Guyana Times - Monday, April 15, 2024

"I experienced

pain for

almost a year”

– cancer survivor Family demands answers after soldier's sudden death at Tacama

PPP/C has been radically tougher on ExxonMobil than former Govt – AG – says APNU/AFC saddled Guyana with 20-year permit; no financial assurance

“Peace should never be the subject of negotiation” – Pres Ali

Farmers urged to prepare for May-June rainy season –Hydromet Office

Police destroy $570M worth of ganja along Berbice River

DDL’s taxed profit for 2023 pegged at $5.9B

– Chairman says strong growth of local economy “positively influence” company

Corentyne mechanic dies after crashing speeding car into utility pole

Gun, ammo found in unoccupied building at Onderneeming $17M in ganja found on abandoned plot of land in Berbice –

Police destroy $570M worth of ganja along Berbice River

As police continue their eradication exercise, more than $570 million worth of ganja has been destroyed at Wiruni and Kaiwa, communities along the Upper Berbice River, over the weekend.

Police have said that ranks travelled to Wiruni on Friday and discovered two cannabis farms. The first farm was about 20 acres big, and had a makeshift camp and drying area where about 1200 lbs of dried cannabis, which has a street value of over $489 million, were found.

The second farm was about 10 acres big, and had about 150,000 plants ranging in height from six to eight feet. The estimated cost of these plants is in excess of $50.8 million.

Ranks carried out another exercise on Saturday at Kaiwa, where another two can-

nabis farms were discovered and destroyed.

The first farm was about five acres in size, and had approximately

1,000 seedlings on several beds. In addition, 35,000 seedlings were found in a nearby nursery. This farm also had

a large camp which had about 34.019 kilograms of dried cannabis, which has a street value of over $30.6 million.

The other farm, located about 100 feet away from the first one, was about two acres in size, and had about 2,000 plants ranging in height from eight inches to four feet. The estimated weight of these plants was 2200 kilograms, which has an estimated street value of $338,800,000.

Both farms, nurseries and narcotics were destroyed. At the time of the operation, no one was seen, thus no one was arrested.

About a month ago, a Police narcotics eradication exercise had led to the discovery of more than $151 million worth of marijuana at Ebini Backdam, a Region 10 community situated in the upper reaches of the Berbice River.

The marijuana being destroyed during the police exercise

PPP/C has been radically tougher on ExxonMobil than former Govt – AG

– says APNU/AFC saddled Guyana with 20-year permit; no financial assurance

In dispelling a prevailing narrative pushed by sections of society about the recent permit granted to Exxon, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall, SC, on Saturday emphasised that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has been radically tougher on ExxonMobil than the former Government when it comes to regulating the oil and gas sector.

Nandlall pointed out that when A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) left office in 2020, two oil projects - Liza Phase One and Two- were in operation.

Protection Agency (EPA) would have never had a chance to review Exxon’s operations and its increasing environmental liability as production increased.

uments. As constricted and confined as we are, we still managed to include more conditions.”

Some of the framework strengthening done by the PPP/C Administration in the past three years include reforming the Natural Resources Fund (NRF) Act; passing the Petroleum Activities Bill; introducing conditions for, and hosting, Guyana’s first oil blocks’ auction; reforming the model Production Sharing Agreement (PSA); strengthening the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), as well as issuing environmental permits to operators.

Another key achieve-

Neither of them had financial assurance.

“You see all this unlimited guarantee that they’re clamouring for? APNU/AFC allowed that operation to take place out there without a dollar assurance. No financial assurance. We changed that. Then they granted an environmental permit for 20 years, to that company. When the law permits only five,” Nandlall pointed out.

The Attorney General noted that had this environmental permit granted by the APNU/ AFC been left standing, the Environmental

“Yet they gave them a 20-year permit. That means the EPA can’t go in, and can’t reassess to put in more conditions… we adjusted it to five years, in accordance with the Act. Now if we were in bed with ExxonMobil, would that be something we would have done?”

“The first license we granted was Payara. When you look at the Payara license and every other license after that. Uaru, Yellowtail, Whiptail. You compare it with the Liza license that they granted. You’re looking at two radically different doc-

the practice of ‘fronting’, or ‘renting a citizen’, by which some Guyanese companies and/or individuals are entering into sham partnerships with foreign companies so that those companies can capitalize on the benefits set aside for locals.

Back in August, the Director of the Local Content Secretariat, Dr Martin Pertab, announced that an Enforcement Unit had been set up within the agency to go after those companies involved in these illegal acts. Nevertheless, the Government has reported that the Local Content Act 2021 continues to bear fruit.

In fact, since January 2022, contractors, sub-contractors and licensees reporting to the Local Content Secretariat have recorded 3,938 local hires, 785 of which were within the first six months of 2023. Of this total, 824 Guyanese were employed as plant and machine operators, 1,203 as professionals (accountants, lawyers, engineers, etc.), and another 485 as technicians.

ment of the Government is enacting, in 2021, Local Content Laws which allow for Guyanese and locally-owned companies to benefit from the opportunities in the oil and gas sector. The Act outlines 40 different services that oil and gas companies and their subcontractors must procure from Guyanese companies.

Efforts are now being made to revise the twoyear-old law to expand these earmarked services, and also fix loopholes within the legislation. One issue that needs to be addressed is

This brings the total number of Guyanese persons employed in the sector to more than 6,000. In accordance with the Act, 33 companies operating in the oil industry have each submitted their five-year master plan detailing employment, procurement and capacity development, and these plans project growth by 601 persons in 2024, 509 in 2025, and 536 in 2026.

Also, in keeping with the Act, annual plans received from contractors, subcontractors and licensees amount to an estimated US$721 million in the procurement of goods and services and training; above the $700 million in 2022 which covered 40 categories of services. (G-3)

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

Views

Female Peacemakers

Some time ago, on occasion of the “International Day for Women”, Rene Wadlow, then President of the Association of World Citizens and Representative of that body to the United Nations in Geneva, made a suggestion, which we believe would benefit our conflict-ridden society. She suggested a larger role for women as peacemakers, even as they are the ones facing the brunt of interpersonal violence.

Influenced by Eastern thought – encapsulated by the Chinese terms “Yin and Yang” - men and women are thought to have complementary psychological characteristics. “Feminine” characteristics or values include intuition, nurturing, caring, sensitivity, and relational traits; while “masculine” characteristics are rationality, dominance, assertiveness, being analytical and being hierarchical.

While, as individuals, men and women alike can achieve a state of wholeness, of balance between the Yin and Yang; in practice, “masculine” refers to men and “feminine” to women; thus, some feminists identify the male psyche as the prime cause of the subordination of women around the world. Men are seen as having nearly a genetic coding that leads them to “seize” power, institutionalise that power through patriarchal societal structures, and buttress the power with masculine values and culture.

One of the best-known symbols of a woman as a peacemaker is Lysistrata, immortalised by Aristophanes, who mobilised women on both sides of the Athenian-Spartan War to launch a “sexual strike” to force men to end hostilities and avert mutual annihilation. Since Lysistrata, women, individually and in groups, have played a critical role in the struggle for justice and peace in all societies. However, when real negotiations begin, women are often relegated to the sidelines.

However, a gender perspective on peace, disarmament, and conflict resolution entails a conscious and open process of examining how women and men participate in, and are affected by, conflict differently. It requires ensuring that the perspectives, experiences, and needs of both women and men are addressed and met in peacebuilding activities. Today conflicts reach everywhere. How do these conflicts affect people in society — women and men, girls and boys, the elderly and the young, the rich and poor, the urban and the rural?

Three elements can be the “gender” contribution to conflict transformation efforts. The first is in the domain of analysis, the contribution of the knowledge of gender relations as indicators of power. Uncovering gender differences in a given society will lead to an understanding of power relations in general in that society, and the illumination of contradictions and injustices inherent in those relations.

The second contribution is to make us more fully aware of the role of women in specific conflict situations. Women should not only be seen as victims of war; they are often significantly involved in taking initiatives to promote peace. Some writers have stressed that there is an essential link between women, motherhood, and non-violence, arguing that those engaged in mothering work have distinct motives for rejecting war that run in tandem with their ability to resolve conflicts non-violently.

Others reject this position of a gender bias toward peace, and stress rather that the same continuum of non-violence to violence is found among women as among men. In practice, it is never all women or all men who are involved in peace-making efforts; sometimes it is only a few, especially at the start of peace-making efforts. The basic question is how best to use the talents, energies, and networks of both women and men for efforts at conflict resolution.

The third contribution of a gender approach, with its emphasis on the social construction of roles, is to draw our attention to a detailed analysis of the socialisation process in a given society. Transforming gender relations requires an understanding of the socialisation process of boys and girls, and of the constraints and motivations that create gender relations. Thus there is a need to look at patterns of socialisation, potential incitements to violence in childhood training patterns, and socially approved ways of dealing with violence. And this would also relate to anti-women violence.

Let’s get women on the front lines.

Guyanese benefitted from ICCR’s programmes

Dear Editor, The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) commemorated its 75th year of existence with a seminar organized virtually (online) in Guyana. The organization was founded on April 9, 1950 to promote cultural exchanges with other countries and people, and to improve relations with nations through the medium of culture. Its influence has since grown globally.

The Swami Vivekanand Centers in Guyana and other countries in the region have made important contributions to the country. I and many other Indians, as well as non-Indians, greatly appreciate all the support provided by India to our region. Indians take great pride in being blessed with a culture handed down by their ancestors who came to these shores in 1838.

Indian values are universal. From ancient times, India has been a centre of higher learning, as it is one of the oldest civilizations in the world. India has been known for its tremendous cultural influence around the globe for thousands of years, and even more so with a direct presence of Indians globally: in Reunion Island since 1828, Mauritius in 1834, Guyana in 1838, and elsewhere in subsequent years, transplanting their culture.

In recent decades, with the migration of Indians, their cultural practices have been institutionalised in different parts of the UK, USA, Canada and other Western

societies. Some scholars describe India as having been a beacon of light for the West for centuries. As others pointed out, the richness of India's culture is manifested in traditions, practices, languages, faiths, and rituals.

Though invaded and oppressed by foreigners and through colonial rule for centuries, the people of India still hold on to their rich culture and heritage. To promote and share this rich culture, ICCR was established. Its mission is to help foster and strengthen cultural and other relations, and mutual understanding between India and other countries.

ICCR was founded as an autonomous (self-governing) organization of the Government of India with funding from the central Government. It has been involved in India’s ‘soft power’ diplomacy, promoting India's global cultural relations through cultural exchanges with the government and people of other countries.

ICCR seeks to encourage mutual understanding between India and people of other nations and cultures. ICCR has centres in some two dozen countries, including Guyana, Trinidad, Suriname, and Jamaica, and also sends teams of cultural promoters to countries where there are no centres. The cultural centres were recently renamed Swami Vivekanand cultural centres. The centres provide a platform to promote Indian

art, theatre, instrumental and vocal music of the genres and folk-art forms to audiences abroad. They disseminate information and engage in activities relating to India’s heritage, values, and philosophy. These centres and ICCR’s other programmes create an endearing image of India’s soft power overseas.

Besides being involved in cultural promotions, ICCR has been administering scholarship programmes of the Government of India to foreigners. Programmes have provided social and economic development abroad through technical assistance, and have created mutual understanding between Indians and the populations served.

Some 5,000 foreign students from 140 countries were beneficiaries (with diploma and degrees thru the PhD) under this scheme in varied fields of endeavour.

Guyanese and other West Indians took advantage of opportunities for study offered by ICCR. Hundreds of Guyanese were/are beneficiaries of the programme, studying dance, music, singing, Hindi, acting, yoga, and other subjects. ICCR-sponsored programmes have helped to change the lives of tens of millions of people in the world for better, promoting social and economic development through technical assistance. ICCR has thus helped to lift the human condition in many countries.

The principal goals of ICCR have been to foster

harmony among people of Indian origin and non-Indians; encourage interactions between the people of India and other countries; and project Indian distinct cultural identity all over the world. To achieve its goal, ICCR hosts seminars, conferences, workshops, concerts, and lessons in yoga, music, and dancing, among other activities, abroad and at its centres in India.

In order to promote India, to make foreigners understand and appreciate Indian culture, cross-cultural ties are strengthened. The staff of ICCR in Guyana work closely with the Guyanese. Several Guyanese volunteers with the organization in order to build support and trust. They are deeply honoured to serve as volunteers. They recognize that the organization has helped to promote a better understanding of India among Guyanese of all races, and of Guyanese on the part of Indian nationals.

ICCR has been very kind and generous to Guyana and Guyanese. Many beneficiaries of ICCR’s programmes have been Guyanese. Recipients of grants and scholarships appreciate very much India’s generosity. It is hoped that the effect of the organization’s many programmes and scholarships would reverberate in stronger diplomatic, strategic, and economic relations.

Yours truly,

Vishnu Bisram

Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo on Saturday met with Guyanese and Brazilian firefighters at Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) while he was in the region over the weekend on Government outreach

A face to ‘ace’ the PNC race

Dear Editor,

One may conclude that Austin Powers is a parody of James Bond. The term "Good" in Good Friday may seem paradoxical, given the sombre events it perpetuates. Similarly so is the “good life”, as accentuated from “the small man will be the real man,” all idioms paraphrased in promoting propaganda, which is a permanent and pertinent prerequisite in order to portray a particular PNC personality in their quest for victory in any election.

All eyes are more affixed on the upcoming PNC’s “Hunt for Green August,” at their 22nd Biennial Delegates Congress, rather than the PPP/C’s “Hunt for Red May,” perhaps a foregone conclusion at their expected 32nd Delegates Congress. Qualified contestants will be vying to form the New Central Committee, more so for the post of Leader and candidacy for

the 2025 Presidency. With General Elections due next year, there is no uncertainty in the PPP/C camp. On the contrary, the PNC are acutely ailing, as they are damagingly divided, with disconcerting dissonance. The PNC’s incumbent leader, Mr. Aubrey Norton, once found it laughable and mischievous that his ambitious challenger had insinuated in 2021 that he (Norton) wants to turn the PNC Party into a Black Party. In 2024, he deems himself as being “the best qualified”, while another party stalwart depicts him as being “not fit to be a leader.”

Roysdale Forde, a declared challenger, believes he has the support and experience to lead. Ganesh Mahipal, a potential contender, may run, if nominated. Norton, in a dismissive mood, insinuated his association with “baggage carriers,” those choosing ambition over party interest, and

lacking institutional knowledge.

The PNC party was crafted by a dictator, who angrily shouted, “It’s Leader or nothing”, and was guided by his sinister motto, “The personal ends of power justify any means used to achieve them.” With his clever wit and charm, the selfish boaster “manipulated people like puppets on a chain.” Jessie Burnham once alerted Guyana about the envious and jealous founder of the Party: “Beware my brother Forbes.”

The PNC Party was once described in 2018 as a party that “became a prisoner of the old order, constrained by the institutions and political culture of that order.” A functional member further advised that “the PNC is not a tribe”, and as such warned that members must refrain from using the word “grassroots.” But a leopard never changes its spots.

The PNC has perpetually demonstrated that the party is cloned into an icon moulded in distrust, enveloped in immorality, and engineered by corruption. Founded from the seed of animosity, it has borne fruition to the inseparable peas in a pod, racism and violence. Submerged in the ocean of deceitfulness, its leader can only salvage his or her ascension if consumed in the propagation of unrighteousness, because a tiger can’t change its stripes.

Given the party’s proven track record for disrepute and blemished DNA, a face to ace the PNC’s race will feature the following unfavourable characteristics:

1. Must be an avid enabler to efficiently execute the cruel dictates of devious advocacy.

2. Must be the task bearer to uphold the Party’s noxious agenda.

3. Must be a spoiled street fighter to play dirty.

The neglect of agriculture in Guyana under the APNU/AFC

Dear Editor,

The agriculture industry in Guyana has seen a significant decline under the governance of the APNU/AFC government, from 2015 to 2020. Various sectors within agriculture, including the fishing industry, sugar industry, rice industry, and exports, have all suffered during that time.

The fishing industry, once a thriving sector in Guyana, has seen a sharp decline in recent years. Poor management and lack of investment have led to a decrease in fish production and a loss of income for fishermen.

The APNU/AFC Government failed to support the fishing industry, leading to a decrease in employment opportunities and a negative impact on the economy. As a result of their lacklustre approach to such an important sector, the PPP/C Government has been on a "clean-up campaign", to get the industry back on track, an approach which has been successful thus far.

The sugar industry, which was once the backbone of Guyana's economy, has also experienced a decline under the APNU/AFC Government. The closure of several sugar estates and

the privatization of the industry have resulted in job losses and a decrease in sugar production. This has had a ripple effect on the economy, impacting farmers, workers, and the overall agricultural sector. You cannot blindly say that agriculture performed well under their stewardship but they suddenly have all the ideas on what they will do for the people of Guyana. We all can see through the incompetence.

The rice industry, another key sector in Guyana, has faced challenges under the APNU/AFC Government. Poor market conditions, lack of Government support, and increased production costs have led to a decrease in rice production and exports. This has hurt farmers and the economy as a whole, and people have struggled to make ends meet.

Exports of agricultural products also declined. Poor diplomatic relations with key trading partners, lack of investment in infrastructure, and inadequate support for farmers have all contributed to a decrease in exports.

This has had a detrimental effect on the economy, and nearly four years later, PPP/C is still trying to clean up their mess.

Overall, the decline

in agriculture under the APNU/AFC Government has had a cascading impact on the economy and livelihoods of farmers and workers in Guyana. The Government continues to take swift and decisive action to support and revitalize the agriculture sector, in order to ensure its sustainability and growth in the future.

Sincerely,

Edson Harris, A former APNU sym pathizer

The finger-pointing must stop

Dear Editor, It is of no use to the Guyanese people to hear the extensive rhetoric from both sides of the political aisle concerning the current poor condition of the electricity sector.

I recently listened to a speech given by the minister in charge of the sector concerning the history of installed capacity and demand. What was painfully obvious was the lack of clarity on what took place from 2020 to 2024.

If it was clear as to where demand was forecasted to go over the last 10 years, then installed capacity should have been already online, in order to stay ahead of that forecasted demand.

What is being accomplished in 4 weeks should have already been achieved during

4. Must be diplomatic by refusing to shake hands.

5. Must be an emulator, “I could say what I want to say and however I want to say it, I have always been like that…The last magistrate who (told me what to do) was later found d…..d.”

6. Must be an imitator, “The Chief Justice gave an interpretation based on her perception of the law, and I will continue to act in accordance with my perception of the Constitution;”

7. Must strive for the paramountcy of the party in order to fly the PNC flag once again over the Court of Appeal building.

8. Must be desirous of abolishing foreign observers at elections, and exclude electoral matters from the jurisdiction of the CCJ.

9. Must abuse the privileges of the court by pursuing frivolous, vexatious and abusive litigations.

10. Must parrot, “The only friends I got is PNC, so the only people I gon give wuk to is PNC; and right now I looking for a doctor who can talk Spanish or Portuguese, and ah want one that is PNC.”

11. Must endorse the “arbitrary, vindictive, malicious and politically motivated,” art of “witch hunting.”

12. Must oppose any and all proposals litigated by the Government in Parliament.

13. Must never support any Budget.

14. Must be “unwilling to accept election losses and be intent on getting into government through the back door.”

15. Must have “an extraordinarily courageous mind to present fictitious numbers when such a sturdy paper trail exists,” during the election.

16. Must reiterate the rhetorical questions, “You have to ask yourself how did the PNC gain office in 1964?

Ask yourself how did the PNC remain in office, and what did it do during that period? Ask yourself, how did the PNC regain office in 2015, and ask yourself how will the PNC retain office after 2020?”

17. Must always share the sarcastic joke of the party, “I am not aware that rigged elections were an ideal of Forbes Burnham.”

18. Must be enthusiastic in wanting to shut down the sugar industry.

19. Must be prepared to shut down all infrastructural projects.

20. Must have a crave to incriminate and lock up from “Hari Rang to Harriet Right.”

Like Bob Marley sang, “Who the cap fit, let them wear it!”

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall

the last 10 years. Both sides of the political divide have fallen asleep at the wheel when it comes to ensuring no interruption in electricity for the Guyanese people. We must regain focus on providing timely solutions using experienced partners and personnel who can reliably deliver a sustainable solution.

Enough of the finger-pointing! It doesn’t help, nor does it add value during a time of crisis. The facts are that we now have more money, and more oil and gas, yet we still have the electricity problems that have been a problem since the time of the embargo. Improved management is needed. We must do better. We must expect better. We can do better.

With concern, Jamil Changlee

Page Foundation

Measures of Central Tendency

Statistics is a branch of Mathematics that studies data expressed in numbers. In the data, the numbers answer questions like: How many? How long? How far? How big?

Let’s say you have this set of numbers: 22, 11, 19, 11, 15, 8, 11, 15

Begin by arranging them in order: 8, 11, 11, 11, 15, 15, 19, 22

The range is the greatest number minus the smallest number: 22-8: 14

The mean (sometimes called the average) is the total of the whole collection divided by the number of addends: 112 ÷ 8 = 14.

The median is the number in the middle. If your collection of numbers has an even number of addends, the median is the average of the two middle numbers: (11 + 15 ) ÷ 2 = 26 ÷ 2 = 13

The mode is the number that appears most often in the collection of numbers: 11

BY ROSALIE MOFFETT

The sun was losing a long gold tooth on the linoleum of the labor and delivery ward.

Find the mean of 6, 4, 7, 11, 6, 3, 5

Step 1: Add the numbers: 6 + 4 + 7 + 11+ 6 + 3 + 5: 42

Step 2

Divide by the number of addends: 42 ÷ 7 = 6

Example: Remember

The range, mean, median, and mode numbers may all be different! Or some of them could be identical.

Exercises: Calculate

1) What is the range for this set of numbers: 2, 9, 15, 22, 13, 19?

2) What is the average for this set of numbers: 3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 7, 7, 11?

3) What is the mode for this set of numbers: 1, 4, 9, 14, 5, 4, 5, 1, 4?

4) What is the median for this set of numbers: 2, 5, 10, 15, 12, 8, 9, 10, 5?

5) What is the mean for this set of numbers: 1, 4, 10, 10, 5, 7, 5, 1, 4?

I lifted my plastic bracelet to the green eye of the barcode gun and it sang the first note of money’s national anthem.

Redeem, a word with its feet in the cement block of bribe, of buy. Each Tylenol, a tiny egg in the nest of the nurse’s cupped hand, rematerialized weeks later on the itemized bill. Nearby, a sign on the fine diamond storefront:

GOING OUT OF SIN !

Redemption, a mercy of wind, of one idea asleep in another. I had been the nation you lived in. Like a shore in lapping water, you made your borders expand a little with each breath.

Source: Poetry (April 2024)

WORD SEARCH

“Peace

should never be the subject of negotiation” – Pres Ali

Guyana’s donations for Palestine, which has borne the brunt of attacks from Israel as it seeks to rout Hamas militants, have exceeded $86 million, one week after a $72.5 million cheque was handed over to the United Nations Resident Coordinator Yeşim Oruç.

During an Eid-ulFitr dinner hosted by the First Family, President Ali, who was presented with an award by the National Ramadan Committee for being instrumental in establishing the Ramadan Village, revealed Guyana’s commitment to further supporting those in need.

“First of all, allow me to thank all of you for your tremendous support during this month. We are one family. We are a Guyanese family. A family brought together by different circumstances. But a family cemented by our shared values and passions. By our commitment and love for each other. By our tolerance for each other. By our obedience to the rule of law. And by recognition that we are part of

one wider, human family,” Ali said.

“And that recognition was further verified when, together, as a Guyanese community we raised more than $86 Million for the people of Palestine. As a Guyanese community, we continue to support and raise money wherever the families of humanity are in need. We live in a harsh world, under harsh circumstances. Why must peace be negotiated, if we live a life of peace?”

President Ali further shared his thoughts on peace and the fact that it should be linked to a value system all persons live by, not subject to negotiation. He used Guyana as

an example, noting that despite the ethnic and cultural differences in Guyana, the country still stands united.

“Peace should never be the subject of negotiation. Peace should be the value system through which each member of the human family lives. The very fact we live in a world where peace must be negotiated, tells of the psyche of the system in the world. And what is that system? Must there be war before peace or peace before war?”

President Ali questioned.

“It's an important question. Whether we pursue war and then hope for peace, or we pursue war and then negotiate for peace. Or do we pursue peace and make peace the fundamental pillar on which the world stands, so that war will not have a place in our society? And if this is the fundamental pillar that we believe the world must stand on, then this small country Guyana must demonstrate that with the differences we have… will be the greatest symbol of strength and hope.”

It was reported earlier

this month that Ramadan Village – a month-long exhibition being hosted at the Muslim Youth Organisation Ground in Georgetown, was able to help raise some $72.5 million in donations to provide immediate humanitarian relief for the people in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

The night’s activities, held under the theme “A Night of Prayer for Global Peace, Guyana and Palestine”, included several prayer sessions, a special Islamic programme and an onthe-ground donation for

Palestinians displaced and affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

In addition to calling for a ceasefire, the Guyana Government back in February had pledged US$150,000 towards the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), in support of Palestinians displaced and affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

UNRWA was established by a UN General Assembly Resolution and it is the backbone of the humanitarian operation in Gaza. Professional

humanitarian workers at UNRWA provide food, water, medicine and shelter to Palestinian people.

It has been over six months since the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas on Israel, which has retaliated with an onslaught of violence that has persisted since thus leading to the senseless loss of civilian lives, destruction of property, and displacement of persons in Gaza.

Based on international reports coming out of Gaza, approximately 33,175 Palestinians have been killed and another 75,886 wounded – including some 13,000 children.

President Dr Irfaan Ali

The symbolic cheque of $72.5 million raised at the Ramadan Village was handed over to the UN Resident Coordinator to Guyana, Yeşim Oruç, on behalf of UNRWA earlier this month

Gun, ammo found in unoccupied building at Onderneeming

An illegal firearm and several rounds of live ammunition were discovered in an unoccupied house at Onderneeming Sand Pit, Essequibo, according to a statement from the Police.

According to preliminary investigations, ranks acting on information received searched an un-

painted, unoccupied wooden house at Back Street, Onderneeming Sand Pit.

While inside the house, one FN Browning .32 Pistol with the serial number filed off along with one magazine containing six live rounds of .32 ammunition, and a pair of green and grey construction gloves were found under a sheet of zinc sheet.

These items were taken into possession of the ranks and lodged at the station. The firearm was processed for latent fingerprints, but none was found.

No arrest was made.

Investigations continue.

Over the past three days, six other persons were arrested following several police operations conduct-

ed along the East Bank Demerara corridor, which have led to the discovery of several illegal firearms, rounds of ammunition, and narcotics.

Police have said that on Friday, a 34-year-old woman was arrested at her Grove, EBD apartment following the discovery of 100 kilograms of cannabis concealed in a barrel within the apartment’s ceiling.

Acting on the information received, police went to the woman’s home and found her, her 57-year-old father and another female present. Ranks undertook a search of this home and located the hidden barrel containing numerous parcels of ganja.

The woman was arrested, cautioned, and taken to Divisional Headquarters 4B, where the seized narcotics were weighed and amounted to 101.7 kilograms. Investigations are ongoing.

On the same day, ranks on motorcycle patrol apprehended a man with three grams of cocaine in the Grove Squatting Area. Reports are that two ranks observed the 58-year-old man acting suspiciously and decided to search him. They unearthed a transparent plastic bag containing a rock-like substance in his possession.

He was arrested, and the substance tested positive for cocaine which weighed three grams.

On Saturday, between 4:00h and 7:00h, ranks attached to the Timehri Police Station raided several spots, including a farm at Yarrowkabra on the Soesdyke/ Linden Highway, where a 60-year-old resident of Kuru Kururu and a 48-year-old resident of the Yarrowkabra Extension community were arrested.

Their apprehension came after a search of their living quarters unearthed a 12-gauge shotgun, eight cartridges, and two cartridge casings hidden in the roof.

Two camouflage military shirts were also found in a security guard’s quarters, leading to his arrest as well. The trio are currently in police custody.

Meanwhile, a 78-yearold resident of Yarrowkabra and his 48-year-old son have been taken into custody following the discovery of a shotgun at their home.

Trouble…

…spreading

After the Gaza Strip and Israel – two of the smaller entities in the long volatile Middle East - started settling scores, there was always the danger of the violence spreading and dragging in other players. The greatest fear, of course, was that the US - which supports Israel to the max - might get involved. Over the last half-century, lines have been drawn, redrawn, and underlined as to who supports whom when it comes to turf.

We saw the Yemeni Houthis blockading the surrounding critical sea lanes - for almost a quarter of the world’s trade – in support of Hamas. While neighbouring Lebanese Hezbollah was on everyone’s mind, the big Kahuna was Iran, with its massive army, air force, and possibly nuclear weapons; and its being an implacable foe of the Zionist Israel. The US also has a beef with Iran, that goes back to the ouster of its Shah whom they’d installed!

After Israel launched its war to drive out Hamas from the Gaza Strip, it became clear Israel actually wanted to drive out all Palestinians in order to create the biblical land of Israel that their God had “given” them. Your Eyewitness discussed the preparations for sacrificing a “spotless” red heifer to sanctify the new state. The Temple Mount organizations have now officially submitted a request to the Israeli police to allow the introduction of an altar and knives to slaughter red cows in Al-Aqsa Mosque on April 22, 2024!!

Having lost global support for its traditional victim role, and now almost universally condemned for its genocidal actions against the Palestinians, to reclaim it, Israel has decided to draw Iran into the fray by bombing the Iran Embassy in Syria. This was a no-no in the modern state system, and was seen as a direct attack on Iranian soil. The Iranians had to retaliate, to save face if nothing else!! The world waited for this foot to fall while Israel’s allies, the US and UK, moved ships and fighter jets into the area. WWIII?

So, on Saturday, Iran for the first time launched a direct military attack on Israel - firing more than 200 drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles. Just so we know about these things - since our country’s beginning to arm itself against Mad Maduro - cruise missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while ballistic missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial (boost) phase of flight, after which they follow an arcing trajectory to the target.

The Iranians knew they’d take hours to reach Israel, during which time Israel and the US could tee off to knock them out of the sky. So said, so done – and Israel remains unscathed.

Was Iran just saving face? And will Israel and the US allow it to do so??

…over for OJ

The news that OJ Simpson has died from cancer at 79 was a shock to your Eyewitness. He was mostly reviled for what most thought was his getting away with murder of his ex-wife during one of the most publicized trials in modern history. This attitude was illustrated by one tongue-in-cheek account of OJ’s passing: “According to sources from the afterlife, the former football star is looking forward to asking God who really killed his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson.

"I've been racking my brains for decades trying to figure out who may have done it," said Simpson. "It will be great to have all my questions finally laid to rest. I really can't imagine who might have committed such a crime.” At publishing time, O.J. Simpson's questions unfortunately remained unanswered after a majority-black jury declared him "not dead."

Your Eyewitness still remembers him as one of the greatest – and flashiest – football players of all time!! He actually had a Guyana stamp struck in 1993!! Imagine that!!

…continues for PNC

Poor Norton – when it rains, it pours!! His team’s being blamed for “disappearing” the CPU, containing the list of members who’d be coming to Congress to elect the leader. They’ll now have to recreate this list. Poor Norton!!

Hess eyeing possible delay of Chevron merger to 2025

– amid ExxonMobil int’l arbitration challenge

While United States (US) oil firm Hess agreed to sell its stake in the Stabroek block to Chevron and there had been expectations that the deal would be concluded by mid-2024, Hess is also catering for the possible delay of the deal’s finalization to 2025… amid its partner ExxonMobil’s challenge to the merger.

In a United States Securities and

Exchange Commission (SEC) filing, Hess noted that since they agreed to merge with Chevron, other conditions must be completed including stockholder and regulatory approvals. According to Hess, a special meeting will be held with stockholders to deal with the merger.

“As previously disclosed, on October 22, 2023, the company entered into the merger agreement with

Chevron. The merger agreement provides that, among other things and subject to the terms and conditions of the merger agreement, the Merger Subsidiary will be merged with and into Hess, and Hess will be the surviving corporation in the merger as a direct, wholly-owned subsidiary of Chevron.”

“Completion of the merger is subject to the satisfaction of certain

closing conditions, including stockholder and regulatory approvals. We will be holding a separate special meeting of stockholders to vote on the proposed merger,” they explained, adding that their 2025 annual meeting of stockholders will go ahead only if the Chevron merger has not been completed by the time this meeting is scheduled.

Back in October 2023, it was announced that Hess Corp. had agreed to merge with Chevron. This deal would allow Chevron to buy into Hess a 30 per cent stake in the oilrich Stabroek Block, which is operated by ExxonMobil, which has the majority interest of 45 per cent while CNOOC holds the remaining 25 per cent stake.

Farmers urged to prepare for MayJune rainy season – Hydromet Office

– says flooding is expected in several parts of Guyana

Farmers and residents are advised to make the necessary provisions as major flooding in several parts of the country is predicted during the May-June rainy season.

This was according to Chief Hydrometeorological Officer (CHO) Dr Garvin Cummings during an interview with the Guyana Times. As a result, the National Meteorological and Hydrological Service

(NMHS) is advising farmers countrywide to harvest drought-tolerant crops as early as possible.

Farmers are also being urged to clear drains and other waterways to assist in flood mitigation.

“Because we are expecting the normal May/ June rain for example rice farmers should get their crops out of the ground within the next three to four weeks’ maximum. We urge them to have their

drains cleaned and have the right infrastructural upgrades on their lands so that their livestock can be protected.”

Further, citizens are asked to exercise caution on the roadways during the rainy season, wear rain gear and make necessary infrastructural upgrades as well.

Meanwhile, the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) said

Chief Hydrometeorological Officer (CHO), Dr Garvin Cummings

that it is well prepared to assist farmers who may be affected by flooding during the rainy season.

Back in April 2023, prolonged heavy rainfall resulted in flooding in Georgetown and across several coastal regions especially in low-lying areas. Flooding was also recorded in several regions with more conditions in Regions Seven, Ten and Six.

NAREI’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Jagnarine Singh

Guyana moving to arbitration over ExxonMobil’s US$214M cost oil claim

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has disclosed that the Guyana Government has decided to move to arbitration with a view of settling the US$214.4 million cost oil claim that was flagged during an audit of ExxonMobil’s expenses racked up between 1999 and 2017.

At his weekly press conference on Thursday, VP Jagdeo posited that the government will not budge from its position on the disputed amount being claimed by the United States oil major.

“We can’t reach an agreement so there is a move to the next stage on the first audit. We will not reach an agreement with Exxon so we have to now go to the next stage provided for by the agreement,” he posited.

According to the Vice President, this ‘next stage’ could be in the form of a single individual mediating between Guyana and Exxon to find a solution.

“If you don’t reach an agreement there, then you

go to full arbitration… We’re too far apart to reach an agreement [on the US$214.4 million claim] so we have to trigger that [process],” Jagdeo stated.

Last year, Jagdeo had explained that the government may have to consider bringing in a third party – outside of what is contemplated in the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) and agreed to by all sides – to possibly take over the arbitration process on Guyana’s behalf.

“I think you need an independent third party to deal with this. If you settle on any figure with Exxon [even at] US$200 million, you’d have somebody saying ‘Oh, we give into Exxon’ and if we settle at US$3 million, it’s worse. And therefore, you need a third party that would deal with all of these

issues… a third party that everyone has faith in – the whole country. Maybe that is a route that could be explored,” he had noted.

In 2019, British firm IHS Markit conducted an audit of ExxonMobil’s cost oil expenses incurred between 1999 and 2017 from its operations in Guyana and flagged US$214.4 million as questionable costs.

Following months of its review, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) – the technical body tasked with advising the Government on the audited oil expenses – supported the dispute of the US$214.4 million.

Based on the 2016 oil contract that was signed between ExxonMobil and the then A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, Guyana will

have to incur the cost of the oil company’s legal fees should the matter go to arbitration.

Meanwhile, in February, ExxonMobil Guyana Limited (EMGL) President Alistair Routledge had told reporters that the company was in discussions with the GRA on “the next steps and what needs to be done.”

At a previous press conference last October, Routledge had expressed a preference for the figure to be settled on before it reaches the arbitration stage.

ExxonMobil’s pre-contract costs were inherited by the PPP/C Government when it entered office in 2020. In fact, US$460 million in pre-contract costs were already written into the 2016 PSA.

The audit of cost oil claims is critical to ensuring that Guyana does not lose out on millions in oil revenues.

Consequently, the Guyana Government had embarked on the second cost oil audit for the period 2018 to 2020. That process

is currently ongoing.

“The second one, [Exxon was] written to by the technical agencies – not by the politicians, to give comments on the findings,” VP Jagdeo stated last week.

That audit was carried out by a consortium of local and international firms. Guyanese firms Ramdihal and Haynes Chartered Accounting and Professional Services Firm, Vitality Accounting and Consultancy Inc., and Eclisar Financial & Professional Services had partnered with Oklahomabased Martindale Consultants Inc. and the

Swiss technical company, SGS to conduct the audit.

Meanwhile, the third cost oil auditor for the 2021 to 2023 period was tendered earlier this year and that contract is now being finalised by the Guyana Government.

When the bids were opened last month at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) in Georgetown, it was revealed that Guyanese companies have again thrown in their hats in the race for this latest audit.

VHE Consulting – the same Guyanese consortium that did the second audit (2018 to 2020) – had submitted a bid to the tune of $229 million. The second bid came from London-based Grant Thorton UK LLP and PFK Barcellos Narine & Co., which did not have a bid price at the time.

Priced at $202.8 million, the third bid is a joint venture of local Guyanese firm, N. Sookhai & Company and the Nigeria-based Infoworks Solutions Ltd. (G-8)

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

"I experienced pain for almost a year” – cancer survivor

– says cancer is just a word, not a death sentence

After years of enduring her silent struggle, Pauline Gouveia has bravely shared the heart-wrenching story of her five-year battle with cervical cancer, shedding light on the excruciating pains that left an embedded mark on her life forever.

Gouveia, born in 1962, on Friday during the launch of the HPV shots related that her initial symptoms started in 2018 and were very mild. Upon recognizing these signs, she promptly sought medical assistance to determine the cause, only to receive the devastating diagnosis of stage 3B cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer happens when cells change in the cervix, which connects the uterus and vagina. This cancer can affect the deeper tissues of the cervix and spread to other parts of the body (metastasise), often the lungs, liver, bladder, vagina, and rectum. Studies show that most cases of cervical cancer are caused by infection with human papillomavirus (HPV).

After receiving the

shocking news, she tried her best to maintain her composure whilst then undergoing a rigorous treatment plan to combat the condition.

"When I first heard my diagnosis I kept my composure, but when I started to receive the therapy for my condition, I cried day and night,” she expressed.

At about 15:00h daily, since her diagnosis, she would begin to experience excruciating pains. As the very first radiation test began, she experienced con-

stant vomiting and nausea - an experience she prayed to God to overcome.

During radiation therapy, she overheard that most people would normally die from undergoing the treatment and as such, fearing for her life, she expressed her reluctance to continue the treatment despite already paying loads of money given to her by her family, friends and loved ones.

As she spoke with the doctor, he assured her that she had nothing to fear and that she would get through

the therapy treatment safely.

Though the experience was not pleasant for her, she kept the course, and the pains gradually reduced after the second week. She stated that her blood count was so low, she was forced to let the doctor perform chemotherapy on her twice.

At times, she described her hands would swell due to the constant injections for taking blood. This, she added made it difficult for her to even bathe herself and required family members to attend to her basic needs.

During radiation treatment for cervical cancer, patients commonly experience excruciating pain and

discomfort. Radiation causes inflammation and irritation in the pelvic area, leading to pain. It can also affect the vaginal tissues, causing dryness, irritation, and discomfort during intercourse or daily activities. Additionally, radiation irritates the bladder and urinary tract, leading to symptoms such as urinary urgency, frequency, or discomfort while urinating.

The surge in side effects from the therapies prompted Gouveia to say farewell to all her cherished dreams and hobbies.

"I had to stop most of the things that I loved to do, such as travelling and my favourite hobbies. I had to constantly undergo MRIs

and CT scans," she relayed.

While battling the physical pains and sickness, she also spoke of the mental anguish she experienced as she ran out of finances.

This financial strain led her to turn to the Periwinkle Club, which, according to her, greatly helped her emotionally and provided for her basic needs. The club also offered guidance counselling during her cancer battle.

Amidst the myriad of side effects, pains and tears shed during the strenuous years of experience of having cervical cancer, Gouveia has successfully beaten cancer and urges other females to undergo screenings promptly for early prevention.

Gouveia firmly believes that persons who are suffering from cancer should erase the notion that cancer will take their lives.

Affirming her views on positive grounds she told cancer patients at the event that, “Cancer is just a word, not a death sentence."

The Periwinkle Club, founded on October 17, 2006, by Dr Wallis Best Plummer and several others who shared a devoted interest in providing support for cancer patients and survivors, has become involved in outreaches to communities, phone calls, visits to hospitals and homes, and counselling services.

It has provided Gouveia with emotional and material support, as well as the opportunity to engage in social and educational activities with caring individuals.

The Guyana Government aims to contribute to the global push to significantly reduce cervical cancer cases by 2030, encouraging parents to allow their daughters to receive the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines.

Persons gathering educational materials on cervical cancer

Pauline Gouveia telling her story

Public Works Minister engages residents along ECD to address concerns

– Govt working to ensure projects are completed with little inconvenience

Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill on Saturday engaged residents within the Better Hope/ Plaisance catchment following concerns about present infrastructural works in their communities that have caused some damage to their homes.

Multiple reports from frustrated residents highlighted damages to their homes caused by the heavy-duty trucks traversing the area. During the meeting, Edghill assured residents that the government would compensate for any damages caused by the road construction, pending proper verifications against the contractor's initial pre-conditional survey.

now on and going forward, if a contractor digs up an area, they have to fix it, they cannot leave it for months, [contrac-

tors] if you dig up an area, you have to continuously work until the work is complete.”

To ensure a prompt resolution, he instructed the engineering teams, contractors (China Railway First Group), and the consultancy firm to conduct a comprehensive survey of all homes within the work path.

“Minimum… there will be some inconveniences. We know it’s difficult because an interruption to your life and inconvenience is not something that people accept readily. But this is for the greater good of you; the greater good of your neighbours and all of Guyana,” Edghill told the residents.

“Fixing these bridges is part of the contractual obligation.” “From

Further, he added, "We are committed to progress, and please know that we are ensuring there is as little inconvenience as possible to you, our citizens."

Only last month, consultations were held with the residents of Dochfour, ECD to address damages incurred during the East Coast Public Road widening and improvement project. Several homes within the project area were affected, and compensations were promised upon proper verifications.

Meanwhile, the minister had several engagements with residents along the ECD who are in direct contact with the East Coast widening road project from Sheriff Street to Orange Nassau. He told the residents

that the government is working to ensure that projects are completed on time and with as little inconvenience to citizens as possible.

At his first meeting at Cummings Lodge/ Industry, Minister Edghill, interacted with residents and reassured them that the government would not just take away anybody’s land without engaging them first. He said if someone’s property is in the way of the project, there is a process to follow.

“I am the Minister of Public Works who is responsible for the acquisition of lands for the public good, so if I have to take up a piece of your yard for the road to pass or for the drains, you will be compensated for it based on a procedure that is outlined in the law.”

“If there is a dispute where the reserve starts and ends and you have a transport or a title that shows that what we call the reserve is your land, there is only one way to resolve that, you will bring your transport and we will get the ministry’s surveyor, as well as the contractor surveyor, to do the measurement to make sure we establish the boundary. Nobody will be affected without due process,” The Minister assured.

At the Beehive meeting, the Minister and his team addressed the health concerns of resi-

dents after hearing complaints of increased dust in the community due to the ongoing project.

“We need to have a systematic sequential operation suppressing the

has magnified the problem, so let’s solve this now, the consultant and my staff need to log the wetting, so we will have the necessary information, we will know it is be-

dust to a minimal level, without construction there will be dust on the road, but the construction

ing done.”

Further, on the matter of relocating a non-operating shop in the path

of the project, the minister has offered to have the contracting team relocate the shop, however, the owners have declined this offer asking instead for financial assistance to do the moving themselves.

In response, Minister Edghill has noted that though the shop is on the government reserve, the government is not opposed to assisting financially, once the cost of the move is not exorbitant.

The family has agreed to present an estimate to the ministry’s consultant in one week.

Edghill wrapped up Saturday’s outreach with a final meeting with residents of Blygezight, on the Railway Embankment, who had similar concerns as the other communities.

Minister Edghill inspecting the work at Better Hope, ECD

Road widening project at Blygezight Railway Embankment

Edghill engaging residents of Dochfour

Roadworks ongoing at Bee Hive

Chinese Ambassador funds

$6.4M playpark in West Canje

Aspanking new playpark in West Canje, Berbice which was funded by the Chinese Government to the tune of $6.4 million was on Sunday commissioned.

The Lochaber Play Park was commissioned by the Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan who pointed out that in recent years, the Guyana Government has vigorously been trying to take advantage of developmental opportunities and promoting

Six plays an important role in CARICOM being

the country’s modernization and transformation which has been catching the attention of the world.

She noted that Region

First

Lady,

able to achieve its 25 by 2025 goal while adding that each time she visits the region, development in every sector is evident.

“China has been actively supporting

Mexican

Guyana’s development including the development of Region Six. This facility we opened today, I am proud that the embassy donated to the cause although it is not large, it represents the profound friendship between Chinese and Guyanese people,” the Chinese Ambassador related.

She noted that Chinese companies are doing their part to develop the region and pointed to the new hospital at New Amsterdam and the Palmyra Stadium which are currently under construction.

“I know more Chinese

Ambassador

take 300 special needs children, orphans to circus

Scompanies are interested in investing in this region and also some people of this region have participated in some shore training courses.”

She added that the embassy will continue to work to strengthen trade and cultural exchanges to bring the long-standing friendship between the two countries to a higher level.

Guyana and China established diplomatic relations for more than 50 years.

Meanwhile, Regional Chairman, David

Armogan acknowledged the assistance Guyana has been receiving from the Chinese Government, noting that parks and open spaces are becoming a part of the developmental process.

“Today after many years, the children of this community would be having a park where they can come and play and enjoy themselves and have fun with each other. This is an important pillar of the developmental process of any developing country. Without

parks and playfields, children are left at home to do whatever they want to do and, in these days, where you sleep with cell phones and wake up with cell phones, perhaps this is a good opportunity to leave your cell phones at home and come and have a good time here,” the Chairman said.

Armogan pointed out that the new facility is not only for children but adults should also make full use of the facility. The facility was constructed by Aubrey David.

Hess eyeing possible delay...

But in March, ExxonMobil announced that it had filed a case in the International Chamber of Commerce to assert its right of first refusal over Hess’ interest offshore Guyana. While the Chevron/Hess merger could now be delayed in light of Exxon’s arbitration, both Hess Corp and Chevron have for the large part remained confident of the US$53 billion deal going through.

An article published by Bloomberg last month indicated that while the deal may be delayed, Hess Corp. is confident its arguments would prevail in the arbitration case filed by Exxon. In a previous email to employees, Hess had said “We disagree with ExxonMobil’s interpretation of the agreement and are confident

that our position will prevail in arbitration… There is no possible scenario in which Exxon or CNOOC could acquire Hess’ interest in Guyana as a result of the Chevron-Hess transaction.”

According to Bloomberg, this disclosure marks the first time either Hess or Chevron have said Exxon’s push to safeguard its preemption rights in Guyana could delay their merger, initially expected to close by the second half of this year.

It’s also the first time either company has been so explicit about their disagreement over how Exxon is interpreting its joint agreement with Hess and Chinese oil giant CNOOC Ltd. to produce oil off the coast of the South American nation, according to the article.

“We’re absolutely confident that within this contract, we have pre-emption rights, and we have filed for arbitration to make sure that we can secure those pre-emption rights… The pre-emption rights are to give us the opportunity to look at the value, which we can then match should we choose to do so,” Exxon’s senior vice president Neil Chapman had said at the time, adding that arbitration of this nature typically takes “five to six months”.

Bloomberg had also said in its article that if Exxon succeeds in blocking the takeover, Hess would be required to pay Chevron a $1.7 billion break-up fee. However, both Hess and Chevron have declared their intention to see the deal through. (G-3)

Children using the facility on Sunday

Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan, during the commissioning ceremony on Sunday

had the

to experience the thrill of the Suarez Brothers’ Circus firsthand on Sunday, through a collaborative effort between

First Lady Arya Ali and Mexico’s Ambassador to Guyana, H.E. Mauricio Vizcaíno Crespo.

First Lady Arya Ali along with First Son Zayd Ali and Mexico’s Ambassador to Guyana, HE Mauricio Vizcaíno Crespo, at the circus on Sunday

Taking Charge! Managing Your Environment for a Sustainable Future

Hello readers, welcome to another edition of the EPA Column. Today we will be talking about managing your environment.

The current state of our environment in Guyana is disheartening. Whether you are walking through the bustling streets of one of our towns, or taking a drive through our 'serene' countryside, there is always an everpresent build-up of litter or waste. It seems that we have the uncanny ability to create a dumpsite where one should not exist. We all have sat in minibuses, taxis, or our private vehicles and witnessed individuals discarding wrappers, bottles, and even full bags of garbage onto public roads and streets with little to no thought of the consequences. Another saddening issue is waking up and driving to work in what appears to be fog, but is thick smoke as a result of the careless actions of some citizens.

Who is responsible for managing our environment? Textbooks will tell you that managing the environment is the responsibility of multiple stakeholders. The private sector has a social responsibility to consider the interests of various parties, including employees, consumers, suppliers, competitors, government, community; and, most importantly, the environment.

It should adopt proactive measures to assist in environmental management and protection. The government and agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency play a crucial role in environmental management by implementing regulations and holding accountable those who neglect their obligations to preserve the environment. Additionally, individuals (YOU) have a responsibility to contribute to environmental protection through their (your) actions and choices. It is discouraging when individuals remove themselves from responsibility, claiming that our environmental problems are solely to be fixed by the government, or the local regulators.

Furthermore, this way of thinking is effectively illustrated by the concept of "the Tragedy of the Commons." This is a concept that highlights the inevitable degradation of shared resources (the environment) when individuals act solely in their self-interest, without considering the collective impact on the common resource. It demonstrates how choices made by individuals can collectively result in a negative outcome for entire communities, and, by extension, the country.

Let's consider littering, open burning, and illegal dumping. The individuals participating in these acts think that their contribution to the overall problem is negligible, but when multiplied across many people, the cumulative effects are significant. When you do these acts, you are exploiting the shared environment for your convenience, without considering the long-term consequences of your action. These may include environmental pollution, reduced air quality, and health hazards such as allergens.

As individuals within Guyana’s society, it is time for a change, and for us all to begin to foster a sense of individual social responsibility. Individual social responsibility is where we, as individuals, recognize and take direct action towards remedying social and environmental issues. It simply means that, as individuals, we endeavour to develop habits and behaviours that do not affect the environment, and, by extension, have no negative impacts on the persons around us.

In light of the foregoing, it is your social responsibility to manage your waste generation and disposal methods, noise nuisance, and air pollution. It is our responsibility to recognize our impact on the world around us, and take proactive steps to minimize our negative effects.

The following are some EPA-approved positive changes that can be implemented today:

1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Adopt the "3 Rs" approach to waste management. Reduce consumption by choosing products with minimal packaging and opting for reusable items instead of single-use ones. Reuse items whenever possible, and start thinking about how you can recycle materials such as paper, plastic, glass, and metal to divert waste from landfills.

2. Proper Disposal: We are going to produce waste; however, we can dispose of waste responsibly by using designated bins and waste collection services. Be mindful of hazardous wastes such as batteries, electronics, and chemicals, and dispose of them according to local regulations.

3. Composting: Convert organic waste such as food scraps and yard trimmings into nutrient-rich compost for use in gardens and landscaping. Composting reduces the volume of waste sent to landfills, and helps enrich soil health.

4. Respect Quiet Hours: Be considerate of noise level standards, especially during designated quiet hours in residential areas.

5. Use Noise-Reducing Measures: Employ noise-reducing techniques such as installing soundproofing materials in buildings, enclosing workshops to minimize noises from compressors, welding machines, impact drills, etc., using noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs, and maintaining equipment such as generators and compressors to minimize noise emissions.

6. Noise Permit: Apply for a Long-Term or Short-Term Noise Permit from the Environmental Protection Agency when hosting parties, barbecues, fairs, and if you have a club or bar. When playing music, always be mindful of the people in your vicinity.

7. Open Communication: Communicate with neighbours about planned activities that may generate noise, such as home renovations or parties, and strive to reach mutually agreeable solutions to minimize disturbances.

8. Emissions Control: Use equipment and machinery with low emissions in order to reduce air pollution during construction activities. Employ technologies such as particulate filters and exhaust scrubbers to minimize the release of harmful pollutants into the air.

9. Dust Suppression: Implement dust control measures such as watering down construction sites and covering materials to prevent the spread of airborne dust particles.

Each of us must take ownership of our actions and their impact on the environment. By implementing these changes in our daily lives, we can contribute to a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for Guyana. Let us heed this call to action, and work together to manage our environment for the benefit of present and future generations.

Corentyne mechanic dies after crashing speeding car into utility pole

Troy Trevor Elias, a 38-year-old mechanic of Cromarty Farm, Corentyne, Berbice, met his demise on Sunday in a vehicle accident along the Corentyne Highway in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

Mark Anderson, a 34-year-old resident of Mibicuri South, Black Bush Polder, who was travelling with Elias in the front passenger seat of the vehicle, has sustained lacerations to his body in that accident.

Reports are that on Sunday, at about 5:45h, Elias was driving his mo-

tor car, PGG 3721, along the Number 36 Village roadway at a fast rate of speed when he lost control of the vehicle and it spun several times before colliding with a utility pole.

The men were pulled from the wreckage with injuries about their bodies, and were rushed to the Skeldon Public Hospital at Corriverton, where Elias was pronounced dead while Anderson commenced receiving treatment for lacerations about his body. His condition is regarded as stable.

Darshanie Persaud, Elias’s wife, told Guyana Times that her husband had left home on Saturday afternoon to visit relatives in Black Bush Polder, and was returning home when the accident occurred. She said someone who is acquainted with the family informed her of the accident.

“When we go, we see he inside the car sit down on the seat. I talk to him

and he didn’t respond. He mother come and she hold him and then she start to cry,” Persaud related. She said she observed that one of his legs appeared to have been broken, and there were injuries to his stomach.

Elias leaves to mourn his five children, wife and other relatives. Investigations are ongoing into this fatal accident.

Farmers urged to prepare for May...

Following the devastation caused by the flooding, the Agriculture Ministry awarded several contracts for the construction of several pump stations across the country. These areas include Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara; Pouderoyen Area, West Bank Demerara and Jimbo, Grove on the East Bank Demerara.

Additionally, the construction of a sluice and pump station will also be erected at Belle Vue, WBD at a cost of almost $1 billion.

This year, a whopping $97.6 billion was budgeted to advance and catalyse agricultural development

Shade houses are recommended as an innovative way to cultivate

through the promotion of investments in largescale cultivation; promoting increased aquaculture and shrimp farming; modernising, upgrading and strengthening drainage and irrigation and farm-to-market infrastructure and support services.

Nevertheless, NAREI’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jagnarine Singh stated that farming communities have suffered major losses coming out of the dry season, and as a result, fertilizer, seedlings and other agricultural inputs will be made available to them.

He explained that in the

meantime, the institution is encouraging farmers to find innovative ways to cultivate and care for their crops.

“We have to emphasise the use of smart agriculture... So, we recommend that farmers look at shade houses, raising beds and other normal things that they can do. But we are prepared to assist the farming community, that’s our role and since the year started, we have money in our budget to do those things,” Singh said.

In taking the first step in promoting smart agriculture, the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) recently acquired its first state-ofthe-art greenhouse.

This greenhouse is compiled with various technologies, such as hydroponics and aquaculture facilities from Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and UNDP Resident Representative Gerardo Noto made it clear that the various technologies would help Guyana to respond to climate change with a high focus on agriculture students.

Farmers were affected by recent flooding

Dead: Troy Trevor Elias

The mangled car wrapped around the utility pole

Family demands answers after soldier's sudden death at Tacama

Days after Corporal Leroy Thom of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) died during training at Tacama in Region Ten, his family members are now left with many unanswered questions.

Thom, 30, a member of the 2nd Infantry Battalion and resident of Blueberry Hill in Linden, suddenly collapsed and died on Friday evening while in training at the Colonel John Clarke Military School at Tacama. News of his demise was relayed to the family at about 23:30h that evening, but family members are contending there are more questions than answers.

At the time, he was undergoing training on the Section Commander’s Course.

Following his demise, the GDF had stated that Thom had complained of feeling unwell during a routine training event, and had been taken to the Medical Centre where he was attended to by a registered nurse and medics.

After his condition had deteriorated, a request was made for a medevac, and a team of medical specialists from

the Georgetown Public Hospital was air-dashed to the training school.

Upon arrival, the GDF said, all efforts to resuscitate Thom proved futile, and the soldier was consequently pronounced dead.

A Board of Inquiry will be convened to investigate the circumstances surrounding this corporal’s death, the GDF has said.

However, Guyana Times interviewed the late corporal’s wife, Caffeya Forde, on Sunday, and she said that the last time she had seen her husband alive was on Tuesday.

She related that her husband had left Tacama on Monday to look after his driver’s licence, and had spent that night at home.

“I saw him around 10:30 on Tuesday morning…he was on the section commander course for him to be promoted to substantive corporal; at least that is what he told me. The training started on March 9th and would have ended on June 15th. On Tuesday, he told me he was going to GRA to look after the licence, and then he was going to go back to work,” she detailed.

Forde said she

had heard from Thom on Tuesday when he was heading back to Tacama, and then again on Friday. She said he had sent her a message on Friday morning at around 4:29h, telling her that he was heading to Tacama to start training.

“The message said, ‘I am boarding to go now, and I am coming back out on Sunday’. So, I sent him back a message and I said, ‘OK, be careful, we love you’. At 7:25h, he texted back and said, ‘I love you too baby’, and that was it. My husband had no medical condition, and we talked on Tuesday and he never told me that he was feeling sick,” Forde is contending. “Also, he is not the type of husband that would hide anything from me,” she said. Forde said the GDF did not inform her that something was wrong with her husband until around 23:30h on Friday. She explained that a friend who was working at Tacama at the time contacted her at about noon on Friday and informed her that something serious had happened to her husband.

“The person called me and asked me if my husband has any medical condition, and I said, ‘No, why you ask?’ She said that my husband was in Tacama lying down stiff, stiff; he wasn’t moving, and these people (GDF ranks) not doing anything to help him,” Forde detailed. “When I heard that, I started calling around to see who I could get on to hear something. I didn’t hear anything until after 11 the Friday night,” she said.

“Three officers came by me. One identified himself, and he told me that my husband complained of feeling unwell and he fell, and they took him to the medical centre and they tried to bring him back. And when they saw his pulse was dropping, they called for a helicopter for him…,” Forde detailed.

“When I went on Saturday to identify his body, I learned that his time of death was 21:15h, but I was called by the person who told me something serious is wrong before lunch,” she explained.

“One of my husband's colleagues told me that they were on the range

to throw grenades, and my husband shouted out, ‘Ahh! My foot! I can’t feel, I can't feel my foot!’, and then he collapsed”, she explained.

The woman said her husband’s sudden death has severely impacted her and their four-yearold son. She is still in disbelief.

“Words cannot express how I feel. Leroy was my everything. I am the only child of my mother, and last year my mother lost her foot. Leroy was that foot, and he replaced that foot. He was there through everything. He is the breadwinner of our family. We have a child, and Leroy didn’t even get to build a house or put his family how he wanted to. Nothing he really got a chance to do,” she said.

“This is so short and sudden. The GDF didn’t even call me, even if it was to say he fell, he hit his head or something, that I shouldn’t worry and they will try to see what they can do. Nothing! I found out he died at 11 in the night,” she reiterated.

A post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted on Thom’s body today. (G-9)

$17M in ganja found on abandoned plot of land in Berbice

– GT taxi driver busted with 52lbs in separate operation

Law enforcement officers have unearthed a substantial quantity of marijuana, worth over $17 million, during an operation in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) on Saturday.

Based on reports received, on Saturday, between 20:15h and 21:00h, a party of police ranks carried out several intelligence-led operations at various locations in Region Six, and a brown salt bag was unearthed from under several dried coconut branches in an empty plot of land. Upon examination, the bag contained 39 parcels that each had ganja. A scale was also found at the scene.

52 pounds of marijuana were found in his vehicle. Police have said that, acting on information received, ranks intercepted white Premio motorcar PAC 4402 at Ramp Road, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, and conducted a search on the vehicle, unearthing several parcels that had cannabis wrapped in transparent plastic.

On Saturday also, a 22-year-old taxi driver was arrested after some

The ganja was subsequently weighed, and amounted to 43.57lbs, which has an estimated street value of $17 million.

The suspect, a 22-yearold taxi driver of Shell Road Kitty, Georgetown, was arrested and taken to C.I.D Headquarters, Eve Leary, where he remains in custody.

The late Corporal Leroy Thom

The ganja discovered by police

DDL’s taxed profit for 2023 pegged at $5.9B – Chairman says strong growth of local economy “positively influence” company

Local manufacturing giant, Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), has recorded yet another year of stellar performance with its Group raking in some $5.969 billion in profit after tax in 2023.

This was revealed by the Chairman of the DDL Group, Komal Samaroo, in his annual report on the 2023 financial year. Last year’s $5.9 billion profit after taxation represents an increase of 12 per cent or $648 million over the $5.321 billion recorded in 2022.

The Group's profit before taxation for the year was $7.674 billion, compared to $7.086 billion in 2022 – a growth of $588 million or just over eight per cent. During the reporting period, earnings per share was $7.75 compared to $6.91 in the previous year.

Shareholders' Equity at the end of the year was $53.353 billion, reflecting an increase of approximately 5 per cent on the amount at the end of 2022 when it was $50.934 billion.

Additionally, the Group’s turnover in 2023 was approximately $33.3 billion, representing a growth of $1.9 billion or six per cent over the previous year’s turnover of $31.4 billion.

International revenue grew by three per cent during the reporting year over that of 2022 despite the challenges explained earlier. In addition, domestic revenue increased by seven per cent over that of the previous year. The diversification of the Group and the continued premiumization of its core brands contributed to this growth.

An interim dividend of $0.40 per share was paid to shareholders in December 2023.

The Directors have recommended a final dividend of $1.60 per share which, if approved by shareholders at the upcoming Annual General Meeting this Friday, April 19 at the Guyana National Stadium tarmac, will result in a total dividend of $2.00 per share. In the previous year, dividend payments totalled $1.75 per share.

The dividend paid and proposed for 2023 will, if approved, result in an appropriation of $1.54 billion or 26 per cent of the profit of the Group for the year. In the preceding year, dividends paid required an appropriation of $1.3475 billion

According to Samaroo in his report, 2023 was another successful, but challenging year for the Group.

“The pursuit of diversified growth over the years helped in no small measure to circumvent some of the challenges that resulted from geo-political risks and tensions globally. In addition, the strong growth of the Guyana economy positively influenced the results for the year, resulting in yet another year of continued growth for the Group,” the DDL Chairman noted

He disclosed that the Group recorded its highest level of Capital Expenditure in 2023, as it focused on investments that will expand capacity and modernise its operations as well as allow for greater product and service diversity, and will ultimately grow and sustain revenue within the Group.

Capital Expenditure in the year was over $8.4 billion, almost two-thirds of which was funded from funds generated by the Group, and the balance was funded by a loan from the Inter-American Development Bank Invest (IDB Invest).

The largest investment being pursued has been the major expansion of the Group's Beverage Plant, which is expected to cost around $10 billion to be expended over three years (2022-2025) of implementation. When completed, the production capacity of this operation will almost tripple, providing a wider range of products for both domestic and export markets.

During 2023, the beverage company completed the expansion of a storage bond at the Liquor Bottling Plant at a total cost of $430 million and a Drainage Enhancement Project to the tune of $225 million.

Other major projects are in progress at the end of the reporting year including the Distillery Service Equipment Replacement – the final phase of the distillery production expansion project which when completed will realise the full productive capacity of the plant, making it possible to increase the installed capacity by 25 per cent.

Additionally, the World Trade Centre project on High Street in Georgetown is also in progress and when completed, will offer over 25,000 square feet of modern office space, conferencing facilities and other support services.

Also in progress are DDL’s Moblissa Dairy Project to provide fresh milk for the Topco Packaging Plant, which will also contribute sig-

nificantly to the reduction in the regional food import bill by producing five million liters of fresh cow's milk utilising the most modern agricultural practices; upgrading the port facility of Demerara Shipping Co. Ltd on Water Street in Georgetown, which will position the company to take advantage of the increased volumes of imports and exports of cargoes as a result of rapid growth in the local economy; and a new warehouse to provide additional space for 28,000 barrels of rum for aging to support the growth of the company’s brands. Samaroo explained “These projects are designed to advance the Group's diversification while continuing to build greater competitiveness in its traditional businesses. These investments will position the Group to expand its revenue base as it takes

advantage of new opportunities in a rapidly changing and growing marketplace locally, regionally, and internationally.”

In 2023, DDL developed several new beverage products and also maintained its international quality certifications to support its marketing efforts.

The Group further enhanced focus on retention, engagement, training career advancement and staff welfare matters. Due to the increased demand nationally for both skilled and unskilled employees, new policies have been implemented to better engage existing employees while new employees are more carefully inducted and onboarded in their new positions. A new position of Employee Onboarding and Engagement Manager was created to provide focus and leadership in this area.

According to the Chairman, training continues to be a priority with 51 formal training programmes conducted at DIMATECH, the inhouse training centre of the company, targeting more than 1500 employees in various areas.

Going forward, Samaroo pointed out that the Group's expansion and planned growth will most certainly put it in a strong position to take advantage of the new opportunities being created as Guyana leads the regional food security drive. He added that the company is also continuing its international marketing drive to expand the distribution of its rum brands in unserved markets around the world.

“I believe that with the completion of the several ongoing projects in 2024 we can look forward to strong growth in future years,” the DDL Chairman stated. (G-8)

First Lady, Mexican Ambassador...

The activity formed part of the First Lady’s Adopt-an-Orphanage initiative which aims to provide financial and psychosocial support to children in institutional care. The children were treated to a spectacular display of performing arts, acrobatics, and comedy from one of the main attractions –the clowns.

It was evident that the activity was thoroughly enjoyed by the children whose faces beamed with joy throughout the show. The children also enjoyed Mexican snow cones and popcorn which were provided to them during the show.

“Providing vulnerable children with opportunities like these is very important for their holistic development. It improves their emotional well-be-

ing and their social skills, which impact their ability to lead independent, successful lives,” the First Lady stated.

More than that, she said that the President’s One Guyana platform speaks directly to the inclusion of every Guyanese and every group at every level of society.

“Our children, regardless of their circumstance or situation, must be included in activities which ordinary Guyanese are able to enjoy. They must be able to share similar experiences and be able to feel included in our society,” Mrs. Ali stressed.

For his part, Ambassador Vizcaíno who facilitated the activity, said that he was delighted to be part of an initiative which helps to put a smile on the fac-

es of children and adds value to their lives. “For Mexico, it is a great honour to share the talent and work of the artists of the Suarez Brothers’ Circus with all our Guyanese friends, but especially with this group of wonderful girls and boys who had the opportunity to come from different parts of Guyana to enjoy the show,” the Ambassador shared. He credited the First Lady and her office for partnering with the Mexican Embassy in Georgetown to host what he described as a special activity for Guyana’s children. The Suarez Brothers Circus out of Mexico is one of the more popular circuses in the world, featuring more than 30 different acts.

Chairman of DDL Group, Komal Samaroo

Regional

7 families join together to sue State after babies die at PoS hospital

Seven families whose babies died of neonatal sepsis over four days at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Port-of-Spain General Hospital (P0SGH) have joined together to file a class action lawsuit for medical negligence against the hospital.

The parents, Shaniya Raymond-Adams, Natasha Samuel, Shaquille Harry, Danyelle Samaroo, Tinelle Saunders, Jodie Molino, and Shirese Moore-Beckles, are being represented by former Attorney General Anand Ramlogan, SC. Ramlogan issued a nine-page letter to the Chief Executive Officer of the North West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA) Saturday outlining his proposed intent “to file an unprecedented class action claim for medical negligence based on the mass death of seven innocent babies.”

He said the families were contacted over the weekend to attend a meeting with top-level officials in the NWRHA

and expressly reserve the right to add further claimants to this class action claim for medical negligence. In the meantime, we seek full, frank disclosure regarding the number of babies that have died at the PoSGH since January 1, 2024, to present,” the letter said.

cal negligence cases in which we have reason to believe that the medical notes and records were doctored and changed.

In other cases, the entire file containing the patient’s medical notes and records mysteriously vanished. We, therefore, see these concerns

as legitimate and reasonable and therefore urge you to disclose our client’s medical records,” the letter said.

The letter said that a baby who was “suffering from a serious viral infection was transferred from the St Clair Medical Centre to the

NICU in circumstances where the risk of transmission and exposure to infection was reasonably foreseeable.”

It said that no attempt was made to properly isolate our clients’ babies to prevent infection. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Saturday, but raised concerns about the purpose of the meeting, who would be in attendance, and whether the families were allowed legal representatives.

“While seven deaths have been exposed by the media, we wish to make it clear that we are still in the process of assessing the true impact and scale of this tragedy, as several other parents have since contacted us with similar horror stories regarding their experience at the PoSGH and the negligent death of their babies.

“We are, therefore, in the process of taking the necessary instructions

Ramlogan said the families have expressed grave concern about the integrity of the medical notes and records for the mothers and their babies. Despite requesting these documents multiple times, they have yet to receive them.

“They are troubled by the bureaucratic stonewalling and continuing failure and/or refusal to provide these critical documents. They are worried that the medical notes and records could be changed and altered to fabricate a defence or mitigate the negligent conduct of the medical staff at the PoSGH,” the letter stated.

“We appreciate and understand our client’s fears and anxieties on this issue, because we are involved in medi-

Brazilian authorities open investigation into boat with decomposed bodies

The Brazilian federal prosecutors office and Para state's federal police said in statements on Saturday that they will open investigations following reports of a boat found with decomposed bodies off the coast of the northern Brazilian State.

Federal Police say experts and forensic teams have been deployed to the remote area.

"One of the main objectives is to find out who the people on the boat

were, using Disaster Victim Identification protocols", the statement said.

The number, nationality, and cause of death of the victims is not yet known, Federal Police confirmed.

Brazilian federal prosecutors’ office said that some local Para news reports claim there could be up to 20 bodies on the boat and that they were Haitian migrants. Reuters has been unable to independently verify this in-

formation.

The boat was found by fishermen in an area known as Barra do Quatipuru, near Ajuruteua beach in Braganca, in the northeast of the state.

Videos have been circulating on social media which allegedly show the fishermen making the discovery of the adrift boat.

Local Police and Government did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment. (Reuters)

Former Surinamese President Bouterse ineligible to enter United States

The United States on Friday imposed sanctions on former Surinamese President Desi Bouterse and six former Surinamese military officials for alleged “gross violations of human rights.”

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, who made the announcement, said the decision of the US Government follows the conviction of Bouterse and the six other ex-military officers for their part in the so-called “December Murders”, a crime in which soldiers led by Bouterse executed 15 political opponents in Fort Zeelandia on December 8, 1982.

Bouterse was then commander of the army and de facto head of the Government of Suriname, after coming to power through a military coup on February 25, 1980.

Four family members of the seven convicted ex-military officers are also banned from entering the US.

However, their names were not mentioned in the statement.

“The United States is today announcing the designations of former Surinamese President Bouterse and six former Surinamese military officials: Benny Brondenstein, Stephanus Marinus Dendoe, Iwan Dijksteel, Ernst Gefferie, Kenneth Kempes, and Lucien Lewis pursuant

to Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, due to their involvement in extrajudicial killings of political opponents during the “December Murders” of 1982. These individuals and four family members are generally ineligible for entry into the United States,” the statement said.

It further stated that the United States commends Suriname for its commitment to the rule of law, including its effort to maintain judicial independence and combat official impunity.

Bouterse and the seven ex-soldiers were sentenced to long prison terms by the Court Martial on November 19, 2019.

The ex-army leader was given an unconditional prison sentence of 20 years, while Brondenstein, Gefferie, Dijksteel, Lewis and Kempes were given sentences ranging from 10 to 15 years.

Dijksteel, Bouterse,

Dendoe, Gefferie and Bronstein appealed against the verdict, but in December last year, the Court of Justice confirmed the convictions.

Brondenstein and Dendoe checked themselves into a penal institution in January and are currently serving their sentences.

However, Bouterse and Dijksteel did not show up and are still on the run.

After an arrest warrant was issued against them nationally by the Public Prosecution Service, Bouterse and Dijksteel were placed on Interpol’s international wanted list.

Earlier this week , several civil society organisations and relatives of the victims of the December murders sent an open letter to President C Santokhi and the Attorney General urging that the authorities make more efforts to track down and arrest Bouterse and Dijksteel, so that their imprisonment may be imposed.

(Nation News)

Former Attorney General Anand Ramlogan, SC.

Former Surinamese President Desi Bouterse

Around the World OIL NEWS

Oil seen opening up after Iran's attack on Israel

Oil prices, which hit a six-month high on Friday, are expected to rise on today after Iran's attack on Israel over the weekend, analysts said, but further gains may depend on how Israel chooses to respond.

Iran launched explosive drones and missiles at Israel late on Saturday in retaliation for a suspected Israeli attack on its consulate in Syria on April 1, a first direct attack on Israeli territory that has stoked fears of a wider regional conflict.

China said it was concerned by what it called discriminatory measures by the EU against its firms.

Concern that Iran would respond to the strike on its embassy compound in Damascus supported oil last week and helped send global benchmark Brent crude on Friday to US$92.18 a barrel, the highest since October.

Brent settled that day up 71 cents at US$90.45, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose 64 cents to US$85.66. Trading is closed on Sunday.

"It is only reasonable to expect stronger prices when trading resumes," said Tamas Varga of oil broker PVM. "Having said that, there has been no impact on production so far and Iran has said that 'the matter can be deemed concluded'.

"However fierce and painful the initial market reaction will be, the rally could prove to be short-lived unless supply from the region is materially disrupted."

Leaders of the Group of Seven major economies condemned Iran's attack and reaffirmed the G7's commitment to Israel's security during a meeting on Sunday regarding the development, the White House said in a post on X.

The G7 leaders discussed sanctions against Iran, a senior US Administration official said.

"There will probably be a knee-jerk jump in oil and potentially natural gas prices when markets open in Asian trading hours, although crude was already pricing in a fair amount of geopolitical risk in anticipation of an Iranian strike," said Amrita Sen, co-founder of consultancy Energy Aspects.

"If the crisis does not escalate to a point that creates supply disruptions, then there will be downside risk over time, but only once it becomes clear Israel has chosen a measured response," she said.

Iran oil exports in view

UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo said oil might spike at the opening and how long any gains last would depend on Israel's response. Whether or not the G7 decides to target Iranian crude oil exports is also a factor, he added.

Iran has steeply raised oil exports – its main source of revenue –under the Joe Biden Administration. Exports were severely reduced under Biden's predecessor Donald Trump, who faces Biden in a presidential election rematch in November.

The Biden Administration has argued it is not encouraging Iran to raise exports and is enforcing sanctions.

Lower Iranian exports would lead to a further rise in oil prices and the cost of gasoline in the United States, a politically sensitive subject ahead of the elections.

Another factor to watch will be any impact on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of the volume of the world's total oil consumption passes daily.

The commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guard's navy said on Tuesday Tehran could close the strait if deemed necessary, and earlier on Saturday Iran's State-run IRNA news agency reported a Guards helicopter had boarded and taken into Iranian waters a vessel, the Portuguese-flagged MSC Aries

"Crude prices already included a risk premium, and the extent to which it will widen further almost exclusively depends on developments near Iran around the Strait of Hormuz," said Ole Hansen at Saxo Bank.

In comments that he said might be going against the stream, Viktor Katona, lead crude analyst at Kpler, said he thought the Iranian attack was slightly bearish for crude.

"The market expected a pathway to World War III, but Iran saying it considers its retaliation to be over would lower the risk of a bigger regional conflagration," he said.

(Reuters)

US will not take part in any Israeli retaliatory action against Iran

President Joe Biden warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the US will not take part in a counter-offensive against Iran, an option Netanyahu's War Cabinet favours after a mass drone and missile attack on Israeli territory, according to officials.

The threat of open warfare erupting between the arch Middle East foes and dragging in the United States put the region on edge, triggering calls for restraint from global powers and Arab nations to avoid further escalation.

"The Middle East is on the brink. The people of the region are confronting a real danger of a devastating full-scale conflict. Now is the time to defuse and de-escalate," United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres told a Security Council meeting called on Sunday in response to the strikes.

Deputy US

Objects are seen in the sky over Amman after Iran launched drones towards Israel, in Amman, Jordan, April 14 (Reuters)

Ambassador to the UN, Robert Wood called on the Council to unequivocally condemn Iran's attack, as he said Washington would explore additional, unspecified measures at the United Nations to hold Iran accountable and warned against further aggression.

"Let me be clear: if Iran or its proxies take actions against the United States or further action against Israel, Iran will be held responsible," he said.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said that while the United States does not seek escalation, it will continue to take all

necessary action to defend Israel and US personnel, a Pentagon spokesperson said.

Israeli officials said Netanyahu's five-member War Cabinet favoured retaliation in a meeting on Sunday, although the panel was divided over the timing and scale of any such response.

Iran launched the attack over a suspected Israeli strike on its embassy compound in Syria on April 1 that killed top Revolutionary Guards commanders and followed months of clashes between Israel and Iran's regional allies, triggered by the war in Gaza.

However, the attack by more than 300 missiles and drones caused only modest damage in Israel. Most were shot down by Israel's Iron Dome defence system and with help from the US, Britain, France, and Jordan. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Sudan's uprooted millions pay price for year-long war

After fleeing from the war in Sudan to Egypt, Mohamed Ismail says his ambitions are limited to putting food in the mouths of his five children from a meagre monthly salary of about US$100 earned at a paper factory in Giza.

One seven-year-old son sleeps in his arms because of the trauma of hearing explosions before they fled from the outskirts of the Sudanese capital,

Khartoum, in January.

A year of war between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has driven more than 8.5 million persons from their homes, creating the world's largest displacement crisis and uprooting families multiple times as people struggle to escape to neighbouring countries with economic and security problems of their own.

Financial challenges

have led some to return to the war-stricken capital.

"Being safe somewhere is the most important thing," said Ismail, 42. "We're not even thinking about education because the economic situation doesn't allow that. As a parent that really impacts you, but we are helpless."

Sudan's war erupted on April 15, 2023, over a planned political transition under which the army, led by Abdel Fattah al-Bur-

han, and the RSF, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, were competing to protect their interests.

Fighting tore through the capital and unleashed waves of ethnically-driven violence in the western region of Darfur, before spreading to other areas including Gezira state, an important farming region that became an aid hub where many had sought refuge.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Ukraine's top commander says Russia aims to capture Chasiv Yar by May 9

Ukraine's top commander said on Sunday Russian forces aimed to capture the town of Chasiv Yar by May 9, setting the stage for an important battle for control of high ground in the east where Russia is focusing its assaults.

The fall of the town west of the shattered city of Bakhmut by the date Moscow marks the Soviet victory in World War Two would indicate growing Russian battlefield mo-

mentum as Kyiv faces a slowdown in Western military aid.

Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi, who warned this weekend that the situation in the east had deteriorated, said Russia was focusing its efforts west of occupied Bakhmut to try to capture Chasiv Yar before moving towards the city of Kramatorsk.

Chasiv Yar in the Donetsk region lies 5-10 kilometres (3-6 miles)

from Bakhmut, the devastated city captured by Russian forces in May last year after months of bloody fighting.

Kyiv's brigades were holding back the assaults near Chasiv Yar for now and had been reinforced with ammunition, drones and electronic warfare devices, he said in a statement on the Telegram messenger.

"The threat remains relevant, taking into account the fact that the

higher Russian military leadership has set its troops the task of capturing Chasiv Yar by May 9," he said, without elaborating. Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, writing on Facebook, said he visited Ukrainian units on the eastern front on Sunday and described the situation as "tense", with Russia trying to make headway in areas west of Bakhmut.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

DAILY

(March 21-April 19)

(April 20-May 20)

(May 21-June 20)

(June 21-July 22)

(July 23-Aug. 22)

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Walk away from drama. Focus on getting things done and sticking to your agenda. Look over your investments and adjust whatever needs updating. Look for an opportunity, and you’ll discover a path to new beginnings. Work to stabilize, not to disrupt.

Be creative, step outside your comfort zone and try something new. A change will revitalize you and encourage you to visualize what you want. Hesitation will lead to regret.

Stop being so accommodating and start to do things that fulfill your needs. Be a good listener, but don’t take on other people’s battles. Put personal goals first and focus on fitness.

Take the initiative and strive for a position that will increase your profile and get you closer to your objective. Refrain from letting anyone talk you into something that will slow you down.

Be a leader, set the pace and put your energy where it counts. Don’t expect everyone to understand or help you. Think about what matters most, and focus your energy there.

Shake things up, try something different and change your routine or location. Be careful when dealing with money. Know what you are willing to do before you commit.

Keep your head down, stay out of trouble and go about your business. Make financial adjustments to suit your lifestyle. Refuse to bicker over trivial matters. Compromise will be crucial.

Tidy up and move on to something more enjoyable or creative. An energetic approach will encourage positive change and give you an edge over anyone who cares to compete with you.

Don’t let someone else handle sensitive issues. Trust yourself. Acquire knowledge and upgrade your skills. Pay attention to detail and look for efficient alternatives.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Rely on yourself if you want things done correctly. A domestic change will help eliminate tension and distance you from situations causing you grief. Avoid unnecessary arguments.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Think twice before agreeing to participate in a joint venture. Offer suggestions, but don’t make any commitments or leave yourself liable for someone else’s mistakes.

Carry on, do your thing and enjoy the results. Refuse to let anyone pressure you into changing your course. Consider who and what are disposable and distance yourself from dead weight.

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

PICKLES ARCHIE

Indian Premier League 2024…

Kolkatha Knight Riders thump Lucknow Super Giants by 8 wickets

– Phil Salt, Mitchell Starc headline win

Phil Salt and Mitchell

Starc made it a Bengali New Year to remember for Kolkata Knight Riders fans at Eden Gardens, as they helped the hosts to thump Lucknow Super Giants by eight wickets on Sunday.

Starc picked up important LSG wickets to finish with 3 for 28, his best figures of the season, while Salt led the charge in the chase with an unbeaten 47-ball 89. KKR now sit second on the points table, having begun a string of five straight home games in fabulous fashion.

KKR were also left chasing a comfortable target, courtesy of their spinners' efforts in the middle overs. They did not let LSG break away, despite having wickets in hand.

Sunil Narine took 1 for

17 in four, while Varun Chakravarthy claimed 1 for 30. Together, their eight overs went for only 5.88 per over.

As for LSG, there were two silver linings, provided by Nicholas Pooran and Mohsin Khan. From No. 6, Pooran struck four sixes and two fours to make a 32-ball 45, to give LSG a competitive total; while

SCOREBOARD

Lucknow Super Giants (20 ovs maximum)

Quinton de Kock c Narine

b Arora 10

KL Rahul (c)† c Ramandeep Singh

b Russell 39

Deepak Hooda c Ramandeep Singh

b Starc 8

Ayush Badoni c Raghuvanshi

b Narine 29

Marcus Stoinis c †Salt

b Varun 10

Nicholas Pooran c †Salt

b Starc 45

Krunal Pandya not out 7

Arshad Khan b Starc 5

Extras (lb 1, nb 1, w 6) 8

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 8.05) 161/7

Did not bat: Mohsin Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, Shamar Joseph, Yash Thakur

Fall of wickets: 1-19 (Quinton de Kock, 1.5 ov), 2-39 (Deepak Hooda, 4.4 ov), 3-78 (KL Rahul, 10.2 ov), 4-95 (Marcus Stoinis, 11.4 ov), 5-111 (Ayush Badoni, 14.4 ov), 6-155 (Nicholas Pooran, 19.1 ov), 7-161 (Arshad Khan, 19.6 ov) •

DRS

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Mitchell Starc 4-0-28-3

Vaibhav Arora 3-0-34-1

Harshit Rana 4-0-35-0

Sunil Narine 4-0-17-1

Varun Chakravarthy 4-0-30-1

Andre Russell 1-0-16-1

Kolkata Knight Riders (T: 162 runs from 20 ovs)

Phil Salt †not out 89

Sunil Narine c Stoinis

b Mohsin Khan 6

Angkrish Raghuvanshi c †Rahul

b Mohsin Khan 7

Shreyas Iyer (c) not out 38

Extras (b 1, lb 5, nb 3, w 13) 22

TOTAL 15.4 Ov (RR: 10.34) 162/2

Did not bat: Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Mitchell Starc, Vaibhav Arora, Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh

Fall of wickets: 1-22 (Sunil Narine, 1.3 ov), 2-42 (Angkrish Raghuvanshi, 3.1 ov) •

DRS BOWLING O-M-R-W

Shamar Joseph 4-0-47-0

Mohsin Khan 4-0-29-2

Krunal Pandya 1-0-14-0

Yash Thakur 2-0-25-0

Arshad Khan 2-0-24-0

Ravi Bishnoi 2.4-0-17-0

Mohsin picked up the only two KKR wickets to fall, both in the powerplay.

play. That helped KKR stay on course, even as Sunil Narine and Angkrish Raghuvanshi fell cheaply. He clubbed Krunal Pandya for a hattrick of boundaries in the third over, and that set up a 58-run powerplay.

On 31, Salt was dropped again at deepsquare leg in the seventh over, and it perhaps made him tentative for a couple of overs. But Salt again found momentum in the tenth over, bowled by Arshad Khan (the bowler paying the price for hav-

Salt shakes up LSG

After the game, KL Rahul described the defeat as a "proper hammering", and the prime reason for that was Salt. Having been dismissed for a duck in Chennai in KKR's previous game, Salt was very nearly out for a duck again, when he clipped debutant Shamar Joseph to short-fine leg. Luckily for Salt, Yash Thakur dropped him; and even if he hadn't, Joseph's frontfoot no-ball would've given him a reprieve anyway.

After that let-off, Salt finished the first over with a six down the ground, and then continued to go for it through the power-

ing dropped him three overs earlier). Salt struck consecutive fours in the tenth, to reach his fifty in 26 balls and bring up KKR's hundred inside ten overs.

Salt then began to apply the finishing touches when he struck Thakur for three fours in the 14th over, followed by a massive six over midwicket off Mohsin in the 15th. His pull for four in the 16th over off a half-tracker from Bishnoi summed up both the KKR batting innings and the LSG bowling performance.

From the other end, Shreyas Iyer made up for a slow start to finish un-

beaten for the second time this season. He did not need to take risks, given Salt's brisk scoring and the two early wickets.

He played aggressive shots only as the target got closer. He struck Ravi Bishnoi and Arshad for boundaries through the middle overs, to move from 6 off 12 to finish unbeaten on 38 off 38. He was particularly strong off his hips, as the LSG pacers erred by bowling too many times on a legstump line. His unbroken partnership of 120 with Salt was the highest third-wicket stand for KKR in the IPL.

Starc leads KKR's bowling charge

After Vaibhav Arora struck early to remove Quinton de Kock, Shreyas gave Starc a third powerplay over in the afternoon heat in hope of finding another wicket. He did that when an out-of-form Deepak Hooda sliced him to backward point in the fifth over.

Rahul and the No. 4 Ayush Badoni then consolidated to take LSG to 72 for 2 in ten overs. However, Rahul's attempt to up his scoring rate resulted in his dismissal. Rahul struck Andre

Russell for a six to start the 11th over, but while attempting a repeat next ball, he holed out for 39 at deep midwicket. That brought in Marcus Stoinis, but his stay was short-lived when, deceived by Varun, he inside-edged a catch to the off-side, which the wicketkeeper Salt smartly collected.

At 109 for 4 in 14 overs, LSG were at risk of finishing well under-par. The situation become more dire when Badoni top-edged Narine in the 15th for a laboured 27ball 29. Narine conceded no boundaries as he finished with 1 for 17.

But while Pooran was around, LSG still had hope, and he offered just that with his 32-ball 45. He went after the inexperienced pair of Harshit Rana and Arora in the death overs, helping LSG score 29 runs off the 18th and 19th overs. However, Starc stopped further damage in the 20th over when he had Pooran nicking behind off the first ball. That ensured LSG scored only 52 runs off the final six overs, with Starc embellishing his returns with a third wicket off the final delivery of the innings.

Phil Salt in full form - with gloves and bat

Nicholas Pooran kept alive LSG's quest for a challenging total

Shamar Joseph's first over on IPL debut went for 22

Mumbai Indians go down to Chennai Super Kings

– as Pathirana's four-for overshadows Rohit's ton Indian Premier League 2024…

Sensational defensive bowling from Chennai Super Kings did what might have seemed unthinkable: successfully defend a total in the night at Wankhede Stadium. And it was not a huge total: pushed just over 200 by an MS Dhoni cameo of 20 off the last four balls of the innings, after Shivam Dube had continued his dream season with an unbeaten 66 off 38.

For large parts, it was a contest that fit the billing: between the two most successful teams in the IPL, and two of the three most popular teams. For large parts, it seemed defending champions CSK would be outgunned. Jasprit Bumrah restricted them with four overs for just 27, and the Mumbai innings looked like it was going smoothly, but Matheesha Pathirana

Cat and mouse for starters

This match was also a tactical classic from both sides. CSK promoted Ajinkya Rahane to open, because he was carrying a niggle and they thought it was better if he just batted in the powerplay. In

off 31. Rohit dropped him, and Gaikwad took 29 off nine before he got out.

Bumrah stifles but Hardik blinks

Hardik started reining in CSK with clever use of a wide slower ball

a way it worked tactically too: Ruturaj Gaikwad hasn't been going at a million miles an hour in

started the comeback with two wickets in his first over.

Still, Mumbai were favourites going into the last seven, needing 83 with eight wickets in hand; but their fast bowlers, led by Pathirana, executed their plans of making batters hit into the bigger part perfectly, and they eventually won by 20 runs.

Rohit Sharma scored a century, but it was only to Mumbai's detriment: he scored just 14 off 14 between overs 13 to 18, and then found another wind when the task had become mathematically impossible.

the powerplay, and could also be there for when Bumrah bowled. Either way, Rahane didn't last, and Gaikwad had to come out in the second over.

Mumbai then started to bowl cheap overs of spin before Dube got a chance to bat.

When Dube came in, that was it for spin, and Bumrah came back to bowl a second over inside the first ten for only the second time this IPL. Except that Mumbai did have to bowl overs of less-thanexpress pace. Dube took a toll on Hardik Pandya and Romario Shepherd as Gaikwad slowed down from his starts of 24 off 12 to offer a catch on 39

The assist came from Mustafizur Rahman, who took it overhead, flicked it back up, stepped outside, and came back to take the catch.

The middle overs

Ravindra Jadeja bowled four overs on the trot for 37, which is commendable in dewy conditions on a Mumbai night. Rohit, though, seemed to have overcome his recent threat of left-arm spin by taking 22 off 13 Jadeja deliveries. Runs kept coming from the other end until Pathirana came back.

A defensive masterclass

It was all in Pathirana's basket now. Three overs to bowl out of seven, with Mumbai needing just 83 and hav-

Rohit Sharma kept going, but Mumbai Indians had lost too many wickets in the chase

ing all the firepower in the dugout. Pathirana began with a dot to push it over two a ball for the first time. Then a subtle slower ball got the fluent Tilak Varma out. Then both former and current captains of Mumbai froze.

Shardul Thakur followed that over with

to get Gaikwad. Then Bumrah just bowled two ruthless overs full of attempted yorkers. Only one boundary came off the 17th and 19th, leaving CSK at 180 for 3. The problem for Mumbai was that they had to now go to Hardik, Shepherd or spin for the last over.

The captain took the challenge on, but came a distant second to Dhoni, offering him the length to hit a hat-trick of sixes. Dhoni's IPL this year: 25 balls, 59 runs, no dismissal.

Pathirana has to intervene

Yet again, Mumbai started like they would make short work of a target around 200, after gunning RCB's 196 down in 15.3 overs. Rohit and Ishan Kishan looked smooth and brutal. Seven overs, 70 runs, not a sweat broken.

Enter Pathirana, coming back from an injury break. The first ball was a loose one on the pads, and Kishan found midwicket with precision. Six feet on either side and it would have left a hole in the boundary boards. However, following that lucky break, Pathirana was sensational. He welcomed Suryakumar Yadav with a 151.2kmph wide yorker, and followed it up with a wide bouncer with the deep third placed fine just for the ramp.

How many wickets for the match, Matheesha?

Chennai Super Kings (20

Daryl Mitchell c Mohammad Nabi

b Pandya 17

MS Dhoni † not out 20

Extras (lb 3, w 5) 8

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 10.30) 206/4

Did not bat: Ravindra Jadeja, Sameer Rizvi, Shardul Thakur, Tushar Deshpande, Mustafizur Rahman, Matheesha Pathirana

Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Ajinkya Rahane, 1.4 ov), 2-60 (Rachin Ravindra, 7.5 ov), 3-150 (Ruturaj Gaikwad, 15.2 ov), 4-186 (Daryl Mitchell, 19.2 ov) • BOWLING O-M-R-W

Mohammad Nabi 3-0-19-0

Gerald Coetzee 4-0-35-1

Jasprit Bumrah 4-0-27-0

Akash Madhwal 3-0-37-0

Shreyas Gopal 1-0-9-1

Hardik Pandya 3-0-43-2

Romario Shepherd 2-0-33-0

Mumbai Indians

(T: 207 runs from 20 ovs)

Rohit Sharma not out 105

Ishan Kishan † c Thakur

b Pathirana 23

Suryakumar Yadav c Mustafizur

Rahman b Pathirana 0

Tilak Varma c Thakur

b Pathirana 31

Hardik Pandya (c) c Jadeja

b Despande 2

Tim David c Ravindra

b Mustafizur Rahman 13

Romario Shepherd

b Pathirana 1

Mohammad Nabi not out 4

Extras (b 1, lb 1, w 5) 7

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 9.30) 186/6

Did not bat: Shreyas Gopal, Jasprit Bumrah, Gerald Coetzee

Fall of wickets: 1-70 (Ishan Kishan, 7.1 ov), 2-70 (Suryakumar Yadav, 7.3 ov), 3-130 (Tilak Varma, 13.5 ov), 4-134 (Hardik Pandya, 15.3 ov), 5-148 (Tim David, 16.3 ov), 6-157 (Romario Shepherd, 17.3 ov) •

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Tushar Deshpande 4-0-29-1

Mustafizur Rahman 4-0-55-1

Shardul Thakur 4-0-35-0

Ravindra Jadeja 4-0-37-0

Matheesha Pathirana 4-0-28- 4

wide-line slower balls. Both Rohit and Hardik faced three each for a single each. A frustrated Hardik even wasted a review on a wide. Tushar Deshpande followed it up with a boundary-less over and the wicket of Hardik. Rohit seemed to have run out of gas and timing.

Tim David raised some hope with successive sixes off Mustafizur, but he again went wide and out of David's reach to get the wicket. Pathirana provided the finishing touch by rattling Shepherd's stumps with a quick, straight delivery, the license for which he got because he had the bigger leg-side boundary to play with.

However, it was the slower balls from the other end that complemented Pathirana. At one point, they had bowled 13 for just four runs. They ended up with 27 slower balls for 36 runs, which was still way better than Mumbai's execution of the delivery. (ESPNCricinfo)

MS Dhoni hit three sixes off his first three balls

Jasprit Bumrah in delivery stride

KFC Elite League…

stay perfect

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Football Club and Slingerz FC continued their winning ways on Saturday night to maintain their positions at the top of the KFC Elite League points table.

The Sixth Season of the Elite League continued with a doubleheader at the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF’s) National Training Centre (NTC) at Providence, East Bank Demerara as Slingerz FC drubbed a dismal Buxton United 6-0.

The League’s current highest goal scorer, Marcus Tudor, extended his already long tally by opening the scoring for Slingerz in the 36th minute, and recording a goal 3 minutes later to make it a 2-0 game. The half ended 2-0, as Buxton managed to hold off the Slingerz assault of their net.

Gabriel De Souza continued the scoring for the West Demerara Football Association (WDFA) team in the 55th minute, after which Darron Niles went on to complete his hattrick.

Western Tigers (yellow) could not hold off the marauding GDF for more than 45 minutes

Niles found the back of the net in the 60th, 83rd and 90th+2 minutes to cap off Slingerz’s dominant win.

In the following game, Western Tigers challenged the defending Champions GDF FC, but could maintain their intensity for only the first 45 minutes. The first half ended in a goalless affair, as both defensive lines worked over time to keep each other at bay. However, GDF came back more determined in the second half, and were finally rewarded with a goal

off the boots of Abumuchi Benjamin in the 50th minute.

Seven minutes later, Stephen McDonald extended GDF’s tally, while Sherwyn Caesar added the cherry on top, in the 90th+2, for GDF’s 3-0 win.

The KFC Elite League will continue this Thursday, April 18, with a solitary game on the cards. A much-needed three points will be up for grabs by either Santos FC or Monedderlust FC in a clash scheduled to begin at 19:00hrs.

GCB U19 Male Super50…

Berbice, Demerara continue unbeaten streak

Berbice and Demerara managed to stay unbeaten in Round Two of the Guyana Cricket Board’s (GCB) male Under-19 Super50 tournament, which saw scores of runs and wickets recorded.

At the Lusignan Ground, Berbice managed to bag their second victory as they conquered the Select XI, winning by ten wickets.

The Select XI won the toss and sent the Berbicians in to field. The Berbice outfit took full advantage of the opportunity and bowled out the Select XI for 100 in 33.0 overs within 2 hours and 8 minutes. Deonarine Dindyal led the batting attack as he managed to top-score with 52 runs. Ari Afrizel Kadir (26) and Andres Fraser (15) contributed.

Salim Khan and Kumar Deopersaud performed excellently with the ball, taking a hat-trick of wickets. Afraz Budhoo took two wickets, while Okasie Boyce and Matthew Pottaya each took one wicket.

Rampertab Ramnauth came out and showed out for Berbice as he led the bat-

ting attack, scoring a fabulous 77 runs. He was not alone, as his fellow opener Rampersaud Ramnauth scored 51 runs as they chased the total score to win the game within 23.3 overs.

The Essequibo outfit fell victim to Demerara’s class, as Demerara secured a 48–run victory at the Malteenoos Sports Ground.

The Essequibo outfit won the toss and elected to field first. Demerara took full advantage of their opportunity to hit 214 runs within 45.4 overs, with Zachary Jodah top-scoring with 40 runs. Along with Jonathon Van Lange’s 29 runs, Alvin Mohabir contributed 26 runs.

Golcharran Chulai, with his line and length, consis-

tency proved to be pivotal in Essequibo’s bowling attack, as he managed to disturb his opponent's stumps on three occasions. Myhiem Khan and Darwin Joseph each took two wickets, while Bruce Vincent, Shaziff Mohammed and Rajindra Ramballi each contributed one wicket.

Despite a man-of-thematch performance of 73 runs from Thaddeus Lovell, the Demerara bowlers showed their class with Krishna Singh and Riyad Latiff taking three wickets each; followed by Jonathon Van Lange with two wickets and Anthony Lim with one wicket.

The GCB U19 Super50 tournament continues on Tuesday, April 16.

Fruta/CPCE/Nexgen golf tournament a massive success

The inaugural CPCE/ Nexgen golf drive, chip and putt tournament, sponsored by Guyana Beverages’ Fruta and Turbo brands, was held on the grounds of the CPCE campus at Turkeyen on Saturday, April 13, and was, by all measures, a massive success!

The no-fee event attracted over 60 players, while food, beverages and snacks were provided at no cost. The result was a fierce competition, with the final scores reflecting the intensity of the teams, as evidenced by roars of excitement as players scored and groans of despair when they failed to achieve top points.

The 4-person teams showed up in team colours representing Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 9, and a wide range of ages was represented, from Grade 7 sec-

A look at the participants in the

ondary schools (Bladen Hall Multilateral and New Campbellville Secondary) to trainee and graduate teachers, along with community players, all vying for prizes donated by Pegasus Hotel & Suites, KFC, Guyana Beverages, Nexgen Golf Academy, and CPCE.

"This is the first, but definitely not the last golf tournament that CPCE will host," said Registrar Ms. Kevaun Sears. "The atmosphere was electric, and persons who never experienced golf were blown away by the experience. We are grateful to Mr. Hussain and Nexgen Golf

Academy, our sponsors, 2022 PE Majors, and Sirs Stanley Alkey and Kurt Braithwaite who made this possible."

The winners were as follows:

First: Electric Super 4 (Triston Ramkarran; Godfrey Rodrigues;

Some of the action in the Fruta/CPCE/Nexgen tournament

Benicia Charles; Ariana Williams); Second: WildOut (Vanicia Stephen; Veron Wyatt, Amari Harlequinn; Serena Kassim); Third: Foul Assassins 1975 (Carthy Hanlong; Leston Smith; Nicole Braithwaite; Nafeeza Harris).

All Female team: CPCE Registration (Kevaun Sears; Dawn Hiles; Jessica Ali; Alicia Griffith).

All Male team 1st: New

Campbellville Secondary (Jeydon Robertson; Mannesseh McDonald; Dustin Jackson, Deeran Persaud); All Male team 2nd: The Golf Giants (Titus Persaud; Seion Harry; Lesle Thompson; Neri Danielle).

Highest individual scores from 1st-7th: Ronick Harvey, Ariana Williams, Godfrey Benjamin, Keshana Ault, Tristan Ramkarran, Javon Charles, Nafeeza Harris.

Rampertab Ramnauth

Fruta/CPCE/Nexgen tournament