Guyana Times - Saturday, March 9, 2024.pdf

$6M spent to extinguish West Berbice mangrove fire

Prison officers, others charged over death row prisoner’s escape freed

Former City Constabulary rank charged with killing man freed

Police still hunting suspects in taxi driver's murder Govt needs to build structures to address impact of AI on governance – President

Pres Ali calls for barriers to progress be dismantled – as Hindus observe Maha Shivaratri

Thousands of Hindus across the country on Friday joined the grand celebration of Maha Shivaratri – a day when the deity Lord Shiva is honoured for saving the world from destruction, marking the overcoming of darkness and ignorance.

<<<Guyana Times>>> attended the observance at the Guyana Sevashram Sangha at Cove and John, East Coast Demerara (ECD), attended by President Dr Irfaan Ali.

Around the world, the occasion is celebrated in grandeur as worshippers spend time in penance and prayers. The Cove and John Ashram is one of the largest congregations of Hindus for the cel-

and ultimate goal.”

ebration of Maha Shivaratri.

It is said that Shiva embodies the destroyer of evil, and Maha Shivaratri translates to “Great Night of Shiva”. The name also refers to the night when Shiva performs the heavenly dance or Tandav. Ultimately, Shiva, also known as Mahadeva, is considered the destroyer in the Hindu Trinity.

He is also revered as the god of yoga and meditation, since he is constantly in a meditative state. In observance of the auspicious occasion, devotees of Shiva stay awake the entire night chanting and offering prayers at the auspicious times.

Devotees who strictly observe fasting and other penances are believed to receive liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Swami Shivashankarananda shared during the celebrations, “Shivaratri is a major festival within Hinduism, because it marks the remembrance of overcoming darkness and ignorance in the world. During this day, worshippers observe the day by remembering Lord Shiva, chanting prayers, fasting, doing meditation and other self-restrains. Honesty, kindness to others, forgiveness, and the discovery of Shiva are the primary focus

During the observance, President Ali opined that the lessons of this celebration hold value for everyone, as it inspires reflection and change.

“The story of Maha Shivaratri is relevant to every single human being across the world. The elements of Maha Shivaratri, what this period signifies, the

type of hope, selfless act, but more importantly, the type of reflection and changes that it inspires us to go after and to be is what is exactly needed in a very troubled world today,” he declared.

In keeping with the undertones of the celebration, President Ali called for that which has been destroyed to be replaced with transformation. As such, he called for all

“Sometimes we believe in getting rid of what is bad, but if you get rid of what is bad and evil and you don’t spend time to keep the good in place and experiment with the good that you have in place and maybe bring back the evil in a worse form. It is recognising that we have to destroy evil forces, evil actions, evil thoughts, evil attributes, evil ideas and then as we destroy,

barriers which are limiting progress to be eradicated.

He underscored,

we transform. Build what is good.”

TURN TO PAGE 7

President Dr Irfaan Ali delivering remarks at the Maha Shivaratri celebrations

Worshippers partaking in the observance at the Cove and John Ashram

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Maha Shivaratri

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

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

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

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

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

Indian dialects should have been part of Mother Language Day

Dear Editor, International Mother Language Day was observed last February 21. It has, since 2003, been an annual observance to promote retention of mother tongue, make the public aware of it, and respect their culture. It arose out of a UN resolution in 2002 that was unanimously approved. It was and is geared to preserve a people’s original language, not their adopted language.

In Guyana, English is the adopted (as well as adapted) language, having been imposed by the British. Each ethnic group had or has its original language that came from Africa, India, China, or Portugal. The Indigenous People had/have their own community (tribe) languages.

The concept of Mother Language Day was observed at the University of Guyana. Mention was made through a release of a few “tribal” languages brought from Africa by the slaves, and of several Amerindian languages. Indian languages: like Bhojpuri, Hindi, Sanskrit, and Tamil, and/or their varied dialects, were conspicuous for their absence. Even Indian Creolese (a mixture of Bhojpuri and English, with its peculiar pronunciations) was not a part of the observance or recognition. These are/were the languages or tongues brought from India, and a new dialect (Indian Creolese) was created, mixed with English that was used on the indentured plantations. Indians conversed with the new vernacular during and after indentureship, and still do to this day.

International Mother Language Day was considered to be extremely important, resulting in the UN passing a resolution to respect peoples’ mother tongues and for the preservation of mother tongues. Yet, Indian languages (inclusive of dialects) have been marginalised. No mention was made of them at the February 21 observance. The faculty member from the Department of Language and Cultural Studies who promoted the concept seems to have forgotten that Indians also live in Guyana; is he anti-Indian?

Indians are approximately 40% of the population. Their languages should be promoted and taught at the university.

Spanish and French are celebrated in Guyana, and students are encouraged to study and speak them. No effort is made to encourage students to learn about their mother tongues from Africa and Asia. Apparently, no group or student from the Indian segment of the student population came forward to present, remember, and celebrate the survival of their mother tongues. Faculty and staff also did not make effort to encourage mother language promotion and retention. Language and history are very important for the survival of a people.

The university and the student groups are saluted for their observance of Mother Language Day. Indian students and UG lecturers should make every effort to learn their history

(inclusive of their civilisation) and their mother language. They should take note of the fact that more trade is done with India than all of the Spanish- or French-speaking countries combined. More Guyanese studied and are studying in India than all those

at UG

who study in Spanish or French-speaking countries. There were/are also more Guyanese visiting or touring India than all the Spanishand French-speaking territories combined.

Yours truly,

Vishnu Bisram

Days of mob justice are past

Dear Editor,

It has long been an effective method used by the PNC and its surrogates to go into the streets in urban guerilla warfare. Whenever members of that party could not get their way, they would violently attack. Events leading to beatings, burnings and the like were common spectacles whenever they were cornered, be it at election time or otherwise.

A Facebook friend challenged me on the point that the last teachers’ strike action was a peaceful exercise, and should be a point of note. And this is exactly my point: had this strike been in the setting as in the Desmond Hoyte days, there was the certainty of buildings going up in flames and teachers of a certain race or perceived political lineage being targeted. This is the naked reality that we have had to face here in Guyana.

One would recall the days of carnage that took place when Hoyte lost the 1992 Elections. For two long years, the PNC mobilised forces on the streets, causing violence of every imaginary kind. The Government of Janet Jagan finally gave in to pressure, and the Constitution was amended

to usher in laws stipulating that leaders have to be born here in Guyana, and that leaders were to be limited to two terms in office.

Even the teachers' strike that came soon after that saw its own violent turns and twists, and eventually went to arbitration.

The present lot of union leaders and other leaders in the Opposition are still stuck in the slavery of mob rule and mob justice. They strongly believe that they could resurrect that strategy and force the Government into giving in to their inordinate demands. I am talking about people who believe that they could exacerbate the teachers' strike to bring about their own political agenda.

But Guyana has long since gone past that era of mob justice, as other unions shunned their entreaties to go on to the streets and civilized Guyana frowned on such actions. What was visibly seen and felt was that reasoned and civilized bargaining is the way to go. We look to the future for amicable, free and frank discussions to solve our problems.

Respectfully submitted,

Neil Adams

President Dr Irfaan Ali lighting a diya at the Cove and John Ashram, East Coast Demerara, in observance of Maha Shivaratri, which means “The great night of Shiva” (Office of the President photo)

Preparations “moving well” for PPP Delegates’ Congress – General Secretary W

ith approximately less than two months to go, preparatory works have commenced for the hosting of the People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP’s) triennial Delegates Congress in May this year. This is according to the party’s General Secretary, Bharrat Jagdeo, who give an update to the media at his weekly press conference on Thursday at Freedom House.

“It’s going well. We have a schedule for all the things. I don’t want to give all the details. The circulars have gone out, several circulars, as we prepare for the congress. Now we have to [start] the progress of verifying membership,

to see all the requirements at the group level, and also to ensure that people meet the requirements to attend congress, and all of those things,” he disclosed. This year, the PPP con-

gress will be held in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), and Jagdeo noted that a separate committee has been established to work out the logistics, such as the location.

“So, we have several working groups made up of different members of congress. Since this year is supposed to be Region Four’s turn to host the congress, we have a local committee from Region Four outside of our Congress Committee to look at logistics for the congress. So, things are moving well for the congress,” the General Secretary has said.

In January of this year, Jagdeo had disclosed that the highly-anticipated Delegates’ Congress would be held in the first week of May.

The party’s last congress was held in 2016 at Cotton Field on the Essequibo Coast in

Police still hunting suspects in taxi driver's murder

Almost two weeks after a taxi driver had been shot dead during an argument with two other men over parking space in the vicinity of the Bourda Market in Georgetown, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) have said they are still looking for the suspects.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum has said detectives are still investigating the case.

According to reports from the GPF, 43-yearold Eon Holder of Lot 2498 North Ruimveldt, Georgetown was at a taxi service working his motorcar, PRR 271, when he was hired on February 24 by a 50-year-old businessman of Queenstown, Georgetown to go to the Bourda Market to purchase vegetables.

On arrival at Alexander Street, Bourda, the busi-

nessman exited the car and walked towards the market while Holder looked for a parking space. Within approximately five minutes, the businessman heard a loud explosion, and as he turned around, he saw Holder lying helpless on the ground about 15 feet away from his car. At the time, two men – one armed with a handgun - were seen running away from the scene.

Emergency medical technicians who arrived on scene had pronounced Holder dead. During an examination of his body, a gunshot wound was seen on his face.

Police had said that several persons were questioned, and based on information received, it is al-

leged that the taxi driver had argued with the suspects after parking his car in the centre of the road, blocking vehicles from passing. During that argument, one of the suspects had drawn a handgun and discharged a round at the taxi driver before fleeing the scene. (G9)

Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam). At that time, Jagdeo had been asked about his future as General Secretary of the PPP, and he had indicated, “It would be presumptuous of me to say I will continue as General Secretary. I’ll decide whether I’ll contest, but right now I am General Secretary until those elections are held.”

During the upcoming Delegates’ Congress, the PPP is expected to elect a new 32-member Central Committee, and party members – both local and from the diaspora – would be discussing critical issues within the party as well as in the country.

The PPP, led by President Dr Irfaan Ali, was returned to office in August 2020 after losing the 2015 elections to the then A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition.

According to the party’s constitution, the Delegates’ Congress is due every three years, but Jagdeo had explained last year that the COVID-19 pandemic was one of the contributing factors that delayed the hosting of the party’s congress.

The 2016 Delegates’ Congress was a major one for the party. During its

hosting, there was an indepth analysis of the results of the 2015 elections. Held under the theme “Strengthen the Party, Defend Democracy, Onward to Victory”, the PPP had said it was one of the largest in terms of the participation of delegates and observers. One of the highlights of that Congress was the presentation of the Central Committee Report, which formed the basis for spirited and robust discussions at several workshops. The main issues and recommendations from the workshops were presented to the plenary sessions for further deliberations, adoption and implementation.

The party had said that discussions at both the plenary and workshop levels had centred on strengthening the party politically and organisationally in order to win the next General and Regional Elections with an overwhelming majority. And this was achieved when the Party won the presidency with a commanding 233,336 votes, a remarkable lead of 15,416 votes over its nearest political rival, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) at the 2020 polls . (G8)

PPP General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo

Dead: Eon Holder

Page Foundation

Customary Units of Length

inches

1 foot = 12 in

1 yard = 3 ft

1 mile = 1760 yd

You can compare these units to each other.

Example:

How many feet are in a mile?

Step 1: You know that there are 3 feet in a yard, so multiply the number of yards x 3.

Step 2: 1760 x 3 = 5280. There are 5280 feet in a mile.

The standard units of measurement that should be used in Guyana are the metric measurements. It is necessary to know customary units of length to convert them to metric units.

Remember: You do not have to add the plural s when you abbreviate units of measurement.

Exercises: Convert

1) 6.5 feet to inches

2) 3 miles to inches

3) 78 inches to yards

4) 39 inches to feet

In this fun and easy density science experiment, we’re going to explore and investigate if eggs can float in the ocean.

Materials:

Two eggs

Water

Measuring spoon

Salt

Two clear cups

5) 20.5 yards to feet

6) 6.75 yards to inches

7) 17.25 miles to yards

8) 9000 yards to miles

By William Butler yeats

Under the Great Comedian’s tomb the crowd.

A bundle of tempestuous cloud is blown

About the sky; where that is clear of cloud

Brightness remains; a brighter star shoots down;

What shudders run through all that animal blood?

What is this sacrifice? Can someone there

Recall the Cretan barb that pierced a star?

Rich foliage that the starlight glittered through, A frenzied crowd, and where the branches sprang

A beautiful seated boy; a sacred bow; A woman, and an arrow on a string;

A pierced boy, image of a star laid low.

That woman, the Great Mother imaging,

Cut out his heart. Some master of design

Stamped boy and tree upon Sicilian coin.

An age is the reversal of an age:

When strangers murdered Emmet, Fitzgerald, Tone, We lived like men that watch a painted stage.

Instructions:

Fill both of the cups with water.

Add about six tablespoons of salt to one of the cups and stir until dissolved. There may be some salt remaining in the bottom of the cup.

Place an egg in each cup and observe what happens.

How it works:

An egg is more dense than water and will sink in regular tap water. As salt is

dissolved into water (to make the water salty like water in the ocean), the water eventually become more dense than the egg. The egg will then appear to “float” on top of the more dense solution.

Make this a science project:

Test other items that sink in water and then try to make salt solutions to see if you can get the item to float. Try making solutions with sugar or other items. (sciencefun.org)

What matter for the scene, the scene once gone: It had not touched our lives. But popular rage, i{Hysterica passio} dragged this quarry down.

None shared our guilt; nor did we play a part

Upon a painted stage when we devoured his heart.

TO BE CONTINUED

WORD SEARCH

The customary units of length (that is the units commonly used) are

(in); feet (ft); yards (yd); and miles (mi).

Govt needs to build structures to address impact of AI on governance – President Ali

With the onset of a new era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), President Irfaan Ali has stressed the importance of Guyana constructing robust structures to counterbalance the impact of AI on governance.

Speaking during the Annual Police Officers’ Conference on Thursday, the Guyanese Leader underscored that the conversation on AI must involve all three branches of Government: Executive, Legislative and Judiciary.

He cautioned that Guyana would be trapped if these systems are not built out in time, as is reflected in the challenges facing other developed countries with the emergence of AI.

“All three branches of Government must have a conversation on AI and where AI is going, because AI would affect the Judiciary; AI is already affecting the Judiciary internationally. It would affect the Executive and, of course, it will affect the Legislature, because you may have AI-generated parliamentary speeches too, and the means of verification would be very difficult. We saw what occurred in the Supreme Court in the US,” he cautioned.

“So, we have to build structures and systems that will deal with, on regulations that will do it. I know, otherwise, we will be in a trap. And this is addressing the attention not only of Guyana, but

many countries in the region and around the world,” Ali told law enforcement ranks.

Rebranding and rebuilding

The Police Force is currently rebranding and rebuilding its human resources to meet the demands of the future. Already, Government is making investments in innovative technology which can be applied to advance the operations of law enforcement.

“When we speak about technology, we are not speaking about a computer, a mouse and a keyboard; we are talking about 2030 technology being applied today, and we are already making those investments. The CCTV, the digitization, the electronic ID Card, all of these things are going to make policing more

innovative, more efficient, but importantly more accountable,” Ali explained.

Moving on to the digital wave is also expected to bring greater accountability in the Force’s apparatus, where every action would have a level of traceability.

“Whoever goes on the system at whatever time, the system will pick you up and the system will have that traceability. So, we don't have to worry about files missing, files left on a desk. It brings accountability, traceability, and adds efficiency, productivity, and transparency to the system. So, the digital platform that we are already investing in and the type of digitization will support this,” he disclosed.

It has been posited that the Force is now equipped with smaller but more agile

units in the community, all of which would be supported with technological and quick response assets to keep the population safe. Ali has disclosed that in this faster integration, the Force can build a greater relationship within the community.

“You will see us having these modern outposts in each community, but the outpost will be heavily technologically advanced. So, you will see a lot of technology within these outposts, and with quick response assets. So, you may not need a 4x4 in some of the communities.

You may need an ATV; you may need bikes. So that is what is happening now. We are building out these smaller, more agile units to respond,” he said.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the ability of a digital com-

Pres Ali calls for barriers to...

The Guyanese Leader added, “Let us purposefully commit to the unity of each other, upliftment of each other, embodiment of each other, removal of all barriers of progress, removal of all barriers that can keep us back. Let us cleanse our attitude, our focus and our intentions, and let us build stronger.”

He added that with the festival once again coinciding with Ramadan and Lent, it gives “us as a people that special privilege of coming together in spirituality, coming together in selfless acts, coming together for a greater good, coming together under the banner of being better humans and better citizens”.

In the Hindu calendar, there are 12 Shivaratris

puter or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings. It makes it possible for machines to learn from experience, adjust to new inputs, and perform human-like tasks. (G12) FROM PAGE 3

(nights of Shiva) in every year – one per lunar month. There is one Great Shivaratri, called Maha Shivaratri, that falls somewhere between February and March, depending on the lunar calendar.

Different accounts have described the significance of Maha Shivratri. While it is regarded as the night when Shiva performs the

heavenly dance of creation, preservation and destruction, another story identifies that it was the day he married Goddess Parvati. Another adds that Lord Shiva had consumed the poison that was produced due to the war between gods and demons. He held the poison in his throat, which caused it to turn blue. (G12)

President Irfaan Ali

Prison officers, 2 others charged over death row prisoner’s escape freed

The six persons who had been charged with conspiracy in connection with the escape of death row inmate Mark Royden Williams, commonly known as "Smallie," from the Mazaruni Prison in Region Seven, were on Friday freed after the magistrate upheld no-case submissions made on their behalf.

Among these implicated persons had been prison personnel Alexander Hopkinson, head of security at Mazaruni Prison; and Omar Whitherspoon, Conroy Hosannah and Oldfield Romulus. Those who had also been charged were Rajmohan Autor, also known as ‘Chico’, a 48-year-old businessman of Parika, East Bank Essequibo

(EBE); and Frangeliz Jugandry Flores Perez, a 28-year-old Venezuelan national residing in Kitty, Georgetown.

The defendants had been

on trial before Magistrate Crystal Lambert at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court, where defence attorneys Bernard Da Silva, Patrice Henry and Renea Marcus

made no-case submissions which were upheld by the magistrate. She told the court that she found no evidence to support the charges of conspiracy that were brought against the defendants.

Williams, whose alias is "Smallie," had escaped from the Mazaruni Prison in May 2023 with the assistance of heavily armed individuals in a speedboat. Following his escape, a $10 million reward was offered for his capture, but Williams was shot and killed during a Joint Services operation on June 1, 2023 at 47 Miles, Region Seven. Two of his accomplices were also fatally shot by police.

Williams had, in February 2017, received the death penalty after a jury had found him guilty of eight counts of murder related to the 2008 Bartica massacre wherein a dozen individuals, including three police officers, had been fatally shot.

In July 2017, Williams had managed to flee from the Camp Street Prison in Georgetown during a riot that had allegedly orchestrated the event. He was, however, apprehended on October 9, 2017 at Weldaad, West Coast Berbice (WCB) while aboard a public

bus.

Williams was, in 2013, acquitted after a 12-member jury had found him not guilty of charges stemming from the 2008 Lusignan massacre which had resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals, including five children. However, he had received a death sentence in 2023 for the 2008 murder of Guyana Defence Force (GDF) personnel Ivor Williams. (G9)

Whatever happened…

…to working girls’ rights?

Your Eyewitness was astounded to read that the Guyana Police Force – CID – Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Unit, along with the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security – C-TIP – raided a night club in downtown GT and “rescued FORTY-FOUR female foreign nationals”. Now, we’ve been down this road before, haven’t we?? Because TIP is the international crime du jour and is illegal in Guyana, the Police nab working girls as being trafficked!! Your Eyewitness remembers one then PNC-minister-to-be hauling eighteen girls plying their ancient trade in Bartica all the way to GT – and had to let them go. But soliciting sex for money – prostitution – is also illegal. Remember, we don’t commemorate “International Whores Day” or, less contentiously, “International Sex Workers Day”; so, why weren’t the women picked up for that offence?

Simply that it ain’t so easy for the police prove those forty-four females were soliciting!! Your Eyewitness didn’t notice any presumed Johns picked up, and wants to see how they’ll prove the women were trafficked. Cause they gotta prove these women were “coerced” to perform “labour” against their will. Did the police tipster provide any hard evidence of “trafficking”? Or were these girls profiled and arrested just because they were in a nightclub??

Your Eyewitness knows about the horrors of human trafficking, but it seems that the police are using the old SOCU tactic of arresting first and investigating after. The truth of the matter is these girls are all probably Venezuelans who’re doing their darndest to survive after their lives were destroyed by Mad Maduro.

During the Burnham dictatorship, weren’t our women plying their trade all across the Caribbean – including in Suriname?? Shouldn’t we be more sympathetic to the Venezuelan plight?

Every day of the week, good citizens are admired for going out and “selling their labour” for “wages”. But what’s this “labour” we sell? Can it be separated from our bodies? It all comes down to the negative value judgement placed on “sex work” – it’s “sinful”. And that’s the nub of the problem, innit? Some folks insist that the morality coming out of some tribal customs of two millennia ago should dictate what women can do with their bodies today.

But even here, there are some anomalies in Guyanese law. While prostitution is prohibited explicitly for males –who can’t even engage in the sex act with each other, much less sell the services — the TIP Law is just a more circuitous prohibition for women. But Guyana is supposed to have a Sex Workers Coalition, and your Eyewitness had hoped they would’ve been in the streets demanding that sex work not be driven underground – where the workers can really be exploited.

Sex workers of the world, unite!! You have nothing to lose but your chains of shame!!

…to the Haiti force?

As the international community split hairs about who’s gonna provide the bodies for the force they agree Haiti needs to restore order, the killing fields keep spreading. How many more, Jah?? Initially, the US had taken the lead, but had to back off since many saw them as becoming the “occupying force” they’d historically been after Haiti threw out colonial France. They’d also taken the lead on raising the US$700 million that’s gonna be necessary to fund the operation – but last your Eyewitness heard, just US$70 million or so had been forthcoming.

The UN, which has to give its blessing – and has done so – isn’t getting further involved, after the embarrassment of its last force spreading cholera that killed thousands of Haitians – not to mention raping their women. On the warm bodies, the US convinced Kenya to send 1000 policemen, and Bahamas, Bangladesh, Benin and Chad have also committed forces.

Caricom?? Barbados says they’ll muster 50 soldiers. Will the local supporters of Haitian migration volunteer?

…to the PPP grants?

Folks have gotten so bombarded by the Opposition’s claims that the PPP government’s handing out grants through the party that a riot broke out on rumours that Freedom House was awash with cash.

mini-

Among the defendants who were acquitted of conspiracy charges are, from left: Superintendent of Prisons, Alexander Hopkinson; Conroy Hosannah and Omar Witherspoon

Late convicted mass killer Royden Williams, called “Smallie”

Constitutional Reform Govt committed to public consultations – VP

With swearing-in of the 20-member Constitutional Reform Commission (CRC) expected soon, the Guyana Government has assured that the public would play an integral role in deciding what reforms would be undertaken.

It was revealed last month that all 20 members of the long-awaited CRC have been identified following consultations by the various civil society bodies which they would represent on the Commission.

made, the PPP is committed to a consultative process with the public, which would commence when the Commission is set up.

“As a serious party, as the largest party in the

sultation with the populace and important stakeholders, and a broad-based Constitutional Reform Commission would drive the process.

The way was paved

These members are slated to be sworn-in by President Dr Irfaan Ali at sometime this month; and according to Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, this would soon occur.

“Now that (the members have been) put together, I think it will be soon. I can’t tell you an exact date; it depends on the President’s schedule… The last few weeks have been really hectic,” he explained.

The CRC comprises five members nominated by Government, five nominated by the parliamentary Opposition parties, including the joinder parties; and 10 members nominated by civil society bodies. Establishment of the CRC was a manifesto promise made by the ruling People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), and according to Jagdeo, that party’s General Secretary, the PPP is committed to ensuring this promise is fulfilled.

“We want this done. This is a party promise that we made, so I guess (the swearing-in is) soon; because this is not some task that we’re reluctantly dragged to, it is part of our pre-election manifesto promise, and we will get it done,” he assured.

According to Jagdeo, unlike the other political parties that unilaterally decide on the reforms to be

country, the only national party, we pointed out what we’ve done historically. We changed our constitution to one of the most progressive in the world. Very few constitutions have the features of ours – the rights commissions and a whole range of features that protect people and citizens. Nevertheless, when there was a call for further constitutional reform, we said if there is a view that we should have that, we’re willing to put it back to the people of this country so they would be heard. That’s enshrined in our manifesto, and we’ll move it along; but we don’t have the arrogance of the small parties to say we will change this, because they never got that from the people, they supplant themselves. Some of them got 20 votes and want to speak on behalf of the people. We should go back to the people to listen to them, and that’s why the public hearing,” the PPP General Secretary has posited.

Consultation

In addition to promising constitutional reform in its 2020 Manifesto, the PPP also committed to con-

for the establishment of the Constitutional Reform Commission, and the commencement of the reform process following the passage of the Constitutional Reform Commission Bill in the National Assembly in November 2022. That Bill sought the establishment of a 20-member Commission to review the country’s supreme laws.

The PPP/C Government had previously said that this would not be a politically-dominated Commission, but one that is comprised of half politicians and half civil society representatives, and their work would be driven by public consultation.

Among the political members identified for the CRC are: Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC; Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister Gail Teixeira; Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony; Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai; and Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy. They comprise the Government’s representatives on the Commission.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

“Innovative approaches” to combat road carnage

President Dr Irfaan Ali has addressed the distressing rise in road fatalities as one which has the full attention of authorities, and innovative approaches are being looked at to bring these statistics down.

Speaking during the Guyana Police Force’s Annual Officers’ Conference on Thursday, the Head of State highlighted that the onus was upon road users to act in a responsible manner when using the roadways. However, untoward actions have resulted in the need for new approaches.

“We have to work in a comprehensive way with all stakeholders in finding and bringing innovative approaches that will deal with the fundamental problem, that is, the way people think, act, and behave on the road.

It is unfortunate that you have to find innovative ways of enforcement when it is within the power of all of us, every driver, every road user to act and behave in a matter befitting to what is expected of them,” Ali divulged.

Compounding this is-

sue, the Head of State added, is the rapid development across the country. Ali added that just a glance of the budget for every agency showed that institutional systems were never built to support this magnitude of expansion and growth. It puts authorities in a position to keep up with the needs of this growth.

“I don’t think there is any more an off-peak moment on the East Bank Highway. All hours in the night and the number of trucks, all of these are matters that we are not unaware of, but compound the situation because you have to find the balance. You

can slow the speed down, but not the development down. Development is integral and natural in the type of expansion taking place.

“We find ourselves in a fortunate and unfortunate position where policy-making, decision-making, judicial services and police services must now operate at a speed and pace that the institutional arrangement and system was not built to support. That is a fundamental issue that we have to resolve.”

Meanwhile, acting Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken disclosed that the traffic situation was a work

Govt committed to public...

The A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Opposition has named GECOM Commissioner Vincent Alexander, Economist Sherwood Lowe, Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Ganesh Mahipaul, and Attorneyat-Law Nigel Hughes as their representatives.

The joinder parties – A New and United Guyana (ANUG), the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP), and The New Movement (TNM) – which hold one seat in Parliament, will be represented by ANUG General Secretary Timothy Jonas, SC.

And the civil society representatives are: Attorney Kamal Ramkarran from the Guyana Bar Association; Aslim Singh from the Labour Movement; Derrick John from the National Toshaos Council; Ramesh Persaud from the Private Sector; Attorney Kim Kyte-Thomas from the Women’s organisations; Dr Josh Kanhai from the Youth organisations; Attorney Keoma Griffith from the Christian organisations; Imran Ally from the Muslim organisations; Radha Krishna Sharma from the Hindu organisations; and Attorney Adrian Anamayah as the farmers’ representative.

Once the long-awaited Constitutional Reform Commission is in place, a comprehensive consultation process is expected to begin with citizens on critical laws that need to be reformed.

According to the provi-

sions of the CRC Bill, the Commission will review the Constitution to provide for the current and future rights, duties, liabilities and obligations of the Guyanese people. It is mandated for that purpose to receive, consider and evaluate submissions for the alteration of the Constitution, and report its recommendations to the standing committee for transmission to the National Assembly. The Commission is tasked with consultations for the reform process to continue, whereby a report would be prepared and sent to the standing committee. The committee would then refine the submissions

into amendments for the National Assembly.

Last year, the Government earmarked the sum of $150 million in the 2023 National Budget for constitutional reform activities. This year, additional monies have been allocated towards establishment of the CRC, including the rental of a building to house the Commission.

According to AG Nandlall, Government has already identified the building on Middle Street, Georgetown - that was used for the conduct of several Commissions of Inquiry - as the office for the CRC. He noted that the building is already furnished and ready for occupation.

currently at a -8.00 per cent with less fatal[ities] than last year. So, it’s a work in progress,” he stated.

road are some of the major causes of serious road accidents.

in progress, with a current eight per cent reduction overall in traffic accidents for 2024.

“Despite the challenges we had last year in terms of traffic, we still concluded at an overall figure of -.2 per cent despite having more fatal[ities]. This year, we’re

Given the vast expansion and upgrade work being done to the country’s road networks, the issue of road safety assumes even greater importance. Recognising this, the Government has said it will be implementing a robust road safety and traffic management plan. This includes the implementation of information technology solutions to manage traffic, including the development of a new radar system and new laws and regulations.

Traffic Chief, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh had pointed out earlier this year that driving under the influence, speeding and inconsiderate use of the

He believes that the fine for speeding should be increased from the current $7500 to $25,000 and that for failure to wear seat belts from $7500 to $35,000. The proposal for an increase in fines has already been made.

The senior traffic officer had said drivers must change the culture of late departure which results in many drivers being impatient while behind the wheel. Further to that, there are many poorly-maintained vehicles on the roadways and some drivers make poor parking choices. Compounding those issues is roadside vending, which the Police have little control over. (G12)

First Lady hands over business grants to 3 single mothers

In observance of International Women’s

Day 2024, First Lady Arya Ali has handed over three grants, totalling $1.5 million, to three single mothers to fund their start-ups.

Recipients of these grants were 38-year-old Loveveol Cort of Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara; 41-year-old Vernalinda Morgan of Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara; and 34-yearold Shenelly Gale of Linden, Region 10. These three women were participants in the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women’s HerVenture programme, a platform that provides women with business development training. This year’s International Women’s Day has been observed

under the theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”, and according to the First Lady, this is exactly what she intends to use her office to do.

“For me, it is not just about repeating slogans and hoping to inspire people and businesses to make investments in women; it is also about leading by example. So, today, this contribution to these women is a demonstration of our commitment to continue investing in women to improve their social and economic status,” the First Lady said during a short handing-over ceremony held at her office.

The First Lady was keen to note that while a monetary contribution was being provided to fund the start-ups of these women, technical support would

also be provided to the women by business coaches Keon Smith and Upasna Mudlier of ActionCOACH.

The First Lady has also encouraged the women to use the opportunity provided to them to positive-

ly impact the lives of other women and girls.

“Just as you all are benefitting from a

gender-specific programme today, I hope you understand that you too have a responsibility to other women and girls to inspire them and support them as best as you can,” the First Lady has said.

The three recipients of the First Lady’s grant have expressed gratitude for the support provided to them, and have made commitment to the First Lady to would work diligently to ensure their ventures succeed. They have been told that the coaches would periodically assess the progress of their ventures.

Apart from the business grants, 15 vulnerable women are currently on fully-funded scholarships at the Carnegie School of Home Economics through a programme sponsored by the Office of the First Lady.

Guyana among IDB Governors to sign on to “One Caribbean” initiative

Guyana was among six Caribbean Governors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Group to endorse an initiative for sustainable growth in the Region.

The IDB Group’s “One Caribbean” programme is a comprehensive framework designed to support enhancing living standards across the Caribbean region. The programme focuses on four pillars: climate adaptation, disaster risk management

and resilience, citizen security, Private Sector engagement, and food security, as well as two cross-cutting areas, strengthening institutions and facilitating digital transformation.

The signing of this endorsement statement took place on Friday during the IDB and IDB Invest Annual Meetings in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The signatories included Guyana’s Senior Minister with Responsibility for

Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh; Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley; Bahamas Economic Affairs Minister and Leader of Government Business in the Senate, Michael Halkitis; Surinamese Finance and Planning Minister Kermechend Raghoebarsing; Trinidad and Tobago Planning and Development Minister Pennelope Beckles; and Belize’s Minister of State

Former City Constabulary rank charged with killing man freed

A55-year-old former Lance Corporal of the City Constabulary has been acquitted of the 2018 shooting incident that resulted in the death of a man.

Gregory Bascom, of Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, Georgetown, was freed on Friday after a trial at the Demerara High Court, with the Judge citing insufficient evidence to support the charges against him.

Bascom had been facing trial for manslaughter before Justice Priya SewnarineBeharry, and pleaded not guilty to the accusation that he unlawfully killed 34-yearold Marlon Fredericks on January 14, 2018, at Regent Road, Bourda. Bascom’s defence team, including Attorney-at-Law Yuborn Allicock, made a compelling no-case submission, contending that the prosecution had failed to establish a coherent case against their client. Agreeing with the defence’s argument, Justice Sewnarine-Beharry directed

Freed: Gregory Bascom

the jury to return a formal verdict of not guilty.

The incident in question transpired outside the City Constabulary outpost on Regent Street, Georgetown, as reported by the Guyana Police Force.

Fredericks was shot by the City Constabulary Lance Corporal while attempting to flee from the outpost where he was detained on charges of simple larceny and assaulting a peace officer.

According to reports, a scuffle ensued between Fredericks and the Lance Corporal during an attempt

Dead: Marlon Fredericks

to restrain the former, resulting in Fredericks breaking free and subsequently being shot once in the lower back by the Lance Corporal, who was armed with a service pistol.

Post-mortem examination findings confirmed that Fredericks sustained a gunshot wound to the back, with the bullet penetrating his lungs and exiting through the left side of his neck. Bascom was accused of utilising excessive force during the detainment process, a charge that ultimately did not stand in the face of the court’s scrutiny. (G9)

in the Finance Ministry, Christopher Coye.

IDB President Ilan Goldfajn signed as a witness of honour.

According to President Goldfajn, “Today’s signing is another important step in our over half-a-century long relationship with the Caribbean and its people. In 2023, we started a discussion about shared challenges and the need to create a regional programme to address these issues. “One Caribbean” is proof that we at the IDB Group are committed to partnering with the Region in their efforts to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth with an emphasis on high-impact initiatives. It is the first initiative under the Group’s new institutional strategy.”

By 2030, “One Caribbean” is expected to successfully support the Region in increasing access to resilient infrastructure, promoting safer communities, enhancing Private Sector engagement and productivity, and improving food availability,

access, use, and stability. The initiative will facilitate greater impact and the increased flow of resources for the Caribbean with the support of the IDB Group.

As a trusted partner and the largest development finance institution in the Caribbean region, the IDB Group is well poised to offer countries comprehensive solutions tailored to their specific needs. The IDB Group will deploy all its windows to address inter-dependent underlying challenges, provide mechanisms to increase innovative financing, and boost collaboration with partners that work in the Region.

Minister Singh is leading the Guyana delegation at the 2024 Annual Meetings of the Boards of Governors of the IDB and IDB-Invest, in Punta Cana.

The meetings are being held from March 6 to March 10, and will include discussions by economic and financial leaders from the 48 member countries of the IDB, about the challenges

and opportunities for development in Latin America and the Caribbean.

This year, as a prelude to the Annual Meetings, Guyana hosted the Twelfth Annual IDB consultation with Caribbean Governors in February.

Accompanying the Finance Minister to the meetings are Chief Planning Officer at the Finance Ministry, Dr Tarachand Balgobin, and Alternate Executive Director in the Caribbean Office of the IDB, Navita Anganu Ramroop.

The IDB Group is the leading source of development financing for Latin America and the Caribbean. It contributes to improving lives by providing financial solutions and development expertise to public and Private Sector clients.

The Group comprises the IDB, which has worked with Governments for more than 60 years; IDB Invest, which serves the Private Sector; and IDB Lab, which tests innovative ways to enable more inclusive growth. (G8)

Single mothers Loveveol Cort, Vernalinda Morgan and Shenelly Gale sharing a photo op with First Lady Arya Ali

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, with IDB President Ilan Goldfajn (centre) and other regional leaders, including Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, after signing onto the “One Caribbean” programme on Friday

High-level engagement on Haiti crisis set for Monday in Jamaica

The Caribbean Community (Caricom) will be spearheading a high-level meeting with regional and international stakeholders in Jamaica on the escalating situation in Haiti.

Caricom Chairman, President Dr Irfaan Ali made this announcement on Friday evening in an update on efforts of the regional bloc to bring stability and normalcy back to its Member State Haiti and the Haitian people.

“We’ve taken a decision as a Community to write the Heads of State and the Heads of Government of the key countries with whom Haiti has engaged as partners, inviting them to meet with our Heads in Caricom in Kingston, Jamaica on Monday, 11th March, to urgently address this state of affairs and all other matters critical to the stabilisation of security and the provision of urgent humanitarian aid to the people of Haiti,” Ali stated.

According to the Chairman, “It is viable that this engagement be at the highest level possible to send a clear message of unity between Caricom and the international community as we work together to provide

the critical support to the Haitian people at this time of crisis for them.”

In recent days, armed gangs, which had already been wreaking havoc in the Caribbean country, stormed two prisons and released thousands of prisoners into the already-troubled streets of Port-au-Prince and caused a State of Emergency to be declared.

Based on reports, at least one gang leader has threatened “a civil war that will end in genocide” if Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry did not resign and the international community continued to support him. The Prime Minister was left stranded in Puerto Rico as flights in and out of Haiti were cancelled earlier this week.

After being in Guyana last week, drumming up support for a Caricombacked multinational force to help him restore order in his country, the Haitian PM had travelled to Kenya, where he signed an agreement to mobilise troops for the multinational force.

Since then, however, violence in Port-au-Prince escalated with gangs attacking law enforcement and State institutions, including Police Stations and prisons.

President Ali said in his update on Friday evening that the situation on the ground in Haiti remained dire and was of serious concern to Caricom. He added that the regional Heads of Government remained engaged in deep discussions with the various stakehold-

ers in Haiti including Prime Minister Henry.

“Whilst we’re making considerable progress, the stakeholders are not yet where they need to be. We are acutely aware of the urgent need for consensus to be reached. We’ve impressed on the respective parties that time is not on their side in agreeing to the way forward.”

“We’d like the Haitian people to know that we’ll continue to work with them on their behalf until there is satisfactory resolution that brings stability and relief to them… We will continue to do as much as we can to the

best of our ability, dedicating the time and resources in the interest of the Haitian people and Haiti, remembering that the resolution and solution for Haiti must be by the people – must be led by the people, must be owned by the people of Haiti. This continues to be the greatest priority of Heads at this time,” the Caricom Chairman assured.

Since February 29, criminal gangs in the capital Portau-Prince have conducted coordinated attacks targeting Police Stations, prisons, critical infrastructure, and civilian sites in the city. On March 2, armed gang mem-

bers raided two penitentiaries, reportedly freeing some 3800 inmates, after which Haitian authorities announced a three-day state of emergency and imposed a nighttime curfew.

At least four Police Officers and five civilians have been killed in the violence since February 29, while nearly 15,000 persons have been displaced after fleeing from the violence.

The United Nations had reported this week that since the beginning of the year, a staggering 1193 persons have been killed, and 692 others injured by gang violence in Haiti. (G8)

Over $6M spent to extinguish West Berbice mangrove fire

Over $6 million was spent to put out the fire that had been destroying the mangroves at Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice (WCB), Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

This is according to Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal, who told reporters on Friday during a press conference that the fire had been destroying the mangroves protecting the sea defence at Bath Settlement.

Several agencies were involved in the more-than-oneweek battle to douse the fire which caused some residents to have to evacuate while others were plagued with health issues as several communities were covered with thick smoke for days.

Regional Vice Chairman Rian Pieters said some residents had to seek medical

attention as a result of the heavy smoke.

The fire started on February 24 and was put under control on March 3. The successful battling of the fire took the efforts of the Guyana Fire

Service of Region Five, the Guyana Sugar Corporation’s Blairmont Estate, the Public Works Ministry, the Regional Democratic Council, and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority all working together.

Sub-Officer Denbar Quintin, who is in charge of the fire department in Region Five, said firefighters

worked tirelessly and continuously to battle the fire. He said as of now the conditions are reasonable as they relate to the spread of the fire and the security of persons who live in the vicinity.

“As we would have known over that period of time, within days and nights we had heavy smoke log throughout

the area. It even extended to places like Hopetown. We are asking persons to be cognisant of the fact that they need to properly out their cigarettes if they are smoking. We know that at times people do things unconsciously. We are also asking them to desist from lighting any grass…or anything like that. We had some serious issues in the area of Bath,” he explained.

Regional Chairman Ramphal said that more than $6 million was spent to put out the fire. Two excavators and six tractor pumps were used to flood the area with water from inland.

Desist

Ramphal took the opportunity at the press conference to call on persons to

desist from lighting fires in areas that can cause harm to the mangroves.

“If ever there is fire in an open area and a lot of vegetation let us immediately report that. Call the Guyana Fire Service. If we allow it to escalate, then we could end up with a situation like that which we had in the vicinity of Bath Settlement,” the Regional Chairman added.

Vice Chairman Pieters noted that the fire did not cause significant destruction of the mangroves, which are the natural defence against the sea, but it created various health issues for residents.

“I know that there were quite a few cases where persons had to rush to the hospital to seek medical attention,” he related.

Notwithstanding that, there were several smaller fires that destroyed sections of the mangrove at Hopetown and Number Eight Village.

It is believed that the fires were lit by persons in those communities who were trying to burn garbage they had taken to the foreshore to dispose of.

“We are, therefore, asking persons and if asking is not enough, we are begging for you to be conscious knowing that our mangrove is our sea defence and if we tamper with that, we would just be leaving ourselves open,” the fire officer said. (G4)

The mangroves on fire at Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, Region Five

Caricom Chairman, President Dr Irfaan Ali

Gunfire still echoed in parts of Port-au-Prince on Thursday, with blazing tyres blocking some areas as people demanded new leaders for the battered country (Ralph Tedy Erol/Reuters photo)

(March 21-April 19)

(April 20-May 20)

(May 21-June 20)

(June 21-July 22)

(July 23-Aug. 22)

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Keeping a low profile will allow you to get things done without interference. Focus on self-improvement, health, fitness and looking your best. Your attitude will take a positive turn.

A watchful eye will reveal everything you need to know. Don’t feel obligated to join forces with someone who doesn’t share your agenda. Rely on your instincts to point you in the right direction.

Take a pass if someone tries to lure you into something questionable. Be meticulous regarding your health, appearance and personal gains. A trendy look will boost your morale.

Allocate your time wisely. Address your concerns and the things you want to change. You can make a difference if you are true to yourself and honest about what you can do.

Be an objective observer and listener, and you’ll gain insight into the possibilities. Don’t act too quickly or get swept up in someone else’s dream. Make personal gain and romance priorities.

It’s up to you to make things happen. A change will stimulate you to do some of the things you enjoy most. A partnership will promote a sense of belonging and encourage you to give your all.

Take an interest in what’s available and you’ll discover something that leads to positive change. Don’t feel you need to collaborate with someone else to succeed. Take care of yourself.

Try to get out and indulge in activities and events that broaden your awareness and open your mind to new and exciting ways to use your skills, attributes and knowledge.

Your friendly manner will make you a target for someone eager to take advantage of you. Pay attention to what’s happening around you. Personal gain begins with you.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Stick close to home, nurture what you have and change only what’s necessary and affordable. Invest in what makes you happy and brings you peace of mind.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Leave nothing to chance or unfinished. Channel your energy, finish what you start and reward yourself with something meaningful. Say no to those trying to persuade you to be a follower.

Use your skills to address issues holding you back. Get rid of what no longer works for you and start anew. Let your intuition guide you, and you will recognize what you need most.

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

PICKLES

ARCHIE

Tin Georgetown.

These championships would see Trinidad and Tobago fielding 75 participants; Suriname fielding 30-35; and Guyana, vying for supremacy, fielding 84. Competitors would be engaging in traditional kata form, point sparring, and team kata; while the Freestyle segment would see the empty-hand kata, weapons’ hand kata, points sparring, team kata/ form, and team sparring.

Speaking at the launching ceremony on Friday

morning, Chief Instructor of Korean International Martial Arts Guyana, Roland Eudoxie, disclosed that the aim is to develop the sport as an art of discipline, rather than as an extracurricular activity.

He said, “It is our dream at Korean International

Martial Arts Guyana to develop the art, which is not only seen as an extracurricular activity, but an art for discipline to be taught as an important life lesson, one that teaches discipline, focus, dedication, commitment, and teamwork; because it is our responsibility as leaders to

Mash It Up T20 top performers rewarded

Cotton Tree top performers in the recently concluded AJM Mash It Up T20 tournament have benefitted from the receipt of cricket gear, compliments of AJM Enterprise via Cricnation592 Store.

Player of the Final, Kevon Jawahir; best batsman Fawaz Gaffoor, and best bowler Waqar Hassan have been the recipients of quality cricket gear.

Jawahir played a stellar all-round effort in the final to lead Cotton Tree to a crushing win against Achievers A at Bush Lot Sports Complex.

Jawahir struck 52, and claimed 4-18 from four overs.

Opener Gaffoor struck a blazing 79 in the final, and, as a left-arm spinner, claimed

5-14 from four overs.

The gear presented to the cricketers is estimated to be in excess of G$150,000. AJM Enterprise has said it aims to develop cricket in the West Berbice area and provide quality entertainment to that cricket-loving population.

This Mash It Up T20 Tournament, which saw Cotton Tree walking away with G$1M, was filled with a lot of side attractions, including cheerleaders, big screen view, live streaming, and a lucky fan walking away with G$50,000 after taking a one-handed catch. This event was sponsored by AJM Enterprise and Jumbo Jet, and was powered by Banks DIH Limited.

According to the spon-

sors, plans are already in place to make this tournament a countrywide event.

AJM Enterprise is a subsidiary of Jumbo Jet. Jumbo Jet has been in operation for more than three decades, and is synonymous with supplying heavy-duty equipment, being responsible for supplying 70% of local contractors’ needs.

AJM deals with specialised transportation, crane rental, equipment rental, and supply of raw materials (sand, aggregate) among numerous other things. The AJM enterprise is involved in significant projects across Guyana, while Cricnation592 Store is a unique cricket equipment store located in Berbice, Guyana.

value sportsmanship.”

He explained that competition has been the primary focus of the tournament, and he recognized stakeholders in the competition. He said, “Every year, the level of anticipation is not only increasing, thus it makes us, as hosts, excited to see what is coming ahead. The primary focus over the years has been on competition, which certainly is an important aspect of building each championship level, but many times we fail to recognize the im-

portance of celebrating the level of commitment of our sponsors, competitors, media operatives and supporters.”

Representatives of the sponsors, speaking at the launch of the event, stressed the importance of sponsorship of this tournament.

Categories to be contested are: U-6, 7-9, 10-12, 1315, 17-19, 20-34, and over35. Further broken down into the belt categories, they are Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Blackbelt.

Admission to the event

varies, with adults paying $1000, children paying $500, and U5 children entering free of cost. The event is set to start at 9am.

The organizers have acknowledged that this event would not have been possible without sponsorship from Team Mohammed’s, Starbucks Guyana, Gupta Group, Hand-in-Hand Trust, Quick Pro Printing, National Sports Commission; Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport; and Guyana Tourism Authority.

Women being empowered through chess - GCF

The Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) has taken time out to acknowledge the female players, organizers and delegates of the ongoing Caricom Classic Chess Tournament in observance of International Women's Day, March 8th.

This is a day that celebrates women across the globe: showcasing their social, economic, political, and cultural achievements, and raising awareness about gender equality amid calls for action to accelerate progress.

Chess is a challenging sport that requires intense focus, strategic thinking, and precise implementation. Each chess piece, though confined to its unique movement, holds the potential for immense power on the board.

Chess was once a male-dominated game, but over the years, barriers were broken and women have successfully made their

mark in the chess world.

Vera Menchik became the first FIDE Women’s World Champion in 1927, and she paved the way, five decades later, for first Woman Grandmaster Nona Gaprindashvili, and youngest female Grandmaster Judit Polgar, who is referred to as the Queen of Chess.

Adorned and poised with a beautiful crown, the Queen represents power. Her versatility allows her to move like a Bishop and a Rook while valuing the most points.

Women today are empowered to compete on an equal footing with men, their passion and skill being on par with what their male counterparts possess. However, the full range of their abilities remains untapped in competitive chess.

On International Women's Day, the Guyana Chess Federation proudly recognizes all women, particularly the talented women who contribute to our chess community.

The leading Caribbean women and girls in chess

From left: Fawaz Gaffoor, Kevon Jawahir and Waqar Hassan with their cricket gear

Roland Eudoxie and representatives of the sponsors

hand Guyana first defeat

The Guyana Women have suffered their first defeat of the 2024 CG United Women’s Super50 Cup on Friday, after Barbados got the upper hand in their encounter by 4 wickets.

After a commendable performance with the bat in their second game on Wednesday, Guyana won the toss and opted to bat first on Friday, seemingly in hope that it would go well again.

However, it was back to the old collapses, and the Guyanese Women managed to post only 128 runs in 37.1 overs before being bowled out.

For the third consecutive time, the opening pair of Mandy Mangru and Naomi Barkoye did not click, contributing respectively 4 runs and a single to the tally. Shabika Gajnabi was unable to press on this time around, mus-

tering 10 from 24 balls, and Realanna Grimmond has had to return to the dugout after scoring a single run.

However, in a positive spark for the Guyanese Women, Shemaine Campbell played a captain’s knock of

GFF/KFC Elite League…

53 off 84 deliveries to get her team past 100 runs; and Cherry-Ann Fraser pitched in with a welcome 24 off 26 balls at number 6. Those were the last double figures that the Guyanese scorecard had seen.

Police move into top 3 after thrashing Monedderlust

…Western, Slingerz remain top 2

With a resounding 6-0 win over Monedderlust Football Club on Thursday night, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Football Club have forced themselves into third place on the points table, following the conclusion of the second round in the Guyana Football Federation (GFF)/KFC Elite League Season Six.

The solitary match on Thursday night at the GFF’s National Training Centre (NTC), Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD), looked evenly poised in the initial minutes, but as soon as the Policemen found their rhythm, Monedderlust succumbed to the pressure.

Threvon Pluck opened the scoring in the 27th minute, after which Dorwin George made it a 2-0 affair in the 34th minute. Before the half was called, Captain Pernell Schultz pushed the score to 3-0 after successfully taking a strike from the penalty mark.

Thereafter, Nicholas Mc Arthur added his name to the scoresheet with a goal in the 56th minute while Schultz completed his brace of penalties in the 65th.

Adding the cherry on the cake was Jemar Harrigan, who

found the back of the net in extra time, in the 91st minute to seal the 6-0 win for Police.

After two rounds of exhilarating football action at Providence, Western Tigers still lead the points table with two wins from as many games (six points) and a goal difference of 14. One of the League’s returnees, Slingerz FC, have a similar six points but a goal difference of 10 and as such, sit at second. Police have moved up to third with six points and a goal difference of 9, while defending champions and fellow servicemen, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) FC remain at fourth place with six points and a goal difference of 6. Completing the

current top five is Ann’s Grove United FC, with 3 points and a goal difference of -1.

In the bottom half of the table sit Den Amstel FC with 3 points and a goal difference of -2. The remaining teams, Santos FC, Fruta Conquerors, Monedderlust FC and Buxton United FC are yet to add any points to their names with goal differences of -2, -6, -13 and -15 respectively.

The League will continue at the same venue tonight with a double header.

At 18:30h, Den Amstel FC will come up against Fruta Conquerors FC, after which Slingerz FC and Santos FC will do battle from 21:00h.

Allison Gordon was the pick of the Barbadian bowlers with 4-19 off 7.1 overs, while Keila Elliott bagged 3-29 off 8 overs. Shamilia Connel picked two wickets and Erin Deane took one, to assist in routing the Guyanese team.

Following a brilliant knock at the top from Kycia Knight, Barbados did stumble in the chase, but toiled hard to eventually get over the line in 41.2 overs. Knight slammed 62 runs in 124 deliveries, while her twin Kyshona added 32 from 83 balls. No other Barbadian batter got past two runs, and the remainder of the Barbados target was accumulated in extras from the Guyanese bowlers.

Niya Latchman claimed

2-19 in 10 overs, while Ashmini Munisar, Shanetta Grimmond and Plaffianna Millington each took one wicket.

Guyana will take on Trinidad and Tobago next on Monday, March 11, 2024 in their fourth fixture of the tournament.

Caricom Caribbean Chess Classic 2024…

Guyana’s Team One maintains second position after 6 rounds

Guyana Chess Federation’s Team One has maintained its position in second after six rounds of play in the Caricom Classic Chess Team Tournament being held at the Ramada Georgetown Princess Hotel in Guyana.

Comprising CM Taffin Khan, FM Anthony Drayton, Jessica Callender and Shaz Rahim, Team One has won against the Bahamas in round five with match points of 2.5 against 1.5. Khan defeated Avian Pride, Drayton defeated Joseph Ferguson, and Shaz Rahim drew with Chika Pride. Callender was unable to secure a win against Polina Karelina.

In round six, Team One drew with Barbados 2-2. Taffin Khan defeated Emar Edwards, while Drayton defeated the veteran Phillip Corbin. Jessica Callender and Shazeeda Rahim were both unable to secure a win against either Katrina Blackman or Hannah Wilson.

Taffin Khan’s encounter with Emar Edwards saw the Guyanese successfully weaken his opponent after capturing Edwards’s valuable Rook. The Barbadian’s double pawns also restricted his chances during the struggle, and Khan secured a passed pawn to convert into a power-

ful Queen. Edwards gave up the fight after 47 moves.

Guyana Team Two’s match points against Suriname were 0.5-3.5 in round five. This young Guyanese team, comprising Keron Sandiford, Kyle Couchman, Sasha Shariff and Aditi Joshi, fought valiantly to secure wins against the Surinamese team, but only Aditi Joshi was able to gain a half-point with her draw with Maylee Tjong Tjin Joe. In round six, against the Bahamas, Team Two managed to gain 1.5 match points against the Bahamas’ 2.5 points. Avian Pride used his Queen and Knight to execute

a successful attack against Guyanese Keron Sandiford. The well-coordinated Queen and Knight team gained material and exposed Sandiford’s vulnerable King to additional threats. The Guyanese player resigned after 41 moves.

Kyle Couchman was paired with Joseph Ferguson of the Bahamas. Ferguson was unable to avoid the loss of material and his position being progressively weakened. The young Guyanese player infiltrated his opponent’s camp to further seize material, leading to the Bahamian’s defeat.

And Aditi Joshi drew with her Round Six opponent, Chika Pride of the Bahamas.

Snapshot from the one-sided affair between GPF FC (blue) and Monedderlust FC

Kycia Knight’s unbeaten 62 led the Barbados Women to victory over Guyana

Guyana’s Team One in action against Barbados