Guyana Times - Monday, February 12, 2024

Govt, UWI wrap up talks on education partnership for NA teaching hospital

P17 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana Issue No. 5640

guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2024

Teachers will be prime beneficiaries of national development – Pres Ali reassures

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

P12 Young motorcyclist dies after crashing into wooden bridge, trench

See story on page 3

Essequibo men granted bail P15 on rape charges

President Dr Irfaan Ali and Cabinet Ministers directly engaging with senior teachers and head teachers back in October 2023 when several issues were raised and addressed to improve the education sector (File Photo)

– Govt in talks with banks for low-interest mortgages for teachers – urges teachers to be patient, more benefits in store for them

Govt eyeing completion of 1999-2023 cost oil audits by year-end – VP Jagdeo – says Govt not budging on US$214M flagged expenses

Page 16

Over 200 Kamana residents 3 civil to benefit from $48M society water supply system

Constitutional Reform Commission Page 7

See story on page 16

bodies yet to submit nominees – AG – names expected by today

Warapoka businessman dies in boat mishap Page 2

Venezuelan P9 national killed in freak accident on artificial island

Baramita man sentenced to 12 years for beating wife to death P12

Guyana joins world in raising awareness for Int’l Epilepsy Day 2024 P12

2 NEWS Warapoka businessman Prison officers displaced

by Parade St fire now dies in boat mishap accommodated at Lusignan W T MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

arapoka businessman Vanwest Charles lost his life on Friday after he reportedly lost control of the boat he was captaining and it crashed into another boat in the vicinity of the '99 Turns' at Warapoka Village, North West District (NWD), Region One (Barima-Waini).

Police have said that, at about 21:00h on Friday, they received reports that the 26-year-old Charles, who was captaining a wooden boat powered by a 40-HP Yamaha engine, had collided with another boat, resulting in him and his engine falling overboard. They said that Charles was rescued from the water, but died on his way to seek medical attention.

The other boat involved in the collision was a 22-foot speedboat powered by a 200HP Yamaha engine. At the time, it was being captained

by Noel Malvin Evans, a 43-year-old holder of a coxswain licence for the past two years.

In detailing the events that led to this accident, Police have said that on the day in question, at about 06:30h, Evans picked up four passengers from the Iyanna Backdam in Barama, NWD and took them to Charity and Moruca respectively.

At about 17:05h, as he was negotiating a turn in the

he 30 prison officers affected by the mid-morning fire that completely gutted the living quarters of the Guyana Prison Service at Parade Street in Kingston, Georgetown have now been permanently relocated at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara.

According to the Guyana Prison Service, two new living quarters were constructed for senior and junior staff at that location, and those facilities can accommodate 100

The new living quarters for the prison officers

One of the boats that were involved in the accident

mid-area of the '99 Turns' at NWD, he observed Charles approaching him from the opposite direction, and he was travelling at a fast rate.

Upon seeing Evans, Charles reportedly swerved to avoid a collision, but instead, the back portion of his boat crashed into the bow area of Evans's boat, and the impact of that crash threw an injured Charles overboard.

Guyana Times understands that Charles was on the wrong side of the river when he took the turn.

He was pulled from the river, and several injuries were evident on his body.

Transported to Kumaka Water Front in Moruca, he was taken by ambulance to the Kumaka District Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Meanwhile, statements were taken from all passengers, and Evans's story was corroborated. As such, the Police have ruled out foul play. Evans has nevertheless been arrested, and is assisting with the investigations.

male and 50 female prison officers.

Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot, has said alternative measures are also in place to address the personal

needs of these displaced officers, who are expected to resume duty today.

This devastating fire swept through the building at Parade Street in Kingston, Georgetown two Fridays ago.

At the time, 30 prison officers attached to the Lusignan and Georgetown prisons were occupying the building.

The cause of the fire remains a mystery, but the Guyana Fire Service has said investigations are ongoing, and a comprehensive report, ascertaining the origin and cause of the blaze, is expected in due course.

The destroyed living quarters had been commissioned some 13 years ago to provide relief to prison officers who, in previous times, had incurred significant expenses for accommodation in hotels when brought from outlying areas to the city.

NEWS

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

BRIDGE The Demerara OPENINGS Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, February 12 – 04:00h-05:30h and Tuesday, February 13 – 04:00h-05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, February 12 – 06:00h-07:30h and Tuesday, February 13 – 06:35h-08:05h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunshine is expected in the early morning hours followed thundery to light rain showers.

Light to thundery showers are expected at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 3.12 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 06:22h and 18:42h reaching maximum heights of 2.81 metres and 2.86 metres.

Low Tide: 12:14h reaching a minimum height of 0.38 metre.

Teachers will be prime beneficiaries of national development – Pres Ali reassures – Govt in talks with banks for low-interest mortgages for teachers – urges teachers to be patient, more benefits in store for them

U

rging teachers to be fair and put the interest of the students at heart, President Dr. Irfaan Ali has appealed to teachers to remember the good the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government has done for them, and the commitments it has made to do even more.

During an address to the nation on Sunday, President Ali referred to several initiatives the Government has rolled out and will continue to roll out to benefit teachers, while he urged them not to be used as political pawns.

“I’m very concerned that the political actors in our society are trying to use our teachers -- and I’m using this word very frankly because they are aware that we are

President Dr Irfaan Ali during his Sunday broadcast

ments because we are concerned, we care about every single category of worker in this country,” the President said.

Further, he detailed some

Ali, the teachers were informed of all of this during a meeting with him only last year. He made it clear that the Government’s commitment to doing all this and

get the Teaching Service Commission (TSC) to do two senior promotion cycles yearly, ensuring that more and more teachers are put on higher salary scales. The Government also did a general waiver letter to allow teachers to travel abroad without collateral.

This, according to the President, was one of the requests made by teachers during their meeting.

He further noted that the Government has much more in store for the teachers. “What more do we need to do to prove to teachers and every category of workers in this country that we have your back? A little bit of patience and understanding, as I said when I met the teachers. In the

“I’m very concerned that the political actors in our society, those political actors trying to use our teachers - and I’m using this word very frankly because they are aware that we are committed to a plan in which our teachers will be not only prime beneficiaries of the development and advancement of our country, but that their position will be comparable to anywhere else in the region,” – President Dr Irfaan Ali. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2024

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committed to a plan in which our teachers will be not only prime beneficiaries of the development and advancement of our country, but that their position will be comparable to anywhere else in the region,” the President has said.

“But, of course, it takes time. We’ve announced a series of measures to improve the lives of teachers, nurses and Public Servants, and these measures are going to continue even before the end of this year. No one needs to push this Government, we’re committed to this task,” President Ali said.

The Head of State reminded that he comes from a family of teachers, and noted that Government does not have to be convinced of the need to do more for teachers. He made it clear that Government would not allow persons to be used as political pawns by a union that is not even accountable to its members.

“For more than a year and a half, we paid teachers during COVID, while they were at home while many others in the Public Service were working. The Police and army and the doctors were saying we should pay half and then increase their salaries, we said, ‘No’.

We did not make any adjust-

other measures the PPP/C Government implemented after it took office, including correcting salary scales for $700 million; increasing the remote area incentive from $9000 to $20,000; over a 100 per cent increase and the provision of 3800 scholarships to teachers.

Other initiatives

He also referenced the $10,000 allowance for teachers with university degrees. Additionally, the Government has been providing teachers with the opportunity within their school to earn their degrees through the Associate Degree, Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), and online teacher training programmes.

“Outside of that, we’re giving an additional allowance of $6000 for every teacher with their postgraduate diploma.

And guess what? All the training we’re doing under the GOAL scholarship programme qualifies teachers to be part of this also. The granting of a $20,000 allowance for all teachers with a master's degree. The $30,000 allowance for all teachers with a doctoral degree.”

According to President

more for teachers should not be taken for granted.

Duty-free concessions, an important issue for many teachers, were also addressed by President Ali, who said, “The continued issuance of duty-free for teachers.

We’ve increased this plus we agreed to the granting of a duty-free concession to all senior teachers who have three years left to serve.

Because we did not want a single teacher to leave the system without this benefit of duty-free. That’s why we said if you did not get it, and you had three years of service left, automatically you will be given that duty-free concession.”

He continued, “I told the teachers then, and we’re negotiating with the banks now, a special mechanism through which a low-interest rate will be provided to teachers for them to own their own homes and build their own houses. Those negotiations are ongoing, where you’ll be able to get loans at 3.5 and 4 per cent because we will give up the withholding tax on profits.

So, you’ll be treated differentially.”

He also noted that Government was able to

course of this and the coming years, it will get consistently better and at a more rapid pace. Let us focus on our children,” President Ali has urged.

Meanwhile, in light of revelations that the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU) has failed to submit financial statements for two decades, despite collecting billions of dollars in dues from teachers over the years, President Ali urged teachers to ask questions of their union.

“I’m not going to go into the accountability issue of the union. But teachers must ask questions…$2 billion invested at 10 per cent returns can give you annual returns of $200 million. No audit from 2004. Those are questions you must ask your union,” he said.

“But I can assure you that this Government is committed to making the lives of every single worker in this country better, but workers must be committed to this process; workers must understand that there’s a short-, mediumand long-term plan. I can look every worker in the eye and say to them, ‘We’ve got your back’,” President Ali has said. (G-3)

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guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2024

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

Choosing sides

T

here is the old African aphorism: “When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers”. We should have learnt this lesson as it applied to international affairs when the USA and the USSR were locked in mortal combat over “spheres of influence” after WWII. The US Monroe Doctrine had carved out the Western Hemisphere as theirs in 1823, when Britain was the dominant world power.

So, when, by 1960, the USSR obtained a toehold in the Western Hemisphere with a communist ally Castro in Cuba, they faced the US’ kickback. In the not-so-Cold War, when Dr Jagan equivocated on his ideological leanings, he was ousted. He forgot Sparta’s advice to the pipsqueak Melians: “The strong do what they can; the weak suffer what they must.”

Whether we like it or not, we will be forced into making that choice once again in the present struggle for influence between the two global behemoths – the US and China - to be the hegemonic power going forward. There are several great ironies in this eventuality, not least being that China’s rise from being a poster boy for poverty at the end of WWII was facilitated by the US. After several disastrous missteps under its leader Mao - while attempting to repeat the USSR’s move to wrench their nation from a peasant base into an industrialised state - relations between the two communist nations became strained.

The anti-communist US President Richard Nixon, in 1972, saw an opening to drive a further wedge between them, to gain an advantage over the USSR by recognising Communist China and facilitating its entry into the UN and Breton Woods family of institutions. By 1978, when the leadership of China fell into the hands of the pragmatic Deng Xiaoping, who abandoned the dogmatic Maoist centralised economy, US businesses were ready to invest.

They appreciated Deng’s philosophy of “it does not matter whether the cat is black or white, once it catches the mice”, that meant they could now take advantage of the seemingly infinite cheap labour of China.

The profits were stratospheric, and the US policy makers – lobbied by its business class – went along with the degutting of the US industrial manufacturing base, that had previously supplied the world with manufactured goods and brought them unheralded prosperity. By 2000, vast swaths of mid-America became a “Rust Belt” because of the factories abandoned, as China became the “factory of the world” through injections of American finance and technology. The global economy underwent a seismic shift, as manufacturing, trading networks, and supply chains that had once been dominated by the U.S., Japan, and Germany now gave way to Chinese dominance. By 2021, China’s manufacturing capacity was greater than that of the US and EU combined.

However, by the middle of the last decade, the Trump Administration, which was panned for favouring the rich, realized that China was not only about to overtake it as the largest economy in the world, but had built its economy to be less dependent on western technology, while boosting its military capabilities. Unlike other Third World economies, that had been exploited for cheap labour but had remained trapped in a middle-income trap, China was strategically preparing to regain its historic place as the “middle kingdom”, around which all other countries revolved. While using capitalism in its economic institutions, it had retained the centralized command of the Government to insist that decisions ultimately redounded to their country’s interests.

The Trump Administration slapped tariffs on a wide range of Chinese goods, and while this pushed up the cost of those goods in the US, the effects were felt much more gravely in China. China, in the meantime, had worked its way up the value chain, and the US has not weakened it fundamentally. The Biden Administration has continued to discourage US businesses from investing in China; and, for instance, has prevented chipmakers from supplying Chinese companies with this key input into almost every modern manufactured good.

This strategy of “war by other means” will force us to choose sides.

President Dr Irfaan Ali has signed a Book of Condolence for the late former President of Chile, Sebastian Pinera Echenique. Piñera, who served two terms as president: from 2010 to 2014, and from 2018 to 2022. He died in a helicopter crash on February 6, 2024 at the age of 74

International Epilepsy Day

I

nternational Epilepsy Day is a special awareness day that takes place on the second Monday in February to shine a light on the challenges faced by people living with epilepsy.

It takes place on February 12 this year.

Epilepsy, also known as seizure disorder, is the fourth most common neurological disorder and one of the oldest-known medical conditions. The condition causes electrical activity in the brain to stop for a short time, which leads to recurrent seizures.

Even though 65 million people in the world live with epilepsy, there is still some stigma around the disease. International Epilepsy Day exists to ed-

the International Bureau for Epilepsy and the International League Against Epilepsy. The two

ucate the general public about epilepsy and to teach people how to provide better care for people living with the disorder.

International Epilepsy Day is the brainchild of

organizations have put together various events on the day since its inception.

Almost every year, a theme is chosen to guide the events of the day. In 2018, the theme was ‘This

is Me,’ in 2016, it was ‘Yes, I can!’ and in 2017, it was ‘Putting Epilepsy in the Picture.’ In 2015, there was no official theme because it was the first occurrence of the holiday. There was also no theme chosen in 2019.

Epilepsy is one of the world’s oldest-known medical conditions, with records dating back to the beginning of recorded history. Of course, back then, it was treated as a spiritual condition. In 2000 B.C., an ancient Mesopotamian text described a person who underwent an exorcism under the influence of a moon god.

Ancient Babylonians attributed seizures to possession by evil spirits. The ancient Greeks also considered epilepsy to be a spiritual possession, but they associated it with genius and divine interventions.

The stigma associated with epilepsy is also historical. In ancient Rome,

people did not eat or drink from the same plates or pots as people living with epilepsy.

Up to the second half of the 20th century, in some parts of Africa, epilepsy was believed to be contagious and a result of possession, witchcraft, or poisoning.

Epilepsy is such a part of documented history that it is mentioned in the “Code of Hammurabi,” the longest, best-organized, and best-preserved legal text from the ancient Near East.

In the Code, it is referred to as a condition under which a slave may be returned for a refund.

Epilepsy also gets a mention in an ancient Egyptian medical text called “The Edwin Smith Papyrus.”

Today, International Epilepsy Day is commemorated in more than 120 countries all over the world.

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2024

5

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

The GTU is fighting for itself, and not for teachers

Dear Editor, At first glance, the nationwide strike -- I'd rather call it a nationwide disruption -- is a self-interest exercise for which there are servile attendants. Let it not slip from our gaze that most of the demands the hierarchy in the union are clamouring for are for themselves, and not for the teachers; therefore, I ask the teachers to be well aware of this. A union, if it is worth its salt, ought to be seeking out better deals for a paying membership, and not for itself; that is the sole purpose of a union.

That is not happening, and for that same reason, the Government has refused to deduct union dues on behalf of the GTU. The Government is saying in pellucid language, “We cease to be the collection agency for a union that thinks only of its executive, and not of the wider good of the teachers.

Collect your own money, the Government would not be facilitator for a lopsided, heavily political agitator acting under cover of a union. It will not happen!”

It is now public knowledge that the ongoing disruption has all the hallmarks of a union that has finally come out of the woodwork to show its real self; it is all about “us”, and not really “them”. The teachers, for their own part, have been duped into believing that they could earn a windfall by creating confusion in the economy, so they've opted to sympathize with the union, and like I said in a previous article, those who are not in the picket line have been forced to stay at home for fear of vindictive reprisals.

A heavily politicised union is flexing its muscle as its executive members usually do on a turf that is familiar to them, the Public

Solidarity for the teachers who are teaching Dear Editor, Solidarity with those who struggle is one of the most constructive things we can do in society. Today the teachers in Guyana who are in their classrooms deserve all our support. Nearly half of all teachers are still teaching our children. The ones on the picket lines are there because of political and some very culturally regressive reasons.

Did you know that, of the 13,500 teachers in Guyana, only 4,500 are with GTU? If you think teachers are oppressed, ask the teacher trainees, who saw their income go from $12,400 to $104,000 in a matter of three years!

And ask the thousands who are getting low-cost

mortgage to build houses on subsidised house lots, or those who get the duty-free benefit for vehicles, or the thousands of recipients of GOAL scholarship worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Ask them! And ask them what GTU ever did for them. Ask Coretta McDonald what the APNUAFC did for them, when they couldn’t even get a meeting with the Minister of Education.

Give your solidarity where it will be meaningful and consequential – to the teachers who have said no to an illegitimate and politically orchestrated strike.

Sincerely, Dr Randy Persaud

Service.

But instead of supporting them, teachers should distance themselves from the leadership of this misleading union, because there is more to be had from a caring Government than from a self-centred union.

What teachers must face up to is that wherever the PNC hold sway, there is a penchant for disruptive behaviour. This is evident in every sphere of their existence. Nothing can be clearer than the duplicitous nature of the party of Coretta McDonald as a parliamentary representative. Throughout its history, teachers have been underpaid and exploited by the PNC, and never, for one instance, did they take strike action. The brutal coercion the PNC had over its Public Servants kept them terrifyingly quiet. Others hurriedly ran for cover in other jurisdictions, to earn a decent, livable wage.

Compare that treatment to what exists today under a PPP/C Government and you would see a caring and considerate Government at work. I would not be naive to say that not much ground is still yet to be covered; yes, there is, but Rome was not built in a day, neither should one sector be disproportionately enriched over and

above another. We must all develop symbiotically.

But let us take a quick look at the glaring abnormal situation that was our lot before the PPP/C came to office. In the first phase (1992) The PPP/C had to build a country after 28 years of mismanagement and corruption. The period 20152020 saw a reintroduction of the PNC under the facade of a coalition, raising their salaries and emoluments by 50% and leaving the teachers in the cold. Again, they continued in the same vein, placing teachers’ issues on a back burner. Teachers were so ashamed and embarrassed that they were forced to turn for help to the same Jagdeo they are now maligning.

This same pattern of behaviour is symptomatic of every organization they hold "control over," whether it be Government or civic organization. I pause here to make mention of IDPADA-G, who cannot, to this day, give a sensible audited account of its spending. Even more glaring is the GTU, who are now called out in the public domain to show proof of their vast income and no expenditure. So, amid your raucous cries for more money, we ask you to show your stewardship of that which you have collected.

The point I am making is that the GTU must come to the negotiating table with clean hands. I say clean hands where teachers should be the beneficiaries, and not the usual posturing of executives riding around in expensive vehicles. Audit your books!

Not auditing your books in 20 years speaks volumes of your duplicitous self-centeredness, as is your inability to serve. The fact is animals choose the best and brightest to lead, while teachers in Guyana have

chosen the most corrupt to lead them. Quite interesting!

The work of the PPP/C in three short years has done tremendously well in lifting this country to a place of respectability, and for this, we say thank you. They have not raised their salaries, like the APNU, but have taken the pains to lift society as a whole to a better standard of living. Let this country move forward in peace.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

Nobody should be trapped inside a profession Dear Editor, Teachers are important everywhere in the world. I have seen numerous hardworking teachers in Guyana and elsewhere. I know your trials and daily suffering, and trials and challenges.

I have been there myself.

That said, if one is unhappy with one's employer/salary, one has the option of leaving for something perceived better. Just one thing I always believe in life.

Nobody should be so trapped inside a profession that they would choose to cry over the pay, salary, and paycheck and remain miserable about it. A job is a job.

If the public sector pay is not enough, then try the private sector! Market yourself and your credentials, so that you can be paid more handsomely for your services. STOP seeing yourselves as worthless beings who are underpaid; we are all victims of inflation and the rising cost of living; see yourselves as qualified vessels that can offer the job market much more than what is already there.

That is my advice to teachers. Long live the teachers of Guyana!

Sincerely, Leon Jameson Suseran

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2024

06:00 (Sign on) Inspiration Time 06:30 Cartoons 07:00 Evening News (RB) 07:30 Cartoons 08:00 Stop Suffering 08:30 Stay Woke 09:00 Guy's Grocery Games 10:00 Grand Designs 11:00 Paternity Court 11:30 Divorce Court 12:00 News Break 12:05 Indian Movie - Barfi! (2012) 14:35 Spongebob Squarepants 15:00 A TVG Valentine 16:00 Drake & Josh S2 E7 16:30 Victorious S1 E18 17:00 The Young & The Restless 18:00 CNN 19:00 The Evening News 20:00 Love & Laughter 21:00 The Resident S5 E3 22:00 The 100 S7 E5 23:00 Queen of the South S1 E10 00:00 Sign off

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2024

Foundation ◄

Page

Estimating decimals Example:

You can use rounding to estimate sums and differences of decimal numbers. However, you have to decide what rounding place to use. Sometimes, a problem will tell you.

If it does not, round to the nearest whole number. When estimating money, ask yourself is the cents part of each number closer to 0 dollars, to a ½ dollar or a dollar?

Step 1: Ask yourself : Is $27.58 closer to $27.00 , $27.50 , or $28.00? $27.50

Example:

Step 2: Ask yourself : Is $6.420 closer to $6.00 , $6.50 , or $7.00? $6.50

Estimate 27.58 + 6.420

Step 3: Add $27.50 + $6.50 = $34.00

Step 1: Round 27.58 to the nearest whole number: 28

Since you rounded both dollar values up, you know your estimated total is higher than the actual total.

Step 2: Round 6.420 to the nearest whole number: 6

Estimate $27.58 + $6.420

by Ian Carew

I have been to the cities, The old cities, Rome, Paris, Vienna,

Step 3: Add 28 + 6 + 34

Exercises:

The sum of 27.58 + 6.420 is about 34

Estimate Example: Estimate 27.58 - 6.420 to the nearest tenth Step 1: Round 27.58 to the nearest tenth: 27.6

1) 1.20 - 0.58 2) 11.60 - 10 3) 94.82 - 12.61 4) 13.78 - 1 5) 39.41 - 31.84

Step 2: Round 6.420 to the nearest tenth: 6.4

London. Brussells, Amsterdam, And indestructible, fragile man I have seen Living the flash bulb filament span Of life

Step 3: Subtract 27.6 - 6.4 = 21.2

Amidst convex and vertical stones And old monuments...

The old cities,

If you have ever watched a rocket launch on TV, you might have noticed that rockets have multiple stages. Some parts of the rocket fall off and burn up in the atmosphere whereas the rest of the rocket keeps going. Why does this happen? Try this activity to find out and build your own two-stage rocket using balloons!

Materials Two modelling balloons (These are the long, skinny kind used to make balloon animals, not the round kind.)

Two straws Two large binder clips Paper towel tube

Fishing line or string (A fishing line will generally work better because it has lower friction.)

Scissors Clear or masking tape One other person to help set up the rocket Balloon pump, to make it easier to inflate the balloon (optional) Two sturdy pieces of furniture across the room from each other (to which you can tie your fishing line or string) -- the farther, the better!

Open space where you can set up the activity Prep Work

Fishing line can be hard to see – make sure you warn other people that you are doing this project, so they don't walk into the line.

Thread the fishing line through the two straws.

Tie the ends of the fishing line to two sturdy pieces of furniture and make sure it is pulled tight. The longer you can make the line, the better.

Cut a small ring (less than one inch long) from the cardboard tube.

Stretch the balloons to loosen them before inflating.

To be continued (Sabine De Brabandere, PhD, Science Buddies)

Where age is worshipped And age is the worshipper...

The age bound cities, The fog bound cities, The stone bound cities, The twilight bound cities, Where age is worshipped And age is the worshipper.

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Constitutional Reform Commission

3 civil society bodies yet to submit nominees – AG ...names expected by today

A

ttorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, has disclosed that three civil society bodies that are required to submit a nominee to be appointed to the Constitutional Reform Commission (CRC), are yet to do so although the deadline has been passed.

On January 10, letters were dispatched to the various stakeholder bodies to submit their nominees to be appointed to the Commission.

They were given one month from January 10, 2024, to provide their names.

Contacted on Saturday, AG Nandlall told Guyana Times that most of the submissions have already been made and he was expecting to receive the outstanding names by today.

“I’m hoping to receive the three remaining nominees

by Monday, having regard to the fact that today [Saturday, February 10] is not an official working day,” the Legal Affairs Minister told this newspaper over the weekend.

The 20-member Constitutional Reform Commission has to be drawn from political parties (five from the ruling party, four from the main Opposition and one from the Joinder Parties), while the 10 remaining persons will be drawn from religious groupings, the Private Sector, the Guyana Bar Association, the National Toshaos Council, the labour movement, women’s organisations as well as nominees representing farmers and youths.

When probed, AG Nandlall opted not to divulge the identities of the three organisations that have not yet submitted their nominees for the Commission.

Only last week, the main political parties submitted their nominees to sit on the highly-anticipated Commission.

Ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo disclosed during a press conference on Thursday that they have nominated AG Nandlall; Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister Gail Teixeira; Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony; Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai; and Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy, to be Government’s representatives on the Commission.

Similarly, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton, at his weekly press conference on Thursday, also revealed the nominees named by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Opposition to sit on the Commission. They are Opposition Commissioner at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Vincent Alexander; Economist Sherwood Lowe; Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Ganesh Mahipaul and Attorney-atLaw Nigel Hughes.

In addition, the Joinder Parties – A New and United Guyana (ANUG); the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), and The New Movement (TNM) – which hold one seat in Parliament have also submitted their nominee to the Government in the person of ANUG’s General Secretary, Timothy Jonas, SC. Constitutional reform was promised in the PPP/C Manifesto in 2020, where it was further outlined that consultation with the pop-

ulace and important stakeholders, and a broad-based Constitutional Reform Commission would drive the process.

The way was paved for the establishment of the Reform Commission, and the commencement of the reform process following the passage of the Constitutional Reform Commission Bill in the National Assembly in November 2022. Back in August of 2022, the Government presented the Constitutional Reform Commission Bill 2022 in the National Assembly. That Bill sought the establishment of a 20-member Constitutional Reform Commission to review the country’s supreme laws.

AG Nandlall had previously explained that, “It’s not going to be a politically-dominated Commission. It’s going to be half politicians and half civil society. The work of the Commission will be driven by public consultation.”

The Legal Affairs Minister had stated that once the Commission was in place, a comprehensive consultation process would begin with citizens on critical laws that needed to be reformed.

There had been concerns over the delay in setting up the Commission, which the Government had committed to have in place before the end of 2023. However, Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister Teixeira told reporters at a press conference in January that the delays in setting up the Commission had to do with the Government’s attention being focused on Venezuela’s aggression towards Guyana.

“It was just overtaken by

time… The Venezuelan border issue really consumed an enormous amount of time for the Government, for the Attorney General, for the lawyers and also caused a lot of angst by the community… These are not easy things to justify in terms of how Governments work, but, in fact, this is what does happen,” the Governance Minister noted.

Nevertheless, Teixeira reassured that “I know both the Attorney General and the President are committed to setting it up as soon as possible, and I will work with both of them in whatever way possible to bring it about”.

According to the provisions of the CRC Bill, the Commission will review the Constitution to provide for the current and future rights, duties, liabilities and obliga-

tions of the Guyanese people.

It is mandated for that purpose to receive, consider, and evaluate submissions for the alteration of the Constitution, and report its recommendations to the standing committee for transmission to the National Assembly.

The Commission is tasked with consultations for the reform process to continue, whereby a report will be prepared and sent to the standing committee.

The committee will then refine the submissions into amendments for the National Assembly.

Last year, the Government had earmarked the sum of $150 million in the 2023 National Budget for constitutional reform activities.

This year, additional monies have been allocated

towards the establishment of the CRC, including the rental of a building to house the Commission. During the Consideration of the Budget 2024 Estimates last month, AG Nandlall disclosed that the Government had identified the building on Middle Street, Georgetown that was used for the conduct of several Commissions of Inquiry, as the office for the CRC. “I can safely say that just after these budget proceedings are concluded, His Excellency shall move to appoint the Constitutional Reform Commission, and this is the building in which that Commission will be housed. It is already furnished and ready for occupation by the secretariat and the Commission,” Nandlall had indicated last week. (G8)

8 NEWS

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Port Kaituma carpenter gets 9 years for killing reputed wife F State of… orty-one-year-old Tyron James, a carpenter, of Port Kaituma in Region One (Barima-Waini) who admitted to killing his reputed wife, Evanee Baptiste back in 2018 was recently sentenced to nine years in

prison.

James, back in January 2024, entered a guilty plea to the lesser charge of manslaughter; thereby accepting that he killed 37-year-old Baptiste, on July 15, 2018, after he struck her in the head af-

Tampered-with koker leaves several Leguan homes inundated

S

everal homes at Endeavour, Leguan Island were reportedly inundated on Sunday evening as a result of what is believed to be a tampered-with sea koker.

“The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has received information that someone has tampered with the sea koker at Endeavour, Leguan, Essequibo Island.

As a result, approximately 15 residents of the com-

munity are experiencing flooding due to the high tide,” the Agriculture Ministry stated in a release.

The NDIA, the release stated, is closely monitoring the situation, and the floodwaters are expected to recede during the next low tide, which was scheduled for 11:56h on Sunday.

An investigation was launched by the NDIA, and the matter was also reported to the Police.

Confessed killer Tyrone James

ter witnessing her dancing with another man.

During her ruling, Justice Priya SewnarineBeharry recommended vocational training for James as provided by the Guyana Prison Service (GPS).

James was represented by Attorney Teriq Mohammed, while Caressa Henry and Padma Dubraj appeared on behalf of the prosecution.

It was reported that on July 15, 2018, Baptiste was drinking at the wa-

terfront in Port Kaituma when James noticed her dancing with a man known as “Stone Face”. Having become upset, James approached the woman and gave her a cuff to her head, resulting in her falling to the ground. Thereafter, James went to the Port Kaituma Police Station and reported the incident.

When the injured Baptiste was transported to the Port Kaituma Hospital, she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Her cause of death was listed as blunt trauma-related cerebral haemorrhage.

James acknowledged hitting the mother of his children in a caution statement given to the Police, saying, “Officer, I did cuff she, but I don’t know where I cuff she.”

He explained that he had seen her “drinking and back-balling” on “Stone Face”, and it had infuriated him, causing him to act in the way he had done.

I

…the world

t used to be said that “no man is an island” to make the point that while islands may be unconnected to the rest of the world, humans don’t have that luxury. But with globalization stitching the world together every which way it can -- it’s all a global village now!! -- countries are all connected!! So, it means we gotta know what’s going on (or down!!) all over the place, since we never know what ill wind might blow our way. Look at when Russia invaded Ukraine. We could’ve said, “Let them White people fight one another!!”, but since Russia and Ukraine are the biggest exporters of wheat – which gives us our daily bread and roti! – the war disrupted the said exports, and the shortage pushed wheat prices sky high. Where they’ve remained stuck.

So, we hopefully learnt something about the now ubiquitous catchphrase “global supply chains”. No one country manufactures the components of any modern product on its lonesome. We must’ve heard that Trump and Biden had cut back on China’s importation of computer chips - which is now in everything, from rockets to brooms!!

Even China wobbled!! So, from this world integration has emerged a new weapon – controlling aspects of the global supply chain to squeeze one’s adversary!! For a country like ours, that imports almost all manufactured goods, we’re very vulnerable.

Let’s look at all the goings- on in the Mideast. Apart from the outrage caused by Israel’s unfolding genocide of Palestinians in its push for lebensraum – originally the Nazis’ rationale for war – we’ve been affected in numerous other ways. The Houthis of Yemen’s disrupting shipping in support of the Palestinians in the nearby waterways – where more than 30% of global shipping flows - has had a cascading effect on the prices of goods shipped, since the insurance on the ships have gone up!! And we can’t say we don’t buy much goods from that area; shipping companies like Maersk will spread their insurance increase across the board.

But back to the war in Ukraine - where the US is supporting the latter through billions and billions in aid and war materiel. They’ve also slapped sanctions on Russian oil, which has affected not only the EU, but also the US, which uses the Russian heavy crude in its Gulf refineries.

So, you might ask, “What does this have to do with us??”

Plenty, as it turns out!! To hedge its supply of heavy crude, the US has decided to ease its sanctions on Venezuela and Maduro, and allow Chevron to start pumping and shipping!!

Thus, allowing Mad Maduro to rattle his sabre even more maniacally - thinking he’s got Uncle Sam between a rock and a hard place!!

And place us in purgatory! …our Mudland Now, we might say, ‘Let Mad Maduro jump up and down like a demented fowl cock; it ain’t gonna affect us!’, plus there’s the Argyle Declaration that some see as committing Venezuela to peace with us. Now, dear readers, know that your Eyewitness doesn’t trust the 300-pound Mad Maduro further than he can throw him – which of course is zilch!!

But some folks, like your Eyewitness, that don’t have skin in the game, evaluate these matters. So, what do they say?

Well, last Christmas – just weeks after the Argyle Declaration was signed, the Joint War Committee of Lloyd’s – the largest insurance market in the world - officially declared the Guyanese offshore oil sector an area of “elevated risk”!! Even…equivalent to the hot spot Red Sea targeted by the Houthis!! Now, it’s the specific business of insurance companies to evaluate risks; and from their announcements, they also don’t trust Mad Maduro an inch!!

As your Eyewitness has been stressing, Maduro’s threats are acts of war!! …the love business It can be truly said that capitalism commodifies everything, even love. So, this Valentine’s Day, on Wednesday, all those louts who’ve been beating up their girlfriends and wives will purchase some flowers, and all will be well this week!!

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

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

NEWS

9

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Venezuelan national killed in freak accident on artificial island A Venezuelan national was killed on Saturday following a freak accident at the Vreed-en-Hoop Shore Base, the artificial island that is being constructed in the estuary of the Demerara River.

The dead man has been identified as 37-yearold Rusbel Jesus Rengar Azocar.

A release from the Vreed-en-Hoop Shore Base Inc on Sunday stated that about 18:40h on Saturday, there was an industrial accident at the shore base which resulted in the death of a foreign national who was employed with a sub-contractor.

“The Police and immediate family were informed.

An investigation has been launched and work at the facility was suspended,” the release stated.

When contacted for a comment, one of the directors of the Vreed-en-Hoop Shore Base Inc, Nicholas Boyer related that when additional information was provided to the company, it would subsequently release such. At the time of the interview via phone, he confirmed that the deceased was a Venezuelan

national, but could not provide a name.

He confirmed, too, that the dead man was not directly contracted by Vreeden-Hoop Shore Base Inc while noting that the family has met with the contractor on the way forward.

When prompted for details surrounding the fatal accident, Boyer could not provide any, but stated that Vreed-en-Hoop Shore Base Inc regretted the unfortunate loss of life and offered the family its condolences and support.

When contacted, Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton stated that he was only made aware of the accident after he was contacted by another section of the media after which an officer was dispatched to investigate.

Police have since stated that on the day in question, Azocar, a health and safety worker, was placing safety cones and danger tape around a hole as a signal to warn others of the hazard, but, unfortunately, fell into the hole himself.

“The hole had water several feet in depth.

Azocar, who was found in

the hole facing head down, presumably drowned.

Some witnesses activated the emergency response immediately, but unfortunately, Azocar could not be rescued in time by his emergency response colleagues,” Police stated.

Only a few days ago, 66-year-old Lennox McPherson was killed while working at a sandpit operated by the Guyana Shield Resources Inc at Dora on the LindenSoesdyke- Highway.

It was reported that McPherson had momentarily left his bulldozer to converse with the excavator operator when the excavator operator allegedly had suddenly activated his machine, and the swinging bucket had inadvertently struck Lennox, resulting in the fatal injuries he sustained.

In 2023, the Labour Ministry recorded a total of 20 workplace deaths owing to accidents in the mining, construction, agriculture and manufacturing sectors. Of the 20 deaths recorded, nine occurred in the mining sector in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) while six were recorded in the construc-

The Vreed-en-Hoop Shore Base Inc

tion sector.

The Ministry also recorded 175 non-fatal accidents, out of the 577 reports received, and those were investigated. Most of the reports emanated from the agriculture and manufacturing sectors.

Nine hundred and fifty inspections were conducted at workplaces across the 10 administrative regions, and more than 8000 workers were directly impacted. In instances where breaches of the Occupational Safety and

Health Act were identified, the Labour Ministry offered written and verbal advice.

In 2020, there were 32 workplace deaths; in 2021, that number decreased to 27; and in 2022, there were 21 deaths.

10

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

11 Partnerships will continue to be crucial for Guyana’s defence strategy – Pres Ali NEWS

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

– reiterates importance of collaboration in training, technology

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uyana’s strategic defence partnerships were given increased importance when Venezuela began escalating its aggression last year, and according to President Dr. Irfaan Ali, these partnerships will continue to play a major role in Guyana’s defence strategy.

During last week’s opening of the Annual Officers’ Conference, President Ali spoke of the Government’s investment in technology that would not only allow the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to boost its defence capaabilities, but also better synergize with its defence partners.

“The integration of technology in our work is going to become more and more intense. We’re going to invest more heavily in technology.

Partnerships: Partnership does not just happen; we invest in partnerships. When you look at the type of visits we’re having, the types of visits, our engagements with our friends, building this partnership is hard work.

Investing time, resources in building the partnerships, it is hard work, but this is critical for our defence strategy.

Identifying who our partners are, continuously building those partnerships.”

According to the President, Guyana’s ability to coordinate with its defence partners is important, and as such, investment in assets is a direction in which Guyana must go. Only this year, the GDF was given a disbursement of $42.2 billion in the 2024 budget, an increase of 85 per cent.

The President continued, “Synergy. It is not only investing in assets, but investing in assets and technology that offer us synergy with

President Dr Irfaan Ali during a 2022 meeting with US Army General Laura Richardson, Commander of US Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM)

our partners and our allies, so that we’ll have seamless integration when needed.

So, synergy is very important. The style of training, the type of training, training together with our partners, understanding cultural gaps and work ethics. So, synergy is very important,” the President further said.

Meanwhile, GDF Chiefof-Staff Brigadier Omar Khan also alluded to these partnerships in his address to the gathered officers.

According to him, 2023 was a year spent, among other things, strengthening old partnerships and forging new ones.

“In reference to the operating environment alluded to earlier, I wish to state, Commander in Chief, that notwithstanding the challenges of 2023, we’ve had several pluses. We have built new strategic relationships; strengthened existing ones; and hosted several defence conferences and events, including the annual United States-sponsored exercise which we co-hosted, Exercise Tradewinds, in 2023. We also held strategic and operational dialogues,

and continue to train and equip our officers and ranks with the relevant skills to best serve and protect our nation,” Khan detailed.

The GDF Chief-of-Staff had met with top officials of the Brazil Ministry of Defense in December in an aim to expand and solidify relations between the two nations. The GDF, in a statement, had detailed, “The purpose of this visit went beyond routine military exchanges and training, focusing instead on a strategic discourse aimed at expanding and solidifying relations between the two nations.”

In light of the aggression shown at the time by Venezuela in its attempt to annex Essequibo, which is 2/3 of Guyana, this meeting had marked a crucial step in diversifying the ties between Guyana and Brazil, taking those ties beyond conventional military cooperation.

In the weeks leading up to this meeting, the Chief of Staff had also had engagements with several high-profile military personnel from various countries. In fact, Khan had hosted a Military Partners Day to recognize

GDF Chief-of-Staff Omar Khan during a meeting with high-ranking Brazilian Army officers last year

the invaluable support from esteemed international allies, and it saw military collaborators from France, the United States, Brazil, China, India, the United Kingdom, and Canada in attendance.

As part of the activity, several officers who had benefitted from training opportunities facilitated by these partnerships conducted presentations that acknowledged the diverse areas of training received.

The event also emphasized the collaborative endeavours undertaken by the GDF alongside

its international partners.

Representatives from each collaborating nation were present, fostering diplomatic ties and deepening the understanding of shared objectives.

Also in November, the leaderships of the United States Army’s 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) and the GDF had met as part of the United States and Guyana’s strong military-to-military partnership. The two military partners discussed upcoming engagements to include strategic planning sessions

and processes to enhance both countries’ military readiness and capabilities to respond to security threats.

The U.S. and Guyana enjoy a longstanding security partnership, marked by strong collaboration between SOUTHCOM and the GDF, and focused on disaster preparedness, humanitarian assistance, maritime security, human rights, professional development, defence and public-security missions, and countering transnational crime. (G-3)

12 NEWS

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana joins world in raising awareness for Int’l Epilepsy Day 2024 – as 50 million worldwide suffer from this chronic non-communicable disease

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n observance of World Epilepsy Day 2024 (February 12), the Epilepsy Foundation of Guyana (EFG) has joined healthcare professionals, advocacy groups, and individuals living with epilepsy and their families in Guyana and around the world to raise awareness and understanding of this neurological disorder.

Epilepsy, though often ‘invisible’ if not associated with tonic-clonic or grand mal seizures, has a significant impact on individuals, families, and communities.

According

to the World Health Organization (WHO), epilepsy is a chronic noncommunicable disease of the brain, and it affects people of all ages.

A recent report has stated that about 50 million people worldwide suffer from epilepsy, making it one of the most common neurological diseases globally. Of this number, nearly 80 per cent live in low- and middle-income countries, and do not get the needed treatment.

Further, it is estimated that up to 70 per cent of epilepsy sufferers could

live seizure-free if their condition is properly diagnosed and treated.

Research has proven that the risk of premature death in people with epilepsy is up to three times higher than for the general population. Also, in many parts of the world, people with epilepsy and their families suffer from stigma and discrimination.

It is the aim that, by 2031, countries would have increased service coverage for epilepsy by 50 per cent from the current coverage in 2021, as 80 per

Young motorcyclist dies after crashing into wooden bridge, trench

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n accident that occurred along the Meten-Meer-Zorg Public Road, West Coast Demerara, on Sunday at about 2:30h, has claimed the life of 32-year-old Mark Paul of Samaroo Dam, Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

Based on reports received, the young man was proceeding along the Meten-Meer Zorg Public Road on his motorcycle, CL 8032, at a fast rate of speed when he reportedly lost control of the machine and it crashed into a wooden bridge before ending up

Dead: Mark Paul

in a trench.

Pulled from the trench

in a semi-conscious state, and with injuries on his head and about his body, Paul was rushed to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where he was treated; but, hours later, he succumbed to the injuries he sustained.

His body has been taken to the Ezekiel Funeral Home, while his motorcycle has been taken to the Leonora Police Station, where it will be examined by a licensing and certifying officer as investigations continue.

EFG’s annual Epilepsy Awareness Walk held on Saturday in observance of International Epilepsy Day

cent of countries have developed or updated their legislation to promote and protect the human rights of people with epilepsy.

However, key challenges to achieving these epilepsy-specific global targets are the low levels of health literacy and the high levels of misunderstanding and misconceptions about epilepsy. This lack of knowledge translates into social stigma and exclusion, and leads to discrimination of people with epilepsy across all levels of society.

Nevertheless, over the years, the EFG has provided key services to the community of people who live with seizures in Guyana.

The organization has collaborated with the UK charity TeleEEG to perform EEGs and to get them

interpreted by experts in the UK. “We are happy to say that this service is now back on stream with upgraded equipment and software. We also partner with ROW Foundation, an international social enterprise, to provide anti-seizure medication for free distribution to persons living with epilepsy,” the EFG has stated.

Over the years, the NGO has brought to Guyana neurologists specialising in epilepsy for medical outreaches, and have held awareness sessions in schools and companies.

“We are now resuscitating our support group for persons living with epilepsy and their caregivers. We have also successfully partnered with

the Ministry of Public Health and the Special Education Department of the Ministry of Education,” the EFG has said.

This year, the EFG marks its 10th anniversary, and wishes to thank all those agencies and individuals from whom it has received support over the years, and “to assure them of our continued commitment to the cause of improving how people living with epilepsy are perceived, accepted, and valued; ensuring that they get the best medical treatment and medication available, and that this is done affordably; and helping people with epilepsy/ seizures to be able to participate as fully as possible in all life experiences in Guyana”.

Baramita man sentenced to 12 years for beating wife to death

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hanraj Theophilus has been sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment by Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry after being found guilty of beating to death his 21-year-old common law wife Lorinda Thomas on January 18, 2018 at Barima Line in Baramita, North West District, Region One (Barima-Waini).

The judge has also ordered on Friday that the 53-year-old convict participate in the Guyana Prison Service’s rehabilitative programmes, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) sessions, vocational training, and the family reconciliation programme.

When, in 2018, Theophilus was arraigned before the then Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown

Convicted killer Dhanraj Theophilus

Magistrates Courts, the 47-year-old defendant had not been required to plead to the indictable charge, which had stated that Theophilus had administered a severe beating on Thomas after the two had been embroiled in an argument.

Thomas was said to have been on her way home

from visiting family at the time she was approached

by Theophilus, and he had allegedly dealt her several kicks to her abdomen, causing her to pass out.

Thomas had managed to make her way home following the beating, and had visited the health centre the following day because she had been experiencing intense abdominal pain. She died that same night, while preparations were being made to fly her to the city for medical attention.

A post-mortem examination conducted by Government Pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh at the Matthews Ridge mortuary had found that Thomas had died as a result of haemorrhage and shock due to blunt trauma.

NEWS

13

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Over 200 Kamana residents to benefit from $48M water supply system A pproximately 232 residents of Kamana, a community in the North Pakaraimas of Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), are now benefitting from the installation of a $48 million water supply system.

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal on Sunday commissioned the facility following a brief community meeting with residents.

Accompanying the Minister were Guyana Water Inc. Hinterland Service Director and regional staff, and the contractor responsible for installing the new facility, Ramesh Kissoon of R. Kissoon Contracting Services.

During the meeting, the minister updated residents on development plans for the region coming out of the recently passed 2024 National Budget.

Overall, to improve water ser-

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal sampling the water from the new supply system

Some of the residents of Kamana, in the North Pakaraimas

vices in the hinterland regions, a total of $1.5 billion has been budgeted. Two new wells are expected to be completed in Region Eight, one at Mahdia and another in the village of Campbell Town.

Speaking to residents

about the new facility, the minister implored residents to play their part in preserving it. Given their location away from the coast, Croal noted, training in basic maintenance of the facility would be provided to residents to ensure its

longevity.

The scope of the Kamana project included drilling a potable water well to a depth of 120 metres, installation of 3000 metres of 50mm (2”) PVC pipes, 1000 metres of

tanks and installation of photovoltaic pumping system and perimeter fence.

Before this new water supply project, the community had been receiving water from a small spring which was in-

Minister Croal displaying the quality of water taken from the well

19mm (3/4”) PVC pipes with 50 services connections, the construction of concrete slab and installation of storage

The water supply system at Sandhill

adequate to provide water to the entire community.

Also, a donation of sporting gear was made to the commu-

nity by R. Kissoon Contracting Services.

Meanwhile, the minister also commissioned another water supply system at Sandhill in the same region, which was constructed to the tune of $36 million. The population at Sandhill is about 129.

Before the implementation of this new water supply project, the community did not have any water supply infrastructure, and as such relied on river water and rainfall.

The scope of the Sandhill project included the construction of a concrete intake pumping chamber at the creek source; installation of 800 metrs of 50mm (2”) PVC pipes, 400 metres of 19mm (3/4”) PVC pipes with 20 service connections; construction of concrete slab and installation of storage tanks, and the installation of photovoltaic pumping system and fence

Celebrating Black History Month

From struggles to triumph: Celebrating Athalyah Yisrael’s journey to financial empowerment

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thalyah Yisrael is the second-to-last child of the two girls and two boys her parents have produced, and has successfully flipped the script and changed the course of her life from constant financial struggles to owning her well-established business, “Outliners Zone Empowerment.”

Yisrael’s journey from financial frustration to empowerment all started in 2015, when she was backed against the poignant wall of personal financial management challenges in her small business, Fun Park Rentals.

Athalyah Yisrael and team

It is here where she provided excitement to children with the rental of bouncy castles and trampolines for children’s parties. Although it was bringing in a constant monthly income, her poor management of finances had resulted in stagnation of the business.

“By 2016, the ongoing cycle of living from paycheck to paycheck was very frustrating,” Yisrael has expressed.

Her husband Gabriel Yisrael attempted to assist her in improving her financial management by paying off her debt. This, however, proved futile, as the mismanagement

of funds continued daily.

As soon as he would pay off her debt, she would shortly after be in more debt once again. At the end of 2016, her husband decided to stop paying off her debt and cautioned her to take control of her lavish spending.

According to Yisrael, “I did not know what I wanted to become, even after finishing school, but I was sent to live in London for a little while, and then I came back, started University, did my degree in Social Work, and I started working. I worked at Demerara Distillers Limited

Athalyah Yisrael and others during one of the training programmes

(DDL) for a few years, and it was there that I always had the desire to own my own business.”

This was the young woman’s financial turning point.

She began seeking out courses to learn how to manage finances, how to keep it and multiply it for herself and generations to come. Based on her findings, she recognised that from her childhood to adulthood, none of her schooling had taught her about manag-

ing and keeping money, hence she was not financially educated.

She took the stems of her outlook and rooted them in the idea of “breaking free from financial illiteracy.” This was one chaotic realm she did not want to pass on to her children. Between 2016 and 2017, she created a money management system of splitting her fun rental income into five containers - Tithes, Invest, Save, Donate, and Spend.

In 2017, the birth of her Business Outliners Zone finally kicked off, as she experienced success in paying off her debt, confidently managing her income, and investing in assets. For the entire 2017, she began sharing the financial literacy and wealth creation educational principles that worked for her with companies, for their employees and friends for free.

TURN TO PAGE 16

14 NEWS Applications for Miss Guyana Culture Queen Pageant close on Feb 14 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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pplications are now open for young women across the country to vie for the coveted Miss Guyana Culture Queen title in a pageant slated for the latter part of 2024.

In 2023, the Miss Guyana Culture Queen Pageant captivated audiences nationwide, as nine remarkable Guyanese beauties showcased their talents, intelligence, and grace in a closely-fought competition.

Only one of these exceptional contestants could have emerged as queen, and with her poise, charisma, and unwavering dedication

Miss Guyana Culture Queen 2023, Shemina Peroune

to representing Guyanese culture, Shemina Peroune emerged triumphant as the inaugural Miss Guyana Culture Queen.

However, Peroune’s journey did not end there.

Her victory propelled her onto the regional stage, where she made history by clinching the coveted Miss Caribbean Culture Queen title, marking the first time Guyana has ever achieved the prestigious accolade.

Her success not only brought pride to Guyana, but also showcased the immense talent and cultural richness of our nation to the wider Caribbean region and beyond.

Building upon the success of last year's event, the Miss Guyana Culture Queen Pageant returns in 2024, offering another opportunity for young women to shine on a platform dedicated to celebrating Guyanese heritage, beauty, and talent. The pageant provides a unique platform for contestants to showcase their cultural pride, intelligence and creativity, while also fostering personal growth and empowerment.

"We are thrilled to continue the legacy of the Miss Guyana Culture Queen Pageant into its second year," franchise holder Randy Madray noted.

"Following the historic win of Shemina Peroune in 2023, we are more determined than ever to provide a platform that empowers and celebrates the diversity and beauty of Guyanese culture."

Young women interested in participating in the 2024 Miss Guyana Culture Queen Pageant are encouraged to apply, and embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery, cultural celebration, and empowerment.

Applications are now open, and aspiring contestants can visit HERE to apply. Application closes February 14, 2024.

"Rick Ram" wins Chutney Soca Monarch, Rawytee Ramroop crowned Chutney Soca Queen

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ick “Rick Ram” Ramoutar has won the Chutney Soca Monarch (CSM) 2024 title, beating 11 other contestants, including his wife Vanessa “Sexy Vanessa” Ramoutar and walking away with TT$400,000.

Rawytee Ramroop has been crowned Queen of Chutney Soca.

Ramoutar’s hit, Luuuzzaarr, which is pronounced “loser”, earned him 407 points in the competition held at Skinner Park in San Fernando on Saturday night. The results were announced at around 2:30h on Sunday, and he wiped away tears of joy as his family and other supporters rushed

to congratulate him.

He later told reporters that, for the past 17 years, he had been in the competition and had never before captured the winning title.

“After 17 years, it truly means a lot to me. Having my family alongside me truly means a lot, and the love and support from ev-

The 2024 Chutney Soca Monarch Rick "Rick Ram" Ramoutar and Queen of Chutney Soca, Rawytee Ramroop, celebrating their victories in the competition at Skinner Park, San Fernando on Saturday (Photo by Angelo Marcelle)

eryone, not just this year but from when my career started,” he declared.

The song is in response to those who speak bad-

duced.

Southex organised the competition in collaboration with several organisations; and Ramoutar

Rick Ramoutar and executives of Shiv Shakti Dance Company

ly about him, referring to him as a loser. Ramoutar and his wife wrote the song, which Big Rich In The Pungalunks pro-

also thanked Southex’s CEO George Singh, his supporters, and everyone who had a part to play in this song, including Tony

Cuttz and Vicardi Singh, Master Saleem and KI. This year’s theme was the Colours of Chutney.

Ramoutar dethroned the 2023 winner, Ricardo “Daddy Chinee” Melville, who placed second, while Rawytee Ramroop placed third.

Ramroop, who also won the Queen of Chutney Soca with the song Whining Down to the Ground, received a cash prize of $100,000. The 2023 queen, nine-year-old Katelin Sultan, the youngest winner, did not defend the crown, opting to compete in the Intellectual Chutney Monarch competition in Chaguanas, also on Saturday evening.

There was a threeway tie for second place with Sexy Vanessa, who sang Suno suno Balana, TT dancehall artiste Lady Lava (Keisha Harris) and Shazeena Sabrina Ramsumair, also known as Shazzi, with XXX Drama (move on).

Kavita Ramkissoon, also known as the Chutney Empress, came in third with the song Driver.

(Newsday)

NEWS

15

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MoH recommissions Koko, Wallaba Health Posts – communities to benefit from telemedicine, nursing programmes

H

ealth Minister Dr. Frank Anthony has recommissioned health posts in the communities of Koko and Wallaba during a recent visit to Region One (Barima-Waini).

Rehabilitated through funding from last year’s budget, these two facilities now comprise in-patient beds, technical equipment, adequate supply of medication, waiting areas, and clinical rooms, among other facilities; and are expected to improve the de-

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony and officials at the newly commissioned Wallaba Health Post

CARPHA advises action be taken to avoid harmful effects of Saharan dust

livery of healthcare services in the communities of Koko and Wallaba, thereby

try. We want to improve health in Region One, and so we want to spend our resources in upgrading all the facilities we have in Region One,” he declared.

“Regardless of how small it is, we want to make sure that it's upgraded, so that it can serve the community.”

The upgrades would facilitate the Community Health Worker Training, the Nursing Assistant Training Programme, and the School Health Screening Programme to be rolled out in both communities soon; and also aid in the addition of telemed-

hope that persons in these villages with the necessary qualifications can be trained," he informed.

He added, “Once you pass and you’re successful at your exams, then we will give you a job. So, we will employ you in the health system, we are looking for several people whom we can employ. Now I am saying that to you because, once we set up the telemedicine system here, it is an opportunity for people now to use the system to better qualify themselves,” Dr. Anthony added.

Since assuming office in August 2020, the

T

he Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is urging persons to protect themselves against the adverse health effects of a Saharan dust plume, which has covered many parts of the Caribbean.

The Caribbean Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH), in a ‘dust bulletin’ issued on Friday, stated, “It is highly likely that particulate matter levels will be above the 24-hour outdoor air quality guidelines”, as established by the World Health Organization (WHO).

CARPHA Executive Director Dr Joy St John explained, “Saharan dust worsens air quality and increases the levels of particulate matter in the air. This can be hazardous, especially to small children, older adults, and people with underlying lung conditions and chronic cardiopulmonary diseases”.

She added, “Saharan dust can also worsen the

health symptoms of those who suffer from asthma, allergies, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)”.

In light of the poor air quality levels, CARPHA is encouraging persons to take steps to avoid the harmful effects of Saharan dust.

Such steps include staying indoors as much as possible; and when outdoors, wearing a dust mask (e.g. KN95).

The agency also advises utilising a HEPA filter in-

doors to purify air in individual rooms. Persons who use medications for pulmonary conditions should carry them at all times, and use them as prescribed. At the first sign of difficulty while breathing, persons should seek professional medical advice immediately; and for less severe symptoms, standard allergy medications such as antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays may alleviate symptoms.

The Koko Health Centre

impacting the lives of hundreds of residents.

During the commissioning ceremony, Dr. Anthony related that each centre

icine when the service is available in the region.

During his engagements with residents from Koko and Wallaba, Minister

People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) has injected over $100 million to upgrade healthcare centres in Region One (Barima-

Essequibo men granted bail on rape charges F

acing separate rape charges, two male residents of the Essequibo Coast in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) have been placed on bail in the respective sums of $300,000 and $50,000 after appearing before Suddie Magistrate Esther Sam last week.

The Police have said that 47-year-old Kervin Gordon, a farmer of Henrietta, Essequibo Coast, who has been charged with the offence of engaging in sexual activity with a child family member, was not required to plead to the indictment during his virtual appearance before the magistrate,

Medicine at the two health posts

Rape accused Kervin Gordon

but later secured $300,000 bail. His matter has been adjourned to March 1.

And Dhudnauth Parbattie, also called “Ramesh”, a 66-year-old labourer of Suddie Housing Scheme, Essequibo Coast, who has been charged with sexual assault committed on a female in October 2023 at Suddie, also ap-

Rape accused Dhudnauth Parbattie

peared before Magistrate Esther Sam and pleaded not guilty to this charge.

He has been placed on bail in the sum of $50,000, and is expected to report to the Suddie Police Station every Monday at 09:00h until his matter, adjourned to March 1, 2024, has been determined.

would play a crucial role in combatting chronic and non-communicable diseases, provide treatment for patients, and make necessary referrals for tertiary care if and when needed.

This would greatly contribute to the overall fight against health challenges in the Region One area, and bring the Government closer to delivery on its promise to improve primary healthcare across the country through implementing gold-standard service delivery.

“We want to help to improve health in our coun-

Anthony highlighted that the Region needs Community H e a l t h W o r k e r s and Nursing Assistants; and, as such, he encouraged those gathered to register for the programmes.

"We also want to train more persons, so we can have the required personnel to provide the services.

We have several training programmes which we are currently running, and we

Waini). In total, the Region has 51 health centres, most of which were rehabilitated or reconstructed over the last three years through funding from the Health Ministry’s capital budget.

16 NEWS

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt eyeing completion of 1999-2023 cost oil audits by year-end – VP Jagdeo – says Govt not budging on US$214M flagged expenses

T

he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government is optimistic of concluding, by this yearend, the three cost oil audits spanning the years 1999 to 2023, bringing all audits of ExxonMobil’s cost oil expenses to a current status.

The audits in question are 1999-2017, 2018-2020 and 2021 to 2023.

In a recent press conference, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo provided an update on the latest audit, for which a Request for Proposal (RFP) for consultants recently went out. He said, “Requests for Proposal went out, and I

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

think they have one month to submit the request. So, I anticipate by mid-year we will sign the agreement.

And if they have four to six months for the conclusion of the audit, we’re go-

ing to the end of the year.

Hopefully, by that time, we would have resolved the differences between the first audit and the second one.”

He added, “We would

have had a strong position from GRA, so when the next audit comes in, hopefully within the GRA, which acts as our advisor, they would be able to act faster on it. But the audits would have been completed and current.”

Further, the Vice President noted that the US$214 million that was initially flagged in 2019 by British firm IHS Markit when it did an audit of ExxonMobil’s cost oil expenses racked up between 1999 and 2017 will not budge.

“The discussions are still ongoing. The position now is, we’ve made it clear.

We’re not going to have a

negotiated settlement any longer. We’re not accepting any lower figures. We have to arbitrate this matter on the first audit. The second one, they’re examining all the details. GRA has all the details. So, they still have to examine the findings of the auditors.

So that’s what’s happening there. And then the third one, we’re going out to tender to do the audit,” Jagdeo said.

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

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

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

ExxonMobil’s pre-contract costs were inherited by the current Government when it entered office in 2020. US$460 million in pre-contract costs were already written into the 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA).

Budget 2024 has the potential to transform, develop lives – Min Indar

M

inister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, on Saturday told a group of residents from La Jalousie, Wallers Delight and Ruimzeight, communities in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), that budget 2024 has the potential to develop the lives of all Guyanese through a focused and targeted set of measures and policies.

In informing of the plethora of benefits available in the budget, Minister Indar said,

A resident raising a concern

Minister Indar addressing the residents

“We are a government that works at a breakneck speed.”

While adding that Government is doing as much as possible within its term, he highlighted that Government has had to overcome a lot of hardships when it returned to office in 2020 during the COVID-19 environment. He noted that the whole country was then at a standstill.

“We went out and we lift the country,” he said.

Further, Indar told residents that with the right policies and socioeconomic philosophy, Guyana turned out to be the fastest-growing economy in the world.

The minister noted that the string of community engagements that are ongoing forms part of Government’s agenda of having improved communication with the residents, and making sure commitments made are being fulfilled.

He reported that community engagements involving all members of Government are ongoing, and would continue across Guyana.

A section of the gathering at the meeting

From struggles to triumph...

FROM PAGE 13

The game changer came about when she began to charge $2000 from persons interested in transforming their finances. “What became evident was that those persons who paid the fee were more diligent in applying the principles to see the principles.

Authenticating the quote “Those who pay pay attention” Meanwhile, in late 2017, The African Cultural Development Association (ACDA) hosted a Ujamaa Challenge - helping youths launch a business idea. At the end of the challenge, she successfully emerged as the 2nd place winner with a prize money of $100,000.

In February 2018, her husband and she formally launched Outliers Zone - a training institute that would partner with companies to help their employee end the paycheck-to-paycheck living cycle.

The results continued to be transformational for companies and their em-

ployees. One client, Bianca Cummings, after completing the programme, was able to move from one source of income to three streams in less than three months.

In 2018 and 2019, more companies were requesting ending employee paycheck-to-paycheck solutions for their employees. The irony found itself constantly in different lives she helped, as Yisrael, who once was at a financially ached point in her life, began changing the lives of others, making them encounter financial freedom.

As she reflected on her most significant milestones, it is worth noting that in 2019, her business’s solution to ending ‘paycheck-to-paycheck’ living was selected as one of the 17 finalists of the Caribbean Innovation Competition (CIC), in the XIV Edition of the Talent and Innovation Competition of the Americas (TIC).

The company represented Guyana in Medellin, Colombia, where it was se-

lected from 100,000 projects to represent the Caribbean & Guyana in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, back in November 2019.

As Mrs. Yisrael lends her perspective to her past trials, starting from the impoverished shards being sunk in her circumstances to now, she expressed, “We are immensely grateful for the business support organizations like the Small Business Bureau, the Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Georgetown Chambers of Commerce, and the 42 companies that booked our training programme over the years.”

To date, the company is proud to host “A Human Resource Manager’s Guide to Understanding Employee Financial Well-being”, which is set for February 26, 2024 in the conference room of the National Library. Admission to this event is $21,999, and interested persons can acquire more information about the event by contacting 6170173.

NEWS

17

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt, UWI wrap up talks on education partnership for NA teaching hospital – Guyana wants regional degree accreditation at new nursing school in Berbice

L

ess than one week after announcing that the University of West Indies (UWI) wants to establish a School of Medicine here, the Guyana Government has already tied up the arrangement with the regional institution.

President Dr Irfaan Ali disclosed last week that UWI School of Medicine has approached the Government to be part of the teaching hospital that is being constructed in New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne). He had stated that discussions were ongoing on this venture.

However, on Friday, during the commissioning of the world-class training institute at Port Mourant in Berbice, the Head of State revealed that those talks have been wrapped up.

“We have just concluded the arrangement where the University of the West Indies’ School of Medicine will be our education partner here in Berbice, training doctors here in Berbice,” he said.

In January, the sod was turned for the new US$161 million hospital in New Amsterdam, which will include dedicated buildings for teaching purposes.

The Guyanese Leader had noted previously that the presence of a UWI-recognised School of Medicine in Region

Six opens up the possibility of attracting students from neighbouring Suriname and other Caribbean nations. To ensure this happens, President Ali assured that the School of Medicine here would have the same rates as other UWI facilities. “…Importantly, in the negotiations, we are now working on ensuring that the rates are the same as local students in Trinidad and Tobago, so there will be equity and quality matched together,” he had declared.

Currently, Guyana has its own School of Medicine through the University of Guyana (UG). But the Head of State posited that “…competition is a part of life and a necessity in improving quality”.

Nursing school accreditation

Meanwhile, in addition to the UWI School of Medicine, the Guyana Government is also working on securing degree accreditation from the regional institute for its new nursing school that is also being constructed in Region Six. President Ali also announced on Friday that Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony has been tasked with ironing out the arrangements for this initiative.

“Two nights ago, at 11 pm, I had talks again with the University of West Indies

President Dr Irfaan Ali

School of Nursing and I’ve instructed the Minister of Health, who has been working continuously on this from then to now, to get an agreement with the University of the West Indies to have their nursing programme accredited to the new school of nursing that we’re building in the [East Berbice-Corentyne] region so that the children from Regions Six to 10 who will be doing nursing will be having a University of West Indies nursing degree,” the Head of State indicated.

The establishment of a UWI School of Medicine in Guyana comes as the Government is investing heavily in enhancing the local healthcare system, to develop a top health-tourism industry

An artist’s impression of the new US$161 million hospital

in the Caribbean Region.

To achieve this goal, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Administration has been working with international partners in the healthcare industry, including Northwell Health and Mount Sinai Health System – two major United States-based healthcare providers.

While the Government already has several initiatives and collaborations ongoing with the Mount Sinai group, one of the newest projects under this partnership will be the establishment of a world-class forensic facility in Guyana by the end of this year.

The partnership with the New York-based Mount Sinai has already produced

some tremendous results. One such collaboration is the digitalisation of the local healthcare system. Mount Sinai has been working with the Health Ministry on conducting an assessment of the local healthcare management information system, and the patient management information system.

Moreover, the Government and Mount Sinai, in collaboration with US-based energy major Hess Corporation, have also rolled out the Comprehensive Child and Youth Health Programme, which aims to screen schoolaged children.

Last year, some 11,000 students were screened, with 350 of them accessing post-screen-

ing services such as dental examination, hearing and vision examination, screening for development and growth, vaccination and importantly, mental health services. While this screening programme initially targeted nursery children, the Government is planning to expand the initiative this year to screen some 87,000 schoolchildren from various levels.

Another important feature of the modernisation of Guyana’s healthcare system is research and development.

Apart from healthcare companies, the Guyana Government is also working with several bilateral partner nations to advance its healthcare system.

“We are very serious about the establishment of a vaccine manufacturing facility in Guyana to service the entire LAC (Latin America and Caribbean) region. We are working with different partners including the EU (European Union), the UK (United Kingdom), and of course, recently, Cuba has reached out to us to partner in this area of vaccine development, and research and development. So, this is another piece of the puzzle that will migrate our healthcare system to a platform in which it will be second to none,” the Guyanese President revealed last week.

HEALTH TIPS EAR INFECTIONS IN KIDS

Dr. Tariq Jagnarine

F

amily Medicine, Endocrinology/Diabetes Around 75 percent of children will have at least one ear infection before they reach 3 years old. Ear infections are the most common reason that children visit doctors. Ear infections are also known as glue ear, secretory otitis media, middle ear infection, or serous otitis media. * Ear infections are more common in young boys than young girls. * Most ear infections improve without treatment. * Vaccinating a child against the flu can help prevent ear infections. * Biofilms of antibiotic-re-

sistant bacteria may be to blame for prolonged and repeated cases of ear infection. * Secondhand smoke increases the risk of ear infections.

Ear infections are very common and affect 5 out of 6 children in their first 3 years.

An ear infection is a bacterial or viral infection of the middle ear. This infection causes inflammation and the buildup of fluid within the internal spaces of the ear. Ear infections are painful because the inflammation and buildup of excess fluid increases pressure on the eardrum.

An ear infection can be acute or chronic. Chronic ear infections may permanently damage the middle ear.

SYMPTOMS In adults, the symptoms are simple. Adults with ear infections experience ear pain and pressure, fluid in the ear, and reduced hearing.

Children experience a wider range of signs. These include: * Tugging or pulling at the ear * Ear pain, especially when lying down. * Difficulty sleeping * Crying more than normal * Loss of balance * Difficulty hearing * Fever

* Lack of appetite * Headache TYPES Ear infections are generally divided into three categories. * Acute otitis media (AOM) AOM is the most common and least serious form of ear infection. The middle ear becomes infected and swollen, and fluid is trapped behind the eardrum. Fever can also occur. * Otitis media with effusion (OME) After an ear infection has run its course, there may be some fluid left behind in the eardrum. A person with OME may not experience symptoms, but a doctor will be able to spot the remaining fluid. * Chronic otitis media with effusion (COME) COME refers to fluid repeatedly returning to the middle ear, with or without an infection present. This leads to a reduced ability to fight other infections and hurts hearing ability.

TESTS AND DIAGNOSES There are several ways to diagnose ear infections.

Doctors will typically use a device called an otoscope.

Testing for ear infection is a relatively simple procedure

and a diagnosis can often be made based on symptoms alone. * The doctor will generally use an otoscope, an instrument with a light attachment, to check for fluid behind the eardrum. * They may sometimes use a pneumatic otoscope to test for infection. This device checks for trapped fluid by releasing a puff of air into the ear. Any fluid behind the eardrum will cause the eardrum to move less than normal. * If in doubt, the doctor may use other methods to confirm a middle ear infection.

TREATMENTS * Ear infections will often clear up without treatment, and the only medication necessary is pain management.

Antibiotics are only used in more severe or prolonged cases. * Infants under 6 months of age need antibiotic treatment to help prevent the spread of bacterial infection.

Amoxicillin is often the antibiotic of choice. * For children aged 6 months to 2 years, physicians typically recommend monitoring the child without antibiotics, unless the child has signs of a severe infection.

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)

recommend watchful waiting for: * Children aged 6 to 23 months who have experienced mild inner ear pain in one ear for less than 48 hours and a temperature of less than 102.2° Fahrenheit (39° Celsius) * Children aged 24 months and over with mild inner ear pain in one or both ears for less than 48 hours and a temperature of less than 102.2°F * For children older than 2 years, antibiotics are not normally prescribed. Overuse of antibiotics leads to antibiotic resistance. This can mean that serious infections become more difficult to treat. * The AAFP recommends pain management medicine for persistent infections, including acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or eardrops. These help with fever and discomfort. * A warm compress, such as a towel, may soothe the affected ear.

PREVENTION Ear infections are extremely common, especially among children. This is due to an immature immune system and differences in the anatomy of the ear. There is no guaranteed way to prevent infection, but there are several recommendations that will

reduce the risk: * Vaccinated children are less likely to get ear infections. * Wash hands and the child’s hands often. This prevents the potential spreading of bacteria to your child and can help prevent them from catching colds and flu. * Avoid exposing a child to second-hand smoke. Infants who spend time around people who are smoking are more likely to get ear infections. * Breastfeed infants where possible. This helps enhance their immunity. * When bottle-feeding an infant, feed them sitting up to reduce the risk of milk flowing into the middle ear. Do not let a baby suck on a bottle while they are lying down. * Avoid letting your child play with sick children and try to minimize their exposure to group care or large groups of children. * Do not use antibiotics unless necessary. Ear infections are more likely in children who have had an ear infection within the previous 3 months, especially if they were treated with antibiotics. * Ear infections are a part of most people’s childhood.

They can be painful and debilitating, but they present very few long-term problems if properly managed.

18

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2024

guyanatimesgy.com

Regional

Trinidad and Tobago hit by Brazil Army Colonel arrested in military coup mystery ship oil spill probe on return from US T

A

Brazilian Army Colonel wanted by Police in an investigation into an attempted coup by associates of Brazil's former far-right President was arrested on Sunday when he returned from the United States.

Colonel Bernardo Correa Neto was arrested at Brasilia's airport when he arrived and put in detention at an army garrison after a custody hearing.

He was sent to the United States by the Army on a mission at the InterAmerican Defence College in Washington in December 2022, when former President Jair Bolsonaro left for Florida days before the swearing in of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Bolsonaro never conceded defeat by Lula in the October 2022 election and was declared ineligible for elected office until 2030 for abusing his power as President and attacking Brazil's voting system by making baseless claims that

Federal Police Officers leave the headquarters of the Liberal Party during an operation targeting some of former President Jair Bolsonaro's top aides in Brasilia, Brazil, February 8, 2024 (Reuters/Adriano Machado photo)

it was open to fraud.

The Federal Police on Thursday raided Bolsonaro's beach house and political party office, confiscated his passport and accused him of editing a draft decree to overturn the election result as part of an alleged plot for a military coup.

Bolsonaro, a far-right populist often likened to former US President Donald

Trump, has denied the conspiracy and called the investigation political persecution.

Thursday's Police operation included search warrants against four former Ministers, three of them retired Army Generals, and the arrest of four former aides, including Colonel Correa Neto. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Venezuela accuses detained activist of links to conspiracy plot

V

enezuela's Attorney General Tarek Saab said on Sunday that lawyer and human rights activist Rocio San Miguel has been arrested for her alleged involvement "in the conspiracy plot and attempted assassination" of President Nicolás Maduro.

San Miguel, an expert in issues of security, defence and human rights, is President of the Non-Governmental Organisation Control

Ciudadano, which advocates for citizen oversight of Venezuela's armed forces.

She was detained at the international airport on the outskirts of Caracas, according to Amnesty International.

Saab wrote on X that San Miguel's detention was "based on an arrest warrant against her for allegedly being linked and referenced in the conspiracy plot and attempted assassina-

tion (...) aimed at attacking the life of Head of State Nicolás Maduro and other high-ranking officials."

Reuters could not immediately reach her lawyers for comment.

Amnesty International and other human rights groups have denounced the arrest.

Amnesty wrote on X that it "calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Rocio San Miguel".

(Reuters)

rinidad and Tobago is considering declaring a national emergency over a huge oil spill from a ship that ran aground and overturned this week.

At least 15 kilometres (nine miles) of Tobago's south-western coast have been affected, including some of the Caribbean island's pristine beaches.

Some 1000 volunteers have now joined Government staff to clean up the spill.

Divers have been trying to isolate the leak from the vessel, which was abandoned by its crew.

Farley Augustine, the chief Secretary of the island of Tobago, on Saturday said the Government may designate the accident a Level 3 disaster, the highest.

"Everything indicates that we are going in that direction," he was quoted

Oil now covers some of Tobago's pristine beaches

as saying by the AFP news agency.

The spill is currently Level 2, meaning the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management believes that the country can deal with the spill.

A national emergency is declared when local resources become "overwhelmed" and international assistance is needed.

The ship – identified only as The Gulfstream – capsized last Wednesday off the coast of the Cove EcoIndustrial Estate.

The incident happened just days before Trinidad and Tobago's carnival celebrations, which are an important source of income for its economy.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Pope canonises first female Argentine saint before meeting with Milei

P

ope Francis on Sunday canonised the first female saint from his native Argentina, an event that brought his former fierce critic, Argentine President Javier Milei, to the Vatican.

Francis led a canonisation Mass in St Peter's Basilica for Maria Antonia de Paz y Figueroa, better known as "Mama Antula", an 18th century consecrated lay woman who renounced her family's riches to focus on charity and Jesuit spiritual exercises.

Milei had a front row seat for the service, and at the end of it, exchanged a few words with the Pope, as they shook hands and hugged.

The President is due to have a private audience with Francis today.

The ceremony came as Argentina faces its worst economic crisis in decades, with inflation at more than 200 per cent, and the new-

Argentine President Javier Milei meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican, February 11, 2024 ( Vatican Media/Handout via Reuters)

ly installed Milei in difficulty following parliamentary rejection of a major reform package.

Before he ran for President, Milei, a maverick right-wing libertarian, had insulted Francis in strongly-worded comments, but has softened his tone since taking office in December.

The Pope "is the most im-

portant Argentine in history", Milei told Radio Mitre on Saturday.

In his Argentine radio interview, Milei said he was looking forward to "a very fruitful dialogue" with Francis, and hoped that the 87-year-old pontiff's health would be good enough to face a trip to Argentina. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Agency (NaDMA) of Grenada continue to collaborate with the Seismic Research Centre (SRC), University of the West Indies to monitor activities at the Kick em’ Jenny volcano. There are currently four seismic stations monitoring Kick ‘em Jenny in the area of Grenada.

The alert level at Kick ‘em Jenny remains at yellow. A yellow alert at the Kick ‘em Jenny volcano means that the volcano is restless: seismicity and/or fumarolic activity are above the historical level or other unusual activity has been observed or can be expect-

ed without warning. An exclusion zone of 1.5 kilometres from the summit of the volcano remain in effect and should be strictly observed. The alert level and exclusion zone can however change with increase in activity.

All mariners are asked to strictly observe the 1.5km exclusion zone and residents in the Southern Grenadines are asked to monitor releases from the Government of Grenada, the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO), and the UWI Seismic Research Centre (UWI SRC). (Excerpt from Nation News)

J’can legislators concerned about impact of AI-generated content on democratic process Kick ’em Jenny volcano shows increased activity

J

amaican lawmakers have expressed concerns that the use of deepfakes and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-generated content will undermine the integrity of the democratic process and are agreed that there needs to be consensus on how the nation handles this growing threat.

The matter has taken on greater significance in the run-up to the Local Government Elections scheduled for February 26 and the fact that Jamaicans are due to vote again in parliamentary elections in 2025.

Deepfakes basically involve the use of learning algorithms, particularly generative adversarial networks, which can analyse and mimic patterns in data. Experts explain that they are used to alter images or voice recordings to misrepresent someone as doing or saying something that was not actually done or said.

Cabinet Member Dr Christopher Tufton, who first pointed to the possible impact of deepfake on politics in Jamaica during a Jamaica Labour Party meeting in St Catherine

last June, said he did so out of his personal monitoring of the global environment and how technology was being embraced for a number of vital services, including health, the portfolio for which he is responsible.

At the time, Tufton said that the use of artificial intelligence in political campaigning is posing a threat to democracy, and he urged the legislature to discuss the issue with a view to establishing sanctions for people using the technology to create mischief. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

T

he National E m e r g e n c y M a n a g e m e n t Organisation (NEMO) has been informed of ‘increased activities’ at the Kick ‘em Jenny submarine volcano, which began at 23:14h on Friday, February 9, 2024 and is ongoing.

The largest seismic activity measured 3.3 on Saturday, February 10, 2024 with reports of these events being felt in the north of Grenada.

The Kick ‘em Jenny submarine volcano is located north of Grenada (12.18°N, 61.38°W) and the National Disaster Management

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2024

19

Around the World

Netanyahu insists on Rafah OILNEWS OIL NEWS offensive as warnings mount Oil markets are much tighter than oil prices suggest

O

il prices have continued trading in a narrow range in the new year with fears about weak fundamentals and the threat of a recession outweighing geopolitical risks.

Last week, commodity analysts at Standard Chartered argued that oil fundamentals were in better shape than the market was giving them credit for, and the market is heavily discounting geopolitical risks.

This week, Standard Chartered is back again, noting a sharp improvement in oil balances in the current year compared to 2022, suggesting the market is much tighter than current prices might imply.

According to StanChart, the global oil surplus we are currently witnessing is due to seasonal weakness in the month of January; however, the surplus this time around is much smaller than the average over the past two decades.

StanChart notes that there’s been a January inventory draw in only three years since 2004, with the first month of the year averaging a build of 1.2 million barrels per day (mb/d). January 2023 recorded a mega-surplus to the tune of 3.4 mb/d; the third largest surplus in any month over the past 20 years with only two months at the start of the pandemic posting bigger numbers. This year’s surplus appears to be significantly smaller than the average, with StanChart putting it at just 0.3 mb/d.

Even better for the bulls, StanChart has predicted that this surplus is transitory and will flip into a 1.6 mb/d deficit in February. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) is even more bullish and has forecast a 2.3 mb/d deficit.

The improvement in the global oil balance is reflected in US weekly data. StanChart points out that the first five readings from its proprietary oil data bull-bear index in 2023 had two that were ultra-bearish while three were highly-bearish. In contrast, the first five readings of the current year have run neutral, mildly bullish, bullish, highly bullish and mildly bullish with the four-week average showing a strong upwards trend. The latest EIA release is mildly bullish, while StanChart’s bull-bear index has improved +22.4.

The commodity experts have reported that US crude output has fully recovered to 13.3 mb/d after the recent freeze-related fall; however, the analysts have predicted there’s little scope for further increases for the rest of the year. Standard Chartered says there will be very limited incremental growth in US crude oil supply in 2024, with growth expected to sharply decelerate and even turn negative in December 2024 from above 1.2 million barrels per day (mb/d) in December 2023.

The EIA is even more pessimistic on US crude production, and has predicted U.S. supply growth will turn negative as early as September.

There’s more good news for the oil bulls. A growing number of analysts are saying oil prices have limited downside at this juncture and have forecast an oil price rally as the months roll on. According to JP Morgan, the oil market outlook "continues to project a tightening market with prices rising from here by another $10 by May." (Excerpt from Oilprice.com)

I

srael is facing growing international warnings over its planned offensive in Rafah – the city in southern Gaza crammed with Palestinian refugees.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Israeli military would go ahead with its planned ground offensive, insisting an evacuation plan was being prepared.

United Kingdom Foreign Secretary David Cameron said "over half of Gaza's population are sheltering in the area".

Saudi Arabia warned of "very serious repercussions" if Rafah was stormed.

Dutch FM Hanke Bruins Slot also warned of "many civilian casualties", while

the United Nations has said there is nowhere safe to go for the more than a million Palestinians who have already fled to Rafah.

Gaza's Hamas rulers said there could be "tens of thousands" of casualties, warning on Sunday that any operation would also undermine talks about a possible release of Israeli hostages held in the strip.

Israel launched its operations in the Palestinian enclave after more than 1200 persons were killed in southern Israel on October 7 by Hamas gunmen, who also took about 240 people hostage.

On Sunday the Hamasrun Health Ministry in Gaza

Palestinian children wait to receive food cooked by a charity kitchen in Rafah, southern Gaza [Reuters]

said 112 more Palestinians had been killed by the Israeli military over the previous day, bringing the overall death toll to more than 28,100 and more than 67,500

injured.

Many Gazans have ended up in Rafah having been forced to flee their homes elsewhere at least once.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

NATO Chief says Donald Trump's comments “undermine all of our security”

D

onald Trump's suggestion the US would not protect NATO allies failing to spend enough on defence "undermines all of our security", the Western military alliance's chief has said.

Jens Stoltenberg also suggested it put US and European troops at greater risk.

The Republican said he had told allies he would "encourage" Russia to attack any NATO member that failed to meet the alliance's target of two per cent of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Members of NATO commit to defend any nation in the bloc that gets attacked.

President Joe Biden called Trump's comments "appalling and dangerous", suggesting his predecessor intended to give Russian President

Vladimir Putin "a green light for more war and violence".

Addressing crowds during a rally in South Carolina on Saturday, Trump said he had made his comments about Russia during a previous meeting of leaders of NATO countries.

The former President recalled that the leader of a "big country" had presented a hypothetical situation in which he was not meeting his financial obligations within NATO and had come under attack from Moscow.

He said the leader had asked if the US would come to his country's aid in that scenario, which prompted him to issue a rebuke.

"I said: 'You didn't pay?

You're delinquent?'... 'No I would not protect you, in fact I would encourage them to do whatever they want. You

Ukraine intelligence ‘confirms’ Russian forces using Starlink

U

krainian intelligence said it has confirmed that Russian forces are using satellite internet service Starlink on the battlefield in occupied areas in the east of the country.

Releasing what it said on Sunday was proof, Ukraine’s military intelligence said it has confirmed earlier reports of the “systemic” use by Russian troops of terminals of Elon Musk’s satellite communications system.

Starlink systems have been vital for Ukraine‘s battlefield communications in Russia’s nearly two-year-old invasion as Kyiv has faced a larger and better-equipped military. The personal control of Starlink by the US billionaire, who has regularly repeated Kremlin talking points regarding the conflict, remains a concern for Kyiv and

its allies.

The terminals were rushed in to help Ukraine after Russia’s February 2022 invasion and have been vital to Kyiv’s battlefield communications.

Following reports in Ukraine, Space X said last week that it “does not do business of any kind with the Russian Government or its military”.

However, the Ministry of Defence’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) posted an audio clip on Telegram which it said featured Russian troops discussing setting up the terminals in eastern Ukraine.

“Cases of the Russian occupiers’ use of the given devices have been registered. It is beginning to take on a systemic nature,” GUR quoted spokesman Andriy Yusov as saying.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

gotta pay.'"

The frontrunner for the Republican nomination for this year's presidential election did not make clear

which nation or leader he was speaking about, or even when this conversation took place. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Death toll rises to 54 in southern Philippines landslide

Police Officers carrying a body bag as search-and-rescue operations continue in the landslide-hit village of Masara, Maco, Davao de Oro, the Philippines [Mark Navales/Reuters]

T

he death toll from a landslide that hit a gold-mining village in the southern Philippines has risen to 54 persons and 63 others are missing, authorities have said.

The landslide hit the mountain village of Masara in Davao de Oro province on Tuesday night after weeks of torrential rains.

Davao de Oro’s provincial government said in a Facebook post that 54 bodies had been recovered, raising its previous death toll of 37 earlier in the day as rescue workers found more bodies. At least 32 residents survived with injuries, but 63 remained missing, it said.

Among those missing were gold miners who had been waiting in two buses to be driven home when the landslide struck and buried them.

Edward Macapili, an offi-

cial from Davao de Oro, said more than 300 persons were involved in the rescue, but operations were being hampered by heavy rain, thick mud and the threat of further landslides.

Rescue work resumed on Sunday morning, Macapili said. Asked if there were still survivors, he said it was already “unlikely”, but the search would continue. “The rescue team is doing its best, even if it’s very difficult,” he told the Reuters news agency.

Rocks, mud and trees slid more than 700 metres (2300 feet) down a steep mountainside near the Apex Mining Co concession, burying an 8.9-hectare (22-acre) section of the Masara community.

A three-year-old girl was pulled alive from under the rubble on Friday, in what rescuers described as a “miracle”. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

20

MONDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2024

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

(March 21-April 19)

Reason, common sense and expert advice will help you make sound decisions. If you rely on instinct, your emotions will lead you astray. When in doubt, sit tight and wait until you feel comfortable.

Physical action will pay off. Balance will be the key to reaching your goal and maintaining your achievements. Know what works best for you and stick to your plans.

PICKLES (April 20-May 20)

Take control, enforce what’s important to you and refuse to let anyone stand in your way. Letting outside influences take control will lead to regret. Put your energy where it counts.

(May 21-June 20) Keep busy; don’t stop until you are satisfied with the results. Refuse to let outside influences push you in a direction that doesn’t feel right. Trust and believe in yourself.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

If you simplify your life, you’ll discover people and pastimes that fit into your plans and put a smile on your face. Don’t wait for someone to decide something for you.

(July 23-Aug. 22) Participate in affordable events and activities. Burdening yourself with debt is a bad idea. Look inward, focus on personal growth and make lifestyle changes that offer peace of mind.

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

You’ll gravitate toward people and events that make you think and encourage you to pursue what excites you. Let your actions speak for you, and others will be impressed.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

Discipline and creativity will help you bring about positive change. Team up with people who understand your needs. Balance and integrity will be important.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Don’t underestimate the power of persuasion. Expect someone to push you toward something that benefits them more than you. Set boundaries and protect what’s important to you.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Take a moment to consider the past and present, and you’ll get a clear picture of what to do next. Change will result in opportunities if you don’t take on too much.

LAST PUBLISHED WORD -- GRUNIONS

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) You have more power than you realize. Use your imagination, and you’ll develop an innovative plan. Take what life offers and turn it into something that makes you proud.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Use insight to initiate your plans. Be a soft-spoken leader who sets an example and brings everyone together. Don’t fall prey to prejudice or hatred. You will satisfy your soul.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2024

21

Red-hot Australia defend 253 to win fourth Under-19 World Cup A

fearsome four-pronged pace attack spearheaded by the thunderous Callum Vidler and Mahli Beardman, who had Anrich Nortje transfixed to the action, led Australia to Under-19 World Cup glory in Benoni.

The pace pack snuffed out seven Indian wickets to bring their unbeaten campaign to a juddering halt, after the top order had no answer to Australia's heat and hostility.

Beardman inflicted maximum damage, finishing with 3 for 15 off seven overs.

The win was also in no small part thanks to a vital contribution from middle-order batter Harjas Singh, who injected momentum into Australia's innings to topscore with 55. In doing so, Harjas repaid the faith of the team management after a lean run had him score just 49 runs, including a highest of 17, in six innings prior to the final.

Most admirable was the manner in which he overcame a slow start and made up for it with his superb takedown of India's excellent spinners, which powered Australia to 253 for 7 -- 79 too many for

Hicks, and all but sealing it for Australia, as India slumped to 115 for 7.

Murugan Abhishek peppered boundaries in a ninth-wicket stand of 46 with Naman Tiwari to bring India's equation into double figures - they needed 88 off the last 10 overs with two wickets in hand. But there was never really a sense that they were pushing for an unlikely win; they were simply delaying the inevitable.

The final stamp of victory was achieved in the 44rd

Adarsh Singh scored 47, but failed to carry on

India.

After losing twice previously to India in the finals of the Under-19 World Cup (in 2012 and 2018), Hugh Weibgen's class of 2024 won the title for the first time since Mitchell Marsh's batch won in 2010.

Australia have now beaten India in three ICC finals backto-back.

India's chase hardly got out of second gear. Adarsh

Singh, the opener, painstakingly made 47, and hung around till the 31st over in the hope of trying to pull off a late heist, after the top order that brushed past attacks in the lead-up to the knockouts folded cheaply.

A miscued pull to a sharp Beardman bouncer just an over after he had hooked a short ball for six had Adarsh gloving to wicketkeeper Ryan

Jockey Ross cautious but ready for Jumbo Jet’s horse race on February 25

G

uyana’s champion jockey for 2023, Colin Ross, is cautious of his competitors, but is ready for the new challenge. Ross will be in action on Sunday February 25 at the Rising Run Turf Club when the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee Mashramani horse race takes center stage.

Eight races are carded for the day, and close to G$10 million will be up for grabs.

According to Ross, the horses are in full preparation mode.

“Preparation going okay.

Some of the horses are 80% and 90% ready. We have a few more weeks to get the horses for February 25. The trainer, groomers and exercising jockeys are doing a good job. So far, everything is looking good for race day,” Ross said.

“That year, I cannot complain (about 2023), I rode a lot of good horses and won a lot of races. I am hoping for the best for this new year, 2024, to get some more wins than last year,” the champion jockey said.

When asked if he would be jockey of the year again, Ross said: “I am trying my best again to make it, because

innings with a steady 78-run stand for the second wicket.

Dixon took the attack early on to Naman Tiwari, pulling him seriously for a six in his very first over, but then knuckled down as India brought on spin in just the fourth over. Weibgen, who eventually made 48, displayed excellent footwork against spin.

Off the pacers, especially Limbani, he profited from making a quick adjustment by taking a middle-and-off stump guard and getting outside the

Guyana’s champion Jockey Colin Ross has his eyes on winning the prize

I know a lot of jockeys are trying to be champion jockey of the year.

Rising Sun track is good.

I exercised some horses. The track is alright, just a bit of rain to settle the sand. The track is okay so far,” Ross indicated.

The feature event for February 25 will be open to all imported and locally-bred horses, and would be run over 1,600m. The top horse of the feature event will bag G$2 million.

The provisional programme includes the West

Indian-bred four-year-old and West Indian-bred threeyear-old horses running over 1,600m, and the three-yearold Guyana-bred non-winners of two races running over 1,400m.

In addition to Ross, Jockeys Nicholas Patrick and Ronaldo Appadu will be eyeing the champion jockey tag.

Top horses in Easy Time, Alado, Bossalina, Jet Lee, Spankhurst, Stolen Money, Our Stuie among other horses are expected to ignite the Rising Sun Turf Club at the Mashramani event.

Harjas Singh brought up his fifty off 59 balls, but fell soon after

over when Tom Straker, their semi-final hero over Pakistan, packed off Tiwari to trigger massive celebrations in the Australian camp, as they lifted their fourth title overall.

India's downfall began in the third over itself, when Vidler had Arshin Kulkarni nicking behind with a perfect outswinger. Musheer Khan, India's highest run-scorer, should've been out for zero in the very next over by Charlie Anderson, but was put down at slip by Harry Dixon.

Musheer hung around to duck and weave his way out of trouble, and had just begun to open up, having played a rasping on-drive to get going, but played back to a full delivery and was out bowled to Beardman.

Uday Saharan, the captain, came into the game without being dismissed for single figures. His calmness helped India prevail in the semi-final, but he was out gliding one to backward point for 9.

When Sachin Dhas, the in-form batter, fell nicking behind to offspinner Raf MacMillan in his very first over, India were truly on the ropes.

With the ball, however, things were slightly different. Raj Limbani got the ball talking with his big inswing, and clean bowled Sam Konstas for an eight-ball duck in the third over. Weibgen and Dixon then repaired the

line of the stumps to eliminate lbw shouts.

Australia seemed to be slowly consolidating, until Saharan's stroke of genius that brought back Tiwari for

only his 2nd over in the 21st over delivered a double-strike.

Tiwari first had Weibgen hit one straight to Musheer at point, and then followed that up with Dixon looping one to cover with a spongy bouncer that stopped on him. From 94 for 1, Australia were 99 for 3 and in need of a serious repair job.

Harjas came in to bat under the pressure of the scoreboard as well as his poor form leading into this game. He pottered around to make 5 off 21, before flicking a switch. Harjas broke the shackles in the 28th over when he launched part-timer Priyanshu Moliya down the ground, and then quickly enough bludgeoned a slog sweep off Murugan for six to get going.

Ryan Hicks was a little busier enterprising, and used pace to steer the ball nicely behind square. The two had added 66 when Hicks fell lbw to Limbani. Harjas then raised his half-century, but couldn't quite kick on.

However, Australia found another gem in Oliver Peake, who played the role of a finisher to perfection. His 43-ball 46 helped add more fuel to Harjas's surge that eventually helped them post 253, which on this surface with plenty of zip and bounce proved way more than they needed, especially given the firepower Australia had with the ball.

(Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD Australia Under-19s (50 ovs maximum) Harry Dixon c Abhishek b Tiwari 42 Sam Konstas b Limbani 0 Hugh Weibgen (c)c Musheer Khan b Tiwari 48 Harjas Singh lbw b Pandey 55 Ryan Hicks †lbw b Limbani 20 Oliver Peake not out 46 Raf MacMillan c & b Musheer Khan 2 Charlie Anderson lbw b Limbani 13 Tom Straker not out 8 Extras (lb 11, nb 1, w 7) 19 TOTAL 50 Ov (RR: 5.06) 253/7 Did not bat: Mahli Beardman, Callum Vidler Fall of wickets: 1-16 (Sam Konstas, 2.3 ov), 2-94 (Hugh Weibgen, 20.4 ov), 3-99 (Harry Dixon, 22.5 ov), 4-165 (Ryan Hicks, 34.1 ov), 5-181 (Harjas Singh, 37.5 ov), 6-187 (Raf MacMillan, 39.5 ov), 7-221 (Charlie Anderson, 45.3 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Raj Limbani 10-0-38-3 Naman Tiwari 9-0-63-2 Saumy Pandey 10-0-41-1 Musheer Khan 9-0-46-1 Murugan Abhishek 10-0-37-0 Priyanshu Moliya 2-0-17-0

India Under-19s (T: 254 runs from 50 ovs) Adarsh Singh c †Hicks b Beardman 47 Arshin Kulkarni c †Hicks b Vidler 3 Musheer Khan b Beardman 22 Uday Saharan (c)c Weibgen b Beardman 8 Sachin Dhas c †Hicks b MacMillan 9 Priyanshu Moliya c Vidler b Anderson 9 Aravelly Avanish † c & b MacMillan 0 Murugan Abhishek c Weibgen b Vidler 42 Raj Limbani b MacMillan 0 Naman Tiwari not out 14 Saumy Pandey c †Hicks b Straker 2 Extras (lb 7, nb 1, w 10) 18 TOTAL 43.5 Ov (RR: 3.96) 174 Fall of wickets: 1-3 (Arshin Kulkarni, 2.2 ov), 2-40 (Musheer Khan, 12.2 ov), 3-55 (Uday Saharan, 16.5 ov), 4-68 (Sachin Dhas, 19.1 ov), 5-90 (Priyanshu Moliya, 24.5 ov), 6-91 (Aravelly Avanish, 25.3 ov), 7-115 (Adarsh Singh, 30.3 ov), 8-122 (Raj Limbani, 31.5 ov), 9-168 (Murugan Abhishek, 40.3 ov), 10174 (Saumy Pandey, 43.5 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Callum Vidler 10-2-35-2 Charlie Anderson 9-0-42-1 Tom Straker 7.5-1-32-1 Mahli Beardman 7-2-15-3 Raf MacMillan 10-0-43-3

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2024

AAG successfully runs off Academy meet T

he next generation of track and field athletes took to the Police Sports Club Ground on Saturday last for the Academy meet; a collaborative effort between the National Sports Commission and the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG).

The meet catered to budding athletes between the ages of 6-12, and saw participation from over 150 young track stars in disciplines such as 80M, 60M, Javelin throw, Jumps and Hurdles, among others.

Speaking with Guyana Times Sport, AAG Executive Nial Stanton shared the rationale behind Saturday’s meet.

“It’s to encourage parents to have their children involved in these sports,” Stanton shared.

The AAG Second VicePresident went on to add, “This is going to be an ongoing process. Hopefully, in time to come, these same athletes will branch off to the various clubs like SUR Track Club, Police Running Brave, just to name a few.

DoS Steve Ninvalle and NSC Commissioner Cristy Campbell taking a photo opportunity with children competing in the AAG Academy meet

And from there, our goal is to have these same young people participating at various events as they get older.”

In response to this publication’s probe, Stanton further shared the vision of longevity that he and the AAG have for the programme.

Stanton divulged, “My

belief is that through this Academy, and it’s a good thing, I believe we can find an Olympian that’s going to bring back Gold for Guyana. Because I believe that Track and Field is going to be the sport that’s going to give Guyana its first gold medal at the Olympic Games.”

“The AAG is looking for-

ward to continuing having a great relationship with the Government, and looking forward (to) having this particular Academy grow and have different small hubs or clubs throughout Guyana.

So, we’re looking to expand as well,” the AAG Executive further envisioned.

Director of Sport (DoS) Steve Ninvalle, who was

present at Saturday morning’s simple opening ceremony, had high words of praise for the AAG’s activity. Ninvalle said, “Please permit me time to first of all congratulate the president and executive members of the Athletic Association for ensuring that this academy is steered in the direction that aligns with the goals and objectives of the National Sports Commission; the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport; and by extension the Government of Guyana.

Today, we have approximately one hundred and sixty young athletes competing at this national athletic academy meet. The number of regions being represented today underlines a very important fact: that organized athletic training by experienced and certified coaches is being decentralized. We have taken note of the recent achievements with regard to our medal hauls at regional and international events; at the junior, youth, and senior levels, and this academy is an important conduit for repli-

cating and even improving our medal prospects on the international stage.

“In conclusion, I want to remind you all that the NSC; Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport; and by extension the Government of Guyana, will continue to partner with the AAG to fund this academy, which is crucial for talent identification and development,” the Director of Sport later added.

The Athletics Academy Championship meet is a pillar of the emerging National Sports Academy.

The Athletics Academy is one of ten national sport academies - an initiative which is fully funded by the National Sports Commission (NSC); the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and by extension the Government of Guyana. The Academy consists of three pillars: Nurseries, Competitions and Elites.

Children hailing from Georgetown, Linden, East Bank and East Coast Demerara, New Amsterdam and West Berbice all competed in Saturday’s meet.

GFF hosts club licensing workshop ahead of Elite League commencement I

n a concentrated effort to prepare for the upcoming Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League Season Six, General Secretary Ian Alves on Saturday hosted a club licensing workshop to share with the management of the ten Elite Clubs licensing criteria.

Among the attendees were presidents or secretaries of reigning league champions Guyana Defence Force, Guyana Police Force, Western Tigers, Den Amstel, Fruta Conquerors, Santos, Ann’s Grove and Buxton United. The workshop also welcomed representatives from the recently promoted Monedderlust and Slingerz football clubs.

A look at the participants of the Elite League club licensing workshop

GFF General Secretary Ian Alves

"The GFF wants to ensure operational uniformity among elite clubs to foster the growth of the league and advancing player promo-

tion. With established standards in place, clubs must ensure they are compliant as we continue to invest in professionalising the Elite League,” Alves told the fif-

teen participants.

He also provided a detailed account of the club licensing process, placing emphasis on compliance with established standards, from having a proficient management team with a shared vision, financial audits, a developmental strategy which includes the seamless execution of matches and focusing on the well-being of players.

“The clubs have been very receptive to the information shared. Fortunately, some of the clubs have been in the leagues for several years and have met the qualification for licensing.

We continue to work with them and have also extended our support to recently promoted clubs Slingerz and Monedderlust, to en-

sure that all requirements are met.”

He added that the “target is that before we conclude the upcoming Elite League, all clubs will be at a position where they will be considered truly qualified for the club licensing.”

GFF First Vice President Brigadier General (Ret) Bruce Lovell, in his opening statement, said the turnout signified a shared vision for the progress of professional football.

“Your attendance is proof that you support the GFF's broader strategy to professionalize football. Our football in Guyana will not progress until we have a greater level of professionalism, until we approach football in a very professional manner in

a collaborative manner.”

He stressed that licensing is also key to upholding and enhancing the standard of play and advancing the youth and female football programmes.

“Club licensing is not merely a regulatory measure, but a deliberate strategy to develop youth and female football. You have to have a youth programme, you have to have a female programme. Those are essential prerequisites for the club licensing regime.”

Meanwhile, Santos Football Club’s Frank Paris shared that “there is a lot of information that we probably thought we knew, but we didn't know,” adding that licensing lets clubs know what they “need to be up to the level of a professional team.”

Treverlyn Johnson of the Monedderlust Football Club said the information shared at the workshop was invaluable. “I will definitely take it back to our club, making sure that team members understand how important…it is for a club to be licensed.”

The Elite League is set to start on February 25 at the National Training Centre in Providence, East Bank Demerara, under the newly installed FIFA-approved floodlights.

GFF President Wayne Forde’s administration continues to make substantial investments into the growth of club football, including the hosting of strategic training programmes

to disseminate critical information to clubs, coaches, referees and players regarding the professionalisation of the game in Guyana.

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23

Magnificent Maxwell's record-equalling century sets up T20I series win against Windies A

n unstoppable Glenn Maxwell equalled Rohit Sharma with a record fifth T20I century as Australia wrapped up the series after a comfortable victory over West Indies at the Adelaide Oval.

Maxwell flattened a fullstrength West Indies in perfect batting conditions with eight sixes, and his unbeaten 120 runs off 55 balls was the second highest T20I score for a batter at No.4 or lower.

Australia's 241 for 4 was their highest on home soil, and proved well beyond the reach of West Indies despite an attractive 63 from 36 balls from skipper Rovman Powell.

tempting a tight single, but he remained at the crease after umpire Gerard Abood said there had been no appeal. Tim David insisted he had appealed as Australia remonstrated in heated scenes, but the incident ultimately didn't affect the match's outcome.

The series has effectively started T20 World Cup preparations for both teams, with the third and final game to be played in Perth on Tuesday.

Marsh dominates powerplay before Maxi magic Josh Inglis started well in Hobart to kick-start the race over who will partner opener David Warner

Johnson Charles started his innings with a huge six

ished batting in the powerplay by blasting 29 off 12 balls.

He smashed a first-ball boundary before unfurling his power with a six over backward point and another over the legside boundary. Attempting to maximise the powerplay, Marsh holed out in the sixth over and Australia soon fell to 64 for 3 when Warner was dismissed in the next over.

Maxwell started slowly

ceding 213 for 7 at Bellerive Oval, Powell again decided to bowl, but he bafflingly stuck first up with Hosein, who was hit for six on the second delivery by a reverse swat from Warner.

But their seamers had much better success against Warner, who had blasted 70 off 36 balls in Hobart, as they bowled a straighter line, with Joseph producing swing and hitting speeds close to 150 kmh. A

Romario Shepherd removed David Warner

Marcus Stoinis claimed three wickets, while left-arm quick Spencer Johnson, in his first home international, took 2 for 39 as Australia clinched the series following their 11run game one victory at Bellerive Oval.

There was late controversy when Alzarri Joseph was short of his ground at-

at the T20 World Cup. He hit 39 off 25 balls in the series-opener but couldn't back up and fell for 4 in the second over.

The dismissal brought captain Mitchell Marsh to the crease, who did not bat in the powerplay in game one and played having tested positive to Covid-19. He was feeling better and rel-

SCOREBOARD Australia (20 ovs maximum) David Warner c Rutherford b Shepherd 22 Josh Inglis c Charles b Holder 4 Mitchell Marsh (c) c Holder b Joseph 29 Glenn Maxwell not out 120 Marcus Stoinis c King b Holder 16 Tim David not out 31 Extras (lb 11, nb 1, w 7) 19 TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 12.05) 241/4 Did not bat: Matthew Wade †, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson, Jason Behrendorff, Josh Hazlewood Fall of wickets: 1-14 (Josh Inglis, 1.6 ov), 2-57 (Mitchell Marsh, 5.3 ov), 3-64 (David Warner, 6.4 ov), 4-146 (Marcus Stoinis, 13.4 ov) • BOWLING O-M-R-W Akeal Hosein 3-0-32-0 Jason Holder 4-0-42-2 Alzarri Joseph 4-0-31-1 Andre Russell 4-0-59-0 Romario Shepherd 4-0-48-1 Rovman Powell 1-0-18-0 West Indies (T: 242 runs from 20 ovs) Brandon King c David b Hazlewood Johnson Charles c †Wade b Stoinis

5 24

Nicholas Pooran † c sub (AM Hardie) b Johnson 18 Shai Hope c Maxwell b Stoinis 0 Rovman Powell (c) c Inglis b Zampa 63 Sherfane Rutherford c †Wade b Johnson 0 Andre Russell c Inglis b Stoinis 37 Romario Shepherd c Maxwell b Behrendorff 12 Jason Holder not out 28 Akeal Hosein b Hazlewood 0 Alzarri Joseph not out 2 Extras (b 2, lb 5, w 11) 18 TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 10.35) 207/9 Fall of wickets: 1-11 (Brandon King, 1.5 ov), 2-42 (Nicholas Pooran, 4.3 ov), 3-56 (Shai Hope, 5.1 ov), 4-62 (Johnson Charles, 5.6 ov), 5-63 (Sherfane Rutherford, 6.3 ov), 6-110 (Andre Russell, 10.4 ov), 7-164 (Romario Shepherd, 15.4 ov), 8-176 (Rovman Powell, 16.6 ov), 9-189 (Akeal Hosein, 17.5 ov) • BOWLING O-M-R-W Jason Behrendorff 4-0-55-1 Josh Hazlewood 4-1-31-2 Spencer Johnson 4-0-39-2 Marcus Stoinis 4-0-36-3 Adam Zampa 4-0-39-1

Glenn Maxwell was just unstoppable

tack in the fifth over and immediately started with a 143-kmh short delivery.

Two balls later, he had Pooran spooning to midwicket before nicking off Sherfane Rutherford with a line and length delivery that was more reminiscent of the longer formats.

Having

Australia before the series.

He had been a fan favourite in the country due to the BBL, but only faced two deliveries in Hobart.

Coming to the crease with West Indies at a forlorn 63 for 5, Russell started with three boundaries off Johnson.

With no helmet or cap, he

Rovman Powell lap sweeps fine

and should have been run out on 10 when wicketkeeper Nicholas Pooran missed a shy at the stumps. He capitalised on the next delivery with an incredible sliced six over cover point off Romario Shepherd to ignite his innings.

Maxwell completely dominated a half-century partnership with Stoinis, and targeted Powell with a trio of boundaries, including a clever reverse sweep.

He raced to his half-century off 25 balls before producing another inventive stroke with a switch hit for six off left-arm spinner Akeal Hosein. Maxwell notched an incredible century off 50 balls in the penultimate over of the innings to reach a second T20I ton in his last three innings.

Joseph bowls rapidly, but West Indies fall away Despite his attack con-

frustrated Warner groaned loudly when he fell to a slower Shepherd delivery, but West Indies were then monstered by Maxwell.

With Maxwell in a mood, West Indies were made to look helpless and there probably wasn't a lot they could do. But some of their tactics were head-scratching, including often not having a third man despite their strategy of bowling wide yorkers.

Hometown hero Johnson impresses West Indies, of course, came out swinging, and smashed 42 off the first over fours. That was despite Josh Hazlewood delivering a wicket-maiden in the second over as left-arm quick Jason Behrendorff's tough series continued with his first two overs costing 31 runs.

Johnson entered the at-

Glenn Maxwell celebrating his 5th T20I century

debuted for Australia late last year and then starring for BBL champions Brisbane Heat, Johnson is a bowler of considerable interest across formats and he might be in the frame for a T20 World Cup spot.

Dre Russ provides big hitting in vain Andre Russell had only played one T20I in

whacked legspinner Adam Zampa for six over deep midwicket, before clubbing a short delivery from Stoinis into the second tier.

But he succumbed to the short delivery later in the over to end an entertaining 37 off 16 balls. An overshadowed Powell then took over, but West Indies never threatened. (ESPNCricinfo)

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2024

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

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