Guyana Times - Saturday, February 17, 2024

GTT raises Fibre speed up to 100% for 40,000 homes P11

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

Issue No. 5645

THE BEACON OF TRUTH PRICE $100 VAT INCLUDED

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2024

Sod turned for US$7M Hospitality Institute in Berbice

WHAT'S INSIDE:

“I just want to be able to help my children” – paralyzed father of 3 P18 …seeks support for vital surgery after fall at construction site

See story on page 3

GPHC elevates urologic care with cutting-edge $13M ultrasonic lithotripter P19 …recovery time for kidney stone patients now reduced

…to be completed by January 2026 – PM

Pres Ali instructs review of laws governing local stock market …modern securities market will foster growth – GCCI

Prioritise safety – Traffic Chief to motorists P19

Rape accused on $300,000 P19 bail

Housing Ministry GTU now wants looking to develop formal invitation 5,000 house from Education Labour Ministry lots at Wales Ministry before ending strike …to address region’s application backlog engages companies on labour laws Govt writes EU to field election observers ahead of 2025 elections – Jagdeo See story on page 15

See story on page 7

Workplace deaths/accidents

P5

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

BRIDGE The Demerara OPENINGS Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, February 17 – 23:30h-01:00h and Sunday, February 18 – no retraction.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, February 17 – 09:40h-11:10h and Sunday, February 18 – 11:15h-12:45h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunny conditions are expected during the day, interrupted by light intermittent rain showers in the afternoon. Clear to partly cloudy skies are expected at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to Easterly between 3.57 metres and 5.81 metres.

High Tide: 10:05h and 22:54h reaching maximum heights of 2.26 metres and 2.06 metres.

Low Tide: 16:19h reaching a minimum height of 0.99 metre.

Sod turned for over US$7M Hospitality Institute in Berbice …to be completed by January 2026 – PM

P

rime Minister, Retired Brigadier Mark Phillips on Friday turned the sod to symbolically commence the construction of the over US$7 million Hospitality and Tourism Training Institute (HTTI).

This, he said, signals the Government’s commitment to ensuring that the tourism sector continued to grow. Currently, tourism is Guyana’s fourth largest foreign exchange earner, accounting for 2.3 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Speaking at the sod-turning ceremony at Port Mourant, Corentyne, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), the Prime Minister said it was estimated that by 2030, the sector would employ some 50,000 persons locally.

However, he noted that there were several challenges affecting the sector currently. He said these must be overcome to realise this goal.

“We have to increase the number of hotel rooms. We are looking over the me-

Prime Minister, Retired Brigadier Mark Phillips joined by Ministers Dr Ashni Singh, Oneidge Walrond and Sonia Parag along with a representative from the contractor and regional officials at the sodturning ceremony

tunities within the region which would reduce the unemployment rate and foster well-being.

The US$7,002,126 project was awarded to Kares Engineering Inc and has a completion date of January 21, 2026 .

Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh, who also addressed the gathering on Friday, said President Dr Irfaan Ali would not be accepting delays.

quality of service that belongs four or five decades ago. The beauty of the physical edifice must surely be matched by the quality of service experienced,” he said.

Vision of local tourism

Meanwhile, Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond called on all to understand the vision of the local tourism sector to have it as one of the main components of

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COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$83.47/barrel

+0.74

Rough Rice London Sugar

$329.94/ton $636.00/ton

-1.61 +0.86

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$2013.20 $1994.60

$2014.20 $2016.40

Change

+9.20

+0.46%

An artist’s impression of the Hospitality Institute in Berbice

dium term to increase the number of rooms by 3000,” the PM said.

In this regard, several internationally-branded hotels are being established locally.

“We have other challenges too to address,” Phillips continued.

“Including the high cost of air travel, improving destination marketing, improving our product development and improving the training of hospitality service workers, and reducing the high turnover of staff in the tourism sector. This is the most important reason why we are investing in the construction of this Hospitality and Tourism Training Institute. We have to develop continuous cohorts of trained hospitality workers to assume the management of this sector ,and to provide the multiplicity of services required in this sector,” Prime Minister Phillips explained.

He pointed out that investing heavily in the tourism sector would ensure that Guyanese could secure employment oppor-

“The supervising project unit, the supervising engineers and the contractors, our President has sounded a zero-tolerance position in relation to project delays and I am not waiting until two months before the project completion date to say this to you. We will not accept the non-completion of this project within the stipulated project time and within its budget,” Dr Singh said.

Speaking of the significance of the ceremony, Minister Singh noted that it was not just the turning of the sod for another building. He pointed out that it was another important step and the second within two weeks in a short journey towards the realisation of Port Mourant as the technical training capital of Guyana and of the Caribbean.

Singh said while modern hotels were being built in Guyana, one would not want to go to those facilities and experience service that was below expectations.

“One would not want to go into a hotel building or restaurant and discover a

the local economy.

Guyana recorded its highest number of tourist arrivals in 2023, as some 319,000 persons visited the country.

“This figure is significant as it represents a 270 per cent increase in visitor arrivals since 2020.”

More than 21,000 visitors arrived through the Moleson Port in Region Six last year.

The month of September 2023 saw the most arrivals in the country as the Caribbean Premier League

(CPL) cricket carnival was hosted.

Local Government and Regional Development Minister Sonia Parag noted that the investment in the tourism sector was not just a symbol of progress, it was a testament to President Ali’s Government's unwavering commitment to excellence and the future of our country.

“In a world where tourism and hospitality industries are ever-evolving and at a time when our country is experiencing unprecedented growth in the tourism industry, it has become imperative that we equip ourselves with the necessary skills and knowledge to compete on a global scale. This Training Institute stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for our people, and will offer world-class education and training in hospitality management, culinary arts, tourism, and all of the related fields.”

She noted that the institute is a gateway to countless opportunities for the country’s youth, its workforce, and economy.

“By investing in the human resource capacity of our nation, we are laying the foundation for sustainable growth and prosperity for generations to come,” Parag added.

Last year, 319,056 visitor arrivals raked in an estimated US$338 million.

This figure is based on a GO-Invest estimate that the average visitor spends US$1060. (G4)

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guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2024

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

Patriotism, activities, and revelry

O

ver the past week and come next week, the nation has been, and will continue to be, in preparatory mode for the highly-anticipated 54th Republic Anniversary, which is celebrated on February 23. As is customary, many events are being staged across the country, in every region. It is laudable to see that the finals of various competitions – Chutney; Soca (senior and junior); Calypso (senior and junior) and Dancehall monarch competition – have been fanned out across the country reaching as far as Lethem, Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) as we showcase the gamut of local talent. The country was abuzz with activity and revelry.

In addition to these activities, it is also a tradition for the museums, schools, and libraries to host lectures and exhibitions with the aim of evoking a sense of patriotism and understanding of the Republic celebrations. Indeed, it should be a time of reflection; Guyana attained republican status on February 23, 1970, some 54 years ago. The annual hoisting of the flag at midnight traditionally attracts thousands of Guyanese, who gather from near and far to bask in the glow of our national patrimony.

Prior to the attainment of republican status, the country attained independence from Great Britain on May 26, 1966. These are significant milestones in the life of this country. More importantly, it provided us as a nation with an opportunity to reflect on the path we have traversed over these years as well as the pains and tribulations we experienced in the past. While the challenges are still formidable today, citizens should be reminded not to lose sight of the patriotism and resilience that brought us this far as a nation. All of our leaders should also be reminded that it is their responsibility to foster a society in which there is peace, progress, prosperity, and a sense of patriotism.

We will witness the coming together of our people over the next few days; thousands anticipated to participate in the annual Mashramani Float Parade, thousands gather as the Golden Arrowhead is hoisted, commemorating yet another milestone in Guyana’s history. While the older generation of Guyanese will, undoubtedly, be reflecting on the journey and struggles that led to this point; we should pause to consider what the younger folks are thinking. Is there a feeling of deep patriotism or national loyalty? Are there reflections on the struggles of our foreparents? More importantly, does the Republic Anniversary celebration ignite within them the deep-seated sense of national pride?

Over the coming years, Guyanese at home and abroad will experience massive infrastructural and economic development in Guyana as a result of the oil and gas sector.

Government has accelerated the process of development and capacity building to prepare for this economic reality.

However, in the midst of preparations and the grand plans, the border controversy with Venezuela has gained new life.

Guyanese anticipate that Guyana’s successful defence of its territorial integrity will not only boost local development but investors’ confidence in Guyana. The period ahead, therefore, will require maturity. Through it all the citizens of Guyana will also be called upon to hold firm to their patriotism and to be steadfast in their support for our sovereignty. While there will undoubtedly be many more instances in the future for the citizenry to band together, Guyanese from all walks will next Friday be gathered for the Republic Anniversary with a reminder of the need for a revival of the patriotism that lies within all of us.

Students participating in the Masquerade category in the Children's Mashramani Programme Finals 2024 held in the auditorium at Queen's College, Georgetown. This year, Mashramani is themed, “Celebrating our peoples and our prosperity” (Education Ministry photos)

Teachers’ annual salaries account for 1/3 of total annual public sector workers’ salaries Dear Editor, The Ministry of Education (MoE) have said emphatically that they have been involved in the process of negotiations with the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) when that union suddenly aborted the process and called a strike. The GTU did not wait to exhaust the collective bargaining procedure. Both the country’s Labour Minister, Hon Joseph Hamilton, and Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Hon Anil Nandlall, refer to the GTU strike not only as illegal, but as also representing a “breach of faith.”

The Vice President notes that the last meeting of the GTU with MoE occurred on January 31, 2024, and it was agreed then that they would meet every third Wednesday in succeeding months to address outstanding demands of the GTU. Social commentator and accountant, Mr. Lallbachan Ram, has come to the assistance of the GTU, and lent his support for the strike.

He has gone further to chide President Dr Irfaan Ali for not intervening to resolve the strike. This perceptive critic has allowed the context and perspective to fracture his usually coherent thinking.

The President must consider not only the teachers’ working conditions, but also the entire public sector workforce of over 54,000.

Knowing there were ongoing negotiations up to 1/31/24, the President says the strike is “unconscionable”, since he has been working tirelessly in association with the Ministry of Education to address the issues affecting teachers.

It is noted by the MoE

that they have already met 60% of the GTU’s demands, and were in continuous negotiations to address most of the remaining ones when the GTU called the strike.

Mr. Lallbachan Ram took aim at the apparent dereliction of responsibility of other unions in not submitting their annual reports to the relevant authorities in the expectation that this would neutralise the aberrations of the GTU. The GTU did not submit their annual reports to the Deeds and Commercial Registry since 2004, and failed to provide annual audited reports since 1989. Mr. Ram states that NAACIE, which he aligns with the PPPC Government, did not produce annual financial reports to the Auditor General.

This assertion was debunked by a top NAACIE official, who said: “Ram needs to check his facts. NAACIE returns are up-to-date as at 2022, and the 2023 report is due in March, by which time we will again be up-to-date.

What is outstanding (are) the audited statements which are with the Auditor General from 2015, for which we have no control.”

Mr. Ram’s rationale follows a bizarre logic; it’s like absolving a person for committing a robbery because another person also committed a similar robbery and was not charged!

Let us return to the teachers’ strike, and examine some facts. First, the per capita cost for teaching students at Government schools is more than twice that at private schools.

Second, the PPPC Government has given teachers a pay raise of over 30%

in 3 years, and has promised further assessment within the next two years. The Vice President says that, from assuming office in 2020 to the end of 2023, they have increased the total allocation for payment of teachers’ salaries by 61.4% (from $24.4 billion in 2020 to $39.4 billion).

The teachers’ salaries represent an extraordinarily high proportion (1/3) of the total salaries bill for the entire Government workforce, covering all sectors. Specific actions include the movement of graduate teachers to top of their scales, and they also being given an additional allowance for their BA/BSc, MA/MSc, and PhD degrees.

Additionally, hinterland teachers were given an incentive of $20,000 per month, while 4,000 teachers have been awarded scholarships to upgrade their academic credentials.

Designated teachers who would attain the age of 52 would receive the duty-free car allowance.

Third, the PPPC Government has granted teachers and other workers several cost-of-living (COL) relief measures (totalling about $300 billion, based on JC Bhagwandin’s statistical analysis). The significance of the cost of those COL measures is expressed as the equivalent to 38.4% of the 2023 national budget amount.

Fourth, the average monthly salary of Guyana teachers is not US$600 as stated by a union member, but rather US$1,120 (divide the total salary bill of$39.4 billion by the number of teachers: 14,087).

While increases have been granted to teachers,

there has been no discussion on how these increases and more to come would result in better academic outcomes.

There is still poor academic performance in Math and Science (40% failure rate). To aggravate this situation, it has been reported that teachers have been absent from classrooms 30% of the time. If this assertion is correct, it is a damning indictment of the system, including the GTU! Linking salary increase with academic performance is one issue, but another critical consideration is “sustainability.” The Government must determine if salary increases and benefits are sustainable over the long term (10 years and beyond). Oil resources will be depleted, and revenues will drop sharply. This (oil resource) is a subject for another time.

Finally, the Headmistress of Bishop’s High School spoke eloquently about the willingness of the Minister of Education and her CEO to address the needs of teachers in a timely manner, and how they are readily approachable. She does not feel that the strike was right. The opinions of the Headmistress coincide with those of her colleague headmaster of a school on the Essequibo Islands.

These (opinions) resonate well with most teachers: 60% of them defied the GTU order to strike and are on the job.

Others on strike must urgently re-evaluate their position.

The President has asked for patience, and you must give him a chance, because he is action-oriented and delivers on promises.

Regards, Dr Tara Singh

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2024

5

News

Workplace deaths/accidents

Labour Ministry engages companies on labour laws

he Labour Ministry has organised a oneday seminar aimed at improving awareness and compliance with labour legislation following the recent workplace deaths of Domindra Narayan, Lennox McPherson, Trevor Jones and Rusbel Azocar.

Some 115 individuals, representing over 40 entities from the public and

build capacity by training and retraining workers; and capitalizing on “human development”, which includes workers’ welfare and “the protection of workers’ rights.” In this regard, he urged participating companies to continue collaborating with the ministry to achieve compliance with labour regulations, linked not only to working

“I am saying this to you because I don’t want to continue to be the death announcement bureau. I don’t need any more the CLO (Chief Labour Officer) and OSH head (Occupational Safety and Health) to write the press statement for me. I can read them out to you, all they do is change names… We have been able to deal with stubborn people by recouping $160 million dollars of employees’ monies from companies in the last three years, last year $69 million. And for those who are more stubborn than ever, we carry them to court. So, there are remedies, and we will prosecute the remedies to ensure that people are protected,” Hamilton has said.

Companies engaged in the seminar included Amalgamated Security Services, Aruwai Enterprise Incorporated, BPI Guyana Incorporated,

Dead: Lennox McPherson

Dead: Domindra Narayan

Dead: Trevor Jones

private sectors, have attended the event, hosted at the Regency Suites Hotel on Hadfield Street, Georgetown.

The seminar focused on laws governing the national minimum wage, probationary periods and paid leave, workplace safety and health, overtime payments, severance pay, termination of employment, inspections, record-keeping, and reporting incidents of child labour.

These pertinent topics were discussed by Chief Labour Officer Dhaneshwar Deonarine; Chair of the Consultative Association of Guyanese Industries Limited (CAGI), Jairam Petam; and President of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG), Carvil Duncan.

During brief remarks, Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton disclosed that the activity is part of the ministry’s mandate to

conditions, but also to occupational safety and health throughout the country.

“If you were questioning the importance of our activity today, and why you’re here, it is basically to press and implore both employees and employers (on) the importance of paying attention to the labour laws and getting from the ministry only what the labour laws are… Secondly, we want to ensure that we have less grave houses and funerals to attend for persons who lost their lives whilst working to earn their daily bread and to feed their families,” the minister emphasised.

Further, he praised the participants for recognising the necessity of re-educating themselves on the country’s labour laws, and underscored the importance of Occupational Safety and Health by noting that eradicating occupational deaths is paramount to the family system.

Caricom Secretariat, Citizens Bank Guyana Incorporated, Demerara Bank Limited, E Networks Incorporated, Guyana Power and Light Incorporated, Guysons Oil and Gas, Massy Distribution Guyana Incorporated and NSB Omega Guyana Incorporated.

For the first week of February, four workplace

Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton addressing the seminar

T

Participants at the seminar

deaths were recorded. On February 4, 66-year-old Lennox McPherson died after he was pinned by an excavator bucket against the track of another excavator just outside the Guiana Shield Resources sandpit at Dora on the East Bank of Demerara.

Then on February 6, 64-year-old Trevor Jones died after he was crushed by a super reach stacker at the John Fernandes Wharf at Water Street, Georgetown. It was reported that the man was struck by the counterweight at the rear of the vehicle, at which point he fell and was fatally injured by the rear right wheel of the machine.

On February 9, 27-year-old Domindra Narayan succumbed to injuries he had received one month prior, after falling from a 10ft scaffold while pressure washing the complex of Imam Bacchus & Sons Limited at Affiance, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

Then on February 10, a Venezuelan health and safety worker, 37-year-old Rusbel Azocar, was killed at the Vreed-en-Hoop Shore Base, the artificial island that has been constructed in the Demerara River.

Police have said that the worker was placing safe-

ty cones and danger tape around a hole, as a signal to warn others of the hazard, when he unfortunately fell into the same hole.

It was reported that, at the time, he was not wearing a lifejacket, as was necessitated by protocols.

Workplace accidents

In 2023, the Labour Ministry recorded a total of 20 occupational deaths due to accidents in the mining, construction, agriculture and manufacturing sectors.

Of the 20 deaths recorded, nine occurred in the mining sector in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) while six were recorded in the construction sector.

Outside of the fatalities, the ministry record-

ed 175 non-fatal accidents that were investigated out of the 577 reports received.

Most of these reports emanated from the agriculture and manufacturing sectors.

Moreover, 950 inspections were conducted at workplaces across the 10 administrative regions, where over 8000 workers were affected.

In instances where breaches of the Occupational Safety and Health Act were identified, the Labour Ministry has offered written and verbal advice.

These figures were provided by Minister Hamilton at the Labour Ministry’s 2023 End of Year press conference. (G1)

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2024

06:00 (Sign on) Inspiration Time 06:30 Cartoons 07:00 Evening News (RB) 08:00 Stop Suffering 09:00 Movie - The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996) 10:30 Indian Movie - Mard Ko Dard Nahin Hota (2018) 13:00 Movie - Shadow Island Mysteries: Wedding for One (2010) 14:30 Movie - The Chronicle Mysteries Vines That Bind (2019) 16:00 Movie - Hearts & Horses (2023) 17:00 Payless Power Hour 18:00 Evangelistic Hour 18:30 Hepzibah 19:00 The Evening News 20:00 Movie - Crescent Gang (2023) 21:30 Stand-up Comedy 22:00 Movie - The Beekeeper (2024) 00:00 Sign off

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2024

Foundation ◄

Page

Multiplying decimals Multiplying decimals and whole numbers is exactly like multiplying whole numbers – except for one important thing. You have to count the number of total decimal places in the numbers you multiply. When you multiply decimals, you don’t have to line up the decimal points.

Example:

Multiply 36.2 x 3.22 Step 1: Set up your multiplication exercise as you would any other multiplication exercise. Do not line up the decimal points: 36.2 .362 x 3.22 x.322 Step 2: Multiply. At this time, pay no attention to the decimal points: 36.2 .362 x 3.22 x .322 722 722 7220 7220 108600 108600 116542 116542 Step 3: Count the total number of decimal places in the factors. Factors are the numbers you multiplied. 36.2 has 1 decimal place. 3.22 has two decimal places. 1 + 2 = 3.

Step 4: Starting at the right side of the product and moving left, count off the same number of places.

Then place your decimal point. The product of 36.2 x 3.22 = 116.542 three decimal places Step 5: But what about if you have fewer decimal places in the product than the factors? For example .226 x .321? After multiplying without accounting for the decimal points, the product is 72546. There are six decimal places in the factors, but only five in the product. You have to add enough zeros to make the total number of places in the product equal the total number of decimal places in the numbers you multiplied. Add the needed zeros after the decimal point. So the product of .362 x .3220 = .072546 six decimal places

Exercises: Divide 1) 3.2 x 85.4

Materials:

Bag of chocolate coins Paper plates Pen Paper A watch, clock, or timer A clear plastic cup Black construction paper or black marker

Instructions:

Take the foil off of each chocolate coin you use for the experiment.

Place each chocolate coin on a separate paper plate.

Place paper plates in different spots, for example, one outside in the shade, one outside in the sun, one inside in a dark room, or one inside under a lamp.

At each location, place up to 3 plates to see

2) 1.0 x 3.3 3) 14.56 x 74.9 4) 4.5 x 90.9 5) 9.8 x 980.980

which melts the fastest: 1 white paper plate with just the chocolate coin 1 white paper plate, with a clear plastic cup over it, covering the coin to allow it to trap some heat 1 paper plate, with a black piece of construction paper, or colour the plate black with a marker, to see if this absorbs more heat Using your time-keeping device, pen, and paper, record how long it takes the chocolate to melt in each situation. If it doesn’t melt after 10 min of sitting, record that as well.

Compare your results and think about the conclusion to your results.

How it works:

At a certain temperature some of your chocolate coins went through a physical change from a solid to a liquid. This process is called

melting. Energy was added to the chocolate by either sunlight or heat and this energy caused the molecules that make up the solid chocolate to move about and spread out and become a liquid.

Extra experiments: Use a thermometer to record the temperature of the different spots. Can you figure out at what temperature chocolate starts to melt?

Try using other types of chocolate, for example, white or dark chocolate. Do the results change?

How long does chocolate take to melt in your mouth? What temperature is the human body?

Does this help prove or disprove your hypothesis on what temperature chocolate melts at? (sciencefun.org)

SEA BIRD

by AN Forde

Scrawling a signature across The map of the sky you fly With the grace Of a warm memory Touched with the scalpel of time past.

In the mosaic of the clouds At sunset you fold proud Wings to lie Upon the palpitation of the waves Leaving behind a tender trace Of your lightness on the sand For the careless sea to trod On and erase.

Or in powered dives With taut limpness down The shafts of air your limbs Sink in a sharp plunge To the rocky ground.

Or rising from the catacombs In an equipoise of wonderful Propulsion your arms Climb the tiers of the air With an upward roll.

Your nest left huddled In the ear of a rock Mid the blast and wrack Of fretful billows Clamouring to be heard You ride into the silence of the sky.

WORD SEARCH

NO RUNNING CONTAMINATION ILLNESS NO JEWELLERY SAFETY INJURIES TEMPERATURE

BEHAVIOUR KNIVES GERMS GLOVES BAND AIDS HEAT POISON

ALLERGY HAIR-TIE SMOCK OVEN DISHES GAS

NEWS

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt writes EU to field election observers ahead of 2025 elections – Jagdeo …renews commitment to strengthen campaign financing laws

G

uyana is gearing up for General and Regional Elections in 2025, and Government has already written the European Union (EU) to field an Election Observer Mission (EOM) to monitor the local polls.

Earlier this month, Head of the EU Delegation to Guyana, Ambassador René Van Nes, told reporters that the Guyana Government has requested the EU EOM to return for next year’s elections, slated to be held in November 2025.

“The Government has now indicated its very keen interest to have another EU Election Observation Mission for the General Elections of 2025… The EU will look favourably at that expression of interest as soon as we have the paperwork to look at that,” the Ambassador has said.

Governments are customarily required to write international bodies to invite them to observe national elections.

During a press conference on Thursday, General Secretary of the ruling People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, said Government wants to have a wide presence of the international community here.

“In an engagement with the European Union, we were told that there are a large number of countries that are requesting missions to observe their elections, and they [the EU] have a long planning cycle; so, if we’re interested, we should send an early invitation. I think that has been done, because we want as many international observers in Guyana as possible,” he disclosed.

The international community, including the EU, had played a crucial role in ensuring that democracy prevailed following the historic March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, which saw Guyana being in a political deadlock for five months as a result of blatant attempts to steal the elections by some officials of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) with

PPP/C General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo

the aim of keeping the then A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) regime in power.

Large observer mission At the 2020 General and Regional Elections, the EU Election Observer Mission was the largest foreign group here, having deployed 55 observers to monitor the opening, polling, counting and tabulation processes in all 10 regions. In its final report, the Mission found that while voting and counting were well managed all over the country, along with the tabulation of results in nine of Guyana’s 10 regions, the tabulation process was abruptly stalled in Region Four – the country’s largest and decisive voting district.

The EU EOM said, “…the integrity of the entire electoral process was seriously compromised by the non-transparent and non-credible tabulation of results in the largest and decisive Region 4 by senior GECOM officials acting in blatant violation of the law and High Court orders issued in this regard.”

At the centre of those allegations are former Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield and embattled Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, who blatantly inflated figures in favour of the APNU/AFC.

Both Lowenfield and Mingo, along with other GECOM staff and senior APNU/AFC members, have since been charged with a slew of electoral fraud charges that are before the local courts.

Nevertheless, in its final report on the March 2020 elections, the EU Observer Mission had made some 26 recommendations on diverse aspects of the elections, including the legal framework, election administration, the campaign and campaign financing, the media and social media, and electoral dispute resolution – all aimed at improving future electoral processes in Guyana. Of those recommendations, eight had been identified as priority, which the EU says could have the most positive impact on the elections, if implemented.

Last year, the EU deployed an Election Followup Mission (EFM) to assess Guyana’s progress towards electoral reform. In May 2023, the EFM disclosed that two of the EU’s priority recommendations were implemented in full by the Guyana Government through amendments to the Representation of People (Amendment) Act and the National Registration (Amendment) Act that were made in 2022.

Campaign financing However, even as the Government was lauded for

File photo: The Chief Observer, Urmas Paet, (second from left) along with other members of the EOM at a media engagement prior to the 2020 General and Regional Elections in Guyana

those efforts, the Follow-up Mission had also highlighted some of the areas where they believe urgent action is needed, including campaign financing – something which the PPP/C had promised to address in its 2020 Manifesto.

On Thursday, Jagdeo reiterated that campaign financing legislation is still a priority for the ruling administration.

“Campaign Finance is something this is in our manifesto…so we have to strengthen provisions about campaign financing,” the PPP General Secretary has said.

In addition to the EU, several other international bodies

have, over the years, called for Guyana to implement campaign financing laws. Only last year, this was one of the recommendations that were made by the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the March 2020 General and Regional Elections.

In its final report handed over to Government in April 2023, the CoI panel pointed to the absence of legislation applicable to campaign financing in Guyana.

“There is a lack of transparency and accountability regarding political parties and campaign financing.

Political parties have histor-

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

That inquiry was established by President Dr Irfaan Ali to look into the events leading up to, during, and after the March 2020 elections, and make recommendations to prevent any recurrence.

(G8)

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Wuk pon…

E

…Priya?

ven as war by other means is being waged by Mad Maduro on our Essequibo border, looks like we got a war of attrition being waged by the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) against the Government and Ministry of Education INSIDE our country!! So, it looks like the Government gotta fight on two fronts – which governments hate to do, since their resources are spread and easier challenged. But maybe this is exactly why the GTU launched its offensive AFTER Mad Maduro had “annexed” Essequibo, ordered out all oil companies from our waters – and massed his army, navy and air force near our border.

They knew Mad Maduro was closely monitoring what’s going on inside Guyana - to find out if Guyanese support the Government. Remember those two voluminous files of newspaper clippings he brought to Argyle, that almost broke the table?? Now, some may say the GTU’s “strike action” isn’t war – but a legitimate weapon for trade unions to force employers to go along with their demands. But this is exactly what war is, innit? To be able to use the forces at your disposal to bend your opponent’s will to your own??

It’s like Mad Maduro ordering our oil companies out: he knows they ain’t gonna leave just like that - but that new companies gonna think twice before investing. Didn’t Lloyds already increase their insurance rates??

Then you might say the GTU ain’t using PHYSICAL force against the Government – to constitute “war”. But apart from the fact that what constitutes war has broadened since those trade union conventions were formed, we have our own history with trade union “strikes”. And your Eyewitness ain’t talking about the CIA/PNC strikes that ousted the then PPP Government. The same ploy was used by Desmond Hoyte after he lost the 1997 elections: he deployed his violent “slow fyaah; mo’ fyaah” strategy to force the PPP to the bargaining table!!

In an eerie instance of history repeating itself, the ritual of sticking pins in a doll while sprinkling and chanting “wuk pon she!!” – referring to then President Janet Jagan – was repeated now by a man dressed in PNC colours in front of the office of the Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand.

Hoyte’s strategy didn’t end nicely!! Then, a decade later, Georgetown was again razed after the Public Service struck after making outrageous demands. These were along the lines of the GTU’s present demands: 25% raise for 2019 – when the PNC was in office, and 20% for 2020-23; allowances of $5,000 for stress; $10,00 internet (monthly!) $10,000 monthly if vehicles used etc…

In the sixties, the strikers were funded by the CIA, but this time, your Eyewitness understands, a yet-unnamed businessman will be funding the teachers.

To what end?? Anarchy? Or regime change? …children?

Your Eyewitness knows that with all the new connectivity on the internet - and its seamless connectivity available to everyone - all kids are much more aware of what’s going down!! Also, one newspaper said children growing up in “green spaces” – presumably, rural areas qualify! - have higher IQs!! Well, it looks like we have a genius or a child prodigy from one of the green villages in Canje, Berbice to rival Mozart – who’s said to’ve completed his first composition at age 5!!

Since we don’t have a classical music segment in our Children’s Mash Competition, we test our kids in Calypso composition. And one of our six-year-olds from Canje belted out a composition that shows her command of the English language rivals most UG graduates!! “Please tell meh how I must survive with 6.5?/ I have a burning issue on meh chest/ I can’t even rest/ How cost of living everything doubling/ This thing troubling/ Tell me how I must carry on/ With a seemingly one arm?” …Mad Maduro If your Eyewitness didn’t know better, he would swear that Mad Maduro is doing his darndest to provoke the UN into a Haiti-type intervention. He just shut down the UN Human Rights Office in Caracas, and expelled all staff.

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

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

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10 NEWS

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Pres Ali instructs review of laws governing local stock market …modern securities market will foster growth – GCCI

H

eeding calls from the local Private Sector and other stakehold-

ers, the Guyana Government has embarked on a review of the legal framework gov-

erning the local stock exchange market with the aim of refashioning the system to

meet a more competitive financial environment.

This has been revealed

Attorney General & Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, S.C.

by Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, S.C., during his weekly programme, “Issues in the News”, when he said these efforts are already underway.

“Work has already begun, and the services of experts have been retained.

Another person whose expertise is widely respected in the region is being pursued,” Nandlall noted.

According to the Legal Affairs Minister, this move is part of the Government’s commitment to modernise the legislative landscape of the country. In fact, he added that President Dr Irfaan Ali had specifically directed that the stock market laws be revised.

“The President has instructed a review of the relevant law – the Guyana Securities Council Act – and to modernise it, to expand it, and to refashion it to meet the expanding competitive and modern commercial and financial environment developing in Guyana,” the AG has said.

There have recently been calls for an overhaul of the local stock exchange market, with many stakeholders lamenting the outdated nature of the operations in Guyana.

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) is one of the bodies leading this demand, having issued a statement just about two weeks ago, urging that the Guyana Stock Exchange be rehabilitated to keep pace with the rapid growth of the economy.

The GCCI had bemoaned that the lack of necessary infrastructure, technological advancements, and regulatory framework at the Guyana Stock Exchange compromises the financial health of businesses, restricting their ability to attract investment and ultimately hampering their growth potential.

Welcome review On Friday, the GCCI welcomed Government’s announcement that the Securities Industry Act of 1998, which regulates the growth of efficient securities

GCCI President, Kester Hutson

markets and encourages capital formation, would be reviewed and modernized.

“The GCCI is encouraged at the announcement that the Government has already begun engaging with necessary experts to carry out this undertaking. Over the years, the GCCI has consistently been a leading advocate for the modernizing of the local securities market and stock exchange, continuously lobbying for a dynamic and competitive financial environment in Guyana that will benefit businesses, investors, and the economy as a whole,” this Private Sector body has said.

The GCCI went on to outline that, by reviewing the Securities Industry Act 1998, Government is demonstrating its dedication to fostering a more efficient securities market, one that would foster growth and better align with Guyana’s economic trajectory.

“The GCCI looks forward to continuing to work with the Government and relevant stakeholders to further enhance the regulatory framework and ensure the evolution of a transparent and secure securities market that fosters development,” the Chamber said in its missive.

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo had earlier this month posited that Government is prepared to support the modernisation of the Guyana Stock Exchange, but had reminded that it is a privately-owned mechanism.

Among the public companies with the stock exchange market are Banks DIH, Caribbean Containers, Citizen’s Bank, Demerara Bank, Demerara Distillers Ltd, Demerara Tobacco Company, Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), Sterling Products Limited, and a few others.

Once listed publicly on the exchange, share prices would grow in accordance with the company’s profitability and dividend policy. However, a big problem in the country is that many companies opt to remain private, although there is a greater level of scrutiny attached to being listed publicly. (G8)

NEWS

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GTT raises Fibre speed up to 100% for 40,000 homes T

elecoms giant GTT on Friday announced an increase in Fibre speed, ranging from 33 to 100 percent faster for all customers, and at no additional cost to any customer.

This announcement was made by GTT Commercial Director of Home Solutions and Fixed Networks, George Scott, during a press conference. He declared that, with immediate effect, customers on the home internet with 50 Mbps to 100 Mbps speeds would experience a 100 percent increase; and those on the 200 Mbps would receive 50 percent more speed, while customers within the 40 Mbps bracket would receive a 33 percent speed upgrade.

Scott explained, “This is a massive upgrade, and a totally enhanced experi-

ence for more than 40,000 Guyanese homes across the country. We recognise that some of our customers will need a new Wi-Fi device, and we’ve thought about it. Our technicians will be coming soon to have you fully set up. By providing faster speeds, we’re not only enabling more comfortable experiences in the home, but we’re providing new opportunities for personal and professional development.”

GTT has been the first network to introduce Fibre to Guyana with a promise of ensuring 75 percent of homes were covered by the end of 2025. A massive extension project commenced, and as of today, two in every three homes have access to high-speed Fibre networks.

“We’re proud of what this means for Guyana, and

Deputy CEO of GTT, Richard Stanton

we remain committed to our promise to reliably connect our customers. It is GTT’s intention to continue investing in our infrastructure. We will continue to

GTT Commercial Director of Home Solutions and Fixed Networks, George Scott

enhance our services and, as a customer-centric organisation, we will look and explore new ways to exceed expectations of our customers.”

GTT Deputy Chief Executive Officer Richard Stanton has shared that this new development forms part of the company’s overall objective of supporting

communities.

“This is just the beginning of what we have planned for the journey ahead. Throughout the year, our customers can expect more exciting news from us, where we continue to push the boundaries of innovation and excellence,” Stanton has outlined.

Since the launch of GTT Fibre in 2021, GTT has enhanced the value for money of its packages, bringing faster internet speeds and the ground-breaking GTT Fibre + Voice service, including the ability to migrate a landline number and receive free minutes and calling features.

Reliability has been increased through affordable Plume Wi-Fi mesh solution and Power backup solution options. (G12)

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NEWS

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Housing Ministry looking to develop 5,000 house lots at Wales …to address region’s application backlog

I

n order to address the current backlog of house lot applications in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), the Housing Ministry is mulling the development of some 5,000 house lots at Wales, West Bank Demerara.

Region Three is poised for significant progress in housing and water development in 2024. During community meetings at Greenwich Park, Philadelphia, and Vergenoegen, Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal spoke to residents about some of Government’s planned initiatives.

Over 5,600 house lots have been allocated in Region Three from 2020 to 2023, and $42.2 billion has been spent on infrastructural works there. As Minister Croal announced new plans to address the backlog, it has been explained that efforts to provide ownership documents for regula-

rised areas would continue, with several families at Greenwich Park (North) having their agreements of sale processed in about two weeks’ time.

In terms of water supply expansion, 10 wells are being drilled on the coastland, three of which are in Region Three; and about $4 billion is currently being expended to deliver treated water, including the $847 million Parika Water Treatment Plant, which is about 45 percent completed, along with the Wales and La Parfaite Harmonie Treatment Plants.

The Minister has said that, by the end of 2024, the entire West Coast of Demerara would be receiving treated water; and measures are also in place to cater to Wakenaam and Leguan.

Ongoing infrastructural projects such as the new Demerara River Crossing and the Schoonord to Crane Four-Lane Highway were

Region Three residents engaging the Housing Ministry’s representatives during the community meetings

discussed, along with 2024 Budget initiatives for education, health, pensioners, and persons with disabilities.

The economic future of

the West Bank Demerara Corridor, once driven by the sugar industry, is slated to be transformed by the Wales Development Zone (WDZ), which is expected to be one of the largest indus-

trial zones in the Caribbean.

In its term in office thus far, Government has delivered over 6,000 house lots to applicants in Region Three. From August 2020 to the end of 2021, some 2182

lots have been allotted in the region, and persons are already accessing their new plots.

The Ministry is making a dent in the existing backlog it met upon assuming office in 2020, although it continues to receive applications for house lots.

An evaluation of the pending applications for Region Three in 2022 stood at about 14,000; but as of last year, that number had been reduced to just over 13,000.

The Housing Sector would execute its work programme to the tune of $78 billion, with the Government well on its way to achieving its target of distributing 50,000 house lots within its first term in office. Water supply and distribution would also be extended to new communities. A total of $16.8 billion was spent last year on water and sanitisation, and $22.5 billion is budgeted for further advancements in this regard in 2024. (G12)

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2024

guyanatimesgy.com

News

GTU now wants formal invitation from Education Ministry before ending strike P

resident of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), Mark Lyte, has informed that the current strike by teachers for wage increase will be extended into the new week.

The GTU had initially stated that countrywide protest actions would last for two weeks, culminating on February 16. However, during a live video on Friday, it was announced that the strike would continue on Monday, and until the Education Ministry agrees to a meaningful meeting, where the terms of resumption can be ventilated.

A letter, dated February 9, 2024, has been sent by the GTU to Permanent Secretary of the Education Ministry, Shannielle Hoosein-Outar, indicating that the GTU is ready to recommence talks; but GTU President Mark Lyte has said that in order for there to be engage-

GTU President, Mark Lyte

ment, a formal response is needed from the Education Ministry.

“We are going to be outside on Monday, Tuesday, because the strike continues…We have written the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, indicating from the get-go that we are ready to end the strike

and have dialogue, (provided) that the Government comes to the table specific to our financial matters formally. If we write you, it is your obligation and duty to write us in return. We are not going to accept a verbal invitation for any meeting,” the GTU President has expressed.

At his Thursday press conference, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo indicated that the Education Ministry is responsible for all engagements with the Union.

In response, Lyte called on the MoE to set timelines in bringing the impasse to a closure. “If that is the case, then all we have to do is engage the Ministry of Education to deal with our financial matters. The responsibility now is in hands of the Minister of Education and her team to invite the union. Now that we have gotten the greenlight, respond to our letter formally…and let us set timelines for the implementation of salary increases for teachers,” he said.

Salaries already increased The Vice President disclosed this week that spending on wages and salaries for teachers under the current

People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government has dramatically increased over the past four years.

According to Jagdeo, the wages and salary bill for teachers has significantly gone up under the PPP/C Administration.

In 2019, wages and salaries for teachers amounted to some $24.4 billion; and by 2023, this amount had grown to $39.4 billion – an increase of $15 billion, or 61.4 per cent, he disclosed. Likewise, the budgetary allocation for the education sector this year is $135 billion – an $83 billion or 162 per cent increase from the $51.4 billion it received in 2019. This, according to the Vice President, is more investment than the previous A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition Government had made during its five years in office.

The GTU has made 41

demands in a multi-year agreement it proposed to the Education Ministry; 25 of those requests have since been fulfilled. Of the 16 remaining proposals, two are specifically for the benefit of only GTU and its executive members, while two others are contrary to the laws of Guyana, and the other 12 are currently under consideration, the Vice President has disclosed.

In fact, it has been explained that the MoE had an engagement with the GTU on this matter only last month, and the two entities were slated to meet again this month; but the GTU went ahead with hosting the strike action, which Government has labelled as illegal and politically driven.

As such, the Education Ministry has announced that it would not be paying those teachers who are on strike.

“I just want to be able to help my children” – paralyzed father of 3 …seeks support for vital surgery after fall at construction site

R

ahbindra Chandradat, a father of three and resident of Better Hope Centre Ground Road, East Coast Demerara, is facing a harrowing ordeal after a tragic accident last year left him paralyzed from the waist down.

In an interview with Guyana Times, the 34-yearold former construction worker explained that, on May 1, 2023, he fell approximately 20 feet from a building at a construction site in Turkeyen, ECD, and broke his back as a consequence.

Recalling the events of that fateful day, Chandradat explained that his employer had dispatched him to inspect the top of the building; and as he stepped on a beam, he was suddenly blinded by “something”, causing him to lose his footing and plummet to the ground below.

That fall resulted in him sustaining severe spinal cord damage, which necessitated urgent medical intervention, prompting his transfer to a private hospital, where he underwent critical surgery costing $1.2 million. Six screws were implanted in his back to address the extensive damage to his spinal cord; and he has since been confined to bed, unable to provide for his wife and three young children, aged five, eight and nine.

Prior to this accident, Chandradat was the primary breadwinner for his family.

Now incapacitated, his wife

“I just want to be able to help my children.

I grew up very poor, and I don’t want my children to suffer and go through the same things I went through. I had to start working since I was 12 years old, and so I didn’t get to go far in school” - Rahbindra Chandradat is forced to undertake menial jobs to support the family, and is unable to pursue fulltime employment due to the demands of caregiving. His physical condition has left him devoid of sensation from the waist down, necessitating his use of diapers.

“I just want to be able to help my children. I grew up very poor, and I don’t want my children to suffer and go through the same things I went through. I had to start working since I was 12 years old, and so I didn’t get to go far in school,” he said.

“My wife has to be home to take care of me…she lifts me, has to change my pampers three times per day…she holds me up, and my son has to hold my legs to move me around,” he disclosed.

“I am really punishing.

My wife wants to get a job, but she can’t. She was even trying to get a cleaning work at the school,” he explained.

Despite the bleak prognosis, Chandradat remains hopeful of being able to fully recover from this condition. However, he requires

further surgery, estimated at $450,000, to correct a hip fracture and restore mobility to his lower body. His current hip displacement inhibits movement, requiring surgical intervention to reposition the bone and insert a screw that would enable him to regain functionality in his legs.

“The doctor said if I don’t do the surgery, I will never be able to walk again…I asked the doctor if I could do it at a public hospital, and he told me that the public hospitals do not have the equipment to do the surgery,” Chandradat explained.

Chandradat is nevertheless determined to walk again, not only for his independence, but to alleviate the financial strain on his family.

Struggling to afford transportation to his biweekly hospital appointments, Chandradat often misses crucial treatments due to financial constraints or the reluctance of taxi drivers to assist him.

“It’s a real struggle, because I does got to pay $5000 every time I go to the hospital; and sometimes I can’t go

Rahbindra Chandradat following the accident

for treatment because I don’t have the money to go,” he said.

Expressing his deep-rooted desire to provide a better life for his children, Chandradat is imploring the public for assistance. He is in dire need of support to fund

his vital surgery, and is urging those unwilling to aid him directly to consider contributing to his children's welfare, thereby ensuring they have access to basic necessities and educational opportunities.

Persons willing to extend a helping hand to Chandradat

and his family can contact him on telephone (592) 6023674.

Amidst adversity, Chandradat remains steadfast in his determination to overcome his physical limitations and rebuild a brighter future for himself and his loved ones. (G9)

NEWS

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GPHC elevates urologic care with cutting-edge $13M ultrasonic lithotripter …recovery time for kidney stone patients now reduced kidney stones, placing patient comfort and safety at the forefront.

“This groundbreaking technology represents a paradigm shift in the treatment of kidney stones, offering Guyanese patients highly efficient and minimally invasive solutions, eliminating the need for open surgery,” the hospital has shared.

It added, “The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation reaffirms its commitment to providing the highest standard of care by embracing the lat-

est advancements in medical technology. The acquisition of the ultrasonic lithotripter aligns with GPHC's dedication to ensuring that Guyanese citizens receive world-class healthcare services within their home country.”

It has been explained that patients undergoing treatment for large and complex kidney stones now experience quicker procedures, reduced recovery times, and an overall improved healthcare journey.

Since its introduction, the innovative ultrasonic lith-

otripter has already benefitted more than twenty individuals, showcasing its immediate positive impact.

GPHC Consultant Dr Rajendra Sukhraj has supported the transformative potential of this technology by stating, "The integration of the ultrasonic lithotripter is a game-changer for urological care in Guyana. This cutting-edge device not only enhances treatment precision, but also prioritizes patient well-being, offering a minimally invasive alternative for complex kidney stone cases." (G12)

Rape accused on $300,000 bail

O

GPHC staff posing with the new ultrasonic lithotripter

T

he Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) will now be able to advance its urology care after procuring a $13M ultrasonic lithotripter to add to the facilities it currently possesses.

Successful integration of the Swiss Lithoclast

Master ultrasonic lithotripter into the facilities of the Urology Department of the GPHC was announced on Friday, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of urologic care in Guyana.

Procurement of this state-of-the-art equipment

signifies GPHC's unwavering commitment to providing cutting-edge medical technologies for the benefit of Guyanese patients, a statement has outlined.

The ultrasonic lithotripter utilises advanced ultrasonic energy to precisely and effectively pulverize

rvin Samsair, also known as Nicholas, a 21-year-old resident of Success, East Coast Demerara who has been accused of raping a minor, has been placed on $300,000 bail after his arraignment before Sparendaam Magistrate Alisha George on Thursday.

Accused of raping a minor under the age of 16, he was not required to plead to the indictable charge, instituted under Section 10(3) of the Sexual Offences Act, Chapter 8:03.

This case will continue on March 28.

Charged: Orvin Samsair, aka Nicholas

Mason avoids jailtime by Prioritise safety - Traffic compensating wounding victim

Chief to motorists

I

n a bid to bolster road safety amidst the high number of upcoming national events, the Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh, has issued a stern call to motorists to fortify themselves as the "hardest of targets" against criminal activities and accidents.

Emphasising the critical role of adhering to traffic regulations as a means to achieve this goal, Singh is urging drivers to embrace the five Cs – caution, courtesy, consideration, cooperation, and common sense.

"Observing traffic rules: ensure that you take time to drive at permissible speeds that are within the limitation that was established along the specific roadway or route of travel," Singh has stressed.

Focusing on pedestrian safety, Singh has underscored the vulnerability of this category of road users, and has implored heightened vigilance from both drivers and walkers alike.

"Be considerate of other road users, and be considerate for your own safety, (thereby) ensuring a safe return home to your loved ones," the Traffic Chief has urged as he emphasised the collective responsibility of everyone to foster a safer road environment.

Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh

Further, Singh has highlighted the significance of the upcoming week and a half; marked by pivotal national gatherings, including the Oil and Gas Conference, the Caricom Heads of Government Meeting, and celebrations for Guyana’s Republic Day anniversary.

He is urging individuals to exercise prudence and mindfulness in their activities amidst these events, and has said that while the Police would facilitate the movements of road users, strict enforcement measures would be in place to ensure full compliance with laws and instructions.

Thus, he is emphasizing

the importance of the public cooperating with law enforcement authorities during this period of heightened activity. “We want to urge you to be very considerate of your activities…And we would like to let you know that the Police will support your activities, but will ensure, in a very strict manner…”, he said.

As Guyana prepares to host these significant events, Singh’s impassioned plea serves as a timely reminder for all road users to prioritize safety and responsibility, so that they may ultimately ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. (G9)

A

32-year-old mason has saved himself from jailtime after he compensated a man $250,000 following a felonious wounding charge.

Jamel Taylor of Graham Street, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara was arraigned before Sparendaam Magistrate Alisha George on a charge of felonious wounding that alleged that, on January 15, 2023, he wounded Winston Munroe.

However, the case was dismissed on Friday after Taylor compensated Munroe.

Charged: Jamel Taylor

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2024

20

Around the World

Israel bombards Gaza, with biggest OILNEWS OIL NEWS functioning hospital under siege

Oil settles up, records G weekly gain on Middle East tensions

O

il prices settled higher on Friday as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East more than offset a forecast from the International Energy Agency (IEA) for slowing demand.

Brent crude futures settled up 61 cents, or 0.74 per cent at US$83.47 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude settled US$1.16, or 1.49 pe r cent, higher at US$79.19 with the March contract expiring on Tuesday. The April contract rose 87 cents to US$78.46.

For the week, Brent gained more than one per cent and the US benchmark rose about three per cent.

The growing risk of a wider conflict in the Middle East supported crude prices.

On Thursday, Hezbollah said it fired dozens of rockets at a northern Israeli town in a "preliminary response" to the killing of 10 civilians in southern Lebanon, the deadliest day for Lebanese civilians in four months of cross-border hostilities.

The oil market's reaction to news from the Middle East was moderate, said Giovanni Staunovo, an analyst at UBS. "The market sees oil still flowing and disruptions have been small," he said.

Gaza's largest functioning hospital was under siege in Israel's war with Islamist group Hamas, as warplanes struck Rafah, the last refuge for Palestinians in the enclave, officials said.

Threats persisted in the Red Sea after a missile fired from Yemen struck an India-bound tanker carrying crude oil.

US producer prices increased more than expected in January amid strong gains in the costs of services, which could amplify inflation worries. Still, a slump in retail sales prompted hopes the Fed would soon start cutting rates, which could support oil demand.

"Hopes for US rate cuts provided support on Thursday, but investors are now adjusting their positions ahead of a long (holiday) weekend in the US," said Hiroyuki Kikukawa, President of NS Trading, a unit of Nissan Securities.

On Thursday, the IEA said global oil demand growth was losing momentum and trimmed its 2024 growth forecast.

The agency expects global oil demand growth to decelerate to 1.22 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2024, about half of the growth seen last year, in part a result of a sharp slowdown in Chinese consumption. It had previously forecast 2024 demand growth of 1.24 million bpd.

The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) expects oil use to keep rising for the next two decades.

US energy firms this week cut the number of oil and natural gas rigs in operation for the second time in three weeks, energy services firm Baker Hughes said in its closelyfollowed report on Friday. (Reuters)

aza's largest functioning hospital was under siege on Friday in Israel's war with Islamist group Hamas, leaving patients and doctors helpless in the chaos as warplanes struck Rafah, the last refuge for Palestinians in the enclave, officials said.

Israeli forces remained in Nasser Hospital in the town of Khan Younis after raiding it early Thursday.

The Gaza Health Ministry said five intensive care patients died on Friday due to power outages and lack of oxygen supply caused by the attack.

Israel said it moved into the hospital because Hamas militants were hiding there.

The Israeli military said on Friday its troops detained

U

Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian Nichols said he expected a "robust" conversation on issues of global peace and security between Blinken and Lula, who has sharply criticised US ally Israel's war in Gaza, including in Cairo this week.

"I think it's going to be a dynamic conversation," Nichols told reporters in a phone briefing ahead of the trip, noting that Blinken will have just returned from conversations at the Munich Security Conference this week and recently visited the Middle East, his fifth trip there since the October 7 attacks that ignited Israel's bombardment and invasion of Gaza. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Palestinians inspect a house hit by an Israeli strike in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, February 16, 2024 (Reuters/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa photo)

ing them up” in cold weather, said Ministry spokesman Ashraf Al-Qidra.

The Ministry said Israeli forces inside Nasser Hospital forced women and

children into the maternity department, which it turned into a military area.

Women were not allowed to take any of their belongings. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Putin foe Alexei Navalny dies in jail, West holds Russia responsible

A

lexei Navalny, Russian President Vladimir Putin's most formidable domestic opponent, fell unconscious and died on Friday after a walk at the "Polar Wolf" Arctic penal colony where he was serving a three-decade sentence, authorities said.

The death of Navalny, a 47-year-old former lawyer, robs the disparate Russian Opposition of its most prominent leader as Putin pre-

pares for an election which will keep the former KGB spy in power until at least 2030.

US President Joe Biden said he was outraged and joined other Western leaders in criticising Russia over Navalny's death, blaming it on "something that Putin and his thugs did".

Navalny rose to prominence more than a decade ago by documenting and speaking publicly about what he said was the vast corrup-

tion and opulence among the "crooks and thieves" running Putin's Russia.

There are no other Opposition Leaders in Russia of Navalny's stature. For some young urban Russians, Navalny had offered hope of an alternative future to Putin, who has served as Russia's paramount leader longer than anyone since Josef Stalin.

The Federal Penitentiary

Service of the YamaloNenets Autonomous District said in a statement that Navalny felt unwell after a walk at the IK-3 penal colony in Kharp, about 1900 km (1200 miles) northeast of Moscow.

He lost consciousness almost immediately and died shortly afterwards, it said, adding that resuscitation attempts failed. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Trump hit with Tobago's tourism, fishing US$354.9M penalty, 3-year hit as oil slick spreads ban in NY civil fraud case across Caribbean

Blinken to visit Brazil, N Argentina for meetings with Lula, Milei S Secretary of State, Antony Blinken will travel next week to Brazil and Argentina, where he is set to meet with the leaders of both countries and attend a gathering of G20 Foreign Ministers, the State Department said on Friday.

Blinken will head to Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro, and Buenos Aires from February 20 to February 23, with Brazil hosting meetings as President of the G20 grouping of the world's largest economies.

He will meet Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasilia to discuss the US-Brazil partnership for workers' rights and cooperation on the energy transition, the State Department said.

more than 20 militants in the hospital who participated in the October 7 attacks on Israel and dozens of others for questioning.

Hamas denies there were militants in the hospital, describing the claim as "lies aimed to cover up for destroying hospitals".

The Gaza Health Ministry said the hospital lost power and remained without electricity on Friday, jeopardising patient care. But the Israeli military said it repaired one generator and provided another, ensuring "all vital systems continued to operate".

Two pregnant women gave birth on Friday “under tough conditions -- no water, no food and no way of warm-

ine days after a slick was first spotted by Trinidad and Tobago's Coast Guard, an oil leak from a capsized barge remains unplugged, according to first responders and authorities, prompting nations across the Caribbean to coordinate a response.

The spill has spread miles from Tobago's shore, the area first hit by the incident.

Trinidad this week alerted neighbours Venezuela and Grenada on possible impact to their coasts.

The Caribbean Disaster Management Agency, dependent on regional group Caricom, has activated a contingency plan, the head of Tobago's Emergency Management Agency (TEMA), Allan Stewart, said on Friday.

A barge pulled by a tugboat caused the spill, but details of the incident remain unclear, including the type of petroleum leaking, the

ship's intended destination, owner and if any members of the crew were lost.

By Thursday, the slick had reached about 144 kilometres (89 miles) into the Caribbean Sea and was moving at a rate of 14 km (9 miles) per hour, authorities said.

"This looks like it will continue for a few weeks. I cannot simply sit down and do nothing," said Edwin Ramkisson, who makes a living fishing for snapper and salmon in Lowlands, on Tobago's Atlantic shore. "I need help cleaning my boat before moving to another port on the Caribbean side."

Several beach and golf resorts in Tobago that typically receive foreign tourists have been forced to close access to the ocean. The nearby Scarborough cruise ship port is being protected from the spill by containment booms. (Excerpt from Reuters)

D

onald Trump must pay US$354.9 million in penalties for fraudulently overstating his net worth to dupe lenders, a New York Judge ruled on Friday, handing the former US President another legal setback in a civil case that imperils his real estate empire.

Justice Arthur Engoron, in a sharply-worded decision, issued after a contentious three-month trial in Manhattan, also banned Trump, who is running to regain the presidency this year, from serving as an officer or director of any New York corporation for three years. Trump's lawyer Alina Habba vowed to appeal.

Engoron cancelled his prior ruling from September ordering the "dissolution" of companies that control pillars of Trump's real estate empire, saying on Friday that this was no longer necessary because he is ap-

pointing an independent monitor and compliance director to oversee Trump's businesses.

Trump and the other defendants in the case, Engoron wrote in the ruling, "are incapable of admitting the error of their ways".

"Their complete lack of contrition and remorse borders on pathological," Engoron wrote. "Instead, they adopt a 'See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil' posture that the evidence belies."

The lawsuit brought

by New York Attorney General Letitia James accused Trump and his family businesses of overstating his net worth by as much US$3.6 billion a year over a decade to fool bankers into giving him better loan terms. Trump, who faces criminal charges in four other cases, has called the lawsuit a political vendetta by James, a Democrat.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2024

21

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Keep your eye on the target and proceed to the finish line. The tide is turning, and opportunities are within reach.

Don't sit back when the time to act is now. Say no to temptation.

(March 21-April 19) You'll accomplish the most if you work alone. Don't be concerned with last-minute changes others make or rely on promises from unreliable people.

Avoid no-win situations.

PICKLES (April 20-May 20)

Control your emotions. Someone will be eager to mislead you. Don't overreact or agree to something that irks you. Pay attention to detail, educate yourself and launch what you want to do.

(May 21-June 20)

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

You can do things your way if you abide by the rules. Think before you share expenses or participate in a joint venture. Look for unique ways to approach work. Say no to manipulative people.

Stand your ground and observe how others respond. If you want something done, set priorities. Don't leave anything to chance or in someone else's hands.

(July 23-Aug. 22) Don't take anything for granted. Stay on top of what matters and watch out for anyone trying to put lofty ideas in your head that don't apply to your long-term needs.

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

Connect the dots and see what they show you. You're in a learning phase that can help you break into the next level of material success and emotional health.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

Consider what's working for you and what needs an adjustment. Put a budget and plan in place and set your sights on the goal you want to achieve. Reject unsuitable suggestions.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Determine your financial plan and consider what you do for a living and how you can get ahead. Attend a function that offers insight into what's trending in the job market.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Stay home and distance yourself from those tempting you to do things you shouldn't. Keep your money and possessions in a safe place. Don't give anyone personal information.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Set your priorities and stick to your plans. Don't let anyone tempt you to do more for them than you do for yourself.

Make your home more comfortable and inviting. Do what's best for you.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Make a to-do list and check it twice before you spend your time or money on something you don't need. Refuse to let emotions interfere with your decisions.

Avoid unnecessary drama.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

22

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2024

Duckett leads charge as India feel the force of Bazball

A

sensational century

by Ben Duckett, at 88 balls the third fastest against India in India, left the hosts shell-shocked after they once again left runs unscored in their first innings of 445. There was none of the streakiness one might associate with a century scored at this pace. None of Duckett's 19 fours and one six in his first 102 runs came off an edge. No bowler seemed to have an answer for his stroke-play: Duckett pounced on any width from the quicks, swept and reverse-swept the spinners to distraction, and then cashed in on the consequent shorter deliveries.

He scored 133 of the 207 England made for the loss of two wickets in just 35 overs on the second day. India had batted 45 overs in the first half of the day for the addition of just 119 runs to their overnight 326 for 5. The recurring theme of India losing wickets without a buildup or a discernible plan from England's bowlers continued.

Not that plans or build-ups were working as Duckett demonstrated. India tried bowling the channel, but Duckett stayed beside the line and crashed the quicks through the off side. Kuldeep Yadav tried his wristspin, but Duckett swept and reverse-swept seven fours in his first four overs. R Ashwin, who got to his 500th Test wicket with the scalp of Zak Crawley, was allowed no time to celebrate as Duckett slog-swept a good length ball from the stumps and then followed it up by going back and pulling him.

The only time Duckett looked in any kind of trouble was in the first four overs when he was beaten five times. He had tried to hit a four off each of those balls, and was not dissuaded from doing that the next time he saw width.

Ollie Pope, who scored the breathtaking 196 to steal the first Test away from India, and Crawley, who has been England's best batter this series overall, were reduced to being mere spectators even though they batted with assuredness and comfort. Crawley scored just 15 in the first-wicket stand of 89, and Pope just 39 in the 93 added for the second wicket. However, there was still time enough for Pope to display the reverse Dilscoop that left jaws on the floor in

Ben Duckett brought up his hundred off 88 balls

the first Test.

It was the partnership with Crawley, though, that once again set India back.

This was their fourth association of 50 or more in five innings this series. Between 2018 and 2023, all visiting openers had put together four stands of 50 or more. By the time Ashwin came onto

start picking boundaries behind the wicket: a paddle-sweep followed by the outrageous reverse Dilscoop.

Then the reverse-sweep.

Then the orthodox one from Duckett. The closest India came to getting a wicket during this phase when Jasprit Bumrah hit Duckett's toe with a york-

Jasprit Bumrah hugs R Ashwin after his 500th wicket

the old ball, and then a review, for India to get some relief. Pope was trapped on the crease, but England were already 182 for 2 in just 30 overs.

Even with stumps around the corner, the

Dhruv Jurel's first boundary in Test cricket was a ramp over the wicketkeeper for six

bowl, Duckett and Crawley had raced so far ahead, he started off with a negative line outside leg to Crawley.

That ended up bringing his landmark wicket as the ball bounced from the rough to take the top edge on the sweep.

Now was the moment for India to try to build to another wicket. Pope is not that good a starter, and Kuldeep started by beating his bat on the outside edge.

On 2 off 11, Pope, who might not have picked the earlier wrong'un, decided it would not matter which way it is turning if he gets to its pitch and biffs it over the infield.

It heralded another wave of attack, which included the audacious slog-sweep off Ashwin for his first six.

Pope then used the pace from Ravindra Jadeja to

er, but he had got the inside half of the cue on it just as the ball landed.

A particular cause for desperation for India was that they were playing their best possible attack at home, barring probably Mohammed Shami for Mohammed Siraj. And yet, England were bossing them without any trouble, scoreboard pressure be damned.

India then decided to slow the game down. They did what England did with Mark Wood. A field for bouncers, and keep bowling them one after the other.

Not only did it slow the runs down momentarily it also slowed down the over-rate.

And then when Siraj bowled one on a length, it behaved like his wobble-seam ball with the new ball does. It took such a good ball with

wicket failed to bring down Duckett's disdain. He immediately reversed Jadeja for a flat six over what would have been point had he not switched his stance. In the last over, Ashwin came close to getting Duckett out when he defended for a change, but the off break had landed just outside leg.

The amount of work India are having to put in to get their wickets will be a good reminder to them of how easily they gave their own away. After the run-out on day one, the centurion Jadeja patted a return catch to Joe Root in the early exchanges of the day, reminiscent of how Yashasvi Jaiswal got out in the first over on day two in Hyderabad.

Ashwin and debutant Dhruv Jurel then added 77 for the eighth wicket, but Ashwin too hit leg spinner Rehan Ahmed straight to mid-on in a manner that

SCOREBOARD India 1st Innings Yashasvi Jaiswal c Root b Wood 10 Rohit Sharma (c)c Stokes b Wood 131 Shubman Gill c †Foakes b Wood 0 Rajat Patidar c Duckett b Hartley 5 Ravindra Jadeja c & b Root 112 Sarfaraz Khan run out (Wood) 62 Kuldeep Yadav c †Foakes b Anderson 4 Dhruv Jurel †c †Foakes b Rehan Ahmed 46 Ravichandran Ashwin c Anderson b Rehan Ahmed 37 Jasprit Bumrah lbw b Wood 26 Mohammed Siraj not out 3 Extras (b 2, lb 4, nb 2, w 1) 9 TOTAL 130.5 Ov (RR: 3.40) 445 Fall of wickets: 1-22 (Yashasvi Jaiswal, 3.5 ov), 2-24 (Shubman Gill, 5.4 ov), 3-33 (Rajat Patidar, 8.5 ov), 4-237 (Rohit Sharma, 63.3 ov), 5-314 (Sarfaraz Khan, 81.5 ov), 6-331 (Kuldeep Yadav, 89.4 ov), 7-331 (Ravindra Jadeja, 90.5 ov), 8-408 (Ravichandran Ashwin, 119.6 ov), 9-415 (Dhruv Jurel, 123.5 ov),

10-445 (Jasprit Bumrah, 130.5 ov) • DRS BOWLING O-M-R-W James Anderson 25-7-61-1 Mark Wood 27.5-2-114-4 Tom Hartley 40-7-109-1 Joe Root 16-3-70-1 Rehan Ahmed 22-2-85-2 England 1st Innings Zak Crawley c Patidar b Ashwin 15 Ben Duckett not out 133 Ollie Pope lbw b Mohammed Siraj 39 Joe Root not out 9 Extras (b 1, lb 1, nb 4, pen 5) 11 TOTAL 35 Ov (RR: 5.91) 207/2 Yet to bat: Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (c), Ben Foakes †, Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley,Mark Wood, James Anderson Fall of wickets: 1-89 (Zak Crawley, 13.1 ov), 2-182 (Ollie Pope, 29.6 ov) • DRS BOWLING O-M-R-W Jasprit Bumrah 8-0-34-0 Mohammed Siraj 10-1-54-1 Kuldeep Yadav 6-1-42-0 Ravichandran Ashwin 7-0-37-1 Ravindra Jadeja 4-0-33-0

left him with his hand on his head in a "what-did-I-justdo" kind of way. It is not like the spinners had built any dot-ball pressure on India as loose balls were readily available.

Three stands put together 358 of India's 445 runs.

One – for the last wicket – was responsible for 30 of the remaining 87. That, though, has been the story of the series for India's inexperienced batting line-up.

(ESPNcricinfo).

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2024

23

21-member U20 squad named for CONCACAF Qualifiers U

nder-20 Men’s National Team Head Coach Kayode McKinnon believes his selected 21-member squad is well-prepared to face their first challenge in the CONCACAF Championship Qualifiers against Antigua and Barbuda on February 23 in Antigua and Barbuda.

McKinnon revealed his team earlier this week following a rigorous month of training at the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) National Training Centre in Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

The Junior Golden Jaguars roster comprises a blend of former Under-15 national players, local talents who took part in the 2023 NAMILCO Under-17 National Academy Playoffs, and players based in both Trinidad and the United States.

“We're happy with our decision,” McKinnon said, adding that he chose “players that are ready to take on this challenge that is ahead of us.”

The Head Coach's first team selection since as-

The U20 Jags have been in preparation mode over the past month

suming the position in 2023 includes: Goalkeepers: Duquain Samuels, Emmanuel Lewis, and Julien Casimir Defenders: Gerry-Mayer Burnette, Jaden Thom, Jayden Culley, Kyle Reid, Tyler Lyle, Tyrel Stephen, and Tyrese Lyle Midfielders: Hemant Brandon Khedoo, Bryan Wharton, Ezekial Rowland, Kvist Paul, Kymani Sealey, Nathaniel Pydana, Rondesio Tudor, Shemaiah Samuels, and Solomon Austin.

Forwards: Matrim Martin and Perry Jr Gaul Coach McKinnon explained that his evaluation considered the "physical traits crucial for competing at this level", taking into account players' game knowledge, as well as their competitiveness, honesty, and humility.

More than 40 young participants attended the training camp, which featured two assessment games between Elite League teams – the reigning champions Guyana

Defence Force and the former champions Slingerz.

“We believe that it's an honest process. It was one (in) which we saw the players giving their best and wanting to represent the country, wanting to do well for the country, and that only created a healthy environment and a competitive one that will only do well for Guyana now and in the

future,” McKinnon shared.

The tournament features 27 Under-20 national teams vying for supremacy between February 23 to March 2.

Guyana are in Group B, alongside El Salvador, Antigua and Barbuda, Suriname, and Turks and Caicos Islands.

Following the round-robin stage, the Junior Golden

Jaguars must clinch the top spot in Group B to advance to the 2024 CONCACAF Men's U-20 Championship, where they will join the six pre-seeded top-ranked nations.

The opening clash against Antigua and Barbuda is set to kick off at 09:30h in the ABFA Technical Centre in Antigua.

EIM donates to Mash Street BACIF restores Elite League Football Championships Championship Trophy …ahead of Season 6 kick-off later this month

T

he Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has successfully restored the prestigious Elite League Trophy just in time for the February 25 Season Six kick-off.

The flawless restoration was done by Brass Aluminium and Cast Iron Foundry Limited (BACIF), the company that built the three-foot wood and brass trophy in 2023.

It was uplifted from Season Five champions the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and taken to BACIF earlier this month.

The trophy will take centre stage during the opening ceremony set to take place at the Federation's National Training Centre (NTC) in Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

GFF President Wayne Forde said “this trophy is a true representation of excellent craftmanship by the technical team at BACIF and looks as good as new”, adding that “fans can look forward to five months of competitive matches between the country's top senior men’s clubs in a newly-upgraded NTC facility”.

Fans and players alike are in for an enhanced experience as matches will be played from February to July at the NTC on a renovated field, illuminated by recently-installed FIFAapproved floodlights.

In their quest to dethrone defending champions Guyana Defence

One of the members of EIM, Andrew Hercules (second right) hands over the donation to Mash Street Football Championship Ambassador, Terryann Caesar while Edison Jefford (left) and another official share the moment

T The Elite League Championship trophy has been restored for Season 6

Force, and secure the coveted championship trophy, a line-up of formidable clubs is actively training – the Guyana Police Force, Western Tigers, Den Amstel, Fruta Conquerors, Santos, Ann’s Grove, Buxton United, as well as the recently-promoted Monedderlust and Slingerz.

The Elite League stands as Guyana's foremost senior men's tournament,

serving as a crucial pathway for players to progress into the national team programme and garner opportunities to play on the international stage.

he Economic Independence Movement (EIM), a group aimed at creating social and economic change, made a significant financial contribution to Sports Management Inc (SMI) yesterday ahead of the upcoming Mashramani Street Football Championship scheduled for Sunday at the National Park.

EIM Chairman Nigel Hinds said that at the core, the event on Sunday is aimed at addressing the needs of disadvantaged communities through sports. He said that goal aligned with one of EIM's essential values. According to Hinds, sports is a perfect opportunity to provide em-

powerment for the less fortunate, which can help to mitigate negative social impacts.

The EIM wants to ensure financial opportunities go directly to vulnerable groups, which will provide economic empowerment. The group believes that initiatives such as these help families support themselves, which contribute to stronger and more vibrant communities.

Elite street football teams representing 16 communities across Georgetown will go on show on Sunday for $1 million in total prize money. The winning team will pocket $500,000 while second, third and fourth place

get $250,000, $150,000 and $100,000 respectively.

The Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament will also be rewarded. In addition, the event promises thrilling entertainment that is expected to really jump-start Guyana's Republic Day celebrations.

SMI principal Edison Jefford had stated that because the event, which had ran for six nights in the past, has been crunched into "one big night", it's important that the teams be disciplined and on time so that the running order of events can progress smoothly for patrons. He said they would enforce strict rules to eliminate indiscipline.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2024

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

enters 3-year partnership B

Shamar Joseph sports GTT’s signature colours

aracara’s superstar, international cricketer 24-year-old Shamar Joseph is Redefining Speed in Partnership with Guyana’s Largest, Fastest and Most Reliable Network, GTT Inc. The official announcement of Joseph’s GTT endorsement deal, which would last for an initial three years, came on Friday, February 16 at a press conference at the Marriott Hotel.

While addressing members of the media and other speciallyinvited guests, GTT Chief Commercial Officer Kerchelle Jn Charles said taking the decision to partner with Joseph was extremely easy, as the cricketer was not only a national icon but serves as a symbol of hope, resilience and inspiration for

Guyanese.

Jn Charles further stated that the right-arm fast bowler was well-positioned to not only help Guyana’s Largest, Fastest and Most Reliable Network better connect with the people it served, but was the perfect reallife representation of how one’s life could be totally transformed with the right exposure and connection to the best cuttingedge technology.

Recounting her recent visit to Joseph’s hometown of Baracara last Friday, Jn Charles said she was privileged to witness firsthand his humility, kindness and deep-rooted love for his neighbours and fellow countrymen. She explained that Joseph drove the boat to take her along with other GTT team members around his village and

Shamar Joseph and GTT’s Kerchelle Jn Charles review the Memorandum of Understanding

offered a special welcome to the Baracara family and into his home.

Jn Charles said, “Beyond the statistics and accolades lies a story of dedication, perseverance, and unwavering commitment. His passion for cricket, his dedication to his

profession, and his profound love for his community mirror the values that we hold dear to our brand at GTT and we’re happy to partner with him on this new and exciting journey.”

The GTT Chief Commercial Officer explained that this new partnership not only meant an

increase in community presence and more strategic Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, but also represented the continuation of GTT delivering more value, more fun and faster speeds to every home and customer. Jn Charles urged all residents to anticipate an

exciting and rewarding season ahead.

“As part of our commitment to supporting the growth and development of communities across Guyana, we have already taken steps to enhance connectivity in Baracara.

Through our partnership with WANSAT, we provided Internet access to Shamar’s home. We also delivered merchandise to students and will continue to ensure that they have the tools they need to succeed academically,” Jn Charles added.

For his part, Joseph told the gathering he was extremely pleased to partner with GTT as this partnership aligned very much with his personal core values.

The right-arm fast bowler is basking in even more good news and successes, having earned himself the title of International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s Cricketer of the Month of January 2024 along with recent selection to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and Indian Premier League (IPL).

West Indies Championships…

Louis, Anderson shine as Harpy Eagles chase big total on Day 4 M ikyle Louis completed backto-back centuries

against the Guyana Harpy Eagles (GHE), West Indies Championships defending

SCOREBOARD

Leeward Islands Hurricanes 295 Mikyle Louis c RJ Ali Mohamed b RJ Ali Mohamed 130 Kofi James c KA Anderson b V Permaul 14 Kacey Carty c K Savory b I Thorne 34 Terance Warde c K Savory b KA Anderson 18 Jahmar Hamilton lbw K Sinclair 12 Jewel Andrew c AO Adams b KA Anderson 17 Hayden Walsh c KA Anderson b KA Anderson 7 Jeremiah Louis c V Permaul b KA Anderson 6 Colin Archibald c None b RJ Ali Mohamed 31 Rahkeem Cornwall c K Sinclair b KA Anderson 11 Daniel Doram not out 6 Extras – 9 b: 4 lb: 1 wd: 4 nb: 0 Total 295 all out (69.4 overs)

BOWLING O-M-R-W Isai Thorne 7-0-35-1 Neiland Cadogan 9-1-46-0 Ronaldo Ali Mohamed 13.4-0-66-2 Anthony Adams 5-0-23-0 Veerasammy Permaul 11-1-40-1 Kevin Sinclair 9-1-23-1 Kevlon Anderson 15-2-57-5 Guyana Harpy Eagles 67/1 Tagenarine Chanderpaul not out 40 Matthew Nandu c TR Warde b RRS Cornwall 2 Raymond Perez not out 20 Extras – 5 b: 4 lb: 0 wd: 0 nb: 1 Total 67/1 (35.0 overs) BOWLING O-M-R-W Jeremiah Louis 4-1-15-0 Rahkeem Cornwall 14-7-20-1 Colin Archibald 4-1-6-0 Daniel Doram 6-3-11-0 Hayden Walsh 6-1-11-0 Terance Warde 1-1-0-0

champions, to ensure the Guyanese would have a mammoth total to chase for victory on Day 4.

Louis left off on Day 2 on an unbeaten 37 and went on to post 130 from 168 deliveries before falling prey to Ronaldo Alimohamed. Louis’s strong innings managed to frustrate the Harpy Eagles bowlers for most of the day, as no other batter got to a half-century.

Keacy Carty struck 34 off 52 balls, while Colin Archibald added 31 runs from 24 deliveries.

It was the most unlikely of bowlers that managed to cut down the Hurricanes, with Captain Kevlon Anderson utilising his extra skills to pick up his first five-wicket haul in First-Class cricket.

While Anderson took 5-27 from 15, Alimohamed took two wickets while Veerasammy Permaul, Kevin Sinclair and Isai Thorne grabbed one each.

Mikyle Louis smashed back-to-back centuries against the Harpy Eagles

With the Leeward Islands Hurricanes being bowled out for 295 in the second innings, they left the Harpy Eagles 459 runs to chase, if they should bring up their first win of the 2024 season.

The Guyanese team

Kevlon Anderson picked up his first five-wicket haul

began the chase on a shaky note, with Matthew Nandu falling to Rahkeem Cornwall’s bowling in just the fourth over for two runs from eight balls. However, Tagenarine Chanderpaul seemed to find form, and along with Raymond

Perez, saw out the remaining overs on Day 3.

Chanderpaul is unbeaten on 40 from 117 deliveries, while Perez will resume Day 4 on 20 from 86 balls. The Harpy Eagles need a further 392 runs for victory.

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