Guyana Times - Saturday, April 29, 2023.pdf

First Lady to build multipurpose parks at Diamond, Tuschen

First Lady Arya Ali on Friday launched two projects for the development of multipurpose parks in Regions

Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica).

The parks, which will be located at Tuschen on the East Bank of Essequibo (EBE) and Diamond/ Grove on the East Bank of

Demerara (EBD), are being developed through the National Beautification Project which is currently being undertaken by the Office of the First Lady.

Signboards bearing an artist’s impression of the parks were unveiled by Mrs Ali, Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall, and other officials at the

project sites in the presence of residents of those communities.

“I want you to know that once this project is completed, this park becomes yours. So, while it is there for you the residents to enjoy, you also have to take the responsibility of ensuring it is properly managed,” the First Lady told the residents.

She highlighted that

both parks will feature recreational and sporting facilities including a children’s play park and multipurpose court; a multipurpose building with conference hall, library, computer centre, training rooms, cafeteria, and washrooms; and amenities including Wi-Fi, benches, lights, fountains, and garbage receptacles.

The park at Diamond/

Grove will also have a food court and outdoor gym. According to Mrs Ali, the multipurpose building will be designed to accommodate the needs of residents of those communities including children, women, the elderly, and persons living with disabilities.

“The building will have a library and computer centre to cater to the needs of students, and there will also be several rooms which can be used for skills training. So, things like cake decorating, floral decoration, [and] cooking classes can be done there to upskill you the residents,” she shared.

While the projects are being undertaken by the Office of the First Lady, the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development will be the executing agency. Minister Dharamlall, during the unveiling, noted that the creation of the parks is part of the Government’s broader vision of developing and strengthening village economies.

He highlighted that

through the development of these parks, not only will residents be provided with a safe recreational space, but they will also be able to earn from it. “So, you have heard that we are making provisions for skills training to be done at these facilities. That, along with the fact that persons will be employed to maintain the park, while another set will be able to sell food and beverages shows clearly that we are making investments to improve the lives and livelihoods of people,” he said.

Minister Dharamlall also pointed out the importance of residents understanding their responsibilities to their communities and playing their part in ensuring that it is developed in a sustainable way.

Residents of the communities benefitting from the development of these parks expressed profound gratitude to the officials for the intervention and pledged their support for the projects. The two parks are expected to be completed before the end of the year.

First Lady Arya Ali, Minister Dharamlall, students of the Diamond Secondary School and residents at the launch of the project on Friday

First Lady Arya Ali (right), Minister Dharamlall (left) and other officials unveiling the artistic impression of the multipurpose park to be developed at Tuschen, EBE

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Saturday, Apr 29 – 12:30h – 14:00h and Sunday, Apr 30 – 01:30h – 03:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, Apr 29 – 11:30h – 13:00h and Sunday, Apr 30 – 12:30h – 14:00h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

There will be thundery showers and sunshine during the day. Expect partly cloudy skies at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-Easterly between 2.68 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 11:59 reaching a maximum height of 2.04 metres.

Low Tide: 18:11h reaching a minimum height of 1.11 metre.

Pres Ali orders NISA Bill be sent to Parliamentary Select Committee –

wants inclusivity from stakeholders

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday instructed that the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) Bill that was tabled in the National Assembly earlier this week be sent to a parliamentary Special Select Committee in order to get feedback from stakeholders.

This announcement was made by the Head of State in a post on his Facebook page.

He explained that this instruction was passed onto Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minster, Gail Teixeira, who serves as Government’s Chief Whip in the National Assembly as well as to Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall, SC, who tabled the NISA Bill on Monday.

The President said he wants the views and ideas of all stakeholders on this proposed legislation to be examined.

“I am aware of the importance of this Bill, but equally committed to ensuring the fulsome nature of the Bill is understood and that interested stakeholders be given the opportunity to contribute to it,” the Guyanese Leader posited.

In recent days, there has been controversy over the establishment of NISA. However, President Ali had explained on Wednesday that the agency had been in existence for over a decade.

At the time of its establishment in 2010, under the Bharrat Jagdeo Administration, the agency was named the Central Intelligence Unit (CIU), and there were calls then

for there to be legislation to govern this body. However, in 2015, under the David Granger presidency, this unit was integrated into the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) established by the then A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, again, without the relevant laws to govern the functioning of this body.

This, according to AG Nandlall, is something that the Ali-led Administration is now trying to change.

“For 13 years, this agency has been functioning; performing largely the same functions which are outlined in the Bill but it had no governance structure, it had no statutory framework and apparently people didn’t know about it. Now, this Bill seeks to remove that clock of apparent secrecy and to bring a transparent legal structure into being and to establish an accountable framework in respect of the agency itself and those who will man and comprise the agency,” the Attorney

General stated.

Nandlall pointed out that over the years and under different Governments, NISA had been headed by various persons with members such as former Police Commissioner Leslie James and Assistant Commissioner of Police, Royston Andres Junor.

“It continued during the APNU/AFC Government.

Bruce Lovell, a senior officer from the Guyana Defence Force, was heading [NISA] at that time during the APNU/ AFC years in Government… It has been funded by public-funding since then. So, 13 years or more this agency has been getting monies from the Parliament and in the Committee of Supply, the allocations of these funds have been explained,” the Minister stated.

Up to recently, NISA was headed by Colonel Omar Khan of the Guyana Defence Force. He took over the helm of the agency from Lovell, who resigned shortly after the change of Government in 2020.

However, President Ali

on Wednesday hinted that the agency will soon get a new Head since Colonel Khan will now be heading the GDF as the current Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess, proceeds on pre-retirement leave.

“You don’t have to worry about [Mr Khan heading two agencies at the same time].

When Mr Khan assumes his new responsibility [as Chief-of-Staff of the GDF], of course, we will have other persons taking up that responsibility [at NISA],” the Head of State told reporters.

The NISA Is currently operating out of the Castellani House in Georgetown.

Since the tabling of the Bill in the National Assembly, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton has heavily criticised the proposed legislation.

“From our standpoint, it is retrogressive, it is dictatorial and it’s not going to promote security. It is going to result in political harassment; harassment to citizens and violation of their rights,” Norton had stated.

But Nandlall contended that said these controversies surrounding the NISA Bill are rooted in “ignorance” and some level of “paranoia”. In fact, he posited that the only criticism on this topic should have been the length of time it took to bring the legislative framework in place to govern the operations of the agency.

The NISA Bill provides for the creation of an Intelligence Agency that will, among other things, protect Guyana against espionage, terrorism, and sabotage.

President Dr Irfaan Ali

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Drunk driving: a troubling traffic offence

Drunk driving is one of the most troubling traffic offences. Driving while either intoxicated or drunk is dangerous, and drivers with high blood alcohol content or concentration (BAC) are at a greatly increased risk of being involved in vehiclar accidents and sustaining highway injuries and/or vehicular deaths.

Every single injury and death caused by drunk driving is fully preventable. Alcohol-related crashes locally are now as significant as they are in other countries.

Unfortunately, in spite of these concerns, alcohol-impaired driving remains a serious national problem that tragically affects many victims and their families.

The approach to combat drunk driving has been severely lacking for years. Now, with the passage of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill 2022, aimed at toughening existing laws to prevent drunk driving and the carnage on the road, it is hoped that this would be properly enforced. However, from the road carnage we are seeing as a result of drinking and driving, we are convinced that this is not being done. We agree that this is not a Police issue only, but full responsibility must be taken by the driver; however, full enforcement will send a pellucid message to drivers.

We agree with Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, when he said during his presentation on the Bill that the nation needs to change its mindset. To quote the AG: “This can’t be the Government’s job alone, and legislative changes alone can never be able to curb this horrendous, tragic loss of human life in our country. Every member of society, every responsible organisation in this country, must join hands with our Government as we begin to chart a new course of making our roads safe.”

As the country continues to battle with the effect of drunk driving, more needs to be done as the holidays approach. Public messages via the media should be issued to citizens to constantly remind drivers about the impacts of drunk driving, and what is the law’s position on it. Cautioning drivers every time, about getting behind the wheel after surpassing the drink limit, is necessary, as every year there are scores of young and new drivers who are not familiar with these issues or the reality of the roads. Drunk driving aside, World Health Organization (WHO) data had shown that alcohol kills a whopping three million people worldwide each year — more than AIDS, violence and road accidents combined. It was stated that men are particularly at risk.

According to the WHO, alcohol causes more than one in 20 deaths globally each year, including by drunk driving, alcoholinduced violence and abuse, and a multitude of diseases and disorders. Men account for more than three-quarters of alcoholrelated deaths.

Here, in Guyana, there are many social ills affecting citizens, and alcohol abuse is seen as one of the contributing factors.

WHO has, over the years, been urging countries to do more to counter harmful drinking, and to reach a goal of cutting global consumption by 10 per cent between 2010 and 2025. It is also urging countries to further tax alcohol, and ban advertising of such beverages to reduce consumption. However, this is not enough, there is need to push for a change in attitude and lifestyle changes in general, especially among the younger segment of our population.

While the Government must play a crucial role in respect to relevant programmes and policies, and put in place the necessary legislative framework and other support mechanisms aimed at addressing the harmful use of alcohol, this burden must also be shared by all citizens.

It is important that we remind drivers of the provisions of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic (Amendment) Act 2022, which creates new criminal offences of motor manslaughter and causing grievous bodily harm when driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

A person will be found guilty of motor manslaughter where that person causes the death of another person while driving under the influence of drink or drugs. The penalty for conviction of this offence is not less than 10 years’ imprisonment.

It is hoped that this harsh penalty would be a reality check for those who may want to break the law.

Intelligence and National Security – some key considerations

Dear Editor,

There is great excitement about the formalization of the National Intelligence and Security Agency. The positive vibes are understandable, and are indeed justifiable. Yet, we do need to stand back and reflect on the promises and challenges of such an institution.

But first things first: Why don’t we begin with a quick overview of some key attributes of intelligence, and try to situate these within the larger complex of national and international security? Consider the following points.

1. Following the work of Professor Mohammed Ayoob of Michigan State University, we need to appreciate that Third World security challenges are mostly internal. Weak states, meaning states with underdeveloped or undeveloped institutions, often find it difficult to foment and maintain national cohesion; deliver public services; or, in worse case scenarios, hold the monopoly on the means of violence (meaning arms).

2. The state in the Global South is characterised by fault lines that include (a) grievances based on economic disparities that were seeded during plantation capitalism; (b) ethnic conflicts which were produced as a strategy of divide-and-rule during the colonial era; and (c) the lack of economic capabilities necessary to provide basic human security. These fault lines can be, and are, often amplified by hegemonic global governance that limits the capacity of states to conduct their internal affairs based on their own historical specificities.

3. Unlike many countries in the Global South, Guyana does indeed have an external security consideration that must be taken seriously, not least because we do not have the military capability of our own to ensure our territorial integrity. In this sense, Ayoob's analysis needs to be stretched to incorporate more traditional considerations of strategic analysis. Is subaltern realism as a framework adequate to the task? I would very much like to get Prof. Gibran’s response here.

4. We may usefully draw from the revised United States Army Counterinsurgency Field Manual (324), which has significant sections on the linkages between intelligence and security. FM 3-24 is useful despite its conditions of emergence, namely “counter-

insurgency warfare” in Iraq. Before the 2006 revision, COIN (intelligence) operations were developed for “low intensity conflict.”

5. The revised FM 3-24 “comprehensive insurgency analysis tasks” (p. 130) could be adapted to serve as a base for our own purposes. These include (a) “identify… strategic, operational and tactical goals, objectives, and imperatives” of the subjects of interest (SI), meaning the sources of threat; (b) “identify motivations, fears, concerns, and perceptions that shape the actions of” the SI; (c) “identify grievances, fears, and concerns…” that are exploited by the SI to create aggravated instability and threats to national security; (d) “understand links among political, religious, …criminal, and other social networks”; and, inter alia, (e) “determine the structure, function, [and leadership] of organizations that pose national security threats”.

6. I must add that there should be built-in safeguards to rigorously protect the right to privacy, as guaranteed by the Constitution of Guyana.

7. No one should assume that an intelligence agency would necessarily guarantee total security against threats, either domestic or foreign. In fact, we should learn from several intelligence failures that have become ‘storied’ in the world of intelligence and international security. These failures have been widely analyzed by scholars who had direct access to security agencies. Robert Jervis, for instance, who was at the Office of Strategic Research, has pointed out that failures have been due to multiple causes, including poor information due to inadequate or badly designed collection systems; bad analysis due to faulty methodology; or failure to act on good intelligence.

8. A few intelligence failures will illustrate the point. A mere five months before the January 1979 removal of the Shah of Iran, the CIA advised that “Iran is not in a revolutionary or even “prerevolutionary” situation.” Jervis thinks that one source of the problem was that the intelligence received was mostly from the SAVAK. Iraq was also a monumental intelligence failure, this time because of bad information combined with twisted intelligence due to determination of VP Dick Cheney and others to remove Saddam Hussein. You may all remember

the Yellow Cake ordeal, Valerie Plame, and so on. The Cuban Missile Crisis was a different kind of intelligence failure. This time, the intelligence was gathered from direct physical observation (of ships going to Cuba), but the reports were misfiled in a non-urgent binder (See Graham Allison’s “Essence of Decision”). Then there was 9/11, where, according to credible reports, incoming National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice ignored intelligence advice from Richard Clark, who warned that Al Qaeda was a real and present danger. We should also recall that there were several intelligence blunders surrounding the bombing of Pearl Harbour.

9. Robert Jervis is correct that even perfectly accurate intelligence does not translate into good policy. The main reason is due to divided Government. A sitting Government may have accurate information, but often, Opposition political parties will go to the media to run their own campaign to weaken the hand of the sitting Government. In some instances, Opposition elements within a “deep state” may withhold or distort vital information, or divert attention in order that the sitting administration does not get “a win.”

The discussion above is certainly not meant to touch on all the critical areas of intelligence and security. The focus, rather, is to indicate what are some of the things involved in a national intelligence and security agency, and to also draw attention to some of the limitations of relying too much on ‘intelligence’, when narrowly defined.

In the end, what really matters in national security is the quality of governance, including the conduct of political parties and civil society groups. This means optimising the human, economic and technical resources of the state and civil society, so competence is balanced with good political sense. This last point is especially important because of the history of internally-generated strife by authoritarian elements who are motivated by regressive cultural nationalism.

Sincerely,

Dr Randolph Persaud (Former Assistant Director, Centre for Int’l and Security Studies York University, Toronto)

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Thursday evening hosted a dinner meeting with the United States Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, and her team at State House. The Head of State was joined by Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips; Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo; Governance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Gail Teixeira; Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd; Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond, and Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud (OP Photo)

Will the PNC claim the CoI was bribed?

Dear Editor, Instead of alluding to the conspiracy of partnering in an attempt to rig an election, collaborators chose to deny, dismiss, and disapprove of all the glaring facts and evidence which confronted the international, regional and national observers: that the plotters were guilty of scheming a devious plan to derail the legitimate outcome of the March 2020 General and Regional Elections in Guyana.

Caught with their pants down, those GECOM officers were exposed to embarrassment. Choosing to remain silent, they communicated an acknowledgment through their unspoken words. This time around the round table, “Silence is not golden.”

The long-awaited report from the Commission of Enquiry into the March 2020 General and Regional Elections is finally out. The world is not surprised, shocked, or stupefied at its findings, but is rather appalled, annoyed and aghast, confirming what former Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, his deputy Roxanne Myers and Returning Officer for Region Four, Clairmont Mingo, were denying.

This prolonged agony again proved to Guyanese and the world at large that the PNC Party will not change, but will endeavour to pull the wool over people’s eyes in order to strive and win an election through illegitimate means. How applicable is the Guyanese proverb “Moon a run till day ketch am.”

At the June 2022 Enmore Martyrs Memorial Service, President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali was quoted as saying, “Those who subverted democracy, those who cannot pres-

ent their SoPs (Statements of Poll), and those who struggled against the will of the people, the CoI will set the truth free from the untruth….” President Ali showed wisdom by waiting until most of the tensions diminished from the 2nd of March 2020 before appointing a COI to investigate the skullduggery which was orchestrated by those individuals who were determined to go to any length and at any cost to ensure that the PNC Party regained power. But they forgot that “Truth shall prevail, and it is the truth that will set you free.”

The Commission of Inquiry was chaired by Justice of Appeal (retired) of Turks and Caicos, Stanley John, and included former Chancellor of the Judiciary of Guyana, Carl Singh, and High Court Judge (Belize) and former Justice of Appeal (ag) in the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, Godfrey P. Smith. These lordly gentlemen had their job cut out for them, but it was simplified by the presentation of substantial evidence in a convincing manner by reputable witnesses under no duress. They spoke freely and willingly, articulated with eloquence, and described with clarity and accuracy the demeaning monstrosity exercised by the abusers of power by those who were entrusted to work in the interest of the country. But it is “the little axe that cuts a big tree.”

The COI found that the agents of the “shockingly” brazen acts by the GECOM trio to obstruct the elections process” were principally responsible for “clear and deliberate attempts to frustrate, obstruct and subvert the ascertainment of votes in [Region Four] not-

Pres Ali orders...

The agency will also protect against agents within or outside of Guyana, as well as against foreign powers seeking to undermine the State. There is also scope for the agency to collaborate with other foreign agencies in the interest of national security.

The Bill spells out the agency’s functions, which include to “collect information of national intelligence and security interest that provides a basis for decision making and preventative actions; gather, store, process, analyse and disseminate information that is relevant to national intelligence and security; conduct analysis of information of national interest and security interest.”

Additionally, the agency’s functions are to “maintain a national database of information of national intelligence and security; conduct relevant research to enhance efficiency in infor-

withstanding that GECOM had specifically decided… the approved method for the ascertaining and tabulation.”

Imagine the audacity of using a dirty bedsheet to disguise figures, and plucking numbers from the air while voiding legitimate votes! The report declared, “The CEO, by his overall conduct, opened himself to the criticism that the spreadsheet was introduced for ulterior motives and not for efficiency. Indeed, the use of the spreadsheet created turmoil, caused major disruptions, and slowed the tabulation process.” How wicked can we get in trying to feign sickness and bomb scare? Sunday school teaches us, “The evil that men/women do shall live after them.”

GECOM was always infiltrated with operators who did not abide by the required rules and regulations to remain loyal to their duty. According to the findings, the COI said the identified officials “abandoned all need for neutrality and impartiality and demonstrated a bias for a competing political party and, in the course of events over those days, showed an open connection with that party and, by their efforts, sought a desired result for that party.”

Let’s face it: Who else could the COI have been referring to but the one and only icon known for rigging elections in order to retain and/or regain political power? DNA will not hide, but rather expose charac -

teristics of any element. Guyanese say, “Mouth open, story jump out.”

The betrayal of trust must never occur again in Guyana, and democracy must be allowed to prevail. For too long, Guyanese have suffered at the hands of dictators, and Guyana’s growth was stumped with corruption. Violence has played a pivotal part in destroying the lives of innocent people, and a stigma has left an unbearable and ugly scar. At the handing over ceremony of the COI report, President Ali reminded Guyanese, “Free and fair elections, as the lifeblood of democracy, must be zealously guarded and protected. As such, any circumstance or event which could have led, or led and affected the declaration of the results of the election, had implications for democracy and the welfare of the citizens. It was thus imperative that there be [an] inquiry into the events that followed the holding of the elections on March 2, 2020.”

It was most fitting for the President to conclude by saying, “To those who sidestep, sidetrack, in an open way, do not comply with what is expected of them in public office, you not only do yourself harm, and this is looking into the future also. This is something we must all learn from, but you do your country, and our region harm.” Will the PNC Party start singing that the COI was bribed?

Yours respectfully,

Jai Lall

Being at the forefront of sustainable energy development

Dear Editor, This is a follow-up to my previous letter on energy development, wherein I suggested that we, as a nation, pursue using the US$2B investment that was put aside for the gas-to-energy project to develop solar energy. It is important to note that the largest solar energy farms in the world are of a similar size investment, and provide energy in the 2000MW or 2GW range.

Guyana must not overlook the opportunity to be at the forefront of renewable energy development. I have heard the comments about the base load and energy storage capabilities of batteries. Technology continues to evolve and improve. The technology available today will be able to meet our current needs, and a project of this magnitude would also allow for our future needs to be met as the technology develops.

The current administration should bench-

mark the projects in India (Rajasthan Bhadla Solar Park: 2.25GW for a $1.3B investment); China (Huanghe Hydropower Hainan Solar Park: 2.2GW for a $2.3B investment); India (Karnataka Pavagada Solar Park: 2.05GW for a $2B investment) These are three of the largest solar parks in the world, and the price tag is within our investment range and will allow us to supply sufficient electricity for every household in the nation.

As a member of the Guiana Shield, it is our duty and responsibility to continue in a leadership role for environmental stewardship. The pursuit of becoming the first nation that can supply every household with solar-generated electricity is achievable, and will set an example for the world, showing what is possible in the pursuit of preventing climate change.

Best regards,

Jamil Changlee

FROM PAGE 3

mation management and all matters relating to national intelligence and security; provide national intelligence estimates and intelligence and security advice to the President… provide support to investigations of matters pertaining to threats to national intelligence and security.”

Additionally, the proposed legislations also provide for the President to appoint the head of NISA. It also caters to the establishment of an Intelligence and Security Committee, which will have oversight over the conduct of NISA.

This committee will have three members appointed by the President. These include a nominee from the President, a nominee from the Opposition Leader after consulting with other Opposition parties in the National Assembly, and a nominee from civil society.

Opposition MPs flagged as SLED audit finds millions in State funds wasted

Some prominent

Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) have been fingered in a damning forensic audit report into the former APNU/AFC Government’s Sustainable Livelihoods Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) Programme.

Among the damning findings is the wanton wastage of millions of dollars of State funds.

In the report seen by Guyana Times, a project analysis zeroed in on MP Christopher Jones and the Precision Barber Shop and Beauty Salon. The report stated that no interview was conducted with Jones nor was the team able to confirm the grant received from the SLED initiative.

However, it noted that based on the review of the Compliance Audit, “Christopher Jones entity is not a registered society under the Co-operative Societies Act 88:01 or Friendly Society Act 36:04.”

Back in 2020, the CID Headquarters had reported that the barbershop equipment was allegedly fraudulently obtained based on an audit which showed that the Ministry of Social Protection approved the disbursement of $4.9 million under the Region Four administration for the procurement of equipment for a barbershop under the Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) programme.

A Financial Return presented revealed that the full amount was spent by December 31, 2019, but almost $1 million in items were not actually delivered and the project was not executed and some of the equipment were stored at Jones’

home. However, at the time of the physical verification, it was discovered that the beneficiary does not operate a barber shop, since construction of the said barbershop has not yet commenced

Meanwhile, Opposition MP Vincent Henry was also named in the report, regarding a project at Shulinab Village. That project was for the construction and furnishing of a multipurpose building to the tune of $19 million. The report referenced a meeting with the Treasurer of Shulinab Women’s Development Cooperative Society Limited, Leandra Eusebio, who escorted the investigating team to the site of the project.

Upon arrival at the site of the project, the team then requested Eusebio to be part of an interview and also to investigate the facility which was funded by the SLED grant. Eusebio indicated to the team that the grant was given directly to the contractor.

During the course of the interview, Eusebio indicated that she was not aware

of the amount of the SLED grant and that the Society had initially asked for an extension to their existing building, however, was advised by Henry that they should do a proposal for an entirely new building.

When Eusebio was asked to provide documents regarding receiving the SLED grants and the construction of the facility, she indicated that she is not aware of any such documents. However, she provided the Certificate of Registration of the Shulinab Women’s Development Cooperative Society Limited. In addition, she showed the team a computer system the group had received which never worked. Also, the team inquired about how the grant benefits the community.

“It was indicated that the facility is not currently being utilised, since the facility does not have potable water, electricity, and shelves,” the report highlighted.

In another case, the report shared that in November 2022, a visit was conducted at the Green Jaguars Environmental and Community Co-op – Pig Rearing Facility – chaired by the brother of APNU MP Jermaine Figueira.

The team was unable to make contact with any of the beneficiaries of the SLED grant. The grant was for the construction of a Pig Rearing Facility for Green Jaguars Environment & Community Co-op, to the sum of $5 million; the construction of a Chicken Pen Facility for West Watooka to the sum of $2 million; and the construction of a Chicken Pen Facility at Amelia’s Ward, to the sum of $2 million.

After not being able to make contact with the ben-

eficiaries, the liaison staff from the REO’s office took the investigative team to the

site of the facility where the inspection was done. The team found that the facility was not operational and was abandoned.

“Even though there was an animal in the facility, it looks like it was just a visitor and was unhappy with the vacation home. After inspecting the facility, the team in many attempts tried to contact the chairman of the society, Jermaine Figueira,” a section of the report states.

On November 25, 2022, the team made another effort to reach Figueira by stopping at his residence, to which his mother reportedly stated that he is currently

out of the jurisdiction.

The SLED programme, which was implemented through the former Social Protection Ministry, is a programme that was supposed to give grants to cooperatives and friendly societies to equip them to engage in sustainable entrepreneurial ventures. Specifically, it was supposed to be used to uplift disadvantaged youths.

A total of $760 million was disbursed under the SLED programme between 2015 and 2020, in increments of $115 million, $40 million, $100 million, $150 million, $250 million and $105 million, respectively.

(G-12)

Opposition MP Christopher Jones

Opposition MP Vincent Henry

Aishalton teen allegedly dragged from bed, strangled to death

A13-year-old girl identified as Amanda Smith, a former student of Aishalton Secondary School in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), met her demise after allegedly being dragged out of her bed in the dead of night and strangled to death by unknown assailants.

The incident allegedly

took place on Friday, April 21, at around 20:00h, and family members are struggling to come to terms with this heinous crime that has been committed against one of their members.

According to reports reaching Guyana Times, family members were asleep when the perpetrators reportedly broke into their home, made their way to the

teen’s bedroom, and forcefully removed her from her bed.

The girl’s little sister was the first to notice that something was amiss. She reportedly woke up and went looking for her sister, only to find her lying lifeless in the yard. The little girl immediately summoned her older brother, who rushed to the scene and discovered that his sister was dead.

“The sister said that after she didn’t see her big sister, she heard some noise, and then she went outside and saw her sister lying in the yard. She claimed she saw two men running away from the scene…the big brother said he didn’t hear anything… By the time people came, the child was already dead,” a source told this publication.

The source also related that, since the incident,

there has been no proper investigation done by the Police, and they hope that justice would be served to the family soon.

Contacted on Friday, April 28, Commander Raphael Rose said the Police are aware of the death of the 13-year-old, who is believed to have died unnaturally. However, he said, he could not divulge any other information until a post-mortem is conducted on the teen’s body.

“We are still waiting to do the PM, to know the cause of death. But there is no suspected rape that was reported…there are no suspected marks of violence on the outer parts of the body; and for now, we are awaiting the PM, which should be done on Tuesday,” he told Guyana Times. In the meantime, he added, investigations are continuing. (G-9)

It’s a new...

…Britain

There’s this feeling that can only be described by that German word “schadenfreude” – a feeling of satisfaction, not gloating!! – when someone else is experiencing some trouble or another. It’s like when you feel that justice is being done and you wanna cry out - as you punch your arm – “Yes!! There is a God!!” We’ve all felt that way in our personal lives, haven’t we?? Remember that snotty kid who insisted he bat first just because it was HIS bat? And then fell and broke his nose after he hit the first ball??!!

Well, it can happen at a larger scale also. Your Eyewitness just read what the Bank of England’s chief economist said in the midst of their highest inflation rates in decades, and millions are going hungry. From teachers to junior doctors, strikes have now spread to virtually every sector of the British economy, with no end in sight. It’s that bad!! He advised that households and businesses “need to accept” they are poorer, and stop seeking pay increases and pushing prices higher!! In other words, they should stop winging and keep a stiff upper lip!! He was following the tone struck last year by his boss, the BoE Governor, who used even stronger language!!

Your Eyewitness’s mind was drawn to the days when GREAT Britain was ruling us and when we complained about the no/low wages that made malnutrition endemic for hundreds of years. Labour protests exploded across the West Indies – including here in the 1930s - but they just sent out Commissions of Inquiry. They examined us in fruity tones, while the local Police used “the leaden argument” against strikers. The Police were completely exonerated; the Planters blithely continued their exploitation and the Commissioners filed their Reports!!

Well, today, British workers are finding out how it feels to be talked down to by their upper crust, and told to grin and bear it. For the record, the BoE governor made a cool £495,000 last year while the chief economist hauled in £180,000 - compared to the average Brit’s salary of £25,000!!

The BoE governor should (rather!) be speaking to his political bosses, who still seem to believe the sun hasn’t set on their empire!! They never thought through their jingoistic Brexit, and now the repercussions are biting them in the ass!! They never thought they needed the EU more than the EU needed them!! Compounding that strategic blunder, they’ve extended themselves in the Ukraine, and now gas prices have gone through the roof.

Dear reader, you may now understand why you don’t need a visa to enter Britain. We’re not the Windrush generation – they now need our oil and tourist dollars to make ends meet!!

How sweet it is!!

…voting scrutiny

You’ve gotta hand it to the PNC on their reaction to the Elections COI pronouncement on their “thiefin’” attempt!! But then they’ve been doing this for 55 years, and all shame has disappeared by now!! Your Eyewitness heard one of their apologists scoff at the COI’s findings - claiming that if they’d examined the recount records, they would’ve had a different conclusion!!

Now, let’s see if your Eyewitness got this right.Up to the evening of March 2, when voting ended and the SOPs were sent up to the 10 Regional Officers (ROs) everything was hunky dory, right?? The PNC in the persons of Granger and Nagamootoo said so!! So (as confirmed by the COI) when Mingo started diddling with the SOPs the following day –with the connivance of Lowenfield and Myers – whatever was revealed by the future recount wasn’t known!! Unless, in addition to the qualities revealed, Mingo was also clairvoyant!!

Mingo and Co saw the PNC had lost from the Reg 4 SOPs and tried a t’ing!!

…world

Your Eyewitness read this piece on how to overcome the initial awkwardness of making contact on dating apps. Seems you can use bots to make your first moves. So, are you bound to promises made by your bot??

Brigadier Bess boasts of derailing female stereotypes in GDF among achievements

– to serve as Advisor to Govt on Defence Diplomacy

Outgoing Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Godfrey Bess has stated that one of his most valued accomplishments during his threeyear tenure at the helm of the army is breaking the negative stereotype and ensuring greater inclusivity for female soldiers.

He made this remark on Friday during his farewell speech at Base Camp Ayanganna, where the Change of Command Parade was held for him to hand over the mantle of the GDF to Brigadier Omar Khan after serving 33 years in the Force. Bess is proceeding on pre-retirement leave until December when he will officially retire.

“One of the significant accomplishments we achieved, that I value, is that for the first time in history, the Guyana Defence Force deployed female soldiers on the border to

serve beside their male counterparts. This initiative derailed some of the negative stereotypes associated with our females and continues to bear dividends to date. It is my hope that the success of our females will go a far way towards supporting the fight for diversity, equity and inclusion,” Brigadier Bess stated as he reminisced on this tenure at the helm of the army.

This, he pointed out, was further reflected in the inclusion of three female guards, out of six, to lead Friday’s parade as well as the colour party in the parade.

Bess further expressed his satisfaction with the infrastructural works done by soldiers in communities across Guyana, support to the Men on Mission (MoM) initiative and other community development programmes as part of its contributions to the overall development of Guyana.

According to him, these have helped to enhance the image of the GDF and public confidence in the organisation.

“I have every confidence that the Guyana Defence Force will continue to improve in all areas under the command of Brigadier Khan,” he posited while charging the ranks to continue to serve the country with professionalism and integrity.

He also spoke about the enhancement of the GDF’s assets and capability, which, according to him, were further supported by the various partnerships forged with militaries

from other countries.

In addition to joining the Regional Security System, the GDF also established military relationships with the United Kingdom, The Netherlands, as well as signed

several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the Jamaica Defence Force, the Royal Bahamian Defence Force, the Indian Ministry of Defence and the French Army.

“This Memorandum of Understanding have the po-

tential to contribute to the development of the Force by offering training and collaborative defence and security opportunities,” he noted.

To this end, Brigadier Bess outlined that Defence Diplomacy is a critical pil-

lar of Guyana’s defence strategy. In fact, he disclosed that while he is proceeding on retirement, he will continue to serve Guyana in the capacity of Advisor to Government on Defence Diplomacy.

Newly appointed GDF Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, taking the salute

Outgoing GDF Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess

Brigadier Godfrey Bess handing over the Force Colours to his successor, Brigadier Omar Khan, during the Change of Command Parade at Base Camp Ayanganna on Friday (Latchman Singh Photo)

Artificial intelligence transforming legal landscape – CCJ Judge

who cannot afford to pay

to intensify in all aspects of our lives and are the single most important driver of economic development and social advancement. Like technology, he said, the law is omnipresent in our lives.

During his presentation, he highlighted that the legal profession has in recent times undergone seismic technological-induced changes of which the key driver is Government regulations, and touched on various types of technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Advances in technology are changing the legal landscape, and while it is being utilised to enhance the work of practitioners at the Bar and the Bench, those who do not adopt and embrace these rapid changes will be left behind.

This view was expressed by Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Judge Winston Anderson at the Guyana Bar Association’s

Law Week Symposium titled “New Frontiers in Law, Preparing for the Future”, which was held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) on Friday.

Addressing a large gathering consisting Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, Hierarchy and other stakeholders of the Judiciary, diplomats, attorneys-at-law, and law students, Justice Anderson said that technological advances continue

“AI, the automating of decision-making processes using algorithms that learn from data and gets smarter over time, has its most obvious application in the field of legal research and the metronomic review of contracts. In preparation for litigation, it is common practice to go through many, sometimes hundreds of past cases, to find the specific cases that are helpful to legal submissions. This can be like searching for the proverbial needle in a haystack.

“Lawyers spend up to

one-third of their time doing this research. However, technologies powered by AI can now go through the databases and intelligently flag the most relevant cases. Work that would take hours now takes minutes, thus reducing the cost of legal services and making these services more accessible,” the CCJ Judge said near the end of his feature address.

According to him, current technologies now allow the programming of basic legal prepositions into decision trees and deliver legal answers to the public through tools that people use every day such as Facebook, Messenger, and WeChat.

“These messaging apps allow a person to speak to a computer programme as if they are speaking to a human lawyer. A person may now take out his/her smartphone and ask his/her robot lawyer for advice on divorce, custody, hire purchase, contracts, rental, conveyancing, you name it.”

Transforming the legal landscape

In making his point, he alluded to anecdotal stories of persons in the USA contesting traffic tickets on the basis of legal advice received from chatbots. And in one case, he pointed out, a dissatisfied plaintiff is suing his robot lawyer, DoNotPay “for practicing without a licence”.

Predictive AI, he added, has powerful potential for increasing access to legal services for persons who are traditionally excluded for reasons of costs.

To this end, he shared, “Advances in voice recognition technology and voice as user interface allow the offering of legal services to thousands of people in the Caribbean and to the 750,000,000 worldwide who are illiterate…many of whom are women.”

Automation of contract review, legal research, and predictive analytics are just

some examples of how “AI is being used to transform the legal landscape,” Justice Anderson noted.

He went on to say, “Even more profound is AI’s intrusion into the process of judicial adjudication. It is now becoming commonplace for Judges to apply AIs to help in determining the mean or average sentence. Using AI here is somewhat understandable since some of the sentencing guidelines I have seen are so complex that

ing a smart court system since 2016. The new system requires the Judges to consult AI on each case and if they reject the AI recommendation, they must provide a written explanation. The system automatically screens for cases for references, recommends laws and regulations, drafts legal documents, and alters perceived human errors, if any in a verdict.”

“China’s Supreme People’s Court in Bejing

only calculators can properly do the calculations.” But Judges are using AI to determine other legal questions.

In January of this year, the CCJ Judge said that a Judge in Colombia caused a stir by admitting in his judgement that he used the AI tool ChatGPT when deciding an autistic child’s rights to insurance benefits.

While the Judge defended his use of AI, suggesting that it could make Colombia’s bloated legal system more efficient, Justice Anderson said that the Judge’s detractors expressed the fear that robots could replace Judges.

Lab for experimenting

According to the regional Judge, the laboratory for experimenting with the replacement of Judges by machines is China which boasts the most aggressive use of AI in judicial decision-making.

“China has been build-

reports that AI had cut a Judges average workload by over a third and saved Chinese citizens over 1.7B working hours from 2019 to 2021 and its legal system US$45B. AI systems were working through the entire process, from investigations to prosecution to adjudication,” Justice Anderson pointed out.

In one instance, he shared that an AI programme assisted with the trial of 10 people who had failed to repay bank loads.

“Previously, it would have taken 10 separate trials to resolve the issue but the AI resolved all the cases in one hearing with one Judge, and a decision was made available in 30 minutes.” When it comes to the use of technology in legal practice, the CCJ Judge observed that law firms are breaking away from the traditional approach by offering online portals and online updates which have a “decisive competitive edge”.

…says it increases access to legal services for those

CCJ Judge Winston Anderson

CCJ Judge Winston Anderson being greeted by Attorney General Anil Nandall at the symposium on Friday

A section of the gathering

Campaign financing laws being looked at – VP Jagdeo

as CoI cites lack of transparency, accountability in report

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo has reassured that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government is committed to, and working on, campaigning financing laws for Guyana.

This was one of the recommendations made by the recently concluded Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the March 2020 General and Regional Elections.

“[Campaign financing] is something that we’re looking into, and it’s part of our manifesto, if you look at the PPP Manifesto,” VP Jagdeo said when questioned about this recommendation.

In the report, which was handed over to President Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday, the COI panel pointed to the absence of the legislation applicable to campaign financing in Guyana.

“There is a lack of transparency and accountability regarding political parties and campaign financing. Political parties have historically raised funds without any limitations regarding the source or amount of donation, and with very little obligation to disclose election expenses. There is a strong need for such legislation, as there is a perception that persons and/or corporations who give large donations stand to gain political favours,” the report detailed.

Another recommendation highlighted in the CoI report is the political composition of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM). Like the need for campaign financing laws, reforming GECOM to have a more balanced represen-

tation has been something suggested by several bodies and electoral observer missions in the past. Currently, the seven-member Elections Commission is comprised of the Chairperson, three commissioners nominated by the PPP/C and three commissioners nominated by the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) – the leading party in the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) alliance.

According to the CoI report, this politicization of GECOM is making it difficult for the body to operate with any efficiency or effectiveness.

“Consideration should be given to amending this to allow for more balanced participation from other organizations or professionals with technical expertise, thereby reducing the politicization of the electoral process,” the CoI panel recommended, while citing a similar sentiment in a 2001 Carter Center report.

However, Jagdeo posited that “…one thing I think

was ignored - and I keep telling the donors - is that the threat did not come from the Commission; the threat came from the Secretariat technical staff. And just Imagine if we didn’t have a commission [with political representation].”

He reminded of the various attempts by embattled former Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, who headed the Elections Secretariat during the 2020 elections, to disenfranchise hundreds of thousands of Guyanese, as well as his blatant disregard for directions given to him by the Elections Commission when compiling his report to declare the results of the 2020 polls.

“So, the political body, the commission, had that not been in place and [Lowenfield] was there alone at the technical level, as many countries have, we would have had a different result. He would’ve declared [the false results],” Jagdeo stated.

With regard to those recommendations on the electoral process, the CoI panel recognised that the current Government has already taken steps to address some of those ambiguities and deficiencies when it made sweeping amendments to the Representation of the People Act (ROPA) in 2022.

“We’ve already started strengthening the system to leave very little room for capricious action, and that has been acknowledged in the report through the changes in ROPA. The changes have been far-reaching, with a series of penalties and clarity as to what can happen in an election: how you go through

Govt greenlights Uaru Petroleum Production Licence

the counting, so that the farce that you see wouldn’t repeat itself; the transparency surrounding the SOPs (Statements of Poll) being made public before the count starts; all of that has been addressed. So, a lot of the things has been overtaken because of the changes in ROPA, and that has been acknowledged in the report,” the Vice President noted.

However, he assured that the other recommendations made would be examined to strengthen the local electoral system. Already, he recognised the need to look at other laws, such as those governing Local Government Elections. For example, the Municipal Act, which will have to be revised in order to ensure that the events of 2020 are not repeated during another electoral process.

While noting that the ROPA Amendments addressed the major anomalies, the CoI panel nonetheless made some recommenda-

tions to ensure that all persons who are eligible to vote be allowed to exercise their franchise. They recommended that legislation be enacted to facilitate: persons with limited mobility not having to climb stairs to vote; visually-impaired persons voting by using ballots prepared in Braille; hearing- impaired persons being given the re-

quired assistance by a qualified sign language translator; and persons who are challenged by other means being able to overcome those challenges.

VP Jagdeo further indicated on Thursday that the CoI report has to be examined by the Government, and will be tabled in the National Assembly soon.

One day after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved Exxon’s Uaru petroleum project and granted the Environmental Permit, the Natural Resources Ministry (MNR) on Friday announced that

it has approved the Field Development Plan (FDP) and as such, issued the Petroleum Production Licence (PPL). The Ministry in a statement related “With support from the petroleum division within the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission

(GGMC), worked alongside ExxonMobil Guyana (EM) from May to November 2022. As part of this, various technical and financial scenarios for developing the Snoek, Mako and Uaru reservoirs were presented.”

President Dr Ali was on Wednesday presented by Justice of Appeal (ret’d) Stanley John with the report at the Office of the President

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat handing over the signed Petroleum Production Licence for Guyana’s fifth offshore development, Uaru, to President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge, in the presence of Production Manager of CNOOC Guyana, Xu Xiangdong (far left) and Hess Corporation’s Vice President of Exploration, Appraisal, and Developments for GuyanaSuriname, Tim Chisholm

Linden’s inaugural Building Expo offers exchange of innovations, services – 55 persons get steel, cement subsidies

ing granted access to their lands in Phase 4 Amelia’s Ward, initiatives will be getting traction. Further, he encouraged local businesses and suppliers to offer their services as these initiatives are aimed at generating income for Region 10.

Also on the occasion, Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority

(CH&PA), Sherwyn Greaves expressed his satisfaction thus far with the initiative, noting that it was conceptualised by President Irfaan Ali as another measure to improve the quality of life for Guyanese and make homeownership easier.

He noted that the agency remains committed to executing any programme and policy that is intended

to serve the interest of the Guyanese people.

To date, under this initiative, just over 500 persons have been issued with vouchers across regions, Two, Three, Four and Nine. The distribution exercise is ongoing as the agency continues to approve thousands of applications accepted since the launch of the initiative in 2022.

Anumber of homes were exhibited on Thursday as Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), welcomed its first-ever building expo and the grand opening of Mast Villa.

The aim of the expo is to provide a forum for the exchange of cutting-edge technological innovations

that as the housing market changes, Guyanese are searching for new technology to construct homes that are both sustainable, time-efficient and cost-efficient. He, therefore, applauded the organisers of the event for their effort and highlighted significant developments in Linden through the Housing

Guyana Incorporated. The homes are said to meet international standards and can be completed within a matter of days. Each home is also built using steel and cement and can support a second flat. Other units were also on display by NCHD Holdings Ltd and AJM Enterprise.

Additionally, the first

in the building industry, as well as a meeting place for investors and consumers to exchange ideas and locate goods and services for their construction endeavours.

The concept originated when businessmen connected at the International Building Expo hosted by the Housing and Water Ministry in 2022.

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal and Minister within the Housing Ministry Susan Rodrigues attended the activity in the company of the Regional Executive Officer, Dwight John; President of the Linden Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Development, Lyndon Young among others.

Minister Croal stated

Ministry. This includes the allocation of close to 500 house lots, road and infrastructure works, and the construction of housing units.

Meanwhile, Rodrigues in her remarks said that the Government will continue to support the development of Region 10 through its housing programmes and other initiatives. However, she also noted that the importance of private sector investment is also crucial for economic growth and that support will also be provided to create an enabling environment for investments.

Among the pre-fabricated homes at the expo were a 20x30 ft and a 30x30 ft unit from Tower Cranes of

batch of persons from Region 10 has been presented with their Cement and Steel Vouchers, which are intended to fast-track the construction of their new homes.

The 55 persons were presented with their vouchers, valued at $225,000 each. The vouchers are valid for a six-month period and are redeemable at three suppliers in Central Linden.

Speaking on the initiative, Housing Minister Collin Croal urged more persons to take advantage of the programme and noted that applications from other parts of the region, including Kwakwani and Ituni are invited.

He added that with first-time allottees now be -

One of the model homes being inspected by Ministers Croal and Rodrigues

The ribbon being cut to open the Building Expo in Linden

Farfan & Mendes gets Renewable Energy Award for Lethem Solar Project

The Farfan and Mendes Ltd and Soventix Caribbean team was awarded the Best Energy Storage Project for the Lethem Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) project which consisted of a state-of-the-art hybrid system combining a solar photovoltaic plant, a battery energy storage system (BESS) and integrating them to the existing traditional generation systems.

The award was presented by the Caribbean Renewable Energy Forum (CREF) and

honoured on stage at the 15th annual CREF in Miami on Thursday.

The Lethem Solar Energy Project is part of the Government of Guyana’s plan to promote renewable energy decarbonise the electricity generation matrix and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Funded through the Inter-American Development Bank, the project aims to bring affordable and reliable electricity to the remote town of Lethem, Guyana. The project involved the installation of a 1MW solar plant

and 571kWh battery storage, which will provide power to the Lethem grid, and is expected to significantly reduce diesel consumption.

Farfan and Mendes Guyana Ltd and Soventix Caribbean based in the Dominican Republic were jointly responsible for the EPC of the project, which included designing, procuring, and constructing the solar plant. The project was completed on time and on budget, despite the challenges of working in a remote and difficult-to-access location.

The CREF award recog-

nises the outstanding work and dedication of Farfan and Mendes Guyana Ltd and Soventix Caribbean SRL in delivering the Lethem Solar Utility Scale Project. The award is a testament to their commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability in the renewable energy sector.

Farfan and Mendes Ltd, Manager of the Solar Division, Martin Carto, stated, “We are proud to have been part of this landmark project and to have contributed to the development of renewable energy in Guyana. This award is a recognition of our team’s hard work and dedication to de-

livering high-quality projects that make a positive impact on people’s lives.”

Country Manager of Soventix Caribbean, Alvaro Vergara, added, “The Lethem Solar Utility Scale Project is a shining example of our commitment to customer satisfaction based on operational excellence, a strong partnership and commitment to delivering stateof-the-art renewable energy project implementation. We are honoured to have been part of this key project and to have received this award from CREF and would like to thank our client the Guyana Energy Agency for their trust, as well as the Lethem Power Company and the Guyanese authorities for their support.”

Farfan and Mendes Guyana Ltd and Soventix Caribbean remain committed to promoting renewable energy and delivering sustainable projects that benefit the people of Guyana.

Executives from Farfan & Mendes and Soventix Caribbean receive their award from a CREF official

IRI hosts former US Congressional Reps for legislative forum with Guyanese MPs

Parliamentary Opposition (including A Partnership for National Unity; Alliance For Change; and the parliamentary joinder made up of the Liberty and Justice Party, The New Movement, and A New and United Guyana) to engage in the legislative forum.

Sessions will focus on “From Candidate to Legislator, Making the Transition”, and “Creating Impact, Strategies for Effective Service in Parliament.”

Experts from IRI’s Center for Global Impact will also facilitate expert sessions alongside the visiting delegation of former US Congressional Representatives and former senior staff.

GPL gifts 200 sensory kits to MoE

The International Republican Institute (IRI) will host former United States (US) Congressional Representatives David Price and Erik Paulsen and former Deputy Chief of Staff and District Director Karen Glaser for a legislative forum with current and poten-

tial Guyanese Members of Parliament (MPs). Two half-day sessions will take place at the Guyana Marriott Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown on May 2 and 3, 2023.

Through its respective points of contact, IRI has invited the Government of Guyana and the

IRI’s legislative forum is among several activities being delivered with support from National Endowment for Democracy to strengthen engagement among Guyanese leaders and citizens, especially marginalised groups like youths, women, Indigenous Peoples, and persons with disabilities.

restoration works commence at Friendship Water Treatment Plant

Some 200 children from across the country will benefit from sensory toy kits which were donated to the Ministry of Education by the Guyana Power and Light (GPL).

The kits were handed over on Friday to Permanent Secretary Alfred King by GPL’s Corporate Secretary Laurian Bancroft.

King has thanked GPL for their continued support to the education sector, particularly their commitment towards raising awareness for Autism. Highlighting that the donation contributes to the Ministry’s efforts to transform the coun-

try’s education sector by providing access to quality education across the country, he also explained that, to this end, more emphasis has been placed on Special Education Needs. He noted that the Ministry is working to establish Special Education Needs spaces in every region, and Bancroft has reiterated GPL’s commitment to providing continued support. She said each kit consists of various activities and objects designed to reduce anxiety, frustration, and resulting behaviours to allow persons with Autism to bet-

ter focus on daily tasks and activities.

The Guyana Power and Light Inc has been a longstanding partner in raising awareness for Autism, and was recently awarded a certificate of recognition for its continued support and contributions at the launch of Autism Awareness Month 2023.

In addition to donating the sensory kits, GPL has committed to providing yearly internships to young people with Autism, which would provide an opportunity for one young person to gain appropriate exposure to the work environment at one of GPL’s offices.

Govt greenlights Uaru...

Further, it stated that the pre-submission engagements amongst MNR, GGMC, and ExxonMobil were not a pre-approval mechanism but served to optimise alignment with legislative frameworks and international best practices.

Wittu, which will be built by Japanese FPSO-building and operating company, MODEC, will produce 250 kbd at peak production.

FROM PAGE 11

area. The reservoirs are not being tapped into by Liza developments and are instead covered by the Uaru licence.

The Friendship Water Treatment Plant on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) is currently undergoing restoration works to the tune of $170 million. As part of the project, seven new filters have been installed by the Guyana Water Inc (GWI) to increase the treatment capacity of the plant.

Recently, GWI Project Director, Lt. Col. Marlon Daniels, and Engineer for the Friendship Project, Amanda Ramgobind, inspected the site to review the progress made so far. The project is being expedited to ensure its completion within the shortest possible

timeframe.

The newly installed filters will be linked to the plant’s storage tank, and are expected to produce approximately eight megaliters of water per day.

This will benefit about 7,000 residents from Annandale to Strathspey, including those residing in the new housing development south of the railway line. Currently, GWI technicians are working on the interconnected pipes, which will be followed by electrical works to commence the restoration project.

The new filters and other works carried out by GWI would enable the processing

of groundwater with high iron content to meet World Health Organization (WHO) standards. This will provide much-needed relief to the residents served by the treatment plant.

GWI has launched a large-scale water program which includes the construction of 12 new water treatment plants and the upgrade of another 12. The Government of Guyana aims to increase the coverage of treated water on the coastland to 90 per cent by 2025, and the restoration of the Friendship Plant is expected to bring GWI five to seven per cent closer to achieving this target.

The November 1, 2022 submission of the production licence application and accompanying Field Development Plan underwent a rigorous review process by MNR and GGMC staff, supported by an independent consultant procured through the World Bank.

“The FDP review process took over four months while the overall process took over 11 months. The Uaru development benefits from EM’s “Design one, build many” philosophy, which allows for more efficient project implementation by leveraging similarities between black oil projects. The project is expected to produce 812 MBO in the initial twenty-year licence period through a total of 44 wells – 21 producers and 23 water and gas injectors.”

The floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel, Errea

First oil is anticipated for the second quarter of 2027, boosting Guyana’s overall production rate to over 1,100,000 barrels of oil per day.

Additionally, MODEC will now compete with SBM Offshore, the Dutch-based company responsible for the first four projects in the Stabroek Block. Notable changes in the FPSO design compared to previous projects include using a combined-cycle gas turbine for power generation and a closed-loop flare system, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the project.

Certain conditions that are applicable to the Yellowtail project were excluded from the Uaru PPL since they were deemed to have been sufficiently addressed by the Yellowtail licence conditions. Similar to the Payara licence, the Uaru PPL boasts a Unit Development component, covering four of the Uaru field reservoirs that extend into the Liza production

The Uaru project is budgeted to cost US$12.683 billion and it is subject to cost recovery under the Stabroek Block Petroleum Sharing Agreement. The Cost Reporting condition was strengthened to include annual synergy reporting, acknowledging the shared facilities and personnel between these projects that result in cost savings.

Additionally, a Capping Stack condition was included in this licence to ensure compliance with the commitment to have the Capping Stack in-country as required by the Yellowtail licence.

In summary, the approval of the Uaru Field Development Plan and issuance of the Uaru Petroleum Production Licence marks the fifth approved production operation for offshore Guyana within the prolific Stabroek Block. The Uaru project is expected to significantly contribute to Guyana’s oil production and highlights the benefits of leveraging similarities between black oil projects.

$170M

– will serve over 7000 residents upon completion

The Water Treatment Plant at Friendship, ECD

GPL’s Corporate Secretary Laurian Bancroft handing over the kits to Permanent Secretary Alfred King on Friday

Former United States (US) Congressional Representatives David Price and Erik Paulsen

Good Hope youth attacked, left for dead by “friend”

friend for 11 years.

Twenty-five-year-old Andrew Arnold, a contractor of Good Hope, ECD, may never be able to speak again after he was slashed to the throat in an alleged attempt by a “friend” to have him killed.

The incident occurred on April 2 at about 16:00h at Pigeon Island, ECD, where he was lured into a trap by his close friend. Via text messages, the injured man recalled that, before committing the act, the assailant informed him that someone had hired him to carry out a hit on him. The motive for the attempted murder remains unclear, but Arnold believes it was linked to a dispute over false accusations.

Island to collect some money, so we went…we took the seawall because he said he doesn’t like to ride on the road,” the text messages revealed.

“When we got there, he grabbed me from behind, put a knife to my neck, and told me that he get money to kill me. He then slit my throat, threw me over the seawall, threw my bicycle on me, and said, ‘You dead now,’ and rode off,” Arnold recounted.

By LaWanda McaLLister

Ashocking crime has left the community of Good Hope, on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), in disbelief after a young man was allegedly brutally attacked and left for dead by someone he had considered his

On the night of the attack, the suspect reportedly invited Arnold to a secluded spot in the vicinity of the seawall on Pigeon Island, claiming that he wanted to collect some money from his mother. Once there, Arnold was attacked with a sharp object, which sliced his throat, causing him to bleed profusely.

“Me and the boy were hanging out, and he told me to go with him to his mom’s place in Pigeon

After the suspect had fled, Arnold tied his shirt around his neck, threw his bicycle back over the seawall, and rode to the Grand Coastal Hotel to seek assistance to contact the Police. He was later rushed to the hospital, and underwent emergency surgery. He is now in stable condition.

However, the suspect remains at large. Arnold claims that, since the incident, the Police have refused to search for the suspect, and he is now fearful for his life.

“The boy is spreading rumours in Jango Town that he is coming to make sure I’m dead, and if he can’t get me, he’s coming for my family. Plus the Police say I won’t make it, so they’re not looking for the boy,”

Arnold alleges.

During the attack, Arnold said, he heard the suspect mention the name of the person who hired him. He believes it would all make sense if that were the case, because he and the individual in question are currently not on good terms.

“We had a story in court, but the matter was settled. However, they still want revenge,” Arnold said.

One resident told this publication, “I can’t believe someone would do something like this to another human being, let alone a

friend.”

The victim’s family and friends are struggling to come to terms with what has happened, and some are expressing their anger and disbelief that someone the victim had known for years and had trusted could turn on him in such a brutal manner.

Arnold is calling for justice to be served swiftly.

“I need justice! I did surgery, and my voice cord cut. The doctors said they don’t know if I will ever be able to talk again”, he texted.

Flood-impacted Region 5 communities receive hampers

Residents of Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) who were impacted by flooding recent-

ly have been assisted by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) as 600 cleaning hampers were distributed.

The Rosignol/Zeelust and Blairmont/Gelderland Neighbourhood Democratic Council received the ham-

pers.

Of the communities, 116 hampers were distributed to Zorg-en-Hoop, 34 to Blairmont and 150 to Rosignol. This would assist residents with their restoration after heavy rainfall and over-topping of waterways caused some households to be inundated. Farmlands and ranches were also affected.

A total of 300 hampers were given directly to the NDC which distributed 180 to the communities of Blairmont and Balthyock. On Friday, 120 were sent to Shieldstown with an additional 255 to be delivered later.

“CDC will work to deliver the remaining cleaning hampers over the weekend to ensure that all impacted residents receive their supplies. Concerned residents are encouraged to contact their NDCs or the Regional Democratic Council (RDC)

for support.”

The CDC continues to work with local authorities to ensure that aid is available for impacted communities, especially during the current rainy season. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any impacts to their local authorities or the National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) on 600-7500 or 226-1114 at any time.

A dive into the rainy season has also led to several precautionary measures issued by the Health Ministry, in order for persons to pay special attention to their health, personal hygiene, vector control, and food safety.

It was advised that if there is any flooding, persons should stay out of the water as much as possible, as it can greatly reduce your chances of contracting diseases such as skin

infections, Leptospirosis, diarrhoea, and other water-borne diseases.

If there is a need to venture into any area with flood waters, persons were advised to use protective gear such as long boots, gloves, and eye protection. Moreover, they can prepare a foot bath of half a cup of bleach in one bucket of water and wash them before entering the house.

Applying Vaseline or oil to your skin also forms a barrier and provides some protection from dirty water.

Guyanese have been advised to use safe water for drinking, cooking, brushing their teeth, and making ice and beverages. Safe water is water that is treated with chlorine bleach in a concentration of half a teaspoon to five gallons of water. It should be covered and left for 30 minutes before using. Water can also be boiled.

Hampers distributed to affected Region Five residents

in alleged murder plot – may never be able to speak again

Andrew Arnold, hospitalised after the incident

Arnold’s neck after the surgery

Police vehicles involved in accidents reduced amid stringent measures – Top Cop

in the coming month.

“This by itself will help members of the public whenever they come to the station. We’re striving to achieve all stations equipped with a vehicle to know that they can manage the stations in the districts without being supported by other regions.”

The Guyana Police Force’s (GPF) Strategic Plan 2022-2026 is geared at transforming the law enforcement organisation into a contemporary one through the development of its human resources and other capabilities at levels.

There has been a reduction in the number of Police vehicles involved in accidents along the roadways, according to Police Commissioner (ag), Clifton Hicken on Thursday while adding that efforts have been made to maintain and expand the fleet of Police vehicles.

In this regard, the scourge of service vehicles damaged in accidents is being addressed.

“To expand the transportation fleet, we’re strict in

that regard. The more vehicles we maintain, the more operationalised we can have in the Police Force. We’re paying special attention to that. Of course, over the years we have seen a lot of accidents by policemen and women driving Police vehicles. We have seen a drastic reduction because of the measures we would have put in place,” said the Top Cop.

Recently, 47 4x4 vehicles were produced and 30 more are expected to arrive

According to Hicken, the Force is also building its capacity and response in keeping with the needs for the 2025 General and Regional Elections.

“The repositioned Guyana Police Force to meet the changing face of crime through the use of SWOT analysis to build capacity and security posture for the 2025 General and Regional Elections. Reforming the Guyana Police Force has commenced as it continues as an organisation for service delivery undergoes a

2020

Although the Full Court has now cleared the way for Justice Navindra Singh to preside over the trial in the $1B defamation lawsuit brought by former President David Granger against three daily newspapers and a Public Relations Consultant, it has referred the matter to the acting Chief Justice for her to assign another Judge to conduct the Pre-Trial Review (PTR).

Granger’s lawyer, Roysdale Forde, SC, had gone to the Demerara Full Court to overturn Justice Singh’s decision to hear the libel suit without the consent of the parties, in particular that of the claimant Granger. The lawyer had sent an email to Justice Singh indicating that his client did not consent to him being both the PTR and case management conference (CMC) Judge.

Part 38 of the Civil Rule Procedure Rule (CPR) 2016 stipulates that the Judge who conducts the PTR must not, where practicable, be the CMC Judge, or preside at the trial, unless the parties agree and file a consent to the same effect. It also states that the Court may, at any time, on its own initiative or upon application, direct that a PTR be waived, or another PTR be held.

Pending its ruling, the Full Court, comprising Justices Damone Younge and Gino Persaud, had in

February of this year stayed Justice Singh’s decision. In a judgement delivered on Thursday, the Full Court found that the hearing conducted by Justice Singh on April 28, 2022 was a continuation of the CMC, and not a PTR.

“This Court also finds that whilst [Justice Singh] has the power to waive a PTR at any time, in the circumstances of this case, and in view of the fact that there was no consent by [Granger] as required by R. 38.01(5) of the CPR, the exercise of his discretion to waive the PTR was wrongfully exercised,” Justices Persaud and Younge held.

In the face of the objection raised by the former Head of State, and the

paradigm shift that aims to increase the performance and efficiency of the organisation through a multi-disciplinary approach and targets not only the administrative practices,” it was detailed.

Continuous revamping across the country, Hicken said, will make the Guyana Police Force stand out in the Region for its best practices and modern facilities.

“We are in the process of decentralising critical Police Departments to make

all the regions self-sufficient. The continuous reconstruction and rehabilitation that is taking place in the Police station will see them not only equipped with all the modern amenities to meet international best practices with safes, ID parade rooms, ramp for the disabled and child-friendly whenever we have issues of domestic violence.”

Implementation of the Strategic Plan saw the derivation of several Standard Operating Procedures and

Terms of Reference. Of recent, a decision was also made to standardise work plans across the Force.

In 2023, the GPF was allocated $19.7 billion in the budget for the intended purpose of boosting the Force’s capacity on all fronts. In this light, the Safe City programme has been expanded, producing real-time updates and reducing response time. They have strengthened forensic and crime-fighting postures.

withholding of his consent, the Full Court opined that it was not open to Justice Singh to counter that by waiving the PTR. At that point, the Justices noted that Granger’s objections should have been noted, and the matter referred to Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George, SC, for assignment to a different judge to conduct the PTR, after which the matter would return to the CMC Judge for trial.

In light of its finding, the Full Court allowed Granger’s appeal. In so doing, it ordered that the lawsuit be referred to the Chief Justice for a Judge to be assigned to conduct the PTR. At the conclusion of the PTR, the matter shall be remitted to Justice Singh for trial, the Full Court ruled, and made no order as to costs.

Statement of Claim

Claiming that his reputation has been tarnished, former President David Granger, in a 134-page Statement of Claim (SoC), has accused Public Relations Consultant Christopher Nascimento of launching and sustaining a series of defamatory attacks against him, from March 2020 to August 2020, through opinions published in <<Guyana Times,>> Stabroek News and Kaieteur News.

Moreover, he said the pieces penned by the PR specialist inferred that he was not innocent of any at-

tempt to force fraud on the country, and that he lied to the people of Guyana and the APNU/AFC, and that he wanted to remain in Government regardless of the will of the people expressed at 2020 General and Regional Elections.

According to Granger’s counsel, the attacks were “relentless, and displayed a complete disregard for the truth”.

Granger has argued that the publications suggested he was of unsound mind, was a liar, was involved in criminal and illegal activities and practices, and was unfit to be the President.

The former President has denied accusations that he encouraged and/or supported efforts to move to the Courts, inclusive of the Court of Appeal of Guyana and the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), to strip the Guyana Elections

Commission (GECOM) Chairperson, Justice (retd) Claudette Singh, of her authority to produce the election results.

He has also denied that he is dishonest, deceitful, habitually hypocritical, is of dubious credibility, and wanted to remain in office as President, to rule without any regard or care, regardless of the consequences to Guyana.

He has also denied that he used invented irregularities to claim a victory for the APNU/AFC and for himself as President at the national elections, and that he refused to accept the election results.

He is denying that he permitted then Attorney General Basil Williams to argue that the Recount Order was illegal, and that he and his lawyers attempted to throw out the recount he agreed to abide by.

Additionally, he has rejected accusations that he permitted Williams to argue that the GECOM Chairman was obligated to accept the declaration made by former Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield.

According to Forde, during the election period, his client made several public broadcasts to the nation, in which he communicated to the nation, the diplomatic community, and civil society that: “As President of Guyana and Leader of the

Government, it is my policy that any declaration coming from the Chairman of GECOM will be accepted by the Government of Guyana.”

The Senior Counsel submitted that, following the declaration of another candidate as the winner of the elections, Granger accepted the said declaration “as he always stated that he would accept any declaration coming from the Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission.”

Granger has claimed that, as a result of the publications, he and his family have suffered and continue to suffer financial injury, constant grave distress, humiliation, embarrassment, indignity, pain, and suffering.

Acting Top Cop Clifton Hicken

General & Regional Elections

Way cleared for Justice Singh to preside over Granger’s defamation suit trial …but different Judge to conduct PTR

Former President David Granger

Justice Navindra Singh

PR Specialist Christopher Nascimento

WDRH launches internal probe into death of 16-year-old

An investigation into the mysterious death of 16-yearold Glenston Drake at the West Demerara Regional Hospital on Monday has been launched. This is according to the Medical Superintendent (MS) of the hospital, Judy Hung.

Hung told Guyana Times on Friday that while she is aware of the allegations being made against the hospital by the relatives of the dead teen, she had not received an official report from anyone at the hospital or from the teen’s family.

However, she assured that a thorough investigation into the issue will be conducted.

“I am very sad to hear this complaint, especially coming from a third party because I haven’t gotten any form of complaint from the patient’s relatives… I did ask for a full report from the doctors or the specialists that were taking care of this young man. So, I am awaiting this report and we will liaise with the Ministry of Health.”

“I am hoping we can meet with the relatives, and they can come and give their formal complaints. They can identify the nurses and doctors that worked on this case. At this point, I don’t know about the individual treatment of this case,” she said.

However, the teen’s mother, Charmain Duncan, on Friday explained that on Saturday afternoon, her son was taken to the medical facility after complain-

ing of having abdominal pains. She said after visiting the hospital, her son was admitted as a patient after the doctor allegedly told her that her son’s white blood cells were overpowering his red blood cells.

“He was there on Saturday, and on Sunday, I went to the hospital to take food for my son, and I was treated rudely by a nurse. My son was very down with pain… she asked me to go and come back during visiting hours… when I came back, I saw my son rolling from the ground to the bed. I went to them and asked the nurse to please get a doctor for me or give me a referral to take my son to Georgetown Public Hospital?”

The woman said after she could no longer bear to see her son experience such excruciating pain, she revisited the nurses’ station to ask for pain medication for the teen.

“When I asked, they told me that no doctor was available and they cannot do anything with the referral. But they didn’t tell me the medication that he had to get; they didn’t have the medication. When I found out, I said, How God, since Saturday this boy got admitted, why didn’t you tell me you didn’t have this medication…”.

“That is when they told me that they had a prescription to give me… I bought the medication for $4500… they just treated him with saline all the time… they didn’t explain anything to me… when my daughter

brought back the medication, we went to the counter. One nurse was on duty. I was tapping and calling for the nurse, and she did not respond, she was on her phone looking at TikTok videos.”

The woman claimed that after some time, the nurse allegedly took the medication and did not administer it to her son. Duncan said at about 1:36h on Monday morning, she received a call from her son telling her that he was not being treated and the pain was too unbearable for him.

She said she spoke with her son for about an hour, and in the middle of the conversation, the phone went dead.

“I thought he fell asleep, so I didn’t call back the phone. At 4:57 am, the nurse called me and asked if I had

a 16-year-old child in the hospital, so I said yes, and she said the child passed. We left and went to the hospital, and when we arrived, he was dead on the bed”, she explained.

The woman further related that while at the hospital, she was told by patients in the ward that her son had died while he was in the bathroom area. She said it was only after a patient realised that he had been in the bathroom for hours that they went to check on him and found him motionless.

“I have proof that no nurse attended to my son while he died in the washroom. A patient had to go and alert the nurse, and then the nurse went to check on my son in the bathroom. After they realised that

he had passed away, they picked him up and put him on the bed. When I arrived, they didn’t tell me that my son had died in the bathroom... When my daughter picked up his phone, it was full of water.”

“My son was in there for hours...I believe my son had already passed away when the phone went blank while he was talking to me, and it was hours after they found him,” she said.

Duncan said after her son’s death, she was unaware of how the system worked, so she allegedly inquired about how she could make a report on the issue. She said she was referred to the matron of the hospital, who listened to her report and informed her that the hospital would reach out to

her soon. She claimed that it has been almost a week, and she has not heard from the hospital since.

“I feel hurt about this situation because, from my point of view, that was negligence from the doctors and the nurses that led to my son’s death. They are paid to take care of patients in hospitals and they need to do their jobs. Imagine, they can’t even give me a time that my child died.”

“Now what is even more confusing is that the autopsy is saying they couldn’t find anything that happened to my son”, the woman said.

The family of the deceased is calling for a thorough investigation into the matter, and they are also seeking justice for their son’s untimely passing. (G-9)

Way cleared for Justice Singh to...

He has also claimed that besides damaging his character and reputation, the “statements have no basis in fact, are malicious, grossly inaccurate, and are intended to deceive the public”.

“The effect of the publications was intended to, and calculated to, damage the reputation of [Granger] and expose him to unwarranted hatred, ridicule, vilification, and contempt…

The effect of the publications was intended to, and calculated to, also disparage the record of [Granger] as the President of Guyana and as an honest person,” Forde has contended.

“As a result of the said

headlines and articles and their dissemination online and offline, [Granger’s] personal and professional reputation and standing has been irreparably and severely damaged, lowered in the estimation of right-thinking members of society, and [Granger] has suffered and continues to suffer financial injury, constant distress, humiliation, embarrassment, indignity, pain, and suffering.”

Apart from damages, former President Granger is also seeking substantial costs.

Nascimento is being represented by Attorney-atLaw Kashir Khan, Guyana

Times is being represented by Attorney-at-Law A. Dev, and Stabroek News is being represented by Senior Counsel Timothy Jonas. Nascimento, in a comment invited by this newspaper, had said he was standing by his remarks about the former Head of State. “I am astonished at Mr Granger’s lawsuit. He certainly places an extraordinarily high price on what he believes to be his reputation. I am satisfied that anything I have written or said about Mr Granger was in defence of democracy and the freedom of Guyana.”

Forde was appointed Senior Counsel by Granger.

Brig Bess boasts of derailing...

He subsequently told reporters, “What I'll be doing with the government is defence diplomacy… It has to do with us partnering with like-minded and friendly nations in order to build our diplomacy. As you are aware, our first line of defense is diplomacy.”

On Thursday, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Force, President Dr Irfaan Ali, announced that the government will be setting up a unit within the Office of the President that will focus on defence diplomacy in keeping with his administration’s foreign policy to pursue peaceful employment of defence resources and capabilities.

The Head of State had noted that this unit will be staffed with experienced individuals who have retired after serving in leadership capacities within the various disciplined services in the country.

On this note, Brigadier

Bess confirmed with reporters on Friday that he will be serving as an advisor in that unit. He indicated that he will be starting this role sometime in the near future.

“I’m likely to start as soon as I think I’ve had enough [time on] leave… I’m raring and ready to go again. I want to serve the people… I always believe, from day one since I joined the Defence Force, that it’s not about me alone so I will serve.”

“I'm prepared to serve and I think most Guyanese, given the opportunity to, we must take it because we are a developing country. We recognize the issues we have, where we do not have enough persons in this country and we have to position our people. And I do believe that experience can help and guide our people,” he stressed.

The outgoing Chief of Staff further outlined his confidence in his successor, Brigadier Khan, who has

FROM PAGE 9

been in the GDF for some 31 years.

“We’ve worked together. He is very intelligent. He is a competent officer. He is very strategic and I’m assured that he will lead this Guyana Defence Force properly and he will get the support of the Guyana Defence Force. Brigadier Khan is no stranger to us and he has worked a lot with my management team,” Bess stated.

Meanwhile, in a brief statement to the media, Brigadier Khan said he is ready to take over at the helm of the army.

“It is my intention in my tenure to work closely with my ranks, and also met the expectation that the country requires of us… My vision is guided by our National Security Strategy, and our national development thrust. So, that is really guided by the Defense Board and my vision is integrated into that,” Khan posited. (G-8)

Dead: Glenston Drake

Crude prices up over 2% on rising US oil demand and lower output

Oil prices mostly rose over 2% on Friday after energy firms posted positive earnings and US data showed crude output was declining while fuel demand was growing.

On its last day as the front-month, Brent futures for June delivery rose US$1.17, or 1.5%, to settle at US$79.54 a barrel, while the more actively traded July contract jumped 2.7% to settle at US$80.33.

US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose US$2.02, or 2.7%, to settle at US$76.78.

Despite the daily gains, Brent and WTI both declined for a second week in a row, with Brent posting a fourth straight monthly decline as disappointing US economic data and uncertainty over interest rates weighed on the demand outlook.

"The market was down much of the week on worries about a looming economic recession and an expansion of the banking crisis with First Republic," said Phil Flynn, an analyst at Price Futures Group.

"But, today there were headlines showing there may be a solution to the First Republic problem, and there was data pointing to a rise in oil demand and a decline in output," Flynn said.

US officials are coordinating urgent talks to rescue First Republic Bank, as private-sector efforts led by the bank's advisers have yet to reach a deal, according to three sources familiar with the situation.

The US Federal Deposit Insurance Corp (FDIC), the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve are among government bodies that have started to orchestrate meetings with financial companies about a solution for First Republic, the sources said.

US crude production fell in February to 12.5 million barrels per day (bpd), its lowest since December. Fuel demand rose to nearly 20 million bpd, its highest since November, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA).

EIA data this week showed US crude oil and gasoline inventories fell more than expected last week as demand for the motor fuel picked up ahead of the peak summer driving season.

The number of rigs drilling for oil in the US was unchanged this week at 591, but inched down by one in April in their fifth monthly decline, energy services firm Baker Hughes Co said.

Supply of the five North Sea crude oil grades underpinning the dated Brent benchmark will average about 607,000 bpd in June, compared with 696,000 bpd in May, implying a 13% fall, loading programmes showed.

Oil companies Exxon Mobil Corp and Chevron Corp have enjoyed strong demand and held the line on cost-cuts implemented during COVID-19 lockdowns.

Crude prices have declined in recent weeks and months due to worries that interest rate hikes that could reduce demand.

Brent declined about 3% this week after falling about 5% last week, while WTI slid about 1% this week after losing about 6% last week.

For the month, Brent slid less than 1% in April, while WTI gained about 1%. That was the first monthly increase in WTI prices in six months.

US consumer spending was unchanged in March, but persistent strength in underlying inflation pressures could prompt the Fed to hike rates again next week to slow inflation, feeding fears of a possible recession. (Reuters)

Around The World

Brazil's Lula recognises Indigenous territories halted by Bolsonaro

President Luiz Inacio

Lula da Silva legally recognised six Indigenous territories on Friday, fulfilling a campaign promise to reverse the policy of his far-right predecessor Jair Bolsonaro said Brazil's original people had too much land.

The recognition is crucial to protect Indigenous lands from increasing encroachment by farming and invasions by gold miners and loggers in the Amazon rainforest.

They are the first territories to be effectively recognised by the state since 2016, as one recognition in 2018 was overturned later by a court.

Lula signed the titles at an annual meeting in Brasilia of representatives of Brazil's one million Indigenous people. The Free Land Camp is a

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva gestures along Brazil's Indigenous Peoples Minister Sonia Guajajara, during the closing of the Terra Livre (Free Land) camp, a protest camp to demand the demarcation of land and to defend cultural rights, in Brasilia, Brazil April 28, 2023

five-day event featuring music, dance and food in tents erected on the grass esplanade of the capital.

Chief Raoni, who became a global reference in the 1990s for his environmental campaigning with musician

Sudan fighting: No talks until bombing stops – Hemedti tells BBC

One of Sudan's duelling generals, who leads the paramilitary force fighting the country's army, has told the BBC he will not negotiate until fighting ends.

But Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, better known as Hemedti, said his fighters were being "relentlessly" bombed since a three-day truce had been extended.

"We don't want to destroy Sudan," he said, blaming army chief Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan for the violence.

Gen Burhan has tentatively agreed to face-to-face talks in South Sudan.

Thursday night's extension of an uneasy ceasefire followed intensive diplomatic efforts by neighbouring countries, as well as the US, UK and UN.

Hemedti said he was open to talks but the condition was that the ceasefire should hold: "Cease hostilities. After that we can have negotiations."

He said he had no personal problem with Gen Burhan, but regarded him as a traitor for bringing into Government those loyal to former President Omar alBashir, who was ousted by the army and RSF together in 2019 after mass street protests.

Bashir's regime - in power for three decades - was known for its Islamist ideology and imposition of a strict version of Sharia (Islamic law).

"Unfortunately Burhan is being led by the radical Islamic front leaders," Hemedti said.

In 2021, he and Gen Burhan overturned an agreement to share power with civilians, taking full control in a coup.

They fell out this year over the proposed return to civilian rule, in particular about the timeframe of incorporating Hemedti's 100,000-strong Rapid Support Force's (RSF) inclusion into the army. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Peru sends military to Chile border to block undocumented migrants

Some 700 Peruvian soldiers and Police officers will reinforce its southern border with Chile to prevent the entry of undocumented migrants, Peruvian authorities said on Friday, amid diplomatic tensions between the two countries over the issue.

Hundreds of migrants are stranded at the border, including mostly undocumented Venezuelans, according to the Peruvian Police. The migrants say they are seeking to

enter Peru to continue their journey back home.

Interior Minister Vicente Romero told local radio station RPP that some 390 Police officers have already arrived at the border and 300 more soldiers will arrive from different parts of the country to join the surveillance mission.

"We are not going to allow any illegal entry, or attacks on the Police," he added.

The Peruvian Government declared a state of emergency on its borders this week

to pave the way for joint operations between the military and the Police to stop migrants, in a tightening of its immigration policy.

The Government has threatened that foreigners without the proper paperwork could be expelled.

The Peruvian Foreign Ministry summoned the Chilean ambassador in Peru to voice its frustration this week, alleging a lack of Chilean support. The Chilean Foreign Ministry said it had

Sting, placed a headdress of blue, black and red bird feather on Lula's head, as the crowd cheered the leftist President.

"I won't leave a single Indigenous territory unpro-

tected," Lula said.

Indigenous leaders called on him to speed up the recognition of some 300 Indigenous territories that have been mapped out but have waited for years to be formally recognised.

Former President Bolsonaro, who was backed by Brazil's agricultural sector and its powerful farm lobby, vowed publicly never to allow "one more centimetre" of land for reservations, saying Indigenous people had too much land for so few people.

Some 300 different ethnic groups live on 730 territories across Brazil that they consider ancestral lands, mainly in the Amazon rainforest, totalling 13% of the country's land, but only 434 have been officially recognised. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Russia kills 25 in biggest Ukraine air strikes for nearly 2 months

expressed "discomfort" over criticism of President Gabriel Boric by a Peruvian mayor.

Some 1.5 million Venezuelans live in Peru, most of whom have entered since 2017 when the country granted a temporary residence permit. Many have not formalized their status, according to official data.

There are also an estimated 300,000 to 400,000 undocumented migrants in Peru, which has a total population of 33 million. (Reuters)

Russia hurled missiles at cities across Ukraine as people slept on Friday, killing at least 25 civilians in the first large-scale air strikes in nearly two months, as Kyiv said it was nearly ready to launch a huge assault to retake occupied land.

Firefighters tackled a blaze at a residential apartment hit by a Russian missile in the central town of Uman and rescue workers clambered through a huge pile of smouldering rubble, searching for survivors and bodies as anxious people stood by.

"My neighbours are gone. No one is left," said Serhii Lubivskyi, 58, who survived inside a flat on the seventh floor. He was rescued by firefighters from the balcony where he escaped with his wife after the explosion blocked their front door.

Officials said at least 23 civilians were killed, including four children, with an estimated 109 people living in the part of the block that was hit and 27 flats com-

pletely destroyed.

Lubivskyi wept as he looked up at the smouldering gaps in the building where adjacent flats had been blasted away.

"An elderly woman, her daughter and two grandchildren lived on the ninth floor. They are gone. A man with his son lived on the eighth floor. They are gone. A woman with her daughter lived on the seventh floor. They are gone. A young family lived on the sixth floor, their son was lucky ... he is alive."

In the southeastern city of Dnipro, a missile killed a two-year-old child and a 31-year-old woman, regional governor Serhiy Lysak said. Video released by the authorities showed a blackened hole where a missile had crashed through an apartment window.

Moscow said it had targeted locations of Ukrainian reserve troops and had struck them successfully, preventing them from reaching the front. It supplied no evidence to support this. (Excerpt from Reuters)

A view shows a heavily damaged residential building hit by a Russian missile, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Uman, Cherkasy region, Ukraine April 28, 2023

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Deal with sensitive issues first and clear the way for progress. Pick up the pace; what you accomplish will put your mind at ease. Romance is favored. Your insight will be welcome today.

(March 21-April 19)

Don't go overboard. Restraint will be necessary if you spend time with indulgent people. Focus on fitness, self-improvement and helping others, not on overspending or being gluttonous.

(April 20-May 20)

PEANUTS

(May 21-June 20)

Take care of the projects you want to finish. Don't let anyone exploit you or make you feel guilty about caring for yourself. Offer suggestions, not handson help, to others.

Keep your life simple, doable and content. Reach out to those who offer something in return. Put your thinking cap on, and you'll devise a plan to help you expand your interests.

(June 21-July 22)

Reach out to someone you enjoy spending time with and see what transpires. An opportunity that can help you bring in extra cash is heading your way. Upgrade your skills and knowledge.

(July 23-Aug. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

PICKLES SUDOKU

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Share your intentions with someone special; the feedback you get will help you develop a strategy that can change how you live. Don't fear making a move if it feels right; forge ahead.

Pay attention to your looks and feelings. Sign up for something that will address your concerns. Personal improvements will raise your awareness and confidence. Romance is in the stars.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Your relationships with others will blossom if you deeply engage. Make plans with someone who puts a smile on your face, and what ensues will spark your imagination and inspire you.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Don't count on anyone but yourself. Consider what you want, and don't hesitate to fulfill your desires. Refuse to let anyone interfere with your plans. Set a budget.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Handle money matters with care. Refuse to let emotions take control if someone is asking for too much. Shared expenses and joint ventures will lead to friction.

Stay put, focus on personal gain and self-improvement, and avoid anyone trying to push you in a direction you don't want to pursue. Say no to emotional manipulation, and do your own thing.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Take heed of what others say and do, and use what you discover to help you reach your goal. Think about how you earn and handle your cash, and you'll devise a solid plan.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

NBA star Kevin Durant signs lifetime contract with Nike

Phoenix Suns' Kevin Durant has signed a “lifetime contract” with sportswear giant Nike, the NBA star said on Friday, following in the footsteps of greats Michael

TATA IPL 2023…

Jordan and LeBron James as the only basketball players to have lifetime deals.

Durant, 34, has been with Nike since he made his NBA debut in 2007 - the season he won the Rookie

of the Year award - and has released 15 different pairs of basketball sneakers.

"When I first signed with Nike, I couldn't have dreamed of how far we'd go in this partnership. We've

done amazing work creatively and philanthropically," Durant, a two-time NBA champion and 13time All Star, said in a statement via Boardroom. "We've travelled the world

Kevin Durant

together, and built a business that will now last forever. I'm excited for the future, and honoured to be in rare company with this deal."

Nike has supported

Durant's involvement in grassroots basketball by helping refurbish courts in communities across the world through the Durant Family Foundation. (Reuters)

Mayers and Pooran star as Lucknow beat Punjab Kings

Marcus

Stoinis scored 72 off 40 balls, Kyle Mayers scored 54 from 24. Nicholas Pooran scored 45 off 19 balls, and Ayush Badoni scored 43 from 24. Their contributions led Lucknow Super Giants to 257 for 5, the highest total this IPL season, and the second highest in the tournament's history.

Punjab Kings fought hard to get past 200 themselves, with Atharva Taide slamming a 36-ball 66, but they were never really in contention to reach an improbable target. Super Giants won by 56 runs in the end, and their net run-rate boost has lifted them from fourth to second on the points table.

LSG's hitting was awe-inspiring: their batters combined to hit 27 fours and 14 sixes, ensuring the statisticians had a busy night.

Mayers got the party started when he clubbed Arshdeep Singh for four fours in the second over. Next over, he deposited a free hit from debutant Gurnoor Brar for six over midwicket. When PBKS introduced spin, Mayers

went 6, 4, 6 off Sikandar Raza in the fifth over. He was dismissed with one ball left in the powerplay, but by then he'd already scored 54 - the most by a batter in the first six overs this season. LSG ended that phase at 72 for 2.

Unstoppable Stoinis

In seven previous innings this season, Stoinis had been dismissed for 21 or less five times, including a duck in his last game against Chennai Super Kings. But whenever he got into his groove, LSG have prospered. He'd slammed 65 off 30 in a successful chase of 213 against Royal Challengers Bangalore, and here, in Mohali, Stoinis was similarly brutal.

It began with a free-hit off the second legal ball of the eighth over, which Stoinis flicked for six off Gurnoor. The next ball was driven for four, and Stoinis was away. In the tenth over, he guided Sam Curran for four behind point; and when the bowler tried a slower delivery, he put him away with a short-

4th ExxonMobil U14 ...

“For us at ExxonMobil, establishing meaningful relationships that benefit communities are an integral part of our global social enhancement efforts. Our ongoing social investing in communities and directing our sponsorship in strategic areas are part of our efforts to make positive contributions in Guyana; contributions that will be of value to your communities,” he added.

The teams participating hail from Regions 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10. The teams that will participate in both categories are: West Ruimveldt, East Riumveldt, Institute of Academic Excellence, Charlestown, Vergenoegen, New Campbellville, Carmel, Marian Academy, Waramuri Top, Patentia,

President’s College, Cummings Lodge, Ann’s Grove, Dora, Mackenzie High, New Amsterdam High, and Woodley Park.

The teams that would be involved in the Boys’ division include North Ruimveldt, Dolphin, St Cuthbert’s Mission, Friendship, Leonora, Freeburg, Brickdam, Bishops’ High, Chase’s Academic Foundation, Fort Wellington, Tutorial High, St Winefride’s, Vreed-en-Hoop, Manchester, Annandale, Bush Lot, Hope, Bartica, Christianburg/Wismar, West Demerara, and Canje. This tournament is sanctioned by the GFF with support from the Ministry of Education; Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and MVP Sports.

arm pull.

Stoinis had a reprieve in the 13th over, when Liam Livingstone's left foot tickled the rope while he caught him on the long-off boundary off Rahul Chahar; but Stoinis soon reached fifty from 31 balls, and his innings of 72 eventually featured five sixes.

The fireworks kept going

The bowlers had no respite when Stoinis was off strike. Badoni put on 89 for the third wicket with Stoinis, and struck three fours and three sixes while rushing

along at a strike rate close to 180. His dismissal in the 14th over brought Pooran to the crease, and he immediately hit Liam Livingstone for three successive fours.

Pooran's 45 off 19 featured just a solitary six, a swivel-pull that sailed high over fine leg, but there were seven fours, most of them timed beautifully through gaps in the outfield, with a late squeeze behind point off Arshdeep standing out.

Sent in at #3 after Shikhar Dhawan departed in the first over, Taide kept

Packed cycling calendar released...

ticking along as his partners came and went. Taide made 31 of the 47 runs Punjab Kings scored in the first five overs. He struck five boundaries, including a leg-side hoick, a drive past mid-off, and a slap through point off an Avesh Khan over; and he followed up with a big six off Amit Mishra soon after the powerplay.

Taide got to his half-century from 26 deliveries to start the tenth over, but by then the Punjab Kings’ re-

quired rate was already threatening to touch 16 an over. And when Taide departed after miscuing a slogsweep off Ravi Bishnoi, the Kings needed a near-impossible 131 from seven overs, with six wickets in hand.

Livingstone, Curran and Jitesh Sharma kept the boundary count rising - there were 67 in all; eventually the joint second-most in an IPL game - but the contest was done and dusted by then.

(ESPN Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Lucknow Super Giants (20 ovs maximum)

KL Rahul (c) c Shahrukh

Khan b Rabada 12

Kyle Mayers c Dhawan b Rabada 54

Ayush Badoni c Chahar b Livingstone 43

Marcus Stoinis c †Sharma b Curran 72

Nicholas Pooran † lbw

b Arshdeep Singh 45

Deepak Hooda not out 11

Krunal Pandya not out 5

Extras (lb 6, nb 4, w 5) 15

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 12.85) 257/5

Fall of wickets: 1-41

(KL Rahul, 3.2 ov), 2-74

(Kyle Mayers, 5.5 ov), 3-163

(Ayush Badoni, 13.3 ov), 4-239

(Marcus Stoinis, 18.2 ov), 5-251

(Nicholas Pooran, 19.4 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Gurnoor Brar 3-0-42-0

Arshdeep Singh 4-0-54-1

Kagiso Rabada 4-0-52-2

Sikandar Raza 1-0-17-0

Rahul Chahar 4-0-29-0

Sam Curran 3-0-38-1

Winners of the Veterans race would be rewarded with $70,000, $50,000 and $30,000 for first, second and third place finish respectively, while Junior’s would be rewarded within the same margin. For the

prime race, a small monetary award is set aside for every participant involved.

Stage prize for this event will range from $30,000 to $15,000. All winners would also be given trophies for participation.

Liam Livingstone 1-0-19-1

Punjab Kings

(T: 258 runs from 20 ovs)

Prabhsimran Singh c sub

(DR Sams) b Naveen-ul-Haq 9 Shikhar Dhawan (c)

c Pandya b Stoinis 1

Atharva Taide c & b Ravi Bishnoi 66

Sikandar Raza c Pandya

b Yash Thakur 36

Liam Livingstone lbw

b Ravi Bishnoi 23 Sam Curran c Badoni

b Naveen-ul-Haq 21

Jitesh Sharma †c Rahul

b Yash Thakur 24

M Shahrukh Khan c

Ravi Bishnoi b Yash Thakur 6

Rahul Chahar c Hooda

b Yash Thakur 0

Kagiso Rabada b Naveen-ul-Haq 0

Arshdeep Singh not out 2

Extras (lb 4, nb 2, w 7) 13

TOTAL 19.5 Ov (RR: 10.13) 201

Fall of wickets: 1-3 (Shikhar Dhawan, 0.5 ov), 2-31 (Prabhsimran Singh, 3.4 ov), 3-109 (Sikandar Raza, 11.3 ov), 4-127 (Atharva Taide, 12.6 ov), 5-152 (Liam Livingstone, 15.2 ov), 6-178

FROM PAGE 23 ►

FROM PAGE 22 ►

Top duo: Akil Campbell and Jamual John were dominant in last year's event (Brandon Corlette photos)

Taide top-scored for Punjab

Marcus Stoinis played a one-hand shot

Port Mourant Hospital Therapy Unit gets significant assistance from RHTY&SC, NAMILCO

Patients seeking treatment at the Port Mourant Hospital Therapy Unit would now experience a better service, as cricket teams of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTY&SC), with assistance from official club sponsors NAMILCO, have donated more than $300,000 worth of much-needed items to that unit.

The donation was made in a simple presentation ceremony at the hospital on Tuesday, April 25, by a delegation consisting of club officials and NAMILCO Marketing Supervisor Alicia Anderson.

This donation is a “thank you gesture” by the club and company for the role the hospital has played in not only saving the life of RHTY&SC Secretary Hilbert Foster, but returning him to almost full health.

Foster, who has returned to work after an absence of three months, has been full of praise for the staff of the hospital, led by Dr G. Sukhdeo and Administrator Ms. Shazeeda Nabi, for the

role they played in his recovery. Special mention has also been made of Matron Shaw and head of the Therapy Unit, Ms Yonette Yaw, for their outstanding work.

The donation from the club included a gym bicycle,

electric fans, office chairs, and a large supply of sanitary and cleaning materials. NAMILCO, official sponsors of the RHTY&SC first-division team, has specifically donated another stationary gym bike to the unit.

Texas Invitational athletics meet 2023…

Foster, also the President of the Berbice Cricket Board, recalled that when he first started using the therapy unit, he observed that it had only one stationary bike. And now, with the donations, it has

three, and he committed the club to assisting in the future with more gym equipment.

Ms. Anderson has said that NAMILCO is very proud to sponsor the cricket team, which has represented the brand with pride and passion since 2019. She recalled knowing Foster for over two decades, and said he played a major role in shaping her career, especially in the public domain, and she wishes him a full and speedy recovery.

Head of the Therapy Unit, Ms Yonette Yaw, in expressing thanks to the RHTY&SC and to NAMILCO for the donations, noted that the items are a major boost for the staff. Ms Yaw also said the waiting time for patients would be greatly reduced, as three of them can now be on bikes at the same time, instead of one. She hailed Foster as a compassionate person who looks out for others, despite his medical problems.

The teams which organised the donations were Farfan and Mendes

Ltd Under-15, Poonai Pharmacy Under-13, Bakewell Under-17, Pepsi Under-19, Metro Females, and Namilco first-division.

The NAMILCO first-division team has won numerous BCB titles over the years, and has produced players like Clinton Pestano, Kevin Sinclair, Kevlon Anderson, Junior Sinclair, Sylus Tyndall, Jonathan Rampersaud, Shawn Perreira, Jermey Sandia, Matthew Pottaya and Mahendra Gopilall.

The team has also organised over 200 community projects under the NAMILCO sponsorship under the sub-heading of charity, awards, community development, health, sports, youth development, and religious and educational, among others.

The RHTY&SC would also shortly honour four staff members of the hospital under its annual Tribute to Medical Workers Awards Scheme, while twenty staff members who are mothers would receive special hampers for Mother’s Day.

Ashanti Moore runs lifetime best over 200m

- Shiann Salmon, Ackelia Smith record wins

Shiann Salmon and Ackelia Smith have won their respective events on Friday’s opening day of the Texas Invitational at the Mike A Myers Stadium in Austin, Texas; and Ashanti Moore has run a new personal best in the 200m.

Adidas professional Salmon, the 2022 NACAC champion, ran 55.83 to easily take the 400m hurdles over University of Texas San Antonio (UTSA) junior Alana Yukich, who finished second in 57.74. Texas Longhorn junior Brooke Jaworski was third in 58.78.

Smith, meanwhile, soared out to a mark of 6.69m to win the long jump. Indiana senior Paola Fernandez-Sola finished

second after jumping 6.42m, and Samiyah Samuels took third with a jump of 6.32m.

Gabby Thomas of New Balance won the Women’s 200m in a smart time of

22.21. Texas senior Lanae Thomas and Texas junior Rhasidat Adeleke were second and third in 22.38 and 22.47 respectively.

Ashanti Moore was a

Barbadian Johnathan Jones finished third in the Men’s 200m in 21.48.

UTSA’s Dennis Phillips won the half-lap sprint in 20.82,

with his teammate Logan Masters taking the runner-up spot in 21.20. The meet concludes on Saturday. (Sportsmax)

Bridge

include

close fourth in a personal best of 22.49. Moore’s Adidas camp mates Anavia Battle and Lynna Irby-Jackson were fifth and sixth respectively in 22.62 and 22.69.

Packed cycling calendar released for 2023

-Independence Three-Stage set for May 13-14

The 2023 Guyana cycling calendar of activities will see the National Sports Commission’s (NSC’s) Independence Three-Stage cycle race pedal off on May 13 and conclude on May 14. The National Championship is billed for June 18 to June 25, and the NSC Annual SixStage race will be run from September 7-10. The next race - a Bartica Club racepedals off on May 5. Based on reports, this year’s Independence ThreeStage has an estimated $1.2 million in cash and prizes up

for grabs, and this would be shared between the four different categories. Defending champion for this race is Akil Campbell of Trinidad and Tobago.

The Three-Stage will feature an Elite race category as well as a Junior, Veteran, and Prime race category. First stage is expected to commence at Corriverton and proceed to New Amsterdam. Second stage rolls off from Rosignol and would end at Carifesta Avenue in Georgetown; and the final stage will leave Kara Kara in Linden to

Vreed-en-Hoop).

culminate at Homestretch Avenue in Georgetown for the grand finish.

Notably, the first-place prize is increased this year,

The first stage will finish in New Amsterdam TURN TO PAGE 21►

with the top rider bagging $150,000; while second, third, fourth and fifth place finishers would also be rewarded substantially.

Mrs Saintalene Foster handing over the RHTY&SC donation to Ms Yonette Yaw in the presence of the staff of the Therapy Unit and Robby Kissoonlall of the club

Shiann Salmon and Ackelia Smith recorded wins at the Texas Invitational; Ashanti Moore ran a lifetime best of 22.49s over 200m

Headley-Weekes Tri-Series 2023…

West Indies Academy in command

- after McKenzie double- century, Wickham hundred

Twenty-two-yearold Jamaican Kirk

McKenzie has slammed a maiden double-century, while Barbadian Kevin Wickham has stroked his maiden hundred, as West Indies Academy assumed command over Team Weekes.

Playing in match two of this Headley-Weekes firstclass Tri Series in Antigua, West Indies Academy ended day three on 378-4 in 121 overs, replying to Team Weekes’s 401 all out in 99.2

overs.

McKenzie, playing in only his sixth first-class match, hit an unbeaten 209 from 365 balls. His innings included 25 fours and one six, while Wickham was unbeaten on 104 from 223 balls in an innings decorated with eight fours and one six.

West Indies Academy resumed the third day on 89-2 in 29.3 overs. Kevlon Anderson made only 26, and Guyanese Tevin Imlach was out for a duck. Both batsmen were removed by Kevin

Sinclair. At 142-4, Wickham joined McKenzie, and the duo got on top of the bowling of Dominic

Drakes, Kevin Sinclair, Nial Smith, Jair McCalister and Veerasammy Permaul. They added an unbroken 236 runs

for the fifth wicket.

McCalister had 2-69 from 15 overs, while Sinclair had 2-71 from his 21 overs. The

final day will bowl off from 10:00h Eastern Caribbean Time today at Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua.

Top horses to feature in April 30 “Race of Champions” meet

The Bush Lot Turf Club on the West Coast of Berbice will come alive this Sunday, April 30, when seven exciting races, featuring top horses such as Guyana Cup winner Alado, Ice Kreem Sundae, Queen Domina, Jessica's Pride and Converter, are held.

Over nine million dollars in cash and prizes will be up for grabs in this

Jumbo Jet-organized “Race of Champions”, and live Chutney performances from top local artistes would culminate the day’s proceedings.

The first race of the day, expected to be run at 12:20h, would be the J3 Maiden and K Open over six furlongs. Horses entered for this race are Miss Olympic, She's a Star, Sunshine Lady, Black Daddy, Warstar and

Race two will be the K Maiden and L Open, to be run over six furlongs. Royal Flight, Halo, Caliente Coco, Storm Cloud, Hurricane Lane, Kingsnite, Kamaka King, Victoria, and Perfect Dream are the horses confirmed to be in contention in that race.

The J1 & Lower race for three-year-old, Guyana-bred animals will be contended over seven furlongs, and will

4th ExxonMobil U14 Football tournament set for May 13 kick-off

The 2023 edition of the Petra-organised ExxonMobil Boys and Girls Under-14 Football Championships was officially launched yesterday at Cara Lodge, and competition is scheduled to kick off in two weeks’ time at the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) Ground on Carifesta Avenue in Georgetown.

This year’s tournament will feature a combined total of 42 teams: 24 males and 18 females – an increase from the 32-team pool of yesteryear's event.

ExxonMobil has also increased its sponsorship, injecting over Gy$13 million into the programme’s fourth edition - another increase from the Gy$6 million that was invested by the sponsor in 2022.

At stake for the victors in the two categories are the championship trophies and $300,000 towards a school

project. Second, third, and fourth-place finishers will have to settle for $150,000, $75,000, and $50,000 respectively, all for a school initiative, along with the respective trophy.

Charlestown Secondary, the defending champions of both the male and female categories, will be looking to follow up their historic feat when their campaigns commence on Saturday, May 13.

In 2022, Charlestown defeated Ann’s Grove on penalty kicks to win the Boys title, while Charlestown’s female unit reigned supreme against East Ruimveldt in the final.

During the launch, attended by Petra Co-Director Troy Mendonca, Exxon’s Community Relations Advisor Ryan Hoppie, Ministry of Education’s Deputy Chief Education Officer Marti DeSouza, and Guyana Football

Federation’s Technical Director Bryan Joseph, it was revealed that the organiser would also be using the MoE venue to host matches for the tourney.

Mendonca, whose remarks were brief, disclosed to the sponsor that their investment is well placed, since it has borne fruit in an effective manner, which aligns with Petra’s mandate of helping to develop grassroots football.

Hoppie said, “ExxonMobil is pleased to be investing in the community through one of our corporate social responsibility focus areas. I believe that sports play a vital role in shaping the character of youth. I hope that the tournament will serve as a platform for young athletes to develop their talents, build lifelong friendships, and cultivate a sense of pride and achievement for their schools and communities.

be the third race of the day. Foreign Link, Black Time, Tizway, Rachel, El Dorado Queen, and Plus Return will feature in that race.

Race four is the H & Lower and G N/E GY race over six furlongs. Nuclear Fire, Signal Note, Game Changer, Bank Note, Coup D' Etat, It's my Choice, and Unsettled Heart are the horses in that contention.

Race five would be for E & Lower Imp N/E GY horses. Creemore, Soca Symphony, Nice Company, and Early Bird will be on show in that event, which would be run over six furlongs.

Penultimate race of the day is for L Maiden animals, and would be run over six furlongs. Black Cat, Top Rankin, Lord's Gift, Cash N Carry, Shake the Bank, SaintZ War

Time and The Wicket Cat are the horses entered for that contention.

Race seven is the feature event, the Race of Champions. It will be contested over six furlongs, and Guyana Cup winner Alado is considered the favourite to win. However, top horses Queen Domina, Converter, Jessica's Pride, and Ice Kreem Sundae are also signed up for contention.

Sarkar.

Kevlon Anderson was dismissed in the 20s, after his hundred in the first match Kirk McKenzie on his way to a double

Kevin Wickham scored a maiden hundred

Top horses will feature at the all-weather track in Bush Lot, West Berbice (Brandon Corlette photos)

Alado is set to return to action on Sunday at Bush Lot, WCB

Petra’s Nareeza Latif and Troy Mendonca in the presence of DoS Steve Ninvalle, GFF’s Bryan Joseph, MoE’s Marti DeSouza, and Petra’s Mark Alleyne