Guyana Times - Satday, February 18, 2023

Constitutional Reform cannot take place with Opposition’s absence – AG

Canada injects millions in humanitarian support to Haiti, tackling Caribbean’s climate crisis

…as Caricom recommits to resolving Haiti crisis, condemns Suriname unrest

Guyana pledges US$2M to support Caricom food security initiatives

6 public electric vehicle charging stations to arrive by March month-end –GEA Head

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Husband dies hours after wife killed in Bartica smash-up

6 men wanted for unleashing terror at Mon Repos surrender …“they have absolutely nothing to fear” – lawyer

Essequibo Coast housewife nabbed with cocaine

Police destroy $181M in ganja in Berbice

…pushes for Private Sector to invest, build stations Protesters storm Suriname’s Parliament, loot businesses, as rally turns ugly

WCB farmer accused of being “police informant” set on fire

See story on page 19

Muslim scholar acquitted of rape of 6-yearold boy Miner air-dashed to city after severe beating by neighbours

WCB farmer accused of being “Police informant” set on fire

AWest Berbice, Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) man was on Friday morning set on fire by a fellow villager, who referred to him as a traitor and a Police informant.

The injured man had recently offered assistance to the Police after residents of Hopetown, West Coast Berbice, set a car on fire following an accident.

Injured is 51-year-old

Trevor Jameer, a cattle farmer of Hopetown Village, West Coast Berbice. The incident took place just before 07:00h on Friday.

Reports are that the incident reportedly stemmed from Jameer assisting the Police to pull a car out of a

trench at Hopetown Village on February 5 during protests.

Back then, villagers had burnt a car after the driver crashed into two cyclists and then fled the scene. The car was reportedly set on fire and subsequently pushed into a trench.

However, Jameer assisted the Police in pulling the vehicle out of the trench, against the wishes of his fellow villagers.

According to the man’s daughter, Travine McCalmont, her father encountered one of the villagers on Friday morning.

“This morning (Friday) he was sitting down by a shop with some friends, the

Injured: Trevor Jameer

boy come from Bush Lot side and he turn and tell my father that he hear my father say that you gon bus up me head and me father asked him where he get that from. Then he tell my father that he coming back,” she revealed to this publication.

Jameer reportedly did not take the utterances as a threat and remained at the shop.

However, shortly after the suspect returned, bringing with him a container

with kerosene.

“He throw it on my father and he had a stick with fire and he just put the stick to him and he catch afire.”

Jameer received burns to his right upper body including his back. He was taken to the Fort Wellington Hospital for treatment and then transferred to New Amsterdam Hospital.

The matter has since been reported to the Police, who are on the hunt for the suspect. (G4)

6 homeless after Corentyne fire

Six persons are now homeless following a fire at Number 65 Village, Corentyne, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), on Friday afternoon.

The fire completely destroyed the home of Leonard Sandy. The carpenter occupied the upper flat of the two-storey building with his wife, a Government parttime worker, and their three children aged two, five and eight.

The lower flat was occupied by Saif Latiff, a bicycle repair tradesman.

At the time of the blaze, no one was at home.

According to Sandy, he left home at about 15:30h for a funeral in the village and his wife left with the three children shortly after him.

Latiff, who plies his trade from a location a street away, was reportedly at the same funeral.

It was while at the funeral villagers noticed that a house was on fire. As villagers rushed to the scene, including Sandy, it became evident which house was on fire.

“We couldn’t save anything,” Sandy told this publication.

Villagers formed a bucket brigade but their efforts

proved futile as the building was already engulfed.

The fire spread to a nearby building and the local firefighters turned their attention there.

A section of the wall was pulled down to prevent further spread.

The Fire Service arrived and were able to put out the fire from the second building. Water from a nearby canal was used to control the fire which was eventually extinguished but the entire building was destroyed.

Workers from Guyana Water Inc arrived on the scene during the initial stages of firefighting and made available blue flexible pipe lines which were connected to pipe lines in the community to make water available at the fire scene for the bucket brigade.

The Skeldon Fire Station which responded is 15 villages away.

Sandy said he was the caretaker of the building.

The Fire Service has launched an investigation into the cause of the fire.

Persons who may want to offer assistance to the family can contact them on telephone number (592) 6260533 (G4)

The house on fire at Number 65 Village, Corentyne, Berbice

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Saturday, Feb 18 – 03:30h to 05:00h and Sunday, Feb 19 – 04:00h – 05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, Feb 18 – 15:00h – 16:30h and Sunday, Feb 19 – 15:50h – 17:20h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

There will be thundery showers during the day. Expect clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 15:27h reaching a maximum height of 2.61 metres.

Low Tide: 08:59 and 21:31h reaching minimum heights of 0.79 metre and 0.54 metre.

LOTTERY NUMBERS

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana pledges US$2M to support Caricom food security initiatives

President Dr Irfaan Ali, who is leading the Caribbean Community’s (Caricom) food production and food security programme, has pledged some US$2 million in support towards the initiative.

This was announced by Chairman of Caricom, Prime Minister of the Bahamas, Phillip Davis, during a press conference on Friday evening to brief regional media on the outcome of the just concluded 44th Regular Meeting of the Heads of Government Conference held in Nassau this week.

According to PM Davis, President Ali submitted a project proposal to his regional colleagues titled – “Building Food Security Through Innovation, Resilience, Sustainability and Empowerment” – to guide the Caribbean’s efforts towards food production and food security.

The Chairman noted that the Caricom Heads of Government “…accepted [President Ali’s] Government’s pledge of $2 million towards financing and implementing this project.”

The Bahamian PM added that this proposal includes the expanse of hydroponics farming in the Region. In fact, this type of farming is expected to be used as a project plan to access funds that were pledged by the United States Government to support the Caribbean’s food security efforts.

Back in September 2022, President Ali had disclosed that the US Government is providing the Caribbean with US$28 million in assistance to address urgent food security needs of the Region. He had stated that the funds will be available immediately for short-term activities to support the increase in regional food production and agricultural activities in the Caribbean.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, who was also that the press conference, added that the Region’s aim to reduce its food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025 is a work in progress.

“Good progress is being made. [We’re] not yet there but we hope that our voices can continue to encourage Caribbean people that claiming food security by ensuring that we play our part is absolutely vital for us going forward in this world,” she contended.

In addition to the funding from the US Government, PM Mottley also stated that President Ali updated regional heads on the other mechanisms in place to support this food security agenda. This includes the US$100 million financing package that the Guyanese Head of State had secured from a regional bank to assist Caribbean countries and organisations in boosting food production activities.

Moreover, during the 44th Regular Meeting, the Caricom Heads were also updated on the progress made by the Caricom Ministerial Task Force on Food Production and Food Security, and endorsed its priority activities for 2023.

“The Task Force has been focusing and addressing its efforts on several thematic areas which are deemed to have retarded regional agricultural growth including the removal of non-tariff barriers to regional trade in agricultural produce, de-risking of the sector, digital agriculture, research and development, and review of the CET (Common External Tariff),” PM Davis stated.

President Ali travelled to the Bahamas on Wednesday to attend the Caricom Heads of Government Meeting, which was held from February 15 to 17. On the sidelines of the conference, the Guyanese leader had several engagements with his regional counterparts as well as with officials from

international

organisations who were also there.

In fact, on Thursday, President Ali met with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) Assistant Director General and Regional Representative for Latin America and the Caribbean, Mario Lubetkin, and his delegation.

Their discussions centred on plans leading up to Guyana’s hosting of the FAO Conference in 2024, and how the organisation and Guyana can collaborate to have meaningful deliverables toward a more resilient and sustainable food-secure Region.

The Guyanese Head of State and the FAO representatives also spoke about several other areas including food security and parallel works being done by various agencies and platforms.

Only last week, President Ali had declared that Caricom Member States have collectively achieved a significant 57 per cent of the target set to realise “Vision 25 by 2025”. This was announced during the first Caricom Ministerial Task Force (MTF) on Food Production and Food Security meeting for 2023.

A statement from Guyana’s Agriculture Ministry stated that countries submitted reports detailing their production data for 2022 for targeted commodities. It was reported that products such as cocoa, dairy, meat, root crops, fruits, and poultry have already reached

96.13 per cent, 84.36 per cent, 72.28 per cent, 70.91 per cent, 70.77 per cent and 70.19 per cent, respectively, for the targeted production volume set for 2025.

Moreover, countries such as Guyana, Belize, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Dominica, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Dominica, and Jamaica have made significant advances in the production of commodities such as ginger, turmeric, corn, soya bean, root crops, fruits, cocoa, poultry, meat, fish, table eggs, and dairy.

The report also indicated that for 2022, Guyana produced some 20,195 metric tonnes of ginger and turmeric, 144,289 metric tonnes of root crops, 21,870 metric tonnes of fish, and 40,749 metric tonnes of coconut.

In 2021, President Dr Irfaan Ali had declared that his Government would be pursuing an aggressive campaign to dismantle regional barriers to agricultural trade and, with the assistance of more diversified crops, Guyana would aim to reduce Caricom’s food import bill by 25 per cent.

Since then, efforts have taken off within the Region through collaboration with various countries to make this a reality.

As of last year, the Caribbean carried a weighty food import bill of US$6 billion per annum. Inflated food costs among other factors had created a sense of dependence in the Region.

(L-R) Chairman of Caricom, Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Phillip Davis; Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit; and Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley, at Friday evening’s press conference

President Dr Irfaan Ali, accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd, engaging officials from the FAO on Thursday in The Bahamas

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Maha Shivratri

Today Hindus will commemorate the festival of Maha Shivratri, which literally means “The great night of Shiva”. Shiva is regarded as one of the three major aspects of Brahman, that pervades all creation and the uncreated. These are “Brahma” that creates, Vishnu that sustains, and Shiva into which all creation returns in immense cycles of time amounting to billions of years. As a very ancient way of life, Hindu practices are replete with symbolism, explained by a very sophisticated system of semiotics. As such, there are always levels of meaning found in the seemingly mundane customs that have been passed on through the ages.

Most mundanely, “Shivratri”, or “night of Shiva”, is celebrated on the 14th day of every month of the lunar calendar. But once a year, in late winter in the northern hemisphere, Maha Shivratri is celebrated to commemorate the oncoming summer. On this night, the northern hemisphere of the planet is positioned in such a way that there is a natural upsurge of energy in a human being. This is a day when nature is pushing one towards one’s spiritual peak. It is to make use of this that, in this tradition, we established a certain festival which is nightlong. To allow this natural upsurge of energies to find its way, one of the fundamentals of this nightlong festival is to ensure that you remain awake with your spine vertical throughout the night.

From one perspective, this momentous change is essential for our survival on this planet; it is explained on this night that Lord Shiva performs his cosmic dance, or ‘tandav’. We now know that the universe is sustained through movement from the subatomic level to the furthest galaxies formed at the beginning of the last Big Bang, or creation, that the new James Webb space telescope is revealing to us. But the vast emptiness that holds them does not come into everybody’s notice – we call this “dark matter”. This vastness, this unbounded emptiness, is what is referred to as Shiva. Today, modern science also proves that everything comes from nothing, and goes back to nothing. It is in this context that Shiva, the vast emptiness, or nothingness, is referred to as the great lord, or Mahadeva.

Of the 12 Shivratris observed in any given year, Maha Shivratri is considered especially auspicious. From our level of existence, it is also the night of convergence of Shiva and Shakti, which in essence means the masculine and feminine energies, the inert male principle and the feminine power that balance the world. In Hindu culture, this is a solemn festival that, as in almost all the others, reminds us that ‘overcoming darkness and ignorance in life’ needs us to play our roles as are necessary at different times and eras.

From a ritual standpoint, every Hindu is asked to perform worship to the formless “Linga” that symbolises Shiva. This is done by pouring various specified liquids, such as water and milk, etc, each representing various aspects of our being, over the linga to merge with it as is our goal of our atma or soul to merge or receive moksha or liberation with the Divine Soul. These offerings will be made at four intervals or “prahaars” through the night.

Time for Lincoln Lewis to be brought in from the cold

Dear Editor,

Being myself on old employee of our bauxite industry, having 25 years of service, spanning from 1967 to 1992; and having been Minister responsible for Mines and Minerals (including our bauxite sector) from 1992 to 2011, I am (as someone who knows) obliged to respond to the allegations being made by Mr. Lincoln Lewis in his recent letter in Kaieteur News of Monday, February 13, 2023 under the title “Under Jagdeo’s Presidency the bauxite industry self-contributing Pension Fund worth more than $2.5 Billion was destroyed”. As he says, this was “the single largest pool of money owned by African workers”.

The Bauxite Industry contributing Pension Fund was not destroyed, but distributed to its members. President Jagdeo saved it from destruction by refusing to hand it over to Mr. Lincoln Lewis, as Head of the Union, and his associates.

Our PPP/C Government’s position was that we had a legal and moral responsibility to hand the full benefit (employer and employee contribution, as provided for in the pension fund rules) to every member of the pension fund. We said to Mr. Lewis and his colleagues, “We can give each worker his cheque at one table, and you can have a table nearby so that each worker could deposit it into your Fund, as he or she may choose”. It was for you, Mr. Lewis, to so persuade and commit to the workers.

Yes, “all bauxite workers, at a certain time, both at Linden and Berbice, were terminated (some twice)” but no worker at that time went on the breadline. Those workers ended one day working for the Government-owned company, receiving their termination of employment and all benefits; and the very next day went back to work for the new private bauxite company.

Mr. Lewis is remembering only those parts of various

stories which paint his false picture of former President Jagdeo and the PPP/C as he advances his false charges that we have been bent on discriminating against and affronting the dignity of our fellow black Afro-Guyanese citizens. We were not without blemish, but we worked for the equitable development of all our people.

Yes, there were lots of job losses in the bauxite sector: the first, the biggest and most traumatic, was in 1983. For a full story, allow me to recall the history. Like Lincoln, I put a lot of my early working life into the bauxite industry. I was devastated at many levels by the obvious steady decline after 1975 - even though I knew about the new, more advantageous bauxite deposits that were developed in Jamaica, Guinea and Australia; and I knew that nothing is forever; everything goes through the life cycle of being born/started, maturing, glory days, peaking, declining and disappearing. This is particularly so with “wasting resources” – minerals and oil and gas resources which do not “grow back” in our lifetime. The challenge is to use the benefits derived to soundly build new places in the future.

By the early 1980s, many authorities were calling for a great downsizing and transforming of our bauxite sector, and wondering whether it could be profitable again. President Burnham, in 1982, looking to a return of the World Bank/IMF, gave a go ahead for shrinking, which saw the drawing up of retrenchment lists to reduce employment by one-third at every level. He back-tracked in 1982, but the retrenchment went ahead in 1983. About 1800 employees were retrenched then, receiving their full retrenchment and all other benefits.

Declining fortunes continued in the bauxite sector, requiring regularly that millions of dollars of subsistence support be received from our

Treasury. In addition, there were two multilateral interventions – 1985 and 1990and “voluntary” retrenchment (without replacement) was extended.

Mr. Lewis should see the “beleaguered GuySuCo” as being these days in much the same position as the bauxite sector was in through the 1970s and 80s -- receiving proportionately similar billions of dollars of tax-payers money, and finding similarly that the new and different approaches recommended by engineers and consultants have not been rewarded. Our experience in the way our bauxite sector has evolved can provide us with valuable insights on how our sugar sector might yet evolve.

When we, the PPP/C, entered Office in October 1992, we met in place an agreement entered into between the outgoing PNC administration and the multilaterals and bilaterals, which saw a foreign manager, MINPROC of Australia, installed since 1990. MINPROC was to pronounce, by the end of 1994, whether or not they saw the sector being able to be restored to profitability. If profitable, the company was to be divested; if not, it was to be shut down forthwith. After more than a dozen years, more good money from taxes was not to be thrown to the bauxite sector to keep it going.

When, in 1994, MINPROC announced that it saw no way that bauxite could be returned to profitability, we PPP/C, according to the PNC-entered covenant, were supposed to shut down the sector forthwith. But we did no such thing: we violated that covenant. We argued with the World Bank/ IMF other multilaterals and bilaterals and found a number of creative ways, off and on budget, to keep the sector going while we continued shrinking by retirement and “voluntary retrenchment” and “unbundling.” We hoped for eventual privatisation of the

bauxite cores, as eventually happened, and that some unbundled departments would become privatised businesses on their own.

We were conscious that the days of the old paternalistic company town and socialist state of state-owned enterprises were at an end, but they left in the minds of our people of the bauxite communities a mindset which would be a great drag. Accordingly, we embarked on changing the mindset from “company employees in a company town” to that of “self-responsible, enterprising entrepreneurs in an open town.”

President Jadgeo announced special incentives to encourage business ventures in the bauxite communities, whether initiated by persons from within the communities, from elsewhere in Guyana, or from “foreign.”

Mr. Lewis charges again that the Jagdeo regime did not acknowledge an offer from the Union in partnership with a foreign investor to purchase Bermine. That offer was considered and found, though desirable, to be not credible; and further, many workers did not support it.

Mr. Lewis’s reference to the troubles at BCGI in 2009 points to an area for his reconsideration, and perhaps for all of us. Our righteous anger in the 1950s and 60s, our indignation about slavery and indentureship and the historical European colonial exploitation by imperialist capitalists, put us at war with the developed countries and their trans-national corporations. In DEMBA in the late 1960s, in the run up to nationalisation, much crude, unruly worker behaviour was defended, even instigated, which otherwise would not have been acceptable. No wonder that, after nationalisation, workers were in some confusion, and there was much talk about “functional superiority.”

Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips and the Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy, joined staff of OPM and the departments that fall under the Prime Minister’s purview for the launch of the Ministry’s 2023 Mashramani Band, on Friday at OPM on Camp Street, Georgetown (Office of the Prime Minister photo)

New economic model for Guyana’s economy

Dear Editor,

At conclusion of the Guyana National Budget Debates 2023, a major debate over the pros and cons of the fiscal budget, the right argued that we need a budget in the name of future generations.

Now is the time to launch major medium- and long-term public investments to drive job creation and create new investment opportunities for industrial sectors that remain crucial for Guyana’s development.

We must address building new urban and inter-regional transportation systems; investments in energy conservation; dramatically expanding low-carbon-based energy sources; expanding basic public services such as childcare and elderly care; and invest much more in public education at all levels, as in workers’ skills.

We know that all of these investments, especially those in public services and energy efficiency, are labour-intensive and create many more jobs, which increase consumer spending and simultaneously promote our environmental and community development, and social justice goals.

What we need is a period of public investment-led growth to drive the whole economy. Public infrastruc-

ture and public services are key drivers of private sector productivity - public sector investment by private sector suppliers.

This relatively modest growth strategy might seem first best to establishing Guyana’s best modern industrial economy. Given the emerging constraints on global demand, however, it is more likely to succeed in laying the basis for sustained growth than as a classical export-oriented industrial strategy. Moreover, it would do more to generate opportunities for the majority of Guyanese people in the short to medium term, helping to overcome the employment backlogs.

Together, as we all work to create a culture in which others can compose lives of meaning and service, let’s continue to learn from one another. To begin or continue our journey to be a transformational leader as President Irfaan Ali is changing a person’s life. I agree. This particular President, however, also looks beyond the typical growth metrics of Guyana’s economy and into its heart and soul.

In the Old Testament book of Psalms, the poet King David writes, “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the World, and all who

All Opposition presentations in 2023 Budget debates were carried by NCN

Dear Editor,

live in it, for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters” (Psalms 24:1, NIV): “To the Lord your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it. “And there’s this little pearl from the New Testament book of James: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17, NIV).

We need to get the picture, right? When I say that God owns it all, this is what I mean. I believe that God is the Creator of the universe, and owns it all because he created it all. That doesn’t mean we just sit back and let things fall apart. No, He wants us to steward His kingdom.

It can and should be a place devoted to a purpose, a place where we engage in meaningful work with people we care about and for a cause we believe in.

Finally, there’s morality. Morality covers a lot of ground, I know. Morality, for me, means understanding the difference between right and wrong. It’s staying away from the edge, so I won’t fall into the trap. It’s doing the right thing, no matter the cost.

Yours faithfully,

Sherwood Clarke

Notice has been taken of a press statement from the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, purporting falsehoods concerning coverage of the 2023 Budget Debates by NCN.

This type of deliberate misinformation-peddling by Mr. Norton and the wider Opposition camp with regards to coverage of the Opposition is nothing new, and in fact has become an entrenched pattern.

In its most recent statement, Mr. Norton’s office claims that coverage was not provided to Opposition

Members of Parliament during the debates for Budget 2023. On the contrary, the record shows that the budget presentations of all thirty-one Members of the Opposition who spoke during the recently concluded debates were broadcast 'unedited', with a total airtime of about 949 minutes, or 15.8 hours.

In addition to the broadcast of those presentations, 26 stories specific to Budget 2023 and which featured

Members of the Opposition, were prominent in the news during that period.

Further, NCN has provided, and continues to provide, coverage to press conferences hosted by the Leader of the Opposition.

It should be noted that, on several occasions across normal news cycles, NCN was prevented from providing coverage to activities involving the Leader of the Opposition and APNU + AFC. On November 6, 2022, two NCN cameramen who were on official duty were attacked and intimidated in Mocha by a prominent member of Mr. Norton’s team.

In May of the same year in Linden, the NCN team covering a walk-about by the Opposition Leader at Amelia’s Ward was attacked by members of Mr. Norton’s delegation.

During the National Toshaos Conference in July, 2022, a camera-operator who arrived to

Time for Lincoln Lewis to be...

Industrial relations after nationalisation in 1971 were the worst they had ever been.

I was Minister for the bauxite sector in 2009 when certain incidents occurred at Aroiama, and it was clear that Mr. Lewis was leading, rather misleading, himself and those workers following him along the 1960s pre-nationalisation of DEMBA playbook. But we are no longer at war with the Developed World. These days, we aim to be “Workers for the World” and “Partners with the World.”

The attacks on President Jagdeo must be particularly hurtful, since, as a young economist, Mr. Jagdeo led a study of the Linden community with other then young economists of Linden, including then young De Clou and young (woman) Cole. He has known of, and has been concerned about, the challenges of the bauxite communities second to no other. Thus it was that, from budget time to budget time, he would put to the table that our subsidy of electricity in Linden (to the extent of G$3 billion, 90% of the costs) was an important vehicle for putting money into Linden and the other bauxite communities. The problem was that it was greatly inefficient, wasteful to the extent of 50% and more when compared with the electricity consumption of a similar cohort of customers on our electricity grid on the coast. The responsible thing to do was to seek more efficient and effective ways of injecting that money into the bauxite communities.

And, sensitive to the dignity of our fellow citizens in Linden, we talked little about

this subsidy, a very large allocation at that time, until we were braced with charges like those from Mr. Lewis: that we were not doing anything for the people of Linden and the bauxite communities.

Again, please allow me to recall that when the Cambior/ OGML group to which the Linden bauxite core was initially privatised, after an initial period of success, found themselves with little sales and announced that they had to shut down the operations for a month or two, President Jagdeo, without a moment’s hesitation, announced that his Government would provide basic, 40 hrs./week pay to every worker to be furloughed – under one condition: that every such employee, from janitorial to managerial level, be engaged in a certain number of hours each week in learning or teaching something appropriate in computing. It was amusing, but indicative of the challenges we face, when one commentator mischievously remarked that while the Jagdeo regime was doing its best to attract and keep mainly Indo-Guyanese workers in the dead-end job of manually cutting cane, it was pointing the mainly AfroGuyanese bauxite worker to the future - working with computers. This would not have fazed Mr. Jagdeo. True, he is an Indian-Guyanese, but he is, and has been, overarchingly a Guyanese.

Comrade Bharrat has been, and continues to be, a boon (blessing) to all Guyanese and Guyana, and even further afield, where he has been so recognised.

Mr. Lewis’s first two para-

graphs, particularly his allusions to the role of Prime Minister Phillips in the current PPP/C Government, betray judgements, suspicions and questions which emerged in the 1950s and are still hanging around. Much of what these paragraphs say is what is to be read into them between the lines, subliminally. I read between-the-lines questionings about whether Black African Guyanese should be in the PPP and PPP/C, and if in the Leadership, should Black African Guyanese not be pursuing a very Black African Agenda? And would a recognizably true Black Agenda be evident without a combative posture to Indo-Guyanese? I would know what those two paragraphs are intended to say; I have walked them for twenty plus years. Mr. Lewis and his likes are still to accept the idea of themselves or anyone being overarchingly Guyanese.

Mr. Lewis’s grumblings of the Men on a Mission, MOM, programme reveal the orneriness in which he is stuck. He is loath to see anything good in the PPP/C. He cannot see that the threat to the cooperatives is intended to motivate African Guyanese members and leaders “to get up, stand up on their foot” and do a better job. He and all of us have to get out of falling back on the paralysing mindset of being helpless victims, which sets us up for new exploitation.

Nonetheless, we ought to be understanding and sympathetic to Mr. Lewis, and help him and any others who are stuck with such views. A steadily closer union wouldn’t happen just so, we have to

FROM PAGE 4

work at it - and we are not alone as a country. Today, in many countries with peoples of different ethnicities, much effort is put into having a diverse representative team, even though some of it might at first be thought of as contrived and awkward. Diversity is a common expectation today, but Cheddi and the PPP have been at this task of our nation building across race, colour, creed and class from the 1943 days of the PAC (Political Affairs Committee), and they have persisted. After many years of being cheated, Cheddi and the PPP returned in 1990 to putting together a diverse group for the expected 1990 elections, and I was presented as the Prime Ministerial Candidate. Many Afro-Guyanese asked: You believe that the PNC would allow Cheddi and you-all PPP to win the election? And if them people win, do you believe they will make you Prime Minister in truth? We now know the answers to both those question - both came to pass.

It is time for Mr. Lewis and many of us seniors to reconsider and put aside much of our views, insecurities, and fears and attitudes formed in our youthful days in the 1950s and 1960s. We have had some 60 years’ experience since, and much has happened and changed in the world and in Guyana. It is time to accept the PPP and PPP/C and IndoGuyanese as Guyanese of no less standing and no less caring for Guyana. Cheddi Jagan the leader, and members and supporters of the PPP were put to the test repeatedly, and we paid our dues many times

give coverage to the Opposition’s reception for Toshaos at Woolford Avenue was turned away by Mr. Aubrey Norton.

In another instance, a reporter was verbally attacked when a question was posed to the Leader of the Opposition during one of his press conferences.

These scenarios expose what can only be seen as a calculated strategy by the Leader of the Opposition and the APNU + AFC camps to intimidate the state media, undermine its credibility, and create an environment of hostility towards its operatives, who are legitimate members of the Fourth Estate.

The table below reflects coverage of budget debates over the years.

NCN

over during the many decades of our history from the 1950s to today.

Black African Guyanese and Indian Guyanese, and indeed Guyanese of all races, with time, with enough giveand-take all around, have been learning to work together in developing Guyana; and in the process, we are all becoming overarchingly Guyanese. We should not leave Mr. Lewis out; should not leave anyone out. I in-

vite Mr. Lewis, with his evident great abilities, to change his mindset, change his tune, come in from the cold, and join in the realisation of a converging Guyana, steadily growing more prosperous all around.

Yours truly, Samuel A A Hinds Ambassador to the United States of America And the Organization of American States

Saturday, February 18, 2023

6:00 (Sign on) TVG Shivratri Special

7:00 Evening News (RB)

8:00 Stop Suffering

9:00 Movie - Minions: The Rise of Gru (2022)

10:30 Anthony’s Shivratri Special

11:30 Indian Movie - Thank God (2022)

13:30 Movie - Like Mike 2: Streetball (2006)

15:00 Movie - The Luck of the Irish (2001)

16:30 Shades of Brown

17:00 Payless Power Hour

18:00 Evangelistic Hour

18:30 Hepzibah

19:00 The Evening News

20:00 Wheel of Fortune

20:30 Movie - Kicking & Screaming (2005)

22:00 Movie - Shotgun Wedding (2023)

0:00 Sign off

can send

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

NGSA Math Questions

6 public electric vehicle charging stations to arrive by March month-end – GEA Head

…pushes for private sector to invest, build stations

As part of efforts to put the necessary infrastructure in place to encourage more persons to utilise greener modes of transportation, six new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are expected to arrive in Guyana next month and will be installed across the country.

This was revealed by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), Dr Mahender Sharma, during a presentation at the International Energy Conference on Thursday in Georgetown. He disclosed that there are some 168 electric vehicles currently in the country –two of which are owned by the GEA.

According to Sharma, Government is investing heavily on the public infrastructure to support the use of these vehicles.

“Government is installing six public charging stations at strategic locations to help this process along… there was a delay from the

manufacturer and they are now scheduled to arrive at the end of March,” the GEA Head stated.

Already, the Guyana Government is talking about tax reduction on the installation of these charging stations for private use.

“The idea here is to allow private sector to take advantage of these opportunities to invest and build-in charging stations,” he added.

Last year, a US$141,199.38 contract was awarded to Jamaica-based Flash Motors Company Limited to procure and install the six public EV charging stations.

These charging stations will be located at the Giftland Mall on the East Coast of Demerara; Little Rock Suites in New Amsterdam, Berbice; Big Kiss Parking Lot in Parika; Amazonia Mall, East Bank Demerara; the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) in Timehri, and outside of the GEA office on Quamina Street, Georgetown.

According to the GEA Head, the switch to electric vehicles is cost effective.

“Based on our current electricity cost, if I charge that [EV] car on the utility, that works out to just about US$0.04 per kilometre… and if you check, what you pay per kilometre it’s probably about US$0.09 or US$0.10 cents if you use gasoline and diesel,” he explained.

Sharma went on to note that this cost will be further lowered when the cost of electricity is slashed by half upon the operationalisation of the 300-megawatt (MW) power plant as part of Government’s model gas-to-energy initiative.

“And just imagine when we lower the cost of electricity by 50 per cent, what that number looks like for e-mobility,” the GEA Head asserted.

Meanwhile, in addition to the infrastructure to encourage the use of EVs in Guyana, the Government has recently announced the

removal of taxes on the importation of electric vehicles as one of the measures in

Budget 2023.

The removal of the Value Added Tax (VAT) on electric vehicles applies to new (less than four years old) electric motor vehicles – not hybrid – of any power rating.

Further, to support the investment decision of businesses to switch to more environmentally friendly vehicles, a further increase in the writing down allowance applicable to all-electric motor vehicles to 50 per cent annually has been implemented.

These measures are in keeping with the Guyana Government’s commitment

towards development along a low-carbon development pathway.

Additionally, Government has already trained over 25 mechanics and auto electricians to repair and maintain EVs through funding from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Unlike combustion vehicles, electric vehicles are propelled by electromagnetism and an electric motor. It is charged using electricity, eliminating oil changes and other features distinct to gasoline or diesel vehicles.

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC), extends greetings to thousands of Hindus across the country on observances to mark ‘Maha Shivratri’, Saturday February 18.

The ERC is cognisant that the annual auspicious occasion on the Hindu calendar is marked by fasting, prayers and paying homage to Lord Shiva, a central figure of the Hindu Trinity. The ERC further recognises that the occasion demands of Hindus to move away from conflict and embrace truth and peace instead.

Ideally, the Commission behoves every Guyanese to traverse similar pathways to achieve

national harmony and peace. The observance is a major festival in Hinduism and reminds devotees to overcome darkness and ignorance, practice self-restraint and grant forgiveness to others.

The ERC supports the continuous freedom of all Guyanese to celebrate their respective traditions and observances in our multi-religious society and ‘Maha Shivratri’ further consolidates the country’s religious diversity. The body is certain that all the ethnic groups can learn from each other’s cultural practices to promote tolerance in one multi-ethnic homeland.

GEA Head, Dr Mahender Sharma

Who knows it...

…can tell it

They say “confession is good for the soul”, but it’s painfully clear that former PNC strongman Hamilton Green hasn’t taken that to heart. In the last few years – enjoying his million+ dollar pension granted by David Granger - he’s taken to dashing off political homilies to the press as to how the PPP ought to be governing. But he steadfastly refuses to connect those homilies to what went down during his time in politics. Surely he knows he’d be taken much more seriously if he based his advice on his experience?

Take the matter that’s roiling the citizenry right now –the twelve fellas charged with terrorism after the mayhem they committed at Mon Repos Market last June during a protest march. Green could’ve pointed out that, in his days, when the Opposition even ASSEMBLED for meeting or picketing – much less marching – he was one who’d show how to handle such situations. Another was Rabbi Washington and his House of Israel gang. They’d turn up with goons to inflict condign beatings. Some a dem ah halla some a dem ah bawl!! And all a dem does run fuh dem life!!

Your Eyewitness remembers well Green leading the charge at one such exercise in front of Guyana Stores!! Of course, there’s the other example of a protest that took such “lessons” to its logical conclusion when Father Darke was stabbed to death by one of Rabbi’s goons. Maybe Green could emphasise that their dealing with protestors didn’t lead to innocent CITIZENS being assaulted and traumatised!! And perchance the PPP should take that leaf out of his book??

Then there’s the matter of Green’s friends contesting the legitimacy of the PPP Government. When the world had declared that the PNC lost the 2020 elections – even after the recount – Green had advised Granger not to step down. “Put aside the Constitution, put aside the laws”, declared Green!! This, of course, was the PNC’s way from the very beginning, when Burnham decided to rig elections in direct contravention of the Constitution. And the rigging continued even after Burnham crafted a special Constitution just to satisfy his whims and fancies!! So maybe Green should tell the PPP not to worry so much – and spend so much money – on elections!!

Finally, on the PPP’s handling of the squatters’ issue at Mocha. Rather than taking all that time, effort and money to offer land and houses to the squatters, he should maybe inform the PPP of the PNC way. Like in 1973, when squatters of all races on the East Coast occupied sugar lands – they were supported by ASCRIA and IPRA.

The PNC sent in the Police, and using the full force of the law, they moved them off – very forcibly!!

…practices it

But seriously, folks…the PNC’s its own worst enemy – and this ain’t good for our democracy. While the Ali Administration’s going all out spreading its developmental thrust – from Point Playa to Crabwood Creek and from Georgetown to Lethem – the PNC seem to’ve lost the plot. They should be opposing the PPP’s plans by proposing BETTER plans – not by telling their supporters not to participate in the PPP plans!! Money is money, and if the Government’s creating jobs in this new economy, the Opposition must facilitate and encourage supporters getting their share of those jobs – not call them sellouts!!

But the PNC’s scared stiff that if their supporters start enjoying the good life under the PPP, they won’t vote for then no longer!! And this shows they really don’t understand politics. In say, the US, do the Republicans tell their supporters to refuse jobs created by Democrats?? What nonsense!! Voters make their choices on any number of grounds.

The PNC just gotta get with the programme of becoming a better alternative!!

…does it

Did you notice that while Van-West Charles launched a new company with three African companies - from the continent - to take advantage of the emerging oil economy – the Opposition Leader didn’t mobilise any locals from his constituency??

Constitutional reform cannot take place with Opposition’s absence – AG

In the ongoing process of constitutional reform, Attorney General Anil Nandlall has positioned that the parliamentary Opposition has a role to play in creating a framework to allow elected representatives to participate in decision making.

The Attorney General appeared on the Guyana Dialogue to discuss the status of constitutional reform and electoral changes on Thursday evening here he shared this position.

Constitutional Reform was promised in the People’s Progressive Party/Civic manifesto in 2020, where it was further outlined that consultation with the populace and important stakeholders; and a broad-based Constitutional Reform Commission would drive the process.

The way was paved for the establishment of the Constitutional Reform Commission and the commencement of the reform process following the passage of the Constitutional Reform Commission Bill in the National Assembly last November. Back in August of 2022, the Government presented the Constitutional Reform Commission Bill 2022 in the National Assembly. That Bill seeks the establishment of a 20-member Constitutional Reform Commission to review the

country’s supreme laws.

According to the provisions of the Bill, the commission will review the Constitution to provide for the current and future rights, duties, liabilities and obligations of the Guyanese people.

It is mandated for that purpose to receive, consider, and evaluate submissions for the alteration of the Constitution, and report its recommendations to the Standing Committee for transmission to the National Assembly.

However, when the Bill came up for debate on November 7 last, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC)

Opposition had staged a walkout of the sitting, after their request to have anoth-

er issue raised was denied by the House Speaker.

“We recognised that meaningful constitutional reform cannot take place in our constitutional construct, without the Opposition coming on board because every important provision of our Constitution requires a twothirds majority vote in the National Assembly for there to be any change.

“We commenced the process on that unfortunate note. The process cannot yield any appreciable success unless we are able to get on board, the parliamentary Opposition. Why should the process be a consultative one? Because we feel that no segment of our population or political conglomerate has the monopoly over what our Constitution should embrace, what it’s terms should be and what the concepts of that Constitution should embrace,” he explained.

Pact between populace and State

The Attorney General regarded the Constitution as a pact between the populace and the State to outline the relationship between these two and the style of governance; and how this system must function and change. He added that it must allow for all the elected representatives of the people to

participate in decision making, law making and moreover, Parliament must be able to provide oversight on Government’s use of revenues and expenditure.

“Our Government’s philosophy and approach to constitutional reform is not one that will impose our Government’s view but will take on board, what the majority of the consultations or

the recommendations would produce.”

The Commission is tasked with consultations for the reform process to continue, where a report will be prepared and sent to the standing committee. The committee will then refine the submissions into amendments for the National Assembly.

It would also review

the Constitution to provide for the current and future rights, duties, liabilities and obligations of the Guyanese people. It is mandated for that purpose to receive, consider, and evaluate submissions for the alteration of the Constitution, and report its recommendations to the Standing Committee for transmission to the National Assembly. (G12)

Essequibo Coast housewife nabbed with cocaine

A40-year-old housewife of Bounty Hall, Essequibo Coast, was arrested on Thursday by Police after she was found to be in possession of 451 grams of cocaine in her home.

The Police ranks, at about 17:25h on Thursday, acted on information received and went to the home of Brenda Charles.

As the Police arrived at the location, the woman was in the upper flat of the home and was informed that they were there to search for narcotics and unlawful articles, to which she agreed.

The woman immediately went to her sofa and took out a white and red ceramic plate containing a quantity of whitish rocklike substance suspected to be cocaine and handed it over to the Police ranks along with an additional 39 pieces of whitish rocklike substance.

She was told of the offence committed and cautioned. She replied: “Sir, it’s me own, ah buy it from a man.”

The woman was arrested and escorted to the Anna Regina Police Station, where

the two sets of cocaine were weighed in her presence and amounted to 26.5 grams and 424.5 grams, respectively.

She remains in custody pending charges.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall

The cocaine that was found in the house at Bounty Hall, Essequibo Coast

Muslim scholar acquitted of rape of 6-year-old boy

Not guilty verdicts returned on Friday essentially freed Muslim scholar Nezaam Ali of the child rape charges he faced at the Demerara Sexual Offences Court. Also known as “Mufty”, “Mufti” or “Muffie”, Ali, who

was jailed for 45 years in 2019 for a similar offence, faced a substantive indictment for the offence of engaging in sexual activity with a child under the age of 16 by abusing a position of trust contrary to Section 18 (3) (a) of the Sexual Offence

Act.

It was alleged that between December 2 and 31, 2011, in the county of Demerara, he engaged in sexual activity with a six-year-old boy by penetrating his anus with his penis, while being a teach-

er—Imam—at a masjid in Greater Georgetown. That charge further alleged that he knew or could reasonably be expected to have known of the position of trust he held in relation to the said boy.

An alternative count

for the offence of rape of a child under 16 Contrary to Section 10 (3) of the Sexual Offences Act, was also presented against him by the three State prosecutors.

Following deliberations, spanning over two hours on Friday, the 12 jurors found Ali not guilty in the proportion of 11-1 on both counts. Accordingly, trial Judge Priya Sewnarine-Beharry informed the convicted man, who appeared in court virtually, that he was discharged. He was represented by defence counsel Dexter Todd, while Attorneys-atLaw Simran Gajraj, Latifah Elliot, and Rbina Christmas presented the prosecution’s case.

On March 13, 2019, Ali

was found unanimously guilty of sexually penetrating a nine-year-old boy at the said masjid by abusing a position of trust between December 5 and 31, 2011.

Ali had appealed this conviction and sentence and had also applied for bail pending the hearing and determination of that appeal but he was denied bail by the Chief Justice.

As it is, he is still to face trial for seven more counts of child rape. He is accused of sexually abusing seven boys who he taught Quran and Arabic lessons at the masjid.

The alleged acts were reportedly committed in a storeroom at the place of worship.

Convicted child rapist Nezaam Ali as he listened to the jury delivering its verdicts on Friday

Kwakwani fire leaves 7 homeless …RDC sounds calls for fire tenders for community

Afire of unknown origin has completely ravaged the dwelling house of 31-year-old Ericka Gonsalves of Kwakwani Waterfront, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice), leaving her and her six children homeless on Thursday evening.

No one was at home at the time of the blaze, but when Guyana Times arrived at the scene, the two-bedroom wooden house had already been ravaged by the fire.

Devastated, Erica Gonsalves related that she and her children were at her mother’s residence when she saw smoke emanating from the house. She said she had spent the day with her mother, who lives a stone’s throw away, explaining that she had gone home at 18:00h and turned on the lights in her home before returning to her mother’s house. She said that, at about 18:30h, she saw what appeared to be smoke emanating from her bedroom, and she immediately ran over, but within minutes the home was completely engulfed.

She said that, when summoned, the Guyana Fire Service had responded promptly, but unfortunate-

ly, the firemen could not have done anything to save the house from total destruction.

In a Facebook post on Thursday evening, the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region 10 has expressed its dismay at the loss of property occasioned by the fire.

“This unfortunate incident brings into focus our continued call on more than one front; the need for a proper fire tender to be provided to this community, along with firemen in permanent employ being recruited to man a fire station there.

“The practice of utilizing volunteer firemen (and women), who are at work or in their homes otherwise engaged when this EMERGENCY call comes, results in too much time passing between the call for help and a mustered response, along with equipment which is in a less-than-desirable condition”, the report stated.

The RDC has further said it has received reports that an old fire truck is parked in the community, lending an appearance of capability when there are no pumps and hoses to respond to these emergencies. The Council has called for an urgent response

to improving this capacity, and said it looks forward to the usual kind support of the Minister of Home Affairs in this regard.

“Secondly, we continue to call for the allocation of funding to the RDC under its Disaster Preparedness and Response Programme, so that immediate assistance could be mobilised for persons who unfortunately fall victim to these circumstances.

“The needs of this family tonight are immediate, and the earliest possible response is needed to ensure that the impact of this disaster on this family is mitigated. While this funding has not been provided to the RDC in the 2023 Budget, we call on the Government to utilize the resources of the agencies and organisations that they can leverage to provide this capability to the RDC Region 10 in the interim, before restoring this component of our budget in 2024 and beyond”, it has said.

It was also stated that the Regional Chairman is engaging the private sector and friends in the diaspora, as well as local contacts, to see what assistance could be mustered to be provided to victims of the fire.

Last year April, auxiliary firefighting was introduced by the Guyana Fire Service (GFS). Chief Fire Officer Gregory Wickham visited the island of Leguan, in Region Three (West DemeraraEssequibo Islands), where he met with residents and the introduction of auxiliary firefighters was brought under focus.

He explained the importance of auxiliary firefighters, as well as their roles and responsibilities. That discussion came on the heels of a fire at Wakenaam. The GFS then began training persons to conduct firefighting within remote communities.

The Fire Chief said volunteers will be trained in firefighting, fire safety, and fire prevention. Firefighting equipment, including a light pump and hoses, was provided for the volunteers to be used in the event of a fire.

They were also trained to inspect Government buildings and school visits.

In February last year, the Guyana Fire Service announced that 12 persons were trained and equipped with firefighting equipment to tackle fires on the Essequibo Island of Wakenaam, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-

West Demerara).

Meanwhile, in a letter to the Guyana Times Editor last year, a Kwakwani resident said there is a need for fire protection in Kwakwani.

“In Kwakwani, there is no rural fire department established, which leaves residential tract development and the occasional large industrial complex vulnerable to fire destruction. There has been a shift of the population from the riverine areas and Berbice metropolitan centres to the rural areas of Kwakwani.

“Instead of just scattered

farm and ranch properties, the shift in population has created the need for a fire department in the community. Previously, it existed without fire protection; we must now consider establishing fire departments for both personal property protection and insurance premium savings.

“…it is of utmost importance that a fire department is properly organised and operated, so that it would provide the maximum protection of personnel, and the lives and properties of the public that it serves”, the resident said.

The fire that destroyed the house at Kwakwani Waterfront

Husband dies hours after wife killed in Bartica smash-up

Police destroy $181M in ganja in Berbice

nabis plants ranging from four inches to six feet in height.

The farm covered an area of sixteen acres.

Additionally, one 12-gauge shotgun, five live and eleven empty 12-gauge cartridges along with three GDF camouflage jackets were found.

The Police also stated that three make-shift camps, one trailer, and two ploughs were also found at the location. The camps and the marijuana were all destroyed by fire. Meanwhile, Police estimated the value of the cannabis sativa at $181,646,624.

At the time of the operation, no one was at the location. Investigations are ongoing.

Hours after 23-yearold Felicia Lewis of Mora Camp, Bartica, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), was killed in an accident, her husband succumbed while receiving medical attention at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Based on reports received, the accident occurred at Fourth Avenue, Bartica, on Thursday.

At the time of the accident, Lewis and her husband, 26-year-old David Huggins, were travelling on motorcycle CL 3359 when it collided with a motor car bearing registration number PRR 5669, owned and driven by a 66-year-old resident of Mongrippa Hill, Bartica.

Police stated that on the day in question at about 14:00h, the motor car was proceeding along Fourth Avenue, Bartica, and failed to heed a ‘stop sign’ on Fifth

Street, Bartica. As a result, the motorcycle which was proceeding along Fifth Street at a fast rate of speed, collided with the right-side front portion of the motor car. The couple reportedly fell onto the roadway and received injuries to their head and body. They were picked up by public-spirited persons in an unconscious state and taken to the Bartica Regional Hospital where Lewis was pronounced dead on arrival.

Her husband, however, was treated and air-dashed to the Georgetown Public Hospital where he took his last breath just after midday on Friday.

A breathalyser test was conducted on the driver of the motor car but there were no traces of alcohol in his system. He was nevertheless, detained as Police continue their investigations.

As Police continue their drug eradication exercise, a joint operation consisting of Police and members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Coast Guards in B Division on Thursday destroyed a whopping $181 million worth of ganja at a farm at Bartica along the Berbice River.

Police stated that on the day in question, a joint operation went to Bartica along the Berbice River where they discovered a farm with approximately 35,000 can-

Dead: Felicia Lewis and David Huggins

Several live and empty 12-gauge cartridges

The ganja plants and a quantity of semi-processed ganja at the scene

One of the makeshift camps on fire

The 12-gauge shotgun

Renewable energy funding will not come by waiting – Bharrat

Natural Resources

Minister Vickram Bharrat has posited that it is impolitic to wait for funds to develop renewable energy mechanisms if Guyana is serious about achieving the target of 100 per cent renewable energy by 2050.

At the closing of the International Energy Conference and Expo on Thursday, he explained that the world’s population is estimated to grow by two billion people by 2050, meaning that 20 percent more energy than is used now would be required. Moreover, there are commitments to reach net zero and 100 percent renewable energy by this time.

While maintaining that Guyana’s environmental credentials are second-to-none, Bharrat spoke about the work needed to develop natural resources to meet world targets.

“We have no issue with that (renewable energy targets) as a country. We are fully committed to achieving that. We’re working towards achieving that. But the big question is: How are we truly going to finance that? Renewables cost money. Moving to net zero and cutting emissions cost money. If we are going to sit by

and wait for help to come our way, we might be waiting for a long time. It speaks towards Guyana as a country sustainably and responsibly exploring and developing its natural resources,” the Natural Resources Minister expressed.

The big takeaway, he said, is realizing that there will be a space for both renewables and fossil fuel in the near future. However, Bharrat opined that small developing countries must be given the opportunity to supply small markets when the demand drops.

“The big question is: How long will the demand remain at peak or the way it is today? The truth is that the demand will fall at some point in time… The other countries have been producing for decades, or maybe centuries. They would have used their resources to create different sectors to provide a better life for their people. We should accept that our people deserve that kind of life too,” he declared.

An important part of transitioning to renewable energy is upgrading the present Demerara Berbice

Interconnected System (DBIS) used by the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), which depends on Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO).

Guyana has projects in the pipeline to help realise its renewable energy vision. Construction on the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project (AFHP) was supposed to start last year, as Government continues to ramp up spending on renew-

able energy projects as well as upgrades to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) infrastructure. The expected completion date was to be 2027.

The AFHP will be based on a Build-Own-OperateTransfer (BOOT) model, wherein the company would supply electricity to GPL Inc at a cost not exceeding US$0.07737 per kWh, and wherein the company would provide the entire equity re-

quired by the project and undertake all the risks associated with the project.

The 0.65MW Mahdia Solar Farm is also being financed through a loan from the IDB, under the Energy Matrix Diversification and Strengthening of the Department of Energy (EMISDE) programme. There is also a 1.5MW Bartica Solar Farm which will cost $625 million. (G12)

Decomposed body of cattle farmer found in house

The partly decomposed body of 53-yearold cattle farmer Heeralall was on Thursday discovered at his home at Palmyra Village, East Canje, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

According to the Police, Heeralall had been a known drug addict and a chain smoker of cigarettes, and would consume alcohol regularly.

A relative told investigators that, on February 12, her aunt left to visit relatives in Georgetown, and Heeralall was left at home alone. She had visited her uncle Heeralall on Monday,

Dead: Heeralall

and he was alive and well. However, on Thursday she decided to visit him again,

and upon entering the yard, she encountered a foul stench emanating from the home.

Upon checking, she observed the man’s body lying on a bed in his room, and she immediately alerted the Police.

Because of the advanced state of decomposition, it was difficult to ascertain whether his body bore any marks of violence. However, it was taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital Mortuary to await a post mortem.

Investigations are ongoing.

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat during the closing ceremony of the conference

Miner air-dashed to city after severe beating by neighbours

are neighbours and friends. She told Police that on Thursday, her reputed husband, who was under the influence of alcohol, had an argument with the 20-year-old suspect’s 17-year-old girlfriend.

The matter later escalated again when the other brother returned home and learned about the earlier argument. This resulted in the two brothers and the 17-year-old female going to the victim’s house and confronting him.

During the confrontation, they allegedly dealt Williams several lashes about his body and head with a piece of wood, causing injuries.

Plaisance man appeals life sentences for rape of girls

Aman who has been convicted of engaging in sexual penetration of two underage girls and has been sentenced to terms of life imprisonment has appealed his convictions and sentences. He is arguing, among other things, that the trial Judge misdirected the jury, and that the imposed jail terms are excessive.

mother what had transpired, and the mother reported the matter to the Police. Thus Lynch was arrested and later charged.

In a separate matter in 2018, Lynch was found guilty of raping a 10-yearold girl on two different occasions between December 2010 and November 2011.

Police ranks in Regional Division Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) have launched an investigation into an attempt to commit murder on Ryan Williams, a 22-year-old miner of Byderabo Village, Essequibo River, by three

suspects - aged 17, 20, and 25.

The incident occurred at about 16:00h on Thursday at Byderabo Road, Bartica.

According to Police, the reputed wife of Williams reported that two of the suspects, who are brothers (the 20-year-old and 25-year-old),

The woman said that she then took her husband to the Bartica Regional Hospital, where he sought medical attention but lost consciousness. He was admitted as a patient but had to be airdashed to the Georgetown Public Hospital for emergency medical treatment.

A report was made, and the 20-year-old and 17-yearold suspects were arrested. They are presently in custody. Efforts are underway to arrest the 25-year-old suspect.

Investigations are in progress. (G9)

50-year-old Sheldon Lynch of Plaisance, East Coast Demerara was, in 2018, convicted by a 12-member jury of engaging in sexual penetration of an 11-year-old girl on August 22, 2015, and was imprisoned for life, without the possibility of parole.

It was reported that on the day in question, Lynch,

known to the child, had forced himself on the then 11-year-old. Following the incident, the girl told her

He was sentenced to two consecutive life terms, and must spend a minimum of 35 years in prison on each of the two convictions before being paroled.

Maintaining his innocence in both cases, Lynch, a father of two, has moved to the Court of Appeal, which has since informed that Lynch’s appeal hearing will start on April 5 at 09:30h.

Convicted child rapist Sheldon Lynch

Injured Ryan Williams being transported to Georgetown for medical treatment by ranks of the Guyana Defence Force

Six of the 12 men wanted by the Police for unleashing terror on the East Coast of Demerara last June have turned themselves over to the Police at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters on Thursday, and their lawyer, Dexter Todd, is adamant that “they have absolutely nothing to fear.”

The Police on Wednesday issued wanted bulletins for 12 suspects who, several months ago, had allegedly attacked

wanted for unleashing terror at Mon Repos surrender

several vendors at the Mon Repos Market, ECD while reportedly ‘protesting’ the Police shooting death of Quindon Bacchus, a father of one and resident of Haslington village, ECD.

Those who surrendered in the company of their counsel are: Carlos Kingston, Antony English Tony MacKinnon, Terrence Adolphus Nedd, Keon Glasgow and Dave Bershire.

In an interview with the media, Todd related that as soon as the men became

aware that their photographs and names were published by the Police, they surrendered.

“They have been cooperating with the Police,” Todd said, adding that he is not sure what would be the nature of the possible charges to be brought against them. He added, “The first step, of course, is to surrender; and that is what they are doing. We know that the Police are investigating acts of terrorism, but we don’t know what questions will be asked by the Police… And once the ques-

tions are asked, all the interviews, we hope, will be done in the presence of attorneys; so that when questions are asked, if it is of course safe for them to answer those questions….”

The lawyer has described the allegations against the men as being “a bit humorous”.

In a report on Wednesday, the Police Force said the men are wanted for acts of terrorism that occurred on June 28, 2022. Most of these suspects’ real names are still unknown, according to the Police, but they have each been identified by their aliases. Wanted bulletins were issued for: Walkie Glasgow of Golden Grove, ECD; Trotman Tixey, alias ‘Quincy’, of Nabaclis, ECD; Sukie Reginal of Golden Grove, ECD; ‘Carlos’ of Golden Grove, ECD; ‘Ray Ray/Lilly’ of Golden Grove, ECD; ‘Nedd’ of Golden Grove, ECD; ‘Blammi’ of Golden Grove, ECD; ‘Dave’ of Nabaclis, ECD; ‘Burke’ of Nabaclis, ECD; ‘Layne’ of Nabaclis, ECD; ‘Kaldin’ of Enmore North, ECD, and

‘Peters’ of Haslington North & of Victoria, ECD.

Terror and mayhem

The Police Force has explained that terror and mayhem were unleashed on persons on the East Coast of Demerara when several vehicles were burnt and a number of stalls were ransacked and looted at the Mon Repos Market.

“Roads were blocked by burning debris, and scores of persons were beaten and robbed during the acts of terror committed by ‘protestors’,” the Force has said.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the suspects still at large is being asked to contact the Police at: 229-2557, 229-2700, 2292750, 225-6978, 225-8196, 229-2019, or at the nearest Police station. All information would be treated with strict confidence.

On June 28, 2022, what was supposed to be a call for justice for the killing of Quindon Bacchus of Golden Grove, ECD escalated into terror along the ECD corri-

dor after several vendors at the Mon Repos Market were robbed while their stalls were vandalised and goods looted.

Armed with cutlasses, knives, iron bars and other handy weapons, looters stormed the Mon Repos Market, claiming that they were retaliating against the shooting death of Bacchus, which had occurred on June 10, 2022. The looters proceeded to destroy goods, burn stalls and vehicles, shatter windscreens of vehicles, and even assault vendors – who were forced to run into the adjoining streets in fear for their lives. After the looters had made off with fruits, vegetables, clothing, shoes and other articles, vendors were left counting their losses, which amounted to millions of dollars.

Then a protest started on the morning of June 28, 2022 at the Golden Grove Market square had later seen residents blocking the main access roads on both sides with debris. Chanting and singing filled the air as residents called for justice for their fellow villager Quindon Bacchus. Following a thorough probe, Constable Kristoff De Nobrega of the Police Force’s Special Branch Unit was charged with murdering Bacchus, who was reportedly shot several times while allegedly attempting to sell undercover Police ranks an unlicensed firearm at Haslington, ECD. Constable De Nobrega, who is on remand for the capital offence, is due back in court next week.

After the attack on the vendors, the Government had offered them compensation.

The compensation offered by President Dr Irfaan Ali amounted to millions of dollars, with one vendor receiving as much as $3M. Another vendor, whose vehicle was damaged, received $1.5M, and another vendor received $2M to compensate for his minibus that was torched by a looter. (G1)

6 of 12 men

…“they have absolutely nothing to fear” – lawyer

The wanted bulletins that were issued by the Guyana Police Force

Pictured are five of the six suspects who surrendered to the CID Headquarters in the company of lawyers from the law firm of Dexter Todd and Associates

Protesters storm Suriname’s Parliament, loot businesses, as rally turns ugly

Several water wells to be drilled along Pomeroon River

In order to achieve 100 per cent potable water access in Region Two, a new PAT Rig was procured through the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) and will begin drilling wells in several villages along the Pomeroon River.

and residents would consume water from the creeks and rainwater harvesting.

Dozens of protesters forced their way into Suriname’s parliament as hundreds more rampaged through the nation’s capital Paramaribo on Friday, clashing with police as demonstrations against the government descended into chaos.

Thousands took to the streets of Paramaribo in initially peaceful demonstrations against government austerity measures, including eliminating subsidies, against a backdrop of high inflation.

But the protests turned ugly when demonstrators

Others started fires and looted city shops, many of which had closed as a precaution amid the unrest.

The government of President Chan Santokhi condemned the violence and said it had set up a task force to track down those responsible for attacking parliament.

“Vigorous action will be taken against the individuals who instructed, carried out and caused destruction in these attacks,” it said in a statement.

The United States embassy in Paramaribo condemned the attack on the

Innovation advised businesses owners to shut their premises on Friday and Saturday, due to safety concerns.

Suriname, a former Dutch colony in northern South America with a population of 610,000, reported inflation of 54.6% for 2022.

The protests come in the same week that the smallest party in government left the ruling coalition, citing disagreements over poverty and social policies. (Reuters)

On Friday, residents of Wakapao, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) were engaged on development plans in the water sector, as Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal kickstarted a series of outreaches to communities along the Pomeroon River.

He was accompanied by the Regional Vice Chairman, Humace Oudit; GWI Director of Hinterland Services, Ramchand Jailal and other technical staff from GWI.

Croal noted that access to potable water is a challenge in a number of hinterland and riverine communities

In this regard, he said the Government has been pumping resources into the villages in aim of achieving 100 per cent potable water access in hinterland and riverine communities by 2025. Residents were also given the opportunity to raise several concerns in their village, which the Minister said will be addressed by the relevant authorities.

This year, almost $18 billion will be spent through a budgetary allocation to develop Guyana’s water sector.

As part of the Government’s strategy to improve water access across the country, 7000 households received first-time access to potable water in 2022. This was made possible with the commissioning of a number of

wells across the country, including a number of wells on the coast to increase access to potable water.

Of these, a $141 million well was commissioned at Lusignan, one at Providence to the tune of $130 million, one at Wakenaam at a cost of $50 million, and another at New Chesney, Berbice.

Residents of the hinterland also received first-time access with the commissioning of 20 water treatment systems at Aranaputa, Rupertee, Wowetta, Rupununi, Jawalla, Shulinab and Annai among others.

Further, 30 additional wells will be constructed across the hinterland in 2023, to remove the gaps that exist in accessing water. Some 13 new water treatment plants will be constructed throughout this year, to the tune of some $32 billion.

throwing rocks and bottles at police stormed parliament’s grounds, with some making their way into the building before being forced back, a Reuters witness said. Police fired tear gas in return.

National Assembly building and related violence in a statement, calling the incidents an “unacceptable assault on democracy.”

Suriname’s Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Technological

Residents engaged by officials on issues relating to water supply in their communities

Canada injects millions in humanitarian support to Haiti, tackling Caribbean’s climate crisis

…as Caricom recommits to resolving Haiti crisis, condemns Suriname unrest

In a move to further strengthen its relations with the Caribbean, the Canadian Government has announced millions of dollars in support to the Caribbean Community (Caricom), to continue assistance to Haiti amidst the ongoing crisis while also strengthening ties with the region, especially in its fight against climate change.

Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, a special guest at the 44th Caricom Summit held in Nassau, The Bahamas, on Thursday, outlined a series of interventions to help address the political, security, and humanitarian crises in Haiti.

In his address to the summit, PM Trudeau announced $10 million in new funding to protect Haitian women and children along the Haiti-Dominican Republic border.

He also announced that Canada plans to deploy Royal Canadian Navy vessels to conduct surveillance, gather intelligence, and maintain a maritime presence off the Haitian coast in the coming weeks.

According to the Canadian PM, this assistance comes as “Canada continues to reinforce the capacities of the Haitian Police to overpower armed gangs and hold those who support them accountable.”

“The toll of human suffering in Haiti weighs heavily on me,” he told the Conference, as he added that the situation in Haiti hits not only in the Region, but also in Canada, where there is a large Haitian diaspora.

Further, PM Trudeau told Caricom Heads that Canada’s “fundamental objective” in supporting Haiti was to ease the suffering and empower the people to chart their own future.

“Now is the moment to come together to confront the severity of this situation,” he said as he urged solutions that would restore order and security, allow essential aid to flow to those in urgent need of it, and create the conditions for free and fair elections.

The Canadian Prime Minister also informed that he had a “constructive conversation” with interim Prime Minister of Haiti, Ariel Henry, as Canada continued to support Haiti to address the political, security and humanitarian crises. In that vein, he disclosed that Canada has deployed a

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surveillance aircraft and vital strategic security equipment and vehicles to assist the Haitian National Police with tools and support to solve the security situation.

Over the coming days, the North American nation will also deliver MineResistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, the Prime Minister indicated.

Additionally, he announced a sixth round of autonomous sanctions against two more individuals, in addition to 15 others Canada had sanctioned for using their “influence and resources to support criminal gangs and fuel instability in Haiti.”

While also in Nassau, Prime Minister Trudeau announced $44.8 million in new initiatives to help support Caricom in addressing the climate crisis by protecting more biodiversity and improving climate resilience and disaster preparedness. He said Canada will continue to advocate for small island and low-lying states in the Caribbean, who are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change like rising sea levels and extreme weather events.

The Prime Minister also announced $1.8 million in new initiatives to help tackle escalating regional security challenges, including by targeting illicit drugs, the opioid crisis, irregular migration, and strengthening border and maritime security.

Haiti crisis

Meanwhile, during a press conference on Friday evening, Caricom Chairman, Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Philip Davis, also recommitted Caricom’s moral obligation to assist in the resolution of the Haiti crisis. He said Caricom’s focus is on strengthening the

Haitian National Police to enable them to restore order and to curb the criminal activities in the country.

Additionally, a meeting is slated to take place “in the very shortest possible time” with stakeholders in Haiti, Caricom representatives, and possibly an international partner to discuss how to strengthen the Haitian Policing body.

“We are of the view that we have to create the space in which peace…can be obtained to enable the free movement of people without fear, to enable them to move to the next stage of expressing a will, or a new election to be held in a fair and transplant [manner]…,” he stated.

Condemn unrest in Suriname

On the other hand, there was a condemnation of protest actions in Suriname which escalated into a storming of the country’s Parliament Building, damage to properties, and looting of businesses.

Surinamese started to protest on Friday against the high cost of living and rising fuel prices in the region.

But according to Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit, while citizens have a right to protest, the actions displayed on Friday in Paramaribo cannot be condoned.

“We will stand in solidarity and recognizing the democratically-elected Government led by President [Candrikapersad] Santokhi. And we do hope that all actors can respect the rule of law and respect people’s right to move freely; and we certainly condemn the storming of the Parliament. It appears that this is becoming a practice in our hemisphere, and

(May 21-June 20)

it is something that we all need to seek to condemn and to stamp out in our hemisphere. We call for calm and a restoration of peace and order, and allow for dialogue to take place. [The] issues among the Surinamese people can be addressed in a respectful, lawful manner,” PM Skerrit stated.

Similar sentiments were expressed by Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, who called the developments in Suriname “most unfortunate”.

“People can express their views, but there is no excuse for violence in any manner, form or fashion. And to the extent that persons have been injured, and to the extent that property has been damaged, the ultimate loss is also to the stability of the country. And I think Prime Minister Skerritt’s called for peace to reign and for stability to come [and] calm to be there is what all of us must do now, because it is unacceptable for anybody to be putting people’s lives at risk,” PM Mottley contended. (G8)

(June 21-July 22) (July 23-Aug. 22)

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A change of scenery or direction will give you a different perspective. Embrace life and make plans that give you and your loved ones something to look forward to.

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Listen to criticism with an open mind. Make improvements as you see fit, but don’t let unkind words hold you back. Consider what you want to do next. Look for opportunities.

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Expect an intense response from friends and family to changes you are considering. Don’t expect to get an honest opinion from your inner circle; seek an outsider’s perspective.

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Use your intellectual skills to help you find your way. Consider something you enjoy doing or being a part of and find a way to turn it into part of your daily routine.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Changing your living arrangements will give you something to look forward to if you don’t exceed your budget. Working in partnership with someone special will encourage greater understanding.

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Don’t fear the unknown. Choose your path instead of letting outsiders interfere. Put your energy where it counts, and don’t let anyone make decisions for you.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

A change will wake you up and push you forward. Share your intentions with a loved one and find out where you stand. Partnerships will require compassion and compromise.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau with Caricom officials on Thursday

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023: India vs Aus, Test 2 of 4…

Australia get chance against India

-through Khawaja and Handscomb fifties

In one of the only two Tests India have lost at home in the last 10 years, Australia won the toss on a turning track and posted 261 in Pune in 201617.

Australia batted with similar urgency after winning the toss on a Delhi pitch, where they played just one seamer and managed to get to 263. They will be hoping the similarities endure, even though the black-soil track of Delhi got better to bat on as the day progressed.

The pitch started off with more turn than Nagpur had on day one, and also more bounce than is usual in Delhi, but batting looked easier as the day progressed.

R Ashwin looked the most threatening bowler; he operated over two long spells to pick up 3 wickets for 57 runs in 21 overs, including the wickets of Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith in the same over moments before lunch.

Mohammed Shami bowled attacking lines and lengths, which showed in his economy rate of over four, but he also produced four wickets. It wasn't the best of days for Ravindra Jadeja, who went at 3.23 an over and conceded boundaries regularly off the back foot, but he was still good enough to take three wickets.

Usman Khawaja and Peter Handscomb were the standout batters for Australia. When India were at their most threatening, with Ashwin and Mohammed Siraj bowling in tandem in the first session, Khawaja went reverse-sweeping and sweeping to make sure they denied

the bowlers a stationary target. It worked perfectly for Khawaja, even resulting in a deep fielder being placed just for the reverse-sweep, until a well-timed reverse-sweep ended in a blinder of a catch for KL Rahul at cover-point. The opener was 19 short of a hundred.

Handscomb was more orthodox and assured, trusting his defence, waiting for the loose ball, and on occasion creating backfoot shots. When Khawaja and Handscomb added 59 for the fifth wicket in the middle session, Australia looked the most in control they have been all series. However, they also suffered three double blows: losing Labuschagne and Smith on 91, then Khawaja and Alex Carey on 167 and 168, and Pat Cummins and Todd Murphy on 227. Handscomb stayed unbeaten on 72, adding 19 and 17 for the ninth and 10th wickets.

Coming into the most difficult assignment in cricket - a Test series in India - you want all your resources, but Australia still didn't have Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Cameron Green available. The absence of Green possibly resulted in one more Test for David Warner, who copped a blow on the hand and on the helmet; spent half an hour without a run; and, with a nick off Shami, now has the worst average for those who have opened in at least 10 Tests in India.

Australia still added 50 for the first wicket, even as Warner looked out-of-sorts, thanks to Khawaja's aggressive intent. When Khawaja and Labuschagne got together, they even began to

target the bowlers.

In Nagpur, Rohit Sharma had been im patient with bowling changes because he didn't want to concede quick runs on a difficult track. Here, he trusted Ashwin even when Labuschagne attacked him first ball he faced him. Ashwin had bowled beautifully in the first session for little reward - much like Siraj - but just before lunch, the rewards came his way.

An offbreak was perfect enough to turn past Labuschagne's inside edge, but not enough to miss the stumps. He also had his captain supporting him in a DRS review for lbw. Two balls later, a similar release, a similar seam position, went on with the angle to take Smith's edge.

Travis Head, replacing Matt Renshaw, looked to attack; and although he looked most uncomfortable against Ashwin, it was Shami who took the wicket. The delivery was similar to the one that he got Warner with: short of a length, angling in from round the wicket, but holding its line off the seam.

That brought together Handscomb and Khawaja, who hardly scored down the ground off the spinners. That reverse-sweep almost became the push down the ground for a single. He picked his spots beautifully. Dry periods didn't frustrate him. He waited for his moments, and then cashed in. There was one such period when he was sweep-

ing beautifully. In the 46th over, he tapped Jadeja for a reverse-sweep for four, and smashed the next one.

Rahul, though, leapt to his right, stuck his hand out, and pulled off a stunner. Immediately Ashwin took out Carey with a catch at slip.

If Khawaja scored 29 of his 81 runs through sweeps, Handscomb's success lay in scoring 32 off 59 balls from Jadeja without looking in any trouble. With Pat Cummins, he added 59 for the seventh wicket. However, Jadeja did find that one good over to turn the game again. When he went wider on the crease, the ball turned less than Cummins expected because of the angle, and trapped him lbw.

Two balls later, Todd Murphy played a loose drive to get bowled.

India perhaps wanted to wait for the new ball before bringing Ashwin back, but Shami found reverse-swing with the old ball to make the new ball unnecessary. Both his last wickets, Nathan Lyon and debutant Matt Kunhemann, were bowled.

India managed to survive the nine overs before stumps without a loss, but the shooter off the penultimate delivery of the day set up the rest of the Test deliciously. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Arsenal and Man City charged with failing to control players

Manchester City players were unhappy with Anthony Taylor for awarding Arsenal a penalty, and later protested as Eddie Nketiah was booked for a foul on Ruben Dias Arsenal and Manchester City have been charged by the Football Association with failing to control their players during Wednesday’s Premier League game.

Both sets of players surrounded referee Anthony Taylor at different times dueing the match at Emirates Stadium. Arsenal protested when City’s Erling Haaland was awarded a penalty, a decision then overturned by VAR.

` SCOREBOARD

Australia 1st Innings

David Warner c †Bharat

b Mohammed Shami 15

Usman Khawaja c

Rahul b Jadeja 81

Marnus Labuschagne

lbw b Ashwin 18

Steven Smith c †Bharat

b Ashwin 0

Travis Head c Rahul b

Mohammed Shami 12

Peter Handscomb not out 72

Alex Carey †c Kohli b Ashwin 0

Pat Cummins (c)lbw b Jadeja 33

Todd Murphy b Jadeja 0

Nathan Lyon b

Mohammed Shami 10

Matthew Kuhnemann b

Mohammed Shami 6

Extras (b 13, lb 1, nb 2) 16

TOTAL 78.4 Ov (RR: 3.34) 263

Fall of wickets: 1-50

(David Warner, 15.2 ov), 2-91

(Marnus Labuschagne, 22.4 ov), 3-91

(Steven Smith, 22.6 ov), 4-108

(Travis Head, 31.2 ov), 5-167

(Usman Khawaja, 45.5 ov), 6-168

(Alex Carey, 46.6 ov), 7-227

(Pat Cummins, 67.2 ov), 8-227

(Todd Murphy, 67.6 ov), 9-246

(Nathan Lyon, 74.2 ov), 10-263

(Matthew Kuhnemann, 78.4 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Mohammed Shami 14.4-4-60-4

Siraj

1st Innings

Sharma (c) not out 13

Rahul not out 4

City were unhappy at the decision to award Arsenal a first-half penalty and later with an Eddie Nketiah foul. Nketiah was shown a yel-

low card for the challenge on City’s Ruben Dias.

In a statement, the FA said: “It’s alleged that both clubs failed to ensure their

players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion, with Arsenal’s players surrounding the match official during the 56th minute, and Manchester City’s doing so during the 42nd and 64th minutes.”

Both clubs have until Tuesday to respond to the charges. The FA has announced trials for referees at grassroots level to wear bodycams in an attempt to prevent abuse towards officials.

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said he hoped it would have a “positive impact” on behaviour. In a recent BBC questionnaire, hundreds of referees said they feared for their safety. (BBC Sport)

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Manchester City players were unhappy with Anthony Taylor for awarding Arsenal a penalty, and later protested as Eddie Nketiah was booked for a foul on Ruben Dias

Usman Khawaja led the fight

Magnificent Matthews steers West Indies to thrilling win over Ireland

West Indies captain Hayley Matthews has produced a match-winning knock to carry her side to victory over Ireland in a fascinating game in Cape Town, South Africa.

West Indies have sealed a much-needed victory against Ireland in Cape Town to stay alive in the tournament. After the West Indies bowlers had turned the tide, following Orla Prendergast’s half-century, to restrict the target to just 138, Matthews played a captain’s innings from the top of the order to steer her team to the target.

The win means that West Indies are still mathematically in contention to qualify for the semi-finals, but a third group-stage loss leaves Ireland with no chance of making it through.

It was Matthews who played the early anchor role when runs were hard to come by in the Powerplay. The loss of Rashada Williams to an Amy Hunter run-out and Shemaine Campbelle to an lbw off Laura Delany had put even more pressure on Matthews. However, the skipper managed the game brilliantly, accelerating through the middle overs and putting together a pivotal partnership with Chinelle Henry.

Henry fell with the target in sight, caught off Leah Paul for 34 (28), but Matthews (66* from 53) carried her team home, keeping her composure in a nervy final over and creaming a beautiful boundary to seal the win with one ball to spare.

A hard-fought battle between bat and ball saw Ireland notch up a score of 137/9. Earlier, a brilliant half-centu-

Prendergast helped Ireland to a decent score of 137/9, after they had won the toss and opted for first crack in Cape Town. But a flurry of wickets at the back end of the innings saw West Indies stem the flow of runs and give their batters some hope for the chase.

Ireland’s opener has got them off to a super start at Newlands. Opener Amy Hunter (1) fell early to Shamilia Connell, but Ireland brought up their 50 without the loss of a further wicket, as Prendergast and Gaby Lewis set a foundation for a decent score. Prendergast found the

impressive regularity, before eventually falling for 61 (47) – Ireland’s highest individual score at a Women’s T20 World Cup.

Lewis looked classy out in the middle, accelerating after a slow start, but was trapped lbw by the impressive Karishma Ramharack for 38 off 34 balls. And West Indies did a decent job to bring the scoring back under control once the two set batters had departed.

Elmear Richardson was promoted up the order, and hit 16 off 19, but Ireland’s innings somewhat petered out as they missed the opportunity to rack up a big score. Seven wickets

` SCOREBOARD

Ireland Women (20 ovs maximum)

Amy Hunter c Holder b Connell 1

Gaby Lewis lbw b Ramharack 38

Orla Prendergast c Zaida

James b Connell 61

Eimear Richardson c & b

Matthews 15

Louise Little b Ramharack 0

Laura Delany (c) c

Henry b Fletcher 1

Arlene Kelly c

Matthews b Fletcher 0

Mary Waldron †run out (†Williams) 5

Leah Paul c Henry b Connell 1

Cara Murray not out 0

Extras (b 2, lb 5, nb 3, w 5) 15

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 6.85) 137/9

Fall of wickets: 1-1

fell for 21 runs in the final fourand-a-half overs as Ireland finished on 137/9, with Connell taking 3/24, Afy Fletcher bagging 2/21, and Ramharack taking 2/18.

And that end to the innings proved pivotal, with West Indies having just enough to chase the target down.

Matthews is world-class

It takes a special player to carry a team on her shoulders in the way that Hayley Matthews has for the last year for West Indies.

The captain knows that she is the vital member of the batting order, and when she fails, typically so does the team. So, to withstand that pressure and end a 15-match losing streak with a knock of the highest quality is a supreme achievement.

Matthews is great to watch, has all the shots, and clearly has the temperament to match

(Amy Hunter, 1.3 ov), 2-91

(Orla Prendergast, 12.2 ov), 3-116

(Gaby Lewis, 15.3 ov), 4-116

(Louise Little, 15.6 ov), 5-127

(Laura Delany, 17.1 ov), 6-127

(Arlene Kelly, 17.3 ov), 7-133

(Eimear Richardson, 18.6 ov), 8-137

(Leah Paul, 19.5 ov), 9-137

(Mary Waldron, 19.6 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Chinelle Henry 3-0-25-0

Shamilia Connell 4-0-24-3

her talent. Still just 24 years old, we should be in for a treat watching her perform over the course of the next decade.

The gap has closed

Ireland have never won a match at a Women’s T20 World Cup, but they went extremely close against the nation who won the tournament back in 2016.

That the match was so evenly balanced shows just how quickly the gap has closed,

Hayley Matthews 4-0-32-1

Karishma Ramharack 4-0-18-2

Afy Fletcher 4-0-21-2

Aaliyah Alleyne 1-0-10-0

West Indies Women (T: 138 runs from 20 ovs)

Hayley Matthews (c) not out 66

Rashada Williams † run out (Hunter/Paul) 17

Shemaine Campbelle

lbw b Delany 8

Chinelle Henry c Delany b Paul 34

Shabika Gajnabi run out (Lewis/†Waldron) 13

Aaliyah Alleyne not out 0

Extras (lb 1, w 1) 2

TOTAL 19.5 Ov (RR: 7.05) 140/4

Fall of wickets: 1-28

(Rashada Williams, 5.5 ov), 2-46

(Shemaine Campbelle, 8.3 ov), 3-120

(Chinelle Henry, 17.5 ov), 4-135

(Shabika Gajnabi, 19.3 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Jane Maguire 3-0-19-0

Orla Prendergas 4-0-23-0

Arlene Kelly 4-0-30-0

Leah Paul 4-0-26-1

Cara Murray 1-0-11-0

Laura Delany 3.5-0-30-1

with Ireland’s new generation of cricketers looking well worth their place on the world stage.

The quality of 21-year-old Gaby Lewis has been known for some time. But it has been Orla Prendergast, a year her junior, who has impressed the most in this tournament. The all-rounder is Ireland’s best bowler, and had West Indies in all sorts of trouble in the Powerplay. And her batting efforts speak for themselves. She’s quite a player. (ICC)

BCB restarts action-filled cricket season

- Wins for Rose Hall Canje Arborsmarts, Upper Corentyne in Rondhall Lewis U-15 tourney

The2023 season of the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) bowled off last weekend with under-15 action, and the aim is to host a wide range of tournaments at the inter-school, inter-club and inter-zone levels.

Guyana’s under-15 all-rounder Adrian Hetmyer highlighted the weekend’s action by scoring a double century, while Guyana’s under-13 all-rounders Richard Ramdeholl and Anthony Persaud each grabbed five-wicket hauls.

At the Rose Hall Canje Community Centre, Rose Hall Canje Arborsmarts defeated Mount Saini by 357 runs. After winning the toss, Rose Hall Canje decided to take first strike on a sunny day, and scored 387 all out in 40.3 overs. Skipper Adrian Hetmyer blasted 218 off 122 balls (11x6, 13x4) before he was run out, and was supported by Lakeram Singh’s 61 and Richard Ramdeholl’s 30. Bowling for Mount Sinai, Anthony Persaud was the pick of the bowlers, returning figures of 5 for 55 off 9.3 overs.

In reply, Mount Sinai were blown away for 30 runs scored in 19.2 overs. No batsman reached double figures, and Lemuel DeJonge scored 4. Extras contributed 19.

Bowling for Rose Hall Canje, Luke Amsterdam grabbed 3 for 7 off 5 overs, while Lakeram Singh, Aarush Hemraj and Jade Campbell each accounted for 2 wickets.

Upper Corentyne Cricket Association defeated Radha Krishna Foundation by 98 runs at No 72 Cut and Load Ground.

Batting first, Upper Corentyne scored 151 all out in 23 overs, with Trevor Reynold scoring a patient 32, Kevin Alfred 29, and Aryan Ramoutar 20. Bowling for Radha Krishna Foundation, Aryan Singh and Gavin Thakurdin each grabbed 4 wickets, for 40 and 26 respectively. In reply, Radha Krishna Foundation were bowled out for 49 off 16.3 overs. Sean Asphalt produced figures of 3 for 8 off 3.3 overs, while Marlon Barnwell

grabbed 3 for 11 off 5 overs.

In a match played at the Rose Hall Canje Community Centre ground, Rose Hall Canje Arborsmarts triumphed over Tucber Park by 10 wickets. Tucber Park won the toss and elected to bat first. They were bowled out for 33 off 17.3 overs. Michael Newland scored 6, while extras scored 18.

Bowling for Rose Hall Canje, Richard Ramdeholl grabbed 5 for 1 off 4 overs, with 3 maidens; Ahill Hemraj took 2 for 10 off 5 overs, and Lakeram Singh took 2 for 4 off 3 overs.

In reply, Rose Hall Canje reached 35 without loss off 4 overs, with Adrian Hetmyer scoring 26 not out.

Action in the ongoing Rondhall Lewis Under 15 Tournament continues this weekend.

Hayley Matthews

Richard Ramdeholl (left) Adrian Hetmyer (right)

WI Test tour of South Africa 2023…

Bravo, Bonner still on West Indies’ selection radar

Out-of-favour West Indies Test batsman Nkrumah Bonner has been given assurance that he has not been discarded despite being dropped for the Test tour of South Africa, while veteran lefthander Darren Bravo has been told he is still in contention even though he, too, has been ignored.

The 34-year-old Bonner has struggled for form in recent months, averaging 10 from his last five Tests; while Bravo, also 34 – who has not featured in the longest format in just over two years – scored a hundred in each innings of the last round of matches in the Regional first-class Championship.

Speaking to the media yesterday, West Indies Chief Selector, the Most Honourable Dr Desmond Haynes, said both players remain on the selection radar. Responding to questions posted by this daily publication, Haynes said: “Obviously, Bonner struggled a little bit in the last couple of Test matches that he has played, and we believe we would like to see Bonner come back and play some more first-class games here in the Caribbean, and then get ready for India, who are coming in June,” Haynes has said.

“When someone is left out of the side, the first impression that comes to one’s mind is that you’re done with somebody. But I had a con-

versation – not only myself, but [fellow selector] Roland (Butcher) – we had a conversation with Bonner, and we explained to him the reason why he has not been selected to go to South Africa.” Dr Haynes has said.

Bonner was one of the Caribbean side’s leading batsmen in 2021, hitting his maiden Test hundred along with three fifties, but he tailed off last year, despite

rently averages 87 for Trinidad and Tobago Red Force following the first two rounds of the first class championship.

“I called Bravo to congratulate him on the two hundreds that he scored,” Dr Haynes has said. “We in the Caribbean, we don’t have the luxury of talking about age not being on someone’s side. If someone is doing very well in our com-

that Bravo is good enough to make runs at this level, and we will continue to monitor Bravo’s progress as we go along in this four-day competition.”

Instead of Bravo or Bonner, the selectors opted for the uncapped 24-year-old Dominican Alick Athanze, one of the leading batsmen in the opening two rounds of the regional Championship. And Haynes said selectors had been tracking the progress of the left-hander for some time, and are pleased with his progress.

“This young man was on our radar for quite some time… and we really like the way this young man has adapted himself to the longer version of the game,” the legendary former West Indies opener has said. “We think he has a lot of ability…he’s a guy who is in form at the moment. He just got a hundred, and we believe this is the right time to give him an opportunity to see what he can do at the highest level.

uled to arrive in South Africa today for the two-Test tour beginning on February 28.

FULL SQUAD: Kraigg

4 March: 1st Test at SuperSport Park, Centurion 8-12 March: 2nd Test at the Wanderers, Johannesburg

a hundred against England.

Bravo, meanwhile, has also failed to recapture his best form, ever since returning to international cricket following a controversial 2½ year break, and was dropped in 2020 after averaging 13 from seven Tests.

However, he struck hundreds against Leeward Islands Hurricanes last week at the Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium, and cur-

petitions, I think his name must come up for selection. I think that Bravo has proven that he can play cricket at the highest level, and it’s just a matter of IF we can get the guys; IF they’re committed and they really want to play; but Bravo is a class act.

“He has done well at Test level. He had a period where he just lost his form and so forth, but we know

We personally think he has a lot of talent, and can go a long way. We had to take those chances as well with Tage Chanderpaul when he first saw him.

“We, as selectors, don’t always get it right, but we tend to trust our cricket judgement, and whatever we do, we always do it in the best interest of West Indies cricket,” Dr Haynes has explained.

West Indies are sched-

Brathwaite (Captain), Jermaine Blackwood (Vice Captain), Alick Athanaze, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Roston Chase, Joshua Da

Silva, Shannon Gabriel, Jason Holder, Akeem

Jordan, Alzarri Joseph, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach and Devon Thomas.

Match schedule in South Africa

21 to 24 February: vs South Africa Invitational XI at Willowmoore Park, Benoni 28 February to

Thursday, 16 March: 1st ODI at Buffalo Park, East London (day/night)

Saturday, 18 March: 2nd ODI at Buffalo Park, East London (day/night)

Tuesday, 21 March: 3rd ODI at JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom

Saturday, 25 March: 1st T20I at SuperSport Park, Centurion

Sunday, 26 March: 2nd T20I at SuperSport Park, Centurion

Tuesday, 28 March: 3rd T20I at Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg (night)

Forbes Burnham Memorial cycle race pedals off tomorrow

The annual Forbes Burnham Memorial cycle race will pedal off tomorrow, Sunday February 19, from Carifesta Avenue in Georgetown and travel to Belfield, ECD before returning to Carifesta Avenue for the grand finish.

The race will commence at 14:00h, and categories to be contested are Open, Juniors and Veterans. The top six finishers, top three Juniors and top four Veterans would be rewarded. This race is sponsored by the Burnham Foundation, and is supervised by the

Flying Stars Cycling Club.

Top cyclists Briton John, Jamaul John and Andre ‘Padlock’ Green are expect-

ed to feature at this event. In the last race held, Briton John stopped the clock in one hour, nine minutes, 24 seconds to shatter the 35-lap circuit race time at the inner circuit of the National Park. That was the record time at this venue for a race of such nature.

In the 2022 staging of the Burnham Memorial race, a total of 48 riders had taken part on the same route, and it was the impressive Jamaul John who stole the headlines.

Representing Team Foundation, Jamaul John had powered to victory over the

PMTC’s Easter Cup horse meet set for April 9

The Port Mourant Turf Club will come alive on Sunday, April 9, when the grand one-day Easter Cup horse meet is held.

More than eight million dollars in cash prizes will be up for grabs, and seven races are on the cards. The feature event is “The Easter Cup”, which will be contested over a distance of one mile, and the event is open to all horses. The horse winning “The Easter Cup” would earn its handlers Gy$2M.

Three-year-old Guyana and West Indian-bred horses are expected to contest an Open race over 6.75 furlongs, and the top horse would be awarded Gy$1M. H & Lower horses would contest a distance of six furlongs for a total purse of $937,500.

Horses in the J & Lower category, winners of one race from 2022, and maiden horses would also contest a distance of six furlongs for a total purse of $470,000.

The J Open event would be contested over six furlongs for a total purse of $562,500 and three-year-old, Guyanabred unplaced horses would contest for a total purse of $375,000, while the L Open race would have a total purse of 562,500.

For the feature event, weight would be allotted by class. If a Guyana-bred horse finishes first in the threeyear-old, Guyana and West Indian bred event, that horse would be paid separately.

Each race would be conducted under the updated classification. Entries for this

event will be closed on April 3, 2023.

Races are to be run under the guidance of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority rules. Club reserves the right to cancel or reframe any race.

Five horses are to start a race before the third-place prize is paid, and seven horses before fourth-place prize is paid.

Horses can be entered through the following persons: Gingo, with whom contact can be made on 6187278; Dennis, on 640-6396; Shazeena on 322-0789 or 3220369, or persons can contact the WhatsApp Nic on + 1 868386-2432. Depending on the entries, additional races can be framed.

All horses need to be registered before being entered to race.

course in a time of one hour, 11 minutes and 23 seconds. He defeated Lyn Murray, Christopher Griffith, Alexis Mendes, Alexander Leung and Marcus Keiler in that order.

Marica Dick of We Stand United team was the lead fe-

male involved in that race.

The other categories resulted in Alexander Leung of We Stand United claiming the Junior Category by beating Arjune Sukhai and Akon Europe respectively.

Veterans Under-50 had

produced triumph for Lyn Murray, who came ahead of Alexis Mendes, Paul Chowwee-nam and Warren McKay. Veterans Over-50 had seen Ian Jackson powering home ahead of Talim Shaw and Shameer Baksh.

Nkrumah Bonner

Darren Bravo

Jamaul John