Guyana Times - Friday, October 20, 2023

Late-stage breast cancer diagnosis on the decline Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 5528

P17

THE BEACON OF TRUTH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023

Govt will not weaken new PSA to suit ExxonMobil – VP Jagdeo ...insists Guyana must get fair share of oil deals Page 3

Canada-Caricom Summit

Pres Ali discusses oil, investments & agriculture with PM Trudeau Page 7

– as Canada plugs nearly $90M into Caricom for renewable energy, vaccine equity

PRICE $100 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Over 8000 P18 primary school pupils to benefit from US$90M IDB loan

P12 'Bandit' apprehended after allegedly relieving contractor of firearm

3rd edition of Guyana’s Energy Conference returns in Feb P13 2024 CANU finds P12 gun, ammo during Princes St operation

President Dr Irfaan Ali in discussion with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the sidelines of the Canada-Caricom Summit held in Ottawa

Committee to be established to review Legal Practitioners Act …as AG engages GBA on mutual matters

Tropical Shipping introduces new route between Guyana, Puerto P10 Rico – to commence service today

See story on page 13

Police working to 8 pistols, dismantle "heavy ganja found market" for stolen in barrel cell phones – 4A Commander

Page 11

Page 12

...says street crimes account for 57% of serious crimes committed

shipped from NY

“Smokey” P8 pleads guilty in chopping death of neighbour

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

BRIDGE The Demerara OPENINGS Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, October 20 – 04:00h-05:30h and Saturday, October 21 – 22:00h-23:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Friday, October 20 – 07:25h-08:55h and Saturday, October 21 – 08:30h-10:00h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery showers are expected for most of the day with sunshine in the late afternoon hours.

Clear skies are expected at night. Temperatures should range between 24 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to South SouthEasterly between1.78 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 07:50h and 20:03h reaching maximum heights of 2.30 metres and 2.40 metres.

Low Tide: 13:34h reaching a minimum height of 1.00 metre.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2023

LOTTERY NUMBERS H

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Bonus Ball

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2023 DAILY MILLIONS

19 20 21

01 08 LUCKY 3

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Afternoon Draw

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Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

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PAY DAY

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2023

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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

$93.23/barrel

+0.92

Rough Rice London Sugar

$283.95/ton $738.00/ton

-0.49 0.00

Live Spot Gold Bid/Ask Low/High Change

Change %

USD Per Ounce $1977.50 $1976.70 +3.20

$1978.50 $1978.60 +0.16

Govt will not weaken new PSA to suit ExxonMobil – VP Jagdeo ...insists Guyana must get fair share of oil deals

V

ice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has made it clear that while Government wants ExxonMobil to succeed in their operations in Guyana, the country must also get a fair share of the bargain, and therefore it will not weaken any provisions in the new Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) to suit the oil company.

The United States oil major was among six companies that submitted bids on eight of the 14 blocks offshore Guyana that were up for grabs in the recently-concluded auction. However, at a press conference earlier this week, ExxonMobil Guyana President Allistair Routledge said the oil giant will not sign the new model PSA in its current form, citing concerns, specifically about the timeframe set for the aggressive work programme, as well as the time periods for relinquishment.

In fact, Routledge said these concerns were raised during the consultation period on the draft PSA, and were even included in Exxon’s bid document submitted during the auction.

However, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday pointed out that Guyana paid for the best international experts, IHS Markit, to draft the model PSA, and was told that the fiscal regimes contained therein are “very competitive globally.”

To this end, Jagdeo declared that the Guyana Government will not weaken any of the new provisions just to suit the US oil giant.

“If ExxonMobil here in Guyana or in Texas believes that we must take every one of their comments on our draft PSA and accept those comments fully and wholeheartedly then incorporate them in the new PSA, they need to think again…

This is a new Government, a different dispensation… [and] we’re not going to weaken the new PSA to suit ExxonMobil…” he said.

“Exxon probably got sweetened by the Stabroek Block PSA, and therefore this looks very different; the conditions seem onerous. We don’t believe the conditions are onerous.

They were canvassed by an international advisor, and we’re told that they are not onerous and they would allow for effective management of this sector,” the Vice President stated during a press conference at his party’s Freedom House location.

He outlined, however, that Government is not opposed to making certain minor changes to any oil contract that would be signed, but he insisted that there would be no alteration to the new core fiscal terms.

The 2016 oil contract for the Stabroek Block, signed between the ExxonMobil-led co-venturers and the then APNU/AFC Coalition Government, had been heavily criticised for low royalty, lack of ring-fencing provisions, and cost oil claims that will see Guyana losing billions, among other issues.

For these new potential oil deals stemming from the auction, the PPP/C Administration has crafted a new PSA. Under new conditions, Guyana stands to benefit from as high as US$20 million signature bonus for the

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

deep-water blocks, and US$10 million for the shallow-water blocks.

Additionally, while it includes the retention of the 5050 profit-sharing after cost recovery, there is an increase of the royalty from a mere two per cent to now a 10 per cent fixed rate; the imposition of a 10 per cent corporate tax, and the lowering of the cost recovery ceiling to 65 per cent from the previous 75 per cent, among other provisions.

The Vice President argued that Government’s priority is ensuring the country and its people reap as much benefits from any new oil deals.

“Mr Routledge should look at their capacity. We want them to do well in Guyana. We want them to produce the oil; we want

ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge

them to produce increasing amounts of oil. We want them to make money, but we want to ensure the country gets its fair share of the money. We want our oil to be produced in a safe manner, protecting our people.

We want Guyanese to benefit from this production through local content…

“So, if they don’t want to sign [the new PSA]; fine, they don’t need to sign it. We’re not going to just change this PSA and make it the way Exxon wants it. That probably happened in 2016, but it’s not gonna happen now,” Jagdeo maintained.

VP Jagdeo also used the opportunity to respond to the Routledge comments about Guyana’s lack of capacity to handle certain contents in the

new PSA. The ExxonMobil Guyana President told reporters earlier this week that there are a lot of approvals required under the new PSA, and he does not think that Guyana’s Ministry of Natural Resources is set up to process, review, and generally exercise those functions.

But the Vice President lashed back, saying that Guyana will deal with building its capacity.

“His comment that we may lack capacity, the way I saw it, is that we must weaken the provisions of the Act or the PSA, because we don’t have the capacity to ask for all of this information or process all of this information. We just spoke about the building of the capacity and moving to make sure that we properly police these contracts at the operational level. So, if that’s his thinking, that we must weaken the provisions because we don’t have the capacity now, it’s short-term thinking, and we don’t subscribe to that at all. We have world-class provisions in the law and the new PSA, and we’re building capacity to police them… He shouldn’t worry too much about our capacity to process the data, he should worry about their responsibility to produce the data and submit it to the ministry on time… We’re working on building the capacity,” Jagdeo has said. (G-8)

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023

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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

Fires

T

he headlines in the local press have been inundated with the loss of lives and property as a result of fires and accidents. These stories have been heart-rending as families and friends are left in the path of destruction. So far for the year, fires have occurred at homes, markets, business places, schools, and dormitories.

An analysis of fire-caused deaths for this year has shown that about 42 persons have died due to infernos of various natures across the country. The deadly traumatic May 21, 2023 fire at the Mahdia Secondary School dormitory which caused the deaths of 20 children will always be etched in the minds of Guyanese.

Like in the case of an accident, with fire the sudden and shocking death of someone close, can never be easy to endure.

The ensuing excruciating pain and mental trauma that are inflicted on surviving relatives can be unbearable.

In a fleeting moment, families were plunged into sadness and despair after receiving the dreadful news. That’s the painful result, and often its real and lingering impact may be hidden from the spotlight of the media.

The reality is that people, including those who survive, suffer in unimaginable ways.

Several fires that have occurred were a result of children being left at home alone and playing with inflammable objects.

A study conducted by the New York City Fire Department found that most children have a natural curiosity about fire.

They want to know how fire looks and feels, and what it can do.

To address this locally, there is a need for an early education programme/lessons on the dangers and consequences of fire. Such a campaign should also include how to avoid firerelated accidents and how to respond quickly if this should occur. Assuming that playing with flammable items, matches, and lighters is a product of the natural curiosity of children and their lack of understanding, then such programmes should be done at various stages of child development. This will lead to a healthy appreciation for fire safety.

Every year, Guyana joins in observing Fire Prevention Week at the beginning of October; this is a good time to have youths and young children countrywide learning about the importance of fire safety and fire prevention.

Another important safety regulation is the enforcement of fire codes and the Fire Prevention Act, Chapter 22:02.

Importantly, the Guyana Fire Service on Wednesday issued safety tips following the increase in house fires. These are: 1) Don’t leave things cooking on the stovetop unattended, and check regularly on the things cooking in the oven. It only takes a minute for a fire to get out of hand.

2) Equip your homes with smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and fire alarms.

3) Keep flammable things like tissues, towels, paper bags, or cereal boxes away from your stove.

4) Don’t try to put out grease or electrical fires with water; this will only make them worse! Adding water to a grease fire can make it spread. Adding water to an electrical fire can cause electrocution.

5) One of the simplest and cheapest extinguishers for grease fires is baking soda. Keep a box next to your stove to throw on stovetop fires.

6) Use your stove only as directed. If you have a gas stove and smell gas, turn off all burners, open windows for better ventilation, and call your gas company.

7) Be careful when lighting the stove; make sure the room is well-ventilated; and use long-stemmed matches or lighters.

8) Pay attention when you are cooking. If you must leave the kitchen, turn off all burners. If a pot is on the fire, turn off the burner and cover the pot with a lid.

9) Avoid wearing clothes with long, loose-fitting sleeves that may catch fire easily. If your clothing catches fire, stop, drop, and roll!

10) Don’t use your oven as extra storage for flammable things like paper or plastic bags, plastic containers, or dish towels. Even if you don’t turn the oven on, the pilot light could ignite objects inside.

With the use of modernised technology at our disposal, we must utilised this advancement to bring awareness to fire safety. Additionally, we must continue the task of educating through school site visits and community visits. Education and awareness is the first step in turning this deadly trend that has consumed our society around.

Guyana’s Public Service Minister Sonia Parag, who is accompanying President Ali at the Canada-Caricom Summit, is being greeted

by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at a reception he hosted on Wednesday for the Caricom Leaders

Ethical considerations in relation to forensic audits

Dear Editor, I’ve been closely following the exchanges in the media between Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo and former Auditor General and anti-corruption advocate Mr. Anand Goolsarran.

Mr. Goolsarran wants to sue the Vice President for the reputational damages he claimed he suffered when the Vice President questioned his professional integrity.

First, let me say that as a finance professional myself, I support Mr. Goolsarran’s right to defend and protect his professional integrity if he strongly believes that it is under unjust and unfair attack. However, at the same time, Mr. Goolsarran must be aware that the fraternity to which he belongs: accounting /audit/finance professionals, is subject to the highest level of ethical conduct.

Equally, those who choose to “dabble” in politics, served/serve in public office, and who are/were the recipients of public contracts are also subject to the highest degree of public scrutiny; therefore, they must subject themselves to such scrutiny. This includes criticisms, being held accountable by the public and other stakeholders, and thus answerable to the public.

That said, I wish to draw to the public’s attention that Mr. Anand Goolsarran, together with his colleague Mr. Christopher Ram, was contracted by the APNU/AFC Government in 2015 to conduct forensic audits of a number of public agencies. Based on my own review, the circumstances and procedures surrounding that audit involving Mr. Goolsarran at the time were very questionable, to the extent that the professional conduct and integrity of Messrs Goolsarran and Ram come into question.

According to former Finance Minister Winston Jordan’s report to the National Assembly, in response to questions posed by the Opposition at the time, he reported that the “forensic audits” cost the national treasury over $133 million and counting at the time that report was made. In terms of the procurement procedure, the former

minister reported that the procurement procedure followed in the award of the contracts was in keeping with Section 28 (b) of the Procurement Act, and that the audit was carried out in accordance with the Audit Act of 2004.

Notably, Section 28 (b) of the Procurement Act 2003 states that: “the procuring entity may engage in single-source procurement when – b) The services, because of their highly complex or specialized nature, are available from only one source.

As far as I am aware, neither Mr. Goolsaran nor Mr Christopher Ram are specialized forensic auditors. I am unaware of their experience in that regard, as well as their qualifications.

For the readers’ benefit, forensic audit is a highly specialized field in auditing, and there are specialized training and professional certifications in forensic auditing.

Moreover, forensic audits are very different from financial audits. And for there to be a forensic audit, it has to be triggered by an event, for example, such as fraud or embezzlement. In this case, an event that may trigger the need for a forensic audit would have to originate from the normal audit executed by the Auditor General, for which the findings of the audit support the need for a deeper forensic audit.

This brings me now to the Audit Act of 2004 which was cited as the authority to carry out the forensic audit. The Audit Act of 2004 does not explicitly provide for “forensic audits”.

Notwithstanding, Part IV of the Audit Act, Section 18, provides that “the Auditor General may engage the services of technical experts and Chartered Accountants in public practice to serve on a contract basis for limited audit engagements, including those required as part of agreements with international organizations”. Sections 19-22 set out the guidelines for such contracting, limit of tenure, limit on scope of work, and the authority.

With that in mind, my interpretation of the aforementioned provisions in the Audit Act as they relate to the forensic audit involving Messrs

Goolsarran and Ram in 2015 is that only the Auditor General has the authority to engage external experts to carry out such an audit, provided that it was triggered by a legitimate event.

Although the Executive branch of Government may have the authority to order a forensic audit, it cannot be done without it being triggered by an event; that is, pursuant to the Auditor General’s reports. Otherwise, it is just a political facade, which it turned out to be in hindsight.

It is worth noting that when the award was made to Messrs Ram and Goolsarran, they were both heavily criticized by other accountants, as reported in the media. Those criticisms were in relation to their expertise and experience as well as conflicts of interest, given that they were both staunch critics of the former Government at that time, which is now the incumbent Government.

Further, it was alleged by a WPA Executive member that Christopher Ram was (maybe still is) a financier of the WPA/APNU at that time, and that he was approached to place his name as the WPA’s choice of Prime Ministerial Candidate for the APNU. Also, it is alleged that Mr. Goolsarran’s work was cited in the APNU 2015 election campaign materials, and as far as I am aware, he remains an advisor to the AFC. So, from these standpoints, their involvement in such an audit was highly questionable, given the multifaceted dimensions of “conflicts of interests”.

In closing, if Mr. Goolsarran has any credibility, I believe he owes it to the general public to provide answers to the aforementioned questions, which may or may not vindicate him. i. What were the findings of the forensic audits he conducted? As far as I am aware, the forensic audits did not uncover any evidence of fraud or embezzlement, which goes back to my earlier point that a forensic audit has to be triggered by an event; and in this case, ought to have been pursuant to the findings of the Auditor General’s Report.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023

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You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

President Irfaan Ali’s direct governance approach Dear Editor, President Ali and Cabinet Ministers Juan Edghill, Zulfikar Mustapha, Charles Ramson Jr., Collin Croal, Anand Persaud, and Attorney General Anil Nandlall paid a two-day visit (0ctober 14-15) to Region 6, Berbice.

The trip also had a full complement of technical staff from Region 6, as well as from the relevant offices in Georgetown. Director of Presidential Relations, Marcia Nadir-Sharma, and I (Adviser in the Office of the President) were also on hand.

I would like to make a

general observation about the President’s outreach, with particular attention to his mode of governance. The key is to note that the current Administration is keen on governing from below, from the field, from every region and every district.

This is a direct governance approach.

While previous leaders like Presidents Cheddi and Janet Jagan, Sam Hinds, Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar did immerse themselves deeply among the people, the current leaders: President Ali, Prime Minister Phillips, and Vice President Jagdeo,

are now institutionalising a new kind of democratic governance from below.

The key difference between the past and present is that President Ali has taken operational matters directly into the towns and villages in Guyana. Outreaches are not simply letting people know about policies.

The President and his team had extensive consultations at Mara, Rose Hall Canje Estate, New Amsterdam, Port Mourant, Manchester-Liverpool, Mibicuri in Black Bush Polder, Corriverton, and at Baracara down the Canje River. At every meeting,

the President announced new development measures for the community, most of them in response to previous community interactions.

As with previous administrations, the President and cabinet ministers engaged in extensive discussions about community needs. Topics ranged from broad issues like cattle grazing and health hazards (Mibicuri), to road construction (Mara), transportation and farming (Baracara), to specific matters dealing with security, street lighting, NIS, noise nuisance, and a plethora of quali-

What a disgrace by the PNC/AFC/APNU at Washington Conference Dear Editor, That so-called Washington Conference -which I understand was organized by Rickford Burke, a PNC mouthpiece, and held on September 27, 2023 in Washington, DC -was attended by a group of MPs and the Leader of the Opposition. It looks like it was poorly attended and was a complete failure.

However, it is very important to keep the Guyanese public updated on the falsehoods, distortions, and misinformation expressed by the PNC/AFC/APNU representatives against the PPP/C Administration without any legal and true facts to justify their presentation of discrimination against Afro-Guyanese people.

This incompetent, visionless group's main objective, as I saw it, was to attack the Honorable Vice President and General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, with many misleading and false statements made against Dr. Jagdeo. They could not even give the correct answers to the questions posed to them.

Let me make it known and be very clear, espe-

cially to the diaspora, that the Honorable Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has the respect of the majority of the Guyanese people, and is a respected international leader. He is far more respectable than the pack of jokers who only speak race hate and try to distort Dr. Jagdeo’s impeccable character.

Jagdeo is a man recognised by the world for his leadership and the fight for climate change. The United Nation recognized him and named him Champion of the Earth.

The Hon. Vice President and the PPP/C are more supportive of AfroGuyanese people than the PNC/APNU. Afro-Guyanese are always better off when the PPP/C is in power, and the records and facts can stand out in this regard.

Young Afro-Guyanese persons must know that the PNC were in power for 28 years, plus they had another 5 years; what did they do to empower the AfroGuyanese people when they were in power? “Nothing”.

The PNC always spread the narrative that the PPP is an Indian Party and that the PPP only looks after Indo-Guyanese people. This

Ethical considerations... ii. What are his credentials specifically in forensic audits? This is important to properly justify the method of procurement, which was sole sourcing, pursuant to the Procurement Act. iii. Can he disclose the contract sum awarded to him? iv. Which agency was the contracting agency? Was it the Ministry of Finance or the Auditor General’s Office? If it was the Ministry of Finance, then that contract was entered into in violation of the Audit Act, because only the Auditor General, and no other agency or Ministry, has the authority to contract external technical experts/ firms for any such audit, in accordance with the Audit Act of

FROM PAGE 4

2004.

Editor, clearly, in relation to the forensic audit involving Mr. Goolsarran, there are a number of issues surrounding ethical considerations that he ought to have been truthful to himself and the public, to the extent where (1) he ought not to have involved himself in the audit if he was affiliated with the political parties at the time, (2) he ought not to have involved himself if he did not possess the requisite specialized training and experience; and (3), he ought not to have involved himself if the Procurement and Audit Acts were violated in that process.

Yours respectfully, Joel Bhagwandin

perception is totally false and untrue, and they have no facts to back up their argument. The People’s Progressive Party is the largest multi-ethnic party in Guyana, and has more non-Indian members in its ranks than any other political party in this country.

The question people should ask is why are IndoGuyanese people more economically powerful than Afro-Guyanese, and the answer is simple. By culture, the Indo-Guyanese people take more business risk than Afro-Guyanese, regardless of which Government is in power, and that is why they are more economically strong. So, there is no discrimination against AfroGuyanese people.

The playing field in Guyana is equal, it is up to you to take the necessary business risk. For example, when you go to a lending institution to borrow money to do business, the institution doesn’t look at the colour of your skin, the texture of your hair, your ethnicity, or your race. What they look for is proof of paying back the money they are about to lend you; so where is the discrimination?

It must be remembered that it was the PPP/C who set up the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) so that anyone could lodge com-

plaints of any discrimination, and it could be investigated and addressed.

I went to the CPL finals, and what I noticed and observed was the togetherness of Guyanese of all races, enjoying themselves in unity. I didn’t see any race hate there among our people. What I am observing is that Opposition Leaders are trying to divide this country by misleading people of Afro-decent on race.

His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the PPP/C Administration are working towards a One Guyana policy, where all Guyanese are benefitting and will continue to benefit from the economic prosperity of the country.

In closing, I want to urge all our young Guyanese not to fall prey to the negative propaganda of the PNC/APNU/AFC, which has nothing to offer.

You must take up all the opportunities being offered by the PPP/C Government: in education, health, housing, tourism etc. All the international reports I read so far give praise for the excellent leadership demonstrated by His Excellency President Dr. Irfaan Ali and the PPP/C Government.

Thank you, Andrew Forsythe

ty-of-life issues.

At Corriverton, for instance, requests ranged from large-scale farming and remigrant concessions to public assistance and small grants.

The underlying shift in the governance model is that there is now a strong operational dimension to these meetings. Rather than take a complaint, come back to Georgetown and then act stance, President Ali and cabinet ministers go into action while still at the location. Relevant staff are asked to provide information ‘on the spot,’ and where possible, instructions for actions are given by the President ‘on the spot.’ If not, President Ali ensures that a direct follow-up process is in place.

I can tell you that I have been following up on two specific cases from the field, one from Mibicuri and the other from Corriverton.

Director of Presidential Relations and OP staff member Dwayne Adams

also have a handful of issues to process. Numerous issues were resolved ‘on the spot’ at the place of outreach. At Mibicuri, for instance, the request for a new school bus was immediately granted. I know that much the same has been done at previous meetings at Buxton, Den Amstel, Tuschen, as well as in outlying villages such as Aranaputa in Region 9.

Citizens are urged to take note of this governance approach. It is better to make specific requests, rather than make long speeches during which you forget what you want to get fixed. No doubt, some will only want to make a statement, which is fine.

Regional and local officials and staff of agencies, as well as contractors (or their representatives), should make themselves available in order to actively participate in governing effectively from below.

Sincerely, Dr Randolph Persaud

Substandard works Dear Editor, I am making a fervent request for the residents of Block “N”, Cornelia Ida, WCD for the higher authority to check out the substandard works done by those who are responsible for cleaning drains.

Only last week were works done on the area, yet drains are filled with grass and stagnant water.

Machines used to clear the area destroyed the parapets, and the stagnant water remains, causing vermin to

multiply, endangering residents’ health.

The caring administration is spending a lot of money for these works to be done properly to enhance the lives of Guyanese, yet those who are responsible directly do not have the dignity and diligence to perform well. It is suggested that a benchmark be established to be used not only for Cornelia Ida, but for all of Guyana. Thank you.

Yours respectfully, Seenanan Sooknanan

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023

Foundation ◄

Page

Test Questions

By Meish Goldish

Coastal erosion ocean science experiment

In this fun and easy ocean science experiment, we’re going to explore and investigate coastal erosion.

Baking pan Water Sand

Materials:

Instructions: Pile sand on one end of the baking pan and firmly pat it down to create a

gradually sloping beach.

Pour some water into the pan until the sand is partly covered.

First gently and then progressively faster slide the pan back and forth to create waves that end up on your beach.

Observe the sand move and shift.

How it works: Coastal erosion is the loss or displacement of land resulting from waves and other actions that remove

sand, sediment, and bedrock. This ocean experiment allows you to visualise coastal erosion. This experiment uses water to create erosion, but wind is also another contributor to coastal erosion.

Storms, currents, and even ice are other contributors to coastal erosion.

Make this a science project: Try filling little sandwich ziplock bags with sand and place these sand bags between the pile of sand and water. (sciencefun.org)

Once was a sow who had Three little piggies Three little piggies had she And the old sow always went "Oink, oink, oink!"

And the the piggies went "Wee, wee, wee."

One day one of those Three little piggies To the other two piggies said he, "Why don't we try and go 'Oink, oink, oink!'

It's so childish to go 'Wee, wee, wee,'" Those little piggies Grew skinny and lean, Skinny they well might be.

For they all tried to go "Oink, oink, oink," And could only go "Wee, wee, wee."

Those little piggies They upped and they died, A very sad sight to see.

So don't you try and go "Oink, oink, oink," When you ought to go "Wee, wee, wee."

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Canada-Caricom Summit

Pres Ali discusses oil, investments & agriculture with PM Trudeau – as Canada plugs nearly $90M into Caricom for renewable energy, vaccine equity

P

resident Dr Irfaan Ali on Thursday held bilateral discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Ottawa, on the sidelines of the inaugural Canada-Caricom Summit.

The summit, held under the theme “Strategic Partners for a Resilient Future”, ended on Thursday.

The Guyanese Head of State was among the group of regional leaders who travelled to the North American nation for high-level engagements. According to a post on President Ali’s Facebook page on Thursday, following his engagement with the Canadian Prime Minister, “Discussions focused on Canada’s support for the development of Guyana’s oil and gas sector, the two countries shared values and approaches to climate resilience, food security, investments, and agriculture.”

It was also noted that PM Trudeau further reassured of Canada’s support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of rising tension with neighbouring Venezuela.

During the inaugural summit, a Canada-Caricom Strategic Partnership Agreement was launched on Wednesday to further embed the close collaboration and cooperation between the two sides on mutually agreed sectors.

At the closing press conference on Thursday, Prime Minister Trudeau committed to fighting climate change, crime and vaccine equity in the region, and consequently pledged almost $90 million in foreign aid for the region.

(L-R) Guyana’s President Dr Irfaan Ali, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the closing briefing of the inaugural Canada-Caricom Summit

Climate change was a central focus at the Ottawa summit. According to the Canadian Leader, during Wednesday’s session, discussions centred not only on fighting climate change, but also on the fact that protecting the environment is good for economies.

“Clean, reliable, affordable energy is a great example of how climate action and economic growth can and must go together,” Trudeau has said.

On this note, he announced that Canada would be spending some $58.5 million on the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to support renewable energy projects in the region, and another $6 million through the Caribbean Climate Smart Fund (CCSF) for resilient and renewable energy systems.

Additionally, the crisis in Haiti was also a top-priority area during the discussions between the hemispheric leaders.

Trudeau pledged another 3.4 million of previously approved funds to address firearms violence in Haiti, as well as support the Haitian National Police (HNP) armory and armorers.

Moreover, he disclosed that Canada would also invest $3.2 million in the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap, to address firearms trafficking and proliferation, and deepen coordination between the Canadian Armed Forces and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency, to provide rapid delivery of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

An additional $18.3 million from Canada’s Global Initiative for Vaccine Equity to strengthen health and immunisation systems and improve equitable access to vaccination in Haiti was committed by the Canadian PM. These pledges were made during the first day of the summit. On the second day,

Trudeau convened a trade and investment roundtable that included Canadian investors to deepen business ties and create new opportunities for workers.

They discussed ways to diversify trade and expand investment in key sectors, like financial services, resilient infrastructure, clean tech, information and communications technologies, and natural resources management.

They also discussed shared work to build sustainable economies that work for everyone, as Caribbean countries continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

To create new opportunities for businesses and workers, Prime Minister Trudeau announced that Canada is expanding the Commonwealth Caribbean Countries Tariff program (CCCT), which gives countries in the region duty-free trade access to the Canadian

market for the vast majority of goods, including textiles and apparel.

“Our citizens are living the devastating realities of climate crisis, whether that's wildfires in Canada, or hurricanes and rising sea levels across the Caribbean. We're facing supply chain issues, global inflation, and food insecurity. So, in times like these, it is so important that we strengthen our relationship with friends and like-minded partners… The ties between Canadian and Caribbean communities, businesses and people run deep, and we're making these ties even stronger,” PM Trudeau has said.

During the second day of the summit, President Ali led the Caricom side during the sessions, having had to take over from the current Chairman, Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, who was forced to return home to deal with a tropical storm threatening his nation. The Guyanese Leader is next in line to assume chairmanship of the Caribbean Community, in January 2024.

At Thursday’s closing press briefing, President Ali said he and his Caribbean colleagues are pleased with the outcome of the Canada-Caricom Summit, which he said definitely deepened the trust, friendship and relationship between the two sides.

“We spent a lot of time together creating a framework and an ecosystem to support investment partnership, especially with the private sector, and discussing issues surrounding an enabling policy environment

that will support the aspirations of both Canada and Caricom…

Food security, development, financing, regional transport and logistics, and enhanced facilitation in the movement of people between Canada and Caricom.

These were some of the key issues that we discussed.

“Of course, sustainable energy security, creating a balance between climate and energy needs of Canada, the region and the world; and importantly, technology and innovation; how do we ensure a seamless transfer of the innovation and technology from Canada that can support the development of the region?” the Guyanese Leader stated.

Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, who was also at the closing briefing, added that Canada and Caricom found a lot of common ground that will lay the foundation going forward.

“We found common ground with respect to Canada’s strength, that can be made available to us in the region on the issue of regional security, national safety and security; providing equipment which we find difficult (to access) in the region; standing with us and voicing our concerns about being disregarded in the international community of finance in response to climate change; standing in defense with us, where only this week we were reporting that two of our Caricom nations found themselves being excluded from the international banking community,” PM Rowley stated. (G-8)

8 NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Smokey” pleads guilty in chopping death of neighbour

M

eignauth Premraj, also known as “Smokey”, pleaded guilty to unlawfully killing his neighbour Mark Griffith, called “Rancher”, when he appeared before Justice Sandil Kissoon at the High Court in Berbice on Tuesday.

Originally indicted for the capital offence of murder, Premraj opted to plead guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter at his arraignment. He has been remanded, and his sentencing hearing has been set for November 9.

Premraj is being repre-

sented by Attorney-at-Law Surihya Sabsook, while State Counsel Muntaz Ali is the prosecutor.

The deceased, 40-yearold Mark Griffith, formerly of Lot 49 Smithfield, New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), died on January 17, 2021.

Premraj and the late Griffith had been known to each other, as they would normally consume alcohol together, according to the statement of agreed facts.

On January 17, 2021, Premraj was seen standing on a bridge stabbing away at

Griffith.

“The accused was told to desist by everyone present, and he ignored their calls and continued (stabbing).

The deceased was seen in the trench with blood about his body. At the time, the deceased was not seen with any weapons,” the agreed statement of facts said.

During the incident, the deceased was also heard using explicit language to Premraj.

Later that day, the Police went to Premraj’s home, where they informed him that he was wanted for murdering Griffith. They told him of the allegation and administered the caution. He responded, “Officer, Rancher disrespectful; he disrespected me”.

Premraj was arrested and taken to the Central Police Station. The next day, Police ranks escorted Premraj to the scene of the incident, where the murder weapon, a knife, was retrieved.

Then Premraj participated in a video and audio interview with the Police, during which he explained his role in the crime and elected to give a written caution statement.

He told the Police that he and Griffith had begun arguing, and he decided to go by his aunt. Whilst locking up his gate, Griffith approached him and started lashing him with a cutlass, and punched him. He recalled that he took the knife which he had and stabbed Griffith, and later ran away to his aunt’s home.

Premraj was subsequently taken to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, where he was medically examined by a doctor, who found no sign of trauma/violence on him.

Griffith was also taken to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His cause of death was given as shock and haemorrhage due to a stab wound to the chest.

What’s with… …Palestine-Israel??

E

ven though your Eyewitness swore off the PalestineIsrael “he-seh dem-seh” squabble, it just won’t stop!!

The latest eruption, of course, is over who bombed the hospital in Gaza and killed over 500 men, women and – yes – children…dozens of them. He’s resigned that – in the inimitable words of Keith Rowley after observing the PNC’s Mingo in action – “this won’t end well”. What with the largest American warship steaming into the area, he wonders if the big powers will be drawn into the conflict and force us all in the underdeveloped world to take sides.

There’s that caution about whether elephants fight or make love, it’s the grass that gets flattened!!

This blame game seems to be an infinite regression – you know…like those images in the house of mirrors that keep on going forever by reflecting each other ad infinitum!!

So your Eyewitness decided to rummage through history to find out where this all started. Sadly, the only record is the Old Testament - compiled by the Jewish people. It goes back thousands of years ago, and says that God Himself made a covenant with them that the now-disputed land is theirs.

Hence the “Promised Land - Eretz Israel.

Evidently, Abraham was told by the Big Guy with the grey beard from on high that whichever land his foot touched was for him and his people!! The trouble was, there were folks living there – the Canaanites, who had to be evicted forcibly. Most were killed and some converted!!

Sounds familiar?? And then we had an infinite regression of invasions and returns lasting for hundreds of years. Sounds familiar?? There was their Assyrian expulsion, then their enslavement by the Babylonians, as told in that hymn – By the Rivers of Babylon - where they sat down and cried when they remembered Zion – a hill in Jerusalem!!

Remember their enslavement in Egypt by Pharoah Yul Brynner, and their return to Judea under the leadership of Charlton Heston otherwise known as Moses?? Well, eventually the Romans conquered them and made them into a colony, and called the land Syria Palestine. And we approach the common era when they were scattered all over Europe, Asia Minor, North Africa - and even to India.

In each of those lands except in India, they were persecuted and ghettoized. Much of the enmity comes from them being blamed for killing Jesus – who was a Jew!!

They gradually evolved an ideology – dubbed Zionism that taught they should return to the land that God gave them. Britain was then the big world power, and was persuaded that they should be facilitated. But like back in the day of the Canaanites, there were folks living there – this time Arabs, who called themselves Palestinians!!

And we arrive at the present!! …corporal punishment??

Your Eyewitness was dumfounded at the viral video of a teacher at some Bartica school enforcing the school’s dress code to a male student. Evidently, the kid was wearing socks that violated the said code - and the teacher violently pushed him in the chest when he objected. And started whacking him with a T-square. Well!! In his day, your Eyewitness did get his share of whupping for one reason or other – mostly for carrying on in the back benches!! But he’s never seen a teacher getting down like this, as he yanked off the boy’s shoes and then the offensive pair of socks!!

Now, your Eyewitness does believe in “spare the rod and spare the child” mode of instilling discipline in kids.

Worked for him…didn’t it?? But two things. Hadn’t the authorities ordered that the rod had to be wielded only by the headmaster?? Whatever the rule is…that teacher has some serious anger issues. And your Eyewitness thinks he oughtn’t to be allowed in a classroom anytime soon!!

Wanker!! …Venezuela??

Didn’t take long, did it? Here it is, only a day after the US signalled they might flex on sanctions if Maduro agreed to supervised elections, and the man has the spunk to amass troops along our border!! Bun 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

NEWS

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Pure nonsense” – Jagdeo on Opposition’s claims of Venezuelans being registered here …says national solidarity, maturity needed on border controversy

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

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ice President Bharrat Jagdeo has dismissed claims made by the Opposition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance For Change (AFC) that scores of Venezuelans are being registered in Guyana with the aim of thwarting the 2025 elections.

According to Jagdeo during a press conference on Thursday approximately 13,600 persons have been registered by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) from January to date during the continuous registration cycles.

However, he noted that based on the regional breakdown, there is nothing to suggest that flocks of Venezuelans are being registered.

“We don’t see any evidence of this here in the actual registrations that are taking place in the country. It’s false,” the Vice President contended.

Jagdeo noted that even Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton could not have provided any evidence or figures when he was questioned about the claims.

During a joint press conference with AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan on Tuesday, Norton, who is also the APNU Leader, expressed concern over the possibility that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) is seeking to register the Venezuelans, who have fled harsh living conditions in their country to seek betterment in Guyana so that they can vote at the 2025 elections.

But VP Jagdeo reminded the Opposition politicians that many of the Venezuelans coming here are persons who are either Guyanese-born or are of Guyanese heritage, which are grounds for them to receive citizenship.

Nevertheless, the PPP General Secretary explained that while the Opposition’s concerns were justified about the droves of Venezuelans with no connection to Guyana coming here, he was of the view that Norton’s recent remarks are embedded in the fact that the Opposition par-

Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton

ties already know their fate at the 2025 elections and were using the Venezuelans as an excuse.

“So, clearly their concern is a valid one but the way it’s portrayed by Norton as though the Venezuelans are being exploited and we’re bringing them here in droves for electoral advantage is nonsense. It’s pure nonsense and it’s just a lame excuse for what they already expect in 2025, which is losing the elections,” he posited.

Dangerous situation

On the other hand, the Vice President highlighted the dangers that the Opposition’s statements pose to Guyana especially at this point in time when tension has been on the

rise with Venezuela. He posited that there needed to be some form of maturity by the Opposition leadership.

“We need to keep the national solidarity on this matter and therefore, nothing should be done to undermine it,” Jagdeo stated.

Only this week, Guyana was forced to bring the international community’s attention to reports on social media of increased Venezuelan military activity at Guyana’s border.

While Venezuela has attributed this to its efforts to curb illegal mining, the Guyana Government said every report of heightened military activity by the Spanishspeaking nation is taken seriously and that the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has been reviewing these reports.

The reports have suggested that the Venezuelan military has been conducting exercises close to the border at Eteringbang, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), and has been on the move with pieces of their equipment.

The Government made it clear that Venezuela’s in-

AFC Leader Khemraj Ramjattan

creased military activities close to the border have been reported to the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Heads of Government and other international partners.

For its part, the parliamentary Opposition through shadow Foreign Affairs Minister Amanza Walton Desir has issued a call for Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd, to convene an urgent meeting of the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Foreign Relations, so that members could be briefed on the development.

Last month, Venezuela

issued a communiqué that threatened Guyana and protested against Guyana’s efforts to auction its oil blocks, even though all of the blocks are in Guyana’s sovereign territory.

This has led to President Dr Irfaan Ali issuing a stern response. The President had disclosed that he had updated Speaker of the House, Manzoor Nadir, as well as Norton on the matter.

Currently, Guyana has a pending case against Venezuela before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), seeking to confirm the legal validity of the October 3, 1899 Arbitral Award that determined the boundary between Guyana and Venezuela, and hence a ruling on the related border controversy raised by Venezuela.

Venezuela is laying claim to more than twothirds of Guyana’s landmass, Essequibo, and a portion of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), in which almost 11 billion barrels of oil have been discovered over the past eight years and oil production activities are ongoing offshore.

10 NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Tropical Shipping introduces new $47.1M in School Grants route between Guyana, Puerto Rico distributed in Reg 7 – to commence service today

The teachers who uplifted the grants on Wednesday

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Tropical Shipping’s Assistant Vice-President, Maria del Mar Rodriguez

T

ropical Shipping, in partnership with Muneshwers Ltd, on Thursday launched a nineday transit route between San Juan, Puerto Rico and Guyana for their new Lessthan-Container Load (LCL) service.

This new route falls under Tropical Shipping’s continuous goals to support Guyana’s growth and ongoing trade, with the LCL service being classified as sea shipping for cargo loads not large enough to fill a full 20-foot or 40-foot shipping container.

Assistant Vice-President of Tropical Shipping, Maria del Mar Rodriguez, has expressed the company’s excitement at the initiation of this new service, and noted that it provides an additional source for the supply chain manage-

ment within the Caribbean.

“Puerto Rico is completely capable and prepared, with many suppliers, many manufacturing companies, and many options to source from that could elevate and help the super development of Guyana’s economy,” Rodriguez has said.

Further, she explained that the company exports out of Puerto Rico every Friday, and aims to ensure a seamless shipping process for Guyanese customers.

“Customers can just deliver their cargo to our warehouse anywhere between Monday to Friday from 7:30h to 16:30h, and we just need a copy of a commercial invoice or the declared value of what we’re shipping,” Rodriguez has said. “We have our online tools. Customers can make

Tropical Shipping’s Vice-President, Mark Lopez

bookings online via tropical. com and can upload all their documents. The consignee in Guyana will be able to see if their cargo was actually received by the warehouse automatically,” Rodriguez said, adding that customers would also receive a tracking number.

Following this process, customers can expect to receive an arrival notice from Tropical Shipping Guyana, after which they can collect their shipment from Muneshwers Ltd in Water Street, Georgetown.

As the terminal operator for Tropical Shipping in Guyana, Muneshwers Port Manager Chandradat Chintamani explained the company’s continuous willingness to work with Tropical Shipping in adding value-added services to aid

Guyana’s evolving economy.

Tropical Shipping’s VicePresident Mark Lopez noted that this service complements the company’s existing six-day transit route out of the United States, and three-day transit route from Trinidad and Tobago to Guyana.

“Next year we celebrate 30 years of service in Guyana, and we’ve proudly partnered with Guyanese importers to help build the economy and provide a seamless supply chain. That’s 30 years of a weekly service into Guyana,” Lopez has said.

“We’re very proud of our track record. We’re proud that we were here before [the] oil [finds], and we’re proud that we continue to support Guyana through this amazing time of transitional growth,” Lopez added.

ome $47,157,000 in School Grants have been distributed on Wednesday to nursery, primary and secondary schools in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

The Ministry of Education’s School Grant gives the schools full autonomy to purchase their resources, and empowers head-teachers to become better managers of their schools. Under the grant initiative, teachers on the coastland will be given $4,000 per child per term, and those in the hinterland would be given $5,500 per child per term.

For schools with less than 56 students enrolled, a standard amount of $224,000 per term will be granted.

The disbursement of school grants means that teachers will no longer have to pay out-of-pocket expenses to enhance their classrooms.

While meeting with head-teachers from across the region, Deputy Chief Education Officer (DCEO),

with responsibility for Amerindian Hinterland Education Development, Marti DeSouza, said the grant would enable teachers to deliver the curriculum in creative and innovative ways. He explained that, in the interest of transparency and accountability, a list has been provided to guide teachers. Further, he highlighted that the Ministry has been working assiduously to enhance the education sector for both teachers and students.

Meanwhile, Regional Education Officer (REdO) for Region Seven, Selestine La Rose Bristol, in brief remarks, said the initiative is a welcome one, as teachers would be able to purchase the resources needed in a timely manner.

Head-teachers have praised the initiative, noting that it would assist teachers in ensuring their classrooms are child-friendly and lessons are delivered in innovative and creative ways.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Police working to dismantle ‘heavy market’ for stolen cell phones – 4A Commander ...says street crimes account for 57% of serious crimes committed

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ell phones top the list of articles stolen during robberies, and the Guyana Police Force is working to dismantle the market in which they are resold.

This is according to Commander of Division 4A (Georgetown), Assistant Commissioner Simon McBean, during an interview on Thursday. He

noted that there seems to be a large market created so that the stolen devices can be sold off for reasonable prices.

“One of the areas that we found with most of our street crime is that cellphone has been the major article that (was) stolen. We are of the belief that there is a heavy market for cellphones, and that’s something that we’re looking at. If we can dis-

rupt that market, we will be able to disrupt that cycle and crack that area,” McBean pointed out.

The Commander shared that his division is on top of the crime situation, and there has been an overall reduction in serious crimes by 33 per cent. Street crimes account for 57 per cent of serious crimes committed, with hotspots being the Stabroek

Belt & Road Initiative transforming countries – Min Indar

Minister Deodat Indar addressing the gathering

M

inister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar, on Wednesday commended China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a means of transforming nations that participate in the decade-long brainchild of President Xi Jinping.

Minister Indar was at the time addressing the HighLevel Forum of Connectivity of the Third Belt and Road Forum of Infrastructure Cooperation, which is underway in Beijing, China.

“Promoting infrastructure connectivity among [BRI] partner countries is not just about building roads and bridges; it’s about building bridges of understanding, cooperation, and shared prosperity,” Indar stated.

Speaking to a global audience that included several ministers of public works, infrastructure, aviation, logistics, and transport, the Guyanese minister underscored that the BRI has far-reaching benefits that foster economic activity, reduce

transportation costs, alleviate poverty, and foster cultural exchange.

Indar said that importantly, while the initiative is being pursued, it must be approached sustainably.

“Environmental considerations, social impacts and debt sustainability must be carefully managed to ensure benefits of connectivity do not come at the expense of the planet,” the minister added.

On the sidelines of the event, Minister Indar told the press that an uptick in Guyana’s infrastructure portfolio following oil and gas production makes the BRI even more important, as it provides access to technology and financing.

The Presidents of China, Russia and Argentina, and the Prime Minister of Egypt were among those who delivered remarks at the opening session and breakout sessions of the event. Attendees also heard presentations from the UN SecretaryGeneral and President of ICAO.

Police ‘A’ Division Commander, Asst Commissioner Simon McBean

Market area and the Sophia community.

“Street crimes continue to be our main bother, and also our main focus. I am talking about our robbery-under-arms. Our analysis shows that the days when street crimes frequent (occur) are Fridays, then Thursdays and Wednesdays,” he disclosed.

Between 15:00h and midnight, street crimes are most likely to occur, based on trends recorded within the division, he disclosed.

Further, he added that, for this year so far, 28 firearms have been taken off the streets, as compared to 15

for 2022; and 3,199 grams of cannabis have been seized, as opposed to 1,813 grams for the same period. Some 202 grams of cocaine have also been seized.

In acknowledging the importance of collaboration with agencies and Ministries to adequately conduct proper policing in the communities, the Commander noted, “We cannot do this by ourselves. For policing to be successful, we must foster partnerships with all agencies that can lend a helping hand.

We have been doing that in the sense of our domestic violence and any sexual-related offences. We depend a lot on our partners, like the Ministry of Human Services, to assist us in providing the services the civilian needs.”

Cybercrime

McBean noted that cybercrime has taken prominence lately. Increased reports have been recorded, and the Cybercrime Unit has been activated to handle such.

“Our ranks are trained, and we are doing more training in that area to ensure we are up to speed with the requirements of that area,” he disclosed.

Laid in the National Assembly since 2016, the Cybercrimes Bill had catered for, inter alia: illegal access to a computer system; illegal interception; illegal data interference; illegal acquisition of data; illegal system interference; unauthorised receiving or granting of access to computer data; computer-related forgery; computer-related fraud; offences affecting critical infrastructure; identity-related offences; child pornography; child luring, and violation of privacy, among a slew of other offences.

Traffic

In relation to traffic, an analysis shows accidents within the division have decreased by 12 per cent, but there is an increase in fatal accidents, at 20. The latter has attracted greater attention from the GPF. “That’s one of our focal points. Most of our traffic accidents were seen along Mandela Avenue and Rupert Craig Highway. We have focused our patrols and enforcement along those areas to try to curb the occurrence of traffic accidents in those specific areas,” the Commander has said. (G-12)

12 NEWS

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

8 pistols, ganja found in CANU finds gun, ammo barrel shipped from NY during Princes St operation A

manager attached to BL Abrigo Shipping Laza, located in Brooklyn, New York, was on Wednesday arrested following the discovery of eight 9mm pistols and 11.2 pounds of cannabis in a barrel that was shipped to Guyana from the United States of America (USA).

The barrel was addressed to a female of Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, but carried an address: Third Street, La Penitence, Georgetown, while the sender is a male from the Bronx in New York.

The discovery was made following a routine check by a customs officer at the Larparkan bond at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, EBD. The Police have said that stated that Customs officers on duty, while examining a blue plastic barrel, discovered a quantity of clothing, five footwear, 13 bottles of Moët champagne, two bottles of Hennessy, one body scrub, two bottles of peanut butter, five bottles of body oil, five tubs of body butter, five queen size floral bed sheets, one XBox with one control, three packets of small Ziplock bags, one green lunch bowl, 31 small

R

The firearm and ammunition found during the operation

anks of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) on Tuesday found one Taurus pistol and 10 live rounds of matching ammunition during an operation con-

The guns and ganja found in the barrel

transparent containers, 25 small containers, eight 9mm pistols with magazines (with serial numbers filed out), and five bulky transparent plastic parcels with ganja, which when weighed amounted to 11.2 pounds.

Meanwhile, the shipping company manag-

er, a 32-year-old resident of Success, East Coast Demerara, who went to the bond to 'clear' the barrel on behalf of BL Abrigo Shipping LAZA, was interviewed by investigators and taken into custody.

The barrel and its contents have been confiscated as investigations continue.

ducted at Princes Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown.

According to information received, on the day in question, CANU officers were conducting an operation at Princes Street,

Georgetown when they found the firearm and ammunition at a caravan in the said area. At the time of the operation, no one was at the scene. Investigations are continuing.

'Bandit' apprehended after allegedly relieving contractor of firearm

A

29-year-old contractor and gold miner of Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD) was on Wednesday evening attacked and robbed by three men while at the Classic Chinese Restaurant at Success Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

One of the men who carried out the robbery was armed with a handgun.

Preliminary investigations revealed that on the day in question, at about 20:30h, the victim was in the company of his father and some friends when the three suspects, one of whom was

armed with a handgun, rushed into the restaurant where the victim and company were imbibing.

The bandit who was armed with a gun held the victim at gunpoint and demanded that he hand over his valuables and cash. A scuffle for the victim’s firearm ensued, during which one of the suspects was shot in his right leg.

That suspect ran out of the restaurant with the victim’s firearm, but the victim went after him. The victim drove his vehicle into him, thus causing him to receive further injuries.

The victim was thus able to

retrieve his firearm with 15 matching rounds of ammunition, and he immediately reported the incident to the Police.

The injured suspect, who was subsequently arrested, has been identified as a 21-year-old security guard of 'B' Field, Sophia. He was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he has been admitted as a patient under Police guard.

Detectives have since retrieved CCTV footage and are reviewing same.

The victim's firearm and ammunition were lodged, and further investigations are ongoing.

NEWS

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

3rd edition of Guyana’s Energy Conference returns in Feb 2024 T

he third edition of Guyana’s premier Energy Conference and Expo will be held from February 19-22, 2024 at the Guyana Mariott Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown.

The event, now rebranded as “Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo”, will be held under the theme “Fuelling Transformation and Modernisation”, and will see an assembly of industry experts, policymakers, general stakeholders and operators in attendance.

After the success of two previous events in 2022 and 2023, the Secretariat has seen it necessary to broaden its platform to include the focus on a number of industries for potential investment, such as health, information and communication technology, tourism, manufacturing, agriculture and mining.

President Dr Irfaan Ali addressing the conference

The Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo fosters the growth and creation of strategic alliances among companies and industry experts. Participants will network with key stakeholders, including operators, international service companies, government agencies and government officials.

The Conference and Expo will again provide a unique platform to discuss pertinent issues about Guyana’s development and the industry’s global best practices. It seeks to build new business relationships and strategic alliances; provide updates on projects in Guyana; give insights on critical developments; link compa-

Committee to be established to review Legal Practitioners Act …as AG engages GBA on mutual matters

A

Attorney General Anil Nandlall and officials from his Chambers engaging the Guyana Bar Association team

ttorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, in engaging the Guyana Bar Association (GBA) on Wednesday, has agreed to set up a committee to review certain long outstanding litigation involving both parties, as well as the Legal Practitioners Act. That committee would also review certain concerns raised in respect to the recently enacted Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (Amendment) Act 2023, and the Guyana Compliance Commission Act 2023.

The Attorney General was accompanied to the GBA engagement by Deputy Solicitor General Deborah Kumar, Assistant Solicitor General Shoshanna Lall, and Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Officer Rommel St Hill.

The GBA team was headed by its President, Ronald Burch-Smith, and included Attorneys-atLaw Robin Stoby SC, Teni Housty, Kamal Ramkarran and Naresh Poonai.

Nandlall has expressed gratitude to the GBA for its cooperation in engaging in numerous consultative engagements on various crucial legal issues, including the review of Bills. He assured the Bar Council of his readiness to meet at any time mutually convenient to discuss important issues from time to time.

The Legal Affairs Minister updated the Bar Council on the Government’s legislative agenda, and provided a status update on important projects and programmes being pursued by the Government in the legal sector. These included a status update on the law revision exercise and the Guyana Law Reports.

The Legal Practitioners Act was enacted to establish criteria for the admission of persons to practise as Attorneys-at-Law in Guyana, to regulate their functions, to provide for their professional discipline, and for matters incidental thereto and connected therewith.

Last November, the Attorney General’s Chambers reported that Guyana had complet-

ed its second AML/CFT National Risk Assessment Report (NRA), with the Government intending to implement additional amendments to the AML/ CFT Act. The Government was looking to make approximately 30 amendments to the AML/CFT Act and also to insert new sections. The amendments were passed in the National Assembly last August.

At that time, the Guyana Compliance Commission Bill of 2023 was passed in Parliament. That bill allows for the provision of adequate supervision to designated non-financial businesses or professions and nonbank financial institutions, for compliance with obligations under the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act. This non-governmental body is said to enhance the compliance, guidance and training regime on money laundering, terrorism financing, and proliferation financing in Guyana, and provide domestic and international cooperation on related matters.

A panel discussion on oil and gas

nies to all major purchasers, and develop timely and useful information to help businesses strategise.

The Secretariat, along with its partners, is proud to welcome all participants, keynote speakers, policymakers, and local and international industry experts.

The event in 2023 had more than 1,200 attendees, 60 speakers (international and local), 180 exhibitors, and 30 sponsors, and the event in

2024 is expected to surpass these records.

Participants and those interested in sponsorship opportunities are encouraged to book their spots early for the main conference, exhibition, and other events.

On the website, interested persons can download and complete their respective registration forms.

Registration for the fourday event caters to in-person (international, CARICOM,

and local delegates), but also provides a platform for delegates to attend virtually. Registration for the expo closes on February 10, 2024.

For more details on the agenda and news about the conference, please visit: www.guyanaenergy.gy or download our app (Guyana Energy) to support the powering of Guyana’s future.

You can also follow our social media pages for regular updates.

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ine beautiful young ladies from East Coast Demerara communities will be representing their respective villages in the “Beauty with a purpose” pageant, which will be held at the Buxton Community Centre Ground on Saturday, November 4.

These nine delegates have officially been sashed in September, and have been in training for the big

night. Each is now set to represent her village with an immense sense of pride and honour. This opportunity isn’t just about winning a title or wearing a sash, but about each beauty carrying the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of her entire community on her shoulders.

As they stand on that stage on pageant night, resplendent in their gowns and sashes, their hearts

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

swelling with pride, they would have already understood that they are not just individuals, but ambassadors of their village, representing its values, culture, and traditions. They are each the living embodiment of the hard work and determination that their community has poured into them, and they would each be determined to make their village proud.

On pageant night, the delegates would compete in various segments, including introduction, talent, swimwear, fantasy wear, evening wear and intelligence.

Each VIP ticket for this grand affair costs $5000, and each general ticket costs $3000. An early bird ticket costs $2000.

Meet the delegates: Shadiamond Assanah

Representing: Melanie Damishana Aspiring: Paediatric Oncologist Favourite quote: “You are what you believe yourself to be”.

Sasha Maxwell

Representing: Bachelor’s Adventure Aspiring: Social worker Favourite quote: “Don’t worry when you are not recognized, but strive to be worthy of recognition”.

Sueann Smith-Holder Qweiasha Sealey

Representing: Annandale Aspiring: Nurse Favourite quote: “I believe that your comeback is always stronger than what you started with”.

Diamond Williams

Representing: Enterprise Career: Entrepreneur Favourite quote: “Believing in yourself is the first secret to success”.

Kayla Tilbury

Representing: Plaisance Aspiring: Psychiatrist Favourite quote: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world”.

Representing: Paradise Career: IT/Marketing Director Favourite quote: “The easiest thing to be in this world is you. The most difficult thing to be is what others want you to be. Don’t let them put you in that position, period”.

Abeke Isarel Lewis

Aleciea Morrison

Olivia Stephens

Representing: Dazzell Aspiring: Model & Entrepreneur Favourite quote: “To shine your brightest light is to be who you truly are”.

Representing: Buxton Aspiring: Musician/Singer Favourite quote: “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything”.

Representing: Ann’s Grove Aspiring: Entrepreneur Favourite quote: “A strong woman builds others up because she knows what it’s like to be torn down”.

The “Last of the Redmen” for Nov 3& 4 @ NCC GEMS publishes 15th edition

T

Director Henry Muttoo

he play “Last of the Redmen”, written by the late Dr Michael Gilkes and directed by Henry Muttoo, will be staged in the small theatre of the National Cultural Centre on November 3 and 4, 2023.

The theatrical production features veteran actor and director Ron Robinson, who brings to the stage over 60 years of experience in the theatre industry.

Supporting cast is the versatile Mark Luke Edwards as the Reporter and flashback scenes with upcoming actors Latifa Agard, Akeila David, David Hackett and Stephon Romain as children from his past.

Last of Redmen is a 2007 winning play for the Guyana Prize for Literature, and is being produced by GEMS Theatre Productions and Prime Time Productions with support from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport under the “One Guyana” policy.

Last of the Redmen first premiered in 2006, on the stage where it was born: the Taitts old ‘drawing room’ (the Ballet Room) in the original Woodbine House, now the special “heritage wing” of the Cara Lodge Heritage House. Remarkably, the building still maintains its original architectural and artistic elegance.

Michael Gilkes played the role of RAF Redman then. It was taken on tour to St. Lucia, Barbados, Trinidad, Toronto and the Cayman Islands.

In the “Last of the Redmen”, RAF Redman, an octogenarian banished to an alms’ house in Georgetown, tells his story to a reporter about the play he is writing. He experiences the whole gamut of human emotion, ranging from excitement, astonishment, elation, joy, happiness and delight, to boredom, anger, fear, alarm, tedium, depression, disillusionment and madness.

The story is representative of the

of “Guyana Where & What”

T benign artistic and cultural influence of the so-called ‘middle class’, which is mirrored and can be traced in most of the territories of the Caribbean. The play celebrates that influence with love and gratitude.

Theatre-goers would be treated to theatre of the highest standard, and the production would take its place among the most accomplished dramas.

LAST OF THE REDMEN opens on Friday, November 3, with a gala performance. A ticket costs $6,500 and include cocktails from 19:30h, while the show gets underway at 20:00h.

Part proceeds from the gala will be donated to Uncle Eddie’s Home.

The second show is billed for Saturday, November 4, at 14.00h, with a ticket being sold for $2,500. All tickets are available at the National Cultural Centre Box Office.

he pocket-size tourist guide handbook “Guyana Where and What” has now, in 2023, accomplished 15 years of continuous production annually, except for 2021 (the COVID period).

Published by General Executive Management Services (G.E.M.S. Inc), the guidebook is the brainchild of its publisher and editor, Gem MadhooNascimento.

World Cup Cricket in 2007 inspired the first publication, and since then, without fail, a new edition has graced the magazine stands of many tourism resorts, tour operator destinations, hotels, guest houses, travel agencies, airports, expos, regional and international trade fairs and mega tourism events hosted by the various Ministries.

The publication has found its way into many schools, for teachers interested in expanding their knowledge of Guyana and sharing it with their students. The

guide book is a mine full of information for both Guyanese and visitors to our shores.

The book is free, paid for by various client advertising.

During the COVID years, it was very difficult to keep publishing, but thanks to the continuous support of many Government agencies and some private sector organisations, only one year was missed.

The 140page guidebook continues to provide an exceptionally useful guide for the many visitors to our shores, whether on holiday or business.

The detailed map of Georgetown and Guyana in the book provides very useful information to assist the visitor to wend their way around the city and country.

We at GEMS are continuously working towards making it a complete tourism guide/ directory, listing all our hotels, lodges, restaurants, resorts, travel agencies, airports, airlines, taxi services etc., as approved by the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA).

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Late-stage breast cancer diagnosis on the decline L

ate-stage diagnosis of breast cancer is decreasing in Guyana, and this is a welcome trend that is testimony to the robust campaign to educate people on the importance of early detection and routine screening.

The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) organized its “Look Good Feel Better” initiative for Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Thursday. Medical Registrar Dr Latoya Gooding, during her remarks, said this shift to earlier detection is linked to increased cancer awareness sessions being held throughout the country, and the media disseminating vital information and instilling a sense of urgency among communities to get screened.

“Over the years, the incidence of breast cancer has been on the rise. And while that is a daunting reality, there is also a glimmer of hope on the horizon. The fact that the incidence of late-stage diagnosis has decreased is a testimony to the power of awareness. It is testimony to the strength of a

community that has come together to make a difference,” Dr Gooding outlined.

According to her, persons are now taking charge of their health by seeking early diagnosis. However, she said access to quality treatment is paramount, and she pointed to cutting-edge technological resources and medical practitioners.

“The Oncology Department of the GPHC has been a place of solace, a beacon of hope for those affected by cancer. It is a place where our cancer patients can access treatment free of cost,” she explained.

Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal breast cells grow out of control and form tumours. If left unchecked, those tumours can spread throughout the body and become fatal.

Treatment is based on the person, the type of cancer, and its spread. The treatment combines surgery, radiation therapy, and medications.

As at the end of 2020, there were 7.8 million women alive who were diagnosed with breast cancer in the past 5 years, making it the

General Registrar Dr Latoya Gooding

world’s most prevalent cancer, she explained.

Head of General Surgery at the GPHC, Dr Shilindra Rajkumar, recognized that, over the years, the Oncology Department has seen greater success, with improvements and a different approach to patient care.

“A lot has changed. As a result of that change, we can see so much difference when it comes to the management of cancer today. If you look

at the Oncology Department now, to move from one nurse to a well-outfitted department, we have made tremendous strides, and I think that is something we should salute,” he said.

He added, “From the

time when we couldn’t make diagnoses early to the time when we couldn’t manage because we didn’t have radiology and chemotherapy, now we’re having survivors with every aspect of care available.”

Several survivors were honoured, and their feat in overcoming cancer was celebrated. Started eight years ago, the programme has been geared at making patients and survivors feel good in their skin, and to ensure that their mental health is in check.

Those who are battling cancer have also been given hope. Anna DeMorias started her cancer battle in 2009, and is a three-time cancer survivor. Telling her story, she shared that after being diagnosed with breast cancer, she had a rocky struggle with several medical complications. The cancer returned in 2015, and she underwent chemotherapy again. She

was diagnosed for a third time in 2018 when she underwent radiation.

From then to now, she admitted, the public health facilities have significantly been improved. She expressed, “Now I have been able to counsel people and tell them that cancer is not a death message, they still have life. From 2009, I am here today. Cancer will not carry me nowhere.”

Several entities have been working collaboratively with the Ministry to enhance patient care locally.

Medical Coordinator for the Guyana Cancer Society, Dr Ejaz Hatim, underscored that attention has been placed on the hinterland services, bringing key services to residents there.

Pap smears and mammograms were free of cost during their recent outreaches. This year, they have screened at least 400 women. (G-12)

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guyanatimesgy.com

News

Serious crimes down by 8.2% – Commander – says support from community played an integral part

Ranks of Region One during the interview

S

enior Superintendent Himnauth Sawh, who serves as Commander of Region One (BarimaWaini), has provided a comprehensive overview of the Guyana Police Force's initiatives and accomplishments in that region. His subordinate ranks have also contributed to this overview.

In a broadcast on social media, Commander Sawh highlighted that emphasis will be placed on six fundamental pillars that highlight the GPF’s commitment to enhancing safety and security in the community. These are: developing our people, infrastructure, partnership, operations, performance, and professionalism and accountability.

Sawh revealed that Region One had seen an 8.2 per cent reduction in serious

crimes, with only 45 such incidents recorded in 2023, compared to 49 during the same period in 2022.

He said traffic incidents in the Division have seen a decline in 2023, with only six such incidents recorded and four accidents from January 1 to October 15, representing a staggering 283 per cent reduction in the figures of the previous year.

Acknowledging the public’s collaboration with the Police, Sawh expressed gratitude for the support that solidified the partnership’s pillars. He added that the GPF’s achievements were possible only because members of the communities had assisted the Police.

Deputy Commander of Region One, Deputy Superintendent James Tappin, has addressed crit-

Senior Superintendent Himnauth Sawh

ical issues affecting the region, particularly domestic violence stemming from alcohol, drug and substance abuse. He assured listeners that the Police Force is actively working with key stakeholders to combat illegal alcohol sales and narcotics trafficking, and emphasised the GPF’s commitment to creating a safer environment.

Inspector Benette Felix outlined the various strategies employed to reduce crime and promote safer communities. Those strategies included rigorous enforcement activities such as roadblocks, raids, stop-andsearch exercises, and diverse patrols, all driven by intelligence gathered from meticulous analysis.

He also announced introduction of the Drug

N/A man admits to killing labourer in 2020 – to be sentenced on Nov 9

M

ore than three years after he had been charged with the murder of 33-year-old Keron Nicholson, Donald Shariff has pleaded guilty to the lesser count of manslaughter at his arraignment before Justice Sandil Kissoon in the Berbice High Court earlier this week.

Shariff, a father of one, has thus thrown himself at the mercy of the court, and will be sentenced on November 9. He is being represented by Attorney-at-Law Surihya Sabsook, while State Counsel Muntaz Ali is prosecuting in the matter.

It was reported that on March 8, 2020, two men who are known to each other – Donald Shariff and Keron Nicholson -- were engaged in a heated argument that escalated into an altercation.

Nicholson had reportedly left the scene, and was heading to where he lived in Angoy’s Avenue, New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-

Dead: Keron Nicholson

Corentyne) when he was attacked by Shariff and beaten with a piece of wood.

Shariff dealt Nicholson a blow to his head, and after this first hit, Nicholson fell face down onto the road, but Shariff continued to assault him.

The injured Nicholson was initially taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital, but

Confessed killer Donald Shariff

was later transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on March 17, 2020.

Shariff had gone into hiding after this incident of violence, but was eventually arrested in Mahdia. Prior to his incarceration, this confessed killer resided at Angoy’s Avenue.

Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) programme in schools, aiming to educate youths and society about the adverse effects of drug use.

Sergeant Dwayne Ross

stressed the significance of traffic enforcement, which played a pivotal role in reducing accidents and incidents across the region. He highlighted the GPF’s active

involvement in educational outreaches focusing on schools, drivers, businesses, and other entities to advocate for better road safety practices.

Commander Sawh has acknowledged the invaluable support the division has received from the Guyana Police Force, which provided essential resources such as personnel, motor vehicles, and ATV cycles. Those resources, he said, significantly boosted the Force’s response capabilities and enabled the Police to conduct extensive outreach programmes in various communities.

He has appealed to members of the public to continue supporting Police activities in the ongoing fight against crime and criminality.

Over 8000 primary school pupils to benefit from US$90M IDB loan

T

he Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a US$90 million loan to expand access to safe and improved learning environments, and enhance educational services for vulnerable students in Guyana.

The loan was approved by the IDB Board of Executive Directors under a credit line for investment projects (CCLIP) valued at US$150 million.

In a release to the media, IDB stated that this first project supports the foundation for transforming Guyana’s education sector by improving the quality of the service and addressing regional differences in the delivery of education in the country.

“In particular, the loan approved seeks to modernize the physical infrastructure of Guyana’s schools, a key driver for improving attendance rates, motivating teachers, and elevating learning outcomes. This operation includes the construction of six new primary schools and the upgrade of 19 schools in hinterland regions (1, 7, 8, and 9) by improving physical and digital facilities to meet 21st-century standards. This includes providing essential services

such as electricity, water, connectivity, and digital devices.”

Further, it stated that recognizing the critical role of quality teaching in developing 21st-century skills, and the main determinant for student learning and skill development, the program places emphasis on the continuous professional development of teachers, to improve their teaching of 21st-century skills and child-centred pedagogies.

In addition, the programme will strengthen the Ministry of Education’s capacity to deliver improved educational services to vulnerable students and those with special education needs and disabilities (SEND).

This includes developing a language policy that would guide interventions for Indigenous students in the future, and an inclusive education policy.

The project will benefit 8,809 primary education students and their respective communities through its interventions. The newly constructed schools will provide 2,610 new primary education spaces.

At least 7,341 students and 352 teachers from grades 2-6 would receive digital devices to support their teaching and learning. The US$90 million IDB loan has a grace period of 5.5 years, an amortization period of 25 years, and an interest rate based on SOFR.

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Around The World

Israeli defence chief says troops OILNEWS OIL NEWS will soon see Gaza “from inside” Will Middle East tensions I prompt Saudi Arabia to shift its oil policy?

A

t the beginning of October, Saudi Arabia affirmed it would keep its voluntary oil production cut of one million barrels per day (bpd) until the end of the year and was in talks with the United States, which was brokering a deal on the normalisation of Saudi-Israel relations.

But the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 and the subsequent Israeli retaliation targeting Gaza upended, once again, the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East—the world's top crude oil exporting region where the biggest oil transit choke point is located.

Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is the wild card in the Middle East's latest conflict, Reuters' George Hay wrote in a commentary this week.

Saudi Arabia rethinking Middle East policy The Hamas attack on October 7 took place just as several Middle Eastern countries – including the large oil producer, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – started to normalise relations with Israel. The US Administration was also reportedly working on a Saudi-Israel normalisation in relations.

Saudi Arabia, the world's top crude oil exporter, could be willing to raise early next year its oil production – currently at around nine million bpd – if oil prices climb too high to win the goodwill of US Congress. A possible agreement would have led to Saudi Arabia recognising Israel in exchange for a defence deal with the United States, The Wall Street Journal reported days before the new conflict erupted and buried hopes of an imminent Saudi-Israel rapprochement that could have eased the tight global oil market.

Now, the market is wondering whether to price in an even tighter supply should the United States tighten the enforcement of the sanctions on Iran's oil exports.

Oil supply from Iran, which has been rising in recent months to a 2018 high due to what appears to be weaker enforcement of the US sanctions, could begin to shrink again, analysts say.

Saudi Arabia, which has just restored diplomatic relations with Iran, is siding with the Palestinian cause in the newest conflict, along with the other Muslim nations in the region, which happen to be some of the largest oil producers in the Middle East and globally.

In the wake of the Hamas attack, Saudi Arabia called for "an immediate halt to the escalation between the two sides, the protection of civilians, and restraint". But the Kingdom also hinted at Israel as it "recalls its repeated warnings of the dangers of the explosion of the situation as a result of the continuation of the occupation, the deprivation of the Palestinian people of their legitimate rights, and the repetition of systematic provocations against its sanctities".

There is a rapid rethinking of the Saudi policy in the region, and the US plans to normalise Saudi relations with Israel are put on ice, sources with knowledge of the Kingdom's thinking told Reuters last week.

Also last week, Mohammed bin Salman received a telephone call from Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi – a first for the leaders – in which the Crown Prince "underscored the Kingdom's unwavering stance in standing up for the Palestinian Cause and supporting efforts aimed at achieving comprehensive and fair peace that ensures the Palestinian people's legitimate rights", Saudi Arabia said.

After this week's deadly blast on a hospital in Gaza, Saudi Arabia hosted an emergency meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, which put the blame squarely on Israel.

The Executive Committee of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation slammed "the blatant and unprecedented Israeli aggression in the occupied Palestinian territory and the heinous massacres perpetrated against civilians in Gaza Strip by the Israeli occupation forces", and "strongly condemns the blatant targeting by Israel's brutal occupation forces of Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza Strip".

The US-Saudi relations have been strained under President Joe Biden and the Saudi and the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (OPEC+) production cuts – aimed at "market stability" but in reality pushing oil prices higher – have deepened the rift between the Kingdom and the Biden Administration, which has been struggling to contain high prices at the pump for US consumers.

Saudi oil giant Aramco currently holds three million bpd in spare oil production capacity, its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Amin Nasser said earlier this week.

The world's largest oil firm could raise production "in a couple of weeks" if necessary, Nasser added.

So far, neither the Saudis nor the Saudi-Russia-led OPEC+ pact have hinted at any change in the current policy to withhold supply to the market, despite robust demand and Wednesday's call from Iran for an oil embargo on Israel from the Islamic producers.

The OPEC+ group doesn't plan to take any immediate action or hold an extraordinary meeting in the wake of the Iranian call for an oil embargo on Israel over the war with Hamas in Gaza, OPEC+ sources told Reuters on Wednesday.

In the current geopolitical chaos in the Middle East, oil prices could shoot up to US$95 again and even to US$100 a barrel, but the US shouldn't count on Saudi Arabia to contain a price spike. The Saudis and the Russians need high oil prices to cover spending on Mohammed bin Salman's flagship mega projects and Putin's war in Ukraine, respectively.

(Oilprice.com)

sraeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant told troops gathered at the Gaza border on Thursday that they would soon see the Palestinian enclave "from inside", suggesting an expected ground invasion with the aim of annihilating Hamas could be nearing.

Israel pounded Gaza with more air strikes on Thursday over the October 7 rampage by Hamas gunmen who killed 1400 Israelis.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak followed US President Joe Biden with a visit to demonstrate Western support for the war against Hamas militants. Sunak also met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who called the targeting of Gaza civilians "heinous".

Israel has put the Gaza Strip's 2.3 million people under siege and bombarded the enclave in strikes that have

A formation of Israeli tanks and military personnel are positioned near Israel's border with the Gaza Strip, in southern Israel (Reuters/Violeta Santos Moura photo)

killed thousands and made more than a million homeless.

In Gaza's north, footage obtained by Reuters from the Jabaliya refugee camp showed residents digging with their bare hands inside a damaged building to free a small boy and girl trapped

under masonry. The body of a man was also pulled out.

"You see Gaza now from a distance, you will soon see it from inside. The command will come," Gallant told soldiers. Troops were not expected to enter while foreign leaders were visiting.

Shortly after Gallant's

statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a video of himself with troops near the border promising victory.

"All the indications are that the worst is coming," Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi told reporters in Amman.

In a televised address about the conflicts in Israel and Ukraine, underscoring "how support from the American people and the Congress, frankly, is essential", Biden proposed billions more dollars in aid to the two countries.

The president visited Israel briefly on Wednesday in the turmoil after a Gaza hospital explosion that Palestinians blamed on an Israeli air strike, but that Israel said was caused by a failed rocket launch by Palestinian militants. Biden backed the Israeli account.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Kyiv troops build-up reported across Dnipro River

U

kraine's military appears to have confirmed reports that its troops have crossed on to the Russian-occupied left (eastern) bank of the Dnipro River.

The armed forces general staff listed Pishchanivka village in the southern Kherson region, 3km (two miles) east of the river, as being shelled

by Russia.

The US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said Ukrainian troops had advanced up to four kilome-

tres east of the river.

Russia's Vladimir Putin insisted that Ukraine's operation was failing.

Ukraine launched its counteroffensive in the south in June, seeking to sever Russia's land corridor to the Crimean peninsula, which Moscow illegally annexed in 2014.

Kyiv aims to reach the Sea of Azov coast, splitting Russian troops in the region in two, and making the Kremlin's supply lines more complicated.

The counteroffensive has so far been slow, bringing only limited territorial gains.

Ukrainian troops have made a number of smaller raids across the Dnipro river before - but the latest reported advance appears to be an attempt to expand the area under their control in anticipation of a larger offensive cross-river operation.

In its report on Thursday morning, the General Staff of Armed Forces of Ukraine said Russia had carried out

air strikes on Pishchanivka in the past 24 hours.

It provided no details on whether there were any Ukrainian troops in or near the village.

Hours earlier, the ISW quoted Russian sources as claiming that "likely company-sized elements of two Ukrainian naval infantry brigades conducted an assault across the Dnipro River on to the east bank" on October 18-17.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

The world is losing Rowley asks Trudeau its humanity, UNRWA chief says for help with crime

T

he Middle East is on the "edge of an abyss" as a result of the war between Israel and Hamas, a United Nations agency chief Philippe Lazzarini has told the BBC. The Commissioner General of UN relief agency UNRWA said violence could spill over across the region.

And he warned about the dire situation for civilians inside Gaza, calling again for humanitarian aid corridors into the territory.

Lazzarini said he fears "the world is now losing its humanity".

In an exclusive interview with the BBC, Lazzarini reiterated calls for humanitarian aid corridors, saying help "needs to be uninterrupted... predictable [and] meaningful" to help the people of Gaza.

Speaking in Jerusalem, the head of UNRWA condemned Hamas's attack on Israel, calling it a "horrific and barbaric massacre" that had created a "national trauma, a

collective trauma in Israel".

"But this event still does not justify that the war is conducted without any restraint," he said. "And I do not believe that killing even more civilians is in the interest of the future security and peace here in the region."

Asked if Israelis were respecting international humanitarian law, Lazzarini said: "Listen, we are now in a situation where there is a total siege being imposed in the Gaza Strip.

"We are in a situation where more than a million people have been asked to be displaced. So this amounts to collective punishment, and collective punishment is a violation of international humanitarian law."

He added: "We call to the Israelis and to anyone relevant in this conflict to respect international humanitarian law. There is no exception for anyone."

(Excerpt from BBC News)

P

rime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley has asked Canada to help Caricom and Trinidad and Tobago combat crime, with a focus on eradicating the illegal firearms and ammunition trade and bolstering security across the region.

Dr Rowley made the request during the opening of the three-day CanadaCaricom Summit in Ottawa, Canada.

The Prime Minister was leading a response to Session Three, titled “Haiti –Regional Security”, when he recounted the horrors associated with illegal firearms and bloodshed to several leaders, including Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Rowley said, “In recent times, we have seen an explosion in the use of illegal arms and ammunition on a daily basis. In fact,

the data now shows that we are losing, by violent killings, about 15 people a day in the Caricom region, nearly all of it from the use of firearms, and there is a proliferation in recent times of assault weapons, so the instance of shootings usually end up with multiple casualties and many deaths.”

He said illegal firearms in the hands of criminals had worsened the risk to national security.

“Gangs have been arming themselves more efficiently and effectively, they have become better killing machines to the point now where they pose a threat to the state itself.”

Dr Rowley referenced two recent major firearms hauls in the Santa Cruz area, as he illustrated the proliferation of illegal weaponry. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

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guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Put emotions aside and focus on what others expect of you. The hard work you put in early will pave the way to a celebratory evening. Precision and preparation will keep you out of trouble.

(March 21-April 19) Put your energy where it counts and don't stop until you are happy with the results. A passionate approach to your pursuits will give you an advantage and encourage exciting encounters.

PICKLES

(April 20-May 20)

(May 21-June 20)

Keep your plans private until you are ready to launch them. The element of surprise will give you the edge you need and keep competitors in your rearview mirror. Friendly chatter will buy you time.

You have more choices to consider.

A partnership looks inviting, but stipulations will be necessary. Don't forgo what's important because someone wants jurisdiction over your decisions.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Make decisions before someone steps in and makes them for you. Don't lose sight of what's important to you and of how you want to live. Put your energy into making things happen.

(July 23-Aug. 22) If you look for it, you will discover an opportunity that offers a positive change to your location or routine. Stretch your mind, explore the possibilities and head in an exciting direction.

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

Offering suggestions rather than money or hands-on help will benefit others and leave you free to reach your goals. An emotional situation will improve. Romance is favored.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

If you want something done, do it yourself. The results will affect your routine, how you live and those closest to you. Stifle your complaints and don't try to change others.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Learn through observation and by doing things yourself, and you'll gain momentum. Take the opportunity to get out and enjoy community events and reunions or learn something new.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Invest time and money in yourself, your living quarters and your relationships. Adopting a healthier lifestyle will bring you in contact with people heading down a similar path.

YESTERDAY'S WORD -- ARMADILLO

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Make your skills and money work for you. Make an offer and ask for something in return. Bartering may reduce expenses. Think outside the box and make your dreams come true.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Follow through with your plans.

Discuss your plans with those affected by the decisions you make. The suggestions you receive will help you keep the peace and reach your goal.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023

T

he sameness to a Virat Kohli innings in a middling chase is no criticism of his batting. The beauty of it lies in the repetitive nature of it, a mark of his hunger to make every start count. On Thursday, it helped deliver One-Day International (ODI) century No. 48, which takes him that much closer to the man who he hoisted on his shoulders on that famous April night in 2011, before delivering an epic line that made a country of more than a billion shed happy tears.

Kohli's knock, which turned into a race between his hundred and a victory towards the end, was preceded by a runtorrent from Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. The pair's 88-run opening stand in a chase of 257, which seemed well short of a par score, was an exhibition of batting aesthetics dreams are made of. Sharma, with his lazy elegance, ferocious cuts and monstrous pulls did the early running, and Gill took over the mantle to slowly get into top gear.

And after the two fell against the run of play, caught in the deep to shots they'd back themselves to execute 99 times out of a hundred, Kohli ushered everybody aboard his train of ODI batting that has delivered runs unfailingly.

Fleeting cameos from Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul topped off a dominating win, India's fourth, that now puts them level at the top with New Zealand, their next opponents on Sunday in Dharamsala.

It was one that had been set up by Ravindra Jadeja, both with the ball and on the field with his catching. His figures of 2 for 38 may not seem blockbuster at first glance, but it played a massive role in pulling Bangladesh back from an innings that was at one point running at a breakneck speed.

From 10 for 0 in five overs, the next four went for 37.

Tanzid Hasan soon got into gear and raced towards a maiden ODI half-century off 42 balls. He hooked Jasprit Bumrah, toyed with Shardul Thakur and took him for 6,4,6 in a forgettable opening over and laid down a marker for the innings. But as spin came on, Kuldeep Yadav delivered an opening in the 15th to break a 93-run stand.

In between that, India had a jolt with Hardik Pandya hobbling off three balls into his opening over, after twisting his left ankle in his followthrough. You wondered then if the absence of a sixth bowling option would hurt them. It did not as Shardul bounced back from his opening over to bowl eight more, even picking up a wicket before Mohammad

21

Jadeja, Kohli lead India to 4th win in a row teams can be wary of, not sometimes knowing how hard to go up top. But India's plans seemed clear. Rohit was not going to tamper with the fundamentals of his reinvigorated game that centres on taking the attack to the opposition in the powerplay. But on 48, he went for a pull that was right out of the screws, except it found deep square.

Kohli had two free hits off his first four balls that he converted into a boundary and a six to fire his innings

Shubman Gill brought up his first World Cup half-century

Mahmudullah hurt his figures in his final over.

Pandya did not return for the rest of their innings and was not needed with the bat either, but once the euphoria of the result dies down, realisation of how massive Pandya is to the balance of the team will dawn sooner.

Even as Kuldeep slowed the innings down, Jadeja brought the crowd to life with his accurate wicket-to-wicket stuff that sent back Najmul Shanto.

By now, runs had reduced to a trickle and the pressure to up the ante also got Litton Das chipping one straight to long-off to give Jadeja a second wicket.

At 137 for 4, the innings was in build-rebuild-build mode.

Mushfiqur Rahim played an array of neat paddles and sweeps to keep the scorecard ticking in the hope of taking the

innings deep, but the resultant pressure from Towhid Hridoy's struggles – he was on 14 off 32 – with 14 overs left, led to him trying to be a bit more enterprising, especially with Hridoy unable to capitalise after playing himself in.

One such chance off a Bumrah cutter found an acrobatic Jadeja diving fullstretch to his right to pull off a sensational grab to send back Mushfiqur for 43. It was as exhilarating as Rahul's stunning grab at full stretch down leg to dismiss Mehidy Hasan a while earlier. The superhit moments on the field continued when Bumrah dismantled Mahmudullah with a pin-point yorker, but not before the all-rounder's 46 had somewhat lent respectability to Bangladesh's total.

It set up the kind of chase

SCOREBOARD Bangladesh (50 ovs maximum) Tanzid Hasan lbw b Kuldeep Yadav 51 Litton Das c Shubman Gill b Jadeja 66 Najmul Hossain Shanto (c) lbw b Jadeja 8 Mehidy Hasan Miraz c †Rahul b Mohammed Siraj 3 Towhid Hridoy c Shubman Gill b Thakur 16 Mushfiqur Rahim †c Jadeja b Bumrah 38 Mahmudullah b Bumrah 46 Nasum Ahmed c †Rahul b Mohammed Siraj 14 Mustafizur Rahman not out 1 Shoriful Islam not out 7 Extras (lb 1, w 5) 6 TOTAL 50 Ov (RR: 5.12) 256/8 Did not bat: Hasan Mahmud Fall of wickets: 1-93 (Tanzid Hasan, 14.4 ov), 2-110 (Najmul Hossain Shanto, 19.6 ov), 3-129 (Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 24.1 ov), 4-137 (Litton Das, 27.4 ov), 5-179 (Towhid Hridoy, 37.2 ov), 6-201 (Mushfiqur Rahim, 42.3 ov), 7-233 (Nasum Ahmed, 46.5 ov), 8-248 (Mahmudullah, 49.2 ov) • DRS BOWLING O-M-R-W Jasprit Bumrah 10-1-41-2 Mohammed Siraj 10-0-60-2 Hardik Pandya 0.3-0-8-0

Virat Kohli Shardul Thakur Kuldeep Yadav Ravindra Jadeja

0.3-0-2-0 9-0-59-1 10-0-47-1 10-0-38-2

India (T: 257 runs from 50 ovs) Rohit Sharma (c)c Towhid Hridoy b Hasan Mahmud 48 Shubman Gill c Mahmudullah b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 53 Virat Kohli not out 103 Shreyas Iyer c Mahmudullah b Mehidy Hasan Miraz 19 KL Rahul †not out 34 Extras (nb 2, w 2) 4 TOTAL 41.3 Ov (RR: 6.28) 261/3 Did not bat: Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj Fall of wickets: 1-88 (Rohit Sharma, 12.4 ov), 2-132 (Shubman Gill, 19.2 ov), 3-178 (Shreyas Iyer, 29.1 ov) • DRS BOWLING O-M-R-W Shoriful Islam 8-0-54-0 Mustafizur Rahman 5-0-29-0 Nasum Ahmed 9.3-0-60-0 Hasan Mahmud 8-0-65-1 Mehidy Hasan Miraz 10-0-47-2 Mahmudullah 1-0-6-0

into orbit straightaway. There on, he didn't look back.

He drove well, ran hard, manoeuvred spin expertly, and also treaded cautiously especially against the skiddy Hasan Mahmud.

Like Rohit, Gill too fell against the run of play after tantalising with some languid shots to signal signs of dengue seemingly a thing of the past.

Iyer would have perhaps been a tad disappointed at not seeing the game through especially after playing himself in, but the timing of

his dismissal was hardly a reason to fret for India. Rahul calmed the nerves before he reined his game in to allow Kohli to get to the landmark.

At one point, India and Kohli both needed 19. You wondered briefly if No. 48 had to wait. But it did not need to. With two needed, Nasum Ahmad fired one down leg in anticipation of a wide that was not given. One ball later, Kohli stepped out and hacked a low full toss into the deep midwicket stands to seal victory. (ESPNcricInfo)

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023

CWI continues to invest in women's cricket – as Women's Cricket Academy launched

C

ricket West Indies (CWI) is creating a development roadmap with major investment for women’s cricket in the Region.

This effort comes after the launch of its inaugural Women's Cricket Academy, a key initiative aimed at nurturing and developing our Region’s female cricketing talent. Under the leadership of Miles Bascombe, Director of Cricket at CWI, the Academy commenced its operations earlier this month at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua, marking a significant milestone for women's cricket in the Region.

The Director of Cricket expressed his enthusiasm by stating, “This move aligns with Cricket West Indies' commitment to fostering the growth of women's cricket and investing in the development of players at all levels”.

As CWI embarks on its four-year budget cycle and the formation of its four-year strategic plan, Bascombe emphasises the

Director of Cricket at CWI, Miles Bascombe

organisation's commitment to investing in various initiatives that will contribute to the overall development of women's cricket.

“We have ambitious plans and programmes lined up to ensure sustained growth in women's cricket. Our investment in talent development and coaching will create a robust foundation for the future success of our women cricketers. Our approach is to incrementally seek to level the playing field, and we have started this process in earnest in other key areas,” he explained.

Earlier this year, CWI

announced that with immediate effect the members of the West Indies Women’s squad will travel business class for all long-haul international flights and be accommodated in single rooms for all international assignments, bringing it in line with the policy for West Indies senior men’s tours.

This resulted in an increase in the women’s budget of over US$500,000.

Meanwhile, Bascombe, who assumed office in August of this year, said, “We have had a fruitful en-

gagement with our women players during our recently held West Indies

Cricket Players’ Summit in Barbados, and have taken into consideration their views. Such discussions have informed the priority areas for women’s cricket at this point, particularly the development pathway.”

The West Indies Women’s A team just ar-

rived in Pakistan on Thursday for the first-ever away tour, scheduled to run from October 24-October 29. The average age of the playing squad is 20. The majority of the players were in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup

earlier this year.

Bascombe concluded by stating, “The trajectory of women’s cricket is one that is very pleasing, and that is why we are presently supporting the Women’s A Team tour to Pakistan.

Giving our players international opportunities helps to strengthen our second line and further enhances our competitive chances.”

CWI and the West Indies Players Association are in the process of finalising a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Both parties are working feverishly to achieve significant increases for women cricketers. These are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

One Guyana Basketball Tournament to ignite National Gymnasium on Saturday

DDL onboard GCA’s 1st Division 50-over tournament

T

he Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) and Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) will team up to undertake the First Division 50-Over competition.

The event was launched at the Everest Cricket Club on Thursday and will be used as a platform for young cricketers to enhance their talents.

At the launching ceremony, DDL Brand Manager Larry Wills stressed the significance of the competition and the company’s support.

“Demerara Distillers Limited – our Pepsi brand – is very happy to sponsor our First-Division Pepsi Tournament. Now we know that this tournament is very pivotal… helps to select the senior team for Essequibo, Demerara, and Berbice respectively and so we are very happy to be a part of it. It is difficult to have sponsors jumping in their own free will, and assisting these lower-end competitions,” Wills said.

He added that everyone should focus on the big stage, but at the same time, the grassroots programmes must not be neglected.

“The grassroots programme, whether it's for the children or for the First Division, helps the board to make decisions that really and truly impact the team and its performance at the end of the day.”

GCA representative Roger Harper underscored the significance of the sponsorship and more so, the event in developing cricket

GCA representative Roger Harper

DDL Brand Manager Larry Wills

in Georgetown.

“Georgetown Cricket Association has a history of effectively and efficiently running cricket competitions. So, I would like to assure Wills and DDL that we will continue that way and we are really appreciative of DDL, and Pepsi in particular, partnering with us to sponsor and run off this 50over First-Division competition,” Harper said.

He added that it had been a while since GCA was able to run off a FirstDivision competition, stressing the importance of pulling off a well-executed competition.

“We look forward to giving our youths the opportunity to showcase their skills and out of it we hope that a lot of young talent [emerges] and [we be] better able to strengthen cricket in Demerara, Guyana, and West Indies as a whole,” he declared.

The tournament will see nine clubs battling for supremacy as the teams will be divided into two zones: Zone A – consist-

ing of Malteenoes Cricket Club, GNIC, the Muslim Youth Organisation Club, Guyana Defence Force, and Police with each team facing off on a round-robin basis and Zone B – consisting of Georgetown Cricket Club, Transport, Demerara Cricket Club and Everest Cricket Club with teams playing each other twice.

The two teams with the most points in each zone will advance to the semi-finals and thus the winners will then advance to the final.

A powerplay policy has been developed with the implementation of the international standard powerplay.

With the main focus on pace bowling, the teams are permitted to bowl 20 overs of pace within the 50 overs, failing thus the team will penalised and 10 runs an over will be added on to the batting side.

The first match is set for Saturday with Demerara Cricket Club coming up against Everest Cricket Club.

T

A glimpse of what to expect on Saturday

he One Guyana B a s k e t b a l l Tournament returns to the National Gymnasium on Saturday with three exciting games.

The Jaguar Conference will kick off the action at 17:00h with the Stabroek Eagles taking on Lamaha Park/Springs Pepsi Sonics in a must-win match-up for Sonics and a seeding game for Eagles.

This game will be followed at 19:00h by the young and trending team Cummings Lodge-UG Trojans going up against the Leonora D-Up Rising Star.

To end the day's action, the Kitty/Campbellville Ravens will compete against the Wortmanville Pacesetters in the feature game of the evening.

The tournament kicked off with 14 teams in the Harpy Eagle and the Jaguar Conferences, with a projected 56 to 63 games.

The tournament will see the teams from the

Jaguar Conference and Harpy Eagle Conference playing the teams within their conference twice with the top four teams qualifying for the playoffs.

The number one-ranked team plays the team ranked fourth and the number two team plays the third-ranked team.

The winners of the play-off games will then advance to their Conference Finals where they will play the best two-of-three games to determine who advances 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.

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

Basketball Federation.

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023

23

Allicock shines in Pan Am Games opener …Jackman misses out against Argentinian

A look at the bout between Keevin Allicock (blue) and Panama’s Irvin Mona

By Jemima Holmes in Chile

I

t was mixed fortunes for the Guyanese boxing team on Thursday, as they opened Guyana’s campaign at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile.

The duo of Alesha Jackman and Keevin Allicock were in action on Thursday morning at the National Olympic Training Centre (Centro Nacional de Entrenamiento Olímpico), picking up a loss and a win respectively; both by Referee Stop Contest (RSC).

Jackman’s bout was the first of the day, as she took on Argentina’s Lucia Noelia Perez in the Women’s 66kg division, for a chance to advance to the quarter-finals.

Jackman, in the red corner, began her usually-spirited display, however, as the Argentinian found her

groove, the tide easily went the way of the blues. With a commendable performance in the first round, Jackman returned in the second with the positioning of her head gear becoming a bit of a bother, incurring her first 8-count of the contest.

Two bizarre 8-counts later, the referee stopped the contest with the victory going

WI Academy school CCC by 29 runs

W

est Indies Academy registered their first win in this season’s Regional Super50 after beating Combined Campuses and Colleges by 29 runs on Thursday.

Asked to bat first at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, West Indies Academy posted a relatively-imposing 318 for eight in their allotted 50 overs before containing CCC to 289 all out in 49 overs.

It was a solid batting performance from the West Indies Academy, led brilliantly by a polished 95 not out from Teddy Bishop. His 75ball innings was highlighted by 14 fours and a six.

Bishop was supported by Guyanese left-hander Matthew Nandu, who made 84 from 92 balls before being run out. Nandu’s innings was laced with eight boundaries, including a six.

Leonardo Julien was also able to chalk up a half-century, scoring 51 from 67 balls, highlighted by three fours and two sixes.

Cameos also came from Nyeem Young (24), Kevin Wickham (19) and Kemani Melius (13). Guyanese seamer

Isai Thorne bagged 3-65 while Abhijai Mansingh returned 2-55.

CCC got off to a solid start on the back of Johann Jeremiah continuing to show his potential with a pulsating 82 from 65 balls. His innings was decorated by two sixes and a dozen fours as he put on a 126-run partnership for the second wicket with Shaqkere Parris, who made 52 from 74 balls.

Parris had struck six boundaries before being bowled by Joshua Bishop.

However, the rest of the batting line-up struggled to convert their starts. Guyanese Akshaya Persaud looked stable in his 30-ball 28 and struck two boundaries before given leg before wicket to Matthew Forde while Shatrughan Rambaran was dismissed by another Guyanese, left-arm spinner Ashmead Nedd for 26 from 32 balls.

Mansingh had a spirited cameo towards the end of the innings with 24 from 21 balls,` but three quick strikes from Young (3-80) ended proceedings. Kelvin Pitman and Joshua Bishop ended with two wickets each.

the way of Perez.

Though the loss was disappointing for the female Guyanese pugilist, Jackman highlighted that there was a lot to learn in the process.

“Well, I didn’t get the decision that I was looking for, but I saw my improvement from my training camp in Cuba and I can say I put on a good performance, better than in India (Women’s World Championships). My Coaches and President, I know they probably mad because of the decision, but I know they can see I did what I had to do and everything left in the referee and the judges’ hands,” Jackman shared.

In the very next bout, Keevin Allicock in the men’s 57kg category would lift the spirits of the smattering of Guyanese supporters that

included fellow teammates and their Caribbean counterparts.

A look at the contest between Alesha Jackman (red) and Argentina’s Lucia Perez

After his opponent, Irvin Ibarguen Mona of Panama tried a few test shots, Allicock announced himself and his intentions with a lightning fast jab that electrified the venue.

Allicock would continue in similar fashion, focusing on body shots and uppercuts and quickly wearing down the Panamanian boxer. After completing the first round, Allicock returned hungrier in the second, giving his opponent no opportunity to counter. It was not long before the referee stopped the contest, resulting in Allicock’s victory.

The Guyanese will now go on to fight USA’s Jahmal Harvey in the quarter-finals, Monday afternoon.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sport following the bout, Allicock talked about utilising his vast experience

on the big stage and their crucial Pan Am preparation in Cuba.

“It was good, you know – first fight. I just used my experience and went into the ring and captivate,” Allicock

related about the fight.

Turning his attention to the win via RSC, he explained, “I mean, that doesn’t

build my confidence, my confidence is always in God and he gives me strength and the power and the victory over all these fighters. But I don’t underestimate none of my opponents, regardless if they’re now fighting or fighting long, that’s something I don’t do. When I reach into the ring and I sense the fear in them, that’s why I go.”

Quizzed about what he would do to improve his performance, Allicock responded, “Yeah, just to settle a little bit more, use the experience that I have and you know, what I learned in camp. That is, that really play a big role in me fighting here by helping me to get that victory.”

The Pan American Games are expected to offi-

cially open today, with other Guyanese athletes going into action tomorrow, Saturday, October 21.

CG United Regional Super50 tournament 2023...

Ottley 134 not out steers Red Force to victory

A

Johnson Charles scored 87 for Windward Islands Volcanoes (photo courtesy of CWI media)

blistering century from Kjorn Ottley handed Trinidad and Tobago Red Force a six-wicket win over Windward Islands Volcanoes Thursday in the Regional Super50 tournament.

Asked to bat, Volcanoes mustered 254 for nine in their 50 overs while Red Force reached 255 for four with two overs to spare.

Ottley dominated from the get-go, hitting Sherman Lewis through fine leg for a boundary and continued that momentum to bring up his

half-century with a single down to long-on off the 32nd ball he faced. The 33-yearold left-hander carried on hitting three sixes and 11 fours on his way to his second List A ton, 134 not out from 142 balls.

Ottley, who has played two One-Day Internationals (ODIs) for West Indies, added 112 for the first wicket with Tion Webster, who made 40 from 60 balls. His innings featured six boundaries before he was caught by Alick Athanaze on the boundary off of off-spinner Kenneth

Kjorn Ottley scored a match-winning century for TT Red Force (photo courtesy of CWI media)

Dember.

Dember struck in his following over with the big wicket of Joshua Da Silva for two and continued to stifle the scoring rate to end with figures of 2-23 in 10 overs.

Darren Bravo joined Ottley with 25 while Jason Mohamed made 20 and Terrance Hinds, 26 not out from 15 balls.

Earlier, Johnson Charles defined the Volcanoes’ innings, smashing five sixes and eight fours during his 69-ball 87. Charles crossed the 50-run mark for the 12th

time in his List A career in just 35 balls and shared in a 111-run opening stand with Athanaze, who made 39 from 48 balls. Athanaze had clubbed five boundaries including a six over square leg the ball prior to being caught in the slip by Sunil Narine off of Yannic Cariah.

Kavem Hodge continued where Athanaze left off and made 45, but apart from Andre Fletcher (36) and Sunil Ambris (10), no other batsman reached double figures.

Cariah ended with 4-57 while Narine returned 2-29.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2023

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

Pg 23

…Jackman misses out against Argentinian

Motie, Chanderpaul now CWI contract players – GCB – Thorne, Sampson awarded GHE Franchise contracts

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est

Indies Test o p e n e r Tagenarine Chanderpaul and left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie have secured Cricket West Indies (CWI) retainer contracts, the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) announced on Thursday.

Chanderpaul, 27, has featured in eight Tests so far with an average of 40.69 and a best of 207 not out while Motie, 28, has picked up 22 wickets in four Tests as well as 14 wickets in seven OneDay Internationals.

Both players are currently in the Guyana Harpy Eagles (GHE) squad playing in the Regional Super50.

The GCB indicated that by virtue of Chanderpaul and

Quentin Sampson Motie’s ascension, two spots have opened within the Harpy Eagles franchise for contracts which were awarded to Quinten Sampson and Isai Thorne.

Sampson, who hails from Essequibo, is a hard-hitting all-rounder while Thorne is a West Indies youth pacer, considered to be among the fastest in the Region at his level. Sampson is in the Harpy

Isai Thorne Eagles squad for the Regional Super50 while Thorne is representing Combined Campuses and Colleges.

“The players were given the nod following their progression and development in recent times. Thorne, the Windies youth pacer, has been making waves with his liveliness and his budding potential,” the GCB stated in a release while noting

“Sampson, the hard-hitting Essequibian all-rounder, is among the most devastating batters on the local scene, known for his power-hitting prowess as well as his ability to produce wickets with the ball.”

“Thorne and Sampson are deserving players being handed a big opportunity to further their careers,” the release continued.

The other players contracted by the franchise for the 2023-2024 season are: Matthew Nandu, Tevin Imlach, Kemol Savory, Kevlon Anderson, Rampertab Ramnauth, Mavindra Dindyal, Kevin Sinclair, Nial Smith, Shamar Joseph, Ronsford Beaton, Veerasammy Permaul, Antony Adams, and Junior Sinclair.

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