Guyana times - Monday, January 1, 2024

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 5599

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MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 2024

Our next edition will be on Wednesday, January 3, 2024

“The future of Guyana is bright and promising” ...says 2024 will see Guyana on rapid – Pres Ali path of sustained growth, prosperity

WHAT'S INSIDE: Increased road carnage

“We have to stop this, by bold measures” – Pres Ali P13

Page 3

…as Govt mulls mandatory speed-limiting devices

Police sought DPP’s advice P8 in over 3000 cases in 2023 Ex-cop, wife arrested with high-powered rifle, ammo P10

Diamond-toTimehri road upgrade to commence this year P22

Fireworks are seen over the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge during New Year’s celebrations in Sydney, Australia, January 1, 2024 (Photo by Morris McLennan)

GYEITI reports progress in transparency within Govt agencies – says scope for more improvements in collecting data See story on page 19

Parika woman brutally beaten to death by …victim abusive left home 3 weeks husband ago following years of abuse Page 12

2011 execution-style killing of Robb St granny

CCJ sets February 29 to hear P8 convict’s appeal against 50-year jail sentence

Linden man chopped to death during fight with Police crack down on illegal brothers-in-law fireworks trade Page 12

Govt working with Indian High Commission to recoup loss from $600M defective pumps bought by APNU/AFC P

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in Orealla

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MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

BRIDGE The Demerara OPENINGS Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, Jan 1 – 04:00h – 05:30h and Tuesday, Jan 2 – 04:00h – 05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, Jan 1 – 07:40h – 09:10h and Tuesday, Jan 2 – 08:20h – 09:50h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be thundery showers and sunshine during the day. Expect partly cloudy skies at night.

Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 1.34 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 07:46h and 20:03h reaching maximum heights of 2.31 metres and 2.37 metres.

Low Tide: 13:35h reaching a minimum height of 0.91 metre.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2023

LOTTERY NUMBERS G

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09 23 25

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FREE TICKET

Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

15 21 22

04 06 LUCKY 3

9

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5

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Afternoon Draw

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Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

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PAY DAY

PAY DAY

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2023

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 2023

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2X Afternoon Draw

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DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Crude Oil

$77.04/barrel

-0.14

Rough Rice London Sugar

$315.95/ton $593.90/ton

+0.56 -4.58

Live Spot Gold Bid/Ask Low/High Change

Change %

USD Per Ounce $2061.22 $2058.20 -5.51

$2063.71 $2074.73 -0.27

“The future of Guyana is bright and promising” – Pres Ali ...says 2024 will see Guyana on rapid path of sustained growth, prosperity W

ith its unprecedented growth trajectory, the future of Guyana is bright and promising, and 2024 will see the country advancing more rapidly along this path, according to President Dr Irfaan Ali in his 2024 New Year message.

“The future of Guyana is bright and promising. We have set Guyana on a course of sustained growth and prosperity. The New Year – 2024, will see us advance more rapidly along this path as we shape the destiny of present and future generations.”

President Ali noted that stepping into the New Year promises a fresh start. The past year, he said, tested our collective determination as a nation through trials, threats and triumphs, development, and instances of despair.

“We mourned the loss of our precious angels at Mahdia and the tragic deaths of our heroic servicemen in a helicopter crash. In these moments of anguish, our people united, sharing grief and providing moral and material support to those who have lost loved ones. These tragedies were indeed jolting, but they did not floor us. We did not wilt or waver. We proved that we are a resilient nation.

We rose to the challenge, surmounting our difficulties and collectively shouldered our burdens. Every time misfortune hit us, we stood tall and unified.”

The Head of State also outlined that the past year witnessed a threat to Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, which saw a united front by the Guyanese.

“I am heartened by the unity displayed by our people in defending our motherland and unequivocally rejecting any unfounded claims to our territory. Our commitment to peace and the resolution

President Dr Irfaan Ali

of disputes through peaceful means, and in accordance with international law, remains unwavering. I extend my thanks to the Opposition for standing in solidarity with the Government on this crucial and critical issue. I thank all Guyanese for the massive outpouring of patriotic fervour in response to the threats we faced.”

On the economic side, Guyana’s economy remains on a rock-solid footing, registering in 2023, phenomenal economic growth that is estimated at almost 40 per cent.

Prime Minister, (Retired) Brigadier Mark Phillips

Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton

He said not only did the economy shine in 2023 but the country’s social services – housing, water, sanitation, education and health – continued to improve, bringing greater benefits to people while active steps were taken to improve security and boost the quality of other public services offered to the public.

“We basked in our moments of glory and triumph.

Who will ever forget how our spirits soared in 2023 when the Guyana Amazon Warriors clinched victo-

ry in the coveted Caribbean Premier League final, right here at home? Who will forget how this team brought our people together and how much its success lifted our nation? Our sportsmen and sportswomen continue to excel, bringing immense joy and glory to our nation. Their achievements not only showcase the talent and dedication of our athletes but also serve as a source of inspiration for the entire nation.”

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MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 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

New Year; New Vision

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lfred, Lord Tennyson’s “In Memoriam” is an extended meditation on loss, that was written in the mid19th century. But its message remains very relevant at times like today when we may mourn the passage of time.

The line “Ring out the old, ring in the new” has entered the English Language but we sometimes forget his forceful exhortation that “The year is going, let him go; Ring out the false, ring in the true.” Meaning there was much in the past year that was not salutary and in fact was “false”; and this we must replace with what is true.

And what was false in our country, last year? Of course, there are many but one that sticks out was the dangerous insistence that an “apartheid regime” was being practised in Guyana. Apartheid, of course, is a form of governance legally institutionalising an official racial stratification that places groups in the society in a racially-stratified hierarchy – with Whites at the top and Blacks at the bottom with others in intermediate positions. Now while all societies are stratified in one form or another, it is the official imprimatur by the State that, for instance, mandates segregated living areas that characterise apartheid. In Guyana, there are no such laws and in fact if individuals are discriminated against on the basis of race, there are laws that the Courts can enforce.

This is the “true” that must be rung in.

Tennyson also asked that we, “Ring out the grief that saps the mind.” This is a very noble aspiration that fortunately we see beginning to sprout since the Ali Administration was allowed to assume office five months after they won the 2020 elections. “Ring out the grief that saps the mind’ beautifully describes the situation the poor found themselves stuck in a stagnating or ruined economy in which there seemed to be no way out. Today, with the funds from our share of the oil revenues being used by the Government to initiate a massive infrastructural revolution, even those who might still be poor can see a light at the end of the tunnel as the infrastructure facilitates investments and investments provide jobs.

But he advises that we “Ring out the feud of rich and poor, / Ring in redress to all mankind.” Meaning that there has been no society that has lifted itself out of poverty through a process in which there is not an initial period where the entrepreneurial groups may have more wealth than others.

The utopians like Burnham and Chavez of Venezuela who attempted to ignore that truism soon destroyed their economies to create one where all were equal – equally poor. The lesson we must imbibe is that – as in Guyana - the State provided social services to take care of basic needs such as education and medical care – then over time, as in the Scandinavian countries, the entire society (“all mankind”) will enjoy high standards of living.

Tennyson also asked that we “Ring out a slowly dying cause, And ancient forms of party strife; Ring in the nobler modes of life, With sweeter manners, purer laws.” And what is our “slowly dying cause”? It is the political mobilisation along racial lines that has poisoned our body politic since we began agitating for independence in the 1950s. All of us knew that this was a base form of mobilisation that led to “party strife”, because our ideal was always that our political organisations be “multiracial”, but we strayed from that ideal. Today, the PPP Government can proudly point to development across the land in which all groups are participating equitably.

While the Government clearly believes that comparisons are odious, last year PM Phillips revealed that African Guyanese received 48 per cent of house lots while they are only 29% of the population.

We close without comment with Tennyson’s exhortation: “Ring out false pride in place and blood,/ The civic slander and the spite;/ Ring in the love of truth and right,/ Ring in the common love of good.”

Happy New Year!!

Fireworks explode over Victoria Harbour to celebrate the New Year in Hong Kong, China, January 1, 2024 (Reuters)

Is making resolutions a custom or tradition?

Dear Editor, A Happy New Year Guyana. The old year ultimately bade us farewell and a new year eventually greeted us. Oprah Winfrey said, “The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude.” This is the favourite time of the year when we toy with a word, brainstorm a thought and ponder on an action which may revolutionise, revamp or recondition our life for the new year. Yes, perhaps the most famous word which plays havoc in contemplation is “resolution,” considering all things and people being equal in a normally acceptable society. Many people do not want to advance into the New Year with the same old habits which may negate some change in order to make a positive difference, either through improvisation, addendum or discontinuation.

The word resolution denotes various meanings.

The language of computer and photography links resolution to the total amount of pixels shown by a digital image expressed as width and height proportions, describing the sharpness, or clarity of the image or picture. Leaning towards the article’s content, the dictionary describes ‘resolution’ as a decision to do something or to behave in a certain manner, ie, a statement that solves a problem or explains how to solve the problem. In judicial proceedings, “resolution” means a judgement or decision of the court. In reality, resolution in life is a promise to oneself. Albert

Einstein wrote, “The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.”

Is making resolution a custom or tradition? This idea has been around for a long time. Looking at the diaries of Anne Halkett in 1671, a writer and member of the Scottish gentry, she wrote biblical verses such as “I will not offend anymore.” Her page was entitled “Resolutions.” Perhaps this habit was silently cultivated even though it was not referred to as New Year´s Resolution. In 1802 the Walker´s Hibernian Magazine mentioned in an article, “The following personages have begun the year with strong resolutions, which they all solemnly pledged to keep.”

Again, we see an intention for resolution in the new year.

In the 1813 Boston Newspapers January 1st edition, an article entitled “the Friday Lecture” stated: “And yet, I believe there are multitudes of people, accustomed to receive injunctions of new year resolutions, who will sin all the month of December, with a serious determination of beginning the new year with new resolutions and new behaviour and with the full belief that they shall thus expiate and wipe away all their former faults.” Two assumptions may be deduced: (1) New Year’s Resolution has been around for the past 200 years and (2) people in the early 19th century—much like those today—used them as an excuse for misbehaviour up to New Year's Eve. We often stumble as we consider setting a goal,

what we want to achieve and the process involved.

Harry Guinness writing in The New York Times had this to say: “The problem I have with resolutions is their lack of specificity.

This is why my focus goes to setting personal and professional goals, since the mindset and approach to achieving a goal differs from that of a resolution. A resolution is a statement of what you want to change.

For example, saving money. A goal is a statement of what you want to achieve; the steps you need to take to achieve it; and when you want to achieve it by.”

Quite often we have seen New Year’s Resolutions made and people fervently devoting their time, energy and money, desperately and consciously pursuing their commitment to maintain the desire of aspiring towards their goal.

While some are successful, many fall on the way side.

One possible explanation could be that we think too big without being realistic.

In Guyana we say, “don`t bite what you can`t chew.”

It is advisable to take little steps first before increasing the pace.

Another reason may be that we fail to explore the question of why we make this resolution and so we miss the post of repercussion. Guyanese say, “no pain, no gain.” When we experience difficulty, we quickly give up. The pain of not changing has to be greater than the pain of changing for us to really… change. As one psychologist wrote, “In order to change a behaviour, you have to be uncomfortable and nobody wants to be un-

comfortable. So in order to see a lasting change, you have to be in a state of discomfort for a really long period of time.”

Are we ready for the change? A negative answer may explain failure to accomplish a resolution. We have to be prepared mentally, physically, financially, psychologically and sociologically for this bold step. How often haven’t we heard, “failing to plan, is planning to fail.” In Bly’s “Stages of Change,” the psychologist advises: pre-contemplation - become aware that there may be something to change; contemplation - thinking about making a change; preparation - start putting a plan together to make a change; action - make the change and maintenance determine how to maintain the change.

Some familiar, formidably and famous resolutions include: losing weight, a healthy diet, exercising, quit smoking, stop drinking, making better financial choices, spending quality time with the family, find a partner, get married, join a social club, start a hobby, read wisely, upgrade education, gardening, travel and work on incomplete projects. Whatever you decide or don’t decide upon, just ensure that the choice is right, relevant and realistic.

Allow me please to take the opportunity of thanking all the newspapers for publishing these articles and the readers for reading them. A Happy New Year to everyone.

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 2024

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Absurd fallacies nothing more than a storm in a teacup Dear Editor, On December 29, 2023, chartered accountant, Lalbachan Ram contended that the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) is overstated by some $274.7 billion.

Advancing his case, he expressly stated that some “grave error” has been committed on the part of several Government agencies namely, the Office of the President, Ministry of Natural Resources, the Guyana Revenue Authority, the Central Bank, the National Assembly, and the Attorney General’s Chambers.

In order to determine whether there has been any violation or error that Mr Ram is contending, one has to read, understand, and apply Article 15 in its entirety?as opposed to a singularly selected “sub-section” of the referenced Article; within the broader legislative framework.

Towards this end, Article 15.1 of the Petroleum Agreement (2016) states that “…except as otherwise set forth in this Article 15.1, no tax, value added tax, excise tax, duty, fee, charge, or other impost shall be levied at the date hereof or from time to time thereafter on the Contractor or Affiliated Companies in respect of income derived from Petroleum Operations or in respect of any property held, transactions undertaken, or activities performed for any purpose authorised or contemplated…”

Article 15.4 states that the Minister hereby agrees that…” a sum equivalent to the tax assessed pursuant to Article 15.2 and 15.3 will be paid by the Minister to

the Commissioner General, Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) on behalf of the Contractor and that the amount of such sum will be considered income of the Contractor…”.

Although Article 15.4 and 15.5 states that the Contractor and their affiliate companies are subject to the Income Tax Act (Cap 81:01) and the Corporate Tax Act (Cap 81:03) by filing their tax returns, and that the Minister shall do so on the Contractor’s behalf. According to Article 15.1, the Contractor, and their affiliate companies (ie, ExxonMobil Guyana and their Co-venture partners), are effectively exempted from corporate taxes. As such, it is absolutely unnecessary to make any separate payment over to the GRA. Of note, the purpose of the Minister filing the tax return “with the sum equivalent to the tax assessed…” on the Contractor’s behalf is merely to accommodate ExxonMobil, the Operator, in satisfying their statutory reporting requirements in accordance with the US tax laws. That’s all!

As previously alluded, let’s now examine this matter?that is, Chris Ram’s contention within the broader relevant legislative framework to determine whether any violation or breaches of the laws can be established.

First and foremost, the GRA is governed by the Revenue Authority Act (Cap 79:04). Section 24 of this Act establishes that…

“All revenues collected by, or due and payable to, the Authority under this Act shall be paid into the Consolidated Fund”. In so

doing, the GRA administers the Income Tax Act (Cap 81:01) and the Corporate Tax Act (Cap 81.03).

Moreover, the Income Tax Act and the Corporate Tax Act are applied to individuals and companies respectively.

Secondly, it is of utmost imperativeness that the merits or demerits of Mr Ram’s main argumentation be viewed properly and correctly within the framework of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (2003) (FMAA), which he abysmally ignored completely. This Act is the most supreme authority on this matter such that it provides for “the regulation of the preparation and execution of the annual budget; the receipt, control, and disbursement of public moneys; and such other matters connected with or incidental to the transparent and efficient management of the finances of Guyana” (cited from Part 1 (1) of the Act).

Part IV of the FMAA Act Section 37 establishes the definition for the classification of public moneys.

Accordingly, Section 37 (1) states that: “All public moneys shall be classified as either”a) Received moneys; b) Moneys in the Consolidated Fund, including any moneys in the Contingencies Fund; c) Moneys in an Extrabudgetary Fund; d) Drawn moneys; or e) Moneys in a Deposit Fund.

Section 37 (2) establishes that...” All public moneys shall be deemed to be received moneys from the time they become public moneys until the time

that they are credited to the Consolidated Fund, an Extra Budgetary Fund, or a Deposit Fund”. Section 39 (1) establishes that “An Extra-Budgetary Fund may be created by an Act, which legislation shall set out – a) The officials who will undertake the financial management of the Extra Budgetary Fund, including the responsibilities and accountabilities of the officials charged with the managing of the Extra Budgetary Fund; b) The Banking arrangements that pertain to the Extra Budgetary Fund; c) The source or sources of public moneys to be credited to the Extra Budgetary Fund; d) The accounting rules and auditing requirements applicable to the Extra Budgetary Fund; and e) The financial reporting requirements applicable to the Extra Budgetary Fund, including the reporting of financial performance both during and at the end of each fiscal year.

Section 37 (4) establishes that…” Subject to any other law, resources of an Extra Budgetary Fund may be administered either through its own accounts in selected banks pre-approved by the Minister or through the payment and banking services of the Consolidated Fund but shall be accounted for separate and apart from any other resources.”

The NRF Act (2021) Section 15 (1) establishes that “Petroleum revenues shall be directly paid into a bank account denominated in United States Dollars and held by the Bank as part of the Fund”. Section 15 (2) goes onto define

what petroleum revenue shall include, such as from royalties, profit oil, petroleum income tax, additional profits, any signature bonus etc. Then, Sections 16, 17 and 18 pursuant to the NRF Act establish the withdrawal rules of the Fund, whereby its states that all withdrawals from the Fund shall be deposited into the Consolidated Fund (Section 16 (2)).

Noteworthily, through the National Budgets for 2022 and 2023, the sum of approximately $336.5 billion was withdrawn from the NRF?all of which were deposited into the Consolidated Fund in accordance with the NRF Act and the FMAA Act. Therefore, it is evidently illustrated herein that the Natural Resource Fund, having been established, viz-á-viz, the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) Act (2021), is in fact classified as an Extra Budgetary Fund. Furthermore, the NRF was created legally and authoritatively in accordance with the provisions set forth (specifically Section 39) in the FMAA Act. Consequently, the Fund is by no means overstated and the Fund’s administration therefor is in accordance with the relevant laws.

Against this background, it is quite difficult not to dismiss Mr Ram’s baseless aspersions, once again, as an absurd fallacy, which is nothing more than a “storm in a teacup”. Mr Ram relied selectively and/or incompetently on a single provision pursuant to the Petroleum Agreement (2016) to incorrectly corroborate his

World has certainly gotten smaller, arms of the law longer; fun times ahead Dear Editor, As local lawyers, Roysdale Forde and Darren Wade continue to defy logic and common sense in asserting that the ‘service’ of Guyanese court summons cannot be effected in the United States, I found a more modern method ordered by the courts in Canada and would hasten to advise our local Judiciary to adopt the precedent soonest; in Pieters v Guyana National Newspapers Limited, 2020 CanLII 107882 (ON SC), (https://canlii.ca/t/jcnpr) the court ordered: “AND WHEREAS it would be impractical to require personal service on the defendants individually.

ON BEING advised that this order is to be made ex parte, in writing, 1. THIS COURT ORDERS that service of the motion upon the parties is hereby dispensed with and the motion may

proceed ex parte.

2. THIS COURT ORDERS validated/substituted service order with respect to the Defendants Mark Devonish (email: markdevonish@yahoo. co.uk and Mark.Devonish@ nuh.nhs.uk) and GNNL by email (gm@guyanachronicle.com, m_ramotar@yahoo.com and yogmahadeo@ gmail.com) effective June 19, 2020 and October 20, 2020, and dispensing further service thereof.”

This Order was made during the pandemic period but given that we live in the internet age, and persons have ‘verified’ social media accounts, we can even make court orders that posting the summons on their ‘page’ be considered effective service.

In the end, service is simply informing an individual of a court action that has been filed against them, it is an imperative in any just system, and quibbling on the means of service stands

in the way of justice.

The cost-effectiveness of new methods would also serve justice in Guyana well, for too long persons living abroad have acted as though they are beyond the scope and reach of our laws and enforcement. VicePresident Bharrat Jagdeo pointed out that Guyanese are now informed and able to file criminal and civil charges against persons who use social media platforms to extort and/or malign. Persons with criminal complaints can approach the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to move on their complaints, file private criminal charges, and/or bring civil suits against the previously untouchable foreign-based ‘influencers’.

Guyana’s justice system has withstood the test of time; it is not controlled by any political party, and one need not fear that ‘free speech’ will be under attack, for example; in January 2023 Sherod Duncan was

arrested and charged with calling a GECOM employee a ‘Jaggabat” and ‘Trench Crappo’ and by September Duncan was acquitted. The system works. Lawyers should advise clients seeking to lay libel matters before the courts to exercise caution so as not to waste the courts' time. Extortion, on the other hand, is endemic on social media platforms and it behoves the GPF to act swiftly to end the scourge. Defendants, once served, can opt to lead defenses or risk conviction in the absence thereof, either way; this will lead us all to the saga of extradition warrants for the convicts. At that point, we will all learn more about treaties, agreements, and cooperation among states.

The world has suddenly and certainly gotten smaller and the arms of the law longer; fun times ahead.

Sincerely, Robin Singh

argument. This is where he has made a huge blunder, because what is most and ultimately important is not whether there is an alleged “misapplication” of a “singular” provision pursuant to the Petroleum Agreement (2016), but whether a breach of the financial law and any other legislation have been perpetuated, which he has failed to establish. Any corporate law student would know that the “law” always precedes any type of agreement/contract. Hence, it is perplexingly unfathomable to comprehend how a trained attorney like Mr Lalbachan Ram could be so daft.

More so, as a chartered accountant who has been producing budget analysis for the past two decades, he, more than anyone else ought to be familiar with, and the application of several pieces of legislations?as regards the issue he sought to address.

These are: chiefly the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (2003); the Revenue Authority Act (Cap 79:04); the Income Tax Act (Cap 81:01); the Corporation Tax Act (Cap 81:03); and the Natural Resource Fund Act (2021).

Finally, this author would like to urge Mr Ram to refamiliarise himself with all of the relevant legislations on these matters.

Specifically, the FMAA Act before making these absurd and outlandish claims in the future, that would jeopardise his professional credibility, when seriously challenged.

Yours respectfully, Joel Bhagwandin

MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 2024

2:00 4:00 6:00 6:30 7:00 7:30 8:00 8:30 9:00 10:00 11:30 14:30 17:00 19:00 21:10 23:00

Movie - Ghosted (2023) Movie - Gigi & Nate (2022) Inspiration Time Cartoons Evening News (RB) Cartoons Stop Suffering Stay Woke Happy New Years Day from Anthony Persaud Movie - PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie (2023) Indian Movie - Happy New Year (2014) Movie - Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023) Movie - Peter Pan & Wendy (2023) Movie - Rebel Moon: Part One - A Child of Fire (2023) Movie - The Secret Magic Control Agency (2021) Movie - Shooting Stars (2023)

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MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 2024

Foundation ◄

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PLACE VALUE In numbers, the value of a single numeral or digit is dependent on its place, that is – where in the complete number it falls. For example, the 1 in 1000 has a different value than the 1 in 100. The 1 in 1000 is in the thousands place and the 1 in the 100 is in the hundreds place, so the first 1 denotes a value of one thousand and the second 1 a value of one hundred.

TWILIGHT

Example:

In the number 359, the 3 is in the hundreds place the 5 is in the tens place and the 9 is in the ones place. So, 359 means 3 hundreds + 5 tens + 9 ones.

Questions 1. In which of the following numbers in the 4 in tens place A) 4509 B) 2349 C) 7894 D) 6478 2. In 89, 423, the underlined digit is in which place?

   

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4. In 5, 478, 340, which digit is in the hundreds place?

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 

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  

 

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 

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 

By Cecile E Burgan-Nobrega

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I dance upon the brink of day, And try to keep the night away,

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I stand between the dark and night And ere the sun dives out of sight

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3. In 764, the 6 is in which place?

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I borrow from his flaming raysThe splendour of a million days.

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The rainbow in my hand I hold, Vermilion, russet, orange, gold, I strive to light the dark’ning sky

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The day, I say, it shall not die For who has seen the night so gay

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He would not change it for the day And though I lose the uneven fight

 

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I fill the inky sky with light.

But countless eyes at night must play Where only one had ruled the day.

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WORD SEARCH

7 Govt working with Indian High Commission to recoup loss from $600M defective pumps bought by APNU/AFC NEWS

MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…legal avenues also being considered

T

he current People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government is continuing its efforts to recoup the loss incurred by the former Government when it spent $600 million (US$2 million) to purchase a number of defective pumps that, to this day, do not work.

Speaking during his recent end of year press conference, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha revealed that the pumps which were procured by the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government in 2018 are still in the system, albeit defective.

“I took over a sector that the then Government would have purchased 12 pumps, with a line of credit from India, at a cost of US$2 million. Those pumps are still in the system, defective and we are still trying to recoup our money or get proper pumps that can satisfy the specifications and requirements,” Mustapha said.

“Today those pumps are still defective and we are actively working to see how we can rectify that situation. They have paid about 75 per cent of the cost, the pre-

vious Government. When I came in and we discovered that the pumps were not suitable, the pump size and engine was small, I put a stop to the payments and we were working to see how we can get these pumps replaced.”

According to Mustapha, Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, is aiding his Ministry in either getting the pump engines replaced or recouping the losses from the pump. According to the Agriculture Minister, they have also been working with the Indian High Commission to engage the company the pumps were procured from. The Minister was hopeful that another meeting can be held soon to resolve the matter.

“As a matter of fact, we did an assessment and proposal, of how this matter could be resolved. Of course, the engine would have to be replaced. So, the matter is at that stage.

Also, I have engaged my colleague Minister, the Attorney General. And we are working, hopefully we can get this matter resolved shortly,” the Minister said.

Back in 2018, a contract was awarded by the National Procurement and

Then NDIA CEO Frederick Flatts and Apollo Int Ltd representative Ajay Jha during the contract signing in 2018. Also in picture was then Agriculture Minister Noel Holder (standing, centre)

Tender Administration Board (NPTAB) in the sum of $753.3 million (US$3.6 million) to Apolla International Limited to design, supply and install nine fixed and three mobile high-capacity drainage pumps, as well as the associated structures/ equipment.

Made possible by an Indian Line of Credit, the contract was signed by then Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA). The

pumps were installed at a number of locations, including Hampton Court, Devonshire Castle, Hope, Rose Hall, Den Amstel, Mora Point and Nootenzuil.

Meanwhile, the mobile pumps went to locations at Church Street, Sussex Street and South Ruimveldt.

However, the Auditor General’s 2022 report had showed that 10 of the 12 engines did not meet the required specifications and were unable to sustain long-term operation of the pumps. Despite the

Government reaching out to the contractor to have these engines replaced, this was not done.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture in its response to the findings acknowledged the situation and noted that an assessment conducted by the Ministry showed that the 10 undersized engines need to be replaced. It was, however, noted by the NDIA that the contractor has failed to do so.

“The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority indicated one gear

“The future of Guyana is bright...

Promise of a brighter future

Heading into the New Year, President Ali said his Government had pledged to improve the lives of citizens, and will be honouring that promise.

With the 2024 Budget slated to be unveiled in the coming weeks, the Head of State revealed that it will detail expenditure and revenue plans for the coming year while also delivering on the promise to continuously improve the lives of Guyanese.

“Guyanese are going to benefit from improved infrastructural and public services, including water, housing and education.

Several major road projects are slated for completion and will make commuting easier… This New Year will also see significant investment in education, including preparations for the roll-out of free university education in 2025… Cost-of-living interventions will be made to cushion any spikes in prices in our economy. We want to put more money into the pockets of people.

Our policy-making matrix will address this ideal and

the idea of putting more money in the pockets of our people.”

Additionally, the Government will be frontally addressing issues of mental health, and suicide; advancing measures to increase disposable income; supporting the building of consortiums to further enable people to benefit from the opportunities here; manufacturing and industrial development expansion, supporting through incentivising investment in manufacturing and industrial development; more community investment aimed at creating community safe spaces, commu-

nity security, community livelihood, community empowerment.

“I assure all Guyanese that the Government will continue to work tirelessly for your upliftment in the coming year… Together, let us face the challenges and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead, confident in the strength of our unity and the promise of a brighter future. May the New Year bring prosperity, peace, and progress to every one of you! Happy New Year and God Bless You All!”

Continuing the momentum

Meanwhile, on the threshold of the new year, Prime Minister, Retired Brigadier Mark Phillips said this offers a valuable opportunity to collectively reflect on the past journey, embrace rejuvenation, and look towards the future with renewed vigour.

“The concept of New Year's Resolutions may not be a universal tradition, but the spirit of reflection and fresh beginnings is something we all share. It is a time to take stock of our achievements,

learn from our experiences, and set our sights on new horizons. In this spirit, I encourage you to seize the opportunity to refresh your energy and renew your commitment to personal and collective goals.”

PM Phillips noted that over the past three years, Guyana has made significant strides along a positive trajectory, and it is the shared responsibility of all citizens to ensure this momentum continues. To this end, he said the Government remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering development across all sectors, creating opportunities for success, and ensuring prosperity for every Guyanese citizen.

“This year, in the face of challenges, the resilience of our people has been truly remarkable. We have experienced losses and faced major hurdles, but it is through unity that we find strength. As we embark upon the new year, let us collectively renew our dedication to the timeless principles of unity and solidarity that have the power to uplift and inspire us

all. As one Guyanese family, we can overcome any challenge that comes our way. May 2024, bring you joy, fulfilment, and success in all your endeavours. I am confident that, with our collective efforts, we will continue to build a Guyana that thrives in unity and prosperity. Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy New Year!”

Transforming Guyana together

In his New Year Message, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton posited that at the dawn of a new year, the occasion presents itself for everyone to dwell on the past year.

He said during 2023, the Opposition visited and listened to citizens in several communities across the country; worked to keep the citizens informed; fought in the courts to defend the Constitution and the rights and freedoms of citizens; campaigned in the Parliament to shape the national agenda and to keep the Government in check, and presented their ideas for a better Guyana.

According to Norton, the Opposition believes

drive was supplied for Devonshire Castle Pump Station. However, none of the ten engines were changed as requested, that is three engines for the mobile pumps and seven engines for the fixed pumps,” the report states.

In his recommendations, Auditor General Deodat Sharma had urged the Ministry of Agriculture to continue to engage the contractor, Apollo, in order to ensure the pumps were replaced and able to function properly.

FROM PAGE 3

that Guyana can have one of the world’s highest standards of living, happiest societies, and achieve the goal of zero poverty and zero misery. Attaining this, he added, will be on the Opposition’s agenda for 2024.

“We in the Opposition will not relent on these and other fronts. Our people’s livelihood is at stake.

The destiny of our country is at stake. We call on all fair-minded Guyanese to join us in our campaign to rescue our dear country… Together, we can transform Guyana into a world-class and prosperous society. We believe that Guyana can become the envy of the world as the country where citizens have opportunities to realise their aspirations and full potential. That is our vision in the coalition. That is our pledge.

That is in our CONTRACT WITH GUYANA - OUR CONTRACT WITH YOU, THE PEOPLE… Let us continue to pray for our nation…

Better times are ahead. All the best for 2024! HAPPY NEW YEAR!” (G-8)

8 NEWS

MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Police sought DPP’s advice in over 3000 cases in 2023

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n 2023, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) sent 3452 files to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), which provided legal advice in all of those cases. The yearend figures that the DPP's Office made public on Friday revealed this.

The offences included in the files over the year have included financial crimes, robberies with weapons, possession of illegal firearms and ammunition, sexual offences, murder, manslaughter, and possession of narcotics with the intent to traffic.

In addition to the GPF, the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) and other government organisations receive legal counsel from the DPP's office.

Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC

Presenting indictments in criminal sessions in the High Courts of Demerara, Berbice, and Essequibo is one of the DPP's duties, among others.

During these criminal sessions, one or more state

counsel would be assigned to prosecute the cases listed to be heard by the sitting trial Judges. There are four assizes for the year in the county of Demerara and three assizes each in the counties of Berbice and Essequibo. Demerara usually has more cases than the other counties because it covers a larger geographical and populated area. It includes Georgetown, East Coast of Demerara, East Bank of Demerara, West Coast of Demerara, West Bank of Demerara, Linden, Rupununi, and North West District.

The courts in all three counties sit nearly simultaneously during these assizes. The DPP also enters plea bargain agreements with lawyers at their request and after due consid-

eration of the matter.

Further, prisoners who are awaiting trial in the High Courts and other parties to a criminal matter can complain to the DPP if they are not satisfied with the Police investigations.

The DPP also receives letters from attorneys-at-law about issues concerning their clients’ cases. The Office of the DPP would take the appropriate action.

Complaints received on misconduct by members of the Police Force are sent to the Commissioner of Police for action to be taken by the Office of Professional Responsibility.

Complaints can also be made to the Police Complaints Authority for their action. (G1)

2011 execution-style killing of Robb St granny

CCJ sets February 29 to hear convict’s appeal against 50-year jail sentence

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he Trinidad-based Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has set Thursday, February 29, 2024, as the date to hear a man’s appeal against his conviction and 50-year jail sentence for the 2011 murder of a Robb Street, Georgetown pensioner, Clementine FiedtkouParris.

Trial Judge Navindra Singh of the Demerara High Court had sentenced appellant, Roy Jacobs, along with brothers Orwin and Cleon Hinds, to 81 years in prison each, with parole eligibility set at 45 years, after a jury found them guilty in 2015 of killing the 71-year-old woman.

However, the Court of Appeal of Guyana lowered their sentence to 50 years in April 2022 after finding that their initial sentence was too harsh but affirmed their convictions.

The ruling of the local appellate court was first appealed to the CCJ by the Hinds brothers.

Additionally, the regional Court last year affirmed their convictions but resentenced them to life in prison with the chance of parole only after 20 years of incarceration, including time spent detained while awaiting trial.

In affirming their convictions, the CCJ said that the guilty verdicts in their favour were primarily based on their written and oral confessions, and particularly in relation to Orwin, on the evidence of an eyewitness who identified him on an identification parade.

In its decision, the regional Court recalled the written statements of the brothers which set out the plan to kill Fiedtkou-Parris, the persons who were involved in that plan, how and where the killing was carried out, and by whom and the events which

From L-R: Cleon Hinds, Orwin Hinds and Roy Jacobs

transpired after the killing, including the payment of money to the brothers. Thus, the Court found that there was nothing in the siblings’ grounds of appeal that could undermine the value and weight of their statements.

Jacobs subsequently filed an appeal and it will come up for hearing on February 29, 2024.

The fourth convict in the elderly woman’s murder, Kevin October, died in prison while awaiting the hearing of his appeal at the Court of Appeal. His appeal has since been discontinued.

The charge the men had faced detailed that, on June 30, 2011, they murdered Fiedtkou-Parris pursuant to an arrangement wherein money was intended to be passed from one person to another. The elderly woman was shot and killed on the night of June 30, 2011, at her residence.

It was reported that three men had gone to the woman’s home at Lot 42 Robb Street, Georgetown, asking for “Auntie”, and when the elderly woman emerged from her bedroom, one of them pulled

out a gun and shot her several times in her upper body.

The men then fled the scene in a waiting motor car while the elderly woman was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. It is believed that a bitter dispute over a property might have been the motive for her killing.

In its judgement, the CCJ said that Orwin described the plan that was hatched with his brother and two other men, “Dutchie” and “Blackboy” to kill the elderly woman, for a sum of money.

“Orwin said that he obtained a gun, gave it to Cleon who then lent it to “Blackboy”.

He said that he and the other men went along with a driver to the deceased’s house and before the killing, he told the men that he wanted no part of it, but eventually was persuaded to go. He and “Dutchie” entered the house where they passed a man on the stairs. He said that Dutchie told him to restrain the man, which he did, and he then heard two shots. They left and heard the following day that Fiedtkou-Parris had

died. Later that day, Orwin said that “Blackboy” gave him $80,000 and Cleon, $5000. In Cleon’s written statement, he confessed to being told about the payment to murder Fiedtkou-Parris, and his decision to lend the gun to the organisers to, “get in on the business”. He also said that he drove around the house after and collected money for the killing.

The CCJ had noted that the four men were offered about G$1.2 million to kill the elderly woman at the hearing on the brothers' appeal and had inquired from the prosecutor as to whether there was an investigation to capture the person(s) who hired them.

Though an investigation was conducted, the prosecutor had informed the Court that it was unable to identify the person who ordered the woman’s killing. The information on the land transaction that led to FiedtkouParris's murder, she had said, is all in the hands of the State. Fitzroy Fiedtkou, the deceased woman's brother, had testified during the trial and identified Jacobs as the gunman. (G1)

A new…

W

…political page?

ell, we made it!!! Here, we are in 2024 – a new year!! So, do we have a chance for a new beginning?? Hardly!! While you and I can make these arbitrary chronological breaks, unfortunately old man Time keeps flowing on like an unbroken river – carrying along with it everything that came before. Including contradictions, gripes, spites, and rancour – but also missed opportunities!! So will the Government and Opposition kiss and make up now that everyone’s willing to shake hands?? Let’s see!!

They say the most intractable conflicts are between those who are actually close to each other. The wonks call it the “narcissism of small differences”!!

And who can really be closer than the PNC and PPP –- since the former came out of the bosom of the latter. Yep…the young’uns might be surprised that the PNC’s a child of the PPP – not exactly a love child, but its child nevertheless!! So with the two of them a pi55ing contest always breaks out when they get together!! It used to be “who was the better Marxist” back in the day of Cheddi and Forbes – with fierce arguments as to who were the “Bolsheviks” and who were the “Mensheviks”!! And now that today no one even knows who the heck THEY were, the argument’s about who’s doing more for “the people” and all that!!

The trick, of course, is to figure out who’re “the people” for each of them – even as they insist it’s ALL of the people – while they’re each identified with different ethnic blocs!! The PPP seem hell bent to bring back the glory days of the 1950s when “all ah we wuz waan” and have been assiduously courting those the PNC consider “their” constituency!! This has created a new bone of contention roiling their always-fraught relationship. One PNC supporter accused the PPP of being the new “slave catchers”!!

But from what your Eyewitness is observing, the PPP’s been using the oil bonanza to make a fullcourt press by handing out house-lots, business opportunities, cash grants, scholarships, etc. which seem to be breaking the old barriers. Observing thousands of ex-PNCites sporting the PPP trademark red shirt, the PNC claimed these were the insignia of slavery!! But this New Year brings us closer to the next elections – now ONE YEAR AWAY!! Imagine that!! How time flies when you’re having a good time, right??

So what else might be on the cards this year?? Will we see Mad Maduro cancelling his “annexation” of our Essequibo?? Just don’t hold your breath, OK? Maduro’s facing elections THIS year – and he knows his goose is cooked if he goes along.

So what better way to cancel those elections if there’s a “crisis” with Guyana!?! …speech challenge Freedom of speech is a hallmark of the new democratic order ushered in after the American Revolution when they kicked out the Brits!! The guarantee of this freedom became the VERY FIRST AMENDMENT TO THEIR CONSTITUTION!! So to question free speech is like questioning motherhood, to the Yanks!! Yet with all their worship of untrammelled speech, they have a caution to its limits: “You can’t yell FIRE!! in a crowded theatre!!”

You get it, don’t you?? If you’re so irresponsible with your words to cause others to be harmed, then you lose your right!! They have another expression attributed to CJ Oliver Wendell Holmes that makes this clear: “Your right to swing your arms ends just where the other man's nose begins.” And right now we in Guyana are debating these limits with speech over social media platforms. The PNC coalition government had recognised the dangers of inciting racial hostility in our divided country – and passed a Cyber Crime Act to deal with it.

Let the law take its course!! …horror And the Israeli war in Gaza against Hamas continues unabated. The UN says more than 85 per cent of Gaza's 2.4 million Palestinians have fled their homes and are living in the open – some under tents. Starvation is imminent.

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

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MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

10 NEWS

MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Ex-cop, wife arrested with high-powered rifle, ammo

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former member of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and his wife were arrested following the discovery of guns, ammunition and other items on Saturday during a Police operation at Freeman Street, East La Penitence, Georgetown.

Police stated that around 10:15h on the day in question, Police ranks were on anti-crime patrol duty along Freeman Street, East La Penitence, Georgetown, when they observed the ex-Police Constable identified as John Moore, 23, carrying an AR rifle in his right

The guns, ammunition and other items found in the haversack

hand and a haversack on his back.

Upon seeing the ranks, Moore ran into his yard where he placed the rifle into the haversack and threw it into the premises owned by a 59-year-old security guard.

The Police, however, gave chase and the suspect was apprehended.

Further, the bag was retrieved, which, when searched, contained an AR rifle with a magazine containing 19 live .223 ammunition and one .223 spent shell.

In addition, the ranks found one Glock 9mm pistol with an empty magazine along with a .32 magazine without ammunition. “The haversack also had Visa and bank cards from Republic Bank, GBTI, Demerara Bank, and Citizen's Bank and one National Identification card all in favour of Moore's reput-

ed wife, Mellissa Lindo, a 21-year-old businesswoman operating a boutique at their home address in East La Penitence,” the Police stated in a release to the media.

The Police also stated that the haversack also had one National Identification card in favour of Lindo’s mother as well as a Republic Bank Visa card in favour of her brother. US$65, one motor car sensor, one yellow metal chain and one cell phone were also found in the bag.

Upon the discovery of the guns and ammunition, Moore was questioned about having a licence to carry the firearms but he responded in the negative.

The firearms, ammunition and magazines found will be taken to the ballistics section for examination.

Police are continuing their investigations.

Market vendor shot, chopped during attack

Q

uason Leacock, a 31-year-old vendor of D’Urban Backlands Squatting Area, Georgetown, is nursing gunshot and chop wounds after he was attacked by three persons at his home on Saturday.

The injured man reported that he was at home alone when the three men approached him and inquired if he had any issues with them.

Leacock identified two of the assailants by their nicknames – “Tallman” and “Buck” – though he remains unaware of their addresses.

The situation escalated as “Tallman,” who was

brandishing a handgun, confronted Leacock and subsequently shot him in the left thigh after questioning any potential problems.

Adding to the brutality, “Buck” joined in by inflicting wounds on Leacock's foot with a cutlass.

Following the attack, the assailants escaped.

The injured man was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital by public-spirited citizens where he was treated and admitted in a stable condition.

Several persons were questioned regarding the incident and a manhunt has been initiated for the three men.

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12 NEWS

MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Parika woman brutally beaten to death by abusive husband – victim left home 3 weeks ago following years of abuse

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wenty-five-year-old Parbattie Amanda Persaud of Parika Façade, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), is now dead after she was mercilessly beaten by her abusive husband with a piece of

wood on Sunday.

Based on information received, Persaud and the suspect, 39-year-old Guradean Lallaram, a mason, shared a common law relationship for the past six years.

They have a three-year-old

daughter together.

During the relationship, Persaud was constantly abused by the suspect, but she never reported the matter to the Police. About three weeks ago, the couple had a misunderstanding which

turned physical thus resulting in the woman moving out of the home with her child.

However, on Sunday at about 05:30h, Persaud was walking along the Parika Access Road heading to-

Dead: Parbattie Amanda Persaud

wards the market, when she was confronted by the suspect, who was riding an electric scooter.

A heated argument broke out between the couple during which the suspect disembarked the scooter, picked up a piece of wood and dealt the woman one lash to her head thus resulting in her falling to the ground.

Not pleased, he stood over her and dealt her several blows to her face. The entire ordeal was recorded on a mobile phone by a resident in the area.

After committing the act, the suspect dropped the wood and made good his escape on the scooter. According to reports, he

stopped a short distance away from the scene and hid in a clump of bushes.

The Police were summoned and he was arrested and taken to the Parika Police Station, along with the suspected murder weapon.

Meanwhile, the injured woman, who was in and out of consciousness, was picked up and taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where she succumbed while receiving medical attention.

The suspect was told of the allegation and later confessed to committing the crime which was recorded.

He remains in custody and is expected to be charged with the capital offence of murder.

Linden man chopped to death during fight with brothers-in-law

A

56-year-old man from Wismar, Linden, was chopped to death on Saturday during a fight with two of his wife’s brothers.

Dead is John Jones, of Block 22 Squatting Area, Wismar, Linden. Based on reports received, on the day in question at about 16:00h, the now dead man and his wife had a disagreement during which the woman called her two brothers to collect her and the children.

As the two men arrived at their sister’s residence, the now dead man armed himself with two cutlasses and confronted them in the yard.

The confrontation escalated, thus resulting in the two men receiving chop wounds. One of them was chopped to the back of his head and the other sustained a wound to the right side of his face.

As a result, a scuffle then ensued between Jones and the suspects, during which one of the men relieved Jones of a cutlass

and dealt him several chops on his body.

However, upon seeing what was taking place, the victim's wife and their three children ran away.

Following the altercation, one of the men immediately reported the incident at the Wismar Police Station. He was subsequently escorted to the Linden Hospital Complex, where he is currently receiving medical attention.

The other suspect entered a taxi and went to the Linden Hospital Complex, where he was seen by a doctor and admitted as a patient, with his condition being listed as serious.

Further, upon arriving at the scene, the Police found Jones lying in a motionless state in the back of his yard. At the time, he was clad in a pair of blue three-quarter pants and a black vest.

He was taken to the Linden Hospital Complex where he was pronounced dead. Investigations are ongoing.

NEWS

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MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Increased road carnage

“We have to stop this, by bold measures” – Pres Ali …as Govt mulls mandatory speed-limiting devices

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n light of the carnage being caused on the roadways by errant motorists, the Government is mulling bold measures including mandatory speed limiting devices on every vehicle and it plans to hold national consultations on these ideas this year.

This was revealed when President Dr Irfaan Ali had an end of year interview with prominent women in society on Sunday which was live-streamed on his social media pages. According to the President, such measures must start with public transportation and other classes of vehicles known to exceed their speed limits.

“We have to stop this, by bold measures. I intend to have, for example in the new year, national consultations with all stakeholders. To promote some very tough measures. One of the things we’re thinking about are the speed stoppers, in the vehicles themselves.”

Speed limiters

A governor or speed limiter is a device installed on an engine and used to limit the top speed of a vehicle.

Most speed limiters work by reducing the fuel supply to the engine, ensuring that the vehicle speed does not go past a specific limit.

Speed limiters are already in use in various jurisdictions, where they are a legal requirement for specific classes of vehicles. For example, speed limiters (Intelligent Speed Assist) are mandatory in all new cars, vans and lorries manufactured in Europe.

Lives lost

In September, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) had unveiled a sobering statistic – 110 lives, including three children, have been tragically lost on the nation’s roadways up to that point this year.

The report, issued by

An example of a speed-limiting device

“So public transportation must not exceed a certain speed. And that thing, I think it’s called a governor. You put it into the engine and it does not allow you to exceed a certain speed. All public transportation. Then for trucks. We put another system in for trucks.”

The President acknowledged the boldness of these measures, but made clear the seriousness of the issue. Further, he explained that the Government would most likely bear the cost of procuring and distributing these speed limiting devices across the country.

“This is going to be a bold decision. We have to have a conversation on that, because I see it as a very important issue. We can’t have mothers, parents, children, losing loved ones like this. It does not make sense, when we need all our human potential at the development of the country,” President Ali said.

“The Government, I think, would have to buy these things and distribute it nationally. And make it mandatory… start with public transportation and trucks and so on and then, put a very hefty fine on persons who try to remove it or persons who do not use it.”

the Police Force’s Public Relations Department, also revealed that 92 road accidents occurred between January and August, resulting in the tally of 110 fatalities, including children. Police data had also revealed that from 2021 to 2023, 11 lives were lost, and 14 individuals suffered significant injuries due to electric cycle incidents.

Over the past few months, a concerning surge in fatal incidents has particularly plagued the roadways of Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara). Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mahendra Siwnarine, who is also the Commander for Division 3, had revealed in October that a total of 27 fatal accidents were registered up to that point this year, representing a staggering 237 per cent increase in road fatalities.

These statistics had put the region in the lead with the highest percentage of fatal accidents for the year, countrywide.

To address the escalating road fatalities, a “Respect the Road” Road Safety Awareness Campaign was launched in collaboration with the Government of Guyana and Impressions in July 2023. During the cam-

President Dr Irfaan Ali

paign launch, it was disclosed that over 4000 traffic tickets had been issued in 2023, with more than 2000 individuals facing traffic offence charges. Additionally, in response to the surge in road fatalities involving electric bikes, the National Assembly had passed a new regulatory framework. (G3)

14 NEWS

MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

DPP secures 36 convictions, 63 guilty pleas from 153 cases in 2023

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he Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) have secured 36 convictions and 63 guilty pleas from the 153 cases that were presented at the High Courts in the three counties.

These figures were drawn from the Demerara, Berbice and Essequibo Assizes in 2023.

In an issued statement on Friday, it highlighted that 221 cases were disposed of in 2023, with 153 of them receiving attention at the High Court in Demerara, Berbice, and Essequibo.

Fifty-eight cases were nolle prosequi.

Of these 153 cases, 98 were presented at the

Demerara Assizes, 32 at the Berbice Assizes, and 23 at the Essequibo Assizes.

The bulk of the cases were for the capital offence of murder.

“There were 88 cases for the offence of murder, three cases for the offence of manslaughter, 51 cases for sexual offences, 10 cases for the offence of attempt to commit murder, and a case for the offence of inflicting grievous bodily harm,” the release noted.

According to the statement, there were 36 convictions, 45 formal verdicts of not guilty, 33 not guilty verdicts by jury, 63 guilty pleas, six hung juries, and one mistrial. Some 189 ac-

cused persons had their trials at the High Courts. ln 2023, the DPP's Office received 174 committal documents; 95 of these for the county of Demerara, 31 for the county of Berbice, and 48 for the county of Essequibo.

Of these 174 depositions, 81 have been indicted, charges for eight were discontinued because there was not sufficient evidence for the DPP to prefer an indictment, 69 are receiving attention, five were remitted to the Magistrates' Courts, seven were additional evidence for matters which the Chambers had previously received and four were discharged matters.

Police crack down on illegal fireworks trade in Orealla

I

n a decisive move to ensure public safety and the protection animals,

the Guyana Police Force (GPF) conducted a search operation in the Orealla Station district, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), targeting the illegal sale of fireworks.

Approximately 11 shops were scrutinised, leading to the confiscation of a significant quantity of prohibited fireworks.

Over the past years, the GPF has intensified its efforts to curb the sale of

Force has committed to robustly enforcing all laws related to the use of squibs and firecrackers, not only during the holiday period but also beyond. The aim is to create a safer environment for both animals and people.

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) remains the sole authorised agency for the importation of firecrackers and other explosives. The sale and pur-

The explosives that were seized

firecrackers and other explosives during the holiday season. This proactive stance is aimed at safeguarding animals and ensuring the well-being of the public.

The initiative follows concerns raised by the Guyana Veterinary Board, which emphasised the adverse impact of pyrotechnics on animals. A panel discussion involving key stakeholders, including the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission (GWCMC), the Bar Association of Guyana, the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), and the Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA), highlighted the need for stricter regulations.

The Guyana Police

chase of such items are strictly prohibited under the Customs Act, as amended by Act No 1 of 2005.

In light of the potential dangers posed by these explosives, the Guyana Police Force urged the public to desist from using such devices. The emphasis was placed on the risk of injuries to humans and the overall safety of the community.

The crackdown on illegal fireworks sales underscores the commitment of the Guyana Police Force to maintaining public safety and upholding the law, especially during festive seasons. Authorities are sending a clear message that the illegal trade of fireworks will not be tolerated, with measures in place to ensure a safer and more responsible celebration for all.

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NEWS

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MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GYEITI reports progress in transparency within Govt agencies – says scope for more improvements in collecting data

T

he Guyana Extractive Industry Transparency Index (GYEITI) has reported progress is evident, when it comes to Government agencies cooperating with and exhibiting transparency in turning over information on the extractive industry.

According to GYEITI in its 2021 report, all Government agencies that were surveyed by the secretariat, reported on the data they collected during the year. They explained that 95.3 per cent of Government revenue from the extractive sector in 2021 was reconciled, including profit oil.

“All Government entities selected for reconciliation report. Their submissions were signed by senior management and the Auditor General provided an independent assurance report for the return from each Government entity. 2021 audited accounts were provided where available,” the GYEITI said.

The Government agencies that were reviewed include the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Guyana Gold Board (GGB), the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Ministry of Finance (MoF), the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), the Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals Control Board (PTCCB), the Department of Fisheries (DoF), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the

Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) and the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Ltd (NICIL).

It was explained that a total of $127.6 billion in extractive industry revenues were reported for 2021 from these entities… an increase from the previous year’s $93.7 billion. While EITI noted that there has been progress when it comes to agencies reporting to the secretariat, there is still room for improvement.

“As (an) Independent Administrator, there is interaction with a wide range of stakeholders but with a focus on particular areas related to the specific requirements of the EITI Standard. Workshops were held to explain to stakeholders the purpose and mechanics of the data collection process for the reconciliation, but some of the submissions and questions around data needed indicate that there is a need to repeat this so that the process becomes embedded.”

“Continued and greater engagement of the MSG with the extractive companies is needed both to deepen the understanding of MSG members, especially those not engaged in extractive businesses on a day-to-day basis; and also, to deepen the understanding of the extractive companies of the aims of the EITI implementation in Guyana,” they explained.

According to GYEITI, workshops could be pro-

moted by their MultiStakeholder Group, drawing on the experience of individual members.

Additionally, more and more people outside of the MSG could be brought on board to participate in these workshops.

Earlier this year, the Government released a Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI) for an independent administrator to prepare the 5th report. The green light was given to form joint ventures to apply and it was

explained by the REOI that the funding would be sourced from the US$20 million in financing the World Bank has provided for the Guyana Petroleum Resources Governance and

Management Project.

The EITI is an international body that requires implementing countries to publish comprehensive reports which include the full disclosure of Government

revenues from the extractive sector, as well as the disclosure of all material payments made to the Government by companies operating in the oil, gas, and mining sectors.

Guyana’s first report was submitted to the International Secretariat on April 25, 2019.

Membership in the EITI means that Guyana will have to adhere to the 12 principles of the EITI standards voluntarily.

These 12 principles include encouraging corporate social responsibility, sharing information, revealing beneficial ownership, and promoting revenue transparency. Failure to do so could be met by suspension from the EITI. Guyana’s next validation commences on April 1, 2024.

The EITI had previously allocated Guyana a score of 52 for implementing the 2019 standard, commending Guyana for the strides taken to make information available and consult with stakeholders, while also providing recommendations to further strengthen the system. (G-3)

20 FEATURE

MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Now that the year 2023 has come to an end, the dedicated staff at Guyana Times have weathered the complexities with resilience, determination, and a passion for uncovering the truth.

These journalists take a reflective pause, sharing insights into the highs and lows, the challenges faced, and the personal triumphs that have defined their professional and personal journeys. Here are their thoughts: La’Wanda McAllister (Crime and Security Journalist) Reflecting on my year as a crime and security journalist in Guyana, it's been quite a ride.

I've delved into stories aiming to uncover truths and shed light on complex issues. Each narrative is more than just a report; it's my way of sparking important conversations and pushing for positive change.

I n this dynamic field, resilience is key, but it's the passion for uncovering the truth that keeps me going. Despite the challenges, my commitment to making a difference in my country's safety remains unwavering.

Looking back, it's been a journey filled with highs, lows, and impactful stories that contribute to a deeper understanding of societal factors influencing crime.

Here's to more straightforward yet impactful storytelling and the pursuit of truth in the years ahead.

Khamisi Slowe (Junior Journalist) The first thing to note is gratitude, why?!

Simply because I know without gratitude, I probably wouldn’t have seen the end of 2023.

The entire year had its ups and downs. However, I am super grateful for every moment lived. I saw myself getting one of my dream jobs at this age, which is something I had given up on but still being able to get myself certified for the job position thanks to seeking out the opportunity to be trained through the Government GOAL Online scholarship.

Following that major step that I saw as a breakthrough for me and allowing me to take more risks in other areas of my personal and professional life, it made me more confident in myself. What I’ve learned this year by being grateful and accepting that whatever came my way was only lessons to keep me humble and help me continue to grow into the person, I know I am.

Jemima Holmes (Sport Journalist) As a female sports journalist in 2023, I've faced challenges in a male-dominated industry. With determination, support from friends and family, and a bit of divine guidance, I overcame these challenges. Despite the industry's male dominance, I broke barriers and contributed to a more inclusive sports narrative. My dedication and passion turned obstacles into stepping stones, and I can’t wait to see what 2024 has to offer.

Jarryl Bryan (Senior Political Correspondent) For me, 2023 was a year of the customary highs and lows. It was my first year as a news presenter, a role I greatly enjoy.

Meanwhile, the most prominent event of the year was Venezuela’s posturing and aggressive actions towards Guyana, actions which saw the country closer to conflict than at any point since the Venezuelan occupation of Ankoko in 1966.

It was an enlightening experience for me professionally. In addition to my work in the newsroom, it helped to influence the creation of my YouTube channel, Guyanese Griot, where I post content on Guyana’s history and the border controversy.

It also led to me making an appearance on Jamaican show Taking Stock, another interesting experience where I got a chance to enlighten our Caribbean brothers and sisters about the nuances of the border controversy. With the close of the year, I look forward to whatever 2024 has in store. Happy New Year.

Rupa Seenaraine (Senior Journalist) Reflecting on 2023, it stands out as a relatively smooth year within the media fraternity.

There was a sense of complete normalcy post-COVID, and amidst the late nights, early mornings, and daily crunch times, it has been a gratifying journey of keeping our readers informed.

Beyond reporting on current affairs, I had the chance to share stories of the common man and stories that mattered. New developments enveloping our country have also called for adaptation to changes and greater accountability in this fast-paced landscape. It has been an insightful and reflective 2023 for me as a journalist, and I’m optimistic that 2024 will prove to be another impactful year.

Feona Morrison (Court Journalist) In 2023, my journalism career has been fulfilling because it has allowed me to put my skills to work and help the public by delivering timely and reliable information. In addition, as a journalist, I had the chance to pursue the truth and hold those in positions of authority accountable—two essential facets of the work. I know I have to maintain honing my skills if I want to thrive in my journalism profession. I am excited about all the prospects that 2024 will present.

Trichelle Sobers (Senior Journalist) My year started with a bang, especially in my personal life.

Goals were set, habits that no longer served me were being changed, my fitness goals were on point, etc. Ideally, January and February were the months I got a lot done; however, thereafter every month felt like a challenge, given that at that time life was doing its thing.

While I continued with my goals as normal, I found myself overcoming monthly challenges, having to dig myself out of situations that just happened (weren’t intentional), and further, my physical health was at risk following a surgery I had to endure given that the situation was fight or flight.

Over time, I became overwhelmed and lost control of my schedule, daily routine, tasks, and social life. I was dragging myself through the day and sleeping whenever I could. After a few months of doing this, it then became clear to me that I needed help; hence I reached out to my mom, little sister, and my significant other as known as my support system.

To ensure I acquired the help I needed, I moved in temporarily with my mother and sister so they could point out the key areas in my daily routine where I needed assistance. After a month of being back home, I was back in church, in the gym, finally going on solo dates, and I completed my university diploma and passed with distinction, among other things. Further, I developed a daily routine that catered to my spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

One that allowed me to focus on all those areas and have a balance without being overwhelmed. This ranged from engaging in 4 am bible studies, cooking in the morning (a fruit bowl to complete each meal plays a key role in helping me avoid eating added sugar, which can severely affect our mood and brain health), watching self-development podcasts eg, TED Talks, Nice and Neat, Jay Shetty and the Diary of a CEO just to name a few.

My experience made me realise how important it is to balance the key areas in my life; it taught me the importance of community, not to stay silent when I need help (time doesn’t heal all wounds), to stop procrastinating, and to deal with challenges as they arise.

Omar Mckenzie (Sport Journalist) My inaugural year as a sports journalist has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Navigating the dynamic world of sports coverage brought both exhilarating moments and unforeseen challenges.

The thrill of witnessing remarkable athletic feats was often tempered by the demanding nature of tight deadlines and the pressure to deliver compelling stories. Despite the hurdles, I've grown tremendously, honing my skills and gaining valuable insights into the intricacies of sports reporting.

As I reflect on this year, I am filled with a sense of accomplishment and determination. I look forward to building on these experiences, learning from both successes and setbacks and continuing to evolve in my role. My passion for storytelling and the world of sports fuels my commitment, and I eagerly anticipate the opportunities and growth that the future holds for my career in sports journalism.

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22 NEWS

MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 2024| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Diamond-to-Timehri road upgrade to commence this year …completion of bypass routes pave way for works to start on Grove Public Road

W

orks to upgrade the East Bank Demerara highway from Diamond to Timehri are slated to get underway in the first quarter of 2024.

This is according to Public Works Minister Juan Edghill during his Ministry’s end of year press conference on Friday last. “[The project] would be funded by the IDB and we already have a contract in place. So, early in new year, you will see major, major work [starting],” the Minister said.

Last year, the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) approved a US$117 million loan for the rehabilitation of the EBD corridor under its Programme to Support Climate Resilient Road Infrastructure Development.

The contract for this loan was signed in March 2023 and will see the IDB providing US$100 million while the Guyana Government will provide the remaining US$17 million for the project. The programme is expected to support a 23.5-kilometre climate-resilient road from Good Success to Timehri.

A Chinese company had won the contract for this road upgrade from Good Success to Timehri. The section from Good Success to the Soesdyke Junction will be a

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill

Special Projects Unit (SPU) of the Public Works Ministry.

During last week’s press conference, Minister Edghill said the Grove Public Road is the section that has been giving them “a real headache” since road users often complain about the state of the road, where bulges and potholes are often developed thus causing traffic congestion.

In order to facilitate the upgrade of the Grove Public Road, several alternative routes have been constructed including a new bridge linking Caneville aback Grove and Diamond Housing Scheme at Third Avenue or First Bridge as well as a new road from Diamond to Buzz Bee Dam in Craig.

“We have completed the

with the Grove road is the western lane being utilised by laden trucks that transport timber, sand, stones, loam or containers into the city.

“The road wasn’t built for that kind of tonnage and I think the life of the road is long gone so we gotta get that done. So, this year, you will see major upgrades there,” the Minister noted.

Only Thursday last, the Public Works Minister along with other officials met with stakeholders in Grove and reassured them that the Government will ensure the successful completion of the planned road development project starting at Diamond/Grove.

Residents along with

Residents engaging with Public Works Minister Edghill and other officials during last week’s meeting

reminded residents that development comes with some level of inconvenience and urged their support in this regard. He said with proper coordination between the Special Projects

struction started in April 2021. This road was commissioned in April 2022.

For the second phase, the four-lane road was extended beyond Eccles all the way to Great Diamond,

This section of the road was commissioned in December 2023 and named the “Heroes Highway” in honour of the five Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ranks who died in the horrific he-

A slide from the PowerPoint presentation during the meeting on Thursday with residents and officials in Grove, EBD

The Public Works Ministry’s Special Projects Unit had to conduct emergency works on the Grove Public Road in October after sections had started protruding

two-lane upgrade with the installation of dedicated bus stops and pedestrian lanes.

In addition, Government is looking to widen the section from the Soesdyke Junction to the Timehri Police Station into a four-lane road. This expansion will be funded by the money being provided by the Government.

Grove Public Road Meanwhile, the section of the EBD corridor from Diamond to Good Success will be upgraded by the

bypass. We can actually dig up that road and start construction and people can still get to travel.”

“The bridges are in place, new paved roads are in place [and] all people need to do is to see the signs [for the diversion] and that now gives us the opportunity to excavate all the sap and do the sand-filling and put in a road that could take what is required there,” Edghill noted.

According to the Public Works Minister, the issue

representatives from the Diamond/Grove Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) met with Edghill and a technical team from the Ministry for a consultation on the project.

During the engagement, a PowerPoint presentation detailing the upcoming works, changes, and improvements along the route was shared.

Inconvenience Meanwhile, Edghill has

Unit team and the contractor, the road works from the Diamond area to Timehri should go off smoothly without hindrance to the travelling public.

The team has also introduced a feedback mechanism process for persons with questions, concerns, or comments about the project. An email address will soon be published in this regard, however, in the meantime, persons can call either of the following numbers 227-0799 or 2254742.

Since taking office, the Dr Irfaan Ali-led Government has introduced a series of new road networks along the EBD corridor to ease traffic congestion since it is the main thoroughfare that leads to the country’s main port of entry – the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) – and also feeds traffic coming from West Demerara.

The first phase of the massive road project was the $2.6 billion Mandela-toEccles road, on which con-

East Bank Demerara.

The $13.3 billion Eccles to Great Diamond highway project saw 12 companies contracted to construct the four-lane road to run from the Eccles Dumpsite Road all the way to Great Diamond, connecting to the already completed Eccles to Mandela Avenue Highway.

licopter crash on December 6.

These projects run alongside the India-funded bypass road project which would link the East Bank Demerara corridor to the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), creating a new highway in the backlands.

(G8)

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24 NEWS GPS transforms with $5.5B budgetary allocation MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

I

The transformations that are being made on the prisons

n a significant move to address the long-term needs of the security sector, the Government having allocated $5.5 bil-

lion to the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) for 2023 is now seeing the development and transformation of the funding.

Mazaruni Prison Phase II nears completion Among the noteworthy developments, the Mazaruni Prison stands out with diverse initiatives aimed at enhancing in-

frastructure, living conditions, and overall functionality. The construction of Mazaruni Prison Phase II, a key project costing over

G$700 million, is at an impressive 85 per cent completion. Additionally, the extension of ten living quarters for prison officers, valued at over G$89 million, is at an advanced 95 per cent completion, while the Phase II fence construction is nearing finalisation at 95 per cent completion, with a cost exceeding G$66 million.

New Amsterdam Prison upgrades The New Amsterdam Prison is witnessing an over-

mands a substantial budget of over $413 million. Lot 1, involving Senior Officers' Living Quarters, is in the mobilisation phase, ready for imminent commencement.

Lots 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 are also in the mobilisation stage. Lot 3 includes the construction of a kitchen and storage bond, while Lots 6, 7, 8, and 9 encompass critical aspects such as the infirmary annex, an overhead storage tank, a treatment plant, reconstruction of solitary and cell blocks, and a training facility for inmates in Lot 10—vital components for enhancing the prison's infrastructure.

Lusignan Prison expands At Lusignan, East Coast

Demerara, the Government is actively expanding the prison facility to accom-

haul with a multibillion-dollar project divided into ten lots. Significant progress has been made in Lots 2, 4, and 5. Lot 2 involves constructing Male and Female Living Quarters with a budget exceeding $114 million.

Lot 4 focuses on the Officer’s Sports Club reconstruction, allocated over $50 million, while Lot 5, dedicated to the Reception Building, com-

modate a greater capacity. In 2022, over $3 billion was invested in upgrades

and expansions, including the completion of six stateof-the-art prisons, currently housing close to 1000 inmates.

The ongoing expansion project features a vocational school, aiming to provide inmates with training to reduce recidivism and enhance their skillsets. Other upgrades include a female prison, staff living quarters, an Infirmary Annex, a new headquarters building, and the construction of the outer perimeter fence, collectively contributing to the comprehensive transformation of the Lusignan prison facility.

Alcohol abuse rampant in Yupukari Village - Deputy Toshao calls for intervention L

eaders of the remote Amerindian community of Yupukari, South Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) are calling on authorities to provide much-needed assistance to tackle the rising alcohol abuse within the community.

Speaking with Guyana Times, Deputy Toshao Cindy Holland explained that alco-

Some of the settlements

Deputy Toshao of Yupukari Cindy Holland

hol abuse is one of the major challenges affecting the community of about 700 inhabitants.

“We have a lot of alcohol abuse in the community and it affects everything; infrastructure development or work on community projects.

It is very hard to get people to come out to do work because of alcohol, either they are drunk or they cannot turn up on time to do work,” she said.

Yupukari is a remote community located about 28 kilometres off the Rupununi Highway.

Holland related that the Village Council has not put any mechanism in place to address the issue and as such, external assistance is

A section of the village

needed.

“I have been asking for a long time when I attend workshops and meetings and so I always mention to them that we need something in the community that would involve our youths... nobody ever responds to us.”

She said alcoholism is ruining the minds of many young people in the community. “We greatly need help – some educational awareness on drug abuse and alcohol abuse; we greatly need it in the community,” Holland pointed out.

NEWS

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MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 2024| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Paint new aspirations, visions Together we can transform Guyana into a world-class, for Guyana to thrive in diversity & inclusivity – PPP prosperous society – Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton T

he People’s Progressive Party (PPP) joins with all others in extending best wishes to our Guyanese brothers and sisters here at home and in the Diaspora, for a peaceful, prosperous, and productive 2024.

The transition to a new year solidifies the symbol of hope, offering a fresh start in the charting of relevant

courses for advancement.

In the spirit of unity that binds us as a nation, let us collectively embrace the possibilities that lie ahead. As we bid farewell to the challenges of the past, let optimism guide our shared journey toward progress, prosperity, and success.

May the new year be a canvas on which we paint our new aspirations, dreams,

and visions for a Guyana that thrives in diversity and inclusivity. Together, let us work hand in hand to preserve our national sovereignty and territorial integrity, overcome obstacles, celebrate achievements, and forge a path towards a stronger, more prosperous, and harmonious society.

Once again, best wishes for a joyous New Year!

Let the new year forge unity of all our nation’s peoples to build Guyana – AFC

F

ellow Guyanese, as 2023 recedes into the background and we look towards a new year, the Alliance For Change extends Best Wishes for a peaceful and productive 2024. Our aspiration is that the new year forges a unity of all our nation’s peoples and that together we build a Guyana where truth, justice and respect for each other and our environment guide every action.

We look back at 2023 with admiration for the strength and determination of our Guyanese brothers and sisters. It was a year of many challenges as we faced ever increasing prices for basic food items, increased criminal activities in our neigh-

bourhoods and villages, more accidents on our roadways; too many of them fatal.

Our women continue to suffer abuse from their spouses. Government corruption and victimisation climbed the ladder while integrity and accountability slipped into an abyss; and more recent, the stifling of the freedom of speech. We watched as the rich resources of our land were plundered to enrich a few while the masses, including the public servants, struggled to put food on the table and pay monthly bills. The divide between the rich and the poor in Guyana grows ever wider but, despite these challenges, we faced the threat to our sovereignty as a unit-

ed people. Such is the indomitable spirit of the Guyanese people.

As we face the new year, the Alliance For Change urges all Guyanese at home and abroad to not lose hope. Let us come together to protect the basic human rights of each citizen: the right to life, to shelter, freedom of expression, employment and equality before the law. Let us fight to ensure that our nation’s resources are used to benefit all citizens.

Let us keep up the struggle to protect our territorial integrity.

Long live the indomitable spirit of the Guyanese people!

Long live the Cooperative Republic pf Guyana! END.

M

y fellow Guyanese, permit me on behalf of the Parliamentary Opposition to wish you and your families and friends, including Guyanese in the Diaspora, all the best in the NEW YEAR. The year 2023 has come and gone. At the dawn of a new year, the occasion presents itself for each of us to dwell on the changes in the quality of life of our families and our country over the last twelve (12) months. You all will agree that life has gotten worse. Let us ask ourselves: are we better off in our homes, our workplaces, our communities, and in our society? Are we happier and more satisfied? Are we more able to cope with the challenges of living in Guyana? Are we more confident and hopeful looking into the future? I am sure most of us would answer NO… Throughout these national crises in 2023, we, in the Opposition, carried on with the fight, alongside you, the people. We visited and listened to citizens in several communities across the country. We worked to keep you, the citizens, informed. We fought in the courts to defend our Constitution and the rights and freedoms of citizens. We campaigned in the Parliament to shape the national agenda and to keep

the government in check. We demonstrated on the streets for electoral reform, including a new voters list and biometrics. We lobbied international stakeholders. And we presented our ideas for a better Guyana.

We, in the Opposition, believe that Guyana can have one of the world’s highest standards of living. We believe that Guyana can be one of the world’s happiest societies. We believe that Guyana can achieve the goal of zero poverty and zero misery. We believe that Guyana can be a model of democracy and good governance. However, Guyana could only achieve the ideals, if there is a caring and competent administration. We intend to be that administration…

As the next government, therefore, we are committed to implementing a development strategy that puts people first and at the centre.

We see this not only as our moral obligation to the people, but also as an economic investment in developing our human resources. We are committed to tackling the ills that sap the Guyanese people's spirit and vitality, such as discrimination, poverty, crime, unemployment (especially youth unemployment) and the lack of economic security and a liveable income. We are single-minded in our am-

bition to build a new Guyana.

For now, as the Opposition, on our agenda for 2024, we will stay the course in the fight for a fair, just and equitable Guyana. We will build more pressure on the government to implement cost of living relief measures and to ensure fair and equitable allocation of resources to citizens. We will persevere in the defence of our democracy and constitutional order and the rights and liberties of citizens and communities…

We in the Opposition will not relent on these and other fronts. Our people’s livelihood is at stake. The destiny of our country is at stake. We call on all fair-minded Guyanese to join us in our campaign to rescue our dear country.

Together, we can transform Guyana into a worldclass and prosperous society. We believe that Guyana can become the envy of the world as the country where citizens have opportunities to realise their aspirations and full potential. That is our vision in the Coalition.

That is our pledge. That is in our CONTRACT WITH GUYANA - OUR CONTRACT WITH YOU, THE PEOPLE. …Let us continue to pray for our nation. A new and better government awaits. Better times are ahead.

All the best for 2024!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Continue striving for safe, prosperous “Community for all” – Caricom SG, Dr Carla N Barnett

T

his has been a landmark year for the Caribbean Community (Caricom), as we marked the 50th Anniversary of the signing of the original Treaty of Chaguaramas with festivities across the Region. The occasion allowed us to reflect on our accomplishments, and recommit to the vision of the Caricom’s founders.

The past 50 years have taught us that with collective action we can achieve significantly more. With one voice we decried the devastating wars that have precipitated humanitarian crises and signalled our support for the adherence to the fundamental principles of international law, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity, most recently in the GuyanaVenezuela border controversy. We continued our strident advocacy for international support to help return our sister Member State, Haiti, to peace and stability, and for support to the War on Guns

which is negatively impacting security across our Region.

Caricom Member States made progress on programmes and policies agreed

by Heads of Government, to positively impact the lives of the people of our Region. We made commendable progress on the 25% by 2025 initiative to reduce the Region’s food import bill, thereby taking us a step further towards the attainment of food security in

our Region. Purposeful engagements with regional and international partners, and forums such as our flagship event, the Caribbean Week of Agriculture, allowed for meaningful interaction with the private sector and other stakeholders.

Our advocacy for decisive action to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change continued throughout the year, including at COP28 where we

emphasised the vulnerabilities of our Region, the need to operationalise the Loss and Damage Fund, and the special case for acknowledgement of the extreme vulnerability of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and countries with low-lying coastal communities who do not contribute significantly to the cause of climate change but bear the greatest burden.

We welcome the call to Parties for a just transition, to renewable energy and reduced methane emissions, but this does not go far enough.

The transition must be wider and it requires much greater urgency of action by the major emitters in order to keep 1.5 alive. Peaking emissions before 2025 and timelines for elimination of fossil fuel subsidies, starting now, are needed to safeguard the 1.5 global warming temperature limit.

We continued to advance international partnerships and mechanisms to protect and promote the Region’s

socio-economic interests.

Deliberate efforts were made, such as through the regional Youth Forum held in Jamaica in November, to include the perspectives and participation of our young people, whose input is critical to the sustainability of our efforts.

As we enter 2024, the Secretariat will continue to diligently administer the Community’s priorities of deepening economic integration and trade, strengthening foreign policy coordination and community relations and human and social development, sustainable development, and regional security. In particular, we are focused on efforts to implement the free movement of all Caricom nationals within the Community by March 2024 as determined by Heads of Government.

I extend sincere thanks to Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community, their Ministers and senior officials, for their commitment to re-

gional integration and the implementation of programmes and policies to improve the lives of the people of the Region. Special thanks also to our international partners, the private sector, labour organisations, and to the civil society groups which have responded so positively to the Secretariat’s efforts towards more structured engagement.

Through it all, the staff of the Caricom Secretariat have been propelling the initiatives crafted to improve the quality of lives of our people. My heartfelt appreciation to all.

Underpinning all we do is a deep desire for a “Community for all”, that is safe, increasingly prosperous and where our men, women and young people will flourish for generations to come. I invite your continued participation in the process to advance this goal.

I wish for one and all a happy and safe end to this year, and peace and prosperity for 2024.

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guyanatimesgy.com

Regional

Political ombudsman St Lucia records increase in gastroenteritis cases push in Jamaica H J amaican Justice Minister Delroy Chuck is pushing to have a political referee in place by the end of January, and if he has his way, the ref will be able to do more than just blow a whistle at people who breach the Political Code of Conduct.

Jamaica has been without a referee for the political process since the Office of the Political Ombudsman was shuttered in November 2022.

At that time the Government had indicated that the role of the political ombudsman would be taken over by the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ).

But with the country about to enter a political campaign for the next Local Government Elections, which are constitutionally due by the end of February 2024, the calls for a political ombudsman to be in place to monitor activities on the campaign trail have grown louder.

Late last week, Chuck told the Jamaica Observer that he is trying to fast-track the legislation while ensuring that it was stronger than what existed in the past where the political ombudsman had no pow-

Jamaican Justice Minister Delroy Chuck

er to punish those who broke the rules.

“The Political Ombudsman Act, we want to adjust it to say that its functions will be carried out by the Electoral Commission, firstly and secondly, we just want to say that there will be enforcement where penalties can be imposed from apology to suspension and...with the Electoral Commission [having even more power].

“So the candidates, if they misbehave and they don’t

apologise, or if the misbehaviour is so egregious, the Electoral Commission could in fact stop them from continuing to run,” said Chuck.

“The truth of the matter is that we have had quite a number of discussions and we are looking at how other jurisdictions ensure that where there is misconduct, [punishment] can be enforced by the Electoral Commission with some penalties,” added Chuck. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

DLP wants Deputy PM sacked

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he Barbados Democratic Labour Party (DLP) is calling for the firing of Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw.

Bradshaw, who is also the Minister of Transport and Works, is being accused of running afoul of the very Integrity in Public Life Legislation, which she piloted in Parliament earlier this year.

The issue revolves around a personal cheque made payable to Bradshaw for Bds$7500, by order of Errol Clarke Associates, which was subsequently stolen and attempted to be cashed by Tyrone St Elmo

Holford, 58, at RBC Royal Bank.

Bradshaw has since issued a statement making it clear that there was no impropriety on her part and that she was offended at any such insinuation as the cheque was a charitable contribution to her annual Christmas hamper and food voucher programme.

However, during a press conference held at the DLP’s George Street headquarters, its President, Dr Ronnie Yearwood said that it mattered not what the money was for, only that the sum was well beyond the allowable amount that one could personally re-

ceive as a “gift” without declaring it to the Integrity Commission. He also contended that an investigation should be launched to determine if the private entity in question holds any contracts under Bradshaw’s Ministry.

Section 23 (1) of the legislation states: “A specified person in public life listed in Part I of the Second Schedule who receives a gift worth more than Bds$2500, or whose spouse or child receives such a gift, shall make a report of that fact to the Commission in the Form 4 set out in the Third Schedule and shall state in the report”. (Nation News)

Struggling Caracas restaurants, bars offer tour to boost sales

S

everal bars and restaurants in Venezuela’s capital Caracas are offering an eight-hour tour where customers visit each establishment in a bid to boost low sales at a time of persistent inflation.

The so-called “Route of Pagan Temples” takes diners through two restaurants and seven bars in the city in a tour which has been organized by the businesses involved.

“It’s about rescuing the bars (...) giving these spaces a showcase so that they can survive,” said Freddy de Freitas, owner of a Spanish food restaurant in Caracas’

centre which is more than 40 years old.

“The business activity of bars in this part of the city isn’t what it was due to the situation of the economy,” he added.

The Government of President Nicolás Maduro relaxed control of the economy in 2019, allowing de facto dollarisation which provided breathing space for businesses, though not a complete recovery.

This year, businesses have seen lower sales due to delays in wage payments and year-on-year inflation of 282 per cent.

The nine-venue tour

starts in de Freitas’ Spanish restaurant, where visitors can chow down on tapas including croquettes and potato tortilla among others, before continuing on to the other establishments in private transport.

The tour – which costs $80 per person – winds up in a bustling part of Caracas filled with street musicians.

“The route seeks to reconnect people with these places, to know their history, so that there’s no gap between the east and west of the city, that there is only one Caracas,” said Maxwell Briceno, a photographer and tour organiser. (Excerpt from Reuters)

ealth authorities in St Lucia are reporting a 14 per cent increase in cases of gastroenteritis, adding that the illness has impacted more children than adults in recent weeks.

Medical Surveillance Officer Dr Dana Gomez in a video broadcast said more people were presenting with symptoms at healthcare facilities.

She did not provide figures.

“Most of the affected individuals experience sudden onset of vomiting and diarrhoea, which usually resolve with treatment of the symptom. Acute gas-

troenteritis is an inflation of the stomach and intestines and can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, chemicals or medication,” she stated.

She warned that the “very contagious” strain of the virus also referred to as “the stomach flu most prevalent during the winter season has been circulating and has been the cause of many cases of gastroenteritis globally”.

Gomez is urging the public to take the necessary steps to prevent the spread of the virus, including practising good hand hygiene by washing hands frequently and thoroughly with soap

and water, especially after vomiting, a bowel movement, and before handling food.

She also encouraged people with gastroenteritis to stay away from schools and places of employment and to seek immediate medical attention.

“The Ministry also wishes to remind the public that we are currently in the flu season and persons may experience respiratory symptoms,” she said, adding that several influenza viruses, including type A, have been isolated and that the public should follow the health requirements to prevent the spread. (Excerpt from CMC)

T&T PM: 2024 is a year full of risks

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rinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley has put the nation on alert that this year will be one full of risks – even as it also holds the prospects of considerable promise.

He based this on global forecasters predicting that 2024 would be a year of “volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity” given the continuing wars between Russia and Ukraine, and Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Nevertheless, Dr Rowley also said his Government greeted the New Year with renewed optimism.

This optimism, he said, is predicated on T&T strengthening its energy base, and ef-

forts to enhance the nation’s infrastructure, improve conditions for investment, and continue attempts to improve and make the daily lives of citizens safer.

In his New Year’s Day message, he said 2023, which was the first full year of normalcy after the pandemic, was one of challenges on several fronts, “but we can say to ourselves that collectively, we have been able to get back on our feet.”

Of global forecasts that the new year will be full of risks, Rowley said, “In short, they say that wherever one is placed in the world, one may not be untouched by world events. The immediate dangers for us are the ongoing wars between Russia-

Ukraine and Israel-Hamas, both with no endgame in sight, and hold the potential for wider regional conflicts.”

He said citizens must understand that these arenas, whilst geographically distant from T&T, do hold serious implications for our daily lives.

He also claimed the world was shifting from a once-unipolar power structure to a multi-polar one, with hardening rhetoric among the superpowers, predictions of a new world order, and the possibility of a return to a period of cold war. “Nonetheless, we here in the Caribbean must still hold fast to keeping our region as a Zone of Peace.”

(Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

“Outraged”: Brazilian Muslims face growing Islamophobia over Gaza war

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s the war in Gaza grinds on, Brazil is one of many countries facing increased fears about religious discrimination, particularly towards its Muslim community.

A survey released last month from the Anthropology Group on Islamic and Arab Contexts — an organisation based at the University of São Paulo — found that reports of harassment among Muslim Brazilians have been widespread since the war began.

An estimated 70 per cent of respondents said they knew someone who experienced religious intolerance since October 7, when the Palestinian group Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel, killing 1140 people.

Israel has since led a military offensive against Gaza, a Palestinian enclave, killing more than 21,000 people. That response has raised human rights concerns, with United Nations experts warning of a “grave risk of genocide”.

While Palestinians are an ethnic group — and not a re-

As the war in Gaza grinds on, Brazil is one of many countries facing increased fears about religious discrimination, particularly towards its Muslim community

ligious one — the University of São Paulo’s Professor Francirosy Barbosa found that the events of October 7 resulted in incidents of religious intolerance in Brazil, as Palestinian identity was conflated with Muslim identity.

She led November’s survey of 310 Muslim Brazilians.

Respondents, she explained, reported receiving insults that reflected tensions in the Gaza war.

“Many Muslim women told us they are now called

things like ‘Hamas daughter’ or ‘Hamas terrorist’,” she told Al Jazeera.

The survey, conducted online, also found that many of the respondents also had firsthand experience with religious intolerance.

“About 60 per cent of the respondents affirmed that they suffered some kind of offence, either on social media or in their daily lives at work, at home or in public spaces,” Barbosa said. (Excerpt from BBC News)

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MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 2024

27

Around the World

Israeli jets pound central Gaza as OILNEWS OIL NEWS Netanyahu indicates longer war Slow demand set to keep oil price near US$80/b in 2024, Reuters poll shows

I

nternational oil prices are likely to stay near US$80 a barrel in 2024, a Reuters poll showed on Friday, as analysts predicted weak global growth would cap demand, while geopolitical tensions could provide support.

The analysts questioned whether the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (OPEC+) would be able to sustain supply cuts to support the market.

The global benchmark Brent crude has averaged around US$82.17 a barrel so far this year and was poised for an over 9% yearly decline as a strong US dollar boosted by a high interest rate environment and subdued demand from top consumer China weighed.

A survey of 34 economists and analysts forecast Brent crude would average US$82.56 in 2024, down from November's US$84.43 consensus. Just one contributor expected prices to average above the US$90 mark next year.

US crude was seen averaging US$78.84 next year, from US$80.50 last month.

"From the demand side we do not expect much impetus in the months to come," said Thomas Wybierek, analyst at NORD Landbk.

"There is still a question mark behind the supply side.

There are a lot of doubts (on whether) the OPEC+ alliance will be capable to reduce supply as decided recently."

Last month, OPEC+ oil producers agreed to voluntary output cuts totalling about 2.2 million barrels per day for early next year led by Saudi Arabia rolling over its current voluntary cut to support the market.

OPEC+ is cutting some 6 million bpd from its output and its market share has fallen to 27%.

"While it is difficult to maintain cooperation with all the members of OPEC+ - at this time and price level - all members are supportive of higher oil prices," said John Paisie, president of Stratas Advisors.

Analysts polled also said geopolitical risks would keep oil prices volatile in the coming months.

"We think that there will be a greater concern about geopolitics in 2024 than in 2023 - and the associated risk premium will be substantially higher," Paisie added.

Military clashes between Israel and Hamas sparked worries that a wider conflict could hit supply from the Middle East, the world's biggest oil-supplying region. The latest attacks on ships in the Red Sea prompted fears of shipping disruption. (Reuters)

I

sraeli jets intensified attacks on central Gaza on Sunday, residents and medics said, as battles raged through the rubble of towns and refugee camps in a war Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said would take "many more months" to end.

Netanyahu's comments signal no let-up in a campaign that has killed many thousands and levelled much of Gaza, while his vow to restore Israeli control over the enclave's border with Egypt raises new questions over an eventual two-state solution.

The Israeli military will release some reservists who were called up to fight Hamas in Gaza, a move it said on Sunday would help the economy as the country prepares for a prolonged war.

Air strikes pounded alMaghazi and al-Bureij in the centre of Gaza, killing 10 people in one house and driving more to flee to Rafah on the border with Egypt from front lines where Israeli tanks are battling Hamas fighters.

A Red Crescent video published on Sunday showed rescuers working in the dark to carry an injured child from smoking rubble in central Gaza. Six people died in a strike on the village of Al-Mughraqa outside Gaza City, health officials said.

As 2023 drew to a close, Palestinians in Gaza prayed for a ceasefire but had little hope the new year would be better.

The stated goal of Israel's military is to eliminate Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that launched a surprise

Muna Al-Sawaf, a displaced Palestinian girl from Gaza City, holds her cat as she stands outside her family tent, amid the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel, in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, December 31, 2023

cross-border assault on Israeli towns on Oct 7, killing 1200 people, mostly civilians, and grabbing 240 hostages.

Israel's air and artillery bombardment has killed more than 21,800

people according to health authorities in Hamas-run Gaza, with many more feared dead in the rubble, and pushed nearly all of its 2.3 million people from their homes. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Russia pounds Kharkiv with missiles and drones, Ukraine says

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ussia pounded the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv with missiles and drones in the hours leading into New Year's Eve, Ukrainian officials said, hours after Moscow accused Kyiv of carrying out a deadly air assault just across the border on nearby Belgorod.

In the first wave of Russia's attacks, at least six missiles hit Kharkiv, regional governor Oleh Syniehubov said on Sunday, injuring at least 28 people and hitting residential buildings, hotels and medical facilities.

Earlier, Ukrainian officials said that two boys aged 14 and 16 and a security ad-

viser for a team of German journalists were among those injured in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city.

Closer to midnight, as part of a wider bombardment of Ukraine that also targeted Kyiv, several waves of Russian drones hit residential buildings in Kharkiv's centre, causing fires, the city's mayor said.

"On the eve of the New Year, the Russians want to intimidate our city, but we

are not scared - we are unbreakable and invincible!"

Mayor Ihor Terekhov said.

Images from Kharkiv showed badly damaged buildings, including a hotel with many windows blown out.

Ukraine's air force said the military had shot down 21 out of 49 drones launched overnight by Russia. Most were aimed at the front line and parts of the Kharkiv, Kherson, Mykolaiv and Zaporizhzhia regions, it

said.

In a separate attack, three people were killed when Russian forces shelled a village in the Kharkiv region near the front line, Syniehubov said.

The attacks came within hours after what Moscow called an "indiscriminate" Ukrainian air attack on the city of Belgorod, near Kharkiv and just north of Ukraine's border, that killed at least 22 people. (Excerpt from Reuters)

DR Congo election: President Felix Tshisekedi declared landslide winner

US Navy helicopters destroy P Houthi boats in Red Sea after attempted hijack

T

he US Navy has destroyed Houthi "small boats" whose crew attempted to board a container ship in the Red Sea. Four vessels from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen fired upon the Maersk Hangzhou and got within metres of the ship, the US military said.

Helicopters from nearby US warships responded to a distress call - and, after being fired upon, sank three boats "in self-defence".

The crews were killed and the fourth boat fled the area.

A Houthi spokesperson said the vessel had refused to respond to warning calls, and that 10 of its group members were dead or missing after the inci-

dent.

Houthi forces have been attacking ships in the Red Sea since November, launching more than 100 drone and missile attacks on vessels passing through the vital shipping lane.

The Iranian-backed Yemeni rebel group has previously claimed its attacks are directed at vessels linked to Israel, in response to the war in Gaza.

The commercial ship targeted, the Maersk Hangzhou, is registered to Singapore and operated and owned by a Danish firm, US Central Command (Centcom) said.

The four Houthi boats attacked at around 06:30 Yemeni time (03:30 GMT) with mounted weapons and

small arms, getting within 20m (66ft) of the container ship, which the crew "attempted to board". The ship’s crew issued a distress call and a security team returned fire, Centcom said.

Helicopters from the nearby USS Eisenhower aircraft carrier and USS Gravely destroyer responded to the call for help and were shot at while "in the process of issuing verbal calls to the small boats".

The helicopters "returned fire in self-defence, sinking three of the four small boats, and killing the crews", Centcom said. It added that the fourth boat "fled the area" and no damage had been recorded to US personnel or equipment.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

resident Félix Tshisekedi has been declared the winner of Democratic Republic of Congo's election, which has been condemned as a "sham" by several Opposition candidates demanding a rerun.

The President won about 73% of the vote, with his nearest challenger, Moise Katumbi, on 18%, officials said.

The December 20 election was marred by widespread logistical problems.

It had to be extended to a second day in some parts of the vast country.

About two-thirds of polling stations opened late, while 30% of voting machines did not work on the first day of the vote, according to an observer group.

Millions of people waited for hours before they were able to vote, while some gave up and went home.

The Opposition said the problems were part of a de-

President Félix Tshisekedi will be sworn in for a second term on January 20

liberate plan to allow the results to be rigged in favour of Tshisekedi, 60.

Several of the main challengers have called for protests after Sunday's announcement.

"We call on our people to take to the streets en masse after the proclamation of the electoral fraud," they said in a joint statement.

The army has been deployed in various parts of the capital, Kinshasa, to prevent any unrest, while

Tshisekedi's supporters have taken to the streets to celebrate.

The head of the election commission has previously said the Opposition candidates wanted a new election because "they know they lost... they are bad losers".

Election chief Denis Kadima acknowledged some irregularities but insisted that the results reflected the will of the Congolese people. (Excerpt from BBC News)

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guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Speak up, take action and follow the path that suits you. Play by the rules to avoid interference. Have your paperwork in order. Romance and commitment are in the stars.

(March 21-April 19) Find out what’s essential and head in that direction. If you have a plan, you’ll find it easier to reach your objective.

Don’t give in to those trying to take advantage of you.

PICKLES

(April 20-May 20) Take a long, hard look at your associates. It’s a new year and time to rethink your strategy. Make and carry out plans that allow you to fulfill your dreams.

(May 21-June 20)

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Change how you do things, and you’ll gain momentum and insight. Shake things up and see what’s left. Take control and avoid the pitfalls that will accompany following someone else’s orders.

Don’t feel obligated to spend money when collecting information is sufficient. Slow down, consider your options and don’t let yourself make a hasty decision. Romance is favored.

(July 23-Aug. 22) A lifestyle change will turn out better than anticipated. Look at your options and consider what gives you peace of mind. Don’t hesitate to update your skills.

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

Don’t sit on the sideline when you have something to contribute. Stand up for your beliefs, and change a situation that doesn’t meet your expectations.

Physical and personal gain are favored.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

Do what feels right. Change begins with you not following someone who wants you to believe they are better than you. Choose the moral path. Refuse to be taken of advantage.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22) An open mind and research will help you discover the truth. Don’t believe everything you hear or let others make decisions for you. Look for balance and study both sides of any controversy.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Change what isn’t useful for you anymore. Create an opportunity instead of waiting for it to find you. Consider what’s practical and what it will take to reach your goal.

LAST PUBLISHED WORD -- LANCET

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Do your own thing. Take the path that allows you to use your skills.

Surround yourself with people who support your decisions. Love and romance are favored.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Slow down, consider your options and trust your judgment. Use common sense, and dedicate your time to something that matters to you. Build Partnerships on solid ground.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 2024

29

“What do we have replay for?”

LeBron James fumes at late 3-pointer call after birthday loss L

eBron James fumed at the decision to rule his potential game-tying shot a two-pointer after the Los Angeles Lakers were beaten by the Minnesota Timberwolves on his 39th birthday, asking: "What do we have replay for?"

The NBA's all-time leading scorer had no cause to celebrate on Saturday despite finishing with 26 points and six assists as the Lakers slipped to 17-16 with a 108-106 road loss.

James thought he'd levelled things up when he sank a big shot with 3.3 seconds remaining, only for the league's replay centre to rule

LeBron James and Anthony Davis appeal the decision

it a two-pointer rather than a three.

The four-time Most

Valuable Player (MVP) got another chance with 1.4 seconds on the clock after Anthony

Edwards only made one of two free throws at the other end, but he failed to get his shot off before the buzzer.

Speaking to reporters in the locker room after the Lakers' fifth defeat in eight games, Lebron's mind was drawn to his potential leveller.

"It's obviously a three," James said. "My foot is behind the line.

"You can see the space between the front of my foot and the three-point line. You can clearly see white, the wood on the floor is the space between the front of my foot and the three-point line.

"What the hell have we got replay for? What do we have

replay for if even the replay gets it wrong?

"It's just like, who is a part of the replay centre? Have we got robots in there making Teslas? What's going on?"

Reflecting on his later missed opportunity, James added: "I kind of misread that.

"I've been in that situation before. I've just got to do a better job of knowing time. I could have caught it and shot right away."

After the game, crew chief Tony Brothers explained a lack of evidence left the replay team unable to overturn the two-point call, saying: "The play was ruled a two-point field goal on the floor during

live play.

"After video review, there wasn't clear and conclusive evidence to overturn it from a two to a three, and that's why it stood as a two-point field goal."

Lakers Coach Darvin Ham disagreed, saying: "The view I had, I thought it was a clearcut three. Our guys on the sideline replayed it. We thought it was a good three."

Anthony Davis saw his dominant 33-point, 17-rebound performance proved redundant as the Timberwolves improved to 24-7, with Edwards scoring 31 points for the Western Conference leaders. (Sportsmax)

“If I’m not enjoying it, it could Arsenal lose at Fulham be my last year” – Murray and miss chance to go top

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shoulder injury, illness, and a bruised knee made for a "tricky" pre-season for Andy Murray, who accepts it could prove to be the final one of his career.

By his own admission, the 36-year-old did not enjoy much of last season and won just two matches in his final five events of the year.

Murray's 20th season on the ATP Tour will begin on New Year's Day with a match against second seed Grigor Dimitrov at the Brisbane International.

"If I was in a situation like I was at the end of last year, then I probably wouldn't go again," Murray told BBC Sport.

"But then if physically I'm doing well and my results are good and I'm playing well, then that's enjoyable and I could see myself still playing.

"We'll see how the year goes, see how the body holds up. If things are going well, I'd love to keep going. But if they're not, and I'm not enjoying it, it could be the last year, yes."

Murray flew to Australia on Boxing Day, after a large family gathering on Christmas Day which included his brother Jamie and his mother Judy.

With four young children, it is no surprise the first wake-up call came at 3:30am, but it did not spoil his Christmas lunch, which mixed turkey with the leftover sushi the family had ordered on Christmas Eve. Since arriving in Brisbane, Murray has been able to play practice sets with some of the best players in the world, but was not able to play a tie-break with Rafael Nadal as their court time ran out at 6-6 on Saturday afternoon.

The Scot practised with Jack Draper before leaving the

A

Andy Murray is preparing to play at his 16th Australian Open

United Kingdom and says he also made the most of the presence of a number of top players during warm weather training in Dubai.

But as he tries to rediscover the form that took him close to a Wimbledon seeding in the summer, there were a few too many problems for his liking.

"I had the shoulder injury before Davis Cup [in November], so I wasn't able to serve for a few weeks, and then there's obviously a gradual build-up to being able to serve full out," he explained.

"And also I got quite sick literally just as I was leaving to go to Dubai, so that made things a bit tricky – and I had a bruised meniscus in my knee which also restricted me from doing certain things.

"I was able to still practise and do lots of training, but it's just there was certain stuff I wasn't able to do – like playing points and full-out sprinting and changes of direction.

"So it's not been that straightforward, but the last 10 days or so I've managed to get more of that in. There are signs in practice that my level is good enough."

Murray's frustration at the way he played in the closing months of 2023 boiled

over in Paris in October, as he smashed his racquet after failing to convert match points and a 5-2 third-set lead over Alex de Minaur for the second time in little more than a month.

"When you have played right at the highest level, it's not that easy when you are going through periods where you are losing in first rounds, and maybe losing matches that you probably should have won," he said.

"Part of that is psychological, but part of it is also where my game was at as well.

"I served particularly poorly in the latter part of the season and getting cheap points on my serve has been over my career a big part of my game. I'm hoping some of the improvements I made in the off-season will help me in those situations and obviously, mentally I need to do a better job as well.

"But then, at the same time, a couple of years ago if someone had offered me that I'd been playing at top-40 level in the world when I had been struggling with my hip, I would have been happy with that.

"But it is hard, mentally, so I need to do a better job of putting things in perspective this year and be a little bit easier on myself." (BBC Sport)

rsenal missed the chance to go top of the Premier League at New Year after a disappointing defeat at Fulham.

Bukayo Saka put the Gunners ahead inside five minutes, but Raul Jimenez equalised on his return from suspension, before Bobby Decordova-Reid scrambled home the winner on the hour.

The loss left Arsenal fourth and two points behind leaders Liverpool, who host Newcastle on New Year's Day (today).

Fulham are 13th after ending a run of three straight defeats.

Arsenal made the perfect start with a fifth-minute opener following a quick break from the back. Gabriel Martinelli's curling shot from the left was palmed out by former Gunners keeper Bernd Leno, allowing Saka to stick out a right leg and loop the ball into the net from six yards.

But Fulham reacted well and equalised in the 29th minute when Willian, another ex-Arsenal player in the home ranks, fed Captain Tom Cairney down the left and his dangerous low cross was swept in by Jimenez.

Marco Silva's men deservedly claimed the winner from a corner when Decordova-Reid stabbed a finish past David Raya following pinball in the box – condemning Arsenal to consecutive losses following the 2-0 home defeat to West Ham on Thursday.

Blunt Arsenal winless in three games This result and performance was the closing act of a dismal Christmas period for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal, which has seen them fail to win in three successive Premier

Bukayo Saka is now Arsenal's top scorer in the Premier League this season with six goals in 2023-24

League matches for the first time this season.

They have picked up just one point over the last eight days, and could find themselves five behind leaders Liverpool should the Reds beat Newcastle.

Given Arsenal were top at Christmas after taking a point at Anfield on December 23, it represents a worrying turnaround which boss Arteta will need to address quickly.

He did make changes here from the loss against West Ham, including starting Eddie Nketiah up front in place of the benched Gabriel Jesus.

But while Nketiah again showed plenty of endeavour, he struggled to make a meaningful impact in attack as Arsenal continue to lack a cutting edge compared to their title rivals – which will only heighten talk of Arteta needing to sign another striker in January.

Saka's goal made him the club's top scorer in the league with six.

Jimenez’s return fires up Fulham Starting this game just six points above the drop zone,

Fulham were very grateful to welcome back Jimenez, and also Willian from a hamstring injury.

Brazilian Willian – whose three-year contract at Arsenal was ended in 2021 after a difficult year – had missed the previous three league games, all of which Fulham lost without scoring. Jimenez was sent off for a high tackle in the 3-0 defeat at Newcastle, and both clearly add extra class to Fulham's attack.

The victory ensured the club did not suffer four consecutive league defeats without scoring for the first time since 1971, and showed where their strengths lie as they bid to climb the table.

Fulham are still seven points worse off than they were after 20 games last season – but with Jimenez back and firing, Silva's worries will be somewhat alleviated.

They could have won by a more comprehensive margin had Raya not made a flying save to deny Cairney in the second half, while Andreas Pereira struck the bar with a late freekick. (BBC Sport)

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BCB/Dr Amarnath Dukhi U15 tournament…

Pereira, Ramnarace, Sookhlall excel as RHT Farfan and Mendes bag 2 victories T

he Rose Hall Town (RHT) Farfan and Mendes Limited Under-15 team have started the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB)-Dr Amarnath Dukhi 2024 Under-15 tournament with two huge victories.

The team defeated Whim by eight wickets at the Chesney Ground on Thursday and then defeated Upper Corentyne by a massive 189 runs at the Skeldon Community Centre Ground.

The highlights of the first two rounds was a majestic 101 not out by Matthew Pereira against Upper Corentyne and the bowling of offspin duo Komalchan Ramnarace and Akash Sookhlall.

Playing at the Chesney Ground, Whim won the toss and elected to take first strike. They were bundled out for a meagre 51 in 17.2 overs. Arjune Dasrat topscored with 18 for Whim, who are making a return to youth cricket in Berbice after an absence of over 20 years. Offspinner Sookhlall took five wickets for 11 runs from seven impressive overs and received support from skipper Komalchan Ramnarace (three for four

for 40 for Upper Corentyne.

In reply, Upper Corentyne were bowled out for 71 from 20.3 overs.

Thakurdeen top-scored with 20 while Aryan Singh supported with 16. Bowling for RHT Farfan and Mendes, Ramnarace claimed 3 for 9 and Sookhlall 4 for 17.

Pacers McKenzie, Rampersaud and Dev Seepersaud took a wicket apiece.

The tournament is being sponsored by famed Guyanese medical doctor Amarnauth Dukhi and would be used to select the Berbice inter-county team.

Matthew Pereira

from four overs) and pacer Rafael McKenzie (two for 11 from five overs).

Needing to score 52 runs from their allotted 50 overs, RHT Farfan and Mendes raced to 54 for two in 12 overs with Balraj Narain and Munesh Rampersaud scoring 15 each. Ramnarace

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Akash Sookhlall

was unbeaten on eight while national Under-13 player Tameshwar Deonandan was on six when victory was achieved.

On Friday, the visiting team won the toss and elected to bat first against Upper Corentyne, who, last week, defeated a strong

Port Mourant team. RHT Farfan and Mendes were given a solid opening stand

by Munesh Rampersaud and Matthew Pereira. They added 62 in 13 overs before Rampersaud fell for 23. Pereira carried his bat throughout the innings to end on an unbeaten 101

from 124 balls as his team reached 260 for eight from their allotted 45 overs. The elegant Pereira struck eight delightful boundaries and a massive six. Ramnarace (30); Sohail Mohammed (28) and Akash Sookhlall (15) offered support in the middle order. Ganesh took 3

Guyana” King Williams “almost in tears” and“One Queen of the Sand… as Pistons snap losing run Semi-finalists shy of new outright record decided ahead of

D

etroit Pistons Coach Monty Williams was “almost in tears” after Saturday’s 129-127 win over the Toronto Raptors, which saw his team avoid setting a new record for most consecutive NBA losses.

Detroit matched the longest losing run in NBA history on Thursday, when they blew a 21-point lead against the Boston Celtics to equal the Philadelphia 76ers’ record of 28 straight losses covering the end of 2014-15 and the start of 2015-16.

The Pistons – who were on the worst single-season losing streak in league history – could have taken that unwanted record outright when they welcomed Toronto to Little Caesars Arena, but Cade Cunningham starred as they avoided doing so.

The third-year guard had 30 points and 12 assists as the Pistons clinched victory over their short-handed opponents by going 11 for 12 from the free throw line in the final minute.

Asked about the mood in the Detroit camp after the team’s first win since October 28, Williams said:

Wednesday’s game

T

he ‘One Guyana’ King and Queen of the Sand beach football competition continued at the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Linden compound on Saturday evening when four male teams secured victories in the quarterfinal round.

The Pistons broke their losing streak

“I’ve been a ton of locker rooms my whole life, and that’s a first for me, to have that.

“It wasn’t relief, it was like: ‘Thank God’. Guys were screaming. I was almost in tears. I’m just so happy for our guys. I’m happy for everybody.

“Sometimes it just takes a win like that to get things started. I just have so much respect for our team.”

Cunningham, who hit back-to-back three-pointers in a crucial fourth-quarter stretch to pull Detroit clear, added: “I feel amazing.

“We just kept battling.

It’s been a long stretch, all these losses, but I’m just

happy to be part of a group of guys who don’t quit.”

Pascal Siakam scored 35 points and Dennis Schroder added 28 for the 12-20 Raptors, who traded OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn to the New York Knicks earlier on Saturday and were unable to field new arrivals RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley.

They sit 12th in the Eastern Conference after losing five of their last six games, while the lastplace Pistons are at 3-29 ahead of a four-game road stretch starting against the Houston Rockets today.

(Sportsmax)

Prior to the men’s action, however, the ‘queens’ took to the sand, where Hururu FC pipped Rockstone on kicks from the penalty mark, after a deadlocked score at the end of regulation time.

Over in the ‘Kings’ competition, DC Ballers pulled off the first win of the night, edging Pro Ballers 1-0. DC’s Kendoulph Lewis was the marksman, finding the back of the net in the second half.

Next, another slim-margin result saw LA Ballers getting the better of Presidential.

Omar Burley pierced the nets in the eight minute for the

game-winning goal.

YMCA got past Gorillas comfortably, 2-0, in their encounter. Shaka Hail netted first for YMCA in the second minute, after which Jamal Bentick made it a 2-0 affair in the fifth minute.

The final game of the night was filled with thrills after a tied 2-2 score sent the contest between High Flyers and Platinum side into penalty kicks.

Malachi T o d d opened the scoring for High Flyers in the fifth minute, and the next goal was witnessed in the 24th, when Isaiah Adams equalised for Platinum side.

Devonten Tappin handed High Flyers the lead again in the 34th minute, but Adams would play the hero for Platinum side again in the 38th.

On kicks from the penalty mark, Platinum Side prevailed 2-0.

The Linden- based tournament is set to continue on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 with the semifinal round.

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Caption: Evin Lewis and Rashid Khan were teammates at St Kitts & Nevis Patriots last season

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MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 2024

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

31

GDF, Western hunt Elite League Cup glory today T

he customary New Year’s Day football will be a clash of two club giants at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary, Kingston, Georgetown, today in the Guyana Football Federation (GFF)/ KFC Elite League Cup final.

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Football Club and Western Tigers Football Club will meet in a rematch of the January 1, 2022 final; that tournament two years ago being the GFF/ Kashif and Shanghai Super 16 final.

As such, coupled with the fact that these two teams finished first and second in the sixth edition of the KFC Elite League this year and played to a nil-all draw in their only meeting in that tournament; one can expect a

thrilling final tonight, fit for football’s New Year traditions.

The Elite League Cup final was initially slated to be hosted on December 8, 2023, but given the tragic passing of five Guyana Defence Force Soldiers the day prior and ensuing search-and-rescue efforts, the Federation had taken the decision to postpone the contest.

Now, according to GFF Competitions Director Troy Peters, all systems are in place for today’s thirdplace play-off and final.

“Well, we’re ready. All four teams are fully prepared and ready for action on Monday. So, we have the Guyana Defence Force coming up against Western Tigers and those are the top teams from Elite League 5, so that is expected to be a

Flashback! Scenes from the Elite League Cup semi-finals

scorcher,” Peters declared with a smile.

“And as you know, Police and Buxton United, they’re also expected to

Sino-Truk Sprint Horse Racing New Year’s Day 2024…

Unbeaten Spankhurst aiming to pip Bossalina again

N

ewly-crowned Horse of the Year Spankhurst will have intentions to spoil his challengers’ New Year’s Day wish in today’s feature event of the SinoTruck Sprint Horse Racing at Rising Sun Turf Club, West Coast Berbice.

Spankhurst will aim to defend his title in the curtain event of the seven-race New Year’s Day card promoted by Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee (JJTRC).

This race will be the opening day of the new 2024 racing season.

Bossalina, who was beaten

by Spankhurst on Boxing Day at Port Mourant racetrack, gets two ‘bites’ of the cherry this time around.

A victory over Spankhurst could keep the tongues wagging, as many felt Bossalina should have been named Horse of the Year.

Their argument was based on her defeat of last year’s Guyana Cup winner Alado, who also defeated her last year. She holds a consistent record – having finished third in the Guyana Cup to Easy Time.

However, Spankhurst, who closed his season with an unbeaten two from two record, winning the 1200-metre Sprint Classic on Guyana Cup Day in August, then closing off the season in his next start. He was on Boxing Day stretched out over one mile.

Spankhurst scored under a determined gate-towire success to withstand the challenge of Bossalina.

Bossalina will be seeking revenge against Spankhurst

Little did his connection, Jumbo Jet Racing Stable realise that that success would lead to him being named Horse of the Year under new trainer Damain Dharamjit.

That success gave Spankhurst another first as he was written as top horse on the walls at the first-ever awards ceremony for horsemen and equine athletes last Friday night.

Spankhurst does not have an easy job in the curtain as horses bred in Trinidad and Tobago, Canada, and Brazil are seeking to dethrone him.

Time will tell whether the USA-bred Spankhurst will defend his unbeaten tag.

Meanwhile, John Bull, who defeated Easy Time in a match race, is now in the six-horse line-up.

The Slingerz Stableowned Brazilian runner loves to be on the pace and is expected to match strides with Spankhurst from the

beginning. If this does happen, then Bossalina would be the biggest threat to both horses. She has proven she is most effective sitting off the pace, and then launching her challenge.

The other three horses for the feature event of the Sino Truck Classic are newly imported Canadianbred Stolen Money, who finished third to Spankhurst and Bossalina.

The roan grey Stolen Money gets another chance to boost his image. His quick turnaround could be his undoing. Among the other runners are Looking at Heaven and Early Bird.

There will be six other competitive races on the day’s programme with Derby winner Firecracker returning after her defeat to Guyana-bred Rachel. Six horses are also declared to start.

Post time for the seven-race card is 12:00h local time.

give a good show in the third-place play-off.”

Speaking on preparations, Peters viewed tonight’s games as a warmup for what’s to come in the Elite League this year.

The Competitions Director explained, “What is more important, is that this is preparation for the Elite League season six that we hope to start as early as February month.

So, it’s early preparation.

We know that the teams would’ve had that setback because of the recent tragedy, but we notified the teams and they resumed training. So, we expect all the teams to be fully prepared.”

As such, he went on to divulge more on what to expect at tonight’s games, stating, “Well, as we have seen, even in the promotional play-off, the standard is extremely high.

So, we know what Western Tigers, what the Guyana Defence Force, could bring.

All the teams are fully fit, Police is always a run-

GFF Competitions Director Troy Peters

ning team; Buxton United, they can stop any team at any time. So, we expect the competition to be very high.”

Meanwhile, GFF President Wayne Forde also envisioned an exciting conclusion today.

"We are looking forward to a memorable conclusion to this exhilarating tournament, which has showcased some of the finest talents in Guyana,” Forde related.

The GFF boss further stated, ““Thank you to the sponsors, players, coaches and fans for their cooperation and understanding following the December postponement prompted by the tragic crash involving members of the finalist Guyana Defence Force.”

In the semi-final round, GDF came back from a 2-2 score at half time against the Guyana Police Force FC, to defeat their fellow servicemen 7-2. Western Tigers advanced from a

slim 1-0 advantage at halftime, to defeat Buxton United 6-0.

As such, the Guyana Defence Force maintained an undefeated streak with six wins, after accumulating a total of 15 points (from 5 wins) in Group A. Meanwhile, Western Tigers claimed the Group B pinnacle, amassing 12 points through four victories and a single loss. Other teams in Group A were Santos, Fruta Conquerors and Milerock, while Group B also featured Den Amstel, Victoria Kings, and Ann's Grove.

The top two teams will be vying for a grand prize of $1.5 million, with second place having to settle for $1 million. Third place will receive $500,000, while fourth place will pocket $250,000.

The third-place playoff will kick off at 18:00h, while the grand finale in the Elite League Cup is set for 20:00h.

Martin Ivan McDougall donates boots to athletes

M

artin Ivan McDougall has demonstrated his generosity again, reaching beyond his athletic prowess in Linden, a town renowned for producing talented athletes.

Excelling in football, basketball, and track and field, McDougall proudly represented both Linden and Georgetown. Having played football and track and field at the collegiate level in the USA, he generously donates high-quality footwear for the second consecutive year. After benefiting four girls previously, this week, seven boys will experience the joy of wearing these classy shoes.

Reflecting on his athletic journey, Martin recalls his best race – an 800m victory representing Bishops’ High School at North Georgetown inter-zones.

Facing the challenge of

Martin Ivan McDougall handing over the boots

running the 800m just 20 minutes after a demanding 400m race, he lost the latter but demonstrated resilience, strength, and for-

titude in the former. This experience inspires him whenever he encounters challenges in any aspect of his life.

MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 2024

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

Pg 31

hunt Elite League Cup glory today Pg 30

Sino-Truk Sprint Horse Racing New Year’s Day 2024…

BCB/Dr Amarnath Dukhi U15 tournament…

Pereira, Ramnarace, Unbeaten Sookhlall excel as RHT Spankhurst aiming to Farfan and Mendes pip Bossalina again bag 2 victories Pg 31

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