Guyana Times - Monday, June 5, 2023

Karasabai hostel fire: 4 teens for court this week

Teen found dead in abandoned chicken pen at Craig Saudi Fund officials briefed on Silica City, other infrastructure projects

Surinamese national busted with ecstasy, hashish

Police intercept speeding canter carrying over 120lbs ganja

Father, son to be sentenced today for murder of Mon Repos man

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Sunday met with a team from the Saudi Fund for Development led by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Marshad.

Teen found dead in abandoned chicken pen at Craig Surinamese national busted with ecstasy, hashish

The Police are on the hunt for a Venezuelan national who allegedly murdered 18-year-old Henry Williams, a labourer of Buzz a Bee Dam, Craig, East Bank Demerara (EBD), on Saturday evening.

Based on reports received, the now dead man and the suspect shared an apartment in the said village along with his girlfriend and her parents (all Venezuelan nationals).

Soon after, Williams was seen leaving the premises and went into the dark.

A short while after, an alarm was raised that Williams had hung himself. As persons rushed to the area, they found him lying on the ground in an abandoned chicken pen.

The suspect with whom he had a fight earlier in the evening was seen running away from the scene into some bushes.

ASurinamese national was on Saturday busted with a quantity of narcotics suspected to be ecstasy and hashish during a Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU)-led operation at Eliza Mary, Corriverton, Corentyne,

CANU stated that Virjanand Narain was arrested and escorted to CANU Headquarters in Berbice along with the suspected narcotics where

it was weighed and tested. The ecstasy weighed 69.9 grams while the hashish weighed 101.5 grams. He remains in custody assisting with investigations.

At about 19:00h on the day in question, Williams was seen assaulting his girlfriend because she insisted on going to her grandfather’s residence to spend the night. As such, the suspect intervened and a scuffle broke out between them.

During the fight, Williams armed himself with a piece of wood but the suspect quietly went into his apartment.

At the time of the discovery, Williams was lying on his back with a multi-coloured canvass rope in the form of a hoop next to the body.

Police found a one-inch width bruise on his neck. His body was taken to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem examination. The suspect remains on the run.

Berbice.

Arrested: Virjanand Narain

The ecstasy found during the operation

The hashish found on the suspect

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, June 5 – 04:15h – 05:45h and 10:00h – 10:45h and Tuesday, June 6 – 04:15h – 05:45h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, June 5 – 05:00h –06:30h and Tuesday, June 6 – 05:35h – 07:05h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

There will be thundery showers and sunshine during the day. Expect clear skies and thundery showers at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East South-Easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 17:36h reaching a maximum height of 2.58 metres.

Low Tide: 11:08h and 23:21h reaching minimum heights of 0.43 metre and 0.68 metre.

Govt to sign US$150M loan with Saudi Arabia for construction of Wismar Bridge

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government will be signing a US$150 million loan with Saudi Arabia, to not only finance the construction of a new Wismar Bridge, but also the construction of 1000 young professional homes in Linden.

President Dr Irfaan Ali made this announcement while on the campaign trail in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice). He made reference to previous utterances from the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), who had cast doubts on the Wismar Bridge project.

“They doubted us. They stood up in Parliament and they said we are lying; the Wismar Bridge will not come. Do you remember that? On Monday, we will be signing

homes – turn-key homes the Government has been building aimed particularly at young professionals.

“So, when you vote on June 12, one more reason to

And all of you in the construction sector will have to come forth as we build the 1000 houses for Linden for low-income families. And we want the builders, the carpenters, the masons, to be from Linden. We want it designed and built by Linden, with the

PPP/C by your side,” he further said.

Meanwhile, President Ali met with a team from the Saudi Fund for Development led by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, on Sunday. The team is here on a three-day visit, during which they will sign the two loan agreements.

Last month, the Guyana Government signed a US$150 million Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Saudi Fund for Development to provide financing for initiatives in the housing sector as well as the Wismar Bridge project. The MoU was inked by Senior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, and the Sultan, while the Finance Minister was on an official visit to Saudi Arabia.

with the Saudi Development Bank, the loan for the building of a four-lane bridge across Wismar,” the President said.

President Ali used the opportunity to urge Lindeners to vote their conscience and to vote based on who has the better plans and is more trustworthy in terms of what they can deliver. He pointed out the loan would also encompass the construction of 1000 young professional

ensure that this Government leads the way in the transformation of Region 10. I wonder what they will say on Monday. Because they stood up in Parliament and the naysayers said we will not do it. Well on Monday, glory be to thee. On Monday, we shall put ink on paper and we shall sign the loan for the Wismar Bridge.”

“And we shall sign for US$150 million for housing.

President Dr Irfaan Ali and CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development, Sultan A Al-Marshad during their meeting on Sunday

The current Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge

...to also build 1000 homes for young professionals in Linden

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Power to the (local) people

We are exactly one week away from Local Government Elections (LGE) 2023 and it is heartening that the crowds have been increasing at the PPP’s meetings across the country. The meeting at Kowsilla Community Park in Leonora addressed by VP and PPP’s General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo last Friday was nothing short of a massive rally, rivalling those in the most tensely-contested General Elections. Addressing another large meeting the following evening at Republic Square, Corriverton, Berbice, the GS adverted to the “complacency” he found expressed by many that LGE are “not as important” and sought to debunk it.

While he emphasised the political aspect inherent in decisively defeating the Opposition PNC/APNU in all the eighty Local Government Areas, he emphasised that the PPP was transforming itself “from just an ordinary political party into a movement for progress across Guyana.” A “movement is a group of people working together for a common social, political or cultural goal” –the goal here being “progress” for all Guyanese. It is rather unfortunate that the main Opposition PNC is in the throes of a meltdown resulting from vicious infighting between several factions seeking to capture the leadership.

This is because inherent in the practice of democratic governance is the need for any incumbent Government’s policies to be challenged on their merits by alternative formulations or approaches. There is also the need for the incumbents at all levels not to start believing they are immune to the salutary politics of “in and out”. For too long, governance at the local level has been overshadowed by the national competition for control of the central government. The VP emphasised that a refocusing of the political lens is part and parcel of the new “movement”.

“You’re voting to safeguard your community and your children from fake promises and negative vibes and division and it all rests with you in your hands. The people have all the power,” he declared at Corriverton. Implicit in his exhortation is the commitment that the new PPP movement wi ll give meaning in practice to the long-professed goal of empowering people at the grassroots in decisions that affect them. While the 1980 PNC Constitution of Burnham introduced an intricate Local Government structure, he staffed it with thousands of party card-holders and never allowed the people any real decision-making powers. To a large extent, there has been a hysteresis or lag in moving towards this goal that may now be given new life under the PPP regime.

It is intuitively evident that decisions at the local level are best made by people who live at that level: in the local idiom, “he who feels it knows it”. And as such, it is imperative that they have an input in crafting proposals for addressing their issues. The involvement of greater numbers of people in the LGE rallies and meetings will ensure that the locals become more aware of both the individuals running for office and the platforms on which they are running. They can then become involved after the elections if the programmes on the platforms are not being implemented. This is the essence of the democracy the VP was talking about in the new movement being fostered.

In the USA, there is a saying that “all politics is local” and in their three levels of government, the local units are very vibrant. We should expect no less in our similar governmental setup. But the philosopher Immanuel Kant pointed out what is now a truism – to wit, that “ought“ implies “can”. To say that local government “ought” to become more vibrant means we have to ensure that “can” become so. And this implies fulfilling two imperatives: firstly, local officials be trained to execute their responsibilities and secondly, they are funded to execute the projects on the party programmes.

While the oil revenues might facilitate greater subventions from the central government, the local residents must also bear some costs, if for nothing but to make them feel part of the process.

Desperate attempt to hide from the electorate

Dear Editor,

The PNC/APNU’s desperation to hide from the electorate has been relentless and unlimited.

As a result, their last-resort effort in engaging the Courts was hopeless, without foundation, and as expected, the High Court Judge threw out their flimsy contextual issues about Constituency boundaries surrounding the compilation of the Voters’ List.

The PNC/APNU cabal’s wicked pursuit has been widely condemned and woefully exposed, so much so that it is no longer surprising to most of our electorate. No other political party in Guyana or the wider Commonwealth has brought forward such outrageous challenges and irrational queries aimed at defying longstanding electoral principles and precedence.

From the December 2018 No-Confidence Motion challenge to the recent cases, the PNC/APNU Oppressors have used every opportunity to suppress our democratic ideals.

The PNC/APNU plot has much to fear regarding the reactions from our citizens, which they hope time would help to provide a sufficiently strong gap to allow the swaying of the people’s focus. Unfortunately, it is not only their miserable failure to use or demonstrate rational reasoning, but the outright imposition of the most burdensome governance measures on the Guyanese nation while in

office, and their propensity to cheat that has come full circle.

Compared to the PPPC’s speedy turnaround and massive, all-inclusive development success, these have intensified their fears. Hence, they continue the time-wasting challenges before the Judiciary, stretching our legal system’s tolerance and hoping for some emerging legal brilliance from the lawyers or oversight on the part of the defense.

At the Guyana Elections Commission, the APNU Commissioners led by Vincent Alexander remain highly objectionable to agenda areas of objectivity at the Commission’s Meetings.

The Opposition’s desperate efforts to avoid facing the electorate at Local Government Elections were thrown out by the High Court. One would recall that agents of APNU recently filed court action contesting the method used by GECOM to compile the Voters List. Further, the Court also threw out the application challenging the boundaries of Constituencies and Local Authority Areas, making it two rejections in less than 24 hours.

The High Court Judge said that, contrary to the contention by APNU, the Minister of Local Authority is responsible for the demarcation of boundaries, and not GECOM. APNU’s Chief Scrutineer Carol SmithJoseph contended that the

Elections could not be held as the changed boundaries and reformulated constituencies were unlawful. The Court awarded costs of $250,000.00, but there are now solid public calls for higher penalties to defer wasting the court’s time as an unfounded futile practice.

Whenever Vincent Alexander fails to realize tractions for the PNC’s delaying strategy at the Commission level, he attacks the GECOM Chairwoman in the media. Then he steps out of the closet to join court actions advancing the PNC’s strategies, rather than observing the legal positions. It is widely reported in various media that he supported Joseph’s challenge in petitioning the Court in the two recent cases.

However, in presenting her ruling, the Judge clearly explained that the Minister determines the number of Local Authority Areas and the Councillors by increasing or decreasing their numbers.

Notably, the cabal’s hypocrites did not object when the APNU Minister of Communities conveniently ‘Gerrymandered’ the boundaries of specific Constituencies in 2016 and 2018. In addition, concerning the Voters List, the Court ruled that it is from the Official List of Electors (OLE) that the Voters List for the LGE has to be compiled.

The nation will recall that the 2020 elections fiasco was undoubtedly created by the PNC-led clan.

This was strongly refuted by united forces in support of democracy. A united Guyana supported by the firm stand taken by the international community, who fought unflinchingly against the unapologetic tyrants. We therefore cannot allow any infiltrations that are likely to diminish the required fairness and transparency when election matters are addressed.

The PNC+APNU/AFC was fully prepared to take Guyana and make it a pariah state. The Granger Administration carefully went against the Constitution and appointed James Patterson as the Chairman of GECOM. He then employed Roxane Myers as the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, and GECOM catapulted Region #5 Election Officer Clairmont Mingo to be Returning Officer of Region #4. More than thirty fraud cases were made against the GECOM staff, political activists, and leaders of the PNC, whose actions must now be fully judged.

The disciplined services have already voted, and other Guyanese citizens in general are now raring to vote on Monday, 12th June. Therefore, GECOM must be commended for thoroughly preparing for the holding of free and fair Elections. This LGE is significant, since it will bring a more inclusive democracy at the grassroots level.

Sincerely, Neil

Kumar

This Naveen Kirpalani photo which shows early-morning mountain fog along the beautiful and hilly Mahdia trail, Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) – is one of the entries shortlisted in the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce's "Snap and Share" Independence competition

Black water shrimp production must be embraced by Guyanese

Dear Editor,

In the midst of all the ‘fuss’ of Local Government Elections and ExxonMobil court battles, many are missing some important pieces of news. So, I take great pride and joy in reminding the Guyanese that “Guyana’s black water shrimp (Peneausschmitti) production has increased significantly when compared with that of 2022.” This is indeed something quite significant and deserves attention and celebration.

According to Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, “For this year, our farmers were able to produce 182.89 metric tons (182,890 kilograms) of black water shrimp in the first quarter,

earning over $274 million. (and) When we look at the production figures for the first quarter of 2022, we are seeing an increase of almost 50%.” Wow! What is impressive is that this venture is a novelty in Guyana, and its success so far breathes of careful planning and implementation. It also augurs well for the future. In fact, the Minister added the reminder that “This is in keeping with our goals for the industry and a testament to the Government’s commitment to increasing local production, lowering the food import bill, and increasing both our production and export capacities. We are working towards producing 1.5 million kilograms annually by

the year 2025.”

Editor, I have a few comments to make regarding this wonderful development.

First, it is that ‘we cannot go wrong’ when it comes to ‘shrimp farming.’ At the economic level, it creates jobs and supports local economies by providing a market for local farmers and fishermen. The double positive is that shrimp farming is also an easy thing to grasp. As a matter of fact, they grow quickly, which means that farmers can generate a good return on their investment relatively quickly. This, as we all know, will boost food security, by providing a source of protein that is in high demand worldwide.

PNC heading into meltdown

Dear Editor,

It appears that the PNC and APNU are heading for a historic meltdown. No one would be surprised when those little parties that hang on to APNU also begin to bolt. Political survival usually brings out the best of commence sense.

The PNC has been in a lot of trouble with people of star quality exiting at a rapid clip. Weeks ago, it was Patricia Chase-Green and Keith Ferrier, who bade adieu. They were followed by Ronald Backer who recently followed suit. And now, in what must be described as a dystrophic moment, Barbara Pilgrim, a most trusted member, has jettisoned the party for the PPP. These crossovers are without doubt based on the rudderless leadership of the PNC and the APNU coalition.

The reader should know that while the PNC has been ridding itself of whatever little inclusionary members they have, the PPP/C is doing the opposite. President Ali and PPP General Secretary Jagdeo have insisted on diversifying not only party membership and support but also its list of candidates. Take a look at the list below - Odayson Audwin Ashby, Jeremy Garrett, Quincy Anderson, Wilburn Lashley, Alana Persaud, Terry Albert Marques, Caeron Andrew Harte, Andre Dmitri Jackman, Arsenio Javon Beaton, Coleen A Sampson, Alfonso Fidel De Armas-Archbold, Stephen Anthony Jacobs, Asha Wallace, Jewula Angela Cesar, Dion Yonge, Faye Andrea Matthews, Ronetta A Small, Delroy N Williams, Malcom Ferreira, Trichria

Richards, (Georgetown)

Forbes Moore, Ava Smith, Paul Tyndell, Rawlin Teitch, Shurdon Murray, Dwayne Charles, Oneika Williams, Ryan Richards, Audwin Rutherford, Erol Roethof, Melinda Fredericks, Renna Fredericks, Sharmella Solomon, Candacy Allicock, Nathoya Benn, Reycia Nedd Sherry Fyffe-James, Sancha Halley, Kenisha DeyVenture, Nikita Roberts, Rufina Allicock, Akeba Richmond, Tanella Croal, Trevon Yaw, Warren Wintz, and Lorna Hall.

This is only a handful of the candidates brought into the PPP aimed at broadening the base of the party, something that both President Ali and General Secretary committed to when they spoke last at Babu Jaan. I call on all PPP/C supporters to vote for the candidates above.

The PNC has three real problems. First, and foremost, is its myopic understanding of the ways in which rational actors behave. The PNC (and WPA) still believe that the figment of the imagination called race, can and will be their trump card forever. We know that human beings eventually become utility maximisers as society modernises. The PNC is pushed by ethnic nationalists from New York, Arizona, and elsewhere to hold the line on race, the latter narrowly defined. Traditional supporters of the PNC are refusing to go along with the script. The same cannot be said for the WPA because they do not have any supporters. The AFC sold out a long time ago and lost its shirt!

Secondly, Mr Norton is turning out to be an abysmal failure as Leader of the

As a caveat, I am not going to be naïve, and I know that the Guyana Government is alert to ensure that the venture will continue along the lines of sustainability, as best practices can help to protect and restore coastal ecosystems, such as mangrove forests, which provide important ecological services.

At the nutritional level, shrimp consumption proves to be an excellent source of vitamin B12, providing 1.4 mcg or 59% of the daily value (DV). Shrimp is also a good source of phosphorus, providing 201 mg or 16% of

the DV. Shrimp also provide calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and selenium, and I need not go on, as texts are fraught with this kind of information.

My hope is that the goal of the Government, towards having the programme replicated across several regions in the country will be pursued relentlessly. The word in the public domain is that (after assisting farmers with constructing ponds in Region Six), “… we’ve started preliminary works in Region Five. We’re also looking at other places like Region Two and so on. “

Success breathes its kind, so it is time for Guyanese fishermen and sea workers to think innovatively and capitalise on better possibilities, in terms of Guyana’s geography and weather. The good thing is that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government is in partnership with United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to enhance shrimp production in Guyana and several other Caribbean states. It is time that more come on board.

Yours truly, HB Singh

The PNC is in a quandary

Opposition.

“Turning out to be” might not be an accurate construction because a sizeable number of PNC top brass had warned about Norton’s lack of capacity for leadership. Some reports indicate that Annette Ferguson has predicted Mr Norton’s days are numbered. The two of them will have to sort that out, but in the meantime, the LGE will take place.

Finally, the PNC and APNU will enter a rapid meltdown because of the positive energy generated by the PPP leadership.

This is a party that has a solid list of achievements, a solid development plan, and an unremitting commitment to diversity and inclusion. It is regrettable that absentee observers like Nigel Westmass have taken to accusing Afro-Guyanese supporters who join the PPP/C, as ‘this and that,’ labels I do not care to repeat here.

Dr Westmaas is like an absentee landlord who comes in occasionally to collect the rent, in this case as intimated by Freddie Kissoon, a little praise from the mulatto upper middle class which Westmaas seems to know by experience. Westmaas’ absentee race entrepreneurship will yield nothing because while Guyana is changing, he is stuck in the past. Those who are stuck in the past, are likely to remain in the past.

Guyana is on the move. To be more accurate, however, while the country is on the move, some of its historic institutions, in this case, the People’s National Congress, are on a bridge to nowhere.

Sincerely,

Dr Randolph Persaud

Dear Editor, Recently, Chief Justice Roxanne George threw out two matters brought before her by APNU/PNC Chief Scrutineer Carol Joseph. Acting on behalf of her party, Joseph contended that the list was so flawed that it necessitates the postponement of the 2023 LGE.

Well, I am not so sure where this "oil and gas comedian" got her legal advice, but the point is, that which she is asking the court to do should have been dealt with a long time ago, during the Claims and Objections pe -

riod. Here Joseph and her representatives should have presented their evidence, whatever that is, and something they deliberately shirked away from. In this regard, the PNC do not have a legal leg to stand on.

What the PNC are not telling us is that they are unprepared for the upcoming LGE, and seeing there is nothing positive that the party can offer the electorate, they were all the more flat-footed and totally out of sorts. Even more revealing is the massive show of support for the governing party.

The PNC have become mortally afraid of the elections. They see a shocking defeat steering them in the face, and as such they are trying every known shenanigan to avert the disaster.

In addition to their predicament is the fact that there is going to be a grand leadership crisis within that party. With defeat comes a call for Norton's head; he will have to go!

So, the PNC is in a quandary, out of which they cannot get themselves.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

Page Foundation

Ratios

A ratio compares two numbers by using division.

Exercises: Solve

1) A group of 4 friends has 10 dollars to share. What is each person’s share?

2) John rode his bike 25 kilometres in 3 days. How many kilometres did he ride every day?

3) Henry uses 3 kilograms of butter in a recipe for 15 loaves of bread. How much butter did he use for each loaf?

4) It took six tonnes of crusher run to cover 3 kilometres of road. How much gravel was used for each kilometre?

5) Sunil puts eight litres of gasoline in a 23-litre tank. How much of the tank did he fill?

6) At Mario’s, 5 friends want to share 2 pizzas. If there are 12 slices in each pizza, how many slices does each person get?

By James W smith

Your little tongues once whispered in the breeze And sang sweet music in the traveller's ear. Soft silken parachutes, like swarming bees Once bore your children from your arms. The air With gentle fingers planted armies to Your glory. Tell me, now that death has shorn Your tresses, kissed you until your giant limbs Stiffened into spectral resignation, What are your thoughts? Your strong brown roots still drink The waters of the Essequibo: still Erect you hold your proud and massive trunk. Death with his leprous touch, could not destroy Your noble form. But now your lips are sealed, No more. I hear the music of your voice... What are your thoughts, I ask, what are your thoughts?

WORD SEARCH

Saudi Fund officials briefed on Silica City, other infrastructure projects

– visit several developmental projects

Also in attendance at the engagement were Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal; the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Andre Ally; Director of Projects Omar Narine, and other technical staff. Representatives from the Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Finance including Finance Secretary Sukrishnalall Pasha, Director of Budget Sonya Roopnauth, and other technical and support staff were also there during the briefing.

existing areas.

Ahigh-level team from the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) was on Sunday briefed on the Guyana Government’s model smart urban centre –Silica City.

Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Sherwyn Greaves, led a team from the Ministry of Housing and Water agency to make presentations before the high-level delegation.

SFD’s CEO Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Marshad is leading the delegation on a three-day mission in Georgetown during which two development loan agreements will be signed with the Guyana Government for infrastructural works to the tune of US$150 million. The other visiting officials are Faisal Sulaiman

A Al-Khushaiban, Fahad Abdullah R Al-Haqbani and Randah Faisal A Al-Hothali.

One of the two loans that the SFD team will be signing with Guyana is for the financing of infrastructur-

al development works in the housing sector. The other project that will be benefitting from the SFD financing is the Wismar Bridge project.

During Sunday’s presentation held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) in Greater Georgetown, Greaves along with his Chief Development Planner, Germene Stewart, made presentations on priority development projects, Silica City, housing development and road infrastructure.

According to a brief statement from the Housing Ministry, Greaves delivered a comprehensive and in-depth presentation on proposed projects for infrastructural development in Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Four (Mahaica-Berbice) and Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

This presentation was then followed by one done by Stewart on the preliminary development concept for Silica City.

Following the presentations, the visiting delegation was then led on a tour of several project sites, where the Ministry is executing development works.

The tour started off at the new Cummings Lodge Housing Scheme, then to the road network linking that area to South Ruimveldt, followed by the Mandela to Eccles and Diamond bypass road project. The delegation also toured the Providence Young Professional Housing Scheme.

Earlier in the day, President Dr Irfaan Ali met with the SFD delegation. Under its housing and urban development plans, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic-led Government has been working assiduously to fulfil its manifesto promise of providing 10,000 house lots to citizens each year and it has been well on the way to achieving its 50,000 targets this term, with over 20,000 delivered in its first two years in office. In Budget 2023, $54.5 billion was allocated for housing development in new and

Govt to sign US$150M...

According to a statement from the Finance Ministry, the MoU covered infrastructural development works for the housing sector and the construction of the Wismar Bridge – both projects totalling US$150 million.

Earlier this year, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill had indicated that Government is open to proposals for the Mackenzie-toWismar Bridge. The bridge the Government intends to build is a four-lane one that is able to facilitate the increased volume of traffic through Region 10.

The current Wismar Bridge has only one vehicle lane and is over 50 years old. Back in 2020, Italian engineering company Politecnica had unveiled designs for a new bridge. The company had been contracted by the then Ministry of Public Infrastructure to do a feasibility study for the bridge.

With regards to housing and urban development, Government has been working assiduously to fulfil its

manifesto promise of providing 10,000 house lots to citizens each year and it has been well on the way of achieving its 50,000 target this term, with over 20,000 delivered in its first two years in office.

In Budget 2023, $54.5 billion was allocated for housing development in new and existing areas.

The State-owned Saudi Fund for Development finances development projects

FROM PAGE 3

in developing countries by granting them the necessary loans, technical aids necessary for financing studies and institutional support.

Back in July 2022, a 60-person Saudi Arabian investor delegation, led by Deputy Minister for Investors Outreach, Badr Al Badr, visited Guyana to meet with local stakeholders and to explore potential areas for collaboration.

The State-owned Saudi Fund for Development finances development projects in developing countries by granting them the necessary loans, and technical aids necessary for financing studies and institutional support.

Back in July 2022, a 60-person Saudi Arabian investor delegation, led by Deputy Minister for Investors Outreach, Badr Al Badr, visited Guyana to meet with local stakeholders and explore potential areas for collaboration.

During a GuyanaSaudi Arabia Investment Engagement, President Ali declared that Guyana’s doors are open for investments that are of a transfor-

mative nature and will benefit the people of this country.

One of the major developmental projects the Government has touted to potential investors from around the world is Silica City, which is a brainchild that was conceptualised by President Ali during his tenure as Minister of Housing and Water.

Silica City, Guyana’s first smart urban centre, is intended to be a smart city, powered by renewable energy and developed with the Administration’s revised LCDS, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and goal 11 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which speaks to building sustainable cities

and communities, in mind. Silica City will initially cater for just over 3000 households in the first five years, and eventually grow to house more than 12,500 households when completed. The first phase of the project will see an initial 400 young professional homes being constructed. It was previously reported that the Housing Ministry had already begun shortlisting persons for these homes.

Preliminary work at Silica City on the LindenSoesdyke Highway has commenced, paving the way for the construction of the first 100 homes. Works at the site commenced in January this year by one of two contractors, Geraldo Alphonso.

Housing Minister Collin Croal and Director of Projects Omar Narine briefing the Saudi Fund CEO Sultan A Al-Marshad during a visit to one of the Ministry’s project sites on Sunday

Guyanese officials led by the CH&PA team engaging the Saudi Fund for Development delegation at the ACCC on Sunday

NWD man gets bail on possession of gun, ammo charge

when he appeared at the Bartica Magistrate's Court on Friday for gun possession.

Charles was arrested on May 30, 2023, following the discovery of a firearm and matching ammunition.

During the court session, Charles pleaded not guilty to the offence of possession of firearm and ammunition without being the holder of a firearm and ammunition licence.

Victoria man nabbed with ganja hidden in motorcycle seat

Twenty-three-yearold Fidel Charles of Warapoka Village, North West District (NWD), was granted bail by Magistrate Crystal Lambert

Police stated that upon his arrest, Charles had a 12-gauge shotgun and two live 12-gauge cartridges in his possession. However, in court on Friday, he was granted bail in the sum of $400,000.

A32-year-old man of Victoria, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was arrested on Friday at Haslington New Scheme, ECD, after he was found to be in possession of a quantity of ganja.

Police stated that ranks were patrolling the area when they observed the suspect acting in a suspicious manner while sitting on a motorcycle.

As such, the ranks approached him and requested

Unique strokes…

…for the old party enforcer

to conduct a search, to which he agreed. It was during the exercise; a transparent plastic wrap was found concealed in the motorcycle’s seat compartment.

Upon inspection, a quantity of cannabis was unearthed. The suspect was taken to the Enmore Police Station, ECD, where the ganja was weighed and amounted to 485.3 grams.

The man was told of the offence and arrested pending charges.

Hamilton Green has reincarnated once again: you remember when he’d became “Bilal”, a Muslim, don’t you? This time he’s “The Elder”, who delivers Jerimiahs on how the big, bad PPP is going after AfricanGuyanese. Of course, he can be as inciteful as he is, since Granger had railroaded through that bill in Parliament that makes an exception for him in defining how to calculate Government pensions! He ended up 100 times richer!! But it wasn’t just “a” pension, was it? It was specifically Hamilton Green’s pension – so much so that the Bill’s actually named after him! The rule for past top government officials’ pensions is they’re calculated at 7/8ths of their last salary. Simple, no? Well, Granger decided that was TOO simple. When Hamilton Green and the PNC were voted out in 1992, the PM’s salary was peanuts at today’s standards. But he didn’t storm the Elections HQ while President Carter was in the building for the salary, did he?!

Back then, his salary wasn’t the thing – POWER was!! And he’d earned his power through the role of the enforcer who executed the PNC’s X-13 terrorist plan in the 1960s. That described how to commit bombings, arsons and murder to remove the PPP from office. Once in office, whatever he wanted, he just commandeered it! Even Burnham bypassed him for the PM’s office in favour of Desmond Hoyte back in 1980, because he’d grown too big for his britches!

Well, after the passage of his Bill in 2017, Green’s pension became swollen to 7/8 of then PM Honourable Moses Nagamootoo’s salary – to give him the aforementioned 100-time increase!! Interestingly, all those old PNC faithfuls who’d also served faithfully – like in the 1962 Black Friday Riots when in the words of Martin Carter, “a city of clerks became men” – weren’t similarly rewarded!! And didn’t complain!! Why?

The answer’s simple when you think of it. And it’s the same reason why he was first in line to get a national award from Granger’s government. It was literally payback time. When he was the big enchilada in the PNC, he did quite a lot of favours for Burnhamites like Granger. But when Hoyte consolidated power, he’d cleansed the PNC of the Burnhamite hardliners by banishing them to internal and external Siberias!! Granger was banished to a token desk job as “Security Advisor” who was never consulted and Green, of course, was expelled!!

Today, Green is insidiously stirring up rebellion by claiming that the PPP isn’t treating African Guyanese equally. As if he was treated equally to be given his hyperinflated pension by Granger!! The PPP shouldn’t just reclaw land that enriched PNC operatives – there’s also this outrageous “pension”!!

…for provocateurs

Nowadays, the WPA’s taken to social media to claim they’re the REAL Opposition by spouting frenzied calls for an “uprising” – and for the GDF to break the law and stand down when the uprising breaks out! But in an address to the GDF’s Annual Officers’ Conference, then President Brigadier (rtd) Granger had declared – in reference to PPP’s mobilisation of sugar workers after his closure of Wales: “Reckless remarks about an uprising and provocative calls for the mobilisation of foot soldiers have the potential to rip apart the fragile fabric of social cohesion that we enjoy.”

He outlined his doctrine of “total national defence” - military, social, civil and environmental. The massive reserve forces he envisioned – starting with the Cadets Corps and the People’s Militia – was just the start of a programme that was aborted after 2020. But aren’t the threats by the social media provocateurs even more potentially destructive of “the fragile fabric of social cohesion that we enjoy”??

The PPP Government has a responsibility to deal condignly with the threat!!

…for squatters

It seems the PPP has added “coddling” of lawbreakers to their repertoire that ain’t kosher for your Eyewitness. Giving land and houses to Hill Foot squatters evicted from private land?? Expect an avalanche of squatters!

Charged: Fidel Charles

The illegal drug that was found in the man’s possession

Pres Ali sends letter of solidarity to India following horrific train crash

– says time for global community to unite & offer support

Days after a catastrophic train crash in the Indian state of Odisha, President Dr Irfaan Ali conveyed his condolences and a message of solidarity to the Indian people on behalf of Guyana.

In a letter addressed to Indian President Smt Droupadi Murmu, President Ali expressed deep sadness at the “tragic and horrific train crash” - one which has so far claimed the lives of over 250 victims.

“On behalf of the Government and people of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, I extend my sincere condolences to you and the people of India, and especially to all those affected by this devastating incident.

The President also directed his sympathies to the families of those who lost their loved ones. He also extended thoughts and prayers to all those who are injured and wished them a speedy recovery. The injured from

the train crash currently number in the thousand.

“Please convey my sympathies to the families who have lost their loved ones. My thoughts and prayers go out to all those injured, wishing them a swift recovery,” President Ali wrote in his letter.

“In times of such tragedy, it is important for us to come together as a global community and offer support to one another. I want to assure you that Guyana stands in solidarity with India during this difficult

time. Please be assured also of my highest esteem and consideration.”

According to a report from the BBC, the accident occurred on Friday near the Bahanaga Bazar

Station 170 miles south of Kolkata. The accident involved three trainsthe Coromandel Express en route to Chennai, the Howrah Superfast Express en route to Howrah and a stationary goods train at the Bahanaga Bazar station.

The report quotes railway spokesperson Amitabh Sharma as saying that the Coromandel Express derailed first. A Railway Ministry official was also quoted saying that further investigations would have to be done to determine why the Coromandel Express derailed.

"Lines 1 and 4 had goods trains parked on them. The passenger trains were running parallelly and simultaneously on tracks two and three. It's a matter of investigation why and how the Coromandel Express got derailed and hit the goods trains,” he was quoted saying.

India has an extensive train network, in fact, one of the largest in the world. More than 12,000 passenger trains traverse daily. This tragedy is one of the deadliest accidents in the history of railways in India.

What was left of the wreckage after Friday’s train crash

President Dr Irfaan Ali

US agency conducts evaluation of deadly Mahdia fire

She was later slapped with 19 murder charges and was remanded to the juvenile centre. She is expected to be charged with the recent death.

During her court hearing, she was not required to plead to the indictment which stated that she murdered Nicholeen Robinson, Martha D’Andrade, Shorline

Bellarmine, Eulanda Carter, Adonijah Jerome, Subrina John, Cleoma Simon, Tracil Thomas, Andrea Roberts, Lisa Roberts, Rita Jeffery, Loreen Evans, Delicia Edwards, Belnisa Evans, Lorita Williams, Mary D’Andrade, Omefa Evans, Sherena Daniels, Natalie Bellarmine, and Arianna Edwards on May 21.

Ateam from the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive Unit (ATF) is currently conducting an evaluation of the deadly fire that ripped through the female dormitory of the Mahdia Secondary School on May 21.

The team is led by Certified Fire Investigator Derick Hill and comprises several fire officers from Guyana including Deputy Fire Officer. During the visit, samples will be collected and assessed after which a report will be furnished to the Home Affairs Ministry.

Using specialised techniques, the team meticulously sifted through the debris at and around the suspected origin of the fire. They reconstructed the scene to gain a comprehensive understanding of the incident.

In addition, the Home Affairs Ministry said advanced computer fire modelling technology will be employed to conduct simulation analyses, providing insights into the fire's growth and behaviour. This cutting-edge approach will assist investigators in determining the factors that contributed to the fire's intensity and

spread.

Once the evaluation and analysis are complete, a comprehensive report will be compiled and submitted to the Government for a thorough review. The findings will be crucial in understanding the circumstances surrounding the Mahdia dormitory fire and informing future fire safety measures.

The inferno killed 19 female students between the ages of 12 to 17 and a fiveyear-old boy. Several others were injured.

Days following the horrific incident, the Guyana Police Force disclosed that

the fire was allegedly started by a 15-year-old female student after her cellular phone was allegedly taken away. The fire was allegedly set in the bathroom area of the dormitory. According to the surviving female students, they were asleep and were awakened by screams.

Upon checking, they saw fire/smoke in the bathroom area, which quickly spread in the building, causing several students to receive burns to their bodies and smoke inhalation, whilst several managed to escape.

The teenager underwent psychological supervision.

Man dies by suicide at Houston bypass

Police are currently seeking to identify the remains of a male of African descent who appeared to be in his 20s that was found hanging motionless at the Houston overhead bypass at 05:30h on Sunday.

Based on reports received, the body was clad in a purple long-sleeve jersey, a pair of cream long pants, and a black belt.

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) from the Central Fire Station pronounced him dead and the

body was escorted to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home to await identification and a post-mortem examination. No marks of violence were found and no foul play is suspected.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) is encouraging anyone who needs someone to talk to or knows someone who is in need of immediate assistance to call the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 223-0001, 2230009, 600-7896, or 623-4444, and speak with a professional counsellor.

The ATF conducting their evaluation

Look for a party that exhibits trust, competence, empathy – Jagdeo tells Corentyne residents ahead of LGE

People’s Progressive Party.”

As it relates to its trustworthiness, he said the PPP/C has already fulfilled about 90 per cent of the promises it made in its 2020 elections manifesto.

“I want you to know that every promise that is made here for every town or the NDC that the People’s Progressive Party will stand behind them… all the roads in this region (Region Six) would eventually be fixed, every single road and the streets,” the General Secretary committed, as he urged persons to support and believe in the

party. He further noted that already, 500 community roads in the region have been rehabilitated and before the end of 2023, another 300 will undergo rehabilitation.

Jagdeo also took the opportunity to reiterate his party’s calls to vote sensibly in the upcoming elections while adding that PPP/C will stand by residents to ensure that the Councils deliver.

“We will stand by these Councils. If they’re messing up, we will force them to act in your best interest. We made it clear that for all the

General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Bharrat Jagdeo has called on voters slated to cast their ballots on June 12 to think of a party with a track record of trust and one which is competent and exhibits empathy.

These qualities, he stated, should be considered before voting at the Local Government Elections (LGE). He was at the time addressing party supporters during a meeting at Corriverton, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), on Saturday evening.

He made reference to the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for

children. The children were getting $1.67 billion with a $10,000 grant they claim they could not afford but they increase the budget for food in Government for Government officials by over $2 billion a year but could not afford $1.6 billion to keep the grant for our children.”

30 school buses

“Granger got 30 buses donated and he then put his name David G on them and deployed them to a few communities but if you multiply $1.6 billion per year by five years, they stole $8 billion from our children. That is how much they have stolen. With $8 billion you could

Change (APNU/AFC) regime which accused the PPP/C of lacking competence and vision.

“They had all the plans for the development of Guyana. They made promises to miners and the farmers and the sugar workers and the pensioners and the children and a lot of people believed them, especially young people who had not known about that history.”

However, according to Jagdeo, who is also the Vice President of Guyana, those promises were never fulfilled but instead disrupted the lives of Guyanese.

“In the five years, they didn’t double old age pension forget the 100 days and the five years nothing happened. In fact, what they did was they took away the free water that the pensioners had. So they have clearly demonstrated that they could not empathise with people, especially pensioners... The same thing with children; for that matter, you should never steal from our children and that is what they did - they stole from our

have bought 1000 buses.”

On the other hand, Jagdeo pointed out that the PPP, since regaining office in 2020, has reintroduced the “Because We Care” grants.

“We will increase it to $50,000 per child and that’s going to be paid out shortly and now we have extended it to the private. All the children we have in the private sector not just if you are going to Government schools but even if you’re going to private schools. Any Government who can steal from your children and they didn’t steal from Indian children alone they stole from Amerindian children and from mixed people children, from Afro Guyanese children. They stole from all of our children...”

“I am telling you all of this because you need to understand that when you make a promise to people, they must first of all believe the promise and then secondly trust you to deliver on their promise and there is only one political party that makes believable promises and has had their track record to deliver on its promises and that’s the

towns we want their meetings live stream so that people can see the discussions that they have in these areas so you can follow what is happening there so that they will be accountable. So, on June 12, you are voting to safeguard your community and your children from fake promises and negative vibes, and division. It all rests with you in your hands and your people have all the power; the political parties can only carry the message but you have the power to make this happen,” the General Secretary said.

(Andrew Carmichael)

General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo addressing the gathering

A section of the gathering on Saturday in Corriverton

3 busted with cocaine during raid at Goed Intent

Mid-morning fire rips through Plaisance home

Three persons of Goed Intent, West Bank Demerara (WBD), were on Friday taken into custody following the discovery of a quantity of cocaine in their possession.

Acting on reliable intelligence, law enforcement officers swiftly proceeded to a house in the area during which a search was conducted in the presence of the owner, a 30-year-old female, and a 24-year-old female from Essequibo.

During the search, officers' attention was drawn to a black bulky bag that was on the kitchen table.

Upon examination, the bag contained several pieces of whitish rock-like substances, suspected to be cocaine.

Police said when the owner was informed of the suspicions and allegations against him, he responded by saying, "Officer, let us deal with it." The three persons were arrested and escorted to the Wales Police Station.

Whilst there, the cocaine was weighed and amounted to 41.6 grams. The owner later admitted ownership of the illicit substance. Investigations are ongoing.

Atwo-storey wooden house located at Lot 36 Graham Street, Plaisance, East Coast of Demerara (ECD), was completely destroyed by fire on Sunday morning, leaving five persons including a child and an elderly woman, homeless.

The fire reportedly started at about 11:40h in the upper flat of the house. According to one of the shaken occupants who managed to escape unharmed, three people resided in the upper flat of the house, while he, along with the elderly woman, occupied the bottom flat.

Guyana Times understands the persons observed fire emanating from the upper flat of the building and immediately alerted the occupants.

As the flames rapidly engulfed the structure, the inhabitants, who were all on the lower floor of the house at the time, ran to safety, leaving everything behind.

Sadly, they were unable to salvage any of their personal belongings and household items.

Eyewitnesses at the scene further recounted that shortly after the blaze was seen, the Fire

Service was alerted and within minutes they arrived and sprang into action.

The firefighters were able to contain the blaze

from spreading to nearby houses. Fire officials are now tasked with ascertaining the cause of the fire as they launch an investigation.

The cocaine that was found in the house

The house completely engulfed in flames

A fire engine at the scene on Sunday morning

The remains of the house after the fire

Karasabai hostel fire: 4 teens for court this week

The hostel was built and managed by the Catholic Church through a self-help initiative, and it aimed to ease the burden on students living with guardians in the village. Several students who occupied the hostel hailed from far-flung communities within the district.

Based on reports, the four male students had threatened to set fire to the building after they were chased from the premises by the caretaker. Making good on their promise, the hostel was set alight early on Thursday.

manded to the Juvenile Holding Centre for her alleged involvement in starting this fire. This case has been adjourned until July 4.

Initial reports indicated that this student had her cell phone confiscated, and

was previously suspended for engaging in activities contrary to the rules of the institution, after which she allegedly threatened to cause “trouble” during an argument with the administrators.

BV man attacked, chopped over old grievance

The four male teenagers who have confessed to setting the St Angela’s Girls’ Hostel at Karasabai, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) on fire last week, are expected to be charged and placed before the court this week.

This is according to Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, who told Guyana Times on Sunday that the arraignment will be done “early” in the week.

Nearly two weeks after a deadly inferno had destroyed the Mahdia Secondary School’s female dormitory and claimed the lives of 20 children, a fire broke out at the girls’ hostel in Karasabai in the wee hours of Thursday, June 1, 2023.

According to the Guyana Police Force, all 19 children housed at the hostel safely evacuated the building. Initial investigations revealed that the hostel was

occupied by 19 students between the ages of 11 and 16 years.

The fire occurred between 02:30h and 03:00h, leading Karasabai Police Station authorities and villagers to immediately form a bucket brigade. While firefighters from Lethem and Georgetown were dispatched to aid in quelling its impact, the inferno eventually destroyed much of the building and its contents before it was put out.

The four alleged suspects were contacted and interviewed by the Police in the presence of the Commander of Region Nine, the Regional Education Officer of Region Nine, and their parents, during which they all confessed to the planning and execution of the crime. They had been in Police custody since.

This incident comes on the heels of the tragic deaths of nineteen female students and a five-yearold boy following the May 21 fire that engulfed the Mahdia Secondary School girls’ dormitory in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

A fifteen-year-old student was last Monday re-

Abrutal attack in Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) which stemmed from an old grievance, has left one man nursing chop wounds at the regional hospital.

The injured man was identified as 30-yearold Devon Assaye of Beterverwagting, East Coast Demerara. His attacker, a 46-year-old male, was taken into custody.

Based on reports received, the incident took place on Saturday at the Bartica Arcade, where tensions escalated between Assaye and the suspect.

According to reports

from law enforcement, the suspect launched a vicious assault on Assaye, wielding a cutlass and striking him on his left hand. The attack resulted in severe injuries, leaving Assaye in critical condition.

Following the assault, the suspect fled as persons in the area rushed the injured man to Bartica Regional Hospital. Assaye was examined and admitted as a patient.

The incident was reported to the Police and due to the swift response from law enforcement officers, the assailant was arrested. Investigations are ongoing.

The June 1 fire at the St Angela's Girls’ Hostel at Karasabai, Region Nine

Private Sector commits to Women’s Empowerment Principles to advance gender equality

Several private sector companies recently announced their commitments to the United Nations (UN) Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) during its launch under the European Union (EU)-funded Spotlight Initiative that aims to increase awareness of the role of the private sector.

This UN Women and UN Global Compact initiative offers guidance to businesses on how to promote gender equality and women empowerment in the workplace, marketplace, and community.

A number of private sector companies, including 17 WEPs signatories, made this commitment to implementing several principles.

These are: establishing high-level corporate leadership for gender equality; treating all women and men fairly at work, respecting and supporting human rights and non-discrimination; ensuring the health, safety and well-being of all female and male workers; promoting education, training and profession-

al development for women; implementing enterprise development, supply chain and marketing practices that empower women; promoting equality through community initiatives and advocacy; and measuring and publicly reporting on progress to achieve gender equality.

As a first step, the companies are intending to implement workplace policies for domestic violence victims and survivors as well as paternity leave and advocate for more members of the private sector in Guyana to endorse and action the WEPs.

Eight private sector companies have also created Gender Action Plans and are implementing policies that align with the WEPs.

“Societies and communities with higher levels of gender equality exhibit lower levels of violence and greater social cohesion. Recent research conducted by UN Women on the economic cost of violence against women and girls in another Caribbean country in the Region demonstrat-

ed that gender-based violence contributes to significant annual output loss to the private sector. This violence affects staff members’ health and their performance,” said UN Women Multi-Country Office –Caribbean Representative Tonni Brodber.

Brodber noted that if Guyana and other Caribbean countries are to realise their development goals, eliminating gender-based violence should be part of a comprehensive approach that centres on gender equality in the

Man caught painting over PPP symbol with APNU’s

development agenda, addressing the health of the people and economic and social growth.

Deputy Head of Delegation of the European Union to Guyana, Suriname, and with responsibility for Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St Barthelemy, St Eustatius, and St Maarten, Evelina Melbarzde commended the UN and Government on the collaboration with a wide group of stakeholders towards preventing and eliminating violence against women.

“I am very happy here today to see that we are no longer just focusing on one cause, but we are also looking at preventative measures. It is with great gratitude that I am here today to thank particularly the UN partners but also the Government who have so far been very successful and to congratulate all of you for your involvement. It is very important to create a safe environment to empower women and to fight gender-based violence,” Melbarzde said.

Aman who is said to be a councillor attached to the Rosignol/Zeelust Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), was photographed repainting PPP/ C’s symbol on utility poles with that of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday at Rosignol and the perpetrator was caught in the act by Police.

The PPP/C has since asked the Police to warm persons that it is an offence punishable by law for unlawfully removing displayed official electoral campaign materials.

Regional parliamentarian Fizal Jaffarally said a number of other communities’ electoral campaign materials are being removed.

In fact, he noted that at Hopetown, a political activist from the community is behind a campaign to have

the PPP material removed. In addition, in the Chance/ Hamle NDC area, a Regional Councillor was also allegedly destroying the PPP’s campaign material. “We are asking persons not to destroy the things that we have put up as part of our electoral campaign,” Jaffarally said while noting that all of the persons who have been interfering with the party’s material are associated with one political party.

Only recently in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), a social worker was taken into custody for her alleged involvement in the removal of party flags at Manchester Village. The social worker is said to be a senior official of the Landcaster-Hogstye NDC. According to an official of the PPP in Region Six, the flags were placed there by the party as a part of its campaign paraphernalia.

UN Women Multi-Country Office-Caribbean Representative Tonni Brodber

The resident caught in the act

18 matters disposed of at Berbice, Essequibo Criminal Assizes

Two of these matters were for the offence of murder and they were presented before Justice Sandil Kissoon, who sat from January and closed the October 2022 assizes.

In these two separate cases, the accused were each sentenced to life imprisonment and will become eligible for parole after serving 30 years. One accused had pleaded guilty as charged while the other was found guilty by a jury verdict on the lesser count of manslaughter. The other seven matters were before Justice Jo Ann Barlow.

Police intercept speeding canter carrying over

120lbs ganja

The Berbice Criminal Assizes commenced on Tuesday, February 7, and according to a statement from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), nine matters were presented by State prosecutors before Justice Simone MorrisRamlall at the High Court in Berbice. A total of 108 matters for various criminal offences had been listed for trial.

Of the matters presented, five were for the capital offence of murder, two for attempt to commit murder with alternative counts of wounding with intent and felonious wounding, one for the offence of manslaughter, and another for inflicting grievous bodily harm.

One of the murder cases

involved three accused who were indicted together. The number one accused pleaded guilty as charged and was sentenced to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after serving 25 years. In relation to the other two accused, the trial Judge upheld no case submissions and directed the jury to return formal verdicts of not guilty.

ln another two separate cases, the accused both pleaded guilty to murder, and are awaiting sentencing; while in two other matters, the accused both pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter. They too are awaiting their sentencing.

The two complainants in the matters for attempt to commit murder with alternative counts of wounding with intent and felonious

wounding and one for inflicting grievous bodily harm testified in court that they did not wish to proceed with their evidence and as such, the trial Judge directed the juries to return formal verdicts of not guilty.

The accused in the one matter for the offence of manslaughter was acquitted by a jury verdict of not guilty. The DPP nolle prosequi two matters because both accused have died. The Berbice June Assizes commences on June 20, 2023.

Meanwhile, the Essequibo Criminal Assizes commenced on Tuesday, May 6, 2023, with 91 cases listed to be heard. State Counsel Taneisha Saygon has prosecuted nine matters so far at the High Court in Essequibo.

Of these, there were three matters for the offence of murder, one each for the offences of murder in the furtherance of a robbery and attempt to commit murder, and two for sexual offences.

The accused in the three murder matters and the one for the murder in furtherance of a robbery, all pleaded guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter and are awaiting sentencing.

The accused in the matter for the offence of attempt to commit murder was acquitted by a jury verdict of not guilty, while in the two sexual offences matters, one accused was found guilty by the jury and is awaiting sentencing while the other was found not guilty. The Essequibo May Assizes remains in progress until October 2023.

Police on Sunday unearthed a large quantity of marijuana in a canter along the Helena No 1 Public Road, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

According to reports received, Police intercepted a motor canter bearing registration number GYY 8519 that was allegedly speeding along the roadway. At the time, the 43-year-old driver along with a woman and her 11-month-old baby were occupants.

The ranks reportedly asked him to produce his driver’s licence but he claimed that he did not

have it on him. As such, he was asked to drive the canter, which was transporting hollow blocks, sand and a wheelbarrow to the Mahaica Police Station.

A search was conducted in the tray during which two salt bags and two transparent parcels were unearthed under the sand.

The bags and parcels were removed and upon inspection, they contained ganja, which when weighed amounted to 54.790 kilograms.

They were arrested and an investigation is underway.

The ganja that was found under the sand in the canter

Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall Justice Jo Ann Barlow

Justice Sandil Kissoon

US court rules phones cannot be searched at border without warrant

ruling with possible implications for Home Affairs PS

Ahistoric ruling in a United States (US) district court on the need for a warrant before a cell phone can be confiscated and searched on the US border, may have implications for an incident involving Guyana’s own Ministry of Home Affairs Permanent Secretary, Mae Toussaint Jr Thomas.

In April 2023, authorities at the John F Kennedy (JFK) Airport in New York confiscated her mobile phone, while she was travelling with a Government Service Passport. This passport is issued to senior state officials for official travel duties.

Despite her official status and in the absence of a warrant, Thomas’ phone was still confiscated. But according to a ruling in the case of United States v. Smith (May 11, 2023), a New York District Court Judge found that a warrant is required to search a cell phone at the border… unless there are exigent circumstances.

Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), a Non-

Governmental Organisation based in the US that has been advocating for civil liberties in the digital world for decades, lauded the court’s decision in a recent feature in which they asserted that previously, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) had conducted warrantless and sometimes suspicionless searches on devices.

“The number of warrantless device searches at the border and the significant invasion of privacy they represent is only increasing. In

Fiscal Year 2022, CBP conducted an all-time high of 45,499 device searches,” EFF also said in their feature.

At the time PS Thomas’ phone was confiscated, she was transiting through the US on her way to China on official duties. However, while at the JFK Airport, she was pulled in for questioning by US authorities during which her cell phone was confiscated.

The Permanent Secretary had nonetheless continued her journey to China follow-

ing the incident.

Upon her return, Thomas was expected to file a report on the encounter to the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry.

Following the incident, the Ministry, on behalf of the Guyana Government, had reached out the United States Embassy in Georgetown for information about what transpired and led to the actions of the US authorities at the JFK.

Permanent Secretary of the Foreign Ministry, Ambassador Elisabeth Harper had told Guyana Times that up to that time that they had not received any information from the US Government on the issue and were awaiting a report from the Embassy in Georgetown. Subsequently, the US Embassy had responded to the Foreign Ministry’s request for details surrounding the confiscation.

A missive from Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy, Adrienne Galanek, had detailed the policy of the

Department of Homeland Security and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that is shared with all travellers to the US including citizens of that country.

“If CBP officers at a port of entry need more information to determine your admissibility into the US, you may be directed to an interview area known as secondary inspection. You could also be subjected to a secondary inspection as a result of a random search. Anyone, including US citizens, may be subject to secondary inspection if the CBP officer has reservations about admitting him or her. Secondary inspection is a more detailed inspection to determine admissibility. It allows CBP of-

ficers to conduct additional research to verify information without delaying other travellers,” the Deputy Chief of Mission had said.

During a secondary inspection, the CBP officer may ask you detailed questions about your travel plans and immigration history. You may also be asked to produce additional proof of identification and detailed information about the purpose of your visit to the US. Both you and your belongings may be subject to a thorough search. Such inspections may include a search of all electronic information stored on your laptop, cell phone or other electronic device.”

Days after overseas-based Guyanese Tisha

Brodie, a social media influencer also called “Tavi Badiee” was gunned down, Police in Atlanta, United States, reported that a resident recalled hearing some 40 gunshots.

In a report from Fox 5 Atlanta News, it was reported that Police believe the 31-year-old woman was gunned down in a targeted shooting. Her body was found in the back of an Uber SUV after 04:30h on May 30 on Lindbergh Drive in Buckhead. The black Cadillac Escalade she rode in was riddled with bullets.

resentative from ADT Security told the dispatcher she was calling on behalf of a male who ordered the Uber ride for the victim, his friend. The representative said the male was at home

"It sounded like about 40 shots," a nearby resident told Fox 5.

The report further stated that on Wednesday last, officials released two 911 calls in which Police learned the car was stopped in the middle of the road and someone inside was injured.

“In one call, it appeared the woman's Uber driver called emergency services. He frantically told them someone had been shot in the back seat of his car. At one point he told the dispatcher she was still breathing,” the report read.

In another call, a rep-

tracking the ride through the Uber app and became worried when he saw the car stopped moving toward his friend's destination.

It is still unclear what might have led to the shooting, but authorities said they are now actively investigating any potential connection between this shooting and another incident that took place nearby at Buford Highway and Lenox Road.

It is believed that there were multiple shooters and Police are still looking for leads to make arrests.

Home Affairs Ministry PS Mae Toussaint Jr Thomas

Resident recalls hearing about 40 gunshots when overseas-based Guyanese influencer was killed

Dead: Tisha Brodie

A screenshot of the crime scene

Father, son to be sentenced today for murder of Mon Repos man

23-year-old Brian Dwarka of Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara (ECD), are expected to be sentenced today.

The men – Suraj Singh, 54, and his son, Andrew Singh, 28, both formerly of Lot 257 Third Street, Mon Repos, were found guilty of the capital offence following a trial before Justice Sandil Kissoon a mixed 12-member jury at the High Court in Demerara.

The father and son who were found guilty of the 2018 murder of

It was reported that on May 27, 2018, Dwarka was

stabbed to death while he was attending a barbecue a short distance from his home. According to reports, the now dead man was in the company of his friends and cousins when an argument between him and Suraj Singh ensued.

The middle-aged man, along with his son, allegedly approached Dwarka and his group, armed with knives. However, while his friends were able to escape, the 23-year-old Mon Repos resident attempted to jump over a fence, but was stabbed once to his chest.

Dwarka then fell into the yard and onto the

ground; he was later picked up by his mother and other relatives and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The men were apprehended – the father at the Georgetown Public Hospital after he reportedly lied to Police, stating that he was attacked and robbed and was sent for a medical, while the younger Singh was found hiding in a toilet in his home.

EBD man appealing life sentence for felonious wounding to know fate on Wednesday

was upheld by the Court of Appeal.

Andy Boodram, the Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD) resident who appealed against the life sentence imposed on him for felonious wounding — over the chopping of his neighbour, who had asked him to lower the volume of the music — will know his fate on Wednesday.

The Court of Appeal has set May 7 to deliver its ruling on Boodram’s appeal, which it had heard earlier this year, against his conviction and jail term.

The now 38-year-old man, a father of three, had initially been indicted by the State for attempted murder, but the jury, in March 2018, found him not guilty of that offence, and instead convicted him on the alternative count of felonious wounding. The victim is Deonarine Persaud, called “Anil”.

During arguments, one of Boodram’s lawyers, Dr Kim Kyte-Thomas, had asked the Judges to revisit the sentence imposed on her client, stating that felonious wounding is usually an offence that is tried in the Magistrate’s Court, where the maximum sentence is five years’ imprisonment.

To support her argument, she relied on a case, Bowman vs Marques, in which she said the Court of Appeal found that 59 months in prison was a reasonable punishment for felonious wounding. That sentence, which was initially imposed by a Magistrate,

“Regularly in the Magistrate’s Court, this is to ensure that we have consistency in our jurisprudence, the sentence awarded for this offence will be either a fine or between six to 18 months in prison. We believe that this [life] sentence was unreasonable and excessive in all the circumstances of the case, and we, therefore, urge this court to find that our client has already paid his due to society, having already served 60 months, or five calendar years [in prison],” averred Dr Kyte-Thomas, while amplifying on written submissions.

For her part, acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards, one of the three Judges who heard the case, had pointed out that Boodram was charged under Section 57 (a) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, which stipulates a sentence of imprisonment for life for anyone convicted of felonious wounding.

While they were in court to do justice, she said, a distinction has to be drawn between the instant case and Bowman and Marques, and the fact that Boodram’s matter was taken indictably before a Judge and jury, and not summarily before a Magistrate only.

In reply, the defence lawyer submitted that Bowman vs Marques was a premeditated robbery and that during the course of that robbery, there was felonious wounding, and a finger was even severed; while the instant case was a fight between two grown men over loud music.

Chancellor CummingsEdwards, in replying, noted that Bowman vs Marques was tried by a Magistrate who was constrained by law to give that sentence.

Boodram’s other lawyer, George Thomas, in arguing for his conviction to be set aside, had submitted the

trial Judge, Navindra Singh erred in law when he admitted the oral statements to form part of the evidence, which he then relied upon in giving directions to the jury.

Meanwhile, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, Mercedes Glasford had asked the court to affirm Boodram’s conviction, submitting, “This court should affirm the conviction which was arrived at by the jury. They [the jurors] were properly directed by the trial Judge.”

On the issue of sentencing, Glasford had contended that the trial Judge had the necessary information before him, including the facts, and a plea in mitigation was made by defence counsel. As such, she had told the local appellate court that it must determine whether, in all of the circumstances and the facts of this case, the sentence was excessive, and whether the correct principles were applied in arriving at the sentence.

“Based on the evidence, it was an argument; but the complainant [Persaud] would have been around his car, and he was turning in the opposite direction, and when he looked around, the cutlass came in connection with his head. He received injuries, was hospitalised,

and had surgeries done. So, this was a very violent attack,” she had said in recounting the facts.

Besides the Chancellor, Justices of Appeal Dawn Gregory-Barnes and Rishi Persaud also heard this appeal, while Abiola WongInniss was the other defence lawyer.

Background Boodram, also known as “Boy”, was found guilty of chopping Persaud in the head following a trial before Justice Navindra Singh and a mixed 12-member jury at the High Court in Demerara. The jury returned its verdict on March 29, 2018, and Boodram was

sentenced that same day.

The chopping incident took place on September 24, 2011.

During the trial, Persaud had testified that Boodram, whom he had known about nine months prior to the incident, operated a shop, and would play music to entertain his customers.

However, Persaud said he came outside and asked Boodram to lower the volume of the music, as he and his wife had a young child. He claimed that they exchanged expletives for 15 minutes after Boodram told him that he was not “turning down no [expletive] music”.

Afterward, the vic-

tim told the court, he was speaking with a woman called “Shirley”, who shouted to him: “Anil, run! ‘Boy’ [Boodram] coming with a cutlass!”

He said that he did not run at the said time, but when he turned around, he saw “Boy” swinging the cutlass. Persaud noted that after he was chopped to the right side of his head, he used his hand to block the chops, thus resulting in injuries to his hand.

“‘Boy’ continued to broadside me even when I fell to the ground on my back,” he noted. He added that he lost consciousness, and only regained his senses at the Georgetown Public Hospital. He said he was hospitalised until October 4, 2011, with regular checkups after.

He added that he also had surgery six months after to fit three pieces of his skull that were preserved in his stomach back into place. He noted that swelling in his head had prevented doctors from immediately conducting the corrective procedure.

Under cross-examination, Persaud admitted that he became angry when the accused did not want to turn down his music. He, however, maintained that he did not attack Boodram.

Bedridden man perishes in Herstelling blaze

A58-year-old bedridden man is now dead after his bed caught on fire. Dead is Sundar Nandkishore of Herstelling Sea Dam, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

According to the Guyana Police Force, the incident occurred at about 11:30h on Friday, June 2, 2023. Reports are that Nandkishore was a bedridden diabetic who resided alone and was a heavy

smoker.

His daughter, who lives a short distance from his house, told investigators that she was sitting on her verandah when she saw smoke emanating from the man’s house. The woman immediately alerted her brother, who went to investigate and discovered Nandkishore lying on his bed which was engulfed in flames.

An alarm was raised

and neighbours formed a bucket brigade and extinguished the fire. By that time, however, EMTs were summoned and pronounced Nandkishore dead at the scene. His body was escorted to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, awaiting a post-mortem examination (PME) as further investigations are underway.

Dead: Brian Dwarka Convicted: Suraj and Andre Singh

From L-R: Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards and Justices of Appeal Rishi Persaud and Dawn Gregory

Andy Boodram

“Full support base” needed during Down’s Syndrome diagnosis – parent

…intervention has improved over the years

During and after the diagnosis of a child with Down’s Syndrome, parents need a full support system from the health sector in navigating through the process of understanding what comes next.

Azeena Baksh shared her journey through the Health Ministry, as a mother to a child with Down’s Syndrome, reflecting on key support areas needed.

She shared that apart from the healthcare workers, a social worker was also present when her child was diagnosed at birth.

“Not all parents, from my experience from the group that we have, have the same experiences. From the inception, I had a full support base. I think that is what is needed, especially if you are a mom who is going to receive a diagnosis,” she

outlined.

Down’s Syndrome is a condition in which a person has an extra chromosome. Typically, a baby is born with 46 chromosomes. However, babies with Down’s Syndrome have an extra copy of chromosome 2. Down’s Syndrome is also referred to as Trisomy 21. This extra copy changes how the baby’s body and brain develop, which can cause both mental and physical challenges.

She called for greater sensitivity to be shown to parents as they go through the acceptance phase.

“What needs to be done is to ensure persons exercise a lot of sensitivity to parents, especially in Guyana where information flow is not so much out there. After that, parents go through the phase of acceptance… and what comes next after

that. As soon as you accept, you’re thinking about therapy.”

Presently, she acknowledged that facilities for persons with Down’s Syndrome have also been enhanced since her child was diagnosed. With additional specialists, children are given assistance at an early age.

“Diagnosis for kids with Down’s Syndrome, especially in Guyana, has changed. I would say that diagnosis now is different from what it was five years ago. I was fortunate to be able to have a healthcare provider who was very kind in doing that diagnosis.”

Baksh further stated, “I have seen a lot more than what was present…Now, we have more physiotherapists. We have more speech therapists, not enough but they’re there. Ptolemy Reid has been very help-

ful with speech, walking. Importantly for kids with Down’s Syndrome is kids to start with early intervention.”

Some common physical features of Down’s syndrome, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, include a flattened bridge of the nose; almond-shaped eyes; a short neck; small ears, a tongue that tends to stick out of the mouth; tiny white spots on the iris of the eye; small hands and feet; a single line across the palm of the hand; poor muscle tone or loose joints and shorter height.

“Down Syndrome is a lifelong condition. Services early in life will often help babies and children with Down Syndrome to improve their physical and intellectual abilities. Most of these services focus on

HEALTH TIPS

CHRONIC KNEE PAIN

CAUSES

Temporary knee pain is different from chronic knee pain. Many people experience temporary knee pain because of an injury or accident. Chronic knee pain rarely goes away without treatment, and it isn’t always attributable to one incident. It’s most often the result of several causes or conditions.

ture in one or more of the cartilages in the knee

* Torn ligament: tear in one of the four ligaments in the knee. The most injured ligament is the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)

* Bone tumours: osteosarcoma (second most prevalent bone cancer) most commonly occurs in the knee.

helping children with Down Syndrome develop to their full potential. These services include speech, occu pational, and physical ther

apy, and they are typically offered through early intervention programs in each

Dr. Tariq Jagnarine Family meDicine/ enDocrinology/DiabeTes

Chronic knee pain is long-term pain, swelling, or sensitivity in one or both knees. The cause of the knee pain can determine the symptoms you experience. Many conditions can cause or contribute to chronic knee pain, and many treatments exist. Each person’s experience with chronic knee pain would be different.

RISK FACTORS

People who are overweight or obese are at a greater risk for knee problems. For every pound that someone is overweight, the knee must absorb an extra 4 pounds of pressure when they walk, run, or climb stairs. Other factors that increase the risk for chronic knee pain include:

* Age

* Previous injuries or trauma

* Athletic activity or physical exercise

Physical conditions or diseases can cause knee pain. These include:

* Osteoarthritis: pain, inflammation, and joint destruction caused by degeneration and deterioration of the joint

* Tendinitis: pain in the front of the knee that is made worse when climbing, taking stairs, or walking up an incline

* Bursitis: inflammation caused by repeated overuse or injury of the knee

* Chondromalacia patella: damaged cartilage under the kneecap

* Gout: arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid

* Baker’s cyst: a buildup of synovial fluid (the fluid that lubricates the joint) behind the knee.

* Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder that causes painful swelling, and can eventually cause joint deformity and bone erosion.

* Dislocation: dislocation of the kneecap, most often the result of trauma

* Meniscus tear: a rup-

Factors that may make chronic knee pain worse:

Injuries to the structure of the knee can cause bleeding and swelling, and can create a chronic problem over time, if not treated properly.

* Sprains and strains

* Overuse

* Infection

* Bad posture and form when doing physical activity.

* Not warming up or cooling down before or after physical activity

* Improperly stretching the muscles

* Poor footwear

SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of chronic knee pain are different for each person, and the cause of the knee pain often affects how the pain feels. Chronic knee pain may present as:

* Constant ache

* Sharp, shooting pain when in use.

* Dull burning discomfort

* Chronic swelling and pain when the knee is touched.

DIAGNOSING CHRONIC KNEE PAIN

Each possible cause of chronic knee pain requires a different diagnostic test. These include blood work, physical examination, X-rays, CT scan or MRI, and other imaging tests. The doctor would determine the types of tests to undergo to see what’s causing the chronic knee pain.

TREATING CHRONIC KNEE PAIN

Each underlying cause of chronic knee pain has a specific type of treatment. These treatments may include:

* Physical therapy

* Medication

* Surgery

* Injections Bursitis, a common cause of knee pain, is treated in the following ways:

Ice the knee for 15 minutes once an hour for three or four hours. Do not apply the ice directly to the knee;

instead, cover the knee with a cotton towel. Place ice in a plastic zip-close bag, and then place the bag on the towel.

* Wear cushioned flat shoes that support the feet and don’t exacerbate the pain.

* Avoid sleeping on the side. Use pillows positioned on either side of the body to prevent it from rolling onto the side. When lying on the side, keep a pillow between the knees.

* Stay seated when possible. If it is a must-stand, avoid hard surfaces, and keep the weight equally divided on both legs.

* Lose weight, if overweight or obese.

PROGNOSIS

Some knee pain, especially pain caused by osteoarthritis, would likely be permanent. That’s because the structure of the knee is damaged. Without surgery or another type of extensive treatment, people would continue to feel pain,

inflammation, and swelling in the knee.

The long-term outlook for chronic knee pain involves managing pain, preventing flare-ups, and working to reduce irritation to the knee.

PREVENTION

Persons can prevent some, but not all, of the possible causes of knee pain. If chronic knee pain gets worse because of overuse, or tends to be the most painful after physical activity, make lifestyle changes to help treat the pain. These approaches include:

* Warm up before exercise. Stretch the quadriceps and hamstrings before and after exercise.

* Try low-impact exercises. Instead of tennis or running, give swimming or bicycling a shot. Or mix low-impact exercises with high-impact exercises to give the knees a break.

* Lose weight.

* Walk down hills. Running puts extra force on the knee. Instead of running down an incline, walk.

* Stick to paved surfaces. Rough roads or pocked walkways may be hazardous to the knee’s health. Stick to smooth paved surfaces, like a track or walking arena.

* Get support. Shoe inserts can help treat foot or gait problems that may be contributing to knee pain.

* Replace the running shoes frequently to ensure they still have proper support and cushioning.

Mother of a child with Down’s Syndrome, Azeena Baksh

Around The World OIL NEWS

Ukraine war: Girl, 2, killed and many injured in Dnipro after Russian strike

Saudi pledges big oil cuts in July as OPEC+ extends deal into 2024

Atwo-year-old girl has been killed and 22 injured after an alleged Russian air strike in a residential area of Ukraine's central city Dnipro.

Her body was pulled from the rubble of a house in the Pidhorodnenska community overnight, the region's governor said.

Serhiy Lysak said five of those injured were children, with three boys in a serious condition in hospital.

An earlier video shared by Ukraine's President showed rescuers searching the remains of a two-storey

building.

Volodymyr Zelensky has blamed Russia for the attack, but the Kremlin has yet to comment on the events.

In a later post, Lysak said the girl, whose name was Lisa, was "cheerful and full of life". She and her mother were buried beneath rubble after a rocket exploded near their home.

Her mother was taken to intensive care, Lysak said, along with three boys aged six, 11 and 15, all of whom have multiple injuries, concussions and fractures. The

boys are now said to be "on the mend".

Explosions have also been heard over the capital, Kyiv, where air defence systems have again been deployed. The entire country had been placed under air raid alerts earlier.

Zelensky described the blast in Dnipro as a deliberate Russian strike, although Russia has previously denied targeting civilians during its invasion of the neighbouring country.

Fires broke out following the alleged strike in a

northern district of the city, according to the regional governor, who said 17 of those injured in the blast were taken to hospital.

Explosions were reported in other parts of the country. Air defence systems were engaged early Sunday in repelling air attacks near Kyiv, the head of the city's military administration said.

All missiles targeting the city were shot down, Serhiy Popko wrote on the Telegram messaging channel. (Excerpt from BBC News)

China seeks dialogue, says clash with US would be 'unbearable disaster'

Saudi Arabia will make a deep cut to its output in July on top of a broader OPEC+ deal to limit supply into 2024 as the group seeks to boost flagging oil prices.

Saudi's Energy Ministry said the country's output would drop to 9 million barrels per day (bpd) in July from around 10 million bpd in May, the biggest reduction in years.

"This is a Saudi lollipop," Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz told a news conference. "We wanted to ice the cake. We always want to add suspense. We don't want people to try to predict what we do... This market needs stabilisation".

OPEC+, which groups the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies led by Russia, pumps around 40% of the world's crude, meaning its policy decisions can have a major impact on oil prices.

A surprise decision to cut supply in April briefly sent international benchmark Brent crude around US$9 higher, but prices have since retreated under pressure from concerns about the weakness of the global economy and its impact on demand.

On Friday, Brent ended trade for the week at US$76.

Saudi Arabia is the only member of OPEC+ with sufficient spare capacity and storage to be able to easily reduce and increase output.

It was able to respond rapidly to excess supply that weakened the market in the early stages of the pandemic in 2020 when the group of producers implemented record output cuts.

OPEC+ has in place cuts of 3.66 million bpd, amounting to 3.6% of global demand, including 2 million bpd agreed last year and voluntary cuts of 1.66 million bpd agreed in April.

Those cuts were valid until the end of 2023 and on Sunday OPEC+, in a broader deal on output policy agreed after seven hours of talks, said it would extend them until the end of 2024.

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began in February last year, Western nations have accused OPEC of manipulating oil prices and undermining the global economy through high energy costs. The West has also accused OPEC of siding with Russia.

In response, OPEC insiders have said the West's moneyprinting over the last decade has driven inflation and forced oil-producing nations to act to maintain the value of their main export.

Analysts said Sunday's OPEC+ decision sent a clear signal the group was willing to support prices and attempt to thwart speculators.

"It is a clear signal to the market that OPEC+ is willing to put and defend a price floor," Amrita Sen, co-founder of Energy Aspects think-tank, said.

Veteran OPEC watcher and founder of Black Gold Investors Gary Ross said: "The Saudis have made good on their threats to speculators and they clearly want higher oil prices."

As the market stayed closed on Sunday, UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo predicted a strong start when it reopens today.

In addition to extending the existing OPEC+ cuts of 3.66 million bpd, the group also agreed on Sunday to reduce overall production targets from January 2024 by a further 1.4 million bpd versus current targets to a combined of 40.46 million bpd.

However, many of these reductions will not be real as the group lowered the targets for Russia, Nigeria and Angola to bring them into line with actual current production levels.

By contrast, the United Arab Emirates was allowed to raise output targets by around 0.2 million bpd to 3.22 million bpd. (Reuters)

Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu told Asia's top security summit on Sunday that conflict with the United States would be an "unbearable disaster" but that his country sought dialogue over confrontation.

Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Li said the world was big enough for China and the US to grow together - remarks made days after he refused to meet his US counterpart for direct talks.

"China and the US have different systems and are different in many other ways," he said in a speech that marked his first significant international address since he was named China's Minister of National Defence in March.

"However, this should not keep the two sides from seeking common ground and common interests to grow bilateral ties and deepen cooperation," he said. "It is undeniable that a severe conflict or confrontation between China and the US will be an unbear-

able disaster for the world."

Wearing the general's uniform of the People's Liberation Army, Li made his address on the 34th anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown.

Ties between Washington and Beijing

are badly strained over a range of issues, including democratically governed Taiwan, territorial disputes in the South China Sea and President Joe Biden's restrictions on semiconductor chip exports.

As delegates at the summit debated the risks of accidents and miscalculations amid those tensions, the US Navy said a Chinese destroyer made "unsafe" manoeuvres near a US warship in the Taiwan Straits on Saturday, highlighting the dangers.

China's military criticised the United States and Canada for "deliberately provoking risk" after their warships staged a rare joint sailing through the sensitive strait. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Hundreds of thousands march in Poland anti-Government protests

Hundreds of thousands of protesters gathered in Poland on the 34th anniversary of the eastern European country’s first post-war democratic election – a march the liberal Opposition billed as a test of its ability to end nearly eight years of nationalist rule later this year.

The enormous anti-Government march in the capital Warsaw on Sunday was attended by citizens travelling from across the country to voice their anger at the right-wing Administration.

Large crowds gathered in Krakow and other cities across the nation of 38 million, showing frustration with a Government that critics accuse of violating the Constitution and eroding fundamental rights in the country long hailed as model of peaceful and democratic change.

Crowds stretching for at least two kilometres marched with banners reading “Free, European Poland” and “European Union yes, PiS no”, referring to the governing Law and Justice (PiS) party.

Some held masks of rul-

ing party leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski that had the word “shame” written on them. Organisers said one million people were marching, but Police and city officials did not give an estimate.

Opinion polls show an

election due after the summer will be closely fought, with Russia’s war in neighbouring Ukraine giving a boost to the Law and Justice Government, which has emerged as a leading voice against the Kremlin in Europe.

The opposition has struggled to galvanise support despite widespread criticism at home and abroad of the PiS, which has been accused of eroding the rule of law, turning state media into a government mouthpiece, and endorsing homophobia.

Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki’s Government denies subverting any democratic norms and says its aim is to protect traditional Christian values against liberal pressures from the West and to make the economy more fair. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu

Austrian police officers stand in front of the OPEC headquarters in Vienna, Austria, June 3, 2023

People gather in the Old Town of Warsaw, Poland [Slawomir Kaminski/Agencja Wyborcza.pl via Reuters]

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Don't overdo it. Stick to a reasonable budget and plan. Don't jeopardize your health or relationships. Gather information and map a path that encourages support instead of interference.

(March 21-April 19)

Make a decision; confusion will be what sabotages your plans. Make your intentions clear and avoid adding extras to your to-do list. Keeping things simple will minimize your chance of failure.

(April 20-May 20)

PEANUTS

(May 21-June 20)

You must be on your toes today. Check out the pros and cons of every situation. Pay attention to detail and oversee every aspect of your plans. Be aware of what's happening around you.

Opportunity is apparent. Make a pitch, set up meetings and reach out to experts with something to offer. Your ability to get your point across will grab the attention of someone influential.

(June 21-July 22)

CALVIN

(July 23-Aug. 22)

A friendly attitude will break down any personal or professional barriers you face. Be willing to go above and beyond the call of duty. Don't promise more than you can deliver.

Gather information and apply knowledge and experience to your pursuits. You can accomplish plenty if you embrace change and discard any negativity you encounter. It's up to you to get things done.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Think about how your decisions will affect others. Kindness on your part will make a big difference. Thinking ahead will help you avoid financial loss. Crunch the numbers before making a commitment.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Take a unique approach to handling older individuals. Find a creative way to express your feelings and offer solutions. If you let your actions speak for you, much will come to light.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Downsize, sell off what you don't need and avoid making a snap decision that can lead to ongoing costs. Offer your suggestions, time and skills to those you want to help. Protect your possessions.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Stay focused on what you are trying to achieve; the results and praise you get will encourage you to work harder. Making home improvements and expanding your horizons will lead to opportunities.

Bide your time, go over the details and leave no room for error. Remain calm and stick to the facts to maintain your integrity and reputation. Treat people with tact and dignity.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Handle your cash carefully. Don't feel obligated to pay for others or make excuses for following your gut. Choose your words wisely; you will make a big impact.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

Linden synthetic track completed

Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr recently announced that the installation of the synthetic track in Linden has been completed and will be open for athletes to train from next week.

Minister Ramson visited Linden to examine the track at Bayrock, Linden in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) in mid-March and

noted that the track would be completed in one month.

The sport facility is expected to boast an eightlane synthetic track, a football pitch, security fencing, drainage, and restrooms among other features.

In October 2018, BK International Inc was awarded the contract for the Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) track to the tune of approximately $141

million.

Builders Hardware and General Supplies was given the nod for the facility at Bayroc to the tune of $179 million.

There were 14 tenders for the Region Six project and 12 for Region 10.

Currently, there is only one synthetic track in Guyana, located at Leonora, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

Benzema to leave Real Madrid after 14 years

Messi to leave PSG

Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos played their final games for Paris St-Germain as the Ligue 1 champions lost to mid-table Clermont on the final day.

Defender Ramos headed in an opener from Vitinha's cross and Kylian Mbappé's penalty gave PSG a 2-0 lead.

Clermont battled back and Johan Gastien slid in after Marco Verratti's error.

Mehdi Zeffane equalised and Grejohn Kyei, who had a goal disallowed by the video assistant referee and missed a penalty, bundled in the winner.

Madrid defender Ramos, he is out of contract and leaving the club this summer.

Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal and Major League Soccer side Inter Miami are two of the possible destinations for Argentine Messi.

PSG players all wore Sergio Rico's name on the back of their shirts, as well as their own squad number.

Paris St-Germain goal-

keeper Rico is in hospital in his native Spain after a horse riding accident the day after they clinched the title last weekend. Fans displayed banners for him before kick-off and during applause in the 16th minute – his squad number.

Mbappé's goal against Clermont helped him win a fifth consecutive Ligue 1 Golden Boot. He is only the fourth player to finish top scorer in France five times, level with the record of Carlos Bianchi, Delio Onnis, and Jean-Pierre Papin.

Karim Benzema is to leave Real Madrid after 14 years at the club.

The Ballon d'Or-winning striker, who joined the Spanish giants from Lyon in 2009, will depart on a free transfer when the season ends.

Benzema, 35, won five Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles with Madrid.

He leaves Madrid despite having a year left on his contract, and after Madrid Manager Carlo Ancelotti said on Saturday that he expected Benzema to stay next season.

"Benzema has been an example of behaviour and professionalism, and has represented the values of our club," Madrid said. "He has earned the right to decide his future."

He is the third firstteam player confirmed to be leaving Madrid in two days, after it was announced on Saturday that both Eden Hazard and Marco Asensio will also

depart this summer.

The France international won a total of 25 major titles with Real Madrid, a record for the club.

Benzema is the Ballon d'Or holder, having guided Madrid to the Champions League title last season with 15 goals in the competition.

Also among his titles were five Club World Cups and three Copa del Rey triumphs.

Benzema, who has made 647 appearances for Madrid, is the second on their all-time goalscoring list with 353 – only Cristiano Ronaldo has more.

He is set to make his final Madrid appearance on Sunday against Athletic Bilbao, their final match of the 2022-23 La Liga season.

"Madridistas and all the fans around the world have enjoyed his magical and unique football, which has made him one of the great legends of our club and one of the great leg -

ends of world football," the club added.

"Real Madrid is and will always be his home, and we wish him and all his family the best in this new phase of his life."

Madrid will finish second in La Liga if they win on Sunday – but they are 11 points behind champions Barcelona and have failed to retain their Champions League title after being beaten in the semi-finals by Manchester City.

Those disappointments have led to many changes being rumoured at Santiago Bernabeu this summer –with Benzema's departure among the most seismic.

Reports this week linked him with a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia.

Ancelotti had said on Saturday that he had "no doubts" Benzema would stay, and Benzema himself claimed "the Internet is not reality" when asked about his future on Thursday. (BBC Sport)

Former Barcelona forward Messi, whose name was booed by some fans before kick-off, missed several chances to add to his 32 goals in 75 games for the club. Like ex-Real

The France striker finished on 29 goals, two clear of Lyon's Alexandre Lacazette, who did not score in his side's 3-1 loss at Nice. (BBC Sport)

An overhead view of the Linden synthetic track

Karim Benzema won his fifth and final Champions League trophy with Real Madrid in 2022

Dharry, Marques entertain in contrasting wins

Pugilists Elton Dharry and Dexter ‘De Kid’ Marques lit up the National Gymnasium with electrifying performances in the ‘squared circle’ when the “Return of the Scorpio” Boxing card was hosted on Saturday night.

Hundreds of boxing fans descended on the Mandela Avenue, Georgetown venue for what was a fitting return of professional boxing following a hiatus of more than one year.

The Pro/Am Card saw a number of Under-16 bouts earlier in the night to get the fans warmed up, followed by internationally-flavoured amateur fights, which saw mixed results for Guyana.

Arguably the most anticipated amateur bouts of the night featured Guyana’s Jackman sisters; the first of which saw the younger sister, Alesha Jackman falling prey to Jamaica’s Britney McFarlane’s revenge tactics.

However, her older sister Abiola, followed up with a thrashing of Trinidad and Tobago’s Lee Ann Boodram to close out the amateur segment.

Meanwhile, a four-round, heavyweight clash between Anthony Augustin and Emanuel

Anderson began proceedings in the professional segment of the Bris-O Promotions-organised event.

Augustin, fighting out of the red corner, hardly had any opportunity to connect with his opponent, as Anderson’s

not good enough to earn the pugilist his first professional win. Blackman’s sly ability to duck and dodge eventually earned him the unanimous victory on points 3540, 35-40 and 36-40.

The lone female professional bout saw Venezuela’s Estefania

and Colombia’s Luis Carillo in an eight-round super bantamweight bout. Marques, who only days prior expressed his intention to ,Guyana Times Sport to get revenge on a Colombian, did just as he set out to do.

The pair took it easy at first,

blow that would send Carillo crashing to the mat. Although the Colombian found his footing again, he could not endure the 10-count, resulting in a Technical Knockout (TKO) victory for Marques.

With Marques’s captivating

entertainment from the opening minutes as Ramos looked to be a slippery fox. However, Dharry found the right groove to land decisive body punches on his opponent, wearing him down by the later rounds.

Both boxers visibly tired, as the bout went its allotted eight rounds, and it came down to a decision by the judges. The result – a unanimous victory on points (80-73, 79-73, 79-73) for Guyana’s Dharry was met with resounding cheers as the curtains came down on what was a night of electrifying boxing action.

Dharry’s win was the perfect tune-up as he readies for another international assignment next month.

quick steps and decisive blows outclassed “Tony”. When Augustin began teetering, it was his coach who threw in the towel literally to end the encounter, with the victory going Anderson’s way.

Next, a good showing from Guyana’s Terrence Adams in a Super Bantamweight battle with Ricardo Blackman Jr. was

Matute trading punches with Nataly Delgado of Panama in the super flyweight class. The boxers endured the entirety of their sixround encounter before Delgado, fighting out of the blue corner, was announced the winner by unanimous decision.

It was then time for the supporting main event of the night featuring “De Kid” Marques

but soon Carillo became brazen, taunting the Guyanese as he attempted to lure him into his jabs. However, Marques had a few taunts of his own and soon backed them up with a flurry of hard-hitting blows. By the fourth round, Carillo was visibly worn and it only took Marques a minute and 3 seconds into the round to land a firm enough

victory, the fans at the National Gymnasium were left wanting more, as the pugilists for the main event entered the arena. In the blue corner was USAbased Guyanese boxer Elton Dharry while his opponent, the Colombian Ronald Ramos fought out of the red corner.

The eight-round bantamweight bout teased

Stokes on course to bowl in 1st Ashes Test

Ben Stokes insists that England fans have "nothing to worry about" as he continues to manage a chronic left knee issue ahead of the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston on June 16.

Stokes became the first man in Test history to captain a side to victory without batting, bowling or keeping wicket in England's 10-wicket victory over Ireland at Lord's, and was in clear discomfort on the third afternoon in the field.

He appeared to jar his left knee – which he has had to manage carefully for several years – when taking a catch at short fine leg to dismiss Curtis Campher, and was restricted in his movement in the field for the rest of Ireland's second innings.

"I actually didn't pick it [the ball] up, and I actually landed quite awkwardly on it [my knee]," Stokes said at the postmatch presentation, when asked about the catch. "My weight went on the

inside of my knee, like I hyper-extended."

Stokes insisted on the eve of the Test that he was fit to bowl against Ireland, though he added that there should not be "doom and gloom" if he did not. He briefly bowled in the warm-ups on the third morning with bowling coach David Saker watching on, and said he was "really happy" with how it felt.

"I bowled this morning – the first time I'd bowled since being back from India, so it would have been about four weeks actually," he said. "I got through that and was really happy with where I was. So no, nothing [for England fans] to worry about."

He later suggested that his grimaces after completing the catch owed mainly to his age. "I was really happy with how I bowled [before play]," Stokes said. "I bowled for about 20 minutes and I got through that really well. Obviously I have got time to build up before I push back into flat out, but I just landed quite awkwardly when I took that catch.

"I didn't quite see it, so had to adjust myself and landed on my left leg and it twisted in a really strange way. It was fine, I just don't know what really happened. It was one of those things – but I am 32 tomorrow so that probably explains it."

Asked if he would consider leaving himself out of the starting XI at any stage of the Ashes – a policy that Eoin

Morgan occasionally took during his tenure as white-ball Captain, though never at a major tournament – Stokes' response was blunt: "No, of course not. That's not even something we've even spoken about, because I'm fully prepared to be bowling at Edgbaston."

Speaking to the BBC's Test Match Special, Stokes added that he was "taking the positives" and that he "wouldn't have bowled in this match… unless everyone else went down".

England named an unchanged 16man squad for the first two Ashes Tests on Saturday afternoon, which will report to Birmingham on June 12 before training on June 13, three days before the start of the Edgbaston Test.

In the meantime, Stokes is among a number of players due to travel to Scotland to play golf next weekend, while Australia are playing India in the World Test Championship final at The Oval.

"The new way is you get as ready as you possibly can and whatever you do, you just get yourself in the right frame of mind for the games you've got coming up," Stokes said. "This was obviously a great opportunity for us to get back together as a group and we'll be doing that again before the Ashes.

"We'll get together and spend some quality time together as a group and have some fun together before the big Ashes series starts. We're really looking forward to it." (ESPNcricinfo)

Story and PhotoS by Jemima holmeS

“Return of the Scorpio” Boxing…

Abiola Jackman (left) connects with Lee Ann Boodram Dexter “De Kid” Marques celebrates after his TKO victory Dexter Marques had a few taunts of his own for his opponent

Scenes from Elton Dharry’s meeting with Colombia’s Ronald Ramos

Nandu extremely happy to be back with Guyana Amazon Warriors

Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) emerging player Matthew Nandu has made glorious strides as a batsman in First-Class cricket within the last year.

After being included in the Warriors squad last year and not having an opportunity to play, the 19-year-old Nandu took away a great deal of knowledge from players such as West Indies One-Day International Captain Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer, and Heinrich Klaasen.

The growth in Nandu's career was evident, as he became the first Guyanese to score a century on First-Class debut since Sudesh Dhaniram in 1987. Nandu, a left-handed top-order batsman who represented the West Indies Under-19 team at the last International Cricket Council (ICC) Under-19 World Cup, said he was extremely happy to be back in the Warriors set-up.

"I am extremely happy to be back with the Amazon

GCB backs Beaton to return to the top

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) is pleased to learn that pacer

SCOREBOARD

United Arab Emirates (50 ovs maximum)

Muhammad Waseem (c)b Paul 0

Aryansh Sharma †b Drakes 5

Vriitya Aravind c † Hope b Cariah 40

Rameez Shahzad lbw b Chase 16

Asif Khan c King b Cariah 27

Rohan Mustafa b Drakes 7

Ali Naseer c sub

(K Sinclair) b Paul 58

Aayan Afzal Khan

c †Hope b Smith 9

Karthik Meiyappan b Paul 11

Junaid Siddique c King b Smith 8

Zahoor Khan not out 1

Extras(b 4, lb 2, nb 1, w 14) 21

TOTAL 47.1 Ov (RR: 4.28) 202

Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Muhammad

Waseem, 0.2 ov), 2-25 (Aryansh

Sharma, 3.5 ov), 2-53 (11.6 ov),

3-100 (Vriitya Aravind, 24.1 ov),

4-105 (Rameez Shahzad, 25.2 ov),

5-107 (Asif Khan, 26.2 ov), 6-129

(Rohan Mustafa, 32.2 ov), 7-145

(Aayan Afzal Khan, 37.3 ov),

8-193 (Ali Naseer, 45.5 ov), 9-202 (Junaid Siddique, 46.5 ov), 10-

202 (Karthik Meiyappan, 47.1 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Keemo Paul 7.1-0-34-3

Dominic Drakes 9-1-29-2

Kavem Hodge 6-0-28-0

Odean Smith 8-0-40-2

Roston Chase 10-1-39-1

Yannic Cariah 7-1-26-2

West Indies (T: 203 runs from 50 ovs)

Brandon King c †Sharma

b Rohan Mustafa 112

Johnson Charles b Zahoor Khan 24

Shamarh Brooks lbw

b Aayan Afzal Khan 44

Keacy Carty not out 7

Shai Hope (c)†not out 13

Extras (lb 3, w 3) 6

TOTAL 35.2 Ov (RR: 5.83) 206/3

Fall of wickets: 1-48 (Johnson

Charles, 8.2 ov), 2-139 (Shamarh Brooks, 27.3 ov),

3-193 (Brandon King, 34.4 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Junaid Siddique 6-0-26-0

Ali Naseer 3-0-32-0

Aayan Afzal Khan 10-0-36-1

Zahoor Khan 6-1-32-1

Rohan Mustafa 6-0-22-1

Karthik Meiyappan 4.2-0-55-0

Warriors for the 2023 season. Last year was a great learning opportunity and I enjoyed every experience within the Amazon Warriors camp, and I just want to thank the Warriors for retaining me this season and I am excited to see what 2023 brings me," Nandu said.

GAW’s full list of retained Caribbean players are: Shimron Hetmyer, Odean Smith, Romario Shepherd, Shai Hope, Keemo Paul, Chandrapaul Hemraj, Gudakesh Motie, Matthew Nandu, and Junior Sinclair.

The overseas players and draft picks will be revealed during the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) draft show, which will be held at the end of June.

The 2023 Republic Bank CPL bowls off on August 16, with the final taking place on September 24. There will be matches in Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago. (Brandon Corlette)

Ronsford Beaton has been cleared to return to bowling in Cricket West Indies (CWI) tournaments by the Loughborough University.

Beaton was recently cleared after the GCB had submitted several video recordings to CWI who forwarded the recordings to Loughborough University for

Loughborough University has since issued a report stating that Beaton’s action is found to be within the acceptable limits of a bowling action.

Beaton had been reported for a suspect action after the fourth round of the West Indies Championship against Jamaica at Providence. He finished the tournament with 18 wickets and was the leading fast bowler for

Aclassy 112 from Brandon King and a three wickethaul from Keemo Paul powered West Indies to a resounding victory as they chased down 203 with 88 balls to spare against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in the first of the three-match One-Day Internationals (ODIs) in sultry Sharjah on Sunday. While Paul was playing an ODI after almost a year, King marked his promotion to vice-captaincy with a matchwinning performance.

Kicking off a new era for West Indies under new Captain Shai Hope and new Head Coach Daren Sammy, the visitors looked untroubled chasing in testing conditions, on a pitch offering turn and uneven bounce. The win comes as a boost to West Indies as they prepare for the ODI World Cup Qualifier later this month in Zimbabwe.

King's maiden ODI hundred came off 107 deliveries and he also stitched together a crucial 91-run match-defining stand for the second wicket with Shamarh Brooks to crush UAE. Highlights of his innings included his three clean sixes against legspinner Karthik Meiyyappan in the 34th over of the innings. Overall, he hit 12 fours and four sixes.

West Indies started the chase on a brisk note with five runs an over and maintained the run rate throughout their innings. Though it was not a difficult target on paper, West Indies had to play on a tough pitch in humid conditions. After losing Johnson Charles early for 24, Brooks played a supporting role with his 44 off 58 deliveries. Left-arm

spinner Aayan Khan was able to keep West Indies at bay for some time, but it wasn't enough to stop King. With Keacy Carty, he put on 54 runs with 47 of those runs coming off his bat.

Hope hit two consecutive sixes off Meiyappan in the 36th over to seal the deal for his side.

Debutant Ali Naseer's fifty steers UAE to 202 A fighting fifty from teen debutant Ali Naseer helped UAE put 202 on the board after a collapse in the middle order.

Winning the toss and opting to bat, UAE lost both openers inside the first three overs. Paul struck with his second ball when he bowled the home Captain, Muhammad Waseem for a duck. Left-arm pace bowler Dominic Drakes, who made his West Indies debut alongside spin all-rounder Kavem Hodge on Sunday, then picked up his first

ODI wicket by breaking through the defence of Aryansh Sharma in his second over.

Vriitya Aravind took his time, but stabilised the innings with a 70-ball 40, assembling a partnership of 31 off 54 with Rameez Shahzad for the third wicket. The stand was broken when Rameez had to retire hurt in the 12th over following a blow on his helmet off Odean Smith's bowling. Aravind hit a few elegant cover drives and put on 44 runs with Asif Khan for the fourth wicket before being dismissed by legspinner Yannic Cariah when he nicked the ball to the wicketkeeper. He also became UAE's highest run-getter in ODIs with his knock.

From 100 for 2, UAE suffered a collapse of four wickets for 29 runs. This included the wicket of Rameez, who returned to bat after retiring hurt. Cariah was tough to score off in the middle

overs and conceded just 26 runs in his seven overs. UAE, though, bounced back in the final phase of the innings, courtesy of Naseer.

Coming in at number seven, the left-hand batter provided the late push needed to cross the 200-mark. Naseer, 19, showed determination with little support from the other end and went after the left-arm spinner Hodge, hammering two sixes in the 41st over, one over midwicket and another – a slog sweep over wide long-on en route to his half-century. Smith, Drakes, and Hodge then kept him quiet for a few overs before Naseer holed out to long-off – Paul's slow offcutter from outside off stump doing the trick. His 52-ball 58 knock consisted of five fours and two sixes.

For West Indies, Drakes, Smith, and Cariah ended with two each and Roston Chase took one. (ESPNcricinfo)

Emerging player Matthew Nandu

West Indies won the first ODI

(Photos by Mike Gonsalves)