Guyana Times - Monday, January 22, 2024

CCJ’s President lauds Guyana’s Judiciary’s “comprehensive”, P2 “excellent” Strategic Plan Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 5619

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MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2024

Budget 2024

Govt creating bedrock for holistic transformation of Guyana – President Ali

WHAT'S INSIDE:

P15 931,450 passengers arrived in Guyana in 2023 …Guyana 93% closer to passenger movement goal

Page 3

Mother of 5 killed in BV accident

Page 10

2 weeks later

Region 9 vendor 3rd victim dies 1 week after accident in Ruimveldt smash-up dies …“She was all we had” – son GHDS epitome of driving positivity Kaneville man dumped in society, producing leaders who garbage on roadway – Pres Ali fined $7500 Page 11

Story and photos on pages 7,12&13

P14

P8

Dartmouth man slapped with rape charge

P11

…as organisation celebrates 50th anniversary

Guyanese man busted at JFK with cocaine in frozen shrimp Page 10

Over 1700 Police ranks trained in 2023 – y earend report P15

2 NEWS

MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CCJ President lauds Guyana's Judiciary’s “comprehensive, excellent” Strategic Plan T

he Guyana Judiciary has identified a number of tactics, through its recently unveiled seven-year Strategic Plan, that would allow it to maintain its position as a leader in the administration of impartial and fair justice.

Further, in regard to the current leadership of the Judiciary, Justice Adrian Saunders, President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Guyana's highest court, has voiced "every confidence" that the Strategic Plan would serve as a crucial manual for action.

“Moreover, I have looked at the document, and I have seen the care and thoroughness that have gone into its preparation. It is a comprehensive assessment of where the Judiciary is at this time, and where it wants to be in seven years, and the steps it will take to arrive at that destination,” Justice Saunders

CCJ President, Justice Adrian Saunders

remarked as he spoke at the launch of the document.

As a result, he praised Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards, Chancellor of the Judiciary, and everyone else who contributed to the creation of the "excellent" Strategic Plan.

Justice Saunders asserted that the most important

metric any Judiciary should be concerned about is the degree to which the public reposes trust and confidence in it. “But how do we measure public trust and confidence?

What tools and methods do we use to do so? Assuming we have the right tools and the right methodology, how do we go about raising public trust

and confidence?” the regional jurist queried.

He continued, “Without a proper Strategic Plan, these questions cannot be answered in a systematic way; and our

approach to answering them would be no different from that of a ship with no compass and rudder set in sail for a particular destination. That is fundamentally the difference a Strategic Plan makes.”

Justice Saunders therefore urged Judicial officers and court staff to ensure they embrace the Strategic Plan as their daily guide to action.

He told them they should each keep a copy of the document on their desk, and continually consult it to evaluate if any action they take aligns with the principles the plan promotes, or deviates from it, and how each job they undertake advances a specific issue or objective outlined in the plan.

At the same time, he said court leadership has the responsibility to adopt approach performance measures, standards, and monitoring mechanisms to assist Judicial officers and staff in meeting and carrying forward the goals of

the Strategic Plan.

He declared himself heartened to see the copious references made in the Strategic Plan to the International Framework for Court Excellence, and explained, “This Framework features universal core values, and seven areas of court excellence align with those values as well as concepts and tools by which courts worldwide can voluntarily assess and improve the quality of justice and court administration.”

He advised the Judiciary to adopt this uniform quality management system rather than having to “reinvent the wheel”, and added, “Let the framework assist you in realising your strategic goals.”

Pursuing Service Excellence through Investments in Human Resources, Management Systems, and Technology is the theme of the 2024–2031 Strategic Plan. (G1)

NEWS

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MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

BRIDGE The Demerara OPENINGS Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, January 22 – 02:30h-04:00h and Tuesday, January 23 – 03:30h-05:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, January 22 – 13:55h-15:25h and Tuesday, January 23 – 14:40h-16:10h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny conditions are expected throughout the day with light showers in the mid-morning hours. Clear to cloudy skies are expected at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 14:10h reaching a maximum height of 2.31 metres.

Low Tide: 07:40h and 20:21h reaching minimum heights of 1.07 metres and 0.88 metre.

Govt creating bedrock for holistic transformation of Guyana – President Ali

T

he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government is working towards a holistic transformation of Guyana, which will see greater prosperity and development for the country and its people.

President Dr Irfaan Ali made this remark during a live broadcast on his social media page on Sunday, as he continues to defend his Administration’s $1.146 trillion Budget 2024.

According to the Head of State, the commentators and critics of Government’s fiscal plan for this year fail to grasp what is required for the transformation of Guyana.

“When we speak about transformation, it’s a holistic area that we’re talking

component of transformation that Budget 2024 addresses in a holistic way, creating opportunities in every region, creating connectivity within the region, and reducing travel time while increasing competitiveness of industries. That is what infrastructure do:

Moreover, President Ali outlined that economic transformation comes from diversification of the economy and adding value. This, he explained, is where agro-processing, manufacturing, and industrial development become very critical and will cre-

about: physical infrastructure, human resource transformation, economic transformation, financial transformation, creating the bedrock for a new Guyana,” he noted.

The Guyanese leader noted that Budget 2024 contains all the tenets to effect the transformation that his Administration is working towards. On this note, he pointed to the absurd criticisms of the level of investments being made in infrastructure.

“It is very funny to listen to some of these guys criticise the investment in infrastructure and then, in the same breath, they’re speaking about improved services and improved conditions… Ensuring investment in infrastructure and physical assets is just one

lead to new wealth creation and open up opportunities for the future, the economy,” he posited.

Human resource development is another key component on the transformation matrix that the Guyanese leader highlighted. He said the increasing investments in the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarship programme, in training and development, in the US$120 million National Training Centre, the establishment of a School of Hospitality, building new nursing schools, creating the technology to enhance the country’s knowledge economy, and investing in research and development are all geared towards bolstering human resource transformation in Guyana.

ate higher paying jobs for Guyanese.

“We have to be able to invest in the economic transformation, in the financial transformation, the building out competitiveness, creating the opportunities for us to be competitive,” the Guyanese leader stated.

Further, he underscored efforts by his administration to create a robust financial sector, creating greater fiscal space for investments to build out the economy and create the framework for wealth creation and prosperity.

According to the Head of State, these have positioned Guyana to better withstand external shocks such as the increasing global cost of fuel. In fact, for the third year running, Government

President Dr Irfaan Ali

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COMMODITIES Indicators

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has maintained its removal of taxes and duties on the importation of fuel.

Despite all of these, however, President Ali noted, one transformation that Budget 2024 cannot effect is that of the mind of those who continue to think from a biased window in a self-serving way and spreading divisiveness.

“They try hard every single day to keep our country stuck in the mud. They try to process everything in their head from a race perspective (in order) to continue their ambition of dividing us. It will fail, because this is a Government that is pursuing rigorously and aggressively the unification of our people and the expansion of our economy to benefit all the people of our country… You have to change your mindset, thinking and priorities if you really care about Guyana,” he stated.

Nevertheless, the Head of State reiterated his Government’s unwavering commitment towards improving the lives of every single Guyanese.

“We’re about building a country for prosperity for all the people of our country… We don’t commit ourselves to things we don’t deliver; we deliver on everything we say we will deliver… Budget 2024 targets the empowerment of people, bolstering income for the vulnerable, creating more disposable income in the pockets of the people, building wealth at the household level, building wealth at the community level, building wealth at the regional level. These are the things that we’re investing in. These are the things that Budget 2024 targets,” he declared.

“So, on every single criterion, when you compare our performance, when you analyze the facts, when you look at the truth, you will see that Budget 2024 continues to speak to realities of our country. Budget 2024 continues to fulfil our commitment to the people of Guyana. Budget 2024 continues to fulfil our mandate to the people of Guyana.

Budget 2024 continues to deliver greater prosperity, development and advancement for our country and our people,” President Ali stated. (G8)

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MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 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

The Ram Mandir in India

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oday over one billion Hindus from across the world, including from Guyana, will be celebrating the consecration (Pratishta) of the “Rama Lala Mandir” at the spot where he was born millennia ago in the city of Ayodhya in modern Uttar Pradesh. The site had, since the mid-nineteenth century, been in dispute between Muslims - who worshipped at a Mosque that was constructed by the Emperor Babur over four hundred years ago – and Hindus, who produced archaeological evidence that the Mosque had been constructed over a pre-existing Ram Mandir.

Matters had come to a boil after Hindu activists demolished the Mosque in 1992, but saner heads prevailed when the issue was taken to the Indian Supreme Court. In 2019, in an exceptional unanimous decision that included one Muslim jurist, the Court awarded the contested 2.6 acres to the Hindus, and a nearby 5 acres to the Muslim community to construct a Mosque. What was noteworthy was the issues were decided along legal, and not religious, principles, which can become bogged down in doctrinal assertions, rather than facts.

Eighty-five percent of the Hindus who arrived in Guyana as indentured labourers originated from North India, where Sri Rama is regarded as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the sustaining aspect of the Divine Godhead. His story was captured contemporaneously with his life on earth in the millennia-old Sanskrit text Ramanyana, where he is depicted as “Maryada Purushutta”, or the perfect man on whom Hindus should model their actions. In the sixteenth century, the text was reinterpreted by Tulsidas, who emphasized his divinity in a more accessible northIndian dialect in the “Ramcharitmanas”, or “The exploits of Sri Rama”. It was this text that was memorised in parts by the North Indian Girmitiyas in all of the eighteen countries to which they were sent during the 19th century, and became the foundation of their moral and ethical value. For instance, one of the favourite sayings attributed to Sri Ram and repeated by the Girmitiyas was, “It is better to lay down one’s life to keep one’s word than to let it fall.” This was the moral certitude that made them adhere to the labour agreement (“Girmit”) but also made then protest when the planters broke their word. Each region of India has its own version of the exploits of Sri Ram. The ancient festival of Divali became associated with Sri Ram because, after he defeated Ravana, who had abducted his wife Mother Sita, and returned to Ayodhya after fourteen years on Divali Evening, his subsequent rule over his kingdom lent its name to the perfect rulership of “Ram Rajya”. A study of ancient texts informs us that during Rama's rule, there was no room for pain, poverty, disease, grief, or discrimination. He provided immediate justice, and the poor were not marginalised. Truth and non-violence were the creed people followed, without coercion, and out of free moral responsibility and self-discipline. Ram's own behaviour carved that consciousness in the hearts of the subjects. In the struggle for independence from British rule, Gandhi wrote copiously on his understanding of Ram Rajya that he believed India should become. “Whether Rama of my imagination ever lived or not on this earth, the ancient ideal of Ramarajya is undoubtedly one of true democracy in which the meanest citizen could be sure of swift justice without an elaborate and costly procedure. Even the dog is described by the poet to have received justice under Ramarajya.”

On this auspicious day, most Hindus would at least visit their local Mandirs or the other Mandirs that are commemorating this special occasion. While the Sri Ram Mandir was being constructed, several Guyanese organizations would have, over the years, sent “shilas” or bricks that were incorporated into the foundation, or sent water from our rivers that would merge with that from India and the rest of the world to offer as oblations to Sri Ram. Today we wish our Hindu sisters and brothers all felicitations of “Jai Sri Ram!” on this most sacred occasion

The Lord Ram temple, which will be inaugurated today by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is lit up before its grand opening in Ayodhya, India (VOA photo)

Inexplicable mediocrity of Ram & McRae’s Budget 2024 analysis Dear Editor, The central focus of Ram and McRae’s budget criticism (not analysis) was the inadequacy of the cost-ofliving (COL) measures, according to Ram, although the analysis provided by the firm failed to demonstrate by way of quantifying the measures contained in the budget.

Contrary to Ram’s view, however, altogether, the COL measures would amount to nearly $300 billion annually, based on my calculations, including foregone revenues to the treasury. This conservatively estimated sum represents 26% of the 2024 National Budget, 110% of the sum to be withdrawn from the Natural Resources Fund (NRF) to partially finance budget 2024, and about 8% of (2023) GDP. Moreover, it equates to an annual subsidization of $1.5 million per household for household expenditure.

Yet Ram & McRae opposes the capital spend in the budget, failing to realize that the capital projects are necessary to build out the supply side (productive output of goods and services) capacity of the economy, so that self-sufficiency can be achieved in some areas (e.g. the food security agenda) and equilibrium can be brought to prices in the medium-to-long term.

The accounting firm’s budget focus review questioned whether the subsided inflation rate reported for 2023 of 2% is credible, which came down from 7.2% that was reported for the previous fiscal year (2022).

This contention was framed in the broad context of cost of living. Nonetheless, this is an uncomplicated error committed commonly on the part of many commentators and the political opposition; that is, to conflate inflation with cost of living. Although inflation and cost of living metrics are related, these are two different measurements. Cost of living measures price increases for an expanded basket of goods and services versus the consumer price index (CPI).

Turning to tax revenues, Ram & McRae’s budget review asserted that tax evasion by professionals has “gone wild”. This is not only bizarre, but inexplicably ignominious on the part of Ram and McRae. Be that as it may, I am not saying that tax evasion is not a reality, but for a professional accountant to draw such conclusion by merely looking at the downward trend in tax collections from the self-employed category is an ineptly flawed deduction.

Concomitantly, advocacy for tax reform was echoed by the auditing firm Ram & McRae. For ease of reference, self-employed taxes declined from a position of $6 billion in 2019 to $4.6 billion in 2023, reflecting a 25% decline for that period, or 6.25% on average annually for the period 2019-2023. In the absence of hard evidence to support the aforesaid assertion, there are a number of plausible explanations for the decline, which were evidently ignored in the analysis by Ram & McRae.

On the one hand, the decline in taxes collected from self-employed persons could mean that many sole-trader types of businesses (self-employed persons) have grown over the years, and therefore they have transitioned the legal form of their operation from sole trader to incorporating private limited companies. This is a reasonable presupposition, given that the taxes collected from companies more than doubled from its 2019 position of $54.3 billion in 2019 to $139.4 billion in 2023.

With that in mind, it is an established fact that, since 2020, the dynamism in the business environment, driven in part by the multinational companies operating in the oil and gas sector, necessitated transformation of many sole trader (unregulated) businesses to improve their operating standards, management, and accountability in order to be competitive and remain going concerns.

Another reason why sole trader businesses are transitioning to incorporated companies is because international companies are not comfortable entering into any type of business arrangement with sole traders, given the lack of accountability and often poor management, and standards that altogether characterize this type of business form.

On the other hand, regarding the issue of tax evasion, tax reforms do not, and would not, solve tax evasion problems. For the average person, there is tax evasion which is a crimi-

nal offence, and there is tax avoidance which is not necessarily a criminal offence.

In fact, accounting firms that offer tax advisories advise businesses of ways in which they can structure their operations to avoid incurrence of maximum tax liability; and I am sure Ram & McRae is involved in this type of advisory service.

Notwithstanding, I do believe that to minimize tax evasion there needs to be some form of reform. In this respect, the first reform that needs to be considered is the institutional reform of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Guyana (ICAG). It should be noted that pursuant to the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Guyana Act (1991), the ICAG is a self-regulatory body of the accounting and tax profession in Guyana.

Furthermore, it is the accounting firms, like Ram & McRae, that aid tax evasion by sole traders.

Towards this end, readers would recall that only recently I exposed this particular accounting firm for a major violation of the auditing standards, and it was also revealed that this same accounting/auditing firm is evidently aiding tax avoidance practices, inter alia, possible accounting fraud, by one of the largest financial institutions in Guyana.

Therefore, it is now time that the legal and regulatory environment within which accounting firms operate be reformed.

Sincerely, Joel Bhagwandin

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2024

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Focusing on negatives only is nothing but disingenuous Dear Editor, In 1956, President Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act, officially putting into action the construction of the Interstate Highway System of the United States. In 1957, work began on the first section in Kansas.

Eisenhower had previously experienced the German Autobahn system in 1944 during World War II, and it sparked his vision for a similar national highway system in the USA. Big projects have to be conceptualized and visualized by leaders for 20 years into the future and more.

Present-day leaders are not meant to be “yesterday’s” men/women. Vision must then be converted into actionable projects, with the primary mission being human development with a forward-thinking focus.

It is my task to focus on the issue of why the Corentyne River Bridge must be built, and to ask those who are having doubts to suspend those doubts and consider this project from all angles to fully understand why it is feasible.

What makes this project bankable?

1. Financial Viability The Corentyne River Bridge is a public good for both Suriname and Guyana.

Thus, any investor would require some support; and why not: it happens on any public bridge project globally.

In the mecca of capitalism (the United States) both the Mario Cuomo Bridge in New York and the Cape Cod Canal Bridge System could not

have been built without federal funding. The total cost of the Mario Cuomo Bridge project was US$4 billion, and the Federal Government injected US$1.4 billion while the State of New York injected US$2.6 billion. That is 65% of the required funding coming from the taxpayers; and why not? Who has benefited from this project directly? The taxpayers!

In the case of present-day Guyana, where we have an oil economy, is it not developmentally sound to ensure that this new source of funding is injected into transformational projects like the Corentyne River Bridge? Are we, as a people, not allowed to dream big and bridge gaps between peoples? This is perfectly normal behaviour of any Government in an economy that is growing above 6%.

Just reflect on India.

2. Technical feasibility This is an area I would not venture into, because I expect my Government would be hiring the best engineers to design a bridge that would withstand a traffic flow of over 185,000 vehicles per year in the first year, climbing up to over 560,000 after four years.

3. Economic and social feasibility The developing economic relationship between Guyana and Suriname is gravid with new opportunities for our peoples. This bridge will be the catalyst that can unleash the potential of the Guiana Shield as we all prepare for the post-oil era. What this Bridge will do is significantly reduce travel time, better connect nations, and facilitate econom-

ic development, especially in the border communities of Corriverton and Nikerie, by opening new trade relations.

Even essential services for a fee can be enhanced, like English schooling for Surinamese in Guyana, visits by Surinamese to the newly built hospitals in the Upper Corentyne, and even cross-border access to work for those who want to work. Right now, I am aware of Surinamese who are working in Berbice with contractors as plumbers because of the dire shortage of that skillset in Berbice.

The true fruits of this Bridge will be a bounty to be reaped by the 20-yearolds of Guyana when it is fully unleashed. May I humbly ask that those who have already made their contribution quite inexpertly measure their “spiritus negandi” as to the potential of this bridge? Sometimes we, as a people, must think of the next generation first. We may not enjoy the fruits, but so what? Think of the children of Guyana who are the true inheritors of the bounties of this nation.

Those who still have concerns should spend some time in these geographic areas to truly understand the socio-economic importance of this Bridge in these border communities. Seeing is believing, and you cannot learn about human development behind a keyboard; get out into the fields to understand the social-economic good that this bridge will create for thousands of human beings.

Every project has its positives and its negatives, but to focus on the negatives

'Same old, same old' at City Hall Dear Editor, It is a new year, but it seems to be the ‘same old same old’ at City Hall in Georgetown.

Why are property owners being subjected to having to trundle down to the Mayor’s Complex, and sit in the yard playing musical chairs for almost an hour next to a putrid latrine, before being allowed to pay their property rates? In an era when online payments are commonplace, it raises questions about the City's adoption of modern, user-friendly systems and technologies that could offer greater convenience.

The alarming issue of garbage dumping within the City Hall Compound reflects a lack of surveillance, and raises concerns about the overall cleanliness of our city. Implementing security cameras could serve as a deterrent and aid in identifying and penalizing those responsible for such actions, thus contributing to a cleaner environment for all residents.

While the National Budget has been read and is set for debate, the absence of information regarding the

City's Budget is disconcerting. Transparency in financial matters is crucial, and the public deserves insight into the City's fiscal plans; ideally well before October, as was the case last year.

In contrast to national law enforcement's commendable efforts to modernize with the procurement of helicopters, fast boats, and the building of a 12-storey new Brickdam Police Station all as part of modernizing and optimizing the operations of the Guyana Police Force, the state of the City Constabulary's Training Complex on Water Street is alarming, as it continues to lie in ruins, stripped of all fixtures and fittings, and seeming to have been pillaged by social rejects. Addressing the neglect and disrepair of this vital facility should be prioritized to enhance the effectiveness of our city's law enforcement.

Modern shopping malls and supermarkets are going up all around the country, while the City cannot even keep the clocks ticking at the markets, all of which are just a public health and

safety nightmare, with huge rats running around and wellknown pickpockets and other criminal elements fencing stolen goods ‘under the clock’ in full view of everyone in the vicinity.

Cemetery Road is being completely rebuilt, while the cemetery is competing with the Amazon for the accolade of best-known rainforest. The Stone Depot has no stones to repair the roads or bridges; the Day Care Centres continue to be shuttered, leaving working parents with the dilemma of what to do with their infants while they are at work.

Georgetown's potential for growth and prosperity is immense, and it is essential that efforts be concentrated on transforming it into a capital befitting the nation's economic boom. A unified commitment by both the administration and the City’s political directorate to addressing these issues will undoubtedly contribute to a more vibrant and thriving city for all.

Faithfully, Magagula Jackson

only is nothing but disingenuous. Any capable project manager would advise that when the technical, financial, and socio-economic considerations are fused, this Corentyne River Bridge makes absolute macro-economic and national development sense for both Guyana and Suriname, very much like the first section of the Interstate Highway System of the United States.

In 1975, when the first

data was collected on the Kansas Interstate Highway system, some 9,936 vehicles traversed that rural Interstate Highway System.

In 2018, some 2,021,905 vehicles traversed the same road system.

Who would have thought a road system hardly used in 1975 is now so fully populated that they are now thinking of expanding it?

I am sure there were negaholics in 1957 trying to

stall the vision of President Eisenhower. If he had buckled to their unjustified pressure, some two million drivers would have lost the opportunity to benefit from the rural I-70 System in 2023, costing them billions of dollars in lost time.

My humble suggestion to all is just to build the bridge, and quickly.

Regards, Sasenarine Singh

Win situation where millet is concerned Dear Editor, I am enthused that some 1,300 acres of millet are being cultivated in Guyana. We have the land mass, and we should push for things of this nature.

I see that millet “…is currently under cultivation at Tacama Mega Farm in the Berbice River, and according to Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, more lands will be cultivated, as the Ministry plans to further expand production in Regions Five, Nine, and 10.”

I can hardly wait.

Another noteworthy point is that millet is now the sixth most important cereal grain in the world. In the contemporary United States, millet is often used to feed pets, livestock, and birds, but it is growing in consumer popularity. This is because it is gluten-free and is a good source of protein, fibre, and micronutrients.

The reading reveals that millet is rich in niacin, which is important for healthy skin and organ function. It also has beta-carotene, especially the dark-coloured grains, which converts to vitamin A; which helps the body fight free radicals, and support the immune system. So, in terms of land, and nutritionally, millet must be pursued.

In fact, millet is a unique crop that can be grown even in adverse weather and soil conditions. In terms of inputs, it is quite assuring that “Guyanese authorities, recognising that India was a powerhouse in millet production, were looking to leverage expertise from the Asian nation to advance Guyana’s food security efforts.” As the dailies reported, “During a virtual address at the two-day Global Millet Conference in New Delhi, India, President Dr. Irfaan Ali highlighted that India is the largest millet producer globally, and is also assuming global leadership in advancing the objective of addressing one of the world’s most foremost challenges, which is food security.”

Last year was deemed by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) as the International Year of Millets (IYM). This was what India proposed, and it was agreed to. So, I repeat: “Millet production is really a big thing”; it is no surprise that millions of people depend on millet as a vital source of food; and it

is grown in many parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, and South America.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), millet is grown in over 100 nations throughout the world, with India, Nigeria, and Niger being the top three producers. Thus I agree with the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government that “…the production of millet has the potential to be a game-changer in ensuring greater food security across the world.”

As was explained to the public, Guyana has identified the production of millets as having great potential towards enhancing national and regional food security. As the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) implements Vision 25 by 2025 to reduce the food import bill by approximately US$1 billion by 2025, millet is an ideal solution to increase self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on imported cereal grains.

Let me sound a little caveat, though: in every good

thing, there are precautions to take note of, and millet has its ‘how to use’ guides.

Overall, it is best to consume millet in moderate amounts; three or four times a week is ideal. However, it is not recommended for people with hypothyroidism, people having thyroid disorders should avoid consuming millet because it leads to the enlargement of the thyroid.

Otherwise, millet is a great investment in Guyana.

Plus, one variety of the crop, ‘Pearl millet’, has been shown to be a suitable feed ingredient for poultry diets. Up to 50% pearl millet can be added to broiler diets without adversely affecting performance. Pearl millet is higher in methionine than corn, alleviating some of the need for synthetic methionine supplementation in organic poultry diets. And since Guyana is big on poultry, there should be no stopping where the millet drive is concerned.

Yours truly, HB Singh

MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2024 06:00 06:30 07:00 07:30 08:00 08:30 09:00 10:00 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:05 14:35 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00 00:00

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MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2024

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MULTIPLYING FRACTIONS AND MIXED NUMBERS To multiply a fraction and a whole number, you need to multiply the numerator by the whole number. Then place the product over the denominator.

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Ring your insistent summonses to men!

Stare with black mouth and white eyes from the wall!

Gather live words in your brown box and then Transmute them into waves electrical –

Exercises: Multiply

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You have heard all, heard all, the light, the serious:

WEAVING A FOOD WEB

All living things — plants and animals — need energy to live. Flowers need energy to grow and bloom. Birds need energy to move their wings for flight. People need energy for all kinds of things, from thinking to laughing to playing football to sleeping. All living things get their energy from food. Green plants use energy from the sun to make their food. Animals get their energy by eating plants or other animals. The sun is at the beginning of every food chain. Here’s a simple food chain:

Shop lists and invitations to the dance, Lovers' sweet nothings, parents’ words imperious Quarrels, brief triumphs over circumstance; Have heard death-messages from tear washed faces

A food web is more complex than a food chain. It is made of many interconnected food chains within a community. Here are three food chains that together make a wetland food web: sun > grass > grasshopper > blue jay > owl sun > grass > rabbit > hawk sun > clover > caterpillar > snake > hawk In this activity, you will be creating an active food web with a ball of yarn and plant and animal cards!

Supplies • Photocopies or drawings of plants and animals you want to include • Ball of yarn • Tape or safety pins to attach cards Let’s get started!

Starting with the sun, create many food chains by linking the plants and animals with the yarn and pins. Then interconnect the food chains into a web by answering these questions: • Who would this particular plant or animal give its energy to? (Who might eat it?)

• Who would this particular plant or animal get its energy from? (Whom could it eat?)

The ball of yarn represents energy from the sun. Pin a piece of yarn connecting the sun to a green plant. Keep going until the yarn reaches the animal at the top of that food chain (a carnivore — an animal that eats other animals). You’ve completed one food chain! Start a new chain, moving from the sun again and continue making food chains. (Adapted from startwithabook.org)

Have reproduced them all, each sigh, each snigger – Annihilator of slow time and spaces – Each voice’s modulations warmth or vigour Yours neither sense nor soul, mere stuff and yet This much your masters lack – you can forget.

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GHDS is epitome of driving positivity in society, producing leaders – Pres Ali …as organisation celebrates 50th anniversary

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President Dr Irfaan Ali speaking at the GHDS anniversary on Sunday

resident Dr Irfaan Ali has noted that, as an organization, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS) plays a pivotal role in producing well-rounded leaders and driving positivity within society.

When he made this remark on Sunday, at the mammoth celebration of the GHDS to commemorate its 50th anniversary, the Head of State noted that the existence of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha cannot be talked about without mentioning the role it played over the past 50 years in ensuring the country’s democracy remains intact and Guyana remains a place where peace and development are foundational pillars to work towards.

President Ali noted that the GHDS has shown that its existence is secure for decades to come, because of the investment it has made and continues to make in young people and children, producing some of the “finest” professionals in various fields.

He said building such leadership in an organisation is important in today’s society.

“We have to examine why do we have this quality of leadership that your organisation can give to our country. It is because of the organizational principles and values and what you stand for; that is why you can produce leaders of such calibre…

This organisation has produced innovators, thinkers and people who can develop ideas,” the Guyanese Leader said during the celebrations at the Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud Dharmic Sanskritik Kendra on Ganges Street in Prashad Nagar, Georgetown.

The President went on to credit the founder of the GHDS, the late Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud, for creating these foundational pillars of the organisation. He stressed that the service of the GHDS in supporting and driving positive thinking and a positive way of life cannot be understated or underestimated.

“Today we’re faced with many challenges in this

President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Dr Vindhya Persaud

world, and it is organisations like these that build the human character; that build the human spirit; that build the human asset to be an agent of positivity, so that we drive positive change, positive thinking, and positive way of life. And the world today lacks this. When you look at how many people are going through depression and how many persons are falling under the banner of mental health issues, it is because we have lost an important foundation of society, and that foundation is positivity,” the Head of State said.

President Ali has said he is looking forward to the dynamic and innovative thinking GHDS will continue to foster for positive societal development in the years to come, especially for the young generation.

“You guys have a beautiful future ahead of you, and you have perhaps heavier-rooted foundation because of you being part of this organisation,” the President said to the GHDS young membership.

Keep the legacy

Similar sentiments were shared by President of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, Dr Vindhya Persaud, who urged the membership to continue pushing the involvement of youths, whom she said would keep the legacy of the organisation alive and going for decades to come.

Dr Vindhya Persaud, daughter of Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud, took over leadership of the GHDS following her father’s death 10 years ago. She reflected on the journey of her father in establishing the GHDS, and the efforts by many over the years to keep the organisation going as one of the longstanding Hindu organisations in Guyana.

According to Dr Vindhya, her father was interested not only in starting the religious body, but also in the upliftment of everyone: children through the Naujawaan Movement and women in the organisation’s leadership. In

fact, the Executive of GHDS today is comprised of more than 50 per cent women.

Milestone

The GHDS President noted that achieving a 50th anniversary milestone is not easy.

She said there are challenges in carrying forward a largerthan-life legacy that is transforming the Hindu landscape in Guyana.

“Imagine what this country would have been without the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha. No Diwali Motorcade, no Holi Utsav, no Naya Zamana, no Bachon ka Satsang, no Rang Rasiya or Phagwah Mela and Bazaar, no Kala Utsav…,” she detailed.

“And it is not only the significant hosting of these events and festivals that are now solidly on the National Calendar, but it is the number of persons who have emerged from all of the training programmes here at the Dharmic Sanskritic Kendra, across the temples and mandirs, and from everyone one of these initiatives to carry forth the torch,” Dr Vindhya posited.

The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha was founded by Pandit Reepu Daman Persaud, along with Harry Ramdass, Dalin Chand Persaud, Mohanlall Sahadeo, Sukhdeo Ramsaroop, Rambaran and Sital on January 8, 1974 under Aadra Nakshatra (a star favourable to Bhagwan Shiva). “Action thy duty, Reward not thy concern”, the powerful guiding principle from the Bhagavad Gita, has defined the outstanding 50-year existence of the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha.

The attainment of this momentous milestone is a testament to Dharmic Sabha’s enduring commitment to, and consistency in preserving and promoting, Hindu culture, traditions, values and ideals. The Sabha emerged as a beacon of hope in the Hindu Community during difficult and uncertain times in the 1970s, and embarked on an

A section of the gathering at the GHDS celebration

outstanding path of fostering unity and promoting religious, cultural, social and educational development.

Over the five decades of its existence, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha has made significant contributions to Guyana, and has left an indelible mark on the nation’s history. The Sabha has consistently promoted the values of peace, democracy, harmony, respect and understanding among diverse religious and ethnic communities in Guyana through dialogue, cultural exchange, and community outreach initiatives.

Through its tireless efforts, the Dharmic Sabha has successfully initiated and or-

ganized numerous cultural events, religious festivals, and educational programmes that have enriched the lives of countless individuals, thereby building among all a greater understanding and appreciation for Hinduism and Indian culture.

Although its primary mission revolves around the education of Hindus in the values and concepts of Hinduism, the Dharmic Sabha has, over the years, expanded the ambit of its work to include areas of education, social issues, health and wellbeing, and community service. The Dharmic Rama Krishna Nursery, Primary and Secondary schools and the Pandit Reepu

Daman Persaud Dharmic Sanskritik Kendra are established centres of academic excellence and cultural learning; and Bal Nivas provides much needed shelter and support for vulnerable children.

In 2019, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha was recognized by the Government of India with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, the highest Award given by the Indian Government to an organization established by Overseas Indian Diaspora, for its outstanding achievement in the field of community service, and in recognition of its valuable contribution in promoting Indian culture. (G8)

8 NEWS Kaneville man who dumped garbage on roadway fined $7500 MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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eter Moore, the 51-year-old Kaneville resident who had dumped garbage on the Farm Access Road, East Bank Demerara last Monday, found himself on Wednesday before Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman in the Diamond/ Golden Grove Magistrates’ Courts to answer a charge for the offence of throwing materials in a public way.

After pleading guilty to the charge, laid under Section 153(1)(x) of

And they’re off…

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The materials that Moore was caught dumping along the roadway

Peter Moore

the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act, Moore was fined $7,500, in default of which he would have to spend one week in prison. Further, he was ordered to remove the garbage he had so disposed.

Moore was arrested last Monday after a citizen had made a Facebook post that had gone viral: “Mr Peter Moore, the stuff you dumped off this morning through Farm Access Road is still waiting on your return to pick them up back. Totally unacceptable. Somebody tag him for me plz.”

This publication understands that Moore had used a Canter vehicle to transport several materials which he then dumped along the Farm Access Road. (G1)

…for 2025!

he PNC and their motley camp followers launched their campaign for the 2025 elections on Saturday.

OK…your Eyewitness knows those elections are almost two years away; but from what he heard their leader Aubrey Norton scream, he was channelling his Founder Leader Burnham from a most critical juncture in our nation’s history. To leave no doubt as to his intentions, Norton gathered the faithful at Burnham Court at the Parade Ground opposite the Promenade Gardens!! This was the same place where Burnham had gathered his faithful on Feb 15, 1962 to harangue them with his coded message on violence!!

According to the CoI report into Black Friday, at the Parade Ground, Burnham “began by congratulating his listeners on the splendid performance of the morning, when there had been a wholesale breach of the (Riot Act) proclamation. (He) criticised the unsympathetic attitude of the Volunteer Force and of the Police. In his peroration, he declared that a Government could not be got rid of by merely saying “Resign” or “Down with Jagan”. “Those are useful and helpful slogans, but much more than slogans are required in the present circumstances. Comrades, first of all, let me say this, that the PNC sees the way clearly, step by step and phase by phase. All I can tell you is this, that it is no sense taking part in this explosion which has happened at this moment if you are going to peter out or turn back half way. You have to see it through…

“I believe that the PNC knows what we all want and knows how we will seek to achieve what we all want; but one thing I know you do not want, one thing I know the PNC will not countenance, and that is violence.

Comrades, violence we shall never start, because we are a peaceful people. If there is to be violence, let others start it, not the PNC; but Comrades, they shall not pass.” The next day, of course, Black Friday exploded!!

Half of the Business District was razed to the ground, and Guyana saw the most massive looting in its history.

The PNC faithful were so pumped up that grannies were photographed fetching away refrigerators on their heads!!

Well, this is how Aubrey Norton exhorted the faithful: “Don’t rule out (the PPP) going to violence to stay in power. When we finish beatin dem, we goin got to tek dem on. Look, every day they producing a security company; every day a security company; but they must remember merely having guns does not guarantee you victory. He who can handle the gun is in a better position.”

Old people did say: “A hint o Beneba mek Quashie tek notice”. …for world #1 It’s been a while in the making, but the race between the old king of the hill – the US – and the new challenger on the block – the Peoples Republic of China - is truly on!! On the size of their economies, the Chinese will pip the US within the decade. And from that platform can come military and diplomatic dominance. The US still outspends China militarily, but with the former’s economy turned into a Rust Belt - when they exported their factories to China - that’s unsustainable!!

After WWII, the US had parlayed its rebuilding of war-ravaged Europe and Japan to take over the pole position from Britain (no longer “Great”!!) The Bretton Woods IMF and World Bank sisters solidified its control over the global financial system - while the UN was the sop allowing the rest of the world to vent!! Well, China’s Belt and Road global infrastructure has topped Bretton Woods!! And with BRICS, is assiduously creating an alternative to the dollar!!

But the US ain’t rolling over!! …to WWIII As part of its rearguard strategy to remain #1, the US has decided to take out China’s erstwhile ally, Russia. So we hear the Nordic and Baltic States are preparing to stop the Ruskies – after the fall of Ukraine!!

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 22, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

10 NEWS Mother of 5 killed Guyanese man busted at JFK with cocaine in frozen shrimp in BV accident MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…“She was all we had” – son

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mother of five has been killed in an accident that occurred on the public road at Beterverwagting (BV), East Coast Demerara at about 02:00h on Sunday.

Dead is 53-year-old Denese Elizabeth Joicline Paul of Lot 1139 Bareroot, Bachelors Adventure, ECD. According to her son Reon Anderson, Paul had left her Bareroot home at about 19:00h on Saturday to spend time with friends; and at sometime after 02:00h on Sunday, the family received a call from the Beterverwagting Police Station notifying them of the accident. Upon rushing to the scene, Anderson said, they discovered the woman’s lifeless body on the road.

He claimed that Police told family members that the driver responsible for the accident was under the influence (DUI) and had fallen asleep behind the wheel, resulting in the vehicle colliding with a post and flipping multiple times.

Paul was in the front passenger seat, and she was not wearing a seat belt, thus she had been fa-

A Dead: Denese Elizabeth Joicline Paul

tally injured.

The grieving son said the driver had initially been arrested on charges relating to the accident, but he has since been released. The dead woman’s family members are now calling for justice.

“We feel real bad to know this happened and like it will just go down like that. We want justice,”

Anderson insisted.

Paul, known for her past venture – a cook shop – had been ‘a free spirit’ and had been well known in her community.

“Everyone is just crying; she was all we had. My father died in 2014, and now, no father, no mom… just like a blank page,” the distraught son has said.

(G8)

2 2 - y e a r - o l d Guyanese man has been nabbed at the JFK Airport in Queens, New York with 40 pounds of cocaine packed with jumbo frozen shrimp, the authorities have said.

Zacharie Scott was carrying two suitcases laden with shellfish and narcotics when agents did a random check of his bags on Friday, after he got off American Airlines Flight 2694 from Guyana, officials have said.

Officers of the United States Customs and Border Protection had selected Scott for secondary screening, officials said.

He told the agents that both suitcases belonged

The cocaine that was found in frozen shrimp at JFK

to him, and officers examined the bags and found loose clothing and multiple packages of frozen jumbo shrimp wrapped in sealed plastic. The packages, when cut open, revealed “brick-shaped objects” that contained cocaine, officials said.

Scott, a U.S. citizen who lives in Guyana, told the officers he brought the drugs into that country for a payment of between US$5,000 and US$6,000, officials say.

Scott faces up to 20 years in prison, if convicted. (NY Post)

NEWS

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MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

2 weeks later…

3rd victim in Ruimveldt smash-up dies A

third victim in the two-vehicle smashup that had claimed the lives of Sarah Wilson and her husband Rawle McKenzie on January 8 in front of the Ruimveldt Police Station in Georgetown has died.

Dead is 29-year-old Pream Seecharran, called “Romel”, of Belle Vue, West Bank Demerara. He had been driving Honda Vezel PAD 2018, owned by Ryan Seecharran of Belle Vue, West Bank Demerara, when the smash-up occurred at approximately 05:25h on January 8.

According to investigations, the motorcar was allegedly travelling at high speed when it collided with a pile of sand that caused it to flip multiple times and migrate onto the op-

Dead: Pream Seecharran, called “Romel”

posite carriageway of the Ruimveldt Public Road, where it subsequently collided with the front of

Dartmouth man slapped with rape charge

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labourer of Pitman Street in Dartmouth on the Essequibo Coast was on Friday placed on $300,000 bail after appearing before Suddie Magistrate Esther Sam to answer a charge of raping a woman.

Danford Thomas, called “Dennis”, 29, was not required to plead to the indictable charge, which accused him of committing the offence on November 28, 2023 at Dartmouth.

The charge was laid under Section 3 (3) of the Sexual Offences Act, Chapter 8:03, and the case

Rape accused Danford Thomas

has been adjourned February 2. (G1)

to

The accident that occurred in Ruimveldt, Georgetown

Rawle McKenzie’s northbound minibus, Toyota Hiace RZ minibus BHH 8451, resulting in all occupants sustaining injuries.

Both drivers, having sustained broken limbs, had been trapped in their vehicles and had had to be extricated by fire fighters.

Wilson, a 51-yearold resident of Samatta Point, Grove, East Bank Demerara, had been seated in the front of the minibus, and was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. Her husband died at the Georgetown Public Hospital hours later, while receiving treatment.

Three passengers of the minibus, including a five-year-old boy and a 31-year-old man who had

sustained minor foot injuries, were also examined at the scene and later transported to the GPHC, from where they were subsequently discharged.

Admitted to the GPHC Intensive Care Unit with head injuries, Seecharran had fought for his life, but has eventually succumbed.

(G9)

Dead: Sarah Wilson and her husband Rawle McKenzie

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MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 202

Scenes from the Guyana Hindu Dharmic

24 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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c Sabha’s 50th anniversary celebration

Photos compliments of Office of the President & GHDS

14 NEWS

MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Corriverton Market vendors seeking compensation for goods damaged in 2023 fire

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lmost two months after a fire had destroyed a section of the Corriverton Market in the Upper Corentyne area of Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), some affected vendors are still reeling from the impact of that disaster, and are begging for compensation since, according to them, they are struggling to get by.

On November 27, 2023, fire destroyed a section of the Corriverton Market, and the Guyana Fire Service later determined that an electric fan

Some of the stalls that are now unused

which was left switched on in one of the stalls had overheated and caused the fire, which

gutted sections of the facility.

Some affected vendors have not been able to return to

Region 9 vendor dies a week after accident A vegetable vendor has lost his life more than a week after he had been involved in a serious collision with a pick-up truck while riding his motorcycle in the Aranaputa Valley of the North Rupununi community in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

Reports are that that accident occurred on January 14, when the now-dead Randy Gilbert was en route to Annai to deliver fresh produce.

Eyewitnesses revealed that the collision occurred when Gilbert, who was in his 60s, attempted to overtake a truck in the Aranaputa Valley, but was blinded by red dust and rode into the

Dead: Randy Gilbert

path of an oncoming pickup.

The collision resulted in Gilbert, who had sustained severe injuries, being rushed to the Annai Health Centre in Lethem, where he was di-

agnosed as having sustained multiple injuries, notably a severely damaged right leg.

He had subsequently been transferred to a hospital in Boa Vista, Brazil, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Two persons had lost their lives on the Lethem trail more than two months ago, when the truck in which they were travelling slipped off a bridge and fell into a creek.

Those who perished were: 29-year-old Orlando King of North Rupununi, who had been driving the truck, and Orin Fraser of Tucville, Georgetown, who had been travelling therein. (G9)

A section of the market that was destroyed by fire

plying their trade in the market, while others have since opted to utilise the road shoulders to so do. Apart from those stalls that were destroyed by the fire, scores of stalls had been affected, and merchandise had been destroyed. The vendors are calling for compensation.

said anything to the vendors. In tears, she pointed out that she lost her grocery shop and three bonds, which she claimed were fully stocked.

“Me lose everything!

Leaving out the three bonds and the shop…I am hoping that I would get something back, because no one is com-

weeks later.

“When I opened my stall, all my clothes, cosmetics, and everything were soaking wet and damaged,” she detailed.

Rambarose added that she had to reinvest in her business. She, like other vendors in the market, has said she had had to endure a fly infes-

Bhasmatie Bishram had vended for 23 years at nine stalls she had occupied in the Corriverton Market.

“We want them to compensate us, so that we can get to start back our business,” the woman said, adding that she has suffered tremendous losses. “They said that we should go to the station, and I made

ing and telling us anything.

We want them to come and say what they are going to do,” she lamented.

Chromani Chandradatt, called ‘Buckin’, had also been selling in the market for over 30 years. She lost the shop she had been operating, she says, and she currently needs help.

“Half of the stand was

tation which has caused many consumers to shy away from that part of the market.

“Nobody wants to come at the back here to buy anything.

I would pack out my stand and then go till at the end and sit down, because the place smelling bad,” the woman, who has been vending in the market for the past 15 years, said.

Some vendors have said they suffered losses as a result of looting, and they are seeking compensation.

According to these vendors, they met with Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, who was in the region during the Christmas period sharing gifts to children, and they took the opportunity to raise their concerns with him. They say they were asked to submit estimates in relation to their losses, and they have since so done, and are now awaiting feedback.

Meanwhile, they said, efforts were only this week made to clean up the area since the fire had occurred last year.

During his 2024 National Budget presentation, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh had stated that, this year, $1.2 billion has been budgeted to complete five community markets and to rehabilitate the Corriverton, Kumaka, and Suddie markets. (G4)

Some of the concerned vendors

a report at the station and I said it was $2M, thinking that the rest of the goods that I carried home were still going to be goods. But after washing them, then I saw that the majority was damaged; so, it is over $2M,” Bishram explained.

Mahawattie Vishnu, who had been a vendor at the Corriverton Market for the past 38 years, said six weeks have passed and no one has

packed (with) grocery, and the back was packed with all the spices. Everything burnt to dust, I have nothing,” she lamented.

Yolanda Smart has said she had lost nothing to the actual fire, but two of her three stalls were looted. And Gaitree Rambarose who had occupied three stalls told this publication that at the time of the fire, she was out of the country. She returned two

NEWS

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MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

931,450 passengers arrived in Guyana in 2023 …Guyana 93% closer to passenger movement goal

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uyana’s passenger movement statistics paint a vibrant picture of a nation on the rise, with figures placing the country firmly on track to achieve President Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s bold prediction of one million passenger movements by 2025.

By the close of 2023, Guyana had recorded an impressive 931,450 international passenger movements across its four key

charge by recording 729,450 international passenger movements. This surge in activity at CJIA reflects the increased global interest in Guyana as a premier travel destination, fuelled by its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and burgeoning oil and gas industry.

The Eugene F. Correia International Airport, Lethem Border Crossing and Moleson Creek Crossing had also played significant roles

entry recorded in 2023 an increase in international passenger movements of 134,124, or 17 per cent compared to 2022.

“These figures are a testament to the immense progress Guyana has made in recent years under the leadership of His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and the PPP/C Government,” Public Works Minister Juan Edghill has said. “Our commitment to infrastructure development,

Over 1700 Police ranks trained in 2023 – year-end report

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ports of entry: the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), the Eugene F Correia International Airport (EFCIA), Lethem Border Crossing, and Moleson Creek Crossing. This represents 93 percent of the targeted goal set by President Ali, and demonstrates the momentum and dynamism within Guyana’s travel and tourism sector.

A release from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport said the CJIA had led the

in facilitating international passenger arrival and departure. EFCIA registered 78,035 international passenger movements, highlighting its growing importance as a regional service provider. Moleson Creek Crossing, with 97,408 passengers, and Lethem Border Crossing, with 26,557 passengers, served as vital links for travel between Guyana and neighbouring Suriname and Brazil respectively.

Overall, these ports of

improved air connectivity, and enhanced tourism promotion is paying off, attracting visitors from all corners of the globe.”

Government remains steadfast in its dedication to exceeding the one million passenger target by 2025.

Ongoing initiatives to expand airport capacity, diversify tourism offerings, and strengthen strategic partnerships with airlines are expected to fuel continued growth in the sector.

ore than 1,700 Police ranks have been trained both locally and internationally by the Guyana Police Force in 2023, demonstrating the emphasis placed on improving the Force’s capacity, a year-end report by the Home Affairs Ministry has stated.

An allocation of $169.9 million was expended by the Police Force in 2023 to facilitate training for its ranks and provide scholarships in various areas, a DPI Report has said.

Government allocated the funds to support the development and growth of the GPF, ensuring this security agency has the necessary skills and knowledge to serve the public effectively.

During 2023, 34 overseas courses were offered, exposing a total of 85 ranks to international best practices in law enforcement and policing; while 1,746 ranks completed 82 local courses offered by the Police Force.

Additionally, 25 ELT officers and Regional

Commanders completed the Train the Trainers Programme facilitated by the Justice Education Society of British Columbia (JES), and three senior officers attended the Police Academy in Idaho, USA, indicating a proactive approach to learning from established institutions in other countries. Also, four Police officers graduated with Legal Education Certificates from the Hugh Wooding Law School.

From 2020 to 2023, a total of 2,750 ranks participated in 100 courses to enhance their investigative skills and

increase prosecution rates in the country.

Meanwhile, 302 scholarships were awarded by the Police Force in varying areas, which included aviation, law, and general academic pursuits, while 17 memoranda of agreements have been signed with external learning institutions.

Another notable achievement involves the Police Academy, on August 24th, achieving international accreditation certifying that it meets global standards for law enforcement education and training.

16 NEWS Latin American, Guyana appoints new tourism marketing agency Caribbean Education for North America market Ministers to meet in Chile MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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T

A boat ride along the Georgetown seawall (GTA photo)

he Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) is continuing to target the international tourist market by appointing the market representation firm Emerging Destinations to promote Guyana in the North American travel markets, specifically in the United States and Canada.

According to a release from the GTA, Emerging Destinations will promote Guyana in North American travel markets specifically in the United States and Canada.

“The United States and Canada are Guyana’s core markets in North America, where travellers seek authentic nature, culture and adventure-based experiences.

The market representatives will work year-round to raise awareness and es-

tablish Guyana’s presence in these markets, increase demand, and strengthen the direct connections between international tour operators, travellers and the Guyanese travel trade,” the GTA has stated.

GTA Director Kamrul Baksh has noted that 2024 is a year of strategic partnerships for the GTA. He said: “As we embark on a new chapter in promoting Guyana as a premier travel destination, the partnership with Emerging Destinations marks a pivotal moment for us. Their expertise in the North American market aligns seamlessly with our vision, and together we look forward to strengthening our promotional efforts of the beauty that Guyana embodies. Together we will continue to develop

and promote Guyana as a must-visit destination for travellers seeking authenticity and adventure.”

The GTA has also noted that with the recent increase in airlift options to Guyana from international partners like British Airways, work is also ongoing to secure market representation in the European market shortly.

In the recent 2024 National Budget presentation, Senior Minister within the Office of the President, with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, noted that the Tourism sector is poised for a dramatic takeoff this year. He noted that increase in airlift and improvement connectivity, along with an addition of 1000 world-class rooms, would impact growth in this sector.

ducation ministers from Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) will meet in Chile on Thursday for a two-day conference that aims to advance in defining public policies focused on the reactivation, recovery, and transformation of education as accelerators of the educational goals of the 2030 Agenda.

The meeting is being convened by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Ministry of Education of Chile. It is co-organised with the CAF Bank, the World Bank, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The organisers said that the extraordinary meeting of Ministers of Education of Latin America and the Caribbean, “Ministerial of Education; Santiago 2024,” will bring together Ministers of Education from the region and will impact 33 countries with approximately 125 million students, who are supported by 6.9 million teachers.

“The ultimate goal of this meeting is to propose an agenda of concrete actions from a political and technical perspective to overcome the post-pandemic educational crisis,” they said, adding that the event will address and exchange experiences in pub-

lic policies to advance in reactivation, recovery, and transformation of education as accelerators of the Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4), and the financing of education as an enabling condition.

The meeting is part of the follow-up to the United Nations Summit on the Transformation of Education (TES), where efforts were established to overcome the educational crisis resulting from COVID-19 and reimagine the educational systems of the future.

Additionally, at the Summit, there was a renewal of the global commitment to education as a public good, through the mobilisation of action, ambition, and solidarity in search of solutions within the framework of existing commitments.

“This meeting of Ministers of Education, which has also invited finance authorities and experts, takes place in a context where, according to various international evidence, we are experiencing the worst educational crisis in the last 100 years.

“The impact of the pandemic has been particularly severe in Latin America and the Caribbean, one of the most unequal regions in the world, affecting more than 170 million students across the region, who have lost, on average, 1.5 years of schooling,” organisers said.

The organisers said that the data reveal that there are historical debts of the educational systems to ensure inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all students.

There are 4.3 million boys and girls of primary and lower secondary school age who remain out of school, which constitutes a core of exclusion that has not been remedied despite the efforts of the various countries in the region.

The director of the UNESCO Regional Office in Santiago, Claudia Uribe, said “efforts must be redoubled so that the recovery and transformation of education are at the centre of the political and social agenda.”

“This requires actionable and well-directed plans that are accompanied by sufficient resources. Nothing less than the future of a generation depends on it,” Uribe added.

At the same time, ECLAC’s Executive Secretary, José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, stressed the central role that education plays “to address the dual development trap in which Latin America and the Caribbean is caught, marked by high inequality and low economic growth.

Any successful sustainable development strategy requires investing in educational and vocational training systems that are both well-funded and effective”.

(CMC)

17 Non-Aligned Movement Summit IDB report outlines progress, Cooperation only path to protecting challenges in managing humanity from ongoing crises public debt in Caribbean – Commonwealth SG NEWS

MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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The Commonwealth Secretary General, Patricia Scotland, KC, speaking at the Non-Aligned Movement Summit, Kampala, Uganda (Commonwealth Secretariat photo)

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he Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, addressed leaders from 121 Non-Aligned Movement countries, calling for greater cooperation to protect all humanity from overlapping economic, environmental and security challenges.

She was speaking at the 19th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Non-Aligned Movement in Kampala, Uganda, on January 20.

Addressing leaders, foreign affairs ministers and strategic partners as an official observer, the SecretaryGeneral said: “Our world is tightly bound by a tangled knot of crises spanning global economic, environmental and security systems. These crises are serious, complex and increasingly entrenched. Overcoming them will require a level of international political and economic cooperation, which is unprecedented in this century.”

While acknowledging the immense pressure on the multilateral system, she remained optimistic, adding: “Together, we have the power to shift the balance of our fracturing world from mistrust and confrontation to dialogue and collaboration. Your perspectives are essential, and your action is imperative.”

A press release from the Media and Public Affairs Unit of the Commonwealth Secretariat stated that touching on the disproportionate impacts of the climate crisis on people, communities and economies across the Commonwealth, the Secretary-General recounted the recent devastation in Vanuatu – a member of both the Commonwealth and the Non-Aligned Movement.

She said: “The beautiful island nation of Vanuatu was devastated by category five Cyclone Lola last year, which hit seven months after the twin cyclones Judy and Kevin wiped out 50 per cent of the country’s GDP, with rebuilding efforts now estimated at 80 per cent of GDP.”

Expressing concern over the absence of adequate international support for climate-vulnerable developing countries, the Secretary-General stressed that the limitations of the global financial system are letting many countries down.

With no alternative, she added, many developing countries are forced to borrow loans for rebuilding on unfavourable terms, resulting in a “vicious cycle of unsustainable debt”.

Research reveals that many climate-vulnerable developing countries spend more on external debt payments than on projects to protect people from the impacts of climate change.

In response, SecretaryGeneral Patricia Scotland repeated her call for the reform of the global financial system, adding: “We need to rewire the entire system, with action rooted in the sharpest honesty about where we are, driven by evidence, and flowing through every sector: from finance, energy and trade to health, education, and digitalisation. In all of this, we must work and act together.”

Without meaningful reform, she warned of setbacks in the fulfilment of human rights, basic needs, and the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Secretary-General further pledged her commitment to the reform process, stating: “The Commonwealth will not rest until all countries, from the largest to the smallest, have an equal say in decisions affecting them.”

Secretary-General Scotland thanked the NonAligned Movement, which shares 44 of its 121 members with the Commonwealth, for its longstanding engagement with the Commonwealth.

She congratulated President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda on his chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement and promised the Commonwealth’s full support during his term.

The Secretary-General also thanked Azerbaijan, the outgoing chair of the NonAligned Movement, adding: “I pay tribute to His Excellency President Aliyev of Azerbaijan for his stewardship of the NonAligned Movement over the last four difficult years and commend his government for stepping forward to host the next United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Baku later this year.”

During the summit, the Secretary-General also met with leaders from Commonwealth countries to discuss shared interests and opportunities for further collaboration.

he public debt load in the Caribbean has fallen sharply, and is now near pre-pandemic levels, according to a new report by the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB), which urges governments to continue on the path of prudent debt management, given uncertain global risks.

This report reveals that the average debt/GDP ratio rose from 75 per cent in 2019 to 99 per cent in 2020, and is estimated to have fallen to 77 per cent at the end of 2023. The sharpest declines were observed in Guyana between 2020 and 2022, and in Jamaica between 2010 and 2019.

“Dealing with Debt in the Caribbean”, part of the Caribbean Economics Quarterly report series, explores the economic realities caused by the most recent pandemic, and the pathways towards “safe” levels of public debt for a sustained economic recovery. The publication analyzes public debt trajectories and policy perspectives, among others; it looks at debt management in The Bahamas, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Main findings of this edition of the Caribbean Economics Quarterly include: 1) several channels can influence public debt trajectories — interest rates, inflation, exchange rates, economic growth, prima-

ry balances, and stock-flow adjustments. All these elements have played a role in the evolution of public debt-to-GDP ratios in Caribbean countries over the last decade, but to varying degrees, depending on the specific country circumstances; 2) There are examples of large reductions in public debt-to-GDP ratios via a combination of institutional reforms and sustained primary fiscal surpluses (Jamaica), or more recent explosive economic growth (Guyana). Debt restructuring has also played an important role in reducing debt ratios in several countries.

3) Caribbean public debt is “weakly” sustainable. Governments have a direct influence over primary balances and borrowing, so public debt is referred to in the literature as “weakly” sustainable when primary balances move in tandem with public debt. In other words, governments engage in a fiscal response by raising revenues and/or decreasing expenditures whenever public debt increases, thus reversing the trend.

4) Institutional strengthening of Debt Management Offices can play an important role in reducing risks of debt distress for a given level of indebtedness.

5) The attainment of a prudent, or “safe,” level of public debt requires a strong medium-term fiscal framework, often supported by fiscal rules.

“Governments across the Caribbean are lowering their debt-to-GDP ratios and strengthening their fiscal and debt management institutions to sustain these efforts. Lowering the risk from excessive levels of public debt is a key condition for improving the prospects for future investment and economic growth,” General Manager of the IDB Caribbean Country Department, Anton Edmunds, has said.

IDB’s Caribbean Economic Quarterly recognises the importance of financial literacy as part of the development agenda, and of empowering individuals and organisations to be aware of current realities within the Caribbean region with viable guidelines for future decisions.

18

MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2024

guyanatimesgy.com

Regional

Tobago Chief Sec: No new Pope Francis calls for amendments to autonomy bills release of nuns, other hostages kidnapped in Haiti T

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ope Francis on Sunday called for the release of hostages, including six nuns, who were kidnapped on a bus in Haiti on Friday, and said he was praying for social harmony in the country.

Armed gunmen hijacked a bus in Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince with at least six nuns on board and drove off to an unknown destination taking all passengers hostage, Vatican News reported on Saturday, citing the Haitian Conference of Religious group.

"I have learned with sorrow of the kidnapping, in Haiti, of a group of people, including six religious sisters", Pope Francis said after his weekly Angelus prayer.

"In my heartfelt plea for their release, I pray for social concord in the country, and I invite everyone to bring an end to the vi-

Pope Francis waves at the crowd, who are gathered on St Peter's Square during the Angelus prayer, from his window at the Vatican, January 21, 2024 (Vatican Media/­Handout via Reuters)

olence, which is causing a great deal of suffering to that dear population," he added.

Violence has been escalating for months in Haiti as gangs jockey for power and seek to put pressure on interim Prime Minister Ariel Henry, ahead of the February 7 expiry of a po-

litical accord that consolidated his power.

The violence comes ahead of a court decision expected on January 26 on a Kenyan-led multinational force to address gang violence in the country, one of the poorest in the Western Hemisphere.

(Reuters)

obago House of Assembly (THA) Chief Secretary Farley Augustine says his administration has not come up with any new amendments to the Tobago “autonomy” bills that are currently before a parliamentary joint select committee.

At a news conference on January 16 in Scarborough, Innovative Democratic Alliance (IDA) political leader, Dr Denise Tsoiafatt Angus alluded to Augustine’s address at the funeral for former Chief Secretary Hochoy Charles in which, she claimed, he “casually mentioned” that he intended to send amended autonomy documents to Trinidad.

She accused him of failing to consult Tobagonians about the amendments.

“Is this dictatorship, stupidity or downright disrespect?” Tsoifatt Angus asked.

She also expressed her willingness to lead the fight in pushing the autonomy bills.

But speaking to reporters on Friday after a sod-turn-

THA Chief Secretary Farley Augustine (David Reid photo)

ing ceremony for the new Scarborough Secondary School at Bacolet Park, Augustine said his remarks at Charles’s funeral were taken out of context.

“I think people are completely misconstruing what I said. In fact, a member of the media reached out to ask me as a follow-up on what I spoke to at Mr Charles’s

funeral. I indicated at Mr Charles’s funeral that we were working on a document that highlighted the differences between what was actually sent down to Parliament by Tobagonians, by former Chief Secretary Orville London, and what is actually in the bill,” he said. (Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

incident that claimed the lives of four divers almost two years ago.

The report was laid by Energy Minister Stuart Young on Friday and has since been forwarded to Director of Public Prosecutions, Roger Gaspard following a recommendation that Paria be charged with corporate manslaughter. Legal experts told Guardian Media, however, that the charge of corporate manslaughter is against a company, not an individual, and the penalty

is a fine.

The CoE was launched following the deaths of divers Rishi Nagassar, Kazim Ali Jr, Fyzal Kurban, and Yusuf Henry in the incident on February 25, 2022.

Boodram was the only one who survived.

The five divers, all LMCS employees, were sucked into a 30-inch underwater pipeline while conducting maintenance works at Berth No 6 in the Pointe-a-Pierre harbour.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Jamaica: 1000 goats Survivor, families want Paria imported to boost local stock managers charged, jailed

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ver 1,000 goats have been imported into the island since April of last year under the National Small Ruminant Development Programme.

According to a news release on Sunday, Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Minister Floyd Green made the disclosure during the Hanover leg of the New FACE of Food engagement session at the Grand Palladium Resort in the parish on Thursday, January 18.

“The Government has only brought in 200, so it is farmers who have brought

in the other 800 and they are using that to build their herds,” he said.

Launched in 2021, the small ruminants programme is geared towards rapidly increasing the population of goats, in order to increase local production, productivity and the quality of small-ruminant meat and milk.

Farmers looking to bring in goats to boost their herd can do so duty free under the programme.

Minister Green is encouraging goat farmers to take advantage of the initiative and others through

the Ministry.

“If you are into small ruminant goat farming, we can come and help you with artificial insemination to help you get better breed stock,” he pointed out.

The Ministry’s New FACE of Food campaign is geared towards driving food security, agribusiness development, climate change technologies, and export expansion.

The Ministry has been embarking on island-wide engagement sessions to sensitise farmers and other stakeholders about the campaign. (Jamaica Observer)

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he lone survivor in the Paria diving tragedy Christopher Boodram and Vanessa Kussie, the wife of one of the divers who was killed, are calling for Paria Fuel Trading Company officials to face the full brunt of the law.

While Boodram called for them to be fired and charged, Kussie said they should be jailed for their actions.

They made their recommendations following the Commission of Enquiry (CoE) report into the Paria

CAL reports operational profit Former T&T Top Cop sues National

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aribbean Airlines moved from an operating loss of US$36 million, excluding debt service, in 2022 to a 2023 operating profit of US$24 million, minus debt service.

This was announced by Finance Minister Colm Imbert at the airline’s customer appreciation event on Thursday, at the Hyatt Regency.

Imbert said the information on the airline's financial performance was provided to him by the company’s executive and for this the airline must be applauded for the turnaround.

“For the benefit of those members of your staff who

may want a huge wage increase, that transition from loss to profit does not include the hundreds of millions of dollars of support that you get every year from the Government, for debt servicing. That's because one of the decisions the Government made is to take over CAL’s debt in those loan arrangements; while we did not take it over totally, we provided debt servicing. That is a continuing obligation of the Government,” Imbert disclosed.

The airline’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Garvin Medera gave the audience an update on improved travel connectivity. He said

in the coming months, pending regulatory approvals, CAL will be adding more new destinations.

“By increasing our presence in key markets such as Puerto Rico, Guadeloupe, Martinique and the British Virgin Islands, we will now serve the English, Dutch, Spanish, and French Caribbean territories. We aim to become the principal air carrier in the Region,” Medera revealed.

He also stated that the airline would be expanding its Jetpak courier service to other territories in the Region, namely Guyana, Barbados, and Jamaica. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Security Minister for defamation

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rinida and Tobago National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds is being sued by former Police Commissioner Gary Griffith for defamation.

The claim was filed on January 18 and served on the Minister on January 19. It complains about statements made by the Minister in an interview on State-run television station TTT. The interview on the Delving Deeper Episode 66 programme was posted on October 29, 2023, on the TTT Live online platform

on Facebook.

“In his interview, the defendant made several defamatory statements of and concerning the claimant Mr Gary Griffith and the performance of his functions as Commissioner of Police of Trinidad and Tobago. “Though the defendant avoided use of the claimant’s name as he published or caused to be published his defamatory words, the defendant referred to the claimant and the performance of his functions as Commissioner of Police through the use of

direct statements and innuendos.”

The claim said the words used and published would lead anyone acquainted with Griffith to believe he was the person referred to

by Hinds.

The Minister’s statements surrounded the policy for issuing firearm user’s licences (FULs) and the practice of past Commissioners while singling out someone he (Hinds) considered to be an “outrider commissioner”.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2024

19

Around The World

Netanyahu rejects Hamas OILNEWS OIL NEWS conditions for Israeli hostage deal E&P companies face tough year despite oil patch 'bumper crop'

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echnological improvements in the US oil industry have maintained production levels despite a decrease in drilling activity.

Lower crude oil prices have negatively impacted the valuations of US and Canadian exploration and production companies, leading to reduced earnings per share.

For future expansion in drilling and exploration, oil and gas companies require higher commodity prices, as indicated by surveys from the Kansas City Federal Reserve.

The US energy industry has defied past norms where declines in drilling and completion activity would quickly result in lower production. Technology has turned that paradigm on its head in recent years. Extended reach laterals, optimising well spacing, and increasing the Completion Intensity-frac stages per foot, upping sand and water concentrations per foot, have enabled this result. In the most recent Energy Information AgencyDrilling Productivity Report-DPR, the tally is in, once again we have a “bumper crop” in the US oil patch.

One effect of this bounty has been to boost crude inventories as much as 35 mm barrels from seasonal lows, at a time when refineries are doing annual maintenance, and questions about US and international economic growth are increasing. This has helped to put a drag on the pricing of the two key crude baskets, West Texas Intermediate (WTI), and Brent since November, of 2023, taking them down about US$10 per barrel, respectively.

As you might expect, 2023 was a brutal year for the valuations of US and Canadian upstream exploration and producing companies-E&Ps, with the stocks of many of 2022’s standout performers, dropping 20, 30, and even 40 per cent from their highs. Lower prices for WTI, particularly in Q-4 of last year have caused analysts to lower EPS and cash flow projections for these companies. Investors who quickly became used to enhanced shareholder returns in the form of spectacular dividends and stock buybacks, have deserted E&P stocks in droves.

Drilling activity has been on the decline since the end of 2022, as companies have shifted capital allocations to maintaining production at current levels, paying down debt, and funnelling cash to shareholders. Since peaking post-COVID at ~780 rigs in late 2022, by the middle of 2023, the US rig count had declined to ~621, where it essentially remains today. Rigs drilling for gas have dropped at a proportionately higher rate than rigs targeting oil.

As previously noted, thus far, the decline in shale activity hasn’t adversely impacted production, but obviously, this can’t go on forever if output is to be maintained. A point Vicki Hollub, CEO of Occidental Petroleum, noted in recent sideline remarks at Davos this week. Hollub was quoted as saying, “In the near term, the markets are not balanced; supply, demand is not balanced,” adding that: "2025 and beyond is when the world is going to be short of oil".

The good news for investors in E&P companies is there is some light at the end of this tunnel, and in a year or two hence, a price signal could be sent that tells the industry to begin expansion once again. When this occurs, revenues and cash flow will increase, sending share prices higher.

Potentially much higher. (Excerpted from Oilprice.com)

I

sraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday rejected conditions presented by Hamas to end the war and release hostages that would include Israel's complete withdrawal and leaving Hamas in power in Gaza.

As Israeli planes resumed bombing Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri told Reuters the Israeli leader's refusal to end the military offensive in Gaza "means there is no chance for the return of the (Israeli) captives".

"In exchange for the release of our hostages, Hamas demands the end of the war, the withdrawal of our forces from Gaza, the release of all the murderers and rapists," Netanyahu said in a statement. "And leaving Hamas intact."

"I reject outright the terms of surrender of the monsters of Hamas," Netanyahu said.

Under a deal brokered in late November by the United States, Qatar and Egypt, more than 100 of the estimated 240 hostages taken captive to Gaza during an attack by Hamas militants on October 7 were freed in exchange for the release of 240 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.

Since then, Netanyahu has faced mounting pressure to secure the release the 136 hostages who remain in captivity.

The Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum demanded in a statement that Netanyahu "clearly state that we will not abandon civilians, soldiers, and others kidnapped in the October debacle".

Families of hostages and supporters protest to call for the immediate release of hostages kidnapped during the deadly October 7 attack by Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, outside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence, in Jerusalem, January 21, 2024 (Reuters/Ronen Zvulun photo)

"We must advance the deal now," it said. "If the Prime Minister decides to sacrifice the hostages, he should show leadership and honestly share his position

with the Israeli public."

Relatives of the hostages at a protest outside Netanyahu's residence demanded action. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Ukraine shelling of Russian-controlled city of Donetsk kills 27, officials say

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wenty-seven persons were killed and 25 injured when Ukrainian forces shelled the Russian-controlled city of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, Denis Pushilin, the Russian-appointed Head of the Donetsk region, said on Sunday.

According to Alexei Kulemzin, the city's Russian-installed Mayor, Ukrainian forces bombarded a busy area where shops

and a market are located.

Pushilin said the city was shelled by Ukrainian artillery.

Reuters photographs and video taken at the scene showed crying people, some of whom said they had lost relatives, and bodies lying on blood-soaked snow near one of the city's markets.

Pushilin announced a day of mourning today in the Donetsk People's

Republic, the name given to the part of the region Russia says it has annexed.

In his nightly video address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy did not address the attack, but said that in a single day, Russia had shelled more than 100 cities, towns, and villages in nine regions in Ukraine, and that the attacks in Donetsk region had been "particularly severe".

Ukraine's forces in the Tavria, or southern zone, said in a Facebook post

that soldiers under its command were not responsible. "Donetsk is Ukraine!" it said. "Russia will have to answer for taking lives of Ukrainians."

Pushilin said 18 of the injured were hospitalised and seven being treated as outpatients.

In Moscow, the Russian Foreign Ministry called the attack "a barbaric act of terrorism" by Ukraine that was carried out "with the use of weapons supplied by the West". (Excerpt from Reuters)

Ron DeSantis ends 2024 campaign, endorses Ayodhya: Religious Trump over Haley spectacle to mark Modi's opening of Ram temple F lorida Governor Ron DeSantis ended his fading presidential campaign on Sunday and endorsed Donald Trump just two days before the pivotal New Hampshire primary, leaving former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley as Trump's last remaining long-shot challenger for the Republican nomination.

DeSantis' decision, less than a week after his deflating loss to Trump in Iowa despite an enormous investment in the state, caps a stunning fall from grace after he was widely seen as Republicans' most promising alternative to Trump ahead of the general election in November.

His departure sets up the one-on-one battle that Haley has coveted against Trump, the former President who has maintained an iron grip on the Republican electorate despite facing four criminal prosecutions. He has pleaded not guilty in all the cases.

But the majority of DeSantis' supporters appears more likely to switch allegiance to Trump rather than the more moderate Haley.

In New Hampshire, about twothirds of DeSantis backers cite Trump as their second choice, said Andrew Smith, director of the University of New Hampshire Survey Center.

In a video posted on X, DeSantis endorsed Trump while delivering a parting shot at Haley.

"He has my endorsement because we can't go back to the old Republican guard of yesteryear: a re-packaged form of warmed-over corporatism that Nikki Haley represents," he said.

Trump is holding a double-digit lead over Haley in New Hampshire, according to polls, and his campaign hopes a second consecutive win will make his eventual nomination all but inevitable. (Excerpt from Reuters)

A

grand temple to Hindu deity Lord Ram opens today on a site in India millions believe is his birthplace, in a religious spectacle led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi months before he seeks a rare third term in elections.

The construction of the temple is a 35-year-old, central promise of Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a contentious political issue that helped catapult the party to prominence and power.

Hindu groups are portraying the inauguration ceremony in the northern city of Ayodhya as the peak of Hindu awakening after centuries of subjugation by Muslim and colonial powers.

It is also being seen as

the virtual launch of the deeply religious strongman Modi’s re-election campaign for general elections due by May. The temple site was bitterly contested for decades with both Hindus and Muslims laying claim to it and was a flashpoint for violence after a Hindu mob in 1992 destroyed a 16th century mosque which stood there.

India's majority Hindus say the site is the birthplace of Lord Ram, and was holy to them long before Muslim Mughals razed a temple at the spot and built the Babri Masjid there in 1528.

In 2019, the Supreme Court handed over the land to Hindus and ordered allotment of a separate plot to Muslims. (Excerpt from Reuters)

20

MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2024

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Consider your options and choose what serves you best. Traveling and learning are favored and will lead to connections that can make your life easier. Don’t let anger get in your way.

(March 21-April 19) Handle money matters yourself.

Don’t count on someone to come through for you. The sooner you tackle your responsibilities, the easier it will be to get things done and reap the rewards.

PICKLES (April 20-May 20)

If you engage in emotional games, it will only make things worse. You must move forward alone to ensure you get the desired results. Partnerships will fall short of your expectations.

(May 21-June 20)

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Make your dream come true. Stop imagining how things can be; take steps to initiate a plan. Be bold, speak up and don’t back down when faced with opposition. A partnership will help you save money.

Stay within budget. Refuse to let anyone talk you into something you don’t need. Reach out to someone you can count on for support and advice. Put your energy where it will do the most good.

Do your part. Your contributions will lead to exciting connections and opportunities. Go with the flow and contribute what you can. Personal growth and physical improvements are favored.

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

Refuse to let your emotions take the reins. A disagreement won’t go well if you aren’t prepared to compromise.

Play fair and set boundaries to avoid being put in a weak position.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

Pay attention to where your money goes. Know when to say no to people trying to shame you into spending money that you can’t afford to lose. Seek expert help if you need it.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Stop worrying about what others think or say. Be true to yourself and focus on what brings you the most satisfaction. Get involved in activities or events that promote change or networking.

You can manipulate a conversation. Your wit and alacrity will keep you ahead of your opponents. A money issue will arise if you engage in a joint venture or buy into hype.

LAST PUBLISHED WORD -- DECOROUS

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Set priorities and don’t stop until you are satisfied with the results. Share your feelings and intentions to resolve matters quickly. Take a unique approach to your responsibilities.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

(Feb. 20-March 20)

If your emotions get in the way of reason, a misunderstanding will spin out of control. Proceed with an open mind to avoid criticism. Discipline and hard work will impress someone important.

MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2024

21

Iftikhar, Nawaz skittle New Zealand for 92 to hand Pakistan consolation win A

fter four crushing losses, Pakistan had something to smile about at the end of a tough tour as they defended 134 to take the final T20 International against New Zealand by 42 runs and keep the series scoreline to 4-1.

Pakistan Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi at the toss reckoned that on a used Christchurch surface, spin was likely to play a role. He was proved right as Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, and Usama Mir combined to pick six wickets to bundle New Zealand out for 92, their second-lowest total on home soil.

brightly, but the Pakistan spinners orchestrated a middle-overs collapse. Iftikhar led the way with 3 for 24, while Nawaz and Mir picked up frugal two-wicket hauls each as New Zealand were bowled out in 17.2 overs.

New Zealand struggle from the get-go Finn Allen started the chase brightly, smashing Afridi for a four around deep midwicket and then going one better against Nawaz in the same region. But, Rachin Ravindra, slotted into this game for Daryl Mitchell, failed

The Pakistan fielders celebrate the fall of Rachin Ravindra's wicket

ward at mid-on. The powerplay ended on 35 for 2.

Iftikhar Ahmed trapped Tim Seifert lbw

Batting first, Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman got 30s, but most of the Pakistan batters suffered on a two-paced track to reach 134 for 8 in their 20 overs. New Zealand started the chase

to get going as he sliced Nawaz to short third for 1.

Allen struck two more crisp fours off Afridi before falling to Zaman Khan, his miscued attempt taken well by debutant Haseebullah Khan diving for-

SCOREBOARD Pakistan (20 ovs maximum) Haseebullah Khan c Phillips b Southee 0 Mohammad Rizwan † c Ravindra b Henry 38 Babar Azam c Phillips b Sodhi 13 Fakhar Zaman c Ferguson b Southee 33 Mohammad Nawaz c Southee b Sodhi 1 Iftikhar Ahmed c Young b Ferguson 5 Sahibzada Farhan c Phillips b Ferguson 19 Shaheen Shah Afridi (c) c Ravindra b Henry 1 Abbas Afridi not out 15 Usama Mir not out 1 Extras (b 4, lb 4) 8 TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 6.70,100 Mins) 134/8 Did not bat: Zaman Khan Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Haseebullah Khan, 0.3 ov), 2-53 (Babar Azam, 9.5 ov), 3-88 (Fakhar Zaman, 12.6 ov), 4-91 (Mohammad Nawaz, 13.6 ov), 5-91 (Mohammad Rizwan, 14.1 ov), 6-104 (Iftikhar Ahmed, 16.3 ov), 7-114 (Shaheen Shah Afridi, 18.2 ov), 8-130 (Sahibzada Farhan, 19.3 ov) • BOWLING O-M-R-W Tim Southee 4-1-19-2 Matt Henry 4-0-30-2 Mitchell Santner 4-0-30-0 Lockie Ferguson 4-0-25-2 Ish Sodhi 4-0-22-2

New Zealand (T: 135 runs from 20 ovs) Finn Allen c Haseebullah Khan b Zaman Khan 22 Rachin Ravindra c Zaman Khan b Mohammad Nawaz 1 Tim Seifert † lbw b Iftikhar Ahmed 19 Will Young c Iftikhar Ahmed b Mohammad Nawaz 12 Mark Chapman run out (Zaman Khan/Iftikhar Ahmed) 1 Glenn Phillips c Abbas Afridi b Shaheen Shah Afridi 26 Mitchell Santner (c) c & b Usama Mir 4 Matt Henry c & b Iftikhar Ahmed 1 Ish Sodhi c Fakhar Zaman b Iftikhar Ahmed 1 Tim Southee not out 4 Lockie Ferguson b Shaheen Shah Afridi 0 Extras (lb 1) 1 TOTAL 17.2 Ov (RR: 5.30, 82 Mins) 92 Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Rachin Ravindra, 1.4 ov), 2-30 (Finn Allen, 4.6 ov), 3-53 (Will Young, 9.3 ov), 4-54 (Mark Chapman, 10.1 ov), 5-64 (Tim Seifert, 12.5 ov), 6-69 (Mitchell Santner, 13.4 ov), 7-70 (Matt Henry, 14.1 ov), 8-72 (Ish Sodhi, 14.5 ov), 9-92 (Glenn Phillips, 17.1 ov), 1092 (Lockie Ferguson, 17.2 ov) • BOWLING O-M-R-W Shaheen Shah Afridi 3.2-0-20-2 Mohammad Nawaz 4-0-18-2 Zaman Khan 1-0-4-1 Usama Mir 4-0-21-1 Abbas Afridi 1-0-4-0 Iftikhar Ahmed 4-0-24-3

Pakistan apply the spin choke Once it got clear that the surface was aiding spin, Afridi went on an all-out spin squeeze. With the required rate climbing, Will Young tried to break the shackles by looking to slog sweep Nawaz.

His attempt only reached as far as Iftikhar at deep backward square leg, who completed the catch on the second attempt.

The day went from bad to worse for Mark Chapman. He dropped Babar Azam twice in the first innings, and was run out for 1. This was before Iftikhar ended Tim Seifert's difficult innings of 19. He went for a reverse sweep to a straight ball, missed and was trapped right in front, with Pakistan's review confirming the ball would have smashed into the middle pole.

Mir then had Mitchell Santner caught and bowled while Iftikhar removed Matt Henry and Ish Sodhi in the same over as New Zealand collapsed from 53 for 2 to 72 for 8 in the space of 32 balls.

Glenn Phillips tried his best to take New Zealand closer, but with eight wickets down, it was a bridge too far even for the man in form.

Afridi finished off the game with two wickets in two balls as Pakistan won with 2.4 overs to spare.

A powerplay to forget for Pakistan Haseebullah Khan had a dream Pakistan Super League (PSL) debut season in 2023, where he walloped a 29-ball 50 against Karachi Kings. The same cannot be said about his T20I debut, which lasted all of three balls and ended with him advancing and getting a leading edge on an ungainly swipe

to point. Pakistan took 11 balls to get their innings rolling and got their first boundary in the fourth over, courtesy Rizwan, but Babar struggled big time. He could only manage 4 off 15 in the powerplay with Pakistan crawling to 29

for 1 after the six overs.

A brief revival and another middle-order collapse Sodhi put Babar out of his misery for a 24-ball 13 when he slogged a tossed-up wrong'un straight to Phillips

at deep midwicket.

With 53 for 2 after 10, Pakistan needed some impetus to get the innings flowing.

That was provided by Fakhar.

He laid into Lockie Ferguson, tonking him for two sixes before crashing Sodhi for a four and a six the next over.

Tim Southee returned and was taken for another six by Fakhar, but the bowler had the last laugh. The left-handed batter failed to pick a slower offcutter and could only mistime his heave to long-off to fall for a 16-ball 33.

Nawaz came and went before Henry sent Rizwan packing for a run-a-ball-38, his swing across the line only travelling as far as deep square leg. Iftikhar then clubbed Henry straight to mid-off as Pakistan lost 4 for 16 in 22 balls.

Abbas Afridi came in at number nine and hammered two sixes to take Pakistan past the 130-mark. For New Zealand, Southee, Henry, Ferguson and Sodhi managed two wickets apiece.

(ESPNcricinfo)

James, Shaw hat-tricks fire WSL leading pair to wins

L

auren James hit a hattrick as Chelsea defeated Manchester United 3-1 at Stamford Bridge to regain their three-point advantage at the top of the Women’s Super League (WSL).

Emma Hayes’ reigning champions, without the services of Australia striker Sam Kerr for the rest of the season owing to an anterior cruciate ligament injury, took the lead in the fifth minute when James fired one past England team-mate Mary Earps.

Nathalie Bjorn, making her first WSL start for Chelsea since signing from Everton this month, produced a lovely ball over the top for James to double the hosts’ advantage with a neat low finish in the 23rd minute.

Hayley Ladd pulled one back just before half-time to give Marc Skinner’s visitors hope, but – to the delight of the majority of the 20,473 crowd – James made the points safe in the 85th minute when she broke clear one on one with Earps and made no mistake.

Khadija Shaw also plundered a hat-trick as Manchester City came from behind to rout Liverpool 5-1, and maintain their pursuit of the leaders.

Taylor Hinds had given the visitors a 15th-minute

Khadija Shaw

lead at the Joie Stadium when she lobbed retreating keeper Khiara Keating, but Gemma Bonner’s own goal saw City restore parity within three minutes and it was then that Jamaica striker Shaw took over.

She fired the home side ahead 13 minutes before the break after being gifted possession by keeper Teagan Micah, and then headed home Chloe Kelly’s cross deep into first-half stoppage time before completing her treble – her third in four WSL games – with a cheeky back-heeled attempt 11 minutes after the restart.

Kelly added the icing to the cake with a 78th-minute penalty after Lauren Hemp had been brought down by Micah to send City back into second

place above Arsenal on goal difference and three points behind Chelsea.

At the other end of the table, Elisabeth Terland struck five minutes into stoppage time as Brighton edged out Bristol City in a five-goal thriller.

Terland had given the home side a first-half lead at the Broadfield Stadium, and after Abi Harrison had levelled, Katie Robinson restored it from Terland’s through-ball 12 minutes after the restart.

Carrie Jones looked to have snatched a point when she made it 2-2 with seven minutes remaining, but Norway international Terland had other ideas and claimed a victory which lifted her side from 10th place into eighth deep into added time. (Sportsmax)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2024

GTTA, GSA in support of 2024 Stabroek Eagles, Bounty Colts clinch play-off wins sport budget allocation A T he Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) and the Guyana Squash Association (GSA) are the latest associations to come out in support of sport’s $4.6 billion National Budget for 2024.

The budget allocation was announced by Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh on Monday last in the National Assembly.

GTTA President Godfrey Munroe shared, “As President of the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA), I wish to say that Budget 2024 is unprecedented and a step in the right direction for the sector. I, therefore, wish to applaud the Government, the Hon. Minister Mr Charles Ramson Jr, the Director of Sports Mr Steve Ninvalle, the Commissioners of the [National Sports Commission] NSC and their team for their vision, leadership and in taking on board the aspirations of national athletes, associations, Coaches, and administrators and the sector as a whole.

“While the nation and Government has priorities in the other sectors.

“Budget 2024 has again demonstrated the Government of Guyana’s commitment and plan to placing sport on a higher priority and trajectory, by progressively allocating more resources and in investing and building the key pillars necessary for advancing the prospects for our future sporting success as a nation.

“It’s a caring and direct response to the demands and engagement of actors in the sector, premised on an unprecedented and new approach of constant engagement with na-

GTTA President Godfrey Munroe

tional federations and associations by the Hon Minister, by you in your capacity as Director of Sports and the National Sports Commission geared at ensuring strategic direction and planning becomes part of the culture of operation, establishing and identifying areas of support and collaboration, the platform for the resolution of challenges, finding solutions and identifying areas for synergies among other areas of benefit; all become enshrined.”

On the other hand, the GSA articulated, “The Guyana Squash Association was thrilled to see the unprecedented $4.6 billion allocation to sports in the 2024 Budget.

The commitment to allocate the highest-ever funds reflects a profound understanding of the significance of sports in the health and socialisation of our youth, and the pivotal role it plays in fostering national pride and unity.

“The increased funding opens doors for talent development programmes, grassroots initiatives, and elite training

opportunities, ensuring that young athletes from all backgrounds have a fair chance to excel. In addition, the inclusion of duty-free access for sporting equipment will facilitate easier access to quality gear for athletes nationwide.

This progressive step will undoubtedly enhance training facilities for many of the sports in Guyana; hopefully allowing wider access to more potential athletes.

“In essence, the elevated sports budget brings in a new era of athletic excellence and national pride. It symbolises a commitment to the holistic development of our youth and sets the stage for a thriving sports culture that goes beyond individual successes, contributing significantly to the overall growth of sports in our country. The GSA looks forward to continuing to build on the strong relationships we have with the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sport and other governing sport associations to move squash and other sports forward into the international arenas.”

s the playoff round of the One Guyana Basketball League continued at the National Gymnasium on Saturday, Stabroek Eagles and Bounty Colts emerged victorious and went one win up in the playoff’s best-of-three series.

The Bounty Colts, with the inclusion of youngsters in their team, pulled off a dramatic triumph over McDoom/Prospect Kobras after taking a dominating lead in the first quarter, 19-9.

The Kobras controlled the second quarter of the game, scoring 15 points to increase their score to 24 while holding the Colts to 9 points for a total of 28.

In the third quarter, a battle broke out, with the Colts forcing a comeback by pouncing on the Kobras defence and scoring 18 points

FIFA President Gianni Infantino

crimination. Once and for all: No to racism! No to any form of discrimination!

“The events that took place in Udine and Sheffield on Saturday are totally abhorrent and completely unacceptable. The players affected

by Saturday’s events have my undivided support.

“We need ALL the relevant stakeholders to take action, starting with education in schools so that future generations understand that this is not part of football or society.”

Maignan said something had to change as racist abuse has been part of football for too long.

“This shouldn’t exist in the world of football, but unfortunately for many years this is a recurrence,” he told

Milan TV after confirming he heard fans making monkey noises.

“With all the cameras present and sanctions for these things, something must be done to change things.

“We all have to react, we must do something because you can’t play like this.”

Milan and city rivals Inter have both publicly supported Maignan, Serie A said it “condemns all forms of racism”, while France striker Kylian Mbappe said “enough is enough”.

“You are very far from being alone Mike Maignan.

We are all with you. Still the same problems and still NO solution. Enough is enough.

NO TO RACISM,” Mbappe posted on X. Former England and

The Colts clinched their victory in the fourth quarter, scoring 22 points for an overall score of 74 points, while the Kobras, who continued to battle, scored 19 points for an overall total of 51.

With their feisty play,

The Bounty Colts Team

for a total of 46 points, while the Kobras appeared to slow down offensively, scoring 8 points for a total of 32.

Infantino calls for automatic forfeit when fans commit racist abuse F

IFA President Gianni Infantino has called for the implementation of an automatic forfeit of games for teams whose fans commit racist abuse after the “totally abhorrent” incidents at Sheffield Wednesday and Udinese.

AC Milan’s players walked off the pitch after France international goalkeeper Mike Maignan reported hearing monkey noises coming from a section of the crowd at the Stadio Friuli.

Coventry’s Kasey Palmer said he received similar abuse at Hillsborough and their 2-1 win was stopped for several minutes while the match officials spoke to both managers.

Milan’s players eventually returned to secure a 3-2 victory in added time, but Infantino said there should be harsher punishments.

“As well as the threestep process (match stopped, match re-stopped, match abandoned), we have to implement an automatic forfeit for the team whose fans have committed racism and caused the match to be abandoned, as well as worldwide stadium bans and criminal charges for racists,” he said in a FIFA post on X. “FIFA and football shows full solidarity to victims of racism and any form of dis-

The Stabroek Eagles team

Arsenal striker Ian Wright applauded the “solidarity” in the Milan side and urged teams to “keep walking off” when they hear abuse and called for stronger sanctions.

He wrote on X: “We did ‘playing through it’ and nothing has changed. Points deductions needed, the fines are pointless.”

However, Coventry midfielder Palmer admitted he was sceptical things would change in the game, also writing on X: “Racism is a disgrace… it has no place in the world, let alone football.

“I’m black and proud and I am raising my three kids to be the exact same. I’ll be honest, it feels like things will never change, no matter how hard we try.

“Couple fans doing monkey chants don’t define a fan base – I appreciate all the love and support I’ve received.”

Coventry owner Doug King and Manager Mark Robins condemned the abuse and offered their full support to Palmer, while Sheffield Wednesday said they were “shocked and saddened” by the alleged incident and anyone found culpable will face “the strictest possible sanctions from both Sheffield Wednesday and the law”.

(Sportsmax)

the Stabroek Eagles continued their unbeaten streak as they annihilated the UG Trojans to go up with a win, scoring 25 points in the first quarter of the game. The

Eagles’ defence was pivotal, as they restricted the Trojans to 10 points.

The second quarter proved beneficial to Eagles, as they put t h e ball through the net consistently a n d scored 16 points while managing to calm the Trojans, who failed to put the ball through the net consistently and ended up scoring 11 points.

The third quarter was also dominated by the Eagles outfit, who made 17 points while the Trojans scored 10 points.

The Eagles went on to secure the win in the final quarter by scoring 14 points for a total of 72 at the end of the game, while the Trojans scored 13 points for a total of 52.

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23 Sam, Cole top national U12 rapid chess tournament A GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2024

fter seven rounds of play and hours of mental endurance, the Kitty Square Mall-sponsored National Under-12 Chess Championships came to an end with 10-year-olds Kataleya Sam and Jeremy Cole earning the titles of National Under-12 Girls Champion and National Under-12 Open Champion, respectively.

The annual competition, organised by the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF), was played at the School of the Nations on Saturday.

The competition attracted 41 participants, and it was the first time the national Under-12 contest had an open and girls section.

The junior chess players contested in seven rounds of games to earn the highest points, all in hopes of securing the top three spots.

Primary and secondary school students represented nine schools, both public and private: School of the Nations, Marian Academy, New Guyana School, Mae’s Schools, Covent Garden Primary, Cornelius Primary School, Apex Education, Valmiki Vidyalaya Primary, and the Georgetown International Academy.

In the National Under-12 Open division, 22 boys were vying for the top three spots.

After dominating six games, Cole, from Mae’s Schools, earned first place with six points. The secondand third-place finishers were decided by a tie-break and awarded to last year's National Under-12 champion, Aquilani Swaminadha and Julian Mohabir respectively, both students of the School of the Nations.

Trophies were awarded during the short prize-giving ceremony for the young winners.

A medal was presented to the Best Under-10 Open player, which went to Vir Narine of Marian Academy, who scored 4.5 points. In the Under-8 Open, the best player medal was awarded to seven-year-old Landon Mohabir of the School of the Nations, who scored 4 points.

Over on the girls’ side, reigning U12 Girls champion Sam of Mae’s Schools held on to her championship title for another year.

Sam played undefeated, winning all seven games against her female counterparts. The young player, who is yet to earn her ELO ratings, holds a conditional Women’s Candidate Master designation, which was bestowed upon her in last year's CAC Youth Chess Festival in Trinidad after placing third in the Under-10 category in that competition. Sam will have to gain an ELO rating of

2024 National U12 Girls Chess champion Kataleya Sam

2024 National U12 Open Chess champion Jeremy Cole

1800 before she can claim her chess title.

Second place went to Saura Ruplall of Marian Academy with 5.5 points.

Third was Chelsea Harrison, also of Marian Academy with 5 points.

All winners were awarded a trophy, with champions Cole and Sam each receiving a gift voucher worth $6000 provided by the sponsor, Kitty Square

is the first year the GCF was able to host a National Girls Under-12 competition due to the large number of girls in that age category.

Raghunauth gave thanks to the parents, who constantly support their children in chess.

All the winners will be entered automatically in the National Under-14 Chess Tournaments scheduled for Saturday, January 27, at Queen's College.

Registration must be done online at guy-

NSC/EBFA/Ralph Green U11 League…

Mall.

Supervising the tournaments were FIDE Arbiter John Lee, assisted by National Arbiters Odit Rodrigues and Kim Shing Chong, and senior players Ethan Lee, Oluwadare Oyeyipo, Keron Sandiford and Justino DaSilva.

On hand to express his sentiments was GCF President Anand Raghunauth.

He was heartened by the turnout of young chess players, especially the girls. It

anachess.gy or through a registration form.

Participants must be a member of the GCF. Persons interested in joining the GCF can visit the website and can also contact the Federation on guyanachess@gmail.com.

The Federation thanked the Kitty Square Mall for supporting junior chess in Guyana. Gratitude was also extended to the School of the Nations for providing the venue for the tournament.

Quarter-final stage set for Archery Guyana’s Olympic Saturday following final Solidarity Coaching Course wraps up group matches

O

T

he battle for supremacy and a place in the final of the National Sports Commission/East Bank Football Association/ Ralph Green Under-11 League is set for this Saturday at the Agricola Community Ground.

The competition was set to conclude last year, but owing to several unforeseen challenges, and the unavailability of a suitable venue, it was postponed on numerous occasions. Nonetheless, the young players have warmed to the challenge and with the group stage now out of the way, the business end of the competition will get cracking this weekend.

Booking their places as the top two teams from groups A, B, C, and D, are Santos, Friendship All Stars, Kick Start Academy, Pouderoyen, Vengy, Eagles, Fruta Conquerors, and Swan.

Kick Start Academy, Santos, Eagles, Vengy, Fruta Conquerors, and Swan have all played undefeated so far, but that will change on Saturday as only the winners will advance to the semi-finals.

Kick Start Academy of Den Amstel and Pouderoyen (green) locked in action on Saturday at the Agricola Ground

In the final round-robin matches, Vengy were 5-1 winners over Diamond United, thanks to a double off the boots of Kael Beckles, with a goal each from Santiago Gonzalez, Jimmy Carpio, and Samuel Mota.

Swan and Fruta Conquerors battled to an exciting 3-3 draw, Conquerors coming from two goals down to earn an equal share of the spoils.

Kevon Charles hammered in a brace for the Linden Soesdyke Highway-based Sawn with the other goal coming from Elcon James.

Conquerors responded in like manner with goals from Fabio Kowlessar, Dane Vancooten, and Kando George to keep their undefeated record intact.

Kick Start Academy kept their intent to go all the way with a clinical 4-0 win over fellow West Demerara FA side, Pouderoyen, which still booked a quarter-final place despite the loss.

Kick Start Academy got their goals from Isaiah Allicock, who scored a double, and Kaderee Trotman while an own goal from Pouderoyen added to their tally.

n Sunday, January 21, all 21 participants enthusiastically arrived at the National Resource Centre, Woolford Avenue to greet Coach Ludys Tejada and get set for an exciting morning, with the Archery Olympic Round on the agenda.

The Olympic Round was introduced to target archery so that it could become more watchable as a competitive sport, the main focus of this push is as it is being televised at the Olympics. The round was developed by the World Archery Federation and is used at the Olympic Games, the Archery World Cup, and in many lower-profile or local tournaments worldwide.

With this being an Olympic year with just under 200 days left until all eyes will be on Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, participants will have an experience as to what is involved with the tournament and coaching each other.

Sunday’s session followed up on the work they did on Friday with respect to anchoring and full-draw form and expansion. Coach

Image from the final day of Archery Guyana’s Olympic Solidarity Coaching Course

Tejada also explained para-archery, and participants were exposed to the various aides used in para-archery.

Participants had practical experience outdoors and worked on release and follow-through.

They were also exposed to shooting on a wobble board as part of balance training.

The Board of Directors extended thanks again to the Executive Committee of the Guyana Olympic Association, Olympic Solidarity; Allied Arts Unit, Education Ministry; Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry; Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle; National

Sports Commission; World Archery; Secretary General Sergio Font of World Archery Americas; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Ramesh Ghir and his protocol team; Alvin Wilson and his team at Bermudez Operations, Massy Distribution (Guy) Inc; Samuel Arjoon and his team at the Guyana Beverages Inc and the media.

Coach Ludys Tejada (centre) poses with Archery Guyana President Vidushi Persaud-McKinnon on her right and participants of the course

MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2024

Pg 23

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

rapid chess tournament

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