Guyana Times - Friday, November 24, 2023

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 5563

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2023

Venezuela border controversy

“We are taking nothing for granted” – Pres Ali tells Reg 1 residents ...urges them not to panic, give in to Venezuelan propaganda ...as more visits to frontier communities planned Page 3

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Prisons Director sounds warning over continued contraband smuggling P12

Wanted man stabbed to death at Eruma Backdam P17

Corentyne man to serve life P8 in prison for raping woman at knifepoint Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Omar Khan and Commander of the 1st Jungle Infantry of the Brazilian Armed Forces, Major General Paulo Santa Barba, along with other members of the Brazilian and Guyanese military at the opening of the 26th Regional Meeting of Military Exchange at the Ramada Hotel on Wednesday

US military arrives next week to provide ‘high-level’ defence to Guyana – VP Jagdeo Page 7

...says Govt will continue to engage allies to plan for all eventualities

Partnerships with London Stock Housing Ministry denies Exchange, greater ties with Page allegations of corruption 11 Guyanese Diaspora explored Page – challenges public to provide

Guyana reaffirms commitment P15 to cooperation agenda of ACTO

– as 1st Guyana Diaspora Investment Conference 2023 concludes evidence, report matters to Police 13 Page 13

Canje furniture bond, house go up in flames

Businessman remanded on gun, ammo charges P17

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Venezuela border controversy

BRIDGE OPENINGS

BRIDGE The Demerara OPENINGS Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, November 24 – 02:30h-04:00h and Saturday, November 25 – 03:00h-04:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, November 24 – 14:00h-15:30h and Saturday, November 25 – 14:40h-16:10h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunshine and thundery showers are expected during the day. Clear skies followed by thundery showers are expected at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-Easterly between 2.68 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 14:19h reaching a maximum height of 2.62 metres.

Low Tide: 07:51h and 20:19h reaching minimum heights of 0.69 metre and 0.56 metre.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2023

LOTTERY NUMBERS A

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FREE TICKET

Bonus Ball

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2023 DAILY MILLIONS

16 18 25

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DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Crude Oil

$81.57/barrel

+0.18

Rough Rice London Sugar

$310.32/ton $746.30/ton

-1.49 0.00

Live Spot Gold Bid/Ask Low/High Change

Change %

USD Per Ounce $1992.70 $1989.60 +0.60

$1993.70 $1999.30 +0.03%

“We are taking nothing for granted” – Pres Ali tells Reg 1 residents ...urges them not to panic, give in to Venezuelan propaganda ...as more visits to frontier communities planned

P

resident Dr. Irfaan Ali has urged residents of Region One (Barima/Waini) not to succumb to the Venezuelan narrative and to efforts aimed at driving fear into them.

At the same time, he has made it clear that the Government is taking nothing for granted, and is working on strengthening Guyana’s defence capabilities.

On Thursday, the President, along with military and other officials, visited Mabaruma - a region which shares a border with Venezuela - and assured residents that Government is not taking Venezuela’s referendum and rhetoric against Guyana for granted.

“As it is now, the Guyana Defence Force has done its analysis, and what is required, based on the present level of analysis, they are putting in place.

We don’t want any overreaction or overreach, but I want to assure you that behind the scenes, in addition to the physical men and women you’re seeing on the ground, there’s a lot more work that is going on,” he detailed.

“As the situation unfolds, they will determine what level of physical presence and assets they need.

But we are sparing no effort.

Everything that is needed, we are making available.

But we don’t want to sound alarm bells. We’re not taking anything for grant-

President Dr Irfaan Ali addressing Region One residents on Thursday

ed. Because we are listening carefully to the rhetoric coming out of Venezuela… now we’re hearing military personnel, who should be more measured in what they say, are joining the rhetoric,” he said.

Assurance has been given that Guyana is working with its international partners, and is adding to its capacity. In fact, Ali referenced conversations he has had with regional and international partners, noting that Guyana’s partners are solidly behind Guyana.

But while he made clear that his government isn’t taking anything for granted, the President also expressed the view that, based on assessments made, the belief is that Venezuela will

not act recklessly.

Further, the President stressed the importance of residents not succumbing to the Venezuelan narrative and giving in to fear.

“We want our population to be assured of what we are doing. To be assured that our partners are solidly behind us. There’s a series of activities you will see that will demonstrate how solid this relationship is. And I am engaging many leaders. Even yesterday, I spoke with many leaders in the region, many leaders internationally, on this matter,” the President said.

According to President Ali, these international partners have all once again strongly condemned “any action or any behaviour

by Venezuela” that could be interpreted as recklessness. Further, President Ali recounted that in conversations with him, these international partners have been adamant that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) process should be respected.

“We have all of these international partners on our side. So, we can’t allow the Venezuelan narrative…because their narrative, what they want is to create fear in your minds and the communities. And we can’t allow them to win by responding to that fear. When we respond to those narratives, we feed into the propaganda,” President Ali said.

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2023

Views

Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Invest to prevent violence against women and girls

T

he UN Women’s theme for International Day for the Prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls, which will be observed on Saturday, November 25, 2023, is “UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls.”

Ahead of this important day, a report, “What Counts? The State of Funding for the Prevention of Gender-based Violence against Women and Girls”, was launched by UN Women partners with the Equality Institute and the Accelerator for GBV Prevention, working together under the Collective Commitment of the Generation Equality Action Coalition on GBV. It reveals a concerning reality: gender-based violence, an issue of alarming proportions, garners only 0.2% of global aid and development funding.

According to UN Women, when world leaders adopted the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015, they recognised that ending violence against women and girls was a prerequisite for the achievement of the development agenda. Goal 5 on gender equality includes a specific target to end all forms of violence against women, including trafficking, other forms of sexual violence, and harmful practices.

Despite this, the body pointed out, resources dedicated to addressing the issue still do not match the scale of the challenge. It also emphasised that allocating adequate resources to prevent and address violence against women is not only a legal obligation and a moral imperative, but a sound investment, too.

However, as the world marks the halfway point to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the urgency to end violence against women and girls has never been greater. UN Women’s Gender Snapshot 2023 report reveals that 245 million women and girls continue to face physical and/or sexual violence from their intimate partners each year.

A staggering 86 per cent of women and girls live in countries without robust legal protections against violence, or in countries where data are not available. Additionally, the impacts of economic crises, conflicts, and climate change have heightened the vulnerability of women and girls to violence.

“It is time to get serious and fund what we know works to stop violence against women and girls. Invest in reforming and implementing laws and multisectoral policies; provide services to survivors; scale up evidence-based prevention interventions. With the will and contributions of all stakeholders and sectors, we can unlock financing, track budget allocations, and increase genderresponsive budgeting. We have the solutions and resources to end violence against women and girls in our lifetimes. It is our choice,” said UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous at the official commemoration event for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women in New York.

Violence against women has been declared a global pandemic and human rights violation. In the male-dominated world view, the role of women in the family, home, relationship and society has been taken for granted, and this taken-for-granted-ness has led to the perpetuation of violence in several forms.

Also launched today is a new research brief with estimates on gender-related killings of women and girls, produced jointly

by UNODC and UN Women, it shows that, globally, nearly 89,000 women and girls were killed intentionally in 2022, the highest yearly number recorded in the past two decades, indicating that the number of female homicides is not decreasing. Most killings of women and girls are gender motivated.

In 2022, 55 per cent of the intentional killings of women (around 48,800) were committed by intimate partners or other family members. This means that, on average, more than 133 women or girls were killed every day by someone in their own family.

Beyond the direct medical and judicial costs, violence against women takes a toll on household and national budgets through lost income and productivity. In Guyana, the Women and Gender Equality Commission, which joined with many other organisations to speak out on the occasion, also acknowledged that one of the major challenges to efforts to prevent and end violence against women and girls worldwide is financing.

As a result, they pointed to the glaring reality that resources for initiatives to prevent and end violence against women and girls are severely lacking.

In their bid to reinforce the point that there is much more work to be done in Guyana to ensure that the Prevention of Discrimination Act and the Constitutional provisions on non-discrimination and equality are enforced, they pointed to the overall economic impact of tackling the existing issues, which can actually contribute to the prevention of violence against women and girls.

Santa and his helpers made their grand entrance during the 97th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York on Thursday. Santa Claus’s entrance signals the commencement of the Christmas season (Macy’s photo)

Do the Southern "delegates" preach peace or confer conflict?

Dear Editor, Georgia, USA is well known for many popular reasons. Ailing at the current age of 99, the approaching centurion Jimmy Carter, former US President, was born in Plains, Georgia. He assisted in laying the foundation for Guyana to regain democracy with the election and administration of the PPP/C in 1992, from the dictatorship of the devious PNC 28 continuous years of reign of totalitarianism.

History has proven that the PNC rigged elections in order to retain power. 1992 was the turning point with a free and free election through the assiduous and courageous efforts of the Carter Centre input.

Jimmy Carter endured much aggravation at the unscrupulous hands of the bullish PNC, but he relentlessly fought the tyrants with the help of the U.S., to overcome the militarized PNC, who finally succumbed to the results of the election, showing the PPP/C as the winner.

Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. His Prize motivation: “for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.” This was at the time when the President of the United States of America, George. W. Bush, was planning a war on Iraq in the fall of 2002.

Today we have a masked Georgian who wants to participate in the wages of sin by interrupting the peace Guyanese are enjoying!

Martin Luther King Jr. was born in Atlanta, Georgia. His “I Have a Dream” speech still resonates with the world as advocates clamour for reparation for some only at the expense of others. Named Man of the Year by Times Magazine in 1963, he was the youngest man to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, in 1964. His motivation: “for his non-violent struggle for civil rights for the Afro-American population.”

Influenced by the teachings of

Gandhi’s “Truth and Non-Violence”, MLK preached and practised non-violent civil disobedience to racial segregation. In Guyana, while many hide behind closed doors but profess MLK’s teachings, they silently confess to what they do not possess. The current visiting Georgian should take a page from this teacher and adopt the responsibility of not distorting facts.

MLK warned, “We have allowed the means by which we live to outdistance the ends for which we live.” This advice is so relevant for the PNC to penetrate to those who prefer to propagate propaganda, rather than to live within a means with patience and work diligently in order to progress towards prosperity.

A delegation of “Find-outers” (no, not the English characters from the famous Enid Blyton’s series “The Five Find-Outers”) arrived in the country from the South of the USA, including the State of Georgia. In Blyton’s series, the Find-Outers probed, pronged and proved to be positive producers in their village, while being peaceful and progressive in providing help to the Police. Can the same be said of our visiting friends from out South? A foregone conclusion was scripted as the players enacted a well-directed scene, plagued by authored planning. They avoided Baracara as if the place was full of cobras.

Every day, there is an accident of some sort in Guyana. Coincidentally, with the visit from the “Fact Finders,” Customs found a cache of firearms and ammunition in a barrel at the GNIC Wharf last Friday. The Guyana Police Force is investigating this matter, and a 56-year-old man from Atlanta, Georgia is wanted in connection with this issue.

Strange, but true, the State of Georgia holds different prominence.

Only last month, a large amount of ammunition was found in an abandoned building at Mocha, East Bank Demerara.

Also, earlier in October, another large number of arms and ammunition were found on examination of a barrel at the

Laparkan shipping bond at Timehri.

This barrel was shipped by a man residing in the Bronx, New York, from a shipping company located in Brooklyn. A manager employed by the said shipping company attempted to clear the barrel.

Why would a man living in the Bronx, where shipping companies are located, travel all the way to Brooklyn, bypassing Queens where numerous shipping companies are also located, to ship a barrel?

This is a very suspicious story, with unrevealing ramifications to date. It will be noted that Brooklyn houses a man wanted by the Guyana Police Force. He is well known for being anti-Government and spreading racism. Will the “Fact Finders” try to find out the facts on this individual, as to why he is wanted by the Police? Will they assist the Police in executing justice?

Will those Americans seek information from their fellow Americans from the US Embassy for clarification or confirmation? Will they question in their fact-finding why Caricom, the OAS, the Commonwealth and the UN have never accused the current Guyana Government of discrimination? Will they question why the President of Guyana, Dr. Irfaan Ali, is so much loved and admired by all the heads of governments throughout the world?

If there is inequality, prejudice, and apartheid existing in Guyana and engineered by the Government, will those belonging to that elected, selected, self-appointed or pin-pointed group with a veiled motive find out why so many investors are anxiously coming to this country, wanting the friendship of this Government and eager to set up business, including African States?

Jimmy Carter and Martin Luther King Jr. are Southerners, and they lived and breathed peace during their active days. Do the visiting “delegates” from the South preach peace or confer conflict?

Yours respectively, Jai Lall

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2023

5

News

Guyana to rally for climate adaptation funding for Caribbean States at COP28 – VP Jagdeo ...will advocate for forests to comply with market

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uyana will be raising its voice at the upcoming Conference of Parties (COP 28) to solicit funding for climate adaptation measures for small-island and low-lying coastal developing states that stand to face the imminent brunt of climate change.

Vice President Dr

Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday stated that while Guyana has the necessary finances to activate climate adaptation mechanisms, this is not the case for many vulnerable nations in the Caribbean.

Government engaged the international community last week, ahead of COP28, to solicit support in moving forward the issues that are important to Guyana and the Caribbean. The position of Caricom is rooted in their advocation for funding in areas of adaptation, and loss and damage.

“We have not waited for international funding to tackle adaptation issues here. We’re finding our own sources to tackle adaptation.

Some countries unfortunately don’t have the assets we have, like the rest of the region. That’s why we act in

strong solidarity with them to see that the monies that are pledged are delivered,” Jagdeo asserted.

“One point we made to the donors and international community to say back to their capitals is we expect that there will be some consistency in the accountability for climate funds…

We’re not hopeful that the money will come soon, but it doesn’t mean we’re going to be dumbing down our voices globally in support of the other countries that need this now, especially the Caribbean.”

President Dr Irfaan Ali has already called out developed countries over their failure to fulfil the US$100 billion per year pledge to assist developing nations fight against climate change.

This year, Government forged a striking multi-year agreement with United States energy major Hess Corporation for the sale of high-quality carbon credits to the tune of a whopping US$750 million.

The money received from the carbon credit agreement with Hess would total US$150 million by the end

of 2023. Some $22.5 million has been disbursed to 242 Amerindian villages where 500 projects are under implementation. The sum of US$122.5 million remains in an account to be used for adaptation funding.

Forest preservation

Guyana is not only focused on supporting Caricom, but adding new dimensions – an important one being forest preservation.

“We have argued that there should be the right incentives globally to preserve forests, and that there should be a just transition in the global arena…We made the argument that forests cannot be saved by philanthropy. We have gone past that model. It is an important abatement solution to climate change. You cannot achieve net zero without tackling key sources of emission, which are forests and land degradation,” he argued.

He contended that this topic has not generated the required attention since it is not part of a compliance market – an issue that the Government is hoping to change by calling for financial incentives for forests.

“There are no public funds now at scale dedicat-

ed to saving forests, and we don’t expect any to be made available, given how adaptation for funding has failed globally. It suffered from a lack of funding, so we don’t expect that public money will be going into trying to preserve forests globally. We have to work on stimulating a market-based mechanism to do that,” Jagdeo outlined.

Forest preservation is part of a menu of measures backed by Guyana to achieve net zero by 2050. Guyana has taken an approach to show the world how net zero can be achieved without

putting the world through ‘hardships.’ This includes a reduction in fossil fuel production; introducing renewable energy at scale to displace the growth of demand

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

for energy; demand management; use of technology; and reducing deforestation and land degradation.

“We believe if you do all five of these things, then you can achieve net zero without pushing the world through hardships or that will come out of unilateral action, par-

ticularly if you just displace fossil fuel immediately now.

This will be our approach at COP. We intend to pursue these views vigorously, and we’re a good example,” said the former Head of State.

The Vice President has posited that Guyana enters COP28 with great credibility. At the national level, the Government is moving to decarbonize the energy sector with a 70 per cent reduction in emissions.

He stated, “We’re one of the few countries in the world that have a Low Carbon Development Strategy. We have the biggest forestry deal in the world. We have robust and good-quality carbon. We have the only international jurisdictional certification for forests, so we go to COP with great credibility.”

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2023 06:00 06:30 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:05 13:35 14:00 14:30 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 20:30 21:00 23:00 23:30 00:00

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2023

Foundation ◄

Page

Test Questions

The Moment

By Margaret Atwood

I

n this fun and easy science experiment, we’re going to show you how to use a balloon to power a water fountain.

NB: Adult assistance and/or supervision required.

Materials:

Empty 2-litre soda bottle Balloon Straw – a bendable straw works best Putty Sharp nail, pin, or knife Funnel Tray or wash bin to collect the water Optional – food colouring

Instructions:

Have an adult poke a hole in the bottle big enough for the straw to just barely fit through. Put the hole about a third of the way from the bottom of the bottle.

Slide the straw through the hole.

Leave about half of the straw sticking out of the bottle.

Make sure to point the end of the straw up.

Use the putty to securely seal the area around the straw.

Place the bottle in the tray.

Use the funnel to fill the bottle with water until it reaches the level of the straw opening. If you go higher than this, the water will come out of the straw.

Optional – add a drop of food colouring.

Blow up the balloon. Pinch the balloon, but do not tie it closed.

Stretch the mouth of the balloon over the opening of the bottle being sure to keep the balloon pinched closed.

Release the balloon and observe what happens.

How it works:

The water in the bottle has air pressure pushing down on it. When the balloon is released, the air pressure on top of the water increases.

This increased pressure forces the water out of the straw and creates the balloon-powered water fountain.

Make this a science project:

Try this easy balloon experiment with different sized balloons. Try smaller plastic bottles with bigger balloons. Try straws of different diameters like big milkshake straws or small stir stick straws. (Sciencefun.org)

The moment when, after many years of hard work and a long voyage you stand in the centre of your room, house, half-acre, square mile, island, country, knowing at last how you got there, and say, I own this, is the same moment when the trees unloose their soft arms from around you, the birds take back their language, the cliffs fissure and collapse, the air moves back from you like a wave and you can't breathe.

No, they whisper. You own nothing.

You were a visitor, time after time climbing the hill, planting the flag, proclaiming.

We never belonged to you.

You never found us.

It was always the other way round.

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Venezuela border controversy

US military arrives next week to provide ‘high-level’ defence to Guyana – VP Jagdeo ...says Govt will continue to engage allies to plan for all eventualities

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo at his press conference on Thursday

G

uyana is working on its defence cooperation with several countries amid Venezuela’s aggression to annex Essequibo, for which the United States Department of Defense has stepped up to offer a high-level presence next week.

During his weekly press briefing on Thursday, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo affirmed that the country’s allies have been engaged to plan for any outcome amid heightened tension in the border controversy with Venezuela.

From next week, and leading into December, the US teams are scheduled to make several visits here.

“We are going to be working with our allies to ensure that we plan for all eventualities. I know that we’re going to be working on greater defence cooperation with a number of countries. We have the US Department of Defence with two visits to Guyana next week by two teams, and then several other visits in the

month of December,” he told media operatives.

Jagdeo reiterated that Guyana’s position has always been one of peace and diplomacy, but his Venezuelan counterparts should not miscalculate that the country would succumb to their aggression.

“We have never been interested in having military bases here, but we have to protect our national interest. At the diplomatic level, through the ICJ, we have been working openly, because we are a law-abiding democratic country. Can’t say the same thing about Venezuela, but we will continue to do so,” he said.

He further voiced, “We are not going to succumb to Venezuela’s bullyism…All the options available for us to defend our country will be pursued. Every option. We’re not an aggressive power, as is being demonstrated by our track record.”

The Vice President also commented on what he de-

scribed as misinformation and lies being peddled by the political powers in the Spanishspeaking neighbouring country. He added that this frenzy over Guyana’s land mass in recent years has been fuelled by greed over the successes of the oil industry here.

“Their entire campaign historically, but more recently, has been based on misinformation and lies…I think it’s a kind of greed too. They see the successes in our oil and gas industry. Our production is set to overtake theirs – a big country that had a thriving oil and gas sector that they destroyed, much to the detriment of their people. it’s a kind of jealousy too,” he declared.

Meanwhile, Jagdeo cautioned against raising hysteria and tension among the population. Amid reports of an exodus in Regions One (Barima-Waini) and Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), he clarified that reports coming from both the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and the Transport and Harbours Department (THD) have shown no increased traffic or ‘unusual activities.’

“We must not help to raise anxiety in our people…

We must not get into a state of panic and start feeding on ourselves. We are working strongly in the international community. We have friends everywhere. They’re (Venezuela) isolated. Nobody supports them for this action.

Nobody supports them for their referendum or any aggression against Guyana,” he expressed.

In an effort to stop Venezuela’s December 3 referendum aimed at annexing

Guyana’s Essequibo territory, the Guyana Government presented its case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) last week and urged the Court to not only protect Guyana’s rights, but also its own authority, which Venezuela is trying to undermine.

The Court has also been informed of Venezuela’s mobilisation of its military on the border with Guyana.

Meanwhile, Guyana’s legal arguments were presented by Attorneys-at-Law Paul Reichler and Professor Emeritus of the University of

Paris Nanterre, Allain Pellet.

Reichler laid out not only the harm that Venezuela’s referendum would cause, but also laid bare Venezuela’s efforts to prejudice the case.

The lawyer told the court of the tragic fate that awaits Guyana should Venezuela be allowed to go forward and act on the inevitable results of the referendum, particularly question 5, which would seek to annex two-thirds of Guyana.

After years of failed Good Offices process via the UN, Guyana is seeking a final and binding judgement

to reinforce that the 1899 Arbitral Award remains valid and binding on all parties, as well as legal affirmation that Guyana’s Essequibo region, which contains much of the country’s natural resources, belongs to Guyana, and not Venezuela.

Guyana’s Spanishspeaking neighbour has laid claim to more than two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass, the Essequibo region, and to a portion of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in which nearly 11 billion barrels of oil have been discovered largely by United States oil giant ExxonMobil.

“We are taking nothing for...

FROM PAGE 3

Building capacity Meanwhile, concerns were raised with the President about what the government is doing to monitor Venezuelans in Guyana and ensure those already in the country do not become a security threat.

The President assured that the government continues to monitor and analyze the situation while strengthening its internal system. At the same time, he noted that Guyanese must remember not to give in to xenophobia.

“At one time Guyana was in an unfortunate position.

Our people were going to the US, Canada and Venezuela… so we must not allow… the few misguided forces in Venezuela, to change our attitude towards our fellow neighbours.”

“Notwithstanding that, however, we are taking this concern seriously. Between our joint services, and our

intelligence services, we are constantly evaluating and paying attention to the narratives in the communities.

To the type of message coming out,” President Ali said.

Meanwhile, it was announced during University of Guyana-sponsored talks on the border controversy, that more government Ministers will soon be making visits to communities sharing borders with Venezuela.

In fact, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has a meeting planned for residents of Anna Regina for Sunday, November 26. The meeting, which will be held at the Anna Regina car park from 16:00hrs, was organized by the Region Two Regional Democratic Council.

Guyana’s Spanishspeaking neighbour has laid claim to more than twothirds of Guyana’s landmass in the Essequibo region, and

to a portion of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in which nearly 11 billion barrels of oil have been discovered largely by United States oil giant ExxonMobil.

Over the past few weeks, Guyana has been informing regional and international partners of the referendum planned by Venezuela for December 3, which has been criticized by the United States, Caricom, and the Organization of American States (OAS), as well as several other nations in the Region, including Brazil, for seeking to, among other things, gain a national consensus to annex Essequibo.

In addition to its substantive case at the International Court of Justice, Guyana is currently seeking an injunction from the ICJ against Venezuela’s efforts to annex Essequibo via the December 3 referendum.

8 NEWS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Corentyne man to serve life in prison for raping woman at knifepoint

C

orentyne resident Dinesh Seepersaud has been sentenced to life in prison after entering a guilty plea to the allegation of raping a woman in November 2020.

The custodial punishment was handed down by Justice Sandil Kissoon at the Berbice High Court on Thursday.

The 42-year-old Seepersaud, called “Quicksilver”, had previously pleaded guilty to this charge, which detailed that between November 20 and 21, 2020, he engaged in sex-

Convicted rapist Dinesh Seepersaud

ual penetration of the victim against her will.

He had also admitted taking $42,000 from the woman’s home during a burglary.

During Thursday’s sentencing hearing, prosecutor Muntaz Ali had presented the victim's impact statement, which described the anguish she has had to cope with after the horrific ordeal.

“I want justice…I don’t want to see him back. I want him to get a life sentence,” she expressed.

Justice Sandil Kissoon

TURN TO PAGE 15

Gotta made amends…

Y

…Holland!

our Eyewitness noticed that Pres Ali has just accredited a new ambassador from the Netherlands. Now, right off the bat, he wants you to know he always refers to that country, which actually founded our country, as “Holland” – and Holland it’ll be in this piece!! And since our relationship goes so far back, we oughta have an idea as to why the TWO names – and also why the people are called “Dutch”, which ain’t related to either Holland or Netherlands!!

Well, Holland’s actually a PART of the entire country that had been captured by the French around the time the English were taking over our country - which was then three Dutch colonies of Berbice, Demerara and Essequibo.

Napoleon made the country into the Kingdom of Batavia, but with Holland being the most important section, the English dubbed the country “Holland”! They called the people “Dutch” from their old origins with the Germans who actually refer to themselves as “Deutsch”!! Anyhow, we oughta know, too, that the Dutch left more than a legacy of “Dutchman” ghosts scaring the bejesus out of us!!

With the growing awareness of the effects of slavery having stunted our development at so many levels, now that we have a Dutch Ambassador, we gotta let him and his country know - in no uncertain terms - that they owe us reparations big time for what they did to us. They’ve done a remarkable job of erasing their role in enslaving millions of us from Africa and selling us into slavery in the Americas.

In fact, along with the Brits, they dragged over most of the enslaved Africans – starting all the way back to the early 17th century, when they used slaves to start plantations up the Essequibo River!!

And, in fact, this has great relevance to our present contretemps with Mad Maduro and the Venezuelans who’re now preparing to invade our Essequibo because they say it’s theirs! The Dutch explored the Essequibo River all the way up into the Rupununi - and then up the Cuyuni River, which is its tributary. In that way, they were exercising dominion over these lands, and if anything, the Arbitral Award of 1899 should’ve given us all the land drained by the Cuyuni - which they gave to Venezuela!!

Anyhow, back to the Dutch and slavery. When reparations are being demanded, most folks focus on Britain – which is OK…but Holland can’t be let off the hook!! They were the ones who STARTED the plantation system – cotton, coffee and sugar. They used enslaved Africans to enrich themselves with the produce they sold in Europe. One organization – appropriately called the “Battle Group” - figures we’re owed a TRILLION or so dollars - US!!

Cough up, Holland!! …to Indigenous Peoples Yesterday, the Yanks had their biggest holiday on their calendar: Thanksgiving. One of the reasons it’s the biggest is because they always have the day fall on a Thursday – which is a public holiday. But most employers give the Friday off, so they have what has to be their most important contribution to mankind in the Industrial Age: the four-day weekend!!

Anyhow, what’re the Yanks giving thanks for?? You wouldn’t believe it’s for all the “bounty” of the land America has given to them.

It never crosses their mind that the said land was violently grabbed from the native Americans, who were herded into “reservations”, where they eke out a living -such as it is - in Third World conditions. They’ve been pushed so far into the background that very few in the world are aware of their existence! Folks are very het up about what’s going on in Gaza, but it’s just an updated version of what happened in America back in the day!!

Shiloh!! …to females This slaughter of our females – and there’s no other word for it – has gotta stop. Your Eyewitness feels that if hanging as a punishment isn’t a deterrence to the men who kill women, then retribution works for him!!

The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

9 Processing Schengen visas a hindrance to EU-Guyana trade – Pres Ali tells new Dutch Ambassador NEWS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

– areas of cooperation in agriculture discussed

President Ali and the Dutch Ambassador during discussions Dutch Ambassador to Guyana, Walter Oostelbos, presenting his credentials to President Dr Irfaan Ali

D

uring the accreditation of a new Ambassador from the Kingdom of Netherlands to Guyana, important bilateral discussions were held, including the issue of Guyanese having to travel to Suriname to process Schengen visas.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali received Letters of Credence from HE Walter Oostelbos, the new Netherlands Ambassador to Guyana, at the Office of the President on Wednesday.

During the discussions, heavy focus was placed on processing Schengen visas in Guyana…a development that would improve the ease of doing business with the European Union (EU).

“The President told the ambassador that one of the biggest hindrances of doing business between Guyana and the EU is the visa processing procedure that requires Guyanese to travel to

Suriname. This, he said, can be remedied if the same service provided in Suriname can be provided in Guyana,” a statement from the Office of the President pointed out.

However, among the other areas that were discussed was agriculture. The Guyanese Leader pointed out to the Ambassador that Guyana and the Netherlands could collaborate in key areas such as agro-processing, food production, and air transport.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, and the Permanent Secretary of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Ambassador Elisabeth Harper, were also at the ceremony.

It has been reported that a pressing issue for Guyana in its relations, particularly its business relations, with Europe is the setting up of a local Schengen visa processing office. In fact, the

Government has been pushing for Guyana to be included in the list of countries that have visa-free travel to the Schengen countries.

President Ali had announced earlier this year that at least five European Union (EU) countries have agreed to sponsor Guyana’s bid for Schengen visa-free travel. The President had explained that for Guyana to be fully equipped to gain Schengen visa-free travel, the country’s passport must be improved and upgraded.

In addition to obtaining visa-free travel status, President Ali noted that Guyana is working on having the Schengen visas processed more efficiently in Guyana. This, he explained, is an immediate need, and Guyana has received strong commitments from “at least three countries that are willing to work with us on having this done”.

President Ali had ini-

tial discussions on Schengen visa-free travel during his attendance earlier this year at the European Union-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (EU-CELAC) Summit 2023 in Brussels, Belgium.

Specifically, he held such talks with the Deputy Prime Minister of Slovenia and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tanja Fajon.

Former EU Ambassador to Guyana, Fernando Ponz Cantó, had told this publication that the request for an office in Guyana to process visa requests to Europe was a reasonable one, and was in fact being addressed by the EU. He had cautioned, however, that the granting of Schengen visas was subject to individual member countries, and not to the EU as

a whole. As such, he noted that the EU did not have the power to grant the visas.

Cantó had also expressed the hope that visa-free travel could be facilitated at some point in the future.

In the absence of visa-free access, the Schengen visa would entitle non-Europeans to travel to Slovenia and any of the other 26 Schengen countries, including Austria, Belgium, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland – for a stay of up to 90 days.

Most notably, Guyanese enjoy visa-free access to a

few European countries already, including the United Kingdom (UK), Ireland, Russia and Kosovo. Guyana has meanwhile been pushing for visa-free access to Italy.

Only a few days ago, a new European Union Chamber of Commerce (Guyana) was launched, presenting a unique opportunity to facilitate greater trade and allow easier access for Guyanese businesses wanting to explore European markets.

The introduction of the new chamber came in synchrony with the visiting European Union Trade Mission this week, where delegates from 23 countries are here from 10 EU Member States to identify potential investment opportunities. (G-3)

10

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Partnerships with London Stock Exchange, greater ties with Guyanese Diaspora explored – as 1st Guyana Diaspora Investment Conference 2023 concludes

T

he first-ever Guyana Diaspora Sustainability and Investment Conference 2023, which was held in Kensington Town Hall in London, has concluded with many of its objectives achieved and potential partnerships between Guyana and institutions such as the London Stock Exchange explored.

Held under the theme ‘Securing Guyana’s future through diaspora engagement’, the two-day conference, which was organized by HenleyCaribbean Sustainable Ventures Ltd, concluded on November 19,

The Guyanese delegation and other officials at the event vealed that, through HenlyCaribbean, the aim is to forge strategic partnerships with other institutions besides the London Stock Exchange, including the Universities of Reading and London as well as select Chambers of Commerce.

This would create opportunities for Guyanese to benefit from key training and development opportunities in the diaspora.

Dr Ramsaroop and Dr. Rosh Khan have made presentations on Guyana’s current economic landscape and investment opportunities in a diverse range of sectors, including agricul-

Diaspora Sustainability & Investment Conference of 2024.

During his presentation, Roberts emphasized the importance of the diaspora's role in Guyana’s progress, and emphasized the need for greater collaboration between the Government, Private Sector, and the diaspora community.

“Ours is the goal to play a crucial role in assisting in shaping Guyana’s interconnectedness with the United Kingdom, cultural diversity and socio-economic development,” the conference Chairman said.

GO-Invest CEO Dr Peter Ramsaroop, along with Dr Rosh Khan, Alex Graham, and London Stock Exchange’s Ibukun Adebayo having brought together a diverse group, including Guyanese policymakers, local and foreign entrepreneurs and academics, to hold discussions on how the expertise and capital the diaspora possesses can be leveraged towards Guyana’s development.

According to a statement following the conference, Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Peter Ramsaroop had talks with Ibukun Adebayo, the Finance and Investment Strategy Director of the London Stock Exchange Group, and Adebayo “is keen to work with the Government of Guyana to assist with improving the country’s international credit profile.”

It was further re-

ture, education, renewable energy, technology, and infrastructure.

Another development coming out of the conference is a commitment from the Head of the Diaspora Unit in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rosalinda Rasul, for the Government to explore effective ways of engaging the diaspora and having further discussions on collaboration in economic development, education and healthcare.

Conference Chairman David Roberts revealed that the vision for the conference is to have it be the forerunner in the effort to mobilise the Guyana diaspora to engage and partner with the Government of Guyana on development issues. Plans are already afoot, in fact, for the Guyana

Thematic discussions In addition to discussions on investment opportunities and diaspora engagement, talks were had on renewable energy, environmental conservation, eco-tourism and green technology, with University of Reading’s Dr Emmanuel Essah and Dr Stefan Smith featuring prominently in those discussions.

Areas in which the diaspora could help Guyana with knowledge and skill transfer were also discussed, including strategies for “improving customer relations at Government institutions, building educational partnerships, and collaborative research initiatives with the University of Guyana.”

Case studies were also

presented to showcase successful projects initiated by the diaspora in Guyana.

Those included business ventures, community development projects, and philanthropic efforts.

There were also business matchmaking sessions that allowed discussions between investors in the diaspora and local entrepreneurs. One such discussion was initiated when a representative of a private UK firm expressed an interest in partnering with a Guyanese company to develop a hydroelectric plant.

Another discussion sparked by the con-

ference involved Alex Graham of Tagman Media and blended finance company AgriLedger, on entering a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop new agricultural services in Guyana and the Caribbean.

Meanwhile, the diaspora raised various concerns they have about doing business in Guyana, including concerns about bureaucratic hurdles, the need for improved infrastructure, the fast pace at which the development is moving, and ensuring the inclusivity of all diaspora groups.

“However, participants

also highlighted the numerous opportunities, such as untapped markets, innovative partnerships, and the potential for sustainable development,” the statement said.

Among the recommendations coming out of the conference is one for the formation of a task force with specialised skills to follow up on the initiatives discussed, a comprehensive diaspora engagement strategy that would include the ideas generated during the conference, and facilitating continued dialogue between the Government, diaspora and stakeholders. (G-3)

12 NEWS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Director of Prisons sounds warning over continued contraband smuggling D

irector of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot, has sternly warned that members of the public and prison officers found colluding in smuggling contraband into the various prison facilities would face the full consequences of the law.

In a statement on Thursday, the Director of Prisons explained that despite increased monitoring and surveillance activities at all prison locations, it has been observed that several attempts have been made by members of the public to smuggle contraband into the various prison facilities over the past weeks. This, he said, is an offence under Section 53 (1) of the Prison Act, and it attracts a fine or a period of imprisonment.

Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot

that with more sophisticated means of stopping and seizing contraband before it reaches a facility’s population, several persons have been searched and subsequently arrested. The situ-

to improve the physical structures and improve the use of technology, the reliance is presently on the human factor.

This message comes one day after at least two improvised weapons were found among several contraband items during a raid at the New Amsterdam Prison.

The search, which lasted for about two hours, was conducted within the male and female dormitories in a collaborative effort between members of the Guyana Police Force and Prison Service.

The items confiscated were five cell phones, ten cigarette lighters, two improvised weapons, three cellphone chargers, and 137 grams of ganja. The items

to end the continued flow of contraband into the prisons.

In October, it was announced that Government, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, has taken steps to fortify prison security in order to prevent breaches.

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn had assured, “A review has been conducted within the prison system concerning where individuals are to be kept, their interactions with the pub-

lic, and the maintenance of SOPs and discipline. We cannot relax within the system.”

This move was in light of the May 2023 escape of convicted killer Royden Williams, known as ‘Smallie’, from the Mazaruni Prison in Region Seven, which the Minister said exposed vulnerabilities within the prison system and raised questions about the effectiveness of security measures.

In response to the inci-

dent, the Prison Service had announced a series of measures to curb the smuggling of contraband into prison facilities. Tightening security protocols, increasing surveillance, and deploying advanced detection technologies were among the strategies being implemented to prevent the infiltration of illegal items into prisons.

These efforts were part of a broader initiative to create a more secure environment within the prison walls.

Western Union spreads smiles across Guyana

G

The Western Union team at Plaisance Contraband found at the New Amsterdam penitentiary this week

He warned that there will be no letup in bringing down corrupt officers, family members, and friends of inmates who are bent on breaking the law.

Elliot further noted

ation, he added, should be a concern, as he reminded officers of their duties and sternly warned that those found culpable would face the law.

He further said that while efforts are being made

were taken to, and lodged at, the Central Police Station.

In May 2022, the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) introduced a stop-and-search initiative within the confines of each prison location in a bid

raceKennedy Money Services (GKMS), home of Western Union and Bill Express in Guyana is bringing smiles to its customers' faces this holiday season with a series of exciting initiatives.

As a token of appreciation, GKMS is giving away $20,000 to 20 lucky loyal customers who send or receive money transfers through Western Union between September 15 and December 15, 2023.

This exciting promotion is a way for GKMS to express its gratitude for the continued support of its customers.

Western Union Community Tour: Bringing Joy to Faces in Different Places In addition, in the spir-

it of giving, the Western Union’s Santa, accompanied by the GraceKennedy team, will be touring the streets of Plaisance, Berbice, and VreedEn-Hoop, bringing joy to hundreds of children.

The first stop in Plaisance on November 4, 2023, was a resounding success, with over 500 children receiving gifts and experiencing the magic of Christmas.

The next stop is Berbice on November 25, 2023, followed

by Vreed En Hoop in early December.

The Western Union Santa will also be visiting select locations in December to reward and engage with customers during the festive season.

Further, all Western

Union locations will be distributing tokens of appreciation on December 21 and 22, adding an extra layer of joy to the holiday season.

"We are thrilled to launch this campaign as a way to express our gratitude to our customers," Marketing Officer at GKMS, Tina Seabra Gibson stated.

"Our focus is to build lasting relationships, and we invite everyone to join us in this celebration and make this holiday season truly special.

Cheers to More Smiles!"

With its focus on customer satisfaction and community engagement, GKMS is committed to making this holiday season one to remember for all Guyanese.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Canje furniture bond, house go up in flames

A section of the burnt building The building was completely engulfed on Wednesday evening

A

fire has devastated a furniture bond and a dwelling house at Lot 61 West Canefield, East Canje Berbice in the late hours of Wednesday evening; and in the process, has left at least seven persons homeless.

The owner of the establishment, Deodat Kikchand, was asleep when the fire was initially detected at about 22:00h, but was awakened by his sister with the dread-

ful news. Neighbours formed a bucket brigade in efforts to put out the blaze, but combustible materials saved in the bond facilitated the rapid spread of the fire with its concomitant immense heat. And even though the Fire Service was contacted as soon as the blaze was detected, it reportedly arrived a while later, and had several challenges to source water.

Kikchand related that,

prior to this fire, his neighbours were burning garbage close to his fence, and he believes that fire might have spread onto his property.

The fire destroyed the front building in which he and 6 other family members resided. The lower flat of that building had been used to store equipment and some stock. The back building had been used as a furniture bond; it was where the 52-year-old

Housing Ministry denies allegations of corruption – challenges public to provide evidence, report matters to Police

A

llegations of corruption have been levelled at the Ministry of Housing and Water, and Permanent Secretary Bishram Kuppen is calling on the public to provide the necessary evidence so that the Ministry could dealt with culprits accordingly.

The Ministry has said it has been brought to management’s attention that a

number of allegations are circulating on social media about corrupt activities by certain employees in relation to housing matters. As such, anyone with solid evidence of such corrupt activities is being encouraged to come forward to report same immediately to the Guyana Police Force, the subject Ministers, or the Permanent Secretary.

“All information received will be treated with strict confidence, and will be used in our internal investigations. We are committed to thoroughly investigating any genuine reports of misconduct within the Ministry,” the Ministry has said in a press release.

TURN TO PAGE 15

Family members and relatives were at the scene on Thursday

businessman had been operating the furniture business for the past 32 years.

Kikchand told Guyana Times he had stocked up materials to fulfil a number of orders that he had taken for the upcoming holiday season. He related that the bond had about 30 vanity dressers, more than 15 wardrobes, and several pieces of equipment, some of which he had recently purchased and had not put into use as yet. All these were destroyed in the fire.

Kikchand said he had not been supplying furniture to any particular business place, people would come directly to his establishment to order. "It was like a store, people come and say what they want, and we make it," he explained.

"Me bin get a lot of furniture at the back. The whole place was full with furniture.

Since yesterday [Wednesday] I had planned to move them to the bond…but things happened," the sobbing man ex-

plained.

Kikchand explained that he would have to restart his business from scratch. "I got to start back fresh, I can't do anything about it. I have to see what I can do, because this is what I depend on," he explained. Nothing in his business had been insured, including the buildings and equipment.

The Guyana Fire Service is investigating the cause and origin of this fire. (Andrew Carmichael)

14

guyanatimesgy.com

T

he Rupununi Expo is set for this weekend with one of the main attractions being the Miss Rupununi Pageant where six delegates will be competing for the coveted title. The expo is a two-day affair and will feature several events

including farmers, craftsmen, women’s groups and others showing their products, skills and talent.

There will also be the fun day which will see teams competing in football, cycling, cricket and more.

It’s an event to experience the unique indigenous culture which is being held under the theme, “Rupununi

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rising, unleashing potential”.

The grand showcase will be held at the Tabatinga Sports Complex.

However, the delegates competing in the pageant recently visited several offices including the Mayor & Town Council of Lethem, Regional Democratic Council, Customs and Immigration Office.

His Worship Mayor of Lethem, John Macedo and two of his Councillors had a brief talk with the delegates during which they were encouraged to build their self-confidence and wish them all the best.

Deputy Regional Executive

Meanwhile, on the first evening Saturday, November 25- the contestants will compete in the introduction and talent segments. This will be complimented by performance by the Calibro Band alongside, Deejay Valkeno.

On Sunday, November 26, the delegates will compete in tourism wear, beachwear, evening gown

and the intelligence segments. The queen along with the first and second runners-up will receive cash prizes, trophies and bouquets among other incentives. Those who did not place are not left out, they will receive beauty baskets along with cash incentives.

Admission to the event costs 1000 at the gate while children under the age of 12 will be admitted free.

Officer of RDC Althea Lovejoy was happy to meet the Delegates and gave them her support, advice and great words of encouragement.

The officer in charge of Customs in Lethem Phillip Paraug was delighted to meet the delegates and also wished them the best over the weekend.

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana reaffirms commitment Housing Ministry denies allegations... to cooperation agenda of ACTO

FROM PAGE 13

The release firmly stated that the Ministry of Housing and Water will not condone any form of unethical behaviour or corruption.

“Any employee who is found to be engaging in corrupt transactions will face serious disciplinary action and also the full force of the law, where appropriate.”

Furthermore, in response to the allegations made, the Ministry has intensified monitoring of the activities in the areas highlighted to ensure that all procedures are strictly followed.

Members of the public are also reminded that all

Prime Minister Mark Phillips and members of ACTO in Brazil

P

rime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips has expressed the Government of Guyana's satisfaction with the progress made in advancing the cooperation agenda for the sustainable development of the Amazon region.

On Thursday, during the XIV Meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) in Brazil, the Guyanese Prime Minister related that the renewed commitment to “reinvigorate, redesign and strengthen the partnership among the ACTO Member States”, as demonstrated by leaders at the Amazon Summit held in Belem in August 2023, is welcome.

He said, “Guyana supports the various mecha-

nisms being put in place to facilitate the implementation of the Belem Declaration, noting the critical importance of standing forest, climate change, food and nutrition security, and sovereignty to the region".

The Declaration addresses topics such as institutional strengthening of ACTO; Amazon cities; Amazon Parliament; Science, education and innovation: knowledge and entrepreneurship in the Amazon; Monitoring and cooperation in water resources management; Climate change; Protection of forests, Amazon coastal zones, vulnerable ecosystems and biodiversity; Police, judicial and intelligence cooperation in combatting illicit activities, including environmen-

tal crimes; Sustainable infrastructure; Economy for sustainable development; Health; Food and nutritional security and sovereignty, as well as social protection.

However, the work undertaken to implement the declaration by the Permanent Secretariat of ACTO, the Intergovernmental Working Groups, and technical experts was also lauded, while the Prime Minister has reaffirmed Guyana's commitment to the cooperation agenda of the organisation.

"Guyana reiterates its commitment to the cooperation agenda of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organisation, as it continues to provide a space for sustained joint collaboration to address shared inter-

ests and concerns on issues impacting the Amazon region," he said.

ACTO is a unique intergovernmental organization formed in 1995 by eight Amazonian countries — Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela.

They signed the Amazon Cooperation Treaty (ACT) which established the only socio-environmental bloc in Latin America.

ACTO works across political, strategic, and technical areas within the ACT framework to foster cooperation among governments, organisations, civil society, social movements, scientists, businesses, and more in order to reinforce and implement the ACT’s objectives.

applications for house lots are processed directly at the Ministry and its Regional Offices by authorized employees.

“The Ministry does not have any middlemen or external agents who are authorized to conduct business on its behalf. The Ministry of Housing and Water remains committed to its mission to empower citizens through our housing programmes. We wish to thank the members of the public for their vigilance and for helping us to maintain the integrity of our processes,” the release added.

Corentyne man to...

In his sentencing remarks, Justice Kissoon stated that violent and heinous crimes such as rape are prevalent and will not be tolerated by the courts. According to the Judge, the court will impose harsh penalties in an effort to deter like-minded offenders.

The Judge noted that Seepersaud has been "steadfast in his refusal to reform or rehabilitate" himself, referencing his prior conviction for break and enter and larceny.

In the circumstances, Seepersaud received a life

FROM PAGE 8

sentence with the possibility of being paroled after 14 years for the rape and five years for the breakand-enter offence. The two sentences will run concurrently.

He was represented by Attorney-at-Law Surihya Sabsook. It was reported that the confessed rapist had broken into the woman's home and had her endure a terrifying ordeal while threatening to kill her with a knife.

He took the money, ransacked her house, and sexually assaulted her before fleeing.

16 NEWS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Venezuelan Govt using border controversy to divert attention from economic crisis facing nation

– high school students hear during panel discussion

D

r. Kim Kyte-Thomas Attorney-at-Law, has said the Nicolás Maduro government is using its unlawful claim to Essequibo, along with the tensions that have arisen between the two countries, as a means of diverting attention from the political and economic crisis in Venezuela.

In an effort to raise awareness of the controversy among high school students, Dr. Kyte-Thomas; Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC; Attorney-atLaw and Opposition Member of Parliament Khemraj Ramjattan; and Education Minister and Attorney-atLaw Priya Manickchand, participated in a panel discussion on the topic at the Queen's College auditorium on Thursday.

Attorney-at-Law Dr Kim KyteThomas

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

Dr. Kyte-Thomas said Venezuela “sees our future is bright”, therefore they are “trying to push inventors away, through bullyism and aggression.”

outlined as essential to a contemporary civilised world.

During his presentation, he explained that this controversy is the worst threat Guyana has faced since becoming a nation state.

“Our country is under an existential threat, where our western neighbour is asserting a claim to take over, by annexation or invasion, more than five-eighths of Guyana,” he explained.

The Attorney General told the students that they must understand the core and principal facts of this matter, its historical evolution, and how it would unfold in the near future.

"We simply don't have the luxury of an alternative recourse," Nandlall remarked as he made reference to Guyana's action against Venezuela at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), where Guyana is seeking a definitive and binding ruling on the Arbitral Award.

Parliamentarian Ramjattan, meanwhile, stated that Guyana wants to continue developing Essequibo, but investors are fleeing the country due to Venezuela's illegitimate claim to it.

“We want peace, and the kind of peace we want will

Opposition parliamentarian Khemraj Ramjattan

Education Minister Priya Manickchand

The panelists’ repeated assertion was that: International arbitration resolved the dispute over ownership of the Essequibo region in 1899, awarding the region — which makes up more than 40 per cent of Guyana's sovereign territory, and is rich in natural resources like gold, oil, bauxite and diamonds — to the Guyana Government.

During her presentation, Dr. Kyte-Thomas emphasised that, as a result of the country's current political and economic crises, millions of Venezuelans have fled to Guyana and other nations in search of a better life. She added that, in an attempt to deflect criticism of its incompetence in running the nation's affairs, the Nicolás Maduro government has rekindled the border controversy.

“Venezuela has been in an economic financial crisis for a while now. That is why we have such an influx of Venezuelans coming over to Guyana. Guyana is on an upward trajectory in terms of the oil and gas industry…

The present leadership of Venezuela is simply exploiting this situation for their benefit.

They are in an economic crisis, the election is impending, and this is an attempt to distract the nation from the reality of their situation,” she pointed out.

Members of both the Opposition and Government of Guyana have presented a united front on this matter, and have received support from regional and global allies such as the United Nations (UN). Considering this, Attorney General Anil Nandlall has said, Guyana stands on the side of the rule of law.

Students and teachers of the Santa Rosa Secondary School in Region One tuned in to the live discourse on the GuyanaVenezuela border controversy

“Guyana stands on the side of the rule of law. We stand on the side of justice.

We stand on the side of international norms. We stand on the side of international conventions and practices, and international diplomacy,” the Attorney General posited.

Nandlall has said Guyana "enjoys global support on the matter" because it upholds the above principles, which he

bring in investors into that area, and we can even populate it more with families and workers for companies that may want to go there,” he detailed.

Students from all across the nation have listened to the live discussion on the GuyanaVenezuela border dispute on the Ministry of Education's radio station EdYou FM. (Feona Morrison)

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CDB to intensify lobby for increased climate finance for Caribbean at COP28 T

he Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) will intensify its lobby for increased resources for Climate Action in the Region at the 28th Annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) scheduled for November 30 to December 12, 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The Bank has said in a release that it will use the seminal summit to highlight the challenges the climate crisis is posing for the Caribbean, and to advocate for global support to

neutralise the threat.

CDB is also supporting the Caribbean’s climate agenda by partially financing the establishment of the Caricom Pavilion, which will serve as a hub for regional interests at COP28.

“The Caribbean Development Bank will again join forces with partner organisations from the Region to push for more definitive global action to address Climate Change.

Given our extreme vulnerability, it is vital that our voices continue to be heard before, during, and after

CDB President Dr. Hyginus “Gene” Leon

COP as we grapple with the reality of using scarce

Businessman remanded on gun, ammo charges

F

acing charges of unlawful possession of a gun and ammunition, Quincy Linton of Guyhoc Park, Georgetown was on Wednesday arraigned before Chief Magistrate (ag) Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts before being remanded to prison.

Represented by legal counsel, the 29-year-old businessman pleaded not guilty to the charges, but his application for bail was denied by the magistrate after the Police prosecutor raised serious objections to his being granted his pre-trial liberty.

The Chief Magistrate has suggested that Linton’s lawyer petition a Judge for bail for his client.

Linton was reportedly

The gun that was allegedly found on the businessman

arrested with a 9MM handgun that had 17 rounds while attending GuyExpo at the Sophia Exhibition Complex in Greater Georgetown on Saturday evening. According to reports, he presented to the Police a laminated copy

of a bogus firearm licence, and the document’s signature caused ranks to grow suspicious. The original licence, which he claimed to have, was nowhere to be discovered when Police searched his house.

Wanted man stabbed to death at Eruma Backdam

A

man who had been wanted by the Police for a series of offences has been found stabbed to death on Thursday at Eruma Backdam, Two Point Landing, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

The dead man has been identified as William Hendricks of Bartica and of Eroma Backdam, Cuyuni River.

Based on reports received, at about 17:45h on Thursday, a security officer employed with Hopkinson

Dead: William Hendricks

Security Company contacted the Bartica Police Station and reported that while performing duties at

a camp at Eruma Backdam, he received information that Hendricks was lying motionless on the trail with stab wounds to his body.

A team of detectives have been dispatched to the area to conduct further investigations.

Hendricks had been wanted by the Police for questioning in relation to robbery under arms, firearm possession, and narcotics possession. A wanted bulletin had been issued for his arrest in October 2023.

national resources to adapt to the effects of climate change, or recover from the loss and damage,” CDB President Dr. Hyginus “Gene” Leon has said.

“We will continue to use the platform the Conference provides to highlight matters of greatest concern, such as the urgent need for increased climate finance under more favourable terms, the importance of considering countries’ resilience and vulnerability in climate finance allocation mechanisms, and the level of support required to accelerate the Region’s transition to Sustainable Energy and Green Trade,” he added.

CDB will host several advocacy-focused sessions to increase awareness about key climate issues, starting with a panel dis-

cussion on Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) Systems for Climate Finance Tracking, which is set for December 4, 2023 at the Caricom Pavilion. The discussion will explore how MRV systems can improve the management of climate financing, shape climate change policy, and improve data gathering.

Sustainable Energy will be on the front burner on December 5, 2023, when CDB will launch its guidebook on the Minimum Regulatory Function (MRF) for the Energy Sector. The event will include an exposition of how an appropriate electricity sector governance framework can encourage investments in renewable energy and accelerate the Caribbean’s sustainable energy transition. It will

be hosted in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) at the IDB Pavilion of the Americas.

A panel on Accelerating the Caribbean Energy Transition will examine how the international development community can propel the Region’s sustainable energy transition by addressing barriers inhibiting investment and action. The session, which is also scheduled for December 5, will be held at the Caricom Pavilion.

CDB, this time in collaboration with the Green Climate Fund, will also unveil a major new initiative aimed at incubating the Region’s Blue Economy.

The announcement will be made at a special event on December 1, 2023 at the Bahamas Pavilion.

18

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2023

guyanatimesgy.com

Regional

New Ecuador President Venezuela denies entry to flight of deportees, Chilean official says Noboa pledges reforms to reduce violence, create jobs V enezuelan authorities rejected a flight of Venezuelans expelled from Chile trying to enter the country, a top Chilean official said on Thursday.

Chile had chartered a plane to return the Venezuelans to their country of origin, "but a single decision by the Venezuelan aeronautical authority ruined everything", Chilean Deputy Interior Minister Manuel Monsalve told news pro-

B

usiness heir and former legislator Daniel Noboa was sworn in as Ecuador's new President on Thursday, pledging to reduce violence and create jobs via urgent legislative reforms.

Noboa, 35, won an October run-off in the South American country, which is facing deep economic challenges that have pushed thousands to migrate and spiking violence that reached an unprecedented crescendo with the murder of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio.

“To fight violence we must fight unemployment.

The country needs jobs and to create them I will send urgent reforms to the assembly, which should be treated with responsibility and by putting the country first," Noboa said during his maiden speech in front of National Assembly lawmakers in Quito.

Noboa will serve as President for just 17 months, finishing predecessor Guillermo Lasso's

Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa signs his first decrees to appoint Ministers, at the Presidential Palace (Palacio de Carondelet) on the day of his swearing-in ceremony, in Quito, Ecuador, November 23, 2023 (Reuters/Karen Toro photo)

term after Lasso brought forward elections to avoid likely impeachment.

It will be hard for Noboa to effectively tackle Ecuador's significant challenges during his truncated term, analysts have said, though he can run for re-election in 2025.

"We cannot keep repeating the same policies of the past expecting to have a different result," Noboa said.

"I invite everyone to

work together against the common enemies of violence and misery," he added. "The job is hard and difficult and the days are few."

Noboa is expected to declare a state of emergency, which will allow him to propose laws to the assembly with 30-day approval timelines.

States of emergency were frequently used by Lasso to try and tackle violence, to little effect.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

gramme 24 Horas.

"They said, 'No, I do not authorise the flight to Venezuela,'" he added.

Venezuela's Information Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

To escape Venezuela's prolonged economic and political crisis, at least 7.7 million Venezuelans have left the country in recent years, with around 444,000 settling in Chile, according to

the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Monsalve, who did not say how many Venezuelans were on the flight, said the decision to send them back also depended on the Venezuelan Government.

He added that, per Chilean law, if the expulsion was not carried out within five days, then the Venezuelans would be released. (Reuters)

Brazil highlights poverty, climate change as G20 priorities

B

razil will focus on reducing hunger and poverty, slowing climate change and global governance reform when it heads the G20 group of the world's largest economies starting next month, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Thursday.

Brazil takes over the G20 presidency from India on December 1 and will hold the 2024 summit in Rio de Janeiro in November next year.

"I hope we can address the issues that we need to stop running away from and try to resolve," Lula

at a meeting with Cabinet Ministers to lay out Brazil's priorities for the G20.

Lula has frequently criticised what he says are global governance failures by bodies like the United Nations, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and has insisted on the need to expand the permanent UN Security Council.

"It is not possible for the Bretton Woods institutions, World Bank, IMF, and many other financial institutions to continue functioning as if nothing were happening in the world, as if everything

had been resolved," he said.

He complained the institutions often lend money to countries to pay off their debt, without any meaningful change.

G20 Foreign Ministers will meet in Rio de Janeiro on February 21-22 and Finance Ministers will gather in Sao Paulo over February 28-29.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a virtual summit of G20 nations on Wednesday to review progress on policy goals set at the annual G20 summit in New Delhi in September.

(Reuter)

Haiti human rights group suspends operations after threats

H

aiti's Centre for Human Rights Analysis and Research (CARDH) is provisionally suspending its work due to imminent danger to its staff, its executive director said on Thursday, as gang wars escalate in parts of the capital Port-au-Prince.

Gedeon Jean, who heads the 16-person operation, said a co-worker who had been kidnapped on October 29 and freed on November 17 had warned that the group that kidnapped him was targeting the organisation, whose work was "disturbing" certain sectors.

"He confirmed I am being directly targeted by the kidnappers," said Jean.

"CARDH's reports and analyses have demonstrated the close ties between crime, politics and the economy in Haiti, putting a spotlight on the real 'masters' of the crime industry, who are not the gangs leaders."

The United States and Canada have sanctioned several politicians and businessmen accused of helping finance gangs.

CARDH has published reports on the living conditions of people displaced by the gang wars, suspected gang members being lynched by vigilante "Bwa Kale" groups, killings of police officers and

People fleeing gang violence take shelter at a sports arena, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, September 1, 2023. (Reuters/Ralph Tedy Erol file photo)

assessments of foreign sanctions.

It has also quantified the rise of what it calls a kidnapping "industry" under which gangs use extreme violence and torture to extract ransoms from families.

This year through September, CARDH counted 901 kidnappings as well as 1564 murders and a rise in mass kidnappings in the Bas-Artibonite region north of the capital, which it warned could become a major gang hub if measures are not taken.

As the killing of a prom-

inent gang leader unleashed fresh violence in Cite Soleil earlier this month, the United Nations estimated over 146,500 people were displaced in the West Department alone, the bulk in the metropolitan area of the capital.

In a statement on Wednesday, CARDH said it had been reducing its activities for months, and with threats having been carried out, it was pausing its operations and waiting for protective measures to be taken so it can continue its work.

(Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2023

19

Around The World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil slips 1% on concerns over delayed OPEC+ meeting

O

il prices dipped about one per cent on Thursday, extending losses on expectations that the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (OPEC+) might not deepen output cuts next year after the producer group postponed its policy meeting.

Brent crude futures were down 68 cents, or about 0.8 per cent, at US$81.28 a barrel by 2024 GMT after falling as much as four per cent on Wednesday.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude slid 75 cents, or one per cent, to US$76.35 after dropping as much as five per cent in the previous session.

Trading activity was muted because of the US Thanksgiving public holiday.

In a surprise move on Wednesday, the OPEC+ including Russia delayed a ministerial meeting at which they were expected to discuss oil output cuts to November 30.

Producers were struggling to agree on output levels ahead of the meeting originally set for November 26, OPEC+ sources said, suggesting that the disagreement was largely linked to African nations.

OPEC+ members Angola and Nigeria are aiming for higher oil output, officials told Reuters on Thursday.

"We think Nigeria can be assuaged as the leadership values its longstanding OPEC membership and improving ties with Saudi Arabia," said RBC Capital Markets analyst Helima Croft.

"However, it may be more difficult to bridge the gap with Angola, which has been a moodier member of the producer group since it joined in 2007."

The downside move looked overdone and the market will likely rally somewhat next week once traders return from the Thanksgiving holiday, said Phil Flynn, an analyst at Price Futures Group in Chicago.

The questions over OPEC+ supply come as data showed that US crude stocks jumped by 8.7 million barrels last week, much more than the 1.16 million build analysts had expected.

On the demand side, there was more bleak news. Though a survey showed the downturn in eurozone business activity eased in November, data suggested the bloc's economy will contract again this quarter as consumers continue to rein in spending. (Reuters)

Wilders' victory in Netherlands election spooks Europe

T

he unexpectedly meaty win for controversial, hard-right politician Geert Wilders in Wednesday's general election in the Netherlands set international headlines on fire.

Right-wing nationalists across Europe rushed to congratulate the populist politician, sometimes dubbed the Dutch Trump – partly for his dyed, bouffant-like hairdo, and partly for his famously firebrand rhetoric.

Geert Wilders' publicly expressed views – including linking Muslim immigration with terrorism and calling for a ban on mosques and the Quran – are so provocative that he has been under tight Police protection since 2004.

Wilders was convicted of inciting discrimination, although later acquitted, and he was refused entry to the

UK back in 2009.

But Europe's far right believes their views have now become more mainstream.

"The winds of change are here!" proclaimed Hungary's Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, after seeing the Dutch election results. He, like Geert Wilders, is big on anti-immigration themes, as well as Brussels-bashing Euroscepticism.

Far-right Flemish independence leader Tom Van Grieken, who hopes for a similar election breakthrough in Belgium to Geert Wilders in the Netherlands, was quick to conclude: "Parties like ours are on their way in the whole of Europe."

Dutch municipalities are in a political battle over housing for asylum seekers, like those gathered at the Ter Apel centre southeast of Groningen (Excerpt from BBC News)

Israel, Hamas brace for 1st ceasefire after weeks of bloody conflict

A

fter more than six weeks of bloody conflict, Israel and Hamas are poised to implement the first truce as part of a swap deal, under which Hamas will free some hostages in exchange for some Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.

Under the deal reached on Wednesday under the mediation by Qatar, Egypt and the US, a four-day humanitarian ceasefire will start at 07:00h local time (0500 GMT) today.

Hamas, formally known as the Islamic Resistance Movement, said in a press statement that it would release about 13 hostages at 16:00h on Friday as the first stage of the deal.

Hamas, which has been ruling Gaza since 2007, will hand over the hostages to Egypt. In turn, Israel will release 150 Palestinians, including women and children, from the Israeli jails.

Israel is expected to stop all its military operations in the Gaza Strip as part of the fourday ceasefire. Meanwhile, at least 200 trucks loaded with humanitarian aid and medical supplies, including four fuel trucks, will be allowed into the Gaza Strip, Hamas explained.

The ceasefire will also facilitate the reopening of the Rafah crossing between Gaza

and Egypt to allow the return of stranded Palestinians waiting in the Arish area, according to the Palestinian Embassy in Cairo.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed receiving an "initial list of names" of detainees set for release today.

The Israeli army said it was ready to implement the ceasefire, but warned Hamas that "even the slightest violation would result in a severe response".

The ceasefire was originally due to start on Thursday, but was delayed as the two sides were finalising the details of the hostage release.

Meanwhile, Israel continued its airstrikes on various areas of Gaza, resulting in more casualties and injuries.

Palestinian medical sources reported that 10 persons were killed in Israeli shelling on a residential building in the Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood in Gaza City.

The Hamas-run Health Ministry said that six persons, including three children, were killed on Thursday in Israeli strikes targeting two houses in the Shouat area in Rafah, southern Gaza.

In the meantime, the Al-Qassam Brigades, the Hamas military wing, and the Al-Quds Brigades, the

military wing of the Islamic Jihad Movement, separately launched mortar shells at Israeli military positions inside and on the outskirts of Gaza.

The upcoming IsraelHamas ceasefire will mark the first cessation of hostilities between both sides since Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, during which 1200 persons were killed and over 200 hostages were taken to Gaza by Hamas militants.

Israel retaliated by launching relentless airstrikes and a ground offensive in Gaza, which have killed over 14,000 Palestinians so far. (Xinhua)

Japan ordered to compensate wartime 'comfort women'

A

South Korean court has ordered Japan to compensate a group of women who were forced to work in military brothels during World War Two. The 16 women, who were kept as sex slaves for Japanese soldiers, previously had their case dismissed.

They filed a lawsuit in 2016, but Seoul Central District Court dismissed it five years later, citing sovereign immunity.

The Seoul High Court have now overturned the ruling.

In a statement, the court said it recognises South Korea's jurisdiction over the Japanese Government because the women lived in the country and sought compensation for acts deemed "unlawful".

"It is reasonable to consider that there is a common international law which does not recognise State immunity for an illegal act... regardless of whether the act was a sovereign act".

Lee Yong-soo, a 95-yearold activist and victim was emotional as she thanked the court for the ruling.

As she left the courthouse she told reporters "I'm grateful. I'm really grateful".

She added that she wished she could tell all the victims who had already passed away about the ver-

dict.

It's estimated that more than 200,000 women and girls were forced into prostitution to serve Japanese soldiers in World War Two.

Many of those kept in military brothels were Korean, others were from mainland China, the Philippines, Indonesia and Taiwan.

Japan's Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa called the ruling "extremely regrettable and absolutely unacceptable". (Excerpt from BBC News)

20

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2023

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Invest in yourself and the things you enjoy doing most. Refuse to let anyone railroad you into heading in a direction that benefits them more than you.

Learn from experience.

(March 21-April 19) A change you encounter will lead to an unexpected opportunity. Go the distance, and you'll discover something that you enjoy doing. Don't settle for secondhand information.

PICKLES

(April 20-May 20) Pay more attention to how you present yourself to others. Attentiveness and delicacy will be necessary to avoid a misunderstanding. Be open, honest and clear about your feelings and desires.

(May 21-June 20) Lend a helping hand. Your outreach will touch someone. Don't take a physical risk or put yourself in harm's way.

Protect yourself, your loved ones and your reputation.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Plan to do something you enjoy. All work and no play will lead to an emotional confrontation. Don't feel you have to spend money to impress people or lift your spirits.

(July 23-Aug. 22) A makeover or home improvement project will face opposition. Get the goahead before you start in order to avoid having to backtrack. A partnership matter will require honesty and clarity.

CALVIN AND HOBBES (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Consider what's happening before joining in. You may not want to share your thoughts or secrets. Someone will try to steal your ideas if you are too revealing. Don't let your emotions run wild.

Get motivated and handle unfinished business. A change will get your mojo working and prompt you to mix and mingle with people who spark your interest. Listen carefully and ask questions.

Use intelligence and charm to get your way. A compassionate approach will encourage others to support your decisions. Walk away from anyone who tries to sabotage your plans.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Slow down, decide what's best for you and don't let emotional situations cloud your vision. Make domestic changes that help you relax.

Delegate time and money carefully.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Be a selective observer. Don't feel the need to get involved in someone else's drama. Put your time and effort into self-preservation and feeling and looking your best.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

(Feb. 20-March 20)

Pay attention, and you'll recognize who is legitimate and who is trying to take advantage of you. Follow instructions, but consider how you can make improvements. Efficiency will make you stand out.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2023

21

Rinku seals thriller after SKY trumps Inglis ton J

osh Inglis smashed his maiden T20 International (T20I) century, but Suryakumar Yadav responded masterfully in his captaincy debut to lift India past Australia in a tense series opener.

Just four days after being part of Australia's World Cup title, Inglis tore apart a new-look India attack in batting-friendly conditions in Visakhapatnam with 110 off 50 balls.

He dominated a second-wicket partnership of 130 with Steven Smith, who made 52 and was the only other Australia player fronting up from the World Cup final.

But Suryakumar also shrugged off World Cup weariness with a belligerent 80 off 42 balls. There was a late twist after Suryakumar's dismissal, with India losing a slew of wickets and they needed one run off the final delivery.

But Rinku Singh calmly bludgeoned a six off seamer Sean Abbott, who had delivered a no-ball, as India drew first blood in the five-match series.

The tight scheduling of this series has been widely mocked and underscored by both teams fielding second-string teams. But with the T20 World Cup just over six months away, there was plenty at stake for a number of players.

Smith and Inglis had points to prove. Smith has openly stated his desire to bat at the top having auditioned for the role late in last season's Big Bash League (BBL) and peeling off consecutive centuries.

Opening a T20I for the

first time, Smith relished a grassless surface and quick outfield with three boundaries through the off-side in his first eight deliveries.

But he was completely overtaken by a rampaging Inglis, who came in at number three after the wicket of opener Matthew Short in the fifth over. Playing as a specialist batter, with skipper Matthew Wade taking the gloves, Inglis hit a boundary off his first ball and did not slow down from there.

He toyed with the quicks and spinners by unleashing his full range of strokes around the wicket. Inglis' superb knock was highlighted by pinpoint placement, while he showcased a liking to get deep into his crease and hit over extra cover.

Having reached his century off 47 balls, Inglis equalled Aaron Finch's record that had been set a decade ago.

After a remarkable lapped reverse to the boundary from Inglis, all Suryakumar could do was grin. It was a tough initiation for Suryakumar, who was captaining India for the first time, having been in charge of Mumbai 36 times across formats in domestic cricket.

He was proactive and rotated his bowlers in the powerplay, getting spinners Axar Patel and Ravi Bishnoi into the attack. But nothing worked amid Inglis' onslaught as Suryakumar resorted to giving his team a pep talk during the drinks break.

Things could have been more grim had it not been for seamer Mukesh Kumar, who bowled superbly at the

Josh Inglis raced to a belligerent century

death.

Suryakumar did not enjoy batting on a slow Ahmedabad surface in the World Cup final. He was unable to do much against Australia's clever tactics of bowling slower bouncers.

Suryakumar much preferred this harder surface, while facing up to a second-string Australia attack.

He hit two sixes off his first six balls to get India back on track after the early wickets of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was

run out without facing a delivery.

On such a flat surface, Australia did not revert often to their slower ball bouncer tactic, but Suryakumar almost holed out on one such delivery bowled by left-arm quick Jason Behrendorff.

He was well supported by wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan, who only played in two early games at the World Cup. They slammed a 112-run partnership, with Suryakumar taking over after the wicket of Kishan

NBA: Celtics cool Antetokounmpo, end Bucks' 5-game streak Brook Lopez led the Bucks with 28 points on 12-of-18 shooting, while Damian Lillard finished with 27 points and five assists.

Streaking Magic survive Jokic’s triple-double

SCOREBOARD Australia (20 ovs maximum) BATTING R B M 4s 6s SR Steven Smith run out (Prasidh Krishna/Mukesh Kumar) 52 41 Matthew Short b Ravi Bishnoi 13 11 Josh Inglis c Jaiswal b Prasidh Krishna 110 50 Marcus Stoinis not out 7 6 Tim David not out 19 13 Extras (lb 2, nb 1, w 4) 7 TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 10.40) 208/3 Did not bat: Aaron Hardie, Matthew Wade (c)†, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Jason Behrendorff, Tanveer Sangha Fall of wickets: 1-31 (Matthew Short, 4.4 ov), 2-161 (Steven Smith, 15.5 ov), 3-180 (Josh Inglis, 17.2 ov) • DRS BOWLING O-M-R-W Arshdeep Singh 4-0-41-0 Prasidh Krishna 4-0-50-1 Axar Patel 4-0-32-0 Ravi Bishnoi 4-0-54-1 Mukesh Kumar 4-0-29-0 India (T: 209 runs from 20 ovs) BATTING R Yashasvi Jaiswal c Smith b Short 21

B 8

Ruturaj Gaikwad run out (Ellis/†Wade) 0 0 Ishan Kishan † c Short b Sangha 58 39 Suryakumar Yadav (c)C Hardie b Behrendorff 80 42 Tilak Varma c Stoinis b Sangha 12 10 Rinku Singh not out 22 14 Axar Patel c & b Abbott 2 6 Ravi Bishnoi run out (†Wade/Abbott) 0 1 Arshdeep Singh run out (Smith/Abbott) 0 0 Mukesh Kumar not out 0 0 Extras (b 1, nb 1, w 12) 14 TOTAL19.5 Ov (RR: 10.53) 209/8 Did not bat: Prasidh Krishna Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Ruturaj Gaikwad, 0.5 ov), 2-22 (Yashasvi Jaiswal, 2.3 ov), 3-134 (Ishan Kishan, 12.3 ov), 4-154 (Tilak Varma, 14.5 ov), 5-194 (Suryakumar Yadav, 17.4 ov), 6-207 (Axar Patel, 19.3 ov), 7-207 (Ravi Bishnoi, 19.4 ov), 8-208 (Arshdeep Singh, 19.5 ov) • DRS BOWLING O-M-R-W Marcus Stoinis 3-0-36-0 Jason Behrendorff 4-1-25-1 Matthew Short 1-0-13-1 Sean Abbott 3.5-0-43-1 Nathan Ellis 4-0-44-0 Tanveer Sangha 4-0-47-2

with a trademark assault to all corners of the ground.

He also overcame cramps in what proved to be a memorable captaincy debut.

With Adam Zampa resting, legspinner Tanveer Sangha had his opportunity after not being used during the World Cup. It loomed as a baptism of fire with Sangha copping a thumping from Kishan in the ninth over. Wade boldly reintroduced Sangha four overs later with Kishan and Suryakumar well set.

But Kishan could only hit straight to deep extra cover after Sangha changed his line and Wade decided to stick with him for the 15th over. Sangha repaid the faith by removing Tilak Varma with a googly to finish with two for 47 from four overs.

However, Suryakumar kept the required rate under control, taking India to 194 in the 18th over before being dismissed by Behrendorff, with Aaron Hardie taking a great catch at mid-on.

With just seven needed off the final over, Rinku seemed to have all but sealed the win when he flashed the first ball over point for four.

India were left with just three to get off five deliveries, but Abbott had Axar Patel caught off his own bowling in the third ball.

Ravi Bishnoi and Arshdeep Singh were both run out of the next two deliveries, leaving a nervous India needing one run off the last ball.

Rinku, though, showed no nerves, lofting Abbott down the ground for a maximum; replays, however, confirmed that the bowler had overstepped, meaning the win had been sealed with the no-ball.(ESPNcricinfo)

Jayson Tatum

J

aylen Brown had 26 points and eight assists as the Boston Celtics cooled off Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks with a 119116 victory on Wednesday in a clash between two of the Eastern Conference's top teams.

Jayson Tatum added 23 points and Kristaps Porzingis had 21 as Boston bounced back from Monday's overtime loss to the Charlotte Hornets that snapped its sixgame winning streak.

The Celtics also ended Milwaukee's run of five straight wins while preventing Antetokounmpo from reaching the 40-point mark

for a third consecutive game.

Boston held Antetokounmpo to 21 points on 7-of-20 shooting two nights after the two-time NBA MVP went 20-of-23 from the field in a 42-point performance Monday against the Washington Wizards.

The Celtics never trailed in improving to 6-0 at home this season, as they opened the game with a 10-0 run and built a 29-17 lead after one quarter before extending the margin to 67-53 at halftime.

Milwaukee got a 20-point fourth-quarter deficit down to four in the final minute, but the Celtics hit five of six free throws late to seal the win.

The Orlando Magic won their fifth straight game, as Franz Wagner scored 24 of his 27 points in the second half in a 124-119 victory over the Denver Nuggets.

Paolo Banchero had 23 points, including a three-pointer with 1:49 left to put Orlando ahead for good.

Goga Bitadze, Jalen Suggs, and Wagner clinched the win with six straight free throws in the final 14 seconds.

Jokic had 30 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists for his sixth triple-double of the season and 111th of his career, the fourth-most in NBA history.

Gilgeous-Alexander leads red-hot Thunder

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

had 40 points and 12 assists to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to their sixth consecutive win, 116-102 over the Chicago Bulls.

Chet Holmgren tallied 18 points, 13 rebounds, and four blocks, and Isaiah Joe added 20 points for the Thunder, who are on their longest winning streak since the 201819 season.

DeMar DeRozan scored 25 points for the Bulls after making just one basket in the first half.

Chicago played without leading scorer Zach LaVine, who sat with a sore right foot.

(Sportsmax)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2023

Marlon Samuels banned from all cricket for 6 years for breaching anti-corruption code F

ormer West Indies batter Marlon Samuels has been banned from all cricket for six years by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after he was found guilty of corrupt behaviour during the Abu Dhabi T10 in 2019, where he was part of the Karnataka Tuskers, but did not play.

An independent tribunal found Samuels guilty on four counts, including accepting favours that brought himself and the game into disrepute and concealing information from the investigating authorities. He had been punished for a similar offence 15 years ago "Samuels played international cricket for close to two decades, during which he participated in numerous anti-corruption sessions and

knew exactly what his obligations were under the Anti-Corruption Codes," Alex Marshall, the head of ICC's HR and Integrity Unit, said. "Though he is retired now, Mr Samuels was a participant when the offences were committed. The ban of six years will act as a strong deterrent to any participant who

intends to break the rules."

The Abu Dhabi T10 is an Emirates Cricket Boardrun tournament as such it is their anti-corruption code that is in operation.

By their rules, the ICC conducts all investigations into breaches made and they found Samuels had made four of them.

Article 2.4.2 (by a majority decision) – Failing to disclose to the designated anti-corruption official, the receipt of any gift, payment, hospitality or other benefit that was made or given in circumstances that could bring the Participant or the sport of cricket into disrepute.

Article 2.4.3 (unanimous decision) – Failing to disclose to the designated anti-corruption official receipt of hospitality with a value of US$750 or more.

One Guyana Basketball League...

Article 2.4.6 (unanimous decision) – Failing to cooperate with the designated anti-corruption official's investigation.

Article 2.4.7 (unanimous decision) – Obstructing or delaying the designated anti-corruption official's investigation by concealing information that may have been relevant to the investigation.

Samuels' ban takes effect from November 11, 2023.

He was initially charged by the ICC in September 2021 before he was found guilty of the offences in August this year.

Samuels, who topscored for West Indies in

the final of both the 2012 and 2016 T20 World Cup, last played international cricket in 2018 and announced his retirement in November 2020 with over 11,000 international runs across formats. He was no stranger to contro-

Marlon Samuels was charged on four counts in September 2021 and was found guilty in August 2023

versy during his career, the lowest point of which was his two-year ban after being found guilty, in May 2008, of "receiving money, or benefit or other reward that could bring him or the game of cricket into disrepute".(ESPNcricinfo)

BCB Premier 20/20 tournament…

Albion, West Berbice, Tucber Park, Upper Corentyne, Canje register victories

Final playoff push set for Saturday …Munisar takes four for 18

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A glimpse of the action to be played

he One Guyana Basketball League will be rejuvenated as the final playoff push is set to commence on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at the National Gymnasium with three exhilarating games.

The Jaguar Conference will commence the action at 17:00h as the Meadowbrook Nets, sitting in fourth place, will look to ensure that the Lenora D-Up Rising Stars remain winless, while the West Side team look to avoid that.

The action will change as the Harpy Eagle Conference will see South Ruimveldt Mambas, also currently sitting in fourth, look to bounce back, after a defeat in their previous game, against the winless North Ruimveldt Black Caimans, who have a game in hand and currently

occupy the last position.

The action will conclude as the Jaguar Conference leader, the Stabroek Eagles will look to continue their unbeaten streak as they come up against Cummings Lodge/UG Trojans who are sitting in fourth place with two points from four games and are looking for a win.

The tournament started with 14 teams in the Harpy Eagle and Jaguar Conferences, with a projected 56 to 6 3 games. Teams h a v e played the

teams within their individual conference twice, with the top four teams qualifying for the play-offs. The number one-ranked team will play the fourth-ranked team, and the number two team will play the thirdranked team. Winners of the playoff games will then advance to their Conference Finals, where they will play the best two-of-three series to determine who advance to the National Finals.

The tournament-winning team will receive $1 million along with trophies, while the runners-up will receive $500,000 plus trophies.

emale West Indies offspinner Ashmini Munisar took four wickets for 18 runs for her Rose Hall Canje team against Young Warriors CC as play in the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) Premier 20/20 tournament continued last Sunday with five matches across the county.

Munisar, the West Indies Under-19 Captain, shared the spotlight with clubmate Sanjay Algoo, who scored 64.

The final match of the round-robin tourney between Rose Hall Town NAMILCO Thunderbolt and Port Mourant will be played on Saturday at the Area H Ground. The tournament involves 12 teams divided into three zones, with the top two in each zone advancing to the second round.

The results of the latest round are as follow: Albion defeated the BCB President’s XI by 122 runs at the Port Mourant Ground.

Batting first, Albion chalked up 193 for three in 20 overs with national player Anthony Bramble top-scoring with 77 while Berbice senior player Adrian Sukhwa scored 44 and the talented Afraz Budhoo 31 not out. Arlinge Rogers took 2 for 24 for the President’s team while Gavin Kirsten had 1 for 24. In reply, the youngsters were restricted to 71 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs with Tameshwar Mangal (24) being the principal scorer. Budhoo returned with the ball to take three wickets for 17 runs and offspinner Karran Arjpaul, 2 for 8.

Rose Hall Canje created a huge upset with a 50-run defeat of arch-rivals Young Warriors CC at the Canje Welfare Ground. It was the first time that the home team had defeated the visitors in a First-Division match. Canje scored 158 for seven with national Under-17 all-rounder Sanjay Algoo scoring a

spinner Andrew Dutchin (4 for 22) and Rashad Gaffoor (3 for 31).

At the Skeldon Ground, the home team was defeated by Upper Corentyne by six wickets. Upper Corentyne scored 91 for 4 in 13 overs in reply to Skeldon’s 88 for nine in 20 overs. Rishi Persaud led the charge to victory with 53 not out.

Ashmini Munisar dominated in the latest round of the male competition

blistering 64 with five sixes while veteran medium pacer Suresh Dhanai took 2 for 34.

Young Warriors, in reply, were bowled out for 108 in 18 overs, with only Ricardo Ramdeholl offering resistance. Munisar had 4 for 18 and Algoo 3 for 28.

Tucber Park, under the captaincy of West Indies all-rounder Romario Shepherd, got past Blairmont by 31 runs at the Blairmont Ground. Tucber Park scored 140 for 9 in 20 overs, with Zeynul Ramsammy hitting 40 and Garfield Benjamin, 29. Blairmont, in reply, were bowled out for 109, with Ramsammy (2 for 26), Kwesi Mickel (2 for 19) and Leon Swammy (3 for 14) being the destroyers with the ball.

West Berbice defeated Police by 62 runs at the Cotton Tree Ground. West Berbice scored 168 for 8 from 20 overs, with Leon Andrew (43); Rashad Gaffoor (48) and Nickel Fraser (28) being the principal scorers for the home team. Pacer Barrington took 4 for 7 in a fiery spell for Police.

The lawmen, in reply, were restricted to 106 for 9 from 20 overs with in-form Kereen Mentore (52) and Fraser (24) leading the fight against off-

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Upgraded KFC Goodwill tournament to kick off next month

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xhilarating school football action is in store for the month of December as the KFC Goodwill International Football tournament makes its return for a fourth edition on December 12.

This year’s tournament sees an expansion from six teams last year to eight teams, with the inclusion of a Jamaican school, arguably among the best in the best in the Caribbean, thus heightening the competitiveness of the event.

The fourth edition of the tournament was launched on Thursday afternoon at Cara Lodge, Georgetown, where Petra Organisation Co-Director Troy Mendonca reiterated the aim of the tournament while highlighting the shared vision of the organisers and title sponsor KFC. “Which is a competition aimed at bringing together the best or at least, a representative of each geographical location from the Caribbean to match skills at the school level,” Mendoca shared at Thursday’s launch.

He went on to add, “This competition as we know in the past gives our boys an opportunity to showcase their talents and it acts as a good benchmark for the sport in the country. And I want to emphasise, it was a good sight, seeing Waramadong

KFC Marketing Manager Pamella Manasseh winning the last tournament, having beaten the likes of St Benedict’s and the team from Suriname.”

On the matter of their shared vision with KFC, Mendonca related, “I must admit, from the Petra Organisation, it takes a lot of courage to embark on such a mammoth event and the main reason is because Ms [Pamella] Manasseh, through her company, would’ve shared the same vision like us and so, at this point in time, we would like to acknowledge the contribution and the commitment made by KFC Guyana.”

The eight teams in this year’s tournament will be

defending champions DC Caesar Fox (Waramadong) Secondary, St Ignatius Secondary, Jamaica’s Clarendon College, Trinidad and Tobago’s St Benedict’s College, Suriname’s Voorgezet Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) 4 and the top three finishers from the ongoing Limacol Schools’ League.

The teams will be divided into two groups of four for a round-robin stage, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals.

In a word from the sponsors, KFC Marketing Manager Manasseh spoke to the growth of the tour-

Windies A need 216 for victory on final day

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est Indies A bowlers managed to contain their opposition on day three of their first unofficial four-day Test match against South Africa to keep their target for victory under 250 runs.

Joint efforts from bowlers Akeem Jordan, Jayden Seales, Kevin Sinclair and Shermon Lewis kept the wickets ticking, but they were unable to contain the resolute Neil Brand, who led the batting charge for South Africa A with a patient century.

Brand’s 219-ball 104, comprising 14 boundaries, almost saw him through the entire South African second innings, while his teammates were unable to capitalise on their starts.

Zubayr Hamza got to 30

runs off 52 deliveries before falling to Sinclair’s bowling, while David Bedingham was the next best batsman with 23 off 45 balls.

Tshepo Moreki frustrated

Tshepo Moreki RHB c JM Da Silva b J McAllister 17 15 Extras – 12 b: 4 lb: 7 wd: 0 nb: 1 Total 250 all out (79.5 overs) BOWLING O-M-R-W Jayden Seales PACE 16.0-2-48-2 Kevin Sinclair SPIN 17.0-6-39-2 Akeem Jordan PACE 22.0-5-58-3 Shermon Lewis PACE 11.0-2-37-2 Jair McAllister PACE 10.5-0-35-1 Kavem Hodge SPIN 3.0-1-22-0 Windies ‘A’ BATTING R B Tagenarine Chanderpaul LHB not out 1 12 Zachary McCaskie RHB not out 5 13 BOWLING O-M-R-W Tshepo Moreki PACE 2.0-0-3-0 Dane Piedt SPIN 2.0-0-4-0

the Windies A bowlers with his quickfire 17 from 15 balls, while Duanne Olivier pitched in 14 runs from 34 balls at the tail.

A solitary wicket for Jair McAllister, that of Olivier, saw the Proteas A innings coming to an end for 250 runs, leaving the Caribbean side 224 runs to chase.

Jordan led the charge for the Men in Maroon with the ball, taking 3-58 from 22 overs, while Seales took 2-48 from 16 overs.

Also with two scalps were Sinclair, with 2-39 from 17 overs, while Lewis claimed 2-37 from 11 overs.

Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Zachary McCaskie will resume the chase today on one and five runs respectively.

The fourth day’s play begins at 04:00h local time.

efit the players now and throughout their adulthood.

We are thrilled to be a part of this event.”

In a new addition this year, the champions will cart off $500,000 GYD ($2500 USD) while second, third and fourth place will pock-

et $300,000 ($1500 USD); $200,000 ($1000 USD) and $100,000 GYD ($500 USD) respectively.

The tournament will see four games per day in the initial stages, with the grand finale set for December 22.

(Jemima Holmes)

Representatives of the nine teams that will compete in the Elite League Promotional Playoff next month

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Akeem Jordan picked up three wickets

Petra Co-Director Troy Mendonca

Groups set for Elite League Promotional playoff

By Jemima Holmes

SCOREBOARD South Africa ‘A’ BATTING R B Neil Brand LHB c K Sinclair b SH Lewis 104 219 Tony de Zorzi LHB c KSA McKenzie b JNT Seales 0 13 Zubayr Hamza RHB lbw K Sinclair 30 52 Keegan Petersen RHB b A Jordan 9 19 David Bedingham RHB lbw SH Lewis 23 45 Clyde Fortuin RHB c JM Da Silva b A Jordan 20 36 Mihlali Mpongwana RHB lbw A Jordan 8 17 Hardus Viljoen RHB b K Sinclair 0 8 Dane Piedt RHB b JNT Seales 13 22 Duanne Olivier RHB not out 14 34

nament and the company’s continued commitment to such.

“The tournament is managed by the Petra Organisation, whose brand is in line with our values.

There has been so much development over the past four years. To name a few, the tournament has expanded from six to eight teams, five in Guyana and three internationals. The tournament is now able to cover insurance for the participating teams and is even able to provide livestreaming for viewers in the hinterlands and overseas,” Manasseh divulged.

She went on to state, “With this partnership, KFC continues to give back to the development of our youths which goes a long way in carrying life lessons; resiliency, respect, compassion, companionship, character and all of which will ben-

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ine teams from across the country will vie for the chance to secure one of two spots on the sixth edition of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League 2024 when the Promotional tournament kicks off on December 17.

As such, representatives of the teams were all present at the GFF’s National Training Centre (NTC), Providence on Wednesday night, where the official draw for the tournament was conducted.

With the teams being sorted into three groups of three, Group A consists of East Demerara Football Association’s Buxton Stars FC, Bartica FA’s Beacon FC, and Berbice FA’s Monedderlust FC; in Group B are Rupununi FA’s Tabatinga FC, East Bank FA’s Herstelling Raiders and Georgetown FA’s Beacon FC while Group C has Essequibo/ Pomeroon FA’s Dartmouth FC, West Demerara FA’s Slingerz FC and Upper Demerara FA’s Winners Connection.

Each team in the three-member group will play a home and away game during the preliminary round, after which the group winners and best second-place team will advance to the semi-finals.

In the semi-final draw, it was fixed that the winner of Group C would play the best second-place team in semi-fi-

nal 1, while the winners of Group A and B will compete in semi-final 2.

Sharing remarks at the event, GFF President Wayne Forde spoke on the evolution of the Elite League and the commitment shown by those involved.

“When the League started in 2016, it costed a club either $500,000 of one million dollars to register to play in the League. This season, every club received a participation grant of $500,000. What does that mean? It means that there were days in the past when a club had to pay to be a part of the League, but now we are rewarding you for being in the League by providing you with funds and equipment that can help you,” Forde shared in an ode to how much the League has grown since its inception.

He added, “We are also considering ways and means in which we can increase the participation grant, because, at a minimum, a club must be able to compensate a coach – even if it is a reasonable stipend that he or she can have on a monthly basis. The commitment and dedication that Coaches bring to this game is something that most of us with vast amount of resources would not be able to afford.”

Meanwhile, Coach Charles Pollard of Slingerz FC and Coach Gordon Braithwaite of Georgetown’s Beacon FC were on hand to share their thoughts on the

commencement of the tournament.

“This was our goal. We’re excited, I think we went through the League system, it was good, haven’t conceded no goals. I think we’re excited for the playoff to get our foot in the Elite League once again,” Pollard articulated.

On the other hand, Braithwaite said, “Well, this is what we’ve been waiting for and hoping for. The draw has been kind to us, I feel, but no game is easy, especially when I’m the Coach ‘cause I’m the benchmark, everybody does raise their game and want to play well against me. But I appreciate that, so it makes me play better.”

The winners of the tournament will be promoted to the Elite League in place of Milerock FC, who finished 10th in this year’s edition of the Elite League and as a result, have been relegated. The losing finalist will have a second shot at the Elite League.

That team will play Victoria Kings, who finished ninth in the 2023 edition, for the other available spot in the League.

While there will be no prize monies, the two teams being promoted to the League will receive a $1 million preparation grant. If only one team is promoted from the Promotional playoff, then that team will be the only one to receive the grant, since Victoria Kings will not be eligible to receive such in the event they triumph in their playoff game.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2023

Sport is no longer our game, it’s our business

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Promotional playoff Pg 23

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