leadership in your school. You have more opportunities to go on to do further tertiary training like on the GOAL

programme. We believe expanding the teacher training college was a game[changer] and will be shown to be a game changer in the education system. And so, we’re very, very proud of this particular achievement,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Minister also spoke about the suite of incentives being rolled out to improve teachers’ welfare in Guyana. Those incentives include increased allowances, scholarships, and duty-free allowances; specifically: the correction of all teachers’ salaries with effect from September 2020 at the cost of more than $700 million to the granting of a $10,000 allowance to all teachers with a university degree, the granting of a $6000 allowance to all

teachers with a post graduate diploma, the granting of a $20,000 allowance to all teachers with a master’s degree, the granting of a $30,000 allowance to all teachers with a doctoral degree, the payment of all graduate teachers at the highest level of their respective skills, and the provision of more than 3800 scholarships to teachers. Further, to continue the issuance of 50 duty-free concessions per year for teachers, the granting of a duty-free concession to all senior teachers who have three years left to serve and have not previously received a concession and the provision of grants to purchase teaching materials at the cost of $3.1 billion for 2024 alone. (G1)

A group of teachers at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE photo)

Attorney General Anil Nandlall GTU President Mark Lyte GTU General Secretary Coretta McDonald

“Guyana needs globally-recognised tourism hospitality training” – British High Commissioner

With the rapid development of Guyana’s tourism sector, more Guyanese will now have the opportunity to be professionally trained in hospitality and tourism management as The Confederation of Tourism and Hospitality (CTH), in collaboration with ActionInvest Caribbean, initiates a new hospitality and tourism management training programme.

The newly-launched programme will provide learners with the opportunity to be internationally certified and guarantee them a spot in the working sector; the programme will be administered to members of the public 16 years and older.

Delivering remarks at a ceremony hosted by the British High Commission, on Wednesday evening, Guyana Marriott Hotel General Manager Eduardo Repele, underscored the shortage of local, skilled and qualified staff in the tourism and hospitality sector.

“I think the biggest challenge Guyana is facing apart from the entire

transformation and the speed that things are taking place is labour source, we don’t have labour,” he stated. According to Repele, the lack of this labour source is as a result of old practices and most Guyanese often migrate to countries like the United States and Canada among others to have better opportunities.

In this regard, he noted that Guyana does have the potential to provide

these opportunities; however, more initiatives like hospitality and tourism management training programmes must be developed to make Guyana more attractive to Guyanese.

Meanwhile, also delivering remarks at the ceremony, British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller underscored that Guyana has globally-recognised tourism products. According to Miller, tourism is current -

Lusignan Prison escapee spotted in Parika, GPS offers reward for his arrest

Days after Jose Awad escaped from the Lusignan Prison, East Coast Demerara (ECD), he was reportedly spotted in the vicinity of Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE). This was confirmed by the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) as it intensified its efforts to apprehend the escapee.

In addition, the Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot also noted that a reward was being offered for any information that may lead to the arrest of Awad.

Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the nearest Police Station, the office of the Director of Prisons at 613-6616, or the Officer-in-Charge of the Lusignan Prison at 2204289.

Further, the GPS reminded the public that aiding and abetting a prison escapee was a serious offence, punishable by three or more years of imprisonment if convicted.

Awad escaped on Tuesday after he was left unsupervised while performing labour duties in the compound of the Cecil Kilkenny Training School.

Awad, of Redlock Lima

Sands, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) was serving two years for breaking and entering and simple larceny.

On Tuesday, the Prison Service said that the man was left unsupervised for a short period when he made good his escape. Several search teams are in different areas to recapture the inmate.

An appeal was made to the escapee to surrender himself to the Police or relevant authorities, to avoid any serious confrontation

that is likely to result in the use of force.

The supervising officer was placed under close arrest while the Prison Service and the Police Force conducted their investigation.

Just three months ago, two prisoners, Keon Webster and Kareem Douglas, escaped from Police custody just before reaching Lusignan Prison. Both were handcuffed together but managed to flee when the officers opened the van door.

ly the fourth largest export in Guyana.

“This country does have some globally-recognised tourism and alongside that, it needs globally-recognised tourism hospitality training. We recognised tourism has great potential in this country and that potential is going to be realised by stronger human capital,” she stated.

She noted that with Guyana’s rapid growth, economic diversification

must be initialised and further expressed her excitement about the collaboration between the CTH and ActionInvest Caribbean Inc.

This collaboration will be a stepping stone in the development of the tourism industry and will help bolster tourism in Guyana. as The Confederation, developed in 1992, currently has 140 training centres across the world. Four local companies were recognised as

CTH ‘Gold Employer’ partners in Guyana. These are the Grand Coastal Inn, the Guyana Marriott Hotel, the Ramada Princess Hotel, and Evergreen Adventures. Already, ActionInvest has been training about 100 students locally in hospitality/tourism management. The training is also done through the Government’s Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarship programme.

Algerian man found alive in cellar after 26 years

Aman has been found alive in his neighbour's cellar after going missing about 26 years ago.

Omar bin Omran disappeared from Djelfa, in Algeria, during the Algerian civil war in the 1990s, when he was in his late teens.

Now aged 45, Bin Omran has been discovered just 200m from where he grew up.

Officials confirmed they had arrested a 61-year-old man suspected of keeping him prisoner.

Bin Omran's disappearance came in the middle of a decade-long conflict between Algeria's government and Islamist groups.

His family feared he had been among an estimated 200,000 killed, or as many as 20,000 kidnapped, during the unrest.

But he was found hidden in a sheepfold under haystacks on 12 May, according

to reports.

The public prosecutor's office received a complaint against an anonymous person claiming that Mr Bin Omran was in the house of one of his neighbours, inside a sheepfold, a court official said.

The court official said: "Following this report, the general prosecutor ordered the national gendarmerie to open an in-depth investigation and officers went to the house in question.

"On 12 May at 8pm local time, [they] found victim Omar bin Omran, aged 45, in the cellar of his neighbour, BA, aged 61."

The suspect reportedly attempted to flee the scene, but was restrained and arrested, the court official said.

The ministry said the investigation was still in progress and Mr Bin Omran was in the process of receiving medical and psychological

care.

A spokesman described the crime as "heinous".

Mr Bin Omran told his rescuers he had at times seen his family from his prison, but claimed he had been unable to call out for help “because of a spell that his captor had cast on him”, local media reported.

His mother died in 2013. (BBC)

British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller

Prison escapee Jose Awad

Omar bin Omran's family thought he died during the Algerian civil war

Brazil flooding forces plan for 'tent cities' to house the displaced

Brazil's southernmost state is planning at least four "tent cities" to accommodate some 8000 persons currently in improvised shelters due to the historic floods that have devastated the region.

Heavy rains since the end of April caused record floods that killed at least 151 persons in the state of Rio Grande do Sul and left more than 100 still missing, according to state officials.

Roughly half a million people have fled their homes, with over 77,000 currently in public shelters. Scientists warn it may take a month or more for the flooding to subside, and many residents have no homes left to return to.

The state Government is planning temporary structures, with individual bedrooms and collective bathrooms, kitchens and laundry for thousands of people now sheltering in schools, churches, and sports arenas, said Vice Governor Gabriel Souza.

"Part of these people, unfortunately, have nowhere to go," he told Reuters in a telephone interview.

Many public buildings serving as shelters will need to return to their normal functions, he added, and the volunteers serving their need to resume their routines.

Souza said the Government has identified locations in state capital Porto Alegre and nearby Canoas and Sao Leopoldo that meet requirements to host the structures.

Authorities are also seeking at least one more serviceable location in the heavily-flooded city of Guaiba.

Of the roughly 50,000 persons in public shelters in those four cities, the state Government estimates that around 15 per cent will need longer-term accommodation in the temporary structures. The majority are expected to either return to their homes or find alternatives such as staying with relatives. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Imbert refuses to cancel probe into Auditor General dispute

inance Minister

FColm Imbert says Cabinet is not prepared to cancel or recall the investigation led by David Harris and David Benjamin into the dispute between the Finance Ministry and Auditor General Jaiwantie Ramdass.

Imbert gave the response through his lawyer Jo-Anne Julien, in reply to a legal letter from Ramdass’ Attorneys, who had called the investigation unconstitutional and illegal because neither the Minister nor Cabinet had constitutional jurisdiction and lawful authority to investigate the action and conduct of the Auditor

General outside Section 136 of the Constitution.

In her reply, Imbert’s Attorney said Section 136 of the Constitution provides for the removal of the Auditor General from office by the President on the advice of a tribunal. However, Julien, of MG Daly and Partners, said that was not the purpose of the investigation and the investigating team was also not being tasked with exercising disciplinary control over public officers.

The letter said the purpose of the investigating team commissioned by the Government was to “investigate an error in the public accounts submitted to

the Auditor General resulting in an understatement of revenue in the amount of $2,599,278,188.72, the Auditor General’s initial refusal to consider that error after it was discovered and her reasons for refusing to do so, the serious allegation that public accounts submitted to the Auditor General were backdated and other grave allegations made by the Auditor General in relation to those accounts, and that the Auditor General issued an audit report in respect of the public accounts submitted to her which contained a disclaimer.” (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Grenada Police: Recent gun killings not random acts

The Officer in charge of Operations and Crimes in Grenada, Superintendent Esau Pierre, says the Police believe that the motive for the recent increase in gun-related killing is drug-related.

“Our intelligence suggests that these incidents are not random acts but rather well calculated with targets pre-selected, most having a connection to organised crime,” Pierre said in an interview with the Government Information Service.

“We believe the motive behind these incidents are drug related with the vio-

lence stemming from settling disagreements and justling for influence,” he added.

Between the period May 01 to 12, three men lost their lives to gun violence while several others sustained injuries in acts reportedly involving masked gunmen.

Pierre said that the Royal Grenada Police Force takes the increasing incidents of gun crimes seriously. “The RGPF is fully committed to utilising all its available resources to thoroughly investigate and bring those responsible for committing these senseless acts to justice,” he said.

He disclosed that in response to these crimes, the Police are continually adjusting its strategy to enhance their presence and effectiveness in keeping the country safe.

“We understand and share the public concern regarding their safety and the potential negative impact incidents of this nature can have on the image of Grenada. However, we do not believe that these incidents translate to a significant increased risk to the general population. We urge you, therefore, not to panic,” he said in his opening statement. (Excerpt from CMC)

US to favour existing investors for Venezuela oil licences, say sources

The United States is preparing to prioritise issuing limited licences to operate in Venezuela to companies with existing oil production and assets over those seeking to enter the sanctioned nation for the first time, two persons close to the discussions said.

The move appears designed to encourage companies that have projects frozen because of US sanctions, such as Italy's Eni and Spain's Repsol to expand operations, recoup pending debt and add oil to global markets.

It will, however, avoid licensing firms with no prior investments in the country, putting a cap on how much revenue Venezuela could collect from its oil industry.

Some companies with long-standing energy projects in Venezuela, including US-based Chevron and France's Maurel & Prom have authorisations to expand oil and gas produc-

tion. Trinidad & Tobago and Shell also last year received a US licence to develop a gas field with Venezuela.

Other firms such as India's Reliance Industries and customers of state firm PDVSA with no assets in the country have been hoping to gain US approvals.

The U. Treasury Department last month said it would offer some individual authorisations to companies to operate in the South American nation after it did not renew a broad

licence that had eased oil and gas trade restrictions. The sanctions resumption came after the US decided Venezuela had not fully met its promises to secure a competitive presidential election.

Venezuelan Oil Minister Pedro Tellechea had said the proposed US authorisations would allow many foreign firms to expand joint ventures with PDVSA, while new partners could start fresh projects seeking capital. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Jamaican-Canadian Wes Hall elected Chancellor of University of Toronto

Jamaican-born

Canadian business leader Wesley Hall has been elected to serve as the next chancellor of the University of Toronto.

Hall will serve a threeyear term as chancellor effective July 1, 2024, and will be the University’s 35th Chancellor since its founding in 1827, according to the institution’s website.

“As I take on the role of the Chancellor at the University of Toronto, I am deeply privileged and humbled to carry forward the institution’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and advancement, values that strongly align with my personal beliefs,” Hall, who holds several honorary doctorates and an ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors, was quoted as saying on the website.

“I take on this role with a vision where every voice resonates, every perspec-

tive is honoured and appreciated, and every opportunity is open to all, regardless of background or experience.

Rooted in the belief that education is a fundamental human right, this esteemed position is about dismantling barriers and paving the way toward a more inclusive and equitable future for everyone,” he continued. “We are living in a diverse world –but there is still more work to be done. Together, let us champion inclusivity, ensuring that the university remains a beacon of excel-

lence, progress and limitless possibilities.” The school’s website stated that the Chancellor is the ceremonial head of the University, presiding at convocations, conferring all university degrees and acting as ambassador to the wider community and alumni worldwide. The Chancellor also plays an essential role in advancing the University’s interests within the local, provincial, national and international arenas. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

People who have been evacuated from flooded areas rest at a gym used as a shelter in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, May 10, 2024 (Reuters/Diego Vara photo)

CAround the World

OIL NEWS

Oil up after US economic data strengthens rate cut expectations

Israel moves into north Gaza Hamas stronghold, pounds Rafah without advancing

Israel’s tanks pushed into the heart of Jabalia in northern Gaza on Thursday, facing anti-tank rockets and mortar bombs from militants concentrated there, while in the south, its forces pounded Rafah without advancing, Palestinian residents and militants said.

rude prices edged up on Thursday after data showed a stabilising US job market, fuelling expectations that the Federal Reserve could begin to cut interest rates in autumn, which should stimulate the economy and boost oil demand.

Brent crude futures settled 52 cents, or 0.6 per cent, higher at US$83.27 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude ended at US$79.23, up 60 cents, or 0.8 per cent.

The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits fell last week, pointing to an underlying strength in the labour market.

“Even though the jobless claims were low, the report was weak enough that it’s going to allow the Fed to get in and cut,” said John Kilduff of Again Capital. “The strong employment trends do portend strong gasoline demand as we look out, even though it has been lacklustre.”

Wednesday’s slower-than-expected US inflation data for April also fed market expectations for a September cut in interest rates, which could temper dollar strength and make greenbackdenominated oil more affordable for holders of other currencies.

Equities, which tend to move in tandem with oil prices, rose on the rate cut hopes, with the Dow reaching an all-time high of 40,000 for the first time.

Brent had touched an intra-day low of US$81.05 on Wednesday – the lowest the front-month futures contract has traded since February 26. It then rebounded after the inflation data and a Government report showing a drawdown in US crude, gasoline and distillate inventories last week due to a rise in both refining activity and fuel demand.

U. gasoline demand, however, continued to land under nine million barrels per day for a sixth straight week, below what is typical heading into the summer driving season, which officially kicks off on the Memorial Day weekend at the end of the month.

“This increase in the runs that will likely persist into early next month will be going head-to-head with continued weak product demand that is showing no sign of improvement,” said Jim Ritterbusch of Ritterbusch and Associates.

In the Middle East, Israel’s tanks pushed into the heart of Jabalia in northern Gaza on Thursday while, in the south, its forces pounded Rafah without advancing, Palestinian residents and militants said.

Ceasefire talks mediated by Qatar and Egypt are at a stalemate, with Hamas demanding an end to attacks and Israel refusing until the group is annihilated. (Reuters)

US House votes to force weapons shipments to Israel,

rebuking Biden

The Republicanled US House of Representatives passed a bill on Thursday that would force President Joe Biden to send weapons to Israel, seeking to rebuke the Democrat for delaying bomb shipments as he urges Israel to do more to protect civilians during its war with Hamas.

The Israel Security Assistance Support Act was approved 224 to 187, largely along party lines. Sixteen Democrats joined most Republicans in voting yes, and three Republicans joined most Democrats in opposing the measure.

The act is not expected to become law, but its passage underscored the deep US election-year divide over Israel policy as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Government seeks to wipe out militants who attacked Israel on October 7, killing around 1200 persons and

seizing 253 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

Palestinian authorities say at least 35,272 civilians have been killed during Israel’s campaign in Gaza. Malnutrition is widespread and much of the population of the coastal enclave has been left homeless, with infrastructure destroyed.

Republicans accused Biden of turning his back on Israel after facing widespread pro-Palestinian protests.

“This is a catastrophic decision with global implications. It is obviously being done as a political calculation, and we cannot let this stand,” Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson told a news conference with other party leaders on Wednesday.

Democrats also accused the other party of playing politics, saying Republicans are distorting Biden’s position on Israel.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

The slow progress of Israel’s offensive, more than seven months after it was prompted by Hamas’ deadly cross-border raid, highlighted the difficulty of achieving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s aim of eradicating the militant group.

Armed wings of Hamas and its ally Islamic Jihad have been able to fight up and down the Gaza Strip, using heavily fortified tunnels to stage attacks in both the north – the focus of Israel’s initial invasion –and new battlegrounds like Rafah.

“We are wearing Hamas

down,” Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said, announcing that more troops would be deployed in Rafah, where he said several tunnels had been destroyed.

Putin and Xi pledge a new era and condemn the United States

China’s Xi Jinping and Russia’s Vladimir Putin on Thursday pledged a “new era” of partnership between the two most powerful rivals of the United States, which they cast as an aggressive Cold War hegemon sowing chaos across the world.

Xi greeted Putin on a red carpet outside the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, where they were hailed by marching People’s Liberation Army soldiers, a 21-gun salute on Tiananmen Square and children waving the flags of China and Russia.

China and Russia declared a “no limits” partnership in February 2022 when Putin visited Beijing just days before he sent tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine, triggering the deadliest land war in Europe since World War Two.

Xi, 70, and Putin, 71, signed a joint statement on Thursday about the “new era” that proclaimed opposition to the US on a host of security issues and a shared view on everything from Taiwan and Ukraine to North Korea and cooperation on new peaceful nuclear technologies and finance.

“The China-Russia relationship today is hardearned, and the two sides need to cherish and nurture it,” Xi told Putin.

“China is willing to ... jointly achieve the development and rejuvenation of our respective countries, and work together to uphold fairness and justice in the world.”

Russia, waging war against NATO-supplied Ukrainian forces, and China, under pressure from a concerted US effort to counter its growing military and economic strength, increasingly have found common geopolitical cause.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy visited the northeastern city of Kharkiv on Thursday to boost morale and reinforce troops in the region where Russian forces are trying to press their new offensive beyond border areas.

Moscow has made inroads of at least several kilometres into the north of Kharkiv region since Friday, forcing Kyiv’s outmanned troops to try to hold the line on a new front as Russia mounts more pressure on the front in the east.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri responded that the group would defend its people “by all means”.

Israel says four Hamas battalions are now in Rafah

along with hostages abducted during the October 7 assault, but it faces international pressure not to invade the city, where hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinian civilians are sheltering.

South Africa asked the top United Nations court to order a halt to Israel’s Rafah offensive, saying it was “part of the endgame in which Gaza is utterly destroyed”. Israel has denied South African allegations of genocide in Gaza and said it had complied with an earlier court order to step up aid. Meanwhile, the United States anchored a temporary floating pier to a beach in Gaza on Thursday to boost aid deliveries, but it was still unclear how it would be distributed given the challenges that have beset the United Nations and relief groups for months.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Suspect charged with attempted murder of Slovak PM Fico

Aman has been charged with the attempted murder of Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico after the politician was seriously hurt in a shooting attack.

The alleged assailant has not been formally named, but Slovak reports have widely identified him as a 71-year-old from the town of Levice.

Reports say he could face up to life in prison.

Fico, 59, is in serious but stable condition after being shot several times in what

colleagues described as a politically-motivated attack.

Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok told a news conference on Thursday that the suspect had acted alone and that he had previously taken part in anti-government protests.

“This is a lone wolf whose actions were accelerated after the presidential election since he was dissatisfied with its outcome,” he said.

Peter Pellegrini, a populist and ally of Robert Fico, won April’s vote.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Trump lawyer clashes with Michael Cohen in hush-money trial

Tensions – and voices – rose on Thursday as Donald Trump’s lawyer hit back against Prosecutors, accusing their star witness repeatedly of lying.

On the most tense day yet of cross-examination, Michael Cohen, Trump’s former fixer, described talking to the former President directly about a hush-money payment to an adult-film star.

But Attorney Todd Blanche all but shouted Cohen’s testimony was “a lie.” Records, he said, show Cohen called Trump’s bodyguard about a prank caller.

Blanche’s alternate theory of the phone call was designed to sow doubt on Cohen’s third day on the stand, as the jury watched the furious exchange with intense focus.

Following the heated moment, Blanche stormed back to the defence table and sat down next to his client. When

the Judge announced an afternoon recess, there was a collective exhale in the room.

Trump is charged with 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, for allegedly disguising payments to Cohen as legal expenses when they were in fact reimbursements for paying off film star Stormy Daniels, who claims she had sex with him.

Prosecutors allege Trump sought to keep damaging information from the public to protect his 2016 presidential campaign. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all counts and denied having sex with Daniels.

On the stand Thursday under pressure, Cohen maintained that his previous testimony was true, and that he spoke to Trump about the payout to Daniels on a call on 24 October 2016. (Excerpt from BBC News)

An Israeli tank manoeuvres near the Israel-Gaza border amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Israel, May 16, 2024 (Reuters/Shannon Stapleton photo)

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping attend a tea ceremony in Beijing’s Zhongnanhai park, China, May 16, 2024 (Sputnik/Mikhail Metzel/Pool via Reuters)

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Pay attention to detail and oversee everything to ensure you get the most out of your day. Refrain from sharing financial information or secrets. Keep your cards close to the vest.

SUDOKU

Don't fold under pressure. Clear your head, look at the facts and start your journey. Listen, share ideas and participate in events and activities that interest you. Embrace change.

Hide out and accomplish all you can. Your achievements will impress others. A change at home or to how you handle work will turn out better than anticipated. Trust and believe in yourself.

Establish your intentions, make connections and participate in events to help you excel. Take the initiative. Feel free to make a move when change is necessary.

Oversee every detail. Leave yourself some wiggle room. Staying ahead of the crowd will require fancy footwork. Don't listen to anyone who tries to pressure you.

(June 21-July 22) (July 23-Aug. 22) (March 21-April 19) (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) (May 21-June 20) (April 20-May 20) (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

The people and things you encounter will pique your curiosity and encourage you to expand your skills and knowledge. A change of pace, place or people will support positive change.

Don't spend money frivolously. Invest your time, energy and cash into getting ahead and securing your position to promote your desired lifestyle. Pressure tactics won't work.

Build momentum. Get the energy flowing and see what happens. The people you attract and the opportunities you develop will pave the way to success if you act quickly.

Take it easy, be a good listener and don't give away personal information that someone can use against you. Focus on your responsibilities and finish what you start.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Experience what life has to offer and spend time with someone who makes you think. A change to how or what you pursue is apparent. Gather information.

If something doesn't feel right, take a pass. Head in a beneficial direction while walking away from negativity and interference. Be true to yourself and follow your heart.

Stand your ground until you get what you want. Initiate change that will improve your relationships. Romance is on the rise. Make adjustments where necessary.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

Ambassador Usain Bolt, multiple sports stars get first look at Nassau County Stadium

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup

2024 Ambassador Usain

Bolt got a first look at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium from the best seats in the house, along with cricket legends and New York sports icons.

Joining Bolt in this special preview were USA cricketers Corey Anderson and Monank Patel, along with cricket legend Sir Curtly Ambrose (West Indies), Shoaib Malik (Pakistan), and Liam Plunkett (England).

Also present during this landmark event was a star-studded line-up of New York sports stars, including John Starks (NBA/New York Knicks), Elena Delle Donne

(WNBA/USA), Bartolo Colon (MLB/New York YankeesMets), Victor Cruz (NFL/New York Giants), and Ibtihaj Muhammad (Fencing/USA).

To commemorate the occasion, the stars all signed a giant cricket bat, which would be present at the venue for all eight ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 matches hosted there between 3-12 June.

The event marks the official final countdown to the first ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in New York, with Sri Lanka and South Africa set to clash in the venue's first match on June 3.

Bolt expressed confidence that the venue would

provide an exciting and energetic cricket experience. “Coming from the Caribbean, where cricket is a part of life, I’m very excited to be part of the T20 World Cup coming to the USA for the first time, co-hosting with the West Indies," Bolt said.

"Getting one of the sport’s biggest events into the USA is a big milestone, and can provide a launching pad leading towards cricket’s inclusion in the LA Olympics in 2028. The new stadium is going to be a fantastic place to watch from. It’s very enclosed, and you feel very close to the action. I can imagine it will be full of energy when cricket fans get to Nassau County International Stadium next month,” he said.

CEO of T20 USA Inc, Brett Jones, called the event a fitting welcome to cricket in the USA. “Today was a fantastic celebration, showcasing a truly out-of-this-world stadium," he said. "Having Usain and a host of New York sports stars and Olympic legends to experience it was fantastic, and (is) a fitting welcome to cricket in the USA. Having Curtley Ambrose, Liam Plunkett, Shoaib Malik, Corey Anderson and Monak Patel here, and seeing their response to the stadium

"Next time I touch the 100m…" Kerley has sights set on Bolt’s World record

022 World 100m

2champion Fred Kerley has his sights set on Usain Bolt’s 15-year-old 100m World record.

In fact, the 29-year-old says that the next time he does the event, he will become the fastest man ever.

“World record next time I touch the 100m,” Kerley said on Twitter on Tuesday.

Usain Bolt’s mark stands at an incredible 9.58, done to win his maiden World Championship gold medal at the Berlin World Championships on August 16, 2009. Bolt is the only man to ever run faster than 9.60, with Tyson Gay and Yohan Blake being the only other men to run sub9.70.

Gay and Blake both have a personal best of 9.69 to be joint-second on the all-time list.

Kerley, one of the only athletes ever to go sub10 in the 100m, sub-20 in the 200m, and sub-44 in the 400m, has a personal best of 9.76, done at

the World Championships in 2022 in Eugene, where he went on to claim 100m gold. His time puts him in a three-way tie for sixth alltime alongside countrymen Christian Coleman and Trayvon Bromell.

Asafa Powell (9.72), Justin Gatlin (9.74) and Ferdinand Omanyala (9.77) make up the top ten.

This season, Kerley has competed four times in the 100m. He opened his season with a win at the Hurricane Invitational on March 16 in Coral Gables, Florida with 10.03, and followed that up

at the same venue on April 6 in the Hurricane Alumni Invitational with 10.11 to also come out on top.

Kerley then competed at the season’s first two Diamond League events in Xiamen and Suzhou on April 20 and 27 respectively. He first ran 10.17 to finish second in Xiamen, before running 10.11 for third in Suzhou.

He most recently competed at the Jamaica Athletics Invitational on May 11, where he ran 20.17 to finish second in the men’s 200m. (Sportsmax)

and the playing surface, was also pretty special. It gives us a real sense of what the fans can expect next month,” he declared.

The 34,000-seat temporary stadium is the first of its kind in international cricket, and is also believed to be the largest ever constructed in the United States. Featured at the unveiling were extensive hospitality and media pavilions on the north

and south ends of the venue, which join the east and west general admission stands.

Among the new additions are the Cabana seats in the north pavilion, along with the Corner Club seats with a private party area.

The stadium is one of the three venues in the USA for the upcoming mega-event. Florida and Texas will also host matches from the event.

The USA are co-hosts for

the event, alongside the West Indies, where 39 matches will be played across six venues. The Final will be held on June 29 in Barbados. Limited general admission tickets remain available for the opening match in New York, and tickets - inclusive of food and beverage - are also available for all games in Nassau County, including India against Pakistan. (ICC)

Celtics advance to third straight Eastern Conference finals

Jayson Tatum had 25 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists, and five other players scored in double figures as the Boston Celtics advanced to the Eastern Conference finals for the third straight season with a 113-98 victory over the depleted Cleveland Cavaliers.

Al Horford added 22 points, 15 rebounds and six of Boston’s 19 3-pointers to notch their third consecutive win of the series in Game 5.

Derrick White had 18 points with four 3s, and Jrue Holiday scored 13 for the Celtics, who will next face either Indiana or the Knicks, with New York currently leading that series 3-2.

Evan Mobley scored a playoff career-high 33 points and Marcus Morris Sr. added 25 with five 3s for the Cavaliers, who played without All-Star Donovan Mitchell (calf), center Jarrett Allen (rib) and key reserve Caris LeVert (knee).

Cleveland pulled within 88-85 early in the fourth on Mobley’s dunk, but Boston took control with a 13-2 run that was capped by Tatum’s 3.

Doncic helps Mavericks to 3-2 lead

Luka Don?i? had a 31-point triple-double and the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder for a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference semifinals.

Doncic shot 12 of 22 from the field, and had 11 assists and 10 rebounds for his sixth career playoff triple-double. He averaged 22 points on 39 percent shooting through the first four games of the series.

Derrick Jones Jr. added a playoff career-high 19 points and P.J. Washington had 10 points and 10 boards for Dallas, which shot 52.6 percent from the floor, and

had a 46-33 rebounding advantage. The Mavericks can advance to the West finals with a win on Saturday at home. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 points for the top-seeded Thunder, but no teammate had more than 13 points.

Dallas extended to an 18-point lead early in the fourth quarter, but Oklahoma City cut the deficit to 90-83 on Chet Holmgren’s dunk with 5:17 remaining. But Washington hit a 3 and then dunked to put the Mavs up by 10, and the Thunder never got closer than nine thereafter.

(Sportsmax)

The fastest man alive, Usain Bolt, was joined by several sports stars at the Nassau County Stadium

The Boston Celtics have advanced to their 3rd consecutive Conference Finals

Mars leads GABA U23 Championships points table

Since the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) Under- 23 Championships began on April 27 at the National Gymnasium, the league has seen notable performances; one such being Kurvin Mars of Pepsi Sonics, who is presently leading the points table.

Mars has been a key member of the Sonics offensive unit with his ability to carry the ball through the net for 57 points in two games, 37 of which came from their 4-point loss to the Bounty Colts, and the remaining 20 from their 46-point victory versus Leonora D-Up.

Speaking to media operatives recently, Mars divulged the key to his success and spoke about the work being put in to reap rewards. “I would say attacking the basket and shots I have been put-

ting up, because I’ve been doing a lot of work on the shots, and I’m coming out here the other night and tonight and it seems like it’s been working. They leave a lot of open plays, and as a point guard, I could see the plays and attack them very well. So, as they give me the space, I attack them right away, and I

Busby aiming to reset culture, objectives ahead of World Cup Qualifying campaign

Areset of the culture as well as objectives of the Jamaica senior women’s national team, or “Reggae Girlz” , is of paramount importance to returning Head Coach Hubert Busby Jr.

Busby Jr was rehired last week after previously serving in the role in 2021, and won’t have a lot of time to settle back into the role, as his first assignment will be to navigate a pair of international friendlies with global football powerhouses Brazil on June 1 and 4.

The two teams last met at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where a 0-0 draw secured the Reggae Girlz spot as the first Caribbean nation to ever advance from the group stage at a World Cup.

The squad for these two friendlies can be looked at as a bit of a double-edged sword. On one hand, 18 of the members of the squad were in that history-making World Cup squad, but on the other hand, they haven’t played together since that tournament, which was nine months ago.

“I think coming back in with two weeks to go, there is a lot of work to do in a short period of time, and the idea that the core of this particular group hasn’t been togeth-

score the basket,” Mars divulged.

He added, “When I went home, I recognized I was a little off on the free throws the last game, so I went home and shot a free throw that improved tonight, so same thing. I am going to do it again, and hopefully to improve in the other game, and that is good to go.”

The ‘baller’ went on to speak on the team’s high expectations of winning their next game.

“So far, we looking to press up on the other teams that are coming ahead, and hopefully we play as before; and tonight we bring the same pressure and same pace that we have, and hopefully we play well and win that game as well,” Mars explained.

Sunrisers qualify for playoffs after washout against Titans

er in nine months so there’s a lot of work that we’re doing now behind the scenes to get up to speed in terms of watching Brazil and getting the players organized,” he said in an interview with JFFLive on Wednesday.

Busby Jr then went into detail on two of his major objectives in his second stint as Head Coach of the Reggae Girlz.

“More importantly, I think, some of the objectives for us is to reset the culture, reset the objectives in terms of what we’re looking to do and understand. I know it’s the most used cliché in sports, but whatever we do, we really have to stick to a process of how we look to get back to the next World Cup in 2027,” explained Busby Jr.

“This is just the first part in utilizing each and every window, making sure that regardless of the results, we are hitting our targets of what we want to accomplish heading into the World Cup Qualifiers,” he added.

Brazil will be using these friendlies as preparation for the Olympic Games, where they won consecutive silver medals at Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008.

These two friendlies will also be the last home international appearances for perhaps the greatest female footballer ever, Marta, who has announced that she will retire after the Paris Games.

“This is going to be a little bit of a send-off match for them. It will also be Marta’s last game in Brazil in front of her home crowd before she retires, and there’s a little bit of a revenge factor from what happened at the World Cup. So, we’ve got to manage all of that,” Busby Jr said.

“We’re going to have these three training sessions and prepare the team for these matches,” he ended. (Sportsmax)

Sunrisers Hyderabad sealed a place in the playoffs of IPL 2024, with one point from their washed-out game against Gujarat Titans ensuring they will finish the league stage in the top four. They now have 15 points with one game remaining, against Punjab Kings on May 19.

It was their first playoff qualification since IPL 2020, after finishing last in the league in 2021 and 2023, and in eighth place in 2022.

SRH’s hopes of a toptwo finish, however, took a hit. They can still achieve it, but need to beat PBKS and hope that Rajasthan Royals,

game against table-toppers Kolkata Knight Riders. However, it is no longer entirely within their hands.

two matches - against KKR at home on May 13 and this one in Hyderabad - washed out without a ball bowled. They finished the season with 12 points, which currently puts them third from bottom, but they could slip down one place if PBKS beat SRH.

The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium was under covers for most of Thursday evening. A brief dry spell led to the announcement of an 8pm toss and an 8.15pm start, but rain returned almost immediately, and did not let up in any meaningful way thereafter. The match was called off at

who currently have 16 points, lose their last league

GT’s campaign came to a gloomy end, with their last

10.10pm, two hours and 40 minutes after its scheduled start.(ESPNCricInfo)

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Pepsi Sonics will take the court on May 18th, as they come up against Unbeaten North Ruimveldt Ravens,

Reggae Girlz Head Coach Hubert Busby Jr.

Pepsi Sonics' Kurvin Mars

Pepsi Sonics

SRH fans had reason to celebrate in the rain

Pat Cummins and Shubman Gill greeting each other

Ground staff working on the covers in Hyderabad

Shabazz content with takeaways, as Golden Jaguars suffer second loss to TT

It was another tough day at the office for Guyana’s senior men’s national football team, the Golden Jaguars, as they went down to Trinidad and Tobago’s Soca Warriors again, this time by a 2-0 margin.

However, in spite of the back-to-back losses for the local players- dominated National team, Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz is adamant that there were many positive takeaways for the group, even in low moments.

The story on Wednesday night at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Portof- Spain, Trinidad and Tobago began with a number of changes to the starting XI, which read: Captain Daniel Wilson, Goalkeeper Jamaine Cumberbatch, Leo Lovell, Quincy Adams, Kevin Layne, Terique Mohammed, Darron Niles, Anthony Smith, Kelsey Benjamin, Curtez Kellman and Nicholai Andrews.

a wayward clearance away from the Guyanese goal failed to make it past the parameters of the 18-yard area. Poon-Angeron took a few steps to get closer, and almost instantaneously sent the shot right back in for their first strike, in the 53rd.

More than 20 minutes later, Trinidad’s Kevon ‘Showtime’ Woodley continued his debut series on a high note by netting their second goal, in the 77th. Ezekiel Kezar took one of Guyana’s defenders off his feet to drive into the box, where he made a soft pass to ‘Showtime’, who needed only to tap the ball into the net behind Cumberbatch’s back.

his gratitude for the lessons his players have been able to learn from the loss.

“When you look at tonight, what went wrong, I think the opportunity that the opportunity was a fine one for the players for our league in Guyana to get this exposure. We gave away two gifts of a goal, but that in itself is a lesson for us: that in this level of the game, the margin for error is very small. You get punished,” Shabazz expressed in responding to SportsMax.

He added, “Maybe in the league at home in Guyana you may not get punished for those errors, but it was good a lesson for us in this game.”

Again, the learning curve to understand when you play a premium on clinical accuracy or when you go for power, that composure to know how much time and space, I think these youngsters will benefit from that tonight, when they look back at that game and saw the time and the space that they had, where they could’ve picked their spot.”

“But I was happy that the chance was created. You know, not happy that it was not scored, but extremely happy that even down two goals, we were able to continue to play and create chances,” the Golden Jaguars Head Coach shared.

Admittedly, the Golden Jaguars did well in the first 45 minutes to keep a leash on the Soca Warriors, but, like their opponents, they missed out on crucial goalscoring opportunities throughout that period.

One such opportunity was witnessed when Kelsey Benjamin fed a good pass to Darron Niles inside the box. Niles followed up by outfoxing the Trinidadian defence, but his premature shot to goal was intercepted by the Soca Warriors’ keeper Denzil Smith.

Guyana had another opportunity to score in the second half, but similarly to Niles, Simeon Moore’s shot was deflected off the keeper and out of harm’s way.

Addressing the two chances that went abegging, Shabazz noted that he was more impressed with the creation of those chances under pressure.

Then in the second half, Trinidad’s Michel PoonAngeron broke the ice after

Stenna Drilling lends support to ExxonMobil U14

…As tournament sees overwhelming interest

Independent drilling contractor Stena Drilling Limited on Thursday joined a good-looking lineup of corporate sponsors that will assist in powering the upcoming ExxonMobil Boys’ and Girls’ Under-14 football tournaments.

Their sponsorship of the tournament comes at an opportune time, as Organizers Petra have been forced to expand the tournament due to an overwhelming response from interested schools.

During a simple handing over ceremony on Thursday at their Subryanville Headquarters, Local Content Officer Christina Ramroop voiced the company’s belief in the power of sport.

“As a company, we are deeply committed to fostering community engagement and promoting healthy lifestyles. We recognize the immense value of events like these, bringing people together through shared love for football,” The Stenna Local Content officer shared.

Ramroop went on to add, “At Stenna, we firmly believe in the power of sports to inspire, unite, and uplift communities. Through our spon-

sorship, we aim to impact the lives of participants and help to promote active lifestyles. Moreover, events such as these align with our company’s values of care, innovation and performance.”

Initially aiming for 56 teams across the two competitions, a whopping 72 teams have signed up, thus spurring the need for a knockout round to be hosted this Saturday.

Touching on this development, Petra Co-Director Troy Mendonca shared a bit about how Stenna’s sponsorship would benefit the tournament.

“Of course, that [More teams] means an additional cost, as it relates to coordinating, referees, meals, snacks, transportation et cetera,” Mendonca highlighted. “To Stenna Drilling, we would extend our appreciation for coming onboard. That is going to assist, especially in this area. So, on behalf of myself and Co-Director, we would like to express heartfelt thanks to the Management and staff of Stenna Drilling,” Mendonca further stated in a bid of gratitude.

Also on hand on Thursday

was Stenna Drilling’s Rig Manager Tim Swain, who pledged the company’s continued support for the tournament.

“We understand, obviously, the principal sport is cricket. So, one that’s close to our hearts, you know, coming from the UK and stuff, it’s an exciting opportunity to be able to sponsor an event like this. So, we’re looking forward to hopefully catching a few of the games and hopefully, our continued support going forward,” Swain remarked.

The ExxonMobil U14 playoffs will take place this Saturday, May 18th, at the Ministry of Education Ground on Carifesta Avenue. There, 12 girls’ teams and 24 boys’ teams will battle for spots in the tournament’s Group stage, set to kick off on May 25th. As such, 18 knockout games will be contested this Saturday.

The ExxonMobil U14 Boys’ and Girls’ tournament is also sponsored by MVP Sports and DDL under their Pepsi brand, with support from the Ministries of Education and Culture, Youth and Sport.

In the aftermath, Golden Jaguars Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz expressed

On the topic of finishing, Shabazz said, “Well, our finishing could’ve been better.

The Golden Jaguars will now turn their attention to the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, their campaign for which begins on June 6 against Panama in Panama City. They will come up against Belize next on June 11 at a yet- to-be-confirmed venue.

Warm-up fixtures announced for the T20 World Cup 2024

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 warmup match fixtures have been announced, scheduled from Monday, May 27th to Saturday, June 1st across the USA and Trinidad and Tobago.

The venues hosting the 16 warm-up matches ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 include Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium in Texas, Broward County Stadium in Florida, Queen’s Park Oval and Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad and Tobago.

A total of 17 teams plays the warm-up games, including South Africa, who are playing an intra-squad on the 29th in Florida.

These warm-up fixtures will be 20 overs per side and will not have international T20 status, allowing teams to field all members of their 15-player squad.

In a departure from the previous cycle, teams can now choose to play up to two warm-up matches, depending on their arrival time at the event.

The match between the West Indies and Australia at Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday,

May 30 will be open to fans. Tickets can be purchased at tickets.t20worldcup.com or at box offices located at the National Cricket Centre and Queen’s Park Oval from May 16 onwards.

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Warm-up Fixtures

Monday May 27

Canada v Nepal, Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium, Grand Prairie, Texas 10:30hrs

Oman v Papua New Guinea, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad and Tobago 15:00hrs

Namibia v Uganda, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad and Tobago 19:00hrs

Tuesday May 28

Sri Lanka v Netherlands, Broward County Stadium, Broward County, Florida 10:30hrs

Bangladesh v USA, Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium, Grand Prairie, Texas 10:30hrs

Australia v Namibia, Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad and Tobago 19:00hrs

Wednesday May 29

South Africa intra-squad,

Broward County Stadium, Broward County, Florida 10:30hrs

Afghanistan v Oman, Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad and Tobago 13:00hrs

Thursday May 30

Nepal v USA, Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium, Grand Prairie, Texas 10:30hrs

Scotland v Uganda, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad and Tobago 10:30hrs

Netherlands v Canada, Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium, Grand Prairie, Texas 15:00hrs

Namibia v Papua New Guinea, Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad and Tobago 15:00hrs

West Indies v Australia, Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad and Tobago 19:00hrs

Friday May 31

Ireland v Sri Lanka, Broward County Stadium, Broward County, Florida 10:30hrs

Scotland v Afghanistan, Queen’s Park Oval, Trinidad and Tobago 10:30hrs

Saturday June 1

Bangladesh v India, Venue TBC USA

Team India are scheduled for one warm-up match against Bangladesh

Petra Co-Director Troy Mendonca

Stenna Drilling Local Content Officer Christina Ramroop

Stenna Drilling Rig Manager Tim Swain

A scene from the Golden Jaguars’ clash with the Soca Warriors on Wednesday night (TTFA Photos)