Guyana Times - Monday, March 6, 2023

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, no retraction and Tuesday, Mar 7 – 05:00h – 06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, Mar 6 – 15:50h –17:20h and Tuesday, Mar 7 – 16:25h – 17:55h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

There will be thundery showers and sunshine during the day. Expect light rain showers and partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to North-Easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 16:25h reaching a maximum height of 2.56 metres.

Low Tide: 10:00h and 22:20h reaching minimum heights of 0.74 metre and 0.64 metre.

Look out for each other to ensure we all have a colourful, beautiful Holi – Pres Ali

The Guyana Government ushered in the Hindu festival of colours – Phagwah or Holi, with a grand celebration at State House, where Guyanese were urged to look out for each other so that everyone’s life is filled with joy and beauty.

Holi will be observed on Tuesday, March 7, 2023. It signifies the triumph of good over evil.

During remarks on the lawns of his official residence, President Dr Irfaan Ali noted that celebrations such as the Festival of Colours warrant us to take a look around to see that everyone is partaking and enjoying the same level of happiness from such significant occasions.

To this end, the Head of State urged persons to celebrate this Holi differently as a country and as a people.

“Holi is about the coming

help, something from you to allow them to enjoy Holi on Tuesday also.”

“And before we do anything else, let us reach out to them; let us give and let us ensure that their Holi is as co-

families, then they will not experience the comprehensive joy as a community and as a country.

The Guyanese leader said he has set a personal mission to give as much as he can give back to society. He has also given a similar charge to his Cabinet Members and Members of Parliament to give as much as they can as well.

country,” Ali stated.

The Head of State further stated that his Government is committed to this process. He added too that there is a common vision amongst Guyanese who are mentally, spiritually, and psychologically aligned to see this country prosper.

together of families and communities. It is about prosperity, it is about freshness, goodness [and] mercy. And I want us before we engage on Tuesday in any activity before we go to the mandirs before we go on the streets to play Holi to spend a few moments and to look around our communities, to look around within our families, to look among our friends, and to see who among those require some assistance, some

lourful and beautiful as those who have a colourful and beautiful Holi. It is this very small act [but] it is these very small things that will change us not as individuals but will change us as a community and as a country [and] will allow us to see life in a different perspective, that will allow us to see the joy in a different perspective,” he stated.

According to the President, if persons looked within the immediacy of their

“And you do not need to give physically or financially. Give a bit more smile. Give a bit more tolerance. Give a bit more openness and if we do this, I'm convinced that Holi will continue to inspire us, occasions like these will continue to inspire us on the values and traditions that we have as a people and as a country; values and traditions that are unshakable; values and traditions that are different; values and traditions that are unique to us because of who we are as a country – six different cultures, six different people. We have the greatness of a mix of values and traditions that is second to none.

“And tonight, as we usher in Holi, let us do so in a renewed spirit of humanity. In a renewed spirit in service to each other, and a renewed spirit in uplifting each other and being a positive change, and in contributing positively to the development of our

“So, as we play with the colours and the colours merge together, let that merging of colours not only be something that is physically beautiful on the day of Holi but let it be a physical demonstration of how colourless we are in a very colourful world. If we can understand how colourless we are in a colourful world, we will find a greater meaning to life, and greater beauty to life. Every ounce of energy we spend on negative things and tearing each other down or pulling each other down is an ounce of energy we could have spent on something positive. Let us sacrifice only for the good of our country. Let us sacrifice only for the good of humanity…,” President Ali declared.

In Guyana, Phagwah or Holi is a religious festival observed by Hindus but is celebrated by everyone by smearing colourful powder and stained water on each other. The festival is also marked by the distribution of delicious sweetmeats to family, friends and neighbours.

President Dr Irfaan Ali along with several Guyanese cricketers and cricket mentors at State House on Sunday

President Ali celebrating Holi with members of the diplomatic community, including Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr KJ Srinivasa, at State House on Sunday

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Phagwah

Tomorrow, we celebrate the Public Holiday of Phagwah. This was instituted back on 17th March 1967 when the Public Holidays (Amendment) Act 1967 was assented to by Governor General Sir David Rose. A week later, on March 24th, for the first time since Hindus had landed in 1838, the festival could be celebrated without children “skulking” from school or adults missing a day’s pay from their jobs. Phagwah was one of the two festivals celebrated in style by the indentured labourers –the other being Shia Muslim-origin Muharram – whether or not the authorities approved.

Some have wondered why the Guyanese legislation referred to “Phagwah” rather than “Holi”, which is more common across the globe where the festival is celebrated. The reason is that the vast majority of Hindus who were shipped into Guyana between 1838 and 1917 were from the “Bhojpuri Belt” in Eastern UP and western Bihar. There the month of Phalgun in which the festival falls was used to euphoniously name it. “Holi”, however, is more common across North India, which also has other customs associated with the spring festival.

In the “Braj” regions of western UP, Holi focuses on the life of Lord Krishna who lived and frolicked there as a child with the milkmaids (Gopis). The “pitchkari” or water syringe that is used to squirt the abeer or red liquid is a popular trope in this tradition. In South India, Holi is not too popular and where it is observed, the central figure is the Hindu God of love, Kamadeva. In the Bhojpuri Belt, the story of Prahalad serves as the narrative for the celebration.

Prahalad’s father, King Hiranyakashipu had earned a boon from the Creator Lord Brahma that he could not be killed by human or animal, from inside or outside, by day or by night, and that no weapon could harm him. He became arrogant and tyrannical towards his subjects while insisting he was even more powerful that the Sustainer Lord Vishnu. Prahalad, however, insisted that Lord Vishnu was to be worshipped and preached this message to all his school friends.

His father was furious and used several stratagems to kill Prahalad – all of them unsuccessfully. In one instance he had his sister, Holika, who could not be harmed by fire, take Prahalad on her lap in a burning pyre. But protected by Lord Vishnu, he emerged unscathed. In the Phagwah/ Holi celebrations, the event is recreated as “Holika Dahan” – the burning of Holika during the night before the celebrations. Those celebrations commemorate the destruction of Hiranyakshipu by Lord Vishnu in the form of his Narsimha, half-man/half-lion incarnation – neither man nor animal. It happened at 6 pm – neither day nor night – and on the palace’s threshold – neither inside nor outside and by Narsimha’s claws – not any weapon.

The import of the story is very apropos for our Guyanese circumstances in view of our post-independence history of tyrannical rule. It teaches that even well-meaning leaders can succumb to the trappings of power and descend into despotism. But it also emphasises that all subjects – even those who may benefit from the tyrant’s wealth have a duty to stand up and oppose the tyrant’s excesses. Ultimately, the truth will triumph over untruth and good over evil, but it takes the efforts of men and women to achieve that.

In Guyana, the celebration of Phagwah has long transcended the Hindu community, and like the Christian Christmas is celebrated in most communities. It is most likely that this is not on account of the moral of “good over evil”, but because of the carnivalesque nature of the Phagwah celebrations with the splashing of water, abeer, and smearing of coloured powders on one and all in joyous abandon. But even this facet of Phagwah has its positive import since social boundaries of all types – especially interethnic – are transgressed on this day and we behave as our motto exhorts, “one people”.

Maybe Phagwah has a lesson for us in our nationbuilding project: encourage institutions that bring all our people together to act in unison.

Dialysis Support Programme – testimony to Govt’s medicare commitment

Dear Editor, I feel compelled to commend the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government for its “… dialysis support programme…” and no wonder one patient stated (I guess in speaking for all the beneficiaries) that “I feel without this, I would have already been in my box.” Why?

Well, let us just reflect on the reality that chronic kidney disease (CKD) is fast growing worldwide, and is associated with very high financial expenditures for patients and healthcare systems, to the point that many simply cannot afford nor access appropriate care. In fact, chronic kidney disease and dialysis are not

only medical problems but also economic ones. Just think about the fact that renal replacement therapy (RRT) consumes a lot of resources as the equipment and the materials are quite expensive. In addition, dialysis needs quite some input from personnel.

In this regard, I note that to date the Government has already compassionately doled out over $50M to some 84 patients. This, as we all know, is what was promised by the PPP/C before entering the present tenure of leading the country. The overall plan is to utilise the budgeted $863 million to support those in need of this critical medical treatment un -

der its Dialysis Support Programme. Over in the States, if one does not have insurance, the cost for one haemodialysis treatment can run up to $500 or more. If a person goes three times per week, that's at least $1500 per week, $6000 per month, and $72,000 per year. In other words, death ensues quickly.

What I like too is that the Ministry of Health is very pro-active. According to the Health Minister, who elaborated that “… through close collaboration with the private sector agencies, dialysis services have now been expanded to Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), Four

(Demerara-Mahaica) and 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) compared to previous years where patients requiring dialysis were forced to travel to the capital city to seek treatment.”

Editor, in closing, I do make an urgent appeal to the many who take health matters too lightly. I remind all that chronic kidney disease (CKD) is often an issue for years before damage starts to take a serious toll on the body and awareness steps in. The key then is to be alert and take preventative methods such as healthy eating, regular exercises and for sure constant checks.

Yours truly, H Singh

The journey of progress will continue

Dear Editor,

The mammoth crowd at the historic launching of construction of the Berbice Stadium Multi-Purpose Facility was thrilled and excited by the ‘journey of modernisation’ charted by both President Irfaan Ali and Vice President Jagdeo which will once again take Berbice out from the utter ‘darkness’ of economic decay and depriva -

tions which engulfed it during the 5 years of mismanagement and squander mania suffered at the hands of the APNU/AFC Government from 2015 to 2020. This sad state of affairs had spread in every nook and cranny countrywide and every Guyanese suffered except the chosen few who sold their souls to the coalition.

Fortunately, by this

time Guyanese are aware that this Government delivers on what it promises and a lot more, which is quite unlike the coalition which kept promising the ‘good life’ but never delivered it. In fact, none of its 2015 campaign promises were kept and living got progressively worse as more than a trillion dollars was squandered.

The President stated

that his Government is not involved in ‘guesswork’ but there is a ‘deliberate strategy’ which will utilise the revenues from oil and oil resources for the upliftment of the Guyanese people. He outlined a series of transformational projects which will ensure economic sustainability far into the future and will benefit generations of Guyanese.

Dr Vindhya Persaud hands over the trophy to the members of the Kandhiya Dance Troupe out of Essequibo after they copped first place on Saturday evening at the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s Rang Rasiya Folk Dance Festival. This was their first win after eight years (Amanda Richards photo)

GRDB lauds Pres Ali, Govt for $4000-a-bag rice deal

support of agri sector

The Guyana

Rice Producers’ Association (GRPA) has lauded the Government for the recent agreement between them and the Guyana Rice Millers’ Association for the purchase of rice at a rate of $4000 per bag.

In a statement, GRPA singled out President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Vice President Bharat Jagdeo, and Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha for praise and noted that the successful outcome of the meeting held on March 4, 2023, between the Government, the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) and the Rice Millers’ Association, is a welcome one.

“The decision arrived at to purchase paddy for this season at a minimum of $4000 per bag is most welcome at a time when the rice industry is facing many challenges such as adverse weather conditions and dipping world market prices.”

“The forgoing of the GRDB charges associated with the export of paddy, rice and the by-products

will reduce the cost of export and enable exporters to pay farmers a well-deserved price for paddy,” GRPA said in the statement.

According to GRPA, the decision by the Government to zero rate the charges will not be without financial consequences to the GRDB. However, GRPA acknowledged the continued commitment of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration to

support the farmers and millers.

This is particularly important, according to GRPA, “in these trying times”. According to GRPA, the Government’s actions have provided some reassurance that the agriculture sector will continue to enjoy Government’s support.

Rice is one of the sectors the Government has set specific targets for as it aims to ramp up agricultur-

al production in several areas, ranging from rice production to other crops and vegetable production, as part of its drive to increase food security.

During his presentation to members of the diaspora in Orlando, Florida last year, President Ali had informed them that they are aiming to increase rice output to over 800,000 tonnes. According to the President, the Government is focused on positioning Guyana to become a leader in food production.

“We’re looking to move our vegetables production from 324,000 metric tonnes to 400,000 metric tonnes. Rice, from 560,000 metric tonnes to 870,000 metric tonnes by 2025. Aquaculture. In one year alone, we’ve increased our shrimp production from 2250 kg to 1.2 billion kg, in one year,” the President said.

“By 2025, we’re looking at increasing our poultry production from 50,000 metric tonnes to 90,000 metric tonnes. An almost

100 per cent increase. Corn and soya, for the first time in the history of our country, we’re now doing corn and soya on a commercial scale. And we’re now projected to produce 35,000 metric tonnes by 2035,” he also said, referring to other crops.

In the rice sector, over $100 million was spent last year at the half-year mark to improve rice yields. Additionally, support in pest control was provided to farmers, while the Agriculture Ministry also marked the milestone of the Value-Added Laboratory becoming operational in March 2022.

“At the end of the review period, 16,277 bags of seeds were produced and of this amount, 13,153 bags of quality seeds were produced at the Burma Rice Research Centre while the remaining 3124 bags were by private seed growers from the No 56 Seed Facility. Research and testing continued in the first half with 6 of the 8 aromatic lines, 10 of the 12 high yielding lines and 4 of

My choice, regardless

Dear Editor,

As long as I can recall, I’ve strongly supported local and strongly defend my choice against those opposing, especially against certain imported stuff. Regardless of what everyone says about the various energy drinks available, I’m yet to taste one. My choice of drinks is from Banks DIH and DDL, and my favourite is the local lemonade, even though many say various negative things about it. I’ve similar views regarding local companies and products, and whilst I support local, along the line, I’ve periodically encountered problems that cause me to pen my opinion of them ei-

ther advising against using or with the intention of improvement.

Editor, my recent experience with GTT caused me to vent my anger via the newspapers after repeatedly trying to resolve the issue through numerous phone calls. The very day it was printed, various staff called to rectify the situation and within two days, it got rectified, even though I am not completely supportive of the methods used. GTT has serious issues with their various methods in regard to dealing with customers and in my opinion, they are holding consumers at ransom, but regardless, I strongly support

The journey of...

The Berbice Stadium, a level 5 hospital, an industrial hub, a manufacturing hub, an agro-processing hub, the opening of thousands of acres of agricultural lands, a new fourlane highway to Moleson Creek, a first-world training centre, an international hospitality hospital and the high span Berbice River Bridge in the near future are among a long list of other projects which will drastically transform the lives of Berbicians and the region.

The mere handing out of oil monies will not ensure this and this is what

FROM PAGE 4

the APNU/AFC is propagating since their economic policies are void of any socio-economic developmental thrust. This Government believes in the long-term sustainability of livelihoods and not the mere handing out of ‘fishes’.

The journey of progress will definitely continue and that is a guarantee. There will be many more historic occasions similar to the one witnessed by thousands on March 3rd, 2023 as progress continues onward.

Yours sincerely, Haseef Yusuf

them and advise many to use their service after evaluating similar services provided by others.

As a matter of fact, Dwayne Thom comes to me seeking advice and I instructed him to take the GTT Fibre service, and two months after, he is one of the lucky winners to win a car from their recent promotion,

with that being the first time for him using any service from GTT.

Over one month after, then he receives his car, and to date, he cannot receive his number plate and documents that were supposed to be provided by the auto sales. Is that normal? I would like to thank the PR for GTT Ms. Jasmain Harris and the staff

Twisting of brief courtesy encounters to suit narrow purposes

Dear Editor,

A brief, casual, on-thesideline, courtesy interaction did not constitute a full-fledged engagement where matters relating to the political situation in a country could be properly discussed or ventilated. Such an engagement would have required the following and adherence to protocols, procedures, and standards.

It must be seen as an embarrassment that one on the international stage, seeking relevance, cannot decipher the basic difference between a casual, courtesy encounter and one of a formal nature.

But the twisting of the brief encounter to suit narrow purposes of supposedly informing the regional bloc of our internal situation, with the ensuing headline,

would lend to the scoring of political points.

It was left to the Honourable Prime Minister and Chairman to set the record straight that the very short interaction was not with him as Chairman but rather as Prime Minister (Demerarawaves March 4).

The time and place of accosting the Prime Minister with an earful of perceived woes were totally wrong and out of place. Better sense and decorum should have prevailed, especially when the display is on the international stage. Is it any wonder such a faux pas would come on the anniversary of the March 2020 elections fiasco?

Sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed

the 16 biofortified zinc lines selected for further testing.”

“Additionally, the ValueAdded Laboratory became operational in March 2022 while research on rice and rice products progressed to working with bakeries to commercially produce bread and pastries from rice flour. Further, the completion of the Soil Laboratory was delayed due to the challenges with the supply of equipment for the laboratory owing to the global supply chain crisis,” the 2022 midyear report had stated.

The Government’s focus on agriculture is down to the vision of making Guyana the bread basket of the Caribbean and reducing the regional food import bill. Last year, President Ali had declared that his Government would be pursuing an aggressive campaign to dismantle regional barriers to agricultural trade and that in the next four years, with the assistance of more diversified crops, Guyana would aim to reduce Caricom’s food import bill by 25 per cent.

for their assistance with my situation but am still concerned about the other customers who face other issues and are not able to get it sorted out, especially using the means. There are many issues that could be resolved easily, but I cannot under-

stand why they aren’t. Management should really address these lapses, instead of the company losing customers and deterring potential customers.

Sincerely, Sahadeo Bates

– expresses confidence that Govt will continue

President Dr Irfaan Ali, along with other Cabinet officials, facilitated last Saturday’s engagement between the rice farmers and millers at State House

NGSA Math Questions

CGX finalises relinquishment of Demerara, Berbice Blocks

– proposal for 25% relinquishment of Corentyne Block under review

CGX Energy has completed what has been a months-long process to relinquish its stake in the Demerara and Berbice Blocks, a decision that the company says will allow “other interested parties” to explore for oil in those blocks.

This was made known in the company’s recent financial filings. According to CGX, which has partnered with Frontera Energy, the Government had provided them with a surrender deed in September 2022 for the relinquishment of the Berbice Block. That surrender deed has since been signed and finalised, formally bringing an end to their hold on the block.

“The Company, through its 62 per cent owned subsidiary ON Energy Inc., acquired the Berbice PA in October 2003. On September 20, 2022, the Government of Guyana provided ON Energy with a surrender deed to formalize the relinquishment of the Berbice block.”

“ON Energy signed the surrender deed of the Berbice PPL, which has now been finalized. The Company’s relinquishment of the block allows the people of Guyana to benefit from exploration activities under the stewardship of other interested parties,” CGX said in their financials.

When it comes to the Demerara Block, CGX explained that it also re-

ceived a surrender deed for the Petroleum Prospecting Licence (PPL) on the same day as the Berbice Block.

According to the Canadian company, they also signed this deed and have since finalised the relinquishment of the Demerara Block.

Another development the company made known is that it has submitted its proposal to relinquish 25 per cent of the Corentyne Block, to the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).

According to CGX, they are now awaiting the agreement of these agencies, to

finalise the relinquishment.

“On January 23, 2023, the Joint Venture announced the spud of the Wei-1 well, approximately 200 kilometres offshore from Georgetown, Guyana. The Joint Venture also announces that the Government of Guyana approved an Appraisal Plan for the northern section of the Corentyne Block which commenced with the Wei-1 well.”

“Following completion of Wei-1 drilling operations and upon detailed analysis of the results, the Joint Venture may consider future wells per its ap-

praisal program to evaluate possible development feasibility in the Kawa-1 discovery area and throughout the northern section of the Corentyne block,” CGX further explained.

According to the company, any future drilling will depend on positive results at Wei-1. As it stands now, the partners have no further drilling obligations beyond the Wei-1 well. The appraisal programme was approved for a period of 24 months from June 29, 2022, to June 28, 2024.

Only last July, CGX underwent a major shakeup in management. These changes included the naming of a new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), George Davis, who took over from Hill York

Poon. Poon was retained as CGX’s Director of Finance. Meanwhile, Paul Langlois was appointed as the new Exploration Manager.

CGX and Frontera Energy Corporation had previously commissioned an independent report which had revealed that they were potentially sitting on 4.9 million barrels of oil equivalent (BOE) in the Demerara and Corentyne oil blocks under their control.

In February 2022, the partners announced an oil find of 177 feet of oil-bearing reserves at the Kawa1 well in the Corentyne Block. Since then, however, the company has been making moves to scale back its presence in the other

blocks.

It was announced last year that CGX had reached an agreement with the Government to relinquish larger sections of the Demerara and Corentyne Blocks. Both the Corentyne and Demerara Blocks have been in CGX’s hands for some time without being drilled.

Back in May 2019, the Strategic Joint Venture between CGX and Frontera was approved to farm into two shallow-water offshore Petroleum Prospecting Licences for the Corentyne and Demerara Blocks. These blocks are adjacent to ExxonMobil’s oil-rich Stabroek Block, where multiple discoveries have been made.

Teen missing after boat capsizes in Bonasika Creek

A17-year-old male is now missing after the boat in which he and two others were travelling capsized in Bonasika Creek, Essequibo River, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

The teen was only identified as Chino of Region One (Barima-Waini). However, based on reports received, the two other men - Mark La Cruz, 24, a labourer of Upper Bonasika and 19-year-old

Antonio (only name given) managed to swim to safety.

The accident reportedly occurred at about 21:00h on Saturday. Guyana Times understands that the now missing teenager and the other teen were consuming alcohol in the boat as they journeyed to Bonasika.

However, one of the young men started to rock the boat, thus causing it to capsize. As a result, the Police in a subsequent re-

lease stated that La Cruz and Anthonio managed to swim to shore, but Chino never made it out of the creek.

A report was only made to the Bonasika Outpost at about 09:00h on Sunday. The Police stated that checks were made in the creek for the missing teen but it proved futile.

Both La Cruz and Antonio were detained and are assisting with the investigations.

Map showing CGX’s former holdings in the Demerara & Berbice Blocks and its current holdings in Corentyne

Taxi driver, friend killed after car submerges in Berbice canal

driver reportedly swerved from colliding

Two persons are dead while a third is hospitalised after the car in which they were travelling veered off the road at Bamfield, East Coast Berbice, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) and ended up in a canal where it subsequently submerged. The accident occurred in the wee hours of Sunday.

Dead are 39-year-old Qualis Crawford also called “Blood” of Sukdeo Street, West Canje and Shelliza London popularly known as “Shelly” of Stanleytown, New Amsterdam.

At the time of the accident, Crawford was the driver of the car with London as the front seat passenger while another male whose name was not available was

tempted to stop a taxi that was passing at the time but the car went about its business without stopping.

However, as the car was passing the area for a second time, the driver realised that something was amiss and stopped. Eventually, the motionless bodies of Crawford and London were pulled from the car after it had been un-

with carcass

along the Number 79 Village Public Road in Corriverton, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

in the back seat.

Based on reports received, Crawford served from colliding with the carcass of an animal on the roadway but ended up crashing into a sand heap before losing control of the vehicle which ended up in the canal.

The backseat passenger managed to exit the vehicle and sought assistance. At first, the injured man at-

derwater for some time with its wheels in the air.

Both of them were taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital where they were officially pronounced dead while the backseat passenger was admitted.

Meanwhile, Crawford’s reputed wife, Melissa April when contacted explained that she retired to bed at about 23:00h on Saturday

evening, and shortly after, he turned up at the house but drove away before she could enquire what he wanted.

She explained that Crawford, who is also a deejay, was scheduled to participate in the Berbice Mash tramp on Sunday. Further, she stated that Crawford and his female friend had gone to a party on the Corentyne. An

It was reported that the two men were travelling on a motorcycle that Lakhraj was riding with Persaud as the pillion rider. They were proceeding along the Number 79 Public Road at a fast rate of speed when they collided with a motor car. Neither of them was wearing a helmet at the time.

Then on January 27, Noel Channan, also called "Titoo Bai," 23, a tattoo artist and labourer of Ankerville, Port Mourant, Corentyne, died after the motorcycle he was riding crashed into a parked car along the Alness Public Road.

It was reported that prior to the accident, he had been imbibing as part of his birthday celebrations, and was reportedly doing a stunt on the bike when he lost control of the vehicle and it slammed into a car.

On February 8, Kelon Scott, 24, of Limlair Village, Corentyne, crashed into a parked lorry at Auchlyne. A part of the motorcycle’s handle went through the man’s leg, making it impossible for residents to remove him and take him to a medical facility.

investigation is underway.

Over the past few weeks, several motorcyclists have died as a result of crashes on the Corentyne Highway.

As recently as Tuesday last, 30-year-old Devindra Lakhraj, a beverage distribution agent of Rahaman Street Corriverton, and 24-yearold Ronny Persaud, a spray painter of Springlands, were killed following an accident

Closer… …Indian relations

India’s relations with Guyana have a long history…going back to being part of the British Empire on which “the sun never set”! But there was always the question of scale. With India then having 300+ million teeming masses and inexhaustible wealth to be raped – estimated at US$45 trillion!! – India was “the jewel in the crown” while we were the armpit!!

But even armpits can be exploited – witness the situation in Haiti! Here British sugar planters did the raping and when they needed labourers to undercut the wage demands of the newly-freed Africans, Britain allowed them to ship in 300,000+ Indian indentured. And permanently alter the demography of the colony. So, there was that connection with the descendants of the indentured who maintained nostalgic linkages – even after the last ship in 1955 took back those who desired to do so.

Maybe not so coincidentally, that was also a time of ferment in our local politics with independence – achieved in 1947 by India– on the horizon. After the PPP Government was ousted in 1953 for being “too radical”, it was to India that Jagan and Burnham headed. But while PM Nehru was sympathetic, all he gave them was a firm handshake!! He’d long decided that Indians Overseas were on their own and India was going to march to its own drum.

On February 13, Vickram Basdeo, also called “Boyo”, 27, of Number 71 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, was killed after a car ended up in his lane and crashed into his motorcycle. The pillion rider was injured in that crash.

On February 18, Altar Lalman died after crashing his motorcycle into a car at Line Path, Skeldon.

Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken has expressed concern over the use of the country’s roadways by this category of road users.

File on murdered businessman reportedly with DPP

– 1 suspect arrested, subsequently released on bail

Police have arrested an individual who was later released in connection with the death of businessman Calvin Lloyd George, who was stabbed to death, allegedly by a group of men on February 24 at Frenchman Backdam, Upper Demerara River.

Based on reports received, the suspect was released on bail after the legal detention period had expired. As such, the file was reportedly sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice.

Guyana Times could not confirm how the suspect is connected with the murder.

George, a father of three, was killed after receiving several death threats from a man who owed him money. Based on reports, the victim operated a shop in the interior where he sold beverages.

The main suspect, according to reports, worked at a camp in the area and had reportedly owed George $11,000

Dead: Calvin Lloyd George

since last year after he credited several items from his shop.

According to George’s family, after he asked for the money several times,

the suspect paid $2000 of the $11,000 owed. George’s sister told reporters that after her brother was paid the $2000, he kept receiving threats from the suspect.

The family member said that on February 24, George went to the man to collect the remaining sum and an argument ensued. During the argument, George’s wife said he was beaten and killed by the suspect and four other men.

According to the woman, her husband was lured to his death.

“A man from the interior told us that when Calvin go to sell the boys them, the boy plan with he friends them and he sent three of them to buy from him, and when he was about to sell them they all come up and bank him and bore him up,” the grieving woman explained.

After committing the act, the men made good their escape, until the arrest of this individual.

It wasn’t until Nehru’s daughter Indira Gandhi was in office that relations became closer on the Non-Aligned Front and India’s oversized role in it. However, while relations were friendly, trade was infinitesimal. But the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme –which was kicked off in 1964 – did provide training in a wide cross-section of our fields of endeavour.

But India was a sleeping giant and finally awakened in the 1990s, when – like us – free market liberalisation of the economy was launched. They’re now the world’s fifth largest economy – having just pipped Britain that used to rule it – and is poised to do the same with Germany!! But with us finally having the wherewithal to develop our own economy, India can offer us plenty of pointers – as a democracy – that can’t use China’s authoritarian measures.

Let’s look at the infrastructure – being emphasised here right now. Since independence, India spent US$4 trillion on infrastructure with 50% of that spent in the LAST NINE YEARS!! They’ll spend another US$7 trillion in the next six years!! For us, they’ve already provided funding for our solitary National Stadium, a ferry for the Northwest and a bypass road from Ogle to Diamond.

After Pres Ali’s visit to India in January to receive the prestigious PBD Samaan Award, a slew of bilateral initiatives has been unfurled. VP Jagdeo’s now solidifying them.

Looks like Guyana’s India connection’s paying off big time!!

…closing the cocaine route??

It’s been more than three decades since we became developed by the Andean South American producers –especially Colombia – as a transshipment route for their cocaine to the US and EU, which forms four-fifths of the market. Now, this is not a nickel-and-dime business, but a multi-billion one rivalling some of the largest corporations in the world. Emanating from Guyana, we’ve had a few shiploads of the drug intercepted that was worth hundreds of US millions. But the smaller shipments for which we are known do add up – and have ensured we remain on the US DEA’s radar.

Just this week we saw the owner of Blue Iguana Night Club in Alberttown busted with some $2.1 million worth of cocaine. This was just two days after CANU arrested a USGuyanese citizen for cocaine worth $13.3 million at the CJIA on the way to the US. He had 13.4lbs of cocaine in seven Milex milk packages in his luggage.

CANU has to be funded and staffed to excise this cancer. …to payback?

We all saw Will Smith slapping Chris Rock at the Oscars, didn’t we?? Well, Rock said he watched the slavery drama “Emancipation” just to see Smith “get whopped,” cheering “hit him again” and “you missed a spot”!!

Dead: Qualis Crawford Dead: Shelliza London

The car being pulled from the canal

Guyana to tap into Indian expertise to boost agri production – VP Jagdeo

...looking to introduce new farming techniques, technology

As part of its efforts to be a regional leader in food security, the Guyana Government is turning to the vast expertise and research of India in order to boost the local agriculture sector and expand its production.

This is according to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo during a recent press conference on Friday. Jagdeo recently returned from a one-week visit to New Delhi, where he met with several Ministers of the Indian Government including Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar.

Updating the media on their discussions, the Vice President noted that they were centred on getting higher levels of productivity in the agricultural sector and moving from peasant-type farming into agri-business.

“We need the expertise from many parts of the world to transform these industries into agri-business and with high levels of productivity… India is a powerhouse in agricultural research and development. They practically feed 1.4 billion people themselves with very little import and with high levels of productivity,” he posited.

According to Jagdeo, Guyana is hoping to recruit some of these special-

ists over the coming months and bring them here to start work. He explained that experts from countries such as India, and others in that region, are more affordable than from the Western nations, thus making them an ideal option since Government would be paying for these services.

The Vice President added too that these are high-quality specialists, who have done the type of work before that Guyana is looking to do, including the possibility of setting up biogas and biofuel facilities

“So, they’ll come in and they walk straight into the field and they’ll walk into

the research body and they start to do work. We don’t want the report-writing consultants to come here. We want people who’ve actually gone and established a bio-diesel facility… who can come here and say ‘here are the things you now need to do to establish a biofuel facility or an ethanol facility,” he stated.

New farming techniques

Additionally, VP Jagdeo noted that a lot of time was also spent discussing practical approaches to improving the local agricultural sector. This includes the introduction of new farming techniques and technology –

something which India has a lot of.

He noted that they talked about exploring the use of nano-fertiliser technology.

A nano fertiliser is a product that delivers nutrients to crops in one of three ways. The nutrient can be encapsulated inside nanomaterials such as nanotubes or nano porous materials, coated with a thin protective polymer film, or delivered as particles or emulsions of nanoscale dimensions.

“So, we explore the use of nano-fertiliser. We're told that two pounds of nano-fertiliser can be as effective as say about four to five pounds of regular urea...,” the VP related.

Another farming technique being looked at is tissue culture (TC), which is the cultivation of plant cells, tissues, or organs on specially formulated nutrient media. Under the right conditions, an entire plant can be regenerated from a single cell. Plant tissue culture is a technique that has been around for more than 30 years. The Vice President said Guyana will be working with India to expand the tissue culture facility here.

“When we look at our nurseries now, they are endemic. They can't supply the planting material that we need at scale and the quality through the current method. And so, with tissue culture, you can do millions of plants in a short period of time but everyone has the same consistency and productivity as the other one because of tissue culture. So, we're going to be working with India to bring in these facilities here.

It would be a huge opportunity for Guyanese to work in these areas,” he indicated.

This technique, according to Jagdeo, will be a big boost to major agri-sectors in Guyana such as the rice and sugar cane sectors.

“In India, the variety of cane would give you probably two to three times the output that we're getting from a single acre of cane here… We need planting material now of high quality. We can get a million [cane] plants in a short period of time and also everything else. Almost any tree that's grown, you can culture it through tissue culture in the lab and then produce plants of high quality. We're looking at that in aquaculture, in the spices, in livestock development [and] coconut growing,” the VP stated.

To this end, Jagdeo further disclosed that the Guyana Government is also considering putting large swathes of State land along the banks of rivers, especially areas that are prone to flooding, under coconut cultivation. However, he noted that this requires better quality planting material.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo with Indian Agriculture Minister Shri Narendra Singh Tomar

COVID lockdown motivates UG student to establish dessert shop

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, 20-year-old Kayleen Smith found the courage to start her own business baking cakes and other sweet treats. The successful entrepreneur shared that it was during quarantine when she had a lot of free time on her hands that she seized the opportunity to launch her business “The Sweet Spot” on August 2, 2020.

“Baking and pastry making has always been a passion of mine ever since I was 13 and I’ve always dreamed of opening a business to share my creations with others but pre-COVID I was unable to find the time since I’m a student at the University of Guyana studying for a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Health, however when the quarantine started like so many teenagers and young adults I had a lot of free time on my hands and I felt I had to oc-

cupy myself with something so I decided that I would finally take the leap and officially start my business,” Smith told Guyana Times

She shared that during the initial phases of her business, perfecting her recipes was her number one priority, adding that she dedicated a lot of time to trying various combinations and techniques until she formulated the recipe that was just right. Smith also shared that following that, her next step was to work on her brand’s image.

“The next thing to do was to work on the brand image so I had to consult a designer for my labels and fliers and also get the package that would complement each individual dessert, and during this time I used this opportunity to check to see what my competitors were offering because whether or not I was going to offer the exact desserts as another business it was important

that the items on my menu stand out from others.”

According to Smith, “This is why I came up with 4 different styles of cheesecake including one of our customer favourites, ‘Cheesecake Jars’. The final step was to start putting my fliers and logos on all my social media platforms to let everyone know that something big was coming.”

This ambitious young woman further told this publication that as time progressed, she expanded her services and started to cater for more events, as her clientele grew.

“When I first started… we were only offering 4 different styles of cheesecake but as time progressed, I started to diversify and I added birthday cakes and wedding cakes to the menu along with some other popular desserts, those being brownies and cookies.

TURN TO PAGE 16

Some of the desserts made by The Sweet Spot

The Sweet Spot CEO, Kayleen Smith

1st batch of hinterland women graduates from maritime training

“The next step is to ensure you use what you now have to empower yourselves by earning an income. Guyana is moving at a rapid pace and we are happy that people like you are moving in that forward trajectory,” the Minister added.

She also drew attention to the partnership between the Office of the First Lady and the institute, underscoring how critical such partnerships are to the development of Guyana.

Managing Partner of AAMOTI, Miranda ThakurDeen used the occasion to thank the First Lady for recognising the importance of providing access to training opportunities to women in the hinterland.

Twenty women from the Barima-Waini Region graduated on Saturday from the Atlantic Maritime and Offshore Training Institute (AAMOTI) through a scholarship programme between the institute and the Office of the First Lady.

The graduation took place during a simple ceremony at AAMOTI’s Friendship location. The 20 women were the first batch of a total of 100 women who will benefit from the scholarship programme which commenced earlier this year.

The women spent the last week at the institute undergoing Basic Safety Training (BST) and Ship Security Awareness Training.

In her charge to the graduates, the First Lady said that the road ahead will not be an easy one for them due to age-old problems like gender equality.

“It is never easy, especially for us women. Because

while we’ve come so far, the truth is that those age-old problems of gender equality are stubborn and they haven’t fully gone away,” she said, adding that there will be times when they will feel like people are looking right past them or seeing them for a fraction of who they really are.”

“And the President and I know just how frustrating that experience can be. So for us, it is very important that we provide you with these kinds of opportunities which allow you to

inspires you? How do you want to give back? And then I want you to take a deep breath and trust yourselves to chart your own course and make your mark on the world,” the First Lady added.

Delivering remarks at

the event too, was Public Service Minister Sonia Parag, who told the graduates that this was only part of their journey and that the next step entails them utilising their qualifications to access employment opportunities.

She said that part of her mission in life is to give back to women and the wider society and that is what she will ensure the institute does.

The best-graduating student, Nevaeh Clarkston, received a trophy from the Office of the First Lady and spoke briefly about her experience and that of the other 19 women.

She was keen to note that many of the women expressed that they would never have imagined that they would be able to benefit from this kind of training given the fact that they reside in the hinterland.

“So thank you to the First Lady and the school for making this possible for us and for empowering us,” Clarkston said. President of the Women in Maritime Caribbean (WiMac) –Guyana Chapter, Thandi McAllister also delivered remarks at the event.

maximise your potential in every aspect of your lives,” Mrs Ali noted.

She also encouraged them to chart a new course for themselves and to create the kinds of radical changes in society that are needed to advance the cause of women.

“Stay true to the most real, most sincere, and most authentic parts of yourselves. I want you to ask those basic questions: Who do you want to be? What

First Lady Arya Ali, Public Service Minister Sonia Parag and GO-Invest CEO Peter Ramsaroop along with other officials and the graduates

Best graduating student Nevaeh Clarkston collecting her award from the First Lady

First Lady Arya Ali addressing the graduation

No alcohol, vulgarity as Dharmic Sabha urges respect for Phagwah

Police to reach out to the organisers of these events.

According to the GHDS, the Police Force has been responsive and it will work to ask those persons to desist from associating Phagwah, the name or celebration with any such event.

“We again ask that our festival be respected as it

continues to be wonderfully celebrated by all and continues to espouse unity. Keep Phagwah 2023 clean,” the statement concluded.

Phagwah or Holi is a Hindu religious holiday observed in March to celebrate the triumph of good over evil.

It is a national holiday and will be observed on Tuesday,

March 7.

Hindus traditionally wear white on Phagwah day and indulge in throwing upon each other of a harmless powder called abeer. Abeer is a red dye that symbolises the blood of the tyrannical King Kiranya who in Hindu lore was ordered burnt alive by his son Prince

Prahalad because of the suffering which his people endured at the hands of his father.

Powder, perfume, and water are also thrown on family, friends, and neighbours on this day by Hindus and non-Hindus alike in what is an amusing, good-natured, and joyful celebration.

On the heels of several persons taking to social media to call on the Police to shut down barbeque and lime events and other social occasions that

ed in the right way, maintaining the love, respect, and dignity that goes with its observance. Although there is a social and festive component, there should be nothing to

have been associated with the celebration of Phagwah, the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS) has made a strong appeal to persons to desist from associating the religious festival with any event that involves alcohol and vulgarity.

“We have made this appeal yearly for our festivals to be respected and celebrat-

taint the festival which is loved and celebrated by all,” a statement from the religious organisation said.

The GHDS said it has informed the Hindu community that it has addressed the many reports of these events that associate Phagwah with alcohol and lewd names and vulgar content and have been working along with the

A section of the crowd at the Guyana National Stadium on Friday, March 18, 2022, during Phagwah celebrations (File photo)

Persons have taken to social media to call on the Police to shut down this event

Scenes from Berbice Mashramani celebrations

Mazaruni inmates graduate with husbandry, culinary certificates

Thirty-nine inmates of the Mazaruni Prison received their certificates after successfully completing a 12-week husbandry and culinary arts programme.

The Guyana Prison Service (GPS) established these training programmes as part of its rehabilitation strategy designed to enhance inmates’ employability and reduce their likelihood to re-offend.

At the graduation ceremony, Officer-in-Charge of the prison location, Superintendent of Prisons David Shepherd said inmates were given an opportunity to participate in the two programmes which focused on imparting skills with the aim of preparing them for their reintegration into society.

Additionally, the second Officer-in-Charge for the Prison's Welfare and Corrections, Tessa McGarrell also explained that the prison service has an obligation and mandate to provide prisoners with skills to facilitate their reintegration into society, add-

ing that the prison’s task is to help the inmates realise their mistakes and become better individuals.

Meanwhile, Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot said the prison directorate remains confident that as the prison infrastructure continues to be developed, more prisoners will benefit from such rehabilitative training.

He made it clear that the rehabilitation of prisoners is an ongoing process, stating that “we are adequately preparing them whether it is with skill or educational training so that when they are released back into society, they are productive citizens.”

The graduates were all presented with a certificate in recognition of their successful participation.

Only a few months ago, 170 inmates from various prisons countrywide graduated after completing training courses in various programmes aimed at preparing them for reintegration into society.

The areas of training were anger management,

agriculture, electrical insulation, yoga, tailoring, carpentry, joinery, literacy, welding, aquaculture, family reconciliation, charcoal production, and culinary arts.

Prior to this, a total of 770 inmates completed various training programmes for the year 2022.

This comes on the heels of a commitment made by the Government of Guyana and the Guyana Prison Service to rehabilitate 1200 inmates within a year.

The Government has adopted a policy of prisoners’ reform, which is done through the provision of training opportunities, allowing inmates to acquire basic income-generating skills and improve their literacy levels while serving their sentences.

Earlier this year, the Government increased the budgetary allocation in the area of training for inmates, earmarking a sum of $88.9 million to train prison inmates in an effort to further reduce recidivism and support reintegration through the Fresh Start Initiative.

Miner busted with gun, ammo at Blue Mountain Backdam

Aminer was on Friday taken into custody after he was found with an illegal weapon and ammunition at Blue Mountain Backdam, in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Police stated that on the day in question at about 11:30h, ranks arrested the 41-year-old man who was in possession of an unlicensed .32 pistol and 11 rounds of matching ammunition.

At the time, the Police ranks were on patrol at Blue Mountain Backdam, Cuyuni River.

Based on information received, ranks were traversing the Morawa Backdam trail on an AllTerrain Vehicle (ATV) when they intercepted a motor pick-up with licence plate GPP 4914, driven by the miner who was later

identified as Ryan David.

However, a search was conducted during which the firearm and ammunition were found in the pocket of the left side door of the vehicle. The serial number was reportedly filed off.

Nevertheless, the sus -

pect was told of the allegation, cautioned, and admitted ownership of the firearm and ammunition.

He was arrested and escorted to the Bartica Police Station, where he was placed into custody. He is expected to be charged soon.

Officials of the Prison Service posing with the graduates

Arrested: Ryan David

MONDAY, MARCH 6, 2023| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Quick response by GFS saves Hadfield Street home Caricom launches Skilled Workers’ Programme today

The quick response from the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) in Georgetown has resulted in a building at Lot 97 Hadfield Street, Werk-enRust, Georgetown, being saved from complete devastation.

It was reported that at approximately 17:12h on Saturday, the Guyana Fire Service responded to a report of a house on fire at the above-mentioned address.

As such, water tenders and an ambulance from the Central and West Ruimveldt Fire Stations were dispatched to the location.

According to a report issued by the GFS, the structure involved was a one-storey wooden and concrete building. Upon arriving at the scene, the firemen immediately went into action and contained the blaze.

An investigation has revealed that the fire started from a lit gas stove that was left unattended.

“Firefighters managed to put out the fire, saving the building and its contents, which suffered no damage,” the Service report stated.

The Guyana Fire Service continues to advise citizens to exercise caution and follow safety measures to

avoid fires in the home.

“Equip your homes with fire prevention and firefighting devices such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, and educate family members on the dangers of fire and how to best prevent them,” they said.

Only a week ago a house at Louisa Row, Wortmanville, Georgetown, was destroyed after unattended children played with matches – which ignited nearby combustibles and spread to the entire apartment. The structure is owned by Malinda Prescott and operated as an apartment complex.

Man caught on video beating dog arrested, to be charged

Manbodh of the GSPCA went to the Mahaica Police Station and reported that Waldron had killed the animal. While at the station, she provided the Police with a photograph of a cat hanging on a metal gate. As such, Police ranks went to Walrond’s home and arrested him.

“I chop the cat cause he kill nuff ah me chicken, me didn’t intend to kill it,” Waldron had told the Police under caution. In the end, Magistrate Fabayo Azore sentenced him to pay a fine of $20,000 or in default serve two weeks’ imprisonment for the crime.

– 19 teachers to be attached to secondary schools across Region

The Caribbean Community (Caricom) Secretariat is set to launch its Skilled Workers’ Programme today with a short hybrid ceremony at its Headquarters, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown.

Secretary General, Dr Carla Barnett and the Head of Delegation of the European Union to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean States, the OECS and Caricom/CARIFORUM, Ambassador Malgorzata Wasilewska are scheduled to address the launch.

In addition, Renee Atwell, Dean, Caricom Youth Ambassador Programme and other officials are also expected to give remarks.

The Skilled Workers’ Programme, which is supported by the European Union, is intended to provide opportunities for the learning of best practices in the administration of the regimes of the Caricom Single Market and Economy. It is hoped there will be the development of practical skills through the work-related attachments to assist Member States to implement the CSME and decisions of the organs and bodies of the community.

The programme is also intended to create effective

advocates for Caricom integration through the exposure given to participants. Thus, the targeted groups have been selected for the critical role they can play in implementing and sustaining training and advocacy at the national level in respect of the CSME, in particular, the Free Movement of Caricom skilled nationals.

The launch of the programme will coincide with the component for secondary school teachers. Nineteen Caricom teachers are being placed on twoweek attachments to secondary schools in Barbados, Belize, Guyana, St Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad and

Tobago during the period March 6-17, 2023.

Other components of the Skilled Workers’ Programme which will be rolled out later this year involve attachments to the Caricom Secretariat for Caricom Youth Ambassadors; attachments to other Caricom Member States for border control officers, and national CSME focal points.

Today’s launch will have both in-person participation at the Caricom Secretariat and other stakeholders joining online.

Aman seen in a viral video on social media beating a dog has been arrested by the Police and is likely to appear before a Magistrate during the new week.

With the assistance of the Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA), Police were able to track down 22-year-old Jonathan Layne at his West Ruimveldt, Georgetown home on Saturday.

The tough-to-watch video first surfaced on Facebook on Friday and prompted several people to reach out to the Police and animal welfare organisations.

In one of two short videos which were shared dozens of times on the app, a man, believed to be Layne, was seen beating a dog with a piece of wood. In the other video, the person was seen punching the animal, which was hanging by the neck from a rope, in the face. The man was also seen speaking to the animal.

The incident of animal cruelty also caught the attention of the Minister within the Ministry of Public

Works Deodat Indar who also reposted the two videos on his Facebook page with the caption: “This incident of animal cruelty was sent to me by a heartbroken citizen…the Police acted and the abuser was caught and arrested. The dog was rescued.”

The dog was examined by a vet and is in the care of GSPCA’s shelter.

Meanwhile, in a Facebook post, Tails of Hope - Animal Rescue has extended gratitude to the GSPCA for its relentless efforts in animal welfare in Guyana. It also thanked the Minister for assisting in the apprehension of the alleged mastermind behind the act of animal cruelty.

In November 2021, a Lancaster Village, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD) man was fined $20,000 by a Magistrate after he pleaded guilty to killing a cat.

Raymond Waldron called “Tongue Man” admitted that in November 2021, at Lancaster Village, he unlawfully and maliciously killed the animal.

He was arrested after animal rights activist, Syeada

A letter penned by animal rescue volunteer, Anurama Ramgobin which was published in Sunday’s edition of Guyana Times has called on Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn to commence training Police ranks to deal with reports of animal cruelty and abuse.

“Oftentimes we witness some of the vilest acts of cruelty meted out to animals, both companion and food animals, without any repercussions from the responsible authorities.”

According to the letter writer, when reports of animal cruelty are made to the Police, they are “either not taken seriously or not taken at all”. In light of this, Ramgobin related that he is inclined to believe that some Police officers are not au fait with the Animal Welfare Act, while others are oblivious to its existence. Ample research, Ramgobin noted, backs up the findings that there is a direct link between acts of cruelty to animals and violence towards humans; this includes domestic violence, abuse of the elderly, and other violent behaviours.

He expressed that animal cruelty must be taken seriously under the law.

“No form of abuse should be tolerated. Help us to help the voiceless,” pleaded Ramgobin.

COVID lockdown motivates...

Recently a catering menu has been developed with items such as cake pops, chocolate-covered strawberries, and pastries perfect for weddings, parties, and other special events.”

In the future, this selftaught baker is aiming to expand her business and have “The Sweet Spot” become a household name. Smith shared that she started using YouTube and recipe books for guidance at the tender age of 13. Since then, her skills have developed and she is currently at a stage where most of the techniques have become second nature for her.

“My reason for starting a dessert shop was to

share my passion with everyone and to make gourmet desserts available for all to indulge in, in the comfort of their own home. I am constantly working on growing and advancing my craft. My future plans involve producing a select few of my products on a large scale with the hopes of getting on the shelves at supermarkets and that one day the name The Sweet Spot will become a household name.”

Additionally, Smith shared that her main challenge has been balancing her business with university, especially since she is the main person dealing with all business-related activities. Nevertheless, she is determined to find

balance.

“I have found it is much easier to plan everything in advance and set a time limit for each activity in order to stay organised and efficient,” she remarked.

“The Sweet Spot” offers a wide range of services for all events, including birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, baby showers, and more. Anyone interested in booking their services can contact them via Facebook or Instagram at @thesweetspot.gy or on WhatsApp at +592 6979993. Pickup is available at Farm, East Bank Demerara, and deliveries are done for those who are unable to pick up.

A snippet from one of the videos in which a man was seen beating a dog with a piece of wood

Secretary General, Dr Carla Barnett Head of Delegation of the European Union to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean States, the OECS and Caricom/ CARIFORUM, Ambassador Malgorzata Wasilewska

Govt, IDPADA-G in talks to settle case over subvention

For his part, Hughes had proposed the matter go to mediation. But this was shut down by the Attorney General who expressed that, like the Chief Justice, he agrees the matter should be pursued without third-party intervention.

Faced with a lawsuit over its abrupt withdrawal of the $8 million monthly subvention to the International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly – Guyana (IDPADA-G), Attorney General Anil Nandlall has disclosed that the Government is having discussions with the AfroGuyanese organisation’s lawyer with the view of reaching an amicable settlement.

He communicated this position to acting Chief Justice Roxane George when the matter came up for report last week at the Demerara High Court. At a previous court hearing, Justice George had described the dispute over the monies as a national embarrassment and had urged the parties to consider mediation.

Apart from asking the High Court to reinstate its subvention, the IDPADA-G, in its claim, is also seeking an award for damages against the Government.

During a recent hearing, Nandlall informed the court that he has responded to letters from IDPADA-G’s lawyer, Nigel Hughes, concerning negotiations to have the matter settled outside of the court process.

“I am prepared to pursue that. I have received certain instructions from the Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Charles Ramson which I would like an opportunity to convey to Mr Hughes and his client. And I believe it should go a far way in bringing this matter to a resolution,” Nandlall disclosed. “I am very glad to hear,” responded the Chief Justice. As such, Justice George said that she will give the parties more time to engage in discussions.

She, however, cautioned the parties about speaking about the matter in the press, while noting that she was not inclined to issue a gag order since she wished to rely on their “good faith”. Reacting to the recent developments in the matter, Justice George noted, “I think something positive has been reported and I would hope that such positivity continues in the interest of all and in the interest of the image of our beloved county.”

“The parties are sufficiently circumstanced to see the reasonableness of both sides and bring this matter to an end. That is my honest view,” Nandlall said. While Nandlall may have proposals, he believes may find favour, Hughes pointed out that in the event this does not work, court-ordered mediation should be the next option.

According to Justice George, mediation will be “put on the table” as part of the discussions. The matter is scheduled for another report hearing on Friday, March 24.

In defending the Government’s decision to withdraw the organisation’s grant, Minister Ramson, in court documents, has averred that he has been informed by numerous persons and organisations, and believes that although they are qualified for assistance from the subvention disbursed to IDPADA-G, they were wrongly excluded and deprived of benefitting from it.

In light of this, Minister Ramson said that he requested the IDPADA-G to provide detailed records of how the subventions have thus far been applied. In reply, he said, the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Olive Sampson gave the Financial Statements for 2018, 2019, and 2020.

“These Financial Statements provided by the Applicant [IDPADA-G] reflected not only subvention monies, but included all income and expenditure of the Applicant, and further, did not set out a detailed report of expenditure from the subvention, as specifically requested. However, an examination of the same, in my respectful opinion, corroborated and supported the disaffection and concerns expressed by the persons and organisations who complained to me.”

According to him, in 2018, the organisation received a subvention of $68,438,000; in 2019, $100,000,000; in 2020, $107,223,607; in 2021, $100,000,000; and as of August 2022, $66,666,672. The Minister informed that $100M has been set aside in the 2023 National Budget to support the activities associated with the observance of the IDPADA-G.

Under Sections 48 and 49 of the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act, and at common law, Minister Ramson noted that he has a statutory duty to ensure that public monies are not in any manner misused, misapplied, or improperly disposed of; shall be personally liable

in the event of any such public monies being misused, misapplied or improperly disposed of through misconduct or deliberate or serious disregard of reasonable standards of care; and can be liable to be charged criminally for the same and similar reasons.

“The glaring reality is that in every year (2018, 2019, 2020), the highest expenditure of the subvention went towards salaries, wages, and allowances, whilst training and scholarships received the lowest allotment in every corresponding year,” noted Minister Ramson as he further examined the organisation’s financial statements. Considering this, he contended, the IDPADA— G’s use and expenditure of the subvention was grossly disproportionate to the purpose and objectives of its mandate, as set out in its Articles of Incorporation and its Charter.

Having taken into account the complaints and concerns highlighted by stakeholder organisations and persons, and given the

public interest, the Culture, Youth, and Sport Minister added, “I considered that I would be in breach of my fiduciary and statutory duties were I to make further disbursements of subventions to the [IDPADA-G], pending the resolution of those concerns.”

The IDPADA-G, which is chaired by Oppositionnominated Guyana Elections Commissioner (GECOM) Vincent Alexander, is ultimately seeking a court order

to have its subvention reinstated.

According to the organisation, there is a legitimate expectation, given the money was granted by the Government based on an undertaking in the form of an annual subvention paid monthly.

It has noted that the Government has committed itself to an annual subvention, which began under the A Partnership for National Unity and Alliance

for Change (APNU/AFC) Administration.

By withholding the monies, the IDPADA-G has argued that the Government has broken its legitimate expectation, therefore the organisation is entitled to the intervention of the court on the violation of this legitimate expectation. It has argued further that the withdrawal of the subvention is a breach of contract; that the withdrawal is an abuse of power; is unlawful and without basis; and that it was not given notice of the withdrawal, nor was it allowed by the Government to be heard regarding changing the decision.

Moreover, the IDPADA-G has contended that it is entitled to damages. Minister Ramson, Minister Nandlall, and Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh are listed as the respondents in the organisation’s lawsuit. The organisation was birthed out of representations made by former President David Granger on August 7, 2016, at a symposium organised by the Cuffy 250 Committee.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

Justice Roxane George

Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes

3 days of mourning for former Haitian PM Gérard Latortue

exile who was sworn in as interim Prime Minister in March 2004 following months of bloodshed and political strife that left more than 300 dead and culminated in the ouster of former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

The turmoil at the time prompted the United States military to escalate its mission in Haiti.

Call to invest in businesswomen

Women activists in the Region are urging financial institutions to invest more in women entrepreneurs to facilitate the economic growth of their businesses.

Three days of national mourning have been declared in Haiti following the recent death of former Prime Minister Gérard Latortue.

In a statement, the Prime Minister’s office said the days of national mourning will be from March 5 to March 7.

During these days, the national flag will be lowered and radio and television stations will feature shows and music reflecting the mourning period.

Latortue, a former interim Prime Minister of Haiti who helped rebuild and unite the country after a violent coup in the mid-2000s died on February 27. He was 88.

Prime Minister Ariel Henry said Latortue’s death was a tremendous loss for the nation and described him as “a reformer, a convinced patriot, an eminent technocrat, a voice of change, of development [and] a supporter of democracy”.

Latortue was a former

In February 2006, Haiti held general elections to replace the interim Government of Latortue, who was succeeded by former Prime Minister Jacques-Édouard Alexis.

The provisional president, Boniface Alexandre, was succeeded by former President René Préval.

Latortue had previously served as Haiti’s Foreign Minister, as a business consultant in Miami and as an official with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation in Africa. (CMC)

Jamaican businessman killed, wife injured in Grants Pen gun attack

Abusinessman was shot and killed in Grants Pen, St Andrew on Sunday morning. The deceased has been identified as Peter Green, the owner of a plaza in the

community. His wife was shot and injured in the incident.

According to alleged eyewitnesses, about 08:00h, gunmen entered the business premises on a motorcycle and opened fire

hitting Green and his wife.

They were both rushed to hospital where Green succumbed to his injuries.

The St Andrew North police are investigating the incident. (Jamaica Observer)

T&T off-duty officer nabs alleged kidnapper while shopping

An off-duty female detective received a welcomed surprise when she stumbled upon a robbery and kidnapping suspect that she had been searching for in connection with an incident involving a Port-of-Spain businessman.

While shopping along Charlotte Street, Port-ofSpain, on Wednesday morning, Women Police Corporal (WPC) Onika Pascual Medina, of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Port-of-Spain, spotted a man who matched the description of a suspect in one of her ongoing investigations walking past her.

She quickly linked the suspect to the incident involving a robbery with violence and kidnapping of a business owner which occurred in the capital city recently.

As she monitored the man, she sprinted to a specialised unit located nearby, where she requested backup from a team of Police Officers.

Both parties sprang into action and later cornered the suspect in the vicinity of the

Charford Courts Building.

The suspect was told of the report and was taken to the CID Office, Port-ofSpain, where he underwent interrogation and an identification parade.

He is to be charged with robbery with violence, robbery with aggravation, kidnapping, and demanding money by menace.

“Policing is constantly changing and times are becoming even more difficult

During the University of the West Indies’ Shridath Ramphal Centre (SRC) Lunchtime Chat on Friday to mark International Women’s Day on March 8, Executive Director at Compete Caribbean, Dr Sylvia Dohnert, said men accounted for the majority of owners of large corporations.

“Women-owned businesses are a minority. In the population of business in the Caribbean, they average around 20 per cent [female-owned or predominantly female businesses] . . . There’s a correlation between the size of the business and female ownership

so the larger the firm, the less likely that it is being owned by a female and this difference is statistically significant,” she said.

Services specialist at Caribbean Export and Development Agency, Allyson Francis, said fe-

male entrepreneurs’ lack of paperwork was a potential reason why most banks and credit unions decline to invest in a venture that has mainly female management which, then translates to the minority of women-owned enterprises. (Nation News)

for citizens, so it really requires of us to not see ourselves as just collecting a pay cheque, but really being servants and protectors of the people,” WPC Pascual Medina said.

“My personal needs at the time were trumped by the call of service, as we are not really truly ever off-duty.

“It is not an easy thing, but what can we do? Nothing, and allow evil to win?”

(Trinidad Guardian)

Barbados

Police investigating after body pulled from sea

Police are investigating the death of a man whose body was recovered from the sea at Pebbles Beach, St Michael on Sunday.

Communications and Public Affairs Officer of the Barbados Police Service, Inspector Rodney Inniss said the matter was reported around 10:55h.

Inniss said he could only disclose that the deceased was a white male, as Police are trying to locate his relatives. (Nation News)

Historic ocean treaty after 10 years of talks

Nations have reached a historic agreement to protect the world’s oceans following ten years of negotiations.

The High Seas Treaty aims to place 30 per cent of the seas into protected areas by 2030, to safeguard and recuperate marine nature.

The agreement was reached on Saturday evening, after 38 hours of talks, at UN headquarters in New York.

The negotiations had been held up for years over disagreements on funding and fishing rights.

The last international agreement on ocean protection was signed 40 years ago in 1982 – the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

That agreement established an area called the high seas – international waters where all countries have a right to fish, ship and do research – but only 1.2 per cent of these waters are protected.

Marine life living outside of these protected areas has been at risk from climate change, overfishing and shipping traffic.

In the latest assessment of global marine species, nearly 10 per cent were found to be at risk of extinction, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature

Marine protected areas could help endangered species to recover, which is good news for the Caribbean and other regions so threatened

(IUCN).

These new protected areas, established in the treaty, will put limits on how much fishing can take place, the routes of shipping lanes and exploration activities like deep sea mining – when minerals are taken from a sea bed 200m or more below the surface.

Environmental groups have been concerned that mining processes could disturb animal breeding grounds, create noise pollution and be toxic for marine life.

The International Seabed Authority that oversees licensing told the BBC that moving forward “any future activity in the deep seabed will be sub-

ject to strict environmental regulations and oversight to ensure that they are carried out sustainably and responsibly”.

UN Ambassador for Oceans Rena Lee brought down the gavel after two weeks of negotiations that at times threatened to unravel.

Director of the IUCN Ocean team, Minna Epps said the main issue was over the sharing of marine genetic resources.

Marine genetic resources are biological material from plants and animals in the ocean that can have benefits for society, such as pharmaceuticals, industrial processes and food.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Former Haitian Prime Minister Gérard Latortue

Ambassador Gail Mathurin received the Shridath Ramphal Centre Distinguished Woman In Trade Award for her work as a national diplomat and head of Caricom’s Office of Trade Negotiations in Jamaica

WPC Onika Pascual Medina

Russia’s oil revenues plunged by 48% in February

Russian tax revenue from crude oil and petroleum products plummeted by 48 per cent in February from a year earlier due to the much lower price of Russia’s flagship crude grade after the EU banned imports of Russian oil, according to Bloomberg estimates based on official Russian data.

Total tax revenues from oil and natural gas dipped by 46 per cent year over year to US$6.9 billion (521 billion Russian roubles) in February, per data from the Russian Finance Ministry published on Friday.

Russia’s revenues from crude oil and oil products alone crumbled by 48 per cent annually to US$4.8 billion (361 billion roubles), according to Bloomberg’s calculations. Oil accounted for more than two-thirds of Russia’s energy tax revenue in February.

Russian natural gas revenues also plummeted last month compared to February 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine. Natural gas revenues slumped by 42 per cent as Russia cut off gas supplies to a number of EU customers after the invasion.

The plunge in the price of the flagship Russian crude grade, Urals, was the key reason for the lower revenues for the country for both January and February this year.

Russia’s budget was US$23.3 billion (1.76 trillion roubles) into deficit in January, compared to a surplus for January 2022, as state revenues from oil and gas plunged by 46.4 per cent due to the low price of Urals and lower natural gas exports, the Russian Finance Ministry said last month. Russia’s budget revenues from oil and gas plunged in January by 46 per cent compared to the same month last year due to the sanctions on Russian oil exports, which led to a slump in the price of Russia’s flagship crude grade.

The average price of the Urals blend stood at US$49.52 per barrel in January and February 2023, compared to US$88.89 per barrel for the same months last year, the Russian Finance Ministry said earlier this week. The price of Urals averaged US$49.56 a barrel in February 2023, or 1.86 times lower than the average price in February 2022 – US$92.15 per barrel. (Oilprice.com)

China boosts military budget while warning of escalating threats

China will increase military spending by more than 7 per cent this year, while warning of "escalating" threats.

It was announced at the National People's Congress (NPC), a rubber-stamp Parliament, which is due to confirm President Xi Jinping's third term.

Beijing's military budgetaround US$225bn (£186bn)is still dwarfed by that of the United States, which is four times greater.

But analysts believe China downplays how much it spends on defence.

Outgoing Premier Li Keqiang told the NPC that "external attempts to suppress and contain China are escalating".

"The armed forces should intensify military training and preparedness across the board," he said.

It was also announced at the meeting that China would pursue a reduced economic growth target of about 5 per cent this year.

The Two Sessions, as the meetings are known, are an

Around the World

Ukraine pledges to defend ‘fortress Bakhmut’ as battle rages

Kyiv has said it is holding off attacks from Russian forces still attempting to surround Bakhmut, a near-destroyed eastern Ukrainian city that Moscow has been trying to capture for months.

Ukraine has pledged to defend “fortress Bakhmut” but has faced Russian troops determined to take the city that has become a political prize as the battle drags on.

The Ukrainian general staff said “more than 130 enemy attacks” had been

repelled over the past day, including in Kupiansk, Lyman, Bakhmut and Avdiivka.

“The enemy continues its attempts to encircle the town of Bakhmut,” it said on Sunday morning.

Bakhmut has been mostly reduced to rubble during the longest and bloodiest battle of the invasion.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday said Kyiv’s forces were in a “painful and difficult” battle in the eastern

Donbas region, which includes Bakhmut.

“I would like to pay special tribute to the bravery, strength and resilience of the soldiers fighting in the Donbas,” Zelenskyy said in his daily address, adding “this is one of the hardest battles. Painful and difficult.”

Sergiy Cherevaty, a spokesman for Ukrainian forces, said on Saturday the situation was “difficult but under control” in the city he described as a “priority target for the enemy”.

Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov told Germany’s Bild am Sonntag newspaper: “The Russians’ losses run to 500 killed and wounded every day.”

According to Reznikov, Bakhmut is “a symbolic place for the Russians”, which is why they are making such efforts to capture it. However, its capture would mean nothing for the further course of fighting in the eastern Donbas region, he told the newspaper.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Bangladesh fire: Thousands shelterless after blaze at Rohingya camp

Thousands of people have been left without shelter after a massive fire broke out in a crowded Rohingya refugee camp in southeastern Bangladesh.

The blaze, which is now under control, engulfed some 2000 shelters at Cox's Bazar camp on Sunday.

It is estimated that about 12,000 people, most of whom escaped violence in neighbouring Myanmar, have had their accommodation destroyed.

The cause of the fire is not yet clear and no casualties have been reported.

The blaze started at about 14:45 local time (08:45 GMT) and quickly tore through the bamboo-and-tarpaulin shelters, an official said.

"Some 2000 shelters have been burnt, leaving about 12,000 forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals shelterless," Mijanur Rahman, Bangladesh's refugee commissioner, told AFP news agency.

annual affair.

But this year's sessions are particularly significant as delegates are expected to reshape several key Communist Party and state institutions.

This week's NPC meeting will also formalise Xi's leadership of the country, as he will be elected President of China and head of the armed forces.

He secured his position in the echelons of Chinese power in October last year, when the Communist Party re-elected him as their leader for a third term.

The increase in military spending comes as Xi is navigating worsening ties with the US over the Ukraine war and the recent spy balloon saga, even as he warms his embrace of Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

US officials have also repeatedly warned that China may invade Taiwan in the coming years. China has held ever-growing displays of military force in the air and seas around Taiwan, including the firing of ballistic missiles.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

The blaze was brought under control within three

hours but at least 35 mosques and 21 learning centres for the refugees were also destroyed, he added.

Hrusikesh Harichandan, from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, told the BBC there had been "massive damage" to the camp.

He said basic services such as water centres and testing facilities had also been affected.

"My shelter was gutted. [My shop] was also burnt," Mamun Johar, a 30-year-old Rohingya man, told AFP.

"The fire took everything from me, everything."

The camps, overcrowded

and squalid, are vulnerable to fires.

Between January 2021 and December 2022, there were 222 fire incidents in the Rohingya camps including 60 cases of arson, according to a Bangladesh defence ministry report released last month. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Pakistani Police serve arrest warrants to former PM Imran Khan

Pakistani Police on Sunday served arrest warrants to former Prime Minister Imran Khan to ensure his appearance in court on charges of misusing his office to sell state gifts, authorities said, after Khan's supporters tried to prevent Police entry into his home.

The election commission of Pakistan had in October found the 70-yearold cricket-hero-turned politician guilty of unlawfully selling gifts from foreign dignitaries. The Federal Investigation Agency then filed charges against him in an anti-graft court, which last week issued the arrest warrants after Khan failed to appear

in court despite repeated summons.

Khan has been demanding a snap election since his ouster from office in a parliamentary vote early last year, a demand that was rejected

by his successor Shehbaz

Sharif, who has said the vote would be held as scheduled later this year.

He led countrywide protest campaigns to press for an early vote last year and was shot at and wound -

ed at one of the rallies.

Referring to his absence from court and the shooting incident, Khan said on Sunday: "They (the police) know there is a threat against my life," adding that the courts did not provide adequate security.

Khan's aide Fawad Chaudhry said he couldn't be arrested because he had secured a protective bail from a high court.

Chaudhry said the Government wanted to sow political chaos and avoid an early election by arresting the former premier, who was still popular among the country's youth and urban voters.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

The refugee camp, said to be the world's largest, houses people who fled from Myanmar following a military crackdown against the Rohingya ethnic minority

Former Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Simplify, declutter and ease stress. Rethink how you live and how you deal with money, health and legal matters, and you will find it easier to reach your goals. Expand your interests.

PICKLES

(March 21-April 19)

Mingle with people in your field. Share information; someone heading down a similar path will show interest. Joining forces, sharing expenses and bouncing ideas back and forth will pay off.

(April 20-May 20)

Proceed with your plans. When you launch your project, you'll be pleased by the response you receive. An opportunity to reach out or help someone in need will be inspiring.

PEANUTS

(May 21-June 20)

Call in favors, ask questions, gather information and make a proposal that's hard to refuse. A simple yet classic approach will help others grasp what you are trying to achieve.

(June 21-July 22) (July 23-Aug. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Money matters, contracts and health issues will require prompt attention. Refuse to let your emotions push you to make a move you aren't ready for. Spend time putting things in place.

An emotional incident will lead you in a new direction. Don't get angry if someone doesn't want to tag along. What you learn from the experience will help you expand your plans.

Pay attention to what truly matters. Refuse to let situations with a loved one or colleague get out of hand. A creative endeavor will ease stress. Focus on romance.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Give a unique spin to something you love to do. The personal changes you make will help you move forward. Changing your look or surroundings will impact those watching from the sideline.

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

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Don't be fooled by what others do or say. If you are gullible, someone will take advantage of you or make decisions for you. Spend more time on self-improvement and setting high standards.

Do your part, live up to your promises and don't criticize others. Make a change at home that encourages you to add to your skills and keep up with trends. Embrace what life has to offer.

An emotional problem can be solved if you are willing to compromise. Do whatever it takes to keep the peace, but don't sell yourself short or let anyone take advantage of your kindness.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Stop worrying and start doing what's necessary to make a difference. Step outside your comfort zone. Refuse to let anyone pick a fight with you. Don't engage in unrealistic ventures.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

Shafali-Lanning show flattens RCB before Tara Norris' 5-for

The Delhi Capitals beat Royal Challengers Bangalore in their opening match of the TATA WPL at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday.

Shafali Verma (84) and Captain Meg Lanning (72), along with USA's pacer Tara Norris (5/29), sizzled in a comprehensive win for DC over the RCB.

Associate player and US pacer Norris became the first player to pick a five-wicket haul in the TATA WPL, after Shafali and Lanning helped DC post 223-2. Chasing a mammoth target, RCB Captain Smriti Mandhana got into the groove quickly, lofting Marizanne Kapp for a couple of fours and a six in the second over. Sophie Devine joined the party in the next over as she creamed three fours through the off side off Shikha Pandey.

However, against the run of play Alice Capsey struck off just her second ball as she had Devine brilliantly caught by Shafali at mid off. In her next over, Capsey provided double delight as she had Mandhana caught at short fine leg.

Ellyse Perry though kept the scoreboard ticking with her placement and precision hitting three consecutive fours off Disha Kasat. Just when it looked

like things were picking up for RCB, another Lanning bowling change worked wonders as Norris picked up four wickets in two overs to turn things around. She removed the dangerous-looking Perry (31 off 19) and Kasat in the 11th over and then Richa Ghosh and Kanika Ahuja off consecutive balls in her next over.

Heather Knight and Megan Schutt then led RCB's fightback with a 28ball 54-run stand. The required run-rate kept creeping up. And it was meant to be Norris's day as she came back to break the partner-

ship and pick the first fivefor of the WPL as she sent back Knight for 34. In the end, RCB fell well short, by 60 runs, and DC achieved a comprehensive victory.

Earlier, RCB Captain Mandhana won the toss and asked DC to bat first. It was the first time in the league that five overseas players featured in a side as Delhi Capitals included USA pacer Norris, who became the first associate player to feature in the TATA WPL.

Shafali and Lanning got DC off to a solid start. Pacer Renuka Thakur started off well and got a hint of ear-

Barbadian F2 driver Maloney

ly movement in the first over. She beat Shafali's outside edge and gave away just three runs. Shafali and Lanning then took the aggressive approach in the second over bowled by Megan Schutt as they hit three fours in the over.

Shafali opened DC's boundary account as she walked down the track and lofted one to wide long-on for four. Lanning too got her first boundary as she pulled one behind square leg and then cut one to third man for consecutive fours as the duo took 14 runs in the over. Mandhana introduced spin in the fourth over bringing left-arm spinner Preeti Bose into the attack. Shafali though greeted her with a six by lofting the first ball effortlessly over long off. Bose, however, bounced back to give away just one run off the next five balls. Shafali and Lanning then took the attack to Devine as the pair hit two boundaries each to accumulate 20 runs off the over and bring up the 50-run stand as DC reached 57-0 in the powerplay. The duo continued their juggernaut as they unfurled powerful lofts against spinner Sobhana Asha to hit two sixes and two fours to garner 22 off the over. Shafali then brought up her fifty off just 31 balls and

drives to podium finish after starting 18th

Theo Pourchaire claimed a comfortable victory to cap off his impressive start to the 2023 Formula 2 season. The ART Grand Prix and Sauber Academy driver converted pole to win by 19 seconds by the chequered flag.

Ralph Boschung scored his second podium finish of the weekend after winning Saturday’s Sprint Race. Red Bull Junior Team driver Zane Maloney pulled off a great comeback drive to secure third position after starting 18th for Rodin Carlin.

From lights out, Pourchaire was clear out in front while Campos’s Boschung trailed the Frenchman up to the pit stops. Kush Maini was running third in the early stages having made a great start from sixth on the grid.

Arthur Leclerc triggered the pit stop phase on Lap 11, stopping from 10th and changing the course of the race. Those ahead had to respond to avoid being undercut, meaning tyre degradation became critical as the race wore on. It provided a thrilling fight for points inside the to p 10 in the closing stages.

With Pourchaire up the road from Boschung and Maini, PREMA Racing’s Oliver Bearman tried to remain at the head of the queue from fourth down to 10th, but a sizeable lock-up allowed those behind through on Lap 29 of 32.

Maloney was one of those to gain places and a late-race charge through the top 10 netted him third after clearing Maini on the final lap of the race.

Richard Verschoor, who had been last at the end of Lap 1 after contact left him facing backwards, scythed through to fifth position by the end. Leclerc rebounded from a mid-race blip to secure sixth, ahead of Hitech Pulse-Eight and Red Bull Junior prospect Isack Hadjar in sevent h.

Leclerc’s teammate Ayumu Iwasa held onto eighth ahead of Enzo Fittipaldi, while Juan Manuel Correa scored points on his full-time F2 return for Van Amersfoort Rac ing. (F1)

DC's 100 with a single down to long on in the 10th over. Lanning too soon brought up her half-century, off 30 balls, with four off Heather Knight. The pair continued to deal in boundaries as they hit 48 off the next four overs, including seven fours and a six to bring up the 150 in the 14th over.

Knight finally provided RCB with some relief as she sent back both the openers

in the 15th over, breaking the 162-run opening stand. Lanning was cleaned up for 72 (43) while Shafali was caught behind for 84 (45).

The relief though lasted for a very short time as Kapp (39* off 17) and Jemimah Rodrigues (22* off 15) took over from where Shafali and Lanning left off and smashed 60 runs off just 31 balls to power DC to 223-2 from 20 overs. (IPL)

SCOREBOARD

Delhi Capitals Women (20 ovs maximum)

Meg Lanning (c) b Knight 72

Shafali Verma c †

Ghosh b Knight 84

Marizanne Kapp not out 39

Jemimah Rodrigues not out 22

Extras (lb 1, w 5) 6

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 11.15) 223/2

Fall of wickets: 1-162 (Meg

Lanning, 14.3 ov), 2-163 (Shafali Verma, 14.5 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Renuka Singh 3-0-24-0

Megan Schutt 4-0-45-0

Preeti Bose 4-0-35-0

Ellyse Perry 3-0-29-0

Sophie Devine 1-0-20-0

Sobhana Asha 2-0-29-0

Heather Knight 3-0-40-2

Royal Challengers Bangalore Women (T: 224 runs from 20 ovs)

Smriti Mandhana (c)c

Pandey b Capsey 35

Sophie Devine c Shafali Verma b Capsey 14

Ellyse Perry b Norris 31

Disha Kasat c Capsey b Norris 9 Richa Ghosh †c Yadav b Norris 2

Heather Knight c Lanning b Norris 34

Kanika Ahuja c

Shafali Verma b Norris 0 Sobhana Asha c Yadav b Pandey 2 Megan Schutt not out 30

Preeti Bose not out 2

Extras (lb 1, w 3)

4.2 ov), 2-56 (Smriti

6.3 ov), 3-89 (Ellyse Perry, 10.3 ov), 4-90 (Disha Kasat, 10.5 ov), 5-93 (Richa Ghosh, 12.2 ov), 6-93 (Kanika Ahuja, 12.3 ov), 7-96 (Sobhana Asha, 13.1 ov), 8-150 (Heather Knight, 17.5 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W Shikha Pandey 4-0-35-1

Marizanne Kapp 4-0-36-0

Jess Jonassen 4-0-28-0

Alice Capsey 2-0-10-2

Radha Yadav 2-0-24-0

Tara Norris 4-0-29-5

Meg Lanning and Shafali Verma dominated

Mike Mangal was a force to be reckoned with as he walked away with the Trophy Stall golf tournament title. Despite the rain showing its face during some parts of the day, he stood firm against 19 other talented players and in the end, came out on top.

The results for the tournament were as follows:

0-36 Flight

1st – Mike Mangal, HC 68 Gross 76 Net 68

2nd – Shanella London, HC 10 Gross 80 Net 70

3rd – Gavin Todd, HC 21 HC 91 Net 70

Best Gross Mike Mangal – 76

Nearest to Pin and Longest Drive – Rakesh

Harry

Speaking on his second consecutive victory, Mangal said, "In terms of today's game, I am very happy as I played well today and did better than last week. As it relates to the points system I have

20 points now, so I am working hard to be selected to go to the Suriname Open. The course was tough today, especially with the rain that came. But in the end, it was okay and come next week I will try my best to make it three tournaments in a row."

Sharing his views as well was Lusignan Golf Club Public Relations Officer (LGC PRO) Paton George, who noted that it has been 20 years that Trophy Stall has been sponsoring tournaments at the club. He explained that the club was extremely grateful for the continued support as he related that it was sponsors like Trophy Stall that encourage other sponsors to come on board at the LGC.

Trophy Stall is a long-time friend to golf and all sporting activities in Guyana. The sponsor is committed to continuing to be a part of the growth of golf in Guyana. Trophy Stall is the leading seller of a massive variety of trophies and sporting memorabilia in Guyana and more recently, at a new store in the borough of Queens, New York, USA.

Demerara Cricket Board launches “Friends of Demerara Fund”

In an effort to garner funds to cushion the cost of particularly its junior Inter-Association Cricket Tournaments, the Demerara Cricket Board (DCB) has initiated a fund-raising drive titled “Friends of Demerara Cricket Fund”.

The fund was launched recently with Gafoors of Guyana being the first to come on board. The hardware giant responded to the DCB’s request. The simple but significant presentation was done at the company’s head office, Houston, East Bank

Demerara (EBD). The DCB was represented by Kavita Yadram, National Female Cricketer and Chairperson of its Competitions Committee, while Gafoors of Guyana was represented by Roseana Gonsalves, Executive Assistant, Finance and Susie Persaud, Senior Payable Clerk. Yadram expressed gratitude to the company while its representatives stated that they were happy to be on board with the DCB and promised to contribute more as the partnership grew.

Liverpool 7-0 Manchester United

Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez, and Mohamed Salah hit doubles to kill off Manchester United's faint Premier League title hopes as a giddy Liverpool rolled over their old foes 7-0 at Anfield.

The 23-year-old Gakpo, a January recruit from PSV, marked his first appearance in this famous rivalry with a pair of sublime goals, with Nunez and Salah adding to the humbling. Salah became Liverpool's record Premier League scorer and substitute Roberto Firmino also got in on the act, on what was a day of vindication for Manager Jurgen Klopp.

Liverpool's German boss sees Gakpo and Nunez as vital to the team's future, and against a ragged United defence they and Salah made it a day to savour for the hosts, whose win takes them above Newcastle United and into fifth place.

Erik ten Hag's Red Devils, seven days on from winning the EFL Cup at Wembley, were abject. They are seven points better off than Liverpool and remain third in the table, but they trail leaders Arsenal by 14 points and have only 13 games remaining. This will also take some getting over.

Liverpool had most of

the early possession, but the key chances in the opening half-hour were created by United, with Antony having the first when his low shot towards the left corner was pushed wide by Alisson.

United's full-backs then teed up big chances for Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford.

Fernandes flashed a header across goal and wide of the right post from Dalot's far-post cross, before Luke Shaw's delivery from the left found Rashford, whose first-time shot was weak.

Casemiro had the ball in the Liverpool net in the 42nd minute, but had strayed offside, and the

breakthrough came at the other end a minute later.

Andy Robertson played in Gakpo, who cut in from the left and beat a dawdling Raphael Varane before driving a 12-yard strike into the far corner.

Liverpool then made a dream start to the second half as more sloppy United defending resulted in Harvey Elliott crossing from the right, inside the penalty area, for Nunez to nod in from close range.

The third goal was Liverpool at their best, as Jordan Henderson fed Gakpo just outside the hosts' penalty area, and the Dutchman released Salah on the right.

The DCB, while in negotiations with several prospective sponsors, some of whom have already indicated approval, recognises the limited sponsorship monies available in the system. As a result, this new innovation was derived. The Board encourages private individuals, private businesses, and corporate Guyana to support this initiative and make Demerara the dominant cricket side it once was. The DCB assured of good mileage and accountability for funds received and

noted that sponsorship for sports and charitable organisations can enjoy tax breaks as the law allows.

Anyone who is willing to support this project can make contact with DCB President Bissoondyal Singh on 623-0055; Secretary, Davteerth Anandjit, on 617-8502; Treasurer, Vicky Bharosay on 6520947; Marketing Manager Anil Beharry, or any other Executive Member of the Board. The DCB looks forward to your support.

TAXI

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Salah occupied Lisandro Martinez and drew in Shaw, and Gakpo quietly ran into space before being picked out by his teammate, dashing into the 18yard box and chipping past David De Gea from a tight angle. It was 4-0 in the 66th minute as Salah smashed in off the underside of the bar after a fortuitous deflection into his path, and 5-0 nine minutes later as Nunez headed in Henderson's cross. Salah swept in the sixth in the 83rd minute, with United in total disarray, and Firmino, set to leave Liverpool at the end of the season, drilled a seventh. (Sportsmax)

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Lorry

Mike Mangal won his second consecutive tournament

Gafoors representatives making presentation to DCB's Kavita Yadram

Mohamed Salah broke Robbie Fowler's record of 128 Premier League goals for Liverpool

By Brandon Corlette

earned a maiden call-up to the Guyana Harpy Eagles team that will play in the West Indies Championship in Trinidad and Tobago

from March 15.

According to Guyana Harpy Eagles Chairman of Selectors, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Anderson has an abundance of talent, and he should have been selected from the inception of this tournament.

"I think when I first started, Kevlon was one of the first persons we identified we want to invest in. For whatever reason, the previous panel had left him out. So, I think things have a way in working itself out. He went to Trinidad and Tobago, scored very heavy. He came back to Guyana and then scored a hundred in the inter-county, which

even justified the fact that he should have been selected in the inception," Sarwan explained.

The classy right-handed Anderson, who hails from Berbice and has played in the last Super50 tournament for West Indies Academy, has impressed Sarwan with his solid technique.

"In terms of his ability, one of the things that stands out is the fact that he is willing to play to his strengths, and he is very patient. He has got a fairly decent technique, and I think he is one that we have to ensure we keep grounded and we continue to allow

him the opportunity to play \,so he can improve. There is an abundance in talent, and I think he is a very hard worker, and he is always willing to learn. With those attributes, we can help him get better," the former West Indies Captain Sarwan said.

The 22-year-old Anderson plays local cricket for Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club. During the opening rounds of the West Indies Championship, Anderson was playing club cricket in Trinidad and Tobago, and he reaped rewards there.

The Guyana Harpy Eagles are leading the West

Indies Championship with 28.6 points, while defending champions Barbados Pride are in second with 23 points. Guyana Harpy Eagles squad: Kevlon Anderson; Matthew Nandu; Tevin Imlach; Leon Johnson (Captain); Kemol Savory; Anthony Bramble; Kevin Sinclair; Keemo Paul; Veerasammy Permaul (Vice Captain); Shamar Joseph; Nial Smith; Ronsford Beaton and Antony Adams. Reserves: Mavindra Dindyal, Rampertab Ramnauth, Demitri Cameron, Sachin Singh, Neiland Cadogan, Ashmead Nedd and Sylus Tyndall.

West Indies hold up a mirror to South Africa

Brian Lara was there.

So was Jimmy Adams. Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Curtly Ambrose, and Courtney Walsh, too. Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Alzarri Joseph, and Joshua da Silva were not yet born.

It was February 1995, and it was the last time West Indies won a Test series on the road against serious opposition. As in teams who were not Bangladesh, who have earned respect in that time, or Zimbabwe, who have squandered the little they had.

Before February 1995 the Windies had gone 16 other away rubbers – half of them drawn –- without being beaten, or to February 1980. Fifteen years without failure have been followed by 28 years

have thought of their successors' display? Maybe that they knew the feeling. For all their individual heroics, Lara and Adams were part of more defeats than victories. West Indies won 32 and lost 62 of the Tests Lara played. Adams celebrated 21 wins and endured 23 defeats.

Despite that the West Indians remain popular wherever they play. What they lack in substance they make up, to some extent, with style. They express their thoughts on the game more articulately than most, and they are rarely churlish. For instance, and in contrast to what has become a tiresome trend, Kemar Roach chose not to refer Kumar Dharmasena's decision when he was trapped bang in front by Rabada to end the match. "I pretty much knew it was out,

good friendship, so to pass him is a great honour – sorry Mr Garner."

What's not to like about nice guys who seem content to serve as reliable victory fodder for home sides in various countries? Little wonder South Africa's win was only moments old when a cry went up from sparsely populated stands: "We want more!"

But that doesn't nearly capture the Windies' appeal. They became standard bearers for innovation, verve, and downright sexiness in a game mired in conformity, orthodoxy and the staleness of something your parents indulged in. Their fast bowlers arrived at the crease not sideways as the MCC decreed, but chest on. And prolonged their careers as a result. Their batters, particularly Viv Richards, under-

Soweto's youth in deadly fashion. This confluence of causes inspired generations of oppressed black South Africans – who were prohibited by law from playing with whites and thus representing their own country – to support West Indies.

of mostly defeat: they have lost 33 and drawn only three away series. Again, that's not against Bangladesh or Zimbabwe, who they have beaten in eight rubbers. They have also lost a series in Bangladesh.

Lara was in the Centurion dressing room on Thursday, March 2, to see South Africa complete victory by 87 runs inside three days in the first Test. So was Adams. They are now West Indies' performance mentor and Director of Cricket. What might they

I thought let's get out of here," Roach said.

He was less matter-of-fact about reaching 260 Test wickets, which saw him usurp Joel Garner and take over fifth place on the Windies' all-time list. "When I first came into the West Indies team he was the manager, and I spent a lot of time in his room communicating with him and learning some tricks of the trade," Roach said. "He took me under his wing and he checks in with me once in a while. We had a

stood the value of sheer force of personality.

They came to England in 1976 as rebels in search of a cause beyond playing what was demeaned as "calypso cricket". Tony Greig's racist verbal clumsiness, spat out in his still white South African accent, gave them that cause and set them on the path to become shining examples of black defiance and excellence.

Almost simultaneously, apartheid's armed goons unleashed their full force on

Before this match, Temba Bavuma spoke of doing exactly that growing up. How did he separate the badge of his boyhood from the team whose downfall he had been charged with plotting as South Africa's Captain? "Off the field that sentiment is quite big in me, but once we get on the field –- like with all competitive sportsmen - it's us versus them; we want to do what we can to win the game," Bavuma said. "It's a team I hold in high respect and high regard. Before the game I got an opportunity to speak to Brian Lara. I had to pinch myself. He came to me and said, 'Big up, all respect to you for the position that you have.' He wished me well."

Bavuma was born in May 1990, Rabada in May 1995. Thus the defeat of apartheid at the ballot box in April 1994 could be construed as a dividing line between them. But the wonder in which the Windies were held easily leapt that five-year gap.

"I have huge admiration for the West Indies' cricket cul-

ture," Rabada said. "As a bowler, how can you ignore that famous attack and the likes of Viv Richards and Brian Lara, Gordon Greenidge ... the list goes on and on. They dominated world cricket at a stage. The whole world knows about West Indies cricket. They're a phenomenal side and they have a phenomenal cricketing culture. I'm friends with many of them. I admired the players who have come before and the current players. They would have played a role in my cricketing upbringing."

The respect crosses the dressing room divide. Here, for instance, is Jermaine Blackwood on Lara: "He's legend. It's great for us, as players, to be around him. We grew up watching Brian play, and to have him in our dressing room is big plus for us."

Or is what's mutual the nostalgia, and the cautionary tale it tells? Lara is among the most spectacularly gifted players yet to grace a cricket ground, and Adams among the most gritty. But the team they played for ran on the fumes of the past, and their current incarnation is further removed still from the side that ruled world cricket under Clive Lloyd and Richards.

Maybe the affinity between the teams owes something to South Africa looking back in unspoken awe at what

Graeme Smith's side accomplished in August 2012 when they captured the Test mace. And in something like fear at what they might become if they continue to follow the West Indian trajectory. But, for more than two days, the South Africans could put those concerns aside.

They resumed on Thursday with a lead of 179, but with only six wickets standing on a pitch that smiled on seam bowling throughout. Aiden Markram's 47 was their only score of consequence and Roach took 5-47 as they were dismissed an over before lunch, setting West Indies a target of 247.

The visitors had the time to get there, but not the batting, especially with a focused Rabada mowing through the order with sleek precision to take 6-50. Blackwood's 79 shimmered with the kind of batting that was required, but there was little else where that came from and the match was decided an hour after tea.

West Indies, then, will not be able to undo on this tour what the past 28 years have done to their reputation as a Test team. The second match of the series, at the Wanderers, starts on Wednesday. Then it's onto the white-ball stuff. Lara and Adams will be there. And with them the past and present, and the future of those not yet born. (cricbuzz)

Former West Indies

Under-19 batsman

Kevlon Anderson

Anderson bats during his inter-county century at Providence

Guyana Harpy Eagles Chairman of Selectors, Ramnaresh Sarwan

West Indies seamers Alzarri Joseph and Kemar Roach had success in the first Test

South Africa celebrate a wicket in the first Test