Guyana Times - Monday, March 25, 2024

“Holi

Construction

Oil

Police

7

Baby

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Monday, March 25 –05:00h-06:30h and Tuesday, March 26 – 04:00h-05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, March 25 –16:35h-18:05h and Tuesday, March 26 – 17:00h-18:30h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Sunny conditions are expected during the day. Clear skies are expected at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 16:59h reaching a maximum height of 2.69 metres.

Low Tide: 10:34h and 22:48h reaching minimum heights of 0.52 metre and 0.56 metre.

COMMODITIES

“Holi brings us together under the colourful banner of humanity” – Pres Ali …says colour could never be the reason for division in Guyana

Phagwah or Holi is one of the religious celebrations in Guyana that hold deep cultural significance, bringing together citizens from all backgrounds to revel in colourful merriment.

This is according to President Dr Irfaan Ali during the national Holi celebrations hosted at the State House in New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) on Sunday.

The Hindu festival of Phagwah is also called Holi or the Festival of Colours, and celebrates the arrival of Spring. It also signifies the triumph of good over evil. In Guyana, it is viewed as a unifying festival as it brings together people from all walks of life who participate in smearing abrack (coloured powder) and sprinkling abeer (coloured or stained water) on each other.

According to the Head of State, the Phagwah celebrations is a reflection of Guyanese embracing their shared humanity with the use of colours.

“Holi brings us together under the colourful banner of humanity, celebrating life, celebrating happiness and celebrating, importantly, goodness over evil,” he noted.

President Ali noted that colour is used as the foundational element in celebrating art, life, culture, and history.

“If colour is the foundational requirement through which history can be celebrated, culture can celebrated then colour cannot be the reason we’re divided. Colour can never be the reason we’re divided,” he posited.

The true reason for division, the Guyanese Leader noted, is one’s mindset and ability to be selfish. He noted that his Government has one message in private and in public, that is, the message of love and unity, and of prosperity for all. This, he added, is not a political philosophy but a necessary philosophy of life for everyone to love, uplift and celebrate each other.

“At this time when we celebrate Holi, it’s a point of reflection [of all that we have that others might not], and the demonstration of colours is not only for the festivities. The demonstration of colours embodies the lessons of Holi. If we can come together and colour each other with such love, humility and embrace [on Holi], why can’t we colour each other every day with grace, love and happiness. What does it take from us to express the oneness of humanity?

“Let the power of Holi, let the power of the oneness of colour, let the power of spirituality – during this beautiful moment in

our country when we celebrate Holi, when we celebrate Ramadan, when we celebrate Lent – let this powerful spiritual period uplift our physical self, rebuild our conscience,” the President stated.

A key part of this shared oneness is ensuring that Guyanese from across the country partake in major cultural events such as Phagwah. To this end, President Ali was praised for taking this annual Holi celebrations to Region Six.

Finance and Public Service Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, pointed out that for many years, Georgetown has been the epicentre for major events and celebrations – something which the Ali-led Government has changed after taking office. Since then, major national events have been hosted in other regions across the country.

“Today’s celebration of Holi on this scale [in Region Six]… is yet another instalment in our delivery, in our President’s delivery, of this commitment,” the Minister noted.

According to Dr Singh, this important move by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration is a manifestation of its mantra of bringing ‘government to the

people’ – something that can be seen almost daily with the presence of President Ali and/or his Cabinet members in communities across the country.

“While this might appear to be just another Holi celebration, for us in Region Six, it represents a tangible demonstration of your commitment to bring Government to the people. It represents a tangible demonstration that every region is important. When we speak of One Guyana, we don’t only speak about our remarkably beautiful and rich ethnic and spiritual and religious diversity but we speak also of One Guyana from a geographical sense,” Minister Singh

posited.

Sunday’s Holi celebration in New Amsterdam was attended by Cabinet members, senior Government officials, Members of Parliament, civil society stakeholders, members of the diplomatic corps and representatives from the Region Six Administration – all of whom were serenaded by cultural music and delighted by entertaining performances before partaking in colour-smearing celebrations.

Only on Friday, the Region Six Regional Democratic Council (RDC) hosted its own Phagwah celebrations during which its Chairman, David Armogan, noted that the festival was a time to bring people together as he calls on all to observe the festival with clean play.

“It is recorded that the greatest celebration of Phagwah in Guyana takes place in the village of Buxton and that gives you an indication that it is truly a national holiday, and not a partition holiday… We in Guyana are fortunate that we live in a country where we have religious tolerance and a country where we are free to practise our religion and to promote our culture.

President Dr Irfaan Ali celebrating Holi with citizens during Sunday’s festivities in Region Six

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Phagwah’s message

Today is Holi or Phagwah, one of the festivals brought by the Indentured servants from India between 1838 and 1917 and bequeathed to our nation. Holi should not only remind us of “the good triumphing over evil” theme that is regularly trotted out by speakers on public platforms. More germanely, we must ask how exactly was it that the good triumphed in the specific incidents commemorated: this might offer us a clue as to how we should act in the present. And inevitably we will see it took the actions of men and women – and in the case of Holi, a child – to act against great odds to overcome the “evil”.

In the axiology of the people who brought us the festival of Phagwah, “evil and good” are not external to the world but immanent in the actions of people who would oppress those around them – and this must always be resisted. Some of those people are among us and can be very close. In the case of “Holi”, the evildoer was the King of a group of people who were very powerful and had once opposed the gods. Their designation is unfortunately given as “demons” in English translations of Hindu texts, but unfortunately the Western tradition cannot deal with realities that are not simple dichotomies of black and white.

Now one may say if some people had opposed the gods, then how can “good” come from them? But in Hinduism, each person is considered “good” once he fulfils his own duty. And it was the king’s own son who opposed him and eventually brought back the rule of the good – their good – for their people. In Guyana, because of our history where people with several cultures were brought here and still practise aspects of those cultures to greater or lesser extent, there may be instances where there may be differences in opinion as to what constitute “the good” in the various valuesystems of our several groups. So, in the end, we have to place ourselves in the shoe of the “other” and try to comprehend from their perspective the message that is being conveyed.

The message of Holi from within Hindu traditions is that power always corrupts individuals unless they accept there are countervailing powers, and always act within their remit. In the case of the King who strayed, he had been given a boon by the gods, which, he thought, made him immortal. Many persons hearing the story of this King only speak of his arrogance and high-handed actions but forget that for him to be blessed by the gods, he had to have done good even by their criteria. And it is so with many in our own time and place in Guyana where some started out on the right path, but very soon were seduced to excesses in so many ways.

The son who eventually opposed his father and brought him down was very much loved by the King in the beginning, but in “knowing better”, the son accepted he had to “do better” even though it meant opposing his own father. In like manner, today there are people who are oppressing others in so many ways, and not only at the national level – but even in the family and the villages. We may be close to them in one way or another. But the message of Holi is that we have to stand up and oppose the oppressor even though to some of our “own”, it may look like a betrayal of trust.

In the case of the boy Prahalad, his own aunt Holika – the sister of the King – tried to convince her nephew of the “error” of his ways, but the boy stuck to his guns. And good triumphed over evil. As we celebrate Phagwah today, let us remember this homily and apply it in our own lives to make our Guyana in some way better.

Happy Phagwah, Guyana.

Scenes from Basant Utsav hosted by President Dr Irfaan Ali on the lawns of State House in New Amsterdam, Berbice. The event was themed “Celebrating the Season of Holi” (Office of the President photos)

Coursera nursing assistant programme is a big boost in Guyana’s health care

Dear Editor,

It is most awesome and quite timely that the “Health Ministry (is) seeking to revolutionise nursing assistant programme.” The details show that it is launching a ‘“hybrid programme on (the) Coursera platform’”. As we know and appreciate, there is a big move “… towards revolutionising nursing education in the country… (and this is) by partnering with the renowned Coursera online platform to introduce the Hybrid Nursing Assistant training programme.” As stated, “The collaboration aims to make quality healthcare training accessible to all individuals, ensuring that aspiring nurses have the opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge.”

On this note of the nursing assistant programme and personnel, I have a few important remarks.

First, we all need to understand that the role is quite vital and necessary. There is nothing menial nor trivial about nursing assistants, sometimes deemed as ‘care aides’. They are versatile and may work in hospi-

tal wards and in a growing range of private and public long-term care facilities. These include group homes, hospices, and facilities focused on acute care, multi-level/complex care, dementia care, assisted living, mental health, and pre- and post-surgery care. Hence, there is the need to pay them well, after making sure that they are welltrained and certified. So, I do commend the People’s Progressive Party/Civic for its work in this area.

Secondly, I feel the need to elaborate on why there is the plan to incorporate these nursing assistants into the Coursera Platform.

In terms of the duties and responsibilities, expert preparation is needed. Worldwide, in places where healthcare is given its rightful place, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) represent an essential part of the patient-care team. In assisting the medical staff, CNAs not only provide physical care for patients but also emotional and spiritual support, truly making a difference in the lives of patients and families.

As Certified Nursing Assistants, these loving souls help patients with their basic needs. Generally, this means helping them bathe, dress and feed themselves. These patients might include stroke victims, the elderly residents of nursing homes, or individuals recovering from an accident, injuries or surgeries in a hospital. This is ‘no mean’ task, and not any ‘Tom, Dick or Harry’ can do it.

I inform readers that the ‘profession’ demands a special kind of people who are willing to be ‘educated’ in a certain way. This is why Coursera is so valuable and the PPP/C Government is investing in it. I remind all that a Coursera certificate is worth it. At the very least it shows initiative on the part of candidates, and it will surely enhance the resumes, as the certificate will show that participants are willing to work hard to get ahead. It may also put those who went through the training in a better position when competing for job, or when applying to college, just about anywhere in the world.

My word is ‘please, grab it’.

Editor, my joy is reflected in “Coursera Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jeff Matthew (who), shared his excitement and vision for the future of this initiative during the launch, emphasising the importance of not only meeting individuals’ basic needs, but also offering them access to over 50 professional certificates and seeing them receive personalised Coursera coaching while studying online”. He rightly pointed out that “… this comprehensive support system was designed to empower participants and pave the way for a successful career in nursing,” (even though all may not continue to the level of being a registered/certified nurse).

I can go on further, but will end on the note that the input from Government is proving to be wise and effective. Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony reemphasised my point that “… Government was unwavering in its commitment to improving the country’s healthcare infrastructure and raising the standard

Construction of a political narrative (Part III)

Dear Editor,

At the 140th session of the United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC), a number of questions were raised by the UNHRC in relation to Guyana’s anti-corruption framework, that stimulated orgasmic excitement in certain quarters in Guyana; mainly, the APNU/AFC and their allies.

Since his return to politics in 2015, the Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has been the subject of constant attacks by his opponents (the APNU/AFC) and others alike. Especially since under his stewardship as Leader of the Opposition, he managed to successfully unseat the APNU/AFC from the office of government. Now that he is back in Government serving as a key technical, strategic, and political support to His Excellency, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali; his opponents have intensified their attacks aimed at denigrating him and to diminish his influence. But none of these efforts on the part of his opponents shall succeed, owing to the fact that their attempts at so doing have no credible basis to stand on, hence their failure.

For the younger generation’s benefit who are now following politics and more broadly current affairs, it is not today that the Vice President has been accused of being involved in corrup-

tion. He’s been constantly accused of same as a former President of the Cooperative Republic.

The more recent incident that seems to have triggered orgasmic excitement for the APNU/AFC and their associates was the VICE interview. But the fact is that the VICE interview, while, indeed, was a set-up as it turned out to be, the recording vindicated the Vice President. And one can delve deeper into who was behind the VICE interview. By this time, it is not that difficult to ascertain. As a gentle reminder, in 2020, the APNU/AFC, having recognised that they had lost the elections of March 2020, and that they were caught transparently trying to alter the results of the election in their favour, the party had recruited a US firm to lobby the US Government, with the view of managing the APNU/AFC’s credibility (which they don’t have). The question one should, therefore, ask is whether it was the said lobby firm that was/ is proving international political advisory services to the APNU/AFC and whether VICE was orchestrated by that firm, to create a certain narrative to sell to the US Government in favour of the APNU/AFC.

Interestingly, the media forgot about that lobby firm, and no one from the media has ever enquired about that firm since 2020, and

whether it is still on a retainer [presently] and who is financing the lobby firm.

Notwithstanding, more important to note is that all of the specific allegations of corruption levelled against the Vice President were disproven. For example, the facts surrounding the Skeldon modernisation project and the root cause (s) for its failure proved that it was Booker Tate that ought to have been fully responsible. Having so established, the PPP/C Government had moved to the Court with the aim of seeking compensation for damages. However, in 2015, the APNU/AFC formed the Government and shortly thereafter, withdrew the appeal filed by the previous PPP/C Government against Booker Tate for damages, which was in the region of G$4.5 billion (with a present value (PV) of $7.7 billion). The question is why did the APNU/AFC Government withdraw the appeal against Booker Tate for their mismanagement of Skeldon?

Other projects include the Berbice Bridge and the Marriott Hotel, all of which were remarkably successful and publicly transparent in terms of their financials. Moreover, when the APNU/AFC assumed office in 2015, two known accountants were selected, as opposed to following the correct procurement procedure in accordance with

the Procurement Act, to perform forensic audits of Government agencies, such as the Berbice Bridge, GPL, Guyoil, etc. Yet not a single piece of evidence was uncovered to implicate the Vice President or anyone else in the PPP/C Government.

Of interest to note, when those two accountants were selected, the procurement law and regulation were breached to facilitate millions of dollars in contracts to the two aforenamed individuals who were/are staunch anti-government critics at that time and presently.

Finally, worth mentioning is that the anti-corruption framework consistent with the United Nations convention, the strengthening of same – that is, began under the Vice President, when he was the President of the Cooperative Republic. For example, as former President, he enacted the Integrity Commission Act, amendments to the Procurement Act, amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Act, the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act, the Audit Act, and the amendment to the Constitution to provide for the establishment of the Public Procurement Commission, just to name a few.

Yours respectfully,

Joel Bhagwandin

of service across all levels.”

What was his great joy?

“The overwhelming response to the programme, with about 1000 nurses already enrolled and undergoing training … (and) the Ministry’s plans to establish simulation centres nationwide within the next month

to provide hands-on learning experiences for participants.” It is getting better, and the figures will soar past the “… 800 individuals” already taking advantage of the online courses.

Yours truly,

HB Singh

Total eye-pass!

Dear Editor,

The recent approval by the Venezuela Government of legislation that makes Essequibo an official part of Venezuela is a flagrant violation of the Argyle Agreement, shows total disregard for international law, utmost disrespect for the Guyana Government, and total eye-pass for the Guyanese people.

With this new development, we, as a nation, must start serious preparations for future war. All Venezuelan refugees must be rounded up and placed in a refugee camp near the border in preparation for future deportation to Venezuela. An expanded military base with the involvement of our close allies must also be quickly established.

Our joint military capabilities and capacity must at least meet, if not surpass, that of Venezuela and their allies, to ensure that we are successful in defending our territorial integrity. This can be accomplished with

the help and increased presence of the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and other trusted allies.

Maduro and his administration have now crossed a line that further divides the world along Russian or U.S. interests, and that escalates global tensions. He has also made it extremely clear that Venezuela and those supporting Venezuela’s efforts to take Essequibo cannot, and must not, be trusted.

Given the seriousness of this new legislation, we must prepare for the worst as we hope for the best. May this season of religious reflection strengthen our will and resolve as we face the threat of military invasion and occupation by Venezuela. We must, as a nation, act quickly to ensure that our borders are fully protected and secured. May the Creator protect us all.

Sincerely,

Jamil Changlee

Page Foundation

Line segments and rays

A line segment is a specific part of a line. It ends at two identified points.

A line segment is named by its two end points. Segment AB = Segment BA. AB = BA

A ray is a part of a line that extends from a specific point in only one direction. The specific point of a ray is called a vertex or an endpoint. However, to identify a ray, you must use one other letter along the line’s path.

Ray RS does not equal Ray SR, because the first point named in a ray shows the vertex, and Ray SR goes in the opposite direction of Ray RS.

For the figure below, call the point of intersection of the diagonals O. List all the line segments in the figure.

Exercises: Solve

For the figure below, count how many line segments there are. Do not include line segments that contain another point. For example, the line segment CF contains the point G.

In this fun and easy science experiment, we’re going to explore and investigate colours by pulling them apart.

Materials:

Paper towel

Green food colouring

A glass with one inch of water inside

Instructions:

Tear the paper towel into a long narrow strip.

Put a drop of green food colouring about two inches from the bottom of the strip of paper towel.

Hang the paper towel into the water so that the spot of food colouring is above the water.

Wait about 15 minutes.

The original green spot will be gone and a yellow and blue spot should be visible.

How it works:

As the food colouring is drawn up the paper towel, the different pigments separate. The reason is the pigments are different weights, travel at different speeds, and thus end up in different places. Chromatography is the technique of separating mixtures.

Make this a science project:

Try different colours. Try different types of paper. Try substituting water with vinegar. (sciencefun.org)

Holi is a time to reach out with the colours of joy. It is the time to love and forgive. It is the time to express. the happiness of being loved and to be loved through colours From the lanes of Mathura and Vridavana, the colours of Holi have spread all over the country.

These colours also carry the message of love, brotherhood, and truth. So whenever you splash Holi colours on somebody you give him a promise of being truthful towards him always, , maintain brotherhood with him lifelong and shower him with all the possible love throughout your life.

(Times of India)

WORD SEARCH

Bahamas looking to increase trade ties with Guyana – agri advisor …says opportunities exist for increased trade in food products

By Jarryl Bryan

During the recently-concluded Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations’ 38th Regional Conference, representatives from all over the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region converged in Guyana, including a senior official from The Bahamas who revealed that much scope existed for increased trade ties between the two countries.

In an interview with Guyana Times, Keith Phillipe, a technical advisor within the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Resources Ministry and his country’s FAO correspondent, explained that The Bahamas was eager to work with not only Guyana but all Caribbean States, when it

comes to reaching strategic food security goals.

“The Bahamas is very thrilled to work with Guyana and all other Caricom and LAC States. It is partnering and providing contributions to the 2022 to 2031 FAO strategic framework. And so, Guyana had a lot of inputs and so does The Bahamas. And we agree on so much… almost everything on the strategic framework.

“And where our alignments somewhat diverge is the fact that we are purely a coastal state, so we have more marine jurisdiction in our [Exclusive Economic Zone] EEZ. So, we focus more on the blue economy, as a part of our campaign pitched to source additional food to reduce hunger and poverty,” Phillipe said.

The advisor admitted that

The Bahamas was a heavy importer of agricultural products and noted that there was much scope for his country and Guyana to grow their respective trade ties, in partic- ular since Bahamas’ EEZ is dominated by fishing, and it is a major exporter of seafood.

Essequibo Coast man dies after riding overboard

Amotorcyclist is now dead after the motorcycle he was riding ran overboard on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

Dead is 26-year-old Dinesh Williams, called “Goat Man”, a truck driver of Hibernia, Essequibo Coast.

The accident occurred sometime around 07:30h at Hibernia Back Street.

Guyana Times understands that Williams was

heading home after an outing when the accident occurred. At the time, he was reportedly speeding and as he approached a turn in the street, he lost control of his motorcycle, which ran overboard with him still on it.

Reports are that both the bike and Williams ended up in a nearby trench, where he was pinned. As a result, Williams reportedly drowned.

Sometime after, his relatives turned up at the

scene and an unconscious Williams was removed from the trench and rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

“This morning a neighbour come by we and told us that Dinesh lost control of his motorbike and end up in the trench round the turn.

When we meet the scene, he was already dead... the bike pinned him causing him to drown," a relative had told this newspaper. (G14)

“Holi brings us together...

“Holi is a time in which the Hindus prepare sweetmeats and share them not only with Hindu brothers and sisters, but also with different races, their neighbours, their friends. It is also a time of the year in which we forget our differences and we embrace each other in love and harmony,” Armogan stated.

The Region Six Chairman added that as Guyanese partake in the traditional smearing of abeer and playing with water, they must ensure that they do not denigrate the sacredness of Holi. He urged

that they have clean fun.

He noted that as we observe the festival of Phagwah, it is important that we look introspectively into ourselves and destroy any evil thoughts that are within us.

“Sometimes, people tend to denigrate the sacredness of Holi by throwing mud water at other people. This is something that we must resist, because some of these drain water has diseases. And when you throw it at people and you throw it into their faces, you can make them suffer from some kind

FROM PAGE 3

of disease or the other. So, I ask you on this occasion to make sure that we play clean. Phagwah is a clean celebration.

“It is important that we stick to our culture. This culture has been handed down by our foreparents and we must not denigrate or desecrate what was handed down to us. We must cultivate it and ensure that our children, our relatives, our friends, our neighbours continue to ensure that we keep this tradition going, because, without tradition, we are all dead people,” he noted. (G8)

“Yes, The Bahamas is always looking to increase on the import of agricultural products. When it comes to exports, The Bahamas has been exporting quite a bit of marine products. For example, we have a lot of our EEZ in a marine environment. But we are open to whatever proposal is placed with respect to agricultural products that can be brought into The Bahamas,” he said.

“In fact, Guyana was one of the countries that actually exhibited at the Caribbean Group of Agriculture, that The Bahamas hosted in October of last year. And I remember getting a bottle of oil extract… but we’re looking to import things. We talked about oil, whatever it is Guyana has to offer. Because let’s be real. When doors close

for countries to export goods, we the citizens suffer. As it is right now, The Bahamas imports a little over 90 per cent of all its food from the United States.”

President Dr Irfaan Ali has previously expressed Guyana’s desire to forge a stronger partnership with the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, telling then NonResident Bahamian High Commissioner Leslia MillerBrice back in 2022 that a stronger relationship between the two States could enhance sectors such as agriculture, tourism, education, sport, youth development, financial services, and trade and investment.

During the 46th Regular Conference of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) held in Georgetown, Guyana last month, Bahamian Minister of Labour and Public Service,

Pia Glover-Rolle had provided an update on Bahamas’ progress in the areas of poultry farming and other agricultural initiatives, towards the realisation of the “25 by 2025” vision outlined and championed by President Ali.

Additional mention was made by Glover-Rolle of the country’s strategy to partner with the FAO and promote increased use of digital solutions in agriculture, as well as The Bahamas’ efforts to increase support for community and backyard farming.

According to a statement from the Bahamian Government, President Ali had responded positively to these contributions and had committed Guyana to collaborating with The Bahamas to address the nation’s farming age and gender gaps, “a challenge Guyana has already successfully addressed in its agricultural sector”.

Bahamian Technical Advisor and FAO rep Keith Phillipe

The Bahamas has been making efforts to grow its agriculture capacity, including through backyard farming

Dinesh Williams, called “Goat Man” The trench into which the motorcyclist plunged and died

Significant increase in trade recorded between Guyana & Dominican Republic – Ambassador …says much

Wprogress made since cooperation agreements last year

ith trade and relations between Guyana and the Dominican Republic (DR) at an all-time high, its Ambassador, Ernesto Torres Pereyra has noted that unprecedented progress was being made on several cooperation agreements signed between the two countries last year.

The Ambassador made these comments on Saturday during an interview with the media. Referencing the recent establishment of the Dominican Republic Chamber of Commerce, he noted that the trade balance has significantly increased between the two countries.

“The establishment of the Chamber of Commerce. As you know it has two chapters: one in the Dominican Republic and one in Guyana. And this is also a very important step. Our trade balance has increased, significantly,” the Ambassador said.

“People are getting to know more about what you offer here in Guyana and what the Dominican Republic has to offer as a solid partner, to supply some of the growing

needs you have here, during this incredible, massive transformation of the country.”

According to Pereyra, both Guyana and the Dominican Republic are very close in terms of geography. And with the opening of the DR’s mission in Georgetown, he noted that there were no limits to what the two countries could achieve.

“We have, as you know, signed many cooperation agreements, during the reciprocal visits of the Presidents. And many of them have also experienced some advances. It’s just that if you think about

it, it’s been six months. And we in the Caribbean, indeed the Western world, we want to see immediate results,” he said.

“And we forget that a lot of these processes take time. Before being posted here, I was posted in the Middle East, in Israel, in Europe, in Asia. And in Asia, they have this vision. They don’t make plans for five or 10 years. They make plans for 15 years. But here, we have not learned that virtue. We want to see things immediately. And in both of our countries, because of the type of leadership we have,

the advances have been unbelievable.”

Guyana and the Dominican Republic have been making efforts to strengthen bilateral ties in recent years. Only last year, President Dr Irfaan Ali had signed several agreements with President Luis Abinader during an official two-day visit to that country. These agreements included one for the joint establishment of an oil refinery in Guyana.

In the months leading up to the signing, ties between Guyana and the DR had grown closer as the leaders of the two countries met at various forums. President Ali continued those bilateral efforts when he and First Lady Arya Ali arrived in the Dominican Republic for their visit along with a large delegation of Government officials and members of Guyana’s Private Sector.

As per the terms of the agreement on the oil refinery, the DR will have 51 per cent ownership of the refinery. At present, the Government has gone out to tender for proposals to build a refinery in Berbice with a 30,000 barrels per day (bpd) capacity. Last month, it was revealed that four out of the 11 companies that had submitted proposals last year have been shortlisted.

When it comes to agriculture, it is understood that joint production of agricultural products such as corn and soybeans, as well as partnerships in the poultry sector, were discussed. According to President Ali, the agreements in agriculture between the two countries will ensure their prominence at the table whenever food security is discussed.

In June 2023, President Abinader had himself arrived in Guyana for a oneday visit where talks progressed about potential collaboration. Following bilateral talks between President Ali and President Abinader at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre in Greater Georgetown, senior Ministers from the two nations signed three pacts to strengthen collaboration, including a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in energy-related matters.

This MoU established a framework to facilitate and enhance bilateral cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector of the two countries based on equality and mutual benefit. It included the promotion of investments in each other’s countries, as well as technology transfer, research and development, the building of human resources, and collaboration in the natural gas sector. (G3)

…an old Brit

In our modern world, everything is monetised – even our private lives that can be shared on platforms like Tik Tok with millions of voyeurs who tingle from the experience of peeking into the said “private lives”!! But this monetisation started way before the social media explosion and of course the practice originated in our capitalist West where we accept that money makes the world go round!! One example can be illustrated by the visits of US ex-President Bill Clinton and UK ex-PM Tony Blair.

Now some may be wondering why they’re in Guyana. Let’s start with Blair who was Britain’s PM way back in 2007 and had to resign in disgrace!! He’d been elected in 1997 as the youngest PM in almost 200 years with great expectations for the dashing young leader at the helm of the Labour Party as Britain entered the second millennium. But Blair was full of himself and displayed a ruthless compulsion to become a world leader and it all came to a disgraceful end.

Launching what he called a “Third Way” – between the socialist left and the Thatcherite right – folks soon realised he was more opportunistic than pragmatic. And not only in domestic politics. After 9-11, he saw an opportunity become a world leader by becoming even more hawkish than George Bush – leading the charge to attack Iraq for having ‘weapons of mass destruction’ (WMDs)!! He concocted a “dossier” that purported to show that Iraq was manufacturing atomic weapons!!

His party leaders were soon on to him after no WMDs were ever found. He was dubbed BLIAR and hounded out of the Labour Party in disgrace. He had to resign as Party Leader and PM. But like a bad penny, Blair started to claw his way back into the public spotlight. In 2017, he founded – like former leaders of the US are wont to do –a Foundation to push his profile. The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI). He was mentioned in the 2021 “Pandora Papers”.

With 800 employees in offices in London, New York, San Francisco, Abu Dhabi, Singapore and Accra – and enough money to stage the slickest political conference in Britain – he’s got a media team to manage his media “grid”. Then there’s a policy team to shape national debates, and a delivery team to project-manage his priorities across the world!! He churns out policy papers on everything under the sun – and we can be sure he has a briefcase full of them to pass on to Pres Ali to deal with our oil bonanza!!

And THAT’S what Blair’s visit is all about – how he can tell the world that he can get them a piece of the action in the biggest oil play in decades!!

…Slick Willie

The second visitor, Bill Clinton – US President between 1993 and 2001 – was dubbed “Slick Willie” in Arkansas long before the infamous Monica Lewinsky incident. The reporter who gave him the moniker marvelled at his ability to change positions to suit his political need! According to the respected LA Times, Bill Clinton changed the rules of political speech-making for cash after he demitted office in 2001. “He would push not just corporate hosts but also nonprofits and universities to pay fees well beyond what they were accustomed to.”

Up to then the going rate for a President speaking –say Reagan – was US$60,000 a pop. Clinton took that up to US$100,000 each for SIX speeches in one week in 2002!! In one instance ,it went to US$750,000 for a corporate event!! These monies plus donations are collected by the Clinton Foundation– and amount to billions!!

Your Eyewitness hopes our fearless reporters – who mercilessly grill our VP – would ask Bill how much the Dominicans paid him to accompany them!!

…joyous abandon

Today, your Eyewitness hopes our political leaders will hang up their political gloves and get into the spirit of Phagwah. Smearing powder on faces beats smearing reputations any day!! Happy Phagwah!!

Dominican Republic Ambassador Ernesto Torres Pereyra

Opposition joins Govt in condemning latest Venezuelan aggression

…slams violation of “spirit & letter” of Argyle Declaration

Venezuela’s recent adoption of a law seeking to declare the Essequibo region of Guyana to be a constituent part of the Spanish-speaking nation is seeing unified condemnation across party lines, with the main Opposition’s point man on legal affairs and Member of Parliament, Roysdale Forde, SC, strongly condemning the development.

On Sunday, Forde said that Venezuela’s recent actions not only exacerbate the longstanding border controversy over the Essequibo region, but can only be viewed as a stark violation of the “spirit and letter” of the Argyle agreement.

“This agreement, a testament to our mutual commitment to peace, clearly stipulates that both Guyana and Venezuela shall refrain from any actions or rhetoric that could escalate conflicts arising from territorial controversies,” Forde wrote in a statement.

“Venezuela’s unilateral declaration of the Essequibo region as its own starkly contravenes this agreement, undermining the principles of peace and diplomacy that both nations have pledged to uphold.”

Forde noted that the actions of Venezuela’s National Assembly also violate international law and depart from decades of established precedent and previously-established historical agreements such as Venezuela’s recorded acknowledgement of the 1899 Arbitral Award and its subsequent 1905 Map, which were both integral to delineating the territorial boundaries of both countries.

“The recent actions by Venezuela not only disregard these historical agreements but also pose a significant threat to the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity—fundamental tenets that ensure the stability and security of nations worldwide. Such unilateral measures threaten to destabilise the Caribbean and Latin American region, creating a climate of uncertainty and potential conflict that extends far beyond our borders.”

“The unwavering support from the Caribbean Community (Caricom) and the Organisation of American States (OAS) underscores the interna -

tional community’s solidarity with Guyana. It highlights the collective understanding of the importance of resolving this dispute through dialogue, adherence to international law, and the mechanisms provided by the [International Court of Justice] ICJ,” Forde wrote.

Forde meanwhile urged that a national dialogue involving all key stakeholders be convened. He further urged the entire country, across party lines, to stand together in defence of Guyana’s territorial sovereignty.

Grave concern

On Friday, the Guyana Government had expressed grave concern over the adoption of the law by the Venezuelan National Assembly.

“Guyana remains committed to peace on its borders and in the Region.

It will not allow its sovereignty and territorial territory to be usurped. Guyana will exert all of its efforts under international law to ensure that its sovereignty and territorial integrity remain intact,” the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry in Georgetown had said in a statement.

According to the Ministry, this move by Venezuela is a flagrant violation of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and is in breach of the fundamental principles of international law enshrined in the United Nations Charter.

“It is also an egregious violation of the order on provisional measures issued by the International Court of Justice on December 1, 2023, and it is a violation of the Argyle Declaration of December 14, 2023, agreed to by the leaders of Caricom and Brazil, the representative of the United Nations Secretary General and by the Presidents of Guyana and Venezuela,” the statement had detailed.

The leaders of both Guyana and Venezuela had signed the Argyle Declaration, agreeing that Guyana and Venezuela, directly or indirectly, would not threaten or use force against one another in any circumstance, including those consequential to any existing controversies between the two States, and controversies between the two States

would be resolved by international law, including the Geneva Agreement, among other points.

Tensions between Guyana and Venezuela

had escalated when the Nicolás Maduro Government had held a referendum on December 3, 2023, purporting to annex Guyana’s Essequibo

region. Following the referendum, Venezuelan President Maduro announced a series of actions, including issuing identifi -

cation cards to Guyanese living in Essequibo and issuing licences for mining and other activities in Guyana’s Essequibo. (G3)

Construction worker found guilty of stabbing ex-wife

In a recent ruling by the Berbice High Court, Seon Christie, a 42-yearold construction worker, was found guilty of unlawful wounding following an incident involving his former partner.

The trial, presided over by Judge Jo Ann Barlow, concluded with a unanimous decision by the 12-member jury.

Initially charged with attempted murder for the brutal stabbing of his ex-partner, 31-year-old Shanaz Mohamed, Christie was convicted of the lesser offence of unlawful wounding. Justice Barlow ordered Christie be remanded until his sentencing hearing, scheduled for March 27, 2024.

During the trial, Kevin Morgan served as Christie's legal representative, while State Counsel M Muntaz Ali presented the prosecution's case, meticulously detailing the events.

Court records illuminated the tumultuous relationship between Christie and Mohamed, who had cohabited in Fort Ordinance, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne)

for two years. However, escalating tensions exacerbated by Christie's unemployment ultimately fractured the partnership, culminating in Mohamed's decision to end the relationship in April 2021.

According to Mohamed's testimony to law enforcement, Christie's departure did not mark the end of the turmoil. On May 2, 2021, armed with a knife and a hammer, Christie launched a violent ambush on Mohamed within the confines of her home.

As Mohamed engaged with her phone, Christie

pounced, inflicting multiple stab wounds and subjecting her to a vicious assault. Recalling the traumatic incident, Mohamed recounted losing consciousness amidst the onslaught, only to awaken at the New Amsterdam Hospital, where she underwent a week-long treatment regimen for severe injuries to her head and neck.

Following the attack, Christie had managed to evade capture, prompting law enforcement to issue a wanted bulletin in pursuit of justice for Mohamed and accountability for Christie's reprehensible actions. (G9)

Police vow strict law enforcement for Phagwah, Easter celebrations

In preparation for today’s Phagwah celebration and the upcoming Easter festivities, the Guyana Police Force has announced stringent enforcement measures to ensure public safety during these joyous occasions.

Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh, the traffic chief, emphasised the need for heightened vigilance, particularly in densely-populated areas where celebrations are set to take place.

"Those postures will seek to enable an environment that is supportive of the celebration. One which takes into consideration the movement of people in vehicles and on foot. Guidance will be provided as far as possible," stated Singh, outlining the Force's strategy to facilitate safe revelry.

Inspector Gavin Boyce, responsible for traffic operations in Regional Division 4A (Georgetown), detailed plans to address specific challenges associated with Phagwah.

"We will be where the large gatherings will be.

Mainly Albouystown, Prashad Nagar, and other areas," he affirmed, highlighting proactive measures to curb motorcycle-related incidents and crowd congestion.

As Easter approaches, Inspector Boyce underscored the importance of pre-emptive action, particularly regarding road safety on popular kite-flying days.

"Some persons might take their children out the day before Easter, which is Easter Sunday, mainly seawall roads. We will be closing those roads to vehicular traffic to prevent persons who may [fly kites] and [run] to avoid them being struck," he explained.

Echoing these sentiments, Inspector Michael Ramdass of Regional Division 4B (East Bank Demerara) emphasised responsible behaviour during festivities.

"We are asking persons not to play Phagwah with persons who do not want to play Phagwah, because that can cause unnecessary

conflict," he cautioned, urging restraint and respect for others' preferences.

Assistant Superintendent Maniram Jagnanan, who oversees traffic operations in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), highlighted anticipated events in his district, emphasising the need for sober driving amid celebrations.

"We are appealing to the travelling public, that if you know you have to consume alcohol and you want to drive, not to do that," he urged, advocating for designated drivers or alternative transportation options.

As communities gear up for Phagwah and Easter festivities, the Guyana Police Force said it remained steadfast in its commitment to ensuring a safe and enjoyable celebration for all. The said vigilance, responsible behaviour, and cooperation with law enforcement are key to fostering a festive atmosphere while prioritising public safety. (G9)

Seon Christie

Corentyne River Bridge

Guyana, Suriname to advance talks on financing, operational modalities

…to start supervisory tendering process, drafting of Joint Agreement

The Joint Ministerial Team from Guyana and Suriname have been directed to advance talks on the financing and operational modalities of the highly-anticipated Corentyne River Bridge.

This instruction was given by President Dr Irfaan Ali and his Surinamese counterpart, President Chandrikapersad Santokhi, during a meeting on Saturday at Soesdyke, Guyana.

Accompanied by their respective Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Finance and Public Works, the two Heads of State met for follow-up discussions on the bridge over the Corantijn/ Corentyne River – a project that has been in the works since November 2020 after being initiated by the two Presidents.

The Joint Ministerial Team has been, over the past months, engaged in intensive consultations regarding the technical and financial aspects of this initiative. Following this process of internal and bilateral consultations between Guyana and Suriname and the recommendations received, careful consideration was given to the proposed way forward, taking into account political, domestic and international elements as well.

In a Joint Statement following the high-level meeting, it was noted that “the Presidents instructed the responsible team of Ministers to enter the next stage of this project by engaging in discussions in relation to terms of pricing, technical aspects, financing and operational modalities with the shared objective of optimising on affordability and concessionality. Experts of both countries will also jointly work towards a political and legal framework, start the supervisory tendering process, and drafting of the agreement regarding the ultimate board that will jointly manage the bridge”.

According to the missive, which was issued on Sunday, clear timelines for finalisation of these activi-

ties have been set. In addition, the six-member ministerial team will continue their work to lead these negotiations and data gathering, as well as monitor the progress and report regularly to the Heads of State of both Governments.

Presidents Ali and Santokhi have agreed to convene the Strategic Dialogue and Cooperation Platform (SDCP) in early May 2024 to broaden the consultations to include other pending relevant areas of strategic importance on the agenda between the two countries.

Reaffirmed importance

Meanwhile, during Saturday’s strategic dialogue, both Presidents reaffirmed the importance of this fixed connection between their neighbouring countries in the broader context of South American connectivity, as part of the overall objective of regional integration and trilateral cooperation between Suriname, Guyana, and Brazil.

Presidents Santokhi and Ali welcomed the expressions of satisfaction by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, during the recently-held trilateral summit in Guyana last month with regard to the earmarked bridge over the Corentyne River.

From a bilateral perspective, the Presidents of Suriname and Guyana acknowledged the importance of the historical and friendly relations between the peoples and Governments of both countries. It was further recognised that at the current time, both countries stand on the verge of becoming major players in terms of energy and food security in this region.

The building of the fixed connection between the two neighbouring nations will undoubtedly enhance the flow of people, strengthen agricultural cooperation, facilitate trade and investment and promote tourism, thereby adding in a diversified way to the economic growth that is expected to provide sustainable prosper-

ity to both the Surinamese and Guyanese populations.

In a previous joint statement last week, it was noted that as discussions progressed, construction of the bridge could commence before the end of 2024. This was following a meeting last Tuesday in Paramaribo, where Guyana’s Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh; Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and Ambassador Elisabeth Harper, along with technical staff engaged with Surinamese Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation Minister Albert Ramdin; Finance and Planning Minister Kermechend Raghoebarsing; Public Works Minister Riad Nurmohamed, and their technical teams.

In October 2023, two companies – Dutch engineering company Ballast Nedam and Chinese-owned China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) – submitted proposals to build the bridge over the Corentyne River to link Guyana and Suriname. However, those companies have since indicated that they are unable to meet the pre-financing requirement.

Earlier this month, President Santokhi during an interview with Guyana Times on the sidelines of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Heads of Government Conference, held in Georgetown, had said there were financial institutions that were willing to fund the construction of the bridge. He noted that informal discussions were held with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), which has indicated an interest in financing the project.

“The companies should come with prefinancing, but they are not interested in that modality, so we’re looking for other types of financing. There are institutions from the region and outside the region who are willing to finance it. It can either be [through] the company, or it can be the State; but, you know, our case is a little bit different, because

Presidents Dr Irfaan Ali and Chandrikapersad Santokhi with their respective ministerial teams at Saturday’s meeting in Guyana we are bound by the IMF (International Monetary Fund) programme, so we cannot take the loan. So, we need to be very pragmatic in this, so that is the advice that we’re looking for [from the Joint Ministerial and technical teams],” the Surinamese Head of State had said.

In May of 2022, a US$2 million contract was signed in Paramaribo for several preliminary studies and research to be conducted on the Corentyne bridge by WSP Caribbean. The Expressions of Interest (EoIs) were also simultaneously launched.

Then in June 2023, WSP Caribbean presented the design of a two-section bridge across the Corentyne River that is connected via an island (Long Island) to link Guyana and Suriname. The design also features a twolane structure with accom-

The Corentyne River bridge is one of the first agreements between Presidents Ali and Santokhi, with both Heads previously underscoring the critical role the bridge would play in advancing cooperation and creating more opportunities for development for both countries.

modation for a third lane in case of emergencies.

The high-span Corentyne River bridge would be approximately 3.1 kilometres in length, and would connect Moleson Creek in Guyana to South Drain in Suriname, with a landing on Long Island in the Corentyne River, where a commercial hub and tourist destination would be established. That free zone would see major infrastructural development, such as hotels, recreational parks, entertainment spots, tourist attractions, malls, and farmers’ markets. (G8)

53 inmates contracted chicken pox at Lusignan Prison

Some 53 inmates at the Lusignan Prison have contracted chicken pox. This was confirmed by Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot, who said that this has prompted swift action to contain the spread of the disease.

Upon receiving reports of itchy rashes among the incarcerated population, the prison's medical team examined the affected individuals and subsequently quarantined them following diagnosis, with the aim of preventing further transmission.

Officer-in-charge of Lusignan Prison, Deoraj

Gyandat, in collaboration with the medical team, has initiated a contact tracing effort to pinpoint the source of the outbreak. Presently, there are 25 active cases of chicken pox at the prison, with an additional 28 individuals in the recovery phase.

To combat the spread of the virus, the Guyana Prison Service has said that comprehensive preventative measures have been put in place. These include the administration of medication such as Acyclovir and calamine lotion, increased sanitation frequency, sunning out of mattresses and cloth-

ing, sterilisation of eating utensils and personal items, vaccination protocols, and daily medical assessments.

Collaborative efforts between prison authorities and the medical team aim to mitigate further instances of the virus within the facility, the prison service said.

Meanwhile, Elliot stressed the paramount importance of safeguarding the health and well-being of both inmates and prison staff. He urged against panic, reassuring the public that proactive measures are being taken to address the situation effectively.

The preliminary design of the Corentyne River Bridge that will link Guyana and Suriname

Oil companies offer support to Region 10 tourism industry

To bolster Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) tourism industry through comprehensive capacity building, training, education and strategic partnerships, the Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI) is supporting the development of the tourism sector through a capacity-building project.

The Greater Guyana Initiative is a US$100 million, 10-year investment made by the Stabroek Block co-venturers – ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Hess Guyana Exploration Limited and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited.

The Initiative is geared towards developing the local workforce, building human capacity, enhancing education, and improving healthcare, aimed at promoting sustainable economic diver-

include the enhancement of the Region Ten Tourism Committee (RTTC) institutional capacity, through training and the development of a strategic plan and

sification in Guyana.

The Region 10 project, which is set to be executed over a two-year period, will train approximately 300 tourism operators and service providers in essential areas such as tour guiding, customer service, hospitality, housekeeping, labelling and packaging, safety, and defensive driving, etc. Other components of the project

procedures manual. During an activity last Wednesday, there was the opening of the project office and the unveiling of a minibus, which will be used to aid in the effective execution of the project.

During the launch of the project, Socioeconomic Manager of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Susan Scott, during her remarks, stated that GGI’s contri-

bution goes beyond oil and gas. “This initiative holds great promise to elevate the Region’s tourism industry, through comprehensive capacity building, training and education, which directly aligns with GGI’s mission to support regional economic development, a diverse economy and tourism product.”

According to her, the committee has led several tourism sector development initiatives over the years including the hosting of business exhibitions, award shows, cleaning, and signage of tourist sites in partnership with key stakeholders.

President of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), Omodele George, in her address, noted that the project exemplified the power of partnership. She urged all stakeholders to remain steadfast to their commitment while embracing the opportunities for learning, innovation, and growth while reiterating THAG’s unwavering support for the development of Guyana’s tourism sector.

In the aim of making Region 10 the number one

GGI and RTTC representatives tourism destination in the country and by extension the Caribbean, Chairman of the Region Ten Tourism Committee and Member of Parliament, Devin Sears, highlighted RTTC’s intended membership growth objective of 50 per cent within the next year.

Further to this, he ex-

plained that the Committee was in pursuit of securing land to construct a multi-purpose tourism headquarters to house offices for tour operators, startups, conferences, and training rooms.

“As Guyana continues to be globally recognised as the number one eco-tourism des-

tination in the world, with an economy that is growing at an exponential rate, Region 10 will not be left behind,” Sears affirmed.

He noted that through continued strategic partnerships, the region’s emerging tourism industry will contribute directly to Guyana’s development agenda.

Baby-friendly hospital training set to enhance infant health outcomes

The second phase of a comprehensive five-day Focal Point Training for the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) at Cara Lodge, Georgetown, in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/ WHO), was conducted with the aim of enhancing infant healthcare outcomes.

In a release, the Health Ministry said that the overarching goal of the BFHI remains steadfastly to enhance infant health outcomes and save lives by championing breastfeeding promotion, protection, and support. The second phase is 11 focal points, consisting of proficient health workers specialised in midwifery and affili-

Through this movement, they will play a pivotal role in driving the implementation and facilitation of the BFHI across all 10 regions of

ated with public hospitals, undergoing training.

This, the Ministry said, will see midwives serving as the BFHI Focal Points within each region, empowered by the support of Food Policy, PAHO, and UNICEF.

Guyana. The facility re-certifications will be done as often as every two years to ensure that continued compliance with the 10 steps to successful breastfeeding is maintained.

The BFHI, spearhead-

ed by PAHO/WHO and UNICEF, was introduced in 1991 and has been instrumental in encouraging healthcare facilities worldwide to adhere to the 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. Among some of the 10 steps are the training of all healthcare staff in the skills necessary to implement this policy, informing all pregnant women about the benefits and management of breastfeeding, helping mothers initiate breastfeeding within half-hour of birth and showing mothers how to breastfeed.

Director of Family and Primary Health Care Services, Dr Ertenisa Hamilton, in her remarks, said that this initiative would see more behavioural change among patients, and more education sessions were needed at an early stage.

‘’The earlier you start exposing people to information, the easier it is to have the behavioural change that we’re looking for; our antenatal clinics see at least 96 per cent, so we have no room to say that there isn’t a platform for us to begin the conversation about education on breastfeeding,” she explained.

Socioeconomic Manager of ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Susan Scott among the persons at the ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the Tourism Committee Project Office

The minibus handed over to support the execution of the project

Training models used by care workers to develop new approaches and strategies to improve health education at their respective facilities

Trainees during the inauguration of the second phase of the comprehensive five-day Focal Point Training programme for the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) at Cara Lodge, Georgetown

Phagwah has truly transcended religious boundaries – PPP

The People’s Progressive Party (PPP) takes this opportunity to extend Phagwah greetings to all Guyanese, especially the Hindu community.

Phagwah is a festival that has truly become national, having transcended religious boundaries through the participation of a wide cross-section of Guyanese throughout the country.

The kaleidoscope of colours that exemplify the celebrations, heralds the dawn of spring, reminding not only of nature’s beauty but the vibrancy of our rich diversity.

The fun and frolic that have come to be associated with it remain a catalyst for forging harmony among all of our people.

As Guyanese celebrate, the PPP urges that

we be inspired by the significance of Phagwah, through its pertinent messages. The courage, determination, and sacrifice of young Prahlada and the triumph of Lord Vishnu, which speaks to the triumph of good over evil is even relevant on reflection of how our country and people navigated and overcame various challenges.

Let us be motivat -

ed by what this colourful festival signifies and be inspired in hope that, through resoluteness in the face of adversity and despondency, the messages of Phagwah speaks to truth inevitably prevailing.

As Guyanese mark the occasion, our Party once again extends best wishes and urges caution, tolerance, and respect in the celebrations.

Celebrate Phagwah in unity and respect – GHDS

As the world celebrates the festival of Spring and colors, Phagwah, I extend greetings to all of Guyana.

The Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha reminds all of the powerful and unifying messages enshrined in this ancient and lovely festival on the Hindu calendar which resonate with all people; the triumph of good over evil and removal of all negativities and vices, the promotion of equality and brotherhood, love and unity and a reminder to strengthen one’s connection with Bhagwan.

The word “Phagwah” is derived from the Hindu month, Phalgun. Its synonym Holi comes from the Sanskrit word “hola’ meaning grains, reminding us of the festival’s linkage to agriculture and a bountiful harvest. It also heralds the advent of Spring and the

Hindu New Year.

Phagwah or Holi is the festival that reminds us emphatically of the love we should share with all. Smearing colors representing the blooms of Spring on each other effectively erases differences and epitomizes the message that the world is one family. The very act of smearing each other with these vibrant colours effectually removes barriers and differences and sends visible signs that hatred, animosity and discord must never win over love and unity.

Phagwah is embraced by Guyanese and is a unifying and inclusive festival and over the years, in our beautiful land of Guyana, people of all walks of life, ethnicity and faith have engaged in playing Phagwah, and the world has admired our togetherness. Let that spirit always prevail in our

country to forge national fraternity cutting across every divide to remind us that our destinies are intertwined and that our common goal is the good of our country.

Spiritually, Phagwah advocates implicit faith in God and urges the aspirant to embody divine and positive qualities which will bring them closer to God. The festival also es -

pouses optimism and a strong sense of confidence in Bhagwan Krishna to alleviate all adversity in our lives.

I urge the Hindu community to attend their mandirs for satsangh and the burning of Holika, and to have deep and unflinching faith in Bhagwan as Prince Prahalad did. Holika Dahan epitomizes the triumph of good

over evil within and without. It reminds us all to stand strong against adharma (unrighteousness) and embrace the power of prayers. As Prahalad did, let us always fight against injustice and unrighteousness so that all people can prosper in love, peace and unity. Every mandir must ensure that their Holika Dahan Satsangh reverberates with prayers and chants and that upon the burning of Holika that the melodies of spring reverberate in the air. Chowtaal, ulaara, jati and dhamar will remind us of the advent of spring.

You are invited to join the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha at the Shri Krishna Mandir, Campbellville for Holika Dahan satsangh 6:00 pm and burning of Holika at 7:30pm today at the Camptown Ground.

On Phagwah Day, attend your various mandirs for special Phagwah or Holi Satsangh, pray, sing and color each other affectionately with abrack and abeer spreading love and hope.

Join the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha on Phagwah morning at the Rama Krishna Dharmic Mandir, Barr Street, Kitty for special Holi Satsangh.

Conclude Holi celebrations with Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha across the country with our Parents in Berbice, Essequibo and Demerara and with us centrally for Holi Utsav at the Everest Ground from 4:00pm. Enjoy performances by artistes from India, Guyana and Surinam. Strictly no alcohol is allowed.

Shubh Holi from Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha

Festival of Colours symbolises freedom from all kinds of restrictions, limitations – GAWU

On the auspicious occasion of Phagwah or Holi, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) sends its warmest wishes to all Guyanese, particularly our brothers and sisters in the Hindu community. The Festival of Colours symbolises freedom from all kinds of restrictions and limitations. It is associated with the arrival of spring as nature displays its splendour, and life flourishes in every form. This season provides ample opportunities for self-reflection, and every individual should strive to attain liberation in all aspects of life.

Holi is an important festival that is celebrated

Phagwah is known for its vibrant colours, which symbolises the beauty of diversity and the message of integration and cohesion. The changing seasons during the festival also carry an important message about the dynamics of change. Additionally, the festival carries an enduring message of good triumphing over evil, which is showcased through the story of Prahalad and his tyrant father Hiranyakashipu. Prahalad refused to be bullied by the opposing forces created by his father and emerged victorious. Remembering this story and its message of courage and resilience is important.

by farmers and peasants to mark the harvesting of their crops. During this time, they also participate in Yagnas and Pujas to express gratitude towards God for the blessings received and to seek blessings for their future crops. This festival of Basant carries a profound message that can instil hope and confidence among people.

Here in Guyana, Phagwah attracts the participation of Hindus and non-Hindus alike, bringing together Guyanese under our rich cultural tapestry. Instructively, this year’s Phagwah celebrations take place during the Seasons of Lent and Ramadan as our Christian

and Muslim brothers and sisters observe periods of fasting and prayer as they cleanse their minds, bodies and spirits. We in the GAWU see such observances as yet another reminder of our nation’s diversity and a demonstration that, despite our backgrounds, we can come together in

joyous and united celebration. Undoubtedly, it highlights our ability to stand collectively.

We find hope in these advancements, even though we acknowledge that there are still some amongst us who strive to divide us and weaken our bond as one people.

However, as we celebrate Phagwah, we are confident that we can overcome those who spread such narratives and our nation, along with its citizens, will progress together. The significance of unity has become even more imperative in these exciting times we live in. As we anticipate a thriving Guyana, let us continue to do so as "One Guyana" united and free.

On this special occasion of Phagwah 2024, the GAWU sends warm greetings to all Guyanese. May the Festival of Colours fill our lives with happiness and optimism, and inspire us to work towards a brighter future for our nation.

7 vying for Miss Bartica Regatta 2024

As the anticipation builds for the inaugural annual Regatta in Bartica, a charming town nestled amidst lush, forested landscapes, all eyes are on the seven stunning contestants vying for the title of Miss Bartica Regatta 2024. This year's pageant promises to bring a touch of elegance and glamour to the weekend's festivities, as these captivating beauties prepare to grace the stage at the Bartica Community Centre Ground (Tarmac), Second Avenue, Bartica on April 1st.

The theme for this year's Miss Bartica Regatta Pageant is "THE PRIDE OF THE PEOPLE," a fitting tribute to the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty that define Bartica's identity. The contestants, each embodying grace and poise, are set to showcase their charisma and talents in the hopes of being crowned the queen of the regatta. One of the most anticipated moments of the pageant is the crowning, where the winner will be adorned with a resplendent crown that truly captures the essence of Bartica.

The ‘Crown’ adorned with just over 10,000 clear crystals and emerald stones, is a dazzling symbol of the region's lush landscapes and mighty waterways. The gold accents on the crown pay homage to Bartica's golden richness, elegantly symbolizing the glories of a #NewAge. As the contestants gear up for the competition, excitement is mounting amongst the residents of Bartica and beyond. The pageant promises to be a celebration of beauty, talent, and community spirit, with the contestants shining a spotlight on the pride and diversity of the people of Bartica.

shines through her love for literature, where she finds solace and draws inspiration from the enchanting world of words.

Swimsuit designed by Dwight Beaton

CONTESTANT # 3

CONTESTANT #1

The radiant Hannah Alexia Smith, a devoted mother and passionate educator, whose aspirations, transcend the ordinary. At the tender age of 21, she stands as a beacon of inspiration, driven by the desire to instil the transformative power of education in young minds. With a nurturing heart and unwavering dedication, Hannah not only imparts knowledge but also moulds her students into profound individuals poised to make a difference in society.

Her project, "Experience Bartica: a journey through beauty and culture," embodies her love for exploration and appreciation of diverse cultures. Through this initiative, Hannah aims to showcase the rich heritage and mesmerizing beauty of Bartica, inviting others to embark on a captivating journey of discovery.

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CONTESTANT #2

The captivating Mourinda Hector, contestant #2, a dynamic 24-year-old Police Officer and IT Instructor who radiates beauty and charm. Her focused leadership style and innovative teaching methods have earned her admiration, inspiring students to embrace technology and become change-makers in their community. Apart from her professional endeavours, Mourinda's intriguing personality

The captivating Lakeshia Christian, a classy and outgoing young woman who embraces life's adventures with zest. Her love for outdoor activities and penchant for delving into mystery books highlight her vibrant and curious spirit. As a dedicated mother to her 5-year-old son, Lakeshia cherishes the bond of love within her family, considering it the cornerstone of life's priorities.

What sets Lakeshia apart is her unwavering determination and resilience. She pays little mind to naysayers and hurdles, going after her goals relentlessly. Lakeshia's journey exemplifies the strength of character and the courage to pursue dreams despite challenges. She embodies the essence of a modern-day achiever, balancing motherhood, passions, and ambitions with grace and determination.

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CONTESTANT #4

Althea Griffith is a 28-year-old cosmetologist hailing from the vibrant 4 Miles Housing Scheme, Bartica. With a passion for exploring new horizons, she indulges in traveling, constantly seeking to broaden her experiences and knowledge. Althea is not only dedicated to her professional endeavours but also cherishes her role as a devoted mother to her amazing daughter.

Inspired by the words of Michelle Obama- "When you've worked hard, done well, and walked through that doorway of opportunity, you do not slam it shut behind you”, Althea believes in extending opportunities to others and uplifting fellow women through her project, CREATIVE WOMEN. Her journey embodies resilience, determination, and a commitment to empowering women in various spheres of life.

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CONTESTANT #5

Sponsored by: Orin's kitchen

Meet Shania Straker, a determined and selfless educator at

Three Miles Secondary School. In addition to her role as a teacher, Shania is a passionate poet, a skilled debater, and a former Youth Parliamentarian, showcasing her versatility and dedication to personal growth.

Her accolades include being the reigning Miss Three Miles Secondary, a testament to her beauty and poise. However, Shania's true essence lies in her outspoken nature, fearlessly advocating for change and progress in her community.

She lives by the timeless words of Mahatma Gandhi, "Be the change you wish to see," embodying a spirit of activism and empowerment. Shania Straker is a shining example of a multifaceted individual who combines beauty, intellect, and a heart for making a positive impact in the world.

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CONTESTANT # 6

Meet the vibrant and determined Denika Marshall, a 21-year-old with a deep passion for the arts and acting. Her hobbies include writing captivating poems, indulging in literature, and immersing herself in the world of acting, showcasing her love for creative expression.

In her free time, Denika finds joy and excitement in hiking and athletics, embracing physical challenges that mirror her resilient spirit and determination to succeed. Her guiding philosophy echoes the sentiment that true glory isn't solely derived from victories but from the courage to rise again after encountering obstacles.

Denika Marshall stands as a beacon of motivation, reminding us of the power of passion, perseverance, and resilience in the pursuit of her dreams.

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CONTESTANT # 7

The dynamic and wise Waynecia Pollydore, a 23-year-old educator and visionary behind the project "Tech-Ties," dedicated to enhancing education through technology. Her vibrant personality, coupled with a deep respect for others, shines through in all aspects of her life.

Waynecia is not only a skilled educator but also a proficient manager of both money and time, showcasing her ability to balance responsibilities effectively. Her insights into the disparities faced by youth in riverine areas are profound and point to her commitment to creating positive change.

Beyond her professional endeavours, Waynecia enjoys traveling and indulging in her passion for cooking. Her beauty, both inside and out, radiates through her compassionate nature and dedication to uplifting her community.

Waynecia Pollydore, is a beacon of inspiration, embodying resilience, intelligence, and a heart full of compassion.

Swimsuit designed by Dwight Beaton

Bartica Regatta Delegates 2024

Around the World

OIL NEWS Russia attacks Ukrainian gas storage site; Ukraine ramps up power imports

ARussians lower flags in mourning, suspects charged in deadly concert-hall attack

Russia lowered flags to half-mast for a day of mourning and charged four men it accused of gunning down scores of people at a concert outside Moscow on Friday night in the deadliest attack inside Russia for two decades.

the attack, but Putin has not publicly mentioned the Islamist militant group in connection with the attackers, who he said had been trying to escape to Ukraine. He said that some on "the Ukrainian side" had been prepared to spirit the gunmen across the border.

n underground gas storage site in Ukraine was attacked on Sunday in the latest wave of Russian missile strikes on power facilities, while officials restored power in cities, ordered imports and imposed rolling blackouts to deal with shortfalls.

Ukraine's state-run Naftogaz energy firm reported the attack on the gas storage site UGS, but added that gas supplies to consumers had not been affected.

Naftogaz Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Oleksiy Chernyshov said equipment damaged in the strike was being repaired.

"The situation will not critically impact the UGS operations since the gas is stored deep underground," Chernyshov wrote on Facebook.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said efforts to restore power supplies were under way in various regions, with the greatest difficulties in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city.

The country's Energy Ministry and distributors said Ukraine ramped up imports of electricity and halted exports after the recent series of Russian attacks, in which top energy producer DTEK lost 50 per cent of its capacity.

Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, head of Ukrenergo, which operates Ukraine's transmission lines, said the latest wave of strikes had caused damage of at least 90 million euros (US$97 million).

Russia attacked Ukrainian generating and transmission facilities on Friday, causing significant blackouts in many regions, and energy facilities in three Ukrainian regions were also attacked early on Sunday.

Zelenskiy, in his nightly video address on Sunday, said more than 200,000 residents of Kharkiv, a frequent target of Russian attacks, were without reliable power. The network had been restored elsewhere, he said.

Zelenskiy said "strict schedules" for power use were in force in Kharkiv. DTEK, the biggest private power company, said rolling blackouts had been imposed in the port of Odesa.

Odesa regional governor Oleh Kiper, in a posting just after midnight on the Telegram messaging app, said parts of the city were without power after damage to infrastructure caused by a new night-time drone attack.

Emergency services were on the scene, but he gave no further details.

Most of Ukraine's gas storage capacity is in the western part of the country and it is able to store around 30 billion cubic metres of gas. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Haitian orphans faced rape and death, some declared ‘clinically dead’ for organ trade by gangs

Monsignor Gregory Ramkissoon is convinced that had Jamaica not “done the right thing” by accepting the 59 disabled orphans who arrived there last Thursday from crisis-torn Haiti, it wouldn’t have been long before death came upon them.

In the weeks leading up to the rescue mission, Ramkissoon had told the Jamaica Observer that he had received disturbing reports of gangsters, who have been unleashing bloodshed and terror on the French-speaking country, raping some of the children in the orphanage and getting doctors to go in and declare some of them clinically dead in order to harvest their

organs for sale.

“Some of these kids, the little girls were being raped. Then they were taking some of the kids and pronouncing them clinically dead in order to sell their organs. One kidney was going for US$35,000, and it was going up the chain. People at a higher level knew about it. Hearing this, when the Lord puts it in front of you it would be a terrible misdeed to let them stay in Haiti,” Ramkissoon, founder of Mustard Seed Communities, told the Sunday Observer at Errol Flynn Marina in Port Antonio, Portland, shortly after the orphans and 13 caregivers arrived on a ship. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

President Vladimir Putin declared Sunday a national day of mourning after pledging to punish all those behind the attack, in which 137 persons were killed, including three children, and 182 were injured.

Over 100 persons remained in hospital, some of them in serious condition. Video footage showed a sombre-looking Putin lighting a candle at a church at his residence outside Moscow on Sunday evening to honour those who died.

Earlier on Sunday, people laid flowers at Crocus City Hall, the 6200-seat concert hall outside Moscow where four armed men burst in just before Sovietera rock group Picnic was to perform its hit "Afraid of Nothing". The men fired their automatic weapons in short bursts at civilians who fell screaming.

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for

Ukraine has denied any role in the attack.

Moscow's Basmanny district court on Sunday charged four suspects with acts of terrorism in connection with the attack, naming them as Dalerdzhon Mirzoyev, Saidakrami Rachabalizoda, Shamsidin Fariduni, and Muhammadsobir Fayzov, according to Moscow courts' official Telegram channel.

It said the men, identified by Russian media as all being citizens of the ex-Soviet republic of Tajikistan living in Russia, would be remanded in pre-trial custody until May 22. Three of the four had pleaded guilty to all charges, it said.

Countries around the world have expressed horror at the attack and sent their condolences to the Russian people.

Meanwhile, Russia struck critical infrastruc-

Military draft bill creates rift in Israeli Government

Amember of Israel's war Cabinet said on Sunday he would quit the national emergency government should proposed legislation that continues to exempt ultra-Orthodox Jews from mandatory military service be passed into law.

"The nation cannot accept it, the Knesset (parliament) must not vote for it, and my colleagues and I will not be members of the emergency government should such legislation pass in the Knesset," said centrist Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz.

Gantz, a former military chief who has more support than Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu according recent opinion polls, joined the unity government to help manage the war against Hamas after its October 7 attack.

"The conscription law being drawn up by the Government is a serious moral failure that will create a deep rift within us at a time when we need to

fight together against our enemies," Gantz said.

His party alone would not be able to bring down Netanyahu's Government. But Israel's Defence Minister has also come out against the bill, signalling opposition within Netanyahu's own rightwing Likud.

The proposed legislation has not been made public, but according to portions leaked to Israeli media it perpetuates long-disputed military exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews, and may even expand them. It also plays down the economic toll of the decades-old policy, which Israel's top economists have repeatedly warned carries a heavy price.

Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, who is just starting an official visit to the United States, said that the bill is due to be brought before the Cabinet on Tuesday and that he would not support it. (Excerpt from Reuters)

ture in Ukraine's western region of Lviv with missiles early on Sunday, Kyiv said, in a major airstrike that saw one Russian cruise missile briefly fly into Polish airspace according to Warsaw.

Moscow launched 57 missiles and drones in the attack that also targeted the capital Kyiv, two days after the largest aerial bombardment of Ukraine's energy system in more than two years of full-scale war, Kyiv said. (Excerpts from Reuters)

Ecuador's youngest Mayor found shot to death alongside staffer

Ecuador's youngest Mayor, Brigitte Garcia, and a staffer were found shot dead in a car early on Sunday, said Police in the South American country, which is in the grips of a wave of violence that authorities blame on drug trafficking

National Police said they were investigating the deaths of Garcia, the 27-year-old Mayor of San Vicente, and Jairo Loor, her communications director, after the discovery of their bodies in the province of Manabi. Both had suffered gunshot wounds, Police said in a statement.

Later on Sunday, Police said that the gunfire had come from within the car, which was rented, and they were tracking the vehicle's GPS system.

Garcia belonged to former President Rafael Correa's Citizen Revolution Movement party.

Correa and Luisa Gonzalez, the party's presidential candidate in the recent elections, called Garcia's killing an assassination on social media platform X.

"I've just found out they've assassinated our fellow Mayor of San Vicente, Brigitte Garcia," Gonzalez said in a post.

"I have no words, in shock, nobody is safe in Ecuador NOBODY."

Garcia is the latest political figure in the country to be killed following

the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio last August. Villavicencio, a vocal critic of corruption and organised crime, was killed while leaving a campaign event two weeks before the election.

President Daniel Noboa declared a state of emergency in January amid a spike in violence that saw armed men invade a TV station during a live broadcast. Noboa also designated 22 criminal groups as terrorist organisations.

The state of emergency was extended earlier this month.

In a statement, Noboa's government condemned the killings, and said it was working with Police and the prosecutor's office to ensure a fast investigation.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

A suspect in the shooting attack at the Crocus City Hall concert venue is escorted inside the Basmanny district court in Moscow, March 24, 2024 (Reuters/Shamil Zhumatov photo)

Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa (Reuters/ Karen Toro file photo)

SUDOKU

DAILY HOROSCOPES

(March 21-April 19)

(April 20-May 20)

(May 21-June 20)

(June 21-July 22)

(July 23-Aug. 22)

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

You don’t have to use force to get what you want. Truth and fairness will count when trying to win favors or approval. Thoroughness and preparation will be crucial.

Don’t fear change. Envision your goal and make it happen. Be the driving force and join groups that have something to contribute. It’s OK to do things your way and to take a different path.

Focus less on what others are doing and more on yourself. You’ll learn something valuable if you take a course or participate in an event that requires you to rely on your skills and experience.

Keep your thoughts to yourself and avoid opposition. What you do will have a more significant impact than what you say. Do the best job possible, and you’ll feel good and impress onlookers.

Think for yourself. If someone tries to take charge, don’t move aside. Your creative inspiration will set you apart and motivate you to go further. Gains are within reach.

Review documents and finances, and move on to activities that require focus and motivation. A connection you make will spark your curiosity and offer life-improving alternatives.

Make your surroundings more functional. Share your heartfelt thoughts and ideas, and be willing to put muscle behind your intentions and finish what you start. Efficiency will be a must.

Pay attention, and you’ll recognize an opportunity you want to take advantage of. Settle into a routine and align yourself with someone who shares your concerns. Take the high road.

Don’t fool yourself into thinking that a flatterer has good intentions. Take a moment to clarify what’s at stake and figure out how to use your experience, knowledge and intelligence to get what you want. Be a leader, not a follower.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Think before you speak. Refrain from irritating someone you must deal with to finish things on time. Change and opportunity go together. Be accommodating and willing to do your part.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Explore the possibilities, costs and requirements before you start something new. Don’t let an emotional situation prevent you from taking advantage of an opportunity.

Use intelligence and be resourceful when dealing with joint ventures or investments dependent on something you cannot control. Look for unique opportunities that align with what you know and do best.

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

PICKLES

ARCHIE

Titans pull off heist against former Captain Hardik Pandya's Mumbai

Keep your eyes on Shubman Gill. The captain. With Mumbai Indians on 107 for 2 after 12 overs, chasing 169, he barracked his team to get back in the game. And boy, did they ever.

A batting line-up that is the envy of the T20 world came undone even with conditions pretty much in their favour, with two set batters at the crease and dew all over the park. And Titans, who had less than an eight per cent chance of victory, went on to achieve a famous one. Or maybe it isn't. Because they keep doing this. They keep defying the odds.

Here they had their former captain – the one who built them into IPL winners –give them a huge scare. Hardik Pandya went 6 and 4 to start the last over when 19 were required. He looked in the mood. His old Coach Ashish Nehra, who spent a vast majority of the chase patrolling the boundary, issuing instructions – seemingly spoon-feeding Spencer Johnson what he had to do in a 19th over that produced two of the five

wickets that fell in the last 13 balls – turned away. He couldn't watch. But he should have. Because Umesh Yadav, who doesn't really bowl at the death, took full advantage of the two-bouncersan-over rule and sent one up at Hardik's right ear, which, even with his power, only went as far as the fielder at long-on. Eighty thousand and eighty-one people roared in unison. They sensed it.

They sensed that yet another incredible win was theirs.

Pace off, game on This game turned between overs 13 and 17 in the chase. Because only one of them yielded more than a run-a-ball.

R Sai Kishore, who doesn't always make the Titans XI but has never come across like he's been on the outside looking in, produced a very mature per-

formance. He took out Rohit Sharma with some style, slowing his pace right down, pulling his length right back, and having an excellent player of spin so badly reaching for the ball that he fell over in his crease as he played the sweep.

Rashid Khan took over from there on and created a moment that signalled the shifting of the balance. Mumbai's best power-hitter, Tim David, was hidden from the strike, because he has been averaging 7.6 against leg-spin since IPL 2022. This was the 17th over and the required rate was still in the eightand-a-bit range. The batting side had six wickets in hand. They really shouldn't have been under pressure with an equation like that.

169 runs from 20 ovs)

Piyush Chawla 3-0-31-1

Naman Dhir 1-0-13-0

Gerald Coetzee 4-0-27-2

But they were and the wickets as a result of that pressure went to Mohit Sharma, who is a wonderful case study, because his biggest strength goes against his job description. The fast bowler who is far more dangerous when he bowls his slower ball. That came in very handy on a two-paced pitch. He dismissed David with an off-cutter-bouncer that rose up to the batter's helmet and took away all his power.(ESPNcricinfo)

Sai Kishore 4-0-24-1

Spencer Johnson 2-0-25-2

Mohit Sharma 4-0-32-2

Jasprit Bumrah's double-wicket 17th over put the brakes on Gujarat Titans' scoring

Samson, Boult star as Royals overpower LSG

Sanju Samson led from the front with an unbeaten 82 from 52 balls as Rajasthan

Royals opened their IPL campaign with a hard-earned 20run victory over Lucknow Super

Giants in Jaipur.

After winning the toss for his team, Samson's knock was the mainstay of Royals' imposing 193 for 4, and a tight contest hadn't seemed remotely likely when Trent Boult and Nandre Burger reduced LSG to 11 for 3 in the first four overs of their reply.

Did

Badoni, 3.1 ov), 4-60 (Deepak Hooda, 7.3 ov), 5-145 (KL Rahul, 16.1 ov), 6-154 (Marcus Stoinis, 17.3 ov) •

DRS BOWLING O-M-R-W

Trent Boult 4-0-35-2

Nandre Burger 3-0-30-1

Ravichandran Ashwin 4-0-35-1

Avesh Khan 3-0-21-0

Yuzvendra Chahal 3-0-25-1

Sandeep Sharma 3-0-22-1

However, KL Rahul – on his return from injury – teamed up with Nicholas Pooran to take the chase deep in a fifth-wicket stand of 85 from 52 balls that ended on the first ball of the 17th over, as Sandeep Sharma popped up with a priceless spell of death bowling that left LSG with too much to do.

With 38 still needed from 12 balls, Sandeep's penultimate over was arguably even more important, as he limited the hard-swinging Pooran to just a brace of boundaries in an 11-run over, allowing Avesh Khan to close out the contest with ease. Pooran finished unbeaten on 64 from 41 balls.

Samson saves his best for first Samson certainly knows how to launch an IPL campaign in style. For the fifth consecutive IPL campaign, dating back to 2020, he opened Royals' account with a half-century, this time in

an innings featuring three fours and six sixes, the best of which - from the penultimate ball of the innings - was a formidable inside-out drill over extra cover from Mohsin Khan.

The bulk of Samson's work was done in the course of a 93run stand with Riyan Parag, that spanned 62 balls and bridged a potentially tricky period at the end of the powerplay, in which Jos Buttler's streaky 11 from nine balls, and Yashasvi Jaiswal's more focused cameo of 24 from 12, had telegraphed a potentially tricky pitch for comfortable strokeplay.

Certainly, LSG's spinners

top-order implosion for LSG.

De Kock's only scoring shot was a classy punch down the ground to a full-length outswinger, but when Boult fired one into his legs in the same over, he lured a loose flick in the air to Burger at backward fine leg.

found some purchase on the cracked, dry surface. Krunal Pandya, on his 33rd birthday, wheeled through his four boundary-less overs for 19, and could have dismissed Parag for a golden duck when he induced a leading edge back down the pitch, only for Samson at the non-striker's end to get in the way, completely inadvertently, as he stood his ground with the ball lobbing towards his helmet. Both men, however, stepped up their intensity after the strategic time-out, when the extra pace of Yash Thakur entered the fray. Three sixes poured forth in a 21-run over, including backto-back pulls from Samson off undercooked bouncers, and after bringing up Royals' 100 with another six off Ravi Bishnoi in the 11th over, Samson marched onto his fifty from 33 balls – by which stage Parag should have been removed for 29, only for Mohsin at square leg to make a hash of a top-edged sweep.

Lightning Boult strikes twice Boult and first-over wickets are a staple of the IPL experience. This time, it was Quinton de Kock in his sights at the top of the powerplay, his 24th such victim – second only to Bhuvneshwar Kumar's 27 – and it set in motion a catastrophic

Two balls into his second, Boult struck again, delivering a merciless one-two to Devdutt Padikkal, to ensure his reunion with his former Royals team-mates was a miserable one. A sharp bouncer pinged Padikkal's helmet and sent his neck-guard spinning; Boult's follow-up skidded through low and pegged back his middle and leg stumps as he flapped loosely across the line from deep in the crease. And LSG reached their nadir one ball into the fourth over, as Burger – the most literal impact sub imaginable – fired down a 147kph delivery that Ayush Badoni could only spoon to Buttler at mid-off. At 11 for 3, the fightback would have to be a remarkable one.

Rahul's role in the spotlight

It's a tricky time for Rahul across formats. In the absence of Virat Kohli, he had looked set to be the wise old head in India's Test team, until his untimely injury against England opened the door for the same generation of young guns who are pushing him to the fringes in the whiteball set-up too.

And so, his innings of 58 from 44 balls was an important reminder of his enduring class, albeit his dismissal at the start of the 17th over, caught at deep cover moments after the strategic time-out, effectively spelt the end of LSG's challenge, with first Marcus Stoinis and then Pandya unable to find their timing from the get-go. The fact that he took the gloves, ahead of both Quinton de Kock and Pooran, was arguably a sign of his desire to remind the India selectors of his enduring versatility.

Either way, while it lasted, Rahul's knock provided, first, the stability his team so desperately needed, and latterly the power to stay in touch with a run rate that was pushing two a ball by the tenth over. His own contribution at that point had been a run-a-ball 26, but in crashing the dangerous Burger for 6, 4, 4 from his next three deliveries, he rushed towards a 35ball fifty, and signalled a charge that would not fizzle until his departure.

Deepak Hooda, LSG's impact sub, has come and gone with a degree of purpose too, making 26 from 13 balls before taking on Yuzvendra Chahal, into the breeze, and holing out at deep midwicket. But it took Pooran's more focused power to truly ignite his team's belief.

At 102 for 4 in the 12th over, Boult returned for his final over as Royals strove for the partnership-breaking wicket. Pooran was waiting to take him down in a 20-run over that finished with a low full-toss being smashed over wide long-on for six.

Sandeep, however, was still lurking up Samson's sleeve, and his introduction proved pivotal. His first over, in the 15th of the innings, stemmed the flow of boundaries with just five singles, one of which could have been a direct-hit run-out. And when, in his second, Rahul chased his wide line to pick out Dhruv Jurel in the deep, Royals had seized back control.

(ESPNcricinfo)

Sanju Samson smashed an unbeaten 82

RReunion Gold lends solid support for Bartica Easter Regatta

Recently, its commitment was solidified when Administrative Manager of the company, Bjorn Juene handed over a cheque to Regatta Committee Treasurer Natalie Tilbury Bobb.

In making the presentation, Juene stated that the company was very pleased to be contributing towards an event that has become the main staple of the Bartica community.

“We are well aware of the positive impact this multievent activity has on the community and the role it plays in marketing Bartica as the

destination to be for Easter in Guyana and in the Diaspora. Therefore, Reunion Goold is very pleased to partner with you to ensure that this year’s activities are successful.”

Tilbury expressed gratitude to Juene and Reunion Gold for the confidence that they have placed in the Bartica Easter Regatta Committee and their substantial financial support.

“On behalf of our Chairman, Mr Kenneth Williams and the people of Bartica, we say a huge thank you to you and your company for making this

journey with us and looks forward to your support, beyond 2024,” the Regatta Committee Treasurer said.

Regatta activities saw the kick-off of the ExxonMobil Football Cup last evening at the Bartica Community Centre with two matches. Some 10 male teams and two female teams will be battling for supremacy, with ExxonMobil pumping some $2.9 million into the tournament.

The lone female teams are Rivers View and Potaro Strikers, and they will be battling on the final night for

Guinness “Greatest of the Streets”…

a winner’s purse of $70,000 while the loser will collect $30,000.

Male teams lining up to contest for the first to fourth place prizes of $400,000, $250,000, $100,000, and $60,000 are Rising Stars, Beacons, Potaro Strikers, Lazio, Rivers View, Wolves United, AK Galaxy, Agatash United, Middle Mazaruni and Eteringbang FC.

Dominoes also commenced yesterday and will conclude today at the Regatta Beach Front, with over $1 million in cash and prizes are at stake.

Usual suspects end up on winning side

Tfor quarterfinal qualification. Back Circle rebounded from their opening loss to dismantle Middle Road 5-0 to keep their hopes alive of advancing to the next stage.

In other results, Laing

upset the

1-0, while the

Warriors downed Sophia B 2-0. Also, Unstoppable and Albouystown played to a scoreless affair, while Lodge All-

eunion Gold Corporation, a leading gold explorer in the Guiana Shield, has lent solid support to the organisers of the annual Bartica Easter Regatta.

Reunion

Administrative Manager Bjorn Juene hands over the

cheque to Bartica Easter Regatta Committee Treasurer Natalie Tilbury Bobb

Action in the Lodge (black) and Young Gunners battle in the Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Georgetown edition

Basketball League inaugural title

The Dominic Vincente-led Kitty/ Campbellville Ravens, despite missing two of their best players Jude Corlette and Shamar Huntley, with their experience were able to calm the Stabroek Eagles as they won the inaugural One Guyana Basketball League championship on Saturday at the National Gymnasium in Game 3 of the National Finals.

In the first quarter, from the jump ball, the Ravens managed to attack the Eagles' basket while the Eagles remained consis-

tent in their scoring as the score was tied at 15 points at the end of the first quarter.

The Eagles had to pay for their chances to score as they were not consistent in converting their free throws, as the Ravens conquered the second quarter of the game, showcasing their style of play as fast and feisty. The Ravens scored 22 points for a total of 37 while the Eagles scored 15 for a total at 30 at the end of the quarter.

The Ravens continued to showcase their skills in the third quarter as they limited the

Eagles in their attempt to convert baskets with their defensive style. The Ravens went on to score 19 points to push their score to 56 points while the Eagles were limited to 14 points and 44 in total.

In an invited comment to Guyana Times Sport Captain of Ravens, Dominic Vincente expounded on their gameplan to become victorious.

Vincente said, “Something that we didn’t do in our first two games was we start to run at them and because we jumped them from

early, they didn’t expect that. That worked in our favour because we had momentum going into the different quarters and we executed well and we came out victorious.”

The One Guyana Basketball League commenced back on August 12, 2023, with 14 teams divided into two conferences – the Harpy Eagles Conference and the Jaguar Conference. All games were played at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue. The Ravens bagged $1 million while the Eagles pocketed $500,000.

Fruta Conquerors bag another 3 points

Fnight, while Ann’s Grove United and Den Amstel FC shared points as the KFC Elite League continued at the Guyana Football Federation’s National Training Centre (NTC), Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD). The first match in Saturday’s double-header, after an intense battle, ended in a 1-all draw between Ann’s Grove United and Den Amstel FC.

Ann’s Grove’s Shaquan Joseph handed his team the lead early, with a strike in the fourth minute of the game; however, Den Amstel did not take too long to equalise as Gideon Payne found the score-levelling goal in the 25th minute.

Thereafter, the teams fought tooth and nail for the game winner, which evaded bath sides, who had to settle for one point each added to their tallies.

Later on, Fruta Conquerors got past an already-wounded Monedderlust FC 2-0. Makhaya Jarvis put Fruta in the lead as early as the fifth minute of the game. The second strike came in the second half, when Shamar Barnes

found the back of the net in the 66th minute.

Also in Elite League action, Santos Football Club kept their winning streak alive with a 2-0 victory over Buxton United FC on Thursday last.

Michael Oie ended the first half on a high note with Santos’ first goal in the 41st minute, after which Randy Robert made it a 2-0 game in the 63rd minute.

The KFC Elite League is expected to continue on Tuesday, March 26, with a solitary clash between the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Football Club and Ann’s Grove United FC at the same venue.

The champions of the One Guyana Basketball League, Kitty/Campbellville Ravens Runner-ups of the One Guyana Basketball League, Stabroek Eagles

Ann’s Grove United (blue) and Den Amstel had to settle for a draw

Fruta Conquerors bested Monedderlust 2-0