Guyana Times - Saturday, January 13, 2024.pdf

French Senators emphasise strength of diplomatic P2 bond during GDF visit

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

Issue No. 5610

THE BEACON OF TRUTH SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2024

Govt testing new technology to build farm-to-market roads – Pres Ali Page 3

…talks ongoing to ferry agri-produce to Aruba

Sod turned for $881M nursing school and training complex in Region 2

PRICE $100 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Demand for P10 aggregates still high, no shortages – Jagdeo …Govt issues more quarrying licences

US imports 1st cargo of Guyana's Payara Gold crude - US Customs data P13 shows Itaballi man remanded P11 for killing drinking buddy

Page 16

3 months after discovering remains, men inform dead man’s family

Small fire-fighting vehicles, trained local brigades for NDCs across Guyana – Pres Ali Page 7

Brickdam Police HQ will be “nerve center” for crime fighting – VP Page 12

“Thief! Thief!”

– homeowner screams after seeing bandits in home

Overtaking, speeding P2 vehicles can be banned from using DHB Page 9

…biometrics project underway to track criminals …1 shot during shootout with Police, accomplice escapes

“I try to tek out de magazine and de weapon go off” – uncle allegedly admits

…stray bullet successfully removed from Linden child’s throat

P9

See story on page 11

Suriname P17 authorities hunt for fugitive expresident amid prison no-show

2 NEWS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

French Senators emphasise strength Overtaking, speeding of diplomatic bond during GDF visit vehicles can be banned from using DHB

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Demerara Harbour Bridge

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The French Senators in discussion with Chief-of-Staff Brigadier Omar Khan (GDF photo)

rench Senator Francois Bonneau has emphasised the strength of the diplomatic bond and the shared commitment to fostering bilateral relations, collective regional security and stability, and the promotion of shared values, during a visit to the Guyana Defence Force on Thursday.

Bonneau and Senator Philippe Folliot visited the Head of the Guyana Defence Force, Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan.

Expressing his satisfaction with the existing collaboration, Brigadier Khan highlighted the enduring diplomatic relations between Guyana and France, which were established in 1967, the GDF said in a social media post. The ties between the two nations have flourished

Chief-of-Staff Brigadier Omar Khan and French Senators Philippe Folliot and Francois Bonneau following a courtesy call (GDF photo)

over the years, encompassing key areas such as trade and military cooperation, he added.

Khan also extended greetings to the officials who hold pivotal roles in the French Senate overseeing Defence and Foreign Affairs portfolios. The discussions between Brigadier Khan and the Senators centred on the mutual cooperation and support between the two nations, particularly acknowledging the valuable assistance from the French Government.

Senator Francois Bonneau conveyed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended during their visit to Guyana. The GDF said that the interaction serves as a testament to the unwavering partnership between Guyana and France.

he management of the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation has issued a stern warning to motorists that could lead to the ban of vehicles caught overtaking or speeding on standard two-way traffic crossing.

In a notice issued on Friday, the DHB management said that of recent it has been observed that there is an increase in vehicles overtaking and speeding on the bridge.

Management also reminded drivers that this is a violation of Rule No Four of the Bridges’ Rules for Vehicular Traffic, which states: “No unauthorised stopping, parking or overtaking of vehicles shall be allowed on the Bridge.”

This action, the DBH management said, has resulted in an increase in both minor and major incidents

on the bridge, as such, drivers and riders are urged to immediately stop this practice and to observe the speed limit and other rules and regulations.

“Failure to comply may result in a ban from transiting the Bridge,” the notice warned.

Other rules to note are the DHB’s speed limit, of 32 kilometres or 20 miles per hour, as well as the maximum weight limit allowed on the bridge, 18 tonnes per normal crossing between 04:00h and 22:30h, and 24 tonnes for special crossing between 22:30h and 03:30h.

Drivers have been strongly encouraged to familiarise themselves with the comprehensive set of rules and regulations governing their use of the bridge or visit https://harbourbridge.gov.gy/bridgerules.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

BRIDGE The Demerara OPENINGS Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, Jan 13 – 05:30h – 06:00h and Sunday, Jan 14 – 06:30h – 08:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, Jan 13 – 05:40h – 07:10h and Sunday, Jan 14 – 06:25h – 07:55h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be sunshine during the day. Expect clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to East North-Easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 18:10h reaching a maximum height of 2.78 metres.

Low Tide: 11:43h reaching a minimum height of 0.59 metre.

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COMMODITIES Indicators

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Govt testing new technology to build farm-to-market roads – Pres Ali …talks ongoing to ferry agri-produce to Aruba

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he Guyana Government is currently exploring a new technology that they are hoping to use to build-out mud dams across the country into durable farm-to-market access roads.

This was announced by President Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday afternoon during a visit to Cherry Tree Farm in Coverden, East Bank Demerara, where he engaged farmers and residents from surrounding communities.

During the meeting, one farmer requested support from Government to build out a dam in Sarah Johanna, EBD. In fact, there are three dams in that area that are in need of work to allow farmers to have easy access to their farmlands.

President Ali informed that the technology is currently undergoing testing at Laluni on the SoesdykeLinden Highway.

“We are now testing a technology that is used around the world… And this is a technology that stabilises the clay and make it into a hard surface like concrete. So, once the technology proves well, we can look at these dams there.”

The Head of State told the gathering of mainly farmers that the purpose of his visit to Cherry Tree Farm was to talk about the community’s agriculture agenda and strengthen what is already being done there.

In fact, he touted the idea of introducing “integrated farming” at the EBD area where there are approximately 200 acres of farmlands owned by some 54 farmers. According to the President, sometimes when persons farm their lands individually, it does not result

President Dr Irfaan Ali with his Cabinet Ministers at Cherry Tree Farm, Coverden, on the East Bank of Demerara (Office of the President photo)

in the best yields hence they are looking at a collective approach in enhancing the productivity of farmers.

“What I have asked Minister [of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha] and the guys over at Agriculture to do, is to look at how best we can deploy these 200 acres of land. Whether we can go into an integrated farm with large-scale pig production and make this the model farm and model area for that… But you guys have to come together for that… We have to put in the same infrastructure that makes it competitive for everybody, you have shared management responsibility…”

“So, we have to think a bit different too whilst we thinking about agriculture. We have to think how we make it more competitive, how we make it more attractive, how we make it in such a way that we have more revenue.”

Ferrying local produce to the Caribbean

President Ali reminded of the Guyana Government’s intention to push agriculture production not only for local use but to meet the needs of

the Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries as well.

He noted that efforts have already been undertaken to ensure that local produce get into the Caricom market “in a strong way.”

This, he noted, will be further bolstered with the introduction of the new regional ferry service between Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados. The Head of State announced last week that the three countries have agreed to establish a company to operate this ferry service that will cater to both passenger and cargo movement in the Region.

It has since been reported that the Trinidad Government has approved the use of one of the nation’s ferry vessels to travel to Guyana.

In addition to this, the Guyanese leader on Friday disclosed similar plans to ship local produce from Guyana to Aruba – an island located south of the Caribbean Sea. “We have started discussions also with Aruba on having a ferry service to Aruba that looks specifically at production – taking agriculture

produce there… So food production is going to be a main part of our development…

So, if we have greater production in this area then we can have the production coming out of here [EBD corridor] to supply the Region,” the Head of State told the farmers as he urged them to think about the opportunities that these initiatives will bring.

Massive investments

Moreover, the President noted that the massive investments that Government is making in expanding the road network and building out new highways along the East Bank corridor will further add to the competitiveness of the production process of the communities there.

“You now have the land available, let’s see how we can work together and come up with an integrated plan, where we support each other and the competitiveness of the whole agriculture production system in this area will also go up. And we want to support that plan,” he posited.

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2024

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Climate change in schools’ curricula

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lobally, the topic of climate change is scarcely addressed in schools’ curricula; and, for years, there has been much talk about the effect of climate change and the devastating impact it is having and is likely to have on communities and the world as a whole.

In fact, it could be argued that, on the global level, not many persons are educated about the issue, especially as it relates to the kind of impact climate change has on the environment and on individuals themselves. Citizens still do take the issue for granted, and do not pay much heed to the various messages about the need to change lifestyle patterns and so on.

Scientists have argued that the planet is indeed threatened by the lifestyle patterns of individuals, and if persons continue to use resources the way we currently do, the planet’s reserves would be exhausted at an increasingly rapid pace. For many countries, there is still the challenge of getting everyone to not only understand and appreciate the idea of the need to work towards sustainable consumption, but also to take practical steps to move in this direction.

Certainly, Governments can set the framework with their policies: set targets, define standards, give incentives to make companies go green. Businesses and industries, together with researchers, can provide the solutions, but, in the end, the consumers have the power of the purse, whether they buy green products or not. The highly touted green model reduces our ecological footprint, emits less greenhouse gases, uses less energy and raw materials, and can create new sources of growth and employment.

In essence, achieving economic growth and sustainable development requires that we urgently reduce our ecological footprint by changing the way we produce and consume goods and resources. As stated by UNDP, the efficient management of our shared natural resources and the way we dispose of toxic waste and pollutants are important targets to achieving this goal.

Based on statistics, the world’s population is growing rapidly, as more than a billion new people will enter the middle class by 2050. Experts have predicted that if citizens do not change their consumption patterns, the global use of resources would be multiplied by 15, which is considered dangerous for our planet, as it would not be able to satisfy the needs of everyone.

At the individual level, every individual does play a crucial role in defining his/her own consumption pattern, and can, in a way, also contribute to the fight against climate change. For example, we can reduce the level of energy utilised, and the money that is saved on energy could instead be used to develop climate-friendly technologies and appliances.

Official records show that, on a global level, more than 70 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions are related to household consumption. While it is accepted that it is not an easy task to get persons to change lifestyles and to work towards a climate- friendly environment, the task would be much easier if people are educated about the role they can play, and the benefits of their own action.

Here, in Guyana, we still continue to dump garbage carelessly. For example, persons continue to dispose of plastics and Styrofoam items in a reckless manner, resulting in the clogging of drains and trenches.

The issue of recycling is becoming a major concern for both the general public and to the economy. For years now, calls for citizens here to dispose of their waste in a responsible manner have fallen on deaf ears, and the issue of garbage build-up continues to be repeated.

For sure, there is need for more effective public education campaigns on climate change, and to highlight the effects of poor environmental practices.

We believe that there is need for lifestyle changes among our citizens, and it would be very helpful if the schools and religious organisations, among others in every region, start the conversation with citizens about climate change and eco-friendly alternatives.

In observance of the 171st anniversary of the arrival of Chinese in Guyana, persons attending the commissioning of the US$150,000 kitchen and conference hall at the Windsor Forest Primary School were entertained with traditional Chinese performances. Windsor Forest was the first Chinese settlement in Guyana (Education Ministry photos)

South Africa brought the case, but one man dragged Israel into the dock at The Hague

By Jonathan Freedland

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here was so much history and so much tragedy in that room. For two days, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague witnessed a clash between two nations, each shaped by acts that live on in the global lexicon of good and evil.

In one corner was South Africa, which only a generation ago emerged from apartheid -- still the universal shorthand for the wickedness of racism. In the other was Israel, established just three years after the Nazi murder of 6 million Jews and the attempt to eradicate the Jewish people from the face of the Earth. In a global courtroom, those who bore the scars of those two great crimes – apartheid and the Holocaust – squared up against each other as one accused the other of the gravest crime of all: genocide.

The two never debated. There was no cross-examination or back and forth. Instead, on Thursday morning, South Africa’s legal team had three hours to argue that Israel’s war against Hamas amounted to genocide, the attempt to destroy a people “in whole or in part”. That’s the language of the genocide convention agreed by the world in 1948 – the year of Israel’s birth, as it happens – following the Holocaust, and to ensure nothing like it ever happened again.

On Friday, Israel had three hours to defend itself. What the court heard were two entirely different narratives, as if from two different universes. To follow the two sessions was to see where abstract ideals of law and justice hit the concrete realities of politics – and to feel a rising sense of fury.

South Africa built its case on the sheer scale of the suffering endured by the Palestinians of Gaza: the estimated 23,500 dead, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, most of them civilians; the homes destroyed and neighbourhoods razed, displacing the overwhelming majority of the population; the desperate conditions in which many are living, deprived of sufficient food, water or medicine. It argued that this suffering was no accident, but rather the product of an Israeli intention to destroy Gaza’s Palestinians – evinced by a string of blood-curdling statements made by Israeli public figures, variously promising to flatten, nuke or erase Gaza. That combination of a pattern of behaviour and intent, said the South African lawyers, meets the legal definition of genocide.

Israel’s argument was captured before they’d even made it, by a cartoon in Thursday’s edition of the Yediot newspaper.

It showed, kneeling before the ICJ bench, four women, bloodied and bruised – Israeli hostages held by

Hamas in Gaza – as a judge asks: “What do you have to say in your defence?”

As far as Israel is concerned, it is fighting a war of self-protection. Its intention is not the destruction of the Palestinians of Gaza, but the defeat of the Hamas fighting force which killed, raped or mutilated more than 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in southern Israel on 7 October. Yes, it conceded, that effort has cost thousands of Palestinians their lives, but that is the fault of what Michael Walzer, the distinguished philosopher of the morality of war, calls an “asymmetry trap” laid by Hamas.

I spoke to Walzer this week, and he explained that by embedding itself and its equipment in the civilian infrastructure of Gaza – tunnels under hospitals, rocket launchers in schools – “Hamas has designed a war that Israel can only fight by killing civilians”. The Israeli lawyers in The Hague echoed that logic.

Besides, they added, Israel gave regular warnings to Palestinians to get out of harm’s way, hardly the action of a state bent on genocide. As for the statements of those politicians and others, the lawyers insisted that most were fringe figures with no role in directing the war – and when, say, the Defence Minister referred to “human animals” in Gaza, what he meant was Hamas.

Those, in outline, were the two narratives. Which

one you buy will depend on, and reveal something of, how you see the world.

But the law is meant to rise above mere subjective opinion. What’s the correct legal judgment on the case South Africa has brought?

Some experts in international and human rights law applaud it for detailing where and how Israel has crossed the moral or legal line, but others, including several who hold no brief for the Israeli Government, think it doesn’t stack up.

If South Africa had accused Israel of war crimes, or even crimes against humanity, the position, they told me, would have been stronger. But to get in front of the ICJ, you have to allege genocide – and that’s a bar this case does not clear.

Given that Israel was actually attacked on 7 October, they say, the court will find it hard to conclude that the intent was not self-defence.

But this is not solely about the law. It’s also about politics. The judges are elected by the UN: geopolitical allegiances are likely to intrude. What’s more, while the court can take years to rule on the core accusation, it can order “provisional measures” in weeks – and those could have an immediate, real-world impact, legally and politically. In the case of Russia vs Ukraine, the ICJ ordered Moscow to halt all military action. If the court feels obliged to follow that precedent, the consequences would be far-reaching.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2024

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

A memorable eulogy by daughter for dad Panday Dear Editor, Many Guyanese watched the state funeral for Basdeo Panday last Tuesday. Panday had many Guyanese followers, especially in North America, besides the political and business elite. They also grieved, along with Trinis.

Members of the public who watched or listened, or were in attendance at the state funeral of “Bas” at SAPA on Tuesday morning, were most impressed with the eulogy given by Mickela for her father Basdeo Panday in what was a most memorable ceremony. That state ceremony and eulogy will be remembered for many years, especially by those of us who worked closely with Panday to get the UNC elected. It was a remarkable eulogy for a great man, who lived a long and distinguished political life that is incomparable to that of any living Trinbagonian. She delivered it nicely, and she showed leadership and maturity from time of Bas’s death till funeral rites.

The state affair itself left those who saw it in awe. Kudos to the organizers! Panday looked extremely well in the casket for his age of 90. In death, he looked better than most of the living in the UNC.

Many in the UNC are fearful that Panday’s ghost could affect their political future.

Mickela handled herself with dignity the day before at the public viewing at SAPA, and last Friday at the rotunda of the Red House. She did her part for the religious ceremonies held privately at home and at SAPA, garlanding (as is the tradition) her father’s body jointly with sisters with beautiful mala.

Mickela gave a depoliticised eulogy about a controversial politician. Panday’s loyalists and those seeking political change were eagerly looking forward for a political speech from the daughter, with remarks about her father as well as others, founders of the UNC who were excommunicated (put out) from the party, and of how her father forgave those who betrayed him; but it was deficient in political remarks. She had a golden opportunity to relaunch a political career, but she opted to give a statesmanlike speech, not being controversial and not excoriating those who ill-treated her father. Many were expecting a replay of what had taken place at Kelvin Ramnath’s funeral (2011), where Bas had lambasted the leadership of the UNC

for mistreating Ramnath, one of four founding (1989) MPs of the UNC. The others were Trevor Sudama, John Humphrey, and Bas himself.

Mickela did justice in summarising the legacy of her father. She fought back tears as she praised dad as a good man and a great leader who empathized with, and assisted, others. It was rated as a very good speech, memorable for emotions as well as for its substances. Everyone I spoke with gave it a positive rating. The deceased Panday also was praised by everyone I engaged – a perfect 100% likeability and approval rating.

Mickela held her composure for most of the speech, but became visibly emotional towards the middle and at the end. As she broke down in tears, she was helped in reading the written speech by sisters Nicola, Niala, Vastala. The moving ceremony brought tears to many, including this writer, as the Hindu rites were proceeding and when Mickela spoke about dad.

The eulogy came from the heart, as opposed to politics in mind. The nation was grieving, and she shared the family’s grief with the public. The public grief was reminiscent of

that of the American people for JFK, JFK Jr, and his mother Jackie. Jackie shared the grief with the nation, and her daughter shared the grief of loss of brother and mother with the rest of the nation.

Mickela (and the sisters and Oma) displayed that kind of grief.

The funeral service attracted a who’s who of Trinidad and Tobago’s recent political history.

Panday’s political friends from the NAR, with whom Bas launched the UNC: Trevor Sudama and John Humphrey, were not there in person, but they both watched the proceedings on TV. Sudama and Panday knew each other in London from 1964, and contested seats for the WFP in 1966, losing their deposits. Humphrey came in 1978 through the Senate. Ramesh Maharaj, in London, also was not there in person. Several of those who back stabbed Panday from the NAR days (1987) and from the UNC (2007 and 2010) were there. Many of his so-called friends were not loyal to him; many betrayed him.

Regrettably, rare errors in judgements, Panday abandoned a few who truly cared for him and UNC supporters, and they were absent at the state service.

South Africa brought the case...

FROMM PAGE 4

And not only for those on the ground. This is also a battle in the court of world opinion. If opponents of Israel can, even tenuously, claim ICJ approval for the accusation of genocide, they will seize it. After all, plenty were already making that charge on 8 October, when Israel had barely responded to the Hamas massacre – eager, perhaps, to strip Israel once and for all of the moral weight associated with a Jewish refuge founded after the Holocaust; to cast it not as a haven for victims of genocide, but rather as a perpetrator of genocide, thereby cancelling out

any remaining call on the world’s sympathy.

Because these things always get tangled up together, even a provisional judgment risks being pinned not only on Israel, but on all those who, whether through family or history, are bound up with it. Witness the academic who reportedly arrived for work at the University of Amsterdam on Thursday morning, as the ICJ hearing opened, to see the words “Jews out” smeared on their door.

Hence that rising sense of anger. At Hamas, whose murderous rampage on 7 October brought such terrible retribution on Gaza,

as it was always bound to – raining fire not on Hamas’s leaders, safely abroad, and not on the Hamas men protected in their underground city, but on the civilians they hid behind, and who had nowhere else to go.

And anger at Benjamin Netanyahu, leader of the worst, most extreme government in Israel’s history, for imposing a siege that starved Gaza of humanitarian essentials, and which, in Walzer’s words, “could only hurt the civilian population, it could not hurt Hamas”. And for engaging in, and indulging others’ use of, vile rhetoric that might have garnered

a few admiring clicks on the Israeli right but could see Israel and Jews around the world slapped with a new badge of shame.

Netanyahu opened the door to this case by ushering into power an ultra-nationalist far right whose bigotry is unbound and whose rantings ended up as evidence at The Hague. He did that because he needs their votes if he is to stay in power and stay out of jail. But the cost, both for the people of Gaza and the people he claims to lead, could barely be heavier. (The Guardian) (Jonathan Freedland is a Guardian columnist)

As she noted in her eulogy, her dad was a doting father and husband.

But he did not belong to the family alone, but to the UNC supporters and the entire nation. “He loved people, and people loved him”, Mickela correctly pointed out. Panday had no racist cell, as Mickela said. He fought for justice and equality for all. As she stated, Panday lived his life to the fullest, and he was very energetic in fighting for just causes.

She mentioned some of his accomplishments.

He did not give up a struggle for what he believed in, and his last few years were spent advocating for constitutional reform. As Mickela noted, her father was a kind of spiritual man. He conducted a public puja for his 90th birthday at NCIC auditorium. She

remarked, “He was full of spirit, which made everyone love him”.

Mickela expressed the family’s gratitude to Foreign Minister Amery Browne, who frequently visited Guyana, and to the state, for the assistance rendered for her father’s medical treatment, and for bringing his body to Trinidad and for the state funeral.

The T&T nation and Guyanese will miss Panday, his decency and his caring attitude for others, and his presence at Guyanese fetes and cricket games. Through tears of many and the solemnity of the occasion, the public was signalling its gratitude for all Bas did for his nation and for his friendship among Guyanese.

Yours truly, Dr Vishnu Bisram

SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2024 6:00

(Sign on) Inspiration Time

6:30

Cartoons

7:00

Evening News (RB)

8:00

Stop Suffering

9:00

Movie - Headspace (2023)

10:30 Indian Movie - Rudraksh (2004) 13:00 Movie - The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008) 15:00 Movie - 3 Ninjas: High Noon at Mega Mountain (1998) 16:30 Explained 17:00 Payless Power Hour 18:00 Evangelistic Hour 18:30 Hepzibah 19:00 The Evening News 20:00 Islam for Guyana 20:30 Movie - 10 Truths About Love (2022) 22:00 Movie - Vacation Friends (2021) 0:00

Sign off

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2024

Foundation ◄

Page

CHANGING IMPROPER FRACTIONS TO MIXED NUMBERS In a fraction, the number on the bottom is the denominator. The denominator tells what units the whole is divided into. The number on the top is the numerator. It tells how many of those units there are.

When the numerator is the same as the denominator, a fraction is equal to 1. When the numerator is greater than the denominator, a fraction is equal to more than 1.

This is called an improper fraction. Sometimes, it is easier to perform a calculation when you change an improper fraction into a mixed number, part whole number and part fraction. These are mixed numbers:

WAY OF LIFE

By Elly Niland

To change an improper fraction to a mixed number, divide the numerator by the denominator. The quotient is the whole number part. If there is a remainder, that becomes the fraction part. Simply use the remainder as the numerator and keep the original denominator.

Example: Change

Sea.

to a mixed number

Step 1: Divide the numerator by the denominator. 12 ÷ 5 = 2, and remainder of 2

Place of grace.

Step 2: The quotient becomes the whole number and the remainder becomes the fraction.

Intoxicates.

Wool and swishing silk.

Tasted the sweetness

Exercises: Change to mixed numbers

Of true liberty.

Younger then, I felt the pull of the tide.

GET REAL ACTIVITY: BEES Bee thankful How do you feel when you see a bee? You may be concerned that a bee will sting. Bees are considered friendly, helpful creatures, especially when they are busy making honey.

And when people take care to be considerate and careful around bees, they benefit from the bees’ hard work.

Thanks to bees, we have many good foods to eat in addition to delicious honey. While bees are out collecting nectar and filling their pollen baskets, they are also moving pollen from flower to flower making possible pollination and the growth of important fruit and vegetable crops that we eat.

Raise a glass and toast the hardworking bees with a refreshing drink.

Supplies

Glasses Straws Blender or food processer Measuring cups and measuring spoons Honey Juice — of any fruit Fresh or frozen fruit Ice Getting started Choose your own fruits and juice to make this smoothie-style drink to your own tastes.

Blend together (with an adult’s help) about 2-3 cups of fruit, 1 to 1½ cups of juice, and 2 to 4 teaspoons of honey. If you are using fresh fruit, you may want to blend in ice to make a thicker, frozen creation.

As you decide what to add, write down the ingredients and amounts used in order to create a recipe that can be made again or to help you to figure out what to change or try differently if you don’t like the results.

Before you toast the bees, add a straw for drinking and pretend that you are bees, sucking up sweet nectar with your proboscis — the bee’s long, hollow tongue.

Enjoy your drinks outdoors and observe the interaction between plants and insects. Check out the role bees play in pollinating more than 150 agricultural crops — including your drink ingredients! If there are no busy bees about, check out this video www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_etyEdu9fQ featuring bees in action. (startwithabook. org)

Consoling. Changed my life Under sun’s fire blades.

Left the world Of reason behind.

Sweet damp.

Folds, falls of water Whiffs of mortality.

Ganga got no radio flare or lifeboat out deh. It dangerous.

WORD SEARCH

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Small firefighting vehicles, trained local brigades for NDCs across Guyana – Pres Ali …Farm, Herstelling & Mocha to get improved road, water services

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resident Dr Irfaan Ali has announced plans by Government to equip all the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) across the country with firefighting capabilities.

While speaking at the sod-turning exercise for the new Brickdam Police Station in Georgetown earlier this week, the Head of State had disclosed plans to conduct firefighting training at the various NDCs. He reiterated these plans on Thursday evening during an engagement at the Mocha Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, where residents asked for more fire hydrants to be installed in every community across Guyana, given the difficulties the firefighters have in sourcing water.

“So, in addition to fire hydrants and building out a fire infrastructure, we are in this [2024] Budget, working on buying a number of small firefighting vehicles with full capability. So, in every NDC, we can put one and we can train a local fire volunteer brigade to work that equipment. So, in every community you will have one of this in addition to the Fire Service,” President Ali told residents.

In recent weeks, there has been a surge in fires across the country. Only this week, the Guyana Fire Service reported that there were 17 fires in the first 10 days of 2024 alone.

According to a statement on Thursday, the GFS has responded to more than 20 fires since the year began. These fires have originated from electrical issues, arson, and,

President Dr Irfaan Ali engaging residents at Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara on Thursday evening in some cases, negligence.

This alarming number has prompted the agency to initiate community engagements across the country. During these engagements, citizens can expect to learn about fire safety and prevention from firefighters, who are tasked with raising awareness one person at a time.

“The Fire Service is dedicated to continually enhancing community engagement as we strive to raise awareness and prevent future fires. Through outreach events, public education, and collaboration with local organisations, we aim to educate residents on fire safety measures, evacuation procedures, and the importance of early detection. By fostering a sense of shared responsibility, we hope to build a resilient country where everyone actively participates in fire prevention efforts, promoting a safer environment for all,” the GFS stated.

Road, water improvements

Meanwhile, during his engagement with Mocha Arcadia residents on Thursday evening, the Head of State detailed plans to enhance the road infrastructure in the community this year as well as the new highways built in the area.

“As I speak to you right now, we have $400 million of road committed to this area again… Right now, they’re working on the traffic lights [for the highways]. They’re bringing them into the country so all the important fourway intersections will get the traffic lights… So, we are also launching a national programme this year, where we are commencing a project of lighting up the entire country. So, we will have lights in every community and we will start that this year,” he stated.

Over in the Farm Housing Scheme, EBD, it was point-

ed out that a majority of the cross streets have an occupancy of approximately 80 per cent. President Ali committed to have all the streets with high occupancy rates upgraded.

“All the areas in this phase, where we have the 75 per cent and above occupancy, let’s finish off the infrastructure,” he directed to the Government officials.

The residents complained about the fact that some of the cross streets were done and some were not.

“In some areas, they don’t have the occupancy as they should have… We also have the same issue with the Herstelling side and Covent Garden, where there is 60 to 65 per cent [occupancy]… It makes no sense for us to go in if we have not reached the bar for occupancy, but once it is an important connection, we will get that done… You must not be penalised because

President Dr Irfaan Ali and other officials inspecting one of the bad roads at Farm, East Bank Demerara

somebody taking five years to start building,” the President reassured.

The Head of State also indicated that barriers will be erected to prevent the newly upgraded roads in the communities from being damaged by large trucks.

The barriers will allow smaller trucks to transport materials and access the small streets in the communities so that persons can get their materials in the streets for constructing their homes.

“We have seen in many areas where barriers do help to protect the infrastructure as long as possible…the barriers are not here as a hinderance,” he asserted.

Moreover, the residents’ complaints about the low water pressure in the community, especially in Mocha Arcadia, were also addressed.

An official from the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) indicated that, “…we

have some plans Tuesday to come in here and upgrade the well to give some more pressure here.”

The GWI official explained that they are experiencing challenges with the air valve.

He said air is getting into the distribution system thus preventing water from being distributed at full pressure.

President Ali instructed the water company to ensure that these issues are remedied.

“I’m putting you on notice, you better fix this East Bank [water distribution] issue… We’re putting enough resources into GWI and the system to get it fixed,” the Guyanese leader declared.

Issues relating to drainage and irrigation as well as agriculture were also dealt with by the President during the engagements, where several Ministers and senior Government officials were also present. (G8)

8 NEWS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Machine operator admits to killing remigrant

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Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara (WCD) machine operator has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of re-migrant, Mohammed Shameem Hassan, who was fatally stabbed on Saturday, February 9, 2019, during a drinking spree at his home.

F i f t y - y e a r - o l d Deonarine Seetaram, who was charged with the capital offence of murder, opted to enter a guilty plea to the lesser charge of man-

slaughter when he appeared before Demerara High Court Judge Priya Sewnarine-Beharry earlier this week.

Seetaram's probation and other social impact reports will be presented in court on February 5, when he is scheduled to return for sentencing. Teriq Mohammed is Seetaram's attorney and State Counsel Caressa Henry and Alvaro Ramotar are the prosecutors.

As far as this publication is aware, the two men

Killed: Mohammed Shameem Hassan

were drinking at the now deceased man's house when the stabbing occurred. A pair of scissors was used to stab Hassan once in the chest.

In a caution statement that he provided to the Police, Hassan stated, among other things, that he went to the house on that day and met his father and the now deceased imbibing.

He said that shortly after his father asked Hassan to borrow a pair of scissors so that he could trim his hair, he joined them. He reported to the Police that Hassan had gone upstairs, returned, and given his father a pair of red and black scissors, which he used to cut his hair.

He claimed that his father had cut his hair and then set the scissors down on the bench they were seated on. He stated that his father later left and went to a nearby shop to purchase a drink and during that time, the now deceased started to curse him and tell him that he will “f*%k his wife and daughter them”. He said he was vexed, so he grabbed the scissors, and “juck” Hassan.

The scissors were left in Hassan’s chest, and he was left lying down motionlessly in the hammock.

Seetaram said he became afraid and picked up his bicycle and rode and went home.

Hassan’s cause of death was given as perforation of the heart due to a stab wound.

Hassan had returned to Guyana in March 2018 from Venezuela, where he had lived for some 25 years with his family. (G1)

Connecting…

H

…the islands

ot on the heels of LIAT’s announcement that it is throwing in the towel comes the operationalization of the agreement to start a ferry service connecting Guyana, Trinidad and Barbados!! As one gangway closes, another drops, eh?? Well, LIAT (Leeward Islands Air Transport), as an airline, focused more on ferrying bodies between our Caricom territories. And in an industry that’s being challenged worldwide after the Covid crisis, it appears that model just ain’t viable.

For quite a while now, LIAT’s inefficiency has been a joke, with wags snickering about the name meaning “Leave Island Any Time”; “Luggage In Another Town”; or “Late, If Ah Tal”!!

So, here we are - with a ferry service that’s supposed to be moving goods as well as bodies in the Southern Caribbean. Almost two years ago, at the Agri Investment Forum held in Guyana, T&T and Guyana had signed an MOU on a “Cargo Plus Ferry Facility”. By the middle of the year, there was an announcement that Barbados was coming on board the venture. Last year, the Caricom HoGs launched their Vision 25 by 25 – committing to reducing their food imports, amounting to some US$5 billion, by 25% by 2025.

That’s next year!!

With land-rich Guyana taking the lead in the production of food that would substitute for the foreign imports, the ferry’s supposed to facilitate the transportation of our produce to the other islands; where, in addition to their local colonial-induced penchant for foreign foods, they have hordes of tourists descending like locusts year after year.

But your Eyewitness has always wondered how come the tourists weren’t being served with local Caribbean foods, to begin with. When he goes as a tourist to NYC, you can bet your bottom dollar he doesn’t order chicken curry at the restaurants he frequents!!

But how about the other islands?? Don’t they want to cash in on the deal, and bring down their costs of food imports to satisfy their commitment to “25 by 25”?? Or doesn’t it make logistical sense? So, how do they “get with the programme”? Then there’s the announcement by Rowley that Trinidad’s gonna be providing the ferry to get the programme on the way. Is one dinky old ferry gonna be enough?? 25% of US$5B is US$1.25B – which buys a helluva lot of food to ship!!

But your Eyewitness has another question: Are we revisiting the days of indentureship, when they brought some of our foreparents in ships loaded with cargo?? Then I always assumed we’d need refrigerated ships to transport all the broccoli, cauliflower and other “foreign foods” we’re now producing here in ole Mudland!!

Anyhow, your Eyewitness says, “Good Luck” to this venture, because Granny used to say, “Nothing ventured; nothing gained”!! …the Mid-East dots Did you assume the Israeli war against the Palestinians in Gaza would remain a local affair?? Now, remember we’re dealing with an area that’s been in turmoil for a century, and we’re only talking about modern times!! With all the wars that have been waged in that confined space – Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, Palestine, Iraq, Iran, Egypt etc – the interconnections and loyalties run deep and wide!!

So, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that the Houthis of Yemen have decided to support the Palestinians by hurling missiles at ships in the Red and Arabian Seas carrying Israeli goods. The Houthis are supported by Iran, as is Hamas, and view Israel as their implacable enemy. But by shooting at shipping in one of the biggest naval thoroughfares, the Houthis aren’t only taking on Israel, but are giving Israel’s allies a reason to enter the fray.

So, we have the Old British Lion – and several of its old colonies, like the Aussies - showing some teeth in support of Uncle Sam by bombing the bejesus out of Yemen!

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

…agricultural products The Police and GDF have just destroyed $3.2B worth of ganja, and this from only 10 acres of cultivation. Now, can’t we become certified to supply medicinal marijuana to a world at war, that’s crying out in pain??

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

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

9 3 months after discovering remains, men inform dead man’s family NEWS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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he family of 60-yearold Ray Bryan Roache will finally receive closure after two men reported that his re-

mains were found at a broken-down camp in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), three months after the discovery was made.

Ray Bryan Roache was an unemployed resident of Phase Four Squatting Area, Amelia's Ward.

At about 09:30h on

“Thief! Thief!” – homeowner screams after seeing bandits in home …1 shot during shootout with Police, accomplice escapes

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22-year-old bandit who broke into a Samatta Point, Grove Housing Scheme house on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) has been shot and arrested following a gunfire exchange with Police, while his accomplice is on the run.

Tyrone Patrick McRae and his accomplice, 19-yearold Antwan Sampson – both of whom hail from Kaneville, EBD, were recently released from prison.

It is alleged that they broke into the dwelling house of Dion Thompson, a 55-year-old chef of Samatta Point on Friday morning.

Based on Police information, the victim resides at the above-mentioned address with her family in a two-storey concrete building. At about 21:00h, she secured her home and retired to bed.

However, at about 04:30h, Thompson was alarmed by a sound coming from inside the upper flat of her home. She exited her bedroom and saw the two suspects, without any masks, inside her home.

The woman shouted “Thief! Thief!”, prompting the two suspects to make good their escape through a

On the run: Antwan Sampson (GPF photo)

Shot and captured: Tyrone Patrick McRae (GPF photo)

window that was opened.

At that time, it was observed that her music set of four speaker boxes and remote-controlled system valued at $100,000; along with her Samsung cell phone valued at $70,000 were missing.

Police were called and ranks who were on motor vehicle patrol nearby turned up at the residence within three minutes and noticed the two suspects with a music system escaping on foot.

Ranks pursued the two suspects, who were a short distance away on foot, and one of the bandits discharged several rounds towards the Police.

The ranks returned fire, which resulted in McRae being shot and caught.

The other suspect, Antwan Sampson, made good his escape.

McRae was escorted to Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he was medically examined by a doctor, who admitted him for a gunshot injury to the shoulder.

He was later transferred to Georgetown Public Hospital, where he remains a patient.

Police are looking for the other suspect. The spent shells were also recovered from the scene and Police recovered the stolen items.

Investigations are continuing. (G12)

Friday morning, Elroy Roache - a 47-year-old boat captain - went to the Amelia's Ward Police Outpost. There, he reported receiving information that human remains, suspected to be those of his elder brother, were seen at a broken-down camp in a bushy area.

As a result, an immediate investigation was launched and contact was made with a 57-yearold machine operator of Kwakwani Park, Upper Berbice River.

The machine operator told investigators that in July last year, the construction company where he was employed moved to Phase Four Amelia's Ward to commence road construction and the installation of pipelines.

After moving into the area, they built a camp and a kitchen. He said there was no potable water in the area, so he had to fetch water from Kara Kara creek regularly for domestic purposes.

He said on September 22, while conversing with a 53-year-old self-employed man from the area, he relayed the water woes. The man then informed the machine operator that there was a creek about half a mile away, where he could access water. The men went down to the area and while approaching the creek, they

The ID card belonging to Ray Bryan Roache found at the scene

saw an old, broken-down makeshift camp. As they got closer, they saw what appeared to be human remains.

The machine operator made a short video recording with his cell phone and they turned back. He said the man said that he suspected it was the remains of Ray Roache and he would try to locate Ray's relatives to inform them.

According to the machine operator, it was only on January 11 that he was able to contact one of Ray's relatives at Cinderella City to tell her what he had seen more than three months ago.

Police visited the scene at about 12:00h on Friday in the company of the machine operator and the 53-year-old man.

“The area where the remains were found is very bushy and is located about half a mile away from the

newly constructed Phase Four road. The remains were found under a broken-down camp. It appeared as though the deceased was lying on a cot made of salt bags and sticks and he was dressed in long black pants and a black T-shirt. Next to the remains was a transparent plastic bag containing a BLU cell phone with a charger, a permanent disability voucher book for 2022 and a National Identification card with his details,” Police said in a statement.

The scene was processed and photographed and the remains were taken to Pensioner's Funeral Home, awaiting a post-mortem examination. The identification card was shown to Elroy Roache, who identified same to be the property of his brother.

The men were taken to the Mackenzie Police Station assisting with the investigations. (G12)

10 NEWS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Demand for aggregates still high, no shortages – Jagdeo …Govt issues more quarrying licences

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ew investments, generated as a result of Government’s intervention to issue more quarrying licences, have brought down the demand for aggregates to a point where there is no longer a shortage.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo informed on Thursday at his weekly press conference that several stakeholders benefitted from quarry licences in recent time.

This move was in response to a shortage in materials due to the construction boom. Initially, the sector was unable to meet the demands for these needs adequately. From then to present, several companies have invested millions of US dollars to capitalise on these demands.

He explained, “Initially, we had a problem with quarry products and I explained how the prices had gone up. Very early, we gave licences to a large number.

Almost anyone who came in and applied, got a quarry licence; about 10 persons or

companies. Six have started producing with massive amounts of investment.”

The Vice President contended that projects such as the massive Linden to Mabura road should benefit from easy access to aggregates. Together with local production and imports, the current needs are being met.

“Even the Linden to Mabura road should have it easier because we have a lot of stone in those areas that could be crushed easily. I know the supply has improved dramatically through imports and local production, so much so that the prices have abated a bit. We still have big demand for sand but not a shortage as such,” said the VP. Addressing the issue of delays for some projects, Jagdeo emphasised that some external factors are beyond Government’s control.

In the end, he urged persons to look at the bigger picture, that these projects will be realised.

“It is true that projects

can be delayed. Sometimes there are real reasons like shortage of material and difficult in working in environments where you have to work along with traffic flow…We don’t like delays but the Government doesn’t set out to have a project delayed. It’s part of what you have to deal with in a country of our nature, and that’s growing so fast.”

Aggregates such as stone and sand are important parts of Guyana’s growing construction sector, but when the prices for any of these commodities are hiked, it severely disrupts the supply chain.

Such is been the case currently for the price of sand, which President Dr Irfaan Ali had said the Government is working to address.

Last year, it was estimated that massive road projects for the public sector in 2023 required a whopping six million tonnes of aggregates. As of 2022, at the national level, the country can produce about 600,000 tonnes, rep-

A recently commissioned quarry at Batavia, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni)

resenting just 10 per cent of the demand. For this, he shared that Government is

exploring various options to keep the construction sector going. Neighbouring coun-

tries such as Suriname and Trinidad are also unable to fulfil these needs. (G12)

Govt testing new technology...

Meanwhile, Mustapha, in brief remarks, outlined that work government has done to support agriculture development in the EBD communities. This includes delivering inputs such as tillers, weeding machines, wheel-barrows and fertilizers to farmers there as well as extensive drainage works.

“To date, we have expended over $70 million and we have cleared six canals and the work is still going on to do the large drainage canals. Very shortly, we will start the internal drainage which we have had discus-

sions about with the farms,” the minister noted.

According to Mustapha, there are other opportunities available which the EBD farmers can take advantage of such as in the livestock sector, which is a major farming activity in those communities. He pointed to a programme at the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), where a large-scale duck operation was launched involving over one thousand ducks and this number is growing. To date, over 50 farmers have benefited from this initiative.

FROM PAGE 3

In addition, there is also training in beekeeping with two apiaries already established with 40 and 60 beehives each. This will be extensively rolled out across the country and is something the EBD farmers can look into.

“Very shortly, we will have some foreign experts coming in to help us to build this apiculture industry,” he told the farmers.

Several other ministers and senior government officials also participated in the community outreach on Friday.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“I try to tek out de magazine Itaballi man remanded and de weapon go off” for killing drinking buddy – uncle allegedly admits …stray bullet successfully removed from Linden child’s throat

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surgery to remove the stray bullet lodged in a five-yearold child’s throat at the Linden Hospital Complex on Thursday afternoon was successful, Police reported.

The child was initially taken to the medical institution at about 08:00h on Thursday. Having done an X-ray, medical personnel informed Police at about 13:15h that a “warhead” was lodged in the young girl’s throat.

An update from the Guyana Police Force informed on Friday that the child remains at the hospital in a stable condition.

Also, at about 17:15h on Thursday afternoon, Police arrested the child’s 24-yearold uncle at the Mackenzie bridge.

Shemar Caesar called “Mama,” a taxi driver of Half Mile, Wismar, Linden, was escorted to his apartment, which is next to his sister’s apartment, where a search conducted in his presence unearthed nothing of evidential value.

Caeser was then escorted to Mackenzie Police Station, where his hands were swabbed for gunpowder residue.

Police on Friday said that after the suspect was cautioned, he said, among other things, “Officer, is me friend (name withheld) bring de gun and gee me fuh keep last night and I try to tek out de magazine and de weapon go off."

Police said that detectives conducted a video and audio interview with the suspect at Mackenzie Police Station.

On Wednesday evening at about 22:00h, the child was in bed at her Half Mile, Wismar, Linden home when she started to scream.

Her 29-year-old mother, Terriann Caesar, said she had put the child to bed and while she was trying to put her eight-month-old baby to sleep, she heard her daughter screaming.

Police said the mother said she went to the child and enquired what was wrong, and the child said she had hit her throat. The mother said she applied petroleum jelly to the child’s throat and put her back to bed.

At about 08:00h on Thursday, the woman reported seeing her five-yearold daughter crying again, and upon examining her

throat, she saw that it was swollen. She then took her child to the Mackenzie Hospital, where she learnt that a bullet was lodged in her neck. Investigations revealed that the child had a small entry wound on her neck.

This publication understands that the child resides in an apartment which is on the north-eastern bottom flat of a two-storey concrete structure. There is a wooden wall to the western side, which separates Terriann Caesar’s apartment from the front apartment, which is occupied by the suspect.

According to Police, a small circular hole, suspected to be a bullet hole, was seen on the same wall. The area was searched, but no spent shell was found, and according to Police, no one was present in the front apartment when they went to the residence.

Investigations revealed that a neighbour claimed that some time around 22:00h, she had heard a loud explosion, but could not say from which direction the sound had emerged.

However, just after hearing the explosion, she had heard a crying child. (G12)

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44-year-old man has been charged and remanded to prison for murder in connection with the death of his drinking partner, whom he allegedly stabbed to death last week.

A charge for the capital offence was read to Lloyd Daniels, a miner,

by Magistrate Christel Lambert before whom he appeared on Thursday at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court.

He was not required to plea and was remanded to prison The matter was adjourned until February 6, for continuation.

Jimmy Edward Ashby of Barima River, North West District (NWD), has reportedly been stabbed to death by his drinking buddy in an incident that occurred between January 2 and 3 at Arimu Backdam,

Murder accused Lloyd Daniels

Cuyuni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Based on reports received, at about noon on January 2, the 58-yearold Ashby, and Daniels, also known as, “One Hand Loyde”, were consuming alcohol at a popular shop at Four Miles Housing Scheme, Bartica, when a heated argument erupted

between them.

Upon hearing the commotion, the proprietor of the establishment went to enquire what had happened, and Ashby told him that Daniels had stabbed him in his chest.

Despite being urged by the businessman to seek medical attention, Ashby declared himself “okay”.

However, the following day, at about 06:30h, while the businessman was on his way to make a telephone call, he observed Ashby’s lifeless body on a bench along the Arimu Trail.

The matter was reported, and upon arriving at the scene, detectives found Ashby’s body in a sitting position with a single stab wound to the centre of his chest.

His body was later transported to the Bartica Regional Hospital’s mortuary. (G1)

12 NEWS Brickdam Police HQ will be “nerve center” for crime fighting – VP SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

…biometrics project underway to track criminals

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he massive US$28 million Brickdam Station, which will serve as the Headquarters of the Guyana Police Force, is expected to serve as a ‘nerve center’ for crime fighting in Guyana.

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo outlined on Thursday that investments will be made to equip the 12-storey structure with cutting-edge technological and forensic capabilities. He said Government is currently seeking to develop a biometrics project that would allow the Guyana Police Force to track and locate criminal elements immediately through facial recognition and other advancements.

“The Central Police Station may be 12 storeys high, but it would be the nerve center for crime fighting across the country in a modern environment. The technology will support it. It has to be bolstered by good quality forensic labs,” said Jagdeo.

He added, “We’re already putting in security cameras with facial recognition software. We’re working on a biometric project that would allow us to know every criminal in Guyana, and we can pinpoint where they are at any moment. Through facial

Traffic, Finance, Impact Base and Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

The building’s design also caters for earthquake resistance, and the building consists of state-of-the-art fire protection and detection systems, advanced CCTV monitoring and access control systems, and a telephone and data connection system to provide 24-hour service.

The Guyana Police Force’s Regional Police

Division 4A Headquarters at Brickdam, Georgetown was destroyed by fire on October 2, 2021. The fire, which started at about 11:06h in the upper flat of an eastern building, spread to several other mainly wooden buildings in the compound despite the efforts of the members of the Guyana Fire Service, who subsequently managed to bring it under control. All the buildings in the compound had been complete-

ly destroyed, with the exception of the station lock-ups, barracks, and Impact Base.

In addition, a few Police vehicles had been slightly damaged, while a number of privately owned vehicles that were detained in relation to matters under investigation had been destroyed or damaged. All the prisoners who were in custody in the station lock-ups were safely evacuated, and there had been no loss of Police or civilian life. (G12)

9 months in jail for cell phone thief

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An artist’s impression of the new Brickdam Police Headquarters

recognition software, we will be able to track every person who comes into our country and overstays their visa or anything else. All of that (is) being worked at in different pieces.”

The Vice President added that this new structure is not being constructed as just a building, but as a masterplan to elevate the country’s security architecture. Similar plans are afoot to upgrade and equip existing Police sta-

tions in Guyana.

The contract for constructing this new HQ was awarded to local construction company R Basso and Sons Construction, in association with Qigjian Group Company, and the building is expected to be completed in 30 months.

This modern facility, which will have the capacity to house a total of 2000 personnel, would house central departments such a

enger Lopez has been sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment for stealing a cell phone from a store located at Oronoque and Regent streets Bourda, Georgetown on January 11.

Unrepresented by legal counsel, the 28-year-old Lopez appeared on Friday before Senior Magistrate Dylon Bess to answer the charge of simple larceny, and admitted that he had stolen a Samsung Galaxy A14 worth $40,000. The phone is owned by an employee of the store.

The Police prosecutor detailed that the victim had

left the phone on a glass counter at her place of employment that day; and after some time, Lopez had come inside the business place and had started looking around before he picked up the phone and walked out of the store.

According to the prosecutor, one of the victim’s coworkers saw what had transpired and raised an alarm, and Lopez was pursued.

Public-spirited citizens captured Lopez and handed him over to the Police, and the stolen phone was discovered on his person.

The magistrate told Lopez that stealing was

Jailed: Denger Lopez

wrong, but considered his early guilty plea while deciding on the appropriate punishment. (G1)

NEWS

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Brazilian instructors complete US imports 1st cargo of Guyana's Payara Gold crude stint at jungle school – US Customs data shows

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he US has imported a cargo of Payara Gold crude for the first time, US Customs and S&P Global Commodity Insights data show.

China's CNOOC is listed as the shipper for the 1-million-barrel cargo, and ExxonMobil is listed as the consignee. The vessel is the Maran Hermes, listed as arriving to Morgan City, Louisiana, Jan. 10.

S&P Global Commodities at Sea shows the Maran Hermes departing the Prosperity FPSO December 28, 2023 and arriving at the LOOP Terminal January 11, 2024.

Payara is the third grade to enter production from the 6.6-million-acre Stabroek block in Guyana, with production beginning November 14, 2023.

Guyana's February loading program shows six Payara Gold cargoes, according to a copy of the program seen by S&P Global.

That compares with five cargoes of Unity Gold crude and three cargoes of Liza.

ExxonMobil will load three of the six Payara cargoes, China's CNOOC will load

two, and Hess will load one, according to the program.

ExxonMobil will load two of the Unity Gold cargoes, with CNOOC loading two and Hess loading one. For Liza, Exxon will load two cargoes and the government of Guyana will load one.

Payara is the heaviest

to a July 2023 assay. Payara is 28 API and 0.58% sulfur.

Platts last assessed Payara at a 75 cents/b discount to the Latin Dated Brent Strip, up 15 cents/b on the day. Platts launched the Payara assessment Dec. 1, putting the initial value at a discount of $1.90/b.

The US imports of Payara come amid simmering tensions between Venezuela and Guyana, with the two countries agreeing Dec. 14 to maintain a dialogue over disputed territory.

The dispute has escalated recently, with

of the medium sweet crudes produced in Guyana so far, according to assays on ExxonMobil's website. Liza, the first grade to come from the ExxonMobil-led consortium, is a 32 API crude, with about 0.58% sulfur. Unity Gold is a 34.5 API crude, with 0.41% sulfur, according

Venezuela's government holding a referendum Dec. 3 that backed Venezuela's right to annex the territory. Guyana adheres to the borders delimited by the Arbitration Award of 1899, which Venezuela considers null. (Excerpted from spglobal.com)

Captain Diego Roz Marcilio, First Sergeants Itamar Krause and Rodrigo Lopes De Almeida, along with GDF ranks

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he Guyana Defence Force Training Corps has bid farewell to three Brazilian jungle instructors who have completed their oneyear stint at the Colonel Robert Mitchell Jungle and Amphibian Training School (CRMJATS) located in Makouria, Essequibo River.

In a social media post on Friday, the GDF said that Captain Diego Roz

Marcilio, First Sergeants Itamar Krause and Rodrigo Lopes De Almeida are the departing personnel.

Some 800 ranks have benefited from their tutelage in general jungle warfare training conducted at CRMJATS. The instructors were also critical to the success of the Jungle Operations phase of Exercise Tradewinds which was held in Guyana in July 2023.

While on their stint here, the Brazilian team was also dynamic in instructing Portuguese at the Brazilian Institute.

The GDF said the officer and ranks “are appreciative for the service of the Brazilians which is made possible through bilateral relations between the two Forces. As part of that arrangement, Brazilian teams are rotated on a yearly basis.”

14 NEWS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

155 Region 6 entrepreneurs receive small business grants

The distribution of business grants on Friday

he Government, through the Small Business Bureau of the Tourism Ministry on

T

and other areas of businesses.

Additionally, Armogan said the aim is to have ex-

Demerara-Berbice), McClure said, is also one of the regions which has benefitted significantly from the

ister with the Bureau, you apply for the grant – some people register and they don’t register and they as-

Friday distributed business grants to 155 entrepreneurs from Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) The distribution, which took place at the Belvedere Business Centre, was is an effort to provide financial assistance to entrepreneurs with small establishments or start-up businesses.

The Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry is currently on a countrywide distribution exercise to persons with the long-term aim of boosting the economy as those businesses grow.

The 155 distributions on Friday brings the total to 222 in Region Six, which in effect is $46M. Region Six Chairman David Armogan at the distribution exercise said that many of the entrepreneurs would have applied for the grants in 2022. However, because it is a national exercise, the process might take longer than some entrepreneurs may have expected. He added that the persons being targeted are small businesses and those who are about to start up a business. Many of the applications were made under poultry, grocery, processing

isting small businesses grow, as one of the aims of the Government is to empower the private sector so it can be an integral part of the country’s development.

“All these people who are interested in getting into business, at some point they will grow and they will employ people as well so it increases the income of the region and ensures that people have more spending power,” he said.

Earlier this week, 398 entrepreneurs from Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) were given similar grants in a similar exercise which took place at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre at Liliendaal.

Public Relations Officer of the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry, Cordell McClure said the team will be moving to every region. Next week they will be in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

He pointed out that the bulk of the grants are being distributed in Regions Three, Four, and Six, which are the regions with the largest populations.

Region 10 (Upper

small business grant distribution, adding that the time for processing each application varies and depends on

sume that they would have already applied, and then it goes through a grant committee,” he explained.

how ready the applicant is at the time of applying.

“What happens is that when someone applies, in many cases they do not have all of the requirements like compliance and so forth, those who have everything in order are likely to go through a lot faster and then there is a process which is a transparent process for the small business grant. First, one has to reg-

Properly spent

Meanwhile, addressing the recipients on Friday, the Regional Chairman noted that some of the young entrepreneurs did not utilise the monies for the intended purpose. He urged that the grant be properly spent and also in a way which can bring them longterm benefits.

Meanwhile, McClure said the Ministry has mechanisms in place to monitor businesses which would have received the grants.

“This grant is not just a handout. The objective of it is to help businesses to grow and expand and employ people so we put a lot of effort in follow up to ensure that these monies are being put into the use that was intended,” McClure said, noting through the Ministry’s robust follow up, monitoring and evaluating system most of the cash grants have been put into good use and have been helping businesses to grow.

“What we want to see is businesses gravitate from the grant to the loan guarantee programme which offers a lot more capital and much greater opportunities for expansion,” McClure

happy, noting that for some time now she has been trying to expand her snackette but it has been an ongoing struggle.

“I have been doing it for a while but in a very small way. I am happy that I got the call to come and receive the cash grant and I will make good use of it,” she said.

Apart from the grants offered to entrepreneurs, the Small Business Bureau also offers several training programmes to provide these individuals with opportunities to flourish and develop the economy.

Armogan encouraged persons to utilise the facilities at the Belvedere Business Centre, which is ideal for those with processing establishments.

“So persons who are involved in agricultural pro-

added.

One of the recipients, Bebi Seedat, who operates a small business from her home which is in close proximity to a school in East Canje, said she was happy to have received the grant. “... I will improve my business. I sell snacks,” she said.

Elizith Yorrick of Brighton Village, Corentyne, said she too was

duce like pepper and they want to make pepper sauce, they can come here and process their pepper into sauce.

They can do other things as well. I have seen some people who are investing in honey production have come here to do bottling...”

Meanwhile, the Ministry intends to continue the grants offered to entrepreneurs through the Small Business Bureau in 2024.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

US$150,000 kitchen, conference hall commissioned at Windsor Forest Primary School

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he pupils, teachers and staff of Windsor Forest Primary School will now benefit from the newly constructed kitchen and conference hall.

The US$150,000 facility, which was constructed by CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited (CPGL), was on Friday afternoon commissioned by Education Minister Priya Manickchand.

According to the Ministry, the project, which commenced in August 2023 was completed in four

Commissioning of the US$150,000 kitchen and conference hall at Windsor Forest Primary School (Education Ministry photos)

months. Aurora Gold Mine donated $2.1 million to furnish the building with amenities such as air conditioning units, projectors and laptops. Power China also donated televisions, a

refrigerator and fan for the building.

During her remarks, Manickchand noted that the commissioning of the facility coincides with the 171st anniversary of Chinese arrival in Guyana.

She highlighted that over the years, the Chinese community has contributed significantly to the de-

velopment of Guyana in various aspects.

A release from the Ministry stated that the Education Minister said the Government of Guyana has been investing heavi-

ly in the education sector to enhance the delivery of education across the country. She expressed appreciation to the companies who contributed to the project.

Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan noted that the commissioning of the kitchen and conference hall at Windsor Forest Primary

School demonstrates that Chinese companies provide important and constructive support towards Guyana’s development and transformation.

The Head Teacher of the Windsor Forest Primary School, Leela Inderdeo, thanked the companies for their donations. She noted that the facility will benefit not only the pupils and teachers of the school but also the wider community.

In observance of the 171st anniversary of the arrival of Chinese in Guyana, the audience

was treated to traditional Chinese performances in

the form of a dragon dance and a song.

16 NEWS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Sod turned for $881M nursing school and training complex in Region 2 R

esidents of Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) on Friday witnessed the momentous sod-turning ceremony for the $881 million nursing school and training complex.

This groundbreaking project marked the commencement of the first, multimillion-dollar training centre in Suddie, Region Two. The contract was awarded to Rupan Ramotar Construction and is expected to commence shortly.

Speaking at the sod turning ceremony, Health

Minister, Dr Frank Anthony stated that the construction of this facility adds to

The historic groundbreaking ceremony: Health Minister Dr Anthony; Minister within the Ministry of Local Government, Anand Persaud; Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva and Regional Health Officer Dr Ranjeev Singh, among other officials, turning the sod for the construction of the nursing school and training complex in Region 2 (Health Ministry photo)

the fleet of existing nursing schools in Georgetown, New Amsterdam and Linden.

When completed, the facility will facilitate the faceto-face sessions for the de-

centralised health training programmes being offered by the Health Ministry.

Currently, 92 residents of Region Two are enrolled in the ongoing training programmes and are expected to graduate this year.

The Health Minister highlighted the successful enrolment of close to 1200 persons who are currently enrolled in the Ministry’s first Hybrid Professional Nursing Training Programme.

“I am happy to tell you that two hundred (200) persons from Region Two are currently enrolled in our Hybrid Professional Training Programme,” he alluded while assuring residents that after graduation those persons will return to the region to serve their communities.

Dr Anthony further highlighted a significant threeyear investment of over $300M dedicated to enhanc-

ing the infrastructure of health centres. Noteworthy

advancements were acknowledged at Suddie Public Hospital, which recently integrated a stateof-the-art digital X-ray machine.

Dr Anthony seized the moment to announce the

commencement of construction for a new coastal regional hospital, projecting completion by year-end.

"The time has come for a brand-new regional hospital on the coast," he affirmed.

Meanwhile, Minister within the Local Government Ministry Anand Persaud in his brief remarks encouraged persons to take advantage of the training opportunities that are available in the health sector and other sectors, and join forces to serve the people of Guyana.

The ceremony was attended by Director General of the Ministry of Health, Dr Vishwa Mahadeo; Member

of Parliament Nandranie Coonjah; Regional Health Officer, Dr Ranjeev Singh; Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva and Regional Executive Officer Susana Saywack.

NEWS

17

SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Suriname authorities hunt for fugitive ex-president amid prison no-show S

urinamese authorities are searching for ex-President Desi Bouterse after he failed to turn himself in to start a prison sentence for involvement in the murder of 15 activists in 1982, the prosecutor general's office said on Friday.

A three-judge panel in December affirmed the convictions of Bouterse, 78, and four others in the execution of the government critics who included lawyers, journalists, union leaders, soldiers and university professors. While Bouterse was ordered this week to report to jail, his wife, Ingrid Bouterse-Waldring, told journalists outside their home early on Friday, "He's not going to turn himself in."

Lawyer Irvin Kanhai, arriving at the prison in Paramaribo, Suriname's capital, with two of the other men convicted in the

to 20 years in prison. One of his co-defendants also failed to report to the prison.

"The public prosecutor's office has started the process of tracing those convicted in the December 8 criminal case who have not reported to the penal institution as stated in the order for execution of sentences," the prosecutor's office said in a statement.

Advocates, including Sunil Oemrawsingh, president of an association of relatives of victims in the socalled December murders, and international observers said it was not surprising that Bouterse did not show.

Former Suriname President Desi Bouterse

case, said he would talk with the former leader.

"I am going to talk to him now and then we will see what we are going to do," Kanhai said. "I don't know him (to do anything) other

than to bow his head to law and justice." Bouterse dominated politics in the former Dutch colony for decades and left office in 2020.

He has denied the charges but was sentenced

Massy acquires Florida warehouse for US$24.5M

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assy Holdings Ltd spent US$24.5 million (TT$166.35 million) to acquire a warehouse in Jacksonville, Florida in October 2023, ten months after it paid US$47 million to purchase Rowe's IGA, a chain of seven supermarkets in the town.

The warehouse Massy purchased is 172,136 square feet and is located in the Imeson International Industrial Park in North Jacksonville, according to a report yesterday in the Jacksonville Daily Record, a publication dealing with business and legal news in the Florida town.

At US$24.5 million, the cost per square foot of the 172,136 square feet warehouse is US$142.33 or TT$966.

In its 2023 annual report, Massy said that the acquisition of the warehouse "will facilitate the growth" of its integrated retail portfolio in the US market.

"In distribution, we have added new lines in every territory and opened new warehousing space in Barbados (Brandons), Guyana (Montrose) and Florida (Medley) to support this growth.

"The Medley warehouse has subsequently been sold and the Portfolio has acquired a new 170,000 sq. ft. warehouse facility in Jacksonville, Florida, which is three times the space used by Massy Distribution in Medley, providing ample room for IRP’s growth plans," outlined the 2023 Massy annual report.

Of the acquisition of the supermarket chain in December 2022, Massy said: "The seven Rowe’s IGA stores have increased our family by over 400 associates and have contributed revenue of $798 million (US$118.4 million)

and profit before tax of $30.3 million (US$4.5 million) in the 9.5 months since acquisition.

"The acquisition provides the base for the further expansion of the Portfolio’s Retail footprint in the lucrative US market, which is consistent with it achieving its ambitious growth objectives."

Jacksonville-based NAI Hallmark said vice president and industrial specialist Jason Purdy and Senior Associate Camden Padgett brokered the warehouse transaction on behalf of Massy Distribution USA, based in Medley, according to the Jacksonville publication.

“Securing the ideal location, with close proximity to Jacksonville Airport, downtown and the port of Jacksonville, was a strategic move for our client. The city’s growing logistics hub, combined with our in-depth market knowledge, allowed us to navigate this competitive market and find the perfect property that met our buyer’s needs,” Purdy said in an October 2023 news release, according to the Jacksonville Daily Record.

Massy Distribution purchased the warehouse on October 16, 2023 from IPI10775 Inc., part of Orlando-

based Webb Southeast Inc. JPMorgan Chase of Miami issued a $9.65 million mortgage, the publication reported.

At its 100th annual meeting on December 18,2023, Massy's former executive vice president of business integrity and group general counsel, Angelique Parisot-Potter, raised concerns about the "bizarre rituals" practised by Delphi Sphere Consultants, a husband and wife partnership of executive trainers, which include that they can train Massy employees to communicate with the dead and that attendees can self heal with ‘white light energy’.

"This is a matter of grave concern to shareholders because the couple leading this programme appear to exert disproportionate influence over our executive team.

In the midst of a foreign exchange crisis Massy cannot be spending scarce resources on highly dubious activities, and contracts awarded cannot be pushed through without prudent due process."

Massy dismissed ParisotPotter's concerns as "absurd," even as the group hired an independent investigator to probe the matter. (T&T Guardian)

"The authorities have shown an admirable determination to uphold the rule of law and I expect that they won't hesitate to enforce the arrest warrant," lawyer Reed Brody, who monitored the case for nongovernmental organization the International Commission of Jurists, said via a messaging app.

Current President Chan Santokhi investigated the case as a police commissioner and later, as justice minister, pushed for it to move ahead.

The court ruled in 2019 that Bouterse had overseen an operation in which sol-

diers abducted 16 leading government critics, murdering all but one at a colonial fortress in Paramaribo.

One trade union leader survived and testified against Bouterse, who seized power in a 1980 coup against Suriname's first prime minister just five years after independence.

Bouterse has said that the murdered men were connected to an invasion plot involving the Netherlands and the United States.

A spokesperson for Bouterse's party on Friday said both countries were trying to interfere again.

(Reuters)

US airlines cancel over 2,000 flights due to massive winter storm

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irlines in the United States canceled more than 2,000 flights on Friday after a massive winter storm knocked out power and affected businesses in 12 states ahead of a likely brutal freeze over the weekend.

A total of 2,058 flights were canceled and 5,846 flights were delayed as of 5.30 p.m.

ET, according to flight-tracking website FlightAware.

Southwest Airlines (LUV.N) led the list of cancellations with 401 flights, followed by SkyWest (SKYW.O) at 358.

"We expect some operational challenges due to the weather in the Midwest today and potentially tomorrow due to the winter weather in the region," Delta Air Lines (DAL.N) said.

Southwest Airlines said in a travel advisory that some of its flights in Chicago, Detroit

and Omaha could be impacted.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had on Thursday warned that clouds, snow and windforce could delay flights at certain airports.

United has scrapped 284 flights so far, with some cancellations extending to Saturday as it awaits regulatory nod to resume operating Boeing's (BA.N) 737 MAX 9

jets.

The carrier said in a statement that it was operating some planned flights by switching to other aircraft types.

The FAA had on Thursday launched a formal investigation on 737 MAX 9 after a cabin panel blew off an Alaska Airlines (ALK.N) flight last week in mid-air, forcing an emergency landing. (Reuters)

18

SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2024

guyanatimesgy.com

Regional

Amazon rainforest Chilean Government partners Deforestation rate with Google to launch AsiaPacific fibre-optic link halved in 2023

T

President Lula has pledged to end deforestation in the Amazon by 2030

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he rate of deforestation in Brazil's Amazon fell by nearly 50% in 2023 compared to the previous year, space agency data suggests.

Brazil's Environment Ministry said it was the lowest recorded deforestation rate in the last five years.

Though smaller than in previous years, the deforested area is still more than six times the size of New York City.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva pledged to end deforestation by 2030 when he took office a year ago.

Preliminary data from national space agency Inpe showed 5153 sq km (1989.6

sq miles) of the Amazon were cleared in 2023, down from 10,278 sq km in 2022.

President Lula promised to restore the Amazon rainforest and chase down climate criminals during his speech at climate summit COP27 in 2022.

The Amazon is the world's largest rainforest, and 60% of it is in Brazil.

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Brazil's Environment Ministry said this was the first step in achieving its zero deforestation goal.

It also stated that the Government remained committed to combating illegal practices in the Amazon.

Growing inspection efforts by environment watchdog Ibama were key in bringing about the fall, the Environment Ministry added.

Brazilian Environment Minister Marina Silva said the falling rate was a "reflection" of Ibama's ongoing work in the rainforest.

The Amazon is a crucial battleground in the global fight against climate change.

It is often called "the lungs of the planet" due to its essential role in the planet's oxygen and carbon dioxide cycles.

The rainforest is home to about three million species of plants and animals, and one million indigenous people.

(BBC News)

ILO applauds Jamaica for moves to address child labour

J

amaica has been commended by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) for strides made in addressing child labour.

According to ILO official Resel Melville, Jamaica has served as a Pathfinder Country in the global fight against the scourge.

These are states that are taking immediate and effective measures to eradicate child labour.

"We have been privileged, as the ILO, to work with Jamaica, facilitating their knowledge exchange with other Caribbean counterparts as well as counterparts in the wider Latin America region," Melville, programme officer for the regional initiative, Latin America and the Caribbean Free of Child Labour, told JIS News.

Melville, who is based in the ILO Caribbean office in Port of Spain, Trinidad, was part of a delegation from the Brazil ILO SouthSouth Mission that visited Jamaica recently.

The team met with representatives of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security

he Chilean Government announced a partnership with Alphabet's Google on Wednesday to build the first undersea fibre-optic cable between South America and Asia Pacific.

The Humboldt Cable Project will connect Chile's port city of Valparaiso with Sydney, Australia through 14,800 kilometres (9200 miles) of fibre-optic cable with a capacity of 144 terabytes and a 25-year lifespan, according to a Government press release.

"This cable will consolidate Chile's position as the centre of digital activity in South America," President Gabriel Boric said during a press conference in Valparaiso.

He added that the project would "open opportunities for new industries, jobs and better work and life conditions

for thousands of people."

The announcement comes at a time when China and the United States have been battling for economic and political influence in Latin America, with undersea cables being central the technology competition.

A Reuters investigation found that various undersea fibre-optic cable projects to Asia, including two in which Google was an investor, were originally supposed to link to China but were thwarted or re-routed due to

US diplomatic pressure.

Aside from technology competition, US authorities worried about the possibility of spy agencies intercepting data on the planned undersea cables.

China President Xi Jingping touted his country's strong ties with Chile during a diplomatic visit last October, while US President Joe Biden pledged to strengthen economic ties with Latin America to counter China's growing influence.

(Reuters)

Drones take flight in Rio Brazil in high-tech reforestation push

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razil's seaside city of Rio de Janeiro, famed for its crowded beaches and lush surrounding hills, is sending drones buzzing into the air to disperse seeds, part of a high-tech push that seeks to speed up local reforestation efforts.

The green initiative, a partnership between Rio's City Hall and startup Morfo, launched last Friday and is being used to seed local native species in hardto-reach areas that would be more difficult using traditional methods.

Eligible areas in one of the most-visited cities of the Americas are selected after an analysis of soil and native species. Computers powered by artificial intelligence (AI) then define the specific targets and number

A drone for aerial seeding used for a reforestation project is pictured in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil January 5, 2024 (Rodrigo Paiva/ MORFO Brasil Unipessoal/Handout)

of seeds to be dropped, according to a statement from the local government.

A single drone is capable of dispersing 180 seed capsules per minute, or 100 times faster than utilising human hands to spread seeds in a more traditional

reforestation programme.

Sowing via drones assisted by AI also eliminates the need for months of nurturing seedlings, as well as transporting them to the area designated for planting, the statement added.

(Reuters)

Colombia 'on alert' amid manhunt for fugitive Ecuador gang boss

C Programme officer for the regional initiative, Latin America and the Caribbean Free of Child Labour, Resel Melville, speaking in a JIS interview

and other stakeholders for discussions on the Regional Initiative to Eradicate Child Labour by 2025, an inter-governmental platform comprised of 31 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean which have been working to achieve the first generation free of child labour in the Region.

Jamaica was one of the original countries to sign on to create the platform in 2014, which allows for

the participation of trade unions, worker and employer organisations, in keeping with the tripartite nature of the ILO. Melville noted Jamaica's progress in revamping and revitalising the National Action Plan for the Prevention of Child Labour, which helps to map actions and resources that are allocated to mitigate the scourge. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

olombia's army was on high alert Friday over the possibility that gangsters who escaped from Ecuador's prisons, including a powerful cartel leader, could enter the country.

Neighbouring Ecuador has been rocked by gang violence since the leader of the country's biggest gang, Los Choneros, escaped from prison, prompting a Government crackdown on drug cartels.

The Government has deployed troops and soldiers are patrolling the streets after a series of explosions and armed attacks that have left at least 16 people dead in five days, while scores of prisoners escaped.

On Friday Police con-

firmed the authenticity of a video showing the dead body of a prisoner wrapped in plastic being thrown onto the street from inside a jail.

At least 175 prison guards and administrative officials are being held hostage by inmates in the country's restive and graft-afflicted penitentiary system where drug lords wield outsized control.

The situation has prompted neighbours Colombia and Peru to reinforce security on their borders.

"There are 20 fugitives for which we are on high alert," said Colombian Army Chief Helder Giraldo.

Asked whether Los Choneros chief Adolfo Macias, alias "Fito," could already be

on Colombian territory, he said, "it's possible."

Once a bastion of peace situated between major cocaine producers, Ecuador has been plunged into crisis after years of growing control by transnational cartels that use its ports to ship the drug to the United States and Europe.

Criminal gangs in the country of about 17 million people are thought to have more than 20,000 members.

Colombia, the world's largest cocaine producer, fears a deterioration in border security as a result of Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa's declaration of war against the gangs. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2024

19

Around The World

Israel rejects genocide charges, tells OILNEWS OIL NEWS World Court it must defend itself Oil climbs 1% as tankers avoid Red Sea after strikes on Houthis

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il rose 1% on Friday as an increasing number of oil tankers diverted course from the Red Sea following overnight air and sea strikes by the US and Britain on Houthi targets in Yemen after attacks on shipping by the Iranbacked group.

Brent crude futures settled 88 cents, or 1.1%, higher at US$78.29 a barrel. The session high was up over US$3 to more than US$80, its highest this year.

US West Texas Intermediate crude futures climbed 66 cents, or 0.9%, to US$72.68, paring gains after touching a 2024 high of US$75.25.

While the diversions were expected to push up the cost and time it takes to transport oil, supplies have not yet been impacted, analysts and industry experts noted, easing some of the earlier gains in prices.

For the week, Brent was down 0.5% and WTI 1.1% lower.

Earlier in the week, sharp price cuts by top exporter Saudi Arabia and a surprise build in U.S. crude stockpiles spurred supply worries.

"Although the lack of shipping through the Red Sea... does create transportation issues for some crude supplies, the impact on the physical oil markets is, thus far, minimal," said Matt Stephani, president at investment advisory firm Cavanal Hill Investment Management.

"If the conflict were to spread to the other side of the Arabian Peninsula... oil markets may react much more significantly," Stephani added.

Tanker companies Stena Bulk, Hafnia and Torm all said they had decided to halt all ships heading towards the Red Sea. However, Suez Canal Authority head Osama Rabie said traffic is regular in both directions and there is no truth to reports navigation has been suspended due to developments in the Red Sea. The US and UK strikes come in retaliation for Houthi attacks since October on commercial vessels in the Red Sea in a show of support for Palestinian militant group Hamas in its fight against Israel.

The escalation has fed worries the Israel-Hamas war could widen into a broader conflict in the Middle East, disrupting oil supplies. Iran seized a tanker on Thursday carrying Iraqi crude south of the strait destined for Turkey.

Houthi militants also mistakenly targeted a tanker carrying Russian oil in a missile attack on Friday off Yemen, British maritime security firm Ambrey said.

Diversion of tankers around South Africa will also push up freight rates as ships take longer routes. The Red Sea, a key route between Europe and Asia, accounts for about 15% of the world's shipping traffic.

The US expects Houthis to attempt some sort of retaliation as US and Britain struck just under 30 different locations in Yemen, a senior US military official said.

A Houthi spokesperson said the group would continue to target shipping heading toward Israel. Iran warned that the attack on Houthis will fuel "insecurity and instability" in the region, according to Iranian state media.

Saudi Arabia called for restraint and "avoiding escalation" and said it was monitoring the situation with great concern.

Also supporting oil prices, China bought record levels of crude oil in 2023 as demand recovered form a pandemicinduced slump despite economic headwinds in the world's biggest energy consumer.

The premium of the first-month Brent contract to the sixmonth contract rose to as much as US$2.09 a barrel on Friday, the highest since early November, in a sign that markets perceive tighter supply for prompt delivery.

On the supply side, Baker Hughes said the US oil rig count, an indicator future production, fell by two to 499 this week.

In Libya, the spokesperson for protesters who have threatened to shut down two oil and gas facilities in Tripoli said they have decided to extend Friday's deadline for closing the facilities by 24 hours as there are negotiations with mediators. (Reuters)

I

srael on Friday rejected as false and "grossly distorted" accusations brought by South Africa at the UN's top court that its military operation in Gaza is a state-led genocide campaign against Palestinians.

Arguing it was acting to defend itself and was fighting Hamas, not the Palestinian population, Israel called on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to dismiss the case as groundless and reject South Africa's request to order it to halt the offensive.

"This is no genocide," lawyer Malcolm Shaw said.

South Africa told the court on Thursday that Israel's aerial and ground offensive - which has laid waste to much of the enclave and killed almost

24,000 people, according to Gaza health authorities aimed to bring about "the destruction of the population" of Gaza.

Israel rejected the accusations, saying it respected international law and had a right to defend itself.

Israel launched its war in Gaza after a cross-border rampage on Oct 7 by militants from Hamas, which is sworn to Israel's destruction. Israeli officials said 1200 people were killed, mainly civilians, and 240 taken hostage.

"The appalling suffering of civilians, both Israeli and Palestinian, is first and foremost the result of Hamas' strategy," the Israeli Foreign Ministry's legal adviser, Tal Becker told the court.

"If there were acts of

A view of a live broadcast displayed on a street as pro-Palestinian demonstrators protest near the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the day Judges heard a request for emergency measures to order Israel to stop its military actions in Gaza, in The Hague, Netherlands January 11, 2024

genocide, they have been perpetrated against Israel," Becker said. "Hamas seeks genocide against Israel."

The 1948 Genocide Convention, enacted in the wake of the mass murder of

Jews in the Nazi Holocaust, defines genocide as "acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group". (Excerpt from Reuters)

Ukraine, Britain announce security agreement during Kyiv visit by PM Sunak

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ritish Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has signed a new security agreement with Ukraine’s President and announced an increase in military funding for the war-wracked country during a visit to Kyiv.

Britain, one of Ukraine’s closest allies during the Russian invasion, will increase its support in the next financial year to 2.5 billion pounds (US$3.2bn), an increase of 200 million

pounds (US$255M) on the previous two years, Sunak said on Friday.

The funding would cover long-range missiles, air defence, artillery ammunition and maritime security.

“Our opponents around the world believe that we have neither the patience nor resources for long wars, so waver now, and we embolden not just [Russian President Vladimir] Putin, but his allies in North Korea, Iran and elsewhere,”

Sunak told a press conference.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine and Britain also signed an “unprecedented security agreement” on Friday, an accord that would remain in effect until Ukraine joins the NATO military alliance.

“This is not simply a declaration. This is a reality that will come to fruition as a result of our cooperation, including security

commitments from a major global power, the United Kingdom. If the UK and other countries had provided such a level of guarantees after 1991, there would have been no Russian aggression at all,” Zelenskyy wrote on the social media platform X. He added that the common goal was to ensure that an attack on Ukraine “will never happen again” once the war ends. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Cape Verde reaches Big protests break out malaria-free milestone in Yemen after US-British attacks A sub-Saharan African nation has been declared malaria-free for the first time in 50 years.

Cape Verde was given the status by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as it has not reported a single case of local transmission in three years.

Experts have described this as a major achievement.

Malaria is a huge killer on the continent. In 2022, 580,000 people in Africa died from the disease, amounting to 95% of fatalities worldwide.

The disease is caused by a complex parasite which is spread by mosquito bites.

Vaccines are now being used in some places but monitoring the disease and avoiding mosquito bites are the most effective ways to prevent malaria.

Cape Verde, a small island nation off the coast of West Africa, has taken years to reach this point by strengthening its health systems and increasing ac-

cess to diagnosis and treatment of all cases.

Surveillance officers have been detecting cases early, as well as controlling mosquitoes.

Cape Verde's plan for malaria control has also ensured free care and diagnostic services for international travellers and migrants, with the aim of stemming the tide of cases imported from mainland Africa.

"This success reflects the hard work and dedication of countless health professionals, collaborators, communities and international partners. It is a testimony to what can be achieved through collective commitment to improving public health," Cape Verde's Health Minister Dr Filomena Gonçalves told the BBC. Health experts say Cape Verde's achievement sets a big example for other small countries on the continent, showing that containment and elimination policies can work. (Excerpt from BBC News)

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ens of thousands of Yemenis gathered in several cities on Friday to hear their leaders condemn US and British strikes on their country in response to attacks by Houthi militants on Red Sea shipping.

The US and Britain carried out dozens of air strikes on Houthi military targets overnight, widening a wave of regional conflict unleashed by Israel's war in Gaza.

"Your strikes on Yemen are terrorism," said Mohammed Ali Al-Houthi, a member of the Houthi Supreme Political Council, referring to the United States. "The United States is the Devil."

After Gaza's Hamas rulers attacked Israel on Oct 7, triggering Israel's assault on Gaza, the Iranaligned Houthis began attacking shipping lanes and firing drones and missiles towards Israel, saying

they would not stop until Israel's offensive stopped.

The Houthis, who rule much of Yemen, said they would target all ships heading to Israel, more than 1000 miles away, and warned international shipping companies against using Israeli ports.

The Houthis are one of several groups in the Iran-aligned "Axis of Resistance" that have been taking aim at Israeli and US targets since their Palestinian ally Hamas killed more than 1200 people in Israel on Oct 7.

The groups hold the US, Israel's closest ally, partly responsible for the crisis and the scope of Israel's massive response.

"We did not attack the shores of America, nor did we move in the American islands, nor did we attack them. Your strikes on our country are terrorism," said Al-Houthi. (Excerpt from Reuters)

20

SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2024

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Live and learn. Don't expect everyone to see things your way. Use your knowledge, experience and skills to guide you in a direction that brings you into contact with like-minded people.

(March 21-April 19) An open discussion can help solve problems. Let experience be your guide, and you'll figure out how to handle sensitive issues. Your strength, insight and discipline will set an example.

PICKLES (April 20-May 20)

Don't get discouraged. Expect someone to mislead you. Don't be afraid to head in a different direction if it serves you better. If you follow your heart, the right people will follow you.

(May 21-June 20) You'll attract people who share your interests. Attend an event that offers insight into how you can get involved in something that interests you. Your input will be welcome.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

(July 23-Aug. 22)

You can have fun without spending money. A simpler lifestyle will help you relax, enjoy what you have and get to know a certain someone better.

Conversations will lead to a healthier attitude.

Do whatever it takes to keep the peace and bring about positive change.

Participate in events or activities that motivate you, and it will change your lifestyle.

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

Turn chores and responsibilities into enjoyable experiences. Knowing how to have fun will encourage others to eschew negativity and embrace a positive attitude.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

Count on your attributes to get you where you want to go. If you depend on others, you'll be disappointed. Don't make changes to the way you earn or handle your cash. Sit tight.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Do something that energizes you. A physical activity will pump you up and get you moving. Getting out of the house might be a good idea. Avoid negative people for the time being.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Opportunities are present. It's up to you to decide what's best for you. An energetic, disciplined approach will help you reach your goal. A domestic change will free up cash.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Emotions will fluctuate, and uncertainty will deter you from moving forward. Verify information before you make a move. Challenge anyone asking for too much or trying to make disruptive changes.

Carefree spending won't solve your problems. Contact someone you trust to give you good advice. A financial adjustment can rectify a situation. Don't trust gossip; get the facts.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2024

21

Timehri Inter-Block Football NBA ROUNDUP… Bucks score 25 straight Competition set for January 14

points in rout of tired Celtics

B

Defending champions Team Airport

T

he pulse of competition will beat loud as the Timehri Red Ground is filled with an exhilarating showcase of football action when the Timehri Inter-Block Competition commences on Sunday, January 14, with five teams from the Timehri Block area and four guest teams.

Teams hailing from Timehri Block consist of defending Champions the Airport Team, who are looking to retain their ti-

tle, Icehouse Team, Hilltop Round de Road Team, Team Gully and Team Docks.

The guest teams are Upper Soesdyke, Lower Soesdyke, Diamond and Grant Sand Road.

Competition commences on Sunday January 14, and other game days are Sunday January 21 and Sunday January 28. The champions of the Timehri Inter-Block Competition will be decided on Saturday February 10.

Winners of the competi-

tion will pocket $300K, and among the individual accolades are Most Goals Scorer, Most Valuable Player, Best Goal Keeper, Playmaker/ Most Assist, Best Young Player, Fair Play Team, and Best Uniformed Team.

This tournament would not have been made possible without sponsorship from Rawle July, Madewini Resort, JMT Graphics, Anil’s Cheap Store Graphics, and Navin and Sons Automotive Painting and Bodywork.

obby Portis and Giannis Antetokounmpo combined to score 20 straight points during a 25-nil run midway through the first half, and the Milwaukee Bucks coasted to a 135-102 rout of the NBA-leading Boston Celtics on Thursday.

Portis finished with 28 points and Antetokounmpo added 24, while both players had 12 rebounds. Damian Lillard had 21 points in his return to the Bucks’ lineup, after missing a 132-116 loss to Utah on Monday for personal reasons.

Milwaukee led by as many as 43 points, and its 7538 lead at the break was the fourth-biggest halftime advantage in franchise history.

Payton Pritchard scored 21 points for the Celtics, who missed 16 of their first 17 three-point attempts and finished 9 of 34 from deep.

Boston was back in action after beating Minnesota in overtime on Wednesday, and looked fatigued. The Celtics allowed their highest points total of the season, and dropped their second straight road game.

Giddey leads Thunder to historic rout of Portland Josh Giddey had a triple-double and Shai GilgeousAlexander scored 31 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder matched the fifth-largest rout in NBA history when they beat

A glimpse of the game between the Bucks and the Celtics

the Portland Trail Blazers 139-77.

Jalen Williams scored 21 points on 9-of-10 shooting and Giddey finished with 13 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds for Oklahoma City, which had been on the wrong end of the NBA’s biggest blowout, a 73-point loss to Memphis on Dec. 2, 2021.

The Thunder’s 62-point win shattered their previous record for victory margin of 45 points, set twice during the 2012-13 season.

Portland shot a dismal 27.7 percent from the field, and suffered its second-worst loss, having fallen by 65 to Indiana on Feb. 27, 1998.

Irving’s big game lifts Mavericks Kyrie Irving poured in a season-high 44 points and

Tim Hardaway Jr. added 32 to lead the short-handed Dallas Mavericks to a 128-124 win over the New York Knicks.

Josh Green scored 18 points, the last coming on a 3-pointer with 25 seconds left, to give Dallas a 124-120 lead.

Irving and Hardaway combined to make four free throws in the final 11.1 seconds, to seal the win.

Dallas superstar Luka Doncic sat out with an ankle injury, and Dereck Lively II and Dante Exum also missed the game.

Julius Randle scored 32 points and Jalen Brunson had 30 for the Knicks, who had a five-game winning streak snapped, and lost for the first time since acquiring OG Anunoby from Toronto on Dec 30. (Sportsmax)

England tour of India 2024: Test 1 of 3 (unofficial)…

K

Kuldeep, Axar in for first two Tests, Shami out

uldeep Yadav and Axar Patel are back in India's spin-heavy squad for the first two home Tests against England. Mohammed Shami, who is working his way back from an ankle injury, is a notable absentee, though.

Vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar and Avesh Khan make up the seam attack; while R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja make up the spin attack, along with Kuldeep and Axar.

While Shami was optimistic about making a return for the England Tests, the selectors and the BCCI medical staff might have wanted to give him further rest as a precautionary move. The 33-year-old fast bowler has not played any competitive cricket since the ODI World Cup final in November 2023.

Dhruv Jurel, the Uttar Pradesh player, earned his maiden call-up to the India side - in any format - as the back-up keeper to KL Rahul, who had kept wickets in the two Tests

Dhruv Jurel has earned his maiden call-up Mohammed Shami has not played any competitive cricket since the 2023 ODI World Cup final

in South Africa. KS Bharat has also been called up.

Ishan Kishan, who had taken a break from the two-match Test series in South Africa and the ongoing T20I series at home against Afghanistan, is also not part of this squad.

Avesh Khan, who was recently called up to the India Test squad in South Africa as a replacement for Shami, has retained his spot. The 27-year-

old has played eight ODIs and 19 T20Is so far, but he is uncapped in Test cricket.

However, Prasidh Krishna, who made his Test debut in Centurion, has not been named in the squad. The fast bowler had sustained a quadriceps injury on the first day of Karnataka's second-round Ranji Trophy clash against Gujarat in Ahmedabad. The Karnataka team physio is cur-

rently taking care of Prasidh, but as a BCCI-contracted player, he can also link up with the India A support staff, who are also in Ahmedabad for the twoday match against the touring England Lions.

Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is nursing a finger injury, has also missed out, along with Abhimanyu Easwaran, who had replaced Gaikwad as the reserve opener in South Africa. Shardul Thakur, who leaked 101 runs in 19 overs at

SuperSport Park, has also been left out of the squad.

Jurel had recently scored a half-century for India A in a four-day first-class fixture against South Africa A in Benoni, and is currently playing against the Lions in Ahmedabad. In all, he has played 15 first-class games, and averages nearly 47. His journey to the top has not been straightforward. He was vice-captain of the India Under19s at the World Cup four years

ago, and more recently made heads turn at the IPL in 2023 by scoring 152 runs at an average of 22 and strike rate of 173 for Rajasthan Royals.

Ashwin is on the brink of two major landmarks in Test cricket. He is ten strikes away from 500 wickets in the format, and five matches away from 100 Tests. The fivematch series against England will begin in Hyderabad on January 25, and will be part of the World Test Championship (WTC). India are currently second on the WTC points table, behind defending champions Australia.

The India squad for first two Tests against England comprise Rohit Sharma (capt), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), KS Bharat (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (vice-capt), Avesh Khan.

(ESPNCricinfo)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2024

Four Guyanese on FIFA 2024 Referees List F

our Guyanese have made the 2024 FIFA Referees List, among them is Assistant Referee Kleon Lindey, who has achieved this prestigious recognition for 10 consecutive years.

The FIFA Roster, released in January, features Lindey along with lone female Guyanese FIFA Assistant Referee Denisha Isaacs, FIFA Referee Shavin Greene, and FIFA Futsal Referee Colin Abel.

The Guyana Football Referees Council (GFRC) has congratulated the quartet and noted that Guyana continues to produce world-class match officials who are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of the game.

“Congratulations to the group for making the FIFA list of referees. This is a clear indication that Guyana continues to produce worldclass match officials who consistently officiate matches

The four Referees who have made the FIFA 2024 List

locally and internationally at the highest standards”, the GFRC has said.

Lindey initially earned the designation of a FIFA official back in 2015, and now with an admirable track record, has secured his place on the list for an impressive 10th

consecutive year. His stellar performance includes a series of notable appointments during the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League, adding to his remarkable journey in the world of refereeing.

Denisha Isaacs has secured her second year on the FIFA Referees List -- a testament to her growing stature in officiating. Her journey to this achievement includes a successful participation in the Caribbean Football Union

(CFU) Next Generation course held in July 2022, which paved the way.

This marks Greene's second consecutive year on the FIFA List, and it is a commendable achievement following his impactful involvement in the CFU Next Generation course held in July 2022. He has been actively engaged in numerous regional and international tournaments.

Greene officiated the piv-

otal "CONCACAF Caribbean Cup" Semi-Final second leg in Jamaica on October 31, 2023, showcasing his potential as a future top-tier official with distinctive qualities.

Abel has also earned his second year on the FIFA List for Futsal. While his Futsal activities were confined to local competitions in 2023, he looks forward to the upcoming CONCACAF Futsal Championship and FIFA Futsal World Cup, scheduled for this year, as he is aiming to make his mark on the international stage.

The GFRC has said a tremendous amount of appreciation is due for the hardworking team of instructors and assessors “who work tirelessly and diligently behind the scenes to ensure that all Match Officials are up to the highest standards, both locally and internationally.”

Further, the CFRC has said it is dedicated to doubling the representation of Guyanese match officials on the FIFA List in the coming years, through increased investments in training and working with all relevant stakeholders.

GMR&SC embraces GT3 spec cars, opening new frontiers MoE/GGA golf programme in motorsport

receiving increased foreign, local support

S Other GT3 cars in action

T

he Guyana Motor Racing & Sports Club (GMR&SC) has said it is proud to announce a significant expansion in its racing categories with the inclusion of GT3 spec cars.

This strategic move not only marks a pioneering step on the local motorsport scene, but also opens doors for participation from Latin and Central American regions, where GT3 spec racing is regarded as the pinnacle of motorsport excellence.

The GMR&SC has said that with the recent South Dakota track expansion, recognition of the dynamic landscape of motorsport, and the rapid evolution of technology in the racing world, it is committed to staying at the forefront of the industry. The decision to introduce GT3 spec cars aligns with this vision, and aims to provide greater opportunities and challenges for both local and international drivers. This will also boost the Guyana sports tourism value.

The GMR&SC has said

the GT3 spec class will stand as a new addition to the existing GP4 category, ensuring that the GMR&SC continues to cater to a wide range of racing enthusiasts.

This expansion is a testament to its dedication to inclusivity and adaptability, ensuring the motorsport community in Guyana remains at the cutting edge of global racing standards.

GMR&SC President Mahendra Boodhoo has expressed his enthusiasm about this development by stating, "We believe that embracing GT3 spec cars is a natural progression for our club. It not only enhances the competitive landscape, but also puts Guyana on the map as a destination for top-tier motorsports. We look forward to welcoming drivers, teams and fans from across the region to join us in this exciting journey."

GMR&SC invites all motorsports enthusiasts, drivers and sponsors to stay tuned for upcoming events and more details.

everal hundred golf clubs have been donated to the Guyana Golf Association (GGA) and Nexgen Golf Academy (NGA) by foreign and local golfers who are supportive of the astounding progress of the sport in Guyana.

And dozens of backpacks have been donated by Aleena and William Knight of New York to aid the school programme.

Head of the Priority Programme, Saeed Zameen, has said prizes would be given to top performers in the golf programme, and he has thanked the donors for their awesome support.

With expansion of the

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The golf clubs that were donated

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Golf club donations were recently received from Ray Ramroop, Ron Dhanram, Henry Dunn and Anam Shaw Ali of Orlando; Dr. Altaf Souvani and Darwin Sham of Ottawa; and Guyanese Daphne Samaroo and Mike Mangal.

GGA President Aleem Hussain has said, "It is clear that our efforts to grow the game over the past few years is catching the attention of golfers and supporters, and we are grateful for their support. We submitted a proposal recently to the Government that will put Guyana on the international stage for golf; and with more golf courses now under construction, our goal of turning Guyana into a golf destination is close to being realized!"

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2024

23

WI tour to Australia 2024…

DaSilva, Hodge, Sinclair shine on final day of drawn warmup game A

century from Joshua Da Silva, Kavem Hodge’s 99, and three quick-fire wickets from Kevin Sinclair were the highlights for West Indies on day 3 of their 3-day warmup match against a Cricket Australia XI team, which ended in a draw in the wee hours of Friday.

Tim Ward and Jayden Godwin putting up a pacy 76 in 15 overs for the first wicket. But after an expensive first over, Kevin Sinclair rebounded well to dismiss Godwin for 33 from 47 balls. Then, in his next over, Ward went for a big heave off Sinclair’s bowling, but Tagenarine Chanderpaul’s safe pair of

Kevin Sinclair took the first three wickets in quick succession

Kavem Hodge was bowled on 99

Joshua DaSilva stroked a classy 105

After being moved up the order, DaSilva resumed the day at the crease on 55 off 95 deliveries, alongside Kavem Hodge on 44 off 67 balls, and went on to bring up his fine century in 156 deliveries. However, shortly after, DaSilva was caught at midwicket for 105 off 158 balls; but there wasn’t much for the visitors to worry about, as Hodge held down the other end.

Unfortunately, Hodge missed out on the practice century after he was bowled by Doug Warren for 99 off 174 deliveries.

Justin Greaves, who entered after DaSilva departed, went on to add 41 runs off 72 balls, while Zachary McCaskie later pitched in with 25 from 28 balls before the West Indies declared on 315/5, with a lead of 392.

The Cricket Australia XI had a solid start, with

hands sent Ward back for 39 off 52 deliveries.

Sinclair, who dismissed Teague Wyllie for 4 runs from 17 balls, eventually finished with figures of 3 for 38 from 12 overs, as the Australians got to 149-5 by close of play to force the draw. Gudakesh Motie and Justin Graves were also among the wickets, taking 1-34 from 9 and 1-14 from 5 respectively.

SCOREBOARD West Indians 2nd Innings Tagenarine Chanderpaul c Ward b Haskett 0 Joshua Da Silva † c Clayton b Haskett 105 Kirk McKenzie c Wyllie b Haskett 9 Alick Athanaze c Hope b Scott 15 Kavem Hodge b Warren 99 Justin Greaves not out 41 Zachary McCaskie not out 25 Extras (b 4, lb 13, nb 2, w 2) 21 TOTAL 80 Ov (RR: 3.93) 315/5d Did not bat: Alzarri Joseph, Kevin Sinclair, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Kemar Roach, Akeem Jordan, Tevin Imlach Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Tagenarine Chanderpaul, 0.3 ov), 2-16 (Kirk McKenzie, 4.5 ov), 3-59 (Alick Athanaze, 12.4 ov), 4-222 (Joshua Da Silva, 58.4 ov), 5-272 (Kavem Hodge, 69.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Liam Haskett 11-1-65-3 Harry Conway 11-1-36-0 Jack Nisbet 10-2-35-0 Liam Scott 11-2-15-1 Doug Warren 23-2-62-1 Bradley Hope 1-0-9-0 Tim Ward 5-0-31-0 Campbell Thompson 5-0-31-0 Jayden Goodwin 3-0-14-0

Cricket Australia XI 2nd Innings (T: 393 runs) Tim Ward c Chanderpaul b Sinclair 39 Jayden Goodwin c Athanaze b Sinclair 33 Teague Wyllie c McCaskie b Sinclair 4 Jack Clayton c Greaves b Motie 32 Bradley Hope c McCaskie b Greaves 16 Jake Doran not out 19 Extras (b 1, lb 2, nb 3) 6 TOTAL 39 Ov (RR: 3.82) 149/5 Did not bat: Liam Scott, Peter Handscomb (c), Doug Warren, Liam Haskett, Harry Conway, Jack Nisbet, Harry Matthias †, Campbell Thompson Fall of wickets: 1-76 (Jayden Goodwin, 15.3 ov), 2-81 (Tim Ward, 17.3 ov), 3-82 (Teague Wyllie, 21.1 ov), 4-101 (Bradley Hope, 24.4 ov), 5-149 (Jack Clayton, 38.6 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Kemar Roach 4-0-16-0 Shamar Joseph 4-0-13-0 Gudakesh Motie 9-1-34-1 Akeem Jordan 4-1-21-0 Kevin Sinclair 12-4-38-3 Justin Greaves 5-2-14-1 Kavem Hodge 1-0-10-0

Following the match, Sinclair deemed the preparation as good, and expressed his readiness to make his Test debut.

“Yeah! Definitely! It’s always good to be among the wickets once again. Good

practice, good preparation heading into the first Test. So, I must say I had enough. I didn’t get much batting, but, to be honest, I get what I want out of the practice match,” Sinclair shared. “It’s always something in the pitch for the spinners. It’s just hitting good areas, bringing the batsman forward, and challenging the defence (as much) as possible.”

The Guyanese spinner went on to add about

a possible Test debut next week: “It’s up to the management, but I always up and ready. You know, once my name call, I’m ready to deliver the goods for the team, and give it my all on the field; that’s all.”

The first Test in the 2- match series against Australia is set for January 17th to 21st (16th to 20th in the Caribbean), while the second Test will run from January 25th to 29th (24th to 28th in the Caribbean).

Brathwaite pleased with team’s preparation ahead of Australia challenge

Captain Kraigg Braithwaite is pleased with West Indies’ preparation in Australia

Court injunction delays JFF W election by at least 28 days

T

he Jamaica Football Federation’s (JFF’s) presidential election, scheduled for Sunday, January 14, at Rusea’s High School in Hanover, has been delayed by at least 28 days.

The postponement is due to an injunction granted by the Supreme Court following an appeal made on behalf of Beach Soccer Jamaica, the Jamaica Football Referees Association, and Intercol Jamaica to become registered with the Companies Office of Jamaica (COJ).

COJ registration would allow those parties ratification to become delegates

Current JFF President Michael Ricketts (left) and challenger Raymond Anderson, JFF First Vice-President

ahead of the election.

Incumbent Michael Ricketts is being challenged

by JFF First-Vice President

Raymond Anderson.

Ricketts has been in office as President since September 2017. (Sportsmax)

est Indies Captain Kraigg Brathwaite has said he is pleased with the team’s preparation ahead of the first Test against Australia, set to begin on Tuesday in Adelaide.

The tourists played to a draw in their lone threeday warm-up game against a Cricket Australia XI on Friday.

“We, as a team, are very pleased. The facilities here are outstanding, and the boys made good use of it,” the skipper said in an interview after Friday’s final day.

The team had some excellent individual performances throughout the three days, including Brathwaite himself getting 52 in the first innings.

He didn’t bat in the second however, giving the opportunity to wicket-keeper Joshua Da Silva to get some time out

in the middle at the top of the order. Da Silva grabbed it with both hands and produced a well-composed 105.

“Felt good. It was important for Joshua to get some batting in the second innings, so it was a very good game for us,” Brathwaite said.

Brathwaite also singled out the performances of Justin Greaves and Kavem Hodge in the game.

Greaves had scores of 65 and 41* and took two wickets in the match, while Hodge had scores of 52 and 99.

“He’s a quality cricketer.

I’m not surprised by what he did, and I look forward to his future in West Indies cricket,” he said of Greaves.

“Very pleased with the hunger he showed to come again in the second innings and do it. That’s what we want in this team,” Brathwaite said about Hodge.

The team has been in Australia since late December, something Brathwaite believes has helped them to better acclimatize to the conditions.

“I think it’s very good.

We would have flown a number of hours to get here, so I think (that) initially getting here and getting accustomed to the time zone and getting over jet lag was quite important,” he said. “Having the time as well to practice here in Adelaide and get accustomed to the pitches and stuff was great for us,” he added.

“Quite clear,” was Brathwaite’s response to questions about the XI for the first Test. “Very happy with how all the guys went about this camp and this game, and obviously it’s time next week to make the West Indies proud,” he said. (Sportsmax)

SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2024

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

Pg 23

shine on final day of drawn warmup game Pg 22

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