Guyana Times - Monday, January 9, 2023

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Monday, January 9 –04:15h-05:45h and Tuesday, January 10 – 04:15h-05:45h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, January 9 –06:00h-07:30h and Tuesday, January 10 – 06:30h-08:00h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Cloudy skies are expected during the day and evening, interrupted by light to heavy rain showers, with instances of thunder, in the midmorning to mid-afternoon hours. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.92 metres.

High Tide: 18:03h reaching a maximum height of 2.54 metres.

Low Tide: 11:37h reaching a minimum height of 0.80 metre.

Pres Ali discusses digital technology, infrastructure with Indian External Affairs Minister …arrives in Indore, India ahead of today’s

Diaspora Convention

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Sunday met with India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to have discussions on further strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.

The two officials spoke about cooperation in the areas of energy, infrastructure, and digital technology, according to a post on President Ali’s Facebook page.

President Ali was accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd; Minister within the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry, Anand Persaud; Director of Projects in the Office of the President, Marcia Nadir-Sharma, and other officials during the engagement.

India’s High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr KJ Srinivasa and other Indian officials also attended the meeting.

Minister Jaishankar also tweeted about the engagement, saying “An honour to call on Chief Guest of PBD [Pravasi Bharatiya Divas] Convention, President Mohamed Irfaan Ali of Guyana. Discussed our deep and abiding people-to-people ties. Exchanged views on strengthening our bilateral cooperation.”

President Ali and his delegation are in India for an Official Visit during which the Guyanese Head of State will be bestowed with the highest honour conferred on overseas Indians – the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award (PBSA).

On January 10, the Head of State will be conferred with the PBSA by Indian President Droupadi Murmu, as part of the upcoming Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Convention (Indian Diaspora Day) being held from January 8-10, 2023 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

President Ali, who is the Chief Guest at the upcoming PBD, will join 26 other persons of Indian origin/non-resident Indians who have been recognised by the Government of India for their outstanding achievements both in India and abroad for this year’s

awards.

A jury-cum-awards committee, with the VicePresident of India as the Chairman, the External Affairs Minister of India as the Vice Chair and other distinguished members from various walks of life considered the nominations for the PBSAs 2023 and unanimously selected the awardees. The awardees represent the excellence achieved by the Indian Diaspora in various fields.

High Commissioner Srinivasa had stated that the Guyanese Leader’s visit to India for the PBD 2023 and subsequent interactions with the top political hierarchy, including President Murmu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will provide the necessary impetus for further strengthening bilateral partnerships between India and Guyana.

With the receipt of

the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, President Ali will join former Guyanese Presidents Bharrat Jagdeo and Donald Ramotar who were also bestowed with this prestigious award in 2004 and 2015, respectively.

On Sunday morning, President Ali and his delegation arrived in the host city, Indore, to a warm welcome by Cabinet Ministers of the Indian Government, Members of Parliament, and local leaders.

On Sunday afternoon, the Guyanese Leader and his delegation were special invitees at a trade expo and cultural show held as part of the PBD convention.

President Ali visited several booths and interacted with patrons and exhibitors of the expo before attending the cultural show organised by the State Government of

Madhya Pradesh.

President of the Republic of Suriname, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, and High Commissioner Srinivasa were also at the event.

Meanwhile, during his visit to India, President Ali will also participate in the Pradesh Government Global Investors Summit and other engagements with officials of the Government of India and agencies/organisations of the Private Sector of India.

Other stakeholders from Guyana, including key Private Sector players, are also in India to participate in these engagements.

In his New Year’s message for 2023, High Commissioner Srinivasa had called upon Guyanese to work for the growth and success of Guyana and to play an active role in fulfilling “Guyana’s unique destiny”. (G8)

President Dr Irfaan Ali and India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar during a meeting on Sunday President Ali being welcomed

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Our democratic heritage

There are some in our Opposition who would ignore the long precedence that has been set in our democratic culture. John Locke (1632-1704) proposed that it was hardly credible à la his predecessor Hobbes) that people who did not trust each other in a state of nature would repose that trust voluntarily in an absolute ruler, even to guarantee social order. Locke accepted the Hobbes’ postulated “state of nature”, but held that “natural law” governed there and made all men free and equal – with the rights of “life, liberty and estate”.

To overcome the shortcoming that there would be, at a minimum, severe confusion since everyone can interpret the “law”, he proposed in his version of the social contract that men should first create an independent society and secondly, a Government. Sovereign power would remain ultimately with the people, who could remove their deputies or government if it did not protect their “life, liberty and property”. Societies and Governments existed to fulfil the rights of man and Governments have a duty to fulfil their side of the bargain.

By the next century – during which slavery in the colonies was abolished and “free” societies were established – the tenets of what was called the ideals of “Liberal Democracy” were established and dominated Britain’s political thought and consequently the model held out in the colonies. JS Mill (1806-1873) summarised the tenets of liberal democracy. He was in favour of “Representative Democracy” in which the people would govern through their representatives who would be “qualified” to make the decisions of state. The State, liberals assert, exists to safeguard the rights and liberties of individuals who are ultimately the best judge of their own interests. The State must be made as small as is possible in order to ensure the maximum freedom for each citizen. Liberals also focused on the necessity for Government to operate within a constitutional framework that accepted the rule of law. Much of what we call “Westminster” constitutionalism is derived from this phase of English history.

The contextual nature of the development of specific features of democracy can also be seen in the contributions of two Frenchmen. Baron de Montesquieu (1689-1755) extended Locke’s mild suggestion that the power of Government ought to be separate and proposed that this “separation of powers” was key to the preservation of liberty. Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) proposed that the State is supposed to facilitate the opportunities of citizens to enjoy their rights.

The American extension of the democratic idea arose from their concerns over “factions” seizing power and oppressing the others. Their solution was to utilise and extend the ideas of Montesquieu and divide power horizontally and vertically within a federalist structure that betrays the fact that substantively, many of the founding fathers were stirred by the Lockean prioritisation of “life, liberty and property”. Democracy’s reintroduction in Europe in tandem with the development of the nation-state and capitalism is not coincidental.

The economic middle class, newly formed by the spreading Industrial Revolution, was demanding greater political power to go with their burgeoning economic worth. The diminution of the powers of the monarch and the rise of the middle class was in each instance the pragmatic accommodation to a reality won through struggle. The struggle in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, based on the fight for equality, fuelled the growth and spread of democracy and has inextricably linked the two concepts. The slogan of the French Revolution of 1789 – life, liberty and fraternity has proven durable and has been a beacon for colonised people in the modern era. What we have seen in the survey above is while intuitively “the people” exercising political power shapes democracy, it is not a straightforward, uncomplicated idea that we can take for granted – it is an omnibus value-expression. As such, democracy can never be a static idea: the democratic institutions that we consider to be the standard have only been around for a hundred years or so and even in that time they have been considerably modified.

Mental health and suicide

By Wayne CampBell

The issue of mental health is one of those topics which are always relevant, regardless of the time of year. For some, Christmas is that time of year at which happiness is aplenty and nothing else matters. On the other hand, there are those who are depressed around the holidays. Many of us have experienced mood swings and think nothing of them.

Unfortunately, mental health care is expensive and without insurance, many are placed in dangerous situations regarding making that choice between putting food on the table or seeing a mental health provider. In fact, for most folks the choice is automatic, food is a primary need. Sadly, when we sacrifice our mental health, we live to regret that decision.

It makes no sense to judge or second guess someone who has taken his or her life. Mental health is not a destination in that once we arrive at that safe place, our mental state remains safe forever. Mental health wellness requires vigilance in safeguarding our sanity concerning situations and people who are toxic. In many instances, the toxicity is at the place of work. There are those who consciously or subconsciously try to break us; many of whom call themselves Christians.

Men and Mental Wellness

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines depression as a common mental disorder. Globally, it is estimated that five per cent of adults suffer from the disorder. It is characterised by persistent sadness and a lack of interest or pleasure in previously rewarding or enjoyable activities. It can also disturb sleep and appetite. Tiredness and poor

concentration are common. Depression is a leading cause of disability globally. Mental wellness is tough for everyone. While discussions around mental health seem to be expanding in reach and compassion, there is still some cultural and social stigma around depression, particularly among men. As men, many of us have been socialised in a culturally-gendered manner which calls on us to be tough and void of emotions. For many, we shun from sharing our emotions even with those whom we consider to be close to us.

Male bonding is usually frowned upon in many societies. As a result, many men suffer in silence. As men, we tend to look at the flawed blueprint regarding the construction of masculinity. Men oftentimes buy into this false notion of masculinity and manhood, which presupposes that we must always be happy regardless of the pain around. This toxic masculinity many times prevents men from seeking help whether it's for their mental wellness or general well-being.

A recent study done revealed that 53 per cent of men in Jamaica are depressed. According to the study, more than half (53 per cent) of men in Jamaica have been experiencing varying levels of depression during this so-called post-COVID-19 period, according to an islandwide study conducted by Northern Caribbean University (NCU) in October and November 2022. The levels of depression recorded were 41 per cent mild, eight per cent moderate, and four per cent severe, the university said in a release.

The study, titled Assessing Depression in Jamaican Males: PostCOVID-19, further revealed that nearly 10 per cent of the 1066 adult males surveyed attempted to take their own

life or had thoughts of doing so, or wished they were dead. Another 25 per cent felt their life was not worth living. The survey findings have a plus/ minus three per cent margin of error.

According to the NCU study, depression can be defined as a mood disorder which is associated with feelings of sadness and loss of interest, which negatively affects how one feels, thinks, and behaves. Depression results in a disruption of various aspects of daily living and may present itself in times of stress, crises, or conflicting events. If not treated promptly, it can affect one's functioning.

The WHO has indicated that depression affects approximately 3.8 per cent of the world's population (280 million people), noting that 75 per cent of people in lowand middle-income nations go untreated for this mental health disorder. Further analysis of the NCU research findings revealed that the desire to be dead was more pronounced among younger men (eight per cent of the 18-21 years old cohort along with eight per cent of men 22-25 years of age). Nearly six per cent of men, aged 2629 years, and five per cent of those aged 30+ expressed the sentiment. These findings reflect the view of the WHO that, "The pandemic has affected the mental health of young people and that they are disproportionally at risk of suicidal and self-harming behaviours."

Paul Bourne, interim director of Institutional Research at the Mandevillebased university, said the study "has brought a preview of the mental health challenges experienced by Jamaican males, and this speaks to a silent killer that is being nurtured in the minds of these individuals".

Stephen "tWitch" Boss Suicide should not be viewed through racial lens; instead, we should view death by suicide as a human issue which affects all races. The death by suicide of Stephen "tWitch" Boss has once again elevated the issue of mental wellness in the black community and specifically regarding men. Many of us know of Boss from his appearances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show where he was a co-host. tWitch was a man who wore many hats. He was a dancer who rose to fame thanks to Fox's So You Think You Can Dance and, earlier this year, became a permanent judge on the show.

He was born in Montgomery, Alabama, on September 29, 1982. He got his tWitch nickname as a child, from popping and ticking, when he couldn't sit still. In 2000, he graduated from Lee High School in Montgomery, Alabama. He went on to study dance performance at Southern Union State Community College in Wadley, Alabama, and Chapman University. In 2003, he was a semi-finalist on MTV's The Wade Robson Project (2003). He was also a runner-up on the television talent competition Star Search (2003). He choreographed for South Korean pop/R&B singer Se7en. In December 2009, he debuted on the comedy collective TheKommune.com, in several sketch-series videos. He taught dance classes and held workshops all over the world.

In his 40 years, Stephen Boss achieved a lot. He brought happiness to so many yet clearly he was struggling with his own issues. The tWitch we saw in the media was one who celebrated life and that happy persona made his passing even more disconcerting. (Excerpted from Jamaica Observer)

President Dr Irfaan Ali and his delegation to India visited several booths during their attendance at a trade expo and cultural show on Sunday in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India (Office of the President photo)

Mental health is not a destination, it is a process — Dr Noam Shpancer, PhD

Child in Bartica accident remains unconscious, on ventilator

Seven-year-old Wesley Hopkinson, who hails from Potaro Road, Bartica, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) remains unconscious and is on a ventilator after he was involved in an accident on Thursday afternoon.

The lad, who is a thirdgrade pupil of the Potaro Primary School, had just gotten out of his school bus just around 14:00h

on Thursday and was attempting to cross the road when he was struck by a car that was driven by a 35-year-old female, who was at the time allegedly speeding.

The injured child was picked up by public-spirited citizens and rushed to the Bartica Regional Hospital, where he was

treated, but given his critical state, he was airdashed to Georgetown by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Air Corps.

A statement from the GDF stated that doctors at the hospital had made a request through the Regional Health System for the child to be medevacked, after which, the GDF was

contacted and the requisite approval was granted to transport the lad.

After the accident, the driver was taken into custody and Police said she was assisting with their investigations.

Three days after the incident, a family member told Guyana Times that the child suffered severe head

injuries. The relative said according to what the lad’s mother, Cinella Hopkinson told them, she was at home when she heard a loud sound not too far away.

The woman, according to the relative, went to investigate and on her way to the public road, she was told that her son had been struck down by a motor

car.

Upon arriving at the scene, the woman found her seven-year-old son on the road unconscious.

Family members said they were hoping that the lad would battle through and recover soon, and that the driver of the car would face the full brunt of the law. (G9)

MOM builds house for pensioner in 46 hours

throughout Guyana. This is the first project for Men On Mission Region Five chapter and they have some savings from this project and they are in the process of identifying another project,” the PM told the small gathering which had come to wit-

ness the handing over of the house.

The Prime Minister said he was honoured and happy to be handing over the new building to the pensioner.

Two of Ramroop’s grandchildren live with her. (G4)

Acting

Sunday handed over a new house to a West Berbice pensioner as part of the activities by Men On Mission (MOM) West Berbice, Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) chapter.

The 71-year-old Lowawatty Ramroop had been experiencing difficulties acquiring funding to repair the home, which was in a dilapidated state.

According to the pensioner, the boards were being replaced with nylon bags as they fell out. Windows could not open and both the sun and rain freely reigned through the huge spaces in the roof.

The one-bedroom house was rebuilt in 46 hours after the dilapidated structure was pulled down last Monday.

Project coordinator Fizal Jaffarally explained that he

reached out to the Private Sector, who readily gave assistance.

Both contractors from Region Five and Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) pooled resources, including labour, to have the building demolished and replaced in 46 hours.

The Guyana Power and Light (GPL), along with

Guyana Water Inc (GWI), also played its part in ensuring a fresh start for “Aunty Vivian” as Ramroop is called.

One of the donors, Keen Reid representing his colleagues pointed out that it was a privilege to be able to serve.

“When the Men On Mission programme was

launched, we were called on to be supportive of each other, to help to develop community projects along with mental health issues and a few other things. Because of this as soon as Mr Jaffarally called to support this project and he told us about Aunt Viv’s plight at that moment, we jumped on the opportunity and immediately came to make contributions to ensure that this project is a success.”

This is the second such project to be undertaken by MOM with the first being in Region Six.

According to Prime Minister Phillips, the goal is to have 150 such projects around the country this year.

“Men On Mission was launched by His Excellency, President Dr Irfaan Ali late last year in keeping with the One Guyana initiative. Its mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people

Hospitalised: Wesley Hopkinson

GDF ranks taking the child to the helicopter to be air-dashed to the city (GDF photos)

President, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips on

Acting President, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips cuts the ribbon to commission the house built for Lowawatty Ramroop (standing right) on Sunday

Lowawatty Ramroop standing inside her new home

Page Foundation

Medium pad of drawing paper

Markers or crayons

Hole punch Yarn or string

Question 1: CONTINUED FROM SATURDAY

What you do:

1.Brainstorm a list of jobs and careers that you know about. Examples might include: doctor, firefighter, actor, veterinarian, chef, artist, construction worker, and pilot.

2. How many jobs made your list? Rip out a corresponding number of pieces of paper from the drawing pad.

3. Fold the piece of paper in half to make a crease in the middle. Make sure that the dimensions of the paper are such that each side of the crease is big enough to make a page.

4. Now it's time to draw! You should draw a picture of the job on one side of the paper, and write out the name of the job on the opposing side. For instance, you might draw a woman in a lab coat with a dog or cat, then write “Veterinarian” on the opposing side.

5. Once you have finished illustrating all the careers on your list (this may be an ongoing project for a few days), place the pages one inside the other to create a book. On the “spine” of the book, punch a semi-circular hole one-third of the way from the bottom of the book, and another one-third of the way from the top. String a piece of yarn or twine through one hole and back through the other. Tie the ends of the string together. Voila! You have built a portfolio of the many jobs that exist in the world, and practised some art and writing skills, too! (Adapted from education.com)

A

"That would be something!" cried the miller, and looked there and found the cake. Then the two of them sat down at the table together. But the miller's wife was frightened to death and went to bed, taking all the keys with her.

The miller would have liked very much to know the fifth thing,

By The BroThers Grimm

t last the little peasant pressed against the raven once more until he cawed, and said, "Fourthly, he says that there is a cake under the bed."but the little peasant said, "First, let us eat the four things in peace, for the fifth thing is something bad."

So they ate, after which they bargained as to how much the miller would pay for the fifth prophesy, finally agreeing on three hundred talers. Then the little peasant once more pressed against the raven's head until he cawed loudly.

The miller asked, "What did he say?"

The little peasant answered, "He says that the devil is hiding

out there in the hallway chest."

The miller said, "The devil must leave," and opened the outside door.

Then the woman had to give up the keys, and the little peasant unlocked the chest. The priest ran out as fast as he could, and the miller said, " I saw the black fellow with my own eyes. It was true."

TO BE CONTINUED

Exxon’s 5th Uaru development targeting up to 63 wells – Impact Assessment

The Uaru oil development in the Stabroek Block, which when established will become ExxonMobil’s fifth development in Guyana, is targeting as many as 63 development wells, including wells to produce oil.

This is laid out in the Uaru Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which was submitted by Exxon to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) last year. According to the EIA, between 38 and 63 development wells will be drilled including production, water injection, and gas re-injection wells.

Additionally, the project will see the installation and operation of Subsea Umbilicals, Risers, and Flowlines (SURF) equipment. A Floating Production, Storage, and Offloading (FPSO) vessel will also be operationalised. It also notes that onshore logistical support facilities and marine/aviation services will be used to support each phase of the project.

“Drilling the approximately 38 to 63 wells, is expected to take several years, with drilling currently scheduled from mid-2024 through 2029. Installation of the SURF and FPSO is expected to start in 2025 to be ready for initial production by late 2026, with operations continuing for at least 20 years,” the assessment says.

Exxon’s local subsidiary, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) had been required by the EPA to submit an EIA that would help the agency decide whether or not to

approve the project. In the EIA, it is argued that the project would have no major effects on the environment.

“The potential impacts of planned project activities were

assessed based on the interactions between these activities and portions of the environmental and socioeconomic receptors affected,” the EIA explained.

“Taking into account the embedded controls, impacts from planned activities were rated as having Negligible, Minor, Moderate, or Major significance. Based on this assessment, no environmental or socioeconomic impacts from the planned activities were found to have Major significance.”

Last year, it was announced that $88 million had been approved for a consultancy firm to review the Uaru Field Development Plan (FDP). Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat had made that revelation during the consideration of estimates and expenditures for the Natural Resources Ministry in the Committee of Supply.

Exxon has said it expects first oil from the Uaru development by late 2026 or early 2027. Oil is already being produced at the Liza Phase 1 and 2 developments, while Payara and Yellowtail will be Exxon’s third and fourth oil developments, respectively.

Meanwhile, even though Uaru is still in the planning stages, ExxonMobil has already indicated its fifth development will be

similar to the Yellowtail project as it relates to production, water injection and gas re-injection wells, and other development features. This was indicated in the EIA for the Yellowtail project.

With first oil expected in 2025, Yellowtail will be the largest development to date in the Stabroek Block, with an estimated resource base of approximately 925 million barrels of oil and a gross production capacity of approximately 250,000 barrels of oil per day.

So far, Exxon’s total investments in Guyana total G$1.3 trillion on its own and over G$3 trillion with its partners. Additionally, the joint ventures’ exploration and production plan up to 2025 will likely increase their investments to more than G$6 trillion.

The oil-rich Stabroek Block, which is producing the oil, is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres). Exxon, through subsidiary EEPGL, is the operator and holds 45 per cent interest in the Block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 per cent interest, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds the remaining 25 per cent interest. (G3)

The location of the Uaru development, relative to other developments

ECD man arrested with ganja on Essequibo Coast

sers pocket, and a search was conducted on the bag that was fully wrapped.

The ranks said upon opening the bag, it was found to contain a quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis.

Lall was arrested and taken to the Charity Police Station, where the cannabis was weighed in his presence and amounted to 11.8 grams. Charges are pending.

Only recently, a sawman from Essequibo was arrested after he was caught with a quantity of marijuana.

Reports are that the 23-year-old sawman of Mashabo Mission, Essequibo Coast was intercepted as he was riding a bicycle along Mashabo Mission.

Police said they were on mobile patrol at Mashabo Lake Top when they spotted the sawman and requested to conduct a search of his person and belongings. Police said during a search of his backpack, a white tissue containing cannabis was found. The sawman has since been charged. (G9)

Looking back…

…at infrastructural thrust

The Government is elected to use the resources of the state to develop the country for the benefit of the people. All the people – not just those who might’ve voted for them. One of the top priorities is the building of infrastructure - without which there can be no development. If the Dutch hadn’t insisted that every plantation upkeep the “Public Road” in front of their fields, we’d still be the “Wild Coast”!! Infrastructure is what brings us into civilisation from the life – and morality – of the jungle

A21-year-old Lusignan, East Coast Demerara (ECD) man is now in Police custody after he was found with a quantity of marijuana on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) on Wednesday.

Based on information received, ranks of Regional Police Division No Two were on mobile patrol about 11:15h on Wednesday at the Charity River Dam, Essequibo Coast, and while

proceeding south they saw Mahindra Kissoon Lall acting in a suspicious manner.

“He was seen walking in the said direction, and on seeing the Police vehicle, Lall started to act suspiciously. As a result, he was stopped by the ranks and a search was requested on his person”, the report stated.

Police said while searching the 21-year-old fisherman, a black plastic bag was found in his right trou-

Gold miner jailed for 18 months over 1kg of ganja

Agold miner for whom the Police had issued a wanted bulletin for the offence of trafficking in narcotics has been found guilty of the crime and jailed for 18 months.

Junior Nicquet Chinedu McPherson, 52, of Lot 42 Stanleytown, Berbice, was charged for trafficking 1365.2 grams (1.3 kilograms) of cannabis sativa.

He committed the offence on July 20, 2022,

at Supenaam waterfront, Essequibo Coast.

McPherson, who had initially denied the charge, was found guilty as charged last Thursday following a trial before Magistrate Esther Sam at the Suddie Magistrate’s Courts.

At the conclusion of the trial, the presiding Magistrate imposed the custodial sentence. (G1)

Think of it…without the railroads from the eastern seaboard across the heartland and into California, would the US be where they are today?? Can you imagine how useful were our railroads – the first in the entire South America from the 19th century!! – to move people and goods across our coast?? They, of course, were scrapped by that developmental genius Hamilton Green back in 1974!! Guess he figured they weren’t necessary to ferry troops across the country to intimidate the populace. The GDF did pretty good with their trucks to move those ballot boxes after shooting the defenders of democracy in 1971!! And think of how much better off we woulda been if the Brits had gone ahead and built that railroad from Georgetown to Lethem around the turn of the 20th century!!

But whenever infrastructure like roads, dams, bridges, etc are built in inhabited areas, people will be affected in one way or another…it’s inevitable. Anybody remember when the Americans rebuilt the West Coast Public Road for their newly-installed PNC Government, how many families were displaced when they decided to get rid of all those right-angle bends at Stewartville and elsewhere??

More recently, when the PPP decided to build the Berbice Bridge, wasn’t it necessary to move several families –many with shops, etc?? In fact, it was Moses Nagamootoo who got the contract to move them to other areas.

In every case, Governments use the legal principle of “eminent domain” which means essentially that once the purpose serves the public’s interest and folks are fairly compensated, it’s OK. Obviously, the lives of the folks who gotta be relocated would be disrupted…and this ought to be taken into consideration when compensation is made to make it OK for THEM. But eventually, the “greater good” must take precedence. And this brings us to the Mocha fiasco while noting that simultaneously, another development project – the gas-to-shore and power generation project – demands that some farmers’ lands be expropriated. Some are objecting to the monies offered.

Fair enough.

But unlike Mocha, we suspect that the Opposition politicians wouldn’t be showing up anytime soon to advise them not to move.

One wonders what’s the difference!! Ouch!!

…at Hakeem

It’s interesting to your Eyewitness that he can use the name “Hakeem” and you, Dear Readers, immediately know who he’s talking about!! Man on man!! Is NYC region 11 or what?? Anyhow in the interminable voting to elect their new Speaker, the Democratic Majority Leader displayed a verbal dexterity explaining why he’s such a big fan of the rapper Notorious BIG.

On several occasions, he’d surprised his usually staid colleagues by praising Biggie, who hailed from his Brooklyn district!! On the 20th anniversary of the rapper’s murder, he’d even rapped from his 1994 hit single, “Juicy,”!! “It was all a dream/ I used to read Word Up magazine/ Salt’n’Pepa and Heavy D up in the limousine/ Hangin’ pictures on my wall/ Every Saturday Rap Attack, Mr Magic, Marley Marl.” As late as 2020 in the Trump impeachment hearing, he quoted, “if you don’t know, now you know.”

So, it’s against that background we can appreciate his alliterative “Alphabet Speech” in handing over the gavel to McCarthy.

…at the alphabet

From “A, B C” – “American values over autocracy. Benevolence over bigotry. The Constitution over the cult. Democracy over demagogues” to “X, Y, Z” – Xenia over xenophobia. Yes, we can over you can’t do it, and zealous representation over zero sum confrontation.”

The ganja that was found in Charity, Essequibo

Junior Nicquet Chinedu McPherson

Fisherman burnt as man throws firecracker in his pants

man [who asked him to purchase the Guinness] and two others take two lighted firecrackers and throw it in he pants pocket and on his leg,” Nizam said.

“The one he put in his pocket, it burn up all his private parts and all over, the other one burn up his leg.”

Hernandez was rushed to Mahaicony Hospital to receive treatment. Nazim said his sister (Hernandez’s wife), went to the Mahaicony Police Station to make a report and was allegedly put out of the Police Station when she paid a second visit to the station.

“The hospital sent her to the station to make a report, they took a statement and that was it. They never did anything about it. When my sister went back, they harass her and put her out of the Police Station.

his wrongdoing. Not because this man is an Amerindian, he should be left to suffer in pain and the suspect/s walk free. Every time Amerindian people go to the Mahaicony Station to make a report,

they never listen to them,” Nizam alleged.

He said his brother-inlaw was unable to walk or provide for his family. He said the man’s family was poor and cannot afford to

take him to the hospital to have his wounds dressed.

As such, he is pleading with those in higher authority to look into this matter so that his sister and her husband could get justice. (G9)

2-year-old burnt as fire destroyed Mahaicony home

Wayne Hernandez, a 31-year-old fisherman of Airy Hall, Mahaicony, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) is currently nursing severe burn injuries after a man from the community threw firecrackers in his pants on New Year’s Day.

According to the man’s brother-in-law Nazimul Nizam, Hernandez had left his home around 12:00h on

New Year’s morning and went to a bar in the community to purchase a pack of cigarettes when a man confronted him and asked him to purchase a bottle of Guinness, but he refused.

“He didn’t have no money to purchase Guinness, so he told the man he doesn’t have any. He come out of the bar and people were outside lighting squibs and so, and he was watching on. The

“The person that was dealing with her was a female Police Officer that is a family member of the boy that burned the man. Mahaicony Police Station has a reputation, they always doing this to people,” Nizam alleged.

He said it has now been more than eight days since the incident, and the suspects are roaming the community while the Police are doing nothing about the situation.

“That suspect passes the Mahaicony Police Station every day going in the creek to shy fertiliser and he can’t be arrested and charged for

Afamily of eight is now homeless after the Mahaicony Branch Road home in New Providence, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) they shared was completely destroyed by fire.

While the fire was not reported by the Guyana Fire Service and details on how the fire started remain sketchy, Region Five Chairman Vickchand Ramphal on his Facebook page said the home belonged

to Kamat Ramkissoon.

“Ramkissoon, who is a laborer, is a father of five kids including a two-yearold who suffered burn injuries during the fire,” the Chairman said.

He said the family was in need of any form of support and persons who are willing to assist could contact Ramkissoon on 618-4597.

Following the fire, one resident took to social media claiming that while the man was receiving help from per-

sons in the community, his family was in need of more assistance.

“A two-year-old was scorched. A dog and parrot died in the fire. Now, eight are homeless, five children ages two to ten, and three adults. As a village, we are providing for the immediate needs of the family. I humbly ask that the family be assisted by kind-hearted people who can afford it. They need this assistance,” he pleaded. (G9)

The fire that destroyed the Mahaicony Branch Road home

The burns Wayne Hernandez received

President Dr Irfaan Ali met with India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Sunday during his official visit to India. The President will be conferred with the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award – India’s highest honour for overseas Indians. Guyana’s Head of State was accompanied by Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd; Minister within the Local Government Ministry, Anand Persaud and Director of Projects, Marcia Nadir-Sharma.

Also on Sunday, President Ali and his delegation visited several booths during their attendance at a trade expo and cultural show in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India. He interacted with patrons and exhibitors of the expo before attending the cultural show organised by the State Government of Madhya Pradesh. Also in attendance at the event was Surinamese President Chandrikapersad Santokhi and Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr KJ Srinivasa (Office of the President photos)

Boxing Day fatal accident

Teen survivor of hit and run recalls tragedy

The 18-year-old who survived the fatal motorcycle crash in New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), on Boxing Night which left her unconscious and with broken limbs has regained consciousness and is out of hospital.

The mother of one, Renita Prechand, who was the pillion rider on the motorcycle in the accident which claimed the life of a 19-yearold welder, Vishan Ramphal, told Guyana Times that she did not know the teenager whose motorcycle she was on.

Still confined to a bed, the 18-year-old, who is now residing at La Bonne Intention (LBI), East Coast Demerara, recalls she only met Ramphal a short time before the crash.

Prechand said she was on the Corentyne trying to get transportation to go to

a function when she saw a friend riding his motorcycle accompanied by two other riders.

The friend stopped and offered her a ride, but then told her to sit on his friend’s bike.

That friend was

the 19-year-old Vishan Ramphal, whose motorcycle crashed into the concrete base of the arch with a welcome sign at New Amsterdam – killing him on the spot.

Prechand said they had earlier gone to an entertain-

ment centre.

“We drink two beers each and we leave to go to another club. When we reach I tried to get away from them and I go by the DJ booth and then Marlon (friend) come and ask me if we could go to New Amsterdam at another club and ah tell him that I am not going. Then I see my child-father brother and I tried to get away from he and then when Ryan come and ask me if I am going to New Amsterdam, I tell him yes because I want to get away from my child-father brother.”

According to Prechand, her friend Marlon told her to ride with his friend Ramphal.

“They going with all the speed and at Palmyra turn the one boy with me trying to go in front, but Marlon bracing him on the right;

they were racing all the way. When we reach in New Amsterdam, I can’t remember what happened,” the teenager said.

Police had released a statement on the crash saying that the motor car bearing registration number PJJ 3534 collided with the motorcycle, causing the rider and pillion rider to be tossed into the air and subsequently crash into the concrete arch block.

At the scene, Police found a car light and a lug nut belonging to the car which reportedly was driven from the scene after the accident. The registration plate number was engraved on the light.

The dead teenager’s father, Narendra Ramphal said that they were able to locate the car and went to Alness Village where a car (registration number withheld) was found in a garage.

He said that he had taken along a Police Officer to show him the car they were looking for and the officer asked the owner whether the car had been driven in recent times. The owner said it had been down for the past five months.

Ramphal said the officer was uncertain of the accuracy of one of the digits of the registration number which the Police had already confirmed and stated that he had to contact the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA).

A photograph of the car taken at that time and shared with Guyana Times

shows that one of the lights from the front of the vehicle was missing and the other seemed to match the light found by Police on Boxing Night.

Ramphal said he also took the opportunity and briefly inspected the vehicle.

“The left side of the car under the light has a dent –it is a big dent and the windscreen at the top of the car crack.”

He said there was evidence of fresh oil drips on the ground coming from the vehicle.

“If the car park for five months now, the oil cannot drip,” Ramphal contended.

These developments have been shared with the Regional Police Commander Shivpersaud Bacchus. Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing. (G4)

Dead: Vishan Ramphal

Narendra Ramphal, the father of Vishan Ramphal

Accident survivor Renita Prechand

Stabbed, beaten, strangled to death: 3 women to face trial for killing partners

the sum of $250,000.

According to media reports, Dillon Haley had not handled well his spouse’s decision to end their relationship and had reportedly turned up at the home of his brother-in-law, where the woman was staying, armed with two sharp knives.

A confrontation had ensued, during which Haley had managed to get hold of one of the weapons and had allegedly stabbed the father of her children in the chest.

Three women now have to face a judge and jury for killing their partners. One of them is accused of disarming her partner of a knife and stabbing him to death. It is alleged that the other one strangled her reputed husband to death, while the third is accused of fatally beating her partner. In all three cases, it was report-

ed that these women were abused by their now-dead partners.

Lisa Haley, Dacia Bourne, and Melisha Cylus are listed to face trial for the lesser offence of manslaughter by a jury before a judge over the deaths of their partners at the upcoming Demerara Criminal Assizes which starts on Tuesday.

Haley, 26, is accused of the July 29, 2017 unlawful killing of Dillon Haley.

She allegedly ended the 30-year-old man’s life during a fight at their Queen Street, Kitty, Georgetown home. At her initial court appearance, her lawyer had told the court that she was acting in self-defence.

She was granted bail in

Meanwhile, Cylus, 32, was five months pregnant when she reportedly strangled her reputed husband to death. It is alleged that on Mother’s Day 2018, she unlawfully killed Julian Reberio. The incident occurred at their LindenSoesdyke Highway residence.

Guyana Times had previously reported that Cylus reportedly killed Reberio,32, after he allegedly physically abused her while imbibing. When a post-mortem ex-

amination was performed on the man’s body, his cause of death was given as asphyxiation and further investigation showed redness around his neck.

Reberio’s alleged killer is out on $200,000 bail.

Bourne, on the other hand, was arrested after her common-law partner was found dead with marks of violence on the roadway

not too far from the house they shared.

Police said that Clifford Singh, 35, of Prince William Street, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was found dead on August 13, 2013.

He died from a fractured skull and punctured lungs.

According to reports, they had shared a violent relationship. (G1)

New educational support NGO launched

You Sponsor My Education (YSME) was officially launched on Sunday after being in existence for approximately two years.

YSME is a non-profit organisation that is managed by a team of four from various career backgrounds: Vonetta Wills, a qualified teacher for over 12 years; Ishaka Jackman, a qualified Information Technology and digital communication specialist for over 18 years; Rochelle Greeves, a qualified welfare officer for the past six years and Cuddy Holder, a qualified Health/ Safety Officer for over six years.

On Sunday at the launch, it was highlighted that the organisation's main objective is to transform the lives of underprivileged students aged six to 18 throughout Guyana by

contributing to their academic development, aiding them with technology, examination fees, and psycho-social support, and providing school supplies.

Over the past two years, through sponsorships, YSME was able to assist six students with fees for their Caribbean Secondary

Education Certificate (CSEC) exams, lesson fees, a computer, textbooks, and other school supplies respectively.

Wills, the President of YSME, shared that being in the teaching profession for so long has brought joy into her life and over the years she has seen the disadvan-

tages that some pupils and their families face.

“Many children have great potential and are willing and eager to learn, but lack the necessary resources they need to help them develop academically. My team members and I dedicated ourselves to be advocates, all in the aid of seeking out the needs for underprivileged students,” Wills expressed.

According to Wills, the organisation aims to enable underprivileged students to access comprehensive education; to plan, organise and implement training programmes to educate youths and residents in social and moral development; to provide skill train-

ing, and much more.

Guest Speaker, Launstan Choy added that this initiative has to be a partnership between the organisation and the parents, who play an integral role in the academic development of their children.

One of the organisation’s beneficiaries, Joshua Daniels shared that YSME had been very supportive in assisting him with the finances to pay for his CSEC examinations. The enthusiastic young man added that coming from a single-parent home, he would not have been able to afford his fees without the help of the organisation.

“I have been a part of YSME for about a year

and… my experience so far has been really amazing. Not only has the organisation been very supportive… but they’ve also been very helpful in me completing my journey of school life. I recently graduated from the St Joseph High business stream with passes in all 10 of the subjects I wrote, which included six ones with distinctions and four twos… I would say they (YSME) definitely achieved their mission in my case,” Daniels remarked.

During the launch, the organisation distributed backpacks with school supplies to several students to assist them throughout the academic term.

Lisa Haley

Melisha Cylus

Dacia Bourne

Dead: Julian Reberio

Dead: Clifford Singh

Non-Governmental Organisation

President Wills and others with the group of children who received backpacks

Three members of the YSME team: Ishaka Jackman, Rochelle Greeves and Vonetta Wills

YSME President Vonetta Wills

US$9B Payara development 93% complete – project partner

The US$9 billion Payara development, which will target approximately 600 million oil-equivalent barrels in the Stabroek Block, is around 93 per cent complete and on track for a year-end completion.

This was recently revealed by ExxonMobil’s Stabroek Block co-venture partner Hess Corp’s executive, John Hess. Described as Guyana’s single largest investment back when it was signed in 2020, the project would be Exxon’s third development in Guyana’s waters.

At the time he made this revelation, the Hess Chief Executive Officer (CEO) had been explaining that his company’s Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) has increased to US$3.7 billiona US$1 billion increase in the new year.

“You already have Payara, that should come on at the end of 2023. But we’re still doing construction, I think construction is 93 per cent complete on that project. We have Yellowtail, that’s in queue, coming on in 2025. Warrau, we’re doing some pre-investment in it now. But that’s going to be adding to our CAPEX in

2023.

“So, the drivers of the CAPEX increases are basically what we have in three ships being in development in Guyana and we have three of our six drilling rigs in Guyana going to exploration and appraisals,” Hess said.

Hess further explained that most of his company’s investments are tied up in either the Bakken Shale in North Dakota or Guyana, with its investments in Guyana driven by the third

ship that will have to be added for the Payara development.

The project in the Stabroek Block is expected to produce up to 220,000 barrels of oil per day after start-up in 2024, using the Prosperity Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel.

After a tedious review process, the Government of Guyana and ExxonMobil signed the licence for Payara in October of 2020, making Payara the third

Field Development Plan (FDP) from Exxon to gain approval.

The first FDP that the Guyana Government approved was for Liza Phase One, while Liza Phase Two was granted approval in 2019. Both projects are producing oil, with the Liza Phase Two having started up in 2022.

Prior to Payara’s approval, the Government of Guyana had decided to review the work already undertaken by the

Department of Energy and Bayphase Oil and Gas Consultants on the Payara Project, so that the interest of all Guyanese would be protected and the Project would be in keeping with international transparency and accountability standards.

Most importantly, it was noted, the Canada-funded team of technical experts assessed the Project to ensure that all relevant regulations were complied with and were enforceable.

“This included environmental standards and reservoir management to safeguard the interests of the people of Guyana and that their resources are developed in a sustainable and responsible manner to the benefit of the country”.

With nine oil discoveries and the start-up of the Liza Phase Two, Exxon had a packed year in 2022. And this year will be an even more busy year for the oil company when Payara comes on stream. In an endof- year interview, Exxon Country Manager Alistair Routledge had said that a number of exploration wells would be drilled this year.

“We’re drilling a number of exciting exploration wells

and I look forward to the results of those, we have another major project start up with the Payara project coming before the end of the year, and of course many other projects and activities that continue to grow,” Routledge had said.

Exxon, through its local subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), is the operator and holds 45 per cent interest in the Stabroek Block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 per cent interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds the remaining 25 per cent interest.

The company is currently undertaking four production projects – Liza 1, Liza 2, Payara, and Yellowtail – in the oil-rich block. It is estimated that when the Yellowtail development project comes on stream, production will climb to 810,000 bpd by 2027.

The US oil major anticipates at least six FPSO vessels in operation by 2027, with a seventh likely to be added should results from its Fangtooth-1 well appraisal be positive. (G3)

Making it clear that the Government does not look at how people voted when developing their communities, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill on Sunday inspected works in Victory Valley, Linden (Region 10) that are a follow-up on President Dr Irfaan Ali’s visit to the community last year.

Victory Valley Hill, which is located in Section B Christiansburg, was one of the many places visited by President Ali in 2022. During that visit, residents had raised concerns about bridges in the community, among other things.

To address all the con-

cerns raised, nine contracts totalling over $80 million were awarded in December. But despite contracts for the Victory Valley infrastructural works being signed publicly and in full transparency, Edghill lambasted the Opposition for the narrative it has been pushing.

“I was very disappointed that when we left, someone who should have been bringing representation to the people of the Valley, came into the Valley and started spreading a message that was not development in nature. People’s lives should always be considered above politics. And I did say before, when we do

work, we don’t examine the ballot box and how people vote. If we (did that) I probably wouldn’t be here.

“But you know what we look for? Where people live. And the fact that you live in this valley, the President came and met you and you said you gotta fetch people on your back when they want go to the hospital… Government listens and responds because Government cares,” Edghill said.

And responding to the oft-repeated accusation from the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)

Opposition that contracts were being given to “friends and family”, Edghill called a number of Victory Valley residents who received the contracts for the infrastructural works, to stand beside him.

“When somebody says something, you must be able to stand with some amount of credibility and scrutiny. And we must not make light of people’s lives and development. So, gentlemen, you are part of the PPP friends and family club. And we gon stay with you,” Edghill told the residents.

“The people in Den Amstel, that Minister [Deodat] Indar is working with to bring improvements in Den Amstel, they are our friends and family. The 25 contractors in Buxton, who I engaged just like I engaged you, to do 25 bridges in Buxton, they are our friends and family. So, our friends and family getting real, real wide. And I welcome all our friends and family on board so we can work for the development of Guyana.”

Edghill meanwhile promised that they would return to the community af-

ter the 2023 Budget is completed, to make further interventions. In fact, the Minister made it clear that these interventions would not be limited to the Valley but would extend throughout Linden.

“It is clear that this is not the end of what needs to be done in the Valley. So, I will have my team from the Ministry of Public Works look and see how we can make an impact by making some more interventions and the comments I would have heard, concerning the water flow and drainage.”

The Prosperity FPSO earmarked for the Payara project

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips; Public Works Minister Juan Edghill; Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar and the contractors

One of the bridges in Victory Valley that were upgraded

Communications major leads new UGSS Executive

Secondary Students' Council. Currently, Curtis serves as Treasurer for UG’s Medical Students' Association.

She strives to make an impact wherever she is placed.

Curtis is led by the word of God, not by the world, a scripture that resonates with her is 2 Chronicles 15:7--"But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded."

Shaquan Gill, a third year Bachelor of Social Science (Communications Studies) major has been installed as the President of the University of Guyana Students’ Society (UGSS).

He, along with members of the body’s Executive Council took the oath of office in December 2022, administered by the university's Vice-Chancellor Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin in According to information posted on the UGSS’s official Facebook page, Gill, 20, is a passionate young leader, who is in his third year at the institution.

For five years, he served as a Youth Ambassador, participating in and facilitating workshops on youth empowerment and professional development. Gill also served as a mentor for three consecutive National Youth Parliament Sittings, himself being a Youth Parliamentarian in 2018.

He is also the captain of the university’s U21 basketball team, leading them to two championships in 2022. He is employed as a Communications Officer at the Department of Public Information (DPI).

The UGSS’s Senior Vice President is 25-yearold Malika Russell. She is reading for her master's degree in Agro-Technology and Business. Russell is a national youth debater, a regional youth ambassador, and she served as the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition at Youth Parliament in 2021-2022.

She strongly believes that people can all inspire each other, and she does this by helping with organisations like Empower Guyana and the youth group Small Steps Big Impact, which works to inspire change across Guyana. She is enthusiastic about mental health, human rights, and youth empowerment.

She shares Nelson Mandela's philosophy that "What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have

lived; it is what difference we have to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead". Russell is eager to do her best to represent UG students wisely and to the best of her ability.

Jamaal Kaunda Thornhill, the UGSS’s Junior Vice President is a Police Officer by profession, a businessman and a junior at the University of Guyana majoring in Public Management.

He was described as an organised, analytical and competitive professional with approximately more than seven years of youth advocacy in areas of natural justice, fundamental rights and youth development in financial literacy and financial discipline.

With an immense admiration for the words of President J. F. Kennedy, "... Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what can you do for your country”, Thornhill stands resolute to use his office to incorporate his skills and knowledge to alleviate the burning issues the students' population face.

and continue to bridge a student-lecturer relationship that will see academic improvements in students and an institution that provides the best of service to all students.

Selene Ramrattan, a 20-year-old second-year student in the Medical Laboratory Science program, is the UGSS’s Secretary. This young woman holds an executive position as the Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer in the Medical Laboratory Science Students' Association at UG.

Ramrattan believes that every student at UG has a right for their voices to be heard and they deserve to receive quality education.

Manisha Sagadaya, UGSS’s Assistant Secretary, is a vibrant 20-year-old and is in her third year of pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Management while attached to UG’s Berbice

Campus.

She has a passionate drive and willingness to assist colleagues, coupled with her growing interest in literature writing and graphics designing.

She has been elected as the Third-Year Representative within the School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation (SEBI) Club and continues to be an advocate for voicing the concerns of her peers.

With the exemplary skills she has acquired, Sagadaya intends to ensure equal representation for all students at the University of Guyana, regardless of their campus affiliations, while serving on UGSS’s Administrative and Executive Body.

Akeem Stoby, the student body’s Treasurer, has been a Youth Advocate for more than five years. He is a third year Accountancy Major at UG where he currently serves as the President of the School of Entrepreneurial and Business Innovation Mentorship Club (SEBIMC).

Stoby also serves as the Chairman of the Youth Committee for International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly Guyana (IDPADA-G). He has been a strong advocate for being a voice for the voiceless. With these abilities and traits, he hopes to collaborate with the other executives in establishing a better learning environment for all university students.

The Assistant Treasurer, Laurianne Lewis, is an active youth leader, who is in her fourth year of Medical Laboratory Science at UG’s Turkeyen Campus. Ms. Lewis also serves as Treasurer for the Medical Laboratory Science Student Association (MLSSA).

She has also previously served as Vice President. Lewis was also the Secretary and Vice President of the Interact Club at School of the Nations and is the proprietor of a local Guyana store.

Nonetheless, via her

acts of service to every student body of which she has been a member, Lewis seeks to effect good change for everybody. This Bible scripture serves as guidance for her. Matt. 20:26 "If you want to be great, you must serve everyone else".

Beverly Sills is the UGSS’s Public Relations Officer.

She is a first year Petroleum Engineering student under the Faculty of Engineering and Technology. As a member of the Executive Council, she is looking forward to creating a better experience

for all students through effective communication and hospitality services.

Jaeda Curtis is an international student hailing from the island of Jamaica, currently in her fourth year of pursuing her MBBS degree. She is the Chairman of the UGSS’s Public Relations Committee.

From an early age, advocacy has played an important role in her personal development and nurturing her passion to put service above self.

She would have served as Secretary/Public Relations Officer for the National

Christopher Francisco, Chairman of the student body’s Games Committee, is a first-year Psychology major who is passionate about mental health and its effects on the younger population.

He is eager to contribute to its eradication. He is very enthusiastic about his new role and would like to put both psychology and games (sports) together to impact the students mentally and physically.

In addition, he believes that this would enable students to become actively involved in real-world activities after this type of engagement was subsequently neglected because of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Let's play the mental games and get physically involved,” he said.(G1)

Members of the University of Guyana Students’ Society (UGSS) Executive Council with the university’s Vice Chancellor Paloma Mohamed Martin and Chancellor Edward Greene (UGSS photo)

Regional

Bolsonaro supporters invade Brazil presidential palace, Congress, Supreme Court

His Secretary of State Antony Blinken offered Washington's full support to Lula and Brazil's institutions.

"Using violence to attack democratic institutions is always unacceptable," Blinken wrote on Twitter. "We join Lula in urging an immediate end to these actions."

Minister. The solicitor general's office said it had filed a request for Torres' arrest.

Torres told website UOL that he was with his family on holiday in the United States, and had not met with Bolsonaro. UOL said he was in Orlando, where Bolsonaro is currently based.

Supporters of Brazil's farright former President Jair Bolsonaro on Sunday invaded the country's Congress, presidential palace and Supreme Court, in a grim echo of the US Capitol invasion two years ago by fans of former President Donald Trump.

Leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who defeated Bolsonaro in the most fraught election in a generation last year, announced a federal security intervention in Brasilia lasting until January 31 after capital security forces initially were overwhelmed by the invaders.

In a press conference, he blamed Bolsonaro and com-

plained about a lack of security in the capital, saying authorities had allowed "fascists" and "fanatics" to wreak havoc.

"These vandals, who we could call fanatical Nazis, fanatical Stalinists ... fanatical fascists, did what has never been done in the history of this country," said Lula, who was on an official trip to Sao Paulo state. "All these people who did this will be found and they will be punished."

The sight of thousands of yellow-and-green clad protesters running riot in the capital capped months of tension following the October 30 vote. Bolsonaro, an acolyte of Trump's who has yet to concede

defeat, peddled the false claim that Brazil's electronic voting system was prone to fraud, spawning a violent movement of election deniers.

There was no immediate word from Bolsonaro, who has barely spoken in public since losing the election. He flew to Florida 48 hours before the end of his mandate and was absent from Lula's inauguration.

"This genocidist ... is encouraging this via social media from Miami," Lula said, referring to Bolsonaro. "Everybody knows there are various speeches of the ex-President encouraging this."

The violence in Brasilia could amplify the legal risks Bolsonaro faces. It also pres-

ents a headache for US authorities as they debate how to handle his stay in Florida.

The Bolsonaro family lawyer, Frederick Wassef, did not respond to a request for comment.

Around 18:30h local time, some three hours after the initial reports of the invasion, security forces managed to retake the three buildings, GloboNews reported. TV images showed dozens of rioters being led away in handcuffs.

The invasions were condemned by leaders around the world.

US President Joe Biden, whose own presidency was marked by a similar event, said the situation was "outrageous."

The invasion poses an immediate problem for Lula, who was only inaugurated on January 1 and has pledged to unite a nation torn apart by Bolsonaro's nationalist populism. Television images showed protesters breaking into the Supreme Court and Congress, chanting slogans and smashing furniture. Local media estimated about 3000 people were involved.

The Supreme Court, whose crusading Justice Alexandre de Moraes has been a thorn in the side of Bolsonaro and his supporters, was ransacked by the occupiers, according to social media images that showed protesters clubbing security cameras and shattering the windows of the modernist building.

Video widely shared on social media showed a Policeman knocked off his horse by demonstrators armed with sticks.

Brasilia Governor Ibaneis Rocha wrote on Twitter that he had fired his top security official, Anderson Torres, previously Bolsonaro's Justice

On Saturday, with rumours of a confrontation brewing in Brasilia, Justice Minister Flávio Dino authorised the deployment of the National Public Security Force. On Sunday, he wrote on Twitter, "this absurd attempt to impose the will by force will not prevail."

In Washington in 2021, Trump supporters attacked Police, broke through barricades and stormed the Capitol in a failed effort to prevent congressional certification of Joe Biden's 2020 election victory.

Trump, who has announced a third bid for the presidency, in 2024, had pressured his vice president, Mike Pence, not to certify the vote, and he continues to claim falsely that the 2020 election was stolen from him through widespread fraud.

In Brasilia there have been at least three accounts of protesters assaulting journalists, according to the Brasilia journalists' union, which cited unconfirmed reports. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Global leaders condemn assault on Brazilian Government buildings

Supporters of Brazil's far-right former President Jair Bolsonaro on Sunday invaded the country's Supreme Court and its Congressional building and surrounded the presidential palace in Brasilia. Here are reactions from world leaders:

President Dr Irfaan Ali

“We condemn every attempt and attack against the Presidency and democratic institutions of Brazil. Those who utilise violence to subvert democracy must be brought swiftly to justice. We call on all stakeholders to be responsible and not be part of this unacceptable behaviour. Guyana stands with the law-abiding people of Brazil and the institutions of the State in defence of democracy.”

US President Joe Biden

"I condemn the assault on democracy and on the peaceful transfer of power in Brazil. Brazil's democratic institutions have our full support and the will of the Brazilian people must not be undermined. I look forward to continuing to work with @LulaOficial."

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken

"We condemn the attacks on Brazil's Presidency, Congress, and Supreme Court today. Using violence to attack democratic institutions is always unacceptable. We join @lulaoficial in urging an immediate end to these actions."

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres

"I condemn today's assault on Brazil's democratic institutions. The will of the Brazilian people and the country's institutions must be respected. I am confident that it will be so. Brazil is a great democratic country."

Mexican President Andres

Manuel Lopez Obrador

"The coup attempt by the Brazilian conservatives urged on by the leadership of oligarchic power, their spokespersons and fanatics, is reprehensible and undemocratic. Lula is not alone, he has the support of the progressive forces of his country, Mexico, the American continent and the world."

White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan

"The United States condemns any effort to undermine democracy in Brazil. President Biden is following the situation closely and our support for Brazil's democratic institutions is unwavering. Brazil's democracy will not be shaken by violence."

Organisation Of American States Secretary General Luis Almagro

"We condemn the attack on the institutions in Brasilia, which constitutes a reprehensible action and a direct attack on democracy. These actions are inexcusable and fascist in nature."

European Union Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell

"Appalled by the acts of violence and illegal occupation of Brasilia's Government quarter by violent extremists today. Full support to Lula and his government, to Congress and to the Federal Supreme Court. Brazilian democracy will prevail over violence and extremism."

Portugal's Foreign Minister Joao Gomes Cravinho

"Without a doubt, former President Bolsonaro has responsibility. His voice is heard by these anti-democratic demonstrators. It would be very important if he had a message of condemnation in the face of the disorder that is currently happening in Brasilia."

Chilean President Gabriel Boric

"The Brazilian Government has our full support in the face of this cowardly and vile attack on democracy."

Colombian President Gustavo Petro

"All my solidarity to @LulaOficial and the people of Brazil. Fascism has decided to stage a coup. ... It is urgent for the OAS (Organisation of American States) to meet if it wants to continue to live as an institution."

Argentine President Alberto Fernandez

"I want to express my rejection of what is happening in Brasilia. Mine and the Argentine people's unconditional support for @LulaOficial in the face of this attempted coup he is facing."

Us House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries

"The violent attack on the heart of the Brazilian Government by rightwing extremists is a sad but familiar sight. We stand with the people of Brazil and democracy."

French President Emmanuel Macron

"The will of the Brazilian people and the democratic institutions must be respected! President @LulaOficial can count on France's unwavering support."

United Kingdom Foreign

Secretary James Cleverly

"The violent attempts to undermine democracy in Brazil are unjustifiable. President @LulaOficial and the Government of Brazil have the full support of the UK."

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro

"We categorically reject the violence generated by Bolsonaro's neo-fascist groups which have assaulted Brazil's democratic institutions.

Our support for @LulaOficial and the Brazilian people who will surely mobilise in defence of peace and their President."

Uruguay's Foreign Ministry

"Uruguay condemns the episodes of violence against the institutions in Brazil and calls for respect for the rule of law, democracy and its government."

Peru's Foreign Ministry

"The Government of Peru energetically condemns the assault on the headquarters of congress, the presidency and the supreme court of Brazil and any attempt to disregard the legitimacy of the October 2022 elections. Our solidarity with President Lula and Brazilian democracy."

Ecuadorean President Guillermo Lasso

"I condemn the actions of disrespect and vandalism perpetrated against democratic institutions in Brasilia, they attack democratic order and citizen security. I express my and my government's backing for the legal regime of @LulaOficial."

Bolivian President Luis Arce

"We strongly condemn the assault on the Brazilian Congress, Palace and Supreme Court by anti-democratic groups. Fascists will always seek to take by force what they failed to achieve at the ballot box. Our solidarity with the Brazilian people and the president @LulaOficial."

Paraguayan President Marito Abdo

"We are concerned about what is happening in Brazil. The path should always be respect for institutions, democracy, freedom and non-violence."

Us Representative Joaquin Castro "Bolsonaro should not be in Florida.

The United States should not be a refuge for this authoritarian who has inspired domestic terrorism in Brazil. He should be sent back to Brazil."

"Deeply concerned about what is happening at Brazil. Democracy must always be respected. The European Parliament is on the side of the Lula Government and all legitimate and democratically elected institutions."

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni

"What is happening in Brazil cannot leave us indifferent. The images of the irruption into institutional offices are unacceptable and incompatible with any form of democratic dissent. A return to normality is urgently needed and we express solidarity with Brazilian institutions.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez

"All my support to President @ LulaOficial and to the free and democratically elected institutions of the Brazilian people. We categorically condemn the assault on the Brazilian Congress and make a call for the immediate return to democratic normality."

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel

"We energetically condemn the violent and undemocratic acts in Brazil aimed at creating chaos and disrespecting the popular will which resulted in the election of President Lula."

Costa Rican President's Office

"The Government of Costa Rica regrets the attack on democracy in Brazil and calls for respect for the constitutional order of that country. We support the President @LulaOficial." (Reuters)

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola

Security forces operate as supporters of Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro demonstrate against President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, outside Brazil’s National Congress in Brasilia, Brazil, January 8, 2023 (Reuters/Adriano Machado)

Supporters of Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro clash with security forces during a demonstration against President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, outside Planalto Palace in Brasilia, Brazil, January 8, 2023 (Reuters/Ueslei Marcelino)

Analysts remain bullish on oil prices despite looming headwinds

The past week was the weakest year-opening week for oil prices in decades, yet many analysts remain bullish on where prices will be headed in 2023. After dropping to just over US$71 per barrel in early December, the price for a barrel of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) rebounded to close out the year back over US$80.

But across the first week in January, both WTI and the international Brent crude price shed nine per cent of their value, with WTI closing the week’s trading on Friday at US$73.77. Most attributed the fall to weak demand driven by sluggish economic performance across Europe, Asia and the US, along with increasing numbers of reported cases of COVID-19 coming out of China.

Yet many traders and analysts continue to predict crude prices will rebound strongly as the year progresses. Hedge fund manager Pierre Andurand was quoted by Bloomberg as saying that he believes the Brent price could spike dramatically once China fully reopens. Andurand said oil prices could “go upwards of US$140 a barrel once Asia fully reopens”, but added that his projection assumes “there will be no more lockdowns.” No one really knows whether that assumption is a safe one.

In a pair of tweets on January 6, Andurand projected global crude demand could rise by as much as four per cent, or four million barrels of oil per day (bopd) during 2023.

Andurand admits that this hypothetical demand spike is “about three times more demand growth than expected in the market”, but adds his belief that the markets are “overly focused on this big upcoming recession”. Like any other projection about future oil demand/supply and prices, Durand’s projections are opinions based on an analysis of the imperfect data and other information at hand.

Reuters published the results of its own survey of 30 economists and analysts at the end of the year, and the consensus result was a projected average 2023 Brent price of US$89.37. Reuters notes that Brent averaged about US$99 per barrel during 2022, but the price has not attained that level since August and hasn’t hit US$89.37 since November 17.

In its 2023 Market Outlook, JP Morgan is more sanguine about the potential for recession, saying up front that “[t]he global economy is not at imminent risk of sliding into recession, as the sharp decline in inflation helps promote growth” before noting that its baseline case does assume a US recession likely to begin late in the year. As part of its Outlook, JPM projects the Brent price to average US$90 per barrel across the next 12 months.

Natasha Kaneva, JPM’s Head of Global Commodities Strategy, adds that the US$90 projection represents a significant drop in the firm’s previous oil price number. “After maintaining our price view for eight months, we now opt to shave US$8 off our 2023 price projections, on our expectations that Russian production will fully normalise to pre-war levels by mid-2023,” Kaneva says. “Despite more pessimistic expectations for balances over the next few months, we find the underlying trends in the oil market supportive and expect global Brent benchmark price to average US$90/bbl in 2023 and US$98/bbl in 2024.”

While what happens in China related to COVID policy and a potential recession are two big factors to watch during 2023, the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (OPEC+) is another. With many of its member countries already producing crude at their total capacity, the chances of the cartel intervening in the market in a bearish way are minimal. But the group has demonstrated several times since 2020 that the chances of its Ministers agreeing to intervene aggressively in a bullish way are relatively high under certain circumstances.

Absent from all of the various projections for the year is any talk around a big rise in US domestic production driven by the shale industry. While that part of the global supply picture is expected to remain stable and healthy this year, no one expects a major uptick in overall supply from the world’s biggest producer of crude comparable to the two million barrels per day the industry added in 2018. Most anticipate an increase in the 500-600 thousand bopd range, a modest rise that will add to global crude supplies, but not become any sort of bearish factor on prices.

Taken altogether, what we have at the moment is a fairly strong consensus view that the Brent price will average roughly US$90 per barrel across the 12 months of 2023. That seems a bullish consensus given last week’s precipitous price drop and the headwinds prices will face in the coming year absent major developments in China and with Russia’s war on Ukraine. (Excerpt from Forbes)

Around the World

Ukraine denies Russian claim it killed 600 soldiers

Ukraine has labelled as "propaganda" a Russian claim that it killed hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers in an attack.

Moscow claimed, without providing any evidence, that a "mass missile strike" in the eastern city of Kramatorsk had killed more than 600 Ukrainian forces.

It said it was in retaliation for a Ukrainian attack on a Russian base that killed dozens of Russian soldiers on New Year's Day.

But the Ukrainian military says this is untrue.

"This is another piece of Russian propaganda," Serhiy Cherevaty, a spokesman for the Ukrainian army, told the BBC.

Russia's Defence

Ministry said it had killed more than 600 Ukrainian servicemen in a strike on buildings temporarily housing Ukrainian forces. More than 1300 Ukrainian troops were housed in two buildings, Moscow said.

It called the attacks a "retaliatory strike" to avenge

the deaths of 89 Russian troops killed in Makiivka.

Ukraine says as many as 400 people were killed or wounded in that incident, while numbers into the hundreds have been given by Russian nationalists on social media.

Moscow is yet to offer any

proof of its claim about the Kramatorsk deaths.

By matching pictures of the attack published by local officials to Google satellite imagery and other images online, the BBC has confirmed the location of two sites about a mile apart in Kramatorsk.

The strikes happened near two school buildings –vocational schools number 28 and 47 – which match with the dormitory numbers provided by Russia. Moscow says the buildings were housing Ukrainian military personnel. However, there's no visual evidence that shows these two buildings were badly hit or that there have been mass deaths on the scale claimed by Russia.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Biden makes 1st visit to US-Mexico border since taking office

United States President Joe Biden has made his first visit to the US-Mexico border since taking office in January of 2022.

The hours-long visit on Sunday followed a recently-announced policy initiative by the Biden Administration meant to address an increase in undocumented border crossings.

The politically-charged issue has dogged the Democratic President since taking office, with

Senegal bus crash kills 40: President Sall declares mourning period

est in recent years.

Emergency services official Cheikh Fall told AFP news agency that 87 people were injured in the collision, near the central town of Kaffrine.

The wounded have been taken to hospital and a medical centre for treatment, he added.

Confirming the 40 deaths, Sall said on Twitter that he was "deeply saddened by the tragic road accident".

Republican critics charging the Administration has been too lenient, and rights groups charging the newly-announced measures will put asylum seekers’ lives at risk.

The stop in the city of El Paso, Texas, took place as Biden travelled to Mexico, where he is set to meet

“They need a lot of resources. We’re going to get it for them,” Biden told reporters in Texas, where he met border agents at the Bridge of the Americas, which connects El Paso to the Mexican city of Ciudad Juarez, and is one of the busiest ports of entry between the two countries.

During the visit, Biden watched as border officers in El Paso demonstrated how they search vehicles for drugs, money and other contraband. He later inspected a section of the tall fencing along the border between El Paso and Ciudad Juarez.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

California braces for 'parade of cyclones' after storms kill 7

California was bracing on Sunday for more severe weather after a week of torrential downpours and damaging winds killed at least seven people and left hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses without power.

At least seven people have died from weather-related incidents in California since the New Year's weekend, including a toddler who was killed by a redwood tree that fell and crushed a mobile home in northern California.

Acollision between two buses in central Senegal has left 40 people dead and dozens injured.

Preliminary investigations suggested that one of the buses suffered a burst tyre and collided head-on with an oncoming bus, officials said.

President Macky Sall has declared three days of mourning and has promised to take measures to improve road safety.

Traffic accidents are common in Senegal, but this was one of the deadli-

"I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wish a speedy recovery to the injured."

Meanwhile, 21 people have died and 49 others have been wounded in a bus accident in Kenya.

The bus had just crossed the border from Uganda into Kenya when it crashed.

Ugandan regional police spokesman Rogers Taitika told AFP that the driver appeared to have lost control and veered off the road.

Those killed were mostly Kenyans, but included eight Ugandans, he was quoted as saying. (BBC News)

Forecasters warned on Sunday that northern and central California was still in the path of a "relentless parade of cyclones," promising little relief for the region until the middle of the week.

Two overlapping phenomena – an immense airborne stream of dense moisture from the ocean called an atmospheric river and a sprawling, hurricane-force low-pressure system known as a bomb cyclone – have caused devastating flooding and record snowfall over the past week. The latest storms vividly illustrated the consequences of warmer sea and air temperatures caused by climate change.

A woman living in a homeless encampment along the Sacramento River died Saturday night during a raging storm when a tree branch fell on her tent.

Joe Costa, the woman's neighbour in the encampment, told Reuters on Sunday that he had found her barely breathing.

"I started yelling for 911 ... I opened her side of her tent and pulled her out, and she was unresponsive,' Costa recalled.

First responders performed life-saving measures on the woman before taking her to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead, according to local news reports.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

There were reports of strikes overnight in Kramatorsk, but Moscow has given no evidence to support its claim it killed hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers

President Macky Sall has offered his condolences to the families of the victims

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador today before attending a three-way summit with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau the following day in Mexico City.

US President Joe Biden stopped off at the US-Mexico border in El Paso, Texas, on his way to a summit with the Mexican president [Jim Watson/AFP]

DAILY HOROSCOPES

A change of heart will take you in a new direction. Update your resume to reflect what you enjoy doing most. Happiness is the result of doing what's best for you. Be bold and share your intentions.

(March 21-April 19)

(April 20-May 20)

Conflicting information will leave you at a loss. Ask direct questions and make needed updates. Don't let a change someone makes cost you. Distance yourself from unsafe situations.

Spring past the competition; you'll gain respect and the assistance you require to bring about positive change. Don't say yes to someone without doing your research.

(May 21-June 20)

(June 21-July 22)

Take care of details and avoid falling behind. Problems concerning authority, government agencies and institutions will surface if you neglect to do your part. Don't fear change.

A change in routine will affect your physical well-being. Don't overdo it or make promises you won't want to keep. Adopt a playful attitude and don't be afraid to lend a helping hand.

(July 23-Aug. 22)

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Emotional resentment will hold you back. Replace criticism and negativity with a positive spin that promises change. Work alongside those who like to experiment. Don't rely on others.

Live up to your promises. Check the cost before signing up for something time-consuming. Rethink your strategy and you'll devise a plan that makes you happy.

SUDOKU

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

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

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

When visiting someone, don't arrive empty-handed. Look at every angle when making decisions that could affect your reputation or position. Choose a healthy lifestyle and avoid overindulgence.

Take the path that makes you proud and encourages you to persuade others to contribute to your success. A kind word or compliment will lift someone's spirits and raise your profile.

Use your imagination and save time and money. An unexpected gift or gain will also cause concern. Don't lose sight of your long-term goal or what you need to do to reach it. Finish what you start.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Channel your energy into home improvement, which will replenish your imagination and enrich your skills and life. Love and romance are favored. Share your feelings with a loved one.

Step outside your comfort zone and address issues that concern you. The difference you make by speaking out will impress onlookers and put you in a position to advance.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

ARCHIE PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

DILBERT

Erwee and Bavuma hold Australia off to ensure a draw

South Africa defied Australia’s bold push for an improbable victory, and series sweep, as the third Test ended in a draw at the SCG.

After following on, South Africa were 106 for 2 in their second innings when play ended five overs before the close. The surface played slowly and did not deteriorate as expected with South Africa mustering belated fight to end a disappointing series on a better note.

Australia would have booked a spot in the World Test Championship final in June with victory, but one drawn match in the upcoming four-Test series in India will prove enough.

Given their batting frailties, South Africa will be relieved to have escaped with a draw - their first such result since 2017.

South Africa were nervous after skipper Dean Elgar fell before tea when he gloved a short Pat Cummins delivery to be caught behind. An under-pressure Elgar’s wretched series ended with just 56 runs at an average of 9.33 marked by struggles against short leg-side deliveries.

After tea, spinner Nathan Lyon was left frustrated after a review on an lbw decision on Heinrich Klaasen went against him. The not-out decision was upheld even though replays showed the ball hitting middle stump.

His mood soured further three balls later when Klaasen, playing his first Test match since 2019, stood his ground after edging a delivery to Steven Smith, who claimed a low

catch at slip.

But replays cast doubt over whether the ball touched the grass when it went into Smith’s fingers and it was enough for third umpire Richard Kettleborough to give not out.

Klaasen’s luck ran out when he was clean bowled by a cracking reverse swinging delivery from Josh Hazlewood to provide a glimmer of hope for Australia with 20 overs remaining.

South Africa were 82 for 2 with 15 overs left but Australia’s push continued with Cummins giving himself one last burst without

reward.

Cummins had also tried part-time spinners Smith, Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head, who claimed the only wicket in the morning session, but to no avail.

Left-arm spinner Ashton Agar, who was wicketless in 14 overs in the first innings, was surprisingly backed to share the new ball alongside Hazlewood.

In his first Test match since 2017, Agar again struggled with his accuracy in what has been a tough return in an audition ahead of Australia’s tour of India. He finished wicketless from 22 overs in the match.

South Africa started the day precariously placed at 149 for 6 after Cummins and Hazlewood bowled superbly late on day four in fading light.

But Harmer and Marco Jansen batted cautiously to thwart Australia’s attack. Jansen played a rearguard until being dislodged caught behind by Head with a delivery outside off stump that stayed low.

ferred over Scott Boland, Hazlewood repaid the faith of the selectors on his return with four wickets after suffering a side strain against West Indies in the opening Test of the home season.

Maharaj’s dismiss -

al triggered an all-too-familiar rush of wickets for South Africa to set up an intriguing finish although it proved an anti-climax.

Australia ran out of time in a truncated match, where four straight sessions across days three

and four were washed out. Forty-nine overs were also lost to rain and bad light on the opening two days to continue a run of rain-affected matches at the traditional SCG New Year’s Test.

But Australia thoroughly dominated South Africa throughout a one-sided series to complete an unbeaten home Test season after earlier thrashings over West Indies in Perth and Adelaide.

Australia’s massive first innings was built on an unbeaten 195 from opener Usman Khawaja and 104 from Smith, who passed Don Bradman with his 30th Test century.

Having won three straight Test series in Australia, South Africa were a shadow with their batting unable to muster much of a challenge.

Apart from fiery quick Anrich Nortje, their attack also underwhelmed with spearhead Kagiso Rabada taking just three wickets at 87.66 in the last two matches after an eight-wicket haul on the bowler-friendly Gabba surface. South Africa’s disastrous series also ended their chances of qualifying for the WTC final. (ESPN cricinfo)

Novak Djokovic beats Sebastian Korda to win Adelaide International

Novak Djokovic saved a match point as he beat Sebastian Korda to win the Adelaide International and extend his winning run in Australia to 34 matches.

The Serb dropped his first set of the tournament but fought back to win 6-7 (8-10) 7-6 (7-3) 6-4.

The world number five has won 92 career ATP singles titles, level with Rafael Nadal. Only Jimmy Connors, Roger Federer and Ivan Lendl have won more. “It’s been an amazing week, for me to be here is a gift,” said Djokovic.

1-22 (Dean Elgar, 8.5 ov), 2-37 (Sarel Erwee, 17.5 ov), 3-37 (Heinrich Klaasen, 18.3 ov), 4-85 (Temba Bavuma, 38.1 ov), 5-130 (Khaya Zondo, 48.4 ov), 6-137 (Kyle Verreynne, 52.4 ov), 7-167 (Marco Jansen, 73.6 ov), 8-252 (Keshav Maharaj, 100.4 ov), 9-255 (Simon Harmer, 106.6 ov), 10-

(Kagiso Rabada, 107.6 ov)

But an 85-run partnership between Harmer and Keshav Maharaj pushed South Africa close to the follow-on target and likely safety from a series whitewash.

Maharaj reached his half-century on the first ball after lunch before falling to Hazlewood with South Africa 24 runs short of avoiding following on.

Having been pre -

“The support that I’ve been getting in the past 10 days is something that I don’t think I’ve experienced too many times in my life, so thank you so much to everyone for coming out every single match.”

The Adelaide International is Djokovic’s first tournament in Australia since he was deported in 2022 because of his Covid-19 vaccine status, but his visa ban has now been overturned.

Djokovic will look to extend his record number of

wins at the Australian Open which starts on 16 January. He is targeting his 10th title, which would also equal Nadal’s men’s record of 22 Grand Slam titles.

Aryna Sabalenka won her 11th career singles title, beating 18-year-old qualifier Linda Noskova 6-3 7-6 (6-4) in the women’s final.

It was world number five Sabalenka’s first win since May 2021, sealing the victory without dropping a set throughout the tournament.

“I’m a different player right now,” Sabalenka said after the match. “Maybe a little bit smarter, a little bit

calmer on court. Just a little bit of everything changed.”

Elsewhere, world number seven Coca Gauff won the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand.

Gauff, 18, beat Spanish qualifier Rebeka Masarova 6-1 6-1 and did not drop a set across five matches.

It was Gauff’s first title since 2021 and her first on hard court since 2019.

“Honestly, a great week for me despite the rain,” Gauff said. “I couldn’t ask for a better start to my season - my first title on hard [courts] since I was 15.” (BBC Sport)

Team Australia won 2-1

The Adelaide International marked Novak Djokovic’s return to Australia after he was deported in 2022

Man City thrash Chelsea to cruise through in cup

Manchester City cruised into the FA Cup fourth round with a routine victory over a desperately poor Chelsea at Etihad Stadium.

This was a far cry from what has traditionally been a hugely competitive meeting between two Premier League giants as City wrapped up a tie with either Oxford United or Arsenal in the next round by the interval.

City’s win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Thursday was hard-fought but this was a stroll, Riyad Mahrez setting them on their way with a brilliant 23rd-minute free-kick before World Cup winner

Julian Alvarez scored a second from the spot seven minutes later following Kai Havertz’s handball.

Phil Foden scored City’s third after 38 minutes, turning in Kyle Walker’s cross after he had been played in by Thursday’s match-winner Mahrez, who got his second from the spot late on after Kalidou Koulibaly clumsily bundled Foden to the floor.

It was a chastening day for Chelsea, boss Graham Potter and their travelling support, who chanted the name of Thomas Tuchel, the Champions Leaguewinning manager sacked by new owner Todd Boehly in September.

Chelsea’s supporters

gave their team a sympathetic reception at the end of Thursday’s narrow Premier League defeat by City at Stamford Bridge but this was not the case here.

Potter’s team were roundly booed at half-time and again by those who stayed until the end, with the manager hearing the uncomfortable sound of his own fans singing the name of his popular predecessor Tuchel.

Chelsea’s lack of threat was also reflected in ironic shouts of “shoot” every time they got near goal and chants of “we’ve had a shot” on the rare occasions they did. This may be a club in transition once

again but this display was abject under any circumstances.

Manager Potter is wrestling with an injury crisis but there was no excuse for this dreadful performance. Chelsea’s side contained plenty of experience with players such as Mateo Kovacic, Koulibaly, Havertz, Mason Mount, Jorginho, Hakim Ziyech and keeper Kepa.

Chelsea lacked fight, quality and belief, an alarming sight for a manager so early in his reign and given the spending lavished on this season, admittedly in a somewhat scattergun fashion, by owner Boehly since his arrival.

They have now been

knocked out of both domestic cups by City and stand 10 points off the Champions League places in the Premier League. Chelsea face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League last-16 and if they perform like this they will also be knocked out there.

Man City make it look easy

Manchester City strolled through the second half barely breaking sweat after smoothly putting Chelsea away in the first 45 minutes, underlining the gulf in class between the teams.

Pep Guardiola was able to rest goal machine Erling Haaland but replaced him with Argentina World Cup hero Alvarez, while Foden

got his chance to remind everyone once again what a huge part he will play in Manchester City’s future.

City’s third goal was passing and movement perfection, Foden rounding off the link between Mahrez and Walker, the fist pumps and smile of delight from Guardiola confirming this is exactly how he likes to see his side playing.

This has been a satisfying few days for Manchester City as they closed the gap on leaders Arsenal in the league to five points - and they may face the Gunners again in the FA Cup fourth round unless League One Oxford United can spring a surprise at the Kassam Stadium on Monday. (BBC)

Golden Jaguars back in training – as

preparation for 2022/2023 commences

Guyana’s

Cup prelims the following June.

The squad has to beat Montserrat and Bermuda in March 2023 and hope Haiti with 10 points stumbles in their upcoming matches in order to qualify.

The Golden Jaguars were unable to advance out of the first round of qualifying and again tasted heartbreak by elimination in the 2021 Concacaf Gold

The following two matches, back-to-back encounters with Haiti, threw a wrench into Guyana’s aspirations to ascend. Haiti won both encounters to take pole position for promotion and the direct qualification to the 2023 Gold Cup.

Guyana can still get promoted by winning its remaining two matches, but they’ll need Haiti to stumbles. What can be secured with the second-place spot is a spot in the Gold Cup Preliminary Round, as the country is hopeful to return after making its first appearance in the 2019 edition.

Man City 4-0 Chelsea

Graham Potter’s Chelsea side did not register a single shot in the first half of their FA Cup defeat at Manchester City

Golden Jaguars were back in training today in preparation for 2022/2023 Concacaf Nations League on Sunday, at the Guyana Football Federation National Training Centre, Providence.

Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz and Wayne Dover overseeing operations at training

Hetmyer to play in ILT20 League in UAE from January 13

Guyana and West Indies batsman Shimron Hetmyer will play for Gulf Giants in the 2023 inaugural edition of the International League T20 that is set to bowl off on January 13. In addition to Hetmyer, his fellow Guyanese Sherfane Rutherford will also play in the tournament, representing Dessert Vipers.

Dubai Capitals will be hosting Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Other than these two teams, MI Emirates,

Gulf Giants, Sharjah Warriors and Dessert Vipers are also a part of the new T20 tournament.

(UAE), and each team will play five home and five away matches before starting the Playoffs. The final of the competition will be hosted on February 12 in Dubai.

Squads below:

Abu Dhabi Knight Riders

Meanwhile, a total of 34 matches will be played across six venues in the United Arab Emirates

Sunil Narine (c), Andre Russell, Jonny Bairstow, Paul Stirling, Lahiru Kumara, Charith Asalanka, Colin Ingram, Akeal Hosein, Seekkuge Prasanna, Ravi Rampaul, Raymond Reifer, Kennar

Bravo XI whip Khan XI in Red Force trial match

Dubai Capitals

Rovman Powell (c), Dushmantha Chameera, Hazratullah Zazai, Fabian Allen, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Sikandar Raza, Niroshan Dickwella, Dasun Shanaka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dan Lawrence, Blessing Muzarabani, Isuru Udana, George Munsey, Fred Klaassen

Tahir, Samit Patel, Will Smeed, Jordan Thompson, Najibullah Zadran, Zahir Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqui, Brad Wheal, Bas de Leede

Chris Jordan, Chris Lynn, Tom Banton, Dominic Drakes, David Wiese, Jamie Overton, Richard Gleeson, Rehan Ahmed, Wayne Madsen, Liam Dawson, James Vince (c), Qais Ahmad, Ollie Pope

Kieron Pollard (c), Dwayne Bravo, Nicholas Pooran, Trent Boult, Andre Fletcher, Imran

Evin Lewis, Dawid Malan, Tom KohlerCadmore, Chris Benjamin, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Moeen Ali (c), Mohammad Nabi, Chris Woakes, JJ Smit, Mark Deyal, Noor Ahmad, Danny Briggs, Naveen-ul-Haq, Bilal Khan

Tion Webster, Shannon Gabriel and Uthman Muhammad did the damage on Friday, with the ball, as the Darren Bravo XI whipped the Imran Khan XI by an innings and 64 runs, on the final day of their three-day TT Red Force trial match at the Queen’s Park Oval, St Clair on Friday.

Medium pacer Webster collected four wickets for 30 runs, former West Indies fast bowler Shannon Gabriel took 2/13 and fast-medium bowler Uthman Muhammad got 2/23 as the Khan XI, in their second innings, were bundled out for 110.

Veteran batsman Jason Mohammed topscored for the Khan XI with 32 and Terrence Hinds chipped in with an unbeaten 17.

Earlier on Friday, the Bravo XI, who resumed their first innings on 315/9 in response to the Khan XI’s 160, were dismissed for 334, when leg-spinner Khan trapped Muhammad

leg-before for 21. Charles was not out on 25.

The Red Force players will now turn their attention to the North/South Classic, which will take place from January 1215 at the National Cricket Centre, Balmain, Couva.

The players are gearing up for the 2023 edition of West Indies Championship will be played across five rounds of four-day, red ball cricket featuring the six regional Franchise teams – defending champions Barbados Pride, Guyana Harpy Eagles, Jamaica Scorpions, Leeward Islands Hurricanes, Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, and Windward Islands Volcanoes.

The 2023 West Indies Championship commences in February. The first two rounds will be played from 1 February to 11 February in Grenada at the National Stadium and in Antigua at the CCG and the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium (SVRS). There will then be a break

and the tournament will resume on 15 March and run until 1 April for the final three rounds, after which the champions will be crowned and presented with the Headley Weekes Trophy. These matches will be played in Trinidad at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy (BLCA), Queens Park Oval (QPO) and the Diego Martin Sports Complex (DMSC). (Modified from T&T Newsday)

Brief Scores –

KHAN XI 160 - Jyd Goolie 54, Terrence Hinds 28, Joshua Da Silva 25; Bryan Charles 4/31, Tion Webster 2/19 and 110Jason Mohammed 32, T Hinds 17 not out; T Webster 4/30, Shannon Gabriel 2/13, Uthman Muhammad 2/23 vs BRAVO XI 334 - T Webster 107, Darren Bravo 60, Vikash Mohan 55; Imran Khan 4/64, T Hinds 3/47, Shaaron Lewis 2/108. Bravo XI won by an innings and 64 runs.

Former West Indies Head Coach Phil Simmons will take charge of the Dubai Capitals in the upcoming International T20 League (ILT20), starting on January 13 in the UAE.

A total of six franchises, which comprise Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Desert Vipers, Dubai Capitals, Gulf Giants, MI Emirates, and Sharjah Warriors, will battle it out in the month-long tournament in the UAE.

Ahead of their opening game against Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, the Dubai Capitals Head Coach Simmons expressed his excitement ahead of the brand new T20 League.

“It’s very exciting to be a part of the Dubai Capitals and to be a part of a new league in the UAE. Our team is exceptionally well-balanced. We have a

backup for each of the players, who will be a part of the first XI,” Simmons said.

The Dubai Capitals have two superstar players - Joe Root and Robin Uthappa in their squad for the tournament.

When asked about their impact in the Dubai Capitals camp, Simmons said, “You can’t put a price on experience. These two would have seen every situation possible in cricket during their careers. They will know how to manoeuvre the team in difficult situations during the tournament. They are both World Cup winners and that is a huge plus for us.”

The Head Coach also expressed that he likes the Dubai Capitals Captain Rovman Powell’s demeanour on the field, “Rovman won two tournaments as Captain last year, first in the

Ben Duckett, Benny Howell, Colin Munro (c), Ruben Trumpelmann, Sam Billings, Sandeep Lamichhane, Saqib Mahmood, Sheldon Cottrell, Sherfane Rutherford, Tom Curran, Wanindu Hasaranga

Alex

Caribbean Premier League and then in the Super50 Cup. So you know that he is a winner and that’s one of his top attributes of him being Captain. He is a calm person and I like his demeanour on the field.”

Apart from the global stars, there are four talented UAE players in the Dubai Capitals squad.

Two quick bowlers Hazrat Luqman and Raja Akifullah Khan are there, who have good skills and a young leftarm spinner Jash Giyanani also is a talented player. And the other UAE player is Chirag Suri, who is an exciting top-order batter.

The Dubai Capitals will go up against Abu Dhabi Knight Riders at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in the opening match of the tournament on 13 January 2023.

The T&T Red Force players are preparing for the Regional Four-Day tournament that starts on February 1

Lewis, Ali Khan, Brandon Glover

MI Emirates

Sharjah Warriors

Desert Vipers

Hales,

Shimron Hetmyer will play for Gulf Giants in Dubai