Guyana Times - Monday, May 29, 2023

Part-time jobs to be rolled out in Regions 8 & 9 – Vice President

The Government’s parttime jobs initiative is slated to be rolled out in Region Eight (PotaroSiparuni) and Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) over the coming months, according to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo.

The Vice President was at the time responding to questions about the number of persons who will benefit from the Government’s innovative job solution. Added to the Community Support Officers (CSO) that have already been rehired by the Government, the rollout will benefit almost 4500 persons.

“Already it’s been rolled out in Region One. And Region Seven, Bartica area. So, we still have, I think the people have been identified in Region Nine and Eight. Those have to still be rolled out. But they will be over

the course of the next few months.”

“So, they would be implemented. And this is in addition to the 2500 CSOs that we have rehired. So, at the end of the day they will probably have, with the CSOs and the part time workers, close to 4500 per-

sons,” Jagdeo further said.

With over 11,000 persons having already benefitted from Government’s part-time job programme, a whopping $10 billion has been allocated in Budget 2023 to facilitate the extension of the initiative throughout this year.

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh said during his presentation that “in 2023, this programme will continue and will be expanded with $10 billion allocated. The beneficiaries of this programme are encouraged to upskill themselves so they can eventually take up fulltime employment as the labour market is confronted with a shortage of skills in certain areas.”

The part-time job programme was rolled out in 2022 as part of a suite of measures implemented to cushion the rising cost of living. The initiative has allowed for one person per household to work in public offices in close proximity to their homes for 10 days per month and earn $40,000.

Over 11,000 persons were employed through the programme in Regions Two

(Pomeroon-Supenaam);

Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara); Five (Mahaica-Berbice); Six (East Berbice-Corentyne);

Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) and 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), injecting $2.3 billion into these households since the programme started in the second half of 2022.

The part-time jobs initiative was one of a menu of measures implemented by the Government to cushion the effects of the cost of living. Along with supporting farmers and cushioning the net effects of the increased cost of freight and the Russia-Ukraine war, Guyanese are benefiting from a range of tax incentives.

Among these incentives in 2022 were removal of VAT on electricity, water

and data; reduction of the excise tax on fuel to zero; in addition to many non-tax measures, such as the oneoff $25,000 relief grant; reintroduction and increase of the schoolchildren cash grant, as well as its extension to private school students; and a one-off $28,000 cash grant for pensioners and cash grants to support small businesses.

The job opportunities allow for the employees to work for 10 days and earn up to $40,000 on a monthly basis. The jobs are being offered in specific areas within Government Ministries and agencies, and cater to one person per household. So far, some 11,000 Guyanese are currently benefiting from the programme countrywide, and this would cost the Government some $10 billion annually. (G3)

…says some 4500 part-time workers, CSOs to be hired

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo engaging some of the part-time workers at the ACCC

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Monday, May 29 – 01:00h – 02:30h and Tuesday, May 30 – 01:30h – 03:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, May 29 – 11:30h – 13:00h and Tuesday, May 30 – 12:35h – 14:05h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

There will be thundery showers and light rain showers during the day. Expect partly cloudy skies and light rain showers at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 1.34 metres and 2.68 metres.

High Tide: 12:14h reaching maximum height of 2.19 metres.

Low Tide: 18:14h reaching a minimum height of 0.98 metre.

LGE 2023

Steven Jacobs, Chase-Green among PPP/C PR candidates in GT

…former AFC MP now a PPP/C candidate in Linden

As the race heats up for Local Government Elections (LGE) 2023 set for June 12, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has released lists of its candidates in Georgetown and Linden, two Town Councils the governing party is looking to make major gains in at the local level.

The Proportional Representation (PR) candidate list for Georgetown featured a number of prominent names. Former Georgetown Mayor and People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) candidate Patricia ChaseGreen, who was on hand when the PPP/C presented its list of candidates on Nomination Day last month, will be contesting in

Secretary of the People’s National Congress (PNC) Jai Narine Singh, was also unveiled as a PPP/C candidate for Georgetown on the PR list. Mikhail DaSilva, the son of Attorney-at-Law Bernard DaSilva, was also listed as a PR candidate.

left the party citing their disillusionment. According to the former MP, the AFC had lost its independent voice and with it, its principles.

attitude is particularly pronounced in Region 10,” he had added.

Georgetown under the PR system.

So too will businessman and former cricketer Steven Jacobs, who was also with the party on Nomination Day. Another sports personality, national footballer Jeremy Garrett, will also be a PR candidate for the PPP/C in Georgetown.

Well-known political activist Don Singh, who is the son of the first ever General

Over in Linden, where the PPP/C won just one of 16 council seats in 2018, the party also unveiled a list of 24 candidates. One notable inclusion on the list is former Alliance For Change (AFC) Member of Parliament Audwin Rutherford.

Rutherford, who resigned from the party in October 2020, was among the exodus of senior AFC members who

“I would have joined the party shortly after its formation, because the party principles and vision coincided with mine. I was comfortable with my decision then as I am comfortable with my decision now. This decision is after much consultation with my family and friends, who all fully understand,” Rutherford had written.

“The AFC seems to have no independent (voice) – the party has lost its way and seems comfortable being subservient to PNCR. This

Also, on PPP/C’s Linden list of candidates is Keith Ferrier, who was a prominent figure in the storm Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton faced earlier this year after he disowned him in a statement, despite the two having grown up together. The issue arose when PPP/C General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo was delivering remarks at the 105th birth anniversary commemoration of party founder Dr Chedi Jagan, hosted by the party at Babu Jaan, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), where Dr Jagan’s life and work were celebrated.

During his remarks, Jagdeo had highlighted Ferrier among the thousands of attendees as a relative of Norton, the Leader of the PNC-led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Opposition.

At the time, Ferrier stood up amongst the massive gathering to confirm his presence.

After the event, however, Norton issued a statement in which he attempted to distance himself from Ferrier.

However, while Jagdeo himself had described Ferrier as merely a relative of Norton, the Opposition Leader parsed his statement narrowly to state that “The man [Jagdeo] referred to is not my brother… Keith Ferrier is neither my mother’s or my father’s child.”

It was subsequently brought to light, however, that Norton and Ferrier were brought up together. A screenshot of a message sent by Ferrier, which contained a childhood photo of the two men, circulated on social media.

In the message, Ferrier explained that the ‘old family picture’ is of himself and his siblings with Norton also in the photo. Ferrier said his mother “mine (took care of) that guy” in reference to Norton. He also went onto say “…I know that Aubrey Norton is all about Aubrey Norton. He does not have this nation interest at heart…” (G3)

National footballer Jeremy Garrett Businessman and former cricketer Steven Jacobs

Former GT Mayor Patricia Chase-Green

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Being real

One of the characteristics of the post-modern world is a quest for “authenticity”: as the young say, “we gotta be real”. The first problem with this much-vaunted “authenticity” is that the very nature of the human self is artificial – shaped by its surrounding culture. However, by the West’s Enlightenment, individualistic premises, to the extent that cultural influences are important, they are often seen as sources of alienation, coercion, and manipulation. The “true” self is touted to be that which is not a product of society, that which resists conformity, and makes individuals “unique”. As a result, the influencer is obsessed with novelty in all aspects of life – from art to lifestyles – touting the new, simply because it is new.

But this romantic conception of the self is simply wrong. We are not plants or toads whose development are largely an unfolding of prespecified potential. We are profoundly social animals with brains wired to absorb and assimilate our surrounding culture, beginning most germanely with language. A person without culture is an abstraction like form without content. The well-documented cases of “feral children” – that is, children who grew up with little human contact – are tragic testimonies to the indispensability of social learning. They were literally “non-human”.

Even a person’s most profound beliefs – those about God and the relationship between humans and the cosmos – are inextricably connected to culture. Hence the saliency of our ethnic ties in Guyana. However, we know what it is like to bow to social conventions and mask our feelings and opinions from others. More poignantly, we know the painful dissonance of dissembling about crucial components of our identity, our political beliefs, our sexuality, and so on. Does this not suggest an authentic self that persists behind our everyday social self, impervious to cultural accidents and influences although it can remain forever hidden? And is it not to this self that we owe our loyalty?

Arguments like these can feel compelling because they fit in with our daily experience, even though traits and tendencies are different from what most of us would call a “self”. Humans are complicated and complex; capable of sublimating impulses to lying about them. This can be frustrating, debilitating, and in some societies, tyrannically oppressive. But paradoxically, this is what also makes civilisation possible. Because we are both cooperative and highly competitive, our thoughts and impulses can be prosocial or antisocial. Some of those antisocial thoughts and impulses are relatively benign, though potentially offensive. We cannot give in to unmediated impulses from our id. Some of our thoughts and impulses are coercive, violent, or destructive.

Few people are so virtuous that they have never wanted to humiliate, hit, or even kill another person. Some people are filled with rage and hate, and would happily dominate others if they were in a position to do so. One of the crucial functions of civilisation is to curb these inclinations so that we can cooperate (and compete) without constant violence. Democratic politics and the institutions that make it work is one such innovation. Although this might be frustrating on occasion, it leads to wealth, comfort, and cultural achievements that would otherwise be impossible.

The celebration of authenticity is premised, often only half-knowingly, on a quasi-Rousseauistic belief that humans are naturally good and only corrupted by society. But this belief is patently false: humans are not “naturally” good or evil, but created as Kant phrased it “out of this crooked timber”. As such, they are flawed, limited, and contradictory creatures, capable of envisioning a peaceful, cooperative society of abundance, but thwarted in achieving it because their efforts are undermined by selfishness and rivalry.

Although we cannot fully achieve our moral goals, we can, with the guidance of wise norms and institutions, create a lively and flourishing civilisation. And the function of these wise norms and institutions such as democracy and its institutions, is to suppress, discipline, and reshape our natural inclinations. It is, in other words, to produce a cultured and civilised – that is, a created – human. This should be the goal of “One Guyana”.

How did Tina Turner become an unlikely icon in Albania?

By Chelsi West Ohueri

“Tina Turner, the “Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll”, has died peacefully today at the age of 83 after a long illness in her home in Kusnacht near Zurich, Switzerland,” her publicist said in a statement on Wednesday.

The news of the Americaborn soul legend’s passing led to an outpouring of tributes from across the world with countless music fans, singers, athletes and politicians taking to social media to celebrate her life and many achievements.

With her powerful ballads and catchy dance hits playing non-stop on the radio and her music videos dominating TV screens, I too found myself thinking of all the times Turner and her music had touched my life. And my memories of her immediately took me to what may seem like an unlikely place – the Albanian port city of Durrës.

As a sociocultural anthropologist who studies race and belonging, I have long been doing research in Albania and Eastern Europe on questions relating to identity formation, cultural practices, and globalisation.

In 2018, during a visit to Durrës, I came across a lifesized bronze statue of Turner on a cafe-lined square not far from the beach. Standing next to statues of Mick Jagger, John Lennon and Bob Dylan, the figure of Turner holding a microphone in a mini-dress and high heels was a clear sign of her global influence.

Having visited the country regularly since 2006 and even living there for periods of time, I was not surprised to see Turner honoured in this way in an Albanian city.

During my time there, I would often hear American rock music in cafés, bars and lounges. On windy roads from north to south I would sit next

to bus and van drivers who continuously played rock music – and often Turner’s music – on their radios, singing along to all the lyrics. “We Albanians love rock ‘n’ roll,” people would exclaim. “For us, this music is the best!”

I remember once sitting in a café near my apartment in central Albania as the owner played songs from Turner’s Private Dancer album. I started singing along and when our eyes met, he gave a thumbsup and said, “Kjo është më e mira [She is the best]!”

Turner never performed a single concert in Albania, but she is an icon of freedom and power in the eyes of many Albanians.

There are several reasons behind the extensive appreciation of Turner in Albania and other parts of Eastern Europe.

For nearly 47 years, Albania experienced what many have argued was the most restrictive communist regime in Eastern Europe. The country’s dictator, Enver Hoxha, ruled the country with an iron fist and worked to cut all contact between Albanians and the Western world. Movement outside the country was very restricted, and internal movement was also tightly controlled. The State-run radio and television stations broadcast little other than State propaganda. Access to music and media from other countries was severely limited, and while some residents made covert attempts to access Western popular culture, many did not because the consequences of breaking the law were severe.

Hoxha died in 1985. In the years following his death, communism in Albania, like elsewhere in Eastern Europe, slowly began to unravel, and the country started to open itself up to the West. The early 1990s, the era in which Albanians started to have regular exposure to Western mu-

sic, coincided with the height of Tina Turner’s long and illustrious career.

As the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll”, Turner came to represent in Eastern Europe the freedoms of the West in a period marked by optimism and anticipation for a better future. Albania was the last country to officially topple its communist regime in 1991, and many of these efforts were led by young people eager to connect with and participate in the global community. Despite the regime’s fall, movement out of Albania was not necessarily easy, and many people faced challenges as they tried to navigate new terrains. But the circulation of music was one outlet that allowed Albanians to travel and imagine in new ways.

Turner’s personal story of perseverance and strength, surviving years of domestic abuse to become a superstar, also resonated with the people of Eastern Europe, who suffered several deadly conflicts and waves of displacement in the decades after the fall of State socialism. Turner’s life story and music gave millions across the region hope.

On a 2021 episode of Australia’s The Voice, for example, British-Albanian singer Rita Ora was moved to tears after a contestant’s performance of Turner’s cover of “Proud Mary”. Ora spoke about her childhood struggles growing up in the United Kingdom and feeling so different from those around her. She said Turner was her inspiration and idol during this difficult time.

Despite never making it to Albania to see her statue, Turner visited Eastern Europe several times during her long career. She gave a concert in Belgrade in the former Yugoslavia in 1975. She also performed in Bulgaria and Poland in the 1980s. Her performance in Poland in 1981 was especially well re-

ceived because it provided a brief escape from suffocating political and economic crises.

Turner’s statue in Durrës was reportedly removed during a reconstruction project in 2022 and is still waiting to be relocated. Despite the temporary removal of the statue – which had become a tourist attraction in its own right as many tourists visited the Durrës promenade to take photos with her – Turner’s legacy lives on in Albania.

Popular Albanian music artists like Era Rusi have released covers of Turner’s songs, such as “The Best”. Even younger generations of Albanians, who are not familiar with the role she played in lifting people’s spirits in the 1980s and 90s, appear to be equally fond of the American singer. In 2019, a contestant performed Turner’s “Proud Mary” on Albania’s The Voice Kids to an enthusiastic audience. And people across the country have been listening and dancing to Turner’s music at weddings and family gatherings. Her music videos too are still being streamed regularly by many in the region.

Turner was a legend –a giant. How did a Black, American woman born in the 1930s US South go on to amass this type of fame in Eastern Europe? Her popularity speaks to her talent and the force of her voice. But it also speaks to her tenacity, her passion and the appeal of her message of strength, freedom, and perseverance.

This week, Turner’s fans are mourning her death, but no doubt, despite her physical absence, her legacy will live on in Albania and across the world. (Al Jazeera)

(Chelsi West Ohueri is an Assistant Professor of Slavic and Eurasian Studies at the University of Texas at Austin with appointments in Anthropology, African and African Diaspora Studies and Population Health.)

Indonesian Air Force's Jupiter aerobatic team (JAT) manoeuvres during a performance in Pekanbaru, Riau province, Indonesia (AFP)

arrived at US$140B

Dear Editor, I am writing in reference to an article published with the caption “countries within pathway of potential oil spill from Guyana have US$140 billion in economic activity at risk”. The article quoted international financial analyst, Tom Sanzillo. The analyst in a recent article argued that the Caribbean countries within close proximity, produce more than US$140 billion annually largely based on their maritime and tourism sectors. Editor, I am deeply per -

plexed as to how this international financial analyst arrived at his number of over US$140 billion for a few Caricom countries, when the total GDP for the entire Caricom as of 2022 is an estimated US$100 billion, the tourism sector of Caricom accounts for about 16% of GDP which will translate to US$16 billion. The marine sector accounts for 1.5% of global GDP which stands at approximately US$100 trillion. In the United States, the marine sector accounts for about 1.7% of GDP. So, we can safely extrapolate

that the regional marine sector accounts for 1.5% of the Region’s GDP which would translate to US$1.5 billion giving rise to a total of US$17.5 billion for the two sectors combined, thereby accounting for 17.5% of the region’s GDP.

With the foregoing in mind, Tom Sanzillo, who did not demonstrate how he arrived at US$140 billion, as I have done above, has effectively inflated his number by 700%.

More so, his argument is framed within the context of what an oil spill liability would look like in

any such event. However, he has failed to consider to what extent will the capping stack minimise the impact of a spill once deployed within the prescribed timeframe as per the Environmental Permit. It would be good for Tom Sanzillo to provide some clarifications and explanations on his calculations as well as a proper assessment of an oil spill risk considering the risk mitigation strategies in place.

Yours sincerely, Joel

Bhagwandin

Redouble our focus as we learn from this horrible event

Dear Editor, The tragedy that took place at Mahdia, Region Eight, where 19 lives were lost and a number of others injured will forever be etched in our memory. The fiery death and destruction that befell us has left a traumatic scar on all of us, not just the families of these

children, that indelible scar would be left with us for a long time. But amidst our sorrow and grief, we look forward to a better tomorrow, as we repair and rebuild our community from this tragic loss. The tragedy itself will not go away so easily, but will stay on with us for a

long time. We mourn our loss with dignity, not without hope, but with renewed strength and fortitude as we look toward the future. We cannot undo the past but we can and will redouble our focus as we learn from this horrible past event and move forward with renewed purpose to ensure that this

does not happen again. So, we rise from the ashes as time would heal and move us on to a brighter day, one that would be life fulfilling for our children and their children coming after them.

Respectfully,

Neil Adams

Tom Sanzillo did not demonstrate how he

Foundation

Multiplying fractions and mixed numbers: Reducing

The easiest way to multiply fractions and mixed numbers is to change the mixed number into an improper fraction. Then multiply the fractions just as you normally would.

REDUCING: You may already know about reducing a fraction. Reducing changes a fraction into its simplest form. For example: 14/24 = 7/12 . To reduce, see if you can divide both the numerator and denominator by the same number. In this case, you were able to divide both 14 and 24 by 2. When you have an improper fraction, you can reduce it. 14/12 = 7/6 because you were able to divide both 14 and 12 by 2. You can also reduce the fraction part of a mixed number. 5 10/20 = 5 1/2 because both 10 and 20 are divisible by 10.

Remember: When you reduce a mixed number, the whole number will always stay the same.

Exercises: Multiply

By Wilson Harris

Lands open

To sunshine and sky

And to the endless winds

Passing their eternal rounds.

Lands that hold in their bosom

Space like a benediction.

Lands smoky with their dreams

That drift across the world

Like memories of ancient beauty dimly recalled.

Lands full of the music of birds

Crying softly a vague and formless meditation

To the measureless skies: when the listening cattle Lift their quiet heads

Dreaming their dream, so solitary and wise.

WORD SEARCH

19 murder charges for teen who allegedly started Mahdia dorm fire

…3 victims to be buried in Karisparu; 1 in Georgetown

The teenager who allegedly started the deadly fire at the Mahdia Secondary School’s Dormitory in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) on May 21 is expected to face 19 murder charges for the lives that were lost in the inferno.

This is based on the advice of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum told Guyana Times on Sunday that the DPP has recommended to the Police that 19 murder charges be instituted against the teenager. She is expected to make a court appearance for arraignment as early as today.

The inferno killed 18 female students between the ages of 12 to 17 and a fiveyear-old boy, who was the son of the dorm parents.

Days following the horrific incident, the Guyana Police Force disclosed that the fire was allegedly started by one of the female students at the dorm after her cellular phone was taken away by the dorm’s mother and a teacher.

Initial information received from sources close to the investigation had revealed that the teen in question was reportedly previously suspended for engaging in activities contrary to the rules of the institution and was involved in an argument with the administrators during which she allegedly threatened to cause “trouble.”

The teenager had to undergo psychological supervision; this publication was told last week.

The Mahdia school’s dormitory housed students from the communities of Karisparu, El Paso, Micobie and Chenapao, Region Eight.

The fire was allegedly set in the bathroom area of the dormitory. According to the surviving female students, they were asleep and were awakened by screams. Upon checking, they saw fire/smoke in the bathroom area, which quickly spread in the building, causing several students to receive burns to their bodies and smoke inhalation, whilst several managed to escape.

Those who died as a result of the fire are Tracil Thomas; Lisa Roberts; Delicia Edwards; Lorita Williams; Natalie Bellarmine; Arriana Edwards; Cleoma Simon; Subrina John; Martha Dandrade; Loreen Evans; Belnisa Evans; Mary Dandrade; Omerfia Edwin; Nickleen Robinson; Sherina Daniels; Eulander Carter; Andrea Roberts; Bibi Rita Jeffrey, and five-year-old

Adanye Jerome.

According to a Guyana Fire Service press release, 14 youths died at the scene of the fire and the other five died at Mahdia District Hospital. Several of the injured teenagers were air-dashed to the Georgetown Public Hospital in Georgetown where three are said to be in a critical condition.

On Saturday, one of the girls was flown to the Northwell Health Burn Care Centre in New York to seek advanced medical care.

The critically injured 13-year-old child was picked up by the Global Rescue Ambulance via the Air Ambulance at Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). She was accompanied by her mother to New York. The mother will receive support from the Northwell Hospital,

which has waived all costs for medical care, the Ministry of Health said in a statement on Saturday.

While at the GPHC over the past week, the teenager underwent two surgeries and her condition, though critical, improved steadily but her transfer was considered to be necessary.

“This transfer was deemed necessary out of an abundance of precaution and made in the best interest of the patient,” the Ministry said.

Meanwhile, on Friday, the Guyana Government said the bodies of 13 persons, who died in the horrific dorm fire were positively identified by

experts overseas. DNA analysis on the remains that were deemed unrecognisable were conducted last week by Professor and System Chair, Dr Carlos Cordon-Cardo alongside a team of experts at the Pathology Laboratory of New York-based Mount Sinai.

Samples from forensic specimens taken from the bodies of 13 female students were obtained by Dr Shubhaker Karra Paul, a specialist pathologist from Barbados, while one forensic specimen obtained from the five-year-old male victim was taken by Guyanese pathologist Dr Nehaul Singh.

These samples were com-

pared to those taken from the parents and siblings of the children.

Following the receipt of the DNA results, arrangements were put in place by the Police Force for families to take possession of the identified bodies for funerals. The Government has pledged assistance with these funeral arrangements.

The first funeral of the 19 who perished in the Mahdia fire was held last Wednesday when Sabrina John was buried in the presence of her family at Karisparu, Region Eight.

Additionally, the funeral for three other teenagers from Karisparu is expected to be held on Tuesday. These are Bibi Rita Jeffrey along with her two cousins, Loreen and Belnisa Evans – both sisters.

On Wednesday, five-year-old Adanye Jerome will be laid to rest in Georgetown. The quartet was among the bodies that were burnt beyond recognition and DNA analysis had to be done on them to confirm their identity.

This newspaper was told that the funeral for the three teens was initially slated for today but due to bad weather, there was a delay in transporting the teenagers’ bodies to their home village.

Meanwhile, President Dr Irfaan Ali has announced that a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the dorm fire will be conducted to determine the cause and circumstances of the tragic incident and also prevent a reoccurrence. (G3)

Berbice High Court

2 men plead guilty to separate murder charges

Rules… …for elections?

The sentencing hearings for Durn Hunt and Kareem Charles, the two men who pleaded guilty to separate murder charges at the High Court in Berbice, have been fixed for June 27.

In the first case, Durn Hunt called “Rasta”, 38, formerly of Crane Street, Queenstown, Corriverton, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), pleaded guilty to the capital offence of murder over the death of his girlfriend, 38-year-old Iransa Frank, which occurred on

October 15, 2018.

Frank, a mother of two was stabbed several times by Hunt and left to die in a muddy drain at Crane Street, Queenstown, Corriverton, Berbice. Based on reports, the woman had recently moved in with Hunt at his Corriverton home, after they had been seeing each other for a while. At about 08:00h on Sunday, October 15, 2018, the now dead woman had headed home from work, but shortly after, she visited a nearby shop. Moments lat-

er, the woman was seen running up the street with her partner in hot pursuit. He eventually caught up with her.

The woman tried to fight him off, but her throat was reportedly slit in the process. The woman fell into a nearby drain, and was further stabbed four times to her neck.

Meanwhile, in a separate matter, Kareem Charles of Benet Dam, Rosignol, West Bank Berbice (WBB), pleaded guilty to murdering a fa-

ther of two on March 1, 2019.

Arshad Ali, 24, who was killed as he was on his way to see his newborn baby at the New Amsterdam Hospital, died from shock and haemorrhage due to blunt trauma to the head.

He was reportedly hit in the head with a metal pipe in an alleged act of revenge.

Charles, 39, worked as a labourer prior to his incarceration.

Both Charles and Hunt were arraigned before Justice Simone MorrisRamlall. (G1)

Recognising that politics in Guyana – even at the local level – is a no-holds-barred affair, the ERC has decided to promulgate a “Code of Conduct” (CoC) to keep matters from getting too out of hand!! Your Eyewitness looked at the rules and seen they’ve forbidden the usual provocations: “Forbids the use of threats, harassment or tendency to violence that might cause disruption whether at political rallies, meetings, gatherings or elsewhere, or any other form of intimidation, including the use of violence and intimidation while the undersigned political parties/groups/individuals are announcing their activities, holding their meetings, gatherings and rallies.

“Forbids the use of threatening language, or language which incites people of one group to violence against any Candidate, Agent, member or supporter of any other contesting political parties/groups/individuals…“Forbids all actions aimed at removing, defacing, besmirching, obscuring, destroying, damaging or altering any flag, banner, poster, notice or other campaign materials of other contestants…“Forbid the use of intimidating behaviour or violence on Election Day to frighten people from going to the polls to vote, or whilst they are in the polling stations or leaving the polling stations”. Etc…etc.

Your Eyewitness likes the rule that these politicians shouldn’t “besmirch” the posters of their opponents. He’d like to know how exactly one “besmirches” a poster so HE doesn’t run afoul of the ERC. Can one spoil a poster’s reputation?? He frequently mutters some scathing remark or other when he passes some of these posters – but is he besmirching the poster or the person depicted?? Isn’t he allowed his opinion on those who seek to represent him??

And on the rule that he shouldn’t “frighten people from going to the polls to vote”. Does this mean he shouldn’t tell his Opposition friends that the PPP looks like they got the elections all wrapped up and their vote is meaningless?? And this is clear from the way recognised PNCites are switching sides worse than a tennis ball during a match!! Is that too “intimidatory”??

But your Eyewitness is a tad disappointed that Opposition Leader Norton’s APNU hasn’t signed on to the CoC. How exactly could that have hurt him? He says the ERC’s biased! Like the GECOM Secretariat under the firm of Lowenfield, Mingo and Myers? All institutions gotta be manned by PEOPLE and since the Guyanese people are divided politically from the time they come out of Lil ABC… how exactly will he get rid of any bias. The best he can hope for is that his people in the ERC – and Afro Guyanese and Labour – are represented, aren’t they – will look out for their Opposition’s interest!!

In the meantime, if the PPP besmirches his posters, isn’t he gonna do something about it?? Even some besmirching of his own at his pressers??

…on US Debt

In the real world – especially when it comes to debt –- for years we’ve been warned to keep ours in line with our GDP. That makes sense, doesn’t it?? You can’t be spending more than you earn – sooner or later the nasty stuff’s gonna hit the fan. Most economists say that the maximum debt-toGDP ratio should be around 77%. Our ratio’s a comfortable 23% and yet the doomsayers are foaming at the mouth at the PPP Government’s quite moderate borrowing.

But what about the US – the country we’re all trying to emulate?? There, Dear Friends, their GDP is US$26 trillion and their debt is US$31.3 trillion!! That’s right folks, the US debt’s larger than its economy!! And that’s why the Republican leader controlling the House and President Biden’s been huddling for weeks trying to put a cap on their borrowing!! And why should we be concerned??

Just that the entire world – including us – is hooked on the dollar for trading and if they sneeze, we’ll catch the cold!!

…on Security

Isn’t it ironic that 19 children couldn’t get out of their dormitory because of barred windows, yet Smallie Williams – the most notorious mass killer who’d been incarcerated – could escape with ease from our maximum security prison??!!

Confessed killer: Durn Hunt

Confessed killer: Kareem Charles

Dead: Arshad Alli

Dead: Iransa Frank

Guyana provided technical assistance in agriculture to T&T, Barbados – Mustapha

While the face of agriculture in Guyana continues to change, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha is making a call for more youths to be involved in the productive sector, especially since youths as a demographic are lagging in agriculture despite the growing opportunities and Guyana’s increasing influence in the Region.

During a recent visit to Manchester and Number 53 Village, Corentyne, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), Mustapha spoke of the perceptions surrounding agriculture which are changing even as Guyana’s influence in the Caribbean Region grows in the agriculture sector.

This influence recently manifested with President Dr Irfaan Ali being presented with the IICA (Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture) Award for Contribution to Food Security and Sustainable Development. Mustapha also recounted that the Government has sent tech -

nical officers to Barbados and Trinidad, to help those countries with their agriculture sector.

“Today the entire Caribbean is looking to Guyana for that leadership in agriculture. I have sent people to Barbados, sent people to Trinidad, to help them there in the agriculture sector. So, we have to also develop ours,

if we want food security,” Minister Mustapha said.

“What we are doing right now, we are changing the face of agriculture in Guyana. Only yesterday the President was awarded the first award for IICA… an organisation that comprises 34 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. And the first award went to President

Dr Irfaan Ali because of his concern and passion for the agriculture sector and food security,” he added.

According to the Minister, the scope of Government’s potential assistance to young people can include the construction of shade houses and the cultivation of high value crops in communities like Manchester

and Lancaster. But he urged residents to organise young people in need of jobs so that his Ministry can get them started in agriculture.

“There are a lot of opportunities for young people. What we found is that young people are not coming into agriculture. Young people see agriculture as an activity for old people. We have to change that perception,” Mustapha said.

Residents around the country and specifically Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) were meanwhile also assured that the Government has a robust community road construction agenda being rolled out. According to Mustapha, between 200 and 300 community roads are to be built in the Cinderella County.

“The Government is presently building hundreds of roads across this country. In Region Six, over 200-300 roads will be built, and are in the process of being built. So that is one of the roads being contracted. You’ll see work shortly. And the Ministry

of Public Works, they’re doing work. They have been [contracting] these roads to contractors in the community. And that is one of the roads we have,” Mustapha said.

Back in January, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill had conducted several inspections and community meetings in Region Six. During a community meeting with the Cane FieldEnterprise Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), he had assured residents of the Government’s dedication to fostering development.

He had reminded them of the supplementary amount granted during the previous sitting of the National Assembly, allocated for the construction and rehabilitation of community roads. Minister Edghill stated that those funds would see 132 more roads being constructed in the county. Of this lot, the Minister disclosed that some $150 million will be expended to construct and rehabilitate eight additional roads in the Cane FieldEnterprise area. (G3)

…urges more youths to get involved in sector

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha during the recent meeting with residents of Manchester Village, Corentyne

ECD couple cleared of drug trafficking charge

contended that his client should not be called upon to lead a defence and that the charge should be dismissed.

Clarke had been jointly charged along with his reputed wife, 33-year-old Patricia Grant.

The charge against Grant, was, however, dismissed in April of this year by the said Magistrate who had upheld a no-case submission made on Grant’s behalf by Da Silva.

Teen remanded for cousin’s murder

with the now dead man, who reprimanded the teen for his behaviour towards his father but this led to a heated argument between the cousins.

During the argument, Krishna reportedly dealt one slap to the teen’s face and a scuffle ensued.

In anger, the teenager reportedly ran home and returned to the Conservancy Dam with a cutlass.

More than two years after he was charged with possessing drugs for the purpose of trafficking, 34-yearold Shelroy Clarke has had the entire case against him tossed out.

The charge against Clarke, of Goedverwagting, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was dismissed last week after Magistrate Alisha George, who presides at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Courts, upheld a no-case submission made on his behalf by Attorney-

at-Law Bernard DaSilva.

The charge had alleged that he had 867.8 grams of Cannabis sativa (marijuana) in his possession for the purpose of trafficking on May 2, 2021, at his home.

Da Silva, in the submission, had argued that despite the prosecution’s “best efforts” using the limited information provided by the investigators, it failed to discharge its burden of proof.

Consequent to the insufficiency of prima facie evidence, the defence counsel

The couple had been out on $700,000 bail pending their trial.

It was the prosecution’s case that on the day in question, Police ranks acting on information, went to the couple’s residence where a search was conducted. The search purportedly unearthed an unconcealed black plastic bag on top of a cupboard in the vicinity of the kitchen which contained a quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems which later tested positive for cannabis.

A19-year-old man has been charged with the capital offence of murder over his cousin’s death.

Mahendra Singh, called “Vishal” was remanded to prison by Principal Magistrate Faith McGusty before whom he appeared on Thursday last at the Wales Magistrate’s Court.

The Lot 25 Conservancy Dam, Canal Number One, West Bank Demerara (WBD) resident, a farmer, was not required to enter a plea to the indictable charge.

He was remanded to prison until June 22.

Dead is 35-year-old Seeram Krishna also called “Vicky” of Lot 24 A Conservancy Dam, Canal No 1, WBD. Police stated that at about 10:00h on

May 20, the now dead man and the accused’s father were consuming alcohol and about one hour later, Singh returned home from work.

Soon after, Singh and the now dead man left the house and went to the Conservancy Dam where they joined other friends and continued drinking.

However, at about 17:30h, the teen’s father joined them but this led to him insulting the 59-yearold man. Embarrassed, the teen’s father went away.

This did not go down well

“He rushed up to Krishna and dealt him one chop to his left-side face. Krishna fell to the ground, and the suspect made good his escape,” the Police stated in a release to the media.

A report was made to La Grange Police Station and upon reaching the scene, Police discovered Krishna lying on the dam in a pool of blood.

He was picked up and taken to the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) where he was pronounced dead. The accused, who went into hiding, subsequently surrendered to the Police.

GT construction site accident

Labour Ministry launches probe into labourer’s death

The Labour Ministry’s Occupational Safety & Health (OSH) Department has initiated an investigation into the tragic accident that occurred on Tuesday last at a construction site located at Lot 134 Sheriff Street, Campbellville, Georgetown.

The accident resulted in the death of Kevin [only name given], a construction worker of Sophia, Greater Georgetown. However, the Police have not issued a statement on the accident, and the man's full name has not been provided.

In a statement released last week, the Ministry announced that Darwin Bourne, an officer attached to the Labour Ministry's OSH Department, has been assigned to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.

Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton has reiterated his commitment to ensuring safe working conditions for all workers, irrespective of the industry. He firmly believes that work-related fatalities are unacceptable and vowed to address unsafe work practices and workplace conditions through comprehensive inspections across construction sites and other workplaces.

"The Minister extends his condolences to the bereaved friends and family of the deceased and assures a thorough investigation to uncover the answers to lingering questions. Ongoing investigations aim to determine the cause of the inci-

dent to prevent similar occurrences in the future," stated the release.

On the day of the accident, one of the deceased man's colleagues, Jason, shared with this publication that they had been working at the construction site for approximately seven months. Just moments before the accident, Jason had briefly left his friend to purchase a drink when he heard a loud impact and hurried back to the site.

"I went downstairs to buy two XL for myself, and when I came back, I saw the entire building collapse. I looked down and saw my partner falling as the building caved in, and a beam fell on him, causing his death," recounted Jason.

He expressed shock over the accident, emphasising that none of them anticipated such a tragic turn of events. Jason clarified that the accident was unrelated to the employer and solely due to the building's collapse. He stated, "This could have happened to any one of us."

Preliminary information suggests that a heavy concrete beam became dislodged and plummeted to the ground, fatally striking Kevin.

Emergency services promptly responded to the distress call but sadly pronounced the construction worker dead at the scene. An in-depth investigation will be conducted to ascertain the exact cause of the accident. (G9)

Shelroy Clarke

Patricia Grant

Dead: Seeram Krishna

Murder accused: Mahendra Singh

PM Phillips, OAS SG discuss media integrity, food & regional security

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips, and Secretary General of the Organisation of American States (OAS), Luis Almagro, recently held talks on a wide range of areas – all aimed at improving peace and security in the Region.

Last week, SG Almagro was on his inaugural visit to Guyana since his appointment to the position in 2015.

On Friday, PM Phillips hosted a dinner in honour of the visiting OAS official and his delegation at the Prime Minister’s Residence on Main Street, Georgetown.

In a tweet following the event, SG Almagro said he had fruitful discussions with the PM and expressed his gratitude for the hospitality extended to him and his team.

“[I am] deeply grateful to Prime Minister of #Guyana Mark Phillips for his generous display of hospitality & for welcoming me at his residence. We had a fruitful discussion on importance of media integrity, food security & good governance to strengthen security & peace in the Americas,” the OAS Secretary General stated.

PM Philips was joined by Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Hugh Todd; Guyana’s Ambassador to the United States of America,

Samuel Hinds; Permanent Secretary in the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry, Ambassador Elisabeth Harper, and other officials.

The OAS, which consists of all 35 independent states of the Americas, constitutes the main political, juridical, and social governmental forum in the hemisphere.

During his visit, SG Almagro met with President Dr Irfaan Ali and several senior Government officials last Thursday at State House in Georgetown.

According to the OAS official, he had “Productive Discussion with President Irfaan Ali [and government] officials on electoral reform, climate change, multidimensional security, One Guyana

policy & Inter-American system. [The OAS] remains steadfast in its commitment with Guyana on strengthening democratic institutions.”

Also on Thursday, SG Almagro met with Speaker of the National Assembly in Guyana, Manzoor Nadir, during which the two officials had fruitful discussions on the history of the country’s dynamic political landscape and the importance of representative democracy.

Later in the day, the OAS Secretary General participated in a civil society engagement hosted by the Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Ministry at the Marriott Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown.

“It was a great privilege to present to civil society groups

representing varying interests in Georgetown, Guyana. It is essential that we implement equitable and inclusive policies that stimulate access to opportunities for all,” Almagro said in a tweet.

Guyana has received high commendation from the OAS Head for its remarkable efforts in fighting for the rights of its people, according to a report from the Department of Public Information (DPI).

He said Guyana has always been making headway for its people, which often aids in the further unification of the country.

“Guyana has proven itself to be a great defender of democracy. Equally as important, Guyana continues to be a

defender of human rights, especially Indigenous Peoples’ rights, and Afro descendants’ rights, recognising to build a nation of unity, all people must be given equitable access to opportunities,” Almagro underscored.

The Secretary General further noted that Guyana has been one of the countries to instil crucial principles to always protect its people.

“Its Government has continued to reaffirm the principles set out on the US charter, which emphasises the protection and fundamental rights of an individual without distinction, to race, nationality, creed or sex,” the he said.

Acknowledging that the Government has been going

above and beyond for its people, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira said the achievement was only with the OAS’ support.

Moreover, during his visit, SG Almagro on Thursday evening attended Guyana’s 57th Independence Day Flag Raising Ceremony, which took place, for the first time, in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

The flag-raising ceremony to usher in Guyana’s 57th Independence anniversary was transformed into an evening of prayer and reflection in honour of the 19 students who lost their lives in the Mahdia Secondary School Dormitory fire on May 21, 2023. (G8)

Prime Minister Mark Phillips and other Government officials with OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro and his team at Friday’s dinner

Prime Minister Mark Phillips sharing a light moment with OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro

$34M infectious disease centre commissioned in Lethem

set to commence soon within the region.

Also speaking at the commissioning ceremony was Tourism Minister Oneidge Walrond who shared that this centre serves as a great addition to the tourism sector, as she highlighted the need for healthcare facilities to be accessible to tourists.

ism. So, this is an excellent initiative for Region Nine all the way around, this really helps to augment and boost our tourism product,” Walrond shared.

Less travel

Prime Minister Mark Phillips recently commissioned an infectious disease centre in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) which was constructed and equipped to the tune of $34 million.

Speaking about the facility, the Prime Minister said that it is an important investment of the Administration to expand the healthcare sector to all regions across Guyana.

“It is important that we invest in a holistic manner, in the development of your region, just like we’re doing in other regions of Guyana. And the health sector is perhaps the most important sector for us at this stage,” Phillips remarked.

He also lauded the work of the healthcare workers within the region as he highlighted the importance of their work.

“I am now more appreciative of the work that you’re

doing in helping us to contain the spread of infectious diseases in Region Nine and throughout Guyana. You’re our warriors,” he shared.

He added that the need for such a facility within the region was highlighted during the COVID-19 period when close supervision of border communities was necessary to contain the spread of the disease.

According to Phillips, the pharmacy and nursing assistant programmes are

“When you market tourism internationally, one of the things that boost your profile is when you can say you have very nearby the tourist site, hospitals, and healthcare facilities, in case anything happens. So, [in] the case of someone coming and they wonder if they get an infection…the fact that there is somewhere nearby helps to boost our tour-

Meanwhile, Human Services and Social Security Minister Vindhya Persaud highlighted that the new facility now enables healthcare workers to treat diseases and even identify new ones. She also noted that many persons can now be treated within the region, instead of having to travel to Georgetown.

“Previously many people would have had to come to Region Four to the hospitals to determine what types of infections they

were and how to treat them. Now with your own centre, you can do this right here. I think it is a wonderful development for this region and importantly it is not just a building. The fact that our Government, through the Ministry of Health, is populating our region with doctors and nurses speaks to the human resource development that is key to ensuring that it does not remain just an infectious disease centre but an operational and functional one where it can work in the interest of those who live in this region,” the Minister remarked.

She added that more significant developments are coming to the region in the near future.

CoA sets June 14 to hear rape convict’s appeal

The Court of Appeal of Guyana has set June 14 for the hearing of the appeal filed by Collin Cummings against his conviction for rape and the 30year prison term that was imposed on him.

The Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) man, a gold miner, had been convicted of raping an eightyear-old girl in 2018 after a trial before Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall.

The crime was committed on August 20, 2016, in the county of Demerara. The trial Judge ordered that the offender, who is in his 60s, must serve 25 years before being eligible for parole.

His appeal will be heard by Justices of Appeal Dawn Gregory and Rishi Persaud and High Court Judge Jo Ann Barlow. Tiffany Durant is Cummings’s lawyer while the State will be represented by Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Dionne McCammon.

When the jurors returned with their unanimous guilty verdict, Cummings had maintained his innocence, stating, “I am innocent of this charge

brought against me.”

He had also begged the Judge to give him the minimum penalty.

“I was afraid and uncomfortable with what [he] did to me. I was scared of him and my life has not been the same,” the victim had related in her impact statement.

Her mother claimed that after the incident her daughter would often draw sketches with teardrops with terms such as “ugly” and “stupid” which the parent said she would throw away.

A medical examination found that the girl’s hymen was not intact.

In sentencing the con-

vict, Justice Morris-Ramall had noted that he took away the girl’s innocence, adding that children are Guyana’s most valuable resource.

She had also noted that children who are victims of sexual abuse are scarred for life and that this prevents them from maximising their potential which in turn hinders the country’s development. “They should be respected and given toys and not be used as sex toys for the fulfilment of depraved adults,” the Judge had stressed, while declaring that the court would play its part in sending a strong message to potential sex offenders. (G1)

The new infectious disease centre in Lethem

Convicted child rapist: Collin Cummings

Free Govt Internet service launched in Swan community

In an effort to bridge the digital divide, the Government recently extended its free internet services “WifiGY” to the Amerindian community of Swan on the SoesdykeLinden Highway.

Speaking at the launch last week, the Manager of Hinterland Community Relations within the National Data Management Authority, Romanus James commended the work of the Government to put systems in place to bridge the digital divide between the coastal and hinterland communities through the provision of free internet.

“The office of the Prime Minister, through the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) continues to make strides in bridging the digital divide between the coast and the hinterland. One way NDMA has sought to bridge digital divide is through the provision of free internet, through the WifiGY initiative. So, when we think of WifiGY let us think of this place where we could make our import-

ant call, send that urgent message, do our research or help our children with homework [and] access the news,” James told residents.

Meanwhile, the

Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy, shared that the Government is committed to bettering the lives of all citizens, as he pointed out that internet connec-

GWI to construct $150M well in Region 3

Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) is inviting tenders for the drilling of the Anna Catherina well to the tune of $150 million.

The Government plans to inject some $17.7 billion towards the expansion and management of the water sector this year as they aim to provide access to an adequate supply of treated water throughout the country. This move aligns with the Administration’s strategy for the years 2021 to 2025, which includes actions to improve nationwide water supply infrastructure and expand access to clean water.

All bids must be deposited into the tender box located at the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, Main and Urquhart Streets, Georgetown, on or before Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at 9:00 am.

Back in March, it was announced that the GWI is looking to establish 40 new wells and 30 water supply systems in hinterland regions throughout this year, as part of the Government’s agenda to ensure every

household is provided with potable water.

Once completed, these facilities would serve approximately 12,000 residents.

It was recorded that at the end of 2022, the Government achieved 75 per cent coverage of potable water in Amerindian and riverine communities across Guyana. With the commissioning of 20 water purification systems at Aranaputa, Rupertee, Wowetta, Rupununi, Jawalla, Shulinab, and Annai, among other villages, residents of the hinterland also gained access to potable water in their communities for the first time.

The Administration

is working assiduously to achieve its target of 89 per cent coverage in the hinterland region this year.

Some $17.7 billion was injected this year for water expansion and management, with $1.4 billion being allocated to increase access to clean and safe water in hinterland communities in Regions One, Two, Seven, Eight, and Nine.

Additionally, the Ministry has also constructed a 660 feet well at Diamond, East Bank Demerara, which will see 20,000 residents within the Prospect to Diamond area benefitting from an improved level of service and supply of potable water.

tivity is no longer a luxury, but a basic necessity.

According to McCoy

“You can gather so much from the use of the internet. And that is why it is useful, it is not a luxury,

this is a basic necessity that we in the Government is trying to play catchup with because people have been without it for a while. Your Government is concerned and will forever be

concerned about your welfare, about how you advance, about how you are made to become equal with every other community, and every other aspect of life in your country. [As well as] how the children of this village access education and can be made to access the best education.”

McCoy also unveiled that several other communities along the highway are set to benefit from this initiative in the coming weeks.

Chairman of the Community Development Council, Fenton Ragnauth expressed gratitude to the Government for their intervention as he pointed out that access to the internet will greatly benefit the youths as well as the elders within the community.

“That will bring a difference for you the youth and for us the elders also, because we are not too young to learn and we are not too old to learn. I believe this service that we [have] received here will bring a difference to the community of Swan,” Ragnauth remarked.

Minister McCoy along with residents of Swan during the launch of WifiGY

Deadly Mahdia fire

Teachers will travel to communities to teach affected students

President Dr Irfaan

Ali hosted a dinner on Sunday evening at State House for the families of those who perished and students who were in the dorm of the Mahdia Secondary School during the horrific fire

that ended the lives of 19 children.

During the engagement, the President spoke individually to the families in attendance as he listened to their concerns and asked them about ways that the Government

could enhance their lives.

Among the areas were housing, small business ownership and educational support in the communities.

Many of the students who escaped the fire also spoke about wanting to

return to school. Some are hoping to do so within their own communities and close to their families.

The President said that in the interim, teachers will travel to the communities where the students live to teach them

until efforts are made to construct special facilities in those communities.

The President also announced that counselling specialists from overseas will be brought to Guyana to work with the local counsellors.

Meanwhile, he said that students in need of specialised surgeries will be sent to Cuba.

“What we are going to do is to give you support,” the President told the gathering.

Corn, soya production in Region 9 moving apace

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn visited the Iring Integrated Farm Inc and Santa Fe Farm, in South Rupununi, Region

Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

Iring Integrated Farm Inc, which stretches some 24,000 acres, and Santa Fe, which measures some 10,000 acres, have completed over 10,000 acres of land preparation, procured fertilisers, seeds, and agro-equipment, and constructed irrigation canals.

The level of production and the expected yields have the potential to position Guyana as a net exporter of raw ma-

terials for animal feed production or finished feed products to the Region. This will also reduce the cost of production of animal products.

According to a DPI report, during the tour, Benn expressed that he was pleased with the progress of production as it strategically aligns with the Government’s efforts to drive investment in producing soya and corn for animal feed.

The Minister, the DPI report stated, was accompanied by Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institution, Jagnarine Singh,

Head of the Community Policing Group, Rishi Das, members of the Community Policing Group, and a team from the Home Affairs Ministry.

The large-scale production of these crops will propel Caricom’s 25 by 2025 vision, which aims to lower the regional food import bill by 25 per cent by the year 2025.

In 2021, Government announced the implementation of large-scale planting of corn and soya bean, and this saw investments in building out the infrastructure and facilities to significantly boost the farmers’ yields and propel the

Elderly man found dead in home with fractured skull

An elderly man was found dead at his residence at Lot 241 Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo (EBE), on Sunday morning. His family suspects foul play in his death.

Dead is 75-year-old Oudit Narine.

In an interview with one of the man’s relatives on Sunday, they said that Narine lived in a two-storey home, occupying the upper flat while his two close relatives resided in the lower flat.

According to the relative, Narine’s body was discovered on Sunday morning at about 09:00h, but it is believed that he has been dead for some time as his body was already decomposing.

According to the relative, the family received a call from concerned neighbours, who reported a foul odour emanating from Narine's home. Upon arriving at the scene, they found his partially decomposed body in the bathroom, with the area covered in blood.

The relative described the position of the body, stating that Narine was found on his knees, resembling a prayer position.

Despite the strong stench coming from the upper part of the house, the relative said neither of the relatives that lived in the

lower flat had checked on him. This raised suspicions among the family who are now alleging foul play.

The relative mentioned that Narine's son provided conflicting information about the events leading up to his father's death. Initially, they said the son claimed that they had cooked and eaten dinner together on Saturday.

However, the family member said they found this information inconsistent with the strong odour present in the house.

“We spoke to his son, he keeps saying different things. At one point he told me that he and his father cooked and had dinner on Saturday… the information he is giving us is conflicting.

All the time his body was

country’s economy.

In keeping with its manifesto promise, the PPP/C Government committed to promoting the cultivation of corn and soya bean in the intermediate savannahs. To this end, the 2023 budget allocat-

ed over $1.2 billion to infrastructural development in the Tacama area, where soya is being widely grown.

Further, the Government invested in a drying and storage facility, the first of its kind in the country, for which con-

struction works will be completed soon.

These investments continue in irrigation and building human capacity in supporting the country’s agriculture, with the aim of promoting self-sufficiency in Guyana.

Construction of $413M Leguan Stelling progressing smoothly

smelling in the house they claimed to have been there.”

Further, the family is allegedly that the son revealed that he and his father had been involved in a fight, displaying a bruised and discoloured mark on his arm as evidence.

Both Narine's son and brother-in-law were arrested following the discovery of the body but were subsequently released. A post-mortem examination revealed that Narine had suffered a fractured skull due to blunt trauma to the head.

The family is now calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Narine's death, hoping to uncover the truth behind the suspected murder. (G9)

Works on the $413 million Leguan Stelling are progressing smoothly. The update was provided by the General Manager of the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD), Marclene Merchant, during a recent interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI).

“Concrete works are 75 per cent completed. While the linkspan bridge and pontoon will be installed upon completion of the current section of works being undertaken,” she stated.

The project consists of two components geared at achieving the complete rehabilitation of the timber structure and the expansion of the stelling platform, through the construction of the reinforced concrete stelling that will be adjacent and adjoining to the existing structure.

All of the rehabilitation works on the existing timber carriageway have been completed and that work

involves the replacement of deteriorated foundation piles.

The new reinforced concrete section of the stelling will be constructed on 228 prestressed concrete piles and will measure some 160 by 130 feet.

Currently, the overall progress of the project stands at a commendable 58.64 per cent with 75 per cent of the concrete works completed.

Merchant noted that a significant area of 10,850 square feet has been successfully completed, while construction efforts are ongoing for an additional 2825 square feet.

However, 4475 square feet still require attention to reach the projected completion date of June month-end.

Additionally, works under construction include the abutment beam and section four of the deck beam. These particular sections play a crucial role in the overall structure

and functionality of the Leguan Stelling.

When completed, the unifloat pontoon and linkspan bridge will be installed, further enhancing the stelling’s capabilities.

The installation of the linkspan bridge will facilitate the mooring of the ferry, the offloading of commodities, and the ingress and egress of passengers and vehicles.

Similarly, on the pontoon with the low tide or high tide, the vehicles will enter and exit with greater ease as well.

These components will significantly contribute to the seamless connection between the island of Leguan and Georgetown, as they will improve accessibility, streamline transportation, and create opportunities for economic growth and development in the region.

The rehabilitation of the stelling is being undertaken by S Maraj Contracting Services.

Dead: Oudit Narine

Ongoing works on the Leguan Stelling

Corn and soya farms in South Rupununi, Region Nine

Mazaruni Prison escape

Fugitive’s accomplice shot, killed by Police

Escapee: Royden Williams known as “Smallie”

Police have shot and killed a man believed to be an accomplice of the notorious convicted criminal, Mark Royden Williams known as “Smallie”. Williams recently escaped from Mazaruni Prison, prompting an intensive manhunt by law enforcement officers.

Dead is Neon Howard, called “Taxi”, of Friendship, East Coast Demerara.

Reports are that on Sunday, a confrontation ensued leading to the fatal shooting of the 33-yearold man at St Mary's Logging area in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

According to Police, Howard was shot after he opened fire on Joint Services ranks along a trail leading from St Mary's Quarry, Essequibo River.

On Sunday evening, Police said Howard was wanted for aiding in the escape of Williams called “Smallie”, who, with Howard’s assistance, fled the Mazaruni Prison on May 19.

According to Police,

based on information received of sightings of the trio in the St Mary's Quarry area on Saturday, ranks from the Joint Services responded and launched several patrols (ATV and foot) in the area.

“At about 06:54 hrs Sunday, a patrol on ATV was along a trail about six miles north/west of where a lumber concession is based on the Essequibo River bank when the patrol came upon Howard. The Joint Services ranks recognised him as one of the men wanted,” the Police statement said.

According to the Police, the ranks arrested Howard and proceeded to escort him through the trail, when the suspect suddenly snatched one of the ranks’ firearms from his lap as the rank drove the ATV.

Howard, Police said, immediately jumped off the ATV, ran a short distance in front of it, and turned face-on whilst attempting to crank the firearm.

As a result, one of the Joint Services ranks, who

was armed with an AK-47 rifle, then discharged four rounds in Howard’s direction, one of which struck him and he fell in a ditch of water whilst still attempting to crank the firearm.

“On seeing that, another Joint Services rank then discharged three rounds from his 9mm weapon, of which two struck him as he soon became motionless,” the Police said on Sunday.

He was escorted to the Bartica Regional Hospital, where he was examined by a doctor on duty who pronounced him dead on arrival.

At the time of Howard’s arrest, Police said that he was found with a black Samsung phone, one grey haversack which contained a pair of black Nike boots, Vitamin C tablets, Iron tablets, Malaria tablets, one camouflage hammock, one pack of cook-up seasoning, and one pair of checkered boxers.

Police said that an eyewitness who had interactions under duress with the

escapee and his accomplices has positively identified Howard as one of those accomplices.

Charged

This development comes shortly after six individuals, including four prison officers, were remanded to prison on charges related to assisting in the escape of the death row inmate and mass murderer from Mazaruni maximum security prison.

The persons charged are Alexander Hopkinson, Oldfield Romulus, Conroy Hosannah, and Omar Witherspoon. They have been charged alongside Rajmohan Autor, known as "Chico," a businessman, and Frangeliz Jugandry Flores Perez, a Venezuelan national.

The accused were charged with conspiracy to commit a felony under Section 34 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01. During their virtual appearance before Bartica Magistrate Christel

Lambert, Hosannah and Witherspoon were represented by Attorney-at-Law Patrice Henry, Romulus by Attorney Eusi Anderson, and Hopkinson by Attorneyat-Law Bernard Da Silva.

The others appeared without legal representation. The case is scheduled to be called again on June 22. It was reported that Perez had visited Williams before his escape, and the boat captain allegedly involved in facilitating his flight was subsequently apprehended by the Police.

Williams's escape from the prison was executed with the assistance of heavily armed accomplices. The audacious escape took place in broad daylight, utilising a speedboat. During the escape, the escort party accompanying Williams was attacked with AK-47 rifles by the individuals on the boat, which was in the Mazaruni River. Fortunately, no prison officers were injured during the incident.

Following the escape,

the Guyana Police Force announced a reward of $10 million for any information leading to Williams's arrest.

Williams had been found guilty of the Bartica Massacre in 2008, where he was responsible for the deaths of 12 individuals, including three Police officers. He was sentenced to death in September 2022 for the murder of Guyana Defence Force Corporal Ivor Williams, who was fatally shot on January 23, 2008.

He had previously escaped from Camp Street Prison on July 9, 2017, but was eventually recaptured on October 10, 2017, on the Weldaad Public Road in West Coast Berbice. The Police have urged the public to exercise caution and remain vigilant, as Williams and his accomplices are armed and considered extremely dangerous. Investigations into the escape are currently ongoing. (G9)

Berbice Chamber elects 1st female President

The Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association (BCCDA) has its first female President.

Businesswoman Samantha Reid was elected to head the chamber at its recent annual general meeting.

Reid replaces Errol Azal as President while Ryan Alexander, who is the Vice Chair of the Private Sector Commission (PSC), has been retained at the Vice president of BCCDA.

The full executive is; Samantha Reid – President; Ryan Alexander - Senior Vice President; Dr Ganesh Shiv Kumar - Junior Vice President; Imogen Ferdinand – Secretary; Gregory Sears – Treasurer; Nandram Basdeo - Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer, and Ashraf Ali Jahoor - Public Relations Officer.

In a release, the chamber said the executive comprises experienced and talented professionals who

will work together to ensure that the Berbice Chamber of Commerce continues to serve as a valuable resource for its members and the broader business community.

Meanwhile, commenting on the ExxonMobil court matter, the chamber said it is saddened with the decision executed by the honourable learned Judge on the case involving ExxonMobil.

“We are of the strong belief that this matter requires more expert involvement and guidance on the impact of the project in its entirety, the socioeconomic and environmental implications for Guyana and its citizenry,” it said in a separate release.

It added that the BCCDA looks forward to seeing this matter be resolved in the most efficient and effective manner to ensure the integrity of all parties involved is preserved.

In a ruling earlier this month, High Court Judge, Justice Sandil Kissoon found

that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) abdicated its exclusive statutory responsibilities and ordered that it issue Exxon’s local affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production (Guyana) Limited (EEPGL), an Enforcement

Notice to provide an unlimited Parent Company Guarantee Agreement and/ or unlimited liability Affiliate Company Guarantee within 30 days. Failure to comply would result in the suspension of the permit dated May

31, 2022, the Judge has declared.

The EPA has since appealed the decision, arguing that the High Court Judge’s reasoning was flawed and that the permit is in keeping with the law.

On Thursday, Exxon sought to clarify its position on the recent events, declaring its support for the legal recourse taken by the EPA, while also adding that it has also filed its own appeal. (G4)

Newly-elected President Samantha Reid along with the new executive of the Berbice Chamber of Commerce and Development Association (BCCDA)

Streetlights for every community in 2024 – President Ali

President Dr Irfaan

Ali has announced a transformational plan that will see streetlights being installed in every community across the country in 2024.

During an outreach in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) on Saturday, President Ali noted that in every region, street lights have been raised as an issue for many persons. Additionally, since the Government is aiming to develop communities, an integrated plan has been devised to begin the installation of street lights for each community

street, after Guyana’s new power plant is completed and operationalised.

“We have promised that the cost of energy will come down by 50 per cent, and by the time we get there, starting from next year, we will roll out a national plan in which every single street and almost every single post across our country will carry a streetlight, which will improve security and enhance the conditions of [the community],” Dr Ali is quoted in a DPI report as saying.

The President indicated the move to provide streetlights is part of

a long list of projects the Administration has embarked on to improve the country at the community level.

This includes housing construction, the renovation of several public buildings and hospitals, the expansion of several main roads into highways, the construction of bridges and drains, and a national road enhancement project, which saw more than 1100 community roads identified and awarded for construction in 2022.

A strong commitment to improving infrastructure, ensuring enhanced

quality of life for citizens, and improving safety and security has been consistently demonstrated by the Government since assuming office in August 2020.

Already, the fruits of its investment have been witnessed both globally and internationally, as Guyana has skyrocketed to one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

The Administration continues to make prudent investments, to improve the atmosphere of the country and make it one that is competitive on the world stage.

Deadly Mahdia fire

“We appreciate the support” – Foreign Secretary to diaspora

of comfort shown by our Guyanese globe community, especially those who live in the diaspora,” the Foreign Secretary is quoted as saying in a DPI report.

Moreover, he acknowledged and addressed the Guyanese diaspora, affirming their unwavering connection to their homeland.

“You all are still Guyanese, your heart belongs to Guyana, and when any Guyanese living in the land of our birth is affected, I am sure you are affected also,” Persaud stat -

ed.

Further, the Foreign Secretary said the gathering at the Restoration Temple symbolises the solidarity, strength, and compassion of Guyanese, both locally and abroad, as he commended the efforts made by those in attendance to take time out to reflect, console, and provide support to the families affected by the fire. In addition, Guyana has been receiving collective pledges of support from countries, private companies, and agencies, providing a glimmer of hope for the af -

fected families.

Bodies pledging support to Guyana in the aftermath of the Mahdia fire through the mobilisation of human and other resources include the Caricom Heads of Government, New York’s Mount Sinai, and Northwell Health, among others. Meanwhile, Consul General Michael Brotherson also attended the commemoration service, standing in solidarity with the affected families and expressing his condolences.

Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud has conveyed his sincere appreciation for the

tragedy that befell Guyana a few days ago.

He was speaking during a commemoration service

of the tragic Mahdia dormitory fire.

“We appreciate the support that we have received

outpouring of support received from countries across the globe in the wake of the unimaginable

on Sunday morning hosted by the Restoration Temple of Brooklyn, New York City, to honour the victims

from countries across the globe but more so we are struck but also heartened by the deep sentiments

Members of the diaspora at the Restoration Temple of Brooklyn commemoration service on Sunday morning with Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud

President Dr Irfaan Ali at an outreach in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) on Saturday

Regional Haiti's deadly vigilante movement sees decline in gang violence, report says

Violence by armed gangs has fallen "drastically" since the emergence of a vigilante justice movement that has seen at least 160 suspected criminals killed in the last month, a report by local human rights research group CARDH said on Sunday.

The situation in the Caribbean country remains extremely volatile as heavily-armed gangs continue to drive a humanitarian crisis that has displaced tens of thousands amid frequent kidnappings for ransom, gang rapes, tortures, and murders.

The vigilante movement, known as "Bwa Kale", began after residents of the capital Portau-Prince lynched and set fire to over a dozen suspected gang members in the early morning of April 24.

CARDH said "almost no" kidnappings had been recorded in the last month and counted 43 gang-linked murders, down from 146 in the first three weeks of April.

"Without making a value judgment, the 'Bwa Kale' movement has in just one month produced convincing, visible results;

fear has changed sides," CARDH said in the report. "Both kidnappings and gang-related killings have fallen drastically."

Port-au-Prince, which CARDH estimates is now 60 per cent controlled by armed gangs, sits in Haiti's Ouest Department where most of vigilante killings that it recorded – including lynchings, stonings, beatings and burnings – took place.

Bwa Kale, CARDH said, likely emerged from the extreme cruelty inflicted by gangs, the ineffectiveness

Nicaragua accuses Catholic Church of money laundering, freezes accounts

Nicaraguan Police said on Saturday they are investigating several dioceses of the Catholic Church for money laundering, a day after local media reported that the bank accounts of parishes in the Central American country had been frozen.

The Police, loyal to the Government of President Daniel Ortega which has clashed fiercely with Nicaragua's Bishops, said that since May 19 they found "hundreds of thousands of dollars" in church facilities in various parts of the country.

Investigations "confirmed the unlawful removal of resources from bank accounts that had been ordered by law to be frozen", the Police said in a statement.

of the Government, Police and Army and lack of international action.

Haiti's Government and National Police did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Haiti's Government requested a "rapid" international force help bolster its Police last October, but countries have been wary of supporting the unelected government of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who has in turn said fair elections cannot be held under the current insecurity.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Antigua Upper House passes bill to prevent fallout from criminal prosecutions loophole

The Senate has passed an amendment to fix a section in the Criminal Prosecutions Service Act that makes it unlawful for the police to institute charges against someone without the written approval of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The legislation, which was passed in 2017 and enacted in November 2021, states that “no public officer shall, after the commencement of this Act, institute any criminal proceedings or undertake the prosecution of any criminal case in any court, unless he is authorised to do so in writing by the DPP [Director of Public Prosecutions]”.

And one Attorney, having noticed that, used that provision to get one of his clients out of prison with a writ of habeas corpus.

Having heard submissions from lawyer Wendel Robinson, Justice AnnMarie Smith ruled that the charge against Robinson’s

AG Steadroy Benjamin

client was a nullity, thereby freeing the man immediately.

But the ruling meant that all charges filed after a specific date in November 2021 were also void.

As a result, Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin moved to amend the law which he described as being impractical.

On Thursday, when the bill was tabled in the Upper House, Government Senators called for the Opposition’s full support.

Among those was Senator Caleb Gardiner who stressed the importance of alleviating the current crime situation.

“It would be remiss of us to make such a simple amendment contentious because, given what we are seeing today, it’s disheartening … and if we can’t give power to other law enforcement agencies to help curb the criminal activity, what will happen?” he remarked. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

rights groups call Police repression. The Government accused the Bishops, who mediated talks between the Government and protesters, of attempting a coup.

The Police statement said the bank accounts were linked to religious figures convicted of treason and other crimes, and that the investigations confirmed the funds entered the country irregularly.

The Police said the investigation also confirmed "other illicit activities, which are still being investigated as part of a money laundering network that has been discovered in the dioceses in different departments".

information.

Since the anti-Government protests, Ortega has imprisoned and expelled priests and nuns, banned pilgrimages and religious processions and shut nursing homes and soup kitchens that had been run by nuns.

Last February, a Nicaraguan court sentenced high-profile Government critic Bishop Rolando Alvarez to 26 years in prison for treason and cybercrimes, after he refused to board a plane amid the expulsion of 222 other political prisoners.

Ortega's Government has intensified attacks against the Catholic Church in the wake of 2018 anti-Government protests in which some 360 persons died after what human

"People have their bank accounts here, this is how they carried out their work," Cardinal Leopoldo Brenes said in an article posted on news website despacho505. com.

"We are analysing the situation," he said, adding that the Bishops would meet and later provide more

The expelled prisoners were promptly stripped of their nationality, including six priests from Alvarez' diocese who had previously been convicted of the same crimes.

Ortega also suspended ties with the Vatican in March, shortly after Pope Francis compared his administration to the Nazi dictatorship of Adolf Hitler.

(Reuters)

Magnitude 5.6 earthquake strikes

northern Colombia, no damages reported

An earthquake of magnitude 5.6 struck Northern Colombia on Sunday, the European-Mediterranean

Seismological Centre (EMSC) said.

Colombia's disaster risk management unit UNGRD said it was carrying out a

sweep and did not immediately report any damage.

The quake was at a depth of 85 km (52.82 miles), EMSC said.(Reuters)

Crackdown on illegal quarrying in T&T

Some of Trinidad and Tobago’s established construction and aggregate companies are among 57 firms and individuals fined for illegal quarrying, according to documents obtained from the Energy and Energy Affairs Ministry. These companies are also among 44 illegal mining operations “to be closed/shut down since January 2020”.

The documents were received via a letter in April through a Freedom of Information Act request by the Sunday Guardian in January 2023. The Energy Ministry did not state the values of the fines, and subsequent attempts to get the figures were unsuccessful.

According to a source at one of the fined companies – State-owned National Quarries Company Limited (NQCL) – the total fines paid by their company are in the millions. The source and other industry sources said the illegal quarrying industry was worth billions of dollars.

Several of the companies listed in the documents are recipients of multimillion-dollar State construction contracts. Construction projects require aggregates such as sand, gravel and stones for concrete, asphalt, earth fill, road bases and sub-bases. The aggregates are obtained from local quarries.

According to Section 12(1) of the Minerals Act

Chapter 61:03, “No person shall explore for mine, process or import or export minerals except under the authority of a licence issued under this Act.”

Section 45(1) of the Act states, “A person who explores for, or mines, processes, imports or exports any material without a license issued under this Act; or mines in an area that is not a mining zone commits an offence and shall, on summary conviction, be liable to a fine of $500,000 and 5 years imprisonment, and in the case of a subsequent conviction for such offence, shall be liable to a fine of $700,000 and 7 years imprisonment.” (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Smoke rises between houses in the Debussy neighbourhood during clashes between gangs, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, April 24, 2023 (Reuters/Ralph Tedy Erol)

A Google maps image of an area in T&T with illegal quarrying operations

Around The World OIL NEWS

Russia unleashes largest drone attack on Ukrainian capital ahead of Kyiv Day

Market data suggest Russia isn’t cutting oil production as promised

Oil shipments out of Russia haven’t dropped in recent months despite the Russian pledge to cut production by 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) from March onwards, a Bloomberg analysis of shipping data showed on Friday.

The most recent tanker-tracking data suggest that instead of falling, Russian crude oil exports by sea are rising.

The average four-week crude shipments from Russian export terminals increased for a sixth consecutive week in the week to May 19, according to tanker-tracking data reported by Bloomberg’s Julian Lee.

Russia’s crude oil exports averaged in the four weeks nearly 4 million bpd, up by 15% compared to the shipments in the first week of April. The four-week average volume of exports was the highest since Bloomberg started monitoring Russian crude shipments in detail at the beginning of 2022, when Russia invaded Ukraine.

Russia has said that the 500,000 bpd cuts will now extend until the end of 2023, but crude oil export data in recent weeks do not reflect any cuts—on the contrary, Russian crude oil exports by sea are rising.

Earlier this month, reports emerged that Russian Deputy Energy Minister Pavel Sorokin sought to convince Western analysts in a rare call that Russia is indeed reducing its oil production by 500,000 bpd.

But last week, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said that Russia had failed so far to cut its oil production by 500,000 bpd as promised, and it may even be looking to boost output to compensate for lost revenues.

Russian crude oil and oil product exports continue to prove resilient, with exports hitting in April the highest level since the invasion of Ukraine, at 8.3 million bpd, the IEA said in its closely-watched Oil Market Report.

“By our estimates, Moscow did not deliver its announced 500 kb/d supply cut in full. Indeed, Russia may be boosting volumes to make up for lost revenue,” the IEA said. (Oilprice. com)

Russia unleashed waves of air strikes on Kyiv overnight in what officials said appeared to be the largest drone attack on the city since the start of the war, as the Ukrainian capital prepared to celebrate the anniversary of its founding on Sunday.

Ukraine's Air Force said it downed 52 out of the 54 Russia-launched drones, calling it a record attack with the Iranian-made 'kamikaze' drones. It was not immediately clear how many of the drones were shot over Kyiv.

In what also appears to be the first deadly attack on Kyiv in May and the 14th assault this month, falling debris killed a 41-year-old man, Mayor Vitali Klitschko said.

The pre-dawn attacks came on the last Sunday of May when the capital celebrates Kyiv Day, the anniversary of its official founding 1541 years ago. The day

is typically marked by street fairs, live concerts and special museum exhibitionsplans for which have been made this year too, but on a smaller scale.

"The history of Ukraine is a long-standing irritant for the insecure Russians," Andriy Yermak, the head of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's office, said on his Telegram channel.

The Air Force said on Telegram that Russia had targeted military and critical infrastructure facilities in the central regions of Ukraine, and the Kyiv region in particular.

Reuters was unable to independently verify the information.

France condemned the attack "in the strongest terms", adding that it had claimed the lives of at least two people and left several injured, in what it called a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Venice's waters turn fluorescent green near Rialto Bridge

The waters in Venice's main canal turned fluorescent green on Sunday in the area near the Rialto bridge and authorities are seeking to trace the cause, Italy's Fire Department said.

The regional environmental protection agency has received samples of the altered waters and is working to identify the substance that

changed their colour, the department said in a tweet.

The Venice prefect has called an emergency meeting of Police Forces to understand what happened and study possible countermeasures, the Ansa news agency reported.

The incident echoes recent episodes in Italy where environmental groups have been colouring monuments,

Turkey's Erdogan prevails in election test of his 20-year rule

President Tayyip Erdogan claimed victory in Turkey's presidential election on Sunday, a win that would steer his increasingly authoritarian rule into a third decade after he saw off his toughest political challenge yet.

Addressing supporters from on top of a bus in Istanbul, Erdogan thanked people for voting and said Turks had given him the responsibility of governing for the next five years.

"The only winner is

Turkey," he said. Final official results have yet to be released. There was no immediate response to Erdogan's victory speech from his challenger, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, who had the backing of a six-party opposition alliance.

Russian President Vladimir Putin offered congratulations to Erdogan. The presidents of Iran and Algeria and the Emir of Qatar were among leaders to congratulate him in the Middle East, where he has asserted

Turkish influence, at times with military power.

The election had been seen as one of the most consequential yet for Turkey, with the opposition believing it had a strong chance of unseating Erdogan after his popularity was hit by a costof-living crisis.

Instead, victory will reinforce his image of invincibility, after having already redrawn domestic, economic, security and foreign policy in the NATO member country of 85 million people and po-

including using vegetable charcoal to turn the waters of Rome's Trevi fountain black in a protest against fossil fuels.

However, unlike previous cases, no activist group has come forward to claim responsibility for what happened in Venice. (Reuters)

Gunmen kill 2 rangers in Congo's Virunga National Park

sitioned Turkey as a regional power.

Erdogan, head of the Islamist-rooted AK Party, appealed to voters with nationalist and conservative rhetoric during a divisive campaign that deflected attention from deep economic troubles.

The defeat of Kilicdaroglu, who promised to set the country on a more democratic and collaborative path, would likely be mourned in Western capitals which have been alarmed by his ties to Russia.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Gunmen killed two rangers in Congo's Virunga National Park on Sunday, the Congo Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN) said in a statement, the second attack this month in the country's restive east. The attack took place near Rwindi in North Kivu prov-

NATO urges Kosovo to ease tensions with Serbia after clashes

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg has called on Kosovo to tone down tensions with Serbia, two days after clashes between Kosovan Police and protesters who are opposed to Albanian Mayors taking office in ethnic Serbian areas.

“Pristina must de-escalate & not take unilateral, destabilising steps,” Stoltenberg said in a tweet on Sunday.

The transatlantic military alliance’s SecretaryGeneral said he had spoken to European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell

about Kosovo. He added that Pristina and Belgrade must engage in the EU-led

dialogue.

Serbs, who form the majority of the population in

Kosovo’s northern region, do not accept its 2008 declaration of independence from Serbia and still see Belgrade as their capital more than two decades after the war ended in 1999.

They refused to take part in local elections in April, and Albanian candidates won all four municipalities with a 3.5 per cent turnout. Backed by Belgrade, they said they would not accept the Mayors and that they do not represent them.

On Friday, small groups of ethnic Serbs in northern Kosovo clashed with Police while trying to block

the entrance of municipal buildings to prevent the recently elected officials from entering.

Police fired tear gas and several cars were set ablaze. Three out of four Mayors were escorted into their offices by police, who were pelted with rocks and responded with tear gas and water cannons to disperse the protesters.

In the wake of the latest unrest, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic ordered the army to be placed on high alert and “start moving” towards the border with Kosovo. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

ince, north of another attack on May 18 in which three rangers and a worker were killed.

Fighters from the Mai Mai militia were likely to blame, the ICCN said, based on its sources. Reuters was unable to confirm this and the Mai Mai could not be reached for comment.

The Mai Mai comprise several armed bands that formed to resist two invasions by Rwandan forces in the late 1990s. They have since morphed into a variety of ethnic-based militia, smuggling networks and protection rackets.

Virunga is a vast expanse of deep forests, glaciers and volcanos, with more species of birds, reptiles, and mammals than any other protected area in the world.

It has been caught in the middle of militia activity that has destabilised surrounding regions since civil wars fought around the turn of the century. The ICCN warned of a resurgence of violence in February after suspected Mai Mai militants killed a ranger in a third attack. (Reuters)

Rescuers work at a site of a building damaged during a Russian suicide drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine May 28, 2023

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic ordered the army to be placed on high alert [Stringer/AFP]

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Plan your day wisely. A tight schedule executed with precision will help you maximize your skills, time and financial resources. Don't underestimate your ability to surpass expectations.

PICKLES

(March 21-April 19)

Keep your plans simple and within budget. A serious attitude will help you gain respect and hands-on help. Don't be fooled by someone trying to take advantage of you. Keep your ideas secret.

(April 20-May 20)

PEANUTS

(May 21-June 20)

A variety of skills will be required to handle matters appropriately. Take requests seriously to avoid the consequences of not living up to promises. Be honest and demand the same from others.

Rearrange your living space to suit your needs. Approach each pursuit or challenge using your imagination and resourcefulness; you'll come out on top. Romance is favored.

(June 21-July 22)

Offer assistance and positive input, and you'll impress someone who can help you advance. Don't hold back when you have something to share. Be the one to make a difference, and doors will open.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

SUDOKU

(July 23-Aug. 22)

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

You'll get the backup you require if you share information and offer solutions based on common sense, experience and skills. Romance will lead to a unique opportunity. Travel is highlighted.

Shake off any negativity that comes your way. Uncover information that will help you make your next move. Preparation will be necessary if you want to succeed.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Following your heart will take you to your happy place. Avoid anger. Personal growth and physical improvements are favored. A change of plans will open the door to new possibilities.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Put your energy into getting ahead. How you use your money and skills will determine your success. A promising partnership could lead to a lucrative future if you compromise.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Refuse to let arguments erupt when positive action is what will open doors. Take time to enjoy your friends and colleagues. Mix business with pleasure, and you'll make progress.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Pay attention to your surroundings and make alterations that will lower your overhead. Keep your focus on what's important to you. A heart-toheart talk will ease stress and improve your life.

Mull over your options and make your move. Protect what you've got and focus on what you want. Make intelligent decisions and distance yourself from negative people.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

White's last-second putback forces Game 7 as Celtics win again

Derrick White put home Marcus Smart's missed three-pointer just before the final buzzer sounded to give the Boston Celtics a thrilling 104-103 victory over the Miami Heat to force Game 7 in the Eastern Conference finals.

After Jimmy Butler sank three free throws to give Miami a 103102 lead with three seconds left, the

Celtics inbounded to Smart, whose three-pointer rattled in and out.

But White grabbed the rebound and released it with 0.1 seconds on the clock to save Boston's season.

The Celtics are on the brink of the greatest comeback in NBA playoffs history, needing a win at home in Game 7 today to become the first team to rally to win a series after losing the first three games.

Shaw is Manchester City Women's Player of the Season, misses out on WSL Golden Boot

Boston are only the fourth NBA team to erase a 3-0 deficit in a bestof-seven series to force a deciding game. Today's winner will face the Denver Nuggets in a title series that will start on June 1. Jayson Tatum had 31 points and 10 rebounds, Jaylen Brown added 26 and 10 boards, and Smart finished with 21 points as the Celtics

improved to 5-0 when facing elimination this season.

Butler scored 12 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter to go with 11 rebounds and eight assists.

The Heat need a win today to become only the second number eight seed to make the NBA Finals and avoid the dubious distinction of being the first team to blow a 3-0 series lead. (Sportsmax)

Verstappen beats Alonso to win Monaco Grand Prix

Reggae Girlz Captain Khadija “Bunny”

Shaw has won the award for Manchester City Women’s Player of the Season, having come out on top in a fan vote.

Shaw, in her second season for Manchester City Women, scored 31 goals in all competitions, surpassing the record for the most goals by a Women’s player across a single season. She also claimed the Women’s Super League (WSL) Player of the Month awards in November and March and received the Goal of the Season prize for her strike against Arsenal in April 2023.

Shaw, who scored twice in Manchester City Women's 3-2 win over Everton on Saturday's final day of the season, did miss out on the WSL’s

Golden Boot having bagged 20 league goals, two shy of Aston Villa’s Rachel Daley’s 22. Daley scored in Aston Villa's 2-0 win over Arsenal.

Manchester City Women finished fourth in the WSL on 47 points behind winners Chelsea Women who amassed 58 points from their 22 games.

Manchester United Women finished second with 56 points. Arsenal Women were third on 47 points, the same as Manchester City Women, who lost their first two games of the season before going on a 16game unbeaten run.

However, the Cityzens lost three of their last six games and fell out of the running for the title. They finished with a record of 15 wins, two draws, and five losses. (Sportsmax)

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen survived a mid-race downpour to win the Monaco Grand Prix from Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso.

Verstappen appeared to be cruising at the front, but his race was given added jeopardy by his team delaying his pit stop in an attempt to coincide it with the rain.

And Aston Martin appeared to miss a chance to beat Verstappen by pitting Alonso for a set of dry tyres as the rain was intensifying.

Had Alonso been given treaded tyres, his stop –while Verstappen was still on untreaded slicks – could have led to the Spaniard taking the lead.

But Alonso had to stop again for intermediate tyres on the following lap, when Verstappen did the same, and his victory chances were gone.

Verstappen’s win, his

fourth in six races this year, moves him 39 points clear of teammate Sergio Perez in the championship.

The Mexican had a nightmare race after starting from the back following his crash in qualifying and finished down in 17th place.

Rain causes chaos

The rain started lightly on lap 51 and intensified slowly over the next few laps, but the fact it was initially largely over the section from Casino Square to the tunnel made decisions as to tyre choices difficult.

By lap 54, with 24 to go, half of the track was wet and half dry, and Verstappen leading from Alonso, Mercedes’ George Russell, Alpine’s Esteban Ocon, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.

Verstappen had been

hanging on with his fading medium tyres much longer than he wanted as Red Bull waited for the rain, while Alonso behind him on hard tyres was more comfortable, but 13 seconds adrift.

Aston Martin chose that lap to pit Alonso, but they fitted medium, untreaded slick tyres, rather than the treaded intermediates that Russell, Hamilton, Ocon, and the other Alpine of Pierre Gasly all chose when they pitted 30 seconds or so later.

Verstappen and the Ferrari drivers stayed out, but the intensifying rain led to the Dutchman hitting the wall at Portier and Sainz spinning at Mirabeau.

Had Alonso been on intermediates, it looked at face value as if he might have had a chance to make up enough time to pass Verstappen when the Red Bull driver pitted the next time around,

although a quick analysis of the lap times suggested he probably would not have made it.

Instead, both had to pit on lap 55 to fit intermediates and Verstappen retained the lead.

Alonso’s advantage over the rest of the leading runners, all of whom had pitted other than Russell, ensured he maintained second place, while Ocon vaulted back into the third place he had held from the start, but lost as the pit-stop period started before the rain developed.

Alonso closed on Verstappen quite quickly in the first laps after changing tyres, cutting his advantage by five seconds in as many laps while also lapping seconds faster than any other driver in the field.

But Verstappen then began to edge away again and controlled the race to the end. (BBC Sport)

Max Verstappen took his 39th career win (Photo: Getty Images)

“Bunny”

Reggae Girlz Captain Khadija “Bunny” Shaw

Provisional programme released for Kennard's Memorial Caricom Day meet

The Kennard Memorial Turf Club (KMTC) at Bush Lot Farm, Region Six (East CorentyneBerbice) has released a provisional programme for its annual Caricom Day horserace meet set for Monday, July 3, 2023.

A total of six races are on the cards for the day with more than $4 million in cash, trophies, and other incentives up for grabs. According to the programme, the feature event is for horses classified G3 non-winners and lower, running at seven furlongs for a winner’s prize of

$500,000 and a trophy.

The next significant event listed on the cards is the J1 and Lower race, which will see the winner taking home $300,000 and a trophy in the six-furlong race.

The race for three-yearold maiden horses will see the top horse claiming $250,000 and a trophy in another six-furlong event. Guyana-bred two-year-old horses will be running for a winner’s purse of $250,000 and a trophy over five furlongs.

The race for the L Class Open horses has a win-

Brilliant Bajans win Women’s T20 Blaze to complete double

ning purse of $200,000 over six furlongs. The final event carded is the J and L non-earners over six furlongs for a pole position taking of $200,000 and a trophy.

The meet will be conducted using the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority. For racing enquires and entrees, contact Club Secretary Niketa Ross (662-4668); Ivan Dipnarine (331-0316); Basil Bactowar (661-7815); Fazal Habibulla (657-7010); or Isaac Dalloo (689-0629) or any member of the KMTC executives for more information.

Rain pushes IPL final into reserve day

It was all rain on Sunday

The Indian Premier League (IPL) final between Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans has been postponed until today, Monday, May 29 because of heavy rain in Ahmedabad.

The rain briefly stopped about 16:30h (India time) on Sunday, with the covers taken off and the players coming out to warm up, but it returned within 15 minutes.

Barbados completed the double by capturing the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Women’s T20 Blaze, by defeating Leeward Islands by eight wickets on the final day of the competition on Saturday.

Entering the match at Warner Park level with Guyana on 12 points and needing a victory to secure the title, Barbados chased down 122 to complete their all-important fourth victory of the tournament, with 15 balls to spare.

Last week, they won the CG United Super50 title.

At St Paul’s Sports Complex, Guyana sensationally defended a score of just 39 to come away with a nail-biting one-run victory over Trinidad and Tobago, and finish level on points with Barbados.

However, Barbados were adjudged winners, having won the head-tohead clash by three wickets in the second round last Sunday.

“We were expected to win. Obviously, last year we missed out narrowly in

the T20,s but we’re really happy to have taken both” said Barbados Captain Shakera Selman.

In the other game played at Conaree, Windward Islands ended the tournament on a high with a six-wicket takedown of deposed champions Jamaica.

Aware Guyana had already secured the points they needed, Barbados knew a slip-up would be costly and produced a clinical performance.

Asked to bowl first, they restricted Leewards to 1215 off their 20 overs, with Divya Saxena top-scoring with 33 not out. She struck a four and faced 50 balls, and held the innings together with a string of partnerships, adding 24 for the second wicket with Melicia Clarke (13), 23 for the third with Amanda Edwards (15), 30 for the fourth with Jahzara Claxton (13), and 30 for the fifth with Rozel Liburd (20).

In reply, left-hander Kycia Knight took responsibility for the run chase with an unbeaten 63 off 51 balls with nine fours. She

put on 80 for the first wicket with all-rounder Aaliyah Alleyne, who made 32 from 26 balls with five fours, before adding a further 37 in an unbroken third-wicket stand with Trishan Holder (13 not out).

Results

Round 1: Saturday, May 20 (all matches played at Warner Park)

Windward Islands v Guyana – Guyana won by 4 runs

Leeward Islands v Jamaica – Jamaica won by 8 wickets

Trinidad & Tobago Red Force Divas v Barbados –T&T Red Force Divas won by 5 wickets

Round 2: Sunday, May 21 (all matches played at Warner Park)

Windward Islands

v Leeward Islands –Windwards won by 46 runs

Guyana v Barbados –Barbados won by 3 wickets

Jamaica v Trinidad & Tobago Red Force Divas –Jamaica won by 6 runs

Round 3: Tuesday, May 23 (all matches played at Warner Park)

Trinidad & Tobago Red Force Divas v Windward Islands – Windwards won by 7 wickets

Jamaica v Barbados –Barbados won by 9 wickets

Guyana v Leeward Islands – Guyana won by 5 wickets

Round 4: Thursday, May 25 (all matches played at Warner Park)

Jamaica v Guyana –Guyana won by 8 wickets

Leeward Islands v Trinidad & Tobago Red Force Divas – T&T Red Force Divas won by 6 wickets

Barbados v Windward Islands – Barbados won by 4 wickets

Round 5: Saturday, May 27

Leeward Islands v Barbados (Warner Park) – Barbados won by 8 wickets

Trinidad & Tobago Red Force Divas v Guyana (St Paul’s) – Guyana won by 1 run

Jamaica v Windward Islands (Conaree) –Windwards won by 6 wick ets

Chennai are looking to equal Mumbai’s record tally of five IPL titles.

Gujarat are aiming to retain the title they won in their inaugural season in 2022.

If no play is possible today, Gujarat will win the title after topping the league table with 20 points – three more than Chennai in second.

Chennai beat Gujarat in Qualifier One to become the first side to qualify for the final, with Gujarat then seeing off Mumbai Indians to earn the second final spot. (BBC Sport)

Six exciting races will be on the Caricom Day event’s card at the Kennard Memorial Turf Club

Champions: Barbados Women

Hats off to Esuan! Kevin Sinclair credits Crandon for success

By Brandon Corlette

Guyana and West Indies player Kevin Sinclair has been in good form in recent times, with both bat and ball, especially in First-Class cricket. The hard-working and motivated player – who is fresh from his third First-Class five-wicket haul, which came against Bangladesh A – credited former Guyana Head Coach Esuan Crandon.

In an interview with the media on Sunday, Sinclair also spoke about what he WAS looking forward to achieve during the upcoming One-Day International (ODI) tour against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and he spoke about the knowledge he gained from legendary Jamaican left-arm spinner Nikita Miller.

"Well, for me, it is always about self-belief and believing in my ability. I never keep myself down. I get that

confident and bring whatever energy I get to the session. I want to say Esuan Crandon, the former Coach with the Guyana Harpy Eagles team. He is always on me, telling me that I can bat and I can be one of the best all-rounders. I just want to say to the media today that he is one of those individuals that's behind me in terms of where I am at now, and giving me that confidence in terms of whenever I go out there. He always tells me to believe in my abilities.

"For me, it is basically it is just my hard work and dedication to the game. A lot (of work) has been put in my batting. It is just simple, whenever I come out from the Academy or the Guyana training session, it is what I do after, so the extra work I have been putting in has paid off right now," Sinclair said.

He is also aiming to put in some good performances to seal a spot on the West Indies team at the upcoming ODI World Cup. The off-spinner also noted that he was aiming to back up performances, as he did during his last series against New Zealand.

"I am grateful to CWI, because during the Headley Weekes Tri Series, they had Nikita Miller who told me a lot about my bowling, and using the crease," Sinclair said.

When asked about the conditions on his first tour

to Bangladesh, Sinclair said: "Overall, the condi tions are quite similar to Guyana, which is a bit slow. Surprisingly, the grounds men shared some info on the preparation of the pitch suit ed for fast bowling. It is not much for spinners: until the game goes on, it spins. The wicket has a bit of grass for it. It has been really good, and I am really enjoying it and I cannot ask for a better exposure than this, so I am looking to grab (my opportu nity) with both hands."

The Berbician is aim ing to do great things for the West Indies senior team. "For me, getting another chance to represent the West Indies in the 50-over is a great feel ing for me. It is something that I really want to do since I am small. Getting another opportunity to do that is re ally special in my heart. In terms of goals, I do not set a lot of goals to pressure myself," Sinclair said.

Urgent decisions to be made by Cricket West Indies, says “Reds”

By Brandon Corlette

Cricket West Indies (CWI) has been moving full steam ahead as it relates to squad announcements and upcoming tours, but some urgent decisions are yet to be made public. Veteran cricket commentator Joseph "Reds" Perreira weighed in on the replacement of Director of Cricket, Jimmy Adams and the selection of a new West Indies Women's Head Coach.

According to “Reds”, former West Indies Captain, Trinidadian Merissa Aguilleira has indicated interest in signing up for the West Indies Women's Head Coach post.

"The first urgent decision to be made by Cricket West Indies is to replace Jimmy Adams. My understanding is that his contract is not being renewed. He is

back in Jamaica. "Cricket West Indies have to go to the international market (for a replacement). There is no one that can take up that position easily found within, in the Caribbean. It has to be a person with a strong cricket background," “Reds” said.

According to the Guyanese veteran, who now resides in St Lucia, Jeffrey Dujon should be the man for the Director's post.

"He is the one that might be able to take the job and even do a better job than Jimmy Adams, who was found wanting when we lost the World Cup. Dujon is highly respected and has created contacts around the globe. He is possibly a better communicator."

Based on reports coming out of different parts of the Caribbean, Miles Bascombe, who was co-selector with Roger Harper,

the former St Vincent and Windward Islands batsman, may be in the running for the job.

"With all due respect to Miles Bascombe, this is asking someone that is not equipped to play that important role. You have to see a big picture of responsibility. It would be a mistake to try to appoint Miles Bascombe. Maybe it will be

unfair to him to carry out that role," “Reds” explained.

The veteran commentator said: "[Courtney] Walsh started to bring in the younger players, and started to move on from the older players who had a fitness problem. Surprisingly, he was not kept on.

"Interest for the (West Indies Women's Head Coach) job has been com-

ing out of Trinidad. The former West Indies Captain Merissa Aguilleira. I understand from a good source in Port of Spain is that she is putting in her bid to become the new coach."

"Her experience is very limited. She coached Trinidad and Tobago in that short CPL exercise among West Indies Women in St Kitts, and I think she managed the West Indies Under-19. That does not make a strong case for handing a job at that high level."

“Reds” believed that CWI may have to go to the international market to select a Head Coach for the West Indies Women's team.

Commenting on the possible recall of Shimron Hetmyer, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Evin Lewis, Reds said: "Hetmyer is certainly one that should be available for the West

Indies T20s. Common sense would indicate that. With Russell and Narine who both had below-par IPL seasons in 2023, in the past they have made themselves unavailable. They have not showed that commitment to the West Indies."

"This is a question that has been asked around. Lewis has got the talent, but has he got the commitment, and desire, does he want to play?"

“Reds” noted that the Coaches, Daren Sammy and Andre Coley, have to be on the same page with the selectors in sharing ideas.

"As it relates to Desmond Haynes, I am glad he cleared the fact that Hetmyer made himself available, but I felt he could have been a little bit diplomatic by not referring to the request he had from Captain Shai Hope. It would have been better left unsaid," “Reds” stated.

Former Guyana Head Coach Esuan Crandon

Kevin Sinclair

Miles Bascombe

Veteran cricket commentator Joseph "Reds" Perreira