Guyana Times - Friday, May 25, 2024

Agreement inked for 23% increase in minimum wages for Sol workers

“There will be consequences” – VP as Govt rolls out review of public procurement system

GECOM processed over 19,000 transactions during 1st continuous registration exercise for 2024

GTU hints at int’l arbitration to end deadlock Suspects in shooting to death of taxi driver nabbed during Police operation 9 homeless after Albouystown

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, May 24 – 04:00h-05:30h and Saturday, May 25 –04:00h-05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

FERRY SCHEDULE

Parika and Supenaam departure times – 05:00h, 10:00h-12:00h, 16:00h, 18:30h daily. Friday, May 24 – 17:00h-18:30h and Saturday, May 25 –05:05h-06:35h.

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery to light rain showers are expected to prevail during the day and at night, with sunshine in the late afternoon. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to South-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 3.12 metres.

High Tide: 17:09h reaching a maximum height of 2.54 metres.

Low Tide: 10:42h and 22:53h reaching minimum heights of 0.50 metre and 0.71 metre.

“There will be consequences” – VP as Govt rolls out review of public procurement system …says

sting operations will be conducted

In a bid to clamp down on corrupt practices, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has announced that the Guyana Government will be reviewing all public procurement systems countrywide.

Jagdeo made this announcement during a press conference on Thursday, when he warned persons that if they get caught in any corrupt practices, they would face the consequences.

“Let me put on notice all of those people who are responsible for procurement in public corporations, statutory bodies, the Ministries, regions, central ministries, everywhere, all the way up to the National Tender Board, that we’re examining the procurement procedures for compliance and also activities for compliance with the [procurement] laws. And let me make it clear that if we find that those officers are skirting the provisions of the law, the procurement law, then there shall be consequences for them,” he declared.

Another issue the Government will be seeking to address during this review process is the delay in processing payments for contractors, who have completed their respective jobs. The Vice President said many of these contractors complain that they have obligations such as bank loans that they are unable to pay when payments from the State are held up.

“Some of the accounting officers in the Ministry and the clerks, they keep the processing of payments for people for days on their desks. They [contractors] have to run 10-15 times to get monies for work that they already did…

“It could be a clerk, one clerk who is just holding up payment, because they didn’t process the paper on time or send it forward. And then ultimately, sometimes, they

want money to expedite it when the [contractors] should really be receiving their payments. Let

me put on notice those people too,” the VP posited.

Already, President Dr

Irfaan Ali has informed his Cabinet Ministers about this review process and instructed them to ensure that their respective procurement systems, as well as payment systems, are examined.

“We’re going to take this matter seriously,” Jagdeo emphasised.

Moreover, the Vice President further noted that there could be sting operations set up during this review process to weed out corruption in the public sector.

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

Editor: Tusika Martin

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AI use in economy

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a buzzword recently; however, the discussions have only taken an alarmist turn, without acknowledging that, inevitably, AI will spread into economic activities that build on the present use of computers and the internet. We present below excerpts from one quantitative study, “Firms’ Use of Artificial Intelligence: Cross-Country Evidence on Business Characteristics, Asset Complementariness, and Productivity”, published by VoxEU as a corrective for our policymakers in the emerging age of AI.

“Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming economies and societies. AI is already reshaping the demand for skills, and AIdriven products and services have become an integral part of people’s daily routines, although they may not be fully aware of it. AI is often considered a general-purpose technology (GPT) with the potential to bring significant improvements to adopters. It could play a critical role in addressing societal challenges such as health and climate change by fostering breakthrough innovations. Although AI presents significant opportunities for boosting productivity and well-being, it also poses risks – for example, for financial markets, inequalities, and democratic values.

Based on representative data from 11 countries, our recent analysis focuses on the characteristics of firms using AI, the role of complementary assets, and the links between AI use and productivity. The analysis focuses on 11 countries: Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Portugal, and Switzerland. The analysis of the cross-country patterns of AI use by firms highlights five key findings.

AI use is more widespread among large firms. This may be relevantly related to their higher endowments or capabilities to use intangibles and other complementary assets required to leverage the potential of AI fully. Younger firms tend to have higher shares of AI use. Start-ups are more likely to introduce more radical innovations, especially with the advent of new technological paradigms. ICT and Professional Services have the highest sectoral shares of AI users. This indicates that AI use is not yet equally distributed across all sectors of the economy. Considering that AI is at a relatively early stage of diffusion, this suggests that its full potential as a GPT is yet to be fully realised.

The use of AI is significantly linked to the presence of complementary assets, such as ICT skills and training, firm-level digital capabilities (proxied by the use of other digital technologies), and digital infrastructure. More general skills and innovative activities appear also positively associated with AI use.

On average, AI users tend to be more productive than non-users, with productivity premia being more pronounced among larger firms. But this does not seem to reflect the use of AI alone. In fact, the abovementioned complementary assets, especially those related to digital transformation, play a critical role in the productivity advantages of AI users.

The evidence outlined above suggests that some firms – those that are larger, that have higher digital capabilities, and that are likely to be more productive already – are those currently exploiting AI more intensively. Initial evidence for one country (France) also seems to highlight that some more direct effects of AI on productivity may start emerging for firms that develop their own AI algorithms, likely endowed with higher digital capabilities and complementary assets.

Polarised adoption of AI, mainly by larger and more productive firms, combined with a role of AI in strengthening their advantages, may imply that existing gaps between leaders and other firms could widen in the future, with relevant implications for social outcomes. In this context, policymakers can play a crucial role in fostering an inclusive digital transformation through a broad policy mix that affects incentives and capabilities, and that captures synergies across policy areas.

This would include not only measures raising awareness about new technologies and developing firms’ absorptive capacities, but also providing relevant credit tools, fostering competition, improving knowledge production and sharing, and strengthening the foundation of digital infrastructure and skills.

Focusing on these complementary policy areas may enable AI use and its returns to be more widely spread across firms and sectors, fostering an inclusive digital transformation in the age of AI.”

GTU must return to the conciliation process

Dear Editor,

Education Minister Priya Manickchand launched a trenchant critique against the GTU, for issuing an ultimatum to resume strike action on May 16, 2024 and therefore halt the conciliation process provided for in the 1990 Avoidance and Settlement of Disputes Agreement.

“My conclusion could only be that they intended to derail this process. They do not intend to have a conciliation. They want to keep teachers on the road. They want to be disruptive to the education system. And we believe that is…politically directed, because no one who has the interest of children at heart could tell me that this is a good place to be in.”

Minister Manickchand emphasizes that the request [for an interim payment of 20% across the board to teachers before conciliation proceeds] by the Union was not only unreasonable, but that the Government "would not sign off on the Union’s request, and would also not negotiate under duress.”

The Education Minister further contends that GTU was setting a “very bad precedent, not only for the Guyana Government, but for governments across the region.” The Government is open to considering a multi-year contract effective from 2024.

The GTU has been emboldened by the High Court, which ruled that the GTU strike is legal, and that the Government must pay teachers for the days they were on strike, as well as requiring the Ministry of Education to continue deducting union dues on behalf of the union. Attorney General Anil Nandlall disagrees with Judge Sandil Kissoon's ruling, and has filed an appeal on May 22, 2024.

What does the existing data tell us? First, why would any government favourably consider retroactive pay over 5 years (2019-2023), part of which

was under a different administration, and when funds had already been exhausted in the respective national budgets? Oil money is not overflowing the public treasury. It is noted that 28.9% (US$1.586 billion) of oil revenues would fund several essential infrastructure projects in 2024. The estimated cost of the GTU demand for an interim 20% pay would be almost Gy$1 billion ($933.807 million). How feasible is this demand viewed against a projected 2024 budget deficit of US$1 billion?

Second, the monthly salary level across all scales ranges from $181,941 (Untrained Graduate) to $340,802 (Graduate HM 6th). However, when an untrained teacher graduates, the maximum of that scale is set at $224,908 (after a graduate allowance is included). A comparable situation applies to the Graduate HM 6th scale, which is set at $399,795.

President Dr Irfaan Ali with pupils of his alma mater, Leonora Primary School, during their tour of State House on Main Street in Georgetown on Wednesday

Indian Indentured Survival: Rice

Ravi Dev, iHM

The wages paid to the Girmitiyas were never sufficient to cover their basic needs. As was shown earlier, they ended up with a deficit at the end of the year, when income and expenditure were balanced. So how did they survive, even as they “squeezed their bellies” and wore rags while living in the hovels called logies?

Like the enslaved Africans they replaced, they were forced to find additional means of sustenance – the former on “provision grounds” they were allowed to cultivate, and the latter on small, swampy acreage they rented from the plantations to do the same. Only a minority were lucky not to pay rent.

The two major crops the Indentureds cultivated were rice and vegetables. Most of them had originated from North India, where wet rice cultivation was widespread, and most understood the technology and regimen required. In the beginning, the plots were quite small –from a quarter to half an acre – plowed by bulls, and seedlings were grown in a small plot planted by hand. The paddy was also reaped and threshed by hand, milled in the logies with the traditional mortar and

pestle, and then sifted to separate the rice from the chaff. In the 20th century, the plantations installed mills, where the indentureds would have their paddy milled for a fee.

The first large-scale rice cultivation was done at Edinburgh, WCD, when sixteen acres were rented to a number of Indentureds by the Plantation Overseer William Russell in 1865. The venture was successful, but, for lack of labour due to management refusing to allow a clash with cane demands, ceased in 1872. Around that time, Chinese Indentureds were encouraged to plant rice at Anna Regina. They were extremely successful, and grew 200 acres. By then also, time expired Indians purchased land and began cultivating rice in the basins of the Mahaica, Abary, Canje and Mahaicony Creeks.

By 1898, there were 6500 acres under cultivation with the easing of restrictions on purchasing Crown Lands.

According to the Pillai Report of 1924, “Between 1903 and 1919, the area under rice cultivation had extended from 17,000 to 61,000 acres; and whereas prior to 1893 the average annual import of rice into the Colony was 18,000 tons, this import 'had by' 1917 been converted into an export of 14,000 tons.” The indentured Indians had launched an industry.

Moraikobai election was the worst in recent history

Dear Editor,

With the recent conclusion of the Moraikobai Village Election, it is evident that the election was one of the worst in recent history, continuing a trend of deteriorating conditions every three years.

Moraikobai is a small Amerindian village located 95 miles up the Mahaicony Creek. It is the only Amerindian settlement in Region 5, and is home to approximately 1,200 residents. The village can be accessed by boat, or via the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

First, as election season approaches, it is customary for the toshao and other village leaders to share their accomplishments over the past years. This allows them to hand over power gracefully, whether re-elected or not. However, the toshao has left many projects unfinished in our village, including the village benab. The village punt is still in disrepair, and the resort is below standard. One must wonder what happened to the funds allocated for these projects. Additionally, community development

GTU must return...

The table illustrates the situation with other salary scales. What is significant is the sharp increase between 2022 and 2023, ranging from $42,967 (23.6%) to $58,933 (17.3%) across the scales.

Third, I have tapped into the rich experience of several teachers, who provided the following data to me. Teachers are entitled to 7 days of urgent private affairs leave and 3 days of manager’s sick leave, plus 28 days of medical sick leave. They are also eligible to apply for up to 3 months of special leave, to be granted by the Chief Education Officer. Furthermore, they are entitled to one month leave with pay every 4 years, in accordance with the Whitley Council provision. Teachers also are required to work for 39 weeks per year, and not 52 weeks, as do other categories of state workers. They also have access to GOAL scholarships (of which 3,386 teachers have already benefitted), not to mention access to subsidised

remains stagnated, with youths still struggling to find jobs. To create better opportunities for themselves, many youths from Moraikobai have taken on the challenge of moving to the coast to pursue education and better their prospects with the aim of becoming future leaders. This quest is not easy, but we persevere because we want betterment for ourselves and our village.

we no longer reside in the village. This is the thanks we get for our achievements.

This situation is unjust. Despite our absence, Moraikobai remains our home, and we continue to contribute positively to its reputation.

FROM PAGE 4

housing, house lots, as well as duty-free allowances on motor vehicles, etc.

With these generous benefits and allowances, one wonders whether the GTU is acting in the best interest of teachers! Is GTU ignoring the concerns of parents and the needs of students? Concerns have been raised about the credibility of the GTU. If it is responsible and committed to transparency, why did it fail to submit annual reports to the Registrar of Deeds and Commercial Registries Authority since 2006, and to the Office of the Auditor General since 1989?

Finally, no class of workers is privileged to be treated differently from other classes. Covid-19 has taught us that all categories of workers are important. Let the evidence (facts) and not extraneous factors determine the outcome of negotiations. The GTU must return to the conciliation process!

Regards,

Dr Tara Singh

Despite our efforts to elevate Moraikobai, the village no longer respects its youths. For instance, several youths recently graduated with honours from the University of Guyana and the Cyril Potter College of Education, and continue to proudly represent Moraikobai.

Yet, on election day, our names were omitted from the voting list because the toshao claimed

Re-electing a leader who only serves his interests and misuses village funds is a mistake. The people of Moraikobai must recognize what is happening around them. We, the youths, see everything clearly, because we are the future generation. We need a leader who can genuinely support our youths and promote village development, not one who prioritizes personal gain.

When will the people of Moraikobai learn from their mistakes?

Sincerely, Concerned Citizen

Milling paddy with mortar and pestle by foot

Threshing paddy by hand

Page Foundation

CSEC MATHS

Read the following extract carefully and answer the questions

The Sisters

Over the years, Marta had sent many warm and friendly messages to Elana, inviting her to visit llora and assuring her that she'd always be welcome. But her prodigal sister never replied. From time to time, however, traders brought news that Elana's marriage to lyako had been blessed with two sets of twins, that lyako had succeeded his father as ruler of the Kingdom of Horses, and that their marriage was a stormy 5 one. For a long time there was no further news until one day, a traveller told Queen Marta that lyako had been thrown by a wild horse and had broken his back, that Elana had lost both her beauty and her mind and, after shouting night and day that the Kingdom of Wild Horses was an accursed one, she had escaped from keepers. "They searched high and low for her, but she had vanished without a trace," the traveller said, shaking his head sadly.

10 The Queen immediately summoned Leha and ordered her to send search parties to all of the countries bordering on the Kingdom of Wild Horses.

"Go to the ends of the earth if you have to, but bring my sister back to llora. Whoever finds her will be amply rewarded," Queen Marta said to the trackers, traders and interpreters whom Leha had recruited. But after years of futile searching, the search parties returned one by one and reported that they had found 15 no trace

of Elana.

"It's as if your sister has vanished from the face of the earth," Leha said. "I hear you," Queen Marta said "and yet I feel in my bones that she's still alive."

Leha had led one of the search parties, and when she returned her hair was streaked with grey and age had mapped her roughhewn face with lines as delicate as spider webs.

20 The first time that Leha stepped into the Audience Room to report about her travels to distant places in search of Elana, she was both surprised and pleased to see how Queen Marta had aged. When their eyes made four, the smiling Leha said to herself, "It's as if her face had beaten very gently against the years," for she could see quite clearly how time had changed what was once an ugly countenance into a beautiful one. When a shaft of sunlight touched the cloud of white hair on the Queen's head, it became 25 luminous, and a welcoming smile lighting up her dark face lifted Leha's spirits and made her heart sing. And somehow, all the hardships she had endured travelling across parched savannahs, through densely wooded valleys, over mountains and down turbulent rivers, were forgotten.

Jan Carew, The Sister and Manco's Stories, Macmillan, 2003, pp. 46-47.

Govt to tap into RBL’s agri credit facility to fund prawns project in Reg 5 – Pres Ali

The Guyana Government is looking to secure financing from Republic Bank Limited (RBL) to expand its prawns’ production project being undertaken at Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice (Region 5: MahaicaBerbice). President Dr Irfaan Ali made this disclosure on Wednesday evening, while speaking at the Private Sector Commission’s (PSC’s) 32nd Annual General Meeting.

The Head of State had visited the project site last week, where some 12 tonnes of Vannamei prawns are expected to be produced per crop, with each tonne having an estimated value of $4million.

The 100-acre site comprises 10 one-acre ponds, each spanning one acre and capable of housing 600,000 prawns in treated chlorine water. Five ponds are currently operational, with the remaining expected to be filled later this year.

President Ali explained the viability of this initiative to stakeholders on Wednesday evening. “We have 100 acres to develop beyond that 10 one-acre ponds, and we’re going to provide all the technical assistance and capital support. We’re trying to bring together at least 300 young people, 50 per cent of whom must be women, to own that project. And we’re going to write that project up and submit it to Republic Bank in two weeks, for financing under the US$100 million programme that was an-

nounced for agriculture support.”

Back in March 2022, Ali, who is leading the Caribbean Community’s goal of slashing the region’s food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025, had announced that Trinidad-based Republic Bank would be offering US$100 million (G$20 billion) in financing for the development of the agriculture sector across the region through the Caricom Sustainability Agriculture Credit Facility.

This is a special facility designed for agriculture activities, including - but not limited to - the development of priority crops, capital equipment for farming, feeder roads to provide access to arable lands, bulk storage for crops, processing plants, and shade house farming across the region. Under this initiative, Guyana can get as much as $2 billion in funding, with interest rates as low as 2.5 per cent; and up to five years for repaying.

The Guyana Government has already committed some $100 million to the prawns’ project, and plans to be a major player in the US$4 billion aquaculture industry. It was recently reported that two Indonesian experts have been retained to train local staff in prawn-rearing techniques.

“We’re going to prove this model. We’re going to do a complete feasibility study, and we’re going (to) demonstrate that this [prawns] project is profitable. And we hope that these young people can get the necessary support to be part of this amazing project, that would not only increase their earning capacity, but would take them from wherever they are to high/middle income very, very quickly,” the President posited on Wednesday.

In fact, the President used this opportunity to reiterate his calls on local financial institutions to be more supportive in their lending, and to work

assiduously with persons to create new businesses.

“The role of the bank is not to take deposits and to lend in a low-risk environment. The role of the bank is also to seek opportunities to understand where the economy is going, to create an ecosystem to support where the economy is going, and to build upon what is happening in the country,” the Head of State has posited.

As part of its aggressive food security drive, the Guyana Government has launched the Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP), through which several similar initiatives are being rolled out to expand Guyana’s agriculture sector.

“These initiatives are geared to proving models, testing models; and then proving to the banking sector that we have bankable projects… And one of the good things is that, in all of these agriculture initiatives, more than 50 per cent of the participants are women and young people. And that is because of the innovation, the technology, and the model that we’re using,” the Guyanese Leader noted.

In addition to the prawns project, the President went on to outline several other areas that could be very profitable under the AIEP initiative. He pointed to the potential of cassava with not just farine production, but also refined cassava flour for local use as well as for special-

ised markets overseas. Already, there has been an increase in cassava yields, from 13 tonnes per hectare to 30 tonnes per hectare, due to a new variety being used.

Production of ginger almost tripling has also been highlighted by the Guyanese Leader, who mentioned that work is also ongoing on setting up a National Honey Bank. In fact, several specialists have been hired to support expanding local honey production.

“We’re not doing studies anymore, because we have enough studies – decks of studies to prove all these models,” President Ali has asserted.

Other new crops that the Government has heavily invested in are soya and corn. In collaboration with the private sector, corn and soya production has been successful, with increased crops being cultivated at the Tacama facility in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraUpper Berbice). The Head of State has noted that Guyana is moving to be fully self-sufficient in corn and soya production, to not only meet local demand, but also demand in the Caribbean region in the coming years.

“By the end of next year, we’ll be fully self-sufficient in corn and soya. Today, another 3000 acres is under cultivation in the Tacama area. That would allow us to have all the backward and forward linkages to have the full feed production for livestock and poultry done here in Guyana. By the time we get to the end of 2027, we’re hoping to capture at least 35 per cent of the regional market in corn, soya and feed,” he explained. By October of this year, Guyana is expected to produce all the

feed needed for the local agriculture industry. This, according to the Guyanese Leader, will cut the cost of feed by 50 per cent in that sector. According to President Ali, agriculture is Guyana’s future, and will be a massive revenue earner for the country, hence the heavy investments being made by the Government in this sector.

With these investments, he noted, the country is expected to save massively on food importation by the end of 2025.

“People might say, ‘Oh, we’re planting a lot and growing a lot, but what does it mean?’ It means that we will be saving, by the end of next year, more than maybe US$150 million of imports, because that is what we spend. When you look at the US dollars that we spend to import onions, to import corn, to import soya, to import feed, to import black eye and to import red beans – that is the type of foreign currency impact that they’re talking about,” the President stated. (G-8)

One of the prawn ponds at Onverwagt, WCB

President Dr Irfaan Ali

Full Court dismisses appeal filed by Attorney detained by SOCU

– ordered to pay $200,000 costs to AG

The Full Court of the High Court on Thursday heard and dismissed an appeal in the case of Tamieka Clarke against the Attorney General Anil Nandlall, in a case linked to her unlaw arrest by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) back in October 2022.

Attorney Clarke had appealed a decision of Chief Justice Roxane George, who ordered the Attorney General to pay Clarke damages of $700,000 and costs in the sum of $250,000. Clarke was detained for under an hour by ranks of SOCU at SOCU Headquarters on October 28, 2022. She

Attorney-at-Law

had filed a Fixed Date Application, suing the AG for breach of her fundamental right to liberty, pursuant to Article 139 of the Constitution, and had sought declaratory orders and damages relating to her detention. At time of the incident, the Attorney General had issued a public apology to Clarke, and had made several offers to settle the matter out of court in order to avoid protracted litigation, but those were rejected by Clarke.

The matter came up for hearing on June 12,

2023 before Chief Justice George, and the AG conceded liability on the part of the State, leaving only the question of compensation to be determined. On November 17, 2023, following submissions by both parties, the Court determined the issue and ordered that SOCU apologize to Clarke. And Clarke was awarded $700,000 and costs of $250,000, which were appealed.

At the High Court on Thursday, the AG objected to the jurisdic-

doms. After listening to submissions from both sides, the Full Court upheld the AG’s jurisdictional objection, ruling that the appeal should have been directed to the Court of Appeal. The Full Court also awarded the Attorney General costs in the sum of $200,000.

The Attorney General appeared in person, along with Shoshanna V. Lall, Laurel Dundas, Aruna Budhram, and Ismat Bacchus for the respondent. Clarke was represented by attorneys-at-law Nigel Hughes and Shawn Shewram.

Background

This incident, which had sparked widespread condemnation and even protest action by the legal fraternity, occurred on October 28, 2022 at the SOCU Headquarters on Camp Road, Georgetown. At the time, Attorney Clarke had accompanied her client, who was under investigation by SOCU, to the

tion of the Full Court to hear the appeal filed, arguing that the appeal should have been filed to the Court of Appeal, as it related to a final decision of the High Court in the exercise of its jurisdiction on matters of enforcement of fundamental rights and free-

Spinning…

agency’s office, where he was asked to sign a statement. However, the man told investigators that he was advised by his lawyer not to sign anything.

This resulted in a SOCU official accusing the attorney of preventing her client from giv-

ing a statement, and he ordered that she be arrested for obstructing an officer in the conduct of his duties. Her cell phone was taken away, and she was prevented

from leaving.

As such, Clarke remained detained at SOCU until her lawyer Nigel Hughes got there.

Clarke, who had previously served as a State Counsel in the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), was released only after the intervention of Nandlall, who had offered her a profound apology for the “unfortunate incident”.

Attorney Clarke subsequently filed a lawsuit against the State, naming the Attorney General as the respondent. She was seeking more than $300,000 in damages for, among other things, false imprisonment and violation of her constitutional rights.

Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), had recommended that no criminal charge should be filed against SOCU officials for Clarke’s arrest, and had also discontinued the private criminal charges that Clarke’s counsel had filed against the officers.

Y…(PNC) wheels

our Eyewitness knows the PNC Congress is nigh upon them, and would think they’d be focusing their energies on mobilizing their members to vote for their horse in the race and all that. So, he had to scratch his head when he saw in the announcement that the “Forbes Burnham Foundation” is hosting a symposium in which the PNCR, APNU/AFC, IDPADA-G and the Forbes Burnham Foundation would be participating. After all, IDPADA-G has been insisting quite fervently that it wasn’t “political”, but yet here it is, participating in what is clearly a political gathering!!

Why so? Well, just consider the topic under discussion: “Constitutional Reform and its potential to curb the emergence of a fascist state in Guyana”!! With the PNC distracted and divided because of the leadership infighting, the Burnham Foundation – not coincidently headed by the head of IDPADA-G/PNC’s Commissioner on GECOM – clearly is attempting to get the politicians to focus on their “enemy” – the PPP!! But a “fascist” state??

Whatever happened to the “illegally installed apartheid, racist regime”??

This is really putting the rank-and-file members in a tough spot. They might’ve just absorbed what “apartheid” was – and that's only because some of our cricketers had been banned for playing in South Africa!! Apartheid had to be real baaad for Burnham to ban local hero Colin Croft!! But “fascism”?? What the heck is that?? So, of course, your Eyewitness went to that everyman’s fount of knowledge – Wiki!! (He’s not into the AI on his browser yet!!)

There, he was told that “Fascism is a far-right, authoritarian, ultranationalist political ideology and movement, characterized by a dictatorial leader, centralized autocracy, militarism, forcible suppression of opposition, belief in a natural social hierarchy, subordination of individual interests for the perceived good of the nation and/or race, and strong regimentation of society and the economy”!! Whew! The PPP “far-right”?? Jeez…didn't they just throw out their far-left Marxism-Leninism Socialist label?? They’ve gone from far-left to far-right in just a couple of weeks?? Talk about revolutionary changes!!

And if the PPP has now adopted neo-liberal capitalism, where everyone’s for himself and the Devil takes the hindmost, how does this fit in with “working for the good of all and regimenting the economy”??

But Wiki wasn’t finished: “Fascism rejects assertions that violence is inherently negative or pointless, instead viewing imperialism, political violence, and war as means to national rejuvenation. Fascists often advocate for the establishment of a totalitarian one-party state and a dirigiste economy, with the principal goal of achieving autarky (national economic selfsufficiency) through economic interventionist policies.”

Now, hold it right there!! Isn’t this what the Burnhamite dictatorship was all about? A totalitarian one-party state with a paramount PNC; “autarky” through banning of so many imports, and “dirigiste” with owning 80% of the economy??

…and expanding democracy

Your Eyewitness has often brought up the subject of the PNC griping about not being involved in governance - when there’d been four Parliamentary Sectoral Committees formed to address just that!! After they’d rioted and burnt and beaten half of Georgetown following the 1997 elections! Anyhow, there has been a complaint that the Economic Services Committee – chaired by PNC Chair Shurwayne Holder - has invited PM Phillips to meet with them to cross-question him on the state of his power portfolio; and, not so incidentally, why we’re still having blackouts like under the PNC!! They complained that PM Phillips wanted them to come over to HIS place, and they had to explain the protocol that it was HE who was summoned, and HE had to come and meet them!! Now, the protocol says the press could be present at these interrogations, where all questions have to be answered under the committee’s power to “scrutinize” the workings of Government in real time!! So, where’re the reports??

…conciliation

The Labour Ministry is supposed to be the “conciliator” in the salary negotiations between the GTU and the Ministry of Education. But with disagreements breaking all over, it looks like there’s need for a “peacemaker”, rather than a “conciliator”!!

SOCU Headquarters on Camp Road

Tameika Clarke

Chief Justice (ag)

Roxane George

Attorney General Anil Nandlall

Agreement inked for 23% increase in minimum wages for Sol workers

In a landmark agreement between Sol Guyana Inc and the General Workers’ Union (GWU), unionised minimum wage workers are set to receive an increase from $130,000 to $160,826 for 2024 which demonstrates a 23.7 per cent increase.

Apart from the increase, workers will also receive other benefits. This agreement was inked on Thursday in the presence of Senior Labour Officer Michelle Baburam at her Brickdam, Georgetown office.

It was noted that with the new contract, workers will benefit from a 23 per cent increase in salaries for 2024 and a further five per cent from January 1, 2025, taking their gross salary to $168,867 per month.

Additionally, the new rate for breakfast allowances now stands at $1500 while lunch and dinner allowances are now $1700. This will also be in effect for 2024 and 2025. Further, each employee will receive a laundry allowance of $4000 for 2024. The company’s bursary award is now pegged at $60,000 per year.

Following the signing of the agreement, GWU President Norris Witter, who was among the signatories, said that cordial and respectful bilateral meetings between the union and the company commenced in February and concluded in April.

As such, he commended the management of Sol Guyana Inc for its commitment to improving the

working conditions of its workers while noting that only after five meetings, a decision was made.

According to the GWU President, embedded in the agreement are landmark achievements which can be altered in 2025 should the cost of living or inflation rate further increase.

Witter said the in-

agreement on behalf of his company, spoke highly of the negotiating teams and the smooth process that resulted in an early conclusion of the negotiation and a successful agreement.

“This collective agreement is indeed a good outcome. I think that we have been able to successfully land at a position where

creases demonstrate not only the effort of the union in securing reasonable salaries and benefits for the workers, but also the company’s commitment to the development and well-being of its human resources.

“In addition to yearly incentives that are paid once qualified, Sol is the only company I’m aware of that the employees are paid three days’ pay were they to work on a statutory holiday. Sol management has proved to be a very good partner for the union to work with,” the GWU President said.

On the other hand, General Manager of Sol Guyana Inc, Earl Carribon, who signed the

our union workers will be better off based on this agreement.”

In brief remarks, Senior Labour Officer Michelle Babarum applauded the two sides for concluding a very successful agreement within the shortest period. She underscored to the importance of human resources to the company, and by extension the country.

Meanwhile, while the agreement covers unionised workers within the company, the non-unionised workers will also benefit from a 10 per cent increase in salaries for 2025 and an additional 5 per cent in 2025.

President of the General Workers’ Union (GWU), Norris Witter and another representative signed on behalf of the union

Senior Labour Officer

Michelle Baburam at the signing on Thursday

General Manager of Sol Guyana Inc, Earl Carribon and another senior staff signed on behalf of the company

Suspects in shooting death of taxi driver nabbed during police operation

Three months after the shooting death of 43-yearold Eon Holder had occurred over a parking spot at Alexander Street in Georgetown, the two main suspects were arrested on Wednesday

during an operation. The suspects, a 50-year-old and a 30-yearold, both of Queen Street in South Cummingsburg, Georgetown, were fingered in the murder of Holder, which occurred on February 24, 2024.

These two men, who were nabbed in Georgetown, remain in custody pending charges.

Holder was reportedly at a taxi service working his motor car, PRR 271, when he was hired by a 50-year-old businessman

Murdered: Eon Holder

to take him to Bourda Market to purchase vegetables. On arrival at Alexander Street, the businessman exited the car and walked towards the market, while Holder looked for a space to park.

About five minutes later, the businessman

heard a loud explosion, and as he turned around, he saw Holder lying on the ground about 15 feet away from his car. At the time, two men – one armed with a handgunwere seen running away from the scene.

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) who arrived on the scene pronounced Holder dead. During an examination of his body, a gunshot wound was seen on his face.

Police have said that several persons were questioned, and based on information received, the taxi driver had allegedly argued with the suspects after he had parked his car in the centre of the road, blocking vehicles from passing. During the

argument, one of the suspects drew a handgun and discharged a round at the taxi driver.

Holder’s family members had spoken with the media only a few days ago, demanding that the police do a better job of finding the suspects.

“I can’t see it’s nearly three months now and they can’t find the person/s that killed my son…,” the victim’s mother had told this publication some five days ago. “Every day I cry for my son…on Mother’s Day, knowing that he does be around and he wasn’t there, I cried. His birthday is coming up, and I will cry again. I feel it for my son. My son wasn’t supposed to die like that,” this mother has expressed.

“There will be consequences”...

“For people who go out on public contracts… they’re paid by the Government to supervise the work. So, they have to supervise and then bring in the bills to say this physical work was actually done ‘cause nobody in the office would actually know what is done [out there] and if they falsify that, then you end up paying for what you’ve not received.

“You will have sting operations too. So, I’m forewarning them. If you’re engaged in these practices and you get caught, don’t come later and complain that you have two kids or something else, or you belong to some party or something else. Don’t come and complain about that… If you get caught, you face the consequences!”

This announcement of a review of the public procurement system comes on the heels of the recent controversy surrounding the award of an $865 million contract to a fairly new and inexperienced company, Tepui Group, for the construction of a pump station at Belle Vue, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

Last month, the Public Procurement Commission (PPC) raised several issues regarding the award of the contract to the com-

pany that is associated with Mikhail Rodrigues, popularly known as “Guyanese Critic”.

Based on a complaint by former Public Infrastructure Minister, Opposition Parliamentarian David Patterson, the PPC launched an investigation into the contract award and found, among other things, that the company was only established in August 2022 and, therefore, failed to meet the technical requirements of the bid documents, which stated that the successful bidder must have successfully completed projects of a similar nature and size within the last three years.

But VP Jagdeo had previously defended the decision by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) to award the contract to Tepui Group.

He explained that new contractors would often be hired by the Government to keep pace with the ongoing rapid development in the infrastructure sector. He had argued too that even companies with years of experience also face challenges and delays in executing projects.

While the PPC had flagged several issues in the award of the Tepui contract, the Commission said it could not do anything about the situation, since the contract was already signed. Nevertheless, it has advised the project be strictly monitored for performance and if the contractor was found in breach, that the necessary steps, including termination, be taken.

Recent reports revealed that Tepui Group has committed to completing the project, which has been delayed, by August. Meanwhile, following the release of the PPC report, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh had noted that the “extremely important” observations and recommendations would be carefully studied by the Government and actions would be taken where appropriate. One of the areas he said corrective actions may be needed is regarding consistency between bidding documents and instructions to bidders. (G8)

The Vice President has also stated that criteria used to evaluate contractors for Government projects may need to be revised to develop a workable and realistic formula following the controversial award of the multimillion-dollar contract to the fairly new company with limited experience.

Oil blocks’ auction

Govt negotiating PSA with Qatar, France & Malaysian consortium

– as other awardees still being screened

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday disclosed that the Government has cleared the way for the consortium of TotalEnergies, QatarEnergy, and PETRONAS to move on to the negotiation phase of the contract award.

This consortium of TotalEnergies –a French company; QatarEnergy – a Qatari state-owned company; and the Malaysian state-owned oil firm PETRONAS, is the only awardee from the 2022 oil blocks’ auction that has gotten this far.

“[The consortium] has cleared the Cabinet already, and it’s moving forward… Now that they received the Cabinet’s approval, it’s a routine matter to complete [discussions for a

cal terms,” the minister stated.

He explained that, during the screening process, the Natural Resources Ministry did its due diligence on the consortium, which also submitted all required documentation, including its work programme.

Last October, the Government announced the award of eight deep and shallow-water blocks which were auctioned during the 2022 Licensing Round.

The TotalEnergies, QatarEnergy and PETRONAS consortium, which got Block S4, was one of six companies awarded shallow blocks offshore Guyana.

Other shallow blocks were awarded to Liberty Petroleum Corporation of the US and Ghana-

petroleum agreement],” Jagdeo told reporters at his weekly press conference on Thursday.

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat subsequently told <<Guyana Times>> on Thursday that negotiations have already commenced with the consortium. “We are finalizing the negotiations on the PSA (Production Sharing Agreement); the non-fis -

based Cybele Energy Limited, which got Block S7; International Group Investment Inc of Nigeria, which got two blocks – S5 and S10; and the Stabroek Block partners – ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Hess New Ventures Exploration Limited, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, which got Block S8.

The remaining shallow block, S3, was

awarded to a Guyanese female-led company, Sispro Inc., which also received a deep-water block (D2).

The second deep-water block – D1 – was awarded to Delcorp Inc

Guyana, which comprises Watad Energy and Communications Limited and Arabian Drilling Company of Saudi Arabia.

Jagdeo disclosed during Thursday’s press

briefing that the screening of these remaining awardees is still ongoing. “Most of the others, they’re still in discussions on the PSA, because a lot of them have issues with the PSA – the legal terms, not the fiscal terms, but the other obligations; they’re saying it’s too rigid. We’re having discussions,” he stated.

Applications for Miss Guyana Teen Scholar 2024 open this weekend

Now in its sixth year, the Miss Guyana Teen Scholar Pageant (MGTSP) opens online applications on May 26 – Independence Day –for candidates desirous of starting their pageant journey and gaining a chance to win a $500,000 scholarship among other prizes.

The pageant for adolescent girls is an education and gender development programme, introducing girls to modules on adolescent health and well-being, professionalism and life skills, social and gender

development, and stage presence and talent development. Each candidate is a beneficiary of the programme that adds to a holistic education in preparation for tertiary education, public life, and the workforce. MGTSP is also considered a stepping stone for young women interested in the performing arts, pageantry, fashion, and modelling, as it enhances their interest in stage presence and a platform.

The competition itself assesses elocution, social awareness presentations, interview

skills, talent and dance, and presentation style.

The programme ends in a graduation ceremony in the style of a public pageant at the National

Cultural Centre, where every candidate is celebrated for their identity and expression, and the showcase of their achievements.

The winning candidate is crowned as Miss Guyana Teen Scholar and awarded a scholarship towards her academic and career goals. She also receives a round-trip to a Caribbean island, medical health packages, spa treatment, and band ambassadorship including being a national role model to encourage other girls to pursue their education and ambitions.

The pageant manual and application link can be found on The Imperial House’s Facebook page – @TIHGuyana. Applicants must be citizens and residents of Guyana, be able to travel to Georgetown and be between the ages of 13 and 19.

GTU hints at int’l arbitration to end deadlock

Days after another meeting between the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) and the Ministry of Education had ended in deadlock, executive members of the GTU and teachers held a protest at the Office of the President on Thursday, during which GTU president Mark Lyte declared that, since both sides have been unable to come to a compromise, the best way to bring an end to the impasse is to engage international arbitrators.

“A binding arbitration is definitely the way forward, because we have seen the compromised position of the state officials. Even in their statements as recent as last week, they were talking about 2024 (agreement). How can we go into talking about a timeframe when the position is clear repeatedly from the Government? So, there is going to be no fairness meted out to the working-class people of this country; and therefore, having a neutral international arbitrator would be the way to go. But I don’t know if the Government has what it takes to make that happen,” the GTU President told reporters at the protest line.

He nevertheless reiterated that once the resumption conditions are not agreed upon, the conciliation cannot commence. “We have not activated the grievance procedure because we are not at conciliation. Where we are presently is a meeting to determine the resumption clause, and the conditions

and terms before we get into conciliation. That would allow for us to indicate whether we trust the mediators, and make way for an arbitrator to be appointed to look at the matter,” he said. Lyte was also adamant that the GTU demand of an interim 20 per cent acrossthe-board payout to all teachers must be met before the GTU begins conciliation talks. Apart from the 20 per cent payout, he is also calling for Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton to recuse himself from the process. Minister Hamilton has deemed the GTU call for him to recuse himself from the process as pure ignorance. He added that the dispute had nothing to do with him acting in his capacity as a servant to the people of Guyana.

Following the deadlock, the Guyana Government, through the Education Ministry, is currently ironing out details for a one-stop portal to implement distance learning in order to combat

Omni Helicopters Guyana Inc now certified “Great Place to Work”

the learning loss in schools, in light of the ongoing strike action called by the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU).

The GTU resumed strike action across the country two weeks ago, after talks with the Education Ministry had reportedly broken down. After protesting for five weeks, teachers had returned to the classroom on March 6 following the intervention of the High Court. During a mediation, the two sides had agreed to return to discussions regarding salary increases. During the follow-up meetings, the union maintained that negotiations should begin from 2019 to 2023, but the Government held its ground and was willing to commence salary negotiations from 2024 and beyond.

To date, Government has said, it has already addressed over 20 issues affecting teachers with the aim of improving their working conditions and overall welfare.

Taxi driver set on fire by woman after enquiring about missing cash

Taxi driver Edmond Moses, a 32-yearold resident of New Market Street in South Cummingsburg, Georgetown, is in critical condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital after being set alight by the mother of his child.

Based on reports received, Moses was at home when, at about 19:00h on Wednesday, he discovered that his wallet with $18,000 had gone missing. He raised an alarm, and the suspect, who resides in another apartment at the same address, showed up and reportedly threw the wallet at him.

Moses told detectives that, on checking the wallet, he noticed that the cash was missing, and he enquired from the suspect if she had taken it. The woman responded in the negative, and

an argument ensued between them. Soon after, the woman confronted him on the verandah of his apartment and threw a liquid substance at him, which she ignited with a lighter.

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) were summoned to the scene, and Moses was transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was admitted to the critical care unit, suffering from burns to his body and right hand. His condition is listed as serious.

The suspect has been arrested, and is assisting with the investigations.

Omni Helicopters International on Thursday announced that its operations in Guyana have been certified a “Great Place to Work” – a recognition that is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience.

This also marks a significant milestone for Guyana, as Omni Helicopters Guyana Inc. (OHGI) has become the first company in the country to receive this recognition.

“Great Place to Work” is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and leadership behaviours that are proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention, and increased innovation.

The survey was a groupwide initiative designed to gain insights into employees' perceptions of the organization. Specifically, the survey targeted Omni Táxi Aéreo and Revo in Brazil, OHI in Portugal, and OHGI in Guyana, with all surveyed organisations successfully attaining the certification.

"Great Place to Work certification is a highly coveted achievement that requires consistent dedication to the overall employee experience," Vice President of Global Recognition, Sarah Lewis-Kulin, has said.

The Country Manager for Omni Helicopter Guyana Inc., Peter Gay, has summarized the importance of this certification by saying: “Our commitment

to deliver exceptional customer service can only be achieved through our employees. And this type of certification, which benchmarks against the best in the world, is essential to ensure that we are bestin-class, and can ensure a positive and consistent employee experience. We’re delighted that our team here in Guyana feels valued and enjoys coming to work at Omni each day, and I thank them for their commitment and dedication."

The “Great Place to Work” certification is the only recognition based entirely on what employees report about their workplace experience; specifically, how consistently they experience a high-trust workplace.

OHGI team during the celebration of one year of operations in Guyana

Hospitalised: Edmond Moses

GTU president, Mark Lyte

GECOM processed over 19,000 transactions during 1st continuous registration exercise for 2024

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) commenced its first continuous registration exercise for 2024 in January. It catered for eligible persons at all of its permanent Registration Offices countrywide. This registration exercise will conclude on May 31.

So far, a total of 19,656 transactions have been processed under the respective categories. New registration for persons 18 years and older amounts to 6,396; registration for applicants 14 to 17 years old amounts to 2,894; changes or corrections to registration information amount to 1,731; transfer applications are 1,941; applications for replacement ID Cards are 6,192, and just about 502 persons have applied for photo retakes.

During an interview with this publication, GECOM Public Relations Officer (PRO) Yolanda Ward underscored the importance of ensur-

ing that new applicants are added to the official list of electors ahead of the 2025 General and Regional Elections. Apart from being issued with a National Identification Card, once you register, you are entered into the National Register of Registrants database. And so, once you are in that database,

it affords you the opportunity at the time of an election to participate in the electoral process, she explained. You can only participate in that electoral process once you register, so it is on that premise that persons are encouraged to ensure that they apply for registration, once they're eligible to do so,

Ward explained.

Further, she explained that there were no issues with any applicant s registration transaction, and an identification card was produced no later than six weeks from the time of the application.

She also explained that registrants who have applied for a change or correction to their registration records, or a replacement ID Card, can check with the Registration Office within two weeks of their application to uplift their ID Card.

In this regard, GECOM is advising all persons who have applied for registration to check with the respective Registration Office where they had applied: to enquire about the availability of their National Identification Card and to ensure that they uplift same at their earliest convenience.

We have 29 offices across the country, and

we have recorded what I would call a constant flow of applications daily. We have not recorded any hiccups in our system in relation to the processing of these registration transactions. Well, for new registrants, the process usually takes about six weeks, because there (is) some mandatory legal and administrative processing that must be done, which includes the fingerprint cross-matching exercise. That is not done in Guyana, but fingerprint cross-matching is an essential component in that it allows us to use biometric information to ensure that we have one and the same person on the database, so we don't have two John Jones or two Peter Pauls. We must have one person on that database, so that fingerprint cross-matching exercise is very critical in our process, Ward added.

The second continuous registration exercise for 2024 will commence

in July and conclude in November, and this is catered for under Act 26 of the amended National Registration Act of 2022, which paves the way for two cycles of continuous registration to be held annually.

During this registration exercise, any person who would be 14 years and older, and is a Guyanese citizen by birth, descent or naturalization, or is a citizen from a Commonwealth country living in Guyana for one year or more, can apply for registration, providing he/she had never previously been registered.

Further, existing registrants who are desirous of updating their records, such as a request to correct or change their names, dates of birth, occupation, and update their addresses, are advised that those transactions would also be facilitated during this exercise.

UG opens GIS laboratory at Turkeyen Campus to boost data analysis capabilities

The University of Guyana (UG) and the Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI) have unveiled a cutting-edge Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing Data Laboratory which is housed in the Hogben-Drayton Math and Science Building at the Turkeyen Campus. This new facility is poised to revolutionize data analysis capabilities and enhance the utilization of GIS technology throughout the region. Equipped with over 20 computer systems, the laboratory marks a significant milestone in the partnership between UG and GGI.

UG Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Paloma Mohamed-Martin has expressed excitement over the launch of this facility, emphasising that this laboratory, one of eleven projects funded un-

der the Greater Guyana Initiative, would benefit students and contribute to the country's overall development.

Professor and Project Lead, Dr Temitope Oyedotun, has underscored the significance of the laboratory in integrating data assets from diverse sources. He highlighted the platform's accessibility, enabling individuals worldwide to access critical data resources seamlessly. The

initiative aims to bridge geographical barriers and facilitate information sharing across different regions.

Manager of the Greater Guyana Initiative project, Susan Scott, has praised the collaborative efforts between GGI and UG, and has emphasized their joint commitment to advancing education and fostering skills development in Guyana.

Establishment of the GIS Lab aligns with GGI's

vision of enhancing technological capabilities and nurturing competence that is vital for Guyana's economic growth.

Negotiated in 2019, this project, part of a US$2.1 million five-year collaboration between the two entities, is supported by the Stabroek Block co-venturers: ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, CNOOC

Petroleum, and HESS Corporation. The initiative aims to double the number of engineering and tech graduates in the next three years, in addition to assisting the Faculty Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) in preparing for accreditation.

The GIS laboratory stands as a testament to the innovative strides being made in advancing technology and education in Guyana. With its stateof-the-art amenities and collaborative spirit, this project heralds a brighter future for data analysis and technological advancements in the region.

GECOM PRO Yolanda Ward

The systems that would be used to collect data

The Hogben-Drayton Math and Science Building which houses the laboratory

Govt processing land titles for 115 Lindeners

– 28 steel & cement vouchers distributed

Some 115 allottees of the Amelia’s Ward/ Fitz Hope Housing Scheme in Linden, Region Ten (Upper DemeraraUpper Berbice), have received their Agreements of Sale and have signed up for their Certificates of Title on Thursday.

The allottees were able to process their ownership documents during a housing outreach held at the Watooka Guest House in Linden, which was led by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Sherwyn Greaves.

Presently, 487 lots have been awarded in the area. However, challenges arising from squatting have significantly impeded progress, causing delays and preventing contractors from proceeding with infrastructural projects.

The CEO underscored the adverse impact of illegal land occupation on schemes and the rights of lawful land-

owners to access their allocated lots. His visit to the housing scheme last week helped to resolve some of the squatting issues at Fitz Hope and paved the way for Thursday’s exercise.

“The titling for your lot is a big step towards your home ownership,” the CEO remarked in emphasizing that possessing a land title or transport promotes generational wealth and enables individuals to se-

cure mortgages from financial institutions, thereby facilitating the construction of their own homes. The exercise also facilitated the processing of ownership documents for several persons whose house lots were regularised.

The CEO has said that, from 2020 to 2023, the agency has expended over $1.1 billion for infrastructural works in the Amelia’s Ward/Fitz Hope area and at Wisroc: for

asphaltic concrete roads, street lights, installation of pipe networks, and drainage works. In 2024, another $2 billion is being invested in Region Ten, including in the preparation of York for the construction of Young Professional homes.

Moreover, 28 residents of Region Ten have received the Steel and Cement Housing Subsidy vouchers, which would assist them to acquire

the necessary building materials to construct their homes.

Greaves has highlighted the significance of the initiative, as 97 vouchers were previously distributed to foster home ownership in the region.

Under the initiative, persons building properties estimated at $6 million or less would receive steel and one sling of cement for their foun-

dation. Those with estimates ranging from $6 million to $25 million would be assisted with two slings of cement. The vouchers are valued at approximately $225,000 each, and are redeemable at Bolo’s Variety Store and Furniture World, CB Roofing Inc., Chetram Brothers Group, S&J Cambio Variety Store, and Mac Rae Construction & Auto Repairs.

Ex-con confesses to murdering Corentyne welder – accuses victim of having affair with wife

As investigations intensify into the murder of 25-year-old Joshua Hardatt, also called 'Money', a welder of Bloomfield Village, Corentyne Berbice, one of two suspects who were taken into custody has since confessed to the crime.

This is according to Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, who told Guyana Times on Thursday that, during confession, the suspect - an ex-convict - accused the late welder of having had an affair with his wife while he was incarcerated.

Blanhum said the suspect confronted Hardatt on Tuesday evening, but Hardatt denied the allegation; and that was when the suspect became furious

and death Hardatt several blows to his body.

Blanhum said the suspect then placed Hardatt’s body in the motorcar and took it to Auchlyne, where he abandoned the vehicle with the body inside.

Persons traversing

the area contacted the police on Wednesday morning at about 8:00h. Upon their arrival on the scene, police found the body of the young man lying face down in a crouching position, with marks of violence to the face and forehead, and a wound to the back of the head.

Based on information received, the suspect and a female were arrested in Region Three.

Region Six Commander, Senior Superintendent Shivpersaud Bacchus, has said that after receiving certain information on Wednesday evening, he contacted his colleague in Division Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) and that led to the arrest of the prime suspect and

a female.

According to Bacchus, phone records played an integral part in the investigation.

“It was very useful, based on the technology available to us. Not only cellphone records, we have our smart city project which would have assisted us, and (we have) records from the Transport and Harbours Department and the Berbice River Bridge,” he noted.

In regard to the suspect, Commander Bacchus related that he had been remanded on a wounding charge.

“There was a matter with him and his brother, and he was sentenced for three months and his brother for one month. During that period, the victim would have had a relation -

ship with a female that is closely associated with the suspect, and hence it was reported that he would have sent threats to the victim…,” the Commander explained.

Meanwhile, Lalita Hardatt, mother of the victim, related on Wednesday that her son had left home at about 19:00h on Tuesday and had promised to return by 21:00h, but he did not, which she said was very unusual. “So, after 9 O’clock I started to call him on his phone, and it turned off. I see that he was not online, but I still tried calling, and I keep calling until 11 O’clock. At 11 O’clock, a girl called me and she asked for him.

I told her that he was not at home, and asked what she wanted. She

said that he had to do some work for her. She said she is from Albion. She tell me to let him call her when he come home,” the woman related. She added that, a few days prior, her son had told her that he had been threatened by a man who had recently been released from prison.

“Sunday night he went out and drink, and when he come home, he tell me that [mentioned name] want to knock him with a hammer and kill him,” the woman said as she cried in grief. Referring to the suspect, she said her son had told her he had threatened him. According to the woman, the man and her son had once worked together.

The CEO of the CH&PA, Sherwyn Greaves handing over an Agreement of Sale to a resident

Staff of the Ministry attending to persons at the event on Thursday

Murdered: Joshua Hardatt

9 homeless after Albouystown blaze

AThursday mid-afternoon fire at Albouys Street in Albouystown, Georgetown has destroyed a two-storey wooden building and left nine persons homeless. The fire reportedly started at about 15:00h, but within minutes, the structure was completely engulfed.

An elderly occupant of the house has said that the fire started in the up-

per flat of the house and made its way to the bottom flat in a short space of time. According to the man, he was asleep when he heard a neighbour screaming out his name. By the time he got up, he realized the fire was in the kitchen area of the house, and was already spreading.

“I think I probably had on the stove, but I can’t remember. All I remember is that I heard the neighbour calling my name, and when I woke up, I saw the kitchen

was on fire,” he explained.

Luckily, he declared, other members of the household were in the downstairs part of the house, and they had enough time to leave the house unharmed.

Meanwhile, he related that during his bid to retrieve items from the house, he was unable to save his two beloved pet rabbits.

“I was so confused when the fire was going on, I didn’t even get to save my two big rabbits. All I got to save was a mattress and a guitar,” he

sadly told Guyana Times, while adding that he was unable to run inside the house to retrieve the rabbits as the smoke was already billowing. Besides being unable to quantify his losses, the elderly man revealed that his losses include two big TVs (a Panasonic and a Sony), his mobile phone, and some cash that he had saved up. Investigations are underway by Fire Service officials to ascertain the cause of the fire.

Family protests at NA Hospital, seeking answers over deaths of siblings

Some five weeks after the mysterious deaths of two siblings one day apart from each other, a Berbice family has picketed the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, calling on authorities to provide answers regarding the children’s demise.

Aryanna Mohabir, 9, and her brother Ricardo, 11, died last month. The boy was pronounced dead upon arrival at the New Amsterdam Hospital on April 14, while his sister

died in the Intensive Care Unit of the same facility on the following day.

Family members say that, to date, they have not

received any proper information from authorities regarding the cause of death of either child.

The wooden house that was destroyed by fire

Officials of the Guyana Fire Service working to put out the fire

Dead: Aryanna Mohabir, 9, and her brother Ricardo Mohabir, 11

Family members on the picket line on Thursday

American Journalists explore Guyana’s rich biodiversity, cultural heritage

The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), in partnership with its North American market representatives, Emerging Destinations and CornerSun Destination Marketing, recently hosted a group of American Journalists on a press trip across the country.

The main aim was to showcase the unparalleled natural beauty and

vibrant cultural tapestry of Guyana.

The participating Journalists contribute to renowned publications such as AFAR, Travel Noire, Atlas Obscura, Lonely Planet, and Matador Network.

The week-long journey began in Georgetown at the historic Cara Lodge. From there, the group travelled to Lethem to immerse themselves in the heart

of Guyana’s pristine environment. Key activities included participating in wildlife research and caiman tagging at Caiman House Field Station, bird and wildlife spotting on the Rupununi River, and a visit to the conservation-focused Karanambu Lodge with its rich history and diverse ecosystems.

The Journalists experienced multiple river excursions and savan-

Family protests at NA Hospital...

As such, on Wednesday, they decided to stage a protest outside of the New Amsterdam Public Hospital.

During that activity, the children’s mother contended that it was negligence that led to her daughter’s demise.

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony had initially told reporters that investigations had revealed that the children had died from dengue complications. But he later explained to this publication that further testing was required, and that samples were taken from both children’s bodies and sent to the lab for analysis. To date, the results of those tests have not been made public.

Family members are contending that they are being kept in the dark.

The children’s mother, Rihanna Persaud, has said she had been unable to make contact with hospital officials for some time. On Tuesday they contacted

her, she said, because they had heard of the planned protest.

“They suddenly start calling, saying that they want to talk to we. We need justice for Aryanna. Aryanna cannot go so easily. Nothing would not be swept under the carpet for Aryanna. Suddenly we start getting calls after they hear that we coming out to protest. We get feedback from them that they have one report and the next one hasn’t come as yet…From yesterday we started getting contact with them,” she explained.

Arianna Mahabir was admitted as a patient in critical condition at the New Amsterdam Public Hospital on April 15.

While preparations were being made to transfer her to the Georgetown Public Hospital, she suffered a cardiac arrest and died in the Intensive Care Unit. Before her admission, her brother Ricardo had been brought to the hos-

nah tours, encountering Guyana’s diverse wildlife, including giant anteaters and black caimans. A visit to the breathtaking Kaieteur highlighted the natural splendour of Guyana, showcasing the world’s longest single-drop waterfall.

The excursion concluded with a cultural and culinary exploration of Georgetown, including a tour of significant historical sites and a cooking experience at Backyard Cafe, featuring local ingredients sourced from Bourda Market.

pital on April 14. He was pronounced dead on arrival.

“My son should have been saved if they had the MRI machine here. They could have seen what the fault is, but the hospital doesn’t have these things,” the mother has said.

The son had had a fever, and was being treated at home. However, he became unresponsive, causing the family to rush him to the New Amsterdam Hospital.

The mother had previously stated that she had taken her son to the said medical institution, and several tests had been conducted, including X-rays and an ultrasound, but medical personnel had been unable to come up with a diagnosis.

She said that, on many occasions, her son would cry out for pain in his tummy.

The Health Ministry had said it was investigating both deaths.

Nicholas DeRenzo, a participant in the trip and contributor to AFAR magazine, noted, “For most of the writers on our trip, it was our first time in Guyana and our first experience with Guyanese culture, and

we were surprised at every step of the way—at the vastness of the landscape, at the abundance of the wildlife, at the deliciousness of the cuisine, and especially at the generosity and friendliness of the people, from lodge owners and birdwatching guides to chefs and restaurateurs in Georgetown. When you visit a place like Kaieteur or Karanambu or Caiman House, you go through two emotions: You immediately want to post about it on Instagram and tell all your friends, but you also want to keep it hidden and magical and pristine.”

Makayla Anderson, who has personal ties to Guyana, expressed, “As a first-generation Guyanese-American, each trip back to my fa-

Govt negotiating PSA with

Moreover, the Vice President added that some are still looking for partners and operators because they’re unable to conclude or move ahead with their original submissions. “So, unless those issues are dealt with beforehand… it’s not going to go to Cabinet…Only when we’re sure, then we take them to Cabinet,” Jagdeo posited.

Only last month, the Vice President said Government wants to streamline the non-fiscal terms to have uniformity in all of the new oil contracts that would be signed in the future.

“At Cabinet level, the last thing we want is

ther’s homeland is done to learn more about my heritage. Embarking on the journey to cover this trip for Matador Network presented me with the opportunity to experience a unique side of this country that prior generations of my family have yet to see. This was the most impactful trip I have been on and it heavily reinforced the pride I have in being a Guyanese.”

This press initiative underscores the Tourism Authority’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism and enhancing global recognition of Guyana as a premier ecotourism destination. By facilitating these visits, GTA aims to illustrate the significant socio-economic benefits of tourism, which supports local communities, preserves cultural heritage, and promotes conservation.

The positive coverage expected from this trip will help attract more eco-conscious travellers, eager to explore one of South America’s hidden treasures, thereby supporting local economies and furthering conservation efforts.

Qatar...

to have the fiscal terms preserved in every contract; but then, in every contract, the other conditions of the contract for the same type of work are changing. So, what we want is a kind of uniform [non-fiscal] clauses in all of the contracts, because if we go earlier with one and then we’re negotiating the technical agreements with the others, then we may end up with a different set of concerns raised, etc.,” the VP last explained in April. The review of the non-fiscal terms would be a key factor as the Guyana Government prepares for its second auction, possibly at the end of this year. However, even as it is willing to flex on those conditions, Government is adamant about not changing the new fiscal terms, which include the increase of the royalty from a mere 2% to now a 10% fixed rate; the imposition of a 10% corporate tax, and the lowering of the cost recovery ceiling to 65% from the previous 75%, while maintaining the retention of the 50-50 profit-sharing after cost recovery that is contained in the controversial 2016 oil contract signed between ExxonMobil and the then APNU/ AFC Coalition regime. (G-8)

FROM PAGE 18

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Don’t limit what you can do. Work around obstacles, and you’ll prove you can handle whatever responsibility you face. Actions speak louder than words and will win you a seat at the table.

You need time to ponder your options. Change will arrive unexpectedly, and being ready mentally, physically and financially will help you make better decisions and get stellar results.

Sign up for something interesting. What you discover about yourself will put your mind at rest. Expanding your credentials and updating your resume will point you in an exciting direction.

Reposition yourself for success. Put your skills, knowledge and experience to the test. Don’t fear a challenge; use your imagination to make the impossible happen.

Blow off steam and test your physical skills. A personal challenge will encourage you to show off to someone you want to impress. Set the bar high and give your all. Relax and enjoy the moment.

Take a moment to review, recover and redo what isn’t working for you, and you will find a solution that helps you gain momentum and point you in a positive direction.

Set a budget, make plans and pursue your dream. Associate with positive people. Nothing will stand in your way once you establish what you want to do and whom you want to stand beside.

Believe in your abilities, skills and experience. Leave nothing to chance; be clear about the important details. Take responsibility, run the show and control the outcome.

Emotional matters will fluctuate, leaving you vulnerable. Refrain from limiting what you can achieve by wasting time on something unimportant. Stick to what you know, and be precise with details. A change or move is in your best interest.

Try something new. You will meet people who will offer valuable suggestions. A lifestyle change will prove eye-opening and help you gain financial insight.

Get out of the house and do something that can brighten your day. Spending time with someone special or getting back to nature or a hobby you enjoy will give you the boost you need.

Shake things up and see what’s left. Question anything and anyone who doesn’t appear to be on the same page as you. Seek out individuals who can offer you support and guidelines.

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

PICKLES ARCHIE

Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Linden… Silver Bullets eliminate holders Swag Entertainment in quarterfinal battle

Anew champion will be crowned in the Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Linden edition, as Silver Bullets eliminated three-time winners Swag Entertainment 1-0 in the quarterfinal round on Wednesday evening at the Christianburg hardcourt.

Witnessed by a large crowd, a first-half goal from Colwyn Drakes in the eighth minute proved enough to dethrone the three-time defending champions. The Silver Bullets unit will now oppose the Spaniards in the semifinal round after the latter squeaked past YMCA 1-0. Shaka Lewis found the back of the net in the 17th minute.

The Turf President outfit dismantled the Pro Ballers 3-0. Kelroy Anthony

recorded a “Guinness Goal” [a goal scored in the final three minutes of normal time which counts as

two] in the 29th minute. Breaking the initial deadlock was Anthony Layne in the ninth minute.

Turf President will now oppose Hardball Management in the semifinal round, after the lat-

ter beat Excuse the Rush 2-0. Second-half goals from Terry Phillip and Roshon Kitt in the 22nd and 24th minutes, respectively, sealed the win.

The semifinal, thirdplace playoff, and eventual final will occur on Monday at the Retrieve hardcourt.

The winner of the tournament will walk away with $500,000 and the championship trophy. They will also earn an automatic berth to the national championship, which is pencilled for August in Georgetown.

Meanwhile, the second-, third-, and fourth-place finishers will pocket $400,000, $300,000, and $250,000 apiece and the corresponding accolade. The tournament is also sponsored by Colours Boutique, which

has provided the playing kits for the entirety of the season.

Complete Results

Guinness Goal (GG)-2 Goals

Game 1

Excuse the Rush 0 v Hardball Management 2

Terry Phillip – 22nd

Roshon Kitt – 24th

Game 2

Turf President 3 v Pro Ballers 0

Kelroy Anthony – GG –29th

Anthony Layne – 9th

Game 3

Spaniards 1 v YMCA –0

Shaka Lewis – 17

Game 4

Swag Entertainment 0 v Silver Bullets 1

Colwyn Drakes – 8

Can rejuvenated Royals stall slam-bang SRH in Qualifier 2?

Big picture – SRH's batters vs RR's bowlers

The Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) batters have written and rewritten the record books in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Before this season, the highest team total in the IPL was 263 for 5, by Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2013. SRH have breached that mark three times this season.

Those gargantuan totals were set up by Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, the most destructive pair in the IPL history with a partnership run rate of 13.65 (min. 10 stands). Their aggressive approach also meant that SRH are the only team to score 100 or more in the powerplay this season, a feat they have achieved twice. This is even before we come to Heinrich Klaasen, arguably the best T20 batter in the past 12 months.

Rajasthan Royals’ batting line-up may not be as destructive but they have one of the best bowling units: a left-arm swinger at the top, two world-class spinners in the middle and two wily seamers at the death. The battle between their bowlers and SRH's batters could decide who moves to the final.

SRH, who had finished second in the league stage,

are coming from a loss against Kolkata Knight Riders in Qualifier 1, while RR will be buoyed by their win against RCB in the Eliminator. However, neither team had a good time when they last played in Chennai. Chasing 213 against Chennai Super Kings, SRH folded for a mere 134. When RR came here two weeks ago, they could manage only 141 for 5 batting first and went on to lose by five wickets.

Form guide

Rajasthan Royals

WLLLL (last five completed matches, most recent first)

Sunrisers Hyderabad LWWL

Previous meeting

It was a last-ball thriller when they met earlier this month. Chasing 202, RR needed two from one ball, but Rovman Powell failed to put away a full toss from Bhuvneshwar Kumar and was lbw. Before that, Nitish Kumar Reddy's unbeaten 76 off 42, backed by Head's fifty and Klaasen's 42 not out, gave SRH a competitive total. In response, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Riyan Parag scored half-centuries, but RR fell just short.

Team news and Impact Player strategy Rajasthan Royals

The slow nature of the Chepauk pitch may make Keshav Maharaj a tempting third-spinner option for RR. But if they are bowling first, Maharaj's inclusion could mean rejigging their overseas combo, and one wonders if they'd go even risk going in with just two seam-bowling options in a must-win

But if they are batting first, they can start with three overseas players, and bring in either Powell or Maharaj as the Impact Player depending on their progress.

Probable XII: 1

Yashasvi Jaiswal, 2 Tom Kohler-Cadmore, 3 Sanju Samson (capt & wk), 4 Riyan Parag, 5 Dhruv Jurel, 6 Shimron Hetmyer, 7 Rovman Powell/Keshav Maharaj, 8 R Ashwin, 9 Trent Boult, 10 Avesh Khan, 11 Sandeep Sharma, 12 Yuzvendra Chahal Sunrisers Hyderabad If SRH want to strengthen their batting, they can bring in either Aiden Markram or Glenn Phillips for Vijayakanth Viyaskanth. Both Markram and Phillips can chip in with their offspin. Mayank Markande could be their legspinner in that case, replacing Sanvir Singh.

If they are batting first, they too can start with only three overseas play-

ers: Head, Klaasen and the captain Pat Cummins. Depending on how it goes, they can either bring in Phillips or Viyaskanth.

Probable XII: 1 Travis Head, 2 Abhishek Sharma, 3 Rahul Tripathi, 4 Aiden Markram/Glenn Phillips/ Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, 5 Nitish Kumar Reddy, 6 Heinrich Klaasen (wk), 7 Abdul Samad, 8 Shahbaz Ahmed, 9 Pat Cummins (capt), 10 Bhuvneshwar Kumar, 11 Mayank Markande, 12 T Natarajan

In the spotlight – R Ashwin and Travis Head R Ashwin did not have a great start to IPL 2024. In the first nine games, he picked up just two wickets at an economy of 9.00. During this time, he was also struggling with an abdomen tear, which did not allow him to complete his

action. But of late, he appears to have found his rhythm. In the last four games, he has picked up seven wickets at an economy of 6.81. Playing at his home ground, with the pitch likely to aid spinners, he will be keen to continue that form which earned him the Player-of-theMatch award in the eliminator.

Travis Head has been the MVP for SRH, often killing the game in the powerplay itself. But in the last two games, he has fetched two ducks – on both occasions bowled by a leftarm seamer. RR, too, have a left-arm seamer in Trent Boult, but Boult has never dismissed Head in T20 cricket. Moreover, Head has taken him for 52 runs in 30 balls. His recent dismissals notwithstanding, it's unlikely Head will bide

his time against Boult.

Stats that matter In IPL 2024, SRH are the fastest-scoring side in the powerplay (run rate 11.48), and RR the most frugal bowling side (economy 8.03).

Ashwin has never dismissed Head, but has managed to keep him quiet, conceding only ten runs in 17 balls. On the other hand, Abhishek has taken him on: 28 runs in 18 balls for one dismissal.

Klaasen has dominated his match-up against Yuzvendra Chahal: 108 runs off 46 balls, three dismissals.

Jaiswal has hit Bhuvneshwar for 54 runs in 33 balls without ever being dismissed. He has an equally impressive record against Cummins: 25 runs in 12 balls, no dismissal. Shimron Hetmyer has scored only eight runs in 16 balls off Bhuvneshwar, though the seamer has never dismissed him.

Pitch and conditions

It's going to be hot and humid. And with dew expected in the second innings, the teams may prefer bowling first on winning the toss. The recent history also backs that: chasing teams have won five of the seven games played there this season. (ESPNcricinfo)

Silver Bullets eliminated defending champions Swag Entertainment

Rajasthan Royals

IKD World Cup scheduled for July in Guyana

First announced back in April 2023, the International Karate Daigaku (IKD) is set to host its fourth World Cup in Guyana, IKD Founder Frank Woon-A-Tai confirmed on Wednesday evening.

The international event is scheduled for July 15 to July 22, with 400-500 karatekas from over 20 countries already signed up to compete.

Quizzed about the ongoing preparations, Woon-A-Tai informed that they were coming along “nicely”.

He said, “Right now, I’m dealing with the visas for the overseas competitors, as well as getting them settled in the hotels; well I’m making hotel arrangements for them. We have about 10 hotels that we recommend within the US$100-$120 range and they’re very good hotels. I’ve inspected all of them myself, so, it’s coming along nicely.”

When asked about the support the international tournament is receiving

KFC Elite League…

thus far, the IKD Chief Instructor related that he was confident of receiving Government’s support, given their history with the Association.

“I haven’t approached them [Government] yet, but I know they’ll be supportive. His Excellency,

Final round set to kick off on May 25 with double-header

The wait is over.

Round Two of the KFC Elite League Season Six kicks off on May 25 with a thrilling double-header at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) National Training Centre in Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Santos FC start the final round in fifth place on the points table and will face off against seventh-place Fruta Conquerors FC at 18:30h (6:30pm).

Meanwhile, third-place Guyana Police Force FC will take on fourth-place Western Tigers FC in a 21:00h (9 pm) showdown.

GFF Technical Director Bryan Joseph on May 22 confirmed that all preparations for the final round were complete, with 10 elite clubs ready to battle it out for the championship title.

"We've spent the past few weeks reviewing Round One with all stakeholders, including clubs, match officials, medical staff, and the technical team," said Joseph.

"We held five sessions in total, providing everyone the opportunity to voice concerns and share ideas in a candid setting. We've made adjustments where necessary and are now ready, expecting another round of high-intensity games."

Round One concluded in early May, allowing players attached to Guyana

Defence Force FC, Slingerz FC, Guyana Police Force FC, Western Tigers FC, Santos FC, Den Amstel FC, Fruta Conquerors FC, Ann’s Grove United FC, Monedderlust FC and Buxton United FC a chance to rest and regroup while Coaches seized the opportunity to strategise for the upcoming round.

Over the next 13 weeks, 45 matches are scheduled to take place at the NTC, with fans eagerly awaiting the showdown of the final four clubs vying for prize rewards of $2,000,000, $1,200,000, $800,000 and $500,000, respectively.

Guyana Defence Force FC are top of the table, with Slingerz FC in second and Guyana Police Force FC in third. Western Tigers FC ended Round One in the fourth spot, while Santos FC complete the top five.

when I had the Gala at the New Thriving Restaurant at Providence, he gave us $10 million to help us complete the College,” a confident Woon-A-Tai shared.

This year’s IKD World Cup is being hosted in honour and celebration of the Shuseki Shihan’s (Top Instructor) 60th Anniversary. The event was scheduled to be host-

Marian Academy CSEC students host successful football tournament

Meanwhile, at the lower end of the table, Monedderlust FC and Buxton United FC are bracing themselves for a few heated weeks to secure their positions in the league for Season Seven.

GFF President Wayne Forde added that the final round promises to be an unforgettable climax judging from the competitiveness seen in Round One.

"We have witnessed incredible football from February to May in Round One, and as we approach the final round to determine the champions, football enthusiasts can anticipate nothing short of thrilling matches."

“Our strategic investment in club football development, which is a pathway to the national programme, is driving the continuous growth of the Elite League.”

Boys’ and girls’ teams from all four houses within Marian Academy recently participated in an Inter-House Football Competition. The competition got under way at the YMCA Ground on April 29, 2024 and continued for four days. All four Marian Academy houses (Our Lady of Coromoto, Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of Guadalupe and Our Lady of Lourdes) participated. Despite stiff competition, Guadalupe House emerged victorious in the boys’ competition followed by Fatima House while Coromoto House won the girls’ competition by beating Lourdes House in the final.

The top goal scorers were Kayleigh Todd, who scored seven goals; Ashley Walton, who scored four goals and Caitlin LaRose, who scored

ed at the Cliff Andersons

(CASH), but it is unclear whether that facility will be up to code by that time.

three goals for the girls; and Jonathan Lynch, who scored five goals and Aiden Fraser, who scored three goals for the boys.

The football competition was a Fourth Form Physical Education Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination School-Based Assessment (SBA) class project. Marian Academy’s Fourth Formers planned, documented and executed the football competition.

The competition director, Nickolas Sawh, noted the high standard of play and praised the management team of students for the efficient manner in which the competition was run. He expressed gratitude to Woodpecker Products Ltd and Maggie’s for donating trophies to the winning teams.

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Sports Hall

From left: Kayleigh Todd, Ashley Walton and Caitlyn LaRose, who were the top scorers for the girls (file photo)

A glimpse of what to expect on Saturday when the Elite League returns

Master Frank Woon-A-Tai

Woon-A-Tai second from right is surrounded by his wife, Moureen and other members of the IKD and Guyana Karate College (GKC)

Ex-Athletes and Friends Road Race on this weekend

The Guyana ExAthletes and Friends are set to host their annual Independence Road Race this Sunday, May 26, with something in store for competitors of all ages.

The annual event will be centred around the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary, Georgetown, where the one-mile race will begin and conclude and the more tedious 5K and 10K races will conclude.

The Under-9 and Under-12 athletes will compete in a one-mile run, around the Eve Leary area for prizes that include bicycles, tablets and stocked backpacks, among other items, while the older teens (Under- 19) can test their mettle in the Open 5K run.

As is customary, the experienced seniors and masters will take on the 10K run, which is tentatively set to commence on Carifesta Avenue.

The male and female seniors in the 10K event will be competing for a first prize of $60,000 cash, along with a smart television. Second place will pocket $55,000 while third and fourth place receive $50,000 and $45,000 respectively. The fifth-place finisher will receive a watch.

President of the ExAthletes and Friends Group, Burgette WilliamsForde spoke about their focus on rewarding the younger athletes, while shouting out the sponsors who made the wide array

Secretary James Cole was on hand to share remarks and highlighted the AAG’s involvement in lengthening the list of prizes.

of prizes possible.

“The youth of Guyana is the future of tomorrow, so, we have to invest in them,” Williams-Forde shared.

The former athlete went on to add, “Our spon-

sors, they enjoy being involved in something that is giving back. Without our sponsors, this would not have happened.”

Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) General

“We want to say thanks for another year of collaboration that is made between the Guyana ExAthletes and the Athletics Association of Guyana for this venture. It adds towards our sport in terms of having our athletes more advanced in Road Race, 10K, 5K and the one mile. This year is no different and the Association would’ve added more prizes. So, that all athletes who are competing, those who did not make it to the top 1-12, they’ll still be able to gain a token for participation,” the AAG General Secretary related.

James also divulged one of the aims of collaborating with the Ex-Athletes and Friends for the event, which includes preparing Guyana road runners for a bigger stage.

James disclosed, “The 10K, 5K will be giving our Guyanese scope to move on to further afield, in terms of the marathon run. Over the years, Guyana would not have entered persons to compete in the marathon run and we’re hoping somewhere in the near future, maybe next year, we’ll start getting persons for those marathon championships.”

The one-mile race is set to blow off at 14:30h, while the 5K and 10K races are likely to commence at 15:00h.

Meadowbrook Nets secure 2nd win while Kwakwani Untouchables remain unbeaten

On Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at the National Gymnasium, the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation's Under-23 Club Championships took place.

Meadowbrook Nets recorded their second victory, while Kwakwani Untouchables maintained their perfect record and achieved the largest blowout of the competition thus far.

Meadowbrook Nets, with their ability to counter to the basket, secured their third victory against a winless Leonora D-up, with the Nets starting the game on a high to lead the first quarter with the scoreline reading 23 -10.

In the second quarter, the Nets continued to covert shots and held on to their lead as their score amounted to 39 points at the end of the quarter, scoring 16 points while Leonora D-up scored 17 points for a total of 27 points.

The Nets continued to keep their composure and showed their class, as they continued to hold on to their lead, netting 25 points while Leonora D-up were restricted to 5 points, with the scoreline reading 64-34 after the third quarter.

Meadowbrook Nets went on to secure the win in the final quarter with a scoreline of 82-39.

Chris Perez showcased his domination from the three-point line as he

led the Nets’ offensive attack, scoring 19 points followed by Captain Peter Langevine contributing 15 points.

On the losing side, Mainny Marks continues to be persistent with his scoring as he managed to put the ball through the net for 15 points, with Captain Shaquan Archer contributing 12 points.

In a post-match interview, with media operatives Meadowbrook Nets

Captain Langevine underlined the mistakes and improvement in their game. Langevine underlined: “Well, we took the last two games as lessons so we know what we have to improve on such as free throws; we made more free throws than the last game, we were disciplined, we passed the ball. In the first and second quarters, we weren’t taking the game seriously, because we took advantage of the team, so we became disciplined in

the other two quarters to maintain the top.”

In the second game of the evening, the Kwakwani Untouchables proved to be a formidable force in the tournament as they annihilated the Black Caimans. The Untouchables controlled the pace of the game as they used the jump ball to take an early lead of 22-9.

In the second quarter of the game, the Untouchables continued to conquer the defence of the Caimans as they scored 41 points, pushing their score to 63 points, while the Caimans were restricted to eight points for a total of 17 points.

The third quarter of the game saw both scoring 14 points, with Kwakwani elevating to 77 points while the Caimans had 31 at the end of the quarter.

In the final quarter, the Untouchables sealed the deal, breaking through their opponents’ defenc-

es and becoming the first team to reach triple digits with the scoreline reading 100-33 in their favour.

Kimmol Grimmond

led the offensive attack for Kwakwani as he topscored with 23 points, with Kadeem Power making 13 points and Kasim English

was prolific as he contributed 16 points.

In a post-match interview with media operatives, Captain of Kwakwani Untouchables, Demarcus Adams expounded on the key towards the win.

“I would say is a team effort whereas defensively and offensively, first it starts with defence trying to like get every play, the hustles, everything; just trying to put the best foot forward, because is always a team effort. I would always say if one player slacking up, the next player would pick up where that player left off just trying to hold one head as a team,” Adams said.

Guyana Ex-Athletes and Friends President Burgette

Williams Forde (centre) is surrounded by AAG General Secretary James Cole (second from right) and other Executives of the group

The Meadowbrook Nets

The unbeaten Kwakwani Untouchables

as King shines on home soil for West Indies

T20 World Cup cohosts West Indies got on the front foot in their final preparations for the tournament with a commanding 28-run win over South Africa, their biggest margin of victory over them batting first. Neither side had their first-choice XI available, with some players rested or still at the Indian Premier League (IPL), but West Indies will be pleased with their dominance at home, especially as this was the first international at Sabina Park in almost two years.

Home boy Brandon King, captaining in place of Rovman Powell, set the tone with an aggressive 45-ball 79. He also shared in a 79-run secondwicket partnership with Kyle Mayers, who is not in the T20 World Cup squad. King was the mainstay as West Indies built a healthy platform with scores of 64 for 1 in the powerplay and 109 for 1 at the halfway stage, but they lost 6 for 40 between the 14th and final over to finish on 175 for 8.

Indies should have been eyeing a total above 200, but their middle order was unable to back up their standin captain's start. No-one from Andre Fletcher down was able to get into double figures and Matthew Forde's 5 was the highest score outside the top four. Fletcher and Fabian Allen

move his feet again and nicked behind. De Kock's dismissal for 4 meant that he has only crossed fifty three times in 30 innings, all in T20s, since his One-Day International (ODI) retirement last November and has a top score of 12 from his last five trips to the crease.

South Africa will be pleased with their bowling comeback, especially the early signs from Ottneil Baartman.

On T20I

boundary. While West Indies hit seven fours and eight sixes in the first 10 overs, South Africa scored eight fours and one six. South Africa needed 99 runs off the last 10 overs and though Reeza Hendricks went on a career-best 87 off 51

were guilty of trying to play

Another Hendricks half-century Hendricks controversially missed out on a spot in South Africa's starting XI at the 2022 T20 World Cup despite scoring four fifties in succession in the lead-up, because he could

not displace Captain Temba Bavuma. But there should be no reason for him not to start the tournament this time. His 87 was his 10th T20 halfcentury of 2024 and 49th in his career and was the standout knock in a disappointing South African batting performance. He was the only player to score more than 20. The highlights of his performance were the way he timed the ball early on and then showed off his power hitting towards the end, albeit too late to take South Africa over the line. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

West Indies (20 ovs maximum)

Brandon King (c) c van der Dussen

b Phehlukwayo 79

Johnson Charles c Rickelton

b Baartman 1

Kyle Mayers c Hendricks

b Coetzee 34

Roston Chase not out 32

Andre Fletcher †

b Phehlukwayo 1

Fabian Allen lbw

b Phehlukwayo 1

Akeal Hosein

b Baartman 2

South Africa (T: 176 runs from 20 ovs) Quinton de Kock †

Breetzke

Matthew Forde c Phehlukwayo

b Baartman 5 Gudakesh Motie run out (Mulder/Ngidi) 1

Shamar Joseph not out 0

Extras (b 4, lb 8, w 7) 19

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 8.75) 175/8

Did not bat: Obed McCoy

reach for, and toe-ended it to van der Dussen, who ran to his right from the covers. King was dismissed at the end of the 11th over for 79, six fewer than his T20I career best.

West Indies' middle order gives way

After King's start, West

to chase leather again when de Kock hit his first ball for four. It was a remarkablytimed shot, with no footwork at all, as de Kock struck Forde straight down the ground. But the young West Indian had the perfect riposte. His next delivery was wide of off stump, de Kock neglected to

Fall of wickets: 1-36 (Johnson Charles, 3.4 ov), 2-115 (Brandon King, 10.6 ov), 3-134 (Kyle Mayers, 13.3 ov), 4-135 (Andre Fletcher, 14.1 ov), 5-137 (Fabian Allen, 14.4 ov), 6-151 (Akeal Hosein, 16.1 ov), 7-165 (Matthew Forde, 18.6 ov), 8-174 (Gudakesh Motie, 19.5 ov) •

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Bjorn Fortuin 2-0-14-0

Lungi Ngidi 4-0-41-0

Gerald Coetzee 4-0-30-1

Ottneil Baartman 4-0-26-3

Andile Phehlukwayo 4-0-28-3

Wiaan Mulder 1-0-16-0 Reeza Hendricks 1-0-8-0

Phehlukwayo

of the strike in the first three

Brandon King led the way for West Indies with the bat (file photo)

Reeza Hendricks lacked support in South Africa's chase (file photo)