Guyana Times - Monday November 13, 2023

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Adult Drug Treatment Court marks 4th anniversary Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 5552

THE BEACON OF TRUTH PRICE $100 VAT INCLUDED

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2023

Remembrance Day 2023

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Guyana rededicates itself to search for peace everywhere – Pres Ali

Fire ravages Alexander P11 Village house – 2 others severely damaged

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Page 3

...reiterates call for ceasefire in conflict zones ...says time for world to enjoy peace, joy & prosperity

Eternal vigilance needed to preserve Icerobspickdoctorthiefof iPhone Guyana’s sovereignty – PM ...as Chief of Staff assures veterans of GDF’s commitment to protect borders See story on page 11

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Pensioner dies after being struck by car along P2 Linden-Soesdyke Highway

IsDB funding project to supply Lethem with hydropower P7 – int’l consultant being sought to design, install connections

Houses across the country were adorned with lighted diyas and fairy lights on Sunday evening as Guyanese observe Diwali – the Festival of Lights

Drunken, speeding Corentyne driver kills biker woman stabbed to death in in head-on collision Georgetown hotel – left leg also severed

NA man busted with fake $5000 bills during roadblock P7

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2 NEWS Pensioner dies after being struck by Ganja, boat found car along Linden-Soesdyke Highway near koker at Rosignol MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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The body of London lying on the roadway

pensioner lost his life after he was reportedly struck by a motor car along the Adventure Public Road, SoesdykeLinden Highway on Saturday evening. Dead is 78-year-old Frank London of Adventure Village, Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

Police stated that the accident involved a motor car bearing registration number PXX 1989, which was

at the time being driven by a 28-year-old resident of McKenzie, Linden.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the car was proceeding along the roadway when the driver alleged that he saw the now dead man sitting in the middle of his lane.

Upon seeing this, he attempted to swerve to avoid a collision but due to the short distance, the front portion of the vehicle collided with London.

The ganja that was found at the koker

The car that was involved in the accident

As a result of the collision, the pedestrian sustained injuries to his body. He was picked up in an unconscious state by public-spirited citizens who rushed him to the McKenzie Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Following his arrest, a breathalyser test was administered to the driver but there were no traces of alcohol in his system. The wrecked motor

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Dead: Frank London

car was taken to the Highway Patrol Base as investigations continue.

olice on mobile patrol, on Friday evening, discovered over 22 kilograms of ganja in the vicinity of the ‘Cabbage Factory’ koker near the Rosignol Stelling, Region Five.

Based on the information received, the Police were conducting their du-

The aluminium boat that was discovered during the search

The outboard engine and gas container

ties when they observed two unidentifiable men walk-

ing around the 'Cabbage Factory' koker.

Upon seeing the Police, the men ran in different directions and escaped into the bushes. As such, a search was conducted in the area during which an aluminium boat along with a 15-horsepower outboard engine was found.

A further search of the boat unearthed five parcels of cannabis wrapped in transparent plastic. The cannabis, boat, and engine were confiscated and lodged at the Blairmont Police Station.

At the station, the ganja was weighed and amounted to 22,700 grams (50 lbs).

Investigations are ongoing.

NEWS

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Remembrance Day 2023

BRIDGE OPENINGS

BRIDGE The Demerara OPENINGS Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, Nov 13 – 04:30h – 06:00h and Tuesday, Nov 14 – 04:00h – 05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, Nov 13 – 16:10h – 17:40h and Tuesday, Nov 14 – 16:45h – 18:15h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be sunshine and thundery showers during the day. Expect clear skies at night.

Temperatures should range between 24 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-Easterly between 3.12 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 16:21h reaching a maximum height of 2.76 metres.

Low Tide: 09:58h and 22:21h reaching minimum heights of 0.59 metre and 0.42 metre.

Guyana rededicates itself to search for peace everywhere – Pres Ali ...reiterates call for ceasefire in conflict zones ...says time for world to enjoy peace, joy & prosperity

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s Guyana pays tribute to its citizens who fought in World Wars I and II, President Dr Irfaan Ali on Sunday emphasised that Guyanese are dedicated to searching for peace while calling for a ceasefire in the world’s conflict zones.

During his address on Sunday at the Remembrance Day ceremony at the war memorial monument in Georgetown, the President renewed his Government’s commitment to the development and well-being of all citizens.

“On this solemn occasion, we the citizens of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, rededicate ourselves to the search for peace everywhere.”

“The time has come for a ceasefire. The time has come for children, women, and

President Dr Irfaan Ali as he addressed the veterans

said.

The Head of State laid the first wreath, followed by Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips. Chief-

The veterans in attendance at the war memorial

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men, not to be awakened to their deaths by bombs. But to enjoy a world filled with peace, joy, and prosperity,” President Ali said.

Of the veterans, President Ali said that the soldiers who fought selflessly in World Wars I and II did not do so for the world to inherit, to this day, continuous war.

According to him, Guyana is dedicated to planning for and contributing to a peaceful world. “(The veterans) sacrifice was in the cause of peace and freedom. They did not sacrifice so that we may inherit a world in which we have a continuation of wars and conflict. On this Remembrance Day, the least the world can do in honour of those who sacrificed ultimately in the two world wars, the least the world can do is to return every corner of this world to a position of peace.”

“To return hostages held against their will. And to cease fire on every land in which men, women, and children, are killed and awakened by the sound of bombs.

This country, the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, plans every single day for a peaceful world and contributing towards a peaceful world in honour of all those who made the ultimate sacrifices in those two world wars,” President Ali

of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Omar Khan; President of the Guyana Veterans Legion, Lt Colonel (Ret’d) George

Gomes; Commissioner of the Guyana Police Force (ag), Clifton Hicken along with heads of the diplomatic missions present in Guyana and members of key organisations that emerged during the world wars also paid their respects.

Meanwhile, British Ambassador to Guyana, Jane Miller, who addressed the Guyana Veterans Legion after the wreath-laying ceremony, made it clear that the United Kingdom (UK) fully supports the work the legion does to honour those who’ve come before them.

“The UK is very happy and very proud. And we really applaud you for the work you’re doing. Today is a time for remembrance. It’s a time for reflection. Across the whole world, we have a contested world. We have wars, we have conflicts happening.

And today, throughout the

world, we will stop and reflect and pray for peace.”

“At the same time, we want to thank those (veterans) for their hard work, for their bravery, for the men and women. Those who have defended our freedoms all over the world. We also think about the families, we think about the widows, we recognise the service they have provided to each and every one of us.”

Also present was the Canadian Ambassador to Guyana, Mark Berman.

According to him, Canada and Guyana have shared values such as reverence for the contributions of veterans and a commitment to peace and freedom. And noting that these values come at a high price, he made it clear that the sacrifices of the veterans must never be forgotten.

“We in Canada recognise (veterans’) invaluable contribution to our safety and I know that Guyana proudly recognises veterans and serving members of the GDF. Four Canadian servicemen lay at rest at the Commonwealth war graves at Eve Leary here in Georgetown. We commemorated their service yesterday, at the same time that all Canadians commemorated our fallen servicemen around the world,” Berman said.

Remembrance Sunday is held on the second Sunday of November, while Remembrance Day is observed on November 11 annually by Commonwealth countries to honour those who died in world wars. (G-8)

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guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2023

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Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Remember Ankoko!

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ubsequent to the Arbitral Award of 1899 that fixed the border between Venezuela and Guyana, between 1900 and 1904 a joint survey team physically demarcated that border which was accepted by all parties concerned as attested by a map signed on January 7, 1905 by two commissioners each from the British and Venezuelan sides.

At the confluence of the Wenamu and Cuyuni Rivers, the island of Ankoko had been divided into two with the eastern half belonging to Guyana and the western to Venezuela.

The physical markers were made of bullet wood posts driven into the ground and buttressed by stones from the river. This border was respected until October 12th, 1966, a mere five months after we became independent, after Venezuelan troops moved across the border, occupied our half of the island, and constructed an airstrip.

While there were protests made by the Guyanese Government to Venezuela, ignoring demands by the Opposition PPP, the Government followed advice by the US and did not raise the Venezuelan invasion and annexation of its territory to the UN Security Council. Since then, there have been a series of further violations against the Geneva Agreement, which had been negotiated between Britain (along with its colony Guyana) and Venezuela just before independence, on February 17, 1966. According to Art 5 (2) of the agreement, “No new claim or enlargement of an existing claim to territorial sovereignty in those territories shall be asserted while this Agreement is in force, nor shall any claim whatsoever be asserted otherwise than in the Mixed Commission while that Commission is in being.”

The “Mixed Commission” referred to had been established pursuant to the same agreement.

Annexation, in international law, “is the forcible acquisition and assertion of legal title over one state's territory by another state, usually following the military occupation of the territory” and this is what Venezuela has done to our half of Ankoko since 1966. In current international law, annexation is held to be an illegal act.

Key developments towards this position in the 20th century include the 1907 Porter Convention, the 1920 Covenant of the League of Nations, and the 1928 KellogBriand Pact culminating in UN Charter Article 2:4 – “All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations.” It does not matter that Venezuela has never formally announced its annexation, its actions since 1966 have conclusively demonstrated the de facto nature of the annexation. Under international law and the provisions of international humanitarian law, Ankoko should be referred to as "occupied and illegally annexed".

Back in 1970 when the Guyana Government was negotiating the Treaty of Port of Spain with Venezuela which would place a moratorium on the controversy, historian Odeen Ishmael has written: At the time, according to Guyanese Minister of State Shridath Ramphal, the Venezuelans contended that their claim to the eastern half of the island was based not so much on their contention of the nullity of the Arbitral Award of 1899, but on their occupation and use over the years.

As he stated in a letter of June 6, 1970, to Guyana’s Ambassador in Washington, Rahman Gajraj, “They make it clear to us that politically they cannot withdraw from the eastern half of the island at this stage and the result is a ‘live and let live’ arrangement. We have made it clear that we shall continue to demand their withdrawal and that the Protocol in no way inhibits us from doing so. They understand this.”

Against the background of Maduro’s present bellicosity, we must once again make this demand – this time to the UN Security Council where we now have a seat. We have to seize the initiative – away from our defensive reactions to Maduro’s manoeuvres. What we suggest is we mount an international campaign to have Venezuela return the half of Ankoko it seized in 1966.

The First Family joined thousands of Guyanese along the Kingston Seawall to witness the grand Diwali Motorcade organised by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS) on Saturday evening which saw over 30 well-decorated floats illuminating the East Coast corridor

PM Phillips, Ministers, MPs warned Maduro regime of grave consequences if it attempts to annex Essequibo Dear Editor, Most if not all Guyana should be mindful of the fact that a remarkable feat took place on Monday, November 6, 2023, when the Government and the Opposition parties joined together in a show of unity and strength to defend and preserve Guyana’s border at an extraordinary sitting of the National Assembly.

On this day, every sitting Member of Parliament from both sides of the isle including the Leader of the Opposition Mr Norton, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr Hugh Todd vehemently condemned the recent actions by the Maduro regime for its threats to use force to unilateral annex the Essequibo region which is approximately 73 per cent of Guyana’s territory. This type of unity has not been seen or witnessed in the country in decades.

Following the debate, the MPs unanimously and vigorously approved a parliamentary motion rejecting the planned Venezuelan referendum scheduled for December 3rd that seeks to annex Essequibo. The debate was led by the capable and effective leader of the House for Government business, Prime Minister Mark Phillips who in a

gut-wrenching speech in the presence of members of the diplomatic corps, senior public servants, and schoolchildren emphatically declared that in the face of incessant and baseless threats from Venezuela, the people and Government of Guyana have remained resilient and assertive and will not succumb to the tyranny and intimidatory tactics of Caracas.

The Former Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips passionately and unforgivingly reiterated what President Dr Irfaan Ali has on several occasions profoundly told members of the international community that the time for negotiation is over, there will be no need for dialogue with President Nicolas Maduro and absolutely no meeting between the irrational tyrant and himself.

While the President was firm, committed and vowed to defend Guyana’s territory, PM Phillips candidly told the National Assembly that Essequibo is not Bird Island which Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica ceded to Venezuela a decade ago, or Patos Island which Trinidad and Tobago surrendered to Venezuela.

As a patriot and proud

and loyal Guyanese, the Prime Minister resolutely said there would be no concessions, no invasion, annexation, or any other acts of aggression by Venezuela. He distinctly reaffirmed the validity of the 124-year-old 1899 Arbitral Award which settled the border dispute, established a “full, perfect and final” settlement of the boundary between Guyana and Venezuela, and confirmed that Essequibo is part of Guyana’s territory.

Like His Excellency, the leader of the House for Government business is steadfast in his quest to have the dispute settled through peaceful and legal means before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Echoing President Dr Ali, Prime Minister Phillips avowed that every square inch of Guyana belongs to Guyanese, and the nation will not yield any territory to Venezuela, despite the recent threats from Caracas to use force to annex Essequibo. He said the Government remained committed to the legal process to resolve the border controversy to secure and protect the nation’s sovereignty.

PM Phillips further told the House that the Maduro regime’s malicious claim to more than two-thirds

of Guyana’s territory is flawed and without any merit and its plans to hold a referendum on Guyana’s Essequibo on December 3, 2023, is groundless and it will not deter the will of the people to defend Guyana which has sought the intervention of the World Court at a hearing scheduled for December 14 and 15, while an impending case on the border controversy itself is still ongoing in the ICJ. The former Army Chief joined several of his colleagues and MPs in the House to forewarn President Maduro that Guyana’s stance on the border controversy is non-negotiable and this is a fundamental right that Venezuela must respect because there would be grave consequences on his regime if it attempts to annex the Essequibo region.

Maintaining that Essequibo belongs to Guyana, the Prime Minister said that every square inch of the country means everything to its people, whose ancestors comprise of Indigenous, Africans, East Indians, Portuguese, Europeans and Chinese who have made the former colony their home.

Respectfully, Dr Asquith Rose

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2023

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You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Was the release of Bibi Sherima Gopaul a gross miscarriage of justice?

Dear Editor, Was the release of Bibi Gopaul a human error or a cold calculated trick that was meant to deceive and pull off one of Guyana's most daring judicious political stunts? It is a question that has stunned our consciences ever since and one that has left a bitter taste in the mouths of every Guyanese far and wide.

On my part, the release of this cold-blooded murderer is not a surprise by any stretch of the imagination, and I will tell you why.

In a country where race and politics play an integral part in every matter, this case is no different from any other before it. Are you aware that mass murderer Rhondell "Smallie" Williams was to be released from prison? Yes, he should

have, the only problem with his release was that he had other cases of a capital nature pending before the courts, so he had to wait until those cases were successfully adjudicated before he could take his place as a freed man among us.

Smallie was acquitted of the mass murders at Lusignan by our High Court here, although there was damning evidence that there were gross underhand dealings between counsel and jurors in that case, the jury tampering which effectively gave him an acquittal. That matter went to the Appeal Court, which saw a similar judgement. If not undone yet, the matter was further sent to the CCJ which upheld our local Appeal Court's ruling. When the matter of

jury tampering came up before the lead Justice of the CCJ at the time, said, that jury tampering was immaterial to the case at hand, and as such they could not have rendered another verdict against the accused.

Fascinating! Utterly fascinating!

Was this a matter of the apex court viewing the matter of jury tampering as some kind of a joke? Or was this justice through strange lenses? Whichever the interpretation, is this the reason why the host country Trinidad is not a signatory to the CCJ as their final court of appeal? Questions, just honest, reasonable questions, that should generate some reasoned, educated answers!

Now back to the Neesa Gopaul case, here we have

a situation of an interracial love relationship in which the daughter came in the way. Both the prime suspect and his colluding girlfriend were convicted and given lengthy sentences. The Appeal Court upheld sentencing but with reduced years of incarceration, however, when the matter came up in the apex court, the "actual murderer" was freed while the sentence of the murder convict's mother, was further reduced to something almost unrecognisable. The lead Justice, in this case, reasoned that circumstantial evidence is not enough to render a verdict against a murder accused, similar summation, similar judgements. Thus, I would reasonably conclude like my local Attorney General, that

not all the decisions of the apex court one can readily agree with.

Turning to the matter of calculating the number of years Bibi Gopaul spent in jail and her parole, again the usual suspect's method of tabulation has come up way too short. In the first place who ordered her release? Was it not an issue of good behaviour and time spent, which tells you that this is a Parole Board Matter? I listened to questions put to both the Head of the Parole Board as well as the Prison Chief, the first knows nothing of parole, while the Chief of Prisons gave a convoluted response that would send one into convulsive fits of laughter. I think heads should roll somebody needs to lose their job immediately.

This is a simple arithmetic, but it goes without saying, if a matter of what constitutes a majority in a 65-seat Parliament, then what is? The hilarious reasoning of 32+34 = 65 reaching a court of law tells you much about the mental faculties of those who are at the top of our system.

I know math is not their strong point but when crap can take up court time, tells you where we are going on a Guyana landscape.

Make no mistake, everyone is watching, both the judicial process as well as those who hold public office, we will not stand idly by and accept gross mediocrity at the expense of justice.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

Venezuelans will suffer because of Maduro’s threats to Guyana Dear Editor, Nicholás Muduro’s threats to annex the Essequibo, an integral part of Guyana, will result in immense suffering for the Venezuelan people. Mr. Maduro is well known for incompetence, something that has been established by every independent analyst who has ever evaluated the destruction of his country’s economy. As numerous scholars, journalists, economists, and world leaders have noted, Maduro is no Hugo Chavez.

While Chavez had vision and courage, Maduro is known for myopia, and for cowardice against small nations.

Maduro is whipping up anti-Guyanese hysteria in Venezuela to fool them into voting ‘yes’ on his bogus December 3rd referendum. In what must boggle the mind, he is telling Venezuelans that Guyana is “escalating” tensions against the Bolivarian

Republic. But how could this be? Venezuela’s military is among the most powerful in the Americas, while Guyana’s is among the smallest.

Venezuela’s Air Force has 263 aircraft (including 81 helicopters). Its Navy has 46 vessels including a submarine, two mini-submarines, frigates, 25 patrol boats, and 6 gunboats. The Army has 312 war tanks, 1000 AFVs, 200 field artillery, and 36 rocket artillery. Estimates of their active military personnel vary from (125,000-150,000 – CIA), to 1.3 million (Venezuelan government), plus a whopping 3.2 million militia personnel. Eight million Venezuelans are also available for recruitment!

By contrast, the CIA had this to say of Guyana’s military - the Guyana Defense Force's limited inventory is mostly comprised of second-hand platforms. The GDF is only

3,000 strong. While they are well trained, Guyana’s military is massively outnumbered and has minimal war-fighting capability compared to Venezuela.

The Global Firepower Review ranks Venezuela at 52 out of 145 countries, with 1 being the highest. Guyana is not strong enough to be ranked.

Maduro must know all of this. In fact, he has been whipping up sentiments precisely because he knows the differences in capa-

bilities. Yet, the leader of the Bolivarian Republic is making a big mistake, only this time bigger than the ones he made that led to the crash of the Venezuelan economy.

While Guyana is a small country, it is on the right side of history. While we are a democracy with an open economy, Maduro is running a military dictatorship with massive human rights violations. While we follow international law, Maduro has been breaking

international law for years.

The most consequential difference, however, is that while countries such as the United States and Great Britain will stand with Guyana to defend its territorial integrity, Venezuela will stand-alone with its aggression.

Dictators have a predictable habit of oppressing their own people while simultaneously aggressing against smaller, weaker nations. The news for these strongmen, however,

is not good. All their gambits for territorial glory have imploded. Remember Iraq’s catastrophic mistake of invading Kuwait. It was also about oil. Iraq was destroyed, and until today, the Iraqi people are suffering.

Mr Maduro is a known territorial predator. He should be careful. If not, the Venezuelan people will suffer immensely.

Sincerely, Dr Randy Persaud

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2023

06:00 06:30 07:00 07:30 08:00 08:30 12:00 12:05 14:35 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00 00:00

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2023

Foundation ◄

Page

Test Questions

BY WALT WHITMAN CONTINUED FROM SATURDAY

10 Allons! the inducements shall be greater, We will sail pathless and wild seas, We will go where winds blow, waves dash, and the Yankee clipper speeds by under full sail.

Craft is evocative of the local history, culture and tradition, and thus is inextricably linked to the tourism product and experience.

In Guyana, popular crafts with tourists include basketry items, carved wooden items and other handicrafts. Basket weaving is almost as old as human history, taking fibres from the landscape and creating something useful, practical and beautiful.

There are many variations of materials to use, stitches, designs, techniques and processes.

Use a simple weaving technique to decorate a wood stick basket.

Materials Embroidery thread of various colours Craft sticks Paper cup Heavy-duty scissors ** Require adult assistance Craft glue Instructions Step 1: Gather your supplies.

Step 2: Using the heavy-duty scissors, have an adult cut the top off of a paper cup, leave about 2 inches on the bottom of the cup.

Step 3: Glue a wooden craft stick to the side of the paper cup as shown.

Step 4: Continue gluing craft sticks around the cup. The number of craft sticks that fit around the cup will vary depending on the size of the cup. You will need an odd number of craft sticks around the cup in order for the weaving to be successful. You might need to adjust the spacing between the craft sticks so that you can fit an odd number. In our example, we used 17 craft sticks.

Step 5: Paint the outside of your basket and let it dry.

Step 6: Pick a colour of embroidery thread that you want to use. Tie an end around one of the wooden craft sticks, pres-

sing the cord down, until it touches the paper cup.

Step 7: Start weaving the thread around the craft sticks. To do this, start with the thread behind one stick, and then pull it around the front of the second stick.

Bring the thread behind the third stick and continue this pattern of “over, under, over, under”.

Step 8: Continue this pattern around the basket until you are almost out of the thread. As you go around the basket, you will see the woven pattern start to take place.

Step 9: When you have about 3 inches of thread left, pick another colour of thread.

Tie the ends together with a small knot and keep weaving. When you start to weave in the knot, do your best to tuck the pieces of the knot behind one of the craft sticks.

Continue weaving and adding the other colours of thread.

Step 10: When you are ready to end the weaving, cut off any extra thread. Glue the end of the thread in place, to keep the weaving from coming undone. (Adapted from craftprojectideas.com)

Allons! with power, liberty, the earth, the elements, Health, defiance, gayety, self-esteem, curiosity; Allons! from all formules!

From your formules, O bat-eyed and materialistic priests.

The stale cadaver blocks up the passage— the burial waits no longer.

Allons! yet take warning!

He traveling with me needs the best blood, thews, endurance, None may come to the trial till he or she bring courage and health, Come not here if you have already spent the best of yourself, Only those may come who come in sweet and determin’d bodies, No diseas’d person, no rum-drinker or venereal taint is permitted here.

(I and mine do not convince by arguments, similes, rhymes, We convince by our presence.)

11 Listen! I will be honest with you, I do not offer the old smooth prizes, but offer rough new prizes, These are the days that must happen to you: You shall not heap up what is call’d riches, You shall scatter with lavish hand all that you earn or achieve, You but arrive at the city to which you were destin’d, you hardly settle yourself to satisfaction before you are call’d by an irresistible call to depart, You shall be treated to the ironical smiles and mockings of those who remain behind you, What beckonings of love you receive you shall only answer with passionate kisses of parting, You shall not allow the hold of those who spread their reach’d hands toward you.

To be continued

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

IsDB funding project to supply Lethem with hydropower – int’l consultant being sought to design, install connections

T

he Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), through the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), is funding a project that will see the Lethem Power Company (LPC) being connected with 16.84 kilometres of transmission lines from hydropower projects.

A notice was issued by the GEA, in which it is seeking a consultant to design, supply, install, test and commission 13.8kV of transmission lines and communication infrastructure, which will connect Kumu and Moco hydropower plants to the LPC grid “on a single responsibility basis”.

According to the GEA, the Government has received financing from the IsDB which will go towards addressing funding shortfalls in the Hinterland Electrification Programme.

It was further explained that some of the funding from this allocation will go towards the construction and rehabilitation of the two small hydropower plants.

“Bidding will be conducted through the open international competitive bidding (ICB-Open) procedures specified in the guidelines for procurement of goods and works and related services under IsDB project financing April 2019 (Procurement guidelines),” the agency said.

It was explained that the tender would be open

The Moco Moco hydropower plant

to bidders from both IsDB members and non-member countries. Bidders will have until January 11, 2024, to submit their bids to the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB).

The Government has been engaged in works to the tune of US$12.8 million on the Kumu and Moco Moco hydropower projects in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), in an effort to supply clean

and efficient energy to the national grid.

Last year, a Sri Lankan company called Vidullanka PLC won an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract for both the Kumu and Moco Moco facilities. The two projects will see the construction of a new 1.5-megawatt (MW) hydropower project at Kumu and upgrades to the defunct Moco Moco hydropower plant to some 0.7MW capacity. The proj-

NA man busted with fake $5000 bills during roadblock

Arrested: Kenio Thomason

The fake 5000 bills

Stanleytown, New Amsterdam resident was on Saturday busted with several fake $5000 bills during a stop and search exercise at Fort Wellington, Berbice.

Police stated that during the stop and search exercise, they intercepted a white motor car bearing registration number PTT 9098, which had overtaken several vehicles on the solid double lines in the view of the ranks.

As a result, he was asked to produce his relevant documents but he refused and started to behave disorderly. He was

subsequently instructed to park the motor car in the Fort Wellington Police Station compound to which he complied.

Upon questioning, the driver gave his name as Kenio Thomason.

“Police searched the car in Thomason's presence and found nothing illegal. However, when they carried out a search on Thomason's person, they found a quantity of suspected fake Guyana currency ($5000 notes),” Police headquarters disclosed in a statement.

Thomason was told of the offence committed. At

A

that time, he reportedly grabbed the forged currency from the hands of one of the ranks and ran to the back of the Fort Wellington Police Station.

Police gave chase and saw Thomason throwing the fake currency into a clump of bushes. The notes were retrieved and amounted to $95,000.

Upon his arrest, he told the ranks "Officer I just trying a thing because me girl just get a baby and things tight, do a thing for yuh boy nah."

He remains in custody pending charges.

ects are intended to increase access to electricity for the population in Lethem and nearby communities.

Electricity supply in the Lethem area is currently provided by the LPC on a 24-hour basis, generated from the company’s six diesel units with a total installed capacity of 3.825 MVA fuel. This accounts for an estimated 65 per cent of operational costs. The fuel is transported by bulk transportation carriers – 450 kilometres from Georgetown to Lethem on unpaved roads, which become very challenging during the rainy season, resulting in delays in delivery.

The high cost of electricity has been a major concern for the longest while, with the demand for power in Lethem only expected to intensify considering the expansion of businesses and the Government’s housing programmes in the area.

The Moco Moco hydropower project is a high-head run-of-the-river diversion type system that is technically and economically fea-

sible and will generate approximately 4565 MWh/yr of energy annually.

The structures that were initially installed in the project include a diversion system, headrace, forebay, penstock, powerhouse, tailwater canal, step-up substation, administration buildings, and a transmission line.

The hydropower project was commissioned on November 22, 1999. The hydropower station was designed and built by the Chinese through a joint arrangement between the Governments of Guyana and China.

The Moco hydropower plant supplied power to the community of Lethem and its environs, but severe rainstorms and a subsequent landslide on July 5, 2003 resulted in a fractured penstock.

The Government has since been actively discussing options for its restoration. Financing is needed for a geotechnical survey to inform the project design and assist in de-risking the

project.

The project will provide electricity from an indigenous and renewable energy source to serve the demand of Lethem and its environs.

Lethem, Region Nine, has been going through a period of rapid development, as the Government seeks to build the Lindento-Mabura Hill road, which will eventually reach all the way to Lethem. As of last month, over two kilometres of asphaltic road has been completed and preparations are ongoing for another five kilometres.

Traversing some sections of the Linden-toLethem road has been a nightmare for heavily-laden lorries over the past few years, with many toppling off the roadway. The bridges are even worse. Some vehicle operators have to align the boards before attempting to cross. They do not always make it over safely.

The US$190 million contract for the road was signed in May 2022 with Brazilian company Construtora Queiroz Galvao SA for the construction of the 121-kilometre road. The project is being funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) via a US$112 million loan, a grant to the tune of £50 million (US$66 million) from the United Kingdom under the Caribbean Infrastructure Partnership Fund (CIPF), and an input of US$12 million from the Guyana Government.

This is the largest grant Guyana has ever received from the Government of the UK. With a 7.2-metre-wide carriageway, the LindenMabura road is expected to feature a cycle and pedestrian lane measuring two metres wide, along with 10 bus stops outfitted with ramps for persons with disabilities. Additionally, a number of bridges and culverts along the way will be replaced, and some 123 lights will be installed.

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Adult Drug Treatment Court marks 4th anniversary F

or four years, the Adult Drug Treatment Court (ADTC) has led people out of the criminal justice system and into longterm recovery. Since its establishment on October 21, 2019, several persons have completed their treatment.

The Adult Drug Treatment Court celebrated its fourth anniversary with a graduation ceremony and a phase promotion for two participants on October 24, 2023.

During the event, those enrolled in the rehabilitation programmes shared their stories and testimonies of how the court has changed their lives for the better.

The programme commenced with the Serenity Prayer followed by the National Pledge and welcoming remarks by Senior Magistrate Clive Nurse, who also chaired the graduation ceremony.

Remarks were made by Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards; acting Chief Justice Roxane George, SC; Chief Magistrate (ag) Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus and Magistrate Rhondel Weever, Magistrate.

The ADTC Case Manager, Dione Chase, introduced the participants and the ADTC Administrative Officer gave the vote of thanks.

One of the goals of the Drug Treatment Court is to give offenders an alternative to custodial sentences, or simply put, incarceration.

The court provides access to resources and professionals to lead persons who misuse substances to the road

I

Guyana’s only Adult Drug Treatment Court celebrated its fourth anniversary last month

of recovery. It is a beacon of hope for persons with substance misuse disorder who have experienced rock bottom and are willing and determined to take the steps necessary to turn things around for themselves.

A prospective participant may choose to be a part of the court or may be referred by law enforcement, defence lawyers, probation officers, parents, or guardians. Participation in the drug treatment court's programmes is voluntary.

The four phases of the treatment plan have a minimum duration of 10 months and a maximum duration of one year. The Adult Drug

Treatment Court is located at Avenue of the Republic in Georgetown, in the lower flat of the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts.

Last year May, the Supreme Court launched 12 Juvenile Drug Treatment Courts (JDTC) in magisterial districts around the country as part of its efforts to

reduce crime and substance use by adolescents, through the use of therapeutic interventions and judicial supervision.

The Supreme Court is working to establish other Adult Drug Treatment Courts for the benefit of offenders within the other Magisterial Districts.

Lorry driver gets $400k bail over Triumph fatal accident

D

ion Adam Richards, 25, was charged with causing death by dangerous driving when he appeared before Magistrate Alisha George at the Sparendaam Magistrate's Courts on Friday.

This accused pleaded not guilty to the charge which alleged that on November 8, he drove motor lorry GAB 8067 in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby causing the death of 32-year-old Curtly Christopher Cambridge.

Richards, a father of three, of Section B Block X Great Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was represented by Attorney-atLaw Bernard Da Silva.

He was granted bail in the sum of $400,000 by Magistrate George, along with instructions to re-

Know when…

Dead: Curtly Christopher Cambridge

port to the Sparendaam Police Station on the 15th of each month pending the hearing and determination of his trial. The matter has been adjourned until January 15, 2024.

Cambridge of Aubrey Barker Road, South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, is

alleged to have ridden his motorcycle into the path of a lorry on the railway embankment at Triumph, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

The accident occurred at about 1:15h.

At the time of the accident, motor lorry GAB 8067, owned by Build Smart Construction, was being driven by Richards. He told investigators that he was proceeding west along the embankment road, and was in the process of turning north into Agriculture Road when he saw Cambridge on motorcycle CK 1975, proceeding east along the northern side of the road at a fast rate.

As a result, the now dead man drove into the back of the lorry as it was turning.

The motorcyclist sus-

Dion Adam Richards

tained head injuries as a result of the collision, and medical personnel in an ambulance service that was summoned pronounced him dead at the scene of the accident.

A breathalyser test conducted on the lorry driver detected no trace of alcohol in his system.

…you’re being gaslighted

n the 1944 movie “Gaslight”, Ingrid Berman plays the role of a hapless housewife whose husband manipulates her into believing she’s wacko. One of his tricks was dimming the gas lights in the home – then insisting she’s “imagining things”!! The term stuck to describe all those narcissistic and psychotic manipulators who mess with peoples’ minds and make them doubt themselves. And of course, to believe the manipulators who are pushing their own agendas!!

And it’s not just a technique used by men or women in abusive relationships – politicians use it all the time – to make you cast aside even opinions you formed through personal experience. They frequently use “the big lie” so confidently you begin to wonder! Take PNC leader Aubrey Norton – who’s also the Opposition Leader of our Republic – who just announced he’s gonna be meeting that delegation from the US who’s coming on an “objective fact-finding mission” – but really to gaslight the US Administration!

Now we all know that the PNC shyster based in some basement in Canarsie had cooked up that Washington “Conference on Guyana” with the blessings of Norton and local Opposition elements. And that’s where these Black activists and state representatives were briefed by…. drum roll…the Opposition MPs and camp followers – including the same Mr Norton!! Now your Eyewitness knew the con was on the moment the Brooklyn hustler booked the National Press Club to host the “conference” and promised US governmental officials’ attendance.

The Press Club doesn’t house the American Press – just a joint anyone can rent for around US$500 for three hours!! When no US official – even the Shyster’s bestie Hakeem – showed up, your Eyewitness’s suspicions were confirmed!!

So, we have a self-fulfilling prophecy playing out: the worthies will be meeting the same Opposition folks they met in Washington – since the government smelt a rat and won’t be meeting them! And will “discover” what they were told!! Your Eyewitness has a suggestion: Why don’t they investigate the PNC’s post-1997 strategy after they lost THAT election?? Hoyte described his strategy as “Slow fyaah” and it played out as periodic marches in Georgetown; then attacks and arson on Indian-Guyanese stores, following a day of brutal beatings of ordinary members of that community on Jan 12th 1998.

He then ratcheted up his strategy and described it as “Mo’ fyaah”. Murder, kidnappings, robberies and banditry were added to the actions taken to oust the PPP government. The 2002 Mash Jailbreak by 5 convicted killers took matters to a whole new level after they holed up in Buxton, called themselves “Freedom Fighters” for African Guyanese and launched attacks on the Police and Indian Guyanese.

Any other inquiry and findings are gaslighting! But the US got their ambassador here, innit? …the PNC’s hiding oil contract facts While the PNC– do you really think the AFC, WPA, and the other nonentities in the “coalition” had any influence?? – refined gaslighting to a whole new level, Raphael Trotman gotta be given pride of place with his defence of his Oil Contract! Just check his book!! First, there were the Big Lies on why the contract couldn’t be released – then the bonus and some dark hints about “national security” concerning our border. That queasy feeling you had all along? That’s a hint you were being gaslighted.

Since then there hasn’t been a day passing when a new revelation on their giveaways doesn’t get a gaslighting “explanation”. Let’s take Trottie’s explanation of why he signed along the dotted line in Houston – after getting Exxon’s full-court press!! He still maintains he was TOLD to do so. But why doesn’t he come out and say WHO told him to do so??

Wouldn’t that clear his name if he’s being made a fall guy?? Does he really think he can gaslight the Guyanese people? …it’s all over We’re due for the next election come 2025. But looks like the PNC’s already throwing in the towel. Surely, they should’ve straightened out their leadership situation by now to be taken seriously??

The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

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Corentyne woman stabbed to death in Georgetown hotel A

32-year-old woman was on Sunday found dead in a room at Sunset Hotel located at Kitty, Georgetown, with a stab wound to her chest.

Romona Lall, whose address was given as Lot 1503 Kilcoy Chesney in Corentyne, Berbice, was murdered, allegedly by a man with whom she had checked into the hotel.

Police stated that the murder occurred between 17:55h on Saturday and 12:15h on Sunday.

The hotel’s proprietor, Khersattie Bettencort, told the Police that Lall and an identifiable male companion went into the hotel at around 17:55h on Saturday and booked a room. They were then given the keys to the room, which is situated on the first floor, and they were expected to book out at 12:00h on Sunday.

However, at 20:07h on Saturday, the identifiable male exited the room

Dead: Romona Lall

alone and left the hotel.

According to the receptionist at the hotel, at about 07:00h on Sunday, she reported for work and took over duties from another colleague.

She then checked the overnight sheet and observed that 11 persons had to check out of the hotel at 12:00h. At about 12:15h on Sunday, she observed that the victim did not check out

from Room 4, and as such, she decided to make checks.

The receptionist said she knocked on the door and called out but got no answer. She then took another key, opened the room door, and saw the victim lying motionlessly on the floor, naked. She immediately informed the owner of the hotel and the Police were summoned to the scene.

Two broken glass bottles were found on the floor next to the woman’s body.

What appeared to be bloodstains were seen on the bed and walls of the room.

Following the discovery, one stab wound was seen to the left side of the chest and the head of one of the broken bottles was seen in the wound.

There were also abrasions to the lower abdomen and three stab wounds to her back. Detectives have extracted CCTV footage from cameras on the build-

The Sunset Hotel

ing, which captured when the victim and the male suspect entered the hotel and when the male left the hotel.

In May, 46-year-old Kim Haley formerly of Lamaha Park, Georgetown, was found dead with over a doz-

en stab wounds and her throat slashed at the Alpha Hotel at Lot 2 Public Road Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Her husband, Junior Haley, a 50-year-old of Mahaicony, ECD, is on remand for her murder.

The Police said that she

was killed in room 235, which is on the bottom floor on the western side of the hotel, on May 4 between 14:30h and 14:45h. She had checked into the hotel with her spouse, who was detained that same day at around 16:30h.

Drunken, speeding driver kills biker in head-on collision – left leg also severed

A

Dead: Shaheed Ishmael

biker attached to the Piranhas Motorcycle Club lost his life on Sunday morning following an accident

identified as 36-yearold Shaheed Ishmael of Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

Police stated that the

The man’s body lying on the roadway with one of his legs severed

along the Good Hope Public Road, East Bank Essequibo (EBE).

The dead biker was

accident involved a motor car bearing registration number PZZ 1848, which was at the time being driv-

en by a 31-year-old resident of Tuschen New Housing Scheme, and Ishmael, who was riding a motorcycle, CK 2051.

Investigations revealed that the motor car was proceeding along the public road at a fast rate of speed and whilst overtaking another motor car, it ended up in the path of Ishmael, who was heading in the opposite direction.

As a result, the vehicle collided with the front por-

tion of the motorcycle thus causing the now dead biker to be flung in the air and then land on the windscreen of the car. After landing on the road surface, Ishmael’s left leg was severed.

From all indications, the man died on the spot but he was subsequently picked up and taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The driver of the motor

car was arrested and it was proven that he was above the prescribed limit of alcohol consumption following a breathalyser test. He remains in custody assisting with investigations.

Following the accident, the Piranhas Motorcycle Club on its social media platform extended condolences to the relatives and family of Ishmael.

“It is very sad to announce the passing of our club member Shaheed. He

was one of the most fun and jovial persons to be around.

He was always with the jokes and skin teeth and even in sad times, he still would crack jokes. You will always be remembered,” the club stated.

His personal friends and colleagues also took to social media to express their sadness at the sudden and gruesome passing of the young father. Ishmael is survived by his wife and two children.

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Errant road users to be targeted in Reg 6 ...16% decrease in traffic offences recorded

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olice Division Six has recorded a 16 per cent decrease in traffic offences for 2023 thus far when compared to the same

mainder of the year. These include public education awareness.

During this new campaign, errant road users and

frequent. So we will be having traffic ranks throughout the region and not only on the major roads but also on other roads where incidents

A car that was involved in a fatal accident

period last year.

A total of 166 accidents were recorded from January 1 to November 1 this year – a decrease of 32 from last year.

As of this time last year, the Traffic Department in Region Six had filed 4113 cases against errant road users but for this year, some 11,000 cases were filed, which represents an almost 300 per cent increase.

These figures were released by Regional Commander, Senior S u p e r i n t e n d e n t Shivpersaud Bacchus during the launch of Road Safety Month in the region last week.

Bacchus explained that the Traffic Department will be engaging in a strategic type of policing for the remainder of the month as the Department seeks to reduce carnage on the roadways.

For the year so far, 20 persons have lost their lives due to accidents, with 11 being motorcyclists.

However, at the Road Safety Month launch on Friday last, Bacchus stated that several campaigns will be undertaken for the re-

unlicensed drivers will be targeted. “We want to en-

would have been reported in the past.”

An accident involving an electric bike

courage all to use the road in a safe manner, remember the five Cs, and be cautious to others,” the Commander in an invited comment said.

Ensuring that the Traffic Department stays on top of the situation, Commander Bacchus said things will not be done in the same way all of the time.

“We find that the traffic ranks go out on the roadways and frequent one particular location, errant drivers commit violations away from where those traffic ranks

He further stated that it is evident that there are more motorcyclists using the region’s roadways and as such, urged them to be very careful.

“Control your speed and ensure you arrive alive and well, ensure that you wear your safety helmets, those who are travelling in vehicles be it public or private ensure that you buckle up.

This is not only for when using the roads in Region Six but when using the roads in any other region.

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Eternal vigilance needed to preserve Guyana’s sovereignty – PM ...as Chief of Staff assures veterans of GDF’s commitment to protect borders

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Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips as he laid his wreath

rime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips on Sunday reminded of the importance of eternal vigilance, during his Remembrance Day address to Guyanese veterans who fought in World War II. During his address at the Guyana Veterans Legion Remembrance Day service, the Prime Minister spoke of the importance of being custodians of the stories and legacies of Guyana’s veterans to ensure their sacrifices are not forgotten.

“Today, once again, we stand in gratitude to these servicemen for their service. And we’re reminded of the importance of honouring our heroes and preserving the legacy they have bequeathed to all of us. In 1914, 700 British Guiana soldiers and officers left our shores and enlisted in the 1914-1918 British West Indies regiment.”

“These servicemen, far from home, faced unimaginable challenges on foreign shores. Yet, their spirits remain unbroken. And their dedication to service and love for the country would mark them down in Guyana’s history as heroes.

So today, we humbly pay tribute to their selflessness and the sacrifices that they made during the transformative era,” Phillips said.

According to Phillips, the courage demonstrated by the veterans is an example of the importance of uplifting those who have dedicated their lives to Guyana.

He noted that Guyana has a collective responsibility to recognise and support them. The lessons imparted by the veterans are of special significance now, since Guyana is in the midst of a border controversy that has seen Venezuela threatening to annex Essequibo.

“Remembrance Day must not be a single-day occasion. Instead, it should

serve as a moment in time that beckons us to keep the memories of our heroes alive. Even as we stand at this critical moment in our country’s history,” the Prime Minister said.

“When we are faced with actions that threaten our sovereignty under the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy, we can use the courage and sacrifice of these servicemen as a guiding light, reminding us of the need for eternal vigilance to preserve our country’s sovereignty over our territory.”

However, a pledge of $100,000 was made to each surviving veteran of World War II. Additionally, the Prime Minister noted that a contribution would be made to the widows of the veterans who are no longer with them.

Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Chief of Staff Omar

Khan, who was also present at the event, meanwhile heralded the contributions made by the veterans, who he noted paved the way for the office he now holds.

“At the time of taking over the office, I was handed over 83,000 square miles of our land. And what I need to tell you is that those 83,000 square miles are intact. And I intend to keep it that way. The GDF will continue to support the Guyana Veterans Legion,” Khan said.

“And we are happy to collaborate because to protect and defend Guyana, there’s a saying ‘I stand depending on where I sit’. I know where I sit. The office of Chief of Staff. But where I stand is on your soldiers, because I’m continuing to defend and protect Guyana.”

Remembrance Sunday is held on the second Sunday of November, while

GDF Chief of Staff Brigadier Omar Khan

Remembrance Day is observed on November 11 annually by Commonwealth countries to honour those

who died in world wars.

The Guyana Veterans Legion (GVL) was established in April 2014 as a re-

sult of the amalgamation of the Guyana Legion and the X-GDF Association of Guyana. (G-8)

Fire ravages Alexander Village house – 2 others severely damaged

A Ice pick thief robs doctor of iPhone

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he Police are on the hunt for a man who allegedly robbed a 29-year-old doctor attached to the Georgetown Public Hospital in the wee hours of Sunday in front of her Lamaha Street, Georgetown home.

Police stated that at about 00:30h on the day in question, the female victim arrived home from work and proceeded to park her car in the yard.

However, as she was about to close the front gate, the suspect, who was armed with an ice pick, ran into her yard and held her up.

He then proceeded to take her iPhone 12 Pro Max after which he made good his escape on foot.

The matter was subsequently reported to the Police and an investigation was launched. No arrest was made and no one was injured during the robbery.

The house engulfed in flames

t least one house was completely gutted and two others were severely damaged after a fire erupted in Alexander Village, Georgetown on Sunday evening.

The fire reportedly started just after 20:00h in Third Street, Alexander Village as persons in the community were celebrating Diwali.

The cause of the fire is unknown, but up to press time, firefighters were battling to contain the blaze.

Based on the information received, the fire quickly engulfed the two-storey wooden and concrete structure resulting in the occupants scampering to safety.

It is unclear how many persons occupied the house and if they were able to salvage any of their personal belongings.

However, the occupants of the two other houses were seen removing furniture, electrical applianc-

es, and other items from their homes. Persons have lashed out at the Guyana Fire Service for not being fully equipped to deal with fire in Guyana.

“One fire truck come and then after some time, the water finish… when the water finish, is then the fire gets worse to blaze… GPL on the other

hand ain’t know when to cut off current… they do so conveniently,” persons were heard saying.

Meanwhile, after a while, other firefighters and water bowsers arrived at the scene to assist in containing the fire.

(More details in Tuesday’s edition)

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Scenes from GHDS's Diwali Motorcade 2023

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Scenes from Diwali celebrations 2023

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The world is indebted to those who made sacrifices for peace, freedom – Reg 6 Chairman

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Members of the Joint Services during the parade

uyanese on Sunday observed Remembrance Day with ceremonies held in all ten administrative regions, and its significance bears much meaning today.

In Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) a simple wreath-lying ceremony followed a parade through the town by members of the Joint Services.

Apart from members of the Joint Services, regional officials and members of Guyana Legion, which is an organisation of ex-servicemen, also laid wreaths in tribute to those who were killed during World War I and II. The wreath-laying ceremony was held at the Esplanade Park in New Amsterdam.

Region Six Chairman David Armogan during his presentation explained that the world is indebted to

those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the cause of peace and freedom.

“We also recall with gratitude, those who through the years have made similar personal sacrifices in the continuous struggle for human dignity, social justice, and freedom from all forms of oppression wherever they exist,” Armogan said while noting that as Guyanese, we need to rededicate ourselves to the search for peace everywhere and to renew our commitment to the development of the country.

Remembrance Day (also known as Poppy Day owing to the tradition of wearing a remembrance poppy) is a Memorial Day observed in Commonwealth member states since the end of the First World War to honour armed forces members who died in the line of duty.

Remembrance Day is about commemorating

those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country in the line of duty.

It also celebrates and supports veterans of combat.

Originally, the day commemorated Armistice Day and the end of the First

Regional Chairman David Armogan along with regional heads of the military and paramilitary organisations take the salute along Main Street, New Amsterdam on Sunday

World War but has subsequently become a memorial for all those who have lost their lives in any conflict.

It is celebrated on November 11 annually.

Observing Remembrance Day is also a way to ensure that the memories of those who fought and died for our freedom are never forgotten.

New Amsterdam Mayor Wainwright McIntosh at the wreath-lying ceremony

The day also serves as a reminder of the importance of peace and unity.

It prompts us to strive for a world where conflicts are resolved through dialogue and understanding rather than violence. It encourages us to work towards a future where the sacrifices of the past are not in vain.

That is very important today as the world is currently seeing 22 wars being fought, with two of them having to potential to involve most of the world, meaning the IsraelPalestine war and the Ukraine-Russia war can both develop into world wars.

Hence, we need to be reminded that conflicts can be resolved through dialogue and understanding as we strive for a world of peace.

Switch on inner light to conquer inner darkness – Dr Ashni Singh tells Berbicians

S

enior Minister with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh has called on all Guyanese to switch on their inner light in order to conquer inner darkness.

He made this call on Saturday evening while addressing hundreds who gathered for the “One Guyana” Diwali Jalsa held at Corriverton, Region Six. Addressing hundreds, mostly Hindus, on the final night of the event at the Corriverton Recreational Park, Minister Singh reminded that Diwali is a very special occasion on the Hindu calendar.

It is an occasion when Hindus pay obeisance and worship to Lakshmi Mata, who is the Goddess of light.

“We must switch on the inner light, the light that is within our brain, mind, and heart. Switch on the inner light to conquer the inner darkness. Lighting up the light in our heart

Minister, Dr Ashni Singh addressing the large gathering at Corriverton on Saturday evening

so that we transmit positive emotions to all around us; it is just as important as lighting up the physical light to conquer physical darkness.”

He added that all Guyanese have a duty to give off positivity.

“Not only on our significant religious occasions but in our daily lives; do-

ing the good things, doing the right things, being of service to our family, our neighbours, community and to our country.”

Diwali or Deepavali is the Hindu festival of lights with its variations also celebrated in other religions.

It symbolises the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and

Dr Singh lights the symbolic diyas on Saturday evening

knowledge over ignorance.

Diwali is celebrated during the Hindu lunisolar months of Ashvin (according to the Amanta tradition) and Kartika between around mid-September and mid-November. The celebrations generally last

five or six days.

The inaugural “One Guyana” Diwali Jalsa was held between November 7 and 11 and was sponsored by the Office of the First Lady; Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce along with the Ministry of

Culture, Youth, and Sport.

The celebration featured a variety of cultural performances and displays of craft, art, and food.

Exhibitors and mandirs from across the region participated in the event.

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Govt will continue to support agricultural development – Minister Mustapha A

griculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha hosted several interactive farmers’ meetings on Saturday across Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) during which he assured farmers that the Government will continue to support agricultural development in Guyana.

Minister Mustapha led a team of officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and regional executives on a regional outreach and held meetings in No 7 Village, No 10 Village, and Ithaca.

While farmers all attested to efforts made by the Ministry to develop the agriculture sector over the last three years, several issues were raised with the visiting team.

Farmers from No 10 Village sought the Minister’s intervention with improved irrigation infrastructure as effective water resource management is now deemed critical.

While responding to their

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and other officials while addressing farmers from No 10 Village, WCB

requests, Mustapha explained that for most of the issues raised, works were either ongoing or are scheduled to commence shortly.

“We are currently doing some rehabilitation of the right bank of the Mahaica Creek. An excavator will be mobilised on Tuesday to address the issues with the tubes and the embankment at Little Biaboo. The rehabilitation of

the pontoon is expected to be completed in two weeks. Once that is done, NDIA will recommence excavation of the creek and use the earth to build the right bank. The Branch Road Canal, rehabilitation work is about 50% complete. That is also ongoing. It's 600 rods. So, you see, many issues are being raised, and work has already commenced to address them. For those other issues,

let us set a target to have most of that work completed by the end of November. Our engineers will do an assessment so that we can try to identify what is urgent and work based on what is prioritised,” he noted.

Meanwhile, at No 7 Village and Ithaca, farmers present at the meeting requested assistance with inputs for rice and cash crops as well as feed supplements for their livestock.

Requests were also made for improved farm-to-market roads.

The Minister told the farmers that extension officers from the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) will make the necessary planting materials available so that farmers can continue to expand their cultivation.

“We will make all the seeds and planting materials available so that you can develop your farms. We will also assist with fertilisers for farmers.

Last year, the Government distributed $1 billion worth of fertiliser to assist with production. A few days ago, the President announced that an additional $850 million would be allocated to procure more fertiliser to help farmers. Soon that tender will be out and hopefully, you can have it for this new crop. So, we’ll continue to work with you,” he added.

As it relates to inputs for livestock, Mustapha told farmers that extension officers from the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) will be distributing molasses to farmers in the region in the new week.

As it relates to farm-to-market roads, the Minister said he will work to have a team of engineers visit the area to do an assessment to see how best they can facilitate those requests.

“I cannot commit to that now because we are already at the end of the year, but we

will work with you,” he added.

With Guyana playing the lead role in agriculture and food security in Caricom the Government remains committed to ensuring farmers benefit from improved infrastructure while being able to access the necessary resources to expand their production.

The Government official told farmers that Guyana’s agriculture sector is transforming rapidly and is once again seen as the most important sector in the country.

He disclosed that funds will be made available in the 2024 budget to develop some 20,000 acres of land for the cultivation of rice and cash crops within the MMA Scheme. He also said that three pastures are currently being developed to facilitate livestock development in the region.

As it relates to drainage and irrigation, Mustapha said that some $50 million had been expended to execute D&I works in Ithaca.

18

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2023

guyanatimesgy.com

Regional

Jamaican sentenced to 16 years 7 T&T cops to appear in Arima court for misbehaviour in prison for lottery scam in public office A

S

even Police Officers are expected to appear in court after allegedly asking a man to pay TT$30,000 to forego drug and ammunition charges.

It is alleged that on November 2, seven Northern Division Task Force officers went to the home of a couple at Five Rivers Arouca, to execute a search warrant for drugs, guns and ammunition.

The officers allegedly found a quantity of marijuana, camouflage clothing and ammunition during the search.

Both home owners were arrested and taken to the Arouca station where one of the officers allegedly approached the male suspect and solicited TT$30,000 and five pounds of marijuana in exchange for dropping the charges against the couple.

The man was allowed to leave the station and instructed where to drop the marijuana and told to re-

turn to the station with the cash.

He complied with the instructions and after handing over the cash, he and his wife were allowed to leave the station without being charged.

A report was subsequently made to the Professional Standards Bureau and an investigation was immediately launched by under the supervision of Snr Supt Suzette Martin.

The officers were charged

on November 7, for the offence of misbehaviour in public office, following advice received from Director of Public Prosecution Roger Gaspard.

They appeared before Justice of the Peace Stephen Young where they were each granted bail in the sum of TT$150,000 and are set to appear before an Arima Magistrate on Tuesday November 14, 2023.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

Trapped Brazilians, whose fate hurt Israel-Brazil ties, leave Gaza

N

early three dozen Brazilians who had been trapped inside Gaza for weeks, and whose predicament had driven a diplomatic wedge between Brasilia and Israel, crossed the border into Egypt on Sunday, the Foreign Ministry Said.

"The group of 32 Brazilians and families are already in Egyptian territory, where they were received by a team from the Brazilian Embassy in Cairo, which is responsible for the final step of the repatriation operation," the Foreign

Ministry wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

The Brazilians are due back in Brazil late this evening, the Ministry said, and are expected to meet with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Two of the group decided to stay for personal reasons, it said. In total, 17 children, nine women and six men exited via the Rafah crossing, through which foreign nationals and aid have been transported back and forth into Gaza.

The Palestinian enclave has been under bombard-

ment by Israel, which aims to destroy Hamas militants who attacked Israel from Gaza on October 7.

The slow pace of release of the trapped Brazilians increased friction between Brazil and Israel, which erupted last week after Israeli spy agency Mossad said it helped foil a Hezbollah attack in Brazil.

An appearance by Israel's ambassador to Brazil with former President Jair Bolsonaro, a staunch Israel ally and longtime Lula political foe, also irked Brazilian officials. (Reuters)

order details for customers much as billing and shipping addresses, purchase dates, purchase locations, shipping information, order totals and payment methods.

However Courts released a statement on Sunday claiming none of their customers’ payment methods and password information was exposed in the incident.

The company acknowledged a data breach in the old e-commerce platform www.shopcourts.com, but said immediate action was taken.

Courts said it switched e-commerce platforms in September, the month after the alleged hack.

It added the data leak only contained information on customers who shopped on its website but said the new platform “enforces the measures and strengthens security levels…to have a secure platform without any data breach.”

Hackers have leaked a sample of customer records from 2013 to 2023 as proof of the hack.

The data spans customer accounts in multiple Caribbean countries including TT, Jamaica, Belize, St Lucia, and Barbados.

According to hack reporting website leakbase. io, the data is also being offered for sale.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

4 1 - y e a r - o l d Jamaican has been sentenced to 16 years in jail for his role in a fraudulent sweepstakes scheme that targeted elderly victims in the United States.

The United States Department of Justice (DoJ) says Damone Oakley pleaded guilty in July 2023 to two counts of mail and two counts of wire fraud.

Oakley, of St James, had been extradited to the United States in 2022.

The DOJ said that from at least 2010 through 2019, Oakley participated in a fraudulent sweepstakes scheme that targeted elder-

ly and vulnerable victims.

It said his victims received mailings, text messages or phone calls in which they were falsely told that they had won millions of dollars and luxury vehicles in sweepstakes, but first needed to pay taxes and fees to claim their winnings.

The DoJ said Oakley used phoney names during the scheme, including “Officer Alex Logan” and “Officer Stan Valentine”, and instructed his victims on how to send their money, and to whom the funds should be sent.

His victims were located throughout the United

States, and used wire transfers, direct bank deposits, the US Postal Service and private commercial mail carriers to send money directly to Oakley as well as to individuals in the United States and elsewhere who served as intermediaries and transmitted the money to Oakley, the DoJ said.

In addition to sending cash or wire transfers, it said Oakley’s victims were directed to purchase electronics, jewellery and clothing, which were sent to mail forwarding services in Florida, and then on to Oakley in Jamaica.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Persad-Bissessar: Trinidad and Tobago not immune from violence

T

rinidad and Tobago Opposition Leader Kamla PersadBissessar says Trinidad and Tobago are not immune to the violence affecting other parts of the world.

She also said T&T must become a beacon of tolerance in current circumstances, respecting all people regardless of their religion or ethnicity.

Persad-Bissessar made those statements in her Divali (Diwali) message to the nation.

She said, "As we celebrate this year’s Divali holiday, let us also remember that currently, across the globe, millions of people are at war and conflict due to their religious and ethnic differences.

"Indeed, according to the Geneva Academy’s research, in 2023, there are 114 armed conflicts, including some international wars, taking

place in our world."

Those include places like Israel, Palestine, Russia, Ukraine, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Within this scenario, Persad-Bissessar said TT shone as a beacon for global tolerance.

"We must never forego our responsibility to our nation’s children and our future generations to ensure that we continue in this unique, blessed, and inspirational stead."

T&T, she continued, is not immune from this global trend of violence and brutality.

"We are currently living in a period of unprecedented runaway crime and violence which has thrown us into a desolate state of fear and persecution for the past few years."

She added that crime

and economic challenges had "resulted in a vast majority of our citizens being forced to cope daily with an avalanche of negative emotions: shock, pain, contempt, anger, anxiety, fear, and hopelessness."

Persad-Bissessar said citizens must find ways to stay mentally healthy and spiritually whole in these challenging times.

She appealed to the population not to allow themselves to become "embittered, hate-filled, overly suspicious, and desensitised."

Persad-Bissessar said she had personally coped with such trying times "by seeking hope, comfort, and guidance in God’s teachings across all religious divides."

She added, "I have often found inspiration in the meaning of Divali."

(Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

Antigua & Barbuda commits to regional Hackers claim Courts, PriceSmart and global education collaboration at UNESCO’s Conventions Ceremony cybersecurity breached

R

egional cyber security websites say Pricesmart and Courts Caribbean’s online shopping website ShopCourts have been hacked.

Jamaican cybersecurity researcher Gavin Dennis, Computer Forensics and Security Institute (CFSI) and technewstt.com all say the ShopCourts data was stolen and posted on online on August 29, 2023.

The stolen data is said to include information on possibly up to 200,000 customers such as names, genders, emails, account passwords, ID information, dates of birth, and phone numbers.

It is also said to include

I

n a pivotal ceremony held at the third UNESCO Conventions Ceremony during the 42nd session of the General Conference, the Minister of Education, Sports, and Creative Industries of Antigua and Barbuda, Daryll S Matthew, marked a historic moment by formally signing the Regional Convention on the Recognition of Studies, Diplomas, and Degrees in Higher Education in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Amid the setting of UNESCO’s headquarters, Minister Matthew represented Antigua and Barbuda, solidifying the nation’s commitment to fostering educational cooperation

within the Latin American and Caribbean regions.

The signing of this pivotal Regional Convention symbolises Antigua and Barbuda’s strong dedication to promoting regional educational partnerships and enhancing academic recognition within these territories.

Furthermore, within the dynamic landscape of the 42nd session, Matthew made significant commitments by pledging to ratify two other critical conventions.

The endorsements of the Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education and the Convention on Technical and Vocational Education

underscores Antigua and Barbuda’s unwavering dedication to global initiatives aimed at advancing education, transcending borders, and propelling educational progress on an international scale.

During the ministerial segment on education, Matthew indicated that these signatures and ratifications echo Antigua and Barbuda’s resolute stance in advocating for global educational collaboration.

These initiatives represent the nation’s dedication to fostering scientific cooperation and educational exchange for the collective benefit and advancement of all participating nations.

(Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2023

19

Around The World

More Gaza hospitals suspend OILNEWS OIL NEWS operations as Israel hunts Hamas T US oil rigs continue to decrease

T

he total number of active drilling rigs in the United States fell by 2 this week after falling by 7 last week, according to new data that Baker Hughes published Friday, with the number of active oil rigs plunging to their lowest level since January 28 of last year.

The total rig count fell to 616 this week. So far this year, Baker Hughes has estimated a loss of 163 active drilling rigs.

This week’s count is 459 fewer rigs than the rig count at the beginning of 2019 prior to the pandemic.

The number of oil rigs fell by 2 to 494, down by 127 so far in 2023, and the lowest level since January 2022. The number of gas rigs stayed the same this week at 118, a loss of 38 active gas rigs from the start of the year. Miscellaneous rigs also stayed the same.

The rig count in the Permian Basin stayed the same this week, and is now 40 rigs below this same time last year. The rig count in the Eagle stayed the same and is 20 fewer than this time last year.

Primary Vision’s Frac Spread Count, an estimate of the number of crews completing unfinished, fell in the week ending November 3, to 270, down from 275 in the week prior. The frac spread count is 12 more than where it started the year.

At 9:30 am ET on Friday, the WTI benchmark was trading up US$0.88 (+1.16%) on the day at US$76.62. While trading up for the day, WTI is down more than US$5 per barrel from this time last week. The Brent benchmark was trading up US$0.90 (+1.12%) at US$80.91, also down more than US$5 per barrel from a week ago. (Oilprice.com)

wo more major hospitals in Gaza closed to new patients on Sunday, with staff saying that Israeli bombardment plus lack of fuel and medicine meant more babies and others could die.

Hospitals in the north of the Palestinian enclave are blockaded by Israeli forces and barely able to care for those inside, medical staff said. Israel says it is homing in on Hamas militants in the area and the hospitals should be evacuated.

Gaza's largest and second largest hospitals, Al Shifa and Al-Quds, said they were suspending operations. With more people killed and wounded daily but half of the territory's hospitals now out of action, there are ever fewer places for the injured.

A plastic surgeon in

Shifa said bombing of the building housing incubators had forced them to line up premature babies on ordinary beds, using the little power available to turn the air conditioning to warm.

"We are expecting to lose more of them day by day," said Dr Ahmed El Mokhallalati.

Israel says Hamas has placed command centres under and near the hospitals and it needs to get at them to free around 200 hostages the militants took in Israel in an attack just over a month ago. Hamas has denied using hospitals in this way.

Israel's military said it had offered to evacuate newborn babies and had placed 300 litres of fuel at Shifa's entrance on Saturday night, but that both gestures had been

Newborns are placed in bed after being taken off incubators in Gaza's, Al Shifa hospital after power outages, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Gaza City, Gaza November 12, 2023

blocked by Hamas.

Three UN agencies expressed horror at the situation in the hospitals, saying it had in 36 days registered at least 137 at-

tacks on healthcare facilities, resulting in 521 deaths and 686 injuries including 16 dead and 38 wounded medics. (Excerpt from Reuters)

In UN talks for a global plastic treaty, delegates to face off over production limits

A

s the world's nations enter another round of talks this week on creating a first-ever treaty to contain plastic pollution, officials are bracing for tough negotiations over whether to limit the amount of plastic being produced or just to focus on the management of waste.

Working with a document called a "zero draft" that lists possible policies and actions to consider, national delegates to the weeklong meet-

ing in Nairobi, Kenya, will be debating which of those options to include in what eventually would become a legally binding treaty by the end of 2024, officials involved in the negotiations said.

"We are at a pivotal moment in this process," said Andres Del Castillo, a senior attorney of the Center for International Environmental Law who is an observer to the negotiations.

The world is currently producing about 400 million met-

ric tons of plastic waste every year, with less than 10% of it being recycled, according to the UN Environment Programme, choking landfills and despoiling oceans. That produced amount is set to surge in the coming decade, as oil companies, which often also produce plastics, look to new sources of revenue amid the energy transition away from fossil fuels.

Today, about 98% of single-use plastic - like bottles or packaging -is derived

from fossil fuel, according to the UN Environment Programme.

The European Union and dozens of countries, including Japan, Canada and Kenya have called for -a strong treaty with "binding provisions" for reducing the production and use of virgin plastic polymers derived from petrochemicals and for eliminating or restricting problematic plastics, such as PVC and others containing toxic ingredients. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Shots fired at Jewish French Police Spain's conservatives school in Canada thwart €600,000 rally against deal with again, amid tensions champagne heist Catalan separatists over overseas conflict

A

Jewish school in Montreal was hit by gunfire early on Sunday, making it the third time in less than a week that a Jewish school in the Canadian city was hit amid heightened tensions over the conflict between Israel and Gaza, Police said, according to local media.

No one was injured but the facade of Yeshiva Gedola of Montreal was struck. Bullet impact marks and bullet shells were found after residents heard gunfire early on Sunday, CBC News in Canada reported.

At the two other schools in Montreal, both reported finding a bullet hole in their front doors Thursday morning, local media reported.

It was unclear if the incidents at Jewish schools in the city's west end were related.

But on Wednesday, a violent altercation at Concordia University between people

aligned with opposing sides of the conflict in Israel and Gaza resulted in injuries and an arrest, according to CBC News.

Mayer Feig, a member of the Council of Hasidic Jews of Quebec, says shooting at schools is meant to intimidate the Jewish population in the city, the news agency reported earlier.

In Toronto, Police have reported hate crimes against Jews and Muslims had more than doubled the tally for all of 2022 in the three weeks after the initial Hamas attack on Oct 7.

Israel says the attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas killed an estimated 1400 people and more than 240 were taken hostage.

The ensuing Israeli bombardment of the Hamas-run Gaza Strip has killed more than 10,000 people, Palestinian health authorities say.

(Reuters)

T

hieves in France stole two truckloads of champagne before Police recovered the liquid loot - worth €600,000 (£525,000) - in a high-speed chase.

The drama began on Saturday near Reims, in the heart of the Champagne region, where the lorries were reported stolen.

Officers were able to locate the vehicles, which were equipped with tracking devices, and gave chase on the A4 motorway between Reims and Paris.

The champagne was eventually retrieved but the thieves managed to escape.

The lorries were stolen from a Reims-based company between Friday evening and Saturday morning, French media say.

According to Le Parisien newspaper the consignments consisted of bottles of

Moët & Chandon, one of the most renowned brands of champagne. Each load was valued at €300,000.

The lorries were tracked on the A4 near PontaultCombault, about 20km (12 miles) from central Paris, early on Saturday.

Two Police cars were involved in the chase. The thieves tried to shake them off by swerving abruptly.

When the officers forced one of the lorries to slow down, the driver jumped off before being picked up by a saloon car that was following the convoy. The car sped away.

The second lorry took the next exit and was later found without the driver. An investigation is under way.

The champagne bottles were all retrieved intact and unharmed, if a little shaken. (BBC News)

P

rotests have been held across Spain against an amnesty deal with Catalan separatists aimed at securing a new term for the Socialist-led Government.

The biggest rally was held in Madrid, where tens of thousands took part.

Centre-right leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo accused acting PM Pedro Sánchez of pursuing his own interests rather than Spain's and called for a new vote.

Feijóo People's Party (PP) came first in a snap election in July but could not form a majority.

But pro-independence Catalan parties agreed to support Sánchez, who has been in office since 2018. The deal, announced on Thursday, includes an amnesty for separatists who led a failed bid to secede from Spain in 2017.

The agreement triggered anger from conservatives.

An estimated 80,000 people took part in Sunday's ral-

ly in Madrid.

Addressing supporters in the capital, Feijóo said: "We will not shut up until there are new elections. What is being done now is the contrary of what [Spaniards] voted for."

Many protesters held Spanish flags and banners with slogans including "respect the Constitution".

Similar marches were held in cities including Granada, Seville and Valencia.

Before Thursday's agreement, Pedro Sánchez had sealed a deal with one pro-independence party.

The Catalan Republican Left (ERC) is in power in Spain's north-eastern region.

His negotiators then clinched an agreement with the more radical Together for Catalonia (JxCat). It is led by Carles Puigdemont, who led the breakaway independence vote but fled to Brussels to avoid being sent to jail.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

20

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2023

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

(March 21-April 19)

PICKLES

(April 20-May 20)

(May 21-June 20)

Put your head down and do what others expect of you. Don’t let spontaneity lead to unnecessary purchases.

Be tightfisted and pay down any debt you’ve accumulated. Be wary of joint ventures.

Don’t waste time. There’s plenty you can do to get ahead and to pursue your dreams. Stop talking and start doing, and you’ll be pleased with the results.

Your determination will boost your reputation.

Designating time for self-improvement projects will help you realize what’s important. A heart-to-heart talk with someone close to you will be informative. Nurture a meaningful relationship and avoid a setback.

A change of pace will offer insight into making day-to-day life manageable.

You can turn one of your skills into extra income if you use your imagination and promote what you offer.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Reach out and have conversations that offer insight into something you want to pursue. Networking functions can help you hone your skills to suit trends. Change what’s necessary to avoid backlash.

Be prepared before you converse with someone well-versed regarding the topic you want to address. Knowledge is vital.

You can make a difference if you are specific and show enthusiasm.

CALVIN AND HOBBES (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Say what’s on your mind and follow through. A change at home will ease stress. Take the initiative and show discipline, and you’ll have an impact on others. Don’t put off what you can do today.

Introduce positive change that makes your home comfortable. Communication will help settle your differences with those you live and work alongside.

Showing flexibility will lead to opportunity.

Take care of your responsibilities with a smile and you’ll dodge a sticky situation. Use your charm and imagination to find an amicable way to get what you want.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

LAST PUBLISHED WORD -- MISNOMER

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Consider how you use your skills to adapt to what’s trending. Making yourself and what you have to offer more versatile will improve your opportunity to try something exciting. See what happens.

You’ll meet with criticism and opposition if you implement changes that have flaws. Arguments will slow you down; remain positive, do your best and finish what you start.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

(Feb. 20-March 20)

Take advantage of opportunities by investing time and money in yourself and what you offer. Focus on looking and feeling your best and spending time with someone who brings out the best in you.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2023

21

GFF Women’s Division 1 League…

I

t was a goal fest at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) Ground, Bourda on Saturday as the likely usual suspects put on a show when the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Women’s Division 1 League continued.

The first encounter was tame in comparison to what was yet to come: as Fruta Conquerors narrowly got past Potaro Strikers 2-1.

Amanda McKenzie netted the first goal of the game in the 10th minute for Fruta Conquerors and it was only until the second half that Shaneesa Cornelius made it a

Police, GDF put on goal fest

The GPF goal scorers

2-0 game in the 55th minute.

In the 85th minute, Olivia

Oselmo beat the Fruta goalkeeper to register Potaro’s con-

solation goal.

Next up was an encounter between the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Women and Pakuri Jaguars. All it took was three strikers, but 10 goals were witnessed in the 90-minute period.

Anastacia Horshan got the ball rolling in the 12th minute and added to the team’s and her own tally again in the 23rd minute, before Abioce Haywood registered her lone strike of the game in the 24th.

Horshan went on to find the back of the net three more times in the 47th, 65th and 80th minutes respectively. Meanwhile,

Glendy Lewis joined the scoring party in the 31st minute and went on to complete her helmet trick in the 34th, 61st and 75th minutes, to seal GDF’s 10-0 win.

The onslaught on the pitch continued as the Women of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Club combined efforts for a scintillating 12-0 victory over Santos FC. Akeelah Vancooten opened the scoring for Police in just the 7th minute and made it a 2-0 game in the 13th minute.

Tiandi Smith later extended the tally to 3-0 in the 29th , while Shanic Thornhill scored back-

to- back in the 30th and 33rd.

While Lakeisha Pearson opened her personal account in the 42nd, Vancooten completed her triple in the 44th and Thornhill added another in the 45th minute for an 8-0 score at the half.

Thornhill opened the second segment with a strike into the back of the net in the 48th minute and Florice Waldron picked up where she left off in the 62nd. Two strikes in quick succession in the 76th minute, off the boots of Pearson and Collette Rutherford respectively propelled the Police Women to the massive victory.

India go 9-0 as Shreyas, Rahul smash tons to beat Netherlands S

hreyas Iyer and KL Rahul led India's batting masterclass as the hosts completed their undefeated run into the knockouts with a hammer blow to the Netherlands, who ended their World Cup with a 160-run defeat.

Centurions Shreyas and Rahul staged a 208-run partnership after a 100-run stand between first-wicket pair Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill had laid the foundation for India's 410 for 4. Virat Kohli also passed fifty and put on 71 with Shreyas as the Netherlands bowlers – save for a short period as Kohli bedded in – had no rebuttal for an India batting line-up that swung the door off its hinges as it burst into the room and delivered an overpowering monologue with the home crowd hanging off every word.

It began with the 18th ball of the match when Gill charged down the pitch and launched Aryan Dutt onto the roof of the stand past long-on. Dutt had already conceded 16 runs from his 11 balls to that point, 12 of those in fours to Rohit, who swept and cut to great effect.

If ever there was an example of the muscle India has shown at this tournament, this was it.

And while the Netherlands did not exactly crumble in pursuit, batting deep into the 48th over for their 250 as India used nine bowlers, including Kohli and Gill, they had been left with too much to do.

Rohit tormented the Netherlands bowlers on either side of the pitch while Gill was downright cruel, clearing the boundary almost at will. Leftarm spinner Roelof van der Merwe entered in the ninth

over to try and prise apart a stand between two righthanders which by now had ballooned to 73 runs. He was the fifth bowler to try, all of them in vain after 10 overs, as Rohit and Gill closed out the powerplay on 91 without loss with five sixes and 10 fours be-

Kohli faced just three more balls and added only one run before his off stump was rattled by a van der Merwe delivery that skidded on as the batter sat back in his crease attempting to cut In the meantime, Shreyas had taken India past 200 in the 29th over. He then brought up his half-century, sublime-

Shubman Gill took just 30 balls to get to his half-century

SCOREBOARD India (50 ovs maximum) Rohit Sharma (c)c Barresi b de Leede 61 Shubman Gill c Nidamanuru b van Meekeren 51 Virat Kohli b van der Merwe 51 Shreyas Iyer not out 128 KL Rahul † c Engelbrecht b de Leede 102 Suryakumar Yadav not out 2 Extras (lb 1, nb 1, w 13) 15 TOTAL 50 Ov (RR: 8.20) 410/4 Did not bat: Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj Fall of wickets: 1-100 (Shubman Gill, 11.5 ov), 2-129 (Rohit Sharma, 17.4 ov), 3-200 (Virat Kohli, 28.4 ov), 4-408 (KL Rahul, 49.5 ov) • DRS BOWLING O-M-R-W Aryan Dutt 7-0-52-0 Logan van Beek 10-0-107-0 Colin Ackermann 3-0-25-0 Paul van Meekeren 10-0-90-1 Roelof van der Merwe 10-0-53-1 Bas de Leede 10-0-82-2 Netherlands (T: 411 runs from 50 ovs) Wesley Barresi c †Rahul b Mohammed Siraj Max O'Dowd b Jadeja Colin Ackermann lbw b Kuldeep Yadav Sybrand Engelbrecht

4 30 35

b Mohammed Siraj 45 Scott Edwards (c)†c †Rahul b Kohli 17 Bas de Leede b Bumrah 12 Teja Nidamanuru c Mohammed Shami b Sharma 54 Logan van Beek b Kuldeep Yadav 16 Roelof van der Merwe c Mohammed Shami b Jadeja 16 Aryan Dutt b Bumrah 5 Paul van Meekeren not out 3 Extras (lb 9, w 4) 13 TOTAL 47.5 Ov (RR: 5.22) 250 Fall of wickets: 1-5 (Wesley Barresi, 1.3 ov), 2-66 (Colin Ackermann, 12.1 ov), 3-72 (Max O'Dowd, 15.1 ov), 4-111 (Scott Edwards, 24.3 ov), 5-144 (Bas de Leede, 31.6 ov), 6-172 (Sybrand Engelbrecht, 37.3 ov), 7-208 (Logan van Beek, 42.1 ov), 8-225 (Roelof van der Merwe, 43.4 ov), 9-236 (Aryan Dutt, 46.1 ov), 10250 (Teja Nidamanuru, 47.5 ov) • DRS BOWLING O-M-R-W Jasprit Bumrah 9-1-33-2 Mohammed Siraj 6-1-29-2 Mohammed Shami 6-0-41-0 Kuldeep Yadav 10-1-41-2 Ravindra Jadeja 9-0-49-2 Virat Kohli 3-0-13-1 Shubman Gill 2-0-11-0 Suryakumar Yadav 2-0-17-0 Rohit Sharma 0.5-0-7-1

KL Rahul's 62-ball hundred became the fastest by an Indian in a men's ODI

tween them.

So it was with audible disbelief that the crowd exhaled when Gill departed for 51 off 32 balls, failing to clear Teja Nidamanuru just inside the boundary rope at deep backward square leg. Then, having managed to stem the flow of runs, Netherlands rejoiced when Rohit picked out Wesley Barresi wide of long-on to fall for 61.

Kohli took time to get going with just seven runs from the first 18 balls he faced, but he found his rhythm and ended up raising his half-century off 53 deliveries. It was his hundred that onlookers were most interested in;, Kohli poised to pull clear of the One-Day International (ODI)-record 49 centuries he shares with Sachin Tendulkar, but it was not to come on this occasion.

ly threading a Bas de Leede delivery through extra cover, marking the first time in 50over World Cups that the top four batters in any team had all scored fifty. Rahul became the fifth when he brought up a 40-ball half-century in only the third instance of the top five passing the milestone in ODIs. it was the fourth-wicket pair who converted their starts, Shreyas signalling as much with a disdainful six off Paul van Meeker over extra cover and when he thumped van Meeker for another maximum over long-on, the slack-jawed expression on van der Merwe's face said it all. Rahul followed suit two balls later, whipping the ball over deep square leg and the crowd positioned there into a frenzy.

Shreyas reached his maiden World Cup century, and

fourth in ODIs, off 84 balls with a single and he did not let up, thrashing three sixes off Logan van Beek in the 49th over. Rahul had punished anything outside off stump with the most elegant of hands but he could be brutal too, moving into the nineties with a six over deep midwicket and bringing up his ton off just 62 balls – and India's 400 – with a flick over deep square leg.

With 42 runs coming off the last two overs, Rahul's dismissal on the penultimate ball for 102 was hardly a blip, his job – and that of his fellow batters – complete and Shreyas walked off unbeaten on 128 from 94 balls.

Rahul was back in the action just nine balls into Netherlands' run chase with a strong, low catch behind the stumps to collect Barresi's outside edge as he attempted to drive at Mohammed Siraj.

But when Colin Ackerman drove Siraj down the ground on the first ball of the ninth over, Netherlands became the fastest team to reach 50 against an India bowling attack which has been formidable at this World Cup, reaching 62 for 1 at the end of the powerplay Then Kuldeep Yadav entered the attack, however, and struck in his second over, trapping Ackermann lbw for 35.

Kuldeep looked less than im-

pressed when Max O'Dowd lofted the ball straight to long-on only for the ball to pop through Siraj's hands and strike him in the throat. But Ravindra Jadeja limited the damage – in runs at least – when he entered the attack three balls later and bowled O'Dowd immediately as Siraj walked to the dugout flanked by team medical staff, although he later returned to action.

As if the Bengaluru crowd was not already where the party was at, Kohli fired up the revellers even more as he sent down a rare three overs and snared a wicket with his ninth delivery, Scott Edwards chasing a wide one down the leg side and sending an edge to Rahul. Gill joined the fun with two wicketless overs for 11 runs having only bowled seven balls in international cricket previously, but Jasprit Bumrah was all business when he fired a yorker onto the foot of de Leede's off stump, leaving Netherlands 144 for 5 after 32 overs.

It was Siraj who removed a stubborn Sybrand Engelbrecht, bowled for 45, and while Nidamanuru offered a fighting half-century comprising six sixes, his was the last wicket to fall, to none other than Rohit who decided to chance his arm and ended the match with his fifth delivery.(ESPNcricinfo)

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2023

GOA rewards Pan Am Games medallists

I

n the second such gesture from the recently-elected Guyana Olympic Association (GOA), athletes who medalled at the just-concluded 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, were on Saturday morning rewarded handsomely for their heroic efforts.

Guyana came away from the Games with three medals, all within the track and field discipline and all with a bit of history attached to the achievements.

Jasmine Abrams claimed silver in the women’s 100m event in a time

of 11.52s, while Emanuel Archibald clinched bronze in the men’s version of the same event in 10.31s, marking the first time that Guyana has won a medal in the 100m sprint at the Pan Am Games and the first medals in athletics since 2003.

Leslain Baird later became the first Guyanese athlete to medal in the javelin event in the Games’ history, when he threw 78.23m to secure the bronze medal.

The GOA, on Saturday, in hailing the athletes for their performances, presented Baird (the

Pan Am Games medallist Leslain Baird (centre) received a hefty reward from the Guyana Olympic Association. He is surrounded by other athletes who competed at the Games and GOA Executives

Young Gunners, LA Ballers dominate opening night …ExxonMobil Guyana/New Era Ent Futsal tourney off to exciting start

only one of the trio currently in Guyana] with $400,000 for his bronze medal. Archibald, who has returned to Jamaica for training, will also receive $400,000 for his bronze.

Abrams, for her silver medal achievement, will receive $600,000. Notably, Coach Johnny Gravesande, who steered the five-member track and field team at the Games, received $50,000.

As previously mentioned, this is the second time this year that the GOA has moved to monetarily reward athletes for their exceptional performances. Back in September, the GOA dished out over $1 million on the Youth Commonwealth Games record- breaking team of Tianna Springer, Malachi Austin, Javon Roberts, and Narissa Mcpherson.

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Djokovic clinches ATP Year-End No 1 presented by Pepperstone for 8th time

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T

Novak Djokovic in action against Holger Rune on Sunday at the Nitto ATP Finals

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ovak Djokovic gave an early reminder of his ability to grind out results on Sunday at the Nitto ATP Finals. In overcoming Holger Rune across three gruelling sets in his opening match at the prestigious season finale, the 36-year-old Serbian made history.

The top-seeded Djokovic’s 7-6(4), 6-7(1), 6-3 victory in Green Group ensured he will claim the coveted ATP Year-End No. 1 presented by Pepperstone honour for a record-extending eighth time.

The six-time Nitto ATP Finals champion Djokovic also guaranteed himself a historic 400th week overall as world number one in the November 20 edition of the

Pepperstone ATP Rankings.

Djokovic’s path to those milestones on Sunday was anything but straightforward. Event debutant Rune delivered an accomplished performance inside the Pala Alpitour featuring plenty of high-quality moments, particularly on return. Yet Djokovic dug deep in trademark fashion to seal a lung-busting three-hour, four-minute triumph and extend his Nitto ATP Finals winning streak to six matches.

With his 19th consecutive tour-level win, Djokovic joined Jannik Sinner on a 1-0 record in Green Group after the home favourite earlier overcame Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 6-4.

he ExxonMobil Guyana-backed New Era Entertainment Futsal tournament hit the ground running in Linden at the Retrieve Hard Court, with Young Gunners, LA Ballers, HH Ballers, DC Ballers, and YMCA recording contrasting wins.

In the opening showdown, the Young Gunners lived up to their name, turning the pitch into a goal carnival, walloping Genahside 21-7.

Brandon Solomon led the charge, smashing in six goals, with Domoll Warner bagging five and Omarion Ramson notching four. It was a veritable scoring orchestra, featuring Rodensio Tudor (3), Kamal McLaren (2), and Ryan Arthur.

Not to be outdone, LA Ballers unleashed their inner beasts, trampling One Side in a merciless 14-1 victory.

Andre Mayers scored four goals, Tyric McAlister

pulled off a hat-trick, and the dynamic duo of Marcus Tudor and Amanikie Mayers each secured a double.

Mortimer Giddings, Android Aaron, and Omar Williams joined the scoring party, while Allistair Willcock salvaged pride with the lone goal for One Side.

In a nail-biter, HH Ballers edged out West Side Ballers 5-4, YMCA danced their way to an 8-4 win against Money Team, and DC Ballers outshone Blueberry Hill 6-2.

The tournament was scheduled to continue on Sunday night with another round of jaw-dropping clashes at the Retrieve Hard Court.

DC Ballers went against AnyBody Gets; Young Gunners, the scoring maestros, faced off with the formidable Team Fearless and HH Ballers and Gorillas were set to col-

lide in a battle of epic proportions. YMCA squared off against Finishers, The Money Team and Hill Side Ballers sought to pick up their first points, while Gold is Money locked horns with Youth United; the results for those matches will be published in a subsequent issue of the Guyana Times.

With a line-up that's basically a futsal who's who, the tourney is adopting the round-robin format.

The champions will pocket $1,000,000, while second through fourth place, will be rewarded $500,000, $200,000, and $100,000, respectively.

Matches will continue Nov 15, 17, 18, 22, and 24, with the grand finale on the 25th.

The victorious squad won't just revel in glory, but will also spearhead a community project in collaboration with ExxonMobil Guyana.

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2023

23

5 Guyanese in Windies A Squad for South Africa ‘Tests’ …Imlach named Vice Captain

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he Cricket West Indies (CWI) Senior Men’s Selection Panel on Sunday named the West Indies A Team for the upcoming tour of South Africa.

The West Indies will play three four-day Test matches against South Africa A from November 21 to December 8, with a 14-member squad that boasts five Guyanese.

Joshua Da Silva, the wicketkeeper-batsman has again been named as Captain following the West

Tagenarine Chanderpaul

Indies A victory in the series in Bangladesh earlier this year. Guyanese Tevin Imlach, the other wicket-keeper-batsman, has been named Vice Captain.

The 14-member squad includes five players with

Tevin Imlach will take up the Vice Captain role in the A team

Test match experience: Da Silva; batsmen Kirk McKenzie and Tagenarine Chanderpaul; along with fast bowlers Jayden Seales and Shermon Lewis.

The squad also includes three newcomers to the international lev-

el: Kevlon Anderson, a right-handed batsman; fast bowler Shamar Joseph, and all-rounder Abhijai Mansingh. All three made their first-class debuts earlier this year.

Andre Coley is the Head Coach for the tour.

The Assistant Coaches are Jimmy Adams, the former West Indies Test captain and Shaun Tait, the former Australia fast bowler.

L e a d Selector Desmond Haynes stated that the panel picked a balanced team to give the players more exposure in overseas conditions, similarly to the previous A Team tour to Bangladesh earlier this year. The panel also outlined that with the overlap between the England men’s white-ball

Kevlon Anderson

and get better.”

Shemar Joseph

tour of the West Indies and this tour, the squad was picked with the development of players’ red-ball skills in mind.

Haynes said: “We had a very good A Team tour to Bangladesh earlier this year, when were saw a number of players improve and grow. That tour was great for development in the redball format – we saw some excellent individual performances which led to the team’s overall success. Now with continued investment

by CWI in our players, we want to see the same kind of progress on this trip to South Africa.”

Haynes added: “Da Silva did an outstanding

job as captain in the ‘Tests’ in Bangladesh and he is again the captain for this tour. Anderson is a young batsman who has benefitted immensely from his time in the West Indies Academy, and we saw his quality of batsmanship in the Headley-Weekes Tri Series. Mansingh showed quality with bat and ball in the first-class competition and gets this opportunity to showcase his skills and progress. Joseph is a young fast bowler who has impressed everyone with his genuine pace, his tremendous fitness and a huge desire to gain more knowledge about the game. You can see he wants to learn

FULL SQUAD: Joshua Da Silva (captain); Tevin Imlach (vice captain); Kevlon Anderson; Tagenarine Chanderpaul; Kavem Hodge; Akeem Jordan; Shamar Joseph; Shermon Lewis; Jair McAllister; Zachary McCaskie; Kirk McKenzie; Abhijai Mansingh; Jayden Seales; Kevin Sinclair.

Match Schedule November 21 to 24: vs South Africa “A” at Willowmoore Park, Benoni November 28 to December 1: vs South Africa “A” at Buffalo Park, East London December 5 to 8: vs South Africa “A” at Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein

WI Academy names squad to face Ireland – 4 Guyanese on team

C

ricket West Indies (CWI) on Sunday announced the West Indies Men’s Academy squad for the upcoming home series against Ireland Academy.

The two teams will play three List A matches (50 overs) and two fourday First-Class matches from November 17 to December 5. These matches will be played at the Coolidge Cricket Ground (CCG) and the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium (SVRS) in Antigua.

The West Indies squad is made up mainly of the players in the West Indies Academy programme, who have just played in the

CG United Super50 Cup as well as the HeadleyWeekes Tri-Series earlier

Matthew Nandu

Junior Sinclair

Isai Thorn

Ashmead Nedd

this year.

The CWI Selection Panel has included four new players. Two of these are teenagers – Jordan Johnson, a left-handed middle-order batter and fast bowler Isai Thorne. The others are: Junior Sinclair, a right-handed spin-bowling all-rounder, and Kadeem Alleyne, a batting all-rounder.

Johnson was the stand-out player in the West Indies Rising Stars Men’s Under-19s tour to Sri Lanka in September

when he made three centuries. Sinclair was impressive in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and was a member of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, which won their first CPL title on home soil in September.

Alleyne, who will play the white-ball series, was impressive batting at the top of the order for Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) in the CG United Super50 Cup. Thorne, who will play the red-ball fixtures, bowled with pace and penetration on the Rising Stars Under-

19s tour to Sri Lanka.

CWI High-Performance Manager Graeme West stated: “The Ireland series has great significance to the CWI HighPerformance Pathway as it will be the first bilateral series since the Academy programme was introduced in July 2022.

Playing both 50-over and red-ball four-day series will provide the Academy squad with further opportunities to progress their skills following promising showings in the HeadleyWeekes Series and more recently in the CG United

Super50 Cup.” “The Academy squad really embraced the challenge that the CG United Super50 Cup provided, and it was encouraging to see the conversion of winning positions as this was a focus area coming out of 2022. We will look to see the learning over the past three weeks come through during the 50-over series against Ireland,” West added.

“The two four-day games will allow the players to gain more experience and reinforce the gameplan that worked so success-

fully during the HeadleyWeekes Tri-Series. With Kirk McKenzie and Kevlon Anderson graduating to their respective franchises, the Series will provide Jordan Johnson with the platform to build on his exceptional performances for the West Indies Rising Stars Under-19 side in Sri Lanka.”

Full squad: Nyeem Young (Captain); Ackeem Auguste; Joshua Bishop; Teddy Bishop; Carlon Bowen-Tuckett; McKenny Clarke; Jordan Johnson; Leonardo Julien; Johann Layne; Matthew Nandu; Ashmead Nedd; Kelvin Pitman; Junior Sinclair; Kevin Wickham; Kadeem Alleyne (white-ball matches only) and Isai Thorne (red-ball matches only).

Match Schedule: November 17: 1st 50-Over match at SVRS November 19: 2nd 50Over match at CCG November 21: 3rd 50Over match at SVRS November 25-28: 1st four-day match at CCG December 2-5: 2nd fourday match at CCG

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2023

Sport is no longer our game, it’s our business

Pg 23

5 Guyanese in Windies A Squad for South Africa ‘Tests’ Pg 23

Pg 22

names squad to rewards Pan Am face Ireland Games medallists – 4 Guyanese on team

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