Guyana Times - Monday, December 12, 2022

President

The

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Lallbachan

Reg 7 continues to grapple with severe flooding

– businesses, residents affected

of Guyana until January 2023, as the country experiences the secondary rainfall season. The current rainy season is expected to be wetter and longer than normal, according to the Hydrometeorological Service.

The usual secondary rainfall season will be augmented by persistent La Nina conditions during the season. Rainfall is expected to increase considerably at least until January.

During the upcoming

rainy season, water levels in conservancies, reservoirs, and inland rivers across Regions One to Eight and 10 are likely to increase, and a high risk of flooding is expected.

Just a few days ago, Prime Minister Mark Phillips urged persons in low-lying and flood-prone areas to take precautions in the coming days, as Guyana continues to experience heavy rainfall.

Director-General of the Civil Defence Commission, Colonel (retired) Nazrul

Hussain has added that the CDC has embarked on a public awareness campaign on its social media platforms, and is urging residents to take all necessary precautions.

Meanwhile, residents countrywide are urged to take precautions where necessary and to report any impacts to local authorities or the National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) on telephone numbers 6007500 or 226-1114 at any time.

Heavy rainfall continues to trigger severe flooding in Middle Mazaruni, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), affecting over 300 residents including businesses, according to Regional Chairman Kenneth Williams. This

rainfall expected in the area over the next 48 hours, water levels are expected to rise. At Tamakay Landing, 87 businesses are affected, 59 in Apaikwa Landing, 122 in Pappy Show/Martin Landings, and 40 at Seamang’s Backdam.

Philippi, Pappy Show Landing, and Mango Landing in Region Seven are all experiencing different levels of flooding. Other areas such as Eteringbang and Arau Village are experiencing rising river levels.

As it evaluates the situ-

Police nab 4 after ganja unearthed in bag of sweets

Three men and a woman were arrested by Police on Saturday afternoon after a quantity of marijuana was found in the car in which they were travelling along the Essequibo Coast.

Police in Regional Division No 2 (PomeroonSupenaam) stated that at about 12:45h on Saturday, acting on information received, ranks intercepted a silver-grey Fielder Wagon with licence plate number HD 4065, at Queenstown Public Road.

At the time, the car had four occupants, three males - including the driver - and a female who was the front seat passenger.

number represents proprietors and their employees and miners.

During a telephone interview on Sunday, the regional official explained that primarily shops that sell groceries, fuel, dredge parts, and other items are currently under several feet of water.

And with more heavy

Williams related that the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) along with the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) is assessing the situation and providing persons with assistance in the form of cleaning agents and medical supplies.

The CDC, on Saturday, reported that Quebanang, Kangaruma, Waramadong,

ation, the CDC said it will remain in constant contact with persons on the ground there throughout an extensive period to determine what measures should be taken.

The Hydrometeorological Service of the Agriculture Ministry has forecasted wetter-than-usual rainfall conditions across all regions

They were instructed to exit the vehicle and a search was conducted on their persons which they had all agreed to, however, nothing illegal was found in their possession.

A further search conducted in the interior of the car also proved futile. However, a multi-coloured

The ganja found at Queenstown, Essequibo Coast, and the bag that contained the illegal drug

bag belonging to the female passenger was found in the trunk of the car.

Upon searching the bag, a quantity of sweets, mosquito coils, and ramen was found. The bag was further searched during which a black plastic bag containing two other black bags was found.

The parcels were wrapped with transparent

plastic and contained ganja.

The female passenger was told of the offence committed and cautioned, but she remained silent. She along with the three male occupants and the motor car were taken to the Anna Regina Police Headquarters.

The cannabis was weighed and amounted to 958.3 grams.

Regional Chairman Kenneth Williams assessing one of the flooded locations

One of the businesses under water

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Monday, Dec 12 – No closure and Tuesday, Dec 13 – No closure.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, Dec 12 – 06:50h – 08:20h and Tuesday, Dec 13 – 07:30h – 09:00h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

There will be light rain showers during the day. Expect partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: West North-Easterly to North NorthWesterly between 1.78 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 06:43h and 18:54h reaching maximum heights of 2.34 metres and 2.44 metres.

Low Tide: 12:27h reaching a minimum height of 0.9 metre.

Pres Ali urges UG graduates to stay & help develop Guyana

In his address to the University of Guyana’s 56th convocation, President Dr Irfaan Ali appealed to the patriotism of the graduates as he urged them to join in helping to develop Guyana, even as the country’s economy continues to grow.

During his feature address, President Ali assured the 3000 graduates that opportunities for personal advancement will come. At the same time, however, he reminded them that they have a moral duty to contribute to the land of their birth, lamenting that for too long Guyana has been subject to a “brain drain”.

“You have a duty to make your country a better place. Guyana summons you to its service. It is your generation

Brigadier (retired) Mark Phillips, expressed hope that the graduates would make a positive impact on Guyana’s development. He pointed out that Guyana’s future is a bright one.

“Most importantly, I look forward to the impact you will make in Guyana’s development. Our country’s future is as bright as each of your own because together, you will continue to contribute to Guyana’s success, through your ideas and hard work. And for that, the Government is thankful,” the Prime Minister said.

Three years after oil production began, Guyana is currently the fastest-growing economy in the world, with the growth of over 50 per cent now forecasted for 2022 and medium-term av-

ber of economic sectors such as the agricultural and mining sectors.

According to the report,

“For the full year, real GDP growth in 2022 is now projected at 56 per cent overall, and non-oil GDP growth at 9.6 per cent, maintaining Guyana’s position of global leader in economic growth,” the Ministry of Finance said.

The report noted that the agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors are estimated to have expanded by 10.9 per cent in the first six months of 2022. These figures were driven by higher production from the other crops, forestry and livestock, in spite of weaker performances in the sugar, rice and fishing industries. The sector is now expected to grow by 11.9 per cent.

to which the nation looks to drive economic transformation and propel prosperity,” President Ali said.

“Your knowledge and skills are needed more than ever. You also have a special responsibility to history and to the future. You are the inheritors (of) monumental struggles and sacrifices of generations of Guyanese, who sought a better future for themselves and their progeny. It is your duty to assume the same mantle for future generations.

President Ali also assured the graduates that while more and more opportunities will become available as the economy grows, these opportunities are not just going to fall into their laps. He urged them to make the most use of their talents in seeking these opportunities.

“Great opportunities are in the pipeline. Our country is expanding and diversifying. A booming economy generates wealth, and jobs. And brings with it tremendous opportunities. But these opportunities will not appear on a platter. They have to be earned.”

“The world has limited use for slackers. Your future will be what you make of it. Education will improve your chances of success and make you more marketable. Once you prepare to work conscientiously, your future will be secure.”

Meanwhile, in his address, Prime Minister,

erage annual growth projected at 25 per cent.

It was revealed in September by the mid-year report that Guyana’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 36.4 per cent for the first half of 2022, on the back of growth in a num-

in addition to Guyana’s GDP growth, non-oil economic growth was 8.3 per cent. This, according to the Finance Ministry, reflects the Government’s supportive policy. In addition, the outlook for the rest of the year will continue to be favourable.

With respect to the mining and quarrying sectors, these are estimated to have grown by 64.6 per cent in the first half of the year, with a revised 2022 forecast of 99.9 per cent driven by growth in the petroleum and other mining industries.

– says Guyana growing rapidly, more opportunities in pipeline

President Dr Irfaan Ali as he addressed the convocation in his virtual address

“You have a duty to make your country a better place. Guyana summons you to its service. It is your generation to which the nation looks to drive economic transformation and propel prosperity,” – President Dr Irfaan Ali to graduates.

Editor: Tusika Martin

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End of dollar hegemony?

Aseismic move that might flow from last week’s meeting between China’s President, Xi Jinping and Gulf Arab leaders in Saudi Arabia is news that the latter is actually considering China’s offer to buy oil and gas in yuan. Such a decision, long sought by China, would support Beijing's goal to establish its currency internationally as a substitute for denominating world trade in dollars. This would weaken the US’ overwhelming control over trade and allow China to flex its power along this critical avenue.

The precedent that China is hoping to follow, of course, is the US dollar replacing the British pound sterling after WWII as the major currency for world trade, after two hundred years of dominance. After two World Wars and the Great Depression, the US economy had far surpassed the British, and with the new global financial institutions such as the Bretton Woods IMF and World Bank under their effective control, the dollar was facilitated to become the world reserve currency.

However, as one commentator has argued, “A successor reserve currency would need to have a large enough economy with capital markets open to foreign investors with perceivedto-be-fair trading markets and well-regulated institutions. Foreigners who wind up holding the reserve currency will be subject to the rule of law of the reserve currency country, such as it is. Even if they simply keep it in cash at a bank in their country, they will need either to have a banking licence in the reserve currency country or be a correspondent with one of its banks. And that correspondent agreement will be subject to reserve currency country law. If the foreign party would rather hold securities, the foreign party again has to be mindful of the integrity of securities regulation and the oversight of brokers and exchanges.

Ironically, the US model of highly-efficient markets with investors having extremely weak governance rights helped support the US as a reserve currency. The US could tolerate having foreign investors in public US companies so long as they did not buy a stake in a perceived-to-be-important player big enough to give a foreign owner influence. The US does meddle if that looks likely to happen.

The Euro was once seen as a potential competitor to the dollar, but its protracted post-Global Financial Crisis banking/ sovereign debt crisis, which was never fully resolved, put paid to that idea.

The Chinese renminbi is the logical successor to the dollar, but China does not seem willing to take the steps to have that happen. In the post-Bretton Woods regime, a country wanting to have its currency serve as a vehicle for transactions outside the country (as in independent of bilateral transactions with the country) needs to get it in circulation outside its borders. That means running trade deficits. China (would never be) willing to do that, since a trade deficit is tantamount to exporting jobs. Wage growth and high levels of employment are imperative to the legitimacy of the regime.

China would also need open capital markets, transparent regulation, credible measures to prevent bad practices like front running and insider trading, and at least a reasonable prospect that foreign investors who got into disputes with their bank or broker would be treated not much worse than locals when seeking recourse (as in officials and courts need to realise that giving foreigners too much of the short shrift is bad for business).”

As another analyst concluded, “(D)o not expect some overarching alternative to the dollar as a global reserve currency to be in place any time soon. Institutional stickiness and the relative lack of attractive currencies to hold drive that, as well as the realisation that a Euro/SDR/Keynesian Bancortype arrangement concedes national sovereignty. Instead, we are likely to end up with a multiplicity of arrangements associated with bilateral relationships between “non-dollar” States who may choose to hold each other’s currencies on a portfolio basis, for example.

However, the dollar will likely stay hegemonic as a reserve currency in the “Western” bloc.

Youth empowerment – A necessity and driver for critical changes in our communities

Dear Editor, I wish to bring the above subject matter to your attention and that of the readers by outlining how fundamental this area is for the development and growth of our country. The voices of young people are imperative for changes in society and for a better and brighter future, as they will be the leaders and reapers of the next generation.

Hence, their contributions on matters that involve them should be of highest the value as the decisions and actions that are taken today will shape the future of their tomorrow.

Oftentimes, young people are given the back seat in institutions, organisations, and society in general as they are perceived as not being as experienced and capable as their superiors. However, the more we empower our young people, the more we involve them in decision-making processes, and the more we give them attention and show them interest, only then I be-

lieve we can have better leaders of tomorrow. We can only solve the issues our young people are facing by having them play integral roles in our Government and society.

Nonetheless, we can only do this by providing them with opportunities through forums, discussions, and platforms where their voices can be heard. There are many young people who have a passion for change and make worthwhile impacts in their communities or who desire and dream of a better life but their circumstances have limited them and silenced their voices.

It is time that we represent and focus our attention on young people from all walks of society, especially the less heard and marginalised. This is the only way that we will be able to make a difference and meaningful impact.

Moreover, young people are the seeds of today that will flourish into blooming plants of tomorrow but if we

don’t water them and give them the right support that they need today, then we will not have anything to look forward to when tomorrow or the future comes. The old generation is passing away and a whole new world has arrived before our eyes. Things have shifted drastically over the past few years and young people are at the pinnacle and focus point of this demanding transformation.

Therefore, instead of suppressing the voices of young people, we should nurture them and offer safe and open spaces for them where they can be able to share their experiences and be creative in leading innovation, development, progress, and growth in their local communities, and at the national and regional level.

The young generation of today should not be stereotyped as too young or immature, for that slang has become a cliché in recent times as this era of young people is much more erudite than

many of the older folks.

Hence, the emphasis is on the point that we can only reach these young people by including them at the tables where matters concerning them are being discussed. However, over the course of my time, I have observed that instead of fuelling the passion and enthusiasm of young people, older folks look for ways that they can keep them within their lane and thus, limit their capabilities to grow and soar.

Listening to our young people is crucial in implementing initiatives and strategies to resolve and address issues that affect them today and to prepare them for a greater tomorrow. I, therefore, plead with Government agencies, religious organisations and other institutions to be more considerate when it comes to activities and decisions that can impact and influence the lives of our youths.

Sincerely, Imran Bacchus

The Opposition has gone mad

Dear Editor, This is the season to be jolly and merry but it seems as though the Opposition is bringing that grinch-like energy.

I say this because today I noticed one of its members or counterparts took to social media to break down the ethnicity of contractors for various sectors. This has left me thinking this is total madness with questions about the mentality of those in the Opposition.

Why are people continuing to push the race card? Why do we need to look at each other's skin colour? Are we still in the 1800s and 1900s? Are contractors to be blamed if they have all the criteria to bid for various works?

The Opposition has little to no merit and worth in this country, they've desecrated the Parliament with their attempts to steal the mace, they tried to do the unthinkable which is they tried to steal an election which is the rights of

the people. They fail to realise they have a past of only giving a few contractors jobs.

To add to my dismay of the presenter who is supposed to be someone of intelligence, he's seemingly suffering from selective amnesia they ensured families were on the bread line when they sent home sugar workers!

We're heading into 2023 and if the Opposition thinks in their own little dream world that they will grab votes by playing their only

card which is the race rhetoric they are in for a wakeup call.

The PPP/C is developing communities, all communities without looking at skin colour or supporters for a specific party. The PPP/C shall remain in power for at least the next ten Christmases.

Cheers and all the best for the festive season!

Respectfully, Tanya Niamatali

Women Power: Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Dr Irfaan Ali posed with senior female officers of the Joint Services during a cocktail reception on Saturday evening

Man dumps gun, ammo while escaping Police

The Police are hunting for a man who dropped a firearm and ammunition while evading the lawmen at Crane Village, West Coast Demerara (WCD), on Sunday.

Based on reports received, Police acting on information received went to a popular sports bar at Crane Road, West Coast Demerara, where they observed a male of mixed-race standing in front of the premises with a handgun in his right hand.

As the ranks approached him, the suspect reportedly

scaled a fence and ran in an eastern direction.

The ranks reportedly gave chase, but the man had already made good his escape. However, a search was carried out in the area in which the suspect was seen running and a pink cap that the man was wearing was retrieved.

Upon opening the hat, Police unearthed a .38 firearm with its serial number removed. The firearm at the time of the discovery contained three rounds of .38 ammunition.

The ranks took possession of the firearm and returned to the Leonora Police

Station where both the firearm and ammunition were lodged as evidence.

Driver in custody after Police find ganja in RDC vehicle

Police in Berbice have launched an investigation after a vehicle attached to the Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne)

Regional Democratic Council (RDC) was intercepted with a quantity of marijuana on Saturday evening.

Based on the information received, the vehicle was intercepted by a Police mobile patrol along the East Coast Berbice Highway. Upon coming to a halt, the driver reportedly pushed his head through the window and told the officers that the vehicle belongs to the region.

The officers insisted that a search be carried out on the vehicle, but the driver reportedly sped off the scene, thus forcing the Police to

give chase. After driving for about three miles, the vehicle was finally intercepted on the Corentyne Highway.

However, Guyana Times understands that two men exited the 4-runner at Fyrish Village and escaped with a bulky bag, suspected to have contained cannabis.

The Police arrested the driver and also carried out a search on the vehicle, during which three parcels of marijuana were found. The vehicle has since been impounded.

Meanwhile, Regional Executive Officer (REO) Narindra Persaud when contacted told Guyana Times that an investigation has been launched into to matter by the administration.

4 in custody as Police find gun, ammo, ganja during operations

An intelligence-led operation conducted by ranks from the Guyana Police Force, netted an illegal firearm with matching ammunition along with a quantity of marijuana.

The exercise was carried out by officers from the Force’s Major Crimes Investigation Unit and uniform ranks from Regional Division 4A [Georgetown] between 01:00h and 09:00h on Sunday at an apartment building in Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, and at the Stabroek Market, Georgetown.

Four persons were arrested following the discovery.

According to Police reports, at about 03:00h, ranks went to one of the apartments in the two-storey concrete building at Section D, Turkeyen, which is occupied by a 24-year-old shopkeeper and his 20-year-old unemployed brother.

A search was carried out in a bedroom but nothing of evidential value was found.

The ranks then carried out a search in another bedroom during which a rank found a multi-coloured haversack containing one Glock 9mm pistol, one magazine

with four 9mm ammunition, and nineteen .32 rounds of ammunition.

There were also 17 transparent plastic bags containing cannabis. The suspect was told of the offences committed and cautioned during which he admitted ownership of the items.

The ranks then went to another apartment, which is being occupied by a 26-yearold unemployed man and a 22-year-old female snackette attendant, where a search was carried out.

There, a black plastic bag was found with a quantity of ganja under a chair. One of the occupants admitted that the items belonged to him.

They were all arrested and taken to Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

A black Honda CG motorcycle bearing registration number CH 5104, which was found at the said address, was also taken to CID HQ and lodged.

Meanwhile, the ranks then went to Stabroek Market where 393 grams of cannabis was unearthed. The cannabis which was found earlier at the two apartments amounted to 528 grams.

The firearm which Police found in Crane, WCD

The gun, ammo and ganja that were confiscated

Stock up on small and large craft sticks, then paint them three differ ent shades of green. Glue the sticks to a 12” foam wreath, overlapping and mixing the shades of green as you go. A red ribbon finishes off the look.

Help Santa nail his Christmas look — one cotton ball at a time. First, cut out Santa’s head and red hat on pieces of white and red paper. Draw on his eyes, pink cheeks and nose, then jot down 1-25 on his white beard. Tape up a cotton ball for each day until Santa’s beard is complete. (goodhousekeeping.com)

FROM SATURDAY

By The BroThers Grimm

Several Canada-Guyana business

formed in just 2 years

The Canada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce (CGCC) is celebrating its two-year anniversary and the fact that in those two years, it has already facilitated the formation of a number of business partnerships between the private sectors of the two countries.

In the two years, significant growth was recorded in trade between the two countries. For instance, in 2021, merchandise trade totalled C$238.2 million between the two countries. In addition, exports to Guyana for 2021 were valued at $28.6 million, while imports from Guyana were valued at $199.6 million

“As a leading trade partner with Guyana for decades, the High Commission of Canada in Guyana wished to further integrate Canadian and Guyanese businesses to support the multiple economic developments in both countries,” a statement from the CGCC said.

“The Canadian High Commission was instrumental in bringing together private sector leaders from Canada and Guyana to form the Canada-Guyana Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber which was launched in December 2020 with twenty-eight founding members, now has sixty-five members and growing, comprising a diverse group of businesses.”

Among the partnerships that have been formed between businesses in the two countries, is the recently announced partnership

between Beharry Energy Holdings and Atlantic XL out of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Additionally, a joint venture was formed between Farfan and Mendes Limited and Crosbie Group Limited.

“These are only two of the many business collaborations and investments among the CGCC members. The CGCC CEO, Ms. Treina Butts, works with members to find complimentary local partners as Canadian companies desire to work in Guyana jointly with local partners across several industries.”

“In addition to pursuing partnerships, over the last year the CGCC was represented at trade sum-

mits and conferences in both Canada and Guyana and the Chamber also hosted several information sessions to keep members updated about trade-related developments in Guyana and Canada,” the CGCC said.

Activities

The Chamber announced that for 2023, they have several major activities planned, including a Women in Business Trade Mission which will put the limelight on the robust women-owned Canadian and Guyanese businesses. According to them, it will provide them “with a unique opportunity to partner and grow their business

in both markets.”

Among the notable activities that the CGCC completed in 2022 was the CGCC Virtual Engagement with Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, during which he discussed Guyana’s Budgetary Allocations for the Fiscal Year 2022.

“The CGCC was actively involved in the Canada-

Caribbean Trade Event: Growing a Green Economic Recovery – which focused on market opportunities in Guyana, Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago.”

“Canada’s Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, Mary Ng, visited Guyana during this trade event to cement the trade relationship between Canada and Guyana and met with some of the members of the CGCC who are presently operating in Guyana.”

The Chamber also partnered for a hybrid meeting on Trade & Investment Opportunities between Canada and Guyana –which was a meeting with Minister Mary Ng (Canada), Minister Oneidge Walrond, other Canadian Members of Parliament, and members of the CGCC.

During the meeting, the CEO of the Chamber and Board Members delivered presentations on inclusive business, agriculture, and clean tech as areas of development between Canada and Guyana.

Additionally, the CGCC hosted its inaugural gala and fund-raising event in

Toronto which featured Dr Ashni Singh as the guest speaker from Guyana. Attending companies participated in several business-to-business meetings with partners in Canada who were looking to collaborate for investments in Guyana.

“The Chamber organised a virtual Information Session on the Procurement Services of Canada which is key provider of services for federal departments and agencies. The Chamber held a virtual webinar with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency on Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) and import requirements for agricultural goods.”

“The Chamber hosted a virtual introduction and information session on areas of collaboration for the development with HE Keith George, Guyana’s new High Commissioner to Canada. The Chamber hosted a virtual session with the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) and Dr Ashni Singh, on the Guyana-Canada M-U for the procurement of goods,” the Chamber also announced.

High Commissioner Mark Berman; Senior Trade Commissioner at the High Commission, Jake Thomas; CGCC CEO Treina Butts and a few members of the CGCC with some members of the Canadian trade delegation that recently visited Guyana

Corentyne farmer found dead in trench after disagreement with workers

The lifeless body of a Corentyne farmer was on Sunday pulled from a trench at Alness, Corentyne, Berbice. Dead is 49-year-old Burnett Gray, a rice and sheep farmer of Alness Village.

The discovery was made at about 06:00h by his wife in a pasture a short distance away from his home. He was last seen alive on Saturday.

The man’s wife, Althea Pearson, told Guyana Times that there was a disagreement between her husband and some of the workers.

She recalled asking him to remain at her mother’s home while she looked af-

ter the sheep. “A seh 'a coming back and den we gon go and look after business with dem boys'. And I left and go away and look after the stocks [sheep],” Pearson said.

Good Intent man busted with ganja in home

Police have arrested a Good Intent, West Bank Demerara (WBD) man after a quantity of marijuana was found at his home during a raid on Saturday.

A team of Police from the Wales Police Station conducted the exercise in the Belle West, West Bank Demerara community.

During the raid, the 27-year-old unemployed man was seen attempting to escape in the thick vegetation in close proximity to his home.

Upon seeing this, the

ranks pursued the man and he was later captured and escorted back to the house, where the ranks conducted a search and the ganja was found.

Also, two music boxes and two DVD players suspected to have been stolen were found in the home.

The suspect was escorted to the Wales Police Station where the cannabis was weighed and amounted to 80.3 grams.

He is currently in custody at the Wales Police Station pending a court appearance.

According to her, when she returned to her mother’s home, her husband was gone. “I don’t know where he left to go.”

She became worried after some time had elapsed and she did not hear from him. Several villagers were contacted including family members but all of them

said they did not see Grey.

However, on Sunday morning Pearson stated that she and an aunt ventured out to look for her husband and it was then the gruesome discovery was made.

“He was a loving person. We go farming together, we graze stock all together... all the way we does be together,” the woman said as she sobbed.

Gray was a father of three. The matter was reported and the body was pulled from the trench. There are no reports that marks of violence were found on the body.

An investigation is underway and a post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted today.

Taxi driver jailed for causing death of vendor in hit-and-run

An Airy Hall, Essequibo Coast taxi driver was on Friday sentenced to two years in jail after he was found guilty of causing the death of a 63-year-old vegetable vendor.

Ganesh Choonilall, 25, had been on trial at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court for three offences: causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop after an accident, and failing to assist an

Jailed: Ganesh Choonilall

injured person.

At the end of his trial, Choonilall was found guilty of all three charges. On the causing death by dangerous driving charge, a two-year prison sentence was imposed on him.

For failing to stop after an accident and failing to help an injured person, he was sentenced to pay a fine of $20,000 with an alternative of spending one month in prison on each of the charges.

The jail sentences will run concurrently.

On September 15, motor car PWW 2293, driven by Choonilall, was proceeding along the Adventure Public Road, Essequibo Coast, at a fast rate when it struck down Ameer Ally, called “Greens Boy”, 63, of Lot 30 Adventure Public Road, who was walking on the corner of the road.

As a result of the collision, the elderly man fell on the roadway and sustained injuries to his body. The driver drove away after the accident but was later apprehended by the Police.

As such, the injured man was picked up in an unconscious state by public-spirited persons and rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Development…

…in interior

When you look at a map there seems to so much land available in our interior for agriculture. No… your Eyewitness isn’t talking about the 85% that’s covered with forests and mountainous to boot! But even there, the PNC had tried with Irish potatoes and onions where it’s cooler due to the higher altitudes – but that effort died stillborn like most of their other bright ideas. Like putting billions into a hydroelectric plant on the Mazaruni that only ended up giving the entire Guyana “hydro” to carry around in the form of foreign debt!!

But that hasn’t stopped succeeding Governments and their agri-agencies from keeping on trying – it’s our “Irish Potato” imports that soak up quite a chunk of the foreign currency!! It’s claimed that the transportation challenges are as insurmountable as nearby Mt Roraima! So, we have a chicken-and-egg question to answer on that one. In the meantime, since 2010 we know that the crops can be grown successfully!! This shouldn’t surprise us since even though it’s called “Irish Potato”, it was found by the Europeans in Peru!! Hopefully our effort won’t pan out like the Jamaicans where their local costs on Irish potatoes are SEVERAL times the imported cost!!

We all know that the PNC had tried to cultivate cotton in the intermediate savannahs in their “Feed, House and Clothe the Nation” drive. Like most of the PNC’s ideas for development, implementation was their problem: it failed ignominiously! But this year, a private consortium of four local and one Brazilian companies launched a new effort to cultivate soya and corn to take care of our stockfeed demands. One bit of good news is that the 500-acre experiment was successful and they’re going back on an incrementally-increased acreage trajectory that’s supposed to climb to 17,000 acres!!

Your Eyewitness had read that they were also experimenting, with wheat but he feels they should focus on soya and corn which we KNOW are doable. As one of the partners – which had previously tried cultivating soya there decades ago – found out, the soil’s too acidic and must be neutralised by applying limestone which is alkaline. Some are sure to point out that the Government is investing hundreds of millions in roads and other infrastructural improvements that will benefit the investors. But this is how it's always been to get development going in any strategic manner: the Government must facilitate!

But this raises the question of whatever happened to rice cultivation in the Rupununi – after all that effort put in by the PPP Government a decade ago? Even a combine was sent in to reap the crop and make the Indigenous Peoples self-sufficient in the cereal.

Man can’t live on cassava alone!!

…and labour

Your Eyewitness ain’t an economist, but the world’s economy is what it is, he’s kinda thankful since he can’t be blamed!! After all, one of their most influential members warn us, “Practical men who believe themselves to be quite exempt from any intellectual influence, are usually the slaves of some defunct economist”!?! And that’s basically the problem, ain’t it?? Our politicians – who decide for all of us – are still in thrall to some “defunct” economist.

Problem is, the global economy crashed since 2008 –with just a single economist among the million practitioners predicting it – and we still haven’t recovered. Yet all the politicians are yelling “Full steam ahead” as if the icebergs ahead don’t matter!! But right now your Eyewitness’s pet peeve is this: if finance, as a “factor of production” can move across borders unhindered, why can’t that other factor, “labour” move as freely??

Isn’t that gonna lower the cost of labour so companies don’t have to move to the last factor, “land”?? Just askin’ for a friend!!

…in politics

Jump high, or jump low, politics is about trying to get power. In a democracy that’s done by getting the majority of folks to vote for you.

Trouble is, some politicians can’t calculate what’s the “majority”!!

Dead: Burnett Gray

Wife: Althea Pearson

"Men on Mission" hands over brand new home to Herstelling granny

The banks are willing to put the financing once you have your land and we would put the team together… a house like this we would work to deliver everything you are seeing here for about $5 million to anyone who has their own land anywhere and that is as a result of the intervention of the private sector.”

He highlighted that the houses are “very, very decent” for that investment.

“So, next year under the Men on Mission umbrella, we are going to launch a massive programme.

We are hoping that through the Men on Mission initiative next year we can build at least 150 houses across the country,” added the Guyanese leader.

And with the construction of new homes, he said

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Sunday handed over a brand-new home to 85-year-old Meena Bafan of Herstelling on the East Bank Demerara (EBD), which was built under the recently launched “Men on Mission” (MoM) initiative.

Following an impromptu visit to that community two weeks ago, President Ali had a first-hand view of the unfortunate living conditions of the elderly woman and her grandson and immediately committed to constructing a home for the woman at no cost to her.

With the assistance of the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), and the private sector, in particular, GAICO Construction, the reconstruction process commenced.

In brief remarks, the Head of State expressed that the reconstruction of the house is a testimony of

Guyana’. This is what MoM is going to be about next year.”

According to President Ali, Sunday was not only about celebrating with Bafan, who has been living in the community for over four decades but also open-

that there will be enough job opportunities.

Expanding the project, the Head of State also posited that the Government will explore the option of providing the Guyanese-Venezuela migrants with jobs.

President Ali also noted that it is not only Government that should be praised for the initiative but also the private sector. “These guys are willing to actually reduce profit lines and everything for the wood and labour, which is one of the most critical things for us.”

The Head of State also noted that in the new year, there would be a “massive push with community involvement,” which will see all the small pathways and roads rehabilitated.

Tree-planting exercises and other community infrastructure works will also be done by the communities.

“So, while the last two years, we've been focusing heavily on the transforma-

tive agenda. I think next year will be a massive push on community development, village development that really pushes people development also.”

He stressed that he does not want MoM to become a reactive initiative but a proactive one that is spread across the entire country. He also noted that on the last Sunday of January, MoM is planning a “Home with Dad” event.

“We're encouraging all fathers to be at home to cook for your family, to spend the entire day with your family, to play with your children, to bring families together... There is absolutely no beauty in becoming wealthy as a country, and we are poor as

a people; the way we think, the way we act, the way we behave, the way we socialise, the way we treat our families and our communities.”

The Men on Mission initiative, which was launched on October 28, 2022, by President Ali, was implemented with the intent to reposition the role of the male population in society by tackling major issues such as violence against women and children and being more responsible.

It is also expected to focus on reversing the societal failure to confront critical issues affecting the male population and finding permanent solutions that will pave the way for better men, throughout communities.

“who we are as a people—as a country when we come together…”

“This is what is going to transform our country, the way we think and feel about each other. When we can come together, people of all persuasions, whether it is political, social, or ethnic… come together and work to deliver good things for the citizens across our country. This is going to help us to cement ourselves as ‘One

ing opportunities for families with house lots who would like to commence building their homes.

He said residents of Herstelling have engaged those who supplied materials for the rebuilding of the pensioner’s home and want to know how they “can build houses like this, this fast; in 10 days”.

As such, President Ali explained, “We are looking to have the banks involved now.

This, he said, will be complemented by workers from Albouystown, Georgetown, and other similar communities throughout the country. These workers, the President noted, will be trained thoroughly in carpentry and masonry.

Interested persons are urged to contact the offices of the Police Commissioner and the Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to register.

President Dr Irfaan Ali with Meena Bafan in the new home

President Dr Irfaan Ali assisted with demolishing the old structure

Herstelling pensioner Meena Bafan

A new home for Meena Bafan

Sawariwau Village to get 100% access to potable water by Jan 2023

As the Government continues to make the necessary interventions across the country, residents of Sawariwau, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), will get first-time access to potable water by January 2023, as work on a new well in the community is near completion.

This is a commitment made to the villagers during a three-day outreach led by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali to various communities in Region Nine back in August.

On Saturday, Minister

within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues conducted a visit to the construction site to check on the progress of the work.

During a meeting at Sawariwau Community Centre, Minister Rodrigues noted that the interventions across the region are part of the Government’s five-year strategic plan aimed at providing 100 per cent access to potable water across the region.

“But we are going at a rate where we may achieve that before 2025. As we come out in communities and meet with people, we respond… and so, we make resources available to ensure that our people can live more comfort-

ably and that their lives can improve. And that their developments and progress are visible to them,” Rodrigues said.

She underlined that the “One Guyana” vision speaks of inclusivity, therefore, “every household in every community must have access to water”. Minister Rodrigues indicated that the PPP/C Government remains steadfast in its efforts to govern through consultations with the people, which is one of the most effective ways to bring development to communities.

She noted that the proceeds from the oil and gas sector and other sectors are assisting to improve the lives of citizens, through massive

programmes which include telemedicine, access to water, cash grants, and the aggressive housing programme.

Residents raised concerns related to road infrastructure, new schools, and internet access. As the Government remains committed to governing through consultations, Minister Rodrigues noted that the issues will be related to the respective Ministries for the necessary interventions to be made.

A quantity of sports gear was also handed over to the residents. Regional Chairman Brian Allicock, the Toshao of Sawariwau, staff of GWI and the Ministry and contractors also attended the meeting.

Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues tests the water at the new well

Minister Rodrigues poses with some of the youths in the village

The Minister and team at the site

Consultations ongoing on possible local content amendments – VP Jagdeo ...says one-year implementation of Act has been a learning curve

Since it was passed in December 2021, the oneyear implementation of the Local Content Act has been described by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo as a learning experience for the Government, as they continue consultations on possible amendments to the principal act.

Jagdeo made this revelation during a recent press conference, where he was asked if the Government still intended to make changes to the law. Jagdeo noted that while the law is a landmark one that has proved the naysayers wrong, they are consulting on ways in which the law can be improved.

“We are consulting now on all the issues that are coming up, the problems we have had in its infancy stage. The application. And I’m pleased, people were saying oh you can’t get this done, it’ll be a humbug to the sector, it will slow down the oil and gas sectors, we shouldn’t do this, we should have a policy.”

“A lot of naysayers who didn’t want this at all. Especially the oil and gas companies. They

didn’t want a law to force them to do this. They wanted a policy. And we said no, we want a legal basis and penalties for not complying,” Jagdeo said.

He noted that among the excuses companies had proffered was that the law would shut down their operations offshore. However, Jagdeo noted that the Government has demonstrated through the Local Content Act, that it is possible for the industry to survive and thrive even with the legal mandates for local content.

“We showed that it can work, it can serve its purpose without affecting the operations of the company. So having overcome that, because it’s new and most countries didn’t move at the pace we moved, we still have some issues of clarifications, some new regulations to put in place that will give stronger effect or clarity to the law. So, we’re hoping to improve. The one-year experience would help us to improve, to look at the areas where we have or don’t have the capacity in.”

Jagdeo gave the example of

insurance for oil companies. He explained that oil companies are required to get their insurance from a Grade A institution. However, if the local companies do not have a Grade A, then this is a conflict.

“Because we’re interested that they have real insurance that you can draw on if anything happens. But if a local body is not classified as a Grade A and the regulatory requirement is Grade A, then even if we put 100 per cent in the local content law, you can’t effectively get it done.”

“So those sorts of things have to be worked through. As I said, it’s also a learning process for us. Because as we implement, we need to improve. So that’s what’s going on now. The process of consultation, getting in all the info,” Jagdeo further explained.

One of the most notorious cases that relate to the Local Content Act is the case of Ramps Logistics. The company, whose parent company is Trinidadian, took the Government to court after its application for a Local Content Certificate was refused

on June 8, 2022. It was claimed that the company had failed to meet the requirements of beneficial ownership as defined in the Local Content Act 2021, for a company to be deemed local.

Beneficial ownership is defined as owning 51 per cent of the company. Also, a local company is expected to have Guyanese in at least 75 per cent of executive and senior management positions, and at least 90 per cent in non-managerial and other positions.

Maintaining that it had met all the requirements of the Local Content Act including being a local company incorporat-

“We showed that it can work, it can serve its purpose without affecting the operations of the company. So having overcome that, because it’s new and most countries didn’t move at the pace we moved, we still have some issues of clarifications, some new regulations to put in place that will give stronger effect or clarity to the law” – VP Bharrat Jagdeo

ed under the Companies Act and beneficially owned by Guyanese nationals, Ramps Logistics (Guyana) filed judicial review proceedings against Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat, Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, and Director of the Local Content Secretariat Martin Pertab (respondents).

Acting Chief Justice Roxane George subsequently ruled that Ramps Logistics is entitled to be issued with a certificate and to be entered into the Local Content Register. The Government issued the company its Local Content Certificate last month, in keeping with that order.

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal ushered in the Christmas season with Region One residents on Saturday evening at the third annual Christmas Tree Light-up and Carolling Competition.

The event was hosted by the Regional Democratic Council’s Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley with Vice Chairperson Annansha Peters and Regional Executive Officer Teka Bissessar all in attendance.

Minister Croal reminded residents gathered that the Christmas season is one that aims at bringing people together and fostering unity. As such, he told them that it is important to put aside differences and come together as One Guyana.

"We must all come together and see ourselves as one people," the Minister stated.

He also spoke of a num-

ber of Government interventions over the past two years in the education, health, infrastructure and transportation sectors, as well as improved access to employment.

As such, he assured residents that in 2023, the Government will continue to pump more resources into the region to further enhance their quality of life.

“Here in this region we

can already see the transformation that has taken place but as we look forward to 2023 with vigour, we also look forward to much more interventions and improvements for our people.”

Minister Croal and other officials also presented special prizes to the regional departments participating in the seasonal competitions. Moruca and Martakai participated in the competition

Human rights, democracy key pillars for building tolerance

who spoke on the panel, touched on the importance of democracy and human rights.

“Democracy and human rights are the key pillars, the foundation on which we have a chance in the world to survive, and to be able to provide for our people…. The UN Secretary-General pointed out that we have to work and continually work on creating a more tolerant world.”

Commission, the Women, and Gender Equality Commission, the Indigenous Peoples Commission, and the Rights of the Child Commission.

for the first time.

This year's winners of the Group Carolling Competition were members of the Health Department in first place followed by members of the administration department in second place and a team from the education department copped the third prize.

Meanwhile, the RDC secretariat gained the first prize in the Solo Carolling Competition and the Moruca Orchestra and Education Department earned second and third place, respectively. The RDC secretariat also copped first place for the Best Decorated Christmas

Building, over the health department and education department at second and third place, respectively.

Following the ceremonial lighting of the tree, toys were also distributed to the children.

The Second Human Rights and Sustainable Development Panel

Discussion was on Saturday held at Guyana’s inaugural Human Rights Expo, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal.

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira,

She referenced the Government’s initiatives to provide housing, water, food, education, and financial assistance to improve the lives of Guyanese across all ten administrative regions.

While she outlined that there are human rights issues that arise in the country, she pointed to the importance of bodies like as the Ethnic Relations

“We have not met the criteria of the Paris principles for National Human Rights Institutions. That’s true. We have not made it. We need to build our domestic remedies and our own constitutional bodies to make sure that they can carry out their mandate as outlined in the Constitution, that they are able to be responsive to complaints, and that they are able to win the trust and confidence of the people whom they are supposed to represent.

The Human Rights & Sustainable Development Conference examines human rights and sustainability, and how the two are connected.

Chinese businesses in Guyana selling durable goods and services will now be au fait with several aspects of their responsibilities as outlined in the Consumer Affairs Act (CAA) No 13 of 2011 through the translation of excerpts of the CAA into Mandarin by the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC).

The translated Act was presented to the Executive of the Chinese Association of Guyana along with Chinese business representatives on Saturday at the Association’s Brickdam location.

This move comes as several of these businesses

were found to be non-compliant with the CAA during the Commission’s inspection based on their acknowledged difficulty with the language barrier of the Act.

The Association and business community were represented by its President Stephen Su, Secretary May Cheung, Treasurer Haopei Yang, and member Kwofai Chu along with business representatives Jason Wang and Lili Han.

During the discussion at the handover event, CCAC’s Director (ag), Anil Sukhdeo explained that the Commission intends to provide the necessary enabling

support to ensure that all businesses comply with the law.

“We have recognised the challenges faced by the Chinese businesses in understanding the Act in English and decided to do the necessary translation, which would ensure both the duties of the supplier and rights of the consumers are adhered to.”

Sukhdeo highlighted that this first translation into another language was also prompted by the many Chinese businesses operating in Guyana.

President of the Chinese Association of Guyana, Stephen Su praised the CCAC for translating the document into Mandarin and meeting with the Association and business representatives.

“The Association appreciates meeting with the CCAC to bring us up to date with the role of the Commission, and we will partner with you to ensure that the document is shared with every Chinese business involved in the sale of durable goods.”

Representatives of the Chinese Association of Guyana and CCAC display copies of the translated Act

Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister Gail Teixeira

A group performs at the competition

Region One’s Christmas tree

Minister Croal and Region One Chairman Brentnol Ashley distributing gifts to the children

The residents turned up in their numbers for the Annual Christmas Tree Light-up

Mabaruma family of 14 homeless after fire destroys home

ly destroyed, leaving the 14 occupants, including several minors, homeless.

The family was also unable to save any of their belongings.

The child’s mother, Mariella Small, told officials of the Guyana Fire Service that no one was around at the time when her pre-schooler took matches and lit their mattress, which was in the lower flat of the house.

Upon seeing the flames, everyone from the home evacuated the building, and within a short time, the en-

Afamily of 14 was rendered homeless after a fire ripped through their Mabaruma, North West District (NWD) home on Sunday.

The fire which destroyed the family’s two-storey wooden home was allegedly set by a 4-year-old, who was playing with matches.

Flames and smoke began emanating from one of the bedrooms of the house at about 09:40h and the family was immediately alerted.

The Fire Service was called to the scene at about 10:16h but when they arrived, the home was engulfed by thick black smoke, with flames billowing from the windows.

A senior fire officer told

house, it was complete-

tire house went up in flames. No one was injured, officials said. An investigation in underway.

Guyana Times that when they arrived, the firefighters quickly sprang into action. Despite their efforts to save the

– fire was allegedly set by 4-year-old playing with matches

The massive fire that destroyed the home in Mabaruma

Social worker defies all odds, graduates with distinction

– eyes Master’s, PhD in psychology

place on the West Bank of Demerara, which resulted in her returning home late at night. Her financial backing was also in shambles.

“Everything took a strain on my marriage, managing my studies, and being a wife and a mother were challenging. My husband had to pick up my role as the mother and yet work, which further brought constant dispute between us and later resulted in us separating.”

No matter how heart-wrenching it was, she knew that she had to complete her studies and not remain stagnant in a community in which at the time being sexually molested was prevalent.

She was, nevertheless, optimistic that her journey

By Solomon mcGarrell

There has been a series of hurdles and setbacks for Selina Devika DaSilva during her four-year stint at the University of Guyana (UG) while reading for her degree in Social Work.

The hardest of them all, was having to deal with the sad, distasteful and unfortunate childhood trauma of being groomed and molested as a child.

The 30-year-old who hails from Kwakwani in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), reflected on the rippling effects inflicted on her life due to the community not being equipped with a therapist, especially at a time when she needed the support, but this did not stop her from excelling in life.

She mustered the cour-

age and determination to defy her childhood trauma and every other stumbling block along the way with the aim of being there for other young girls who suffered her fate.

“As I started UG it was really evident that I needed to finish. The thought of how many children I would be failing if I quit was burdensome. I knew the trauma that I had suffered because of the lack of therapy, lack of support and I just needed to be a relief to somebody, even if it’s just one person,” DaSilva told Guyana Times

The young mother of three wonderful children revealed that her being away, caused her marriage to fail. It meant that she had to be away from home but finding a place to live in the city added to the challenges.

She eventually found a

would not be futile, but rather foster change; save lives, provide therapy she was deprived of and restore hope in a child’s life.

When asked how she managed to persevere and navigate the challenges encountered in her journey of becoming ‘one degree hotter’, she said her best friend who was an ardent church-goer was her greatest support system along with the church.

“My best friend stood beside me through those tough years,” the self-proclaimed perfectionist who graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work with a distinction from UG on Saturday said.

Deprived of a normal childhood

As the eldest child of four siblings, she was robbed of the fond moments of leading a normal childhood when she was groomed and molested at a very tender age by one perpetrator who happens to be a family member.

She confided in her moth-

er and a Police report was filed in her hopes for justice to be served.

Just when she thought her life would get better, her wounds were reopened and

and I would not go through with the court proceedings in the first place.”

Coming to grips with what appeared to be an unjust, “failed judicial system”, DaSilva was forced to relive her horrific, inhumane childhood experience by yet another family member.

The matter was again reported and the sexual abuse stopped, but the perpetrator began physically, emotionally and verbally abusing her. This forced her as a teenager to stay with a friend to avoid contact with the perpetrator.

“I was fearful to shower or even be in a towel or sleep since he (the perpetrator) would occasionally force himself upon me.”

“Social work saved my life”

Brief background on Blossom Inc

Blossom Inc is a Child Advocacy Centre that focuses primarily on children who are victims of sexual and physical abuse. The centre offers forensic interviews – where the victims only tell their story once and have it recorded so as to not go through the trauma of telling their story more than once; court support; case tracking and also offers counselling –Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TFCBT).

The Non-Governmental Organisation CAC works along with the Guyana Police Force to provide these services to abuse victims.

Motivation to abuse victims

packed with salt.

“The High Court trial began when I entered secondary school and no counselling, case tracking, were available, since no Child Advocacy Centre (CAC) was available in the community at that time,” she recalled, while adding that due to the trauma of the harsh or raw form of questioning on the Police’s behalf, “family members and my family member lawyer standing in court and telling me I am lying while I’m in the stands. I broke down and the judge did nothing to stop it and I felt like the judicial system failed me as a child,” the despondent DaSilva said.

The jury failed to reach a verdict which ended the case in a ‘hung jury’ which forced the court proceedings to start a fresh.

This was more traumatising and she was at the point where she wished not to relive the trauma.

“I felt like it was me and my mom against everybody

“I started self-harming, and was suicidal for most parts of my adolescent and early adulthood years, which is why I say social work saved my life. An abundance of knowledge has been imparted through training and one-on-one sessions with clients,” the once-troubled teenager who later gravitated to social work posited.

“I wanted answers for myself, that’s why I choose social work. I needed to know how to better help myself, why I keep hating myself so much, why I couldn’t be as confident as I wanted to be, why I couldn’t believe people when they told me that I was pretty, I was talented, I was brilliant, why I always doubting and second-guessing myself. I was doing well academically. I did poetry, sing, dance, I did a lot of things. I would excel in these things, but was still feeling low of myself. I figured the programme that had all these therapists and everybody would help me understand myself and so it did.”

DaSilva has been impacting lives, particularly, sexually abused and by extension, physically abused children through Blossom Incorporated, where she was employed and served in the capacity of social worker for approximately two years.

DaSilva was awarded a place at President’s College after sitting the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) and was awarded a Hinterland Scholarship through the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs.

After five years, she wrote the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exam where she secured two Grade Ones and six Grade Twos. Now she is a graduate of UG with distinction.

“I was somewhat always a perfectionist and that motivated me to do my best and if I can, you can. Do not give in to distorted thoughts and this is not the end. That one horrific incident does not define you,” she urged.

DaSilva hinted that her success story and her goal to mould and change lives would not end at a degree but she will pursue her Master’s in psychology in 2023, followed by her PhD.

She also sees herself establishing a private practice subsequent to attaining her Master’s in psychology.

She thanked God Almighty, for the support from immediate family members, lecturers and friends who rendered their assistance and words of encouragement in her trying times.

Selina poses with her degree in Social Work

Selina poses with two friends who have been her support system throughout UG

Expanding her reach in the Berbice River – sensitisation outreach on child sexual violence

Over 170 Reg 3 squatters to receive land titles by year end

Over 170 residents at regularised sections of Greenwich Park (Railway Embankment), Tuschen (Railway Embankment); Plantation Uitvlugt and Stewartville Sideline Dam; and De Kinderen (Railway Embankment), Region Three, are expected to start receiving their Certificate of Title before the end of the year.

A team from the Central

Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), including Director of Community Development Gladwin Charles and Head of the Conveyance Unit Esther Stephens processed Agreements of Sale for some of the residents on Saturday and Sunday at the Greenwich Park Primary School.

In addition to this, the residents also registered for their Certificate of Title.

The two-day exercise is in keeping with a commitment made by the Housing and Water Minister, Collin Croal, during a meeting in September. Minister Croal was present at the exercise on Sunday and handed over several of the Agreements of Sale, as he interacted with the residents.

The Minister further committed that the titles will be ready for distribution by the end of the year.

Police arrest man who assaulted pensioner, reputed husband

her neck out of her seat and tightened his fingers around her throat.

Not finished, the suspect returned with a piece of wood and injured the woman’s reputed husband, Vernon Cozier, who was lying in a hammock.

Regional Commander Shivpersaud Bacchus said Police have since charged the 38-year-old labourer of Rotterdam, East Bank

Suresh Sookul, a resident of Tuschen Railway Embankment for over 18 years, was elated to receive his Agreement of Sale, as he stated he can now move forward with plans to extend this home.

“The Minister was here one time and he promised that he was gonna get these documents fixed, the documents for the land, and fuh know he stood to his word and he came back […] I am

real happy and real comfortable,” said Sookul.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Amin Bassir and his wife, who have been residing at Uitvlugt for over three decades, expressed, “we happy that we own something […] we waiting long”.

Another resident, Amin Ali, also noted that he was pleased with the work of the Ministry and is excited to receive his Certificate of Title.

Residents have been oc-

cupying various areas for 30-50 years. The block and occupational survey were completed by CH&PA, documenting some 82 persons residing at Plantation Uitvlugt and Stewartville Sideline Dam and more than 40 persons at Tuschen Railway Embankment.

Around 40 persons have also been recorded at Greenwich Park Railway Embankment and 17 at De Kinderen.

Aman who was on the run for a week after he allegedly beat a pensioner and her reputed husband and threatened to kill them was arrested on Sunday.

He was arrested on the East Bank of Berbice at around 15:30h - a short distance away from his home.

It had been reported that 72-year-old Deorattie Nekram of Rotterdam, East Bank Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), is living in fear after the suspect, who is her neighbour, attacked her in her home.

He also made threats to beat the elderly woman and end her life because she had reported the incident to the Police.

According to her, after she had a conversation with one of his children, the sus-

pect walked into her home, grabbed her by the throat, choked and slapped her several times.

She said at the time, she was sitting on a bench, and the suspect pulled her by

Berbice.

The suspect, Pramanand Drepaul, also called “Vishal”, will make his appearance at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court today.

The staff of the CH&PA attending to residents during the two-day exercise

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal hands over a title to a resident on Sunday

Deorattie Nekram

The suspect Pramanand Drepaul, also called “Vishal”

Injured: Vernon Cozier

Feet can take a person from point A to point B, but they are subject to aches, pains, and smells along the way. While most people would, from time to time, experience a case of smelly feet, some people live in fear of taking their shoes off. The medical term for smelly feet is “bromodosis.”

HEALTH TIPS

SMELLY FEET – BROMODOSIS

have reported a problem with foot odour.

The following should be noted:

* Bacteria and moisture are the underlying causes of most cases of smelly feet.

* Smelly feet are not usually a medical concern, but they can affect a person’s relationships and cause self-consciousness.

* Bacteria naturally live on people’s feet.

* When the bacteria rid themselves of wastes from breaking down oils and dead skin cells, bad smells can result.

PREVENTION TIPS

People can take steps to reduce the incidence of smelly feet. Among those steps are: wearing certain footwear, practising good foot hygiene, trying home remedies; and, if necessary, consulting a doctor

can absorb sweat and reduce odours. Socks are also easy to change, and doing so may reduce the odours that may otherwise linger inside a person’s shoes.

* Certain shoes Wearing shoes that have some breathability can help reduce the incidence of sweating and moisture. People can look for shoes that have mesh panels, which allow for breathability.

Shoes made from plastic, such as “jellies,” are almost guaranteed to contribute to smelly feet, because they are not breathable, and promote foot sweating.

* Alternating shoes and socks

People can also replace their shoe insoles with odour-reducing or antibacterial insoles.

Another option is to purchase an antibacterial or disinfecting spray to use on the insoles. However, this option is not usually as effective as allowing the insoles of the shoes to dry out fully. A range of insoles is available for purchase online.

* Exfoliating the feet

People can use a scrub or a pumice stone to remove dead skin cells, which bacteria like to feed on.

feet for 10–20 minutes, and then dry the feet thoroughly.

People may also use additional ingredients such as Listerine foot soak.

* Vinegar soak

Another type of soak is a vinegar soak. A person can add 2 parts warm water and 1 part vinegar (apple cider vinegar and white vinegar are both suitable) to a tub, and soak the feet for 15–20 minutes.

However, a person should not use a vinegar soak if they have any cuts, sores, or scratches, as the vinegar may irritate open areas of skin.

* Antiperspirant

Another remedy a person can use is antiperspirant on the feet. Although traditionally used for the underarms, antiperspirant might also reduce the incidence of excessive sweating on the feet.

*Iontophoresis

3–4 months, and a person would require subsequent treatments.

People may also use Botox to address excessive underarm sweating.

If a person suddenly experiences a new onset of smelly feet, they should inspect their feet for signs of sores or cuts that could be infected. They can put a mirror on the floor and examine the bottom of the feet to look for any abnormalities.

A person should see a doctor if they see signs of wounds on their feet. Redness, red streaks, and swelling may be signs of infection. A person should consult a medical professional to address this immediately, especially if they have diabetes, as they may experience complications.

The good news is that many treatments are available to reduce the incidence of this condition. According to the Institute for Preventive Foot Health, an estimated 16 percent of people aged 21 and older

for stronger treatments.

* Wearing socks

Wearing socks can help address smelly feet and reduce the incidence of sweaty feet. Socks, especially those made from sweat-wicking materials,

People should allow shoes time to fully dry out between wears, to help cut down on particularly smelly feet. Wearing one pair of shoes one day and a different pair the next day can give the shoes enough time to dry.

A person may also wish to keep an extra pair of socks on hand to change into during the day. This can help reduce sweating and smell.

* Replacing insoles

A person who has especially smelly feet may wish to use a pumice stone 2–3 times each week, to avoid buildup. Pumice stones are available for purchase online.

People should also wash their feet every day with antibacterial soap, paying close attention to the areas between the toes.

* Salt soak

Soaks are potentially useful as part of an exfoliating routine, or on their own.

A person can prepare a bowl or tub of warm water and dissolve 1/2 cup of Epsom salts in it. Soak the

One treatment option for a person with smelly feet is a process called iontophoresis. This approach involves delivering a mild electric current to the skin through water for 15–40 minutes, depending on the device, to reduce the incidence of sweating feet.

*Botox

Another option a person may use in some instances is the injection of botulinum toxin, or Botox. A professional will inject this medication into the feet via a means known as plantar injections.

However, these injections can be especially painful, and may not be the most effective option. The results usually last

If a person does not have any signs of wounds, overthe-counter and at-home measures should reduce the incidence of smelly feet. A person should not suffer or feel self-conscious as a result of their smelly feet, and they should seek medical advice.

Most people may experience smelly feet from time to time, due to the shoes they wear. Others may have trouble finding a remedy for smelly feet, and in some cases, may experience excessive sweating. However, many home remedies can reduce the incidence of the condition, including exfoliation, soaks, and antiperspirants. A medical professional can also administer treatments, such as Botox, to help reduce foot odour.

Judges to rule on rape convict’s appeal against 40-year sentence on Tuesday

Judges of the Court of Appeal (CoA) will on Tuesday deliver their decision in an appeal lodged by a convicted rapist, Julius Branker, against his 40-year jail sentence. Branker was jailed in 2018 after he was found guilty of breaking into a woman’s house and raping her at knifepoint.

In a bid for freedom, he had moved to the CoA to have the conviction and sentence quashed, arguing, among other things, that his conviction is unsafe and that the sentence is excessive. After a trial that

spanned several days at the Demerara High Court,

Branker, who resided at Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), prior to his incarceration, was found unanimously guilty of raping the woman on February 15, 2014.

The prison sentence was handed down by Justice Simone MorrisRamlall. The evidence detailed that armed with a knife, Branker broke into the victim’s house while she was lying in bed with her 18-month-old toddler and committed the act in the child’s presence.

But despite the jury’s

verdict, Branker maintained his innocence, stating, “I am not guilty of this case.”

The court had heard that the victim was struggling to deal with the trauma which flowed from the horrific ordeal. “Honestly, I forgive him but you can’t be hurting women so. I get nightmares, I am always shaking.

I remember what happened to me and it is a shame. I don’t know how to have relationships. I feel nasty and I cannot get over it. He needs help and

he should turn his life over to Christ,” she expressed.

In handing down the sentence, Justice MorrisRamlall considered the serious nature of the offence.

She pointed to the fact that Branker broke into the woman’s house in the wee hours and committed the act in full view of her young son while threatening to kill her with a knife.

In the end, she encouraged him to change his life.

The convicted rapist only becomes eligible for parole after serving 35 years of his sentence.

D r . T ariq J agnarine

F amily m e D icine , e n D ocrinology , D iabe T es

Convicted rapist Julius Branker

Regional

Peru airport forced to close in deadly unrest

An airport in Peru has been closed and one person has been killed in violent protests, authorities have said.

Pictures on social media showed smoke billowing from Andahuaylas airport in the south of the country.

Fifty Police Officers and workers were surrounded by demonstrators at the airport, the Transport Ministry said in a statement.

Protests erupted after the impeachment of President Pedro Castillo on Wednesday.

Peru's aviation body Corpac – part of the Ministry – said the airport had been seriously affected since Saturday afternoon, experiencing attacks, vandalism and fires being started.

It said 50 airport workers and Police Officers had been surrounded in the airport terminal, and added that some people had been taken hostage.

Peru's National Police later said officers had been

to the airport with State Police, and that one officer had been injured.

One protester was killed, Police said, adding that they were taking steps to clarify the situation around the death. Peru's ombudsman said the person killed was an adolescent.

Both Police and the ombudsman appealed for an end to recent violence.

Hundreds of people marched through the capital, Lima, on Thursday and Friday, demanding

Castillo's release and the resignation of his successor, Dina Boluarte.

Three thousand people protested in Andahuaylas on Saturday. Some tried to storm a Police Station, according to State media.

At least 16 protesters and four Police Officers were injured in marches in the city, the ombudsman reported.

Castillo had widespread support in the south of the country. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Brazil’s Economy Ministry rejects Lula transition team's judgement on finances

Brazil's Economy Ministry on Sunday rejected assertions by President-elect Luis Inacio Lula da Silva's transition team that the outgoing Administration was leaving Government finances "bankrupted".

The Economy Ministry said in a statement that gross debt will reach 74 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by the end of the year, with a primary surplus (excluding debt costs) of 23.4 billion reais, the first since 2013.

"This will be the first Government ending its term with debt ratios lower than in its beginning, the debt was 75.3 per cent of GDP in

2018," the statement said.

Last week, the Planning and Budget group in Lula's camp said President Jair Bolsonaro is leaving the Brazilian state "bankrupted", according to former Minister and transition team member Aloizio Mercadante.

Brazil will pay international financial institutions US$1.23 billion next year, 20 per cent below the US$1.56 billion that was due in 2016, the Ministry said.

The Government said expenses to help the most vulnerable part of the population since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic have prevented raises to public servants through

2021.

Despite the Ministry's denial of fiscal problems, Senator Marcelo Castro, who is leading budget bill negotiations, said there are no available resources to pay for different Government programmes next year.

Lula's transition team is in talks to approve a bill allowing 145 billion reais in expenses above the current legally allowed ceiling.

Lula takes office on January 1. The leftist ex-President narrowly defeated Bolsonaro in an October 30 runoff election, a political comeback that ended Brazil's most right-wing government in decades. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Chile volcano: Alert issued after Lascar rumbles to life

Chilean officials have put a safety warning in place after a volcano sent an eruptive column 6000 metres (almost 20,000 feet) into the sky.

Lascar volcano, which sits in the Andes, rumbled into action on Saturday, triggering minor earth tremors.

No damage in the surrounding area has so far been reported, but an initial green warning was raised to yellow.

Chile's National Geology and Mining Service (Sernageomin) defines "yellow" as meaning a volcano is unstable.

The classification also means experts are monitoring a site for minor explosions and appearances of smoke, according to Sernageomin.

Residents of Talabre, Antofagasta, a small town less than 12 kilometres (7 miles) from the volcano, first noticed some activity at around midday.

Despite the giant cloud of smoke that Lascar emitted – comprising volcanic ash and hot gases – no homes are thought to have been damaged. Authorities have set up a no-entry perimeter 5km from the volcano's crater.

Lascar, in the north of the country, is 70km from San Pedro de Atacama, a popular tourist destination for trekking and visits to the Atacama Desert, the driest place on Earth.

(BBC News)

Cruise ship to be named in Barbados

P&O Cruises has announced that its newest ship, the 5200-passenger Arvia, will be officially named in Barbados on March 16 next year in “a world-first beachside ceremony”.

In making the announcement recently, P&O Cruises President Paul Ludlow said: “We always aim to do things differently, to create standout and memorable moments for our current and future guests. Arvia, which will be delivered in December, will spend her first season sailing in the Caribbean, so it is fitting that we mark her naming in one of our favou-

rite ports of call with a week of celebratory performances and experiences on board.”

The naming ceremony will feature some of Britain’s most modern and renowned performers and presenters. It will also be broadcast live to a global audience.

Ludlow said the naming event, “which has never been done before, will showcase our extraordinary new ship Arvia, the beauty of Barbados, and will include some very special surprises”.

He added: “The ship will be anchored off one of the island’s most stunning beaches, so the audience at home

will be able to see both the striking new interior design of the ship as well as the performances and events taking place on the shore. It will be an unmissable event.”

A release from the company stated that Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley thanked P&O Cruises for choosing Barbados as the location for “the unique event”.

She noted that “Barbados continues to share a rich relationship with our sea and tourism, and the cruise industry has been of vital importance to our island and our economy”. (Excerpt from Nation News)

PNP to launch Portia Simpson Miller Day as former PM celebrates 77th birthday

Former Jamaica Prime Minister and People’s National Party (PNP) President Portia Simpson Miller is set to be honoured with her very own ‘day’ by the PNP in celebration of her legacy.

The PNP, in a media advisory, said a resolution was passed by the executive of the party, declaring today, December 12, Simpson Miller’s birthday, an annual celebration of “Portia Simpson Miller Day".

It will launch the initiative today at the party head-

quarters on Old Hope Road in St Andrew.

A statuette will also be presented in recognition of Simpson Miller’s contribution to the country's development, the Party said.

Simpson Miller, who retired in June 2017 after 43 years in representational politics, created history as Jamaica’s first female Prime Minister.

She turns 77 today. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Earthquake hits Mexico City, no immediate reports of damage

An earthquake hit southwestern Mexico on Sunday causing tremors through parts of the capital, according to residents, but there were no immediate reports of damage.

The US Geological Survey said the magnitude 6.0 quake struck 3 kilometres (1.9 miles) west-northwest of El Ticui in the state of Guerrero at a depth of 19.8 kilometres (12.3 miles).

Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum said on Twitter a flyover of the city had not yielded reports of damage. (Reuters)

Protests erupted after the impeachment of President Pedro Castillo on Wednesday.

The P&O Cruises ship Arvia, which will be officially named in Barbados next March. This will be the first time a P&O ship will be named outside the homeport of Southampton, England (GP)

People stand outside after a tremor was felt in Mexico City, Mexico, December 11, 2022

Portia Simpson Miller

Saudi Energy Minister sees no clear results yet from Russia price cap

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman said on Sunday the impact of European sanctions on Russian crude oil and price cap measures "did not bring clear results yet" and its implementation was still unclear.

The Group of 7 price cap on Russian seaborne oil came into effect Dec 5 as the West tries to limit Moscow's ability to finance its war in the Ukraine.

Russia has said it would not abide by the measure even if it has to cut its production.

"What is happening now in terms of sanctions and price caps imposed and all of it really did not bring clear results, including measures implemented on Dec 5, we see a state of uncertainty in implementation," Prince Abdulaziz told a forum held following the country's 2023 budget announcements.

Prince Abdulaziz said Russia's reaction and what actions it would take in response to these tools was another aspect that needed to be taken into consideration when looking at the state of play in global markets.

"These tools were created for political purposes and it is not clear yet whether they can achieve these political purposes," he said, referring to the price cap.

Other factors affecting the market going into 2023 include China's COVID-19 policies. The impact on China's economy from easing COVID restrictions still "needs time", he said.

Central banks' actions to tame inflation were also still a factor.

"Central banks are still preoccupied with managing inflation, no matter the cost of these measures and their possible negative impact on global economic growth."

The OPEC+ alliance decision to cut production by 2 million barrels per day on Oct 5 was proven to be the correct one when recent developments are taken into consideration, he said.

The alliance, which groups together members of The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies including Russia, last met on Dec 4 and decided to keep output unchanged amid a weakening economy and uncertainty over how the Russian price cap would affect the market.

Separately on Sunday, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud told a policy conference in Abu Dhabi that oil prices have "to be fair to consumers and suppliers" to ensure producers invest in building spare output capacity.

The Saudi Energy Minister told the forum in Riyadh that OPEC+ would continue to focus on market stability in the year ahead.

Prince Abdulaziz also said he insisted that OPEC+ involve all members in decisions.

"Group action requires agreement and therefore I continue to insist that every OPEC+ member, whether a big or small producer... be a part of decision-making," he said. "Consensus has positive implications on the market." (Reuters)

Around the World

Kremlin says Minsk deals failure led to Russia's Ukraine offensive

Russia launched what it calls a special military operation in Ukraine because its concerns around peace accords between Kyiv and Russian-backed separatists were ignored, Russian news agencies quoted the Kremlin spokesman as saying on Sunday.

President Vladimir Putin this week bemoaned the failure to implement the Minsk agreements - ceasefire and constitutional reform deals between Kyiv and Russian-backed separatist forces in eastern Ukraine brokered in 2014 and 2015 by Russia, France and

Germany, at the outset of the conflict with Ukraine.

Both Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of violating the deal.

Asked by a journalist whether Russia understood that it was being "deceived" over the Minsk accords, spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "Over time, of course, it became obvious.

"And, again, President Putin and our other representatives constantly kept saying this," the TASS news agency quoted Peskov as saying. "But this was all ignored by the other participants of the negotia-

tion process.

"This is all precisely the precursor to the special military operation."

Putin was asked on Friday about remarks by former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, one of the agreements' sponsors, who told the Zeit magazine in an interview published on Wednesday that the 2014 agreement had been "an attempt to give Ukraine time" - which it had used to become more able to defend itself.

Russian media and politicians have quickly construed this as a betrayal on Merkel's part. (Reuters)

Jersey blast toll rises to 5 as hope of finding survivors fades

Jersey Police said on Sunday the death toll from an explosion at an apartment building had risen to five, and that four people remained unaccounted for as emergency services indicated they were unlikely to find any more survivors.

The explosion early on Saturday morning at a block of flats on the island of Jersey, off the coast of northern France, completely destroyed the three-storey building in the island's capital of St Helier.

"The number of Islanders confirmed to have been killed in the blast is now 5. There are a number of residents, we're working on the assumption of 4, that are unaccounted for," local Police said on Twitter.

Jersey is a British Crown Dependency with a resident population of just over 100,000 people.

Fire services had been

called to the property on Friday evening after residents had reported the smell of gas. The explosion occurred just before 0400 GMT

on Saturday.

In a news conference on Sunday, emergency services said the search and rescue operation had moved to a recovery operation, indicating there was little hope of finding survivors.

Robin Smith, Chief Officer of the States of Jersey Police, said the investigation would be independent and he would "rule nothing in and rule nothing out" when asked if he was treating the incident as a possible criminal matter.

He added that the recovery operation and the identification of bodies would take some time.

"We are not going to be here for days. We are likely to be here for weeks," he told reporters. (Reuters)

Search under way after people pulled from icy lake near Birmingham

A

search and rescue operation is under way after Police said a

Base editing: Revolutionary therapy clears girl's incurable cancer

Ateenage girl's incurable cancer has been cleared from her body in the first use of a revolutionary new type of medicine.

All other treatments for Alyssa's leukaemia had failed.

So doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital used "base editing" to perform a feat of biological engineering to build her a new living drug.

Six months later the cancer is undetectable, but Alyssa is still being monitored in case it comes back.

Alyssa, who is 13 and from Leicester, was diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in May last year.

T-cells are supposed to be the body's guardiansseeking out and destroying threats - but for Alyssa they had become the danger and were growing out of control.

Her cancer was aggressive. Chemotherapy, and then a bone-marrow transplant, were unable to rid it from her body.

Without the experimental medicine, the only option left would have been merely to make Alyssa as comfortable as possible.

The team at Great Ormond Street used a technology called base editing, which was invented only six years ago.

Bases are the language of life. The four types of base - adenine (A), cytosine

(C), guanine (G) and thymine (T) - are the building blocks of our genetic code. Just as letters in the alphabet spell out words that carry meaning, the billions of bases in our DNA spell out the instruction manual for our body.

Base editing allows scientists to zoom to a precise part of the genetic code and then alter the molecular structure of just one base, converting it into another and changing the genetic instructions.

The large team of doctors and scientists used this tool to engineer a new type of T-cell that was capable of hunting down and killing Alyssa's cancerous T-cells. (Excerpt from BBC News)

number of people pulled from a lake near Birmingham in freezing temperatures are in a critical condition.

Reports suggested people had been playing on the ice at Babbs Mill Park and fell through, according to West Midlands Fire Service.

It said people had received treatment before being taken to hospital.

Specialist teams and equipment are involved in the search.

The fire service said they were called shortly after 14:30 GMT on Sunday.

Concerned members of the community gathered near the scene in what is residential area, as emergency services carried out work at the lake.

Babbs Mill Park is a local nature reserve with a lake, river, wildflower grasslands and woodlands.

Temperatures of 1C (34F) were reported in the area at the time the emergency services were called. They are expected to plummet to -3C during the night.

Meanwhile, Police in Cumbria said they were dealing with an "incident" at

Siddick Pond in Workington. The Force later confirmed noone was unaccounted for.

The Met Office warned of the dangers posed by ice.

A spokesperson said: "With temperatures set to struggle to get much above freezing over the coming days across much of the country, stretches of water such as rivers and ponds are at risk of freezing.

"While frozen rivers and ponds can be fascinating, they can be dangerous and a hazard to life." (Excerpt from BBC News)

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov attends an annual endof-year news conference of Russian President Vladimir Putin, in Moscow, Russia, December 23, 2021

A member of a search crew works at a blast site at a block of flats in Saint Helier, on the island of Jersey, Britain December 10, 2022 in this picture obtained from social media

Temperatures of 1C (34F) were reported in the area at the time the emergency services were called. They are expected to plummet to -3C during the night

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Pick people and projects with care. Be prepared to move forward alone, and you'll quickly discover who has a vested interest in what you are doing and who has something to offer. Don't take a risk.

(March 21-April 19)

Show discipline regarding emotional matters and cash flow. Listen more than you speak, and don't make impossible promises. Stick to a routine that you know you can afford.

(April 20-May 20)

(May 21-June 20)

(June 21-July 22) (July 23-Aug. 22)

Discipline, proper preparation and seeing promises through from beginning to end will lead to success. Put your energy where it counts, and you won't be disappointed. Avoid unnecessary changes.

Impulse purchases will fall short of your expectations. Be creative, think outside the box and develop cost-efficient ideas and plans. Don't overdo it. Overindulgence will leave you in a bind.

Emotions will surface. Before you air your grievances, try to fix the problem without asking for help. Do your best to assist others, and you'll win favors and admirers. Love is on the rise.

Keep a low profile and change only what's necessary. Stick close to home and share with the people you trust and love. Don't leave unfinished business in other people's hands.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Keep moving. The less time and energy you give to discussing sensitive issues, the better. Your best breaks will come from what you complete, not from what you talk about doing.

Take the most straightforward route and change what's necessary. Pay attention to detail when you try something new. Keep money matters and plans simple and within reason.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22) (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Hard work will pay off. Keep your eye on what's important, and you'll discover the best way to reach your goal without facing emotional setbacks. Don't expect everyone to agree with you.

Get approval before you change something at home or make plans with someone close. If you act in haste, you'll face opposition. Search for a unique way to use your skills.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Don't be so hard on yourself. Whether staying at home or venturing out with someone special, put your peace of mind first and enjoy what life offers. Take responsibility for your happiness.

Don't mix emotions and money, or it will cost you dearly. Don't give in to anyone trying to push you in a direction you don't care to go. Don't overspend to try to win favors or buy someone's love.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

ARCHIE

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

DILBERT

World Cup 2022: Who will reach the final in Qatar? – semi-finals kick off on Tuesday with Argentina and Croatia

Saturday's defeat by France means the World Cup dream is over for England. But four teams –Argentina, Croatia, France, and Morocco – remain in Qatar, each still hoping to lift the trophy in a week's time.

It is a semi-final line-up few could have predicted, but one with plenty of intriguing storylines which could play out over the coming days...

Is this Messi's moment?

The most obvious semifinal subplot surrounds Lionel Messi and whether the Argentina superstar can win the World Cup for the first time.

Messi has had a glittering career, winning 10 Spanish league titles, another in France, four Champions Leagues, the 2021 Copa America and a record seven Ballon d'Or awards – given to the world's best player each year.

But, unlike other all-time greats such as Brazil's Pele or Argentina's Diego Maradona, the 35-year-old has not been able to win the sport's biggest prize.

It is 36 years since Argentina, runners-up in

2014 with Messi, were led by Maradona to their last World Cup win. Could Messi repeat the feat – and in doing so perhaps secure his legacy as the greatest of them all?

Morocco’s?

They are the first African team, and the first Arab side from a country with a Muslim majority, to reach a semi-final of a World Cup.

Despite having an experienced squad with a number of high-profile players, such as Chelsea's Hakim Ziyech

Achraf Hakimi, the Atlas Lions have defied expectation to reach this stage. They topped a group including Croatia and Belgium, before beating Spain in the last 16 and Portugal in the quarter-finals, and will now want to go one further.

Their success has been built around their steely defence and relentless workrate. No opposition player has scored against Morocco so far in Qatar – they have conceded just once, an own goal against Canada. They have also been one of the most passionately

tournament.

Organisers have said this World Cup is not just about Qatar, but is for the Middle East region and Muslims as a whole. Could they have more to cheer on Tuesday?

Can France go back to back?

But standing in Morocco's way are another of Europe's best sides, France.

Les Bleus are trying to do what no-one has managed since Brazil 60 years ago in 1962 – successfully defend the men's World Cup.

In fact, in recent years the

Ronaldo consoled by Pele and LeBron James as Portugal Captain ends World Cup career

Cristiano Ronaldo's farewell to the World Cup was followed by tributes from sporting superstars Pele, Kylian Mbappé and LeBron James. The Portugal Captain said his dream of winning the trophy was over, after his fifth World Cup ended with a quarter-final defeat to Morocco.

Now 37, Ronaldo has conceded the Qatar 2022 tournament was his last World Cup, although he has left the door open for now on playing on in the short term. Ronaldo lost his place in the side and was a second-half substitute in the last-16 win over Switzerland and also the Morocco game.

He became the first player to score in five separate World Cups, having netted in each edition since 2006, and is also now the joint most-capped player and highest goalscorer in international football history. However, he never scored in a game in the knockout stages of the World Cup, a blip on an otherwise remarkably successful career.

There was a rapid reaction to an emotional message from Ronaldo on Instagram, where he described the goal of World Cup glory as "the biggest and most ambitious dream of my career". NBA great James said Ronaldo was a "LEGEND!!", with the Los Angeles Lakers star adding a salute, thank-you and crown emoji to his message.

Three-time World Cup winner Pele, paying close attention to the tournament from his hospital bed in Brazil, wrote: "Thanks for making us smile my friend."

Mbappé, who helped France beat England 2-1 on Saturday to reach the semifinals, replied to Ronaldo with three emojis. Those were of a goat, referencing Ronaldo's 'greatest of all time' credentials, plus hands together to signal his thanks, and a crown.

Ronaldo's recent interviewer and cheerleader, British Journalist Piers Morgan sent a message containing six sets of clapping hands. Former Brazil striker Pato wrote to Ronaldo: "You are an example! You inspire people and children around the world. The same ones that criticise you are the ones who want the same success as you. You are a giant! Congratulations."

Jesse Lingard, Ronaldo's former Manchester United team-mate, seemingly got his acronyms muddled, however, as he posted "GAOT". (Sportsmax)

holders have struggled. Italy, Spain and Germany have all exited early as reigning champions over the past 12 years, but France have banished that curse. Saturday's win over England meant they became the first defending champions since Brazil, in 1998, to reach the semi-final.

Manager Didier Deschamps, though, is concentrating on Morocco. "You're getting ahead of yourself," he said, when asked about the prospects of a second final in a row.

Could Croatia do it again?

We could yet have a repeat of the 2018 final, if France beat Morocco and Croatia can see off Argentina. Croatia are back in the last four after another incredible show of resilience.

They beat Denmark and Russia on penalties en route to the final four years ago and this year have come through shootouts against Japan and Brazil.

It is 24 years since they last won a World Cup knockout game in 90 minutes –- a 3-0 win over Germany in the 1998

quarter-finals.

Croatia's efforts this year have been even more remarkable given their midfield maestro Luka Modric is now 37. Despite the extra minutes, he has looked as good as ever. Argentina, who lost 3-0 to Croatia in the 2018 World Cup group stage, will know not to underestimate them.

France v Morocco kicks off at 19:00 GMT on Wednesday.

Argentina v Croatia is at 19:00 GMT on Tuesday.

Commentaries on both games will also be on BBC Radio 5 Live and the BBC Sounds app, while there will be live text commentary with clips, analysis and social media reaction on the BBC Sport website and app. (BBC Sport)

U-19 players Joseph, Holder selected to injuryhit Windies Women squad

Two members of the West Indies Women U-19 squad have been included in a 14-member squad set to face England Women in the first two T20 Internationals at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on December 11 and at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on December 14.

Djenaba Joseph and Trishan Holder have been called up as replacements for Shakera Selman, who has been ruled out, and Chedean Nation, who sustained injuries during the CG United OneDay International (ODI) series that the home side lost 3-0.

Joseph and Holder are currently in Antigua for a high-performance camp with the U-19 Rising Stars ahead of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s U-19 World Cup in South Africa in January 2023.

Meanwhile, off-spinner Karishma Ramharack returns to the squad after missing the CG United ODI series due to injury.

“The upcoming T20 series is vitally important as the team continues its preparations for the World Cup in February 2023. With some of the senior players missing out through injury, it is an ideal opportunity for the other players to start cementing a place in the World Cup team,” said lead selector Ann Browne-John.

Full squad: Hayley Matthews (Captain); Shemaine Campbelle (Vice Captain); Aaliyah Alleyne; Afy Fletcher; Cherry Ann Fraser; Shabika Gajnabi; Sheneta Grimmond; Chinelle Henry; Trishan Holder; Djenaba Joseph; Kycia Knight; Karishma Ramharack; Kaysia Schultz and Rashada Williams. (Sportsmax)

Djenaba Joseph and Trishan Holder are in the senior Women's squad

Goodwill Under-13 series...

Guyana blown away by Trinidad Under-13

Trinidad and Tobago dominated Guyana in the first match of the 40-over Goodwill Under-13 series played at the Guyana National Stadium, at Providence.

The youngsters from the twin-island republic, who looked a far more uniform team, defeated the Guyanese by nine wickets.

Batting first on a rainhit day, Guyana posted 43 all out in 26.5 overs.

Lamar Seecharan, Richard Ramdeholl, and Brandon Henry scored seven runs each as all batsmen failed to reach double figures.

Extras contributed 11 to Guyana's total. Shaan Ramthal was the pick of the bowlers with 3-7 from 1.5 overs. In response,

MVP Sports Futsal…

Bent Street, Fruta Conquerors reign supreme

Bent Street and Fruta Conquerors were the trending names on a night when experience prevailed, as the MVP male and female futsal finals were hosted.

The National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue was rocked by exhilarating performances from the aforementioned teams, in order to clinch the $500,000 and $200,000 grand prizes for the male and female categories respectively.

The first final to be staged was the women’s final, featuring Fruta Conquerors’ and Tiger Bay’s ladies. Although Tiger Bay started well, the weaknesses in their defence were soon opened wide and taking advantage were the Conquerors, who went on to win the encounter by a whopping 11-2 margin.

Fruta Conquerors’ rain of goals began as early as the second minute off the boots of Jessica Teasdale. Afena Baptiste, however, equalised soon after in the sixth minute, much to the delight of the boisterous crowd at the Gymnasium.

Jalade Trim had just the response Fruta desired, hammering back-to-back goals in the seventh and 10th minutes, pushing the score to 3-1. Sandra Johnson joined the party for Fruta, adding another two goals in the 13th and 14th for a 5-1 score by halftime.

Upon resumption, Tiger Bay’s Nina John found the back of the net in the 18th minute, but it would be their last celebration of the night as

two more goals from Teasdale (19th, 29th), two more from Trim (24th, 29th), one more from Johnson (24th) and one from Hasha Holder (22nd) propelled Fruta Conquerors to 11 goals, a score that Tiger Bay could not dream of matching.

Fruta Conquerors’ Teasdale was adjudged the female Most Valuable Player (MVP).

On the men’s side, Bent Street completely dominate Future Stars to lift the trophy, after an 8-4 encounter.

Bent Street had their first goal gifted to them in the fifth minute, by way of a Future Stars’ own goal. However, Tyrese Dennis eliminated Bent Street’s lead quickly, with a goal for Future Stars in the sixth minute.

Clive Nobrega had his first strike in the 13th minute, two minutes after William Europe found the back of the net to punch the score to 3-1. Omari Glasgow added one in the 19th, creating a 4-1 lead for Bent Street by the half.

The experienced Bent Street continued to score effortlessly as Nobrega scored in the 27th, Daniel Wilson found the back of the net in the 31st and Glasgow added another to his personal tally in the 33rd. Then, Future Stars turned up the game by 10 notches with a Raushawn Ritch double in the 35th and 39th minutes and one from Jamal Cozier in the 36th.

Similarly to the women’s final, the deficit was just too big to close in the little time available and a 40th minute

goal from Nobrega became the cherry on top for an almost-alarmed Bent Street.

As such, Nobrega was adjudged the male MVP and rode away with a motorcycle, compliments of Luminous Motors.

Meanwhile, two fans also got lucky on Saturday night. The first was Patrick Williams, who won a $10,000 gift voucher to shop at MVP Sports and the second, Sheikh Khudadin, who rode away with a motorcycle, also compliments of Luminous.

Additionally, the thirdplace playoffs were also staged on Saturday night, with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Women winning by walkover against GT Panthers and Stabroek Ballers thumping Gold is Money 6-1. For Stabroek Ballers, Henry Sampson and Dacosta Aboagye netted doubles while Mark Jhallu and Jamal Bristol added one each.

Dextroy Adams struck Gold is Money’s consolation goal in the 20 thminute. While Bent Street walked away with $500,000, Future Stars pocketed $300,000, Stabroek Ballers $200,000 and Gold is Money $100,000.

In the women’s tournament, Fruta Conquerors took home $200,000, Tiger Bay $100,000, and PGF Women $50,000.

The tournament was sponsored by MVP Sports, Luminous, ANSA McAL through its Lucozade and Magnum brands, and the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry. (Jemima Holmes)

an unbeaten 10 to support Mohammed. Guyana's Captain, Henry had 1-6 in four overs.

The teams will return to Providence on Tuesday, December 13 for the second match. The remaining two fixtures will be played on Thursday, December 15 and Saturday, December 17 and will be live-streamed on the Guyana Cricket Board’s Facebook page.

Squads

Trinidad and Tobago raced to the target in 10.3 overs,

43-

Guyana Under-13 Team: Brandon Henry (Captain); Richard Ramdeholl (Vice Captain); Ravid Fredericks; Ethan Silas; Lamar Seecharan; Mohamed Balle; Khush Seegobin; Nathaniel Ramsammy; Makai Dowlin; Rayaz Latiff; Tameshwar

Deonandan; Raffel Mc Kenzie; Darrius Pearson; Thierry Davis; Leon Ready and Arif Marimutoo. Coach: Lathman Yadram; Manager: Rayon Da Costa Trinidad and Tobago Under-13 Team: Zakariyya Mohammed (Captain/ Wicketkeeper); Mikaeel Ali (Vice Captain); Brian Harricharan; Shaan Ramtahal; Reyad Jerome; Roberto Badree; Ethan Ramcharan; Ra’ed AliKhan; Sameer Ramdath; Zion Phillip; Abdiel Boland; Tyler Ramroop; Aaden Owen and Jordan Julien. Assistant Coach: Brent Francis; Coach: Kenneth Samuel; Assistant Manager: Azard Mohammed; Manager: Peter Padmore.

Kaieteur Attack Racing Cycle Club officially launched

The Kaieteur Attack Racing Cycle Club (KARCC) was formally launched on Friday night in the clubhouse of GMR&SC on Thomas Lands.

During the event, the Club’s President, Gavin Alleyne unveiled the crisp team kit and its riders, and spoke on the Club’s purpose and goals for the 2023 season and beyond.

According to Alleyne, the Club is not new as its history dates back five decades to 1972 when it was first founded by five members. “It was ran out of the AME School in Queenstown,” said Alleyne during his overview speech.

Alleyne, who said that he was humbled for the opportunity to serve and be the President of the Club, added that the launch was an “important day for cycling, sport, and the country”.

Additionally, Alleyne stated that the launch ushered in a new chapter for KARCC and that the Club would look to the community to be an important partner. “Our club seeks to nurture a culture of competitiveness, discipline, athleticism and passion for the sport. In 2023 and beyond, the goal is to foster community collectivism, determination, and good citizenship that supports Guyana’s current development trajectory.”

The Club, Alleyne said, seeks to harness the talent of the young, to achieve their greatest potential. Following

the statement, a racing cycle was presented to KARCC’s youngest rider, Ajani Cutting.

Alleyne, who has remigrated from the USA, further stated that one of the aims of the Club is to emerge with competitiveness in 2023 and revealed what cycling enthusiasts could look forward to.

“Deliberate, intentional, and systematic approaches to talent management, member retention, training and development that lends to repeated sustainable team success, community and country success.”

During his time on the mic, Pastor Nigel London stated that his dream was for at least one of the Club’s riders to become as famous as the world-renowned Kaieteur Falls. “You should be famous and successful and represent us in the biggest races like the Tour de France,” said London, as he wished the team success on the local and international circuit.

The Club’s calendar of planned events for 2023 was disclosed by its Secretary, Jonnelle Lim.

Lim stated that The Suriname Ride (January 2630); the KARCC Off Road Experience (February 26); the KARCC Highway Race (April 16); the Fireworks Race (October 22) and the Tyson English Mental Health and Cancer Ride (October 29) are all in the planning stages.

The Club comprises standout riders like Andre “Padlock”

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Trinidad and Tobago looked a formidable batting lineup with opener Zakariyya Mohammed top-scoring

with a promising 23. He was caught at short mid-wicket when he lost his balance off the left-arm spin of Henry.

ending on

1, with Ramthal scoring

Green, Marcus Keiler, Alex Mendes, Tyson English, Kwame Ridley, Dwayne Gibbs Jr, and Deeraj Garbarran.

Trinidad and Tobago looked the more uniformed outift

Members of the Kaieteur Attack Racing Cycle Club

MVP Sports Futsal female champions Fruta Conquerors

Australia complete series sweep with a crushing 419-run win

Nathan Lyon claimed his 450th Test wicket as Australia completed a 419-run thrashing of a dispirited West Indies early on day four of the second Test in Adelaide.

Lyon became the third Australian bowler after Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath to reach the landmark by clean bowling Alzarri Joseph to cap Australia's convincing 2-0 series triumph in the Frank Worrell Trophy.

It was their biggest-ever victory by runs against West Indies, whose second-innings total of 77 was their second-lowest total ever against Australia.

A ruthless Australia attack ran through a beleaguered West Indies to wrap up victory 30 minutes before the dinner break having won the first Test in Perth by 164 runs.

Australia stretched their unbeaten record in daynight Tests to 11 matches with seven of them having been at the Adelaide Oval. In contrast, West Indies offered little resistance in an uncompetitive performance to cap a disappointing series – their first against Australia since 2015-16.

Starting at a forlorn 38 for 4, after West Indies' top order was ripped apart under lights on day three by recalled quick Scott Boland, Devon Thomas and Jason Holder tried to prolong an inevitable result.

They were under immediate pressure from Australia's accurate seamers with quick Mitchell Starc hitting the pads of Thomas, but the not-out decision was upheld on review.

It was only a matter of

time before a probing Starc removed Thomas, who was caught behind after flashing at a wider delivery. It was a lacklustre end for debutant Thomas, a reserve wicketkeeper in the squad, after showing grit with the bat and surprisingly taking two wickets with his handy seamers.

West Indies' slim chance of getting through the session was left to Holder, who put up a rearguard of 11 off 61 balls. But he could do little against a red-hot Starc, who produced a gem of an inswinger to knock out the off stump and move to 296 Test wickets.

Lyon came into the attack before the drinks break as he eyed his 450th wicket. The offspinner thought he had it when Travis Head took a sharp one-handed catch at leg slip only for the ball to have missed the bat of Joshua Da Silva. But

Lyon would savour his milestone shortly after.

Seamer Michael Neser also got among the wickets by removing Roston Chase thanks to a superb juggling catch from wicketkeeper Alex Carey, who was up at the stumps.

Neser claimed Da Silva later in the over after another sharp take from Carey, who claimed his fifth catch for the innings. The NeserCarey pairing then dismissed Marquino Mindley to put West Indies out of their misery.

Australia's depth of pace bowlers was underlined by sensational performances from miserly seamers Neser and Boland, who combined for eight wickets in the match – their first Test since last summer's Ashes.

Australia's big victory was set up when stand-in Captain Steven Smith won a crucial toss and elected

to bowl on a batting-friendly pitch. Australia's massive first innings of 511 for 7 was highlighted by a 297run fourth-wicket partnership between Marnus Labuschagne and hometown hero Head, who each scored big centuries.

A second-string West Indies attack failed to trouble Australia's batters on a pitch with tennis ball-like bounce and occasional movement.

Their injury woes deepened when debutant quick Mindley broke down on day one with a hamstring injury after two overs. It was heartbreak for him after arriving in Adelaide from the Caribbean just 48 overs before the match. Australia declared in each of their four innings with their batting order dominating listless West Indies bowling, most notably Player of the Series Labuschagne who scored

502 runs with three centuries.

West Indies, obviously, had few bright spots, but their one shining light was the impressive Test start for opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul, son of legendary batter Shivnarine, who defied Australia's attack

with 160 runs at an average of 40.

But their 25-year Test drought in Australia continued as West Indies will need to do plenty of soul-searching ahead of returning Down Under next summer. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

TOTAL 40.5 Ov (RR: 1.88) 77 Fall of wickets: 1-15 (Kraigg Brathwaite, 5.1 ov), 2-15 (Shamarh Brooks, 5.3 ov), 3-15 (Jermaine Blackwood, 5.6 ov), 4-21 (Tagenarine Chanderpaul, 8.3 ov), 5-42 (Devon Thomas, 24.6 ov), 6-49 (Jason Holder, 28.1 ov), 7-69 (Roston Chase, 38.1 ov), 8-76 (Joshua Da Silva, 38.6 ov), 9-76 (Alzarri Joseph, 39.2 ov), 1077 (Marquino Mindley, 40.5 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Mitchell Starc 10-4-29-3 Michael Neser 10.5-3-22-3 Scott Boland 10-5-16-3

Nathan Lyon 10-7-8-1

“We didn't show any fight at all”

West Indies Captain Kraigg Brathwaite lamented that his team "didn't show any fight" in Adelaide, Australia, but believed that overall they had produced a successful year in Test cricket.

They crashed to a 419run defeat within the opening session of the fourth day, their heaviest runs defeat in Test cricket, having shown heart to take the first Test deep into the penultimate session.

In both matches, West Indies' bowling attack was put to the sword by a combination of Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith and Travis Head. A couple of late wickets for Alzarri Joseph in Adelaide made him their leading bowler with five at 53.00 – highlighting their struggles –amid a string of injuries that left them with a patched-up attack.

Brathwaite produced their standout knock of the series with 110 in the second innings in Perth, but no one passed fifty in Adelaide as they could only make

214 and 77.

"It was very disappointing. The first game, we fought to day five which was a decent effort. Coming here we didn't show any fight at all," Brathwaite said.

"Obviously Australia bowled well, but we didn't fight. The pink ball is always different, under lights is always tough. Bad days happen and bad games. This was a bad game for sure, but it's not the

end of the world, we have a lot of Test cricket to play next year so we have to look ahead."

West Indies came into the series unbeaten in five Tests for the year – including three wins a row – and, before the Adelaide match, were above England and New Zealand on the World Test Championship table.

Brathwaite was adamant that viewed as a whole, and given the

strength of the opposition they faced in this series, that it had been an encouraging year in the format.

"This loss is a little disappointing and how we didn't show the fight," he said. "But I still think it was a good year for us – a very good year – losing one series against probably the number one team in the world is not a bad effort."

West Indies' next Test cricket will come on tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa in early 2023. They are then due back in Australia in a little over 12 months' time due to a quirk of the next World Test Championship cycle, which has seen them paired together again with no other spot on the calendar to try and space out the series a little more. CA had tried to find another window to avoid back-to-back summers with the same opposition, but it was not possible.

Brathwaite hopes that those players who return can use

what they have learned from watching the Australians go about their work, with this Test series having been West Indies' first here since 2015-16.

"For a lot of the guys it was their first time to Australia," he said. "The experience would help, both as batsmen and bowlers. Seeing how Australia play, how their batsmen started their innings, we can learn from that and then how their bowlers bowled throughout a spell. At times in Perth they bowled for the whole day, but then you see the areas they bowled. Australia will always be a strong team at home, but the key from experiences is learn from them."

One of the encouraging aspects for West Indies was the debut series of Tagenarine Chanderpaul, who made 51, 45, 47 and 17 at the top of the order alongside the Captain. Such was his occupation of the crease that Australia got very inventive with their fields

when they went at him with a short-pitched attack, although Chanderpaul blotted his copybook by running himself out in the first over of the third day.

"It showed that he's tough," Brathwaite said. "You've got Mitchell Starc coming in at 90mph and you see a guy fighting like that, says a lot about his character. I thought he had a good start to his career and can see him really blossoming to have a superb career for West Indies."

Brathwaite, himself, meanwhile said he retained the hunger and desire to lead West Indies.

"I love Test cricket and [am] thankful for the job. We'll see how it goes. I want to lead this team from the front, especially with the bat, that's my job. As a group we have the talent, we have the ability. It's for us to believe in ourselves and you learn from all the challenges you go through."

Kraigg Brathwaite noted that his team lacked fight

Mitchell Starc celebrating with his teammates

Australia won the series 2-0

MVP Clive Nobrega

accolades from Guyana Football Federation President Wayne Forde