Guyana Times - Saturday June 10, 2023

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Saturday, June 10 – 23:00h

– 00:30h and Sunday, June 11 – No retraction.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, June 10 – 09:25h

– 10:55h and Sunday, June 11 – 10:40h – 12:10h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

There will be thundery showers and sunshine during the day. Expect clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East South-Easterly to North-Easterly between 1.34 metres and 3.57 metres.

High Tide: 09:40h and 20:25h reaching a maximum height of 2.26 metres and 2.3 metres.

Low Tide: 15:49h reaching a minimum height of 0.84 metre.

LGE will determine synergy between Central

Govt,

townships – President Ali

…More accountability, progress at NDCs, municipalities – Jagdeo promises at Rose Hall Town

LOTTERY NUMBERS

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) took its 2023 Local Government Election campaign to Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), where General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo promised that there will be more accountability and progress in communities and towns that are controlled by the party.

Addressing supporters in the township of Rose Hall, Corentyne, Jagdeo said that the ruling PPP/C is contesting all the 610 constituencies in the 80 Local Authority Areas (LAAs) across the country. He noted that those areas that are controlled by the party will enjoy the full support of Central Government.

He said the PPP Executive has checked and approved all of the promises that are being made on the manifesto flyer that its Candidates are distributing. The General Secretary assured that the party intends to stand by all these promises being made by the local leaders. But according to Jagdeo, the PPP/C is not satisfied with the performance of the NDCs and townships that it controls – something which he promised will change after next week’s local government polls.

“We are not content with the management there too, wherever we control. They too have to improve on managing the bodies that they are controlling. They have to be more accountable to the people. They have to go out into communities and ensure that the development plan of the Government, that that development plan is carried out in a manner that is appropriate to the speed at which we want to change things,” he stated.

The General Secretary went on to say that while the PPP/C had previously won the Rose Hall municipality, he cautioned supporters not to be complacent and turn out to vote.

“We will win again in Rose Hall but you have to come out and make that happen,” he said, adding that the same should be done in all of the other surrounding Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs).

Record of achievements

On this note, Jagdeo pointed out that the PPP/C has a proven track record of achievements and progress that has benefited people not only in Region Six but across the country. This, he noted, is evident in the fact that there has been

widespread crossover by many Opposition supporters, who have now joined the PPP in what is termed the “red wave” throughout Guyana.

“I expect every single one of you here tonight for the next… two days to go back to your communities and work to get every single person out on that [Monday] to vote. We can't take anything for granted. We have to keep our community safe from APNU. We have to keep our children safe from APNU. We have to keep our families safe from APNU and their negative policies. We're about development for all of Guyana, for every race. People who are coming to us now, they find a place and this party, the PPP family. They're welcome to [join] us… Once they come to the PPP, they will understand we work for all the people of our country,” the PPP General Secretary stated.

Meanwhile, President Dr Irfaan Ali also underscored the importance of this local government polls, telling scores of PPP/C supporters in Rose Hall that the upcoming elections will determine not only the leadership in the township but also set the synergy between Central Government and the municipality.

“There is an importance between Central Government and Local Government. In Central Government, we require the local government to be fully on board with what

we are doing. That is very critical. So, the Local Government Election is a very important election in ensuring that there is synergy between the Central Government and the Local Government, in this case, this township [Rose Hall]. And the only way we can ensure that that synergy exists is when we come out in our numbers on June the 12th and vote solidly for the People's Progressive Party/Civic,” Ali stated.

He went on to talk about the all the atrocities that were meted out the people of Region Six under the rule of the APNU/AFC regime, reminding them of the closure of the sugar estates that placed some 7000 workers on the breadline and virtually killed the Region Six economy.

Vibrancy restored

Ali said since the PPP/C returned to office, vibrancy has been restored in all the sectors in not just the East BerbiceCorentyne region but across the country. He noted that once the PPP has control of the municipalities – of which three of the country’s 10 are found in Region Six alone – and NDCs, similar development and progress will be brought to townships and communities.

“We can point a massive transformation across our country that demonstrate to the people of this country that a People's Progressive Party/ Civic has always stood true to

its promises that it made to the people of our country… Under the People's Progressive Party/ Civic in less than three years, we have put back money in the pockets of people, whether it's the sugar workers that we have brought back, whether it's the temporary jobs that we have created – we have put back money in the pocket of the people,” the President stressed.

According to Ali, it is important to send a strong message to the Opposition that not only is the PPP/C going to retain control of the Rose Hall township but do so by winning all the seats there.

“This election is an opportunity for you to send a very strong message again and that message must be that we are standing strongly behind the People's Progressive Party/ Civic party that has delivered for us, the party that has continuously transformed the lives of people all across this country… Remember the PPP/ Civic has always stuck by you and you must always stick by the People’s Progressive party/Civic… We have stood by you and you must stick by us. Remember, on June 12, to stick by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic and put your ‘X’ in the box besides the cup… Rose Hall, give the People’s Progressive Party/Civic an overwhelming victory,” Ali declared at Friday’s public meeting in Rose Hall. (G8)

President Dr Irfaan Ali PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo speaking at the Rose Hall Town meeting

Editor: Tusika Martin

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New Agenda for Mental Health

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), after working with experts in the Americas, has on Friday launched what it termed a “A New Agenda for Mental Health in the Americas” with ten recommendations.

The ten recommended policies within the report include: integrating mental health into all policies; improving the quality of financing for mental health; ensuring the human rights of people living with mental health conditions; strengthening suicide prevention; improving mental health data and research; and adopting a gender transformative approach to mental health.

Guyana’s Mental Health Protection and Promotion Bill was passed in August 2022, making mental health services more accessible to Guyanese.

As part of the Bill, the Government is now required to give mental health patients access to care.

At the time when the Bill was passed, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony had said local statistics show that 15-20 per cent of Guyanese have a form of mental health illness – mild, severe, acute.

This newspaper has had several editorials wherein it was pointed out that much discussion has been had locally about the mental health of citizens. While in many instances the topic was categorised as ‘taboo’ in many cultures, it came to the fore as the COVID-19 pandemic took centre stage all around the world. It is well known that the pandemic has taken a severe toll on the mental well-being of persons all over the world.

For example, the initial challenges of dealing with the lockdown measures, the fear of being infected with the virus, or having to deal with the death of a loved one have caused tremendous stress and anxiety on many. All of this is added to the economic pressures that are brought on due to persons not being able to go out and work to support themselves and families.

Due to the lack of resources, many countries are unable to mount the kind of response that is needed to address the mental health challenges of their populations, or many are forced to scale back the level of response needed due to other areas competing for scarce resources.

As Hamlet had stated in his writings, “I have of late –but wherefore I know not – lost all my mirth, forgone all custom of exercise; and, indeed, it goes so heavily with my disposition that this goodly frame, the earth, seems to me a sterile promontory…”

Depression is part of the human condition, and Hamlet’s description of its symptoms matches those in a modern medical textbook. The categorisation has become more precise, the treatments more advanced, but the illness is still badly understood, and its consequences are often hidden. Depression remains, if not a source of shame, then at least bewilderment to those who suffer from it and those around them. Yet it is on the increase, neurotic disorders affecting one in six adults at some point in their lives. Society, and medical science, needs a better response.

The truth is, medical advances have controlled many diseases, but depression in its different forms is either becoming more common or being detected more often – and perhaps both. Pharmaceutical treatments, while restricted in their effectiveness, are being used much more widely.

However, part of the challenge is defining what it is to be depressed. The term has such a wide common meaning that it can be used to cover anything, from passing grief to longterm illness. The Royal College of Psychiatrists lists typical symptoms: feeling utterly tired; feeling useless, inadequate and hopeless; and feeling unhappy most of the time, among them. But there can be no medical exactitude to an illness experienced in different degrees and different ways by different people – only that you know it when it comes.

The human mind is the most extraordinary and least understood part of the body, the source of joy and creativity. It can also, as Hamlet knew, create the horror of depression: “This brave o’erhanging firmament, this majestical roof fretted with golden fire, why, it appears no other thing to me than a foul and pestilent congregation of vapours.”

Dear Editor,

In a letter dated June 7, 2023, Mr. Hamilton Green wrote in response to Minister Oneidge Walrond’s piece in which she denounced the misrepresentation of the racial issue in Guyana made by Mr. Nigel Hughes and Darren Wade to a UN body.

In the process, Mr. Green again went on a mission of misrepresentation, distortion, and downright falsification of our history.

Some of these issues were previously raised by Mr. Green, and were debunked, but he continues to use the old tactic of repeating the same fabrications in the hope that the gullible would believe them. That shows that Mr. Green’s objective is to deliberately mislead people.

In his letter, he again raised his pet subject, "Apan Jaat", suggesting that the PPP used this as a tool of mobilisation. This is absolutely untrue. The term was used against the PPP in the 1953 elections by Daniel P. Debedin, who carried the line that Dr. Cheddi Jagan had sold out to Mr. Burnham and the black people. Debedin used the term "Apan Jaat" to call Indian Guyanese to vote for him.

During those elections, the PPP was under pincer attack. Mr. Burnham was being attacked by the League of Coloured People. He was accused of selling out black people to the Indian Cheddi Jagan. Mr. Green never mentions this. "Apan Jaat" was later taken up by the PNC in their efforts to divide the working people in their attack on the PPP.

Ms. Jane Sillery captured that very well in her doctoral thesis in which she pointed out that the PNC was using reverse racism to instigate black people. The tactic was to accuse the PPP of being pro-Indian by calling it a "rice government", a "coolie government" and falsely accusing it of calling for "Apan Jaat".

The reality is (and was) that the PPP never used those slogans. They always stood for unity of the people.

This has been a constant from Jagan to Jagdeo.

Green, who was an active participant in the PNC X13 racist plan to attack the PPP, has not changed. What a pity! Mr. Green has descended into the worst from of mischief-making. I get the impression that he is trying to replay the old tactic which the PNC used in 1960s. Here he came with the bald-faced lie that, after the 1961 elections, "PPP had made arrangements to have thousands of Indians from the State of Kerala of India to be brought to settle in Guyana…" It is unfortunate that Green continues to propagate this untruth. After all, this was debunked at the time by the PPP, by the then British Governor, and by the Indian Government representative who was stationed in Trinidad.

Therefore, it is clear that Mr. Green’s sole intention in repeating this nonsense today is to stem the tide of what appears to be a growing unity of our people once more. This is an even greater pity, Mr. Green! Such barefaced lies are an old tactic of the PNC.

During the 1960s, while they whipped up anti-communist sentiments, the PNC and their leader, Forbes Burnham, made the ridiculous and false charge that 1000 Cubans were in British Guiana to fight for the PPP. This was, and is, one of the shameful pages of the PNCs history!

Green then moved, on for the umpteenth time, to interpret the PPP’s attitude to the West Indian Federation as racial. In a previous missive, I had pointed out that the PPP’s policy on the Federation was worked out in 1950 when Mr. Burnham was Chairman of the PPP. It was the same position as that of the Caribbean Congress of Labour (Mr. Green here implies that Burnham was anti-Black). Federation was opposed by the colonial people in Africa, where the British tried to impose it as well. It was also opposed by the masses of the Caribbean, and caused changes in Governments in Belize and Jamaica.

The PPP’s position was that the minimum conditions for joining the Federation were not present. The PPP were saying that, at least, the colonies should have internal self-government. Failing that, the Federation could only be a glorified crown colony. This was the same position taken by African leaders who resisted colonial attempt at Federation.

Green, while he sometimes tries to portray an anti-colonial façade, remains colonial in his mentality, as he continues to pursue the racist policy of colonial Britain long after Britain itself had moved away from it.

Green is also putting history on its head in saying that the PPP opposed self-help. Indeed, the opposite is true. The PPP used self-help and co-ops to build hundreds of projects in the then British Guiana. Schools, health centres and houses were built by self-help from 1957 to 1964. This was because the British, and later the Americans, were refusing to grant loans for many developmental projects. That forced the PPP to rely on self-help etc.

Indeed, in 1958, Mr. Burnham and Andrew Jackson of the PNC joined W.O.R Kendall to vote in the Legislative Council against giving support for the PPP’s team of Cheddi Jagan and Edward Beharry, who were going to the UK, Europe and US to raise funds to finance British Guiana’s Developmental Plan. Check the records, Green! It was the PNC that opposed those developmental projects.

Indeed, so successful were co-ops under the PPP that the PNC put it in as part of the official name of our country. Like so many other things, co-ops and self-help failed under the PNC because of the undemocratic nature of that regime. Under the PNC, co-ops were used as vehicles for PNC cohorts to get rich quick. Remember Greenland Co-op, Mr. Green?

Sincerely,

Donald Ramotar Former President

Education Minister Priya Manickchand listened as a student of the Literacy and Robotics Programme at the Den Amstel Primary School read on Friday. A meeting was held with parents and teachers to discuss progress made since implementation of the programme (Education Ministry photo)

Green’s misrepresentations, distortions, falsifications (Pt 1)

Guyana’s debt one of the lowest in the world – VP

In the face of concerns about Guyana’s debt being driven up by the various loans that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic Government is taking, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has defended these borrowings, stating that they are going towards investments that will repay these loans.

“I see a lot of people talking about our capacity to repay fastly …[but] when we borrow, we borrow to invest in things that matter [and] we can play it back easily – our health system, the roads, the power plants, the ports – things that are capital. We don't borrow to eat; we borrow to build the capital stock of this country so our people can benefit. They can use that to create new industries and new jobs because that's the foundation – the ports, the power plants, the roads, the other type of infrastructure, modern water systems, the ICT systems, better Government services around the country.”

“We borrow for greater security. We’re now putting in cameras around the country – a smart country pro-

gramme that would be able to track criminal activities anywhere in Guyana in real time, know who is there and stuff because security of people is vital in the future. So, those are the things we are borrowing for but we have the capacity to repay,” the Vice President posited.

He was at the time responding to questions at a press conference on Thursday about the Government’s borrowing.

Since taking office in

August 2020, the PPP/C Administration has taken a number of loans from bilateral partners around the world as well as from international agencies.

Only recently, Government signed two loan agreements totalling US$150 million with the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) to finance “Infrastructural Development Works for the Housing Sector Project” and the “Construction of Wismar

Bridge Project.”

Another loan to the tune of US$350 million was secured from Qatar to extend the Schoonord to Crane four-lane highway all the way to Parika in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara).

Guyana also obtained a €160.8 million loan from the Bank of China for the advancement of the construction of the new Demerara River Bridge. The country also has several loan agreements with the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) to access over US$220 million in financing for enhancements along the East Bank Demerara (EBD) Highway.

However, VP Jagdeo, who is an economist, explained during Thursday’s press conference that these are low-interest borrowing.

“We have not contracted any private variable interest loans. We have two variable interest loans and they are both from the IFIs – the multilateral financial institutions. All the other loans are fixed rate loans so we don't have to worry about interest rate escalation now,”

GDF lieutenant’s murder

he assured.

According to the Vice President, this is largely because of the PPP/C’s historical “strong” management of the country’s debt. He reminded that when the party took office in 1992, it inherited a bankrupt country which it restored to financial viability.

Jagdeo, who served as President of Guyana from 1999 to 2011, pointed out at that time the country’s debt was 913 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He added that about 153 per cent of the nation’s revenue went to service debt.

“Our debt today is about maybe 12% of GDP – one of the lowest figures in the world …that is with all the borrowing and everything. And we were using about 7 to 8 per cent of revenue to service debt. So, it’s based on a capacity to service it. Our total outstanding debt will be less than one year of future revenue in the outer year. Very few countries can have that debt profile,” he stated.

According to the Vice President, not only is Guyana’s current debt one of

the lowest in the world but it is lower than the United States and even most European countries whose debt is about 100 per cent of GDP.

Moreover, the Vice President highlighted that Guyana’s debt was brought down to about 45 per cent of the country’s GDP – a significant reduction from 913 per cent incurred under the then People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R) regime. This, he outlined, was achieved before the country found and started producing oil.

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh had reported in his 2023 Budget presentation that Guyana’s total public debt was some US$3.9 billion at the end of 2022 –an increase of 16.9 per cent over the previous year.

“This is one of our greatest successes that we never speak enough about. People talk about the roads and water and stuff [but] we took a bankrupt country and restore it to financial viability, and this was even before oil and gas… So, that is something that doesn't come out,” VP Jagdeo asserted. (G8)

Stolen car found abandoned on Stone Avenue

nal damage.

Douglas was shot and killed at Cul-de-Sac Street, North Ruimveldt, Georgetown, at about 23:30h on Wednesday.

The 33-year-old Coast Guard, who worked parttime as a taxi driver, fell victim to a robbery after one of his attackers posed as a ‘customer’.

According to Police, Douglas held a valid firearm licence and was associated with the Alladin Taxi service located in La Grange, West Bank Demerara.

Investigators working on the murder case of Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Lieutenant (Coast Guard), Rondel Anthony Douglas, have made a significant breakthrough after they found his car that was hijacked by his killers.

Guyana Times was told that Douglas' Toyota Fielder wagon was discovered in Stone Avenue, Georgetown, sometime between Thursday night and Friday morning. The vehicle’s number plate, PZZ 703, had been removed and there was exter-

According to the taxi service owner, an individual approached their base and hired Douglas to transport him to North Ruimveldt, Georgetown. Surveillance footage seen by this publication showed the moment Douglas arrived at the dead end of the street and subsequently turned his vehicle around.

As he executed the manoeuvre, a man emerged from the nearby bushes, and approached the driver's side of the car. A struggle ensued involving Douglas, the individual already inside the vehicle, and the assailant from the driver's side.

Douglas’s car was recovered by Police

Douglas managed to exit the car and pursued one of the suspects on foot. However, he was shot during the pursuit. Seizing the opportunity, the suspect who had posed as a customer promptly exited the vehicle, while Douglas, though injured, attempted to return to his car. He collapsed before reaching it.

The two perpetrators fled

the scene with the car, leaving Douglas critically injured on the street. He sustained two wounds, one to his head and another to his chest.

Douglas resided in Bagotville, West Bank Demerara, together with his wife and their young daughter.

Investigations are ongoing. (G9)

Dead: Rondel Anthony Douglas

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

Power Up Maths

Adding and subtracting money

Power Up Maths

Power Up Maths

Adding subtractingandmoney

By PhiliP M Sherlock

Clear as the clear sun’s light

So clear is the water’s flight

From the black rocks down

To the waiting sand eager and brown, Near Gordon Town.

And clear through the broad green leaves

You may not realise it, but you work with a great many decimals in your life

Adding and subtracting money

Adding and subtracting money

Look at this problem: $98.20 + $10.80

You may not realise it, but you work with a great many decimals in your life

And the shining spears of the water reeds

Through the tangled web of vine and root

Of tangled roots black and wet

With the shining water drops

As swift in its crystal flight the river

Leaves the rock for the sand and pebbles.

The rock and the light and the weaving stream, Fluid and fixed and fervent.

You may not realise it, but you work with a great many decimals in your life

A dollar is divided into 100 hundredths, each of which is called a cent.

Look at this problem: $98.20 + $10.80

Look at this problem: $98.20 + $10.80

Trumpets blow and the dead arise

Clanking bones and dead men’s cries.

Shiver the mountains huddled close

A dollar is divided into 100 hundredths, each of which is called a cent.

A dollar is divided into 100 hundredths, each of which is called a cent.

Adding and subtracting money is done exactly the same way as adding and subtracting decimals.

Adding and subtracting money is done exactly the same way as adding and subtracting decimals.

Beneath their shivering coats of green

Adding and subtracting money is done exactly the same way as adding and subtracting decimals.

Fluid now where once was rock

Melting now where once was stable

Liquid flows volcanic rock

And the brazen sky is mad with sound

And the sun and the moon and the stars appear

And the blazing sky and the melting hills

Uncover the roots of ebing that lay

Example: Add $98.20 + $10.80

Example: Add $98.20 + $10.80

Example: Add $98.20 + $10.80

Buried beneath the crust of clay.

Fire leaps headlong from the sky

And the rock and the light and the weaving stream

Step 1: Line up the decimals $98.20

Step 1: Line up the decimals $98.20

Step 1: Line up the decimals $98.20 +$10.80

Step 2: Add, just as you would any other decimals:

Step 2: Add, just as you would any other decimals:

Step 2: Add, just as you would any other decimals: $98.20 +$10.80

You can add placeholder zeroes to money , too. Doing this does not change its value! For example, $40 = $40.00

You can add placeholder zeroes to money , too. Doing this does not change its value! For example, $40 = $40.00

Join in the flaming dance that thrills

Through the earth and the firmament

For that which was fixed is fluid now

And the shaken are the shrivelled skies

Ablaze with a thousand lunatic eyes.

169

The black rocks twist and writhe and run

Red with the blood red light of the sun

The fire has claimed its ancient place

The fire which slept within the rock

The fire which slept within the earth

The fire which slept within the trees

The fire which slept within the clouds

The fire which slept within the skies

The fire that slept has come to birth

And seals with flame the shaking earth

And leaps with quivering flanks of flame

Through the woods and through the rocks

And leaps from cloud to crested cloud

And flames across the shrivelled sky.

Fire that flamed where Eden stood

A sword of flame.

Eden stands by Gordon Town

Cool with the green of leaves and cool

With gleaming water and dripping rock

And cool with the tangled black of roots

Where the river leaps from the tangled rocks to the sand and pebbles.

Green and black and flash of silver.

And around and beneath and about the place

The flash of a flaming sword

The fire holds still its ancient place.

WORD SEARCH

You can add placeholder zeroes to money , too. Doing this does not change its value! For example, $40 = $40.00

GECOM ready to deliver “fair, transparent” LGE – Chair …some results to be released on Monday night

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has announced its state of readiness to ensure a fair and transparent Local Government Elections on Monday, positing that they are “ahead of the game”.

At a press conference on Friday at the Command Centre on Fort Street, GECOM Chairperson, Retired Justice Claudette Singh said the entity is not only fully prepared but confident that the elections will be conducted in accordance with electoral laws.

“I will surely guarantee that these elections will be conducted in a free, fair, transparent and credible manner,” Justice Singh told the media.

Chief Election Officer Vishnu Persaud informed that from the position of the Secretariat, they are ahead of the listed activities under the work programme approved.

“I can assure you that we have been working with a work plan approved by the Commission for the conduct of the elections. And as

we speak, we are ahead of the game so far as the implementation of the listed activities are concerned.”

Coming out of the 2020 General and Regional Elections, concerns were raised since some staffers within the establishment were compromised. However, Persaud acknowledged that there is no reason to fear as the work of the Commission will not be undermined.

“I have established a direct working relationship

with all of the managers, senior managers, mid managers, supervisors. We have been working together and I can assure you, we have a very cohesive team that is focused and committed to acting within the parameters of their responsibilities towards efficient, effective and satisfactory delivery of their functions,” the Chief Election Officer declared.

As of Friday, the Secretariat was engaged with the packing of ballot boxes and placing them in containers that are to be distributed to the various districts. Full support has been given from party agents, the Commission has reported.

Persaud said, “I would also want to report that every single activity that we have engaged in since the receipt of ballots on May 17, we had the full involvement of agents, mainly from the two major political parties. In the beginning we had representatives from some small contestants…We have not received any complaints from any of these agents for any expression of dissatis-

faction that we were not in compliance with either the relevant laws or policy decisions of the Commission.”

As proper supervision is concerned, GECOM has employed a decentralised supervisory structure, which entails the appointment and positioning of Deputy Returning Officers in LAAs.

“We have also appointed supervisors who would have some oversight responsibility simply to provide guidance insofar as compliance with the statutory requirements,” Persaud noted.

The CEO has reassured that GECOM is 100 per cent fully-staffed for the conduct of Local Government Elections. Replacements were made for some polling staff, in cases where these persons who were contesting as candidates.

“Their names appeared as candidates for the elections or as signatories to candidates…The contestants themselves are concerned when we will be having persons working with us who would have already demonstrated either by being a candidate or a back-

er of a candidate, that they have a preference insofar as the contest is concerned. As we speak now, I don’t know that we have any such replacements to make.”

Results Due to small numbers of Statements of Poll in some Local Authority Areas (LAAs), it was assured that those results will not be a “tedious thing” to be declared before midnight on Monday.

However, he cautioned,

“This would be affected by agents objecting to the count of the Returning Officer. In this regard, I assure you that the agents themselves will be in possession of the Statements of Poll and the Returning Officer will be displaying his or her SoPs for the benefit of persons there to observe the count.”

Larger LAAs, such as Georgetown, will take longer. The law provides for up to five days for the declaration to be made.

“We will, with due our utmost care, ensure that the ascertainment of those results are done accurately and with the involvement of those persons who are authorised to be in the office of the Returning Officer, so that when the care or concerns will be satisfied with those declarations,” the senior GECOM official underlined.

Results for those areas non contesting can be released within the same night. GECOM has since accredited 10 local observer groups to oversee the electoral process. (G12)

Gas-to-energy company announces open call for local service providers

future and will bring about substantial energy savings for the country, reducing electricity costs significantly for families and commercial users alike, helping to foment sustainable economic growth”.

As part of the Dr Irfaan Ali-led Administration’s energy policy, the multibillion-dollar model Gas-toShore Project received a whopping $43.3 billion from Budget 2023.

The scope of the Gas-toShore Project also consists

of the construction of 225 kilometres of pipeline from the Liza field in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, where Exxon and its partners are currently producing oil.

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

pipeline would continue for approximately 25 kilometres to the NGL plant at Wales, West Bank Demerara.

The pipeline would be 12 inches wide, and is expected to transport per day some 50 million standard cubic feet (mscfpd) of dry gas to the NGL plant, but it has the capacity to push as much as 120 mscfpd.

The pipeline’s route onshore would follow the same path as the fibre optic cables, and terminate at Hermitage. (G12)

The US-consortium Lindsayca/CH4 (LNDCH4), which is leading the way for Guyana’s gas-to-energy project, has commenced the initial phase of its vendor and supplier identification in Guyana, extending a reach for suitable businesses to join in transforming the energy landscape.

Through the strategic implementation of “cutting-edge technology and unwavering commitment to environmentally conscious practices”, LNDCH4 said it aims to establish a new paradigm for energy production in Guyana while prioritising the utilisation of local resources.

Government had contracted CH4-Lindsayca to construct the integrated facility at Wales, West Bank Demerara, to the tune of US$759 million.

“This ground-breaking gas-to-energy project holds the potential to not only

strengthen Guyana’s energy capacity but also generate a multitude of employment opportunities and foster robust economic growth in the region. LNDCH4 welcomes businesses specialising in various sectors to participate in this momentous venture.”

The consortium said it is particularly interested in collaborating with enterprises that excel in the fields of manufacturing, production, dealers, distributors, maintenance, repair, rental, lease, construction contractors, professional services, and logistics providers.

“Your invaluable expertise in these areas will be instrumental in ensuring the successful realisation of our transformative goals. Together, we can pave the way for a sustainable and prosperous future within the energy industry.”

Contribution of Guyanese General Manager

of LNDCH4 Guyana, Humberto Lopez said “We welcome the contribution of Guyanese to participate in this ground-breaking project. Together, we can forge a path towards a cleaner and more sustainable future - empowering people and communities.”

To participate in the vendor identification process, interested parties were invited to register their interest by completing the online form available at www.bit. ly/LNDCH4GY. This form will allow potential suppliers and service providers to provide essential information about their organisation, products, or services, enabling LNDCH4 to evaluate their suitability for partnership opportunities.

Last November, the Guyana Government awarded the team of Lindsayca and CH4 Systems, a contract to give EEGPL the tools to “continue guaranteeing a reliable power supply into the

Chief Elections Officer Vishnu Persaud

GECOM Chair, Justice (retired) Claudette Singh

Model of the power plant component of the Gas-to-Shore Project

WBD man awaits sentencing after confessing to wedding house killing

Almost seven years after tractor operator Arnold Rampersaud Rattan was stabbed to death, 43-year-old George Solomon stood before Justice Sandil Kisson this week, and confessed to the crime.

Solomon, formerly of Lot 109 Murphy Street, Good Intent, West Bank Demerara (WBD), who was initially indicted for the capital offence of murder, opted to plead guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter when he appeared at the High Court in Demerara.

He admitted to killing the 47-year-old man on August 8, 2016.

The confessed killer, who was represented by Attorney-at-Law Teriq Mohammed, will be sentenced on July 17.

State Counsel Cicelia Corbin presented the prosecution’s case.

It has been reported that at about 23:30h on August 8, 2016, during the “Kangan” (day after the wedding) celebration at Rattan’s home at Sister’s Village, WBD, the father of two asked Solomon to leave the premises since

he began to misbehave. However, when Solomon refused to leave, Rattan opted to push him out of the yard. It was at this point that Solomon stabbed him in the left side of his body with a sharp object.

Neighbours recalled seeing Rattan drop to his knees while Solomon fled the scene but he was subsequently caught by villagers who gave chase. The injured man was rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH), where he died while receiving treatment. (G1)

Kitty man jailed for 3 years for robbing taxi driver

Isaiah Johnson of Pike Street, Kitty, Georgetown, is currently serving a three-year prison sentence for robbing a taxi driver at gunpoint.

The sentence was imposed on him on Thursday by Magistrate Ruschelle Liverpool, who had found him guilty as charged for the offence of robbery under arms.

The now-convicted man was on $200,000 bail pending his trial.

Police prosecutor Visram Ramjattan prosecuted the matter.

Reports are that at about 02:15h on November 3, 2022, Junior Alphonso was working a hire car at a base on Sheriff Street, Georgetown, when Johnson requested a taxi to transport him to Plaisance Line Top, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

He then boarded Alphonso’s car, a Nissan Bluebird, and was taken to the location.

However, upon arrival there, Johnson pulled out a gun from his bag, pointed it at Alphonso, and demanded he hand over the car. But

Alphonso threw away the car’s keyless sensor.

After he did so, Johnson pulled him out of the vehicle and thereafter went to retrieve the sensor.

Alphonso then jumped into his car and secured same and then raised an alarm by honking the car’s horn, causing Johnson to run away with the keyless sensor.

A report was made to the Police and when Johnson was arrested, the sensor was found on his person. The entire robbery was captured on CCTV and Johnson was

also positively identified by the victim. The keyless sensor is valued at $60,000. (G1)

…fears

Your Eyewitness is kinda surprised by the Opposition’s recent interpretation of “democracy”. He’d always thought that, in democracies, political parties organize themselves and appeal to the people to get as many votes as they can. In this way, they’d win elections to run the villages, districts, towns, or the country, to better the lives of the people, no? But what the Opposition are doing is complaining bitterly that the PPP are “poaching” their voters!! Now, “poaching” is when you capture wildlife on someone else’s property. So, are African Guyanese the PNC’s “wildlife” on their transported property, whom the PPP shouldn’t court??

What the heck is this?? Sure, your Eyewitness knows that, for the last half of a century, our people have been voting along ethnic lines; but no one informed him that, because of this, the PNC and the PPP acquired prescriptive rights over them!! He thought that only applied to land!! But then, if the PNC see their erstwhile supporters as “wildlife”, then maybe they go with the land?? But then, haven’t the Opposition –as well as the Government – been insisting we should stop voting “race” and start voting for parties because we trust or like their programs etc.?? So, the PPP are violating the rules of democracy by seeking African Guyanese votes? And they’re “slave catchers” to do so?? Are African Guyanese “slaves” as well as “wildlife”??

Anyhow, with the PPP appearing like an unstoppable juggernaut with just two days to go for the LGE, the PNC have become even more hysterical that their hold over “municipalities” – read Georgetown - might be slip-sliding away!! They’ve issued a statement claiming “with the growing demand for land in urban areas, the PPP’s campaign in municipalities is intended to control town councils so that they can raise property taxes and confiscate lands from those who can no longer pay or who have outstanding debts. The PPP wants your valuable land to hand over to its elite, friends, family and favourites”!!!

Can you believe this tripe?? This is undiluted fearmongering of the most despicable kind - plain and simple. Let’s take a look at the tax rates of municipalities. Didn’t the PNC, in 2018, engage the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC)/Axilogic of Canada for the “modernization of Guyana’s property assessment system to ensure a complete national property inventory”?? Didn’t both Finance Minister Jordan and Communities Minister Bulkan bemoan that the tax rates - especially of municipalities - needed to be raised??

In the 2018 Budget, Jordan announced that “NDCs and municipalities must be financially self-sufficient if they are to deliver and maintain quality public goods and services to their constituents”!! So, if the PPP were to raise rates and taxes, wouldn’t they be following the PNC’s lead??

…fires

It was a spectacular sight, but an even more spectacular demonstration of the effect of Global Warming. Who could’ve ever imagined that forest fires in Canada would smother New York City - five hundred miles to the south –in smoke??! We all have relatives in the Big Apple, so your Eyewitness is pretty sure you were shown directly, or on the news, NYC becoming a ghostly apparition straight out of Conan Doyle’s fog-wreathed London!! And the forest fires weren’t from the Canadian West that’s typically conflagrated - like the American West - at this time.

No siree Bob!! These are fires in eastern Quebec - now literally feeling the heat like it never did before!! So, your Eyewitness is hoping this’ll be another piece of evidence to convince the global behemoths up north they gotta do more on Global Warming. America’s iconic Colorado River in their National Park has almost disappeared. All tourists can see is a faint sliver from the top of the Canyon!!

Carbon Credits ain’t enough!!

…peace in Haiti

Piggybacking on the US’ US$54M aid to Haiti, Caricom’s Good Offices Initiatives, including appointment of an Eminent Persons Group, will broker discussions with Haitian stakeholders, starting with meetings in Jamaica from 11-13 June, 2023.

Peace!!

Dead: Arnold Rampersaud Rattan

Jailed: Isaiah Johnson

New Amsterdam will not only be sustainable, but vibrant – President Ali

…cellphones now tax-free

President Dr Irfaan All has committed to seeing New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) return to its glory days.

Addressing a large gathering at a political meeting in the town on Friday evening, ahead of Monday’s Local Government Elections (LGE), Ali said the town will not only be sustainable, but become vibrant under a Peoples Progressive Party administration.

Optimistic that his party

country. You are embracing a political philosophy that started in 1950. In 1950, that political philosophy was grounded in bringing all the people of Guyana under one political system for the upliftment of the people of this country. Today you are showing that we are now ready to reunite and to bring back under the banner of ‘One Guyana’, unity and togetherness for the development of the people of Guyana,” Ali told the gathering of supporters.

Noting that the APNU/ AFC administration had added some 200 new taxes when it was in office - all of which were removed when the PPP was returned to office in 2020President Ali said he is aware that residents would like to see a Town Council which, among other things, fixes streets lights, drainage and security.

“Commencing next year, we are going to start a new programme that will see street lights on every single post in

phones will be removed, as he spoke about technology, telecommunications, and bridging the digital divide in the country.

“We are now going to remove all the taxes on phones in the country, so that you can buy it tax-free,” President Ali announced.

Ali promised that the region would benefit directly from the oil and gas sector, as he committed to having an oil refinery built in the region.

low your conscience to be your guide,” the President said. “You will be making a solid decision in the interest of your families, in the interest of your children; you are making a decision to put New Amsterdam first, to put your families first, to put your children first, to put the elderly and this town first. That is why you are voting PPP,” the Head of State said.

Development

would be victorious at the polls on Monday, the President said it's time for people to focus on what is best for the town as it relates to development.

“It is my hope that New Amsterdam will bring back the ‘One Guyana’ that the Peoples Progressive Party/Civic had fought for and won, and fought for the independence of this

He pointed out that the town has been under the leadership of the Peoples National Congress (PNC) for 60 years.

“After the election, investments will be made based on the priorities of the residents of New Amsterdam… It is about choosing between those who break their promises and those who keep theirs,” he said.

every single street in every single community in every single village in every single region. That is the commitment of the Peoples Progressive Party/ Civic,” he declared.

Cellphone tax-free

According to the Head of State, starting on Monday, all taxes and duties on mobile

“It will have a direct connection to the town of New Amsterdam,” he said while pointing out that numerous jobs would become available as a result. “You are facing a future that requires you to make sensible decisions.”

President Ali also took the opportunity to lash out at those in Guyana who have been trying to divide the country along ethnic lines.

“Racism is against the will of God. Every one of us, we are built with a conscience. New Amsterdam, I ask you to al-

Meanwhile, the party’s General Secretary, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, said the party would invest in the development of all communities and bring about a change.

“We have a track record of doing so,” he reminded as he referred to the PPP in Government.

Jagdeo said it was less than two months ago that Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton told reporters that A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) would be contesting the June 12, LGE in all 80 Local Democratic

Organs and in all 610 constituencies, but it was later revealed by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) that the party would not be contesting in 25 of the LDOs and in some 340 constituencies.

“Can we trust them?” Jagdeo questioned.

Nevertheless, he committed the PPP/C to all of the promises made by the candidates contesting in all five constituencies in the town at the June 12 LGE.

Earlier, several constituency candidates addressed the gathering and pointed out many of the challenges residents of the town have been facing under the Peoples National Congress -led A Partnership for National Unity-run Town Council.

Among those also addressing the hundreds who turned up at the meeting on Friday was Sean Smith, a sitting Regional Democratic Councillor for the Alliance For Change (AFC), who has thrown his support behind the PPP/C. (G4)

APNU “worried” about strongholds as PPP/C poised to sweep LGE – Jagdeo

General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic, Bharrat Jagdeo has contended that a stir has been created by their massive support for Local Government Elections, with the People’s National Congress (PNC) now worried about its strongholds.

In the final days leading up to Monday’s highly-anticipated Local Government Elections, the PPP/C General Secretary gave his address at a public meeting at Kitty, Georgetown, on Thursday evening.

There, he contended that their major competitor is aware that the party will score big at the local polls, causing some amount of worry. Already, the PPP/C is set to secure 291 of the 610 constituencies, being the lone contester.

“They have given up on Guyana because they know

on Monday, we will sweep many of the remaining areas across the country. Now, they are worried about traditional strongholds. They are worried about Bartica, Linden, Georgetown and New Amsterdam because people now in these areas realise that nearly after 60 years in control of these places, that APNU has nothing to offer them. Absolutely nothing!” Jagdeo voiced.

According to Jagdeo, while the APNU is stuck in the mode of criticising, the PPP/C is on the ground sharing its vision on how it will enhance the capital city and other areas.

Calling it ‘battleground’ local areas ahead of the polls, the PPP/C is seeking to make a dent with its policies and initiatives to transform communities.

“These are now the battleground local government areas. And we’re waging a

fierce challenge with these candidates and you, the activists of the party and the supporters, because we have a message for every resident in these communities. People are listening to us across the country, that we have come to you to say what we are going to do, how we are going to change every

part of our country.”

No increase in taxes

Meanwhile, Jagdeo also clarified that there will be no increase in taxes for households, including Georgetown.

“There will be no increase in rates and taxes in these local government ar-

eas,” the General Secretary assured Georgetown residents.

Georgetown has been under control of the PNC for over five decades. He added that residents are witnessing for themselves that there has been no significant improvement over these years.

Due to failures at the cash-strapped City Council, Government took the onus to fix roads, and other critical infrastructure over the years – pointing to the PNC’s shortfalls.

“Every road has been fixed by the Central Government, not the City Council. Hundreds of millions of dollars have been expended in roads. We removed the dumpsites from the city so that garbage collection can improve. We put in streetlights in many parts of the city,” he said, highlighting Government’s efforts.

Moreover, Government had to waive billions of dollars owned to the Guyana Power and Light for electricity consumption for the streetlights.

With projects set aside to build out a modern city, Jagdeo highlighted that property valuations will increase, thus enhancing the lives of residents.

The current ruling PPP/C had already indicated its intention to contest all 610 constituencies in the 80 LAAs across the country.

The Opposition PNC-led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) is only contesting 260 of the 610 constituencies, while groups and individuals are contesting, outside of those 260 areas, in another 58 constituencies. This means that APNU and other groups or individuals are contesting in a total of 318 constituencies. (G12)

General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo at the Kitty public meeting

$253.8M in contracts signed to rebuild St George’s High

Following an electrical fire last July that destroyed St George’s High School and displaced hundreds of students, the Education Ministry on Friday signed six contracts amounting to $253.8 million for its reconstruction.

The new school, to be built within the footprint of the burnt building in Georgetown, was divided into six lots to be executed simultaneously by different contractors. Its completion is expected within the next five to seven months.

“We tried to divide it up so that more people could get opportunities to work in the country and benefit from these resources [and] also so that we could have simultaneous work happening so that the end product comes back to us in a short time,” said Education Minister Priya Manickchand.

After a competitive public bidding process adver-

tised since last September, the contracts were awarded among four contractors.

BM Property Investment Inc received the $113,943,900 contract to complete the superstructure as well as the $59,989,500 contract for block works.

A Ograsein & Sons General Contracting was awarded the $9,651,970 contract for the installation of plumbing infrastructure while Cummings Electrical Company Ltd received the $18,720,592 contract to complete the electrical works.

Meanwhile, Superior Supplies & General Construction received both the $22,472,560 contract to complete the external works and the $29,052,600 contract for finishing works.

Origin Investment was also selected as the project consultant.

Based on reports and recommendations by the Guyana Fire Service (GFS),

Permanent Secretary Alfred King explained that this new building will include fire prevention facilities such as fire escape stairs, escape doors, fire alarms, extinguishers, limited timber usage, metal ceilings and fire-retardant panels.

Measuring 209 feet by 70 feet, the new St George’s High School is expected to accommodate up to 400 students.

The concrete, two-storey structure is projected to have 12 classrooms, six labs including Information Technology (IT), home economics and Industrial Technology labs, and a canteen.

On July 20, 2022, St George’s High School was engulfed in flames in what the GFS determined to be a fire that was electrical in origin, stemming from an inoperable duplex receptacle located in the Social Studies Department.

The GFS had noted that “though inoperable, electricity was going to the duplex receptacle and the subsequent overheating of the insulation caused the plastic coating on the wire to melt, resulting in arcing and sparking which ignited nearby combustibles and spread to the entire building.”

Since then, the Education

Ministry facilitated the shift of over 200 students to several other schools including: South Ruimveldt Secondary, West Ruimveldt Secondary, Freeburg Secondary, Plaisance Secondary, Dolphin Secondary, L’Aventure Secondary, Friendship Secondary, Ann’s Grove Secondary, Covent Garden Secondary, Cummings Lodge Secondary

and Kingston Secondary.

Space constraints

While the Ministry initially attempted to secure a larger space for the construction of a bigger facility for these students, their inability to find an appropriate spot led them to rebuild at the school’s original location.

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An artist’s impression of the new St George’s High School

Education Minister Priya Manickchand and Permanent Secretary Alfred King pose with contract awardees

Exercise constitutional right, accept outcome – IROG to Guyanese

The Inter Religious Organisations of Guyana is calling on Guyanese to go out and vote at Monday’s Local Government Elections (LGE), and also urged the citizenry to accept the outcome of those polls.

In a statement on Friday, IROG Chairman, Dr Ronald McGarrell reminded that eligible voters are allowed to exercise their constitutional right to cast their ballot

for representatives within Guyana’s 10 Municipalities (Town Councils) and 70 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs).

According to the Head of the religious body, Guyanese enjoy freedom at the voting booth to choose those who serve in Government.

“It is both a privilege and a duty to participate in the election of our Government officials. The next leaders at our local level are chosen by the people and then sworn into office, which is a testimony to our democratic process,” he noted.

Dr McGarrell went on to note that it is not the mandate of IROG to tell citizens whom they should cast their ballot for but can urge them to go out and exercise their constitutional right.

“We take this opportunity to urge you to exercise responsible citizenship by making your choice at the poll. It is essential that you educate yourself on the issues that are critical to your various communities and weigh them against our

various faith and spiritual teachings in order to make an informed decision.”

“Participation in the electoral process is an obligation of good citizenship and the IROG promotes and encourages all of us to be good citizens of our beautiful country. Voting on Election Day, June 12 is one way to exercise our role as people of faith, who must be concerned about who will represent us in and about public policies which will affect our lives and the lives of many throughout Guyana,” the IROG Chairman posited.

On the other hand, Dr McGarrell further encouraged persons to ensure they accept the results of the upcoming local government polls.

“The winner may not end up being the candidate of your choice but the decision of the people must be accepted through the election, which guarantees a peaceful and beneficial outcome in our communities,” he stated.

Meanwhile, in preparation for the upcoming polls,

a number of political parties, groups and individuals participating in LGE 2023 signed a code of conduct last month that was administered by the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC). However, the Opposition-led A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) was the only party that did not show up to sign the code, which binds contestants to promote ethnic harmony and avoid hate speech and actions that would disrupt the peace.

IROG Chairman, Dr Ronald McGarrell

Deadly Mahdia fire

Parika-Supenaam boat operators make monetary donation to victims’ families

strong partnerships with private institutions, especially during times of tragedy,” the statement added.

On May, 29, a 15-yearold girl was arraigned for allegedly setting fire to the Mahdia Secondary School female dormitory which claimed the lives of 20 children—19 girls and a fiveyear-old boy.

The girl, who was initially charged with 19 counts of murder, is likely to be

slapped with another murder charge since another child, Sherana Daniels, 13, succumbed to her injuries on May 30.

The murder accused is being held on remand at the Juvenile Holding Centre.

She has so far been charged with the murders of Nicholeen Robinson; Martha D’Andrade; Shorline Bellarmine; Eulanda Carter; Adonijah Jerome; Subrina John; Cleoma Simon; Tracil

Thomas; Andrea Roberts; Lisa Roberts; Rita Jeffery; Loreen Evans; Delicia Edwards; Belnisa Evans; Lorita Williams; Mary D’Andrade; Omefa Evans; Natalie Bellarmine; and Arianna Edwards.

The May 21, 2023 inferno killed 19 female students between the ages of 12 and 17 and a five-year-old boy, who was the son of the dorm parents.

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The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) has received a monetary donation of $250,000 from the Parika-Supenaam Speedboat Owners

Association (PSSOA). This gesture is geared towards aiding the victims of the Mahdia dormitory fire, a press statement from the CDC said on Friday.

“The Association expressed sympathy towards those who lost loved ones and pledged to send well wishes to the survivors. The CDC continues to maintain

Boat operators handing over the donation

guyanatimesgy.com

The international leg of the Miss/ Mrs/Teen India worldwide pageant is set for staging from June 13-19 in Pune, a city in Mumbai, India. The winners of the local pageant, who will be representing Guyana at the international pageant in Pune next week, are: Miss India Guyana, Aruna Sukhdeo; Mrs. India Guyana, Reanna Arakhan; and Miss Teen India, Netu Lal.

The grand coronation of the local pageant was held on May 5, 2023 in the ballroom of the Ramada Princess Hotel, where the delegates wowed the judges and captured the hearts of the audience.

Vice President of the organization, Melicia K. R. Partab-Alli, on Friday spoke with Guyana Times and revealed the expected itinerary of the delegates once they arrive in India. Alli said there would be an official sashing ceremony, followed by a tour of Pune, after which there would be the official talent and evening gown segment. The finale is expected to be grand.

She also noted that there will be

rehearsals throughout the period to further prepare the Guyanese beauties for the final segment of the pageant, which will be a mirror of the segments executed in the local leg of the pageant.

However, Miss Guyana Teen Beauty Razack won the international pageant and brought home the coveted crown and title to Guyana. She will nevertheless head to India with the delegation next week to hand over the crown to her successor.

Alli is hopeful that the crown would be returned to Guyana, with the addition of the Miss and Mrs. titles this year.

Meanwhile, Guyana Times also spoke with the delegates, who all seemed very enthusiastic about the battle for the crown.

Aruna Sukhdeo, Miss India Guyana, expressed that she has high expectations for the pageant, and is looking forward to an exciting journey. “When you have a team supporting you, when you have your family and friends, you don’t really feel pressured,” she declared. She also related that whenever she feels overwhelmed, she remembers her support system and is ready to represent her country.

Mrs. India Guyana, Reanna Arakhan, has said she has been practising extensively for the pageant, believes she is ready, and is excited to follow through with the journey to the crown. “I expect to bring the crown home. I will try, with the best of my ability, to bring the crown home,” she declared.

Arakhan is also hopeful for new friendships and opportunities to learn more about her native culture in her motherland, India. Her platform is period poverty, as she believes that many are not educated on menstrual hygiene and the importance of ensuring that every girl feels confident during that time of the month.

Miss India Guyana Teen, Netu Lal, told this publication she has been working on model techniques to complement her talent piece and the art of the question-and-answer segment for the pageant, and she is confidently ready to vie for the crown. Her biggest expectation is the journey to India. Her platform is ANXIETY, as she has personally experienced it and would like to raise awareness of anxiety for teens on an international level.

“I hope that I can inspire others. I hope to allow them to know that they are not alone.”

The Miss Jamzone Pageant is heating up as nine talented young ladies have advanced to the semi-finals of the competition. The pageant, which is a showcase of beauty, talent, intelligence, tourism, and Guyana’s culture will return home - Splashmin’s Resort – on August 27.

The nine semi-finalists were selected out of a pool of 16 contestants who competed in the preliminary rounds and nearly 80 applicants overall.

The nine semi-finalists are Aliya Wong, Ashanti Corlette, Carolann Correia, Judell Price, Laquana Johnson, Rayshana Gillis, Shequana Holder, Tiseena Harry, and Trevlind Harry. Each delegate demonstrated a unique and captivating personality that charmed

the audience and judges. They were chosen based on various factors, which focused on their performance both on and off

stage. Social Media Buzz and the Committee points totaled 10 points each, while the Response to training was 35 points and the Judges’ scores

totaled 45 points.

The combined scores paved the way for nine delegates with the highest scores to move on to the next round. These nine delegates will experience intense pageantry training for the remainder of the competition and will display the ultimate showcase on pageant night.

The Pageant Director, Wasim Khan, expressed “These 16 young women gave an exceptional performance, and now our nine semi-finalists are poised to captivate, inspire, and demonstrate the qualities that make them outstanding ambassadors of tourism, culture, beauty, and grace. As the Miss Jamzone Pageant progresses, the entire team stands ready to support the delegates in their journey towards

the ultimate victory. Stay tuned for more updates on this remarkable competition, as these exceptional women continue to shine bright.”

The pageant continues to be a shining example of the best of Guyanese culture while focusing on local tourism, with an emphasis on empowering young women. The contestants will receive training and mentorship from industry professionals in preparation for the pageant, with a focus on developing their leadership skills and selfconfidence. It promises to be an event that the public does not want to miss.

To be updated on the pageant, persons can visit and follow the official page on Instagram at @ missjamzonepagaent and on Facebook at Jamzone International to be a part of the journey to the Miss Jamzone 2023 crown.

90% of “Because We Care” cash grants already uplifted – Manickchand

of the weather. [We] got there and had to turn back,” Manickchand said.

“Some places like Karisparu [in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni)], you have to get a particular type of aircraft…that wasn’t available to us,” Manickchand said, adding that despite these challenges, children within these areas will not be neglected.

Manickchand noted that while about 90 per cent of grants were collected, there was some proportion of persons in each region who were unable to uplift them within this timeframe for a number of reasons.

“So, we have one final day in every region where there’s a central point where people can go to pick this up,” Manickchand said.

Manickchand commended the work of both Ministry officials and the teachers within schools across the country who facilitated the smooth process of grant collection throughout this week.

As Friday marked the deadline for collecting the “Because We Care”, about 90 per cent of the allotted funds have been collected thus far, according to Education Minister Priya Manickchand on Friday during a contract signing ceremony.

This Education Ministry-led initiative commenced on Monday and offered parents and guardians a chance to collect a $40,000 per child cash grant to help with their educational needs.

Any child attending a private or public school, from the nursery level to Grade 10 or those who registered for the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) were eligible.

Grants were distributed across the country at various locations, as advertised on the Ministry’s social media channels, to parents and guardians with valid forms of identification.

Though the period for upliftment of the grants ended on Friday, the Minister noted that provisions will be made for those who have not yet been able to collect the funds.

“It’s not supposed to end today [Friday]. We still have some far-flung places, for example, we attempted to go to Eteringbang [in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) on Thursday] and that was a disaster because

She added that the Ministry has made continuous efforts to best accommodate parents and guardians in uplifting this grant that is expected to increase to at least $50,000 within the next two years.

During the first year of the cash grant programme in 2021, distribution was done in the last week of August but the Ministry received several notes of feedback that this timeline was too late for parents and guardians to make informed decisions.

As such, in 2022, grant distribution was slated for July but this required persons to return to schools within their holiday period.

“This year, because tests begin next week, we can’t do it next week, we can’t do it the following week and school closes the next week so we end up back in the same holiday period,” Manickchand said.

“This was the only time we could’ve done this if we were to hear our parents and teachers and try as much as we want to give this benefit and this service,” she added.

This year, over 214,000 children of public and private schools were expected to benefit from the cash grant programme.

This equates to some $8.6 billion in disposable income being made available to families nationwide.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand

“Smallie” cremated; sister agreed for State to arrange funeral – Home Affairs Ministry

Royden Durant also called “Royden Williams” and “Smallie”, who was shot and killed during a Joint Services operation, was cremated at the Memorial Garden on Friday during which relatives and friends paid their last respects.

However, prior to the funeral, the death-row inmate’s father, Maurice Williams, hosted a press briefing at the Daphne Rogers Building, Hughes Fields & Stoby, Hadfield and Cross Streets, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown office during which he accused the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) of not releasing his son’s body to the family.

He stated that the family was contemplating taking legal action against the State’s refusal to hand over the body.

“We contacted and received a response from the Attorney General indicating that the State had no difficulties releasing the body for burial. The Attorney General, however, subsequently indicated that the body is in the lawful custody of the State and the State will not be releasing the body for burial,” Attorney-at-Law Ronald Daniels, who is representing the grieving family, told the media.

“As far as we are concerned, the State has no authority or law, or in convention to detain the body of Mr Williams, and the body of Mr Williams should be handed over to his family.”

One of the key points of contention raised by the family is the suspicious condition of the body of the now-dead death-row inmate.

The escapee’s father related “On Wednesday I went to visit Royden and there were a lot of bullet holes and a lot of his tattoos coming off of his skin… we bury our dead, that’s how I know it from growing up in my family…Royden is dead already, you don’t have any right to hold the body.”

In fact, the family was hoping to stop the funeral from happening but soon after the press briefing, the Home Affairs Ministry in a press statement related that the sister of the now-dead high-profile prisoner had met with the prison authorities and agreed for the State to take control of the funeral.

“Shortly after his death, Williams’ sister engaged the Prison Authorities who informed her that the State will not hand over the body to the family and will take care of the funeral arrangements. The reasons were provided to the sister. The Prison Authorities and the sister, on behalf of the family, discussed and consensually planned the funeral arrangements,” the release stated.

Further, the release added that “Out of those discussions, it was decided that the funeral will take place at Memorial Gardens, Le Repentir, with an agreed number of family members in attendance and that the family’s Pastor will do the fi-

nal rites. As of 8:00 am this morning (June 9, 2023). the Director of Prisons and the sister of Williams confirmed these arrangements.”

Pointing to several convictions, the Minister reiterated that “Smallie” was charged, inter alia, with a total of 23 counts of murder including the Lusignan and Bartica massacres. He was found guilty of nine counts of murder inclusive of the murder of women, children, and the death of a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) officer, and sentenced to death on each.

In 2017, Williams escaped from lawful custody and was recaptured months thereafter. On May 19, 2023, Williams again escaped from lawful custody. On this occasion, from the high-security block of the Mazaruni Prison.

On this note, the Home Affairs Ministry clarified that unless Williams’ convictions were overturned by a court, his body will remain in the custody of the prison authorities, in accordance with the law. “The pending appeals filed by the family do not alter this position,” the release pointed out.

Smallie escaped from the Mazaruni Prison on May 19 with the aid of several accomplices who were armed with high-powered weapons. One day after his escape, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) offered a $10 million reward for any information that may have led to his arrest.

In a shocking twist to the escape, six persons, four of

Exercise constitutional right...

On Friday, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) said preparations are in place for the smooth holding of the LGE next week.

Chief Elections Officer Vishnu Persaud told reporters at a press conference that some results could be available as soon as Monday evening, especially for those Local Authority Areas (LAAs) where there is no contest.

GECOM had previously announced that there are 13 LAAs with a combined total of 98 constituencies, and

193 additional constituencies from among other LAAs, where there will be no need for eligible persons to vote because of unopposed Lists, that is, only one political party/group/individual is contesting the elections.

The current ruling People’s Progressive Party/ Civic is contesting all 610 constituencies in the 80 LAAs across the country. Reports are that the APNU is only contesting 260 of the 610 constituencies, while groups and individuals are contesting, outside of those 260 areas, in another 58 con-

whom are Prison Officers, were remanded to prison after answering charges of aiding the escape “Smallie”.

The Prison Officers charged were Alexander Hopkinson, 58, of Bartica Housing Scheme, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni); Oldfield Romulus, 50, of Victoria Street, Cumberland Village, East Canje, Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne); Conroy Hosannah, 35, of East Canje, Berbice; and Omar Witherspoon, 26, of Stanleytown, New Amsterdam, Berbice.

They have been charged along with Rajmohan Autor, called “Chico”, a 48-yearold businessman of Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE); and Venezuelan national Frangeliz Jugandry

Flores Perez, 28, of Kitty, Georgetown.

Then, almost 10 days after the brazen escape, one of Smallie’s accomplices, Neon Howard, called “Taxi”, of Friendship, East Coast Demerara, was shot dead during an exchange of gunfire with members of the Joint Services at St Mary’s logging area in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

This prompted the Joint Services to intensify their search around that area since they believed that “Smallie” might have been close. Less than a week after the death of Howard, the wanted fugitive and another accomplice, Odel Roberts, also called “Gully Side” were shot dead during a confrontation with the Joint Services at 33 Miles, Potaro Road, Bartica.

After the deadly encounter, an M70 rifle, along with 79 rounds of live ammunition were recovered at the scene along with a red shirt, a pair of black trousers, a grey T-shirt, a yellow overshirt, a yellow long-sleeved jersey, a black T-shirt, a black belt, a silver-blade knife, three Amoxicillin tablets, three small batteries, one toothbrush, three clothes pins, and one condom.

Police have reported that Joint Services ranks set up a dragnet within the 33 Miles, Potaro Road, Bartica area while they remained in pursuit of the wanted man and during the operation, Williams and his accomplice, Roberts, were confronted by a Joint Services team. Both men were killed during the operation.

$253.8M in contracts signed...

Manickchand said that the Georgetown Education District had serious space constraints even before the fires that destroyed St George’s High School, North Ruimveldt Secondary School and Christ Church Secondary.

These issues, she noted, have only gotten worse with the destruction of those schools.

On Thursday, the Education Ministry signed over $668 million in contracts to rebuild Christ Church Secondary School which was also gutted by a fire in January.

FROM PAGE 12

stituencies. This means that APNU and other groups or individuals are contesting a total of 318 constituencies in 67 LAAs.

PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo had said that his party has essentially won those 292 uncontested constituencies and 13 LAAs.

At the last LGE held in November 2018, the then PPP/C Opposition had secured 52 of the 80 LAAs. This had followed the holding of the 2016 Local Government polls, where the PPP/C had also claimed the majority of the LAAs. (G8)

The Minister assured that soon, contracts will be signed to rebuild St Mary’s High School.

This, along with the reconstruction of North Ruimveldt Secondary School, St Rose’s High School, extensions at Queen’s College, The Bishops’ High School, East Ruimveldt Secondary School and St Winefride’s Secondary School, will see the space issues in the Georgetown District being addressed.

Further, Manickchand noted that the completion of Good Hope Secondary School will address space issues along the East Coast

FROM PAGE 11

while the completion of Yarrowkabra Secondary School will address the said issue for the Upper East Bank Demerara area.

“So, it’s a massive programme to get secondary schools up and running and as it is exciting. It is equally worrying because we are depending on so much; on people who are signing contracts with us, honouring their duties and responsibilities under those contracts.

So, the Government is clear. Our intention is clear. We want children in schools. We want to build schools,” Manickchand stated.

Parika-Supenaam boat...

Days following the horrific incident, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) disclosed that the fire was allegedly started by the 15-yearold student, who also lived at the dorm, after her cellular phone was taken away by the dorm’s mother and a teacher.

Initial information received from sources close to the investigation had revealed that the teen in question was reportedly previously suspended for engaging in activities contrary to the rules of the institution and was involved in an argument with the administrators during which she allegedly threatened to cause “trouble.”

The Mahdia school’s dormitory housed students from the communities of Karisparu, El Paso, Micobie, and Chenapao, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).

The fire was allegedly set in the bathroom area of the dormitory. According to the surviving female students, they were asleep and were awakened by screams.

Upon checking, they saw fire and smoke in the bathroom area, which quickly spread in the building, causing several students to receive burns to their bodies and smoke inhalation, whilst several managed to escape. Several of the injured students were airdashed to the Georgetown

FROM PAGE 13

Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for treatment.

According to the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), the dormitory housed 59 students. At the time of the fire, there were 56 females and a fiveyear-old boy inside.

The remaining students had gone home for the weekend. The dormitory’s 26 windows were heavily grilled and the five doors were locked with keys when the fire broke out.

President Dr Irfaan Ali has announced that a Commission of Inquiry (CoI) will be conducted into the deadly blaze. He also announced that the victims’ families will be compensated by the State. (G1)

Dead: Death-row inmate Royden Durant, also called “Royden Williams” and “Smallie”

Dead accomplice Odel Roberts

Dead accomplice Neon Howard

Father of Royden Williams, Maurice Williams (right), and the family’s attorney Ronald Daniels

47% of Joint Services voted in LGE – GECOM

A47 per cent turnout was recorded after the Disciplined Services cast their ballots for Local Government Elections, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) on Friday divulged.

“It caters to 47 per cent turnout as opposed to 39 percent in 2018,” Deputy Chief Election Officer, Aneal Giddings informed.

Registered voters under the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) were 2684; whereby 1361 votes were cast or 50.71 per cent.

For Guyana Police Force (GPF), some 5979 ranks were registered to vote, with 2717 votes cast, representing a 45.44 per cent turnout.

For the Guyana Prison Service, registered voters accounted for 430 officers with 239 votes cast or 55.58 per cent.

Members of the Disciplined Forces voted on June 2, 2023. As far as practicable, separate lists were prepared and signed off by representatives of the agencies. Chief Elections

he collided head-on with Budhu, who was riding a motorcycle bearing registration number CK 6914.

Guyana Times understands that Narine has been using the trade-plated motorcycle for the past five months.

Nevertheless, following the collision, both young men sustained injuries to their bodies and were picked up and taken to the Mibicuri Hospital. Due to the severity of their injuries and the fact that both of them were unconscious, they were transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital.

Officer, Vishnu Persaud informed that it was a smooth process to GECOM’s satisfaction.

Following this, the ballots needed to be sorted to be counted in the constitu-

ready to be moved on election day, so that they can be properly in intermixed.”

Persaud relayed that every rank whose name was on the list was allowed to vote since “not a single complaint” was received of such. However, if persons could not vote on D-Day, they can do so at the respective polling stations on Election Day.

is that rank registered in our national register of registrants and by extension, in the register of voters for the LAA in which he or she resident,” he explained.

Ayoung security officer attached to the Sureway Security Service is now dead and another youth is battling for his life at the Georgetown Public Hospital following a head-on collision between two motorcycles along the Mibicuri main access road, Black Bush Polder (BBP) on Thursday.

Dead is 20-year-old

There, they were treated and subsequently referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital where Budhu took his last breath on Friday morning while Narine was admitted in a critical condition.

However, at the home of the now-dead security officer, his uncle Jairam Budhu related that his nephew was on his way home from

the young man but whilst doing so, he heard a loud sound a short distance from where he was. As he looked up the road, he saw a crowd had gathered and it was then he decided to enquire.

There, he was greeted by his nephew and the other young man covered in blood. He immediately assisted residents to put them in a vehicle and rushed

ency where the voter registered. This has been successfully completed.

He informed the media, “Those votes have been separated by constituency, and they are packaged and

about half an hour after I hear that he at the hospital, he get an accident,” the man revealed.

Eyewitnesses reported that the lorry was parked and the driver had exited to go into a shop when the accident occurred.

Budhu and Narine, according to reports, suffered from a fractured skull and broken legs. Both motorcyclists were reportedly wearing helmets at the time of the crash.

Meanwhile, Budhu’s uncle referred to the now-dead man as a very good person.

“He is a very [good] boy to the family and also I would miss Brian because anything I can get him to do even to go and wash my vehicle. If I tell him that I get an airport trip and ask him to go and collect the people he might make a grumble but he would still do it. I will miss him,” he said in a tearful voice while adding that he was liked in the community and never

“As far as I am aware, every single person who turned up to vote were allowed to, provided their names are on the list for the particular ballot station. These lists were signed off by persons authorised to do so on behalf of the respective Forces. The preparation of these lists is done in collaboration with us. We at GECOM will never know where a rank is stationed. What we will have,

GECOM had announced that the Disciplined Services would vote on June 2, in keeping with Sections 74A and 74I of the Local Authorities (Amendment) Act. Disciplined Services encompass the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), the Guyana Fire Service and the Guyana Prison Service. Voting for the Disciplined Services is traditionally held separately from the general population because the Disciplined Services will have their hands full ensuring law and order is maintained when the general population votes. (G12)

Man accused of visa scam remanded to prison

A46-year-old man, Kwesi Lewis, who had been granted $400,000 bail on four fraud-related charges in relation to allegedly promising persons that he could get them visas, has been remanded to prison on a similar charge.

When the defendant appeared virtually before acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts, he pleaded not guilty to the allegation.

It is alleged that in October 2022, at Charlotte Street, Georgetown, he defrauded Claudia Joseph of $55,000 by falsely pretending that he was in a position to acquire a US visa.

The Police prosecutor objected to him being granted bail on the ground that he has similar charges pending. As such, Lewis was remanded to prison until June 19.

Meanwhile, Lewis is facing four similar charges that were filed against him last month.

It is alleged that between September 22, 2022, and February 21, 2023, at Georgetown, Lewis obtained the sum of $150,000 from Evans Stoby and her grandson Jaden Williams by falsely pretending that he was in the position to acquire a Canadian visa.

his brother Chris Nepaul.

Lewis is further accused of defrauding Chris Nepaul of $60,000 on August 10, 2022, at Charlotte Street, Georgetown, by falsely pretending that he was in a position to acquire a US visa for him.

On these charges, he was granted $400,000 bail, on the condition that he reports to the Officer-inCharge of the Brickdam Police Station every Friday at 09:00 am pending the hearing and determination of his trial. These matters will continue on June 23.

Navindra “Brain” Budhu while the injured man has been identified as 23-yearold Marvin Narine, both of Mibicuri North, BBP, Corentyne, Berbice.

Police preliminary investigations revealed that on the day in question at about 17:30h, Narine was riding a motorcycle with trade plate JYT-2 and was in the process of overtaking a parked motor lorry when

collecting his wages when the accident occurred.

He explained that moments before the accident, he had telephoned his nephew to find out his location since he wanted him to take his vehicle to the car wash. His intention was to hand over the car to him and he would have taken the motorcycle home.

As such, he drove to the head of the street to wait on

them to the hospital.

Meanwhile, the injured man’s father, Narine (only name given) told Guyana Times that his son, who worked as a labourer, had just returned home from work when he asked him to run an errand.

“He was changing his motorbike oil when I asked him to go and buy cassava so that we could make soup. He bathe and he go out and

smoked.

“Up to this morning (Friday), people saying that he never make any problem and always stopped and gaffing with them. Sometimes he would drink a beer but he would drink it at home,” the uncle related.

Budhu leaves to mourn his parents, three sisters, and other relatives. Investigations are continuing. (Andrew Carmichael)

It is also alleged that he defrauded Tonette Glen and her grandson Jeremiah Carter of a sum of $157,000 between August 20, 2022, and January 23, 2023, at Georgetown, by falsely pretending that he was in the position to acquire an American visa.

It is further alleged that between September 1, 2022, and October 19, 2022, at Georgetown, he defrauded Andrew Nepaul of US$2045 by falsely pretending that he was in the position to acquire an American visa for

The US Embassy in Georgetown recently warned members of the public to be aware of visa scams in light of an increase in third-party preparers or visa service providers creating fake appointment letters and charging exorbitant fees for visa services people can otherwise do by themselves.

The Embassy has also reiterated that paying someone would not improve an applicant’s chances of getting a visa. In fact, people have been advised to avoid anyone who makes such a claim.

Persons are further advised to report anyone who claims to improve their chances of qualifying for a visa to fpugeorge@state. gov. (G1)

Remanded: Kwesi Lewis

Members of the Guyana Police Force who voted on June 2

1 dead, 1 critical in Mibicuri 2-vehicle collision

The two motorcycles that were involved in the accident

Critically injured: Marvin Narine

Dead: Navindra Brian Budhu

Regional Approval rating for Brazil's Lula dips despite better economic news

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who left office with record popularity in 2010, is not doing so well in his new term, and his approval ratings are slipping steadily, a new poll showed on Friday.

Despite some recent good news on the economic front, the number of Brazilians who rate his Government as great or good has dropped to 37% this month from 39% in April and 41% in March, according to a poll by IPEC published in the O Globo newspaper. Those who see his Government as bad or very bad have risen to 28% from 26% and 24% in the previous two IPEC polls.

Lula's approval rating even dipped in the poor Northeast of Brazil, his traditional stronghold and where he won most votes against former hard-right President Jair Bolsonaro in the elections last October.

IPEC CEO Marcia Cavallari said the slippage in Lula's approval rating was to be expected at the

start of a Government that took office in January as voters adjust their hopes to reality.

"The effect of some recent positive economic indicators may not yet have been perceived in practice by voters," she said.

Brazil's economy grew more than expected in the first quarter and inflation is slowing, hitting a 2-1/2-year low, which is good news for consumers.

Lula's minority

Colombia, ELN rebels declare ceasefire as latest cycle of talks ends

Colombia's Government and the left-wing ELN guerrilla group declared a bilateral ceasefire on Friday, as a third cycle of peace talks closed in Havana.

Preparations for the ceasefire, which will come into full force on Aug 3 and last 180 days, are due to begin immediately, said Cuba´s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez, speaking on behalf of the participants.

Rodriguez said.

A fourth cycle of peace talks will take place in Venezuela between Aug 14 and Sept 4, Rodriguez said.

The ceasefire announcement is good news for the embattled Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who is facing allegations at home of financial irregularities in his election campaign, threatening other aspects of his planned political and social reforms.

which has run for nearly six decades, has killed at least 450,000 people.

The leftist Petro, who flew from Colombia to attend the ceasefire announcement, early in his tenure promised an ambitious plan for total peace in the South American nation long plagued by domestic conflict.

Government has had trouble forming a political base in Brazil's conservative Congress, where the powerful farm lobby has moved to block his promises on the environment and protection of Indigenous land rights.

Approval of the way Lula governs has slipped to 53% from 54% in April and 57% in the first poll in March, while disapproval has increased to 40% now from 37% and 35% previously.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Power cuts hit Venezuela's west, cutting air conditioning during heat wave

Daily power cuts have returned to west-central Venezuela, shutting air conditioners during a heat wave and hitting factories, households and utilities as poorly maintained thermal plants fail to compensate for weak hydroelectric generation, residents, engineers and analysts said.

"It is inhumane that in a city like this they cut our power during the hottest hours," said 42-year-old housewife Mariana Barboza in Maracaibo, where temperatures typically surpass 40 °C (about 104 °F) this time of year. "We have bad nights, kids cry and mosquitoes abound. They are killing us slowly."

Lengthy power cuts had been avoided in recent years due to lower demand and investments by President Nicolas Maduro's Government in deteriorated power transmission and distribution lines. But outages have returned, even affecting capital Caracas, which has traditionally shielded from interruptions.

Residents said the cuts last at least four hours per day. The OPEC country's average temperature has risen 4 degrees Celsius this year, figures disclosed by Maduro last month showed.

The hotter weather has reduced water volume in hydro-electric dams while boosting demand for air conditioning, leading to intermittent public water supply, unstable electricity at factories and oil operations and

telecommunications blackouts.

In western Zulia state, where Maracaibo is located, some public hospitals have been told to begin operating their own power plants because the regional government cannot secure stable power supply, a source with knowledge of the plans said.

Venezuela's Information

Ministry and state power company Corpoelec did not reply to requests for comment.

The grid's unreliability has not stopped the government from sharply raising electricity bills for consumers, who have been hoping for rain to shore up hydroelectric supply.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

"On Aug 3, 2023, the full implementation ... of the national and temporary bilateral ceasefire will begin with the full application of the protocols and the full operation of the monitoring and verification mechanism,"

"Here ends a phase of armed insurgency in Latin America," Petro told participants at the closing ceremony in Havana. "The world of arms, and of killing one another ... must cease."

Colombia's conflict,

The Havana negotiations stalled in mid-May after Petro questioned the group´s unity of leadership, prompting a rebuke from the ELN, which at the time said talks had entered into "crisis."

Mexico, Norway, Venezuela, Cuba, Brazil and Chile are guarantor nations for the negotiations.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Crocodile found to have made herself pregnant in Costa Rica

The first case of a crocodile who made herself pregnant has been identified at a zoo in Costa Rica.

She produced a foetus that was 99.9% genetically identical to herself.

The phenomenon of socalled "virgin birth" has been found in species of birds, fish and other reptiles, but never before in crocodiles.

The scientists say the trait might be inherited from an evolutionary ancestor, so dinosaurs might also have been capable of self-reproduction.

The research has been published in the Royal Society journal, Biology Letters.

The egg was laid by an 18-year-old female American crocodile in Parque Reptilania in January 2018. The foetus inside was fully formed but stillborn and so did not hatch.

The crocodile who laid the egg was obtained when she was two years old and was kept apart from other crocodiles for its entire life. Because of this, the park's scientific team contacted Belfast-born Dr Warren Booth, now working at Virginia Tech in the US. He has been studying virgin births, known scientifically as parthenogenesis, for 11 years.

Dr Booth analysed the foetus and found that it was

more than 99.9 % genetically identical to its mother - confirming that it had no father.

He told BBC News that he wasn't surprised by the discovery.

''We see it in in sharks, birds, snakes and lizards and it is remarkably common and widespread''.

He speculated that the reason that parthenogenesis has not been seen in crocodiles is because people have not been looking for instances of them.

''There was a big increase in reports of parthenogenesis when people started keeping pet snakes. But your average reptile keeper doesn't keep a crocodile," he said. (Excerpt from BBC News)

World Bank using lessons learnt from COVID-19 pandemic in Eastern Caribbean to improve resilience

The World Bank Friday said that the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has disturbed the economic and social well-being of Eastern Caribbean countries that were hit hard by the virus and is seeking to improving health resilience through the pandemic response

The Washington-based financial institution said it had provided critical support by reallocating US$15 million using the Contingency Emergency Response Component (CERC) available through ongoing health projects.

It said these funds addressed emergency response needs, strengthened the capacity of the health system, and supported front line health workers during the public health emergency.

The World Bank said in 2020, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) contracted as much as 16-20 per cent in some Caribbean countries.

“International travel

was almost completely halted to contain the spread of infections, which impacted countries within the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) earnings from tourism enormously, as tourism accounts for 35 per cent of GDP on average in these countries and provides more than half of

all jobs,” it said. The bank said non-tourism-related economic activities also contracted due to disruptions in international logistics and supply chains, as well as the implementation of social distancing measures including curfews and business closures.

In addition to the pan-

demic, OECS countries have had to grapple simultaneously with the impact of natural disasters and outbreaks of other infectious diseases.

To address the public health emergency, the World Bank activated the CERC for Dominica, Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines, through the ongoing OECS

Regional Health Project as early as April 2020, which allowed for the reallocation of US$10 million to emergency response. Additional funds were also provided for these countries from the Pandemic Emergency Financing Facility in November 2020. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Mexico still has 'differences' with US on air safety rating, President says

The US and Mexico still have "differences" of opinion regarding Mexico's recovery of a coveted air safety rating, Mexico's President said on Thursday.

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) downgraded Mexico to the Category 2 air safety rating more than two years ago, citing safety concerns. The decision means Mexican airlines cannot open new routes to the United States.

US Transportation Secretary Pete

Buttigieg visited Mexico on Wednesday, where Mexican officials said the rating change would be discussed, but two sources with knowledge of the matter cautioned that the rating recovery would not coincide with his trip and said there was no specific timetable for restoring the rating. The US wants to make clear any decision to restore Mexico's safety rating would be based on technical merits, not politics, the sources added.

Mexican President

Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said at a news conference on Thursday that the US was "bargaining" with Mexico over the rating and that a change to cargo flights was another sticking point between the countries.

Lopez Obrador wants cargo flights to land at the new Felipe Angeles (AIFA) airport in Mexico City rather than the more centrally located Benito Juarez airport to free up space, but said some US carriers are reluctant to move.

"Yesterday, we met with

the transportation secretary," Lopez Obrador said. "There are differences. But these are important matters, and we must come to an agreement."

A joint statement from the US and Mexican transportation agencies released by USDOT late Thursday did not address Mexico's air safety rating but said both governments are committed to the successful development of AIFA "in ways that will bolster the US-Mexico air transportation relationship." (Excerpt from Reuters)

Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva speaking during an event for the World Environment Day at Planalto Palace in Brasilia, Brazil June 5, 2023

Around The World OIL NEWS

Ukraine reports 'heavy combat' after Putin says offensive has begun

Oil posts second weekly decline as demand concerns overshadow Saudi cut

Oil prices fell more than a dollar a barrel on Friday to record a second straight weekly decline, as disappointing Chinese data added to doubts about demand growth after Saudi Arabia's weekend decision to cut output.

Brent crude futures fell US$1.17, or 1.5%, to settle at US$74.79 a barrel, while the US West Texas Intermediate crude fell US$1.12, or 1.6%, to US$70.17 a barrel.

Both benchmarks lost more than US$3 on Thursday after a media report that a US-Iran nuclear deal was imminent and would result in more supply. Prices pared losses after both countries denied the report, ending about a dollar a barrel lower.

"Thursday's price moves show how fragile oil is," said UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo.

"The Saudi cut lifted prices slightly, and then the chatter of the potential return of Iranian barrels saw a large drop. Long investors are likely on the sidelines until larger oil inventory declines become visible," he said.

Oil prices had risen early in the week, buoyed by Saudi Arabia's pledge over the weekend to cut more output on top of the cuts agreed earlier with the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies.

However, a rise in US fuel stocks and weak Chinese export data have weighed on the markets.

"As we move deeper into the summer driving season in the Northern Hemisphere, demand will be a key factor in determining whether limited inventories must drive prices higher, or soft demand leads to lower prices," said Rob Haworth, senior investment strategist at US Bank Asset Management.

China's factory gate prices fell at the fastest pace in seven years in May and quicker than forecasts, as faltering demand weighed on a slowing manufacturing sector and cast a cloud over the fragile economic recovery.

Some analysts expect oil prices to rise if the US Federal Reserve pauses hiking interest rates at its next meeting over June 13-14. The Fed's decision may also influence Saudi Arabia's next move, analysts said.

"The important thing is that despite those changes (Saudi, US-Iran) to output, oil remains below US$80, no doubt much to the disappointment of the Saudis," said OANDA analyst Craig Erlam.

"What comes next may well depend on the inflation data and interest rate decisions over the coming weeks," he said. (Reuters)

Lancet study: More than 100 million people in India diabetic

Anew study published in Lancet estimates

that 101 million people in India - 11.4% of the country's population - are living with diabetes.

A survey commissioned by the Health Ministry also found that 136 million people - or 15.3% of the people - could be living with pre-diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of the condition.

People have high blood sugars because they are unable to make enough insulin, a hormone, or respond to it properly.

The latest study, published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology, is considered to be the first to comprehensively cover every state to assess the country's burden of non-communicable diseases.

Researchers said they found that the prevalence of diabetes in India's pop-

Moscow and Kyiv both reported heavy fighting in Ukraine on Friday, with bloggers describing the first sightings of German and US armour, signalling that Ukraine's long-anticipated counterattack was under way.

With virtually no independent reporting from the front lines and Kyiv saying little, it was impossible to assess whether Ukraine was penetrating Russian defences in its bid to drive out occupying forces.

"We can state for sure that this offensive has begun," Russian President Vladimir Putin said in Sochi. "Ukrainian troops did not achieve their goals in any sector."

Ukraine's President

Voldymyr Zelenskiy said he had discussed tactics and "achievements" with military leaders but gave little away. The counteroffensive is ultimately expected to involve thousands of

Decrying 'witch hunt', Boris Johnson resigns from UK Parliament

Ukrainian troops trained and equipped by the West.

The United States announced an extra $2.1 billion in security assistance on Friday, including air defence and ammunition.

Russia, which has had months to prepare its de-

fensive lines, says it has repelled attacks since the start of the week. Kyiv has said its main effort has yet to begin.

The initial days of the counteroffensive have been overshadowed this week by a huge humanitarian disaster after the destruction of the Kakhovka dam holding back the waters of the Dnipro River that bisects Ukraine.

Thousands of people have been forced to evacuate homes flooded in the war zone, vast nature preserves have been wiped out and the destruction to irrigation systems is likely to cripple agriculture across much of southern Ukraine for decades. Kyiv said at least four people had died and 13 were missing. (Excerpt from Reuters)

With eye on China, US and five allies condemn traderelated 'economic coercion'

The United States and five of its allies on Friday condemned the use of trade practices that amount to economic coercion in a joint declaration that did not single out other countries but appeared to be aimed at China.

practices by state-owned enterprises, forced technology transfer, and Government interference with corporate decision-making.

ulation was much higher than previously estimated. The WHO had estimated 77 million people suffering from diabetes, and nearly 25 million were pre-diabetics, at a higher risk of developing diabetes in near future.

"It is a ticking time bomb," Dr RM Anjana, lead author of the study and managing director at Dr Mohan's Diabetes Specialities Centre, told The Indian Express newspaper.

"If you have pre-diabetes, conversion to diabetes is very, very fast in our population; more than 60% of people with pre-diabetes end up converting to diabetes in the next five years," she said.

The decade-long study was conducted by the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and involved 113,000 participants over the age of 20 from every state in India.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson abruptly quit as a Member of Parliament on Friday in a furious protest against lawmakers investigating his conduct, reopening divisions in the ruling Conservative Party ahead of national elections expected next year.

Johnson had been under investigation by a parliamentary inquiry looking into whether he misled the House of Commons about lockdown-breaking parties in Downing Street during the COVID-19 pandemic.

After Johnson received a confidential letter from the committee, he accused lawmakers on the committee investigating him of acting like a "kangaroo court" and being determined to end his political career.

"I am being forced out by a tiny handful of people, with no evidence to back up their assertions, and without approval even of Conservative party members let alone the wider electorate," Johnson said in a statement.

Parliament's privileges committee - the main disciplinary body for lawmakershas the power to recommend Johnson be suspended from Parliament. If the suspension is for more than 10 days, voters in his constituency can demand he stand for re-election

continue as their representative.

Johnson hinted that he planned to make a return to frontline politics, declaring he was leaving Parliament "for now".

But the decision to resign may be the end of his 22-year political career, where he rose from Parliament to Mayor of London and then built a profile that tipped the balance of the 2016 European Union referendum in favour of Brexit.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Australia, Britain, Canada, Japan, and New Zealand jointly released the statement with the United States, emphasising that "trade-related economic coercion and non-market-oriented policies and practices" threatened the multi-lateral trading system and "harms relations between countries."

The statement comes after the Group of Seven leaders last month agreed to a new initiative to counter economic coercion and pledged action to ensure that any actors attempting to weaponise economic dependence would fail and face consequences.

The United States, Britain, Japan and Canada are also members of the G7.

The countries expressed concern about "pervasive subsidisation," anti-competitive

Washington has regularly raised such concerns about trade practices by Beijing, and an official from the office of the US Trade Representative, who spoke to reporters about the joint declaration, cited China for imposing a ban on imports from Lithuania after Lithuania allowed Taiwan to open a de facto embassy.

China, which regards the democratically-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory, suspended imports of beef, dairy and beer from Lithuania last year.

In May, Beijing protested the G7's declarations, including on economic coercion, saying the US was "pushing hard to weave an anti-China net in the Western world."

In their joint statement on Friday, the US and its five allies also raised concerns about forced labour. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Wildfires spread in British Columbia, Quebec sees signs of progress

Wildfires spread in the western Canadian province of British Columbia on Friday, while in the east, Quebec said it would start efforts to control blazes that have sent smoke billowing across North American cities.

Canada is enduring its worst start to the wildfire season, with 2392 fires so far this year and 4.4 million hectares (10.9 million acres) burned, according to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC), roughly 15 times the annual average over the last decade.

The CIFFC reported 424

active fires, of which 230 were out of control. It is unusual for blazes to be burning simultaneously in the east and west, stretching resources and fuelling concerns about the consequences of climate change.

Around 2500 people were told to evacuate the community of Tumbler Ridge in north-eastern British Columbia on Thursday.

Officials also expanded evacuation orders for the Donnie Creek fire, the second-largest recorded in the province.

In the eastern province of Quebec, Forestry Minister Maite Blanchette Vezina said that as extra resources arrived, authorities would

be better able to control the fires. Hundreds of firefighters from across the world have flown to Canada.

"This sprint phase is over - now we're in a marathon phase. So in the next days and weeks we will be working to contain those active fires to bring them under control and eventually extinguish them," she told a briefing.

Temperatures in parts of British Columbia soared to more than 30 Celsius (86 Fahrenheit) this week, nearly 10 C above the seasonal average. While rain is expected over the weekend there is a risk of lightning strikes.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Firefighters working at a site of residential area heavily damaged during a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in the town of Zviahel, Zhytomyr region, Ukraine, in this handout picture released June 9, 2023

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson leaving his home in London (Photo taken on March 21, 2023) to

DAILY HOROSCOPES

(March 21-April 19)

Verify information before making a purchase or decision. When in doubt, go directly to the source. Think twice before you squander money. Set up a financial plan to help save for a big-ticket item.

Consider the best way to handle a situation. Refuse to let anger set in or allow stubbornness to hold you back. If you are willing to adjust to circumstances, it will help you get your way.

(April 20-May 20)

PEANUTS

(May 21-June 20)

Make plans with friends who amuse you. An entertaining event will draw your attention to something or someone of interest. Keep an open mind. A learning experience will improve your life.

Creativity, hard work and a passionate attitude will carry you to the top. Your staying power and connections will help you reach your goal. Don't waste time on trivial matters.

(June 21-July 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Keep things in perspective. It will be easy to take on too much or to let temptation take the reins. By helping others, you'll connect with someone who has something to offer.

Communication is your best resource. Take the time to explain your intentions and map out your plans. How you relate to others will determine what kind of feedback and help you receive.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Implement changes that encourage a healthier lifestyle. Don't overload your to-do list with minor jobs that you can delegate. Strive to lower less stress and find new ways to enjoy life.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Plan to do something unique, emotionally stimulating or energetic. You can have a fabulous time with the right people without breaking the bank. An innovative idea will entice others to join you.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Pay attention to your health and physical well-being. Avoid injury and illness by sidestepping risky situations. Don't count on honesty from others. Dig deep and get the facts.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Pay attention, follow the money and search for unique investments. Concentrate on home, family and pastimes that bring you closer to others, and you'll add stability to your life.

Concentrate on making your dreams come true. How you treat others will affect how others respond to you. Instead of putting pressure on people, offer them the freedom to do as they please.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Regulate how you handle your finances. Spending money on things you don't need or trying to buy someone's love will be a waste. Use your intelligence and intuition to develop an affordable plan.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

World cricket Test Championship final 2023…

India fight back, but Australia ahead on Day 3

A109-run opening session, headlined by a century stand between Ajinkya Rahane and Shardul Thakur, was followed by a slow-moving session as India tried to wrest control. However, the status quo did not change, with Australia still retaining their dominant position at the end of Day 3 of the WTC final at The Oval on Friday (June 9).

Having bowled out India for 296, Australia ended the day at 123/4, scoring 100 of those runs in the final session to stretch their lead to 296.

The Australian pacers began the day with probing lengths, making the most of their height to generate bounce and trouble the Indian batters.

After KS Bharat was bowled by Scott Boland off the second ball of the day, Thakur was struck on his forearm multiple times by Pat Cummins, while Rahane was also struck on his fingers. Nevertheless, the seventh-wicket pair battled it out with some positive batting to lead the fightback against Australia.

Australian pacers created multiple opportunities, but catches went down in the slip cordon, Thakur being major recipient. Rahane was also saved by the umpire's call for a leg-before decision that Australia reviewed in Green's over, and Thakur had a lucky

break when Cummins rapped him on the pads but replays revealed that he had overstepped.

There were testing deliveries time and again, but there also were some loose ones as the seventh-wicket pair helped India past the 250 mark and raised a century stand at a strike rate of over 83, with India scoring at close to five an over before the Lunch break.

However, only 59 runs came in the second session, as Australia wrapped up the innings quickly before getting to 23/1 at Tea.

Australia made quick inroads into the Indian batting, with Cummins being the wrecker-in-chief. He found the outside edge of Rahane's bat, and saw Cameron Green take a stunning one-handed

catch at gully to end a fine innings. Thakur registered his third successive fifty at The Oval, but Australia kept chipping away, and picked up a 173-run lead.

The Indian pace duo of Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami then steamed in, and put the Australian batters under pressure with the new ball, with the bounce troubling them too. Siraj got the better of David Warner, who tried to drive away from his body, while Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja were kept on their toes with plays and misses and indecisive running between the wickets. Labuschagne lost his bat a couple of times in a trying period for the batters, but the second-wicket pair came out unscathed.

SCOREBOARD

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Khawaja, however, fell early in the third session, trying to get a move on after a slew of dot balls. Steve Smith and Labuschagne, however, eased the pressure with regular boundaries to extend the lead. Umesh Yadav, who finally picked up a wicket in the match, was guilty of leaking fours, as was Shami.

As the ball got older and the field spread, singles, twos, and even threes came easily as Smith and Labuschagne built a steady partnership. The stand eventually extended past 50, Australia's lead crossed 250, and the Indian bowlers appeared deflated. But against the run of play, Smith charged down the track to a Jadeja delivery and ended up skying a leading edge.

With Travis Head at the

India 1st Innings

Rohit Sharma (c)

lbw b Cummins 15

Shubman Gill b Boland 13

Cheteshwar Pujara b Green 14

Virat Kohli c Smith b Starc 14

Ajinkya Rahane c Green

b Cummins 89

Ravindra Jadeja c Smith b Lyon 48

Srikar Bharat †b Boland 5

Shardul Thakur c †Carey b Green 51

Umesh Yadav b Cummins 5

Mohammed Shami c †Carey b Starc 13

Mohammed Siraj not out 0

Extras (b 10, lb 10, nb 8, w 1) 29

TOTAL 69.4 Ov (RR: 4.24) 296

Fall of wickets: 1-30

(Rohit Sharma, 5.6 ov), 2-30

(Shubman Gill, 6.4 ov), 3-50

(Cheteshwar Pujara, 13.5 ov), 4-71

(Virat Kohli, 18.2 ov), 5-142

(Ravindra Jadeja, 34.3 ov), 6-152

(Srikar Bharat, 38.2 ov), 7-261

(Ajinkya Rahane, 61.6 ov), 8-271

(Umesh Yadav, 65.5 ov), 9-294

(Shardul Thakur, 68.3 ov), 10-296

(Mohammed Shami, 69.4 ov)

crease, India operated with Siraj and Jadeja in tandem:

BCB West Berbice inter-primary and secondary school tournaments… Latchmansingh Primary, Bush Lot Secondary in winners’ row

History was created at the Bush Lot Ground last Wednesday when the Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) hosted two cricket finals for both primary and secondary schools in the West Berbice area.

This was the first time the BCB was hosting a ‘finals’ for primary schools in the county. Playing in front of a sizeable crowd of parents and supporters, Latchmansingh Primary defeated their Rosignol counterparts by ten wickets to cop the Caribbean Motor Spares/ Dhanpaul Sukhra Primary School tournament, while Bush Lot Secondary got past Fort Wellington Secondary by nine wickets to lift the Latchman Construction Trophy.

BCB President Hilbert

Foster, West Berbice

President David Black, and Competitions Chairman

Leslie Soloman witnessed Rosignol Primary being restricted to 36 for 8 from their allotted ten overs, with Lelroy Blair scoring 12 and Delaney McKenzie scoring 10 as the principal scorers, while Josiah Walcott took 3 wickets for 5 runs in an impressive spell of bowling for Latchmansingh

Primary School. Needing to score 37 runs from 60 balls to claim the first-ever primary school title, Latchmansingh raced to 40 without loss in just 4.3 overs.

An impressive 11-year-old Lelroy Blair hit an unbeaten 27 with three boundaries, while Jonathan Cheemorn supported with 12 not out. Blair received the prize of five thousand dollars’ worth of educational materials after being named player of the finals.

The Latchman Construction Inter-Secondary School ‘finals’ were played immediately after the primary

school finals. Fort Wellington were bowled out for 62 in 18.5 overs, as Justin Doobay took five wickets for 12 runs in five impressive overs. He received support from Tulsiram Ramcharran with 2 for 18 and Julian Gabriel with 2 for 13.

The only Fort Wellington batsman to reach double figures was Arlin Albert, with 13.

Ramcharran returned with the bat to complete a successful match by scoring 24 not out to lead his team to a massive nine-wicket victory and the championship title. Doobay was named man of

the finals for his match-winning bowling spell of 5 for 12.

The two champions carried home fifty thousand dollars’ worth of educational materials, while runners-up received thirty thousand dollars’ worth. The men of the finals each received vouchers for five thousand dollars’ worth of school supplies.

BCB President Hilbert Foster hailed the success of both tournaments and praised President of the West Berbice Cricket Association, David Black, for his hard work. Foster expressed confidence that, with the introduc-

tion of primary school cricket, the BCB would be able to unearth more promising talents. He called on clubs across the county to do all in their power to attract the junior cricketers into their membership. The BCB boss also expressed delight that secondary schools are once again involve in cricket, and hailed the competitive spirit among the schools for championship honours.

Mitchell Starc

Boland

Lyon

2nd Innings

Khawaja c †Bharat b Yadav 13

Warner c †Bharat b Mohammed Siraj 1

Labuschagne not out 41

Smith c Thakur b Jadeja 34

Head c & b Jadeja 18

the pacer resorting to shortball tactics, and the spinner trying to make the most of the rough outside the batter's off-stump. A couple of streaky sixes, one off a dropped catch, followed, but Jadeja held on to a catch off his own bowling to end Head's stay. Labuschagne and Green saw through the remainder of the day without any damage.

(Cricbuzz)

BCB

Competition Chairman Leslie Soloman expressed gratitude for the support of the three sponsors of the two tournaments. Soloman, who is also a county selector, said the BCB is very delighted with the support, and expressed gratitude to Government Member of Parliament Fazil Jafferally for his assistance in obtaining the sponsorship.

He described Jafferally as a true friend of Berbice Cricket.

The two West Berbice champions would now play in the overall Berbice championship next term, when the other inter-zone champions are known in the New Amsterdam/Canje, Lower Corentyne and Upper Corentyne areas.

Thakur scored another fifty

Rahanae missed out on a hundred for India

Latchmansingh Primary School and Bush Lot Secondary School teams were in winners’ row

GFF to hold workshop on physical preparation in football

Guyana Football Federation on Friday commenced a four-day workshop for Elite League and Academy Training Centre coaches.

Dubbed ‘Physical Preparation in Football’, this physical conditioning training programme would be held on June 10 and 11, and again on June 17 and 25, between 9am and 4pm at the GFF National Training Centre at Providence, East Bank Demerara. It will be facilitated by GFF Fitness Coach Wilson Toledo. With one key objec-

tive being to improve game preparation and performance at academy and elite club levels, this timely workshop would place a focus on physical evaluation, training loads, volume and intensity, energy sources, and training methods.

GFF Technical Director Bryan Joseph has said the programme fills “a void that exists in the football fraternity for competence in physical preparation at Elite levels”. While physical preparation is directly linked to elite performance, the level of planning and

detail required to attain the ap propriate levels require specif ic attention, he said.

He added, "This aspect of preparation is not delved into on basic confeder ation licence courses; therefore, we are providing our coaches with the general handrails to enhance this pillar of the game”.

Academy Training Centre coaches will attend the course on June 10 and

WHAT IS NEXT FOR MOTIE?

- asks cricket icon Reds Perreira

ary for CWI to make players’ medical issues public, Reds is nevertheless calling on the CWI Board to do so in this instance. He also noted that other cricket boards around the world have made detailed disclosures of players’ injuries.

Reds on coaching process

17, while Elite League coaches and trainers' sessions will be held on June 11 and 25. Other key objectives of the training programme, Joseph explained, are: to “provide our coaches that are coaching at the highest levels locally, be it the Elite League or national teams, with the handrails to guide how they approach this important pillar of football development. We

have a greater plan to create specialised programmes for coaches who may have a specific passion for physical preparation for football.

This programme will be aligned to our coach education pathway and will come into effect after attaining a CONCACAF/ National “B” licence.”

Senior men’s national team Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz fully supports the initiative. He notes that it would eliminate guesswork regarding the physical conditioning of players.

“This course is a huge

GCB U-19 female cricket…

step in getting the clubs to take responsibility in the player-development process. The knowledge gained will eliminate a lot of the guesswork and the hitand-miss approach to team preparation,” Shabazz said.

The GFF under President Wayne Forde continues to invest heavily in development of players and supporting staff through strategic training programmes sanctioned by FIFA and CONCACAF to ensure the advancement of the game at all levels. (GFF)

Demerara clinch title, dethrone Berbice

Mesmeric left-arm spinner Gudakesh

Motie will again miss an opportunity to play for the West Indies, owing to a back injury. He has been replaced by Johnson Charles in the team competing in the ICC 50-over World Cup Qualifiers, and the veteran international cricket commentator Joseph Reds Perreira is asking what's next for Motie as he continues to recover.

According to a Cricket West Indies news release, Motie has not recovered from a back injury that forced him to miss the final two

matches of the West Indies

‘A’ Team tour of Bangladesh, which ended this past Friday.

"I would like to know how the CWI Board has handled Motie and the problem he has had with his back. This is not new, I would like to know what is the treatment. Maybe he should have been taken to a specialist instead of the UAE tour," Reds has declared.

"Motie is a player who can play all formats. I am focusing on the tour to India, and once fit, Motie is expected to play against India in the Tests.

I hope he has the best treatment," Reds said.

While it is not custom -

"The process could have been handled differently by Cricket West Indies. They should have invited people with cricket knowledge. Choosing cricket coaches is a technical matter. I certainly felt that they should have invited former Coach Ottis Gibson to head the committee, to include Jimmy Adams, Enoch Lewis, and to include Jeffrey Dujon, Brian Lara and a Clive Lloyd. Those people should have advised the board to select the coaches," he said.

However, since the process is done and dusted, Reds is also wishing the coaches Daren Sammy and Andre Coley well.

Having worked in Zimbabwe in the past, Reds feels conditions would be different from what obtained in the UAE.

"The weather might be colder, and the pitches will be on the slow side. Selection of the team must reflect the conditions that the qualifiers are played in. Whether King and Johnson Charles, who seems to be set to open, it will be interesting to see how they use Mayers, and how many spinners are included with the balance of a fast attack," he said.

West Indies will play the first match in the ICC World Cup Qualifiers against USA on June 18.

Guyana’s senior women's player Tilleya Madramootoo turned in a solid batting performance to lead Demerara to a memorable nine-wicket win against arch-rivals Berbice in the final of the Guyana Cricket Board’s (GCB) Under-19 female tournament.

In a match played at the Port Mourant Community Centre Ground, the girls from the city dominated the girls from the Ancient County in their own backyard, blowing away Berbice for 58 in 16.2 overs, while Demerara cruised to victory in 14.5 overs, ending on 59-1.

The injured Madramootoo, who scored an unbeaten 52 in the first match of the day against Essequibo, battled to a brave unbeaten 19 against Berbice, this win marking the first for Demerara against Berbice in a decade.

With Demerara winning the toss and opting to field first, Berbice had a rocky start, their top order being blown away by a col-

lective Demerara bowling effort.

Tamara George was the lone bat - ter to reach double figures when she scored 10. Extras contributed 20 to the Berbice total of 58 all out in 16.2 overs.

Emalissa Whyte was the pick of the bowlers, with 3-12 from four overs, and Tamica Simon took 3-19 while Chelsea Latiff had 2-21 in a col-

lective effort.

The Demerara response to the target of 59 saw skipper Naomi Barkoye going down for nine, but Madramootoo and Sarah Amin (12 not out) ensured Demerara defeated Berbice. In the first match of the day, Demerara got past Essequibo by eight wickets. Opener Tilleya Madramootoo led Demerara’s chase with a solid unbeaten 52 as Demerara cruised to 127-2 in 18.4 overs.

Essequibo, who were asked to bat first, made 126-3 in 20 overs. Aliah Da Silva top-scored with 23, while Cyanna Retemiah made 21. Extras contributed 52 to Essequibo’s total. Emalissa Whyte had 2-22 in three overs.

In response, Madramootoo stroked 52 from 54 balls in an innings which had seven fours. She was supported by Sarah Amin, who made 26 in a winning cause.

The players will be heading to Trinidad and Tobago on July 2 to participate in the Regional Women's Under-19 tournament.

- CWI should have handled coaching selection process better, he says

Joseph "Reds" Perreira

Gudakesh Motie is again out with injury

‘Player of the match’, Tilleya Madramootoo, was unbeaten throughout the day

West Indies sweep UAE 3-0 in ODI series

…Athanaze scores joint-fastest fifty on debut …Sinclair registers 4-fer

Alick Athanaze has announced himself with the joint-fast est half-century on ODI de but, and Kevin Sinclair has marked his “return” with a four-wicket haul as West Indies swept UAE 3-0 in the ODI series played in Sharjah.

Athanaze, who idolises Brian Lara, unleashed some audacious pulls that would've done Lara proud, while Sinclair found sharp grip and turn to trigger an UAE collapse of 8 for 42. Though West Indies themselves suffered a mini-collapse later in the evening, they easily overhauled their target of 185 with four wickets and nearly 15 overs to spare.

Neither Athanaze nor Sinclair is part of the West Indies' squad to contest the upcoming ODI World Cup Qualifiers in Zimbabwe, but they provided a peek into the future of West Indies' cricket. When Athanze

zoomed to a 26- ball half-century, Carlos Brathwaite, who was on TV commentary at the time, even called 24-yearold Athanaze the "future of West Indies cricket".

Athanaze has been marked for the big time ever since he topped the run charts in the 2018 Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand. He got cracking on Friday

by immediately smoking left-arm fingerspinner Aayan Afzal Khan for a brace of sixes, then took seamer Junaid Siddique for a triptych of fours, racing to 30 off 11 balls. He then equalled Krunal Pandya's record for the joint-fastest fifty on ODI debut with a drilled four off Rohan Mustafa.

Athanaze looked good for a century on debut, but Aayan cut his innings short on 65 off 45 balls.

Aayan and wristspinner

Karthik Meiyappan, whose stock ball is the wrong'un, then made West Indies' middle order toil for the win. In the absence of regular captain Shai Hope and vice-captain Brandon King, who were rested among a number of changes, West Indies went 81 balls without a boundary. Stand-in captain Roston Chase, however, closed out the chase, along with Keemo Paul, without any further drama.

Cricnation592 Store is sole distributor of E4 cricket products

The premier cricket equipment store in Berbice, Cricnation592 Store, has signed a major deal by which it has become sole distributor of E4 cricket gear in Guyana.

The E4 brand has originated from Ravi Etwaroo of Cricket Zone USA, and is used by national and international cricketers around the globe.

Guyana Amazon Warriors opener Chandrapaul Hemraj, who has been using the E4 cricket kit, has tasted success, while Guyana Harpy Eagles batsmen Tevin Imlach and Matthew Nandu are ambassadors of the brand.

Jamaican Kennar Lewis, Navin Stewart and a host of players in the United States of America are users of the E4 products.

"We (Cricket Zone USA) have been in business for 17 years. We thought it was the right time to launch the brand. After looking at a number of names, I decided to use my last name (Etwaroo) and (those of my) four brothers, and that is where E4 formed.

"At this time, we have

a lot of players using our brand, starting with Chandrapaul Hemraj, Matthew Nandu, Tevin Imlach, Kennar Lewis, Odean Williams and Navin Stewart. We are happy to have you on board at Cricnation592, and you will be exclusively carrying the brand in Guyana," Etwaroo has said. E4 products should be available at Cricnation592 Store by July 2023.

Cricnation592 Store started operation in October 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has provided quality cricket gear for players in the Berbice area. This premier cricket equipment store in Berbice has been founded by Journalist Brandon Corlette, and has added a touch of international flavour to local cricketers. Players are exposed to quality cricket gear, mostly

from India and the United Kingdom.

Cricnation592 Store, located at Lot 11B, Ulverston Village, Corentyne Berbice, provides a unique feature, with delivery services throughout Guyana. Under the management team, Cricnation592 aims to expand and continue the quest of providing quality cricket gear to cricketers in Guyana.

Cricket Zone USA is the largest cricket equipment store in North America. The store was founded in 2006 originally to serve cricketers in the New York Metropolitan area, but has since expanded services to online customers across the United States, Canada, and other parts of the world using www.cricketzoneusa. com.

The goal of Cricket Zone USA is to provide customers with top quality products and satisfactory service in a friendly atmosphere. Its wide range of products and competitive prices have made the store one of the fastest growing sporting equipment stores in the United States.

CricketZoneUSA is located at 1656 Castle Hill Avenue, Bronx, NY.

as were Aayan and Rameez Shahzad.

As for the UAE, they would be buoyed by the performances of their spinners. Aayan fronted up to bowl with the new ball, and varied his angles and pace well with the old one. Karthik, who had leaked 55 runs in 4.2 overs in the series opener, bounced back so strongly that he was on the verge of a hat-trick at one point. Reifer averted the hat-trick, but Karthik continued to pose a threat with his wrong'un.

However, Sinclair emerged the best spinner on the day. He started his career as a popgun firing darts, but has gained more control over his offbreak in recent years. UAE's top-scorer and vice-captain Vriitya Aravind (70) was done in by that offbreak,

Sinclair dovetailed beautifully with legspinner Yannic Cariah, who returned figures of 2 for 34. Chase didn't get a wicket, but was the most economical bowler for West Indies, conceding only 3.87 an over. The start had been more promising for UAE after they opted to take the first strike. Aravind and captain Muhammad Waseem forged a 96-run partnership for the second wicket off just 55 balls. Both batters regularly hit over the top, messing with the lengths and lines of West Indies' seamers.

It was Reifer who snapped the stand when he went around the wicket and hit the top of Waseem's off stump in the 12th over. Aravind went on to bring up a 42-ball fifty, but Sinclair kept striking as the UAE innings spiralled out of control. Sinclair's celebratory somersaults were as eye-catching as his offbreaks and sliders.

From 142 for 2, UAE eventually folded for 184, leaving almost 14 overs unused in their innings. And there was no way back for them, despite good spells from Aayan and Karthik. (ESPN Cricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

United Arab Emirates

(50 ovs maximum)

Muhammad Waseem

(c) b Reifer 42

Lovepreet Singh c †Charles b Paul 3

Vriitya Aravind †lbw b Sinclair 70

Rameez Shahzad c & b Sinclair 27

Ethan D’Souza run out (Chase/†Charles) 6

Rohan Mustafa run out (Chase/†Charles) 5

Ali Naseer c †Charles b Sinclair 13

Aayan Afzal Khan b Sinclair 2

Karthik Meiyappan

st †Charles b Cariah 0

Junaid Siddique b Cariah 0

Muhammad Jawadullah not out 0

Extras (b 4, lb 4, nb 1, w 7) 16

TOTAL 36.1 Ov (RR: 5.08) 184

Fall of wickets: 1-18

(Lovepreet Singh, 2.2 ov), 2-87

(Muhammad Waseem, 11.3 ov), 3-142

(Rameez Shahzad, 22.2 ov), 4-150

(Ethan D’Souza, 23.2 ov), 5-164

(Rohan Mustafa, 29.5 ov), 6-166

(Vriitya Aravind, 30.3 ov), 7-181

(Aayan Afzal Khan, 32.2 ov), 8-182

(Karthik Meiyappan, 33.5 ov), 9-184

(Junaid Siddique, 35.4 ov), 10-184

(Ali Naseer, 36.1 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Keemo Paul 5-0-22-1

Akeem Jordan 3-0-20-0

Kavem Hodge 2-0-29-0

Raymon Reifer 3-0-16-1

Yannic Cariah 8-0-34-2

Roston Chase 8-1-31-0

Kevin Sinclair 7.1-0-24-4

West Indies (T: 185 runs from 50 ovs)

Johnson Charles †lbw b

Muhammad Jawadullah 3

Alick Athanaze lbw b

Aayan Afzal Khan 65

Shamarh Brooks c D’Souza

b Aayan Afzal Khan 39

Keacy Carty c Lovepreet Singh b Meiyappan 20

Roston Chase (c)not out 27

Kavem Hodge st †Aravind

b Meiyappan 0

Raymon Reifer c D’Souza

b Muhammad Jawadullah 15

Keemo Paul not out 2

Extras (lb 2, w 12) 14

TOTAL 35.1 Ov (RR: 5.26) 185/6

Did not bat: Yannic Cariah, Kevin Sinclair, Akeem Jordan Fall of wickets: 1-35

(Johnson Charles, 3.3 ov), 2-101

(Alick Athanaze, 14.4 ov), 3-132

(Shamarh Brooks, 22.4 ov), 4-145

(Keacy Carty, 25.2 ov), 5-145 (Kavem Hodge, 25.3 ov), 6-181

(Raymon Reifer, 33.6 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Junaid Siddique 4-0-28-0

Aayan Afzal Khan

Muhammad Jawadullah 5.1-0-36-2

Ali Naseer 2-0-9-0

Rohan Mustafa 6-0-29-0

Karthik Meiyappan 8-0-41-2

Founder of Cricket Zone USA, Ravi Etwaroo, and founder of Cricnation592 Store, Brandon Corlette

Keemo Paul picked up an early wicket

West Indies dominated the series

Aravind raised his bat after a fifty for UAE

Kevin Sinclair picked up four wickets

Alick Athanaze was all class on debut