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Issue No. 5617

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 2024

Deadly Mahdia fire

“Tough love” needed to address indiscipline, behavioural change among children – President Ali Page 3

WHAT'S INSIDE:

9-year-old P12 drowns in Demerara River

Drug-trafficker jailed for 4 years, fined $49.6M P11

Man slapped with 9-month jail time for trafficking P11 ecstasy …airport smuggler fined $75,000

…says religious community must play ‘more robust’ role in moulding youths …as CoI report flags unfavourable societal, mining influences leading up to tragedy

Govt wants P13 Exxon’s 20% Stabroek Block relinquishment to be in next auction

Request for Proposals, New Hope and 3 Guyanese finalising National Gas Justice Hub arrested in Suriname for commissioned drug trafficking, Strategy can occur in robbery at Lusignan parallel – VP …aims at combatting gender-based violence See story on page 2

Page 9

P12

Bharrat Jagdeo vs Annette Ferguson

VP Jagdeo successful at CCJ in bid to appeal default libel judgment

Page 7

VP's Attorney, Devindra Kissoon

PM urges global unity, cooperation at Non-Aligned Movement P14 Summit

2 NEWS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Request for Proposals, finalising National Gas Strategy can occur in parallel – VP V

ice President Bharrat Jagdeo has defended Government’s decision to launch a Request for Proposals (RFP) to develop Guyana’s gas resources offshore while still in the process of finalising a National Gas Strategy.

He said the work of these two initiatives can occur in parallel.

“We believe we can move parallel to each other, because we already know the objective of the gas strategy… We give [the potential investors] guidance on what we expect them to put forward as part of the proposal – pretty detailed guidance in the Request for Proposals,” Jagdeo noted during a press conference on Thursday.

Government has already made it clear that its goal is to find the best option forward to monetise its gas resources.

As such, in October 2023, Government had released the draft National Gas Monetisation Strategy to the public for their feedback. The aim was to simultaneously work on finalising the strategy while getting comments from the public thus saving time.

According to the Vice President, they were in process of integrating the comments received into the final strategy document.

“So, we had a Discussion Paper that went out and we had a lot of comments on the Discussion Paper and we’re now getting all those comments from the oil companies, gas companies, etc, and we’re going to finalise the strategy.

But the strategy basically is to monetise as quickly as possible,” he posited.

Economic opportunity

Previously, Jagdeo had described the monetisation of Guyana’s gas reserves as the next wave of economic opportunity for Guyana. He had pointed out that now was the time for Guyana to move swiftly in developing this resource, which has a small window as the world transitions from fossil fuels.

Moreover, the Guyana Government has been receiving many proposals from bilateral partners and individuals about potential projects to utilise the country’s gas resources.

C o n s e q u e n t l y , Government launched the Request For Proposals for the “Design, Finance, Construction, and Operation of required Gas Infrastructure to Support Upstream Developments”.

The RFP invitation details that the Guyana Government

ExxonMobil Head Office in Georgetown, Guyana

“…is seeking the safe and timely development of its resources as well as creating an open-access infrastructure system for all existing and future upstream participants to

support current and future upstream developments in Guyana”.

Applicants are being asked to evaluate the commercial, technical and environmental feasibility for the proposed gas infrastructure.

“This project will be strictly financed and owned 100 per cent by the Private Sector.

As part of this RFP process, the selected applicant, if any, with the most optimum solution for the Project, will have exclusivity to negotiate with the [Guyana Government] for its entitlement of gas to ensure the viability of the project and the overall value chain,” the invite stated.

The requirements of the RFP include: The developer’s capability and credibility to execute such a project; Clear written agreements among the parties, and if a consortium, evidence of a consortium agreement for this

project; site plan for the project; summarized and detailed project schedule; project costs; project structure diagram; business plan; list of legal agreements; and proposed capital structure.

In the oil-rich Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, where US oil major ExxonMobil and its partners – Hess Corp and CNOOC – are producing crude, some 17 trillion cubic feet of gas have been found, with the Pluma and Haimara wells being proven gas fields.

According to VP Jagdeo, there is a general consensus among those who have approached Government that the timing was good now to develop Guyana’s gas resources given that the world has agreed that natural gas has to be transitional fuel and that the project, if not done very early, would lose some of its feasibility in the longer run.

“We share that view that the gas resources must be monetised and 2) given net zero and this window of opportunity, that this project if it were to happen that it should be done urgently… So, we thought even before, even before we complete the gas strategy, since we know our objectives, let us explore what the interest is out there and whether it’s serious interest.

Then we can have that discussion with Exxon, because Exxon will have to be part of this discussions too, because they’re 50 per cent owner of the gas and we can sit down in a tripartite way and have a discussion around specific project.

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NEWS

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Deadly Mahdia fire

BRIDGE OPENINGS

BRIDGE The Demerara OPENINGS Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, January 20 – 00:30h-02:00h and Sunday, January 21 – 13:00h-12:00h.

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Saturday, January 20 – 12:00h-13:30h and Sunday, January 21 – 13:05h-14:35h

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High Tide: 12:03h reaching a maximum

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Low Tide: 18:15h reaching a minimum height

of 0.94 metre.

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“Tough love” needed to address indiscipline, behavioural change among children – Pres Ali

…says religious community must play ‘more robust’ role in moulding youths …as CoI report flags unfavourable societal, mining influences leading up to tragedy

N

otwithstanding the fact that the Mahdia dormitory fire was an act of arson, Chairman of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI), Retired Major General Joseph Singh has outlined that it was the end result of several societal plagues.

As he handed over the final report to President Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday at State House, the Chairman drew attention to the negative influences of the mining culture on communities.

Highlighting the vulnerabilities facing young girls and the influence of mining, which sometimes leads to grooming, the report also outlined that the Mahdia dormitory fire in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) was as a result of negligence to institute proper fire readiness, and that of the education sector to address ‘deviant’ behaviour.

“The influence of the mining culture on social relationships within communities; the vulnerability of youth, in particular, teenage female students; the influence of adults in the mining sector who groom young females, in some cases with the tacit support of family members who benefit financially; and the negligence of particular officials in fire readiness and the education sector and psychosocial

President Ali flanked by COI Commissioners and Cabinet Ministers as the report was handed over on Friday

readiness to deal condignly with deviant behaviour,” the CoI Chairman listed among the factors contributing to the tragedy.

The three-member Commission that included Commissioners Derrick John and Kim Kyte-Thomas was required to investigate and report on what actions were taken to provide care, medical attention, and support to the injured and deceased and their relatives, in a timely manner.

Recommendations were also expected to include necessary measures to prevent a reoccurrence of such a tragedy.

These conclusions were arrived at following weeks of hearings where witness-

es and key officials gave their account of the tragic incident – which claimed the lives of 20 children.

The May 21, 2023 inferno, which caught the attention of the international media, resulted in the deaths of 19 female students between the ages of 12 and 17 and a five-year-old boy, who was the son of the dorm parents. The dormitory housed students from the communities of Karisparu, El Paso, Micobie, and Chenapau, Region Eight.

Major General Singh said several inadequacies at the dormitory were uncovered including unpreparedness by the Mahdia Fire Service in emergency response and rescue and the lack of a wa-

ter supply.

However, an equipped facility would not have delivered a different result, having regard to the cause of the fire and the speed with which it became an inferno.

“Based on the evidence, we concluded an individual intentionally set the fire…

Despite the presence of five un-grilled doors situated in the building to provide entry and exit, this failed to impact on what unfolded on the 21st May. Such was the magnitude and speed of the blaze. This was accompanied by acceptable human failure to access the keys in those chaotic and fiery circumstances,” Singh disclosed.

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 2024

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

Religious community and youths

H

ead of State, President Dr Irfaan Ali, has made a bold call on Friday, at the handing over of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) report into the deadly Mahdia dormitory fire which left 20 children dead, that the religious community in Guyana has to play a more robust role in moulding the children in our society.

In Guyana, there is no doubt that the church – whether Christian, Hindu (temple) or Muslim (masjid) – plays a significant role, both socially and otherwise. However, there seems to be a need for a more dominant role of these institutions in tackling crime and social ills among youths. The involvement of youths in crime is no secret in Guyana. A glaring example of this can be had in a quick perusal of any of the dailies, where many of the perpetrators of crime – petty or serious – are youths, although this phenomenon is not limited to these shores only.

This newspaper reported some time ago about a forum where over 100 persons from across the Caribbean gathered at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre in an attempt to address youth crime and violence in Caricom countries. Under the theme “Youth Crime and Violence – Breaking the Cycle: Exploring New Platforms for Transformation”, the mission of the consultation was to derive strategies for the reduction of youth crime and violence through discussion of the issues promoting youth crime. As all avenues are being explored to fight against youths’ involvement in crime, Government must consider the church, to a substantial extent, as playing a significant role.

These religious institutions make a difference in people’s everyday lives, and many of our places of worship are deeply rooted in communities. It is through this medium that these religious institutions can impact youths and crime.

The church, through outreach programmes, can impact neighbourhoods, making them not only generous, but safe.

Because of the influence that religious organisations have over their congregation, Government should tap into this and offer support to places of worship (Christian, Hindu, and Muslim) to finance projects that would enable them to more effectively tackle issues of poverty, which in many cases are the root causes of crime. This support will, to a greater extent, encourage churches to develop a broader vision of how they might have a greater impact on the lives of people in local communities and their surrounding environs.

Guyana’s faith-based organisations had the benefit over the years of training programme initiatives by the Government (present and past) to address concerns of the escalating ills of the society.

At one of those trainings, when the now vice president was head of state, he used the opportunity to appeal to community and religious leaders to reach out to the youths who are at the crossroads of their lives, especially during that crucial time of puberty, when vital life-changing choices can create a criminal or a pillar of the society.

He had also averred that the religious leaders of societies are on “the frontline,” but whether they can make the good generals that would lead their respective communities to a cleaner and more moral society is yet to be seen. Nevertheless, he had expressed his faith in their ability to pilot the society’s ship into calmer and more peaceful waters.

There is no doubt that youths of today are faced with numerous challenges, even more challenges than there were in years gone by; and, as such, to adequately address the issues, emphasis must be placed on the church, which is one of the institutions that first touch the lives of youths.

Places of worship, with adequate financing, can help address the issue of crime by instilling values that relate to moral compasses being missing in many of today’s youth.

Among these values are honesty, respect, spirituality, and a sense of justice and fairness.

We agree with the President when he said: “The religious community must now play a more robust role in moulding our young people, and the value system that we define ourselves as a country also must play this very important role.”

A woman riding a bicycle transporting bamboo and rattan household items for sale on a street in Hanoi, Vietnam (AFP)

DR Congo’s shambolic election should be a wake-up call for the SADC

By Tafi Mhaka

O

n January 9, the Constitutional Court of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) confirmed incumbent President Felix Tshisekedi’s landslide victory in the hotly disputed December 20, 2023 election, but failed to pull the Central African nation out of its full-blown electoral crisis.

According to the DRC’s Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) and highest court, Tshisekedi legitimately won a second and final five-year term in office with an impressive 74 percent of the vote, ahead of Moise Katumbi and Martin Fayulu, who placed second and third respectively. However, in the eyes of many, including failed presidential contenders Fayuli and Katumbi, the country’s synchronised presidential, local, provincial and national polls were a complete “farce”, and perhaps even less trustworthy and legitimate than the shambolic 2011 and 2018 elections.

The joint observer mission from the Catholic Church and the Church of Christ of Congo (ECC) said they documented 5,402 cases of serious irregularities at polling stations. The churches said these alleged anomalies – malfunctioning voting devices, unopened polling stations, vote buying, plundering of polling materials, shoddy electoral lists, and ballot stuffing – could have compromised “the integrity of the results”.

On Christmas Eve, while the shambolic election was still ongoing in many localities where the state failed to open polling stations on election day, the Archbishop of Kinshasa Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo voiced the feelings of countless angry voters in the country when he said: “What should have been a great celebration of democratic values quickly turned into frustration

for many.”

Indeed, it was extremely frustrating to see the DRC repeat the mistakes of the past, ignoring insistent warnings. Last April, for example, Fayulu, who many independent observers believe won the country’s controversial December 2018 presidential poll, published an opinion piece on this very page warning his country was “heading towards another sham election” and encouraging CENI to change course and ensure a “free and fair” presidential poll before it is too late.

Denis Kadima, the president of CENI, however, chose to ignore this and other similar counsel.

Confident as ever, he even launched a thinly veiled attack on the opposition a few days before the polls opened, claiming there were “political groups in this country that are not ready for elections” who “discredit the process, no matter what we do’’. When the sheer scale of the electoral fiasco became obvious in late December, Kadima went on to call Fayulu and other candidates who understandably demanded a rerun “bad losers”.

In the end, Fayulu and others refused to challenge Tshisekedi’s win in court, saying state institutions were not trustworthy or independent.

Now, the Congolese people are forced to accept the results of a clearly bungled poll and a leader with a crisis of legitimacy for the second time in five years.

It is time to admit that electoral malfeasance and incompetence have become a substantial menace to societal cohesion, peace and development in the DRC. And regrettably, this is a widespread and deep-rooted problem across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

Take Zimbabwe, which has failed to hold a single truly free, fair and transparent election since its independence from British colonial rule in

April 1980.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has won two disputed elections – in July 2018 and August 2023 – over his chief rival, Nelson Chamisa, leader of the main opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party.

Last year’s polls, for example, were deemed a colossal failure after many polling stations opened late or failed to open at all. The anomalies were particularly prevalent in Harare and Bulawayo, traditional strongholds of the opposition, raising suspicion the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) wanted to suppress votes there and give the ruling Zanu-PF party a helping hand. Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) and Election Resource Centre (ERC) stated Zanu-PF actors were engaged in voter intimidation tactics throughout the country.

Understandably, Chamisa asserted the polls were a “blatant and gigantic fraud”, while his party called for a rerun. And just like the DRC’s Fayulu, he refused to challenge Mnangagwa’s corrupted triumph in court, alleging Zimbabwe’s Constitutional Court was “captured”.

Meanwhile, a SADC electoral observer mission (SEOM), led by Dr Nevers Mumba, the former vice president of Zambia, delivered a scathing preliminary analysis of the August 2023 poll.

Among others, the SEOM criticised aspects of ZEC’s Delimitation Report of 2022, and highlighted the contentious decision to exclude Saviour Kasukuwere, a former Mugabe-era Zanu-PF minister, from the presidential race. In this regard, the mission found that “some aspects of the Harmonised Elections, fell short of the requirements of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the Electoral Act, and the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing

Democratic Elections (2021)”.

A plethora of delays, it added, had “a knock-on effect as they dissuaded voters from voting in the first place” and effectively had “the unfortunate effect of creating doubts about the credibility of this electoral process”.

Harare denounced SEOM’s objective assessments and demanded revisions to the preliminary report.

At the same time, government-owned media launched a vicious smear campaign against Mumba, accusing him of being on a Westernsponsored “regime change mission”, all without offering a shred of evidence.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa came to Harare’s defence, as he usually does, by declaring that other countries, like the US, also have electoral challenges – as if millions of frustrated and disfranchised Zimbabweans care at all whether such problems are also experienced to some extent in Washington.

This is not a problem only for Zimbabwe, or the DRC, or whatever country that experiences the latest election debacle either.

It is important to uphold SADC electoral standards, in every single member country, as Mumba boldly advocated for in his preliminary report, to improve our shared wellbeing in Southern Africa.

SADC leaders have failed us all. The ability to deliver peace, stability and socioeconomic change through the ballot box has been turned into a mere pipe dream in most SADC countries.

Zimbabwe has extensive socioeconomic problems, including an underperforming economy, a dilapidated health sector, and high unemployment for many decades. And every suspicious election only serves to deepen these woes.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 2024

5

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Are they truly challenged by mathematics?

Dear Editor, Cheddi Jagan had the vision to establish secondary schools around the country in order to start a movement for universal access from primary to secondary education.

Bharrat Jagdeo almost finished the job, but also switched the goalpost from nursery to secondary; now President Irfaan Ali is ensuring that tertiary and technical education are universal for Guyanese children and young adults.

There can be no dispute that the PPP has always been in the forefront of the education revolution in our country. Budget 2024 reinforces this fact.

Budget 2024 includes more than $135B for education, an increase of more than 61% over the allocation of Budget 2023, and a dramatic 111% over Budget 2022. In fact, education allocation in Budget 2024 is 443 times bigger than the education allocation in 1990, and 100 times bigger than that of 1992 - the last PNC budget before Cheddi Jagan was sworn in as President.

After five PNC/APNU/ AFC budgets, their Budget 2019 was a mere 1.68 of the PPP’s last budget in 2014, before David Granger was sworn in as President. After five budgets since President Ali was sworn in, Budget 2024 was almost three times the education budget of 2019.

There can be no dispute that successive PPP governments after 1992 have made larger allocations for education than the PNC-led governments. The PPP historically has shown greater commitment to education than the PNC, yet the Leader of the Opposition sees a dwindling budget when he compares Budget 2023 to Budget 2022. I am eagerly awaiting the budget debate, to hear what the Opposition Leader would say about Budget 2024’s education allocation.

Aubrey Norton’s puzzling analysis, wherein he concluded that the PPP Government is not allocating as much as his party did for education, is simply unfathomable. As far as Khemraj Ramjattan of the AFC is concerned, we will, at another time, deal with his demand that subsidies allocated for GuySuCo be given to the University of Guyana.

For now, we wish only to say that the PPP will never cripple the economies in the sugar estate communities to impoverish thousands of families like APNU/AFC did between 2015 and 2020.

The Leader of the Opposition and his opposition colleagues, most particularly those in the PNC and the AFC, appeared to have made up their minds that, in the absence of the capacity to challenge Budget 2024 on substance, the best strategy is to lie. They not merely

DR Congo’s shambolic...

Amid persistent insecurity in North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri provinces, the mineral-rich DRC appears to be on the same path as Zimbabwe, and I’m afraid SADC leaders seem willing to idly watch the rapid deterioration of the country’s fragile democracy.

Instead of deflecting attention to sloppy practices in Western countries, Ramaphosa and his colleagues must insist that every SADC country adheres to the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections.

And whenever infringements arise, SADC must impose punitive measures.

With five years to prepare for elections, SADC member states have no plausible excuse to hold substandard polls and effectively endanger the sociopolitical stability of their countries.

To be clear, whom the Congolese or Zimbabweans choose to elect as their president is not a matter of contention, but the electoral processes in the DRC and Zimbabwe must always be open, fair and transparent.

They must enhance democracy and not foster outright suspicion, division or violence.

In August 2005, SADC officially established the SADC Electoral Advisory Council, with a mandate to transform election observation, the con-

FROM PAGE 4

duct of democratic elections and the prevention of electoral-related conflicts in the SADC Region.

Thus far, it has definitely underachieved.

SADC leaders have clearly diminished the council’s envisioned effectiveness over the last 18 years, just as they have shamelessly endeavoured to change, undermine and disregard Mumba’s preliminary report on Zimbabwe’s sham election.

Mozambique’s October 2023 municipal polls, Angola’s August 2022 general elections, Tanzania’s 2020 presidential election, and Malawi’s 2020 presidential election were also plagued by serious electoral contraventions, including accusations of fraud, ballot tampering, violence and repression.

This, unquestionably, is indicative of a wider malaise in Southern Africa: democratic backsliding.

Going forward, SADC leaders must actively monitor the workings of electoral bodies and implement effective interventions without fail.

The Congolese people and Zimbabweans deserve better.

Southern Africa deserves better. (Al Jazeera) (Tafi Mhaka is a Al Jazeera columnist. Mhaka, a social and political commentator, has a BA Honours degree from the University of Cape Town)

misrepresent the facts; they simply shamelessly fabricate lies. Take the latest allegation from the Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton, on TV, telling people that the Education budget for 2023 was reduced over the budget for 2022. Budget 2022’s allocation for education amounted to over $64B. Budget 2023’s allocation for education amounted to over $84B, over 31% higher than the 2022 allocation, not including amounts to pay salary adjustments, which took place in 2023 and the 6.5% salary increase.

Clearly, not even voodoo mathematics can claim that $84B is less than $64B. Hopefully, the LOP will not compound his mathematics shame by insisting that 135 is less than 84.

Norton’s allegation that the 2023 budget allocation for education showed a reduction over past budgets raises the question whether he and his colleagues are truly and genuinely mathematically challenged. These same people who are today alleging that 84 is less than 64 also claimed after the NoConfidence Motion in 2018 that 32 is larger than 33.

I, for one, refuse to accept that people who have completed high school, even completed university; some

of whom are professionals, such as accountants, lawyers and doctors, can look people in the eyes and claim 32 is more than 33, and now 64 is more than 84. They must know - they have to know - that they are absolutely taking people to be fools.

Since this is basic mathematics that little children know, what could be the reason for these people barefacedly fabricating a new form of mathematics that not only makes 32 greater than 33, but also now makes 64 more than 84. Given that they are already giddy with the 61% increase for education in Budget 2024, raising the allocation from $84B to $135B, I wonder how they will make the argument of reduced allocation for education, or that 84 is greater than 135.

The fact is that successive PPP governments have steadfastly increased education budgets. In US dollar amounts, the education budget was US$3.3M in 1991, the last full year under the PNC, before they were defeated in the October 5, 1992 election. By 2014, the last full year of the PPP government before APNU/ AFC took over, the education budget was $135B, or $US675M, a more-than

200-times increase over 1991, averaging a doubling of the budget annually.

Between 2019 and 2024, education allocation increased from $46B (2019) to $135B (2024), 2.93 times the 2019 allocation, representing a 0.60 times annual increase. The evidence shows clearly that the PNC reduced the annual increase of education allocation. Between Budget 2014, the last PPP budget, and Budget 2019, the last PNCled budget, the budget increased from $28B to $$46B, 1.7 times, averaging 0.35 times annual increase. For every five-year period, the annual increase in education budget averages above 0.5 times versus the PNC record of annual increases over five-year periods of under 0.3 times.

Strengthening the education sector, promoting equity, and creating more appropriate learning environment with adequate technology means investing in the infrastructure. Budget 2024 allocates 24.4% for capital, indicating a strong commitment to construction, rehabilitation and equipping schools.

This is not new for the PPP. In 2010, it was almost 11%.

Sampling of PPP’s edu-

cation allocation over the years shows that the PPP consistently allocated more than 10% of its education budget for infrastructure and technology development. The PNC, on the other hand, always neglected the infrastructure, building no new schools. Budget 1992, its last budget before democracy was restored, allocated a measly 2.7% of the education budget for capital, meaning schools were left dilapidated across the country. After the PPP allocated 11% allocation of the education budget for capital expenditure, in 2014, the PNC in 2015 allocated 4.9% for capital investment in the education budget.

The story of which government consistently invests in education is a stark difference between the two major political parties of Guyana. It is why today children have books and technology in schools in modern buildings. It is why the disgraceful practice of parents having to provide desks and chairs for their children in schools is over. That is the legacy of the PNC. It is the albatross that is weighing down Aubrey Norton.

Sincerely, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

Taking care of those who are less fortunate

Dear Editor, In Budget 2024, the Finance Minister announced the construction of a facility to house the elderly. It is something I would call an "Elderly Care Unit." This is a commendable development, and is another demonstration of Government's care and concern for its senior citizens.

The elderly are the foundation pillars in any society.

They have served our country well, and now, in their twilight years, ought to be granted the privilege of enjoying a comfortable abode.

As obtains in the Developed World, elderly care forms an important part of the national calendar, and in this regard, a developing country such as Guyana should not neglect its oldsters.

In light of the above, I would like us to turn our gaze on our homeless people, or those whom we commonly call pavement dwellers. Their numbers are growing every day, and something should be done to address this situation.

We cannot just turn away from our less fortunate and pretend they do not exist.

Ours is the obligation to take care of them also; to neglect them would put a dark stain on our humanity.

Being human means everyone belonging to the race

called “human” has qualities that give them the ability to love and have compassion.

I remember that a home was constructed to house these individuals at Onverwagt, West Coast Berbice, Region 5.

Built during the Jagdeo Government, the Hugo Chavez Facility was constructed for the purpose of taking care of those who cannot take care of themselves.

The way that facility was run marks an indictment on the part of the PNC-led Coalition. We learnt that a crackhead was put in control of that home.

To put a substance abuser in control of the destitute in society makes a bad situation worse, and certainly shows one big leap backwards into the past. The Hugo Chavez Facility became a tragedy!

This tragedy should not be allowed to continue. We would like the Government to again step in and take control of this home for the destitute, in order to show that we care as we continue on the road towards the development of a modern society that is just and equitable for all.

Regards, Neil Adams

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 2024

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Step 2: Change the fractions with unlike denominators to with a common Thefractions lowest common multipledenominator. of 8 and 4 is 8. In th Step 2: Changeto thefractions fractionswith witha common unlike denominators denominator.

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6

Set in box

Foundation ◄

Page

UNLIKE DENOMINATORS

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58 −your 8 10explore 10 Does it fly?

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They will most likely cutting it any way they scissors per 2. Take out the cups conclude that the objects like.

25 − 3)pair) 81032 − 3 14

ACTIVITY: WHAT CAN YOU MAKE OF IT?

5 1

Data 8 7 (included) 2 1 sheet 110 − 4 8 4) 2 8 3) 23 − 3 4) 282− 44102 14 6 4) 10 21 3 Procedures 8 −4)4 6 10 − 6 4) − 4 1081. Hide62 the cups in a 10 paper 6 bag and tell younger −44 44) 10 6 have someyou 7 students 6 to 10 2− 5 7 5thing865) 5 7 6 7 4) − 4 7 12 6 − 51067 5 10 5) 5146 5) − 7 − 5 12 10 5) 5 10 12 12 5) 5 14 − 5 106 7 10 12 5) 5 10 − 5 12 1 76 7 5) 5 10 − 5 12 2 14

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and hand one to each student while playing up that fact that you haven’t the foggiest idea what they are. You can even add that each of the objects is

are cups, but ask them to investigate further.

Which way is the right side up? Why? Could the item be used on its side?

How could the shape be changed? Would it float?

5. End the activity by having students share their discoveries. How many uses for the object were they able to come up with? (startwithabook.org)

On The Sands Of Leguan

By Quentin Richmond

8

8

The sun sets on Leguan As I lie listening to the clear brown waves Washing-swishing-breaking in creamy foam On the sands of Leguan!

An undulating foamy line Creeps slowly up the shelving bank, Curving around with grace to where The thin long-limbed courida trees Sway backward from the water’s edge, Waving gently, firmly rooted On the sands of Leguan!

A cooling breeze blows on the river – Sends water to meet sand.

The rippling river’s coldly watching sentinels – Tall courida trees— stand firm As watery tentacles fan out to close them round: For Essequibo’s charging On the sands of Leguan!

A mist beyond the trees dimly reveals distant islands.

Did not the sand before me show light brown?

Light brown one moment darkened in the next – Then silvered – dampened – overcome outright.

But sun set slowly On the sands of Leguan!

The courida trees have joined the sea.

A little dark brown breadth is now What was a light brown broad expanse.

The foamy line breaks not, but presses on – and conquers As the sun sinks in the West.

Now, Essequibo reigns supreme O’er the sands of Leguan!

WORD SEARCH

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7

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Bharrat Jagdeo vs Annette Ferguson

VP Jagdeo successful at CCJ in bid to appeal default libel judgment

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

A

ruling from Guyana's Court of Appeal: that it lacked jurisdiction to consider an appeal from an evenly-divided Full Court, has been overturned by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). The regional court's 29-page ruling was handed down on Friday, January 19, 2024.

This CCJ ruling stemmed from a libel claim that former APNU/ AFC Government Minister Annette Ferguson had filed against Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, in which High Court Justice Sandra Kurtzious had entered a default judgment against Jagdeo, and had awarded Ferguson damages and costs in the amount of G$20M in January 2020.

Unbeknownst to Jagdeo and his counsel, Ferguson had filed an application for default judgment on February 24, 2021. That judgment against him was entered on March 15, 2021, when Justice Kurtzious had noted in her decision that Ferguson's application for a default judgment was completely within the CPR's purview, notwithstanding claims to the contrary by Jagdeo’s lawyers; and that Ferguson’s lawyer had met all the prerequisites for the award under the CPR. Justice Kurtzious had initially awarded Ferguson $20 million in damages and $75,000 in costs; but, in this judgement, she had recalled the sum awarded for damages and had fixed a hearing for the assessment of damages.

Divided ruling

Jagdeo had then mounted a challenge against this ruling at the Demerara Full Court.

However, the Full Court’s ruling was split, with Chief Justice Roxane George, SC, ruling that the default judgment should not be vacated, and Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry ruling that it should be vacated.

Jagdeo had then applied to the Full Court for a recall of the divided judgment and for the matter to be reassigned to an odd-numbered Full Court bench, but that application was refused.

Dissatisfied with the

Attorney Devindra Kissoon represented Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

Full Court’s decision, the Vice President, through his lawyers Devindra Kissoon and Natasha Vieira, had sought redress at the Court of Appeal; which, on September 4, 2023, issued its ruling: wholly rejecting his two motions and imposing $100,000 in costs upon him.

The Court of Appeal had made the following findings in relation to the first motion: (i) By operation of Section 79 of the High Court Act, there is no decision of the Full Court which can be appealed; and accordingly (ii) The Court of Appeal has no jurisdiction to grant special leave to appeal, as per the CCJ’s order in the matter of the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc vs Seegobin, there being no egregious errors, special circumstances or real prospects of success.

With respect to the second motion, the Court of Appeal had said there was no basis to interfere with the Full Court’s decision to deny his application for the Full Court’s order to be recalled and the case remitted to three judges.

In addition, the Court of Appeal had remitted the case to Justice Kurtzious for her to assess damages.

CCJ

Subsequently, Jagdeo sought permission to appeal to the CCJ. He asked the CCJ to determine: whether he was entitled to appeal to the Court of Appeal; and to stay the hearing for assessment of damages against him, which was pending before the High Court.

At the CCJ, Jagdeo complained that the Court of Appeal had fallen into error when it found that it had no jurisdiction to adjudicate on an appeal from a divided Full Court; that the Court of Appeal had fallen into error when it found that the Full Court’s decision was not appealable, since it was not a decision; and that the Court of Appeal had fallen into error when it refused to interfere with the Full Court’s refusal to recall its order and remit the matter for a fresh hearing before three Judges.

In a judgment authored

by CCJ Judge Winston

Anderson, with which CCJ Judge Andrew Burgess concurred, it was held that section 75 (2) of the High Court Act should be interpreted to mean that where there is an evenly divided Full Court, the appeal to the Full Court is dismissed, and that the original High Court decision stands as the decision of the Full Court. Accordingly, the CCJ held that the decision is subject to the regime of appeals as set out in the Court of Appeal Act. “A contrary interpretation would forever immunise the decision of a single judge of the High Court from the reach of judicial review, and would be inconsistent with the wording and objective of Section 75 of the High Court Act,” the CCJ reasoned.

In a summary of its judgment, the CCJ explained, “This case was distinguished

Annette Ferguson

from the CCJ’s previous decision in Guyana Sugar Corporation vs Seegobin, in which there was an attempt to appeal against the decision of one of two judges in a divided Full Court. In that case, it was held that divided decisions are not directly appealable to the Court of Appeal.”

CCJ Judge Denys Barrow has, however, issued a dissenting judgment.

CCJ orders

Having regard to the opinions expressed, the CCJ has ordered that: (i) The application for special leave be granted and treated as the substantive appeal, and that the appeal be upheld; (ii) That the decision of the Court of Appeal: that it has no jurisdiction to grant leave, be reversed; (iii) That the case be remitted to the Court of Appeal for consideration whether to grant leave to appeal in all the circumstances of the case; and (iv) That the hearing for assessment of damages against Jagdeo be stayed pending the final determination of this matter, or until further ordered.

Good prospects of success

"I face the threat of imminently having a money judgment entered against me; and, but more impor-

CCJ Judge Justice Andrew Burgess

CCJ Judge Barrow

Denys

CCJ Judge Justice Winston Anderson

tantly, having indelibly on the record a finding that I defamed [Ferguson], which is patently inaccurate, especially in light of my defences," Jagdeo argued in an affidavit before the Trinidad-based court of last resort, as he complained of the Court of Appeal’s decision to deny him the opportunity to appeal.

He expressed belief that the judgment would damage

his reputation; have a longterm negative effect on his political career; and that his appeal has good prospects of success.

In the High Court, Full Court, Court of Appeal, and before the CCJ, he had submitted that the defences of justification, fair comment, qualified privilege, and the provisions of the Defamation Act were available to him. Therefore, he

was seeking to vacate the default judgment.

This case has stemmed from utterances Vice President Jagdeo made at a press conference regarding Ferguson’s acquisition of a house lot and construction of her home at Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Ferguson has been represented by Attorney-atLaw Lyndon Amsterdam.

(G1)

Justice

8

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Where have all… …the greenbacks gone?

N

ow, your Eyewitness ain’t no economist or anything like that. Far from it. But he does know that, if you put a thumb into your mouth and pull out a plum, you an’t just a “good boy”; you’re a goddamn magician!!

Meaning that there’s action followed by reaction, and the two are connected. So, where’s your Eyewitness going with all of this? Just that he went to the bank, where he hoards his hard-earned Guyana Dollars, and asked them for a bank draft in US dollars to pay for something he’d bought from foreign for his much better half!! And guess what he was told?? The Bank didn’t have no US dollars!!

Now, by now you’d know your Eyewitness ain’t no extravagant kinda guy. In fact - if the truth be told - he’s earned a reputation as a bit of a skinflint!! So, you know this was no transaction that would raise even Scrooge’s eyebrows!!

“What the heck’s going on?” he asked the teller exasperatedly!! Said that was “above her paygrade, and she didn’t know.” So, your Eyewitness decided to speak to the manager – whom he assumed should know about these things.

My point to the manager, in his air-conditioned cocoon, was that we were now earning BILLIONS and BILLIONS of US greenbacks every year from our oil under the Atlantic.

“Aren’t those billions intermediated by your bank and other banks - after the Bank of Guyana receives a notification of greenbacks deposited into our NRF in the NY Fed??” your Eyewitness asked quizzically.

“I couldn’t say,” the fella replied in fruity tones…which just made your Eyewitness go ballistic!!

Didn’t we go through this rigmarole a couple of years ago?? And we discovered that the Bank of Guyana was doing what it was supposed to be doing, and it was the local banks who were playing footsies with certain preferred customers, and the Devil take the hindmost -which is where your Eyewitness was positioned quite firmly right now, thank you!!

The fella looked scandalized, but stuck to his line: “Don’t got no greenbacks, man!! Our big customers also import a lotta foreign goods, and we hafta give them priority on the greenbacks from BoG”.

So, your Eyewitness adopted the tone he uses for idiots and morons in order to ask quite slowly, “Well, your Eyewitness just read that we had almost half a million visitors from foreign last year. Most of them bring back greenbacks, don’t they?”

“Well, that might be so, my good man, but most of them go to the Cambios…not us!!” You could have heard his voice drip with disdain when he said the word “Cambios” implying THEY might be willing to play tiddlywinks with the missing greenbacks!!

Will someone find some greenbacks before your Eyewitness’s wife splits?? …the peaceniks gone??

For those who don’t remember, or aren’t old enough to do so, your Eyewitness’s questions allude to the classic song “Where have all the flowers gone?” - which was covered by so many greats during the anti-war days of the 1960s. The question alludes to the horrors of war by answering that “young girls pick them” and they go to young men who have gone to become soldiers - who end up in graveyards. And the graveyards?? “Gone to flower, every one of them”!! The refrain asks poignantly, “When will they ever learn, oh when will they ever learn?”

The “they”, of course, are those who start wars and keep stoking them. And as we can see all around the world, there ain’t no shortage of “them”!! As we know, to our cost, we have a Mad Maduro, off our western border, who clearly hasn’t learned anything after one quarter of his people have fled to foreign climes – including Guyana.

He yet calls for war!! …the bluster gone?

Have you noticed a change in tone by the PNC representatives?? Are we getting a “kinder, gentler” PNC??

Imagine that one MP had to be upbraided and demoted for shaking Pressie’s hand!! Gasp!! What next?? Kisses??

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

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

NEWS

9

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

New Hope and Justice Hub commissioned at Lusignan …aims at combatting gender-based violence

I

n a move to significantly address gender-based violence, a state-of-the-art Hope and Justice Hub has been inaugurated at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara on Friday in an initiative that is part of Government's dedicated endeavours to combat such offences.

Its inauguration has received collaborative support from the Ministries of Legal Affairs and Human Services under the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB)-backed Support for the Criminal Justice System programme.

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, delivered a compelling address during the commissioning ceremony, in which he lauded the centre

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud (DPI Photo)

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC (DPI photo)

mediate provision of services to victims based on their specific allegations when he said, "When the victim comes here,

ceive. And most importantly, there is a facility here that will allow for that person to be accommodated for periodic intervals."

Acknowledging the persistent challenges posed by gender-based violence, Minister Nandlall highlighted the upcoming Family Violence Bill which is slated for presentation to the National Assembly shortly. That bill, a meticulously crafted piece of legislation that has benefited from extensive consultations with civil society groups and stakeholders, will overhaul the existing Domestic Violence Act. He remarked, "We cannot give up, because this can very well consume all of us. We therefore have to continue to battle, and pursue traditional methods while we explore new

Inside of the Hope and Justice Hub

as a distinctive element in the collective battle against gender-based offences.

He emphasised the im-

depending on the allegation, you have a number of services that they will immediately re-

The Hope and Justice Hub at Lusignan, East Coast Demerara

opportunities and new innovations as we continue to march in our efforts to overcome this beast that resides right across the length and breadth of our country."

Meanwhile, Human Services and Social Security Minister Dr Vindhya Persaud emphasised the timely nature of the center's intervention as she considered the global and national prevalence of gender-based violence.

She unveiled plans for a distinctive orange colour

scheme and design for similar centres across the country, thereby ensuring their easy recognition by those in need.

“The distinctive colour of this building: orange, is one that speaks to the recognition of violence. So, it (the building) has all been meticulously crafted and constructed, taking into account all of the nuances and the details that deal with gender-based violence,” she explained.

Dr Persaud also announced a forthcoming pro-

gramme at the Human Services and Social Security Ministry that would be aimed at rehabilitating perpetrators of gender-based violence. That programme would be aligned with the ongoing Restorative Justice initiative.

"It is an important thing when we can have the kind of harmonising in the services that we offer towards the common goal of reducing and eradicating gender-based violence, which continues to wreak havoc globally and nationally," Dr Persaud has said.

This commissioning ceremony was attended by key figures, including the Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali-Hack; Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Madame Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards; Chief Magistrate (ag) Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus; Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliott; IDB Country Representative for Guyana, Lorena Solorzano Salazar; SCJS Programme Manager Indira Anandjit, members of the diplomatic corps, and other distinguished officials. (G9)

10

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

11

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Man slapped with 9-month jail time for trafficking ecstasy …airport smuggler fined $75,000

Jailed: Joshua Mentore

C

aught with 34 grams of ecstasy, Joshua Mentore has been sentenced to serve nine months’ imprisonment and fined $153,000.

Fined: David McDonald

This sentence was handed down on the 23-yearold resident of Pattensen, Greater Georgetown by acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus on

Thursday.

Mentore had initially pleaded guilty to the charge when he appeared in court last month, and in order to hear probation and oth-

Drug-trafficker jailed for 4 years, fined $49.6M

er social impact reports, Magistrate Isaacs-Marcus had deferred his sentencing to Thursday.

According to reports, on December 20, 2023, Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) ranks conducted an operation on Dennis Street in ‘C’ Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown, during which they intercepted and searched a man, later identified as Mentore.

They found on his person a quantity of pills suspected to be ecstasy. As such, the man was arrested and taken to CANU Headquarters, where the pills, numbering 80, tested positive for ecstasy with an

approximate weight of 34 grams.

Drug trafficking

David McDonald, a 23-year-old who was an outgoing passenger at the Eugene F. Correira International Airport at Ogle, East Coast Demerara on Thursday when he was nabbed with 58 grams of cannabis, appeared on Friday before Sparendaam Magistrate Rushelle Liverpool and pleaded guilty to a charge of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

He has been fined $75,000, in default of which he would have to serve six

Requests for Proposals, finalising...

FROM PAGE 2

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

Several brick-like parcels of cannabis were found at the Block 1 Unity, Hubu, Parika residence

L

atchman Sankar, aka “Jack”, of Block 1 Unity, Hubu, Parika, East Bank Essequibo, was on Thursday arraigned before Senior Magistrate Zamilla Ally-Seepaul at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court on a charge of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

The 39-year-old Sankar admitted to guilt, and was jailed for four years and fined $49,685,000 for trafficking 55.2 kilograms of cannabis sativa (marijuana).

The CANU prosecutor detailed to the court that CANU officers had conducted a search operation at Sankar’s Unity, Hubu, Parika residence on Monday, January 15, and had unearthed numerous

large bags containing several brick-like parcels of cannabis.

That discovery had led to the arrest of two persons: Latchman Sankar and Sanya Ramrattan, called “Shena”, a 36-year-old resident of Sisters Village, West Bank Demerara (WBD). They were both present during the search, and were escorted to CANU Headquarters, where the narcotic tested positive for cannabis. There was an amount of 102 parcels, weighing a total of 55.2 kilograms, and determined to have a street value of approximately $20 million.

Sankar and another man had, in February 2020, been arrested, charged, and remanded to prison in connection with

Jailed: Latchman Sankar

the discovery of 27.866 kilograms of cocaine in a boat at Parika Backdam, East Bank Essequibo.

This publication is, however, unaware of the legal status of that matter.

(G1)

months’ imprisonment.

At the Ogle Airport on January 17, CANU officers conducted a search on the person of McDonald, a passenger destined for Aurora in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), and unearthed a transparent parcel containing a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis. As a result, McDonald, a labourer of Lot 23 Old Kara Kara in Mackenzie Linden, Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice), was arrested and escorted to the CANU Headquarters, where the narcotic was weighed and amounted to 84 grams. (G1)

“We have discussed this matter with ExxonMobil.

We said to them that we should move to monetise the gas resources. They continue to claim that a lot of this is associated gas which is a fact, with the exception of Pluma which has more gas than oil, and that they need a significant part of this gas to keep the reserve quality going. This is a discussion we’re having with them and will continue to have… We believe, however, that we may find enough gas to start the process of monetising. We can achieve both objectives – keep reserves’ quality going and also develop a purely gas-related industry, either for exports or value-added activities

here in Guyana,” the Vice President posited.

Jagdeo had previously indicated that Government was not pleased with the pace at which ExxonMobil was pushing the development of gas and was looking at another partner. He believes the US company is more focused on developing the oil resources offshore Guyana and is not giving the same level of importance to the gas reserves as the Government is.

However, VP Jagdeo pointed out on Thursday that there is a lot to be done before any decision is taken on a project to develop Guyana’s gas.

“There is urgency in this given what I men-

tioned, but there are lots of moving parts here and there are lots of issues we have to still resolve before we can get to a project. So, we will focus on it intensely this year, but I don’t want to tie us down to a particular timeframe given that there are so many issues still to be resolved,” he stated The first priority, the Vice President noted, is to have detailed discussions with Exxon on the gas development, stressing the need for the two sides to share the common view that these resources must be developed and developed urgently because of this timeline.

“We believe that gas must be made available for a venture of this nature…

And would [Exxon] want to participate in the project as a developer or would they want to just sell their share of the gas to the project… So, these are decisions that have to be made by them… So, that is why I said there are so many moving parts [before a decision is made on the proposals that would be received from the RFP]…

But [Exxon] understand the urgency of this... At the end of the day, we have to look at what’s good for Guyana,” Jagdeo stated.

(G8)

12 NEWS 3 Guyanese arrested in Suriname for drug-trafficking, robbery SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

T

hree Guyanese individuals - two men and a woman – have been apprehended by Suriname's Eastern Region Shock Group in separate incidents across the Commewijne district on Thursday.

According to reports from the Dutch-speaking country, coordinated efforts have led to significant breakthroughs in combatting various criminal activities in the country.

In the first case, a Guyanese female suspect was taken into custody during a targeted drug raid in Nieuw Amsterdam, Suriname. Police officials reported discovering a

The Guyanese individuals who were arrested (Photo: Waterkant news)

quantity of drugs in her possession, marking this apprehension a recurrence of her involvement in drug-related activities, as she had been detained last year on similar charges.

In the second incident, the arrest of an individual sporting a blue Polo shirt unfolded during an anti-drug operation in Lusten-Rust, Commewijne. This male Guyanese suspect was found in possession of both cocaine and ‘crack’, along with a substantial amount of Surinamese currency (SRD).

The third arrest targeted another Guyanese male suspect who had been im-

plicated in a robbery case.

Following actionable intelligence, law enforcement officers in Suriname apprehended him in Meerzorg.

This individual, who had been evading capture for an extended period, is suspected to have been involved in the 2023 robbery of The Scorpion bar in Suriname.

The two drug-related suspects have been transferred to the Nieuw Amsterdam Police station for arraignment, while the robbery suspect has been handed over to the East Region Criminal Investigation Department for further legal proceedings.

9-year-old drowns in Demerara River

T

he lifeless body of nine-year-old Zamar Chester, a student of Watooka Day Primary School in Linden, was discovered in the Demerara River on Thursday morning.

This child's mother, Leisa Chester, who told <<Guyana Times>> that Zamar had recently moved to Linden from the Essequibo Coast in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), detailed that on Wednesday afternoon, after returning from school, Zamar undressed and went outside. She had initially thought he was pranking her, but became alarmed when he did not return

Dead: Zamar Chester

home.

“I sent his brother to call him, because (I) was

about to iron their clothes for school and my clothes for work; and I didn’t see him

come back. I see his brother come back. My sister called me and asked me where is our boat, and I told her it was on the landing…,” Leisa said. The family lives near a landing, and has a small boat docked there.

“I searched the house, I didn’t see Zamar…I decided to tell him (her father-inlaw) that I (was) not finding the boy…,” this mother detailed.

She said that, shortly after, her brother-in-law arrived and enquired why her boat was flipped and floating in the river. Upon hearing that, she said, she thought her son Zamar had untied the boat from the landing and had gone into hiding.

“My brother-in-law said that he swam out to go and get the boat, and it look like Zamar fall out of the boat.

Right away we called out the neighbours, and they started searching; and we didn’t find he…,” she detailed.

“When I see his little brother passed, I asked him, ‘Where is Zamar?’ and he told me Zamar had jumped in the river. He came in the yard and didn’t tell me his brother jumped in the river until I asked,” she lamented.

She recalled that, after hours of searching, Zamar’s lifeless body floated ashore

on Thursday afternoon. She said a postmortem was conducted on Friday, and the results stated that her son had died by drowning.

This grieving mother, understandably devastated by her tragic loss, shared how pained she was by the realization that her son had plunged into the river.

She said the entire family is mourning the loss of this young life; one that has gone too soon. (G9)

NEWS

13

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo

Join energy conversation – CEO urges all sectors as expo nears …200 exhibitors, 17 countries lined up to participate

Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo 2024, Kurt Baboolall

T

he Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo 2024 is gearing to place the spotlight not just on energy, but on how other sectors can join the conversation to shape the trajectory of a sus-

tainable future.

This flagship event will, from February 19-22, serve as a catalyst for stakeholders around the world to exchange ideas, propositions and plans for new investments.

Speaking with Guyana Times in an interview on Friday, Kurt Baboolall, Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo 2024, outlined that the conference will stand on the premise of its theme: “Fuelling Transformation and Modernisation”. In this regard, participation is being encouraged from key players in various sectors: such as ICT, agriculture, infrastructure, logistics, ports, hospitality, marine, labour, education and manpower, to shape the trajectory of a sustainable future.

This event also ties into Government’s strides in promoting sustainability across all industries while avoiding the Dutch Disease and realising the potential which each industry brings to the table, Baboolall has said.

He reiterated that the

Govt wants Exxon’s Stabroek Block relinquishments to be in next auction …VP will have to consult with advisors on timeline for next licensing round

E

ven as the Guyana Government is currently in the process of negotiating potential oil contracts from its first licensing round, consideration is already being given to the next oil block auction.

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo said on Thursday that Government will have to conduct an internal survey to gather all the date available relating to the oil and gas sector, specifically the licensees operating and the various oil blocks offshore Guyana, with the aim of having them consolidated in preparation for the next auction.

Asked about the timeline for its second licensing round, Jagdeo told reporters at a press conference that while he does not want to make any commitments, it “could be [this year].”

The Vice President explained the importance of developing the country’s petroleum resources in a timely manner in light of the global shift from fossil fuel to cleaner energy sources. On this note, he said Government will have to first consult with its advisors on moving ahead.

“We’re also going to talk to our advisors to see what’s happening in the world of [oil blocks] auction and what’s the right timing, because they’re more in tune to what’s happening globally, and we have to

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo

fit any auction that we may pursue in that context,” he stated.

However, while Government will be seeking guidance on the way forward, VP Jagdeo pointed out that Government would ideally want the next licensing round to include United States oil major ExxonMobil’s 20 per cent relinquishment from the oil-rich Stabroek Block to be included in that auction.

“The relinquishment of the Stabroek block -which we’re hoping would be part of the next auction -- will happen, I think, in October; so we have to examine whether, outside of the Stabroek Block, we can sustain another auction with the properties we have now. And since that (relinquishment) will happen in October, [we can] then leave that for the next auction, or wait until those

properties come back to the State, and then go out with an auction including those properties. So, these are things that we have to decide on,” Jagdeo stated.

The 2016 oil contract for the Stabroek Block, signed between ExxonMobil and the previous APNU/AFC Government, stipulates the relinquishment of 20 per cent of its acreage in the Stabroek block not held by discoveries. This relinquishment was due last year, but the US oil giant secured a one-year extension, until October 2024, after the force majeure was applied during the COVID-19 pandemic that resulted in lost time.

Force majeure is a French legal term meaning the occurrence of circumstances beyond control, preventing the fulfilment of a contract.

TURN TO PAGE 16

energy sector does not operate in isolation. “The energy sector cannot operate in a silo, as it is not isolated. It depends on the health, agriculture, ICT and other sectors to move along; and there is just a natural cohabitation…,” he said.

“We’d really like to have everyone included in the Expo, energy in Guyana is for everyone; we would really like persons to leave with some value-added. If you’re a career-minded entrepreneur (or) young professional, come in and interact with these companies; this is the whole reason for the platform,” the CEO outlined.

There presently is great interest in the energy sector and in employment in the various fields, and Baboolall has said there is great potential for networking and learning more about these

opportunities.

“The platform is one for learning and networking. If you are interested, come out to the conference and exhibition; be a part of it,” he encouraged.

Some 17 countries and 200-plus exhibitors have confirmed their participation in this massive exposition.

Among the high-level foreign attendees would be the Prime Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani; Surinamese President Chandrikapersad Santokhi; Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Edward Davis; Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, and Caricom Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett.

Among the attractions would be an International

Food Festival in which persons can sample not just Guyanese delicacies, but dishes from Mexico, Dominican Republic, India, and the United Kingdom, among other nations.

Several important segments planned are tailored for businesses and youths, among other cross sections.

A showpiece will also depict the journey of Guyana from first oil, and beyond - until the end.

“We’re looking at just about 200 exhibitors. We had to develop a new space just to accommodate some persons; so, the response has been very significant,” Baboolall said.

For more information, persons are invited to visit the website at guyanaenergy.gy. Tickets are on sale at the Marriott Hotel. (G12)

14 NEWS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Deadly Mahdia fire CoI recommends memorial be built to victims A

fter a presidential Commission of Inquiry (CoI) had probed the tragic Mahdia Secondary School Dormitory Fire which claimed the lives of 20 children, it has been recommended that a memorial be established at the site.

This tragic incident that occurred at the Mahdia Secondary School Dormitory has been described by the Guyana Fire Service as a “catastrophic” fire that was maliciously set by a 15-yearold girl. That teen has since been charged with 20 counts of murder for the arson, and is on remand at a juvenile holding facility as the preliminary inquiry continues at the magistrate’s court.

Chair of the COI, Major General (retd) Joseph Singh, in handing over the report to President Dr Irfaan Ali, noted that a recommendation for the memorial has been made in the report.

“As we continue to mourn the loss of the deceased chil-

Chairman of the Commission of Inquiry into the Mahdia Secondary School Female Dormitory Fire, Major General (ret’d) Joseph Singh, handing over the report to President Dr Irfaan Ali at State House

dren, we respectfully recommend and urge a suitable memorial be erected on the site of the female dormitory, in which will be a reminder to us that there is nothing

more important than caring for, nurturing, and mentoring, our children,” Singh said.

President Ali, in response, said a similar plan

Investigators and Government employees on Monday inspected the ruins of a girls’ dormitory that was burned in Mahdia, Guyana.(Credit...Keno George/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images)

is already in motion. “Not only is it on the agenda, but it is already in the design stage, where we have commissioned various artists to come up with various representations of what this memorial should be. Because

a memorial of this nature is one that is very emotive, and has to be one that addresses the emotive nature of such tragedy,” he said.

The President revealed: “These are issues that we are already addressing, but we

wanted to integrate the community into what we do. For example, we wanted the different Indigenous groups (to be a part of this activity), so that their cultures are represented in this memorial also.”

PM urges global unity, cooperation at Non-Aligned Movement Summit

Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips at the 19th Summit of Heads of States and Government in Uganda on Friday

P

rime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips on Friday delivered a stirring call for strengthened cooperation among member states of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), during its 19th Summit of Heads of States and Government in Uganda.

Highlighting the theme of the summit: “Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence”, as a driving force to face the current global challenges which have impacted most countries in the world, the Prime Minister said, “Our countries are still recovering from the profound and lasting impacts of the pandemic on our economies and societies.”

These issues, PM Phillips said, are “further compounded by the devastating impacts of climate change, the proliferation of conflicts,

shifts in the global economic dynamics, and growing cybersecurity threats enabled by artificial intelligence, to name but a few”.

He has urged the NAM to remain committed to its principles, while emphasising the importance of cooperation in mitigating the challenges.

“The Non-Aligned Movement must stand as a principled advocate for effective multilateralism in tackling the pressing issues of our time. In keeping with the UN Charter and the Bandung Principles, we must work tirelessly to help turn the global tide towards peace, freedom, and sustainable human progress, underpinned by a more just and inclusive international order.”

Guyana’s priorities

Prime Minister Phillips also outlined Guyana’s na-

tional priorities, which encompass long-term sustainable development, and spoke

velopment — major themes underpinning the summit’s focus.

2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” he declared.

He explained that, as a

of the country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, its leadership of Caricom’s 25 by 2025 food security initiative, and its pursuit of over 80% renewable energy by the end of the decade.

This, he underscored, positions Guyana as a willing partner for the advancement of climate action, food security, and sustainable de-

“Guyana stands ready as a partner in global climate action. Through our Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, our Government is working to protect its forests, biodiversity and watersheds, and promote clean energy and climate adaptation in line with commitments under the Paris Agreement and the

non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Guyana is focused on international peace, especially when it comes to the adherence of international law and the settlement of disputes between states. Guyana, he reaffirmed, is committed to the values, principles and purposes of the Non-Aligned Movement.

“Guyana underscores the critical importance of adherence to the rule of international law, political self-determination, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. These principles must continue to guide our continued engagement and cooperation in the quest for peace and prosperity for all our peoples,” he declared.

Prime Minister Phillips also congratulated Uganda on assuming the Chair of the NAM, and expressed confidence in that African country’s leadership.

The two-day summit, which continues tomorrow, is taking place in the Ugandan capital of Kampala.

The Non-Aligned Movement is a forum of 120 countries that are neither formally aligned with, nor are against, any major power bloc.

NEWS

15

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“Tough love” needed to address indiscipline, behavioural...

FROM PAGE 3

Chairman of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI), Retired Major General Joseph Singh

He added, “In spite the many hurdles associated with this response, the members of the Mahdia Fire Service were still able to successfully effect the rescue of about 14 children.”

The Chairman concluded that “nothing could have prepared the nation” for the magnitude of this tragedy.

He lauded the “exemplary” efforts of Government officials, law enforcement, aviation personnel and medical professionals in responding swiftly.

moulding children, pointing out that they “sometimes contribute significantly to the problems we have. So all of this we have to address in a holistic way”.

To support this, he not-

vehicles” that were being examined to determine how to have these boys in a learning environment until a more long-term solution was implemented.

“This is sadly a tragic part of our history…we have to mark this unfortunately as part of us now, part of our country and we have to mark it with a commitment of doing everything to prevent such a recurrence, including behavioural change. Parents must understand that there is something called tough love. The love may not be realised today, but 10 years from now, they (the children) will realise that it was actually love. We have to address this behavioural challenge that confronts us. I believe if enough example is shown by our men and women in uniform, that it can translate

ommendations, you can rest assured that the Minister of Education, the Cabinet and

there were 56 females and a five-year-old boy inside.

The remaining students had

the Government will be incorporating those recommendations,” Ali said.

At the time of the fire,

gone home for the weekend.

The dormitory’s 26 windows were heavily grilled and the five doors were locked when

Intervention

President Ali, as he collected the report, spoke on the pressing need for systematic intervention in addressing the behavioural conduct of youths in schools. It is an issue which the Education Ministry has been grappling with.

He added that what was critically needed in Guyana is to have value assessment.

“We will have a cross section of Guyanese coming together under a presidential commission to a value assessment of the investment we are making...to demonstrate to the population how we are changing. We have to be honest with ourselves. We have to change the culture.

Culture is an important part of some of the problems we are facing in our society.

“The Ministry of Education today is faced with tremendous difficulties in the behavioural pattern and changes in many schools. We now have to work and see how to incorporate a higher degree of discipline through a systematic intervention, counselling, moulding. How do we do moulding of your young people? That is an important aspect of what we have to do,” the Head of State said.

Ali called for support from the religious community as he outlined that their input was invaluable in creating responsible adults.

“The religious community must now play a more robust role in moulding our young people and the value system that we define ourselves as a country also must play this very important role.”

Families, he added, also have a significant role in

ed, requires an enabling environment, adding that this was why the work of the Attorney General’s chambers was very important, to determine how laws could be enacted to govern and shape the way persons behave.

“Moving forward, we have already identified another challenge…that is the boys.

The Minister of Education has already made a number of recommendations already to Cabinet on how do we deal with the boys not attending school as a result of what took place and we are looking at how we address this issue in a holistic way,” the President said.

He said that technology was one of the “innovative

into positive outcome in our school system. We have to utilise the talent we have in our Joint Services to be part of this change by more community-oriented strategies,” the Head of State said.

Recommendations

He assured that the Government would do all it could to integrate the recommendations of the Commission.

“We are going to continue to do all we can and I want to assure the Commission that your recommendations and your output here is critically integrated. But wherever there is still room for the further integration of your rec-

the fire broke out.

According to the surviving female students, they were awakened from sleep by screams, and upon checking, they saw fire and smoke in the bathroom area. The fire quickly spread in the building, causing several students to receive burns to their bodies and to suffer smoke inhalation, while several managed to escape.

A 15-year-old girl was charged in June with 20 counts of murder for the arson. She has since been detained at a juvenile holding facility. She was charged with the murders of Tracil Thomas; Lisa Roberts; Delicia Edwards; Lorita Williams; Natalie Bellarmine; Arriana Edwards; Cleoma Simon; Subrina John; Martha Dandrade; Loreen Evans; Belnisa Evans; Mary Dandrade; Omerfia Edwin; Nickleen Robinson; Sherina Daniels; Eulander Carter; Andrea Roberts; Bibi Rita Jeffrey, and five-year-old Adanye Jerome.

16 NEWS New highways strategic in reducing economic losses for Guyana – Indar SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

I

n Budget 2024, billions have been allocated towards the completion of ongoing and new highway projects across the country, thereby opening new routes and keeping traffic jams at a minimum.

Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar appeared on the “Budget in Focus” programme on Thursday where he indicated that these injections have been strategic in reducing economic losses for the country.

The Minister recognised that “Guyanese people experience traffic jams for hours. They have to wake up earlier to go to work and they spent long hours in traffic to go home to their loved ones. The sum effects of the timing of everybody in traffic, if you calculate the economic loss to the country and personal loss to

people”, are significant.

Some $225 billion of the $236.1 billion allocated to the Public Works Ministry in Budget 2024 is set aside for capital expenditure.

Indar reasoned, “The infrastructure that we’re building are strategic in nature. Coming from the East Bank, we will have 12 lanes coming into and out of Georgetown. That will reduce it…In Region Three, we created the bypass that will hook you from Schoonord to Crane, and it is opening up new lands.

When you open up lands in new areas, it creates more economic activities and people now have access to stranded assets.”

On the East Coast Demerara-to-West Berbice corridor, upgrades have commenced to transform the Railway Embankment Road into a four-lane high-

Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar

way, from Sheriff Street to Orange Nassau and continuing to the Mahaica River bridge. In 2024, a sum of $10.5 billion is budgeted to continue these works.

Continuing westwards, work on the new Demerara River bridge progressed significantly in 2023, and

a sum of $19.7 billion has been allocated to advance its construction.

In West Demerara and moving towards East Bank Essequibo, works advanced on the construction of a new four-lane highway from Meer-Zorgen to Schoonord and from Schoonord to

Crane. In the first half of this year, the Schoonord-toCrane section of the highway is scheduled to be completed. Some $9 billion is budgeted to advance these works in 2024.

Looking southwards, works were completed on the construction of the Diamond-to-Grove bypass road to facilitate the upgrading of the East Bank Highway from Good Success to Timehri. Approximately $4.1 billion has been allocated in 2024 to continue this project.

Works also continued on the construction of the East Coast to East Bank road link from Ogle to Eccles, which is expected to be completed in 2024. Some $15.5 billion has been budgeted.

Government has commissioned a new four-lane highway from the SheriffMandela junction all the

way to Diamond, and this year, the construction of the Diamond-to-Busby Dam section will be completed to connect to the Timehri fourlane highway. This carries a price tag of some $8 billion.

Rehabilitation of the Linden-Soesdyke Highway is expected to begin in 2024, with the procurement process having been launched last year. A sum of $10 billion has been allocated to commence works in 2024.

Construction of the new Wismar Bridge is also expected to begin in 2024, for which $4.2 billion has been earmarked.

Work also progressed on the Linden-to-Mabura Hill Road and the 45 concrete bridges along the route from Mabura to Lethem.

In 2024, it is expected that the project will be advanced with the completion of these bridges. (G12)

Govt wants Exxon’s Stabroek Block relinquishments to be...

FROM PAGE 13

Jagdeo had, since last year, indicated Government’s intention to put the relinquished areas back on the market. He had said the 20 per cent acreage that would be relinquished had already been identified, and that it is nothing material in the oil-rich Stabroek Block, which is estimated to have over 11 billion oil-equivalent barrels, and where production activities have been ongoing since December 2019.

Currently, there are three floating, production, offloading and storage (FPSO) vessels being operated by Exxon and its partners – Hess Corporation and CNOOC – producing ‘light sweet’ crude in the Stabroek Block.

Government has reported that some 142.9 million barrels of oil were produced in 2023 from the Liza Destiny, Liza Unity, and more recently the Prosperity FPSO, which can on stream last November. These three FPSOs in the Stabroek Block are projected to realise production of over 550,000 barrels of crude oil per day in 2024, with an expected ramp up to over 600,000 daily in the latter part of this year.

Contract negotiations

However, even before the Guyana Government moves ahead with a second auction of its oil blocks, VP Jagdeo said on Thursday, it first has to complete ongoing process with the bidders from last year’s licens-

ing round.

“They have a deadline of I think the end of this month to submit some additional information. Thereafter, we should decide whether the agreements are going be signed up or not. So, we need to conclude that,” the

Vice President has said.

The bidding round which was launched in December 2022 closed off in September 2023 with six companies bidding on eight of the 14 blocks offshore that were up for grabs. In total, there were 14 offers made on those blocks –

two deep-sea blocks and six shallow-area blocks.

Among those awarded oil blocks during the bid round was a Guyanese female-led company, Sispro Inc., which received a shallow block (S3) and a deep-water block (D2). Other shallow blocks

were awarded to: Total Energies EP Guyana BV, in consortium with Qatar Energy International E&P LLC and Petronas E&P Overseas Ventures SDN BHD (Malaysia), which got Block S4; Liberty Petroleum Corporation of the US and Ghana-based Cybele Energy Limited, which got Block S7; and International Group Investment Inc of Nigeria, which got two blocks – S5 and S10.

Another shallow block, S8, was awarded to the Stabroek Block partners: ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Hess New Ventures Exploration Limited, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited.

The second deep-water block - D1 - was awarded to Delcorp Inc Guyana, which comprises Watad Energy and Communications Limited and Arabian Drilling Company of Saudi Arabia.

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat had said in November that the six companies and groups had already indicated their readiness to start exploration work and cover the cost of the signing bonuses every new oil company must pay – US$10 million for shallow water and US$20 million for deep water.

NEWS

17

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Issue between East Canje rice, cattle farmers continues to escalate in Berbice

A cow at the Reliance Police Station has had a rope drawn tightly around its neck

R

ice farmers in East Canje, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), are calling on the authorities to put in place systems that would enable them to impound cattle that have been feasting in their rice fields. The pound at the Police station is not operable.

About 35 farmers cultivate a total of approximately 2000 acres of rice, but the prevalence of cattle-rearing in the area has made growing rice a nightmare for most of them. These rice farmers say there are about 400 head of cattle in the area, and none of the owners lives there. The cattle, they say, are owned by about seven different persons, and these animals roam the villages between Zorg

and Bachelors Adventure.

What was once considered privately owned pasture land has all been taken up by rice cultivation, but rice farmers told this publication that they cannot take animals to the Reliance Police Station pound, because that facility is not functioning.

Pradeshram Beharry has 332 acres under cultivation in four villages, and according to him, rice farmers have tried to engage the animal owners, but to no avail.

“The expense that we go through to grow a crop…and for animals to destroy us, it is wasting of time. We are pumping water day and night for our rice, spraying for caterpillar, and buying fertilizer and (undertaking) all the

The pound at Reliance Police Station

other expenses, and the animals coming and destroy us.

Right(now), there are about 75 head of cows in my place right now,” he lamented.

Another rice farmer, Heman Kanhai, who has 58 acres at St John, in referring to the cattle as stray animals, has said the cattle are in the rice fields during the day and also at nights.

According to some of these East Canje rice farmers, available pounds are at the Sisters Village Police Station, some ten miles away, and at the Albion Police Station, about 13 miles away.

One animal was seen at the Reliance Police Station with a rope tightly drawn around its neck, thereby suffocating the animal.

Kanhai said he has met with senior Police officials in the region in an effort to address the issue of impounding stray animals in the East Canje area.

“The first day I go, I met with the Deputy Commander, and he sent me

to Albion Station to check out Albion pound. I saw the pound is fine; there is nothing wrong with the pound.

He told me that he was going to go and certify it and get back to me, and until now I

haven’t heard from him. That was two weeks ago,” Kanhai revealed.

Pradeshram Beharry has said he would like the Agriculture Minister to intervene.

The conflict between rice and cattle farmers is an ageold one in Region Six. Many systems have been put in place to address the issue, but those all result in other issues arising. (G4)

18

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 2024

guyanatimesgy.com

Regional

Brazil backs Beijing's “One IMF hails Jamaica’s management of debt, inflation China” policy, Foreign A Minister Wang Yi says team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has hailed Jamaica’s management of debt and inflation following the second review of the country’s performance under two IMF programmes.

The team, led by Esteban Vesperoni, held meetings in Kingston and carried a virtual mission from January 8 to 18 as part of a review of the implementation of reforms under the Precautionary Liquidity Line (PLL) and Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). The agreement will

C

hinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday welcomed Brazil's recent support for Beijing's "One China policy" that states Taiwan is an inseparable part of China, in a sign of stronger bilateral ties with South America's largest country.

At the end of a two-day visit to Brazil, Wang made a stop in the northeastern Brazilian city of Fortaleza to meet Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at an air force base before departing to Jamaica by the late afternoon. There were no details of their meeting.

In Brasilia earlier, Wang said their two countries, both members of the BRICS group of leading emerging economies, must work together to build a multi-polar world based on peace and security.

Brazil's Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira said he and Wang discussed the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza and how they can be resolved, with China's top diplomat saying the two trade partners need to build

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi greeting Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira at the Itamaraty Palace in Brasilia, Brazil, January 19, 2024 ( Reuters/Ueslei Marcelino photo)

closer levels of confidence.

China-Brazil relations were ruffled during the farright Government of former President Jair Bolsonaro, and have improved under Lula, a popular leftist leader in his third term.

Wang and Vieira signed a visa agreement between the two nations extending their validity from five to 10 years, aimed at spurring business travel and tourism.

Wang stopped in

Fortaleza en route to Jamaica, the last stop of his tour that began in African nations.

Lula was travelling in northeast Brazil, his main political bastion, eyeing municipal elections this year.

Brazil's position on Taiwan was established in April in a foreign ministry statement that expressed Brazil's "firm support to the One China Principle"."

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Court accepts US$20.8B in claims against Venezuela in Citgo auction

A

US court on Friday approved claims by 17 Venezuelalinked creditors, including ConocoPhillips, Rusoro Mining and Koch Industries, to get proceeds from a coming auction of shares in the parent of Venezuela-owned oil refiner Citgo Petroleum to satisfy claims for expropriations and debt defaults.

The list, which reduced the scope of the claims to US$20.8 billion from the US$24 billion sought by creditors, comes after a court officer excluded arbitration awards and court rulings that had failed to satisfy the court's require-

ments on time.

Creditors have flocked to a US court in Delaware to press claims that are almost double Citgo's US$11 billion to US$13 billion value. The Houston-based refiner operates an 807,000-barrelper-day refining network, 38 terminals, six pipelines and supplies 4200 independent retailers.

First bids for the shares are due on Monday with a second bidding round to come later this year. A final decision on the winners is still months away, with awards requiring approval by the US Treasury Department, which has pro-

tected Citgo from creditors since 2019.

A board supervising the refiner has been in payment negotiations with US oil producer ConocoPhillips, Canadian miner Crystallex Corp, and organised bondholders for over a year, but no settlements have been announced.

Citgo declined to comment on the court decision.

Friday's decision gives priority in payments to Canadian miner Crystallex, which brought the case, Tidewater, Conoco, O-I Glass and Huntington Ingalls, the filing shows.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

T

Unverified footage on social media purports to show Vilano and his associates being marched through a mall by armed Police.

The four US citizens were kidnapped in the border city of Matamoros, which lies directly across from the Texan town of Brownsville, in the United States.

Matamoros is caught between warring factions of the Gulf Cartel, as they battle for control of the socalled plazas – the drug smuggling routes north into the US. The four Americans

drove over the border and into the troubled town for cosmetic surgery, according to relatives. It is not uncommon for Americans to travel to Mexico for medical services, where procedures are far cheaper but sometimes also riskier.

Video showed the group being loaded into a pickup truck by heavily-armed men. One is manhandled on to the vehicle while the others appear to be unconscious and are dragged to the truck.

Their ordeal lasted for four days. (Excerpt from BBC News)

“The economy continued to recover in 2023. After two years of rapid post-pandemic recovery, GDP [Gross Domestic Product] growth is projected at 1.7 per cent in FY2023/24, with tourism well above pre-pandemic levels and unemployment falling to a record low of 4.5 per cent by mid-2023.

Inflation is converging to the Bank of Jamaica’s target band, though it was recently impacted by an increase in transport prices, whose effects are expected to dissipate towards the end of the year,” it continued. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Argentina arrests, deports relatives of fugitive Ecuador gang leader 'Fito'

A

rgentine authorities detained the wife and children of fugitive Ecuadorean drug trafficker Jose Adolfo Macias and deported them early on Friday to Ecuador, authorities said.

Argentine Security Minister Patricia Bullrich told a press conference that authorities detained eight persons – including other associates of Macias – who arrived in Argentina on January 5 and moved into a home in the province of Cordoba that they had purchased in November.

Macias, whose alias is "Fito," disappeared on Jan. 7 from the Ecuadorean prison where he was serving a 34-year sentence for various crimes, including drug trafficking and murder.

"Our hypothesis is that Fito's plan was to buy the house, move the family out and then escape from prison," said Bullrich, who said Argentine authorities acted after a tip from Ecuadorean

Argentinian officials watching a video of the deportation of the relatives of Ecuadorean criminal Jose Adolfo Macias Villamar, alias Fito, after their detention, during a press conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina, January 19, 2024 (Reuters/Martin Cossarini photo)

counterparts.

Local media in Guayaquil reported that the family had arrived at the city's airport, but neither the Ecuadorean Police nor the Defence Ministry responded to requests for information.

Authorities have tied Macias' criminal group Los Choneros to extortion, murder and drug trafficking

and accuse the group of controlling Ecuador's crimeplagued and overcrowded prisons.

Noboa declared a twomonth state of emergency shortly after Fito went missing, deploying the military onto the streets and mandating a nationwide nightly curfew as the country confronts a wave of violence.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

T&T PM: TT$100M in foreign country's hands, thanks to shady Coast Guard boat deal

Notorious Mexican cartel leader captured T he leader of a faction of the notorious Gulf Cartel in Mexico has been arrested, local media reports.

José Alberto García Vilano, also known as “La Kena” or “Ciclon 19”, allegedly leads the violent Los Ciclones cell.

His group is accused of kidnapping four US citizens in March last year, killing two of them.

Vilano was reportedly captured in a shopping plaza in the city of Monterrey, after information about his whereabouts was leaked to officials.

now be submitted for approval of the IMF Board, which will determine if Jamaica receives a disbursement of US$255 million under the RSF. “Over the last years, Jamaica has successfully reduced public debt, anchored inflation, and strengthened its external position. It has built a strong track record of investing in institutions and prioritising macroeconomic stability. This allowed Jamaica’s response to recent global shocks to be prudent, agile, and supportive of growth,” the review outlined.

rinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley has said TT$100 million of taxpayers' money was in the hands of a foreign government as a result of a contract between the United National Congress (UNC)led People's Partnership (PP) coalition Government and Dutch shipbuilder Damen for the Coast Guard to acquire 12 vessels.

Dr Rowley made this statement at a PNM public meeting in San Juan on January 18.

In May 2015, the PP Administration ordered 12 vessels from the Dutch firm for TT$1.35 billion.

This acquisition arose

after the PP failed to maintain Coast Guard patrol vessels acquired by its People’s National Movement (PNM) predecessor from Australian shipbuilder Austal.

The Damen vessels were not maintained under the PP. In November 2019, the Dutch Government launched an investigation into the contract.

Dr Rowley referred to comments earlier in the meeting by National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds about the Government's signing a new contract with Damen to maintain the 12 vessels the PP had bought.

He said what Hinds "has not told you is that around the contract that existed for those vessels to be purchased in the first place was a TT$220 million finder's fee.

"When a foreign nation saw this largesse coming to some people, halfway through the payment, the foreign, European country intervened and stopped it and held on to TT$100 million of the money."

He did not identify the country by name.

Dr Rowley said this happened because the foreign nation was concerned about where the finder's fee was going. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

guyanatimesgy.com

OILNEWS OIL NEWS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 2024

Around The World

Israeli drones attack hospital in southern Gaza, Palestinian Red Crescent says

Oil drops slightly T on China demand concerns, but records weekly gain

O

il prices settled slightly lower on Friday, but recorded a weekly gain as Middle East tensions and disruptions to oil output offset concerns about the Chinese and global economies.

Brent futures settled 54 cents lower at US$78.56 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell 67 cents to settle at US$73.41.

For the week, Brent gained about 0.5 per cent while the US benchmark rose over one per cent.

In China, slower-than-expected economic growth in the fourth quarter raised doubts about forecasts that demand there will drive global oil growth in 2024.

"The Chinese equity market this week dropped to near a five-year low," said Bob Yawger, director of energy futures at Mizuho Bank. The indication for weaker demand drove crude prices down on Friday.

In the Middle East, geopolitical risks supported prices for the week.

On Friday, tensions escalated in Gaza as Israeli forces pushed south against Hamas militants, while earlier in the week, the US launched new strikes against Houthi anti-ship missiles aimed at the Red Sea. Although conflict in the Middle East has not shut any oil production, supply outages continued in Libya.

In the US, about 30 per cent of oil output in North Dakota, the country's third largest producing state, remained shut due to extreme cold, the state's pipeline authority said on Friday.

Output had been cut by some 700,000 bpd, or more than half, midweek.

It could take a month for production to return to normal levels, the state regulator said on Friday.

"Supply disruptions remain an upside risk, but there are downside risks too, including the global economy," Craig Erlam, analyst at brokerage OANDA, said.

Meanwhile, the number of oil rigs operating in the US, an early indicator of production, fell by two to 497 this week, Baker Hughes said on Friday.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) this week raised its 2024 global demand forecast, but its projection is half that of producer group Organisation for Petroleum-Exporting Countries (OPEC). The Paris-based agency also said that – barring significant disruptions to flows – the market looked reasonably well supplied in 2024.

"The forecast for global oil demand growth remains unclear, with stakeholders and research institutions providing widely differing projections," analyst Bjarne Schieldrop of SEB said.

The premium of the first-month Brent contract to the six-month contract rose to as much as US$2.15 a barrel on Friday, the highest since November. This structure, called backwardation, indicates a perception of tighter supply for prompt delivery.

Money managers cut their net long US crude futures and options positions in the week to January 16, the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) said on Friday. (Reuters)

19

he Palestinian Red Crescent accused Israel of firing on Friday at a hospital in Khan Younis, as a major advance in the main city in the southern Gaza Strip threatened the few healthcare facilities still open.

The Red Crescent said displaced people were injured "due to intense gunfire from the Israeli drones targeting citizens at AlAmal Hospital" as well as the rescue agency's base.

The military said it was checking the report.

Nearby in the same city, Israeli tanks were also approaching Gaza's biggest remaining functioning hospital, Nasser, where people reported hearing shellfire from the west. Residents also reported fierce gun battles to the south.

Israel has launched a major new advance in

Khan Younis this week to capture the city, which it says is now the primary base of the Hamas fighters who attacked Israeli towns on October 7, precipitating a war that has devastated the Gaza Strip.

The Gaza Health Ministry said 142 Palestinians had been killed and 278 injured in Gaza in the past 24 hours, taking the death toll from more than three months of war there to 24,762.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says most of the enclave's 36 hospitals have stopped working. Only 15 are partially functioning and those are operating at up to three times their capacity, without adequate fuel or medical supplies, it says.

Israeli officials have accused Hamas fighters of

Israeli soldiers taking part in a ground operation amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in a location given as Gaza Strip, in this handout picture released on January 19, 2024 (Israeli Army Handout/Handout via Reuters)

operating from hospitals, including Nasser, which staff deny.

More than 1.7 million people – around 75 per cent of Gaza's population – are estimated to be displaced, many forced to move re-

peatedly, according to U.N. Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) figures. Many have sought refuge in tents that do little to protect them from the elements and disease. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Atlas Air Boeing 747 cargo plane makes emergency landing after engine fire

A

n Atlas Air Boeing 747-8 cargo plane made an emergency landing in Miami late Thursday shortly after departure after suffering an engine fire.

The plane with five crew members safely returned and no injuries were reported.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating. The FAA said a post-flight inspection showed a softball-size hole above the engine, while the

NTSB said it "has opened an investigation and is collecting information to evaluate and determine scope of the investigation".

Unverified videos on social media platform X showed flames shooting out of the left wing of the aircraft while in flight.

"The crew followed all standard procedures and safely returned to (Miami International)," the air freight company said, adding that it would conduct an inspection to find the cause.

US air safety expert John Cox said having prob-

lems with one engine is generally not a significant event, but the incident sounded like an uncontained engine failure due to the hole and NTSB investigation.

“On the interior of that engine there are a lot of rotating parts including blades," Cox said. "An engine is designed to try and contain a blade separation and they do testing and cer-

tification for it. But it does happen that you get an uncontained failure. When you do, it does elevate the investigative significance of it."

Cox said incidents of uncontained engine failures, like a 2018 Southwest Airlines flight where a passenger was partially sucked out a window are coming under increased scrutiny.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Alec Baldwin faces fresh manslaughter charge Japan lands on Moon, but over “Rust” shooting glitch threatens mission

A

Japanese robot has successfully touched down on the Moon, but problems with its solar power system mean the mission may live for just a few hours.

The Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (Slim) put itself gently on the lunar surface near an equatorial crater.

The feat made the Asian nation only the fifth country to soft-land on Earth's natural satellite, after the US, the Soviet Union, China, and India.

Engineers are now battling to save the mission, however.

For reasons not yet fully understood, the craft's solar cells will not generate electricity.

This leaves Slim totally reliant on its batteries and these will eventu-

ally discharge. When they do, the craft will go silent.

It won't receive commands and it won't be able to talk to Earth.

Engineers are currently prioritising activities.

They've turned off heaters and are pulling down pictures from the craft.

They're also retrieving data that will tell them how well the landing software worked.

Japanese space agency (Jaxa) officials will not immediately give up on Slim if it does fall silent. It's always possible the solar cells have somehow become oriented in a way that prevents them from seeing the Sun. As light angles change on the Moon, it was possible Slim could come back to life, the officials said. (Excerpt from BBC News)

A

grand jury in New Mexico has charged Alec Baldwin with a fresh count of involuntary manslaughter over a fatal movie set shooting in October 2021.

Previous charges against the Emmy award-winning actor were dropped last April, just two weeks before a criminal trial against him was due to begin.

Local Prosecutors have since shared "additional facts" from forensic tests on the weapon used in the shooting.

Attorneys for Baldwin told the BBC: "We look forward to our day in court."

Baldwin, 65, was practising firing a Colt .45 pistol before filming a scene for “Rust”, an upcoming Western film shot near Santa Fe, in October 2021.

But the gun went off, fa-

tally striking 42-year-old cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza.

The actor has maintained he did not pull the trigger and only drew back the hammer of the pistol.

He has also argued he is not at fault for Hutchins' death because he did not know the weapon contained live rounds and because no live ammunition was supposed to be on set.

But Special Prosecutors in New Mexico said in October that they had commissioned forensic experts to reconstruct the weapon, after it had been broken during FBI testing.

They said doing so revealed that the incident could only have taken place if the trigger had been pulled. (Excerpt from BBC News)

20

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 2024

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Think about how you feel, look and present yourself to the world. A minor adjustment will boost your morale and encourage you to step in a direction that suits your needs. Seek out excitement.

(March 21-April 19) Find out all you can before you make a commitment. Stick to simple, practical endeavors that won't cause a ruckus within your inner circle. Opportunity is within reach.

PICKLES (April 20-May 20)

You'll do better on your own. Someone will try to manipulate you. Don't allow anyone to make your life difficult. Focus on good health and emotional well-being.

(May 21-June 20) Put more effort into relationships.

The people who share your beliefs will rally around you when you need help. A little force will go a long way when you want to get things done.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Don't engage in something that's too costly, time-consuming or indulgent.

Focus on what you can do to make a difference. Your contribution will be welcome. Romance is in the stars.

(July 23-Aug. 22) Planning will help fend off any emotional complications you encounter.

Keeping busy will be necessary to ensure you don't veer off in a direction that doesn't serve your purpose.

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

Recognize your worth and let your light shine brightly. Don't let someone rain on your parade. Embrace life, love and happiness, and enjoy who you are and what you have.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

Put your best foot forward and don't look back. Take control of your life and point yourself in a direction that brings you the most satisfaction. Work to make a difference.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Review what's left to do and map out a schedule. Distance yourself from anyone who tempts you to avoid your responsibilities. A job prospect may require more attention than you first thought.

Take the initiative and learn something new or travel somewhere special.

An emotional situation will prompt a lifestyle change, offering plenty of exciting options.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Avoid taking on too much. Keep your pursuits secret until you have tested the final product and feel confident you can create a stir. Presentation is everything.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Adopt a perfectionist attitude.

Attention to detail will give you the edge necessary to outdo any competition you encounter. Take a broad view of situations.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 2024

21

Brathwaite praises Joseph, calls out batters after Windies suffer 10-wicket defeat W

est Indies Captain Kraigg Brathwaite found solace in the efforts of his bowlers, but lamented the lacklustre performance of his batters as they succumbed to a 10-wicket defeat against Australia in the first Test at Adelaide.

Brathwaite particularly lauded the impact of debutant Shamar Joseph, expressing confidence in the young cricketer's bright future in Test cricket.

As the West Indies resumed from their overnight score of 736, hopes for a resilient batting display were dashed. The team was eventually bowled out for 120, with Alzarri Joseph's 16 and Shamar Joseph's 15 offering some resistance. The standout performances of the Joseph duo forced Australia to bat again.

Australia swiftly achieved their target, scoring 26-0 and securing a resounding 10-wicket victory. Brathwaite acknowledged the success of his bowlers in restricting Australia within 300 runs, but underscored the need for improvement in the

future and also scores runs."

The match concluded with Australia's 10-wicket victory before lunch on the third day. Josh Hazelwood, with career-best match figures, played a pivotal role. However, the highlight came when Shamar Joseph, on his debut, drew blood from Usman Khawaja with a bouncer, forcing him to retire hurt.

Shamar Joseph's impact wasn't limited to bowling; he showcased his batting prowess at Number 11. His partnership with Kemar Roach added crucial runs, signalling a potential

Captain Kraigg Brathwaite was not happy with West Indies’ batting

batting department.

"Bowlers did well to bowl out Australia inside 300.

Batters did not get going. As batsmen, it is good for guys to get a feel of playing cricket and what it is like to play the number one team. It is about learning how to score and how to put away the bad ball," Brathwaite remarked, emphasising the importance of a swift learning

curve.

Praising debutant Shamar Joseph, who took 5-94 in Australia’s first innings and had scores of 36 and 15, Brathwaite commented on the youngster's infectious energy and humour, foreseeing a promising future for him in Test cricket. He noted, "[Shamar] is full of energy.

Makes me laugh. Has a bright

Hughes wants UK Athletics to get “everything ironed out” before Olympics

Z

harnel Hughes dismissed any fears over the direction of UK Athletics just seven months before the Olympics.

The Great Britain sprinter, who won 100m bronze at the World Championships last year, believes the governing body has no choice but to battle on.

Technical director Stephen Maguire’s sudden departure in October – after a record-equalling medal haul of 10 at the World Championships – was followed by the announcement of a £3.7 million loss in December.

But Hughes, who has been training at his base in Jamaica, remains focused on his own work ahead of the Paris Games.

“They have to get themselves sorted out, because they have major championships coming up,” he said, with Paula Dunn in interim charge through the Olympics.

“I hope everything will be ironed out by the time the championships come around and everything will be running smoothly for the athletes to be in the best place mentally to give our best performances.

“I hope they get their stuff sorted out. I see it, I read it, but I keep my head down and keep moving.

“It did surprise me (Maguire’s departure). We had just come out of Budapest and,

Zharnel Hughes

shortly after, it happened. ‘OK, what happened there?’ I just left it alone, no-one said anything to me.

“I’m pretty sure they’re aware it doesn’t have much to do with me. It’s not like I’m writing the cheques or anything.”

The 28-year-old is focused on this year’s outdoor season after opting to skip the indoor competitions, including the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow in March.

Last year, he claimed his first individual world medal, finishing third in the 100m in Budapest having broken the 100m and 200m British records.

He ran 9.83 seconds in New York in June – smashing Linford Christie’s 30-year 100m mark – before running

19.73 seconds in the 200m in London a few weeks later.

Hughes had written down 9.83 seconds in his diary before running the time and has already scribbled his goals down for this year.

“I’ve written down my times and what I want to accomplish.

I’ve even said I want to break the British record again,” he said, ahead of defending his 200m European title in Rome in June.

“I want to medal in the European Championships, and Olympics and want to get to the Diamond League final and see what I can do.

“Plans have been written down long before any New Year resolutions. I wrote them down in the first week of training.”

Hughes is an ambassador for Vita Coco. (Sportsmax)

promotion in the batting order in the future.

In a dramatic turn of events, Shamar Joseph, who had dismissed Steven Smith with his first ball in Test cricket, continued to leave an indelible mark on his debut. Despite not being given the new ball, he eventually entered the attack and produced a memorable bouncer that forced Khawaja to retire hurt.

The second Test is scheduled to begin in Brisbane on January 25, promising another exciting encounter, this time under the lights in a day-

night format. West Indies will be eager to bounce back, with Shamar Joseph's impactful debut providing a glimmer of hope for the Caribbean side.

Australia’s Hazelwood was the best of the bowlers following up his four-wicket haul in the West Indies’ first innings with remarkable figures of 5-35 in the second innings for overall match figures of 9-79.

For his score of 119 that helped the hosts establish a crucial 95-run lead on first innings, Travis Head was named Player of the Match.

(Sportsmax)

Dominant Djokovic finds form to reach 4th round

N

ovak Djokovic celebrated his 100th match at the Australian Open with a dominant victory over Tomas Martin Etcheverry to reach the fourth round.

Top seed Djokovic showed the best form of his title defence so far to beat the 30th seed 6-3 6-3 7-6 (7-2).

It keeps the 36-year-old on course for a 25th Grand Slam title, which would take him clear of the all-time record held by Australian Margaret Court.

"It was the best performance I've had during this tournament," Djokovic said.

He will next play France's 35-year-old Adrian Mannarino, who beat 21-year-old Ben Shelton in his third five-set win in a row.

Djokovic has won 92 of his 100 matches in Melbourne, and is now the first man to play 100 matches at all four Grand Slams, having played 108 matches at the French Open, 103 at Wimbledon, and 101 at the US Open.

The 10-time champion seemed distracted at times in his first two matches at Melbourne Park, dropping sets against Dino Prizmic and then Alexei Popyrin. He was also involved in a confrontation with a fan against Popyrin.

But tasked with Argentine Etcheverry, who had impressively brushed aside Andy Murray and Gael Monfils in the previous rounds, the Serb was clinical in securing a 31st win in a row at the Australian Open.

He lost just four points on serve as he dictated from the baseline in the first set, breaking in the sixth game as Etcheverry pushed a backhand long under intense pressure.

A dismissive forehand return winner earned Djokovic an early break in the second set, and he took his opponent's serve again to clinch the set. At one stage, the crowd at Rod Laver Arena gasped as he produced a trademark, stunning backhand winner on the stretch.

Etcheverry played his best

Novak Djokovic is chasing a record-extending 11th men's singles title in Melbourne

tennis in the third set and forced a tie-break, but Djokovic took the first three points of the breaker to ease through, wrapping up victory without facing a break point in the match.

"Obviously, I'm pleased with the way I played throughout the entire match, particularly the first two sets," Djokovic said.

"He stepped it up and raised his level of tennis in the third set. We went toe-to-toe in the tiebreaker."

Sinner positions himself as one of Djokovic's main rivals Djokovic has won all four of his previous meetings with his next opponent Mannarino, although the left-hander has reached a career-high ranking of 19 in the world at the age of 35.

Mannarino's 7-6 (7-4) 1-6 6-7 (2-7) 6-3 6-4 win against American Shelton came in four hours and 46 minutes, following on from five-set victories against former champion Stan Wawrinka and Spain's Jaume Munar in the first and second rounds respectively.

Earlier, Jannik Sinner showed why he is one of Djokovic's biggest rivals for the title by thrashing Argentine Sebastian Baez.

The Italian fourth seed raced into the second week in Melbourne with a 6-0 6-1 6-3 win in less than two hours.

The 22-year-old won four ti-

tles in 2023 and ended it on a high by leading Italy to a first Davis Cup title for 47 years.

A relaxed Sinner showed his good mood on Margaret Court Arena as he joked with his coaching team moments before securing the win against 26th seed Baez.

"In matches, I used to be really, really serious, which I still am, obviously," he added.

"But sometimes you have to smile, you have to laugh a little bit, because it's also important and it changes your attitude on the court; I think in a positive way."

Sinner will face Karen Khachanov next after the Russian 15th seed overcame a third-set wobble to beat Tomas Machac of the Czech Republic 6-4 7-6 (7-4) 4-6 7-6 (7-5).

Also on Friday, Stefanos Tsitsipas beat Frenchman Luca Van Assche to set up a fourthround meeting with American 12th seed Taylor Fritz.

The Greek seventh seed rushed into a two-set lead, but had to fight back from a 2-0 deficit in the third to win 6-3 6-0 6-4.

Meanwhile,, Fritz came from a set down to beat Hungary's Fabian Marozsan 3-6 6-4 6-2 6-2.

Home favourite Alex de Minaur, the 10th seed, also progressed with a 6-3 6-3 6-1 win over Italian qualifier Flavio Cobolli. (BBC Sport)

22 Olympic Solidarity Level 1 DHQ male and female Archery Coaching Course teams take top honours in GDF Inter-Unit road relay continues full steam A

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 2024

s the rain clouds greeted the 21 participants and Coach Ludys Tejada on Thursday, January 18, 2024, they headed to the classroom at the National Racquet Centre to review the previous day’s topics.

Coach Tejada then talked about the World Antidoping Agency (WADA) and the new updated prohibited list.

Archery Guyana and World Archery are committed to the fight against doping and to keeping the sport of archery clean.

As the rain passed, the

Scenes from the second day of the Olympic Solidarity Coaching Course

participants went outdoors to the shooting range to put the knowledge they learnt into practice. Different tools were made by the participants to correct errors in the shooting form. They were learning also

to observe each other to point out what the others have to improve.

At the end of the day, the participants learnt a lot about form. Coach Tejada commented on the fact that she has been asked a lot of

very interesting questions about the size and weight of the bows for children, how to determine if the archer is using a correct bow, exercises for children and adults. She has declared happily that the participants are putting their heart into archery.

The Board of Directors extended thanks again to the Executive Committee of the Guyana Olympic Association; Allied Art Unit, Ministry of Education; National Sports Commission; Chief Executive Officer of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Ramesh Ghir and his protocol team; Alvin Wilson and his team at Bermudez Operations; Massy Distribution (Guy) Inc; Samuel Arjoon and his team at the Guyana Beverages Inc, and the media.

Scenes from the GDF’s male and female road relay

D

efence Headquarters (DHQ) took the top spots in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Annual Inter-Unit Male and Female Road Relay Championship, which took place early on Thursday.

Twenty-one teams participated in the competition which commenced at approximately 05:45h at ECO Fun Park on the LindenSoesdyke Highway and proceeded to the Soesdyke Junction before concluding at Base Camp Stephenson, Timehri.

During the competition, the male teams covered nine miles while the female teams covered a distance of five miles. Defence Headquarters took the lead

One Guyana Basketball League…

Reifer cleared to resume bowling slower Playoff balls and cutters action resumes today

in both categories. The males of Three Infantry Battalion placed second while Base Camp Stephenson came in third.

The DHQ females led their counterparts from the Coast Guard and the team from the Guyana National Reserve finished third.

The competition saw all participating members and spectators leaving in high spirits, and the winning teams were awarded during the prizegiving ceremony.

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C

Raymond Reifer

ricket West Indies (CWI) has announced that Barbadian all-rounder Raymon Reifer has been cleared to resume bowling his slower balls and cutters after remedial footage of his action was sent to and cleared by Loughborough University.

Reifer, Barbados Pride’s left-arm seamer, was reported by the match officials during the CG United Super50 Cup match between Barbados Pride and Windward Volcanoes on October 25 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy. In accordance with the procedure for suspected illegal bowling actions, the match footage was sent to Loughborough University for an opinion re-

port. The report determined then that an illegal action was used to bowl the cutters and slower balls.

Reifer was suspended from bowling those specific deliveries during the 2023 edition of the CG United Super50 Cup and was adjudged by the same body to be using an illegal action following an initial report from the Barbados Pride match against the Windward Islands Volcanoes on October 25, 2023.

Now cleared, Reifer has been named in the Barbados Pride squad for the first three matches of the West Indies Championship, which is due to begin in early February and run until late April.

A glimpse of what to expect

B

asketball action returns to the National G y m n a s i u m , Mandela Avenue, Georgetown today, as the play-offs of the One Guyana Basketball Tournament continue with a double-header.

With the first jump ball set for 19:00h, an exhilarating showcase of basketball is expected.

The Jaguar Conference will see Stabroek Eagles, unbeaten in the group stage, coming up against UG Trojans in a three-game series, while Bounty Colts, coming in second place, will battle Kobras, who have a mixture of young and experienced players, in a three-

game series in which the winner will move on to the Conference Final.

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Hazlewood takes career-best haul, but Khawaja hurt in Australia's victory A

ustralia wrapped up a 10-wicket victory before lunch on the third day in Adelaide as Josh Hazlewood claimed career-best match figures, but there was late drama when

the near future, as he and Kemar Roach added 26 for the last wicket to follow the 55 they put on in the first innings.

It meant a brief second innings for Khawaja

SCOREBOARD

Josh Hazlewood completed a five-wicket haul

Usman Khawaja was hit right on the grille

Shamar Joseph drew blood from Usman Khawaja with a bouncer when the scores were level, forcing him to retire hurt.

Shamar Joseph again showed his batting prowess at Number 11, which will surely mean a promotion in

and Steven Smith. Oddly, Shamar Joseph, who claimed Smith with his first ball in Test cricket, was not given the new ball. He was eventually introduced in the fifth over with 14 needed and after being cut to the boundary first ball by Khawaja

produced a lovely delivery to beat Smith's edge.

Then came a lifter that beat Khawaja before an awkward bouncer clattered into his helmet around the jaw area as he tried to sway out of the line. Khawaja had blood coming from his mouth and after a few moments left the field, leaving Marnus Labuschagne to hit the winning runs. In more ways than one, Shamar Joseph had left an indelible mark on his debut.

West Indies had resumed 22 behind with four wickets

in hand after losing Justin Greaves to the final ball of the second day. They whittled the deficit down to 11 before Joshua Da Silva gave his innings away by falling for the well-telegraphed short-ball plan, top-edging a hook to deep backward square off Mitchell Starc.

Alzarri Joseph showed solid technique and played a brace of strong cover drives against Starc, but got a thin edge from around the wicket. When Gudakesh Motie became Hazlewood's fifth wicket, shouldering arms to

West Indies 2nd Innings Kraigg Brathwaite (c) c Head b Hazlewood 1 Tagenarine Chanderpaul c †Carey b Hazlewood 0 Kirk McKenzie c Labuschagne b Green 26 Alick Athanaze c †Carey b Hazlewood 0 Kavem Hodge c Smith b Hazlewood 3 Justin Greaves lbw b Lyon 24 Joshua Da Silva † c Hazlewood b Starc 18 Alzarri Joseph c †Carey b Starc 16 Gudakesh Motie b Hazlewood 3 Kemar Roach not out 11 Shamar Joseph st †Carey b Lyon 15 Extras (lb 1, nb 2) 3 TOTAL 35.2 Ov (RR: 3.39) 120 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Tagenarine Chanderpaul, 1.1 ov), 2-1 (Kraigg Brathwaite, 3.2 ov), 3-7 (Alick Athanaze, 5.4 ov), 4-19 (Kavem

Hodge, 9.3 ov), 5-40 (Kirk McKenzie, 13.2 ov), 6-73 (Justin Greaves, 22.5 ov), 7-84 (Joshua Da Silva, 26.3 ov), 8-94 (Alzarri Joseph, 30.6 ov), 9-94 (Gudakesh Motie, 31.3 ov), 10-120 (Shamar Joseph, 35.2 ov) • BOWLING O-M-R-W Mitchell Starc 10-2-46-2 Josh Hazlewood 14-6-35-5 Pat Cummins 5-1-25-0 Cameron Green 3-0-9-1 Nathan Lyon 3.2-0-4-2 Australia 2nd Innings (T: 26 runs) Steven Smith not out 11 Usman Khawaja retired hurt 9 Marnus Labuschagne not out 1 Extras (lb 1, nb 4) 5 TOTAL 6.4 Ov (RR: 3.90) 26/0 Did not bat: Cameron Green, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey †, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood Fall of wickets: 0-25* (Usman Khawaja, retired hurt) BOWLING O-M-R-W Kemar Roach 2-0-6-0 Alzarri Joseph 3-0-12-0 Shamar Joseph 1.4-0-7-0

one that was far too tight to leave, West Indies were still a run behind.

However, that lasted just one more delivery as Shamar Joseph played a first-ball cover drive that would have pleased a top-order player, bringing huge cheers from a healthy crowd who had flocked in despite the risk of very little cricket.

Each run added by the last-wicket pair was greet-

ed by warm applause, while it added to Australia's recent difficulties over getting through lower-order stands.

The return of Nathan Lyon, who had started the day bowling a single delivery, ended the resistance when Shamar Joseph charged and missed.

The second Test begins in Brisbane on January 25, and will be a day-night encounter. (ESPNcricinfo)

Andrew’s 130 in vain as West Indies open U-19 World Cup with 31-run loss

A

magnificent 130 from 17-year-old Antiguan wicketkeeper-batsman Jewel Andrew was not enough as the West Indies Under-19s opened their 2024 World Cup campaign with a 31-run loss to

hosts South Africa in the opening game of the tournament at Sewnes Park in Potchefstroom on Friday.

The hosts recovered from a tough position to post 2859 from their 50 overs after being put in to bat by the

With the West Indies at 73-5, Nathan Sealy and Jewel Andrew were brought together and the pair put together a brilliant 117-run sixth-wicket partnership to put victory well within reach for the Caribbean side.

The partnership came to an end in the 29th over when Sealy was brilliantly run out by Oliver Whitehead

SCOREBOARD South Africa Under-19s (50 ovs maximum) Lhuan-dre Pretorius † b Sealy 40 Steve Stolk c Pascal b James 5 David Teeger st †Andrew b Sealy 44 Richard Seletswane run out (T Edward) 16 Oliver Whitehead c sub (R Edwards) b James 26 Dewan Marais c Dorne b N Edward 65 Romashan Pillay c Weir b Sealy 0 Juan James (c) run out (Dorne/†Andrew) 47 Riley Norton c †Andrew b N Edward 2 Kwena Maphaka not out 1 Martin Khumalo not out 2 Extras (b 4, lb 10, nb 5, w 18) 37 TOTAL 50 Ov (RR: 5.70) 285/9 Fall of wickets: 1-26 (Steve Stolk, 3.5 ov), 2-60 (Lhuan-dre Pretorius, 10.2 ov), 3-97 (Richard Seletswane, 20.2 ov), 4-145 (Oliver Whitehead, 33.6 ov), 5-145 (David Teeger, 34.2 ov), 6-145 (Romashan Pillay, 34.4 ov), 7-276 (Dewan Marais, 49.1 ov), 8-278 (Riley Norton, 49.3 ov), 9-283 (Juan James, 49.5 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Nathan Edward 10-0-63-2 Deshawn James 6-0-38-2 Isai Thorne 7.2-1-48-0 Nathan Sealy 10-2-34-3 Tarrique Edward 10-1-33-0 Joshua Dorne 6.4-0-55-0

West Indies Under-19s (T: 286 runs from 50 ovs) Adrian Weir lbw b Maphaka 0 Stephan Pascal (c) c Marais b Maphaka 6 Joshua Dorne lbw b Maphaka 9 Jordan Johnson b Norton 21 Steve Wedderburn c sub (N Zuma) b Norton 12 Jewel Andrew † c sub (N Zuma) b Norton 130 Nathan Sealy run out (Whitehead) 33 Tarrique Edward st sub (N Zuma) b Teeger 13 Nathan Edward b Maphaka 12 Isai Thorne lbw b Maphaka 2 Deshawn James not out 2 Extras (lb 4, w 10) 14 TOTAL 40.1 Ov (RR: 6.32) 254 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Adrian Weir, 0.2 ov), 2-15 (Stephan Pascal, 2.1 ov), 3-17 (Joshua Dorne, 2.6 ov), 4-52 (Jordan Johnson, 7.5 ov), 5-73 (Steve Wedderburn, 9.6 ov), 6-190 (Nathan Sealy, 28.6 ov), 7-225 (Tarrique Edward, 35.1 ov), 8-250 (Nathan Edward, 38.6 ov), 9-250 (Jewel Andrew, 39.1 ov), 10-254 (Isai Thorne, 40.1 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W Kwena Maphaka 9.1-1-38-5 Martin Khumalo 2.1-0-19-0 Riley Norton 8.5-0-66-3 Romashan Pillay 8-0-47-0 Lhuan-dre Pretorius 9-0-45-0 Oliver Whitehead 1-0-17-0 David Teeger 2-0-18-1

for 13 off the bowling of David Teeger.

The West Indies fightback all but ended off consecutive deliveries in the 39th and 40th overs.

First, Maphaka picked up his fourth wicket of the innings with an excellent Yorker to dismiss Nathan Edward for 12 before Andrew’s innings finally

Jewel Andrew celebrates his hundred

2016 champions.

At one point, South Africa found themselves 145-6 in the 35th over before a brilliant 130-run seventh wicket partnership between Dewan Marais and Captain Juan James.

Marais hit four fours and four sixes on his way to a top score of 65 off just 38 balls while James his three fours and one six for his 47 off 54 balls.

Earlier, David Teeger did his best to provide some stability to the innings with a patient 98-ball 44 batting at three while opener Lhuandre Pretorius made a 34-ball 40.

West Indies Vice Captain

Nathan Sealy was impressive with his left-arm spin with 3-34 from his 10 overs while pacers Deshawn James and Nathan Edward took a pair of wickets each.

The West Indian reply then got off to the worst possible start when, off the second ball of the innings, Adrian Weir was wrongly adjudged out leg before wicket off the bowling of Kwena Maphaka for a duck.

That was the start of a horrendous first powerplay for the tourists with Captain Stephan Pascal (6); Joshua Dorne (9); Jordan Johnson (21) and Steven Wedderburn (12) all falling in quick succession.

Dewan Marais top-scored for South Africa with 65 in their opener

for a crucial 33 off 55 balls.

Shortly after Sealy’s dismissal, Andrew brought up a magnificent hundred off just 71 balls, including 11 fours and three sixes.

With the West Indies comfortable, needing 61 from 90 balls with four wickets in hand, the game changed once again thanks to a brilliant piece of wicketkeeping from Ntando Zuma to stump Tarrique Edward

came to an end off the bowling of Riley Norton at the start of the very next over, with the West Indies needing a further 36 for victory.

Andrew made a brilliant 130 off just 96 balls, including 14 fours and three sixes.

Maphaka ended proceedings with his fifth wicket, removing Isai Thorne for two to dismiss the West Indies for 254 off 40.1 overs.

(Sportsmax)

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 2024

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

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