Guyana times - Monday, April 1, 2024

CCJ mourns passing of Chief Justice Michael de la Bastide Venezuelan duo in custody for US$2.6M cocaine bust at Vergenoegen

…says ExxonMobil also committed to net zero by 2050

PPP/C is about bringing people together – GS Jagdeo

…says Party has been working steadfastly

Guyana’s non-oil economic growth

2nd fastest in world –Natural Resources Min …dispels myth that country is dependent on oil for economic growth

to transform lives of all Guyanese

11 murder cases among 42 disposed of during Demerara January Criminal Assizes

US-based Guyanese nabbed with gun, ammo at horse race meet – attempted to bribe Police with $500,000

Essequibo businessman pumps $30M to transform rice fields into community playground Duo arrested after 13lbs ganja found in freezer at East Canje

Twinning of Guyana, Barbados, St Lucia ecotourism products in progress – GO-Invest CEO …says Guyana attracting interest from local, int’l eco-developers

EPA, farmers must come to a compromise amid concern over burning rice fields – Agri Minister

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Monday, April 1 –22:00h-23:30h and Tuesday, April 2 – 23:30h-01:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, April 1 –08:05h-09:35h and Tuesday, April 2 – 09:55h-11:25h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery to light rain showers are expected until the early-afternoon hours followed by sunny conditions. Clear to partly cloudy skies are expected at night. Temperatures should range between 24 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 2.23 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 08:47h and 21:41h reaching maximum heights of 2.31 metres and 2.10 metres.

Low Tide: 15:03h reaching a minimum height of 0.93 metre.

COMMODITIES

Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)

President Alistair

Routledge has disclosed that the emissions from oil giant ExxonMobil’s local operations are 30 per cent lower than the rest of its upstream operations.

Routledge made this disclosure during an appearance on the BBC show HardTalk when he was interviewed by host Stephen Sackur. Routledge was quizzed about the volume of carbon emissions that was likely to be released throughout oil extraction in Guyana and the concerns of some environmentalists.

However, the oil executive maintained that Exxon approaches oil exploration with lowered emissions in mind and that the emissions were actually quite low compared to its other upstream operations in other countries.

er intensity than from the rest of our upstream operations.

“With the projects and the developments we’re doing here, investing in the latest technology, lowered emission intensity developments, we’re reducing the overall emissions footprint of operations today. And as a corporation, we’re

clude, among other things, a fee of US$30 per tonne of flared excess carbon emissions.

This fee was subsequently increased to US$45 per tonne. Background flaring is within the legally-allowed limit, which is less than one million standard cubic feet of gas per day. Outside of these mea -

Further, he alluded to the current global demand for reliable energy and made it clear that suddenly halting production was not an option.

“What we see is a world that still needs a dependable, secure energy supply. And in our minds, this is a (responsibility). We can’t fail in our duty to deliver modern society's needs. We need to deliver that, but we can do it while reducing emissions. The emissions from our operations here will be 30 per cent low -

committed to the pathway to net zero by 2050. It’s a pathway. You don’t get there overnight. We can’t meet the needs of society today if we just turn the lights off,” Routledge further said.

Since 2021, Guyana has received billions of dollars in flaring fines from Exxon following changes to its permit. That year, Guyana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had modified the Environmental Permit for the Liza-1 Development Project to in -

Guyana was the first country to receive certification of its carbon credits by the Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART) on December 1, 2022.

The 33.7 million credits sold to Hess Corp is just 30 per cent of the carbon sink contained in Guyana’s vast forest. The country’s more than 18 million hectares of forests are estimated to store approximately 20 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.

Guyana’s is also one of the few credits in the forestry sector that can now be sold in the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) market, which is the compliance market for abating airline emissions.

A carbon credit is a tradable permit or certificate that allows the holder of the credit the right to emit a stated tonnage of carbon dioxide or an equivalent of another greenhouse gas. Countries and companies that exceed their permitted limits can purchase carbon credits from nations that have low emissions such as Guyana.

There are two categories of carbon offset markets in which carbon credits are traded: the voluntary carbon market and the compliance carbon market.

sures, however, Guyana has taken concrete steps to ensure that its vast forest cover can be applied to the climate change fight.

Back in December 2022, the Guyana Government signed a historic multiyear agreement for the sale of certified carbon credits to US energy major Hess Corporation to the tune of US$750 million –15 per cent of which is going directly towards the development of hinterland communities.

This deal came after

In the voluntary carbon offset market, organisations or countries, in Guyana’s case, create carbon credits by lowering their greenhouse gas emissions and selling them to other organisations or countries that have high emission levels.

With the compliance market, however, there are certain caps on emission levels set by Governments and other regulators as a means of achieving carbon reduction targets. This market is also known as the cap-and-trade and similarly, allows organisations that emit less to sell to high emitters, but this is driven by a legal mandate.

EEPGL

Editor: Tusika Martin

News Hotline: 231-8063Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761

Marketing: 231-8064Accounts: 225-6707

Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown

Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Easter Monday and sacrifice

Today is Easter Monday, a public holiday, and it would certainly not be out of place for all of Guyana – not just Christians – to reflect deeply on the central value of the occasion being commemorated – the death and resurrection of Jesus. It concerns the centrality of sacrifice in raising man above the brutish life and offering him one of peace and progress. Religion, in all its multifaceted approaches to address, ameliorate and eventually liberate the human condition, has been one of these values. In addition to the sacrifice of Jesus in the Christian Bible, there is that of Abraham, who helped to define not only Judaism and Islam, but Christianity itself. Hinduism, the second largest religion in Guyana, explicitly exhorts its adherents to see their entire life as a “yagna” or sacrifice.

Sacrifice in the religious sphere is related to the value of altruism in man’s social relations: that unselfish regard for the welfare of others that can, in extreme instances, even work against one’s own interest. Altruism might appear to be an unknown quality in our nation, founded as it was on the institutions of slavery and indentureship; the quintessence of exploitation of man’s inhumanity to man. But every action has its reaction and every act of selfishness on the part of the planters and the colonial powers was matched by acts of sacrifice and altruism by our ancestors, who struggled to overcome.

Sharing of food, scarce as it was, was the order of the day. The young were raised by all. Even the rack and the treadmill could not wring betrayal from those who were tortured to reveal the identities of those who had resisted. They taught each other to read and write in secret even though if discovered, the penalty was invariably more torture. We remember the sacrifice of those who rebelled to cast off their chains and those who were gunned down as they protested for better wages and living conditions. It would be remiss of us to forget the sacrifice of the Nonconformist clergy to improve the lot of the oppressed in the face of vindictive planter harassment.

We fast-forward to the modern era when, whatever their inevitable human shortcomings and weaknesses, the post-WWII generation struggled for our independence and the right to chart and craft our destiny. It cannot be gainsaid that after those heady days, we have faltered from our goals. And it is not coincidental that our collective spirit of sacrifice and altruism has declined commensurately in those years. No nation can survive, much less build and exalt itself when the guiding motto is “every man for himself and the Devil take the hindmost”. And very sadly, this is where we have delivered ourselves today.

We did not have to fight for our independence and consequently did not experience the collective sacrifice of those countries that did so and which fused them into more united and cohesive nations. In the late 18th century, the United States and France fought against their oppressive monarchies and against great odds, established the goals of “E Pluribus Unum – out of many, one” and “Liberty, Equality and Fraternity” for all others that followed them in the following centuries. In our case, unfortunately, we had a leader who divided the nation by cynically exploiting latent ethnic fears to obtain power on a platter from the colonial power. Today, some insist on talking about “us vs them” rather than One Guyana – “We, the Guyanese people”. We must with all haste return to the road of building this nation for which so much ancestral sacrifice has been expended.

Five decades after independence, we still have a long way to go before we can call ourselves a “developed” country. But fortuitously, we finally have the wherewithal to do so. We have to return to our roots and re-inculcate the spirit of sacrifice and altruism that our ancestors practised and of which the sacrifice of Jesus should remind us today.

Happy Easter Monday to all Guyana.

Bring it on – President Ali’s seminal defence of Guyana’s road map

Dear Editor, President Irfaan Ali ‘more than fared well’ when he upended Stephen Sackur, the host of BBC’s “HardTalk” who presumed he could have ‘schooled’ his ‘chosen interviewee’. He came equipped with his ‘lines of attack,’ but his defence was lacking, as an eloquent, perspicacious and informed President Ali debunked and silenced him. Thus, I lavish kudos on the Guyana Head of State; he made Guyanese proud, and sent a message that ‘we will not be browbeaten.’ Yes, “Struggling we struggle, and we don’t look for trouble… (BUT) we ain’t backing down.”

In the end, Stephen Sackur was forced to ‘tuck in his tail between his hind legs’ as he and the world must now embrace that “Guyana will aggressively pursue oil for national development.” After all, it is to this “Dear Land of Guyana, (that we will) we give our homage, our service, each day that we live … (so that we will become) More worthy our heritage…”

Editor, I have a few things to say about this interview and related matters.

First, this was, and still is, another seminal moment for the Government PR machinery to pounce on. Why have they not? I read the reports in the dailies, and none of them reflected a proper grasp of the subject matter nor the ‘grounds’ covered by President Ali. All the reporters did was merely to ‘copy and paste verbatim’ what we all saw and heard and for sure is still available for consumption. I am forced to ask whether or not our reporters actually research before they hit the keyboards, whether they are able to write forcefully and convincingly, and also wherein and to whom their loyalty lies. I get the distinct impression, that even the Guyana Chronicle and Guyana Times are lacking in a thorough pro-PPP/C thrust,

and I do not mean that they have to propagandise. Let me buttress this point a bit more.

In the “Economic Times”, March 30, the actual title was quite searing, It read “Are you in their pockets?': Guyana's President Irfaan Ali accuses reporter of 'Western hypocrisy' in climate debate.” That I say is quite hard-hitting. In the actual synopsis, the article highlighted that President Ali challenged Sackur's authority on the topic, “… suggesting bias due to historical environmental degradation by Western nations (and) defended Guyana's environmental efforts, highlighting its substantial forest cover that stores 19.5 gigatons of carbon … He (also) criticised what he perceived as hypocrisy from developed nations and called for them to take responsibility for reducing carbon emissions.”

What was quite fulfilling was the rhetorical onslaught from President Ali. I heard the resounding responses of acquiescence from the likes of Sackur when he was asked “Are you in the pockets of those who have damaged the environment? Are you in the pockets? Are you and your system in the pockets of those who destroyed the environment through the Industrial Revolution and now lecturing us? Are you in their pockets? Are you paid by them?"

Then in “Business Today”, March 30, the title read “'I'm not finished yet': Guyana President schools BBC scribe on climate.” Again, the point was lucid and telling, as the article’s impartial writer delineated host Stephen Sackur’s unethical and immoral posture, “… questioning his authority to lecture on climate change and implying bias towards industrialised nations” .

To the joy of millions across the world, “Ali countered the journalist's query that Guyana's extraction of oil and gas will

lead to more than two billion metric tonnes of carbon emissions from its coast, saying, "Do you know that Guyana has a forest … forever … that is the size of England and Scotland combined? A forest that stores 19.5 gigatons of carbon, a forest that we have kept alive."

When the Journalist questioned him about whether that would give Guyana the right to extract oil and gas and release emissions, the voluble and ready Ali, said, "Does that give you the right to lecture us on climate change? I am going to lecture you on climate change, because we have kept this forest alive. The store's 19.5 gigatons of carbon that you enjoy, that the world enjoys, that you don't pay us for, that you don't value, that you don't see a value in, that the people of Guyana have kept alive." "Guess what? We have the lowest deforestation rate in the world. And guess what? Even with our greatest exploration of the oil and gas resources we have now, we will still be net zero. Guyana will still be net zero with all our exploration."

Enough said, but I need to endorse what the Guyana President said, noting that “… those who had destroyed the environment are now questioning his country”. "I am just not finished as yet because this is a hypocrisy that exists in the world. The world, in the last 50 years, has lost 65 per cent of all its biodiversity. We have kept our biodiversity. Are you valuing it? Are you ready to pay for it? When will the developed world going to pay for it…”

My second contention is that Guyanese must be apprised of issues of this nature. They are not recondite. All it calls for is some ‘reading up’ and a dose of candour and fealty to national issues and the party for which reporters are working.

For example, Guyanese must be informed that the UK

is more responsible for global warming than any other country, if global carbon dioxide emissions are allocated using per capita calculations. Based on this formula, the UK is rated the world’s top carbon polluter, followed closely by the USA, Canada, Russia and Germany. China, currently the world’s leading emitter, lies in 19th position. And who are the top three carbon emitters? They are China, the United States, and the nations that make up the European Union.

Take this for a closure: Total UK territorial emissions were estimated at 417 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e) in 2022. Guyana cannot even come close to this.

And as for Stephen Sackur, I remind all that Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention criticised Sackur for suggesting genocide as one of two "realistic options" for the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh during a HardTalk interview with Ruben Vardanyan. Sackur suggested the Armenians of the Republic of Artsakh either accept "a political deal or leave" due to the 2022–2023 blockade of the Republic of Artsakh.

According to Lemkin Institute, Sackur had blamed the victims for the blockade: "Artsakh is under blockade not because of the genocidal designs of Azerbaijan, but because of some inexplicable stubbornness on the part of Armenians in Artsakh or their leaders – or both, as he seems to believe".

The Lemkin Institute further criticised Sackur for trying to suggest the word Artsakh (the historical Armenian name for Nagorno-Karabakh) was illegitimate and for ignoring the rights of self-determination. What a man! And he is confronting President Ali!

Sincerely,

Deodat Singh

One of the many kites that soared in the sky at the Police Sports Club Ground when acting Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken hosted an Easter Fun Day and Kite Flying Activity

President Ali’s BBC

Dear Editor,

All Guyanese should be extremely proud of how our President, His Excellency, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali consistently represents Guyana on international platforms exceptionally brilliantly. Especially in cases where some of the arrogant Western academics and Journalists believe that they are intellectually superior to countries like ours with non-white leaders.

In this essay, I would like to complement some of the arguments the President put forward in response to the BBC reporter, by expanding on some key points.

It is important to highlight that some of the HardTalk host’s facts were incorrect.

In particular, he quoted from some [unknown] “experts” that Guyana’s crude oil will emit over two billion tonnes of carbon into the atmosphere. But this is wholly incorrect. The carbon emissions from Guyana’s total crude oil reserves (11 billion barrels) will be 4.5x (to be exact) less or nearly five times less than the figure that the BBC Journalist posited. I recently authored a “critical review” of a proposed carbon tax article published by a Guyanese academic, wherein I pointed out that the carbon intensity of Guyana’s crude oil is likely to be less than the average carbon intensity per barrel in the United States (US) (0.433 mt/barrel), which the

author relied on. The carbon content per barrel of crude oil varies based on geographic location and the type/quality of crude. In the case of Guyana, we have light sweet crude, which means that the carbon intensity in our crude oil is more likely to be less than the carbon content of say Venezuela for instance, because Venezuela has the heavier and sour crude and the global weighted average.

In my critical review of the said paper, I relied on a more recent credible empirical study that utilised a global dataset to calculate the weighted average carbon intensity. The weighted average, according to that study is 0.051 mt/barrel, whereas

the average carbon intensity in the US according to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is 0.433 mt/barrel. This means that the global weighted average is lower than the arithmetic average for the US.

It turns out that I was correct. At his press conference held on March 28, 2024, the Vice President disclosed that the carbon content in our crude oil is 40 kg (0.040 mt) per barrel. This means that the carbon content in Guyana’s crude (0.04 mt/barrel) is indeed lower than the global weighted average (0.051 mt/barrel).

As such, the carbon content for the proven reserves of 11 billion barrels, thus far, is an estimated 440 million mt,

Guyana’s rapid rise means “Youths must pursue careers in OSH”

Dear Editor,

It is good to see that Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton recently “…emphasised the importance of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), … (and was) urging young people to pursue studies in this area, as it is considered one of the top-ranking future professions”. In fact, as Hamilton pointed out, “Referring to an International Labour Organisation (ILO) assessment done on the 11 most important jobs for the future, the OSH ranks the second most important.”

Putting this into proper perspective, as Guyana is gathering momentum, we need to realise that OSH is of premier concern worldwide, as it covers the practice that deals with the safety, welfare, and social well-being of workers, in all occupations, and in so doing, seeks to provide a safe working environment for the entire staff (and by the way, this is a legal and human responsibility), and Guyana embraces this framework.

At the level of the United Nations, the issue is treated with great care, as the UN itself frequently faces multiple and simultaneous crises across the globe. The HLCM (High-Level Committee on Management) on Occupational Health and Safety Forum is now a respected ‘UN system-wide forum’ established at its 38th session in October 2019, and is very proactive, operating with a sense of urgency and determination, to build on the cumulative experience of learning from increasing tragic events globally, to preserve the system’s ability to deliver on its programmatic mandates that deal with the safety, welfare, and social well-being of workers, in all occupations and at every level.

I hope readers get the drift, that is, Guyana is actually following international best practices, where employers must ensure compliance for the betterment of all employees. And it is good that the Government is driving this kind of philosophy.

As the Minister said, “…

interview

almost five times less than the two billion mt that the BBC reporter posited. Consequently, Guyana will remain carbon neutral if not carbon negative.

When the BBC HardTalk reporter, Stephen Sackur asked President Ali about the resentment expressed by the Opposition Leader against the backdrop of the revenues derived from the oil resources, and when he spoke of poverty by referencing an [unverified] estimated 38 per cent, an appropriate contextual perspective must be established that escaped the BBC reporter. The inference drawn, in that regard, suggests that there was an expectation gap, such that Guyana should have already eradicated 100 per cent poverty in just three years after becoming the newest oil producer. Practically, is that even possible?that is, eradication of 100 per cent poverty in three years?

OSH (related jobs) is not a profession that is (well) known like many others, (at least in Guyana, but) it will do Guyana great good, personally and collectively, if and when “…young people try and seek out opportunities to learn more about OSH in every sector and be a part of this growing profession”. My advice is that as awareness grows, those interested in careers that combine advocacy, education, and hands-on work, consider positively the field of occupational health and safety (OSH). After all, OSH professionals help protect workers from risks on the job by identifying potential hazards and developing plans to mitigate them; it is not just about ‘after-the-fact’ compensation. It elevates to pre-emptive preparation. Hence the clarion call from Minister Hamilton was most important.

I suggest that prospective ‘pursuants’ in this emerging sector ‘learn up’ on OSH, as it calls for commitment. The studies in this regard focus on identifying, assessing, and controlling (potential) risks arising from workplace activities. OSH professionals protect workers from hazards that can lead to injuries, illnesses, and death. These include physical risks (eg, exposure to hazardous substances), ergonomic risks (eg, repetitive strain injuries), and, increasingly, psychological health risks.

Further, OSH practitioners proactively manage risk by seeking out potential hazards before they result in harm. This work is done through a combination of methods, including hazard identification and analysis, risk assessment, and the development of control measures. Once potential hazards have been identified, OSH professionals collaborate with employers and employees to develop safe work practices to help minimise the likelihood of harm or injury.

I know it is almost redundant for me to say that the Government is embarking on a vital aspect where Guyana’s workforce is concerned. It is heading into an almost ‘once neglected’ area, and this means

lots of effort will be forthcoming, hence the need for many to decide on careers in OSH.

Let’s remember that Guyana is rapidly growing and the downside of this, is that if we do not anticipate, then many dangers will surface and growth and development will be stymied. Quite rightly, the Labour Minister opined that “… it is a national matter that we have to address. It’s a matter of our culture and how we view this specific issue”.

Editor, my plea is that the vision will be embraced, and OSH will become everyone’s concern.

Sincerely,

HB Singh

Urgent concern about deteriorating bridge in Zeeburg/De Willem community

Dear Editor, I am writing to bring to your attention a pressing issue that is of great concern to the residents of Plantation Zeeburg/De Willem, West Coast Demerara – the deteriorating condition of the bridge connecting our area to the main access road.

The bridge, which serves as a vital link for transportation and connectivity within our community, has been showing signs of significant deterioration over recent months. The structural integrity of the bridge is visibly compromised – the wooden planks are loose, cracked and reduced to splinters at their ends. This has resulted in spikes that once held the planks in place being exposed and some parts of the bridge being weaker.

The deteriorating bridge presents a potential hazard for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists alike. With each passing day, the risk of an accident or structural failure looms larger, endangering the lives and well-being of our community members. This degradation not only poses a risk to the safety of those who use it daily but also threatens the economic and social activities of our community and beyond. The residents of Zeeburg/De Willem rely heavily on this bridge for commut-

ing to work, accessing essential services, and transporting goods and services. Plantation Zeeburg/De Willem is a developing housing scheme and the allottees depend heavily on the bridge for delivery of sand, stone and other building materials. Hence, the current state of disrepair has created a sense of insecurity and anxiety among residents.

I urge the relevant authorities and Government agencies to prioritize the repair and maintenance of the Zeeburg/De Willem bridge without delay. Immediate action is needed to address the structural deficiencies and ensure the safety and security of all residents who rely on this vital infrastructure.

Additionally, I call upon our elected representatives and local leaders to advocate for the allocation of necessary resources and funding to address this critical issue promptly. It is essential that our community's concerns are heard and addressed with the urgency and seriousness they deserve. Failure to act swiftly may result in the loss of life or result in serious injury as well as residents being unable to carry out their daily activities.

Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely,

B Persaud

With the foregoing in mind, in 2022, global GDP (PPP) stood at US$100 trillion, which means that the estimated value of the global slave trade represents 131% of the present-day global GDP. So, to put this into perspective, the British Empire’s accumulated wealth, built over three centuries of slave trade, is valued at 131 per cent of present-day wealth of the entire world.

Guyana’s oil wealth, on the other hand, in terms of proven reserves currently stands at an estimated 11 billion barrels, worth an estimated US$832 billion. But, Guyana has only commenced production over the last three years, and to date, has extracted three per cent of the total proven reserves, valued at US$42 billion or five per cent of the total present value of the proven reserves. Moreover, Guyana’s Government share of the revenues inclusive of projected earnings for 2024 is an estimated US$6 billion (0.7%) of the total present value of the proven reserves, less than one per cent of the total value of proven reserves.

It is reasonable to conclude, therefore, that with the preceding contextual perspective in mind, the British reporter expects President Ali to do in three years, what the British Empire did in three hundred years, with only 0.005% of the resources that the British Empire exploited from Africa, India and the West Indies combined.

Yours respectfully,

Guyana is a former British colony that gained independence just under 60 years ago. So, as an independent State, Guyana is less than 60 years old. Let’s reflect on how the British Empire was built and the sources of their accumulated wealth today. To this end, the British Empire was built, viz-á-viz, the more than three centuries of global slave trade through colonising Africa, India, and the West Indies. Recent studies estimated that the economic value (after accounting for the time value of money/at present value) of the global slave trade is an estimated US$131 trillion, of which Africa alone accounted for about US$70 trillion (53%), India accounted for US$45 trillion (34%), and the West Indies accounted for an estimated US$16 trillion (12.2%).

Joel Bhagwandin

Page Foundation

Triangles cont’d

Another way of thinking about triangles is to look at the length of the sides. If all three sides are the same length, the triangle is equilateral. If two sides are the same length, but the third is different, the triangle is isosceles. And if all three sides have different lengths, the triangle is scalene

Exercises: Identify: Determine if the triangle is equilateral, isosceles or scalene.

Potatoes

Paintbrush

Paint Card

What to do

1. Cut a potato in half and carefully carve out some shapes – stripes or spots look good.

2. Use a paintbrush to paint your chosen paint colours onto the potato, then use as a stamp to make patterns for Easter greetings cards.

By Walt Whitman

CONTINUED FROM FRIDAY

6

Coffin that passes through lanes and streets, Through day and night with the great cloud darkening the land, With the pomp of the inloop’d flags with the cities draped in black, With the show of the States themselves as of crape-veil’d women standing, With processions long and winding and the flambeaus of the night, With the countless torches lit, with the silent sea of faces and the unbared heads, With the waiting depot, the arriving coffin, and the sombre faces, With dirges through the night, with the thousand voices rising strong and solemn, With all the mournful voices of the dirges pour’d around the coffin, The dim-lit churches and the shuddering organs—where amid these you journey, With the tolling tolling bells’ perpetual clang, Here, coffin that slowly passes, I give you my sprig of lilac.

TO BE CONTINUED

WORD SEARCH

Guyana’s non-oil economic growth 2nd fastest in world – Natural Resources Min

…dispels myth that country is dependent on oil for economic growth

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat has revealed that Guyana’s non-oil economic growth is the second fastest in the world, making it clear that Guyana does not depend on just oil for its economic growth.

During outreach in Region Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) over the weekend, Minister Bharrat noted that Guyana can be a model country due to the way it has been managed through crises that have left other countries struggling even now.

“I want to say that since President Ali took over the government in August 2020, he has taken us through two of the most difficult situations this country has ever faced in our history. And one is the COVID period. We took over during the height of COVID. And the way in which his excellency managed the situation, we will use as a model country around the world.”

second fastest economy without oil and gas. Or the second fastest-growing non-oil economy in the world. So, it is not only because of oil and gas. It is because of the management of the economy by his excellency the President of Guyana, our Vice President and the cabinet, assisted by technical staff,” he also said.

metal products and non-metallic products. Additionally, the mining and quarrying sector grew by 42.6 per cent in 2023, due mainly to the burgeoning oil and gas industry.

Last year, the oil and gas sector expanded by 45.9 per cent, with production of 142.9 million barrels of oil compared with 101.4 million in 2022. This includes the production of crude oil at a rate of approximately 142,000 barrels per day (bpd) at the Liza Destiny FPSO, while the Liza Unity FPSO produced at a rate of 235,000 bpd.

The other mining subsector – sand, stone, diamonds, and manganese – showed a more positive performance, with a 22.7 percent growth in 2023. Expectedly, stone and sand extraction increased by 98 and 21 percent respectively, with demand from construction activity in the public and private sectors continuing to grow.

Bharrat further explained that Guyana’s international renown as the world’s fastest-growing economy is one that was earned. Bharrat also dispelled the notion that Guyana is dependent on oil for economic growth, noting that even with oil off the table, Guyana’s non-oil economy is one of the world’s fastest.

other countries are struggling, because of the impact of COVID and the war in Ukraine and Palestine and elsewhere. Today we sit comfortably as the fastest growing economy in the world.”

“Today as Guyanese we can boast that we have the fastest growing economy in the world. Why? When many

“And many people may want to say it's because of oil and gas. But we need to say to them, that Guyana is the

In the sugar sector, a 28 percent growth was recorded last year. This was a result of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) having produced 60,204 tonnes in 2023, compared with 47,049 tonnes in 2022. Similarly, the rice industry saw an expansion of seven percent, with the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) reporting a total production of 653,706 tonnes for 2023, above the 610,595 tonnes produced in the previous year.

The performance in these two industries pushed the overall growth in the manufacturing sector to 25 percent in 2023. This expansion was also driven by other manufacturing activities, mainly the manufacturing of fabricated

In contrast, however, the gold mining industry contracted by 11.2 percent in 2023, on account of lower output from the small and medium-scale producers. Total gold declarations fell to 432,113 ounces last year.

Similarly, the bauxite mining industry also declined by 20.4 percent last year, due to reduced output from both producing operators. Bauxite production is estimated to have fallen to 525,000 tonnes last year.

Predictably as well, is the 26.8 percent growth in the construction sector last year, building on the 26.3 percent growth in 2022. While in the service sector, a 10.3 percent expansion was recorded across all of the service industries.

Back in 2022, Guyana’s rapid economic expansion saw the country recording a 62.3% growth– placing the country amongst the fastest-growing economies globally. This rapid growth was attributed by the Government to the oil and gas sector, which expanded by 124 percent. Meanwhile, Guyana’s non-oil economy also saw a very strong expansion of 11.5 percent. (G-3)

Twinning of Guyana, Barbados, St Lucia ecotourism products in progress – GO-Invest CEO

…says Guyana attracting interest from local, int’l eco-developers

With Guyana having signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with various Caribbean countries to partner on tourism, Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) Chief Executive Officer, Dr Peter Ramsaroop has revealed that work was still ongoing on this.

During a recent interview with Guyana Times , Ramsaroop explained that Guyana continued to attract significant interest from potential eco-developers. Referencing the re -

cent sod turning for the US$300 million Qatarifunded resort and conven -

tion centre, at Carifesta Avenue, Ramsaroop noted that projects such as this only help to attract other investors, particularly the tourism-minded ones.

“We’re seeing significant increases in eco-developers, both small scale and large scale, across the country. We’re looking for an anchor tenant, that we can bring the twinning of the product between Barbados and Guyana, St Lucia… all those things will raise the interest and investments such as this make it more possible,”

Ramsaroop explained. Meanwhile, the GOInvest CEO was also confident that during this year, major announcements would be made about eco-tourism investments,

even as the Government continues to create an enabling environment.

“Because people will realise you’ve got safety and security, you’ve got a vision in the coun -

try. You’ve got leadership. You’ve got the green economy. All those things will be very attractive when it comes to eco-tourism.

TURN TO PAGE 8

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat

GO-Invest CEO, Dr Peter Ramsaroop

CCJ mourns passing of Chief Justice Michael de la Bastide

Justice Michael de la Bastide, the Trinidad and Tobago-based Caribbean Court of Justice’s first President, has passed away, marking a sombre moment for the regional court. The court is also mourning the recent loss of retired CCJ Judge, Justice Désirée Bernard.

In a statement released on Saturday, the CCJ paid tribute to Justice de la Bastide, who steered the Court from its inception until his retirement in 2011.

Describing him as an exemplary jurist, the court highlighted his distinguished career, which began with a sterling education in Trinidad and Tobago and the United Kingdom.

Justice de la Bastide’s contributions extended beyond the bench; he served as an Independent Senator in Trinidad and Tobago’s Parliament and held positions such as President of the Law Association of Trinidad and Tobago.

Following a successful tenure as Chief Justice of Trinidad and Tobago, during which he received the country’s highest na-

tional honour, the Trinity Cross, Justice de la Bastide was appointed as a member of the Privy Council by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. In 2004, he was elected as President of the CCJ, a role he fulfilled with distinction.

His legacy is immortalised not only in his legal achievements but also in his published memoirs, "Within the Law, Memoirs of a Caribbean Jurist", released in 2021 to widespread acclaim. Justice de la Bastide’s profound dedication to justice and humanity is encapsulated in his words urging intolerance of incompetence, inef-

ficiency, and inertia.

Reflecting on Justice de la Bastide’s impact, the current CCJ President, Justice Adrian Saunders expressed deep admiration, stating, “It was an extraordinary honour and privilege to have worked alongside President de la Bastide. His razor-sharp mind, prodigious knowledge of the law, and tremendous experience exerted a profound influence on me.”

The passing of Justice de la Bastide follows closely on the heels of that of retired CCJ Judge, Justice Bernard, who also left an indelible mark on the court during her tenure from

2005 to 2014.

Justice Bernard, a trailblazer in her own right, achieved several professional milestones, including being the first woman High Court Judge, Justice of Appeal, Chief Justice, and Chancellor of the Judiciary of Guyana and in the Commonwealth Caribbean. Her contributions to the advancement of women in the legal profession and her pivotal role in shaping Caribbean jurisprudence are deeply revered.

CCJ President Saunders paid tribute to Justice Bernard’s legacy, remarking, “It is well-nigh impossible that the Region will ever produce another trailblazer as Justice Bernard was. She was a tremendous role model, and her influence on the Region's legal landscape is immeasurable.”

In commemorating the lives and legacies of Justice de la Bastide and Justice Bernard, the CCJ mourns the loss of two esteemed jurists, whose contributions will continue to resonate throughout the Region and beyond.

Twinning of Guyana, Barbados...

And I believe this year you will see some announcements on that type of investments… international and local.”

In 2022, an agreement was signed by President Dr Irfaan Ali and Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, to further facilitate relations between the two countries, and collaboration in several areas, including agriculture, food security, and tourism.

The agreement called the Saint Barnabas Accord, was signed on the sidelines of the 43rd Caribbean Community (Caricom) Heads of Government meeting, and it paved the way for the two countries to further dialogue on nine specific areas. It is an updated agreement since a previous Saint Barnabas Accord was signed between the two leaders.

Further, a year ago, the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) and the Barbados Coalition of Service Industries (BCSI) had inked an MoU to help boost the tourism sector in Guyana.

Also last year, Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond had visited St Lucia for a twoday official visit, where it was announced that the two countries would pur -

Go fly…

…a kite

In some countries, when you say “go fly a kite”, they’re telling you to get out of their face – which you’d have to do if you’re gonna fly a kite!! Take a hike, Bro!! Then, there are those who’d be criticising you for “flying a kite” when you put forward new ideas just to see how folks react, rather than intending to put them into practice!! But in our dear, ole Mudland, if you hear the phrase, you know Easter is around the corner or actually here!! And today, Easter Monday, the sky’s gonna be crowded with kites hovering in the sky, buzzing and swirling – especially over parks and open spaces.

But your Eyewitness has a sneaking suspicion that it’s not gonna be as full as it used to be. Young people have so many other things to do – but unfortunately, they all involve sticking their smartphones into their faces. Kite flying was never a solitary affair – kids would be engineering their kites – by adjusting the length of the kites’ tails - so that they could swoop and attack their friends’ pride and joy. And in the days when fathers used to shave with “razor blades”, some would be purloined to be strung on the kite’s tail –which would become a lethal weapon to bring down other kites.

Are the Easter Baskets still being filled with our delectable snacks like egg balls, bara and phoulowrie – with “sour” – rather than the scones and clotted cheese we read about in books? Swank – or lime water, if you will – would be the drink of the day to cool down the sweaty faces of kids running up and down the sea wall!! Ahhh… what a wonderful thing is a Guyanese Easter for kids!! For the adults, your Eyewitness has noticed an unfortunate descent into the rum-drinking debauchery that has come to define “fun” in Guyana.

tourism

sue greater bilateral partnerships and a twinning of their tourism products.

Minister Walrond had noted that both countries have attractive tourism options for their citizens to enjoy, such as St Lucia’s Jazz Festival and Guyana’s Rupununi Rodeo in Region Nine and the Cricket Carnival.

“We have additional options for Guyanese wishing to experience the St Lucia Jazz Festival. Similarly, it will also promote our local events such as the Rupununi Rodeo and the Cricket Carnival to the St Lucia market.

“Recognising the potential, we have begun tourism twinning with St Lucia, combining two distinct appealing experiences and bringing the best of two worlds into one package,” the Minister further said.

St Lucia’s Minister of Tourism, Dr Ernest Hilaire had meanwhile said at the time that with St Lucia’s renown as a tourism destination, there was much his country could share with Guyana in the tourism sector.

“St Lucia has a lot it can share with Guyana, as it relates to tourism

“So, we’ve developed a product in St Lucia. And we certainly look forward to working with you. We’ve met with your Minister. And I’m sure that under the leadership of your Minister, Guyana tourism will go very, very far.” FROM PAGE 7

The kite flying your Eyewitness gets – probably invoking Jesus’ ascent into Heaven – which is in the sky, in case you forgot – after he rose from the dead. But the rum drinking?? Harking back to Jesus changing water into wine at his mother Mary’s request at a wedding in Galilee?? That, of course, had to be to lubricate the guests’ thirst and lower their inhibitions – as is our custom in Mudland!! Maybe it’s an unconscious, atavistic throwback to the original Easter celebrations which were to welcome the onset of spring – sponsored by Bacchus the god of wine!!

But seriously folks, we gotta ease up on the spiritous drinking and return to letting the kids have some good, old-fashioned fun. And not so incidentally remember that Easter’s about a fella sacrificing his life for our salvation.

…higher

As our PNC presidential hopefuls put up their hands to challenge their leader to battle the PPP in 2025, your Eyewitness remembers Joe Biden’s 2020 inauguration – even as he’s preparing to run again. He remembers that “skinny black girl” as Amanda Gorman described herself – reciting her poem – and promising one day to run for the presidency herself.

and hospitality. We are the leading destination for honeymoons. And the Caribbean’s leading destination for adventure. But when we speak of adventure, I don’t know that anywhere in the Caribbean can match what Guyana has to offer.”

“And so we lift our gaze, not to what stands between us, but what stands before us./ We close the divide because we know to put our future first, we must first put our differences aside./ We lay down our arms so we can reach out our arms to one another./ We seek harm to none and harmony for all./ Let the globe, if nothing else, say this is true./ That even as we grieved, we grew./ That even as we hurt, we hoped./ That even as we tried, we tried./ That we’ll forever be tied together, victorious.

Not because we will never again know defeat, but because we will never again sow division.”

…not too high

But as we celebrate flying this Easter, your Eyewitness hopes our presidential aspirants remember that too much pride and arrogance caused Icarius to fall to his death – when he decided to fly and touch the sun.

Justice Désirée Bernard Justice Michael de la Bastide

St Lucia’s Minister of Tourism, Dr Ernest Hilaire had said there was much his country can share with Guyana when it comes to

PPP/C is about bringing people together – GS Jagdeo

…says Party has been working steadfastly to transform lives of all Guyanese

Citing its vast diversity, the ruling People’s Progressive Party General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo has stated that the Party is grounded in bringing people from all walks of life together.

He made this remark while addressing Party supporters at a Family Fun Day and BBQ held at the Everest Cricket Ground in Georgetown.

Jagdeo expressed appreciation to those who turned out, noting that their presence was an indication of the PPP/ Civic’s core values.

“The PPP is about bringing people together. I’m extremely proud, as the General Secretary of this party, about that task of ours of bringing people together. And today, we can say with no hesitation that we’re the single largest party, but also the only multi-ethnic, multi-religious party in this country… No other party can claim that. Not a single one of them and because of this philosophy, we will succeed whenever the time comes for the elections,” he stated.

The General Secretary pointed to President Dr Irfaan

Ali’s visit to the Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) over the weekend during which he held outreaches in several communities including in the Deep South and Central South.

According to Jagdeo, the turnout at those public engagements is reflective of the diverse nature of the PPP/C.

“This is an indication that our support is widespread, it’s not just in the coastal communities, it’s not just in the traditional communities that supported the PPP, it’s also in the hinterland. And why do so many people come out to these meetings? Why are

US-based Guyanese

nabbed with gun, ammo at horse race meet – attempted to bribe Police with $500,000

The gun and ammunition found on the overseas-based Guyanese

AUS-based Guyanese was on Sunday arrested after he was found to have an unlicensed firearm and 10 live rounds of ammunition at the Port Mourant Turf Club, Corentyne, Berbice.

Forty-six-year-old Tony Danraj Mootoosammy of Bath, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara (ECD), and also of New Jersey, USA, was intercepted at the entrance of the horse race meet venue where a search was conducted on his person.

The firearm – a black Sig Sauer P365 Pistol, with a magazine containing 10 live rounds of 9mm ammunition, was subsequently found hidden in the waist of his pants.

Arrested: Tony Danraj Mootoosammy

they attracted to the Party? Because we’ve been working steadfastly at transforming people’s lives,” he noted.

The PPP General Secretary went on to state that as the ruling party, there are numerous challenges that they face and people do not appreciate the onerous task it is to run the country. Nevertheless, he declared that the PPP/C was up to the task as it has been since 2020.

“We have to make sure that we’re reminded consistently with what we’re doing and steadfastly, day by day, the transformation will take place. We’re gonna ensure that every single citizen of this country, that they can fulfil their dreams right here, and you will see that unfolding at the national level before your very eyes.

“The Party is growing enormously. It’s strengthening itself day by day, and we know when the elections come sometime towards the end of next year, we’re going to win those elections. But we’re not taking anything for granted. That’s the nature of the People’s Progressive Party. We do not take anything for granted. We believe that only through hard work and fulfilling your promises, and having a vision for this country and implementing that vision that you can really earn in a lasting way, people’s support,” Jagdeo posited.

Saturday’s Fun Day comes as the PPP/C is preparing to host its Triennial Delegates Congress in May this year. While no date has been set as yet, the Party’s congress will be held in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) this year. The location has not yet been confirmed.

At his weekly press conference last Thursday, Jagdeo said he was pleased with the preparations, which he noted were “running smoothly” and there were several committees including Executive members that are working simultaneously to ensure that the event is held with little to no hiccups.

Early last month, the General Secretary had disclosed that the groundwork

had also started in verifying memberships so that persons and groups met the necessary requirements to attend the congress.

The Party’s last congress was held in 2016 at Cotton Field on the Essequibo Coast in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

During the upcoming Delegates’ Congress, the PPP is expected to elect a new 32-member Central Committee, and Party members – both local and from the Diaspora – would be discussing critical issues within the party as well as in the country.

Back in January, Jagdeo had been asked about his future as General Secretary of the PPP, and he had indicat-

ed, “It would be presumptuous of me to say I will continue as General Secretary. I’ll decide whether I’ll contest, but right now I am General Secretary until those elections are held.”

The PPP, led by President Dr Irfaan Ali, was returned to office in August 2020 after losing the 2015 elections to the then A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition.

According to the Party’s constitution, the Delegates’ Congress is due every three years, but Jagdeo had explained last year that the COVID-19 pandemic was one of the contributing factors that delayed the hosting of the Party’s congress. (G8)

He was escorted to the Whim Police Station, where he was instructed to make arrangements with his family members to have the licence brought to the Station, but he again stated that he did not have anyone at home.

At that point, he was told of the offence committed and cautioned during which he attempted to bribe the Police ranks with $500,000. He was immediately arrested and placed into custody pending charges.

During questioning, he told the Police that he had left his licence in his van at home. At that moment, he was asked if anyone was at home to bring his licence or send a copy via telephone for verification purposes, but he indicated that his family was at the horse race meet.

PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo

President Dr Irfaan Ali with supporters at the PPP/C Fun Day on Saturday

Duo arrested after 13lbs ganja found in freezer at East Canje

Officers attached to the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) have arrested two males following the discovery of a large quantity of cannabis at their residence in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

The narcotic was unearthed on Saturday at Fort Ordnance Village, East Canje, Berbice.

CANU said in a statement that its officers had conducted an operation at a residence in Fort Ordnance, East BerbiceCorentyne.

A subsequent search of the premises led to the discovery of several bulky parcels of suspected cannabis that were concealed in a freezer.

Two male individuals, who were present at the premises during the operation, were apprehended.

Shammy Edwards, 23, and Ken Subnar, 49, both re-

siding at the address, were escorted to CANU headquarters along with the suspected marijuana.

The narcotic tested positive for cannabis, and weighed

approximately 5.994 kilograms (almost 13.21lbs) with a street value of approximately $1.8 million. Further investigations are ongoing.

Venezuelan duo in custody for US$2.6M cocaine bust at Vergenoegen

In light of the interception of US$2.6 million worth of cocaine at Vergenoegen, West Coast Demerara (WCD) on Friday, the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) on Sunday confirmed that two Venezuelan nationals were arrested and were assisting with investigations.

The two men were identified as 32-year-old Jose Felix Lindore and 33-yearold Javier Perez.

CANU on Saturday reported that a joint operation between the Unit and the Guyana Defence Force’s Coast Guard has led to the interception of a vessel containing 536 kilo-

on board.

A search of the vessel led to the discovery of a large quantity of narcotics along with a quantity of fuel and

grams (1181 lbs.) of cocaine at Vergenoegen, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

CANU stated that on the day in question, the two entities conducted a joint operation at Vergenoegen where they intercepted a go-fast vessel. At the time, there were two occupants

other items. The narcotics were tested for cocaine and weighed.

CANU stated that the street value in Guyana for the haul is estimated at US$2.6 million. However, had the cocaine been transhipped to its intended destination, it would have had

an estimated street value of €20 million.

Just over one week ago, CANU Director James Singh stated that the drug enforcement unit seized a startling 1.1 tonnes of marijuana and over 75 kilograms of cocaine from various operations across the country.

He noted that a majority of the marijuana is from the Andean region of South America which includes Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela.

“We have over 75 kilos of cocaine and close to 1.1 tonnes of marijuana. Of the marijuana, about 90 per cent is foreign marijuana that came from the Andean region, known as “Creepy”,” Singh informed.

In contrast, CANU had seized approximately 1363.28 kilograms of narcotics throughout 2023, and cannabis sativa (ganja) accounted for 94 per cent of that total. From 18 operations conducted, 75.17 kilograms of cocaine were seized.

The marijuana found in the freezer at the Fort Ordnance residence

The cocaine that was intercepted on the boat

Scenes from Rupununi

Rupununi Rodeo 2024

Essequibo businessman pumps $30M to transform rice fields into community playground

The proprietor of International Imports and

ground at Hampton Court, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

ing cricket and other sports in the community during his childhood days, the

The project is being undertaken in tribute to his late mother, Chano Jagmohan.

Reminiscing about play-

businessman observed the absence of recreational facilities for youths following the land sale by the Sankar family.

Driven by a desire to address this gap, Jagmohan envisioned the ground as a cultural and sporting hub for the entire community, irrespective of religious affiliations, to foster continuous community engagement.

Praising Jagmohan's commitment, Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir emphasised the effort required to establish such facilities and encouraged diligent upkeep by users.

"From what I have seen I have said to him and the 14 teams, that I could have appreciated the amount of work that has gone into the facility in the area. I know what it takes to get the sporting facility up and running. This is a commendable initiative from Joe Jagmohan and I urge everyone who uses it to take good care of the facility," he said.

Regional Chairperson

Vilma De Silva, echoed similar sentiments while commending Jagmohan and his

team for their proactive approach to enhancing community recreation.

The ground's inauguration featured a spirited softball cricket tournament, attracting 14 teams competing for $1.4 million in cash and other prizes.

Special recognition was given to outstanding players, and teams received unique gifts, including ram sheep, fostering a sense of camaraderie among attendees. (Raywattie Deonarine)

Berbice businessman Ameer Niron Bacchus, over the weekend, distributed 2000 kites for the Easter season to children in communities in Regions Six and Ten.

The owner of NS Bacchus Sawmill, located in Rotterdam, East Bank Berbice, distributed kites to children in Aroaima, Ladderville, Sand Hills, Wairuni, Calcuni, Ituni, Kwakwani, DeVeldt, St Cuthbert’s Mission, Linden and communities along the East Bank of Berbice.

According to Bacchus, while the activity is a part of his company’s corporate social responsibility, it also was in memory of his father Nuri Shalaan Bacchus, who passed away three years ago.

He explained that during his father's tenure, kite distribution had been a routine activity of the business. However, owing to the COVID-19 restrictions over the past few years, he explained they were unable to continue the activity until this year, and he was able to bring joy to the faces of children

Supplies, Joe Jagmohan has injected a whopping $30 million to transform five acres of rice fields into a community centre

Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir (left), Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva (centre), and Joe Jagmohan (right) at the simple opening ceremony

The ground that was handed over to the community

Residents at the simple opening ceremony

EPA, farmers must come to a compromise amid concern over burning rice fields – Agri Minister

Amid the ongoing spat between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Corentyne rice farmers about the burning of rice fields, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha believes that the two must find common grounds to deal with the issue.

The EPA recently issued an order for rice farmers to desist from burning their fields but the Rice Producers Association (RPA) lashed back with its President saying the agency was acting in ignorance.

According to the EPA’s order which was issued last week, it is imperative that farmers discontinue burning practices since burning may cause wildfires.

The EPA said farmers should transition to alternative methods for field management including

manual removal or ploughing the fields. The order did not go down well with rice farmers with many of them disagreeing with the reasons put forward by the agency.

President of the RPA Leeka Rambrich said EPA’s order is grounded in ignorance.

“The EPA has to take into consideration the fact that the rice industry has been here for over 120 years and Guyana has been exporting rice for over 105 years. We have been burning straw since the inception of this industry. While I understand that the burning of straw is not good for the environment you have other countries that have been producing rice long before Guyana and they burn straw,” Rambrich had

responded.

However, the issue was raised with Mustapha on Saturday who told the media that farmers and the EPA must come to a compromise.

“Over the centuries that has been the practice in the rice industry. I don’t think that those fires can cause any major concerns; it is the traditional way the farmers have been doing this,” the minister told this publication.

He added that he has not been able to meet with the head of the EPA since the directive was issued.

“I know for a fact that the RPA, GRDB, and the EPA will have to talk to ensure that when these activities happen, it is done in a controlled manner.”

Further, he referred to

the smoky conditions that have been prevailing along the East and West Coast and in Region Six during the morning periods. This he attributed to wildfires.

He pointed out that the Hydro-meteorological Office informed him that low wind conditions have resulted in the smoke remaining in the atmosphere.

“I am hoping that with that exercise with the rice farmers, the EPA, the GRDB, and the RPA work things together and do it in a controlled manner,” he added.

Meanwhile, the EPA had stated that farmers

could bail their straw and remove it from the field arguing that burning releases significant air pollutants such as particulate and specified some of them. The agency noted that the release of such pollutants can adversely affect human health by impairing lung function, exacerbating respiratory diseases, and causing discomfort for individuals with allergies.

The EPA suggested that farmers bail the straw and remove it from their rice fields but Rambrich pointed out that Guyana does not experience winter.

“So that we have to bail

straw and keep it, we have enough arable lands that our cattle can go and graze. It is only now because of the dry weather that we are bailing some straw but as soon as the rain starts and the grass starts to grow that would be history,” the RPA boss pointed out.

Addressing the issue of bailing, the agriculture minister pointed out the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) has been issuing bailers to farmers so that they can bail their straw. These, he said are spread across the country.

(Andrew Carmichael)

Three-Door fisherfolk to get new wharf – Agri Minister

Three days after President Dr Irfaan Ali met with the fisherfolk of the Three-Door Fishermen’s Co-operative Society at D’Edward Village, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha returned to the area on Saturday as the bearer of good news.

He told the fishermen that plans were already afoot to construct a new wharf as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Lionel Wordsworth, was currently

working on the design and physical work was expected to commence within one month.

“The President also instructed that some infrastructural work will be done and I have committed that the work will be done. We will resurface this tarmac, we will do a new shed for them and we will also do a wharf because the ThreeDoor sluice is coming off of operation,” Mustapha explained.

On Wednesday last, the President met with fishermen and committed to exploring the possibility of building a wharf so that they could ply their trade.

President of the Coop Society, Nurish Jairam had asked the Head of State for the Government’s assistance in constructing a wharf while pointing out that because of the frequent dredging of the Berbice River, silt has piled up, blocking access to the current landing facility.

Jairam explained that the problem has been compounded by the Three-Door sluice going out of commission. A four-door sluice was recently constructed to improve drainage capacity but because of its location, it cannot flush the channel that the boats use to get to

the landing facility.

The fisherfolk have requested a wharf that is at least 250 feet out in the water to allow for easier access.

Meanwhile, during the meeting on Saturday, Mustapha was told that some members of the co-op have outstanding fees including the new Head who owes $88,000 and has not paid anything in the past 54 weeks. Outstanding dues are more than $500,000.

“Here you have a lot of disunity among members. I urged that they need to come together and they agreed with me. What I

have noticed is that this new management is enjoying the confidence of most of the members. I am hoping that we can get these matters resolved as soon as possible. The Chief Fisheries Officer will be coming back to meet with the co-op to listen to other issues that they are encountering at sea and we will put measures in place to assist them,” Mustapha told the gathering.

He noted that the co-op has enjoyed the cooperation of the Agriculture Ministry over the years and pointed out that when the industry was experiencing difficulty, seeds were given to

fisherfolk to plant and supplement their income.

“This co-op has seen massive development from us at the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Government. Over the years, we have done a lot of work and what we are planning is new work that will cost millions of dollars, but we will continue to make that kind of investment, because the fishing industry is a major source of protein for the Guyanese people and so we are supporting it.”

There are some 15,000 persons in the fishing industry countrywide.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha

A rice field on fire

RPA President Leeka Rambrich

The facility that is being used presently by the fisherfolk

The fishing boats at the Three-Door Fishermen’s Co-operative Society

11 murder cases among 42 disposed of during Demerara January Criminal Assizes

– 16 matters nolle pros by DPP

Atotal of 42 cases, including 11 murders, were disposed of during the Demerara January Criminal Assizes.

There were some 259 cases listed to be heard during the three-month assizes, which commenced on January 9, 2024, and was presided over by Justice Sandil Kissoon, Madam Justice Priya SewnarineBeharry and Madam Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall in the Demerara High Court.

Of the 42 matters that were disposed of by the State, 26 were presented in the High Court while the other 16 cases were nolle prosequi (dismissed) by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

In addition to the 11 murder cases, there were also three matters for manslaughter, another three for the offence of attempt to commit murder and nine for sexual offences.

These cases resulted in five convictions, seven verdicts of not guilty by jury, six formal verdicts of not guilty, nine guilty pleas and one hung jury. There was a total of 28 accused in relation to these matters.

State Counsel Joy Williams, State Counsel Caressa Henry, State Counsel Padma Dubraj and State Counsel Alvaro Ramotar prosecuted 13 matters before Justice Sewnarine-Beharry.

Of these 13 matters, seven were for murder, three for manslaughter and three for attempt to commit murder.

In five of the murder tri-

als, the accused all pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter; three of them were respectively sentenced to nine years, seven years and 12 years imprisonment while the other two were sentenced to eight years respectively.

In another one of the murder trials, the accused was sentenced at the Court's pleasure and ordered to serve a minimum of eight years in custody. The other case had two accused and they were both acquitted by unanimous jury verdicts of not guilty.

Justice Beharry upheld no case submissions for two of the manslaughter cases and directed the juries to return formal verdicts of not guilty. While the jury in the other one returned a not guilty verdict.

For one of the attempt to commit murder and wounding with intent cases, the trial Judge upheld a no-case submission and directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty. The accused in the other matter was found guilty by jury on the alternative count of wounding with intent and will be sentenced on May 10, 2024, while the accused in the third matter pleaded guilty as charged and will also be sentenced on May 10.

Meanwhile, State Counsel Rbina Christmas, State Counsel Praneta Seeraj and State Counsel Simran Gajraj completed four murder cases in Justice Morris-Ramlall's Court.

In one of these, the accused pleaded guilty as charged and was sentenced to 16 years im-

prisonment. In another one, the main state witness testified that she did not wish to give further evidence and the trial judge directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty.

There were two accused indicted together in one of the murder cases. They were both found unanimously guilty of the lesser offence of manslaughter and sentenced to life imprisonment and will respectively serve 25 years and 21 years before being eligible for parole. In the other case, the accused who was indicted on two counts of murder was found unanimously guilty by jury on both counts. His sentence is deferred to April 4, 2024.

Before Justice Kissoon, State Counsel Latiffa Elliot, State Counsel Nafeeza Baig, State Counsel Yoneika Rowland, State Counsel Abiola Lowe and State Counsel Merissa Edwards presented nine matters in the Sexual Offences Court.

In four of these cases, the accused were all acquitted by jury verdicts of not guilty. In another one, the trial judge upheld a no-case submission and directed the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty. While the jury in one other case failed to reach a verdict and returned hung; the accused was remanded back to prison to await a new trial.

In another two septate trials, both accused pleaded guilty and their sentences have been deferred to this month. One matter remains in progress.

er case could not be located despite several efforts made to find them.

The complainants in the other cases submitted written statements that they did not wish to proceed with their matters.

Court of Appeal

Meanwhile, the DPP Chamber appeared in 24 appeals in the Court of Appeal for the offences of murder, manslaughter, attempted murder, sexual offenses, causing death by dangerous driving, robbery under arms, trafficking in person, possession of narcotics for trafficking, receiving stolen property and simple larceny.

With regards to the 16 matters that were nolle prosequi by the DPP, three were for the offence of murder, two for attempt to commit murder and 11 cases for sexual offences.

In two of these cases, the accused have died. Another accused had his committal quashed in the High Court. The main witnesses in anoth-

Of these matters, 19 were applications for leave to file and serve notices of appeal against conviction and sentence; 16 applications were granted while three are pending.

Three other applications were granted for extension of time to file and serve notices of appeal. There were two applications for bail pending appeal, one was denied and the other was withdrawn.

During this time, the Chamber also appeared in four matters at the Demerara Full Court, two for the offences of possession of narcotics for trafficking and one each for conspiracy to defraud and unlawful wounding.

Three of these applications were to appeal against conviction and sentence; while two were allowed in part and their convictions were upheld but the sentences varied. The other application was denied.

Another appellant was granted his application for permission to travel out of the jurisdiction.

During this period, the DPP Chamber also appeared in one matter before the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) for the offence of murder. The appeal was allowed.

The April Criminal Assizes in Demerara will commence on April 2, 2024 with a total of 224 matters listed to be heard. Madam Justice JoAnn Barlow, Madam Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall and Justice Sandil Kissoon are rostered to preside over this session. (G-8)

Celebrating Transgender Day

Sister’s love shines through in 1st video to feature

transgender Guyanese

“Tarique is my rock,” a tearful but smiling Kaisha Davis recounts in a minute-long testimonial for her younger brother. Tarique Willaims is a transgender man, meaning he was assigned female at birth but now lives his life every day as the man he knows himself to be.

Family provides the basis of love and support for most Guyanese, and for Kaisha, love and acceptance are not just about reciprocity. It is about a caring sibling who has been consistent with their thoughts and actions towards Kaisha, as well as his other siblings.

In this third campaign video, Kaisha tells her story of unconditional love for her brother, her “confidante.” Kaisha tells a story of bonding between Tarique and her teen daughter whom Tarique has taken the responsibility to help with her Mathematics studies. This is another act of love that strengthens Kaisha’s bond with her brother Tarique.

cal mother passed away when she was a teenager. The second video features Guyanese Model and Pageant Queen, Kristal Inshan and her gay friend, fashion designer Avinash Narine had captured support through friendship.

This third video will be aired both on local television stations and across a wide range of social media platforms. It complements two other videos launched in September and October 2023.

The video is timed to mark the International Transgender Day of Visibility, on March 31. It is a day to celebrate the lives and contributions of transgender people, while also raising awareness of the discrimination faced by trans people worldwide.

The first video features a young lesbian, Krystal Trim, and her ally Eusebia Liverpool, who has been a mother figure in Trim’s life since her biologi -

All the videos capture real stories of immeasurable love and support from family and friends for gay and trans-Guyanese.

The videos can be accessed online via the Guyana Together at guyanatogether.gy and the campaign’s social media pages on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube with the handle @ GuyanaTogether.

Kaisha Davis

Tarique Williams

Dhanraj Theophilus was sentenced to 12 years in prison by Justice Priya SewnarineBeharry in February after he was found guilty of beating his wife to death in January 2018 at Baramita, Region One

MoH urges citizens to take proactive measures to mitigate exposure to wildfire smoke

As wildfires and grass fires continue to ravage parts of Georgetown and other regions amidst a prolonged dry season, the Ministry of Health (MOH) issues a critical advisory regarding the health risks associated with wildfire smoke.

Wildfire smoke, comprising a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning vegetation and other materials, poses severe health hazards, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory and heart conditions.

The microscopic particles in the smoke can easily infiltrate the respiratory system and lead to various health issues, including coughing, difficulty breathing, asthma attacks, and more.

In response to this pressing concern, the MOH emphasizes the importance of taking proactive measures to mitigate exposure to wildfire smoke and safeguard personal health and well-being.

The Ministry advises keeping smoke outside as much as possible by ensuring that windows and doors remain closed, thereby preventing smoke from infiltrating indoor spaces.

Individuals are also encouraged to wear N95 or KN95 face masks when venturing outdoors to reduce inhalation of smoke particles.

Practicing good hygiene, such as washing skin and eyes with water if direct contact with smoke or ash occurs, is essential to alleviate irritation. Moreover, indoor activities that generate fine particles, including burning candles or incense, smoking tobacco products, and using aerosol sprays, should be avoided to minimize indoor air pollution.

Optimizing air filtration by employing high-efficiency filters in central air conditioning systems can help capture fine particles from

smoke. It is recommended to set the system to recirculate mode or close outdoor intake dampers to minimize external air entry.

Individuals are urged to limit strenuous outdoor activities during smoky conditions and to ventilate indoor spaces by opening windows or utilizing fresh air intake on air conditioning systems when air quality improves.

able neighbours, friends, and family members are essential community actions during wildfire incidents.

Prioritizing mental health by maintaining calmness, avoiding anxiety, and managing stress levels is paramount during challenging times.

communications from the Ministry of Health.

Following the recent upsurge of bush and grass fires, the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) also urges citizens to exercise extreme caution and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of fires.

In a statement, the GFS urged citizens to refrain from any activities that could potentially spark fires, such as deliberately setting grass or garbage on fire, discarding cigarettes, or using equipment that generates heat or sparks in dry vegetation areas.

According to the GFS, if anyone notices any signs of smoke or fire, it is advised that they do not hesitate to report it immediately to the Fire Service via 912 or to their Neighbourhood Democratic Council, Regional Democratic Council, Toshao or Village Leaders.

fires in Nappi Village, Central Rupununi in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

On Tuesday last, the media reported that the GFS and the Civil Defence Commission were monitoring a brush fire in the Lethem region. The fire began last Sunday at approximately 08:30h and was fueled by dry and windy conditions.

At the time, efforts are closely coordinated to ensure the safety of residents and effective management of the fire.

Though the terrain hindered fire tenders’ access to the mountainous area, Village Toshaos, and fire personnel were seen transporting black tanks of water to the scene to aid in extinguishing the blaze.

Monitoring symptoms and seeking medical assistance promptly in case of sudden or worsening difficulty breathing and chest pain are crucial steps to ensure timely intervention. Additionally, staying informed through reliable sources and offering assistance to vulner-

Dr. Tariq Jagnarine

The Muslim holy month of Ramadan is currently ongoing. The ninth month of the Islamic calendar is a month of fasting. Fasting during Ramadan carries a high risk of dehydration, as food and drink are limited to before sunrise and after sunset. Furthermore, as fasting individuals are encouraged to wake up very early to have their Sahur/Suhoor (or pre-dawn meal), sleep deprivation and dehydration can lead to headaches.

People with health issues like diabetes may face many challenges in fasting during the month of Ramadan. Those who have early diabetes, which is well controlled with small doses of medicines, can fast safely;

but those people who have advanced disease -- who are taking multiple medicines, including insulin or any other medicines, such as sulfonylureas, which can cause episodes of low sugar; or those people who have significant medical comorbidities, like heart disease, kidney disease or liver disease -- fasting may not be a very safe option. They need to be more prepared to avoid any complications or risks of fasting.

It's always better to discuss the desired change in the treatment plan before starting to fast. Ask a doctor whether fasting is safe. So, there is a risk of glucose levels going up and down. Risk is both hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia for people with type 2 diabetes, because there's very long fasting starting from early morning to the evening, when the glucose levels can go down. If people are using insulin or sulfonylureas, and if the meal choices are not right, then there will be the risk of sugar levels going very high at night time if people eat meals with high carbohydrates, or sugary fruits and juices, etc. So, to avoid these fluctuations, plan meals accordingly, discuss the treatment plan, appropriate changes, the timing of the medicines: if anything

By implementing these proactive measures, the health Ministry said individuals can effectively protect themselves and their families from the adverse health effects of wildfire smoke. Remember to stay vigilant and prepared before, during, and after wildfire incidents.

For further guidance and updates, the Ministry asks to please refer to official

HEALTH TIPS

HEALTH TIPS FOR RAMADAN

Additionally, the GFS said that it was of high import that persons ensure that properties were adequately prepared for fire prevention by clearing away dry vegetation, maintaining defensible space, and having fire extinguishing tools readily available.

A few days ago, a multi-agency approach was taken to extinguish wild-

On Thursday, a 100-person team consisting of ranks from the Lethem Police Station and a group of persons from Men on Mission entered Nappi Village to assist in putting out the wildfire.

They joined the Regional Executive Officer Carl Singh, ranks from the GFS, other officials, and residents of the village, to help douse the fire near the Kanuku Mountain range.

needs to be changed during the days of fasting, and stick to non-sugar fluids to keep yourself hydrated.

Stay hydrated

Begin and end the fast with plenty of water, to prevent dehydration. Incorporate hydrating foods like watermelon, cucumbers and soups during non-fasting hours to maintain hydration levels throughout the day.

Balanced meals

Opt for balanced meals that include complex carbohydrates and lean proteins, healthy fats and fibre-rich foods, to sustain energy levels and promote satiety

during fasting periods. Avoid overindulging in fried or sugary foods during Iftar to prevent digestive discomfort.

Nutritious meals

Start the day with a nutritious meal that includes slow-digesting foods like oats, whole grains, eggs and yogurt, to provide sustained energy throughout the day. Avoid excessive caffeine and salty foods, which lead to thirst and dehydration during fasting hours.

Moderate exercise

Engage in light to moderate physical activity during non-fasting hours, to promote circulation, improve mood, and maintain muscle

mass. Opt for activities like walking, yoga, or stretching, and avoid strenuous exercises during peak fasting times in order to conserve energy.

Mindful eating

Practise mindful eating during Iftar and Suhoor by chewing slowly, savouring each bite, and paying attention to hunger and fullness cues. Avoid overeating by starting with small portions and taking breaks between servings to allow the body to register satiety.

Hygiene practices

Maintain good hygiene practices, including regular handwashing, proper food handling, and cleaning

food preparation surfaces, to prevent foodborne illnesses and gastrointestinal issues during Ramadan.

Manage stress

Prioritise stress management techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, prayer, and spending time with loved ones in order to promote emotional well-being and reduce cortisol levels, which can affect hunger and digestion.

Consult with healthcare provider

If you have pre-existing medical conditions or concerns about fasting, consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian to ensure that fasting is safe and appropriate. They can provide personalised guidance and recommendations based on individual health needs.

Listen to your body

Pay attention to the body's signals, and adjust the fasting routine based on the feelings. If you experience symptoms like dizziness, weakness, or extreme thirst, break the fast and prioritise rehydration and nourishment to maintain overall health and well-being.

Use this Ramadan to cultivate good dietary and other healthy habits, and by the time the fasting month ends, you will feel healthier.

A recent grass fire in Guyana

Regional Hope for Haiti – former Jamaica PM says after recent developments

Jamaican Former Prime Minister

Patterson

PJ

is confident that recent proposed solutions to the crisis in Haiti can work and will offer that country the best chance of moving forward successfully.

“I think what they have proposed is logical, [but] it is feasible only if the conditions on the ground allow for its implementation,” Patterson told the Jamaica Observer during an exclusive interview last Tuesday.

Following crisis talks in Kingston just over two weeks ago, it was announced that Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry would resign following the establishment of a transitional presidential council which will be responsible for naming an interim Prime Minister ahead of a national election to determine a new Head of Government.

“There is a very encouraging signal in that the parties mentioned in that agreement, save one, have already nominated someone to serve on the presidential council. Let us hope that the presidential council will be able to meet in reasonable time, because that is necessary to put into effect the resignation of the Prime Minister which will be finalised when there is a constituted au-

thority in place,” Patterson said hours before the council put out its first official statement in which it said as soon as its members are officially installed, they would help “put Haiti back on the path of democratic legitimacy, stability and dignity”.

The talks in Kingston were led by Caribbean Community (Caricom) Heads of Government and included envoys from the United States, France, Canada, the United Nations and other major players. Patterson was pleased that the regional leaders were at the forefront of efforts to help Haiti through discussions with Haitians and the international community.

Haiti has been rocked by acute violence since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. The crisis escalated late February when the country’s gangs launched a coordinated offensive, raiding two prison and releasing thousands of inmates as they demanded Henry’s resignation.

The political chaos and street violence are taking place against a backdrop of increasingly desperate hunger. Last week, the United Nations reported that nearly five million persons, almost half the Haitian population, faces “crisis or worse levels

of acute food insecurity”.

Amid the sharply worsening conditions, more than 33,000 persons have fled the capital Port-au-Prince where a state of emergency has been declared until April.

“Haiti is a member of Caricom, and Caricom has to demonstrate the will and the determination to help the most populous state in the region to achieve a level of democratic stability and economic development,” said Patterson, who retired from representative politics in March 2006 and is respected worldwide as an astute statesman.

“I brought Haiti into the Caribbean Community… and it was a calculated decision, because Haiti deserves

Peruvian President rules out resignation amid Rolex inquiry

Peruvian President Dina Boluarte on Saturday said she would not resign after her house was raided as part of inquiries into possible illicit enrichment and failure to declare ownership of luxury watches.

Some 20 officials from the public prosecutor's office and 20 Police raided Boluarte's house on Friday night, and the palace on Saturday morning.

"I took office with clean hands and thus I will retire from the presidency in 2026," she said at a press conference, calling the raids a "disproportionate" measure and "abusive".

Boluarte's house is located in the Lima district of Surquillo, a few kilometres from the palace where she works.

"Personnel from the palace provided all the facilities for the diligence requested," the presidency said on social media platform X, adding that it was carried out "normally and without any incident".

a very special place in the history of mankind [because] of its peculiar and unique significance in the struggle against slavery and the building of an independent State,” Patterson told the Sunday Observer.

“For that sin, they have paid an enormous price, beginning with the refusal of the developed world to recognise them as an independent country unless they paid France reparations for the slaves that had been freed,” he said.

He charged that the situation in Haiti has been predicated on the “extortion that France imposed and the repeated invasions by the United States of America, both of which have prevented Haiti from developing a free and democratic society”.

While pointing out that Haiti suffers from a lack of institutions both in Government and the political structure which has made it difficult to obtain a

consensus on the way forward, Patterson said the international community has to play a major role in helping that country out of the present crisis.

“Like the World Bank, the IDB (Inter-American Development Bank), the IMF (International Monetary Fund), together with nations which have done the damage, USA, France and, by extension, the European Union, [and] Canada which has benefited considerably from Haitian expertise, all have to come together,” said Patterson as he noted that several countries made promises of support for Haiti after the magnitude 7.0 earthquake of 2010 which devastated the country, but are yet to deliver.

According to Patterson, the next Haitian Government elected will need to look at changes to its constitution to make it more effective.

He said the new

Government will also need to implement a programme for economic development to repair the damage that has been done in recent time and to plan for the full deployment of the human and capital resources needed for Haiti’s economic growth and development.

“That Government is also going to [need to] build some of the institutional capacity particularly pertaining to security and it has to decide whether it is going to restore an army to be able to assist the Police Force in dealing with law and order throughout the country, or whether it is going to create a Police Force of the size, the capacity, with the training to be able to maintain law and order,” said Patterson, who further argued that, “It is in the interest of the entire hemisphere that Haiti is allowed to grow and develop and contribute to the welfare of the region.” (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Mexican authorities investigate death of 8 Chinese migrants

Aboat carrying Chinese migrants capsized off the coast of the Mexican southern state of Oaxaca, killing eight migrants, and Mexican authorities said over the weekend that they were investigating the incident.

The boat capsized on Friday, and Oaxacan state officials said in a statement

posted on X on Saturday that the only survivor, a man, had said the boat was steered by a Mexican and that they had left the border city of Tapachula in Chiapas state on Thursday. The other migrants on the boat, seven women and one man from China, all died, the statement said, adding that they have not been officially identified.

Tapachula, on the border with Guatemala, is where many migrants hoping to get to the United States depart.

The difficulty of obtaining visas for the United States and the economic after-shocks of COVID lockdowns have led to a sharp increase in Chinese presenting at the US-Mexico border. (Reuters)

Desperate search on for T&T businessman

Ateam of over 40 people continued searching for missing Moruga businessman Linwald Beharry for a fourth consecutive day on March 31.

Involved were members of the Hunters Search and Rescue Team, officers from the Moruga Police Station, relatives and some of Beharry's students.

Hunters Search and Rescue Team Head Vallence Rambharat told Newsday the search began around 07:30h.

gramme La-Encerrona that the President possessed several Rolex watches.

The inquiry intended to establish whether there were grounds for a formal investigation of the President.

Two weeks ago, Prosecutors began preliminary inquiries following a media report by Internet pro-

However, Peruvian Prime Minister Gustavo Adrianzen also criticised the raids. "The political noise that is being made is serious, affecting investments and the entire country," he wrote on X. "What has happened in the last few hours is disproportionate and unconstitutional actions."

Boluarte, in office since December 2022, has acknowledged that she owns Rolex watches, which she said she had bought with money she earned since she was young. (Excerpt from Reuters)

"We're now on a lunch break, but thus far we've been unsuccessful. We've been utilising drones and foot patrols as well as van patrols to cover what I would consider to be...large areas in the Moruga and Barrackpore areas for the morning."

Beharry, 67, left his Bois Jean Jean home in his car at around 07:00h on March

Missing

26, telling relatives he was feeling unwell and was going to a doctor in Craignish Village, Princes Town. After the doctor's visit, he was expected to lead a real-estate class at Cross Crossing, San Fernando, but never showed up at either location. Worried when he did

not return home, the family contacted the Hunters Search and Rescue Team to begin looking for him.

Beharry's car, a black Mercedes Benz (PBM 8), was last seen in St Mary’s Village, Moruga, the day he was last seen. (Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

Former Jamaican PM PJ Patterson

President Dina Boluarte waves during the launch ceremony of the presidency of APEC PERU 2024 at the Government Palace in Lima, Peru, December 4, 2023 (Reuters/Sebastian Castaneda photo)

businessman Linwald Beharry

Around the World

OIL NEWS Natural gas producers are ready to pounce when prices rebound

UFighting rages across Gaza amid revival of truce talks

Israeli strikes killed 77 Palestinians in Gaza in the past 24 hours, health authorities said on Sunday, as Egypt hosted an Israeli delegation for a new round of talks in a bid to secure a truce with Gaza's Hamas rulers.

S natural gas producers are slashing production in response to multi-year low prices. But they are also looking beyond the current slump, preparing to turn on more output by flexible operation of their inventory of wells.

“Natural gas is currently pricing at or below costs of production,” an executive at an exploration and production company said in comments in the quarterly Dallas Fed Energy Survey released this week.

Prices are historically low due to weak winter demand amid milder weather, record output at the end of 2023, and higher-than-average natural gas stocks.

Working natural gas stocks in the week to March 22 were 41 per cent more than the five-year average and 23 per cent higher than last year at this time, per the latest EIA data.

The oversupply and low prices have prompted many producers to start reducing production. But some are also stocking up inventories of wells ready to start pumping – or to be turned in line – as soon as prices rebound. Producers expect natural gas prices to recover next year amid growing demand for LNG exports and new LNG export plants that are slated to begin operations in 2025.

“All of us in the natural gas business are pinching as many pennies as we can right now,” Josh Viets, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Chesapeake Energy, told the audience at Hart Energy’s DUG GAS+ Conference & Exhibition 2024 in Louisiana this week.

But Chesapeake Energy, set to become the top US natural gas producer after the planned merger with Southwestern Energy, is also deferring production from around 80 wells this year, which would give it up to 1.0 bcf/d of productive capacity available from deferred turn in line wells (TILs) by the end of 2024.

“The way I like to think about it is we’re using the reservoir as storage,” Viets told the conference, as carried by Bloomberg.

“When the market says, ‘hey, I need more gas,’ we’ll be in a position to quickly restore that to help meet the needs of consumers.”

(Excerpt from Oilprice.com)

The Israeli military said it killed a senior Islamic Jihad militant in a strike on a command centre in the courtyard of the Al-Aqsa Hospital in central Gaza. It did not mention his name or rank.

"The command centre and terrorists were struck precisely”, the military said, adding it was intended to minimise "harm to uninvolved civilians in the area of the hospital".

"The Al-Aqsa Hospital building was not damaged and its functioning was not affected."

There was no immediate comment from Islamic Jihad, an ally of Hamas.

Palestinian health officials and Hamas media said the strike hit several tents inside the Al-Aqsa Hospital, killing four people and wounding several, including five Journalists.

More than 32,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's military offensive in Gaza since October 7, according to the health authorities. Health officials say most of the fatalities are civilians, while

Israel says at least a third are fighters.

The war erupted after Hamas militants broke through the border and rampaged through communities in southern Israel, killing 1200 persons and abducting 253 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

The two sides have stepped up negotiations, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, on a six-week suspension of Israel's offensive in return for the proposed release of 40 of 130 hostages still held by Hamas militants in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Sunday to keep up military pressure on Hamas, while showing flexibility in the talks, saying that only that combination would bring about the release of hostages.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Pope Francis, in Easter address, calls for Gaza ceasefire

Pope Francis called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all Israeli hostages in an Easter Sunday address that marked the most important day on the Christian calendar by deploring the suffering caused by wars.

The pontiff presided over Mass in a packed and flower-bedecked St Peter's Square, and then delivered his "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) blessing and message from the central balcony of St Peter's Basilica.

Francis, 87, has been in poor health in recent weeks, forcing him on re-

Russia seeks extradition of Ukraine security service head; Ukraine rejects demand

Russia is demanding that Ukraine hand over all people connected with terrorist acts committed in Russia, including the head of the country's SBU Security Service, the Foreign Ministry said on Sunday.

The SBU immediately dismissed the Russian demand as "pointless" and said the Russian Ministry had "forgotten" that Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin was the subject of an international arrest warrant.

A Russian Foreign Ministry statement listed violent incidents that have occurred in Russia since the Kremlin's forces invaded Ukraine in February 2022, including bombings that killed the daughter of a

prominent nationalist and a war blogger, and an incident in which a writer was seriously hurt.

The Ministry said investigation of these incidents showed that "the traces of these crimes lead to Ukraine".

"Russia has turned over to Ukrainian authorities its demands ... for the immediate arrest and extradition of all those connected to the terrorist acts in question," the statement said.

Among those listed in the statement to be handed over are SBU head Vasyl Maliuk, who has acknowledged his service was behind attacks on the bridge linking Crimea to the Russian mainland since the Kremlin's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Russia

seized control of Crimea in 2014; the bridge was built after the region was annexed.

"The Russian side demands that the Kyiv regime immediately cease all support for terrorist activity, extradite guilty parties and compensate the victims for damages," the Ministry statement said.

"Ukraine's violation of its obligations under anti-terrorist conventions will result in it being held to account in international legal terms."

Ukraine's SBU said the Russian demands "sound particularly cynical coming from the terrorist state itself. ... Therefore, any words from the Russian Foreign Ministry are pointless."

(Excerpt from Reuters)

peated occasions to limit his public speaking and cancel engagements as he did on Good Friday, skipping at short notice a procession at

Rome's Colosseum.

However, he took part in other Holy Week events leading up to Easter, and appeared in relatively good

spirits on Sunday. After the service, Francis took to his opentopped popemobile to greet crowds in the square and the avenue connecting St Peter's to the River Tiber. The Vatican said about 60,000 persons had turned up.

'Why all this death?'

Francis has repeatedly deplored the death and destruction in the Gaza war and he renewed his call for a ceasefire on Sunday.

"I appeal once again that access to humanitarian aid be ensured to Gaza, and call once more for the prompt release of the hostages seized on last October 7 and for an immediate ceasefire in the Strip," he said in his Urbi et Orbi address. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Philippines boosts maritime security as China tension rises

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has ordered his Government to strengthen its coordination on maritime security to confront "a range of serious challenges" to territorial integrity and peace, as a dispute with China escalates.

The order, signed today and made public on Sunday, does not mention China, but follows a series of bilateral maritime confrontations and mutual accusations over a disputed area of the South China Sea.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not respond to a Reuters request for comment on Sunday.

Beijing claims almost

all of the South China Sea, a conduit for more than US$3 trillion of annual ship-borne commerce. China's claims overlap those of the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016 said China's claims had no legal basis.

The latest flare-up occurred last weekend, when China used water cannon to disrupt a Philippine resupply mission to the Second Thomas Shoal for soldiers guarding a warship intentionally grounded on a reef 25 years ago.

"Despite efforts to promote stability and security in our maritime domain,

the Philippines continues to confront a range of serious challenges that threaten territorial integrity, but also the peaceful existence of Filipinos," Marcos said in the order.

The President vowed on Thursday to implement countermeasures against "illegal, coercive, aggressive and dangerous attacks" by China's coastguard. His order expands and reorganises the government's maritime council, adding the national security adviser, solicitor general, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency chief and the South China Sea task force.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Smoke rises over Gaza following an explosion, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, as seen from Israel, March 27, 2024 (Reuters/Ronen Zvulun photo)

Pope Francis greets the faithful on the day of the Easter Mass at St Peter's Square at the Vatican, March 31, 2024 (Reuters/Remo Casilli photo)

(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)

Don’t rush. Accuracy and preparation are encouraged if you want to go the distance and achieve your goal. Less talk and more action will help you maintain an edge. Strive to achieve the spectacular.

An opportunity will require change. Consider what others expect of you and prepare to deliver. Work alone until you are happy with the results. Keep your progress to yourself.

Keep your finger on the pulse, be aware of what’s happening and don’t believe everything you hear. Ditch the dead weight and clutter, and clear a passage forward. Hold others accountable.

Immerse yourself in your pursuits. Time spent conversing with someone will make you anxious and insecure about what you want to achieve. You’ll gain ground by getting things done and taking action.

Stick close to home and address personal business. Stay updated with the latest information regarding your community, professional changes and environmental concerns. Take the most fulfilling path.

Listen, learn and incorporate what you discover into your life. A change is overdue and will help point you in an appropriate direction. Don’t be afraid to shake things up.

Put home, family and relationships first. Be a good listener, and it will lead to better decisions. A contract, medical issue or financial investment will take a positive turn.

Emotions will influence your actions in the heat of the moment. Shake off any anxiety and replace it with common sense. Redirect your energy into creative and innovative plans.

Conflicts will arise if you let someone interfere in your life. Redefine what makes you happy. Take better care of your health and reputation. Personal gain requires hands-on assistance.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Pay attention to where the money goes, and you’ll discover how to lower your overhead. A change at home will allow you to entertain a new and exciting lifestyle.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Revamp your long-term plans and select a project that feels compatible. Stop bending to someone else’s needs and pursue what will make you happy. Don’t forget to be grateful.

Choose the route with the highest return. Deal with bureaucratic matters and press forward. You’ll find your bliss by following that small voice within. Don’t stifle your dreams.

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

PICKLES

ARCHIE

Mohit, Noor and Rashid stifle big-hitting Sunrisers to set up Titans victory

P162 for 8 was comfortably chased by Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad to make it 11 wins out of 12 for home teams in IPL 2024.

tions from Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan and David Miller to see them through.

Noor, Rashid rock Sunrisers

An afternoon start in Ahmedabad promised a dry surface with help for spinners, and that's why Cummins wanted Sunrisers to make first use of the pitch.

Noor Ahmad, Mohit Sharma and former Sunriser Rashid Khan suffocated the big-hitting team in orange to keep them down to a below-par score, and as the surface got better in the evening, the Titans rode on contribu-

Expecting the same, the Titans dropped fast bowler Spencer Johnson to give leftarm wristspinner Noor his first outing of the season.

Noor struck in his first over when he got a googly to rattle Travis Head's stumps

SCOREBOARD

Rashid

Darshan

Gujarat

right after the powerplay before the opener could do heavy damage. Noor's googly was particularly effective on this surface. He bowled 13 of them and only conceding ten runs. His spell of 1 for 32, numbers partly ruined by some late hits from Sunrisers, gave Titans their first foothold in this game.

Noor's bowling also lifted his senior Afghanistan team-mate Rashid, who conceded 49 against Chennai Super Kings in his last game and started Sunday's spell with a 15-run over courtesy Abhishek Sharma's twin sixes.

However, Rashid returned strongly to keep Heinrich Klaasen relatively quiet, and eventually he took him out as well, a skiddy legbreak going on to shatter the stumps in the 14th over. Rashid then made an equal contribution next over in Aiden Markram's dismissal when he dived forward to complete a difficult catch running in from longon. He finished with 1 for 33 and apart from that catch, also played a role in Abdul Samad's run-out in the final over.

Mohit leaves Sunrisers short

via a Mohit cutter. Mohit slowed things down and forced an error from Abhishek by get ting a length ball wide and forcing a mis-hit to cover. With the sur face assist ing pace-off deliveries,

worked wonderfully. After dismissing Shahbaz Ahmed and Washington Sundar in the 20th over, Mohit led the team out with only 163 to chase, and earned a well-deserved rest, substituted by Sudharsan for the second innings.

attacking the new ball and hit his former Bengal teammate Shahbaz for a six in the opening over. He then ran down the pitch to hammer Bhuvneshwar Kumar straight back and accepted a gift from Umesh Yadav to deposit a full toss over the leg side. Even though Saha fell in the fifth over to Shahbaz, his 13-ball 25 had given Titans a quick start and allowed Gill to find his feet.

TOTAL

Did

Unlike the Mumbai Indians game - where every Sunrisers batter who got starts went big - they fell after getting set this time. Perhaps the idea was to maximise the runs that a hard-hitting batting-order could generate, but on this occasion, they were dismissed before the big flourish.

One of them was Abhishek, dismissed for 29

From scoring only 11 in his first 12 balls, Gill hit 25 runs off his next 16 to accelerate after the powerplay. He relied on the odd boundary amid risk-free grounded shots to keep the score moving. Even though Gill holed out for 36 right after the first time-out in the tenth over, he did what Saha helped him do, letting the No. 3 Sudharsan also settle.

Mohit bowled another tidy over against Klaasen and Markram to finish his first spell for 1-12. Titans saved the rest of his overs for the death and he showed just why they do that, conceding only 13 further runs and picking up two more wickets.

Mohit was instrumental in Sunrisers scoring only 40 runs in their last five overs. The only six he conceded was when he delivered a full toss, but otherwise his playlist of change-up deliveries

three gel well

Like the Titans, the Sunrisers too made a strategic change from their previous game by opting for Washington as the impact player instead of Umran Malik. They also started the bowling innings with Shahbaz's left-arm orthodox spin.

But it soon got clear that as afternoon turned to evening, the pitch had eased off. Wriddhiman Saha began in trademark fashion,

Sudharsan struggled to put Markande and Cummins away initially, but changed gears in the 12th over when he found his second boundary against Jaydev Unadkat by driving over mid-off. He then clubbed Cummins and Washington in the space of three balls and played his best shot when he came down the track to hammer Markande for six. Cummins did dismiss him with a slower ball for 45 in the 17th over, but by then the win was almost guaranteed.

Miller puts the finishing touch

The year 2024 has been a forgettable one for Miller after two fantastic years of T20 cricket. Coming into the game, he had a strike rate of 119, his lowest in 13 years, and his struggles looked to surface when he could not find a boundary in his first 16 deliveries. But then came a small break as Miller got some treatment for a niggle. After that, he looked a player transformed.

With his mobility hampered, Miller decided there was no point holding anything back and pounced on Markande's predictable fulland-wide deliveries to club a 26-run 16th over. He then picked Cummins' slower balls to club both of them for four in the 17th. And when Unadkat delivered the first ball of the 20th, Miller saw it land in his arc, and expectedly, sent it out of the park to finish unbeaten on 44.

(ESPNCricInfo)

David Miller pumped plenty of boundaries to kill the chase

Mohit Sharma picked up three wickets

Noor Ahmad made a crucial breakthrough

Pant, Khaleel and Mukesh seal Capitals' first win despite Dhoni special

At approximately 11

on Sunday night, Visakhapatnam came alive. 'Hosts' Delhi Capitals were on their way to their first win, but the result suddenly seemed irrelevant.

MS Dhoni strode to the middle to bat for the first time since last year's final and immediately sent the decibel levels soaring, walloping his first ball for four behind square leg and bludgeoning his third through extra-cover.

When he hit Khaleel Ahmed for an inside-out six in the next over, the crowd threatened to blow the roof off. Chennai Super Kings still needed 46 off 12; one run more than a side had ever made off the last two overs to win in the IPL.

Mukesh Kumar was tasked with bowling a clutch over. His figures until then read 2-0-16-3. One more good over would close the game out, more or less, and he delivered, bowling a series of wide yorkers that Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja couldn't get underneath.

The over went for 5, and Super Kings needed 41 off six. Impossible if extras didn't come into it.

That was no reason for the crowd to stop. Dhoni was on strike. They wanted him to turn the clock back. And he did, walloping Anrich Nortje for two fours and two sixes. Dhoni finished 37 not out off 16, Super Kings fell short by 20 runs, but you couldn't quite say if the fans in yellow were disappointed at the result or ecstatic at watching their hero do his thing.

After he scythed a fulltoss for six to finish the game, the realisation dawned that the Capitals had picked up their first win of the season, a result set up by David Warner and Rishabh Pant with the bat, and finished off by Khaleel and Mukesh.

Shaw, Warner lay down the marker

Prithvi Shaw made 106 runs in eight innings in IPL 2023, at an average of 13.25. When he didn't begin the season, you wondered if the Delhi Capitals were looking beyond him already.

Turns out they weren't.

Coming in for local boy Ricky Bhui and slotting in at the top of the order, Shaw laid the foundation with a 93-run opening stand in 9.3 overs with David Warner.

All the trademark elements of a Shaw innings were on display: sumptuous driving, fierce cuts and delectable wristwork. Warner was more muscle, but he also had a tantalising effect with his leg-side strokeplay. When he brought up his half-century off just 32 balls, Capitals

were flying.

Pathirana makes a splash

You didn't know until last week if Matheesha Pathirana would feature in the tournament at all. But in taking a blinder at short third in the 10th over, leaping full-stretch and pulling off a one-handed stunner while airborne, he put to rest any concerns over his back. Warner saw his jaw-drop in disbelief at the athleticism, and had to drag himself off.

Pathirana was only warming up.

His second act was even more sensational, even though it's something we've come to expect.

ish on 191 for 5.

Khaleel's stunning spell 3-0-9-2.

The left-arm quick left Super Kings in a rut right at the top. Ruturaj Gaikwad was taken out by late seam movement back in. Rachin Ravindra holed out to midon, frustrated by his inability to put bat on ball. Khaleel's first 12 balls brought three runs.

Daryl Mitchell and Ajinkya Rahane treaded cautiously, seemingly to try and bat deep. Occasionally, they played shots that delighted the purist. Like a flicked six by Rahane off Rasikh Salam. The pair revived the innings with a 68-run stand, but the

nership by having Mitchell caught and bowled. He could have had Impact Sub Shivam Dube third ball as he tried to hack one over cow corner, but the bottom edge was put down by Pant.

Mukesh leaves his imprint Tasked to bowl the tough overs, Mukesh picked up two in his first over, the 14th, to leave Super Kings gasping. He felled Rahane with a slower one that he hit to long-on, and Sameer Rizvi with a superb seam-up delivery that he nicked to short third.

The game seemed done. And then Dhoni walked out, sending everyone into throwback mode even though the game had gone beyond Super Kings' reach. (ESPNCricinfo)

A ball after being dismissed for six in the 15th over, he splayed Mitchell Marsh's middle stump with a pinpoint yorker. Two balls later, he had Tristan Stubbs with another toe-crusher. Capitals were fast ceding momentum, and by the end of that over had slipped to 134 for 4.

all too evident. But he backed himself to emerge from the rut, and when he did, it was breathtaking.

He took down Mustafizur Rahman first and Pathirana

Pant comes to the party

The early part of Pant's innings seemed like a struggle. He kept losing his shape when balls were dug into the pitch on a length. At 23 off 23, the frustration seemed

next, peppering the long-on boundary with his strong bottom hand and the shovel he's known for. When he sliced Pathirana in the same over to the point boundary, he'd brought up a 31-ball half-century. A 19th over that went for 17 helped give Capitals momentum to fin-

asking rate had swelled to 11.70 with 10 overs remaining.

Capitals didn't have Kuldeep Yadav due to a niggle. Axar Patel had a job to do. And he broke the part-

With Super Kings needing 79 off 30, Anrich Nortje bowled a gun third over full of wide yorkers to deny the batters. The over went for just seven and all the pressure that had crept up consumed Shivam Dube as he picked out long-off in the 17th over to give Mukesh his third wicket.

Chennai Super Kings (T: 192 runs from 20 ovs)

Ruturaj Gaikwad (c)c †Pant

b Ahmed 1

Rachin Ravindra c Stubbs

b Ahmed 2

Ajinkya Rahane c Warner

b Mukesh Kumar 45

Daryl Mitchell

c & b Patel 34

Shivam Dube c Stubbs

b Mukesh Kumar 18

Sameer Rizvi c Ahmed

b Mukesh Kumar 0

Ravindra Jadeja

Rahman 4-0-47-1

Ravindra Jadeja 4-0-43-1

Matheesha Pathirana 4-0-31-3

Rishabh Pant hit four fours and three sixes in his innings

MS Dhoni smoked an unbeaten 37 off 16 in his first innings of IPL 2024

Khaleel Ahmed goes airborne after getting Ruturaj Gaikwad to nick off

Mukesh Kumar celebrates after dismissing Sameer Rizvi to make it two in two

Guyana make 1st-ever World Cup final at Indoor Hockey Masters

The Rock Hard boys from Guyana played a masterful semifinal match to outclass France by 3-2 in the Men’s Over-45 division of the Indoor Hockey Masters World Cup. Like two experienced prize-fighters, the two nations bided their time in the opening minutes, cautiously exploring their opponent and being careful not to give up any easy opportunities. A shot at the prestigious gold medal was at stake, and a win would guarantee a World Cup medal.

With few opportunities in the first quarter, Guyana’s superior speed

Alan Fernandes reverse shot from the left managed to find a way past Didier in

produced several counterattacking opportunities in the second quarter, but their shots were mostly thwarted by the excellence of French goalkeeper Locu Didier. An

the 16th minute and seemed to be the catalyst Guyana needed to take control of the game. Captain Jerazeno Bell was next on the scoresheet with a pair of identical penalty corner shots high

to the goalkeeper’s left, the second coming just before halftime.

France would regroup and earned their first goal of the match two minutes after resumption as Franck Barbet-Carriere, while chasing a pass through the middle, collided with Guyanese goalkeeper Gregory Garraway, earning hm a penalty corner. Damien Declercq converted for France, restoring their hope and confidence in a comeback. Guyana struggled to get their shots on target as several shots went wide while no fewer than three rattled the crossbar to no avail. Declercq would heighten the tension by drawing his side within one when he converted a penalty corner for France midway through the third quarter. Despite an exhaustive

Pereira guides Guyana to victory against Jamaica

On Saturday, off-spinner Ravaldo Pereira took five wickets to help Guyana defeat Jamaica in the third round of the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Rising Stars Under-15 Championship in Antigua.

At the Bethesda Sports Ground, Guyana scored 219 from 48 of the allocated 50 overs, with Shamar Apple striking a fifty, before Pereira's efforts saw Jamaica fall 14 runs short.

final quarter, the match had no further goals and Guyana enjoyed the celebration of its first final berth at a Masters World Cup.

Guyana had dispatched Wales in their final pool match the previous day by 6 goals to 5 in another highpaced match that saw the unbeaten debutants from South America finish top of their pool with an unbeaten record. Wales were first to strike with a Greg

Laurenson goal right at the very end of a tightly-defended first quarter. Guyana, however, would dominate the second quarter with four goals to Wales additional single. The teams traded punches in the second half until the match concluded with Guyana up by 6-5.

Veteran midfielder Alan Fernandes led the Guyanese scorers with a double while teammates Ian Nicholson, Devin Hooper, Dwayne

Scott and Jerazeno Bell each scored one. Dan Makaruk managed a double for Wales in addition to singles from Greg Laurenson, Mark Bromley, and Matt Stollery. England managed to upstage the powerful German side in the other semifinal to earn the second spot in the final. This has set up a return clash between hosts England and the unbeaten surprise of the tournament, Guyana.

Suknanan crowned Bruster’s/ Qualitea Café Cup winner

The Lusignan Golf Club was abuzz with excitement over the weekend as it played host to the prestigious Bruster’s Real Ice Cream & Qualitea Café Cup. Golfers from near and far gathered to compete in this highly-anticipated tournament, showcasing their skill and sportsmanship on the course.

After an exhilarating weekend of golf, Jaipaul Suknanan emerged as the overall winner, demonstrating exceptional talent and determination with a best net score of 69. Suknanan's impressive performance earned him well-deserved recognition and applause from fellow competitors and spectators alike.

with the level of competition and camaraderie displayed by participants. Persaud praised the dedication and sportsmanship of all involved, highlighting the tournament's role in fostering a sense of community among golfers.

looks forward to future events, the spirit of sportsmanship and excellence continues to thrive on its greens.

The results for the tournament are as follows:

Overall Best Net - Jaipaul Suknanan 69

Guyana's other wicket-takers were Danvir Seegobin (2-29), skipper Adrian Hetmyer (2-42), and Parmeshwar Ram (129), while Jamaica's Tyson Gordon (57) and Demario Hall (52) scored half-centuries as they were bowled for 205 off 48.4 overs.

Earlier, Guyana's batting performance was led by lefthander Apple of Transport Sports Club, who scored 69 off 65 balls.

The big-hitting batter blasted four sixes and two fours in the innings while batting at number six. After Guyana's top or-

Georgetown Cricket Club's Pereira took 5-29 off 10 overs, becoming the second Guyanese to capture five wickets in the competition after Arif Khan's 5-18 against Trinidad and Tobago in the second round on Thursday.

der of Parmeshwar Ram (8), Justin Dowlin (7), and Vice Captain Emmanuel Lewis (16) collapsed, Apple played a significant role in a middle-order comeback that gave Guyana a winning total.

Bowling for Jamaica, Ryan Lyttleton took 4-53 and Hall 2-29.

This is Guyana’s second victory in three matches, with the first-round game against Barbados a no-result due to rain.

In the other two games, Leeward Islands defeated Windward Islands by 44 runs and Barbados thumped Trinidad and Tobago by 119 runs.

In the 0-16 Flight, Suknanan continued his winning streak, securing first place, while Patrick Prashad and Paton George claimed second and third place respectively. Their outstanding gameplay and competitive spirit added to the excitement of the tournament, making for a thrilling competition.

In the 17-36 Flight, Eureka Giddings showcased her skill and prowess on the course, clinching first place. Maxim Mangra and Ronald Bulkan also delivered impressive performances, securing second and third place respectively, in a closely-contested battle for the podium.

Reflecting on the success of the tournament, Lusignan Golf Club President Patanjilee Persaud expressed his satisfaction

Paton George, Director of Quality Café and Bruster’s, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to sponsor such an esteemed event. "We are thrilled to support the Lusignan Golf Club and be part of this exciting tournament," said George. "Events like these not only promote the sport of golf, but also bring people together in a spirit of friendly competition and camaraderie."

The success of the Bruster’s Real Ice Cream & Qualitea Café Cup would not have been possible without the support and participation of the golfing community, organisers, and sponsors. As the Lusignan Golf Club

Best Gross - Jaipaul Suknanan 79

Longest Drive - Jaipaul

Suknanan

Nearest to the pinRonald Bulkan

Flight 0-16

Jaipaul Suknanan - HC 10, Gross 79, Net 69

Patrick Prashad - HC 11, Gross 81, Net 70

Paton George - HC 16, Gross 86, Net 70

Flight 17-36

Eureka Giddings - HC 22, Gross 94, Net 72

Maxim Mangra - HC 18, Gross 92, Net 72

Ronald Bulkan - HC 20, Gross 97, Net 77

Jerazeno Bell attacks against England

Alan Fernandes on the attack against Canada

From left: Ravaldo Pereira, Shamar Apple and Khush Seegobin were key performers for Guyana

The winners’ row

Eureka Giddings won the 17-36 Flight

Guyana’s 4x400m relay team have reigned supreme in yet another international meet, on their way to the country’s 4th gold medal at the 51st edition of the CARIFTA Games.

The Kirani James Athletics Stadium in Grenada was set alight by Guyana’s team of Tianna Springer, Malachi Austin, Narissa McPherson, and Dh Neilson Gill, who stopped the clock at 3:23.51 for first place.

The home team, Grenada, clinched silver in 3:29.19, while Jamaica’s team completed the podium in 3:30.42.

Earlier, Attoya Harvey added to Guyana’s medal tally in the afternoon session of Day 2; while several of her teammates put on impressive performances to book spots in various finals scheduled for today.

bronze for Harvey on Day 2

On Sunday evening, Harvey clocked 10:36.59 to clinch a bronze medal in the Girls’ Open 3000m event, crossing the line behind a Jamaican duo. Kaydeen Johnson earned gold with a time of 10:04.44, while her countrywoman Ashara Frater achieved silver in 10:24.83.

Earlier in the day, 100m gold medalist Athaleyha Hinckson was the first to book a 200m final spot after clocking 24.05s to win her semifinal race in the U17 division.

In the Boys’ U17, Skylar Charles secured his final spot with a 22.31s run in his semifinal, finishing 3rd. the race was won by Tiondre Frett in 22.21s, while Jamaica’s Byron Walker was second in 22.23s.

Malach Austin will look to get his hands on the U20 200m gold medal af ter cruising into the final with a time of 21.60s in his semifinal. Jaheel Cornette, however, did not make the final af ter finishing fourth in his semifinal in 21.96s.

Meanwhile, Springer will make a claim for the Girls U20 200m title today, following a 24.06s run in her semifinal on Sunday. However, Nalicia Glen was not as fortunate, missing out on the final after clocking 24.70s for fourth place in her semifinal.

place in the semi-final. Persaud finished ahead of Jamaica’s Alejandro Palmer (2:01.12) and Trinidad and Tobago’s Brion Scott (2:01.94).

Joining Persaud in that final will be Javon Roberts, who crossed the line in 1:55.04 for third place in his semifinal. That race was won by Trinidad’s Leeran Sriskandarajah (1:54.70) with Barbados’ Brandon Hinds coming in second (1:55.05).

Harvey will feature in the distaff final, after stopping the clock at 2:14.02 for third place in her semifinal. Monique Stewart of Jamaica (2:10.05) and Haiti’s Victoria Guerrier (2:10.59) topped that semifinal.

Over in the 800m events, Kaidon Persaud secured his spot in today’s final with a blistering 1:59.81 run, for first

In the U17 Girls version of the same event, Alkila Blucher will feature in the final today after a 2:20.45 run in the semifinal. However, her teammate, Marissa Thomas was not as fortunate, after clocking 2:37.81 in her semifinal for seventh place.

In the Girls’ U20 400m hurdles, Charissa December missed out on a podium position, clocking 1:04.56 for seventh place. Michelle Smith claimed gold in that event with a time of 56.28s.

Guyana ends Day 2 of the three-day regional event with five medals: five golds and one bronze.

Attoya Harvey captured her fifth CARIFTA Games medal (overall) with a bronze in the U20 3000M

Guyana’s 4x400m gold medal-winning team

Athaleyha Hinckson is focused on completing the U17 sprint double today