Guyana Times - Monday, November 27, 2023

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 5566

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2023

Venezuela border controversy

We’re not warmongers, but we must defend our territory by all means – VP Jagdeo tells Essequibians Page 3

...says Guyana will continue to have military cooperation with int’l allies

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Fmr Guyanese diplomat, retired Judge pass on – Pres Ali expresses condolences to families

P11

Scouting P15 empowers youth to be resilient – PM Phillips

P8 Chainsaw operator drowns during cook-out with friends

Region Two residents turned up in their numbers at the Anna Regina Car Park for a public meeting as Government ramps up its campaign before the December 3 planned referendum by Venezuela to annex Essequibo

Govt to develop 25 acres of farmland for Baramita residents – Pres Ali announces ...children, teachers to benefit from electronic tablets

...as Guyana, EU sign agreement to strengthen forest governance

See story on page 11

Non-oil economy’s Trio remains share of GDP projected in custody for murder of to...lauds increase – GOGEC Govt's efforts to diversify economy, transformational energy projects Mahaica woman Page 2

Page 7

Venezuelans launch Georgetown rally against Maduro Govt’s territorial threats to Guyana – express support for Guyana’s sovereignty

Govt remains committed to enforcing legal, sustainable P10 forest practices – Min Bharrat

See story on page 9

No signs of P2 missing fishermen who went out to sea in aid of another vessel

2 NEWS

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Trio remains in custody for No signs of missing fishermen who murder of Mahaica woman went out to sea in aid of another vessel

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Murdered: Chooromanie Tulsi

s Police intensify their investigations into the brutal murder of 38-yearold Chooromanie Tulsi, whose body was found in her Unity, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD) home, three men remain in custody.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum told Guyana Times that the men, who were arrested one day after the murder, are assisting with investigations. He did not delve into details about the outcome of their interrogation but stated that the probe is continuing.

Tulsi, a former accountant attached to CAMEX Restaurants Inc, was found dead on Wednesday with one stab wound to her throat. The mother of one was found in the lower flat of her home at Lot 26 Unity, Mahaica, ECD. The woman had resided at the family house with

The house in which Tulsi’s body was found

her 5-year-old son, who from reports received witnessed the murder.

Police stated that Tulsi was last been seen alive at about 19:30h, when she collected her son from a family member in the same village.

However, the gruesome discovery was made at about 8:00h on Wednesday.

She was found lying on the ground with a piece of cloth stuffed inside her mouth and a knife stuck to the centre of her throat.

At the time, she was clad in a multi-coloured ‘night dress’ which was reportedly pulled up to reveal her body.

A sister, Chandrowatie Persaud, had told Guyana Times that Tulsi and her son would sleep in the upper flat of the house, but she normally wakes up between 4:00h and 4:30h to

prepare her son’s snacks and lunch for school. The kitchen is in the lower flat of the house.

“After she was finished preparing his snacks, she would go back upstairs and wake him up…prepare him for school, and they would leave together at about 6:30h… She would then drop him off by her sister-in-law, and she would make her way to work…

When she returns (in) the evening, she would collect him and they would go home together… That was the last time her sister-inlaw saw her,” Persaud noted.

Tulsi was described as a loving mother who took care of her child’s every need. The child’s father and Tulsi have been separated for years. He now resides overseas.

Investigations are continuing.

lmost two weeks after four fishermen went in aid of another boat off the Atlantic Ocean, there has been no sighting of them nor their boat. This was related to Guyana Times by one of the men’s daughters, Subrina Bahadur, on Sunday via telephone.

The missing men are Vickram Singh of Longpond, West Bank Demerara (WBD); Worrin Yipsam also called “Powas” of Herstelling, East Bank Demerara (EBD); Hazrat Razack called “Denno” of Belle West Canal No 2, WBD, and Cicil Persaud also called “Dallas” of Sisters Village, WBD. When contacted, Bahadur explained that the family remains hopeful that her father, Razack, and the three others are alive. She noted that family members are in constant contact with the Coast Guard.

In fact, she added that since their disappearance, the Coast Guard has been very helpful in facilitating a search and rescue mission.

“Up to this morning (Sunday), family and friends joined the Coast Guard and they went back out at sea with the hope of sighting the men. The Coast Guard is also in contact with ExxonMobil just

Hazrat Razack, called "Denno"

Cicil Persaud, called "Dallas”

Vickram Singh

Worrin Yipsam, called "Powas"

in case they spot the boat.”

It was reported that the men would have received a distress call on November 16 via radio through Exxon from their colleagues who had gone out to sea since November 5. The men subsequently boarded a small boat with a battery and an alternator which were needed to fix the bigger boat.

However, on Friday last, the vessel, “Red Snapper” which had encountered mechanical issues, returned to shore without the four men.

“The crew, when asked about my father, uncle and the others, they told us that they didn’t see them and that it was another vessel that was passing and assisted them to fix the boat,” Bahadur told Guyana Times.

She explained that this is not the first time her father had gone out at sea to assist his colleagues but noted that he normally takes two to three days.

Bahadur as well as the families of the other three men are hoping for the best.

NEWS

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

BRIDGE The Demerara OPENINGS Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Monday, Nov 27 – 04:00h – 05:30h and Tuesday, Nov 28 – 04:00h – 05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Monday, Nov 27 – 15:55h – 17:25h and Tuesday, Nov 28 – 16:35h – 18:05h.

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 23 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to East South-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 16:15h reaching a maximum height of 2.76 metres.

Low Tide: 09:50h and 22:17h reaching minimum heights of 0.62 metre and 0.44 metre.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2023

LOTTERY NUMBERS A

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We’re not warmongers, but we must defend our territory by all means – VP Jagdeo tells Essequibians ...says Guyana will continue to have military cooperation with int’l allies

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hile emphasising that Guyana is not a war-mongering nation, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo also sent a strong message to Venezuela that Guyana will defend its territory by all means necessary, including fostering military cooperation with its international allies.

The Vice President made these remarks while addressing a public meeting in Anna Regina, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), on Venezuela’s threats to Guyana’s territory on Sunday. His comments also come against the backdrop of his announcement last week, that officials from the United States (US) military are expected in Guyana this week.

“They (Venezuela) claim they do not want to do anything, but we can’t trust the Venezuelans, particularly given the rhetoric that is coming from there. We’re not a belligerent nation.

We’ve not invaded anyone.

We don’t have any design on anyone’s territory. We’re not a trojan horse to invade other countries,” Jagdeo told the mammoth crowd.

“But we will have military cooperation, defence cooperation, with all of our allies, including the United States of America, that we’ll be prepared for any outcome. That is important for us. So, I want to reassure you here in Essequibo, that you will remain Essequibians and citizens of Guyana… they

Top officials of the PPP/C Government in Anna Regina for Sunday’s public meeting. Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond opened the presentations, while Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and Local Government Minister Anand Persaud listened

tory - Jagdeo emphasised that Guyana will continue to pursue a settlement of its border before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

“Venezuela is not as strong as it thinks it is.

Because it has no external support. We have to recognise that when this border issue is settled, and it will be settled by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), it will be settled. And that’s the only place for it to be settled.”

“And we’re not moving out of that jurisdiction, because it was provided for by the Geneva Agreement.

We’re not withdrawing from

fence of every inch of this territory. And don’t ever question our resolve, Maduro. Don’t ever question the unity of our people and the solidarity we will get abroad on this matter.

Don’t question that. Don’t miscalculate,” Jagdeo said.

Last week, the Vice President had said that Guyana is working on its defence cooperation with several countries amid Venezuela’s aggression to annex Essequibo and that the United States Department of Defence has stepped up to offer a high-level presence this very week.

During his weekly press

Bonus Ball

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A section of the Anna Regina crowd that turned out to the event

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want to annex our territory and give you Venezuelan ID cards. We don’t want their ID cards! It’s useless!”

Pointing to the outpouring of support Guyana has been receiving from the international community compared to Venezuela - only one country, Nicaragua, has voiced support for Venezuela’s claims on Guyana’s terri-

the International Court of Justice, as Maduro wants,” Jagdeo further said.

The Vice President had firm words for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, warning him not to mistake and miscalculate the resolve of the Guyanese to defend their territory or the support Guyana will garner from the international community.

“We’re firm in the de-

briefing on Thursday, Jagdeo had affirmed that the country’s allies have been engaged to plan for any outcome amid heightened tension in the border controversy with Venezuela. From this week and leading into December, the US teams are scheduled to make several visits here.

“We are going to be working with our allies to ensure that we plan for all

eventualities. I know that we’re going to be working on greater defence cooperation with a number of countries. We have the US Department of Defence with two visits to Guyana next week by two teams, and then several other visits in the month of December,” he told media operatives.

Jagdeo had reiterated that Guyana’s position has always been one of peace and diplomacy, but his Venezuelan counterparts should make no mistake that the country will succumb to their aggression.

“We have never been interested in having military bases here but we have to protect our national interest. At the diplomatic level through the ICJ, we have been working openly because we are a law-abiding, democratic country. Can’t say the same thing about Venezuela but we will continue to do so.”

In an effort to stop Venezuela’s December 3 referendum aimed at annexing Guyana’s Essequibo territory, the Guyana Government presented its case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) last week by urging the Court to not only protect Guyana’s rights but also its own authority which Venezuela is trying to undermine. The Court was also informed of Venezuela’s mobilisation of its military on the border with Guyana.

Guyana’s Spanishspeaking neighbour has laid claim to more than two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass in the Essequibo region, and to a portion of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in which nearly 11 billion barrels of oil have been discovered largely by United States oil giant ExxonMobil. (G-3)

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guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 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

Maduro’s dangerous gambit

W

e are a week away from Maduro’s ‘consultative” referendum with the Venezuelan people on its critical number 5 item: "Do you agree with the creation of the Guayana Esequiba state and the development of an accelerated plan for comprehensive care for the current and future population of that territory, which includes, among others, the granting of citizenship and identity card?

Venezuela, in accordance with the Geneva Agreement and International Law, consequently incorporating said state on the map of Venezuelan territory?"

As our Representative Carl Greenidge said at the World Court, where we asked for an emergency ruling to stop the referendum, "It seeks to create a new Venezuelan state that purports to annex and incorporate into its own territory Guyana's entire Essequibo region, more than two-thirds of its national territory and to grant Venezuelan citizenship to the population”. This, of course, would pre-empt the judgement of the Court on the case we brought to it in 2018 to declare that the 1899 Arbitral Award was “full and final” and Venezuela has no legal basis for declaring it to be “null and void”. In rejecting the jurisdiction of the World Court, Venezuela, of course, is once again reneging on a treaty it signed – the Geneva Agreement – which is pellucid on the steps that could be taken to settle the “controversy” it concocted to claim our Essequibo by invalidating the 1899 Arbitral Award, which it also signed.

Some have said that with elections due next year, Maduro is simply trying to buttress his dwindling support in the Venezuelan electorate since the rampant corruption emanating from his populist policies has destroyed the economy and social fabric, resulting in 7.5 million citizens – almost one-quarter of the population – fleeing to foreign countries. But while that may be true, the route he has taken has grave repercussions across the world if the growing number of fascist and populist leaders across the world can have their citizens go along with actions of the State that clearly violate international law. Signing an international treaty creates an obligation on the signatories to respect international laws and norms – of which the first and most fundamental law is “pacta sunt servanda” – agreements must be kept. To do otherwise would be to unleash chaos into the international state system.

Those above who believe that Maduro is merely courting domestic electoral support – since his most likely rival at next year’s elections recently demonstrated her broad support during the Opposition primaries – believe that his sabre-rattling is a harmless ploy. But this conclusion elides the powerful nationalistic sentiments that are aroused in Venezuelans over the claim that Venezuela was robbed of Essequibo by Britain back in 1899. It goes back to 1949 when Venezuela was ruled by a dictatorship and Mallet-Prevost's posthumous claim that the Award was rigged surfaced. But it was in 1961, when democratic elections had been reinstated and President Betancourt was head of Government that two of the Constitution’s articles were changed to implicitly appropriate Essequibo.

From a bland description of the Federal territories, Article 7 now declared: “The national territory is that which belonged to the Captaincy General of Venezuela before the political transformation initiated in 1810, with the modifications resulting from treaties validly concluded by the Republic.

Sovereignty, authority, and vigilance over the territorial sea, the contiguous maritime zone, the continental shelf, and the air space, and also the ownership and exploitation of property and resources contained within them, shall be exercised to the extent and under the conditions determined by law.”

The Spanish-ruled “Captaincy General of Venezuela” of 1810 included Essequibo and this, of course, was rectified by the 1899 Arbitral Award. Every Venezuelan – including those who are refugees in Guyana – has been indoctrinated that Essequibo’s ceding by a treaty is “not validly concluded”. This is reinforced by Article 8: “The national territory may never be ceded, transferred, leased, or in any way alienated, even partially or temporarily, to a foreign power.”

We must remember that Venezuela already annexed our half of Ankoko Island. “Beware the man on horseback!”

A group of Venezuelans living in Guyana on Sunday gathered at the ‘One Guyana’ at Kingston, Georgetown in solidarity with all Guyanese as Venezuela attempts to annex two-thirds of Guyana. During the initiative, Minister Robeson Benn highlighted the importance of unity and collaboration

Maduro’s military adventurism in Guyana can result in regime change Dear Editor, Several governments in Latin America and the Caribbean experienced regime change for challenging or defying the Monroe Doctrine or the realpolitik (status quo) pertaining to big power politics in the region.

The examples are many including Haiti, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Chile, Honduras, Guyana in 1953, 1964, 1992, 2015, and 2020, Venezuela in 1948, Nicaragua, and Argentina, among others.

Military adventurism

by Venezuela into Guyana, meaning incursion to seize territory in a border dispute or controversy that is before the World Court, could lead to a similar result as the global community would not accept it. Maduro plans to annex the territory of a sovereign state that is peaceful. By so doing he will convert the region into a zone of conflict rather than a zone of peace. The OAS has issued strongly worded statements against Maduro’s aggression towards Guyana. He scorns the World Court and despises international law.

The OAS, the USA in particular, may be goaded into military action against

Venezuela for violating the UN and OAS charters and for threatening a small militarily weak nation.

Any attempt to seize the Essequibo would be looked upon unfavourably by the global community. Such aggression would incur the wrath of America and other democratic nations, causing them to come together to confront Venezuela. The USA has national security interests in Guyana and its surroundings. Venezuelan capture of Essequibo would be rejected by America as the latter’s business and strategic interests would be affected.

Natural resources come into play. The USA and the West need Guyana’s energy and would not tolerate Venezuela bullying Guyana and seizing its legitimate territory, especially when the dispute or controversy is before the World Court.

Venezuela’s transgressions could lead to sanctions by the UN and or OAS (expulsion) and eventually military action to force it to accept the status quo or the ICJ ruling that is expected soon.

The USA would be too pleased to get rid of Maduro,

who has been defying American hegemony in the region. He is presiding over a dictatorship and the USA would like to see the rise of a democracy. The opposition would also like to rid their country of Maduro.

The opposition in Venezuela would not object to any military action against the regime to help bring about political change. The people have recognised that Maduro has ruined a once-prosperous country. People are barely affording to make ends meet.

Inflation is reportedly 369%.

Venezuelans are fleeing to all countries including the US, Columbia, Brazil, Trinidad & Tobago, and Guyana.

Venezuelans are happy to live in Guyana. They praise the Guyanese and the Guyana Government for their warm hospitality. The 30,000 Venezuelans who fled to Guyana say Maduro has impoverished their nation.

They planned an anti-Maduro rally at the Square of the Revolution, Georgetown for Sunday, November 26, 2023.

Maduro suppressed opposition forces and was warned that if he continues the US will sanction him.

Rather than waiting

on the ICJ to render a decision on the re-opening of the Guyana-Venezuela border issue that was settled in 1899 and ratified in 1890 and the two boundaries demarcated in 1905, Maduro has pre-empted the ICJ’s decision and expressed his intention to carry out a referendum on whether he should invade Guyana and seize 2/3 of the country.

This is a dangerous situation and the setting of a terrible precedent. If he succeeds, what will stop other bullying states from following his horrible example? The world cannot allow this and future generations to suffer because of this dictator. That is why he must be stopped.

For the peace and stability of the Caribbean and North American/Latin American region, and for the peace and stability of Guyana which now has the best opportunity ever to lift the 48% of its people who live below the poverty line because of its oil wealth, the US and OAS may very well call for a regime change in Venezuela and proceed with appropriate action.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 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

Now is not the time to mix partisan politics with a national interest issue Dear Editor, It is a dangerous game when you mix your politics with issues of a national nature. The opening sentence rings true when you talk about the PNC. Here we have a national issue of tremendous importance to us, that is, it concerns all of us and the PNC is mixing and moiling its own internal political crisis with it. This is a downright immoral and nasty act, to say the least.

Do not bring your dirty politics into matters of our nationhood. Our sovereignty is not a PNC or PPP/C issue it is a matter for all of us, it is an issue that is near and dear to the heart of all of us here in this country. To have such a delicate, yet highly important matter before us we seek a collective and unified approach.

Now is not the time to

play cheap, partisan politics when in the face of aggression from a subtle neighbour.

The PNC are notorious bandits when it comes to this kind of behaviour, something I shall reveal later.

The Venezuela, Guyana border issue is a prime example of this sordid behaviour of the Opposition PNC and none more despicable as was meted out to yours truly when doing my national service requirements in Port Kaituma. Three years after The Jonestown tragedy, I, a young University of Guyana student was sent to the Port Kaituma NS Camp to do a three-month stint of national work study. Midway between my stint there, Lieutenant Nichols informed us that we were in the reserved army to fight Venezuela, due to their imminent invasion of the Essequibo.

My alarm signals immediately went off as I questioned the officer's remarks, thereupon, I enquired of an ex-army reservist in my batch as to the validity of that statement. His response to me was, that he being a reservist would have been the first to be notified (They use colours in the military to do this). He said the country is not yellow far less red to suggest an imminent invasion. Armed with such damning evidence, I approached Major Archer to tell of what I learnt. At first, he denied what Nichols said, however, in subsequent discussions he alerted me to the fact that whatever "The Kabaka" meaning Burnham said must be accepted unquestioningly.

I was still not satisfied with that answer so when Director Joe Singh came to the Kaituma Camp, I seized

the opportunity to ask him the very same question. No sooner had I spoken to the Director General than ADG St Romain stormed in and scolded me in the loudest of tones. The next day I was banished into Jonestown with an armed guard. That armed guard left the very next day, after complaining that he was pricked by a nail and was leaving to get a tetanus shot. He never came back.

Even the civilian worker at National Service then was not there, was busily engaged ripping off materials to build his "nite spot." I spent three more nights there without protection. On the fourth day, I mustered up the courage to make what would be the longest, hardest walk of my life, that is, to walk that long fourand-a-half-mile trek on a jungle road back to base. There

Govt's solar farms initiative must forge ahead Dear Editor, Noting that “Govt (is set) to roll out 8 solar farms (33MWp) across Guyana using US$83.3M from Norway funds” made me stop and think. In fact, my mind raced to Kenya, where in the last 10-12 years, solar farming has grown from experimental technology to something nearly everyone can take advantage of. While it is still an unknown or a new entity to many people, one thing is for sure, it is that solar farming has huge benefits.

Right in the said Kenya, at one time, most smallholder farmers depended on rainfall to irrigate their crops. And this cannot work.

In reality, only about 2% of farmland in Kenya was irrigated this way, and as we all know, this posed problems for the majority of Kenyan farmers. However, SunCulture, which designs, manufactures, finances and distributes solar-powered irrigation systems and services, has efficiently helped farmers overcome their everyday challenges by empowering them with solar power.

Guyana must follow suit, and not just because of Kenya’s transition; solar farm has many outstanding benefits. It is the logical shift.

Research literature shows that solar farms are an incredible source of energy and produce zero emissions. Solar farms are indeed a growing industry that does not require carbon-intensive fossil fuels to generate power. Solar Energy, as we know, does not cause pollution. It provides valuable construction and maintenance jobs and can help re-

duce utility bills for homes or businesses.

What is quite revealing is that solar farms already offer large amounts of clean energy to homes across America, already powering some 2 million homes.

Where solar farm technology is concerned, it is improving each year significantly.

In fact, it is not by chance that solar farms have grown quite big in places like the US and China, and it is ever on the rise.

I repeat then that the news in Guyana is good. It is that “As many as eight solar farms are expected to be rolled out across the country under the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)administered National Solar PV Project, using the over US$80 million that was received from Norway as part of the forestry pact.” The inner details show that “… three of the solar farms in question will be built on vacant agricultural land at Prospect, (East Bank of Demerara), Hampshire on the Corentyne coast and Trafalgar in MahaicaBerbice … two solar farms will be built on former mining land in Dacoura and Retrieve, while another one will be built in Block 37 … the two final solar farms will be built at Onderneeming and Charity, both in Essequibo.”

Editor, outside of the financial and environmental positives of these proposed solar farms, there is another ‘drive factor’ for this upcoming initiative. It is that Guyana must be cognisant of climate change and thus the need for adaptation, mitigation and development of land away from the coastal

plain.

Information shows that 90% of Guyana’s people are concentrated on the coastal plain, much of which lies at 0.5 to 1m below sea level, thereby necessitating a high level of infrastructure (sea defence, dykes, canals, drains etc), the maintenance of which is a constant drain on the country’s economic resources. According to the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), 39% of the population, producing 43% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), live in regions exposed to significant flooding risk. By 2030 flooding has been estimated to cost US$150M annually and extreme events such as the flooding of 2005 (that resulted in losses equivalent to 60% of GDP) could result in US$0.8bn in losses and affect 320,000 people.

The picture is clear then: There is an urgent need to identify and develop land away from the coastal plain.

Accompanying this is the fact that “… the project will enable the diversification of the local economies, and by

extension, the national economy, providing a more reliable and stable form of electricity, while avoiding the volatility of the global fuel market … Further, it was noted that these projects will allow the Government to reduce its expenditure on subsidising electricity, which can be used in other areas such as system upgrades, and improving the overall Guyana Power and Light (GPL) systems.

Overall, the country stands to benefit immensely. This is a ‘must-go-ahead’ project. More so it is in line with the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s 2023 priorities, which include significant infrastructure investments, energy developments, diversifying, and expanding the agriculture sector, and improving the business climate. For too long, businesses have been reporting that one of their key challenges to doing business in Guyana is the high cost of electricity prices.

Yours truly, HB Singh

were no humans in sight, only animal tracks, one of which was that of a jaguar.

My troubles did not end there in that Nichols gave me a talking to where he did not mince words, he flatly stated, that I should have been shot for my insubordination. I also shudder to think of what could have befallen me on that jungle road, I could have been eaten alive by the big cat, when on the morrow the headlines, from a highly censored media would have read, "Young UG student mauled by jaguar after he carelessly wandered into Jonestown all by himself." The rest is now history.

But the point I want to make is that the issue was not Venezuela, the real issue was Burnham trying desperately to be relevant.

These were the times when the lines for basic food items were a daily routine, as the lines lengthened so did the dictator's propaganda.

These were the times

when Guyana became the poorest of the poor, we were ranked below Haiti.

I am not here to trivialise the Venezuelan threat, but to highlight the fact that Burnham was mixing his dirty internal politics with our national sovereignty.

If he cared for us, he would have at least appealed to the UN which was the final arbiter, then.

Fast forward to the present time and the PNC is doing the very same thing, playing politics with our nationhood. Like Maduro, Norton is fast losing ground within his own party, and to shore up his hopes he is casting an accusing finger at the PPP/C Government for not doing enough when addressing the Venezuela border crisis. This is the lowest downdirty blow the Opposition can bring to the table. I rest my case.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2023 06:00 06:30 07:00 07:30 08:00 08:30 09:00 10:00 11:00 11:30 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 27, 2023

Foundation ◄

Page

Test Questions

By Robert Louis Stevenson CONTINUED FROM SATURDAY

What you need: small piece of cork needle strong magnet shallow dish with water working, store-bought (optional)

compass

Method Step 1. Float the cork on top of the

water.

Step 2. Magnetise the needle. You do this by drawing the needle across a strong magnet several times in the same direction, about 50 strokes.

Step 3. Carefully place the needle on the cork. The cork will spin back and forth a few times before it settles down to north. You can check your work by placing a store-bought com-

pass next to the dish.

Map science: using the compass Place a map underneath your snazzy cork compass and line up the north-pointing needle with the compass on the map itself. Then locate your house and school, and determine your direction. (Adapted from whatdowedoallday.com)

Lies and blinks in the Nile, And the red flamingo flies Hunting fish before his eyes;— Where in jungles, near and far, Man-devouring tigers are, Lying close and giving ear Lest the hunt be drawing near, Or a comer-by be seen Swinging in a palanquin;— Where among the desert sands Some deserted city stands, All its children, sweep and prince, Grown to manhood ages since, Not a foot in street or house, Not a stir of child or mouse, And when kindly falls the night, In all the town no spark of light.

There I’ll come when I’m a man With a camel caravan; Light a fire in the gloom Of some dusty dining-room; See the pictures on the walls, Heroes, fights and festivals; And in a corner find the toys Of the old Egyptian boys.

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Non-oil economy’s share of GDP projected to increase – GOGEC ...lauds Govt's efforts to diversify economy, transformational energy projects

Directors of NRG Holding Inc Nicholas Boyer and Andron Alphonso receiving the award from President Ali

T

he non-oil economy’s share of the gross domestic product (GDP) has for the most part taken a back seat to the oil and gas sector over the past few years. However, the Guyana Oil and Gas Energy Chamber (GOGEC) is optimistic that this will change as manufacturing takes off.

GOGEC recently held its Annual Awards and Induction Ceremonial Dinner, during which the chamber’s President, Manniram Prashad, spoke

have to reinvent the wheel, just learn from their mistakes,” Prashad further said.

Mention was made of all the initiatives being undertaken by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government in the area of renewable energy, including the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP), for which proposals are currently being sought.

“Every single country in the Caribbean is looking to Guyana for guidance.

And just imagine with the

clude Sol Guyana Inc and TLC Guyana Inc. In addition, NRG Holding Inc was honoured for its contribution to the oil and gas section. NRG Holding Inc is a Guyanese consortium that is presently constructing the US$300 million Shorebase facility for ExxonMobil at Vreed-en-Hoop.

Meanwhile, in October, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) released a report showing that Guyana will record 38.4 per cent of real Gross Domestic Product

A representative from Sol Guyana collecting the company’s induction certificate

about the private sector’s expectations for Guyana’s economy, which has for the most part been dominated by oil since production started.

“With investments being undertaken to diversify the economy by the Government, we expect the non-oil sectors to continue recording robust growth. And will in the long term, account for a higher share of our GDP.” “We saw what happened with our neighbours when they discovered oil. They abandoned the agriculture sector. And they started importing everything. Now they’re in trouble. We don’t

Amaila (Falls), the Gas-toShore Project, if the cost of energy can be reduced by 50 per cent, our manufacturing sector will thrive tremendously.”

“Instead of people from the Caribbean purchasing our raw materials and manufacturing and selling it back to us, we can manufacture here because we will have cheaper energy. So, this initiative, the Amaila Falls and gas-to-energy is transformational,” Prashad further said.

During the event, several companies and individuals were inducted into the oil and gas sector. These in-

(GDP) growth, against a regional growth average of 2.3 per cent.

Guyana has already recorded a whopping 59.5 per cent real economic growth in the first half of 2023, driven not only by the oil and gas sector but also the nonoil economy which has been growing for successive years.

The gold mining and quarrying sector is estimated to have grown by 89.9 per cent in the first half of the year, driven by increased output. The report explains that these increases outweighed the declines observed in the gold mining and bauxite mining subsec-

GOGEC President Manniram Prashad and President Dr Irfaan Ali

tors.

Meanwhile, agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors are estimated to have expanded by 7.6 per cent in the first half of the year. This was driven by growth in all subsectors – namely other crops, rice growing, livestock, fishing, forestry, and sugar.

Guyana’s rapid economic expansion saw the country recording a 62.3% growth in 2022 – placing the country amongst the fastest-growing economies globally. This rapid growth was attributed by the Government to the oil and gas sector, which expanded by 124%. Meanwhile, Guyana’s non-oil economy also saw a very strong expansion of 11.5%.

When it comes to addressing the country’s energy woes, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government, in staying true to its promise, has reinvited Requests for Proposals (RFP) under a Build-OwnOperate-Transfer (BOOT) model, to advance the development of the long-awaited AFHP. According to published documents from the Prime Minister’s Office, the project will integrate and expand Guyana Power and

Light’s national grid capacity to include Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice).

Interested parties must submit one proposal based on a BOOT model, which

which received a $43.3 billion allocation in Budget 2023. The project will see the construction of an integrated Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) plant and the 300-megawatt (MW) combined cycle

A representative from TCL Guyana Inc received the induction certificate

includes the construction of a hydro dam, transmission lines from Amaila to Linden plus sub-stations at the Amaila site as well as upgrades and completion of roads and bridges to the site.

There are also plans for the gas-to-energy project,

power plant at Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD).

Additionally, 225 kilometres of pipeline will be laid from the Liza field in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, where Exxon and its partners are currently producing oil.

8 NEWS

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Chainsaw operator drowns during cook-out with friends A

cookout turned tragic on Friday after a chainsaw operator reportedly drowned at a popular Mashabo Lake, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

The dead man has been identified as 30-year-old Ron Raphael of Mashabo Mission.

According to Delicia Persaud, a sister of the now dead man, a group of friends went on a cookout

Dead: Ron Raphael

at the lake during which her brother went into the water and never resurfaced.

"My brother and his friends were drinking and they decided to cook a duck so he was in the water swimming while his nephew went to bring thyme to start cooking... by the time he went back he didn't see his uncle and he started to holler and search for him."

She added that her nephew was the one who found his body a short distance from where he was swimming. His motionless body was subsequently pulled from the lake and taken to the Suddie Police Station where it was examined for marks of violence but none was seen.

The body was taken to Suddie Public Hospital’s mortuary awaiting post-mortem.

Single mother compensates victim to save son from spending Christmas in jail S enior Magistrate Leron Daly gave Keino Pluck, who had entered a guilty plea to theft last month, the option to pay the victim right away or go to jail.

The 18-year-old unemployed man from Tucville Squatting Area, Georgetown, had confessed that on October 25, at Commerce Street, Georgetown, he stole from the person of Shondel Jones, a 16-pennyweight gold chain valued at $210,000.

Pluck’s mother, who is a single mother of five other children, offered to give Jones $99,000 when the case was called for sentencing on Friday at the

Keino Pluck

Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The woman informed the Magistrate that it was her whole savings and that she had even pleaded for assistance from someone in order to raise the amount.

The mother, a sweeper/cleaner by profession, disclosed that she had lately had to make a payment in order to cover her daughter's exam costs for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC).

Jones took the money from her. In brief remarks, Jones told the Magistrate that she had saved money all year to buy the chain for her daughter.

Pluck would have been jailed for three months if his mother had not paid the victim.

Magistrate Daly ordered Pluck to enroll in Government-funded literacy and skills training programmes, be under probation and social services supervision until he turns 21, apply for pub-

lic assistance because of his current financial circumstances, and return to Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) to live with his mother, despite the fact that he is now free.

"You have gotten another chance.

Please go and correct your behaviour,” Magistrate Daly said to Pluck, who virtually appeared in court. In responding, Pluck told the Magistrate “Thank you”.

Pluck's father abandoned his mother, causing financial hardship for the family, according to a probation officer. Because of this, he dropped out of school at the age of 14 and moved to Mahdia in a quest of employment before moving to Georgetown and staying with a friend.

Reports are that Jones visited the Stabroek Market on October 25 to purchase a chain.

She then left the market, but not before Pluck approached her from a short distance away, grabbed the chain around her neck, and made a hasty retreat on foot.

Jones trailed Pluck as he went, setting off an alert that led to the thief’s arrest by a Police rank.

The chain was, however, not recovered.

When the Magistrate asked Pluck what he did with the chain on Friday, he stated he threw it away in his haste to get away.

Meanwhile, Pluck told a probation officer that he had been frustrated with not being able to find work and had stolen the woman's necklace.

He stated that he went to Georgetown on the day in question in order to apply for a job at a private company, but he did not receive a positive response.

Whatever happened…

L

…to JFK?

ast Wednesday was the 60th anniversary of the assassination of John F Kennedy – the 35th President of the US (1961-1963); the youngest man elected to the office and the youngest president to die. With only four per cent of our population over sixty-five, very few Guyanese will have a personal recollection of “where they were when JFK was shot”. However, that assassination not only changed America but the world – especially our little Guyana! – not only for the killing of an American President, but who organised the dastardly act and why.

Kennedy was the President who decided Jagan was a commie “fellow traveller” – in an age of communist hysteria – and he had to go!! If the young’uns think the West’s Islamophobia is over the top nowadays, they should bone up on the anti-communist hysteria in the fifties and sixties!! Americans saw “reds under beds” at the drop of a progressive word – and even had a Senator McCarthy who used the FBI to purge American public life of hundreds of suspected communists and communist sympathisers. Hollywood and Jews were hit particularly hard!!

So it's on Kennedy’s watch that our politics was channelled into the destructive, internecine ethnic war it remains mired in to this day: the Yanks backed Burnham’s rise and Jagan’s 28-year sojourn in the political wilderness! But back to who killed him and why.

Immediately after his death an ex-Marine named Oswald was arrested, but was killed two days later by a smalltime crook, Jack Ruby – while surrounded by Police.

Doubts immediately arose on the official story.

Firstly, even though Oswald was positioned behind Kennedy – who was riding in an open limo – in Dallas and his shot to the head should’ve knocked JFK forward, a home film showed the head thrown backwards. This started the speculation about a second shooter: Thomas Buchanan's book Who Killed Kennedy? published in May 1964, was the first book to allege a conspiracy. But the official 1964 Warren Commission rejected this line – even as discrepancies kept piling up. Each of them led to movies that the establishment dismissed as “conspiracy theories”.

In 1979, while a US Congressional Committee agreed that Oswald killed Kennedy, it concluded that the Warren Commission's report – and the original FBI investigation – were seriously flawed. It concluded that at least four shots were fired, with a "high probability" that two gunmen fired at Kennedy – and that a conspiracy was probable! Nowadays, most conclude that the conspiracy led to the highest levels of US agencies like the CIA. Most damming is that even though an Act was passed to release the Kennedy Investigations’ papers…up to Biden it has not been completely complied with.

If there’s nothing to hide, why hide the papers? …to patriotism??

Along with the GRA, your Eyewitness is alarmed that recently, two barrels shipped in from the USA contained weapons and bullets. In the first one, last month from the Bronx, there were eight 9mm pistols with magazines (with serial numbers filed off) and in last month’s – one from Georgia— there were five pistols and 5000 rounds of ammo. Now that’s a whole lotta firepower in a country with less than 800,000 people. So, your Eyewitness wonders exactly what’s going on?

And wonders why only the GRA’s worried and not the Police and their investigative arms. After all – with no aspersions cast on our Customs Officers – your Eyewitness’s personal experience with clearing barrels suggests they could be picking up maybe only 1 out of 10 barrels with guns. Now he doesn’t want to get paranoid or anything, but – like with the Warren Commission above – your Eyewitness warns against dismissing the possibility that folks are being armed for another “Freedom Fighters” onslaught against the PPP Government. …to Dutch placidity??

The Dutch have been pretty slick in presenting themselves as a laid-back bunch of friendly burghers!!

Well, their slave trading and plantation history is rising to the fore with the success of the far-right politician Wilders. Outed!!

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

NEWS

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Venezuelans launch Georgetown rally against Maduro Govt’s territorial threats to Guyana – express support for Guyana’s sovereignty

A

number of Venezuelan migrants who fled the economic and social collapse of the neighbouring Spanish-speaking country on Sunday came out in support of Guyana against the Venezuelan regime’s baseless claim on Guyana’s Essequibo territory.

Bearing placards during a rally in Georgetown with the ‘I love Guyana’ sign in the background, the Venezuelans sent a clear message that having already escaped the Nicolas Maduro regime and settled in Guyana, they have no interest in the Maduro regime encroaching on Guyana’s territory and bringing more of what they escaped from.

One placard read “We want peace”, while another identified the group as “Venezuelans in Guyana (who) support Guyana”. Another placard stated that “Referendum or not, Essequibo belongs to Guyana”. Meanwhile, another protestor bore a placard that thanked Guyana “for allowing us to grow with our families.

Love Guyana.”

Another protester urged the Maduro Government to “respect the 1899 Award”

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn meeting Venezuelans on Sunday

while another stated that the Venezuelans at the rally “support Guyana’s sovereignty”. Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn, who was at the demonstration, addressed the gathering and lauded them for choosing to express support for and stand with Guyana.

“There are Venezuelan nationals here in Guyana. Many of them are Guyanese, or descendants of Guyanese originally. Or pure Venezuelans who have come to us for support and help in this time of crisis there. We are continuously happy to have them.”

“We are moved by this sup-

port that they’re giving to us, at a particularly critical time.

It is precious for us that these Venezuelans and Guyanese can come here in the open and express support for Guyana’s position in the Essequibo controversy,” Benn said.

Benn reaffirmed that Guyana is always willing to help those in distress and made it clear that Guyana has no interest in fighting its Venezuelan “brothers and cousins”. At the same time, he stressed that Essequibo belongs to Guyana and that Guyana’s territorial integrity must be maintained.

A section of the Venezuelan migrants who attended the rally

“Essequibo belongs to Guyana,” Benn said, to cheers from the crowd. “And we know that even people in Venezuela itself are aware of this fact. The 1899 Arbitral Award established the boundaries. It was surveyed with Venezuelans. And it was accepted on Venezuelan maps and stamps.”

“This contrivance, which has been going on and on since the 1960s, is nothing more than a political stunt.

However, we remain vigilant.

Both at the frontiers and internally, with respect to this

controversy. And we are prepared to defend Guyana.”

Guyana’s Spanishspeaking neighbour has laid claim to more than two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass in the Essequibo region, and to a portion of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in which nearly 11 billion barrels of oil have been discovered largely by United States oil giant ExxonMobil.

Over the past few weeks, Guyana has been informing regional and international partners of the referendum planned by Venezuela for December 3, which has

been criticised by the United States, Caricom, and the Organisation of American States (OAS), as well as several other nations in the Region, including Brazil, for seeking to, among other things, gain a national consensus to annex Essequibo.

In addition to its substantive case at the International Court of Justice, Guyana is currently seeking an injunction from the ICJ against Venezuela’s efforts to annex Essequibo via its planned December 3 referendum. (G-3)

10 NEWS

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Over 400 young people receive Govt scholarships Govt remains committed to enforcing legal, sustainable Govt committed to developing highly forest practices – Min Bharrat competent public sector – Min Parag

...as Guyana, EU sign agreement to strengthen forest governance

Minister Vickram Bharrat and Ambassador, Rene Van Nes after the signing of the agreement

T

he Natural Resources Ministry on Friday signed an aide-mémoire with the European Union (EU) under its Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) which is a critical component of the Forest Law and Enforcement Governance and Trade (FLEGT) action plan.

The signing agreement was facilitated by subject Minister Vickram Bharrat at the second Joint Monitoring and Review Committee (JMRC) meeting held at the Guyana Forestry Commission.

Bharrat assured of the Government’s continued commitment to the VPA as it sees great value in what it has contributed thus far and its benefits in the future.

“The JMRC is the body that is ultimately responsible for the way in which the agreement is implemented.

Since it provides key oversight in the process,” the Minister stated.

He explained that although another document was signed and ratified under the VPA, both the Government and the relevant stakeholders

will still have to ensure that momentum is maintained during the agreement’s implementation phase.

“The current timeline of the joint implementation framework developed by the parties identifies critical activities in the success of the issuance of the licence. These timelines need to be adhered to. This may require greater effort from all sides.”

The Minister urged the stakeholders to work together to operationalise the Guyana Timber Legality Assurance System (GTLAS) which is considered to be the heart of the VPA. Additionally, he posited that the Government is committed to enforcing legal and sustainable forest practices and as a result, considers the FLEGT VPA critical to the development of the forestry sector.

Meanwhile, the Ambassador of the European Union to Guyana, Rene Van Nes, stated that the new agreement will see resources being increased to Guyana.

“As a result of the very

good progress that you are making on the implementation of the VPA, it was decided to give you more resources. So, in the past, it was agreed that you would get two and a half million euros for this, this has actually been increased, you will get $3.8 million euros,” Van Nes disclosed at the JMRC meeting.

The EU Ambassador further disclosed that the agreement will see Guyana and its local counterparts benefitting tremendously from other resources that will be provided by the EU such as an information technology system, which will allow persons within the forestry sector to monitor online forestry procedures.

The VPA would ensure that timber from Guyana is EU-certified in a manner that follows best practices in sustainable forest management. Talks on the FLEGT VPA began in 2009 with formal negotiations made in 2012 and eventually saw ratification and a formal signing being done in early 2023.

O

ver 400 young people were granted scholarships for the year 2023-2024 as the Government remains committed to building a well-educated and qualified nation.

The awardees were part of an orientation ceremony on Saturday at the National Culture Centre where Public Service Minister Sonia Parag underscored the unwavering dedication by the Government to ensure that all young people get access to education.

Parag further emphasised that the scholarship programme aims to empower Guyanese with the necessary skills and qualifications to excel in their chosen fields.

These scholarships, she explained, are an integral part of the Government’s strategy to develop a highly competent public sector that can effectively contribute to the nation’s growth and development.

“The areas that we have advertised for scholarships have been selected by the Ministry based on an unofficial needs assessment that was done with the various Ministries and agencies to identify areas within which they want to build their human resource capacity. One of the mandates of the Ministry of Public Service is to provide the human resource capacity for the public sector,” Minister Parag said.

She encouraged the beneficiaries to serve the country well by utilising their knowledge and skill sets to improve the various sectors. “This is not just for your own investment in ed-

Public Service Minister Sonia Parag addressing the gathering

ucation but this is you contributing nationally to your country, to develop it. It is a great honour and distinction to serve your country,” Minister Parag reminded.

However, a recent beneficiary of the scholarship and recipient of the Prime Minister’s Award for the best-graduating student in the School of Medicine at the University of Guyana, Dr Dhanraj Baljit, provided a synopsis of how he was able to accomplish his dreams through the Government’s investment in his education.

“I realised the true benefits of receiving a complete scholarship. The scholarship covered my entire tuition, included the facility fees and even provided a quarterly stipend. This was of great assistance and relief to my family …

It allowed me to be free of the student loan process to completely focus on having a very strong start to the remaining three academic years that I had ahead of me.”

He lauded the monthly stipend issued under the scholarship programme which assists with the procurement of study materials to ensure students’

Dr Dhanraj Baljit

goals are achieved.

“With the help of the scholarship that I received from the Public Service Ministry through the Government of Guyana, I was able to afford all the necessary equipment and textbooks that were essential to my success in medical school,” Baljit related The scholarship recipients will have the opportunity to pursue their tertiary education at a variety of institutions, including the University of Guyana, Guyana School of Agriculture, Government Technical Institute, Essequibo Technical Institute, New Amsterdam Technical Institute, Carnegie School of Home Economics, Art Williams and Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School, Texila American University, and the Georgetown American University.

By investing in the human capital of Guyana, the Government is laying the foundation for a brighter future, one where citizens are equipped with the knowledge and expertise to lead the nation towards prosperity and success.

NEWS

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt to develop 25 acres of farmland for Baramita residents – Pres Ali announces ...children, teachers to benefit from electronic tablets

President Dr Irfaan Ali addressing the residents of Baramita on Saturday

President Ali and Chief of Staff of the GDF, Omar Khan in Baramita

I

n the coming weeks, the Government plans to develop 25 acres of land for residents of Baramita, Region One (Barima-Waini) to produce the main food items that are needed.

This announcement was made by President Dr Irfaan Ali, who visited the village during a twoday outreach to communities along the GuyanaVenezuela border.

While conversing with the residents, the President proposed that his Government provide support to the village and help develop a 25-acre farmland in the community which was received by a resounding assent from the villagers.

“I’m going to ask the army to work with us on this project. The agri corps is going to work with Baramita, with the

Ministry of Agriculture, starting next week in developing the 25 acres to provide the main food items that you have here.”

“Including the growing of chicken to help support your village economy. So that you don’t have to import everything,” President Ali told the residents.

However, other concerns raised by residents included transportation woes, school rehabilitation, assistance with satellite communication and the need for eye testing to be done in the community.

The President committed to looking into all these issues raised and in the case of the latter, committed to sending a team from the Ministry of Health into the community shortly.

The President also announced that the children in the village would benefit from 600 electronic tablets,

to provide them with internet connectivity.

“I’m so proud of all of you. And because of how proud I am of you… Do you have 519 kids? Including the teachers… and some other students maybe in the community? Before the end of next week, we will send for you guys 600 tablets. So, you will have a tablet each.”

“We will install the internet so you will have internet at the school. And I’m going to host your Christmas party this year,” President Ali said, to cheers from the children present. Additionally, he challenged the teachers in the community to enrol in the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) programme.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has been paying close atten-

tion to increasing food security at the local level, community to community, as part of a grand strategy of reducing the Caribbean Region’s large food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025 - which was committed to

by Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) in August 2022.

In 2012, Caricom’s food import bill was recorded at US$3 billion while in 2016 it was US$2.9 billion. Between the period of 2018-2020, the food import bill was US$13.76 billion, 2018 food imports val-

ued at US$5.03 billion, and 2019 food import valued at US$4.776 billion.

Only last week Friday, farmers of Crabwood Creek, Region Six, received a total of $3 million in agricultural inputs, including farming posts and barbed wire, to construct a fence to prevent cattle from destroying the crops. The items which were handed over included 1500 posts and 160 rolls of barbed wire.

As Guyana continues on its trajectory to have a vibrant and resilient sector, Minister of Agriculture

Zulfikar Mustapha has reaffirmed that farmers will continue to receive the necessary support and inputs to boost food productivity.

Another example of the work the Government is doing to boost agriculture at the community level, is the community of Mara, on the East Bank of Berbice, which is expected to undergo massive agricultural development, including new crops and the opening of new land for cultivating rice, as part of the Government’s commitment to the residents.

Fmr Guyanese diplomat, retired Judge pass on – Pres Ali expresses condolences to families

F

ormer Guyanese Ambassador to the United States, Dr Rudy Insanally, 87, passed away on Sunday after a prolonged illness. Following his passing, President Dr Irfaan Ali expressed sincere condolences to his family and friends.

The President noted that Insanally was one of Guyana’s foremost diplomats and a distinguished international statesman.

“Dr Insanally’s diplomatic acumen and leadership have earned him deservedly the gratitude of our nation. As Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2001 to 2008, Dr Insanally advanced Guyana’s national interest on the international stage.

His was a life dedicated to diplomacy and particularly for advocating the cause of small states,” the President stated.

He added that the United Nations was his second home. The former Ambassador had the honour of serving as the President of the United Nations General Assembly

Justice (Rt’d) Prem Persaud

Dr Rudy Insanally

and was for many years, Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the world’s foremost multilateral institution.

“These and his tireless exertions in numerous other ambassadorial positions distinguish him as a diplomat par excellence,” Ali noted.

Meanwhile, the President also offered condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Guyana, to the family and relatives of Retired Justice Prem Persaud, who also

passed on Sunday.

He noted that Justice Persaud had a long and fulfilling career as a judge.

“After retiring, he agreed to continue in public service as the Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission and as a member of the Judicial Service Commission,” the President added.

He further stated that Justice Persaud, who was almost 86, was a highly-respected member of the Bench and as such, his passing is a loss for the country’s legal profession.

12 NEWS

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 20

Essequibo rallies against V

023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Venezuela’s aggression

NEWS

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14 NEWS

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyanese businessman on a mission to spread Christmas cheer to children near and far “I t gives me the most satisfaction to see the smiles on the faces of the young children when they are given a gift, especially at Christmas.”

These were the words of young entrepreneur and philanthropist, Azruddin Mohamed, who has spearheaded one of the biggest toy drives that will see over 20,000 children from practically all the nursery schools in the public education system receiving a present for Christmas.

The toys were all purchased solely by the businessman and with the assistance of his staff, friends and family members, they were packed and shipped to the various areas for distribution.

“We will be taking gifts to schools as far as

Boxes being labelled to send to the various regions (Photos by Mike Gonsalves)

children received toys in Regions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 10. This year, for the first time, the businessman has

The businessman stated that families are still struggling to make ends meet, especially coming

growing up and receiving a present… let’s do our part to bring happiness to our children, they deserve the Businessman Azruddin Mohamed testing some of the toys

Only recently, a family of Three Good Hope, Essequibo Coast, Region Two received the keys to their new home.

Back in September, the Mohameds handed over two newly constructed

Demerara (ECD).

In addition, Azruddin Mohamed continues to invest in the future of young people who have a passion for excelling in sport and academics.

The Mohameds' contri-

Some of the toys for distribution

Orealla in Region Six to Karasabai in the deep south Rupununi… our teams are already on the ground and will commence distribution as early as today.”

In fact, the first set of toys will be distributed throughout Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) within the next few days.

However, this initiative is not the first of its kind - last year, over 12,000

extended his generosity to Regions 1, 7, 8 and 9.

“This year, we will be touching some of the most remote areas in these outlying regions… for years, we have concentrated our resources mostly on the coastland but we want to do something different this year around hence, my team and I we compiled all the information furnished to us by regional representatives and went down to work.”

out of the COVID-19 pandemic and purchasing a gift for their child or children at Christmas might put additional pressure on them.

“Getting a gift at Christmas – no matter how small, reminds us that it is something we all look forward to… I am extremely happy to embark on this project… being around the toys over the past few days definitely brought back old memories of when I was

very best.”

Meanwhile, the generosity of the businessman does not end here. In fact, a West Coast Berbice family is expected to move into their brand-new home in time for Christmas. The family’s home was destroyed by heavy winds earlier this year. The home is about 75 per cent completed.

So far, several families received new homes courtesy of the Mohameds.

Businessman Azruddin Mohamed assisting with the packing of toys

homes – one to an amputee of Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD), and the other to a family of four at Annandale, East Coast

bution to society is just the tip of the iceberg as 95 per cent of the humanitarian work done by the family is not made public.

GFS hosts inaugural kids’ camp to educate on fire prevention, safety

F

ifty primary and secondary-aged children from the community of Lodge, Georgetown, were engaged in fire safety and prevention mechanisms, when the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) hosted its inaugural Blaze Busters Academy Kids Camp, on Saturday.

The main aim of the event was to instil in the children from the community, a positive mindset that prioritises their safety, according to Chief Fire Officer (ag), Gregory Wickham.

The participants were engaged in several activities including first aid exercise and a strength test competition.

The event was hosted at the Guyana Fire

Chief Fire Officer (ag), Gregory Wickham during remarks at the kids’ camp

The children who were part of the camp

Service Headquarters on Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown.

The CFO underscored that the activity was conceptualised with the strategic

understanding that if children are educated about fire safety and prevention, the country could reap the benefits.

“It is important that we

teach our little children the way forward or the things they can do and things they cannot do to make a safe home, community, and nation…So, we want you when

Some of the apparatus used by firefighters on display

you get back home, all that you learned today, that you share with your siblings, parents, guardians and schoolmates when you get back to school,” Wickham expressed.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Dwayne Scotland, other firefighters, station officers, cadet officers, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and parents were also present at the event.

NEWS

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Scouting empowers youth Cattle farmers decry unfair treatment to be resilient – PM Phillips by rice farmers at Cookrite Savannah

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female cattle farmer who has been in the business for more than two decades believes that she is being squeezed out of the Cookrite Savannah in the Black Bush Polder (BBP), by the increased cultivation of rice.

The Cookrite Savannah was initially earmarked for livestock cultivation but over the years, some livestock farmers converted their lands to planting rice.

Now, many of those who still rear animals, especially cattle, are tasked with preventing their animals from going into rice fields and destroying crops.

Kamildia Williams, along

Cattle farmer Kamildia Williams

er. According to the widow, this is unfair while reiterating that animals have been utilising the savannahs for decades before rice cultivation began there.

Prime Minister Phillips and a group of scouts on Saturday

P

rime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips acknowledged the scouts' significant role in youth development and the promotion of national identity and unity in Guyana.

He made these remarks on Saturday at the Scout Association of Guyana's (SAG) Annual National Camp Opening Ceremony to celebrate the organisation's 114th anniversary, which is being held under the theme "Renewing the Vision, Igniting the Fire" at SAG's headquarters on Woolford Avenue.

Phillips described the country's scouting history as one of growth, resilience and empowerment.

He commended the young scouts for upholding principles, serving communities and demonstrating leadership and global citizenship while lauding SAG's resilience despite changes in societal attitude, financial constraints, and other obstacles over the years.

The Prime Minister said that his office would financially support the body before the end of the year while appealing for additional support.

“This is something that we have to continue to support throughout Guyana, especially at a time like this. Yes, we have resources and we are growing at a fast rate, but it is one thing to be wealthy and another thing and, perhaps, more important, to be patriotic.

He said that at this moment in the country's history, there is a need to "adopt a whole-of-country approach to dealing with this threat from Venezuela… you have a history of community service, and now you have a role to ensure that everybody in your community understands the significance of Essequibo being part of Guyana. It always was and always will be."

Scouting was introduced to British Guiana in 1909, making Guyana the first Caribbean country to start scouting and

fifth in the world. The first Scout Troop was formed at Queen's College under the leadership of George Manly, a Sergeant Major in the British Regiment stationed there.

New troops formed and were attached mainly to church schools including St Mary’s, St Theresa’s, St Stanislaus, St Francis, St Thomas More, HQ Troop 39, St Pius, and Central High in Georgetown.

Troop 39 was notable as the first Troop to make the overland journey to Kaieteur Falls. This Troop produced some of Guyana's scout leaders - including two Chief Commissioners, DB St Aubyn and Lawrence Thompson, and four Assistant Chief Commissioners for Cubs.

Scouting spread from the county of Demerara to the county of Berbice, where a renowned Troop, Lady Dawson's Own, was formed.

Scouting emerged in the county of Essequibo in the 1940s with Troops mostly attached to church schools.

The damaged fence

with her two sons have 400 heads of cows, 200 heads of sheep, 100 heads of goats, and 20 horses.

According to Williams, when she met her husband in 1981, he reared animals in the Cookrite Savannah. Prior to that, her father-in-law controlled the cattle.

However, on the heels of numerous complaints that animals are destroying rice crops, the farmers are asked to provide fencing for the rice plots to prevent their animals from entering and destroying the crops.

Williams said she recently paid $600,000 to construct a fence for a plot of land being cultivated by a rice farm-

“Rice nah bin dea here.

This savannah give to mine cow and now rice take over.

Every time cow see greenness they got to go into the rice field; you can’t stop the cow from doing that,” she argued in her native Corentyne dialect.

She added that on one occasion most of her cattle were impounded after entering a rice field but after negotiations and the intervention of the Government, she was able to get them released after paying $200,000.

The woman related that it would cost her about $6 million to fence the land in order to prevent her animals from entering rice fields. She is of the belief that the authorities

seem to be paying little attention to cattle farmers.

With the pressure, she related that at some point, they will be forced to sell the animals. Williams’ son, Elvis Shivgobin, stated that after his father died, he started to assist on the farm.

“Now the rice farmers dem taking over. When they plant rice, we have to fence it. We don’t have anywhere to graze the cattle,” he pointed out.

His other brother, Schain Shivgobin, noted that it is about four different farmers who are cultivating rice in close proximity to where they have cattle in the Cookrite Savannah.

He added that is frequently being asked by the rice farmer when they would be fencing the new plot of land that he is currently ploughing.

“He tell me that we have to prevent our cows from going into his rice.”

Region Six Chairman David Armogan noted that planting rice and rearing animals in the same area has been creating problems.

“I am told that the leases that were given to the farmers were called agriculture leases and although it was earmarked for cattle, because of the fact that it was called agricultural leases people have been doing any kind of agriculture on those lands so it is difficult to deal with the situation.”

Farfan & Mendes partners with Jamaican company to diversify agriculture sector

A NFT (Hydroponics) system

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arfan & Mendes Ltd on Friday announced its strategic partnership with Isratech Jamaica Limited to further align the company’s sustainability strategy in the line of diversification and eco-smart technologies.

Isratech Jamaica

Limited is renowned for its engineering and design, manufacturing and supply of products and services for applications in the agricultural, water and energy sectors.

This strategic alliance empowers Farfan & Mendes Ltd to offer addi-

A trough system

tional products that cater to the growing agricultural sector in Guyana. The addition of state-of-the-art irrigation systems, shade houses and innovative hydroponics solutions helps to empower farmers with

efficient and eco-friendly technology.

"Farfan & Mendes Ltd has long been committed to offering innovative and eco-friendly solutions that improve the livelihoods of our fellow Guyanese,"

Managing Director at Farfan & Mendes Ltd, Andrew Mendes stated.

"Our partnership with Isratech Jamaica Limited underlines this dedication by bringing unique, sustainable, and cutting-edge agricultural solutions to our customers. This collaboration underscores our commitment to our sustainability strategy and its focus on diversification and green technologies."

Further, Executive Director of Isratech Jamaica Limited, Benjamin Hodara added "Isratech Jamaica Limited is excited to partner with Farfan & Mendes Ltd, a company that shares our passion for innovation and sustainability."

"Our agriculture-centric products and servic-

es, when combined with Farfan & Mendes Ltd's local expertise and vast network, will unquestionably provide customers with the latest and most sustainable agricultural technologies."

As the authorised distributor of Isratech Jamaica Limited, Farfan & Mendes Ltd is eager to extend its mission of enriching the lives and businesses of Guyana, all while staying true to its sustainability strategy.

By emphasising diversification and green technologies, this partnership will deliver added value and sustainability to farmers and customers while ensuring access to state-of-theart agricultural advancements designed to reduce environmental impact.

16 NEWS

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

THE GUYANA-VENEZUELA CONTROVERSY I

the Tribunal of Arbitration as a full, perfect, and final settlement” of all matters referred to the Tribunal.

Facilitated by the United States, in 1897, Venezuela and Great Britain concluded an agreement — the Treaty of Washington — by which they agreed to submit the

For more than six decades after the 1899 Award was delivered, Venezuela treated the Award as a final settlement of the matter: it consistently recognised, affirmed and relied upon the 1899 Award as “a full, perfect, and final” determination of the boundary with British Guiana. In particular, between 1900 and 1905, Venezuela participated in a joint demarcation of the boundary, in strict adherence to the letter of the 1899 Award, and emphatically refused to countenance even minor technical modifications of the boundary line de-

n the second half of the nineteenth century, a dispute regarding the location of the boundary between Venezuela and the then-British colony of British Guiana arose.

The United States took Venezuela’s side in the dispute, based on its “Monroe Doctrine”, by which it opposed territorial claims by European colonial powers in the Americas. Tensions rose to such a level that the United States even threatened war against Britain, but diplomacy prevailed.

1899 Arbitral Award

Boundary demarcation

ly described, and in the same year that Venezuela presented Mr MalletProvost with the Order of the Liberator “in testimony of the high estimation in which the Venezuelan people hold and will always hold him.”

The memorandum claimed that the Award was the product of a deal between the two British arbitrators and the President of the Tribunal.

It did not claim the existence of – still less actually identify – any evidence to support such an assertion. Tellingly, Venezuela placed no reliance on the document until the advent of Guyana’s independence, thirteen years after its alleged existence was first reported.

As British Guiana’s in-

Golden Arrowhead mounted at the Guyana-Venezuela border

dispute regarding the location of the boundary to binding arbitration (“the 1899 Arbitration” or “the Arbitration”) before a tribunal of eminent jurists, including the heads of the judiciary of the United States and Great Britain (“the Arbitrators”, “the Arbitral Tribunal” or “the Tribunal”).

On 3 October 1899, the Arbitral Tribunal delivered its Award, which determined the boundary between Venezuela and British Guiana (“the 1899 Award”). The 1899 Award was the culmination of arbitral proceedings during which the respective territorial claims of Great Britain and Venezuela were addressed at great length and in detail by distinguished legal counsel representing the two States, including through many thousands of pages of written submissions and more than 200 hours of oral hearings before the Arbitral Tribunal.

Under the terms of the Treaty of Washington, Great Britain and Venezuela agreed that they would “consider the result of the proceedings of

scribed in the Award.

Venezuela proceeded to formally ratify the demarcated boundary in its domestic law and thereafter published official maps, which depicted the boundary following the line described in the 1899 Award.

In July 1928, Venezuela concluded a boundary agreement with Brazil that expressly confirmed the tri-junction point of the boundaries of British Guiana, Venezuela and Brazil as described in the 1899 Award.

For more than sixty years, Venezuela gave full effect to that Award, and never raised a concern as to its validity and binding legal effects.

dependence came into view in the early 1960s, and after more than half a cen-

sovereign territory.

In the decades since Guyana attained independence, Venezuela has continued to advance those claims, with increasing menace, and in disregard of the impact of its claims on Guyana and the wider Region.

Unlawful

by Guyana in its territory west of the Essequibo River. Venezuela’s claims and conduct have had — and continue to have — a profoundly detrimental effect on Guyana.

Since its emergence as a sovereign State in 1966, Guyana’s stability and development have been unsettled by Venezuela’s

No evidence

Secret memorandum

Venezuela invoked a secret memorandum, purportedly authored in 1944

by Severo Mallet-Provost, a junior member of Venezuela’s legal team at the 1899 arbitration, with alleged instructions that it not be published until after his death (which occurred in 1949). The memorandum was said to be drafted more than 45 years after the events it alleged-

people.

Venezuela’s contention of nullity on the eve of Guyana’s independence set in train a protracted process during which Venezuela was given every opportunity to explain, investigate and substantiate the allegations underlying its new contention, including by appointing a panel of experts to review previously confidential archival materials relating to the 1899 Arbitration.

tury of recognition, affirmation and reliance, Venezuela sought to repudiate the 1899 Award for the first time. On the basis of that departure from its longstanding recognition of the Award, Venezuela began to make far-reaching and aggressive claims that it was entitled to three-quarters of Guyana’s

Venezuela’s words have been reinforced by aggressive actions, including unlawful occupation of Guyana’s sovereign territory, interception of vessels in Guyana’s territorial waters, and various other actions designed to interfere with and prevent economic development activities authorised

repudiation of the 1899 Award and by its aggressive claims to three-quarters of Guyana’s sovereign territory.

These actions on Venezuela’s part have impeded foreign investment in Guyana and cast a long and anxious shadow over the security of Guyana’s territory, economy and

Despite this extensive investigation, Venezuela was unable to produce any documentary evidence to support its contention that the Arbitral Tribunal or any of its members acted improperly in carrying out their mission to determine the boundary between Venezuela and British Guiana.

Nevertheless, Venezuela persisted in its claim that the Award was null and void due to such alleged impropriety.

On 17 February 1966, the Governments of the United Kingdom, Venezuela and British Guiana concluded the Geneva Agreement. This was intended to establish a binding and effective mechanism for achieving a permanent resolution of the controversy arising from Venezuela’s repudiation of the 1899 Award.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

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THE GUYANA-VENEZUELA CONTROVERSY

Under the auspices of the Geneva Agreement, a Mixed Commission was established for the purpose of “seeking satisfactory solutions for the practical settlement of the controversy” arising from Venezuela’s contention of nullity.

The Mixed Commission held numerous meetings during its four-year term between 1966 and 1970 but was unable to make any progress towards the settlement of the controversy.

Following a twelve-year moratorium between 1970 and 1982 and a seven-year period of consultations on a means of settlement between 1983 and 1990, the Parties then engaged in a twenty-seven-year Good Offices Process, under the authority of the United Nations Secretary General, between 1990 and 2017, including a oneyear Enhanced Mediation Process.

Court case

Once again, this process yielded no significant prog-

controversy. The Secretary General acted pursuant to the authority conferred upon him by the agreement of the Parties reflected in Article IV, paragraph 2, of the “Agreement to Resolve the Controversy Between Venezuela and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Over the Frontier Between Venezuela and British Guiana”, signed at Geneva on 17 February 1966 (the “Geneva Agreement”).

By an order dated 19 June 2018, the Court decided that the question of its jurisdiction would be determined separately prior to any proceedings on the merits. In accordance with the timetable set by the Court, on 19 November 2018, Guyana filed its Memorial on Jurisdiction.

By a letter dated 12 April 2019, Venezuela indicated that it had decided “not to participate in the written procedure”.

Nevertheless, it later submitted a detailed document entitled “Memorandum of

Guyana’s Memorial on the Merits as 8 March 2022 and the deadline for Venezuela’s Counter-Memorial on the Merits as 8 March 2023.

On 7 June 2022, Venezuela filed preliminary objections to the admissibility of Guyana’s claims, urging the Court to exercise its discretion to refuse to rule on them.

In accordance with the rules of the Court, the proceedings on the merits were suspended until the determination by the Court of the matter of Venezuela’s preliminary objections.

Guyana submitted its response to the preliminary objections on 15 July 2022.

The Court heard oral pleadings from both Guyana and Venezuela on Venezuela’s objections over the period 17 to 22 November 2022.

On 6 April 2023, the Court gave its judgement on Venezuela’s objections, which is final, without appeal and binding on the Parties, as follows: (1) Unanimously,

FROM PAGE 16

Guyana's legal team at the ICJ

Venezuela and found that it could adjudicate upon the merits of the claims of Guyana, in so far as they fall within the scope of paragraph 138, subparagraph 1, of the Judgement dated 18 December 2020, the Court by Order of 6 April 2023 fixed 8 April 2024 as the time-limit for the filing of the Counter-Memorial of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

Referendum

The ICJ in The Netherlands

ress towards the resolution of the controversy.

Guyana instituted proceedings against Venezuela by Application to the International Court of Justice dated 29 March 2018. In its Application, Guyana asked the Court to resolve the controversy that has arisen as a result of Venezuela’s contention, formally asserted for the first time in 1962, that the 1899 Arbitral Award Regarding the Boundary between the Colony of British Guiana and the United States of Venezuela (the “1899 Award” or the “Award”) is “null and void”.

In regard to jurisdiction, Guyana invoked the 30 January 2018 decision of the United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres, to select the Court as the means of settlement for the

the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on the Application filed before the International Court of Justice by the Co-operative Republic of Guyana on March 29th, 2018”, together with a 155-page “Annex” containing various arguments regarding the controversy and the Court’s jurisdiction in respect of Guyana’s Application. On 30 June 2020, the Court held a public hearing on the question of its jurisdiction.

Venezuela did not participate.

Initial judgement

By its Judgement dated 18 December 2020, the Court held that it has jurisdiction in respect of Guyana’s Application.

By an Order dated 8 March 2021, the Court fixed the deadline for the filing of

Finds that the preliminary objection raised by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela is admissible.

(2) By fourteen votes to one, Rejects the preliminary objection raised by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

(3) By fourteen votes to one, Finds that it can adjudicate upon the merits of the claims of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, in so far as they fall within the scope of paragraph 138, subparagraph 1, of the Judgement of 18 December 2020.

In votes (2) and (3) above, the single vote against was that of the Judge ad hoc appointed by Venezuela.

Whereas, by its Judgment of 6 April 2023, the Court rejected the preliminary objection raised by

On 21 September 2023, Venezuela’s National Assembly passed a resolution calling for a referendum regarding Venezuela’s unsubstantiated claim to the territory awarded to British Guiana in 1899, which has been an integral part of Guyana’s territory since independence in 1966. In furtherance of that resolution, the National Electoral Council of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela issued five questions to be asked in the national referendum scheduled for 3 December 2023.

Among the questions, all of which are intended to further Venezuela’s unlawful and unfounded claim to more than twothirds of Guyana’s national territory, questions three and five are most pernicious. Question three seeks to ratify Venezuela’s “historical position of not recognising the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice” as the means of settlement of the controversy, while question five brazenly seeks the approval of the Venezuelan people for the creation of a new Venezuelan State in Guyana’s Essequibo region, which would be incorporated into the national territory of Venezuela, and the granting of Venezuelan citizenship and identification cards to the population.

In view of the impending referendum, the Government of Guyana approached the ICJ for provisional measures, specifically to request that Venezuela

be ordered not to take any of the actions that would be called for by the referendum, including especially “creation” of a new Venezuelan State consisting of Guyana’s Essequibo region and incorporating it into Venezuela’s territory, or granting Venezuelan citizenship or identity cards to the population, because these actions would amount to an unlawful annexation of Guyana’s territory, in violation of the most fundamental principles of international law enshrined in the UN Charter. Moreover, such actions would usurp the jurisdiction of the ICJ by presenting it with a fait accompli before the Court has had a chance to rule on Guyana’s claim of sovereignty over the territory under the 1899 Arbitral Award.

Guyana presented its single round of oral arguments to the Court on 14 November and Venezuela presented its case on 15 November 2023. The President of the Court has indicated that the Court will provide its decision to the Parties as soon as possible.

Fundamental principles

Guyana’s case before the Court is both legally and factually straightforward.

It is founded upon two basic and fundamental principles of international law that underpin the orderly relations of States, namely, pacta sunt servanda and the binding character of international arbitral awards.

The case involves the application of those axiomatic precepts to a factual record which is clear, consistent and irrefutable. The relevant legal principles and facts point to only one conclusion: the 1899 Award is valid and binding, and the Parties’ boundary follows the line described therein.

Venezuela has been afforded ample time and opportunity to explain and substantiate its contentions of nullity under the various

procedures established under the Geneva Agreement in the six decades since it first formally sought to question the validity of the 1899 Award. Nevertheless, it has adduced no evidence that is remotely capable of substantiating its claims that the Award was the product of coercion, collusion, fraud or some other nullifying factor.

On the contrary, the evidence overwhelmingly confirms what Venezuela itself accepted for more than half a century: namely, that the 1899 Award was a lawful, conclusive and binding delimitation of the Parties’ boundary.

Disregard

Venezuela’s rejection of the 1899 Award undermines the basic norms of international law, respect for which is fundamental to maintaining international peace, security and stability.

Venezuela’s disregard for its international legal obligations is an acute threat to Guyana. It impedes Guyana’s development and imperils the security of the entire Region by undermining the sanctity of longstanding and voluntarily executed arbitral awards and boundary agreements.

So long as Venezuela continues to advance its unfounded claims to vast swathes of Guyana’s sovereign territory, Guyana will be unable to fulfil its full potential as an independent sovereign State.

The decision of the Secretary General of the United Nations to select the Court as the means of settlement of the controversy reflects this stark reality and the need for an authoritative, independent and binding affirmation of the Parties’ rights and obligations under the 1899 Award.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2023

guyanatimesgy.com

Regional

Destruction of Jamaica under Trinidad and Tobago PNP the reason why voters should signs bilateral air service stick with JLP, says Holness agreement with Curaçao

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rinidad and Tobago has signed a bilateral air service agreement with Curaçao.

Speaking on Friday at the signing ceremony, Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan said the signing signifies the culmination of an almost decade-long negotiation.

The Ministry said in a press release that the signing “heralds a new era of connectivity, enabling seamless travel opportunities”.

It said the agreement would “create avenues for Caribbean Airlines and Curaçao's designated airlines to enhance their air services and facilitate more extensive commercial route development between the regions.”

The Ministry said the agreement would also foster economic growth, bolster tourism opportunities, and enhance trade relations between the two countries.

Curacao’s Minister of Traffic Transportation and Urban Planning, Charles Cooper, said, “The new trea-

Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan - File photo/Jeff K Mayers

ty, which falls under the open skies category, aims to regulate aviation connections between Curaçao and T&T, providing the greatest operational and commercial freedom.”

He said the lack of intra-regional flights between many Caribbean nations, inclusive of Curaçao and T&T, is evidence of the need for more air service agreements of this nature.

Sinanan added, “This agreement allows us to

look forward to a future of strengthened ties, increased connectivity and mutual prosperity.”

He said this agreement was the first of many planned agreements with other countries.

“We have the agreement with Qatar to be signed by February, then we go on to sign Ghana soon after that.

There are also agreements in the pipeline that we will roll out next year.” (Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

rime Minister Andrew Holness has cited what he called the “destruction of Jamaica” by the People’s National Party (PNP) during two periods when the PNP formed the Government, as the main reason why Jamaicans should stick with the governing Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) when Local Government Elections (LGE) are held.

The PNP formed the Government between 1972 and 1980 and again from 1989-2007, the two periods referenced by Holness.

The local polls are due by the latest February 28, 2024 and Holness, while addressing Sunday’s public session of the JLP’s 80th annual conference inside the National Arena, said “next year, at a date to be announced, at a time of my choosing, we will be going back to the people on the local government elections”.

“We have no fear in facing the people of Jamaica.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness arrives at the JLP's 80th annual conference at the National Arena on Sunday. (Napthali Junior photo)

We believe in the people of Jamaica,” he added.

The Prime Minister told the thousands of Labourites in attendance at the conference that “we know that there is a generation of Jamaicans who were not born in the 1970s and they have no clue as to how the other party destroyed Jamaica, they have no clue.”

Continuing, Holness said “there’s a generation

born in the 90s and the early 2000s, they have no clue as to how the 18-and-a-half years of the PNP destroyed Jamaica”. He said it was the task of the JLP to educate those Jamaicans who are not familiar with what transpired during the two periods of PNP governance.

And, he hinted that he may personally play a role in doing so. (Excerpt from Reuters)

First Quantum warns of arbitration EU envoy says US sanctions in Cuba as Panama weighs copper contract worsening human rights situation C

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special European Union (EU) envoy said on Friday that US sanctions are worsening the human rights situation in Cuba while reiterating the EU's call on the Communist-run government to release prisoners detained during mass protests in July of 2021.

EU human rights envoy Eamon Gilmore said bilateral talks with top officials in Havana over two days had broached social and economic rights, but also, civil and political rights such as freedom of expres-

sion and the right to assembly, or protest.

Gilmore told reporters the US sanctions on Cuba, which sharply curtail financial transactions, tourism and trade, had clear impacts on Cuba's economy and society.

"It's hurting the human rights situation because it hurts people on the ground.

The people who are impacted are ordinary Cuban citizens who have difficulty accessing food, medicines," Gilmore told reporters before departing Havana late on Friday following a

packed agenda of meetings.

"That's why the European Union, when we do impose sanctions, we target the sanctions at individuals and entities that abuse human rights, rather than at general populations."

The US says sanctions are necessary to hold the Cuban Government accountable for rights violations and that it makes exceptions for humanitarian purposes and programmes to support the Cuban people and Private Sector.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

anada's First Quantum intends to start arbitration against Panama, the Central American nation's Trade Ministry and the company said on Sunday, as Panama's top court considers annulling a copper contract that opponents call unfair.

On October 20, Panama's Government approved a contract for First Quantum to operate the copper Cobre Panama mine. It included a 20-year mining right with an option to extend for another 20 years. In return the miner agreed to pay Panama US$375 million a year.

Opponents claim the contract favours the miner too much as the mine represents about five per cent of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and some one per cent of global copper output.

Protesters have demonstrated over the mine's environmental and economic impacts and allege corrupt practices in its approval.

A spokesperson for First Quantum confirmed to Reuters the company sent one notification of intent to start arbitration proceedings.

Panama's Trade Ministry said in a statement that First Quantum,

the miner's local unit Minera Panama and Franco-Nevada Corp sent two notifications to an international arbitration centre, adding it was ready to defend the country's interests. Arbitration is a way of resolving disputes by an impartial person or panel deciding the outcome.

Challenges against the contract's validity have piled up in Panama's top court, which on Friday started deliberations to rule on several constitutional challenges to it and is expected to issue a ruling in the coming days.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Milei's December 10 inauguration.

"My main message is that we are brotherly countries and will continue to be," Mondino told reporters after the meeting.

She shrugged off Milei's previous criticism of Lula, whom he dubbed an "angry communist" and "socialist with a totalitarian vocation" while suggesting he would balk at doing business with Brazil, his country's top trade partner.

"We need to separate State, Government and people. The partner-

ship will continue," said Mondino.

The new Argentine leader is closer politically and personally to former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and has invited him to his inauguration.

Lula defeated Bolsonaro in elections last year.

According to Brazil's Government, Mondino invited Lula to Milei's inauguration and also discussed with Vieira "aspects of the bilateral relationship and the current stage of Mercosur-EU negotiations". (Reuters)

Mexican Journalists freed days after Aide to Argentina's Milei meets being abducted in southern province Brazil minister, softening tone

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hree Mexican Journalists, who were abducted over the past week, have been released after authorities launched search operations in the southern province of Guerrero, according to the state attorney general’s office.

The State’s Prosecutor said on Saturday that Reporters Silvia Nayssa Arce, Alberto Sanchez and Marco Antonio Toledo were released unharmed.

Toledo, editor of the weekly newspaper El Espectador, was kidnapped by armed men on

November 19 in the tourist town of Taxco, while Silvia Nayssa Arce and Alberto Sanchez, reporters for digital media site RedSiete, were abducted from their offices on Wednesday in the same city.

The prosecutor’s office also confirmed the release of Toledo’s wife, Guadalupe Denova, but said the couple’s son, who was kidnapped along with his parents, is still missing.

The Mexican Army, Police and national guard will “continue with search operations”, it said.

Mexico is considered one of the most dangerous countries in the world to practise journalism, according to the organisation Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

On November 16, photojournalist Ismael Villagomez was shot dead in the northern border city of Ciudad Juarez. Three persons have been arrested over the killing.

At least five other Journalists have been killed in Mexico this year, and more than 150 since 2000, according to the RSF. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

A

rgentine Presidentelect Javier Milei's top foreign policy adviser had a meeting with Brazil's foreign relations minister on Sunday, in another sign the radical libertarian might keep softening his tone with many he had harshly criticised before.

Diana Mondino, widely expected to be named Foreign Minister by Milei, was in Brasilia to meet President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira and invite the Brazilian leader to

guyanatimesgy.com

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2023

19

Around The World

American girl, 4, freed as Hamas, OILNEWS OIL NEWS Israel release prisoners H

Nigeria records flat growth as oil price decline slows

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igeria's economy recorded flat growth in the third quarter, as oil prices somewhat stabilised while the impact of reforms by the newly created Government at boosting output were yet to have an impact. The economy expanded by 2.54% in Q3 2023, a slight improvement from 2.51% posted in the second quarter but way below the 6% clip that President Bola Tinubu pledged during his inauguration in May. The oil and gas sector contracted 0.85% in the third quarter, a big improvement from the 13.43% contraction recorded in the third quarter. The sector is critical for the Nigerian economy since it accounts for 90% of foreign-exchange reserves and the bulk of Government revenue.

Back in May, Tinubu scrapped a costly but popular petrol subsidy and also lifted currency controls. But his actions have fuelled anger and frustration after inflation worsened and hit double digits. But Africa’s largest economy is not bereft of opportunities to expand the economy.

Nigeria and its African OPEC+ peer Angola have announced plans to boost oil production significantly in the coming years, something that might not go down well with other OPEC+ members as Saudi Arabia looks forward to starting to unwind its voluntary production cuts. Nigeria’s daily average oil output stood at 1.45 million barrels per day (mbpd) in the three months to September, up from 1.20 mbpd in the same period last year.

"We are not aware of any disagreements, it is more a matter of seeking alignments," Nigeria's governor to OPEC Gabriel Tanimu Aduda told Reuters.

"We are happy, we are waiting for the meeting," Angolan OPEC governor Estevao Pedro told Reuters, referring to the upcoming OPEC+ meeting which was rescheduled to Nov 30 from Nov 26. "We are fighting to increase our production," he said, adding that investment was being made to make that happen.

Nigeria produces the popular Bonny Light crude, a lightsweet crude oil grade and an important benchmark crude for all West African crude production. Bonny Light has particularly good gasoline yields, which has made it a popular crude for US refiners, particularly on the US East Coast. (Oilprice.com)

amas freed 17 hostages held in Gaza, including a fouryear-old American girl, on Sunday while Israel was also seen releasing prisoners on the third day of their truce.

The International Committee of the Red Cross said it had successfully transferred 17 hostages from Gaza. Hamas said it had handed over 13 Israelis, three Thais and one with Russian citizenship.

Reuters TV footage showed Palestinians being freed from Israeli prisons on Sunday.

The release of some of the hostages captured when Hamas fighters rampaged through southern Israel on Oct 7 was expected to be mirrored by the Israelis freeing another 39 Palestinian prisoners as on previous days in

the truce.

Hamas said it wanted to extend the truce if serious efforts were made to increase the number of Palestinian detainees released by Israel.

Biden said he hoped the pause in fighting can go on as long as prisoners are getting released. He hoped more Americans would be released by Hamas although he did not have firm news.

Biden said the 4-year-old hostage, Abigail Edan, had witnessed her parents being killed by Hamas fighters during their Oct 7 raid into Israel and had been held since then.

"What she endured is unthinkable," Biden said at a news conference in the U.S. The four-day truce is the first halt in fighting in the seven weeks since Hamas killed 1200 people and took

Yahel Shoham, 3, a released Israeli hostage, holds a cuddly toy shortly after her arrival in Israel on November 25, after being held hostage by the Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip, at an unknown location in Israel, in this handout picture released by the Israeli Prime Minister's Office on November 26, 2023

about 240 hostages back into Gaza.

In response to that attack, Israel has vowed to destroy the Hamas militants who run Gaza, bombarding the enclave and

mounting a ground offensive in the north. Some 14,800 Palestinians have been killed, Gaza health authorities say, and hundreds of thousands displaced.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Sierra Leone President says calm restored, most leaders of barracks attack detained

S

ierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio said on Sunday that most of the leaders of an earlier attack on a military barracks in the capital Freetown had been arrested, adding that security operations and an investigation were ongoing.

"We will ensure that those responsible are held accountable," Bio said in an address on national television.

"As your commander-in-chief, I want to assure everybody who is resident in Sierra Leone that we have overcome this chal-

lenge," he said, adding that calm had been restored.

Earlier on Sunday, the Government said security forces had repelled "renegade soldiers" who attempted to break into a military armoury in Freetown during the early hours of Sunday.

A nationwide curfew was imposed. Gunshots were heard across the city as the assailants attacked a central prison and a Police station.

The West African country's civil aviation authority urged airlines to reschedule flights after the

curfew was declared, while a soldier on its frontier with neighbouring Guinea told Reuters they had been instructed to shut the border.

Sierra Leone's Information Minister Chernor Bah said in a statement earlier on Sunday that security forces were making progress in apprehending those involved in the attack, but gave no further details.

Bah said that major de-

tention centres including the Pademba Road prisons were attacked and inmates released by the unidentified assailants, confirming earlier reports from a government source.

It was not immediately clear how many prisoners had broken out of the facility, which a US State Department report said was designed for 324 inmates but held more than 2000 in 2019. (Excerpt from Reuters)

China Ministry seeks more Rat plague spreads to fever clinics to combat Australia's fishing towns respiratory illness surge Rescue operation under

C

hina's Health Ministry on Sunday urged local authorities to increase the number of fever clinics as the country grapples with a surge in respiratory illnesses in its first full winter since easing COVID-19 restrictions.

The spike become a global issue last week when the World Health Organisation asked China for more information, citing a report on clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children by the Programme for Monitoring Emerging Diseases.

China and the WHO have faced questions about the transparency of reporting early in the pandemic, which emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019. The WHO said on Friday no new or unusual pathogens had been found in the recent illnesses.

National Health Commission spokesperson Mi Feng said on Sunday the surge in acute respiratory illnesses was linked to the si-

multaneous circulation of several kinds of pathogens, most prominently influenza.

"Efforts should be made to increase the number of relevant clinics and treatment areas, appropriately extend service hours and strengthen guarantees of drug supplies," Mi told a news conference.

"It is necessary to do a good job in epidemic prevention and control in key crowded places such as schools, childcare institutions and nursing homes, and to reduce the flow of people and visits."

Cases among children are appearing especially high in northern areas like Beijing and Liaoning province, where hospitals are warning of long waits.

The State Council, China's Cabinet, said on Friday that influenza would peak this winter and spring, while mycoplasma pneumoniae infection would remain high in some areas. It also warned of the risk of a rebound in COVID infections. (Excerpt from Reuters)

way after cargo ship sinks off Greece coast

A

major rescue operation is under way after a cargo ship carrying 14 crew members and a load of salt, sank off the coast of Lesbos island in Greece as high-speed winds tilted the vessel causing it to take on water.

The Comoros-flagged ship Raptor, which was travelling from Dekheila, Egypt to Istanbul, sank 4.5 nautical miles (8.3km) southwest of Lesbos early on Sunday.

According to the Greek coastguard, five cargo ships, three coast guard vessels, air force and navy helicopters as well as a navy frigate have joined the rescue effort to search for the crew members, of whom only one has been rescued.

The crew member was

airlifted from the sea by a navy helicopter during gale force winds, according to the coastguard and taken to Lisbon General Hospital for treatment.

The ship first reported a mechanical failure at 7am local time (05:00 GMT), but by 8:20am, the captain had sent out a Mayday distress call and reported that the ship was tilting. The ship disappeared from the radar shortly after. Authorities suspect that the heavy load caused the ship to list and sink once it took on water.

The Athens News Agency (ANA), quoting the operating company of the ship based in Lebanon, said that crew members included Syrian, Indian and Egyptian nationals.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

T

housands of rats dead and alive - have swept up on beaches in Queensland Australia, overwhelming residents.

Parts of the state have been battling a rat and mouse plague for months now.

A surge in the native rodent population has forced the rats to move coastwards in their search for more food, but many do not survive the trip, according to experts quoted in local media.

"Mate, there's rats everywhere," Derek Lord, a resident from the town of Normanton, told AFP news agency.

"We have hire vehicles and they literally destroyed a car overnight, taking all of the wiring out of the engine bay," said Lord, 49.

He added that his pet ducks had been "going mad" as rats broke into their cages.

The rats have also in-

fested the neighbouring town of Karumba in the past few weeks and some residents worry they will have an adverse effect on tourism in the area, Australian media reported.

Karumba is well-known as a fishing and birdwatching paradise.

The surge in the rat population has been caused by a combination of ideal wet weather conditions for breeding and a bountiful harvest.

With more wet weather expected for Queensland, some people believe the worst is as yet to come.

Parts of Queensland and New South Wales - a south-eastern Australian state - have been experiencing a boom in rodent numbers, Australia's national science agency said in a 2021 article.

Mouse populations have reached plague conditions not seen since 2011, it said.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

20

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2023

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

(March 21-April 19)

PICKLES

(April 20-May 20)

Stay focused on what's important to you and what you need to do to keep your cash flowing and growing. Learn from your mistakes and refuse to let anyone get in your way. Put yourself first.

Pay attention to how you deal with matters that affect others. Your actions will be remembered when you need something in return. Be the one to make a difference, and something good will happen.

Spare yourself the grief of dealing with people who put you down or use blackmail to get their way. Concentrate on nurturing meaningful relationships and taking care of your responsibilities.

(May 21-June 20) Take better care of yourself and your possessions. Abide by the rules, get the documentation necessary to follow your plans and leave nothing to chance.

Surround yourself with contributors.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Do what's best for you instead of following the crowd or compromising to please others. Too much of anything will lead to disaster. Play by the rules and avoid overindulgence.

(July 23-Aug. 22)

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

Don't take on too much. You can make changes, but don't promise the impossible. Make home improvements that add to your comfort and convenience.

Embrace change; opportunities will unfold.

Explore possibilities, expand your options and learn as you go. Taking courses that augment your skills and build confidence will help you head in a direction that allows you more freedom.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Change what's necessary. Trying to push something past someone will backfire. Offer alternatives and give others a chance to weigh in, and you'll be able to maintain control and keep everyone happy.

Pick up the pace and control the outcome. Don't make decisions based on hearsay or let someone manipulate you into something that doesn't benefit you directly. Don't let anger take the reins.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) A proposition will be misleading.

The information you gather will help you find an affordable way to improve how or where you live. Play by the rules and do things according to code.

LAST PUBLISHED WORD -- COMPELLED

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Design your space to suit your needs.

Create a workspace conducive to achieving your goals while providing you some room to relax. Balance your lifestyle to meet your needs.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Review your situation, friendships and long-term plans. A fresh look at an old plan will offer insight. Deal with whatever is causing instability in your life.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2023

21

IPL 2024 – RCB release Hazlewood, Hasaranga; KKR let Shardul go M

umbai Indians: Hardik's back Mumbai Indians didn't finalise Hardik Pandya's return* by the retention deadline on Sunday, but the trade happened shortly after. They also traded all-rounder Cameron Green to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to free up their auction purse, after releasing 11 other players.

Players released: Arshad Khan, Ramandeep Singh, Hrithik Shokeen, Raghav Goyal, Jofra Archer, Tristan Stubbs, Duan Jansen, Jhye Richardson, Riley Meredith, Chris Jordan, and Sandeep Warrier Players traded in: Hardik Pandya and Romario Shepherd Players traded out: Cameron Green Players retained: Rohit Sharma, Dewald Brevis, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Tim David, Vishnu Vinod, Arjun Tendulkar, Shams Mulani, Nehal Wadhera, Jasprit Bumrah, Kumar Kartikeya, Piyush Chawla, Akash Madhwal, and Jason Behrendorff

Josh Hazlewood

Saha, Kane Williamson, Abhinav Manohar, B Sai Sudharsan, Darshan Nalkande, Vijay Shankar, Jayant Yadav, Rahul Tewatia, Mohammed Shami, Noor Ahmad, R Sai Kishore, Rashid Khan, Josh Little, and Mohit Sharma Purse for the auction: 38.15 CR Royal Challengers Bangalore: Hazlewood,

Hardik Pandya

Purse for the auction: 17.75 CR. 1 CR = 133, 541 rupees = 1 USD Gujarat Titans: Who will succeed Hardik?

Now that Hardik's gone, the Titans will have to appoint a new captain for the 2024 season. The rest of their core squad that won them the Indian Premier League (IPL) title in 2022 and took them to the finals in 2023 remains largely intact.

Players released: Alzarri Joseph, Odean Smith, Dasun Shanaka, Yash Dayal, KS Bharat, Shivam Mavi, Urvil Patel, and Pradeep Sangwan Players traded out: Hardik Pandya Players retained: David Miller, Shubman Gill, Matthew Wade, Wriddhiman

Hasaranga, Harshal out RCB need to overhaul their bowling attack, having released Wanindu Hasaranga, recent ODI World-Cup winner Josh Hazlewood, David Willey and Wayne Parnell. They retained England left-arm quick Reece Topley, but he is prone to injuries. Mohammed Siraj is the only certain starter among bowlers in their list of retained players, and they have traded in Green from Mumbai.

Players released: Wanindu Hasaranga, Harshal Patel, Josh Hazlewood, Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, David Willey, Wayne Parnell, Sonu Yadav, Avinash Singh, Siddharth Kaul, and Kedar Jadhav Players traded out:

Shahbaz Ahmed Players traded in: Mayank Dagar, Cameron Green Players retained: Faf du Plessis, Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli, Anuj Rawat, Dinesh Karthik, Suyash Prabhudessai, Will Jacks, Glenn Maxwell, Mahipal Lomror, Karn Sharma, Manoj Bhandage, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Reece Topley, Himanshu Sharma, Rajan Kumar, and Vyshak Vijaykumar Purse for the auction: 23.25 CR Chennai Super Kings: Stokes released As expected CSK released Stokes, who had opted out of IPL 2024 to manage his workload. The departure of both Stokes (INR 16.25 crore) and Rayudu (INR 6.75 crore), who has retired from the IPL, will allow CSK to bid aggressively for overseas all-rounders and quicks at the auction.

Players released: Ambati Rayudu, Ben Stokes, Dwaine Pretorious, Bhagath Varma, Subhranshu Senapati, Akash Singh, Kyle Jamieson, and Sisanda Magala Players retained: MS Dhoni, Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ajinkya Rahane, Shaik Rasheed, Ravindra Jadeja, Mitchell Santner, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Nishant Sindhu, Ajay Mandal, Rajvardhan Hangargekar, Deepak Chahar, Maheesh Theekshana, Mukesh Chowdhary, Prashant Solanki, Simarjeet Singh, Tushar Deshpande, and Matheesha Pathirana Purse for the auction: 31.4 CR Delhi Capitals: Prithvi Shaw stays Capitals have placed faith in Shaw once again despite his poor season in 2023, but they lack power in the middle order following the release of

Rovman Powell. They will be on the lookout for a finisher and a fast bowler.

Players released: Rilee Rossouw, Chetan Sakariya, Rovman Powell, Manish Pandey, Phil Salt, Mustafizur Rahman, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Ripal Patel, Sarfaraz Khan, Aman Khan, and Priyam Garg Players retained: Rishabh Pant, David Warner, Prithvi Shaw, Yash Dhull, Abishek Porel, Axar Patel, Lalit Yadav, Mitchell Marsh, Pravin Dubey, Vicky Ostwal, Anrich Nortje, Kuldeep Yadav, Lungi Ngidi, Khaleel Ahmed, Ishant Sharma, and Mukesh Kumar Purse for the auction: 28.95 CR

Punjab Kings: Shahrukh, a surprise release Releasing Shahrukh Khan (INR 9 crore) into the auction pool has allowed Kings to retain allrounder Sam Curran, who had become the most expensive player in the IPL (INR 18.5 crore) at the previous auction. If Kings can't buy Shahrukh back at a lower price, they need a new domestic finisher.

Players released: Shahrukh Khan, Raj Bawa, Baltej Dhanda, Mohit Rathee, and Bhanuka Rajapaksa Players retained: Shikhar Dhawan, Jitesh Sharma, Jonny Bairstow, Prabhsimran Singh, Liam Livingstone, Atharva Taide,

Shardul Thakur

Rajasthan Royals: Holder, Root released Royals had hoped Jason Holder would lend balance and depth to their side last season, but they barely used him with the bat and failed to get the best out of him with the ball. A gun overseas all-rounder will be top priority on their shopping list at the auction.

Players released: Joe Root, Abdul Basith, Jason Holder, Akash Vashisht, Kuldip Yadav, Obed McCoy, M Ashwin, KC Cariappa, and KM Asif Players traded out : Devdutt Padikkal Players traded in : Avesh Khan Players retained: Sanju Samson, Jos Buttler, Shimron Hetmyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, Donovan Ferreira, Kunal Rathore, R Ashwin, Kuldeep Sen, Navdeep Saini, Sandeep Sharma, Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal, Adam Zampa, and Prasidh Krishna Purse for the auction: 14.5 CR

Rishi Dhawan, Sam Curran, Sikandar Raza, Shivam Singh, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Kagiso Rabada, Nathan Ellis, Rahul Chahar, Vidwath Kaverappa, and Harpreet Bhatia Purse for the auction: 29.1 CR Kolkata Knight Riders: Several quicks among 12 players let go KKR, like RCB, have overhauled their pace department, letting Lockie Ferguson, Shardul Thakur and Tim Southee go among others. They also need a back-up wicketkeeper batter for Rahmanullah Gurbaz, having released both Litton Das and N Jagadeesan.

Players released: Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav, Lockie Ferguson, Shardul Thakur, Mandeep Singh, Kulwant Khejroliya, N Jagadeesan, David Wiese, Aarya Desai, Litton Das, Johnson Charles, and Shakib Al Hasan Players retained: Nitish Rana, Rinku Singh, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Shreyas Iyer, Jason Roy, Anukul Roy, Andre Russell,

Venkatesh Iyer, Suyash Sharma, Harshit Rana, Sunil Narine, Vaibhav Arora, and Varun Chakravarthy Purse for the auction: 32.7 CR Sunrisers Hyderabad: Brook cut loose Harry Brook headlines Sunrisers' list of released players, but they already have a ready middle-order replacement for him in Glenn Phillips. Their spin attack, though, appears thin following the releases of Adil Rashid, Akeal Hosein, and Mayank Dagar, who was traded for Shahbaz Ahmed.

Players released: Harry Brook, Adil Rashid, Akeal Hosein, Karthik Tyagi, Vivrant Sharma, and Samarth Vyas Players traded out: Mayank Dagar Players traded in: Shahbaz Ahmed Players retained: Abdul Samad, Aiden Markram, Rahul Tripathi, Glenn Phillips, Mayank Agarwal, Heinrich Klaasen, Anmolpreet Singh, Upendra Yadav, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Abhishek Sharma, Marco Jansen, Washington Sundar, Sanvir Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Fazalhaq Farooqi, T Natarajan, Umran Malik, and Mayank Markande Purse for the auction: 34 CR Lucknow Super Giants: Unadkat, Sams let go LSG released eight players – none of whom can lay claim to being first-XI players, though new coach Justin Langer said it was hard for the franchise to let Daniel Sams go. Having also traded Romario Shepherd to Mumbai, LSG will eye overseas all-rounders at the auction.

Players released: Daniel Sams, Karun Nair, Jaydev Unadkat, Manan Vohra, Karan Sharma, Suryansh Shedge, Swapnil Singh, and Arpit Guleria Players traded out : Romario Shepherd, Avesh Khan Players traded in : Devdutt Padikkal Players retained: KL Rahul, Quinton de Kock, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Deepak Hooda, K Gowtham, Krunal Pandya, Kyle Mayers, Marcus Stoinis, Prerak Mankad, Yudhvir Singh, Mark Wood, Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, Ravi Bishnoi, Yash Thakur, Amit Mishra, and Naveen-ul-Haq Purse for the auction: 13.15 CR. (ESPNcricinfo)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2023

MVP Sports U11 Tournament…

Defending champs, Marian, West among semi-finalists

F

our teams have punched their tickets to the semi-finals of the MVP Sports’ Girls’ Under-11 school football tournament, after a keenly-contested quarterfinal stage on Saturday afternoon.

Defending champions North Georgetown Primary, West Ruimveldt Primary, St John the Baptist Primary

The 2019 champions, North Georgetown, got one step closer to completing their title defence with a 6-0 victory over Tucville Primary. Kayley Jack led the charge for North Georgetown with a helmet-trick in the 31st, 34th, 36th and 38th minutes.

Isika Norville netted in the eighth minute, while Roshana Mayers

Skylar De Nobrega scripted a victory for Marian Academy

Kayley Jack (centre) netted a hat-trick in defending champions North Georgetown’s 6-0 win

and Marian Academy were among the quarterfinalists on Saturday at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground, Carifesta Avenue.

scored in the 12th for the 6-0 win.

On the back of a Skylar De Nobrega hat-trick in the 5th, 35th and 40th min-

utes, Marian Academy secured their spot in the next round with a 3-1 win against Friendship Primary.

Deveann Lowe netted Friendship’s consolation goal in the 18th minute.

Another high-scoring game saw St John the Baptist getting the better of Smith’s Memorial 6-0.

Shemia Hing was the striker to watch, as she netted four goals in the 15th, 20th, 24th and 32nd minutes. Her teammate, Akeelah DaSilva added their fifth in the 40th minute, while an own goal brought their tally up to 6.

Ariel Farley was the lone

LA Ballers score $1M ExxonMobil Futsal title in Linden

St John the Baptist scorers Shemia Hing and Akeelah DaSilva

markswoman in the following game, as her hat trick led West Ruimveldt Primary to

a 3-0 win. Farley found the back of the net in the 7th, 10th and 16th minutes.

Snubbed by Windies selectors, Bravo takes a step back from international cricket international cricket. "I'm not giving up, but I believe it's best to step away just for a bit and maybe make some room for young and upcoming talent," he declared, concluding with well-wishes for his fellow players.

(Sportsmax)

CLASSIFIED ADS

Darren Bravo

Prime Minister Mark Phillips presenting the winners' cheque of $1 million to LA Ballers following the conclusion of the ExxonMobil Futsal tournament in Linden

I

t promised to be an epic showdown, but the ExxonMobil Futsal tournament final instead was a one-sided contest, as LA Ballers hammered their way to a 15-5 victory over HH Ballers at the Retrieve Hard Court in Linden on Saturday evening.

Organised by New Era Entertainment, the tournament reached its pinnacle with LA Ballers seizing the coveted $1 million first-place prize, leaving HH Ballers to settle for $500,000.

In the third-place clash, YMCA dominated Young Gunners with an impressive 16-6 win, claiming a well-deserved $200,000 prize, while Young Gunners secured $100,000 for their fourthplace finish.

The tournament was a rollercoaster of excitement, with the preliminary rounds setting the stage for thrilling encounters.

However, it was LA

Ballers who emerged as the undisputed champions, showcasing their prowess by remaining undefeated throughout the competition.

The path to glory saw LA Ballers securing a spot in the finals with a commanding 16-8 win over Young Gunners, while HH Ballers demonstrated their mettle by overcoming YMCA with a 9-4 victory in the semi-finals.

The finals, witnessed by an enthusiastic crowd at the Retrieve Hard Court, including esteemed representatives from tournament sponsor ExxonMobil and Prime Minister Mark Phillips, showcased LA Ballers' masterful performance as they clinically dismantled HH Ballers.

Jermaine Beckles emerged as the star player for LA Ballers, securing a helmet-trick, with Marcus Tudor and Tyric McAllister both scoring hat-tricks of their own.

Adrian Aaron contributed

a double, while Jehu Regis, Andre Mayers, and Amanikie Mayers added to the goal tally for LA Ballers.

Dextroy Adams scored four goals, and Antwoine Gill netted twice for the valiant HH Ballers, who displayed excellence throughout the tournament, but faced a formidable challenge against LA Ballers in the final.

Adding to the glory, LA Ballers, based in Central MacKenzie, will also enjoy the benefits of a community project of their choice, generously sponsored by ExxonMobil.

Co-Director of New Era Entertainment, Aubrey Major Jr, described the tournament as “one of the best we’ve had since hosting the event”, while recognising the players for remaining disciplined.

He thanked the players and lauded ExxonMobil for sponsoring the tournament, which has become a marquee event in Linden.

Meanwhile, in the placement games, One Mile Primary overcame FE Pollard Primary 3-0. It was a team effort as Faith Higgins (10th); Kezariah Layne (28th) and Sarafia Jerome (29th) netted once each for the win.

Genesis Primary also tasted victory against St Aloysius Primary 2-0. Arias Lewis netted a brace for Genesis in the 22nd and 29th minutes.

The MVP Sports Girls’ U-11 football tournament will continue this Saturday, December 2 at the same venue. The teams are vying for a $150,000 grand prize for a school project of their choice, which will be accompanied by $100,000 worth of sports gear. The second-place finisher will have to settle for $100,000, while third and fourth receive $75,000 and $50,000 respectively.

The tournament is set to conclude on Saturday, December 9.

I

n a not-entirely surprising move, seasoned West Indies middle-order batsman Darren Bravo has decided to step back from the international cricket scene after being left out of the upcoming One-Day International (ODI) series against England.

The left-handed batter, who last participated in international matches in February 2022, took to social media to announce his decision.

With an international career spanning over 14 years, Bravo has featured in 200 games for West Indies. In Test cricket, he boasts 3538 runs averaging of 36.47, including eight centuries. In ODIs, his record stands at 3109 runs with an average close to 30, featuring four tons.

Despite an outstanding performance in the recent Super50 Cup 2023, a List A domestic competition in the West Indies, where Bravo amassed 416 runs at an average of 83.2 and a strike rate of 92.03, he was overlooked for the England series. The selection panel claimed to have opted to give opportunities to younger players, focus-

TO RENT ing on building a team for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027.

Taking to Instagram, Bravo explained his decision, stating that it provided him with the time to reflect on his future in cricket. Expressing his sentiments, he said, "At this point in my career, it takes a lot to find the energy, passion, commitment, and discipline to perform at my best and make a return to international cricket."

Expressing his disappointment with the lack of communication from the selectors, Bravo acknowledged the current scenario, saying, “Without any level (of) communication I've been left in a dark place. At the moment, there's three teams representing the region in multiple formats/series. That's approximately 40-45 players and if I can't be in any of these teams after competing in our regional tournaments and scoring runs, therefore, they are basically telling me that the writing is on the wall."

However, Bravo made it clear that this break does not signify his retirement from

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2023

23

Women’s U17 friendlies…

Guyana pip Suriname in 1st of 4 friendlies G

uyana's national female Under-17 team showed incredible determination on Saturday, clinching a hard-fought 3-2 victory in the first match of a series of four international friendlies against Suriname.

The fans at Eve Leary Sports Ground in Kingston, Georgetown, relished the clash between two talented teams on Saturday, November 25 as Guyana sought redemption after a recent loss in Suriname.

Suriname were determined not to make it easy for the home team. They swiftly secured the lead with a goal by Samanie Loe-A-Foe just three minutes into the match, followed by another from Shanora Wijngaarde in

the 19th minute.

However, Guyana fought back, with Tanya DeVair scoring for the home team in the 23rd minute,

narrowing the gap before the first half concluded.

The halftime break injected new energy into the Guyanese team, as Nydel Nelson's 37th-minute equaliser reignited their spirits and sent the crowd into a

frenzy of cheers.

Surname made several unsuccessful attempts to break the tie, but it was Nelson who clinched victory for Guyana with a sensational goal in the 67th minute, paving the way for an electrifying second home match showdown set for Sunday, at the Eve Leary Sports Ground.

In a post-game interview, the Junior Lady Jags Head Coach Delon Williams congratulated his team and noted that he aimed to employ the same attacking strategy to secure a second win on Sunday.

“I must congratulate the girls first on their vic-

Gaico sponsors 2023 National Open Chess Championships …Nathoo overtakes CM Khan, leads with 4 points

T

he 2023 National Open Chess Championships, sponsored by Gaico, commenced last Tuesday, November 21 at the Resource Centre.

Loris Nathoo, who has been on the chess scene for many years, leads the way with four points after a splendid defeat of Candidate Master (CM) Taffin Khan in round five.

Khan threw down the gauntlet early in his faceoff with Nathoo and employed the Benko gambit in his opening moves as Black. Nathoo accepted Khan's overture and took the gambit pawn, but proceeded to outplay his opponent, centralising his queen and setting up a strong position over Khan.

Nathoo's offensive paid off, and Khan was unable to strike back to regain his lost position. Eventually, Khan's time on the clock ran out, and Nathoo, who dominated the position with extra pawns, secured the win. Nathoo also defeated Gilbert Williams and Ethan Lee and drew with teens Jaden Taylor and Sachin Pitamber.

CM Khan is on 3.5 points after winning his game with Saeed Ali, Rolex Alexander, Justino DaSilva as well as a surprising draw with Taylor in round 2.

DaSilva is on three points after defeating Pitamber and winning round four by default. He drew with Keron Sandiford and Saeed Ali in rounds two and three. Junior champion Sandiford is also on three points with victories over Rolex Alexander

A scene from the Guyana v Suriname friendly match on Saturday night (Jemima Holmes photos)

tory this evening. Since we came back last week from Suriname, we didn't break camp. We remained training for this game, because we know that we owe the girls, we owe Guyana this victory tonight,” he noted.

“This was predicted, we expected to have this victory here tonight. The girls came out and their spirits were high in camp.”

He added that “going

forward we need to continue pressing as we did today, continue with the same spirit and motivation for the girls and we want to go for the same result tomorrow.”

Suriname’s Head Coach Brian Wales said he and his team analyse the game and assured that "tomorrow it will be a different game” for his side.

Guyana Football

Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde, Technical Director Bryan Joseph and Competitions Director Troy Peters, along with representatives from Suriname, were present at the match.

The international friendly series wraps up the 2023 competitive season for both teams. The last two matches are scheduled to take place in Suriname on December 16 and 17.

61st National Cycling, Swimming, and Track and Field Championships run off

T

Sachin Pitamber and Justino DaSilva at the 2023 National Open Chess Championships

and Lee and draws with DaSilva and Taylor.

Ali, and Pitamber, and Jaden Taylor are all on 2.5 points, with Lee and Williams on 1.5 points each. Alexander is yet to score.

Pitamber, emerging out of nowhere in the tournament circuit to qualify for the senior tournament, displayed grit on the chessboard and scored a victory over top junior Lee; he drew his match with the teenaged Taylor and seniors Nathoo and Williams. But the Queen's College student went down to see Da Silva.

In a championship that can be seen as a clash of the generations, five of the 10 participants are juniors who have qualified to fight for a top spot in the senior's league.

The nine-round round-robin tourney is being contested by the ten finalists – CM Khan,

Lee, Sandiford, Williams, Pitamber, DaSilva, Nathoo, Alexander, Taylor and Ali who competed in the National Open Chess Championship Qualifiers recently held.

Roberto Neto, placing seventh in the Qualifiers, opted out because of family commitments. Ali, who placed 10th, took up the vacant position. The National Chess Championships will continue over the next few days to determine the 2023 National Open Champion.

The Chief Arbiter for the tournament is FIDE Arbiter John Lee, assisted by FIDE Arbiter Anand Raghunauth and National Arbiter Kim Shing Chong.

The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) thanked Gaico once again for its sponsorship. Gaico has been a long-time sponsor of the GCF. The GCF also extended thanks to the National Sports Commission for the use of the Resource Centre.

he 61st National Cycling, Swimming, and Track and Field Championships officially commenced on November 26 and will conclude on December 1, 2023, hosted by the Ministry of Education and the Guyana Teachers’ Union.

The nation’s best student-athletes and teachers from the 15 districts will be competing for medals and bragging rights in swimming at the National Aquatic Centre, cycling at the National Park, and athletics at the National Track and Field Centre at Leonora.

Delivering the feature address, Prime Minister Mark Phillips reiterated the Government of Guyana’s commitment to improving sporting facilities throughout Guyana.

He emphasised the importance of aligning academic pursuits with sports to produce well-rounded youths, who can make valuable contributions to Guyana.

He acknowledged Digicel Guyana for its sponsorship of a scholarship to the University of Guyana which will be awarded to the best performing athlete. The Prime Minister further announced that the Government of Guyana through the Ministry of Public Service will award

Odida Parkinson of District 3 (West Demerara) led the Boys Open 10k race

a scholarship to the University of Guyana to the second-best performing athlete.

Odida Parkinson of District 3 (West Demerara) won the Boys’ Open 10k race at the National Championships on Sunday afternoon, clocking 36:52.56s in a virtually-unchallenged run from the village of Mary/Harlem into the National Track and Field facility, West Coast Demerara. Coming in second was District 5's (West Coast Berbice’s) David Bovell with a time of 37:25.90s.

Vannytta Francis of District 9 (Rupununi) won the girls' 10km road race in 46:51.96s, followed by Royanna Hermanstyne

of District 10 (Upper Demerara-Kwakwani) (49:09.51s) and Sheleima Alberts of District 2 (Essequibo Coast & Pomeroon) (53:35.50s).

Alexander Leung of District 11 (North Georgetown) gained first place in the 40km Boys’ Road Race Open Cycling Final followed by Sebastian Nathan of District 7 (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) in second and Ajani Cutting of District 14 in third.

This year, the National Schools’ Cycling, Swimming, and Track and Field Championships are sponsored by Banks DIH Limited, Digicel Guyana, Massy Guyana, and Impressions Inc.(Omar Mckenzie)

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2023

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

Pg 23

Pg 23

Women’s U17 friendlies…

2023 National Open Chess Suriname in 1st Championships of 4 friendlies …Nathoo overtakes CM Khan, leads with 4 points Pg 23

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