Guyana Times - Saturday, December 9, 2023.pdf

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Issue No. 5578

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023

Venezuela border controversy

UN Security Council convenes high-level talks over escalating situation See story on page 5

…Caricom calls on Venezuela to respect ICJ's order …as Russia joins call for peaceful resolution Deadly GDF helicopter crash

2 survivors, bodies of 5 servicemen flown to city

WHAT'S INSIDE: Venezuela border controversy

Venezuela’s ‘retrograde step’ should not advance further – UK

…as Bahamas demands Venezuela respect ICJ ruling P3

Time to align educational strategies with global landscape demands - PM

…as CSEC top student says success rooted in perseverance P16

New generators arrive next week to cushion power demand P9

Man accused of stabbing woman on P8 $50,000 bail

Stories on …more information on accident soon – Chief of Staff pages 10, …Sunday declared a National Day of Prayer & Reflection 12 & 13

6.5 % salary increase for Public Servants; tax-free bonus for Disciplined Services Page 7

CANU unearths $12M worth of cocaine in Route 31 minibus P7

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Venezuela border controversy

BRIDGE OPENINGS

BRIDGE The Demerara OPENINGS Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, Dec 9 – 02:00h – 03:30h and Sunday, Dec 10 – 02:30h – 04:00h The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, Dec 9 – 13:55h – 15:25h and Sunday, Dec 10 – 14:30h – 16:00h

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

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

Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-Easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.47 metres High Tide: 13:58h reaching a maximum height

of 2.45 metres

Low Tide: 07:31h and 19:58h reaching minimum

heights of 0.86 metre and 0.74 metre

Venezuela’s ‘retrograde step’ should not advance further – UK …as Bahamas demands Venezuela respect ICJ ruling

T

he United Kingdom has also stood firmly behind Guyana in light of heightened tension in the border controversy with Venezuela, and has positioned that the latter’s misguided actions should not advance further.

Foreign Secretary David Cameron on Friday made it clear that the border controversy with Venezuela was settled since 1899 and the country should cease its wrongful actions. The UK will be engaging President Irfaan Ali in the near future.

“I see absolutely no case for unilateral action by Venezuela. It should cease.

It is wrong. I hope to be having some telephone calls later on with the President of Guyana and others in the Region to ensure that this very retrograde step taken does not lead any further,” Cameron stated.

Countries within the Caribbean are also maintaining that the Region should remain one of peace.

Respect ruling

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Deep concerns

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Bahamian Prime Minister, Philip Davis on Friday issued a statement, weighing support behind Guyana and its sovereignty and territorial integrity as was settled in accordance with the 1899 Arbitral Award.

“These borders have defined the territory of Guyana since its independence in 1966. I am disheartened that after all that Caricom has done to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela during a most trying economic and political period in its history, that Venezuela should now seek to annex territory in a Caricom state.

The Bahamas is demanding that Venezuela respect the settled borders and abide by the December 1, 2023 ruling of the International Court of Justice, and to refrain from any actions that would disturb these existing borders.

$2005.50 $2032.20 0.00

A similar sentiment also emanated from the Government of Belize, expressing deep concerns about recently announced decisions

by Venezuela to exercise rights of administrative sovereignty over the Essequibo region.

The decisions announced

by Venezuela challenge directly the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana and heighten tensions between the two countries, the Belizean Government outlined. Belize stressed that Latin America and the Caribbean must remain a zone of peace.

F u r t h e r m o r e , Venezuela’s actions and deci-

UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron (BBC photo)

sions violate well-recognised rules of international law, as well as the binding provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice on December 1, 2023 – in particular, the Court’s direction that Venezuela must not do anything that “might aggravate or extend” its territorial dispute with Guyana “or make it more difficult to resolve.

“All states must respect and adhere to norms and principles of international law, including respect for the sovereignty of other states, territorial integrity within internationally recognised borders, non-interference in the internal affairs of other states, and the prohibition of the threat or

use of force and peaceful resolution of disputes. Belize reiterates its strong support for the ongoing judicial process at the International Court of Justice, which provides for the peaceful settlement of the territorial dispute between Guyana and Venezuela.”

On Sunday, the Nicolas Maduro Government held its controversial referendum seeking approval from its citizens to annex Guyana’s Essequibo territory. But despite decades of indoctrination and weeks of rhetoric from the Maduro regime, the actual vote saw a sparse turnout of voters.

Despite this, Maduro went ahead to announce measures which his Government intends to take in enforcing the

outcome of the referendum.

By defying the World Court’s orders which bars them from acting on the referendum, President Ali said Venezuela has rejected international law, the rule of law generally, fundamental justice and morality, and the preservation of international peace and security.

Ali had stated, “Further, we have engaged Caricom, the OAS, the Commonwealth and many of our bilateral partners, including the United States of America, Brazil, the United Kingdom and France. The Guyana Defence Force is on full alert, and has engaged its military counterparts, including the US Southern Command.”

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) met on Friday to consider Guyana’s request for intervention amid Venezuela’s blatant violation of the order of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), also known as the World Court.

Caricom also held an emergency meeting on the matter.

On Thursday, the General Secretariat of the Organisation of American States (OAS) announced that an emergency meeting will be convened to discuss possible measures and explore solutions that respect international law and regional stability. (G12)

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guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023

Views

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

Trouble-free holidays

A

s we have already started indulging in the Christmas holidays, the Police have already announced that they are on high alert to protect citizens from elements bent on creating fear among the citizenry by robbing unsuspecting shoppers.

In the lead-up to the holidays, the Guyana Police Force – as is customary – would unveil their security plans. No doubt, some citizens may feel somewhat assured by the plans, while others would remain indifferent to them.

Security remains a major concern for residents, regardless of where they are located, and especially on special occasions. Major landmarks and citizens are protected even more during the holiday seasons.

From the pettiest thief to the most notorious criminal mastermind, they all know that holidays are times when people are distracted, and this gives them greater leeway to do their nefarious work.

Within this context, the Guyana Police Force’s annual Christmas Security Plan must be something out of the ordinary; and if it would make Guyanese safer during the holidays, then by all means they need to implement it to the best of their ability.

But since this is touching on the subject of heightened security, it needs to be asked why the Police cannot provide round-the-clock security during the rest of the year, as they do at Christmas time. It seems somewhat bewildering, but the Police also know that their approach to security is different at Christmas time, as opposed to the rest of the year.

There is a widely-held belief that crimes increase during the holidays more than at any other time of the year. And even if this were so, it does not remove the fact that, during the rest of the year, Guyanese still come face-to-face with petty thieves and hardened criminals, for which they need Police protection in the same degree as they are getting over the holidays.

Although Georgetown is not unique to other cities when it comes to thefts, muggings, and such crimes, it is perhaps confronted by a more unfortunate situation than its counterparts, the reason being the Police have not been able to significantly reduce these petty crimes, or have greater control over them. Had they focused on attaining this objective during the rest of the year, perhaps they would not have had to work as hard as they currently do during the holidays to protect citizens. This brings us to the issue of securing citizens throughout the year.

It is preferable that the Police do more to reduce crime, rid the streets of criminals, and enhance citizens’ protection during the year, since security is not a seasonal concern – at least not to the citizens. For citizens, security is a priority and a concern every day of the year, and their position on personal security is the same in March and June as it is in December.

As with the utility companies, citizens do not rank the Police Force as an efficient entity, although they do have expectations of them. But offering this level of service – and that too for 365 days – would not come without investment in the Police Force. Equipping the Force with the right tools, and recruiting the right people are what would make a major difference in the level of service being offered by the Police; and that, too, on a continuous basis.

The Police Force has the potential to do more for the citizens; as, in the past, they have enabled citizens to have a peaceful and trouble-free Christmas. They only need to build on these achievements, and develop that potential.

Leguan Secondary paying tribute to the five servicemen - Brigadier (ret’d) Gary Beaton, Colonel Michael Shahoud, Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles, and Staff Sergeant Jason Khan - who were killed in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) when the helicopter in which they were travelling crashed (DPI photo)

Retail crimes, shrinking and loss prevention

T

he manufacturing and retail industries have been facing increasing cases of organised retail crimes and inventory losses due to pilferage — internal and external — damage, and fraud. The Christmas season often sees increases in such activities. These losses contribute to shrinking, which cost companies billions of dollars in losses every year.

The term shrinking is used in the manufacturing and retail industries to describe inventory losses due to pilferage, internal and external, damage, fraud, expired goods, Internet crimes, to name a few. Merchants used this term when they were determining the difference between stocks on hand against their actual balance. The term, however, is not precise based on the number of factors that are attributable to the term.

According to a 2021 study

by National Retail Federation (NRF), using 63 retailers, shrinking costs retailers $94.5 billion in 2021, up from $90.8 in 2020.

Gabrielle Fonrouge and Melissa Repko (CNBC) reported that companies polled for a survey estimated that retail theft accounted for 37 per cent of the losses; employee internal theft, 28.5 per cent; and process and control failures accounted for 25.7 per cent. Unknown losses and other sources accounted for the rest. These figures are largely estimated because of the difficulty in determining how the losses occurred. Prominent retailers, such as Target, Dollar Tree, Home Depot, T J Maxx, and others, all cited shrinking as a major cost for lower profits.

Repko pointed out that Target lost US$763 million from shrinking in its last financial year. In January, Walmart CEO Doug McMillian reported that theft is higher than it has been historically and that, if it is not corrected over time, prices will be higher or more stores will be closed. Retail crimes, including shoplifting and coordinated theft, have grown to a wider reach, alongside the rise of online shopping which has allowed criminal groups to have a broader sphere of customers.

Organised retail crimes, as defined by the US Department of Homeland Security, refer to

the illegal activities of two or more people who obtain valuable items from establishments through theft or fraud as part of a criminal enterprise. The NRF, on the other hand, defines organised retail theft as the largescale theft of retail merchandise to resell the items for financial gain.

There are those who steal items from stores or factories and sell the items to unscrupulous merchants or individuals who pay them a small fraction of the actual cost of the products. Others just steal for personal consumption.

In a special investigation report from Allied Universal, they found that crimes against retailers are likely to threaten business continuity and financial assets through reduced employee retention, investigations, lawsuits, loss of assets, decreased customers and investor base. The number and impact levels against retailers over the next year will be heavily dependent on a variety of factors, among them in-store and online security of retailers and their supply chain. The retailers' corporation must strike a balance between security measures and customer shopping experience and efficiency.

Some retailers are tapping into artificial intelligence (AI) to automate warehouse logistics and real-time pricing which is geared to better account for inventory and better shipping experience in-store and online. According to Sensormatic Solutions, an inventory intelligence solution for retailers, the integration of item-level RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) information and loss prevention data creates a real-time understanding of what, when, and how specific items go missing.

This new insight is called "shrink visibility", which leverages electronic article surveillance (EAS), video surveillance, and RFID inventory-visibility technologies to provide a complete picture of loss events at the SKU (stock keeping unit) level and, in full context, as they occur.

Shrink visibility takes loss prevention efforts to the next level to help retailers do the following:

* track and manage retail shrinkage from all sources, in real-time; * differentiate between actual store shrink and other forms of inventory distortion; * pinpoint shrink sources in the store and along the retail supply chain; * replace after the fact follow-up with real-time response and predictive analytics There are numerous fraud schemes in the manufacturing and retail industry. Some of the common types of fraud that retailers are susceptible to include improper invoicing; improper billing schemes; bribes; kickbacks or extortion; illegitimate vendors; understocked orders; price inflation from supplier's employees; accidental errors; improper pricing; point of sale (POS) transaction errors; cash handling mistakes; and wilful damage to inventory.

While retailers have to factor loss into their bottom lines, there is no way to eliminate it.

However, there are steps they can take to minimise it. By implementing loss prevention policies and procedures backed by modern technology, retailers can reduce shrinkage, bolster security, and keep employees safe.

Allied Universal advised that minimising shrink is the primary responsibility of loss prevention, and the discipline has developed robust processes and technologies to deter or detect fraud and theft, often backed by enforcement and recovery, as pointed out by Sensormatic Solutions.

Loss prevention uses information from sales floor surveillance, POS exceptions, theft deterrent devices, and EAS alarms at entrances. The function of loss prevention is no longer just people chasing after shoplifters. From sophisticated organised crime to employee theft to human errors, retail losses have a number of causes.

Before you can enact effective loss prevention tactics you need to understand the root causes of retail shrink and how they are affecting your business.

While the field of retail loss prevention is rooted in anti-shoplifting tactics, such as EAS tags, it has grown to encompass much more than that.

Today, retail security and loss prevention teams are involved in a diverse set of issues — from crime prevention and employee safety to physical security and even supply chain integrity. The duties of loss prevention teams also continue to evolve in response to ever-changing retail security needs. Loss prevention for retailers with multiple stores is complex. For large retailers with many store locations, or many physical assets, monitoring all the potential threats that could impact their employees, stores, and products — at any time, anywhere in the world — is impossible without a high level of situational awareness.

Successful asset protection and loss prevention require a strategic focus. Faced with evolving threats and a constantly changing retail risk landscape, new technology can offer loss prevention teams the situational awareness they need to stay ahead of the risks. By using emergency communication and threat intelligence software, retail security and loss prevention teams can dramatically reduce shrinkage, improve safety, and enhance security across all their retail locations.

Businesses are sometimes blamed by shoppers and employees for facilitating these incidents because of allegedly weak security measures and may therefore experience lawsuits and protests. Retailers who implement more strict security measures may avert some of the long and short-term effects associated with these crimes. Armed security guards can help to reduce crimes and their impact more than video surveillance or other passive security measures as they can respond immediately to potential theft, violence, and other issues thus reducing the possibilities of damage and losses. However, the most effective security solution must include multiple layers of solutions.

This season of retail and commerce brings with it amplified need to secure stock and displays. Doing nothing is not an option. (Jamaica Observer) (Christopher Bryan has read for master's degrees in government and national security and strategic studies.)

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023

5

News

Venezuela border controversy

UN Security Council convenes highlevel talks over escalating situation …as Russia joins call for peaceful resolution

T

he United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Friday convened privately to discuss the intensifying border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela, as the latter advances efforts to seize the oilrich Essequibo.

From reports, officials were tight-lipped after the meeting concluded.

The closed consultations were called by this month’s Council President, Ecuador, after it was requested by Guyana an incoming Security Council member from 2024.

The letter by Guyana cited Article 35 (1) of the UN Charter, which states that any UN member state “may bring any dispute, or any situation referred to in Article 34 [that is, one that may lead to international friction or give rise to a dispute] to the attention of the Security Council or of the General Assembly”.

Guyana’s request for intervention was issued amid Venezuela’s blatant violation of the International Court of Justice’s order – occurring after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced several measures which his Administration intends to take in enforcing the outcome of the referendum.

Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, Rosemary DiCarlo was expected to provide the brief.

The UNSC outlined on Friday as the meeting got underway, “Council members are also likely to urge a peaceful resolution to the territorial dispute and express

File photo: Members of the Security Council sitting during a meeting at the UN Headquarters in New York (Shannon Stapleton/Reuters)

concern about its possible ramifications on the Region.

Many Council members are expected to urge respect for multilateralism and adherence to international law, and express support for the ICJ. While some members—including the US and European members—are likely to regret Venezuela’s actions, others are not expected to specifically denounce Venezuela’s role in the situation.”

On Friday, the UNSC also drew light to the controversy before the meeting convened, highlighting that the dispute over the Essequibo region— an approximately 160,000 square kilometres stretch of densely forested land that constitutes two-thirds of Guyana’s territory —stretch-

es back to the 19th century, when Guyana was under colonial rule.

It was outlined that Venezuela laid claim to the Essequibo region as far back as 1841, when it argued that the British Empire had encroached on Venezuelan territory in its acquisition of the territory of then-British Guiana from the Netherlands.

The border between Venezuela and British Guiana was decided through the 1899 Paris Arbitral Award, which was given by an international Tribunal of Arbitration, and the region has since been administered by the British and then by Guyana once it gained independence in 1966.

On various occasions since 1962, Venezuela has chal-

lenged the validity of the 1899 Paris Arbitral Award.

Venezuela became more insistent in its claims over the disputed region in 2015, when oil was discovered off Essequibo’s coast. In March 2018, Guyana filed an application at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), instituting proceedings against Venezuela regarding the disputed territory.

Caricom meeting

Also on Friday, the Heads of Government within the Caribbean Community (Caricom) met to facilitate dialogue as tensions rise and pressure mounts to safeguard the region as a zone of peace.

In a statement issued late on Friday evening, Caricom said the Heads of Government

met in caucus to discuss the situation with regard to the Venezuela-Guyana border controversy.

The statement declared that the Heads of State agree that Caricom firmly supports Guyana in pursuance of the resolution of its border controversy with Venezuela through the process of the ICJ. Further, Caricom urged Venezuela to respect the conservatory measures determined by the ICJ in its recent ruling, until a final resolution is arrived at.

“Caricom reiterates its commitment to the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace and the maintenance of international law. Accordingly, Caricom calls for a de-escalation of the conflict, and for appropriate dialogue between the leaders of Venezuela and Guyana to ensure peaceful coexistence, the application and respect for international law, and the avoidance of the use or threats of force,” the statement read.

On December 1, the ICJ indicated its provisional measures, calling on Venezuela to refrain from “taking any action which would modify the situation that currently prevails in the territory in dispute, whereby the Cooperative Republic of Guyana administers and exercises control over that area”, and calling on both parties to avoid any action that might aggravate or extend the dis-

pute.

The measures did not explicitly call on Venezuela not to conduct the referendum, however. The referendum was held on 3 December, with Venezuelan authorities saying that all questions passed with more than 95 per cent approval.

On December 5, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro asked the state oil company to issue extraction licences for Venezuelan companies to explore for fossil fuels and minerals in the Essequibo region and proposed that the National Assembly pass a Bill to make the area part of Venezuela.

Russia call

Meanwhile, Russia, a close ally of Venezuela's Maduro, has become one of the latest global leaders to sound calls for a "peaceful solution”.

Spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova communicated, "We call on the parties to refrain from any actions that could unbalance the situation and cause mutual harm.”

Brazil’s President, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, has vocalised his "growing concern" and told a summit of South America's Mercosur bloc on Thursday, “If there's one thing we don't want here in South America, it's war."

(G12)

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023

GAWU General Council denounces Venezuela’s aggression, mourns loss of soldiers Dear Editor, The General Council, highest decision-making forum of the GAWU outside of its Congress, met on December 08, 2023 at the Union’s Headquarters, and was deeply concerned by the current aggressive stance adopted by Venezuela towards Guyana’s Essequibo region.

The Council received a presentation by former Foreign Affairs Minister Clement Rohee, who provided the Council with a historical account of the controversy, and the aggressive and subliminal measures used by Caracas over the years to exert its influence over the development of Essequibo.

The presentation placed

into context the current unprecedented approach by the Venezuelan leadership; and the Council, which discussed the situation, shared the belief that it was important to put partisan interests aside in defence of the country and state.

The General Council was heartened by the allround display of national unity and the collective and unified approach taken by national leaders from both sides of the divide. The Council was fortified in its belief that Essequibo belongs to Guyana, and no other country. It viewed the actions of Venezuela as downright bullyism, and denounced the actions of the Nicolas Maduro Government.

It shared that it fully supports the actions of the Government to protect our national territory, and recognises the support of many friendly nations who are standing in defence of our country.

It singled out the effort of His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who has led from the front, and who has vowed to ensure that our people and country are protected, and our territory is not infringed.

The Council also anticipates further support from our allies in assisting in defence of our frontiers.

The Council has also been saddened by the loss of five (5) brave men, who tragically lost their lives

in supporting measures to safeguard our country. It extended its deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who perished, as it urged that they be comforted by the fact that the men were doing their part in protecting us all.

The men were all recognised as national heroes whose lives and sacrifice must be celebrated and contributions remembered.

The Council, at that juncture, also expressed appreciation to all our men and women working in defence of our country at this critical time.

Sincerely, GAWU General Council

06:00 (Sign on) Inspiration Time 06:30 Cartoons 07:00 Evening News (RB) 08:00 Stop Suffering 09:00 Movie - Scrooge: A Christmas Carol (2022) 10:30 Indian Movie - Jailer (2023) 13:30 Movie - The Christmas Chronicles (2018) 15:30 Movie - Kiss the Ground 17:00 Payless Power Hour 18:00 Evangelistic Hour 18:30 Hepzibah 19:00 The Evening News 20:00 Movie - Genie (2023) 21:30 Stand-up Comedy 22:00 Movie - Badcop (2023) 00:00 Sign off

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023

Foundation ◄

Page

Test Questions

Song by George Noel

In this fun and easy density science experiment, we’re going to use sugar water to test density.

Materials:

ing

Six clear plastic cups or glasses Measuring cups Measuring spoons Sugar Water 6 different shades of food colour-

Spoon Graduated cylinder or some other long and thin clear container

Instructions:

Set out the six cups.

Pour one cup of warm water into each cup.

Add one drop of a different food colouring to each cup.

Do not add any sugar to the first

cup.

Add two teaspoons of sugar to the second cup.

Add four teaspoons of sugar to the third cup.

Add six teaspoons of sugar to the fourth cup.

Add eight teaspoons of sugar to the fifth cup.

Add ten teaspoons of sugar to the sixth cup.

Mix until the sugar is dissolved.

Now pour an amount of your most sugary solution into the graduated cylinder. Make sure you judge well the amount so you can get an equal portion of all your solutions into the cylinder.

Continue adding sugar solutions, from most to least sugary into the cylinder. Do so gently to avoid disturbing the lower levels.

If everything works as planned,

you should have a sugary rainbow density demonstration.

How it works:

As the sugar dissolves into the water, the water becomes more dense. The solution with the most sugar will be the most dense. You are able to layer the different solutions by their amount of sugar as the less dense solutions will float on top of the more dense solutions. The food colouring allows you to easily distinguish the different layers and observe density.

Make this a science project:

Try making solutions with different items like salt. Try making solutions by dissolving different numbers of candies like Skittles in each cup of water. (sciencefun.org)

Guyana! I want to serve my country!

Guyana! Beautiful, happy and free!

Guyana! Let’s co-operate with our Government To help develop Guyana the Free Together, my comrades, we will build our new GuyanaA country where all have equal opportunity.

So let us begin now to show loyalty to Guyana By showing love and respect for all Guyanese.

My brothers! My Sisters! We will live and die here together Our motto: One People – One Nation – One Destiny For harmonious living co-operation will be forever In work and play as we live as proud Guyanese.

Guyana! I want to serve my country!

Guyana! Beautiful, happy and free!

Guyana! Let’s co-operate with our Government To help develop Guyana the Free ---Well it’s time we settle all the rich lands in the interiorOur natural resources are there in great quantityAnd we will do farming and establish towns by the border, We’ll grow more food so we would feed all Guyanese.

My greatest desire is to serve my country, Guyana, And sincerely help my Guyana to move along.

Our Government asks us that we study hard and we learn The things that will help Guyana to become strong.

Guyana! I want to serve my country!

Guyana! Beautiful, happy and free!

Guyana! Let’s co-operate with our Government To help develop Guyana the Free

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

6.5% salary increase for Public Servants; tax-free bonus for Disciplined Services A

ll public servants, teachers, members of the Disciplined Services, holders of constitutional offices, and Government pensioners would receive an across-the-board 6.5 per cent pay rise for 2023, the Government announced on Friday.

In a live broadcast, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh stated, “This increase will be granted retroactively from 1st January 2023. The consequential salary adjustments will benefit over 54,000 public servants, teachers, members of the Disciplined Services, and Government pensioners,

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh

and will place an additional $7.5B in disposal income annually in the hands of these employees.”

Additionally, Dr

Singh asserted that the Government recognises, and is now even more cognisant of the daily labour of public servants in pro-

CANU unearths $12M worth of cocaine in Route 31 minibus

R

anks from the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit on Friday unearthed 11.5 kilograms (25 lbs) of cocaine in a Route 31 minibus.

Reports are that CANU officers conducted an intelligence-led operation in Providence, East Bank Demerara, where they intercepted the minibus bearing registration number, BLL 179.

According to CANU, a subsequent search of the minibus, which only had one occupant at the time, led to the discovery of 10 brick-like parcels.

The 33-year-old man of Mon Desir, Canal No 2, West Bank Demerara, was arrested and escorted to CANU’s Headquarters along with the narcotic. The narcotic tested positive for cocaine. According to CANU, the approximate street value of the cocaine is $12M. Investigations are ongoing.

The cocaine that was found in the Route 31 minibus

viding services to the public, "in particular the continued dedication of our men and women in uniform."

In light of this, he stated that the over 12,000 members of the Disciplined Services will get a onemonth tax-free bonus from the Government.

According to him, this incentive will be given to civilian Guyana Defence Force (GDF) workers for the first time.

This, he noted, will place an additional $1.5B in disposable income in their hands.

Dr Singh assured that “work will start immediately” to ensure all persons receive their salaries and bonuses no later than the designated payday for December.

Following the announcement, the Finance Minister said that the Government remains “firmly and unswervingly committed” to ensuring that all categories of workers enjoy a continuously improving standard of living, improved opportu-

nities, and brighter prospects for the future.

“And even as we face these unprecedented challenges of our time, we remain firmly focused on the task of advancing and accelerating our development agenda aimed at realising, in the shortest possible time, improved well-being and prosperity for all Guyanese,” he added.

Public employees have received the following salary increases from the PPP Government since its return to office in August 2020: seven per cent in 2021, eight per cent in 2022, and now 6.5 per cent in 2023, for a total of 21.5 per cent over the last three years.

Additionally, the Government raised the income tax threshold from $65,000 to $75,000 in 2022 and then to $85,000 in 2023. It also reinstated the one-month tax-free bonus that was given to members of the Disciplined Services at the end of the year.

Last month, President Dr Irfaan Ali announced

salary increases, incentives and allowances for teachers, a $25,000 onetime bonus for all public employees and pensioners, and a one-off $35,000 cash bonus for persons with disabilities (PWDs), all to be paid in December.

Approximately 67,000 public employees will gain from this one-time bonus including teachers, employees of semi-autonomous organisations, and members of the Disciplined Services.

A total of 19,000 PWDs stand to benefit.

Meanwhile, a total of 72,000 pensioners will benefit.

“These one-off bonus payments will benefit almost 160,000 persons and increase their disposable income by over $4.1 billion,” the Head of State had said.

These cash bonuses were introduced to help offset the rising cost of living, and the $5 billion costof-living fund included in the 2023 National Budget is what is being used to pay for them. (G1)

8 NEWS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Man accused of Essequibo Coast man stabbing woman appeals life sentence on $50,000 bail for killing labourer

A

man accused of stabbing a woman was released on $50,000 bail on Friday.

Oneil Hawker was read the charge by Senior Magistrate Leron Daly sitting at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

The charge alleges that the accused, on June 19, 2023, at Cummings and Robb Streets, Bourda, Georgetown, unlawfully and maliciously wounded the woman.

Hawker, who was not represented by a lawyer, pleaded not guilty.

Although the facts were not given aloud in court by Police Prosecutor Christopher Morris, this publication was informed that the virtual complainant was stabbed.

The prosecution raised no issues with Hawker’s bail release.

In a separate matter, Lloyd Yearwood was granted $100,000 on two charges.

Latisha Griffith was the victim of an unlawful attack, according to the first charge, and Keishawn Griffith was the victim of an unlawful and malicious as-

Call in… …the UN Cavalry?

W

Dead: Arvin Tulsi Mayhilal

Jailed: Nandkishore Persaud

andkishore Persaud, also known as Basil, a resident of Zorg on the Essequibo Coast, who was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison for the 2020 killing of Johanna Cecilia labourer Arvin Tulsi Mayhilal, has filed an appeal against his conviction and sentence.

The convict’s Notice of Appeal has been filed at the Court of Appeal in Kingston, Georgetown.

Judge Sandil Kissoon handed down the sentence on Persaud back in April of this year, and dictated that he must spend 25 years incarcerated before becoming eligible for release.

Initially indicted for the capital offence of mur-

der, 58-year-old Persaud was found guilty of the lesser offence of manslaughter by a jury on March 21, 2023.

Persaud was tried for the offence at the High Court at Suddie, Essequibo.

It was initially reported that Mayhilall, 35, had fallen from a bench in the yard of a friend at Zorg, Essequibo Coast, but Police investigations later determined that he had fallen to the ground after being struck with a piece of wood in the course of an argument with Persaud.

Mayhilall passed away on February 26, 2020, and his cause of death was given as blunt trauma to the head and a fracture of the spine.

(G1)

N Oneil Hawker

sault, according to the second charge.

It is said that both offences took place in East Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

Yearwood refuted the allegations. Ultimately, he was granted $100,000 bail, $50,000 for each of the two offences, with the requirement that he report at the East Ruimveldt Police Station on a regular basis.

Both Hawker and Yearwood will return to court on January 19, 2024.

hile one’s gotta be circumspect in the world of diplomacy, your Eyewitness is under no such obligation - and has no compunction in telling it as it is!! So, with Venezuela’s Mad Maduro moving from talking fat to threats, and then bootstrapping “authority” from a rigged “referendum” to announcing the annexation of our Essequibo – in the face of the ICJ’s remonstrance – it’s time we call a spade a spade.

Old people say, “When blind man tell you he gon pelt you, ‘e done gat brick in ‘e haan”!!

We saw the brick fly when he “ordered” all the companies we’ve given licences to drill for oil off our Atlantic Coast to pull up their subsea cables and vamoose with their multi-billion FPSOs!! And in case you’ve been hearing there are no oil wells off the Essequibo Coast, those folks missed Mad Maduro’s “decree” that all waters off the entire Guyana Coast belong to Venezuela - due to the angle in which he generously drew his line from the mouth of the Essequibo!! And then came the other bricks – ordering his nationalized oil company PDVSA to issue licences for drilling to other companies!!

Now, while some may still not be convinced that Maduro’s crossed the line drawn by the ICJ: to NOT change the “status quo”, the ICJ forgot that Mad Maduro’s suffering from the national Venezuelan hallucination that the “status quo” means they own Essequibo!! In case anybody forgot, they claim the 1899 Arbitral Award that made a “full and final” settlement on the border issue – and one in which they placed their “John Hancock”! - is null and void!! And that’s why the madman said the ICJ’s statement on the referendum was a “victory” for Venezuela!

Now, we know that yesterday – as your Eyewitness was pecking out this piece – the UN Security Council (UNSSC) met at our Govt’s request to authorize some actions against Venezuela’s moves that certainly violate their caution. The year we’re fortuitously a nonpermanently member - but with a vote!! Surely, the ICJ wasn’t only contemplating Venezuelan F-16 strafing Mabaruma as “changing the status quo”!! The UNSC Articles 24 and 25 of the UN Charter permit it to use collective force against a threat to international peace and security. And what Venezuela’s doing is certainly “a threat to international peace and security” – as attested by dozens of countries in and out of our hemisphere.

But any of the five permanent members of the UNSC can veto a UNSC resolution, and we know that both China and Russia – for their own reasons – will veto the use of force. Russia has annexed Crimea, and is presently annexing eastern Ukraine – while China has promised to take over Taiwan!!

There’s no cavalry coming from the UNSC. …US Cavalry After spending years of his callow youth looking at the Cavalry coming to the rescue of those frontier settlers, when it comes to survival, he ain’t too finicky about why and from where the help’s coming!! Any port in a storm – and Mad Maduro’s stirring up a storm!!

In our case, his Venezuelan forces outnumber ours humungously in each of the theatres of war – land, air and sea. We know our brave GDF soldiers’ gonna put us a strong defence – but we gotta play the odds.

So, who can we turn to?? Your Eyewitness always thought that was a no-brainer!! The Yanks, of course!!

Mad Maduro evidently didn’t appreciate what expelling Exxon from Venezuela cost them the last time!! Did he ever think how a former head of Exxon – Tillerson - could become the USA’s Secretary of State?? As the present Exxon president reminded, Guyana’s not on its own!! Meaning, they got their own friends in high US places!

Then, of course, there’re those 300 billion barrels the US gotta protect!! …the house cleaners By now, your Eyewitness hopes that the rest of the region knows that Mad Maduro’s bad news for all of us. Today it’s Guyana…and unless stopped…everyone’s next! Maduro must be ejected – by any means necessary!!

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

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

NEWS

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

New generators arrive next week to cushion power demand F

acing some delays, the generator sets procured by Government to address the growing demand for power are now expected to arrive next week and expected to provide relief from constant power outages.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo informed at his Thursday press conference that there has been a slight delay in the arrival of the transformers, crucial for integrating the generators into the power grid.

Despite the setback, Jagdeo assured that the generators are anticipated to arrive by December 15. It was initially expected that the sets would be installed in time for the holiday season, when power consumption is higher.

“There were some issues where some of the transformers may be delayed because they were caught up in shipping. But we were told that GPL has transformers that they can use to have these units installed.

The generators have to arrive and the transformers are what makes them work.

If you get the generators without the transformers,

The Guyana Power and Light Inc

you can’t install or bring them into the grid. They told us definitively that this will be done between the 11th to the 15th,” Jagdeo outlined.

To address the increasing demand for power, the Government made a substantial investment of US$27 million in procuring the generator sets from Apan Energy Service, expected to contribute an additional 28.9 megawatts to the grid. Once fully operational, the reliable power output is projected to reach around 203 megawatts, pro-

viding a significant boost to the overall power supply on the coast.

The demand for power has been growing exponentially as new developments unfold, and this will only continue in the new year – projected by the Guyana Power and Light at 236 megawatts.

When Government entered office in 2020, the demand was 120 megawatts.

This grew to 136 megawatts in 2021, 156 megawatts by 2022 and then peaking to 184 megawatts in 2023.

This year’s peak was recorded when all industrial customers were on the grid.

Power usage peaked this year after many self-generating consumers migrated to the public grid, in a bid to capitalise on the lower power costs – an advantage of Government subsidies to keep the cost of living stable.

Currently, there are 557

consumers who are capable of self-generating and otherwise classified as ‘Class D’. These would consume about 30 per cent of total power generated for the entire grid. They have since been removed from the grid at peak hours in order to cater to the common households. In taking them off the grid, Minister Indar relayed that it has helped to reduce blackouts.

GPL has about 224,000 customers in total, with a current demand of 172 megawatts. With a capacity of about 167 megawatts, thousands of customers still face disruptions.

It has been reported that with rapid expansion of the housing programme, new infrastructural projects and the overall expansion of the economy, a higher output of electricity remains critical. These interim arrangements are being made

by Government until the 300-megawatt gas to energy plant comes on stream in

2025.

When the gas-to-energy project comes online, Guyana could save between US$150 million to US$200 million in foreign currency that would have otherwise covered the country’s fuel import bill.

The scope of Guyana’s gas-to-energy project consists of the construction of 225 kilometres of pipeline from the Liza field in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, where Exxon and its partners are currently producing oil.

It features approximately 200 kilometres of a subsea pipeline offshore that will run from Liza Destiny and Liza Unity floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels in the Stabroek Block to the shore. Upon landing on the West Coast Demerara shore, the pipeline would continue for approximately 25 kilometres to the NGL plant at Wales, West Bank Demerara. (G12)

10 NEWS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Deadly GDF helicopter crash

Sunday declared a National Day of Prayer & Reflection

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President Dr Irfaan Ali

s the nation continues to mourn the death of the five servicemen who perished after a Guyana Defence Force Bell 412 helicopter crashed, President Dr Irfaan Ali has announced that Sunday will be a Day of Prayer and Reflection.

In his announcement on Friday, the Head of State, who is the Commander-inChief of the Armed Forces, called on all religious organisations across the na-

tion to join hands in dedicating Sunday as a Day of Prayer and Reflection. He said the death of the servicemen has shaken the nation to its core.

“Let us unite in spirit to honour the memory of our fallen heroes and provide comfort to those who are now crestfallen due to this unforeseen and tragic event,” he said, adding that it is in moments like these that “we must we find strength in unity, solace in

each other, and hope in our shared humanism.”

He added that now is the time for the country to draw strength from one another, to share the burden of sorrow, and to collectively pray for the victims, their grieving families, and for the swift recovery of the survivors of the horrific helicopter crash.

This Day of Prayer and Reflection, he said, is an opportunity for the country’s diverse religious communities to come together, to offer prayers for the departed souls, pointing out that it is also a time reflect on the sacrifices made by the brave men in service to the nation and express gratitude for their dedication to duty.

“May this Day of Prayer and Reflection serve as a balm of healing and compassion. Together, let us uplift each other in spirit, and may our collective prayers bring comfort to the grieving hearts and strength to those who continue to endure the aftermath of this devastating helicopter crash. May the

Brigadier (retired) Gary Beaton

Colonel Michael Shahoud Commander, 1st Infantry Battalion

Creator of the Universe keep us strong and protect us and our Motherland,” the President said.

Brigadier (Rtd) Gary Beaton, Colonel Michael Shahoud, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles, Lieutenant Colonel Shaun Welcome and Staff Sergeant Jason Khan all died after the helicopter crash on Wednesday in the mountains of Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

The two soldiers, Lieutenant Andio Crawford and Corporal Dwayne Jackson, survived the crash.

Lieutenant Colonel Mike Charles

Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome

Sergeant Jason Khan

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

12 NEWS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Deadly GDF he

2 surv bodie servic flown t

…more informati soon – Chi

T

he families of the two survivors Force Bell 412 helicopter, which are now breathing a sigh of relie extracted and transported to the city.

Lieutenant Andio Crawford and C extracted from the crash site after two by the search and rescue team to resc in the mountains of Region Seven (Cuy curred on Wednesday, posed a multit be rescued.

However, on Friday, after the two su site, they were flown to the Blakesla they were further examined by medica With tears of joy, Crawford and Ja F Correia International Airport, Ogle Commander-in-Chief, President Dr Ir Retired Brigadier Mark Phillips and Brigadier Omar Khan were also on s brief interaction with their families a transported via ambulance to a city ho In the sunset of Friday, the atmosph Airport, Ogle, was a solemn one as the ished in the accident arrived.

Draped with The Golden Arrowh (ret’d) Gary Beaton, Colonel Michael Welcome, Lieutenant Colonel Michae Khan, were taken from a GDF Skyvan awaiting hearses. Their families along as the bodies were being transported names was announced as their bodies w Minister Phillips along with Brigadier side. Brigadier Beaton was the husban Public Service Minister, Dr Jennifer W The GDF’s chaplain was also at the

Investi

Meanwhile, Chief-of-Staff, Brigadie dia briefly on Friday, said that the re crash will be known soon. He pointed probe but noted that the Guyana Civil the investigation.

“We will have some word on the inv At about 11:20h on Wednesday, an E signal was received, but because of ro search-and-rescue team was able to rea 14:30h.

On Thursday, medical personnel an and stayed with Lieutenant Crawford traction on Friday.

The servicemen were on their way Guyana’s borders following threats ma Brigadier Beaton was the project ney-at-law, was Commander of the 1s was the pilot; Lieutenant Colonel Wel Reserve Battalion; and Staff Sergeant Squadron.

elicopter crash

vivors, es of 5 cemen to city

tion on accident ief of Staff

s who were onboard Guyana Defence h crashed and killed five servicemen, ef as their loved ones have been safely

Corporal Dwayne Jackson were finally o days and multiple thwarted attempts cue them. Adverse weather conditions yuni-Mazaruni) where the crashed octude of challenges for the survivors to

urvivors were extracted from the crash ater Aerodrome, Region Seven, where al personnel. ackson were welcomed at the Eugene e, at about 16:00h by their families. rfaan Ali along with Prime Minister, Guyana Defence Force Chief of Staff, site to receive the servicemen. After a and the Head of State, the two were ospital. here at Eugene F Correia International e bodies of the five servicemen who per-

head, the caskets carrying Brigadier l Shahoud, Lieutenant Colonel Sean el Charles, and Staff Sergeant Jason n by their comrades and transported to with President Ali broke down in tears by military pallbearers. Each of their were removed from the Skyvan. Prime r Omar Khan stood by the President’s nd of Member of Parliament and former Westford. e airport.

igation

er Omar Khan, who spoke with the meesults from the investigation into the d out that he cannot comment on the l Aviation Authority is also involved in

vestigation soon,” Brigadier Khan said.

Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) ough terrain and adverse weather, the ach the site only on Thursday at about

nd several ranks reached the crash site d and Corporal Jackson until their ex-

to Eteringbang to meet with ranks on ade against Guyana by Venezuela. engineer; Colonel Shahoud, an attorst Infantry Battalion; Lt Col Charles lcome was Commanding Officer of the t Khan was from the 31 Special Forces

13

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16 NEWS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Time to align educational strategies with global landscape demands – PM …as CSEC top student says success rooted in perseverance

P

rime Minister, Retired Brigadier Mark Phillips has drawn focus to the pivotal role of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) in the Region’s educational framework, urging sustained support and investment.

On Thursday evening, the Education Ministry joined the Caribbean Examinations Council to host the 2023 Regional Awards Ceremony at the National Cultural Centre.

The top performers in the May-June 2023 Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) and Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) received awards.

There, the Prime Minister advocated for a transformative educational paradigm to enhance the

Prime Minister Mark Phillips delivering remarks at the CXC Awards Ceremony

Region's global competitiveness.

He affirmed that despite the Region’s small size and economic constraints, it has

consistently invested in developing its human capital, producing exceptional scholars who bring glory to the Caribbean.

Emphasising the importance of safeguarding organisations that advance the Caribbean community, Prime Minister Phillips pointed to the CXC as a prime example of successful collective nation-building that should be vigilantly preserved.

“Our awardees this afternoon exemplify that tradition. Let us take pride in our top performers and express our gratitude in tangible ways to those who push their limits…The CXC continues to be a beacon for the rest of the Caribbean.

Our Caribbean civilisation can point to the CXC as one of the many success stories of regionalism,” Phillips outlined.

Addressing the need for a paradigm shift in education, the Prime Minister spoke to the importance of aligning educational strategies with the demands of the global landscape. He further stressed the need to view education as a fundamental factor of production in the Caribbean's transition towards knowledge-based economies.

“Our educational strategies must align with the demands of the global landscape. It is incumbent upon us to educate our populace in a manner that equips them with the essential skills required to thrive and compete effectively on the global stage…Being the preeminent examinations body in the Region, the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) stands at the forefront of a transformative role in reshaping regional education. By col-

Alex Muntaz receiving his award from Education Minister Priya Manickchand

laborating closely with regional governments, the CXC can spearhead the repositioning of regional education.”

Perseverance

Alex Muntaz of Anna Regina Secondary was named the Region’s Most Outstanding Student at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) this year and it is a feat he credits to his unwavering perseverance in preparing for the examination.

Muntaz clinched 23 Grade Ones and four Grade Twos at the examination.

Hailing from the Cinderella County of Essequibo, he is the youngest sibling in his family. Going through the examinations and emerging at the top spot regionally, the young lad described his journey as “gratifying”.

“I was able to increase the breadth of my knowledge and attain a variety of abilities, including critical thinking, problem solving and study techniques.

It took a tremendous deal of dedication, persever-

ance and motivation to remain focused and steady,” Muntaz shared in his acceptance speech.”

The top student lauded the Education Ministry for working towards enhancing the sector and catering to the needs of students across the country. To those sitting the CXC exams, he called on them to maintain a “well-balance existence” as they forge ahead with their studies.

“I encourage my fellow awardees to persevere in their chosen fields, set ambitious goals and relentlessly pursue them until they become a reality…I also want to urge all the inspiring candidates getting ready for these exams to keep working hard, give it your all and be innovative in all that you do to make sure you succeed.”

This year, Guyana secured top spots for both CAPE and CSEC regionally. Naresh Jagnanan of Queen’s College was named the Most Outstanding Student overall at CAPE. (G12)

17 Farmers can overcome labour shortages by embracing technology – Mustapha A NEWS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

griculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha is encouraging farmers to utilise available technology, which could help to cushion the effects of Guyana’s labour shortage.

The Minister, who was at the time speaking at a recently held farmers' Open Day at Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), noted that drones, which are available locally, can be used by farmers to mitigate the impact of the labour shortage.

According to Mustapha, Guyana has been making strides to modernise the agriculture sector.

As such, he said farmers should be doing the same, as he spoke of the use of drones to further enhance the capa-

bilities of those operating in the sector.

In some countries, drones are being used to fertilise and apply insecticides and other chemicals to rice crops.

Mustapha urged farmers to embrace technology, noting that drones for use in the agriculture sector can be imported duty-free.

“Let us take the opportunity and use the technology that we have because today we are finding that we have a shortage of labour, but if we modernise and use the technology then we can overcome those shortages in the labour sector.”

The Minister pointed out that there is a renewed in-

Europe agrees landmark AI regulation deal

E

urope on Friday reached a provisional deal on landmark European Union rules governing the use of artificial intelligence including governments' use of AI in biometric surveillance and how to regulate AI systems such as ChatGPT. With the political agreement, the EU moves toward becoming the first major world power to enact laws governing AI. Friday's deal between EU countries and European Parliament members came after nearly 15 hours of negotiations that followed an almost 24-hour debate the previous day.

The two sides are set to hash out details in the coming days, which could change the

shape of the final legislation.

The accord requires foundation models such as ChatGPT and general purpose AI systems (GPAI) to comply with transparency obligations before they are put on the market. These include drawing up technical documentation, complying with EU copyright law and disseminating detailed summaries about the content used for training.

High-impact foundation models with systemic risk will have to conduct model evaluations, assess and mitigate systemic risks, conduct adversarial testing, report to the European Commission on serious incidents, ensure cybersecurity and report on their energy efficiency.

GPAIs with systemic risk may rely on codes of practice to comply with the new regulation.

Governments can only use real-time biometric surveillance in public spaces in cases of victims of certain crimes, prevention of genuine, present, or foreseeable threats, such as terrorist attacks, and searches for people suspected of the most serious crimes.

The agreement bans cognitive behavioural manipulation, the untargeted scrapping of facial images from the internet or CCTV footage, social scoring and biometric categorisation systems to infer political, religious, philosophical beliefs, sexual orientation and race. (Excerpt from Reuters)

A drone demonstration to farmers

terest in the agriculture sector locally as the Government recognises the sector as a very important one in the non-oil economy.

Despite the growth being seen as a direct result of the oil and gas sector, Agriculture Minister Mustapha addressing farmers in Region Five explained that the non-oil sector has been showing significant growth.

Last year, the non-oil sector grew by almost 12 per cent.

“And that is a monumental achievement for us because today around the countries when they add up all of their sectors together are hardly recording double-digit growth and we in the agriculture sector here are making that contribution to the economy,” he told the farmers.

The Minister noted that for the first time since the formation of Caricom, much emphasis is being placed on the sector regionally, with countries that build their economies on tourism and oil and gas, now rapidly moving to

develop their agriculture sector.

“Because they have seen that the agriculture sector is one of the more important sectors for us if not the most important sector because this sector is responsible for food security, so food production and food security for us in Guyana are very important,” Mustapha pointed out.

Record-breaking production Meanwhile, locally, Mustapha is predicting that despite the current El Nino, which has resulted in drought-like conditions, the first rice crop for 2024 should see record-breaking productions in the MMA Scheme.

To achieve this, adequate irrigation would be required.

The MMA Scheme plays a significant role in the production of rice in the MahaicaBerbice region and intimately in Guyana’s food production capacity.

According to the Minister, 20,000 acres are being developed in the Scheme for farmers who do not have their own

land.

Mustapha said the Government is hoping to put the relevant rules in place to prevent those who have land leased to them in the scheme and who live overseas from sub-letting those lands to farmers.

“We have to have the people who are living in the scheme and want the land to plant; they are the people who must have the land to plant.

In many areas and especially in the rice sector, we are trying to bring down the cost of production. When we bring down the cost of production, you the farmers will enjoy a better profit and have a better income and the populace will enjoy cheaper prices.”

Meanwhile, in the fruits and vegetable sector, consumers are paying prices higher than they should because of what the Minister called ‘middlemen’ who have been inserting huge markups, resulting in some consumers paying 75 per cent more than what the farmer charges.

(G4)

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023

guyanatimesgy.com

Regional

Cuba publishes list of Deadly Chile shantytown fire reflects accused terrorists, including struggle to handle migrant boom Miami mayoral candidate Y

C

uba published late on Thursday a list of foreign nationals and entities it accuses of involvement with terrorism, including influencers, many long-time dissidents who reside in the United States and a candidate for mayor of Florida's MiamiDade County.

The list, which identifies 61 people and 20 entities for alleged involvement in promoting or planning "acts of terrorism," comes just days after an annual US Government report said Cuba "grants safe harbour to terrorists," charges that Havana denies.

The tit-for-tat allegations from the two longtime rivals underscore the still-icy relationship between Cuba and longtime foe the United States, which has warmed little under the Administration of President Joe Biden.

The Cuban list, published in the country`s National Gazette late Thursday, alleges the involvement of dozens of people in hotel bombings, plots to foment unrest, and assassination attempts against Cuba`s former and

An Honour Guard standing at the entrance of the Revolution Palace ahead of the G77+China Summit in Havana, Cuba, September 14, 2023

now-deceased leader Fidel Castro, some of which are 30 years old.

More recent cases on the list include that of Alex Otaola, a social media influencer in Miami who is running for Mayor of Miami-Dade County, and is accused by Cuba, in a 2021 case file, of "promoting armed aggression against Cuba."

Otaola denied those allegations on social media on Thursday, but said his inclusion proved he had gotten under the skin of Cuban authorities.

The Biden adminis-

tration last year partially rolled back some Trumpera restrictions on remittances and travel to the Communist-run island nation and has ramped up the processing of immigrant visas for Cubans wishing to travel to the United States.

But Biden has not budged on a decision by his Republican predecessor, Donald Trump, who separately designated Cuba a state sponsor of terrorism before leaving office in January 2021, a measure which saddled Cuba with fresh and severe sanctions.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Deforestation in Brazilian Amazon down 64% in November

D

eforestation in Brazil's Amazon rainforest fell by more than half in November from a year earlier, Government data showed on Friday, with destruction hitting its lowest level for the month in at least eight years.

According to preliminary satellite data from space research agency INPE, 201.1 square kilometres (77.65 square miles) of the world's largest rainforest were cleared last month, a 63.7% drop from November 2022.

The figures come after President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva reiterated at

the COP28 climate summit this month his country's target of ending illegal deforestation by 2030, while touting progress shown in data from his first year in office.

The preliminary INPE data shows Amazon deforestation dropped 50.5% in the first 11 months of 2023 to 4977 square km, the lowest since 2018.

Lula has staked his international reputation on reducing deforestation after destruction in the rainforest surged under his predecessor Jair Bolsonaro.

"Brazil is willing to lead by example," Lula told

COP28. "We have adjusted our climate goals, which are now more ambitious than those of many developed countries, drastically reduced deforestation in the Amazon and will bring it to zero by 2030."

Deforestation and fires in the Amazon - which is now in its rainy season usually spike between July and September, when the weather turns drier.

Despite the progress on preserving the Amazon this year, the region has grappled with a record-breaking drought, the impacts of which scientists say may last until 2026.

(Reuters)

OAS condemns 'attempted coup' in Guatemala

T

he Organisation of American States (OAS) on Friday condemned what it called an "attempted coup d'etat" by Guatemala's prosecutors' office.

Earlier in the day, prosecutors declared that they would attempt to annul the results of June's first-round elections in which long-

shot anti-graft candidate Bernardo Arevalo earned a surprise spot in the election's runoff.

Arevalo then won the second round of voting in August.

Prosecutors allege irregularities in voter registrations ahead of the elections. The international community has overwhelmingly decried the

investigation, calling it an attempt to bar Arevalo from taking office.

The case would need to be taken up by Guatemala's electoral tribunal, which was expected to speak on the issue later Friday. Four of the tribunal's justices have fled the country after being stripped of their immunity in relation to the case. (Reuters)

ureima Carvajal smelled smoke while preparing dinner on a rainy Monday evening in Los Pirquenes, an informal settlement in southern Chile. She thought someone was burning trash until she heard children screaming.

"We ran over there and there weren't any firefighters, there weren't a lot of people and it was already burning so strong," Carvajal said. "There were neighbours trying to throw water on it but you couldn't put it out because it was already burnt."

Another Los Pirquenes resident, Daniel Gomez, said he ran through the community shouting until he found neighbours with a crowbar and a pickaxe. He doused himself in water and tried to break through the back of the house. The only entrance in the makeshift home was spewing flames.

The screams stopped before anyone could reach them. Fourteen people, including eight children, died in the fire, one of the most deadly to happen in Chile in decades. Those killed were all recent immigrants from

The remains of a house that was destroyed in a fire, killing a Venezuelan immigrant family, is pictured in an informal settlement in Valparaiso, Chile November 30, 2023

Venezuela.

For many, the fire was symptomatic of a growing housing crisis in Chile. The Government is struggling to provide adequate shelter for rising numbers of migrants, predominantly from Venezuela.

The number of families living in informal settlements in Chile reached 114,000 in 2023, a 142% spike since 2019, according to a survey by TECHO, a non-profit that studies housing issues in Latin America.

TECHO defines informal

settlements as groups of eight or more families living on land without any formal ownership and lacking at least one basic service like water, electricity or sewage.

Chile's Housing Ministry says the number of migrants in these settlements has grown steadily, now totalling nearly 40% from just 1.5% in 2011.

In most cases, low incomes and the high cost of rent lock such families out of the traditional housing market. (Excerpt from Reuters)

4 Haitian gang leaders sanctioned

T

he United Nations Security Council on Friday said it had approved the addition of four suspected Haitian gang leaders to its sanctions list, a long-awaited addition as the Caribbean nation faces a worsening humanitarian crisis.

The UN slapped sanctions on Renel Destina, believed to be the main leader of the Grand Ravine gang; as well as Vitel'homme Innocent, understood to head the Kraze Barye gang; Johnson Andre of 5 Segond; and Wilson Joseph of 400 Mawozo.

The US Treasury Department earlier on Friday announced fresh sanctions against the same

four individuals.

Survivors have identified Andre and his gang as directly responsible for 1035 cases of sexual violence in 2022 alone, the Treasury Department said in a statement.

The Treasury said Destina, a key ally of Andre, was responsible for killings, robberies, rapes, looting and burning down homes, and has also been indicted for kidnapping US citizens in 2021.

Joseph and Innocent are both indicted for roles in the kidnapping of US citizens in October last year, it added.

"Criminal gangs now reportedly control approximately 80 per cent of (Haiti's capital) Port-au-Prince," the

Treasury Department said in a statement. "Kidnapping, rape, robbery, murder and sexual violence are daily threats for Haitians, including children."

Rights groups have meanwhile called for sanctions to target those funding the gangs and for a clampdown on arms trafficking, believed to come largely from small-scale traffickers shipping guns and ammunition from Florida.

The conflict has displaced tens of thousands and spread to farmlands north of the capital, further threatening food supplies in a country where the UN estimated close to half of the population is going hungry.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

UN hopes Haiti force will start in early 2024

T

he United Nations (UN) said Friday it hopes the multinational security force heading to Haiti to help combat violent gangs will deploy before April next year.

Ulrika Richardson, the UNs' resident coordinator in Haiti, said the force should be around 2500 strong, though the composition has not been finalised.

The UN Security Council gave the go-ahead in early October for the Kenya-led mission to help the overwhelmed Haitian Police.

Richardson told a media briefing in Geneva she hopes they will be able to deploy "during the first

quarter of 2024."

The force will include around 1000 Kenyan Police, whose involvement has been criticised at home.

The Government is currently barred from deploying any police to Haiti due to an ongoing court challenge.

Judge Enock Mwita last month said the orders blocking the deployment would stay in force until he issues a ruling on January 26.

Richardson said the Kenyan authorities had nonetheless gone ahead with preparations for the mission.

Several discussions have taken place between the

United Nations and Kenya to set up the force, which is not being run by the UN. A Kenyan delegation has already gone to Haiti to prepare for the deployment, Richardson said.

Rampant gang violence is just one of the challenges facing the poorest state in the Americas, whose political, economic and public health systems are in tatters. So far in 2023, more than 8000 people have been killed, injured or kidnapped in Haiti according to the UN human rights office -- far surpassing the figures for the whole of 2022.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023

19

Around The World

Israel increases Gaza strikes, UN OILNEWS OIL NEWS decries 'humanitarian nightmare'

I Oil climbs 2%, but still headed for 7th weekly drop

O

il prices were on track for a seventh consecutive weekly decline for the first time in half a decade on Friday on concerns about surplus supply, but prices rose on the day after Saudi Arabia and Russia lobbied OPEC+ members to join output cuts.

Brent crude futures were up US$1.76, or 2.4%, at US$75.81 a barrel at 2:06 pm ET [1906 GMT], while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures were up US$1.85, or 2.7%, at US$71.19 a barrel.

Offering some support, data showed US consumer sentiment perked up much more than expected in December, a development likely to be welcomed by Federal Reserve officials.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and Russia, the world's two biggest oil exporters, on Thursday called for all OPEC+ members to join an agreement on output cuts just days after a fractious meeting of the producers' club.

The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies last week agreed to a combined 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd) in output cuts for the first quarter of next year. The market has been concerned, however, that some members may not adhere to their commitments.

Friday's price gains could be a sign that the market has found a floor for now after falling for six straight sessions, said Phil Flynn, analyst at Price Futures Group.

"Look to step in with caution but the lows should be in," he said.

Brent and WTI crude futures slid to their lowest since late June on Thursday, a sign that many traders believe the market is oversupplied. Brent is on track to fall 3.9% this week and WTI 4.2%, the biggest weekly losses in five weeks.

Fuelling the market's downturn, Chinese customs data showed its crude oil imports in November fell 9% from a year earlier as high inventory levels, weak economic indicators and slowing orders from independent refiners weakened demand.

US Labour Department data released on Friday showed stronger-than-expected job growth and a drop in the unemployment rate, signalling resilience in the labour market and dampening hopes that the Fed will cut interest rates by early next year. (Reuters)

srael sharply increased strikes on the Gaza Strip, pounding the length of the Palestinian enclave and killing hundreds in a new, expanded phase of the war, as Washington again signalled that Israel could do more to protect civilians in the enclave.

The Israeli military said on Friday it had struck more than 450 targets in Gaza from land, sea and air over the past 24 hours the most since a truce with Hamas collapsed last week and about double the daily figures typically reported since.

Decrying a "spiralling humanitarian nightmare", UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres meanwhile declared there was no effective protection of civilians in Gaza and no-

where in the enclave was safe, hours before the UN Security Council was set to vote on a demand for a humanitarian ceasefire there.

"We are at breaking point," he told the UN Security Council, saying the collapse of the humanitarian system could result in a complete breakdown of public order.

"The people of Gaza are being told to move like human pinballs – ricocheting between ever-smaller slivers of the south, without any of the basics for survival," he said, referring to Israeli instructions to Gazan civilians to move to safe areas.

With most Gazans now displaced and unable to access any aid, hospitals overrun and food running out, the main UN agency there said society was "on

A wounded Palestinian child sitting on the floor of Nasser hospital following Israeli strikes, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, December 8, 2023

the verge of a full-blown collapse" and its ability to protect people there was "reducing fast".

Gaza's Health Ministry reported 350 people killed on Thursday, and on Friday

it said the death toll from Israel's campaign in Gaza had risen to 17,487, with thousands more missing and presumed buried under rubble. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Putin sends message to world with 'spontaneous' election announcement

R

ussia's paramount leader, Vladimir Putin, was not even looking at the television camera when he announced that he would aim to stay in the Kremlin for at least another six years as head of the world's biggest nuclear power.

After pinning the gold star "Hero of Russia" medals on the lapels of soldiers who had fought in Ukraine, some of the men and mothers of the fallen rushed up to one of the best-guarded

leaders in the world in the Grand Kremlin Palace.

Artyom Zhoga, a lieutenant colonel born in Soviet-era Ukraine who fights for Russia, asked Putin to run again: "You are our President, we are your team. We need you.

Russia needs you."

Putin thanked him.

"I will not hide that I have had different thoughts at different times but it is now time to make a decision. I will run for the post of President," Putin said,

his muffled words picked up by a microphone nearby and his back to the camera.

The setting of Putin's announcement, surrounded by decorated soldiers and mothers of fallen soldiers, may be an indication of how he perceives his rule, and some Kremlin watchers said it could give hints about the future of the Ukraine war.

"Putin is going to the polls as a military leader of a country at war," said Sergei Markov, a former

pounds next year, according to a letter published by the British interior Ministry on Thursday.

The revelations about the growing cost of a policy - which legal experts have warned could yet fail - was slammed by the opposition Labour party and will likely to draw fresh criticism from some lawmakers within Sunak's own party.

"Britain can’t afford more of this costly Tory chaos & farce," Labour's shadow Interior Minister Yvette Cooper said on social media platform X. But the new Minister for legal migration, Tom Pursglove, justified what he called the 240 million-pound "investment" on Friday, saying that once the Rwanda policy was up and running it would save on the cost of housing asylum-seekers in the UK. (Excerpt from Reuters)

US Senator has called for a Government investigation into the impact on national security of garlic imports from China.

Republican Senator Rick Scott has written to the Commerce Secretary, claiming Chinese garlic is unsafe, citing unsanitary production methods.

China is the world's biggest exporter of fresh and chilled garlic and the US is a major consumer.

But the trade has been controversial for many years.

The US has accused China of "dumping" garlic on to the market at below-cost price.

Since the mid-1990s it has levied heavy tariffs or taxes on Chinese imports in order to prevent US producers from being priced out of the market.

In 2019, during the Trump Administration, these tariffs were increased.

In his letter Senator Scott refers to these existing con-

Kremlin adviser.

Russia currently controls just under a fifth of Ukraine, including Crimea which Russia annexed in 2014. But Russian forces do not control Donbas which consists of Donetsk and Luhansk provinces - in its entirety.

Ukraine says it will not rest until every enemy soldier is ejected, though Kyiv's counteroffensive this year has failed to pierce Russian lines.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Sexual violence still a major threat as Sudan’s UK paid Rwanda Chinese garlic is a conflict grinds on additional US$126 national security W mln for contested risk, says US Senator migrant plan

hile sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) has increased notably in Sudan during the fighting that has torn the country apart since April, it has been an epidemic there long before April 15, according to Sara Musa, an activist with the Darfur Women’s Forum.

Musa and several other activists and humanitarian workers involved in Sudan were meeting in Cairo for the Sudan Humanitarian Conference at the end of November. They were there to discuss their experience working on the ground during the conflict and deliver their message to international aid organisations, some of whom were also attending.

A significant portion of the meetings discussed SGBV and the serious obstacles to tackling it, obstacles that make even accurately recording the number of attacks difficult. As Saja Nourin, head of programme for the Sudanese Organisation for Research and Development (SORD), told Al Jazeera, the Combatting Violence Against

Women Unit has said that the cases they recorded are likely less than 3 percent of actual figures.

SGBV is tragically something that recurs during violent conflict, but the total lack of civilian protection in Sudan means that the rate of SGBV is almost unfathomable.

Women and girls are being kept by their abusers for days following the assault so that they cannot access medical care and are forced to carry pregnancies, Shaza N Ahmed, executive director of Nada Elazhar Organisation for Disaster Prevention and Sustainable Development, told Al Jazeera.

Non-Arab communities, such as the Masalit, in West Darfur are particularly vulnerable to SGBV, Ahmed said, with women girls being kept in sexual slavery, sold in markets, and kidnapped into forced prostitution. She added that fighters from various mainly Arab militias or the feared paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are raping women to intentionally impregnate them. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

B

ritain paid Rwanda an additional 100 million pounds (US$126 million) in April, on top of 140 million pounds it previously sent, as the bill for its contested plan to relocate asylum seekers to the East African country continues to rise.

The Rwanda scheme is at the centre of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's strategy to deter illegal migrants but as yet none have been moved there because of legal battles since the scheme was announced in 2022.

The divisive policy is now seen as a threat to Sunak's leadership - with an election expected next year - after his Immigration Minister resigned this week.

On top of the 240 million pounds Britain has sent to Rwanda, London is also set to pay the East African country an additional 50 million

A

cerns. But he goes on to highlight "a severe public health concern over the quality and safety of garlic grown in foreign countries - most notably, garlic grown in Communist China".

He refers to practices which, he says, have been "well documented" in online videos, cooking blogs and documentaries, including growing garlic in sewage.

He has called for the Department of Commerce to take action, under a law which allows investigations into the impact of specific imports on the security of the US. Senator Scott also goes into much detail about the different types of garlic that should be looked into: "All grades of garlic, whole or separated into cloves, whether or not peeled, chilled, fresh, frozen, provisionally preserved or packed in water or other neutral substance." (Excerpt from BBC News)

20

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

DAILY HOROSCOPES Getting the whole truth and verifying facts will help you avoid trouble.

Know whom you are dealing with before you agree to something that can cost you financially.

(March 21-April 19) Look around, and you’ll find plenty of opportunities to engage in something entertaining or thought-provoking. Engage in discussions, and you’ll discover something you want to pursue.

PICKLES

(April 20-May 20) Stick to what and whom you know.

Don’t allow anyone to pressure you to do something you’ll regret. Keep your secrets to yourself and avoid gossip.

(May 21-June 20)

PEANUTS

(June 21-July 22)

You’ll get all sorts of attention if you attend an event or spend time with someone special. Pay attention to how you look and present yourself to others.

A romantic opportunity will lead to a welcome change.

Do something that makes you happy.

Join the festivities or make something special for a loved one. Don’t let generosity break the bank when you can put your creative talent to good use.

(July 23-Aug. 22) Get together with people who make you laugh. Attend a reunion or festive event, but be careful with your belongings, passwords and personal information. Spend time with a loved one.

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

Think before you share. The wrong message will cause a kerfuffle. Use your energy to get things done and you’ll bypass getting into an argument. Avoid overindulgence.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

An unexpected opportunity will lead to a move that eases stress. Love and romance are on the rise, and a positive change will unfold. Common sense, control and finesse will pay off.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Listen, ask questions and search for the truth. Use common sense and invest in your happiness and emotional and physical well-being. Make changes for the right reasons.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Adjust your routine to help you get what you want. Refuse to let anyone lead you astray or control the outcome of your search for happiness. Changing how where you live will lead to new beginnings.

Excess is the enemy. Discourage indulgence and extravagance. Say no to temptation and put your energy where it will benefit you most. It’s time to put yourself first.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Stick to what works best for you, and don’t look back. Refuse to get swept up in someone else’s plans. A financial investment or opportunity looks promising. Love and romance are favored.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023

21

Hallgrimsson fancies Reggae Boyz’ chances in tough Copa America group …Says immediate focus on Nations League semis

J

amaica’s senior Reggae Boyz Head Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson knows his team is in for a tough time, given their draw for next year’s CONMEBOL Copa America; but he fancies their chances of beating the odds.

This as their Group B opponents – Mexico, Venezuela and Ecuador – are all familiar foes to some extent, and given the significant improvements in terms of the quality of players his Reggae Boyz squad now beats, Hallgrimsson believes the group is going to produce some very interesting matches.

Though this will be his first time leading the Reggae Boyz in the prestigious Copa America, the occasion marks the third time Jamaica will grace the South American tournament: after appearances in 2015, when they faced Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina; and 2016, when they opposed Venezuela, Mexico, and Uruguay.

“I didn't know much about Venezuela, but after thinking, it's tough teams really, all the three teams. If I can say, something similar about them all is that they are competitive, really hard working, and all of these nations play enthusiastic and tough tackling football. So, it's all tough, tough opponents, but I think it's quite an equal group,” Hallgrimsson has said.

Reggae Boyz Head Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson

“So that means I don't think any team will be a runaway winner with nine points in this group. I think all teams will have a chance against each other, so it is quite an equal group. There is not a team that anybody can take for granted, and I don’t think there is a team that will be a runaway winner,” he added.

While Jamaica have squared off against Mexico and Venezuela a number of times over the years, they have faced Ecuador only three times: in 2009, 2011 and 2018, losing two of those games 2-5 and 0-2, while the other ended in a goalless stalemate.

“So, in that sense, if we prepare well and get our points, we will always have a chance to progress from this group. But

I think all the teams will think the same; so, that is my feeling.

And after looking at the opponents, I feel a little bit better,” Hallgrimsson has declared.

“I didn't know much about Venezuela; I knew a little bit about Ecuador, and of course we know a lot about Mexico.

But I think that everyone has a chance in these games, so all teams can pick points from each other,” he noted.

Having produced a stunning comeback to better Canada in the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal recently, Hallgrimsson pointed out that their preparations will be focused on maintaining that momentum in the semi-final against United States, before turning their focus to the Copa America in June.

Returning Naomi Osaka targets place at Paris Olympics

F

ormer world number one tennis player Naomi Osaka has set her sights on the 2024 Paris Olympics as she prepares to return to action at the Brisbane International.

The 26-year-old, who gave birth to her first child in July, has not played competitively since September 2022. The Brisbane International runs between 31 December and 7 January.

"I definitely want to win more Grand Slams and, I guess, put in more time in the French Open and Wimbledon and play the Paris Olympics," Osaka said. "I want to be someone that understands the game a lot more. In the first chapter of my tennis, I kind of got away with just being myself and playing with my instincts."

Four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka, who has had several breaks from playing because of mental health issues, represented Japan at the Tokyo Olympics, but lost against Marketa Vondrousova of the Czech Republic in straight sets in round three.

Naomi Osaka won her first Grand Slam title at the US Open in 2018

She gave birth to her daughter Shai in July, and in November announced she planned to play in Brisbane as she gears up for the Australian Open in January.

"I've never been a person that's really good at playing for myself, if that makes sense," Osaka said. "So, I kind of like the feeling of having the responsibility of having to take care of Shai and wanting to show her around the world.

I kind of feel more like I'm playing for her."

Her most recent Grand

Slam triumph came at the Australian Open in 2021, her second title at Melbourne Park following her 2019 triumph, while she also won the US Open in 2018 and 2020.

In May 2021, after pulling out of the French Open, Osaka revealed she had "suffered long bouts of depression" since winning her first major title at the US Open in 2018.

She has previously taken breaks from tennis to prioritise her mental health, and spoken openly about the issues she has faced. (BBC Sport)

“We had already made a plan what was going to happen. So, the early months of the year, in January, maybe half of February, we'll go in Jamaica for domestic players. Hopefully, we will get a friendly against a Caribbean nation, or maybe in United States, so in January, US-based players can also play these matches.

“But the plan was always to focus on the domestic-based players in January and maybe beginning of February. Then, from maybe mid-February, we have to think about the Nation's League semifinal against US, so we turn our focus to that

project. And then, of course, after that we will have the draw for the World Cup (qualifying) games,” the Icelandic coach shared.

“So that will be complete focus on those games. So we are kind of forced to turn our focus to the next project all the time, and then after the World Cup (qualifying) games, we've turned our focus to the Copa America. So that is our plan. It's a full schedule, and we have to be really focused on every project, because all of these matches are important,” he ended by saying.

Jamaica will open their

campaign against Mexico on June 22, and against Ecuador on June 26, before completing their Group Stage matches against Venezuela on June 30.

In other group pairings, the United States finds itself in Group C, alongside Uruguay, Panama and Bolivia. Group D is set to witness a showdown between Costa Rica or Honduras against heavyweights Brazil, Colombia and Paraguay.

Group A promises a tough challenge for Trinidad and Tobago or Canada, who will face off against World Cup champions Argentina, Peru, and Chile.

(Sportsmax)

Russians to compete at Paris Olympics as neutrals

R

ussian and Belarusian athletes who have qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympics will be allowed to participate as neutrals, the International Olympic Committee has confirmed.

The conditions of their inclusion include competing without flags, emblems or anthems of their country.

Athletes from those nations were banned following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Letting individuals take part was about "respecting human rights" the IOC said.

However, World Athletics said its position remains unchanged, with athletes, support personnel and officials from Russia and Belarus remaining excluded "from all World Athletics Series events".

"You may well see some neutral athletes from Russia and Belarus in Paris, it just won't be in athletics," World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said on Friday.

Speaking at the World Athletics Council Meeting in Monaco, Coe added: "We have a fixed position. I think it is right that international federations should make judgements that they feel (are) in the best interest of their sport. That is what our council has done."

Ukraine had threatened to boycott the 2024 Games if the ban has not been upheld, but Ukraine's Sports Minister Vadym Huttsait told Reuters in July it could drop that threat if Russian and Belarusian athletes were made to compete under a neutral flag.

The IOC's decision comes after Olympic sports federations asked for Russian and Belarusian athletes to be allowed to compete as neutrals in Paris earlier this week.

"The executive board of the IOC has decided that individual neutral athletes (AINs) who

Russian athletes could compete at the 2022 Winter Olympics which took place prior to the invasion of Ukraine - only as Team ROC, because of a ban on Russia over doping violations

have qualified through the existing qualification systems of the international federations on the field of play will be declared eligible to compete at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 in accordance with the conditions outlined," the Olympic body said on Friday.

"AINs are athletes with a Russian or Belarusian passport.

The strict eligibility conditions based on the recommendations issued by the IOC executive board on 28 March 2023 for international federations and international sports event organisers will be applied."

Paris 2024 organisers said they were "taking note" of the IOC's decision, and reiterated that qualification for the Games "falls under the responsibility of the IOC and the international federations".

"Paris 2024's responsibility is to host athletes who have qualified for the Games under the best possible conditions, regardless of their nationality," organisers said.

Strict eligibility conditions The IOC outlined six "strict eligibility conditions" for AINs at Paris 2024, reflecting the same conditions under which they have qualified. It said among the 4,600 athletes who have

so far qualified for the Games, only 11 were AINs - eight with Russian passports, three with Belarusian passports.

The conditions for their participation are as follows: * Qualified athletes with a Russian or Belarusian passport will be entered as, and compete as, AINs. * Teams of athletes with a Russian or Belarusian passport will not be considered. * Athletes and support personnel who actively support the war will not be eligible to be entered or to compete. * Athletes and support personnel contracted to the Russian or Belarusian military or national security agencies will not be eligible to be entered or to compete. * Any AIN, like all other participating athletes, must meet all anti-doping requirements. * The sanctions against the Russian and Belarusian states and governments remain in place, including: No flag, anthem, colours, or any other identification of Russia or Belarus will be displayed in any official venue or function at Paris 2024, and no Russian or Belarusian Government or state officials will be invited or accredited. (BBC Sport)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023

Former cricketer Clyde DCB U15 Inter-Association 50-Over tournament Butts dies in accident commences on December 10 T T he cricketing fraternity has been plunged into a state of mourning after news began circulating yesterday that former Guyana and West Indies off-spinner Clyde Butts perished in a vehicle accident that occurred at Eccles, East Bank Demerara on Friday.

However, no details of the accident were revealed

Clyde Butts

up to press time.

The 66-year-old Butts had been a member of the West Indies team during the 1980s, and had played a total of 7 Test matches, 87 First Class matches, and 32 List A games before serving as Chairman of the West Indies Selectors for an extended period of time in the early 2000s.

“One Guyana” Kings and Queens of the Sand tournament…

Go Logistics is newest sponsor

T

he “One Guyana” Kings and Queens of the Sand beach football tournament continues today, Saturday December 9, with 7 exciting matches and with a new sponsor onboard.

GO Logistics has proudly joined the list of corporate sponsors. GO Logistics is an experienced Guyanese-owned logistics company servicing both the international and local markets. The company has many hallmark accomplishments along the way, from onboarding Amazon Logistics for their Canadian launch in 2016, to the launch of a dedicated big and bulky division, GO to Home Big and Bulky, “to bring our operations to Guyana with the landmark lead sponsorship of the now rebranded Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo”.

Country Manager Kurt Baboolall has said, "GO Logistics is proud to once again partner with communities and invest in our most valuable resource: our youths.

And may the best team win.”

Match Day Two kicks off at the PPP-C’s Linden Office to-

Parmeshwar Ram

Emmanuel Lewis

Ground. ECCB has drawn a bye.

The third round of fixtures, set for Thursday 14th December, will see EBCA battle GCA at the Farm Cricket Ground, and UDCA/ Select XI battle ECCB at the Lusignan Ground. WDCA has drawn a bye.

In the penultimate round of matches, on Friday 15th December, ECCB go up against

WDCA at a venue to be confirmed, and EBCA oppose UDCA/Select XI at the Farm Cricket Ground.

The GCA has drawn a bye.

The fifth and final round will take place on Tuesday 19th December, and GCA will be going up against ECCB at a venue to be confirmed, while WDCA would be opposing UDCA/Select XI at the Meten-Meer-Zorg Ground.

EBCA has drawn a bye.

Titan Bowl, Tertiary Knockout for December 10 play Organiser Keeran Williams (left) being presented with the sponsorship cheque by Go Logistics Country Manager Kurt Baboolall

day, Saturday 9th December, at 18:30hrs. Pro Ballers will take on Top Shooters, UDK Victors battle MS Ballers, 8 Side oppose Gorillas, Day One come up against Goal Getters, YMCA go head-to-head with Wiz Ballers, Platinum Side duel with Golden Stars A, while DC Ballers look to one-

Decider looms in...

In the spotlight - Phil Salt and Alzarri Joseph Phil Salt has, for a couple of years, been the coming man - and a man in a hurry - for England in limited-overs cricket, but he is yet to fully nail himself on as the natural successor to Jason Roy. Salt has the highest batting strike-rate (134.27) of anyone to have scored 500-plus ODI runs, and the method he employs at the top of the order is perfectly attuned to the way England want to get back to playing.

But, after scoring a maiden hundred in the Netherlands last year, he has managed just one half-century in his last 11 innings. A hefty contribution to underline his status before England turn their thoughts back to T20 would be timely.

West Indies' new-ball bowling has come under assault in both games, and it has needed the introduction of spin to calm things down.

At 27, Alzarri Joseph is the

he Demerara Cricket Board’s (DCB’s) U15 Inter-Association 50-Over tournament commences on Sunday, December 10. This tournament is part of the DCB’s early preparation for the U15 inter-county tournament which will be played in 2024.

In the opening round on Sunday December 10th, Georgetown Cricket Association (GCA) will face West Demerara Cricket Association (WDCA) at Queen’s College Ground, while East Coast Cricket Board (ECCB) will face East Bank Cricket Association (EBCA) at the Lusignan Ground.

Upper Demerara Cricket Association/ Select XI (UDCA) has drawn a bye.

In the second round of fixtures, set for Monday December 11th, GCA face the UDCA/Select XI at the Queen’s College Ground, and WDCA face EBCA at the Meten-Meer-Zorg

most experienced member of this attack, and being newly appointed as Hope's vice-captain, he carries a weight of extra responsibility during this series.

He bowled better than figures of 1 for 65 in the first game suggest, but was manhandled during the opening exchanges in the second ODI - a three-over spell in which he took no wicket while conceding 38, setting the tone for England to race away.

With Oshane Thomas playing international cricket for the first time in two years, and with Romario Shepherd being more of an all-round option, West Indies need Joseph to be their cutting-edge bowler.

Team news: Pope to pop in?

West Indies were unchanged in Antigua, but could look to stiffen the batting by bringing in Kjorn Ottley for his first appearance since 2021. Roston Chase offers an allrounder option on his home ground.

up Future's Ballers.

This tournament will see 40 male teams and 10 female teams competing for over 2 million dollars in cash and prizes, apart from bragging rights. The grand finale is slated for January 6, and patrons are reminded that all games are free of charge.

FROM PAGE 23

West Indies (probable): 1 Alick Athanaze, 2 Brandon King, 3 Keacy Carty/Kjorn Ottley, 4 Shai Hope (capt & wk), 5 Shimron Hetmyer, 6 Sherfane Rutherford, 7 Romario Shepherd, 8 Yannic Cariah, 9 Alzarri Joseph, 10 Gudakesh Motie, 11 Oshane Thomas.

England, too, have stuck with the same XI, and might see little reason to tinker for the deciding match.

Otherwise, Ollie Pope, ostensibly in the Caribbean to continue his rehab from a shoulder injury, and John Turner would perhaps be pushing harder for debuts in the format.

Jofra Archer also trained with England on Friday, but won't be in contention.

England (probable): 1 Will Jacks, 2 Phil Salt, 3 Zak Crawley, 4 Ben Duckett, 5 Harry Brook, 6 Jos Buttler (capt & wk), 7 Liam Livingstone, 8 Sam Curran, 9 Brydon Carse, 10 Rehan Ahmed, 11 Gus Atkinson. (ESPNCricinfo)

A glimpse of what to expect on Sunday

T

he Youth Basketball Guyana (YBG) entity will be hosting the Tertiary Knockout and the 11th edition of the Titan Bowl simultaneously on Sunday December 10 at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue, as they showcase the best of high school basketball in an effort to expand the fan base of this sport locally.

The eleventh edition of the Titan Bowl will see 12 teams vying for supremacy and bragging rights over the next year. Those teams include St Stanislaus College, Queen’s College, Marian Academy, St. Rose’s High, Lower Corentyne Secondary and New Amsterdam Multilateral Secondary.

In the Tertiary Knockout competition, the six teams that will battle for supremacy are: Guyana School of Agriculture, New Amsterdam Technical Institute, Linden Technical Institute, Government Technical

Institute, Mahaicony Technical Institute, and the University of Guyana.

The first game in the Titan Bowl will see Lower Corentyne Secondary going against New Amsterdam Multilateral, before Mahaicony Technical Institute take on Linden Technical Institute. Marian Academy will then oppose St. Rose’s High School, before St Stanislaus College take on Queen’s College in the final game of that competition.

The Tertiary Knockout competition will begin with New Amsterdam Technical Institute battling Linden Technical Institute at 19:00 hrs. The University of Guyana will come against Mahaicony Technical Institute at 20:30 hrs, and the game involving Guyana Technical Institute coming against Guyana School of Agriculture, which commences at 22:00hrs, would

end competition in the Tertiary Knockout.

These activities are being sponsored by: Banks DIH, ENet, Starlight Trading, Thai Express, John Fernandes Limited, Real Value Supermarket, P&P Insurance, National Sports Commission, Keiron Brathwaite (Praetorian Executive Protection), Housty Designs, Pizza Hut Guyana, Ministry of Education; Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport; and University of Guyana. (Omar McKenzie)

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023

23

West Indies vs England 2023: ODI Series, Game 3 of 3…

Decider looms in Bridgetown – as curtains fall for ODIs in 2023

D

ing, and then dong.

Punch, and then counterpunch. The series is set up for a decider in Bridgetown. England found their feet after being wobbled in the first game, but West Indies can still come off the ropes with the aim of landing a knockout blow under the Kensington Oval floodlights this weekend.

If they do so, it would result in a rare bilateral ODI series win: their first against Full Member opposition in more than twoand-a-half years, and their first against England since 2007. It would also be the most significant success of Shai Hope's tenure, after he took charge of the ODI side earlier this year.

Hope has led from the front so far, scoring 177 runs from 151 balls and being out once, but he needs greater consistency from the rest of the team if they are to again expose English

A look at the West Indies preparation ahead of today’s series decider

uncertainty in the format.

There was some fight on display in the second bout in Antigua, most notably during a stand of 129 be-

tween Hope and Sherfane Rutherford - who hinted at an aptitude for longer formats with his first international half-century - to lift

MVP Sports’ Girls U11 Football Tournament…

the home side from the penurious position of 23 for 4; and again with the ball, chiefly through Gudakesh Motie, to check another rampaging England start.

But they could not sustain the challenge for long enough; in part, that was due to England tak-

ing their game up a notch following a tepid first outing. Sam Curran and Liam Livingstone dealt with the double-edged sword of their allrounder status to share six wickets Curran's new-ball burst laying the early groundwork, before Livingstone

removed West Indies' two top-scorers.

Then, after a game-breaking assault from Will Jacks at the top of the order, England's white-ball kingpin finally reasserted his status: Jos Buttler's unbeaten 58 from 45 ended a run of 13 innings without a fifty, and eased the chase to a swift conclusion.

Buttler described himself afterwards as "fed up" with his lack of runs, and you suspect he would be similarly dischuffed if his team were to let the momentum slip again.

England have lost 11 of 22 completed ODIs this calendar year, and will not play the format again until September 2024. Taking the series spoils would scarcely atone for the disappointment of the World Cup, but it would at least mean they can put 50-over cricket to bed with a mug of cocoa before turning their thoughts to the T20s and another looming title defence.

Finalists confident of taking West Indies ‘A’ Tour of South Africa 2023: Test 3 of 3… trophy home CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

South Africa take series

– DaSilva century in vain

Shemia Hing of St John the Baptist Primary (left) and Skylar DeNobrega of Marian Academy are accompanied by their respective team’s Teacher/Coach, Crystal Semple-Gunraj and Troy Wright

T

he Marian Academy of Georgetown (Region Four) and St John the Baptist Primary of Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) will go head-to-head at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground today, in a highly anticipated final showdown that determines which team would be crowned champions of the MVP Sports Girls U11 Football tournament.

In last week’s semifinal tussle, each team pulled off a 2-0 victory that has secured their respective spots in this final game. Marian Academy defeated previous champions North Georgetown Primary, while St John the Baptist Primary overcame West Ruimveldt Primary.

While catching a glimpse of this year’s championship trophy at the MVP Sports location at the Giftland Mall at Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara on Friday morn-

ing, Marian’s Captain Skylar De Nobrega and St. John’s Captain Shemia Hing shared their expectations and intentions for tomorrow’s final.

DeNobrega stated, “I’m feeling happy about tomorrow. We’ve put in a lot of work to reach to the finals.

I couldn’t do it without my team and coach, of course.

It’s team work to get to score all the goals, and we had to work together and participate. Hoping to take the trophy home,” De Nobrega confidently added.

Hing shared, “I am very excited that my team have made it to the finals, and we have been training very hard, day and night. I want to thank my coach, my teammates and myself that we have made it here, and I will be thankful if we win this game and take this trophy home.”

MVP Sports’ representative Selvin Apple, in express-

ing his eagerness for tomorrow’s final, highlighted the company’s intention to continue supporting such initiatives.

“We are more than happy to continue supporting football in general, whether it’s a junior competition or more in senior competition, in cooperation with Petra Organization. I think the competition has been fantastic. We had the opportunity to witness weeks of enthralling competition from the under-11 primary school females, and we continue to pledge our support (to) youth development and female soccer in Guyana.”

The highly anticipated final is scheduled for play from 15:30hrs today at the aforementioned venue, with the third-place playoff between North Georgetown Primary and West Ruimveldt Primary being scheduled for 14:30hrs.

Joshua DaSilva hit his fourth first-class century in a losing cause

W

est Indies ‘A’ Captain Joshua DaSilva finally showed up at the party in South Africa, but his century was not enough to save his team from a loss in the third and final fourday match.

The series-deciding chase began on a good note, with Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Kirk McKenzie beginning the day on 47-1 and adding a further 79 runs for the second wicket partnership.

McKenzie looked to be in sublime touch, hitting 13 fours and 2 sixes in his 94-ball 81 before falling to Duane Olivier. Soon after, Chanderpaul perished for a patient 31 from 128 balls, and new batsmen were introduced to the crease.

Kavem Hodge’s con-

tribution to the mammoth chase was 47 from 89 deliveries. He fell short of his half century after being caught off Ruan de Swardt’s bowling in the 68th over. Captain DaSilva, however, held up

one end of the pitch alongside the ‘tailenders’, slamming 110 from 138 balls that included 8 fours and 2 sixes.

Guyanese Kevin Sinclair added 23 from 32 deliveries, but all in all, it was not enough to get the West Indies over the line. The Caribbean side got to only 344, coming up 76 runs short of the target and a victory.

Dane Paterson was the pick of the South African bowlers with figures of 4-66 from 20.1 overs. Ruan de Swardt claimed 2 wickets for 45 runs in 15 overs.

While West Indies ‘A’ had won the first match, South Africa ‘A’ took the second and third games to seal a 2-1 series win.

SCOREBOARD West Indies A 2nd Innings (T: 421 runs) Tagenarine Chanderpaul c van Tonder b de Swardt 31 Zachary McCaskie c †Fortuin b Paterson 8 Kirk McKenzie c de Swardt b Olivier 81 Kavem Hodge c Brand b de Swardt 47 Jordan Johnson c †Fortuin b Viljoen 9 Joshua Da Silva (c)† c van Tonder b Paterson 110 Kevin Sinclair c Zondo b Brand 23 Akeem Jordan lbw b Paterson 13 Shamar Joseph c Zubayr Hamza b Paterson 0

Shermon Lewis not out 3 Jayden Seales absent hurt Extras (b 3, lb 11, nb 4, w 1) 19 TOTAL 91.1 Ov (RR: 3.77) 344 Fall of wickets: 1-14 (Zachary McCaskie, 9.1 ov), 2-126 (Kirk McKenzie, 39.5 ov), 3-126 (Tagenarine Chanderpaul, 40.4 ov), 4-149 (Jordan Johnson, 45.1 ov), 5-233 (Kavem Hodge, 67.1 ov), 6-272 (Kevin Sinclair, 76.3 ov), 7-291 (Akeem Jordan, 81.5 ov), 8-297 (Shamar Joseph, 83.6 ov), 9-344 (Joshua Da Silva, 91.1 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Duanne Olivier 21-4-86-1 Dane Paterson 20.1-5-66-4 Hardus Viljoen 17-1-74-1 Mihlali Mpongwana 8-3-27-0 Neil Brand 10-0-32-1 Ruan de Swardt 15-4-45-2

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023

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

Pg 23

West Indies vs England 2023: ODI Series, Game 3 of 3…

– as curtains fall for ODIs in 2023

Pg 22

MVP Sports’ Girls U11 Football Tournament…

Former cricketer

confident of taking dies in accident trophy home Pg 23

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