Guyana Times - Saturday, October 28, 2023

Berbice P13 homeowners receive keys to new low-income homes Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 5536

PRICE $100 VAT INCLUDED

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023

Pres Ali pushes for students to be exposed to AI, advanced technology Page 3

WHAT'S INSIDE: Murder of businessman’s son

High Court grants extension P15 to keep mastermind in custody

– as $220M GTI 3-storey learning center commissioned

GPHC removes fees for knee, hip surgeries P14

GT trio arrested following P2 discovery of loaded firearm

President Dr Irfaan Ali accepted the Letters of Credence from India’s new High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr Amit Shivkumar Telang. In the photo, President Ali is flanked by the New Indian High Commissioner and his wife, along with Foreign Affairs and International Cooporation Minster Hugh Todd and Permanent Secretary Elizabeth Harper

Venezuela border controversy

Guyana’s National Assembly to hold special sitting on Friday to consider motion See story on page 9

– as Foreign Minister informs diplomats of Venezuela’s aggression

Gordon Moseley to pay $1M in costs after losing defamation claim against Guyana Times P

8

Venezuelan national dies after allegedly ridingPage into path of motorcar 12

Troy Resources' termination

Bulk of unpaid royalties racked up since 2018 under APNU/AFC Govt – VP Jagdeo

– admits PPP “dropped the ball”, but says was preoccupied after taking office

Page 7

Agriculture P12 can be a tool to solve water crisis globally – Mustapha at Borlaug Dialogue – says governments, private sectors must work on solutions

Fuel shortage continues to P grip Berbice 16 Miner arraigned for Powis P15 Landing murder

2 NEWS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GT trio arrested following discovery of loaded firearm

The gun and ammunition found during the exercise

T

hree men were arrested following the discovery of a loaded firearm at Pouderoyen, West Bank Demerara, on Thursday evening.

Based on reports received, at about 23:10h on the day in question, Police on mobile patrol observed two men - Shawn Collins also called “Gully”, 25, of Charlestown, Georgetown, and Steffon Howard, 23, of East La Penitence, Georgetown, acting in a suspicious manner.

As such, the ranks made contact with both suspects and requested to carry out a search on their person.

At the time, Collins was carrying a 'lunch pack' around his shoulder. Upon inspection, a 9mm semi-automatic pistol with its serial number filed off along with a magazine containing 15 matching rounds of ammunition was found inside.

Collins was told of the

offence committed and cautioned during which he replied, "Officer, I get this for my protection." He was immediately taken into custody.

However, while at the Vreed-en-Hoop Police Outpost, Collins’ mobile phone rang and it was answered by a Police rank. The person on the other line reportedly stated, "Hey, I reach at de base hay way y’all dea."

The Police promptly proceeded to the Pouderoyen public road where another man, Shawn Dos Santos, 27, of South Ruimveldt Housing Scheme was seen sitting on a Grey 110cc Honda motorcycle.

Whilst there, the ranks called back the number and Dos Santos’ cell phone rang.

He was confronted and upon questioning, he gave the Police conflicting stories. He too was arrested.

The three men remain in custody pending charges.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

BRIDGE The Demerara OPENINGS Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, Oct 28 – 04:00h – 05:30h and Sunday, Oct 29 – 05:00h – 06:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Saturday, Oct 28 – 15:45h – 17:15h and Sunday, Oct 29 – 16:20h – 17:50h.

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 25 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to North-Easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 16:07h reaching a maximum height of 2.87 metres.

Low Tide: 09:42h and 22:05h reaching minimum heights of 0.46 metre and 0.31 metre.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2023

LOTTERY NUMBERS E

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2023 DAILY MILLIONS

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DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

COMMODITIES Indicators

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Crude Oil

$90.48/barrel

+2.55

Rough Rice London Sugar

$291.78/ton $742.70/ton

-0.70 +1.16

Live Spot Gold Bid/Ask Low/High Change

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USD Per Ounce $2005.60 $1976.50 0.00

$2006.60 $2009.80 0.00

Pres Ali pushes for students to be exposed to AI, advanced technology – as $220M GTI 3-storey learning centre commissioned

A

spanking new Government Technical Institute (GTI) building at Woolford Avenue, Georgetown, that was constructed to the tune of $220 million, was on Friday commissioned by President Dr Irfaan Ali. Named the Ken Subraj - Zara Training Centre, the project commenced in 2022

by Avinash Scrap Metal and Contracting Inc and aims to provide a modernised facility for students and replace an outdated structure that previously existed.

A joint venture between New York-based philanthropist Ken Subraj and the Guyana Government under a public-private partnership saw the realisation of the brand new three-storey, state-of-the-art building, with $200 million provided by Subraj and $20 million by the Education Ministry.

However, President Ali lauded the work of the Zara Foundation, which has made numerous investments in the Guyana Police Force, the University of Guyana and other key institutions. He said it is one that many corporations can take an example from.

“Giving back is part of a philosophy. It is part of the guiding principle and guiding values… This example that you see here is one that many big corporations can take a page,” Ali disclosed.

The Head of State also zeroed in on the need to embark on digitalisation and expose students to artificial intelligence (AI) and other advancements.

“We have to start exposing our students to robotics and AI as a common part of the work environment. If we don't incorporate that at this time, then we will be playing catch up all the rest of our lives. We have to find an innovative approach to problem-solving. The old approach stopped working. It’s not cutting it anywhere anymore. We have to find that innovative way in which we can raise financing, in which we can we can apply technology,” he highlighted.

As more attention comes to the country, he said the Government will take advantage of the possibility of partnering with major centres of excellence globally. At the same time, he called for a seamless integration across the tiers of education, such as from technical institutions to universities.

“All of this being done is to ensure that we have the full complement of institutional capacity, and, and faculty to support the development of our country and to support the creation of the skill set.

So, the technical landscape, the technical education landscape is expanding.”

While the initial plan was to rehabilitate the quadrangular building on the west side of the compound, the institution had other critical

The new GTI building commissioned on Woolford Avenue

needs and the plan was set in motion to construct the new building.

The ground floor consists of a lobby, offices, and a recreation space, while the two other floors are for classrooms.

The building also features ramps, a pressurised water system, an air-conditioned environment, and an elevator which will adequately be able to assist persons with disabilities. Additionally, the periphery of the building was all upgraded or replaced.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand lauded this investment as a life-changing one for students who are able

to study and enhance their lives.

“This is going to live on way beyond any of us here and it's going to change lives in a meaningful way…This was timely not only for what it will do for each individual student but to complement the country's thrust towards making skills training and TVET accessible to people.”

GTI Principal, Dr Renita Crandon-Duncan said the completion of this building is a dream achieved.

Heavily investing in technical education, she added, will see Guyana taking its rightful place amid an uprise

in development and economic activities.

Today, GTI is home to some 1900 students and this new building will house the engineering students.

However, talks are brewing to also offer programmes in oil and gas.

“In Guyana’s booming oil and gas economy, our engineering programmes - mechanical, electrical, civil, and land surveying are the most lucrative programmes. We see thousands of applicants each year, especially 2023, and the oil and gas companies are snatching up our students, even before they will have completed their programme. As such, an investment in these areas, among others, is feasible,” CrandonDuncan added.

The GTI began operations in May of 1951 in temporary accommodation in the Queen’s College compound.

By July of the said year, it was removed to its present location. The original purpose of the institution was to provide training in craft skills but by July 1956, technician-level courses were introduced and by September 1961, diploma level programmes were included, bringing the total number of courses offered to thirty-eight. (Rupa Seenaraine)

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023

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

“More must be done”

A

n important announcement was made on Friday

by Guyana’s Head of State, Dr Irfaan Ali, who has committed to launching a special programme to address prevalent social challenges affecting school-aged youth.

While expressing deep concern about the current state of schools, the President called for more proactive measures.

To quote the Head of State: “We now have to proactively deal with what is happening in our schools. I am intensely disturbed by some of what I see on social media. It bothers me, we have to nip this in the bud, and there must be consequences for bad behaviour…More must be done, more has to be done. What I see on social media is not a reflection of who we are. Together we will, together we must.”

Sometime ago, a columnist for this publication, in one of her columns, had asked the question if we are indeed surprised at this stark reality in many of our schools when violence surrounds young people of varying ages on our streets, on our television screens, on game consoles, on our phones, in our neighbourhoods; and for too many, even in our homes.

Violence in schools is not confined there, and is prevalent in many other places. In Guyana, we have, in the past, seen a collaboration between the Guyana Police Force and the Education Ministry wherein random searches were conducted at schools for potential weapons. Surprisingly, screwdrivers, knives, scissors, and toy guns were found during some of these random searches.

An important aspect of the Education Ministry’s collaboration with the Police is that the partnership involves discussion on topics of violence, crime committed at schools, gang fighting, offensive weapons and, significantly, consequences.

Who would have thought that in the process of getting an education here in Guyana, safety in schools is becoming a primary concern? With the threats in question, it seems rightfully so.

In the past, we have seen several teachers being beaten by parents, and also in the past, there were several cases in which students fought their teachers. Over time, there were other reports of students being stabbed by others, or hurt by other means. Bullying, which is just another form of abuse, and even violence, was reported to be highly prevalent in many schools. Fight among New Campbellville Secondary School students, which was posted on social media, is a good example of violence in schools.

Those represent reported cases, as the understanding is that many cases are unreported out of fear of repercussion.

This publication has repeatedly said that there are many social ills affecting the Guyanese society, especially the younger segment of the population; and programmes and support services to help address these issues could never be enough. For example, the use of illegal drugs and alcohol, crime, suicide, domestic and other forms of violence are having a huge negative impact on communities across Guyana. And now, more than ever there, is need for a genuine collaborative approach, with inclusive planning and coordination; an approach in which volunteerism is a key element to help find practical and lasting solutions to these many ills.

We are well aware that sometimes young people may feel there is no end or solutions to the problems they are facing, and hence they turn to various forms of anti-social behaviours, thereby creating more challenges for an already burdened society.

While the Government must play a crucial role in designing the relevant policies and putting in place the necessary legislative framework and other support mechanisms aimed at addressing these issues, this burden must also be shared by various actors within the society, such as religious groups, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), etc, since such problems affect everyone.

We believe that if our young people are to move from the less mature and irresponsible ways of thinking and acting to making more mature and responsible judgements and engaging in activities that are the hallmark of a sociallyproductive adulthood, support systems must be provided.

Two lads from Mabaruma, Region One (Barima-Waini) making their way home in their canoe. The canoe is one of the main modes of transportation in hinterland areas (Shaconeil Burnette photo)

We must not kill Gazan children to try to protect Israel’s children BY: Nicholas Kristof

T

he crisis in the Middle East is a knotty test of our humanity, asking how to respond to a grotesque provocation for which there is no good remedy. And in this test, we in the West are not doing well.

The acceptance of largescale bombing of Gaza and of a ground invasion likely to begin soon suggests that Palestinian children are lesser victims, devalued by their association with Hamas and its history of terrorism. Consider that more than 1500 children in Gaza have been killed, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health, and around onethird of Gaza homes have been destroyed or damaged in just two weeks — and this is merely the softening-up before what is expected to be a much bloodier ground invasion.

I’ve flown into beautiful, sun-washed Tel Aviv, where the graffiti reads “Destroy Hamas.” Israelis have been shattered by the Hamas terrorism and kidnappings, an attack that felt existential and explains the determination to dismantle Hamas, whatever the cost. The anxiety in Tel Aviv is palpable, peaceful though it seems, while Gaza is an inner ring of hell and probably on a path to something much worse.

The United States speaks a good deal about principles, but I fear that President Biden has embedded a hierarchy of human life in official American policy. He expressed outrage

at the massacres of Jews by Hamas, as he should have, but he has struggled to be equally clear about valuing Gazan lives. And it’s not always evident whether he is standing four-square with Israel as a country or with its failed Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, a longtime obstacle to peace.

What are we to make of the Biden Administration’s call for an additional US$14 billion in assistance for Israel and simultaneous call for humanitarian aid for Gazans? Defensive weapons for Israel’s Iron Dome system would make sense, but in practice, is the idea that we will help pay for humanitarians to mop up the blood caused in part by our weapons?

What are we to tell Dr Iyad Abu Karsh, a Gaza physician who lost his wife and son in a bombing and then had to treat his injured 2-year-old daughter? He didn’t even have time to care for his niece or sister, for he had to deal with the bodies of his loved ones.

“I have no time to talk now,” he told a Times colleague, his voice trembling over the phone. “I want to go bury them.”

In his speech on Thursday, Biden called for America to stand firmly behind Ukraine and Israel, two nations attacked by forces aiming to destroy them. Fair enough. But suppose Ukraine responded to Russian war crimes by laying siege to a Russian city, bombing it into dust and cutting off water and electric-

ity while killing thousands and obliging doctors to operate on patients without anesthetic.

I doubt we Americans would shrug and say: Well, Putin started it. Too bad about those Russian children, but they should have chosen somewhere else to be born.

Here in Israel, because the Hamas attacks were so brutal and fit into a history of pogroms and Holocaust, they led to a resolve to wipe out Hamas even if this means a large human toll. “Gaza will become a place where no human being can exist,” declared Giora Eiland, a former head of the Israeli National Security Council. “There is no other option for ensuring the security of the State of Israel.”

I think that view reflects a practical and moral miscalculation. While I would love to see the end of Hamas, it’s not feasible to eliminate radicalism in Gaza, and a ground invasion is more likely to feed extremism than to squelch it — at an unbearable cost in civilian lives.

I particularly want to challenge the suggestion, more implicit than explicit, that Gazan lives matter less because many Palestinians sympathise with Hamas.

People do not lose their right to life because they have odious views, and in any case, almost half of Gazans are children. Those kids in Gaza, infants included, are among the more than two million people enduring a siege and collective punishment.

Israel has suffered a hor-

rifying terrorist attack and deserves the world’s sympathy and support, but it should not get a blank check to slaughter civilians or to deprive them of food, water and medicine. Bravo to Biden for trying to negotiate some humanitarian access to Gaza, but the challenge will be not just getting aid into Gaza but also distributing it to where it’s needed.

A prolonged ground invasion seems to me a particularly risky course, likely to kill large numbers of Israeli soldiers, hostages and especially Gazan civilians. We are better than that, and Israel is better than that.

Levelling cities is what the Syrian Government did in Aleppo or Russia did in Grozny; it should not be an American-backed undertaking by Israel in Gaza.

The best answer to this test is to try even in the face of provocation to cling to our values. That means that despite our biases, we try to uphold all lives as having equal value. If your ethics see some children as invaluable and others as disposable, that’s not moral clarity but moral myopia. We must not kill Gazan children to try to protect Israeli children. (The New York Times) (Nicholas Kristof joined The New York Times in 1984 and has been a columnist since 2001. He has won two Pulitzer Prizes, for his coverage of China and of the genocide in Darfur. You can follow him on Instagram, Face book and Threads. His forthcoming memoir is “Chasing Hope: A Reporter’s Life.”)

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023

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

A Care Society for a better world José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs Executive Secretary, Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC)

O

ctober 29th marks the International Day of Care and Support, an occasion for stressing the importance of mobilising efforts and pooling resources on a fundamental issue of justice and inclusion. This is about building today a better society that prioritises care for people and the planet, to have a better world tomorrow.

Latin America and the Caribbean today faces multiple crises that threaten to deepen historical inequalities. In addition to a low-growth trend that affects the possibility of creating better jobs, there is an environmental crisis and structural inequality that disproportionately affects women. They face lower labour force participation than men, greater poverty, and an excess burden of unpaid work and care work. The future has caught up with us, and the demand for care work is intensifying due to population ageing, epidemiological changes, and the effects of climate change.

Against this backdrop, incremental changes are not enough; bold policies are needed to redefine our course.

We have the opportunity to build a future in which burdens are shared fairly, and time, resources, power and work are redistributed in order to move towards a new development pattern and a more equal society.

In recent decades, we have documented the considerable educational progress of women, yet their labour force participation has not grown proportionally. Today, half of all women remain outside the labour market, in contrast to men, who have a participation rate of over 75%. This challenge is rooted in the sexual division of labour, and, to a large extent, in the care work that falls mostly to women.

In our region, time-use measurements show that women spend almost triple the amount of time that men do on unpaid domestic and care work. Thus, achieving equality and justice requires redefining these burdens and creating a care society.

A society that reorganises care in a fair manner not only offers us an ethical way forward, but also a strategy for boosting economies through a growing sector. Strengthening the care sector in the economy, and recognizing, redistributing, and reducing work that is currently unpaid by generating quality care-related employment are a crucial strategy for achieving gender equality, the well-being of society as a whole, and for economic growth.

The economic contribution of unpaid domestic and care work represents 21.3% of GDP on average in the region, exceeding a quarter of total GDP in some countries, and 74.5% of this contribution is made by women.

There are reasons to be optimistic, but we must be proactive. Latin America and the Caribbean has a Regional Gender Agenda designed and agreed upon by countries over the last 45 years in the framework of the Regional Conference on Women in Latin America and the Caribbean.

This agenda reaffirms the principles of universality and progressivity, and the importance of co-responsibility for redistributing care work both between men and women and between the State, the market, communities, families and individuals, which entails long-term economic compacts and the need to incorporate care objectives into all public policies, including those on education, health, social protection, and macroeconomic and fiscal matters.

We at ECLAC believe the care society is a fundamental part of the structural transformation of our societies, and should lead to the recognition of care as a right, as essential work, and as a sector with the potential to revitalise economies.

Promoting the care society calls on us - today and every day - to achieve gender equality and a more productive, inclusive and sustainable future.

NIS and you!

Dear Editor, The National Insurance Scheme (NIS) is in the news; and, God forbid, it is there for all the wrong reasons. The NIS, as we know it, is a contributory pension scheme in which both the employer and the employee make monetary contributions which, in the end, would see benefits accruing to the contributors when they have reached the age of retirement. This is a commendable and well-thought-out scheme that, when run to its truest principles, would bring forth admirable results.

I vividly recall the beginning stages of the scheme, when from high and low it garnered many negative comments. There was even a campaign on for civil disobedience, persons wanting to have refunded any deductions made from their paychecks. Some labelled the scheme as sinful; that is, reading it backward: SIN. You must understand the reason for that stout resistance: because this scheme meant the lessening of one's earnings, which in human terms is a definite no-no for anyone.

So, having said that, let us carefully examine the finer details of an NIS Scheme: (a) First of all, if there were no contributions from an employee, there can be no collection of benefits, point blank! Yes, you were working for twenty or thirty years with no contributions to the scheme, hence nothing could have been attributed to your account by way of pension funds. (b) Self-employed persons such as market vendors, taxi operators, cottage industries as well as contractors themselves must make their contributions, failing which they cannot now come again to claim. (c) Some workers' contributions go way back to the inception of the scheme - a time when we only had business done in hard copies. This was a tedious system that saw the insidious institution of many acts of corruption and skullduggery being carried out.

Some of these issues are being investigated as we speak. Hard copies are still being used as a backup, because even the best of computerised systems fail. In it all, the NIS is still the only

viable option available. (d) Some workers were told that their contributions were not up-to-date, or were lacking from the minimum contribution standpoint. But even in such circumstances, an amicable arrangement would be worked out with the scheme after that person would have reached retirement age. (e) Then there is the perennial problem of employers who did not make contributions on behalf of their employees, or whose employees claim made deductions from their paychecks but there is no record of those deductions being remitted to the NIS. The situation worsens when you realize that some of those institutions or private contractors have gone out of business. In such circumstances, I call on the Government to have designated lawyers to look into the interests of the pensioner. To have a poor, defenseless pensioner seek out the services of a paid attorney is adding salt to the wound. So, I call on the scheme's directors to explore the idea of having a lawyer or desk set up to ad-

dress such issues. (f) Then there is the issue of beneficiaries illegally collecting monies on behalf of their deceased loved ones when those loved ones were not actually dead. This is an issue that, from time to time, comes up when unscrupulous persons desecrate the scheme with their dishonest tactics. On this note, I call on the Government to be ever vigilant in making payouts to beneficiaries of the dead, and ensure that every ‘T’ has been crossed and all the dots have been fulfilled. (g) Lastly, I call on all employees to approach the NIS to ensure that their contributions are up-todate. Do not take the employers' word for it, go seek out clarification of your contributions. It is the workers' binding duty to seek out their benefits as well as get a hard copy printout of it. Do not wait until your twilight years to ascertain this fact, it might be too late then. It is your right to know how you stand.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023

Foundation ◄

Page

Test Questions

Can biodegradable hydrogels help conserve water in farming? Part 3a Testing hydrogel water absorption and desiccation You will be setting up and taking measurements to determine how much water each type of hydrogel can absorb and how well each hydrogel holds on to its water when exposed to air.

Label four containers for each hydrogel recipe for a total of twelve containers. For example: Agar 1, Agar 2, Agar 3, Agar 4, HEC 1, HEC 2 etc.

Record the weight of each empty container in a data table in your lab notebook.

Table 2 shows an example data table.

Carefully, using a butter knife or similar utensil, remove one agar hydrogel from its petri dish and place it in

the container labeled Agar 1.

Try to remove the hydrogels in one large piece. Repeat this step until you have placed one hydrogel in each of the labeled containers.

Make sure the labels match the type of hydrogel.

Record your observations about the consistency of each type of hydrogel as you work. Is it firm, soft, sticky, smooth? How else can you

describe it?

It may be difficult to remove all or some of the hydrogels. That is okay. Do your best to remove them in as few pieces as possible. You may need to do some problem solving.

Weigh each hydrogel with its container. Record the weight in your data table.

Next, you will see how

much water each hydrogel can absorb. Add water to each container until the hydrogel is fully submerged.

Wait an hour for maximum absorption.

After an hour, drain each container. Carefully, without

touching the hydrogel, use a dish towel or paper towel to blot any excess water from the containers.

Weigh the soaked hydrogels and containers one at a time. Record the weight for each one in your data table

in the “day 0” column.

Weigh every hydrogel in its container once a day for ten to fourteen days. Record the weights in your data table. Also record your observations and take pictures to document the changes.

WORD SEARCH

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Troy Resources' termination

Bulk of unpaid royalties racked up since 2018 under APNU/AFC Govt – VP Jagdeo – admits PPP “dropped the ball,” but says was preoccupied after taking office

W

hile admitting that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) may have dropped the ball by not going after Troy Resources for outstanding royalties, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has maintained that the blame should be laid squarely at the feet of the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) regime for failing to recover the monies owed since 2018 by the mining company.

Earlier this week, the Government announced the termination of the gold licence that was issued to Troy Resources Guyana Incorporated (TRGI) after the Australia-based company exited Guyana, owing over $2.6 billion to the State.

Several commentators have since been criticising the PPP/C Administration for allowing the Australian company to escape with this large sum of money.

But Jagdeo on Thursday clapped back at the critics, disclosing that most of the outstanding money was accrued during the coalition’s time in office.

It was noted that while the agreement with Troy Resources was signed by the former PPP/C Administration under the Donald Ramotar presidency, the Australian mining company only started production in 2015 until mid2021, when they shut down operations in Guyana due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The Vice President pointed out that in 2018, TRGI had some 5639 ounces of gold in royalties, equivalent in value to US$7.2 million or over $1.5 billion, that they should have but did not pay. While payments were made in 2019, the following year, the mining company again failed to pay royal-

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

ties for another 879 ounces of gold, that is, US$1.6 million or $349 million.

In total, Troy Resources racked up approximately $1.8 million in outstanding royalties during the five years under the APNU/AFC Government.

“So, that’s a bulk of the money already there in unpaid royalties in 2018… So, all outstanding liabilities mainly were done under the APNU period,” Jagdeo stated.

On this note, the Vice President hit back at several publications that sought to lay the blame for TRGI escaping without paying the outstanding monies on the current PPP/C Administration. He said it is disgusting that the authors have absolved the APNU/ AFC of any role in this matter when it was reaping the benefits from the company’s operations here, that is, gold production and job creation.

“It’s disgusting, absolving the whole APNU for this and blaming all of this on the PPP when it was absolutely a failure mainly on the part of APNU for this…

The blame should be laid squarely on APNU. This situation dragged on for a while and the fact of the matter is that they benefitted in office from the production for an investment

signed under the PPP,” he stated.

VP Jagdeo further defended the contract signed between the then PPP/C Government and Troy Resources, noting that the concessions contained therein were in accordance with the standard benefits offered to other companies in the sector. He said the aim at the time was creating jobs for Guyanese and enhancing Guyana’s economic output at a time when the oil industry was non-existent.

Dropping the ball

Nevertheless, the Vice President admitted that the current PPP/C Administration may have “dropped the ball” by not going after TRGI for the outstanding monies owed. But he argued at the time when the Irfaan Ali-led regime took office in August 2020, it was faced with mounting challenges that warranted its immediate attention such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

“People don’t understand, the PPP Government came in after five months of this attempt to steal the elections. We came into office and we were faced with, at that time, the country was locked down [due to COVID] … We had to pass a budget in four weeks because there was no budget in 2020… Just go back in time – a new Government, country lockdown, people not working,” he noted.

According to Jagdeo, they managed to tackle these issues in record time by streaming immediate needs in the health sector to adequately handle the pandemic as well as preparing the 2020 budget in just four weeks and having it passed in the National Assembly.

“We then had to start opening up back the country more so that people

The Karouni Mine in Region 7

could start getting back their jobs… These lasted after mid-2021. So, I’m accepting that we probably dropped the ball too but just think about that period from August 2020 to August 2021 when [Troy Resources] stopped producing, that was the era that we were in. The last thing you were thinking about at that time might be Troy Resources. You’re just thinking about keeping people safe and back to work, and getting money to them… We were worried about that sort of thing, getting help to people,” he contended.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Government explained that it terminated both the Karouni min-

eral agreement and licence that Troy Resources and Pharsalus Gold Incorporated had to mine gold in Guyana.

Additionally, the Government has since taken control of the Karouni Mine in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Police on the ground.

In addition to failing to pay outstanding royalties, the Australian mining company has also failed to pay rental fees as well as failed to adhere to its environmental obligations to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and work programme.

Moreover, a number of companies and sub-contractors are also owed millions

by Troy. In fact, there are workers who are owed wages for extended periods by the mining company, and according to the Government, the Ministry of Labour is dealing with this.

It was further reported that Troy Resources has entered into receivership, the process where creditors sell off a company’s assets to recover monies owed. According to the Government statement, Troy actually initiated this process, but due to poor site management, persons have been raiding the site and stealing equipment and material. (G-8)

8 NEWS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Gordon Moseley to pay $1M in costs after losing defamation claim against Guyana Times

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eteran journalist Gordon Moseley has lost a defamation lawsuit he filed against Guyana Times. In the action, he had claimed that one of the newspaper's columnists had defamed him by linking him to the controversies surrounding the 2020 General and Regional Elections.

Moseley owns News Source Guyana. In addition, he serves as Chief Editor of the online news website.

Justice Navindra Singh dismissed Moseley’s lawsuit on Friday, stating that the columnist, Dr Leslie Ramsammy's writings were opinions he honestly held at the time of publication, March 18, 2021.

Ramsammy, a former Health Minister, now serves as Advisor to the Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony.

In that particular column, Ramsammy had contended that Moseley’s reports and comments were biased in favour of the APNU/AFC coalition, particularly, in advance that the fraudulent results that the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) was attempting to declare, were, in fact, accurate and that the APNU/AFC coalition had won the elections.

He claimed that Moseley, who has a sizable social media following, was thus involved in the scheme to rig the elections.

Acknowledgment of rigging

Although the Judge found that the publication was capable of being defamatory in nature, they were not, since they were based on unspecified conduct—conduct which would have been known and could have been analysed by the general readership.

According to the Judge, Ramsammy’s comments can be interpreted as Moseley casting doubt on the legitimate concerns voiced by some of the political parties contesting the

Moseley was biased in his reporting and therefore giving support to the rigging.

Fair comment

Gordon Moseley

Dr Leslie Ramsammy

High Court Judge Navindra Singh

Attorney-at-Law Devindra Kissoon

Attorney-at-Law Abhimanyu Dev

elections based on a fallacy. “In addition, despite the Claimant [Moseley] testifying that he posted articles and/or comments that would have addressed the actions of GECOM and calling on the APNU/AFC coalition to publicly produce Statements of Polls in their possession, such postings were not produced or tendered in evidence or proven to this Court,” Justice Singh added.

An important point made by Justice Singh was that Moseley acknowledged in his evidence that an attempt to rig the polls had occurred, adding that the journalist testified, “Based on all that we have seen, I accept that there was an attempt to rig the elections.”

2020, that contain reports and posts by Moseley and his news outlet, the court found “as a matter of fact” that a “reasonable person” would find his coverage of the 2020 elections to be biased.

Additionally, the Judge held that any reasonable person would conclude that Moseley’s coverage of the election was intended to convince the public that the results being released

by GECOM were accurate with little or no parallel coverage of the concerns being raised by the public and the international observers over those very results.

He went on to say that Ramsammy, who testified that he was a member of the team from the PPP/C verifying the results being read, could reasonably and honestly have concluded from these postings that

Bias reporting

Based on the evidence, particularly the documents dated prior to March 1,

The Judge determined that the newspaper's defence of fair comment was established in the given circumstances because there was no evidence to suggest that the comment was made maliciously and therefore deemed Ramsammy’s comments as a “fair comment”.

“It is an opinion expressed by [Ramsammy] that he honestly held at the time of the publication of the commentary... In the circumstances, the claim is dismissed in its entirety,” he said.

Moseley was ordered to pay $1M in court costs, which included $500,000 Guyana Times and another $500,000 to Ramsammy.

The payment must be made

by November 30 at the latest.

Attorney Eusi Anderson represented Moseley, and Guyana Times was represented by Attorneysat-Law Devindra Kissoon and Abhimanyu Dev. Ron Motilall and C V Satram represented Ramsammy.

In that lawsuit, Moseley was seeking almost $100M in damages.

Building…

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…trade links

ext week we’ll be hosting the second “AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum” (ACTIF). The first, of course, was held last year in Barbados, and, from the attendance and announcements, showed much promise towards developing trade links between these two members of the Global South. As usual, Bajan PM Mia Mottley was her world-class, self-assured and ebullient self as she expatiated on the possibilities for our futures.

Africa, after all, isn’t just a geographical or economic location for most West Indians: more than two-thirds of us were dragged across the Atlantic in chains and enslaved to labour on the plantations established by the European Empires. The latter “underdeveloped” – in the words of Walter Rodney – both Africa and us, so that “independence” didn’t change a thing as far as our development was concerned.

Our early leaders understood all of this; but, sadly, even though they made grandiose plans, such as the “New International Economic Order” (NIEO) and organized themselves at the UN into G-77 so as to gain real control over our natural resources in order to get fairer prices for our raw materials, it was all pretty much for naught.

Like with our first dictator, Forbes Burnham, much of Africa’s independent states were eventually captured by megalomanic dictators, who cruelly exploited their peoples more ferociously that the departed Whites. Not that the latter didn’t pull strings from behind the scenes, as they created institutions like the World Bank and the IMF to do the dirty. And when that failed, they could always count on “native collaborators” like Burnham, who’d turn against their own for their thirty pieces of silver!!

Anyhow, we’ve maintained Caricom since 1973, while Africa had formed the Organization of African Unity (OAU) since 1963, and the African Union (AU) in 2002.

As we know from our (bitter) experience, even though we modelled our bodies after the European Economic Community that became the EU, we could never achieve the results they did. Just like we had too many little Caesars in the Caribbean, it was worse in Africa. When Mottley and Rowley echoed Nkrumah last year by emotionally declaring “I was not born in Africa; Africa was born in me” as far as post-independence rulers, Burnham had the greatest claim to making that statement - being so authoritarian in his actions!!

Well, this time around, the AU had launched an Africa Export Import Bank (Afreximbank) since 1993, and that has extended a US$1.5 billion line of credit – to be doubled this year - to facilitate business linkages between the two entities. There’s no need for any more TALKING about the liberating possibilities of South-South linkages – action is what’s needed. For instance, there was supposed to be an Afreximbank branch established

by July in Barbados - and it opened its doors last August.

Good portent!! …patriotism against Venezuela All Guyanese should commit this Dave Martins’ song to heart: “We are a peaceful people/ Struggle as we struggle/ And we don't look for trouble/ Just ask around.

But when outside faces/ From foreign places/ Talk about taking over/ We ain't backing down (Chorus) We ain't giving up no mountain/ We ain't giving up no tree/ We ain't giving up no river/ That belongs to we/ Not one blue saki/ Not one rice grain/ Not one cuirass/ Not a blade of grass This land is all I know/ We're going to make it somehow/ We will bend like a bow/ But never break/ Our fathers came here/ And they lived and died here/ And we ain't moving nowhere/Make no mistake (chorus) We love the open country/ Of the Rupununi/ And the Essequibo/ Daytime or night/ Though we may criticize it/ This is our home we love it/ And we need to keep it/ We have that right (Chorus) X 2” …traitors within Imagine, we took in all these Venezuelan refugees, and one of them has the audacity to flaunt a food van through the streets of Georgetown with a map of Venezuela that includes our “Essequibo”!! Deport him immediately!

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

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

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Venezuela border controversy:

Guyana’s National Assembly to hold special sitting on Friday to consider motion – as Foreign Minister informs diplomats of Venezuela’s aggression

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he National Assembly will be holding an extraordinary sitting next week to facilitate the consideration of a special motion on the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy.

Tensions between the two neighbouring South American nations have escalated after Venezuela’s recent proposed referendum which seeks its population’s approval to seize Guyana’s Essequibo region.

In a notice to Members of Parliament on Friday, Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs indicated that a special sitting would be held on Friday, November 3. The National Assembly has been on its annual recess since August 10, 2023.

“I wish to inform you that there will be an Extraordinary Sitting of the National Assembly at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, 3rd November 2023, in the Dome of the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, to consider a motion on the Guyana/Venezuela Border Issue,” the correspondent detailed.

In Venezuela, the National Electoral Council had issued five questions to be asked in a national referendum scheduled for December 3, 2023, including a question that seeks the approval of the Venezuelan people to create a new Venezuelan state out of Guyana’s Essequibo region – which the Guyana Government has already lambasted as “brazen” and “pernicious”.

“In particular, question three of the set of questions to be placed before the people of Venezuela

speaks to the “historical position” of Venezuela “of not recognizing the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice to resolve the territorial controversy over Guayana Esequiba,” a statement from the Guyana Government had said.

“Question five seeks the approval of the Venezuelan people for the creation of a new Venezuelan State consisting of Guyana’s Essequibo region, to include “the granting of citizenship and Venezuelan identity card in accordance with the Geneva Agreement and international law.”

This is a deliberate misinterpretation of the Geneva Agreement and a clear violation of international law.”

Since then, several regional bodies including the Caribbean Community (Caricom) and the Organisation of American States (OAS) have condemned Venezuela’s actions, calling for the Spanishspeaking country to adhere to a peaceful settlement of the border controversy and desist from any aggressive actions.

Caricom has already stated that the conduct of a popular referendum on Venezuela’s claim of the Essequibo has no validity in international law and also reaffirmed its support for the border controversy between the two countries to be settled via the judicial process currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Back in 2018, United Nations Secretary General António Guterres had decided that the GuyanaVenezuela border controversy should be settled by the ICJ, after exercising the powers vested in him to decide how the con-

Foreign Minister Hugh Todd with Chinese Ambassador Guo Haiyan

troversy should be settled by the 1966 Geneva Agreement between Guyana, Venezuela, and the United Kingdom.

He resorted to judicial settlement after the good offices process between Guyana and Venezuela failed. Within the framework of the 1966 Geneva Agreement between the two countries, the Secretary General conducted good offices from 1990 to 2017 to find a solution to the border controversy.

Among other things, Guyana is asking the ICJ to adjudge and declare that the 1899 Award is valid and binding upon Guyana and Venezuela, that Venezuela is internationally responsible for violations of Guyana’s sovereignty and sovereign rights, and for all injuries suffered by Guyana as a consequence.

Meeting diplomats

Meanwhile,

the

Guyana

Foreign Minister Hugh Todd with Cuban Ambassador Jorge Francisco Soberón Luis

Government has been engaging its bilateral partners in Georgetown to provide an update on the recent actions by Venezuela.

Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Hugh Todd met with the Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan, on Friday; Cuban Ambassador to Guyana, Jorge Francisco Soberón Luis, on Thursday, and Russian Ambassador to Guyana, Alexander Kurmaz, on Wednesday – at his office.

During these meetings, Minister Todd reiterated that the Government of Guyana is committed to a peaceful resolution of the case before the International Court of Justice and the Region being a zone of peace.

Following a meeting between the two sides on Tuesday, a Joint Statement was issued by President Dr Irfaan Ali and Opposition

Leader Aubrey Norton in which they agreed that Guyana’s sovereignty is of paramount importance and is a matter on which the Guyanese people are all completely united.

To this end, the two Guyanese leaders condemned the flagrant violation of the rule of law by Venezuela and agreed that no effort should be spared to resist that country’s persistent endeavours to undermine Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

They further underscored the fact that no Government or the people of one country has the right in international law to seize, annex or conquer the territory of another country. International law emphatically prohibits this.

Both President Ali and the Opposition Leader agreed to keep in close consultation on this matter of national importance.

10 NEWS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

27 households in New Providence to get 1st-time access to potable water

A worker digging the path for the pipeline to be laid

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wenty-seven families in New Providence, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara (ECD), will soon have access to potable water after more than 20 years without this vital service.

Works have begun on the installation of a 4-inch distribution main and the 27 service connections in the area. The contract was awarded to Voglezon Contracting Services and is expected to be completed by the first week of November.

In 2021, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues met with the residents of the community. After hearing

their plight, she committed to resolving the issue.

On Friday, the Minister, along with Member of Parliament Faizal Jaffarally, Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal, and Regional Manager of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Darsan Heralall, inspected the ongoing works and updated residents on the progress.

During her engagement with the residents, Minister Rodrigues expressed gratitude for their patience. She noted that despite the delays and challenges faced, the region and her office were relentless in their efforts.

Minister Rodrigues, accompanied by Member of Parliament Faizal Jaffarally, Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal, and Regional Manager of the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Darsan Heralall, during an inspection exercise

“Your regional representatives were aware of the situation, and they informed me. For some, it may seem like a small issue, but it is important to you since access to water is essential,” she said.

The Minister added that while the Government, through the Ministry, continues to focus on major projects, access for smaller communities is imperative.

“We still have communities that don’t have access, and that remains a top priority for the Government.

Minister Rodrigues interacting with residents on Friday

Many communities are left out because of how they were formed,” she underscored.

Minister Rodrigues reiterated the Government’s commitment to ensuring access to potable water to those smaller communities neglected for decades.

She said, “Our job is about finding solutions.

When it comes to development for citizens, we must find solutions to ensure that development reaches our citizens, and cooperation is imperative.”

The Minister and her team also met with residents of Perth, Mahaicony.

Discussions were held on the extension of the water distribution network to the area. Residents also sought the Minister’s intervention on various issues affecting them, including road rehabilitation, employment, and other infrastructure development needs of the community.

The Minister assured residents that she would work closely with the region and her other Cabinet colleagues to address some of the concerns raised. The regional representatives also took the opportunity to update the residents of Perth on ongoing development works.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Pres Ali accredits new Indian High Commissioner to Guyana G

uyana and India will be looking to further strengthen bilateral ties as a new Indian High Commissioner to Georgetown is accredited.

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday accepted the Letters of Credence from Dr Amit Shivkumar Telang, accrediting him as India’s new High Commissioner to Guyana.

In a brief statement, the Head of State told the new Indian diplomat that he is looking to build on the fruitful relations the two countries already share.

Dr Telang replaces former Indian High Commissioner Dr KJ Srinivasa, who was accredited in 2019 and served until August 2023.

Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd and Ambassador Elisabeth Harper were also at the accreditation ceremony at the Office of the President on Friday.

Dr Telang and his wife, Deepali Telang, arrived in Guyana on Sunday, October 22, 2023.

They were welcomed at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA)

by Mukesh Kaushik, First Secretary, and Brahmdev Tyagi, Head of Chancery, from the High Commission of India along with the Deputy Chief of Protocol from the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Lesley Dowridge-Collins.

In a social media post upon his arrival, Dr Telang said he is beginning “a new and exciting inning” as India’s representative in Guyana, He had previously shared, “Representing India abroad is a unique honour. To receive the papers of Credentials from Hon’ble Rashtrapatiji along with her valuable advice and guidance, especially to serve people and build a stronger partnership, is an absolute privilege. Looking forward to contributing and working towards forging closer ties between India and #Guyana, as I take up my new assignment…”

Prior to his posting in Georgetown, Dr Telang previously served as the Consul General of India in Frankfurt, Germany, for three years.

Dr Telang graduated and earned his Master’s degree from Government Medical

College in Nagpur, and briefly served as a medical officer and as a lecturer before joining government service in 2004 – first in the Indian Revenue Service, and later in the Indian Foreign Service in 2005.

He previously served as Head of the Political Wing of the Indian Embassy in Berlin, and subsequently as Head of the Economic and Commercial Wing of the Indian Embassy in Moscow, Russia. At the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi, he has served in the External Publicity Division, Administration Division, and East Asia Division. His interests include classical music and reading, especially philosophy and world history. He speaks English and German.

In recent years, Guyana and India have strengthened bilateral relations that saw reciprocal visits by senior officials from the two countries.

This includes a high-level official visit by President Dr Irfaan Ali, who was conferred with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award during Indian Diaspora Day in Madhya Pradesh back in January 2023.

Govt to undertake initiative targeting social issues in new year – Pres Ali - as Salvation Army launches Christmas Kettle

P

President Dr Irfaan Ali

resident Dr Irfaan Ali on Friday indicated that the Government will be collaborating with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to undertake a special programme in 2024 aimed at tackling social issues.

The Head of State related that one such NGO is the Salvation Army while noting that the initiative will target particularly schoolaged youth with the aim of addressing prevalent social challenges affecting them.

In addition, it will equip young minds with the necessary tools to navigate the complexities of contemporary society.

This was unveiled during his address at the launch of the Annual Salvation Army Kettle at Umana Yana, Kingston, Georgetown.

Expressing deep concern about the current state of

schools, he emphasised the need for proactive measures by all stakeholders in society.

He voiced his dismay at the disturbing incidents observed on social media, stating, “We now have to proactively deal with what is happening in our schools. I am intensely disturbed by some of what I see on social media. It bothers me. We have to nip this in the bud, and there must be consequences for bad behaviour.”

In addition, he proposed a National Day of Prayer while stressing the shared responsibilities of all citizens in fostering positive change.

“My dear friends, as a country, we must pray for our global family. As a country, we must set aside a day, before the end of this year, when we lock our hands together in prayer for us as

a people, and as a country, and in prayer for the world, especially our women and our children,” the President underscored.

However, the Head of State acknowledged the Salvation Army's vital role in providing hope and assistance to those in need.

He underscored the importance of organisations such as the Salvation Army in a world where countless lives are marred by tragedy, referencing recent incidents of violence in Gaza, the United States, Haiti, and even Guyana. ‘’That is why institutions like the Salvation Army are so important to our society, that when there seems to be a complete loss of hope, hopelessness seems to be the overarching umbrella through which the world covers, there must be an inner sense and an inner desire, and an inner spirit that speak to the people.”

Meanwhile, as is tradition, the Salvation Army’s red kettles will be stationed at various locations across the country thus symbolising hope and generosity during the festive season.

Funds collected through this campaign will support the Salvation Army's charitable efforts, providing assistance to the most vulnerable members of society.

President Dr Irfaan Ali with newly accredited Indian High Commissioner to Guyana Dr Amit Shivkumar Telang

Under the leadership of Dr Srinivasa, Guyana and India have not only deepened ties, but the diplomat also played an important part in introducing practices such as yoga to the Guyanese populace and has also fostered greater collaboration in the areas of trade.

Guyana and India have partnered in many projects, and in recent years, India

has been providing both technical and financial support to Guyana. One major aspect of collaboration between the two countries is that of education. Of the 6000 annual Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) scholarships, more than 4500 are at Indian universities.

The Asian country had also provided training for members of the local Police and

Defence Forces.

In April, the IndiaGuyana Chamber of Commerce (IGCC) was formed, thus paving the way for the facilitation of trade, investment, and cultural exchanges between the two countries. The new organisation is an initiative between Guyana’s private sector and that of India through the impetus of the Indian High Commission.

At a business roundtable attended by Indian External Affairs Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, former West Indies cricketer Ramnaresh Sarwan was named the President of the newly established IGCC, which would pave the way for partnerships to be built through culture and commerce to serve the two nations through advocacy, economic development, connectivity, business, and education.

A Joint Business Council between the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Private Sector Commission was also announced at that time.

Moving forward, there have been talks to have an annual India-Caricom Summit to facilitate exchanges and capacity building with the entire Region by extension.

12 NEWS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Agriculture can be a tool to solve water crisis globally – Mustapha at Borlaug Dialogue – says governments, private sectors must work on solutions

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griculture can be a tool to solve the water crisis that has hit various countries and regions across the Americas in recent years – a point that was emphasised

by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha at the 2023 Borlaug Dialogue.

The Guyanese Agriculture Minister is currently attending the annual event in the United States, where he appeared on a high-level panel organised by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).

There, Mustapha warned that it is imperative that governments and the private sector work on solutions to mitigate the water crisis, noting that the problem affects some countries much more than others.

“The relationship be-

tween water and agriculture is undeniable. But there is a part of the world that can freely produce food, enjoying different sources of water. And in other parts we see droughts, which lead to poverty and hunger,” he noted.

Mustapha said Guyana is a country that benefited from an abundance of water and while it is referred to as the “Land of Many Waters”, this has not deterred efforts to ensure the availability of water in periods of drought, based on harvesting and storage systems.

Regarding projects aimed at resilience, he gave details of the development of a new variety of rice that is being carried out, which guarantees less water use in cultivation.

“We have the political will to place the issue of wa-

ter at the heart of our agricultural policies and we are demonstrating it with projects that can be replicated in our countries. Water is a precious resource and is not only linked to agriculture but also to social inclusion and poverty reduction,” Mustapha said.

The Borlaug Dialogue brings together global leaders, agricultural producers, academics, scientists, educators, and students each year from various countries to discuss ideas and projects to achieve more sustainable, equitable, and inclusive agri-food systems.

The event is organised by the World Prize Foundation (WFP), a prestigious institution that promotes innovation and sustainability in food production. The foundation also awards the World Food Prize, which

4 homeless after fire guts 2 buildings in Berbice

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha making his contribution at the 2023 Borlaug Dialogue

recognises those who make the most notable contributions to food and nutritional security in the world.

El Niño

Following months of extremely dry weather conditions, Guyana is expected to experience increased rainfall next month, according to forecasts from the local Hydromet Office.

Earlier this month, President Dr Irfaan Ali issued a call for citizens to conserve water, in light of the El Nino conditions.

“What we have seen as a result of the prolonged dry

season, the extremely dry season, is that a lot of persons are also going to pipe water for gardens, for farming, for agriculture. They are going to pipe water also for construction purposes… so, I wanted to ask communities, members of the population to be careful with the consumption of water,” the President had expressed.

Despite the prevailing El Nino conditions, water levels in conservancy stood at 56.60 GD - satisfying the irrigation needs in farming areas served by the reservoir.

This week, the People’s Republic of China generously donated a total of $20.7 million in items to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC).

Communities along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway that are particularly vulnerable to El Niño would be immediate beneficiaries of the donation. Essential resources, including water tanks, pumps, containers, dispensers, and fire extinguishers, will be provided to address challenges identified during the CDC’s drought outreach programme.

Venezuelan national dies after allegedly riding into path of motor car

A One of the houses that were completed gutted

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our persons are now homeless after two buildings went up in flames on Friday at Lochaber, West Canje, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne). The fire reportedly started at about 12:50h.

Residents of Angoy’s Avenue related that the fire started from an unattended burning garbage heap.

Based on reports received, one of the buildings was occupied by a man and his son who were not at home at the time of the blaze while the other house was by a couple.

The fire reportedly started at the couple’s home and quickly spread to the other house.

A resident explained that prior to the fire, his neighbour was burning garbage.

“It was about 10 O’clock when he was burning garbage and then it start to spread and catch the grass.”

Wilson further explained

The fire spreading to the other house

that at one point, he went with the aim of putting out the fire that was already spreading.

“I did not know that the fire was over there going to the house at the back. Is when I wake and look out, I see the small house burning so I try to save the big house but I couldn’t because it was me alone.”

Wilson said he used a bucket to fetch water from

a nearby canal to douse the fire which had moved to the second building.

“I dash it on the side of the wall but the heat was so much. I had to run downstairs. Everything went haywire after that,” he explained. He said the fire service took a long while to respond and by the time they arrived at the scene, the buildings were already gutted.

pedal cyclist lost his life early Friday morning after he reportedly lost control of the bike he was riding and ended up in the path of a motor car along the MetenMeer-Zorg Public Road, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

Dead is 40-yearold Cesar Olivares, a Venezuelan national of Meten-Meer-Zorg, WCD. Preliminary investigations revealed that at about 6:45h on the day in question, a motor car bearing registration number PAB 3984, driven by a 25-year-old resident of Leonora, WCD, was proceeding along the MetenMeer-Zorg Public Road while the now dead man was riding in front of him.

However, the cyclist reportedly lost control of his bicycle and allegedly swerved into the path of

the motor car.

The driver swerved to avoid a collision but the cycle collided with the right front portion of the motor car. As a result of the collision, the pedal cyclist fell onto the road’s surface and received injuries on his body.

The motor car came to a halt on a sand heap on the parapet. The injured man was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the Leonora Cottage Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The driver was detained as investigations continue.

Only recently, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mahendra Siwnarine related that from January 1 to October 8, 2023, the region recorded 138 fatalities from 116 accidents.

In addition, he added that 33 lives were lost due to 32 incidents on the road-

ways, pushing the overall death toll to a devastating 171.

“Currently Region Three is leading in terms of fatal accidents, which is quite unfortunate. We would have had a decrease in all the other categories (accidents) that are serious, minor, and damage but because of that great increase in the fatalities we are currently operating at a positive .5 percent in terms of all categories of accident…,” Siwnarine said.

Analysing the root causes, Siwnarine highlighted the alarming roles played by speeding, drunk driving, and inattentiveness in these calamities.

He emphasised the impact of inattentiveness, particularly in fatal accidents, where individuals fail to focus on the road, leading to catastrophic outcomes.

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Berbice homeowners receive keys to new low-income homes S

everal Berbicians became homeowners on Friday after they received keys to their new low-income homes in Hampshire Housing Scheme in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Sherwyn Greaves presented the keys to the beneficiaries in the presence of other senior officials from the department.

The Hampshire Scheme encompasses a total of 100 homes. Each dwelling boasts dimensions of 20×30 feet (600 square feet) and fea-

tures two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and sanitary facilities.

Mohamed Nazir and his spouse, Bebe Fatima Reasat, emphasised the significance of this achievement, as they have been renting for nearly eight years. They eagerly anticipate redirecting their rental expenses towards other endeavours.

“It’s a great achievement, for example, the money that was going to rent it could always come in to do something else [...] it can even be additional savings for my kids for their future for their studies,” Nazir explained.

Meanwhile, young Malica

Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority, Sherwyn Greaves, handing over the keys to another beneficiary Moore expressed her satisfaction at the Government’s commitment to promoting homeownership for young professionals like herself.

She eagerly looks forward to occupying her new residence.

Some of the low-income houses at Hampshire

Another man remanded for theft of over $5M in items from liquor store

Remanded: Akeem Marshall

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hen he appeared before the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday, Ulric Edwards, who is charged with breaking into Shabana & Sons Liquor Mart & General Store and stealing cash and items worth over $5 million, was remanded to prison.

Three charges for the offence of break and enter and larceny were read to him by Senior Magistrate Leron Daly, who denied him bail, citing the value of the stolen items.

Police stated that between August 18 and 19, Edwards allegedly broke into the business place at James Street, Albouystown, Georgetown, and stole $4,465,000 in

Remanded: Ulric Edwards

cash, $1 million worth of GTT and Digicel phone cards, a $60,000 Xbox, $300,000 in cigarettes, and two cell phones worth a combined $40,000.

The stolen items belonged to Merle Khan, Bibi Mohamed, and Jessica Singh.

Edwards, who was unrepresented by legal counsel, denied all the charges.

The Police prosecutor made reference to the seriousness of the offence, the amount of money involved, and the fact that Edwards was seen breaking into the location on CCTV when opposing bail for this accused.

His fingerprints were also found at the crime scene, said the prosecutor.

He will return to court on November 24.

Only last week, another man, Akeem Marshall, a 28-year-old father of one, was remanded for the same offence. He appeared before Magistrate Rhondell Weever at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Marshall pleaded not guilty to all of the charges and was not assisted by a legal counsel. The defendant was ultimately refused bail and remanded until November 10.

Marshall has previously been accused of armed robbery. According to sources, the charges against him were dismissed because the Police did not hold a proper identification parade.

An elated family receiving their keys from an official of the Ministry The Hampshire Housing culverts.

The construction of Scheme is already fully equipped with essential util- these homes was superities, including electricity vised by CH&PA’s Projects and water, and has benefited Department. Homes were from first-phase infrastruc- also handed over to allottees ture development, such as of the Ordnance Fort Lands access roads, drainage, and Housing Scheme on Friday.

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Texila American University unites for breast cancer

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n observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the students and staff of Texila American University, Providence, East Bank Demerara, formed a human chain on Friday after marching from the campus to the Amazonia Mall.

Armed with informative posters, they aimed to educate the community about breast cancer and the significance of early detection.

Breast cancer is a global health concern, affecting millions of women and men worldwide. It is crucial to raise awareness and promote regular screenings to detect breast cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages.

At Texila American University, students and staff recognised the importance of spreading awareness about this disease and joined forces to create an impactful event.

were not only inspired by the event but also received valuable information about breast cancer and the importance of early detection.

This event was a fantastic example of how educational institutions like Texila American University can play a vital role in promoting awareness about crucial health issues within their communities.

Breast cancer is a challenge that requires the efforts of an entire community to overcome, and the human chain exemplifies the power of collective action.

By raising awareness and providing information, they are contributing to a brighter, healthier future for all. In a world where uni-

The human chain made by the students and staff of the university

Some of the students after the march

The event began at Texila American University, where participants formed a human chain, holding hands to symbolise unity and strength in the face of breast cancer.

The chain stretched from the university campus to

Amazonia Mall, representing the solidarity of the Texila American University community in the fight against breast cancer.

One of the most striking aspects of the event was the creative and informative posters displayed by the par-

The students and staff with placards bearing information on breast cancer

ticipants. These posters not only emphasised the importance of regular breast cancer screenings but also provided essential information about self-examinations, risk factors, and support resources. The colourful and eye-catching posters served as a visual aid to engage and educate the public.

The human chain event was also an opportuni-

ty for the Texila American University community to honour and support breast cancer survivors and those currently battling the disease. Participants shared stories of courage, resilience, and hope, demonstrating that breast cancer is not just a medical issue but a deeply human one.

Local residents and shoppers at Amazonia Mall

ty and awareness can make a profound difference, the university community has set a commendable example.

Together, they have taken a step toward a world free of the fear of breast cancer, proving that knowledge, compassion, and unity can drive positive change in our society.

GPHC removes fees for knee, hip surgeries

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he Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) on Friday announced that it will be offering knee and hip replacement surgeries, including revision procedures, free of cost.

Previously, there was a subsidised cost associated with knee and hip replacement surgeries at the medical facility and revisions were not available within the hospital's services.

However, following the proactive proposal from the hospital management to the Board of Directors, the decision to remove all charges for these vital procedures was accepted, ensuring that patients can now receive high-quality medical care without the burden of financial constraints.

This decision reflects GPHC's ongoing commitment to providing acces-

sible and comprehensive healthcare services to the public. By offering these procedures free of charge, the hospital aims to improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from knee and hip joint morbidity, enabling them to lead active and pain-free lives.

“We are dedicated to prioritising the well-being of our patients and ensuring that they have access to the best possible medical treatments,” Chief Executive

Officer (CEO) of GPHC, Robbie Rambarran stated.

"This initiative aligns with our mission to serve the public and make healthcare services accessible for everyone," he added.

Patients seeking knee and hip replacement surgeries, as well as revision procedures, can now benefit from the expertise of GPHC's skilled medical professionals and facilities without any financial burden.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Murder of businessman’s son

High Court grants extension to keep mastermind in custody A

High Court Judge has granted the Guyana Police Force (GPF) approval to further detain Yogeendra Sukhdeo, the mastermind in the murder of Amit Singh, whose body was discovered in a house at Middle Road, La Penitence, Georgetown.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum told Guyana Times that the extension was granted to hold Sukhdeo until Tuesday, October 31 at 15:00h.

Nevertheless, Blanhum stated that detectives are continuing their investigations into the brutal robbery/murder.

In addition, he noted that the Police are still working to ascertain the alibis of three of Sukhdeo’s employees who were fingered in the heinous crime.

As such, they also remain in custody.

The lifeless body of the young man was found wrapped in a sheet in a house at Middle Road, La Penitence, Georgetown, hours after he left with the alleged mastermind,

Murdered: Amit Singh

Sukhdeo, to complete a business transaction involving the purchase of raw gold.

Soon after, Sukhdeo and three of his employees were arrested, but according to the mastermind, he alone committed the act. The three other men have denied their involvement and all gave an account as to where they were at the time of the murder.

The now-dead man and the mastermind were close friends and on the

Mastermind: Yogeendra Sukhdeo

day in question, Sukhdeo picked him up from his Campbellville, Georgetown home in a black Toyota Allion motor car.

The mastermind reportedly changed the registration plates with the aim of not leaving a trace behind.

Nevertheless, as time elapsed and the young man did not return home, the Police were contacted.

Based on intelligence gathered, ranks from the Criminal Investigation

West Ruimveldt man gets $900,000 bail for allegedly shooting 3 persons

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ail was granted at $900,000 for a 27-year-old man facing charges over a shooting incident at West Ruimveldt, Georgetown, that left three men injured.

Appearing before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly on Friday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts was Nicholas Smith, of West Ruimveldt, Georgetown.

The Police prosecutor had opposed the man's release on bail during his initial court appearance on October 20, citing his prior charges, conviction, and incarceration for armed robbery.

Because of this, the Magistrate placed him on remand until the Criminal Records Department of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) could verify this.

A man with this name was sentenced in 2018 to 10 years in prison for armed robbery.

This defendant, meantime, has rejected having been found guilty of the crime.

However, because the prosecution was unable to

Nicholas Smith

verify if the defendant was found guilty, Magistrate Daly granted the accused's bail with the addition of "strict reporting conditions."

All conditions of bail must be met, including lodging his passport with the Clerk of Court, reporting to the Police frequently, staying away from the virtual complainants, and maintaining a minimum of 100 yards between him and them.

It is alleged that he intentionally and unlawfully injured Rondel Reyes on October 16 at West Ruimveldt, Georgetown,

with the intention of maiming, disfiguring, or seriously injuring him.

He is further accused of firing a loaded gun at Usain Campbell and Keshawn Fraser on the aforementioned date, also with the intention of maiming, disfiguring, or seriously hurting them.

The accused has entered a not guilty plea to every charge.

Attorney-at-Law Stacy Goodings is representing him. The Police prosecutor gave the court the facts, stating that Smith and Reyes had engaged in a physical struggle on the day in question, resulting in the former receiving injuries.

She said that after Smith had left the area, he subsequently reappeared, brandishing a gun and knife and started firing shots randomly into the crowd, causing injuries to Fraser and Campbell.

This defendant was told to appear in court again on November 17. On this date, the prosecutor is expected to update the court on whether Smith has prior convictions.

The house in which the murder was committed

Department (CID) arrested Sukhdeo, who took them to the house at Middle Road, La Penitence, where the young man’s body was found.

He reportedly told investigators that he would normally finalise the purchase of raw gold for Singh.

But the Police have since confirmed that the victim was lured to the house under the pretext that a group of men had gold for sale when, in fact, it was an orchestrated plan to rob the young man.

At the house at La Penitence which Sukhdeo took care of, there was reportedly a misunderstanding during which Singh was

The cash that was recovered from Sukhdeo’s house

beaten to death. The suspect reportedly panicked, wrapped the body in a sheet, and left the premises.

After confessing to the

crime, Sukhdeo took Police to his Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD) home where a total of $7.7 million was recovered.

Miner arraigned for Powis Landing murder

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hirty-six-year-old Frank Thomas was on Thursday arraigned for the murder of Jamal Fields, who was brutally killed at Powis Landing, North West District (NWD), Region One (Barima-Waini).

During a virtual hearing at Matthews Ridge Magistrate’s Court, presided over by Magistrate Dylon Bess, the charges were formally read to Thomas. He was not required to plea to the indictment and as such, was remanded to prison until November 8, 2023.

Police stated that on

Dead: Jamal Fields

Remanded: Frank Thomas

October 8, Thomas allegedly stabbed Fields to death during a heated argument at Powis Landing.

Fields was discovered with a stab wound to the left side of his chest. The

suspect fled the scene but was later apprehended by the Police.

He subsequently admitted to fatally stabbing Fields during a heated encounter.

16 NEWS

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Fuel shortage continues to grip Berbice

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shortage of petrol continues to affect vehicle operators and other persons in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

With limited supply in the county, operators also have to face an increase in the price at the pump.

In Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), it has been more than a week since vehicle operators especially have been finding it difficult to locate a service station that has fuel for sale.

Empty service stations in Berbice

The State-owned GuyOil has been supplying fuel to its two company-operated outlets in the region, ensuring that they are stocked.

These are at Palmyra and Heathburn.

However, the private service stations have been receiving very small amounts of fuel from their respective suppliers, and not on a regular basis.

GuyOil and other suppliers have also increased the price at the pump as the price per litre moved from

$216 to $219 on Wednesday.

On Wednesday a few gas stations in the region had fuel for sale, but within hours, it was depleted.

“I pass this gas station and go through Coburg Street looking for gas and there is no gas. The car ran out of gas through Coburg Street and then somebody told me that the gas station at the head of Coburg Street had gas. So, I had to go and get a bottle and buy a little to put in the car so that I could reach here and now

I am filling up the tank,” Joann Erskine told this publication as she waited for her tank to be filled.

Last week, Region Six Chairman David Armogan in an invited comment explained that the main supplier, GuyOil, informed him that the company had encountered problems with its fuel boat to Berbice.

Armogan had said gasoline was being trucked to Berbice from the capital city, Georgetown, and since the fuel company only

has two trucks in the region, it was only a very limited amount that was being made available to the region on a daily basis.

Sol has also been trucking fuel to outlets in the region that sell that brand of gas. One Sol gas station operator explained that supply is limited and noted that the fuel which arrived on Tuesday this week was ordered last week.

The operator explained that now he only receives a limited amount which

might supply customers for a two-day period and then he will have to wait until more supplies come again.

Guyana Times was told that the limited supply is due to the fact that the Berbice River Bridge has reduced the tonnage being allowed to cross.

The Berbice River Bridge on October 14, issued a release stating that the previous day a barge loaded with sand collided with the bridge.

As a result, all trucks, tractors, and freight vehicles would only be able to cross the bridge with a maximum weight limit of 20 tonnes.

A Sol gas distributor explained to this newscast that the restrictions mean that the truck can only bring about half of its capacity.

The same factors are affecting GuyOil which only has two trucks to service the entire Region Six. Efforts to contact GuyOil for a comment on the situation proved futile. (Andrew Carmicheal)

ECD records double-digit decrease in MoH taking steps to enhance cancer care services nationwide crime as Police enforce stringent measures

Assistant Commissioner Khali Pareshram and Deputy Commander Jermine Dufu during the interview Coordinator of the Chronic Diseases Unit at the Ministry of Health, Dr Dianele Drepaul

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he Ministry of Health is actively engaged in broadening its cancer services, extending its reach to remote regions throughout the country.

Coordinator of the Chronic Diseases Unit, Dr Dianele Drepaul shared insights during a “Health Matters” programme, citing statistics from the local cancer registry that revealed 169 individuals were diagnosed with various cancers last year, predominantly in Georgetown.

“We need to expand services to reach more people because we know it’s a little bit difficult for people from the hinterland to come to town,” Dr Drepaul stated.

To address this, the

Technical Officer for Cancer, Dr Martin Campbell

Ministry of Health is actively working towards acquiring three additional mammography machines strategically stationed in three other regions to alleviate the travel burden to Georgetown.

Emphasising the commitment to combat the spread of cancer, Dr Drepaul mentioned ongoing efforts to update guidelines, with a new guideline set to be launched by the end of the month.

The Technical Officer for Cancer, Dr Martin Campbell, acknowledged the existing public-private partnership with the Cancer Institute of Guyana, highlighting its radiation

services for breast cancer.

He affirmed the Ministry’s vision to expand treatment and diagnostic services.

In addition to treatment programmes, the Ministry is focusing on enhancing the skills of health workers through training sessions, covering various aspects of cancer-related issues, including symptoms and care.

The collaboration extends to several Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), with the Ministry hosting diverse activities such as tree-wrapping exercises, health walks, fairs, and fundraisers to commemorate and celebrate Cancer Awareness Month this year.

I

n recent months, there has been a noteworthy decline in serious crimes along the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), marking a significant 10 per cent reduction in criminal activities for the year.

This positive trend was confirmed by Assistant Commissioner Khali Pareshram, the Police Commander of Region 4C, during his appearance on the GPF’s “Police and You” radio programme.

Pareshram, accompanied by Deputy Commander Jermine Dufu, shared insights into the ongoing efforts to maintain public safety.

According to Pareshram, the majority of these crimes are opportunistic rather than premeditated acts.

He said criminals seize unguarded moments to engage in unlawful activities.

Region 4C, which encompasses areas from Industry to the Mahaica Bridge, has witnessed a transformation due to burgeoning housing and industrial projects as well as the construction of new roads.

Despite these positive developments, the Commander said the region faces challenges, primarily stemming from its large population.

“The entire Division is being transformed drastically in terms of infrastructure…presently we also have the two road networks being added to the corridor, that is the Railway Embankment that is now being transformed into a four-lane along with another… these are posing challenges to us,” he said.

To counteract these challenges, the Police Force has implemented a stringent plan, focusing on increased visibility and proactive measures within communities.

Ranks are strategically deployed to deter criminals, ensuring a robust presence in various neighbourhoods.

This plan involves intensified sting operations and Police roadblocks. While these operations might inconvenience the public at times, the authorities urged citizens to cooperate and support these efforts.

However, Dufu empha-

sised that such inconveniences serve as essential deterrents, hindering criminals from freely engaging in activities involving firearms and drugs.

“There are some operations that sometimes may inconvenience members of the public. We do sometimes receive backlashes in relation to our roadblocks…We are asking persons to abide with us and bear with us,” he said.

Further, Dufu highlighted the Division's commitment to professionalism among its ranks during these operations.

According to the officers, unprofessional conduct will not be tolerated, and they encourage the public to report any misconduct. The Division aims to maintain a high standard of professionalism, ensuring that its operations withstand scrutiny.

Should any officer fall short of these standards, the officer said action will be taken after a thorough investigation, underscoring the Division's dedication to upholding law and order in the region.

NEWS

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Hess takeover

Chevron will be good partner for Guyana – VP Jagdeo

- says US$750M carbon credit deal will remain intact

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he Guyana Government is confident about working with United States oil major, Chevron Corporation, which is set to take over Hess Corporation in a US$53 billion megadeal.

On Thursday, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo told a press conference that Chevon will make a good partner for Guyana as the country continues to push an aggressive programme to develop its oil resources.

Earlier this week, it was announced that Hess Corporation has entered into an agreement to merge with Chevron.

According to Hess, this transaction is expected to be closed in the first half of 2024.

Hess currently holds a 30 per cent interest in the oil-

me that we’ve reached out [to Hess] and we’ve been assured that our deal is intact,” the VP revealed on Thursday.

According to Jagdeo, the spotlight placed on Guyana during this merger transaction demonstrates the growing importance of the country in the market for the global supply of crude oil.

“The fact that Guyana is an attractive destination for investments is something that we should all be happy about. You have seen globally, a move now by both Exxon and Chevron – the two biggest [oil] companies in the United States of America – to consolidate and also to grow their crude assets. And they’re investing substantial sums of money in acquiring new assets be-

rich Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, which is operated by another US oil giant, ExxonMobil, with a 45 per cent interest while CNOOC holds the remaining 25 per cent stake.

“We have examined Chevron carefully and we believe Chevron would be a good partner too in Guyana,” VP Jagdeo declared.

He went on to say that the two US oil majors – ExxonMobil and Chevron – will advance production offshore Guyana.

“We’re pleased that there are two major US oil companies here – these are major oil companies. We believe that they (Chevron) have deep pockets and they can fund the investment programmes necessary to move us to peak production at the earliest point in time,” Jagdeo stated.

In addition to its oil investments, Hess also has a historic US$750 million carbon credits deal with the Guyana Government – an agreement which the Vice President said they have been assured will remain intact as the company undergoes the merger with Chevron.

In December 2022, the Guyana Government signed a multi-year agreement for Hess to purchase 30 per cent of the country’s high-quality ART-TREES certified carbon credits.

“My staff has assured

cause they are calculating that the global demand for fossil fuel will stay with us for a long time in the future contrary to what we believe or what is being pushed for…,” the Vice President stated.

Only Wednesday, Hess reported a new oil discovery at the Lancetfish-2 well in the Stabroek Block.

Experts have already commented that Chevron’s deep pockets could see more adventurous drilling in the Stabroek Block when it takes over Hess’ Guyana operations.

In its Third Quarter 2023 Report on Friday, Chevron announced its definitive agreement to acquire Hess Corporation, which it said “…is expected to strengthen Chevron’s long-term performance by adding world-class assets and people.”

But the global think tank, Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) believes that Chevron’s US$53 billion acquisition of Hess is mostly about its Guyana investments.

In a statement on Friday, IEEFA pointed out that “The crown jewel of the deal is a Hess partnership in a massive Guyana offshore oil project. The South American country’s share of offshore profits is sealed with a contract that is one-sided in favour of the companies.

During contract negotiations

with ExxonMobil, Hess, and the China National Offshore Oil Co (CNOOC), Guyanese officials gave away the store.”

The think tank’s remarks are about the 2016 deal struck by the previous A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Administration, which has been heavily criticised for its ‘give-away’ nature with low royalty – a meagre two per cent, lack of ring-fencing provisions and cost oil claims that is already seeing Guyana losing billions of dollars.

The current People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has already created a new model PSA for future oil contracts that include increased royalty payments, stringent relinquishment clauses, fixed signature bonus, higher profit-sharing, imposition of corporate tax, and lowering of cost recovery ceiling.

Only Thursday, VP Jagdeo announced that the Government has awarded eight oil blocks from its recent auction to six companies.

Among the notable awards was to Sispro Inc, a Guyanese company owned by four women, which has received two oil blocks offshore Guyana – a shallow block (S3) and a deep-water block (D2).

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

Meanwhile, other shallow blocks were awarded to: Total Energies EP Guyana

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

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

Another shallow block, S8, was also awarded to the Stabroek Block partners – ExxonMobil Guyana

Limited, Hess New Ventures Exploration Limited, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited.

However, ExxonMobil said last week that it would not sign the new PSA in its current form, citing concerns about the stringent terms and conditions. But the Guyana Government has already insisted it would not weaken these new features to suit the US oil major – a position Jagdeo reiterated during Thursday’s press conference. (G-8)

Census continues with accuracy, validity among primary concerns A s the 2022 census continues, the Bureau of Statistics is ensuring accuracy, validity, and quality in the process and its data.

Chief Statistician at the Bureau, Errol La Cruez provided an update on the census in an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Friday.

“The initial phase of enumeration would have been complete, but we have additional enumeration taking place. There were households that we were not able to meet, there were persons that we were not able to meet when we did the initial pass, and we are now working to reach out to those persons to be able to count everyone,” he stated.

He said the Bureau strives to achieve 100 per cent coverage in the census and is reaching out to several agencies to identify individuals or households that have not been counted.

“We are also checking administrative data, which is looking at data from utility companies and other data sets, where we have information on households, the location of households. We would’ve used information

Bureau of Statistics Chief Statistician, Errol La Cruez from the Ministry of Housing, and this is all in an effort to ensure that we reach everyone and we are continuing that effort to get as close as possible to 100 per cent coverage of the population.

“We are also checking the quality of the data to see if there is anything that we need to go back into the fields and correct, or if there are any quality issues that need to be addressed before we bring a close to the census operation,” he explained, adding that the Bureau is hopeful that field activities may be completed by the end of the year.

Additionally, to increase efficiency in the

compilation and analysis process, the Bureau is implementing Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in its systems.

Enumerators are now using tablets to collect the information, which is then uploaded via a cloud computing system for immediate availability.

“Whereas in previous censuses the information would have been collected on a piece of paper, and you bring that paper and input that information into a computer system, then you’d have to work on it, that intermediate phase has been eliminated. We are getting access to the information as soon as it is uploaded into the cloud, which means

that the analysis and the preliminary reports, things that are coming out from that data, we should be able to get them a lot faster than before and we have already started working on those,” La Cruez further explained.

Addressing several security concerns in the counting process, La Cruez assured that the Bureau of Statistics remains easily accessible for any queries.

“I want to assure persons that the census is still ongoing, and to ensure that you are interfacing with a real census employee and not someone posing to be with the census, ask for their badge, and then if you are still concerned, reach out on one of our hotline numbers.”

The National Population and Housing Census is a process where all persons in Guyana are counted. The census provides detailed information on the population size, age structure, educational attainment, labour force, housing, and many other socio-economic characteristics.

Persons who have not been counted in the census can reach out via WhatsApp or telephone at 701-8700 or 701-8701.

18

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023

guyanatimesgy.com

Regional

Looting taking place in More rare dolphins die Mexico's Acapulco after in new spot along Brazil's devastating Hurricane Otis Amazon River – report

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ore rare freshwater dolphins in Brazil have been found dead in a new location along the Amazon River, in the latest grim fallout from the longest drought in the rainforest's recorded history.

Sea Shepherd Brazil said on Friday that 16 of the rare, usually pink-coloured, dolphins in the Coari region of the river had died, along with seven other deceased water-based mammals.

Their deaths were "an extremely worrying development that could indicate that there are dolphins dying in other parts of the river that are not yet being monitored," Sea Shepherd

Cars are seen next to fallen utility poles on a road in the aftermath of Hurricane Otis in Acapulco, Mexico, October 26, 2023

L

ooting broke out in the Mexican city of Acapulco after the popular beach resort was battered on Wednesday by record-breaking Hurricane Otis, which killed 27 people and left residents grappling with shortages of food and water.

Otis pummelled Acapulco with winds of 165 miles per hour (266 km per hour) early on Wednesday, flooding thoroughfares, tearing roofs from residences and hotels, submerging vehicles, and severing communication, road, and air connections.

The cost of devastation left by the Category 5 storm was estimated at billions of

dollars, and more than 8000 armed forces members were sent to help clean up the stricken city.

"There were acts of looting in some places because there was an emergency," President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Friday, urging residents not to take advantage of the situation.

On Thursday evening, people carried off goods including food, water and toilet paper from stores in Acapulco.

"We came to get food, because we don't have any," a woman told Reuters.

Speaking at a regular press conference, Lopez Obrador promised the

Government would help people in the city in the southern state of Guerrero, one of Mexico's poorest.

Raul Busto Ramirez, 76, an engineer who works at Acapulco's airport, said stores across the city have been shuttered since the hurricane hit, and that looting broke out due to shortages.

"The aid is insufficient, and all the stores are closed or destroyed," he said, adding that ATM machines are down, leaving residents unable to withdraw money.

In addition to the 27 fatalities, four people are still missing, Mexican authorities said on Friday morning.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Argentina urges US Judge to put US$16.1 billion YPF judgement on hold

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rgentina urged a US Judge not to enforce a US$16.1 billion judgement arising from the Government's 2012 seizure of a majority control in State-controlled oil company YPF, while the cashstrapped country appeals the judgement.

In a Thursday night filing with the US District Court in Manhattan, Argentina said enforcing the "truly overwhelming" judgement or requiring that it post bond would "cripple a nation already suffering from severe inflation and drought."

Argentina said enforcing the judgement, equal to nearly 20% of its budget, would make it harder for the country to stabilise its currency and reduce its US$235 billion debt burden.

It also said enforcement would cause "serious hardship" to its more than 45 million people, making it more difficult to provide en-

ergy, health, transportation, water and sewage and other services.

The judgement arose from Argentina's decision to seize in April 2012 a 51% YPF stake held by Spain's Repsol, saying underinvestment justified the takeover, without tendering for shares held by minority investors.

Two investors, Petersen Energia and Eton Park Capital Management, sued, and last month US District Judge Loretta Preska awarded them the US$16.1 billion including interest.

Burford Capital, which funded the litigation and last month said it was entitled to a respective 35% and 73% of Petersen's and Eton Park's damages, has called Preska's decision a "complete win."

Argentina had argued it should pay no more than US$4.92 billion. Repsol ultimately received about US$5 billion of compensation.

Preska would decide whether to stay enforcement of the judgement while Argentina appealed to the 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan.

The country is struggling with more than 100% inflation, scarce foreign exchange reserves, and rising poverty.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

said.

Parts of the Amazon River recently fell to their lowest level in over a century as a punishing drought upends the lives of hundreds of thousands of people and damages the jungle ecosystem.

Low river levels during the months-long drought have heated water in some areas to intolerable temperatures for the dolphins, researchers believe.

Thousands of fish have also died in recent weeks on Amazon tributaries due to a lack of oxygen in the water.

Aside from the 16 pink dolphins found dead on Sea Shepherd's monitoring

trips to Coari on Sunday and Monday, teams found three tucuxis, another kind of freshwater dolphin, and four more dolphins of an unidentified species.

A few living dolphins were also observed, all showing normal behaviour, the organisation said.

A total of 178 of the pink dolphins have been reported dead since September, mostly in the Tefe region of the river, according to Sea Shepherd, which it said represents 10% of the population.

Slow reproductive cycles make the dolphins' populations especially vulnerable to threats. (Reuters)

Colombian ex-soldier sentenced for role in Haitian President's assassination

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ormer Colombian army colonel German Rivera was on Friday sentenced to life in prison by a US court for his role in the plot to kill Haitian President Jovenel Moise, whose 2021 assassination left a power vacuum that destabilised the country.

Rivera last month became the second of three defendants who have so far pleaded guilty to charges of participating in a plot to kill Moise, who was shot dead in his bedroom and his wife injured when armed men broke into their home at night.

There are a total of 11 defendants on the case, and last week Police in Haiti arrested former justice official Joseph Felix Badio, who is accused of ordering the hit - which investigators say was carried out by Colombian mercenaries.

Several businessmen have also been accused of helping fund and supply the mission with weapons.

According to a signed plea document, Rivera, known as Colonel Mike,

A person holding a photo of late Haitian President Jovenel Moise, who was shot dead earlier that month, during his funeral at his family home in Cap-Haitien, Haiti, July 23, 2021

was part of the convoy which headed toward Moise's hillside Port-auPrince residence on the night of the killing.

Rivera also relayed information to co-conspirators that the original plan to kidnap the President had become a plan to murder him, according to his plea.

Armed gangs have massively expanded their control since the killing, amassing arsenals

of semi-automatic weapons believed to be largely trafficked from the United States and growing their wealth through frequent ransom kidnappings and extortion.

Around two million Haitians are estimated to live under gang control, and some 200,000 are internally displaced amid attacks as various gangs and police fight over neighbourhoods. (Reuters)

J/ca university graduates among masterminds in cyber attacks

S

pecial Agent Patrick Linton, a cyber-forensics expert and director of cyber investigations and risk management at the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA), said the authorities have been cuffing "a lot of local players", including "brilliant" university graduates, who are masterminding the "continuous" cyber-attacks that have been plaguing Government systems.

Speaking at the Jamaica Cyber Incident Response Team (JaCIRT) National Cybersecurity Awareness Day in St Andrew on Thursday, Linton said, on the investigative side MOCA has been "prosecuting many cases".

"There are a lot of local players from academia that we have been arresting and they are not stopping. They are leaving university and they are brilliant and some of them

will look for the easy way out," he said.

He said law enforcement, which has been able to reduce the attacks, has been studying the patterns of the cybercriminals.

"They are saying law enforcement can make mistakes all the time but the criminals only need to make the mistake one time, and we have seen many mistakes being made one time, and as a result, between MOCA and JCF

(Jamaica Constabulary Force) we have been able to arrest a lot of these players. They continue, but with the driving force and collaboration we will be able to reduce these kinds of attacks in our space," Linton declared.

Linton, in the meantime, said MOCA, in its role as incident responders, has observed that "Jamaica is under continuous attack".

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

guyanatimesgy.com

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023

19

Around The World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil prices up 3% on worries about Middle East supplies

O

il prices climbed about 3% to a one-week high on Friday on worries that tensions in Israel and Gaza could spread into a wider conflict that could disrupt global crude supplies.

Brent futures rose US$2.55, or 2.9%, to settle at US$90.48 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose US$2.33, or 2.8%, to settle at US$85.54.

Brent's premium over WTI rose to its highest since March, making it more attractive for energy firms to send ships to the US to pick up crude for export.

For the week, Brent was down about 2% and WTI down about 4%.

Trading was choppy. Early in the session, oil prices soared by more than US$2 a barrel after the US military struck Iranian targets in Syria. Then prices briefly turned negative as markets digested various reports on mediation talks between the militant Hamas group and Israel led by Qatar in coordination with the US. "We are at the mercy of the next headline ... and I think that's kind of what we've been seeing today with the price swings," said Phil Flynn, an analyst at Price Futures Group.

"You'd like to be trading the fundamentals, but you really can't because you've got to be more worried about ... what's going to happen in the Middle East," Flynn said. "No one wants to be short over the weekend."

Israeli air and ground forces were stepping up operations in the Gaza Strip amid reports of heavy bombing of the besieged enclave.

A Hamas official, meanwhile, conditioned the release of hostages in Gaza on a ceasefire in Israel's bombardment of the Palestinian enclave, launched after a deadly Hamas rampage into southern Israel nearly three weeks ago.

Several countries, including many Arab states, have urged Israel to delay a planned ground invasion that would multiply civilian casualties and might ignite a wider conflict.

Middle East developments have so far not directly affected oil supplies, but many fear disruptions of exports from major crude producer and Hamas backer Iran and others. "(It) remains incredibly difficult even for the most knowledgeable regional watchers to make high conviction calls about the trajectory of the current crisis, as the red lines that could bring more players onto the battlefield remain largely indiscernible," RBC Capital analyst Helima Croft said.

Goldman Sachs analysts retained their first-quarter 2024 Brent crude price forecast at US$95 a barrel but added that lower Iranian exports could cause baseline prices to rise by 5%.

Prospects for oil demand were uncertain.

US consumer spending surged in September but was seen cooling off in early 2024. Some economists believe the US Federal Reserve is done raising interest rates to fight inflation, which can slow economic growth and reduce oil demand.

But, economists told Reuters they expect high inflation will continue to dog the world economy next year. (Reuters)

Israel stepping up Gaza ground operations, UN demands humanitarian truce

I

sraeli air and ground forces widened their attacks on Hamas in the Gaza Strip on Friday, the military said, and the Palestinian militant group said its fighters were clashing with Israeli troops in areas near the border with Israel.

The United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly backed a resolution drafted by Arab states calling for an immediate humanitarian truce and demanded aid access to the besieged territory and protection of civilians.

While not binding, the resolution carries political weight, reflecting the global mood. It passed to a round of applause with 120 votes in favor, while 45 abstained and 14 - including Israel and the United States - voted no.

Palestinians inspect the site of Israeli strikes on houses, as the conflict between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas continues, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, October 27, 2023

In Gaza, local telecoms firms and the Palestinian Red Crescent Society said internet and mobile phone services were cut off.

"In the last hours, we intensified the attacks in

Gaza," Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the spokesman, told a televised news briefing after dark on Friday. Israel's air force was conducting extensive strikes on tunnels and other infrastructure, he

said.

"In addition to the attacks carried out in the last few days, ground forces are expanding their operations tonight," he said, raising the question of whether a long-anticipated ground invasion of Gaza may be beginning.

Hamas militants were clashing with Israeli troops in Gaza's northeastern town of Beit Hanoun and in the central area of Al-Bureij, the militant group's armed wing said.

A ground invasion would exacerbate what aid groups call a humanitarian crisis in the territory following days of aerial bombardment that Palestinian health authorities in Hamas-run Gaza say has killed more than 7000 Palestinians. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Russia hikes Bela Bill: South interest rates to 15% Africans face jail if children not in school as inflation soars

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ussia's central bank has put up its key interest rate to 15% to try to curb inflation and bolster a weak rouble.

The higher-than-expected rate hike of two percentage points raises borrowing costs for the fourth time in a row.

Globally the pace of price rises has been high, in part due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Inflation in Russia hit 6% in September.

There has also been increased Government spending in Russia as it pours resources into its war machine.

The Bank of Russia, the country's central bank, has now raised rates by 7.5 percentage points since July as it seeks to get inflation back down to its 4% target.

This includes an unscheduled emergency hike in August as the rouble tumbled past 100 to the dollar and the Kremlin called for tighter monetary policy.

Demand for goods and

services was outpacing supply, and it said there was high lending growth.

Supply chain disruption during the coronavirus pandemic helped push up prices, then Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 disrupted global food supplies and drove up energy costs.

Food and energy price inflation have been major factors in pushing up prices in general across the world.

Pressure has also been mounting on the Russian economy due to imports rising faster than exports and military spending growing for the Ukraine war.

Russia was targeted by Western sanctions in response to its assault on Ukraine.

The rouble plummeted after war first broke out, but was bolstered by capital controls and oil and gas exports.

However, the currency has lost about a quarter of its value overall against the US dollar since the conflict began.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

S

outh Africa's Parliament has passed a major Education Bill that could see parents face prison if their children are not in school.

Under the Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela), they could be jailed for up to 12 months if their children are truant, or if they are not enrolled when they reach school age.

Bela also introduces a ban on corporal punishment in all schools.

It is the biggest education overhaul since the end of apartheid in 1994.

The governing party, the African National Congress (ANC), says the Bill will "transform our education system, to address historical and present challenges".

However, the biggest opposition party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), has condemned it, saying it gives the State too much control over schools and will lead to the collapse of education.

The DA say the Bill "dis-

empowers schools, parents, and communities and fails to address a single one of the systemic challenges that impede quality education".

It led a protest during the vote and has threatened to take the Government to the constitutional court if it becomes law.

The ANC has a huge majority in Parliament and the Bill was backed by 223 MPs, with just 83 against, on Thursday.

Another point of contention in the Bela Bill is that schools will be required to submit their language policy to the Government.

They must ensure their policy meets the needs of the broader community - if they don't, they will have to change their policy.

Many feel this is an attack on Afrikaans communities.

But the ANC say language policies have been exploited and used "as a proxy for racial exclusion" by schools, which they want to change. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Spanish Church sexual abuse affected 200,000 children, commission finds

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panish Church sexual abuse affected 200,000 children, commission finds More than 200,000 children are estimated to have suffered sexual abuse from Spain’s Catholic clergy, an independent commission has found.

The details emerged from an unprecedented public investigation by Spain’s ombudsman, who spoke of the “devastating impact” on victims.

Angel Gabilondo also criticised the Church for its inaction and attempts to cover up or deny the abuse.

“What has happened has been possible because of that silence,” he said.

The 700-page report, which was ordered by Spain’s Congress last year, reveals the result of a survey that the commission carried out on 800,000 members of the public.

It found that 0.6% of

the country’s adult population, roughly 39 million people, said that they had

suffered sexual abuse as children by members of the clergy.

That percentage rose to 1.13%, more than 400,000 people, when including alleged abuse by lay people in institutions overseen by the Church.

Gabilondo said the numbers should be treated with caution.

The report also included statements from more than 487 people who suffered abuse, who stressed the emotional toll it had taken.

“There are people who

have [died by] suicide... people who have never put their lives back together,” said Gabilondo.

“It is necessary to provide a response to a situation of suffering and loneliness that for years has remained, in one way or another, covered by an unfair silence.”

The ombudsman proposed the creation of a state fund to provide victims of abuse with compensation.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

20

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Lie low; it's time to rethink your next move. Let go of the past, live in the moment and be good to yourself. Positive thinking and a focus on relaxation will be necessary.

(March 21-April 19) Consider your options and make a move. Don't waste time on things that don't matter. It's your time to take charge, create opportunities and make things happen. Change is favored.

PICKLES

(April 20-May 20) Keep life simple, and don't let outsiders complicate matters. Take more interest in self-improvement and how to use what you already possess to make your life better. Don't give in to temptation.

(May 21-June 20) Pick up the slack and follow your heart. Your stamina and ingenuity will withstand the test of time and lead to something you can enjoy for years.

Romance is favored.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Question everyone and everything.

Refuse to let anyone railroad you into something you don't want. Emotional manipulation and temptation are present. Seek expert advice.

(July 23-Aug. 22) Learn all you can. The research you do will lead to opportunities far beyond your imagination. A change of scenery will spark your creativity and offer exciting opportunities.

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

Respond to what others want. Offer people incentives. A partnership will require diplomatic negotiations but, in the end, it will provide worthwhile returns. Leave nothing to chance.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

Attend events geared toward connecting with people who share your interests. A deep conversation with someone in the know will prompt unique ideas you'll want to try out.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Stay calm; don't let change upset you. Take the high road and concentrate on making a difference and improving your life. Protect yourself from those who make false claims.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Keep moving forward. You'll impact those you encounter and find a unique solution that will help you save money.

An exciting idea will facilitate home improvements.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Time to revise your to-do list and eliminate what's holding you back.

Cleaning up the rubble will give you a different perspective. Communication can clear a path to progress.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Go over documents, contracts and investments to see what needs updating, and you'll discover something big. Get involved in a pursuit that interests you.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023

21

ICC World Cup 2023…

South Africa win thriller against Pakistan – now table-toppers by the barest of margins

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s Keshav Maharaj exploded into celebration, having swung Mohammad Nawaz to the backward square leg boundary for the winning runs, with the #11 for company, waves of relief washed over his team-mates who were watching from the dressing room. South Africa had thrown off the yoke of the choke by the barest of margins against Pakistan in Chennai to successfully chase for the first time in their World Cup campaign.

The one-wicket win took them level with India on ten points at the top of the points table, but South Africa are ahead on net run rate, though they have played one game more than India.

This victory was set up by the South African bowlers - Tabraiz Shamsi and Marco Jansen in particular - who dismissed Pakistan for 270 in 46.4 overs despite Pakistan having been well placed at 225 for 5 in the 40th.

Aiden Markram overtook Virat Kohli to become the second-highest run scorer of this World Cup during his innings of 91; and when he and David Miller were putting together their 70-

David Miller and Aiden Markram put on 70 off 69 balls

run stand for the fifth wicket, a South African win had looked comfortable. All that changed when Miller edged Shaheen Shah Afridi behind in the 34th over with the target still 65 runs away.

The fine balance again appeared to swing South Africa's way when Jansen joined Markram and the pair began to hack at the equation rather than approach it with caution, being South Africa's last pair of recognised batters. But after he clattered Haris Rauf back over his head for

SCOREBOARD Pakistan (50 ovs maximum) Abdullah Shafique c Ngidi b Jansen 9 Imam-ul-Haq c Klaasen b Jansen 12 Babar Azam (c) c †de Kock b Shamsi 50 Mohammad Rizwan † c †de Kock b Coetzee 31 Iftikhar Ahmed c Klaasen b Shamsi 21 Saud Shakeel c †de Kock b Shamsi 52 Shadab Khan c Maharaj b Coetzee 43 Mohammad Nawaz c Miller b Jansen 24 Shaheen Shah Afridi c Maharaj b Shamsi 2 Mohammad Wasim c †de Kock b Ngidi 7 Haris Rauf not out 0 Extras (b 4, nb 4, w 11) 19 TOTAL 46.4 Ov (RR: 5.78) 270 Did not bat: Usama Mir Fall of wickets: 1-20 (Abdullah Shafique, 4.3 ov), 2-38 (Imam-ulHaq, 6.3 ov), 3-86 (Mohammad Rizwan, 15.5 ov), 4-129 (Iftikhar Ahmed, 25.1 ov), 5-141 (Babar Azam, 27.5 ov), 6-225 (Shadab Khan, 39.4 ov), 7-240 (Saud Shakeel, 42.1 ov), 8-259 (Shaheen Shah Afridi, 44.2 ov), 9-268 (Mohammad Nawaz, 45.5 ov), 10270 (Mohammad Wasim, 46.4 ov) • DRS BOWLING O-M-R-W Marco Jansen 9-1-43-3 Lungi Ngidi 7.4-0-45-1 Aiden Markram 4-0-20-0 Keshav Maharaj 9-0-56-0 Gerald Coetzee 7-0-42-2 Tabraiz Shamsi 10-0-60-4

South Africa (T: 271 runs from 50 ovs) Temba Bavuma (c) c Saud Shakeel b Mohammad Wasim 28 Quinton de Kock † c Mohammad Wasim b Shaheen Shah Afridi 24 Rassie van der Dussen lbw b Usama Mir 21 Aiden Markram c Babar Azam b Usama Mir 91 Heinrich Klaasen c Usama Mir b Mohammad Wasim 12 David Miller c †Mohammad Rizwan b Shaheen Shah Afridi 29 Marco Jansen c Babar Azam b Haris Rauf 20 Gerald Coetzee c †Mohammad Rizwan b Shaheen Shah Afridi 10 Keshav Maharaj not out 7 Lungi Ngidi c & b Haris Rauf 4 Tabraiz Shamsi not out 4 Extras (b 1, lb 5, w 15) 21 TOTAL 47.2 Ov (RR: 5.72) 271/9 Fall of wickets: 1-34 (Quinton de Kock, 3.3 ov), 2-67 (Temba Bavuma, 9.5 ov), 3-121 (Rassie van der Dussen, 18.5 ov), 4-136 (Heinrich Klaasen, 21.4 ov), 5-206 (David Miller, 33.1 ov), 6-235 (Marco Jansen, 36.5 ov), 7-250 (Aiden Markram, 40.2 ov), 8-250 (Gerald Coetzee, 41.1 ov), 9-260 (Lungi Ngidi, 45.3 ov) • DRS BOWLING O-M-R-W Iftikhar Ahmed 3-0-23-0 Shaheen Shah Afridi 10-0-45-3 Mohammad Nawaz 6.2-0-40-0 Haris Rauf 10-0-62-2 Mohammad Wasim 10-1-50-2 Usama Mir 8-0-45-2

a flat six in the 37th over, Jansen spooned a slower ball to Babar Azam at point, leaving South Africa 36 runs away from the target, with four wickets in hand.

Fourteen runs later, the legspinner Usama Mir, who came into this game in the 15th over of South Africa's chase as a concussion substitute for Shadab Khan, picked up his second wicket: Markram's attempted heave resulting in a leading edge that landed in Babar's hands once again. South Africa's last recognised batter was gone with his team still 22 runs short.

Afridi then found the outside edge of Gerald Coetzee, and Rauf pulled off a one-handed diving return catch to dismiss Lungi Ngidi. But by then South Africa had poked and prodded their way to within 11 runs of victory. On another day, umpire Alex Wharf might have upheld Rauf's lbw appeal against the #11 Shamsi off the final ball of the 46th over. Not tonight.

Pakistan reviewed the notout decision, only to watch in agony as the ball-tracking showed impact to be umpire's call.

Nine balls later, the game was over. After 25 matches, the 2023 ODI World Cup had its first thriller, and South Africa did not choke.

While South Africa's batting performance may have been jittery, their bowling effort - their weaker discipline so far in the tournament - was impressive on a flat surface. After Pakistan opted to bat, it

took incisive use of the short ball from Jansen and Coetzee and the smart selection of Shamsi, who turned the ball both ways, to dent Pakistan’s run-scoring.

Ngidi returned from a knee niggle that had kept him out of the Bangladesh game to open the bowling alongside

spin - and Rizwan continued living dangerously.

Babar chipped Markram wide of cover, and batted on to bring up his 2000th ODI run before hitting boundaries off Jansen, Markram and Maharaj to get Pakistan going.

With spin at both ends, Rizwan and Babar built steadily, and their third-wicket stand grew to 49 before Bavuma called on Coetzee. Used in the enforcer role, Coetzee was up at 140kph and around the helmet from the get-go, and it did not take too long for him to have an impact.

His fifth ball was a bouncer which Rizwan top-edged to de Kock.

Pakistan then promoted Iftikhar Ahmed to #5 for the first time in his career, ahead of Saud Shakeel who is reputed for playing spin well. He scored only five runs off the first 14 balls he faced, then hit Maharaj over cow corner for six, Ngidi over midwicket for four, and just after the halfway stage, failed to read a Shamsi googly and hit it to Klaasen at

Tabraiz Shamsi took four key wickets to peg Pakistan back

Jansen, and the pair began with a short-ball barrage.

One of Jansen's short balls went over both the heads of Abdullah Shafique and Quinton de Kock for byes, while another from Ngidi went to point boundary; but South Africa's relentless approach did not take long to pay off.

In Jansen's third over, Shafique holed out off Ngidi at deep square leg. In Jansen's next over, South Africa inserted Heinrich Klaasen at a deep-slip/ short-third and Jansen went full and wide. Imamul-Haq reached for it, edged, and was caught, to leave Pakistan 38 for 2 in the seventh over.

Markram was introduced in the eighth over presumably for the matchup with Babar, who has not been at his best against

mid-on.

All the while, Babar was ticking along, and he went on to bring up a third half-century of this World Cup campaign off 64 balls.

Pakistan needed him to bat on, but a review from de Kock, who thought he had Babar caught down the legside off a Shamsi legbreak, ended his vigil.

Shakeel and Shadab combined for an 84-run sixth-wicket stand as South Africa's death bowling struggles appeared to come early. Runs came off the spinners and Coetzee, who eventually broke the stand with a signature bumper: Shadab had tried to clear midwicket, but gave Maharaj a simple catch.

Fifteen balls later, Shakeel threw his bat at a Shamsi delivery close to off stump and nicked off.

Pakistan had already used their finisher earlier in the innings, and the impact of how far that backfired was clear when neither Afridi nor Mohammad Nawaz came off and Pakistan were bowled out with 20 balls to spare.

Pakistan gave Iftikhar a promotion with the ball too, and he bowled the first delivery of the chase down leg side for five wides. Two balls later, Shadab hit his head on the turf while fielding, and was later replaced by the concussion sub, Usama. The eventful start to South Africa's innings continued when de Kock, top-scorer of the World Cup, took 18 off Afridi's opening over. Afridi, however, eventually had de Kock caught on the deep square leg boundary.

Bavuma had a quiet start to his comeback innings, after missing the last two games with a stomach bug, but he took on Nawaz and found boundaries via the sweep, the cover drive, and the on-drive.

He hit Afridi over the inner ring, and Haris over midwicket, but played one big shot too many as the powerplay came to a close: he pulled Wasim to midwicket.

Rassie van der Dussen and Markram dealt with the pace from Rauf and Wasim with ease, and Markram's upper cut over third man off Rauf was the shot of their 53-run stand for the third wicket. While they were batting, it was confirmed that Shadab would not be further participating in the match, and his replacement, Usama, was brought on in the 19th over.

Usama made an almost immediate impact when he pinned van der Dussen on the pads with a topspinner.

Van der Dussen reviewed, and ball-tracking showed it was going on to clip leg stump. Seventeen deliveries later, Klaasen top-edged Wasim to Usama at deep third, and South Africa were stuttering.

Markram and Miller then came together to steady the chase with their attacking approach - adding 70 off 69 balls - and though South Africa stumbled again after they were separated, they did not fall short like they had done against the Netherlands.

(ESPNCricInfo)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023

Navin/Hanso/Revision Optical T20 final

Ramjeet, Ali lead Lusignan to tense victory over Enmore

championship trophy and G$150,000 while Enmore had to settle for the runner-up trophy and G$75,000.

Industry Rubis were rewarded G$50,000 and Strathavon were rewarded $25,000.

Ramjeet was named Man-of-the-Match for his match-winning innings, while Rudolph was adjudged “Best Batsman” and Ramraj “Best Bowler”.

From left: Best Batsman Rudolph Singh, Man-of-the-Match Vishnu Ramjeet, and Best Bowler Chanderpaul Ramraj

East Coast Cricket Board President Davteerth Anandjit (stooping right) with the successful Lusignan team

S

UMMARY: Enmore 150-8 from 20 overs (Rudolph Singh 70, Amir Khan 36; Chanderpaul Ramraj 3-15, Kumar Bishundial 3-21, Somnauth Bharratt 1-26, Rajindra Naikbarran 1-28) vs Lusignan 152-5 from 19.4 overs (Vishnu Ramjeet 57*, Shazam Ali 32*, Somnauth Bharratt 16, Robin Williams 16; Richard Chaturia 2-20, Chaitram Balgobin 2-43, Rajpaul Basdeo 1-25) Experienced batter Vishnu Ramjeet played an innings for the ages to lead Lusignan Sports Club to a five-wicket win over Enmore in the final of the Navin/ Hanso/Revision Optical T20 Championship, organised by the East Coast Cricket Board.

In a keenly contested final, Enmore posted 150-8 from the allotted 20 overs,

and Lusignan overcame some ‘death’ over jitters to win with two balls to spare.

At 108-5 at the end of 16 overs, the game had been tilted in favour of Enmore, with 43 required off 24 balls and Lusignan’s top order batters back in the hut. However, Ramjeet found a more than capable ally in Shazam Ali, and the pair forged an unbroken sixth-wicket stand of 45 to seal the championship.

The duo took 14 off the 17th over to reduce the equation to a manageable 29 off 18, and then 12 off the 18th over to make the equation much more manageable at 17 off 12.

Enmore skipper Satash Jainarine conceded just five off the penultimate over, leaving spinner Chaitram Balgobin to defend 12 off the last over. Any intention Balgobin had of silencing

tournament gets underway today

T

he “One Guyana” B a s k e t b a l l Tournament returns to the National Gymnasium on Saturday, 28th October 2023 with three exciting games.

The Jaguar Conference which kicks off the action at 17:00h will see the Plaisance Guardians taking on GDF in a must-win matchup for the soldiers and a seeding game for the Guardians.

This game will be followed by the young and powerful team Kwakwani Untouchables going up against the Black Caimans at 19:00h.

To end the day’s action, the North Ruimveldt Black Caimans will compete against the Bounty Colts, featuring Domitre Rankin and Carmelo Man-Son-Hing in the feature game of the evening.

The tournament kicked off with 14 teams in the Harpy Eagle and Jaguar Conferences, with a projected 56 to 63 games. The tour-

nament will see the teams from the Jaguar Conference and Harpy Eagle Conference playing the teams within their conference twice, with the top four teams qualifying for the playoffs.

The number one-ranked team plays the team ranked fourth, and the number two team plays the third-ranked team. The winners of the play-off games will then advance to their Conference Finals, where they will play the best two-of-three games to determine who advances to the National Finals.

The tournament-winning team will receive $1 million along with trophies, while the runners-up will receive $500,000 plus trophies.

The tournament was made possible by sponsorship from the Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry; G-Boats Guyana; the National Sports Commission, Guyana Basketball Federation; and Georgetown Basketball Federation.

the Lusignan supporters was dashed with the very first ball, which Ramjeet clobbered for six to bring up his half-century; and three balls later, a calm and composed Ali sealed the match with a boundary.

Ramjeet struck five sixes and three fours in his unbeaten 52, while Ali found

the boundary six times in his 32 not out. Openers Robin Williams and Somnauth Bharratt each made 16, and former national cricketer Krishna Deosarran chipped in with 14.

Bowling for Enmore, Richard Chaturia took 2-20, Balgobin took 2-43, and Rajpaul Basdeo took 1-25.

Enmore’s innings were built on a solid 70 from opener Rudolph Singh, the lefthander hitting five sixes and three fours. Apart from 36

(3x4s, 1x6) from First-Class player Amir Khan, no other Enmore batter got going.

Bowling for Lusignan, Chanderpaul Ramraj took 3-15 off three overs, and Kumar Bishundial took 3-21 off three overs.

In the third-place game, Industry Rubis defeated Strathavon, who made 119 in a game reduced to 16 overs. Industry Rubis won by four wickets.

At the presentation ceremony, Lusignan received the

Region Three Softball Cricket League 2023…

$500,000 for inaugural champions of President’s Cup 50-ball tournament

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lucrative payday of $500K is guaranteed the eventual champions of the inaugural President’s Cup 50-ball Softball Cricket tournament, a feature of the Region Three Softball Cricket League of 2023. The losing finalist will pocket $300K, while the losing semi-finalists would both get $100K. This 4-team tournament is set for play at the Tuschen Community Centre Ground, East Bank Essequibo, this

Sunday, October 29, from 09:00h. The one-day event will see competitive softball cricket returning to Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) with the traditional small ball being used.

In an effort to keep Region Three youths meaningfully occupied and working together, the Region Three Softball Cricket League (R3SCL) will also be using the day to raise funds for future tournaments.

There will be BBQ chicken and beverages on sale all day, with the profits going directly

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Each team will be outfitted with uniforms from the organizers, while there will be souvenirs for players and officials in the form of specially designed medallions.

Sponsors of the day’s activities are: Met’s Sports Bar, Banks DIH, Trophy Stall, Sheriff Security, Auto City, Fazia’s Collections, Fat Boy Discount Store, Puran Brothers, Hi-Fi Sound Connection, Haseeb Bacchus Halaal, Hussain (Dumb Boy) General Store,

ND&S Furniture, F&R Supermarket, Mangal’s Sawmill and Lumber Yard Complex, Joshi Construction, N&S Algoo Brokerage, Eclipse Sports Bar, N. Khan Construction, Farouk Mohamed, Summer Time Travels, Burns Sports Bar, GTT, E-Net, Forrester’s Lumber Yard and Building Complex, Impressions, Khellawan’s Wood Working, N&R Welding, Triple A Guttering, Michael’s Welding, Robin’s Beauty Salon, De Rock Restaurant and Bar, Kapil Heeralall, A and A Auto Sales, Sono Finishing Touch Construction, Bhuneshwar Singh, Paul Cheong, S and D Construction, Paul New Road, Palm Castle, Lakenarine Singh, Taslim Baksh, and Khan’s Construction and Transportation Services.

The four teams are West Bank Demerara, East Bank Essequibo, West Coast Demerara, and Leguan/ Wakenaam Combined. The two semifinals and championship match will be live streamed on www.flsport.gy

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Caption: Evin Lewis and Rashid Khan were teammates at St Kitts & Nevis Patriots last season

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023

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Pan American Games 2023…

‘Making event final’ is initial goal of Track Team T

he first few disciplines having been completed, the next sport disciplines to expect competition from Guyanese athletes are Table Tennis and Track and Field.

With the entire 5-member track and field team already in Santiago, Chile, each member has had couple practice sessions under their belt ahead of the first two events scheduled for Monday.

Training under the careful eye of Johnny Gravesande, the Track athletes have rated their preparation as good heading into the Games.

“So far, its feeling good.

Getting here a week before the competition start is getting us to acclimatize, and it’s giving us a good opportunity to get used to the tracks and so forth,” Sprinter Emanuel Archibald shared with this publication.

He expressed on the topic of acclimatization: “It’s not been that hard, it’s just a little cold; and it being cold, being here couple days before would get us ready by time

Aliyah Abrams

Monday comes.”

Sprinter Keliza Smith shared, “Well, the preparation been going great so far.

Training coming great so far. Well, I was watching her just now when she was doing starts and so far getting real competition, but I will try my best,” Smith added about training alongside and learning from the Abrams sisters.

As for the Abrams Sisters, Jasmine and Aliyah, both are in high spirits and ready to compete. “Preparation has been going good. For me, per-

Jasmine Abrams

Emanuel Archibald

sonally, I feel like I’m in good shape to go run possibly a PR or my season’s best this coming week. So, preparation has been going really good; everything feels good, and I’m ready to go,” Jasmine related.

Aliyah shared, “Feeling healthy, feeling strong, just ready to go out there and give it my all.”

When it comes to goals for this year’s Pan American Games, Archibald was the first to divulge that he is fo-

“No, just make the final first. When we make the finals first, then we move from there. One thing at a time,” Archibald responded to probes from Sport media operatives in Chile.

The goal seems to be a common one throughout the Guyanese track team.

Smith expressed about her intentions, “I want to run a personal best and make sure I reach in the finals.”

Jasmine Abrams stated, “As for me, mine is the same as my peers and my sister here. Making finals, possibly getting gold, silver, bronze, any type of medal! I’m sure all of us want to represent for Guyana and do our best

at these Games.

“Yes! Absolutely! Making the final puts yourself in the best position to medal. So, that’s exactly what my goal is,” Aliyah added about the common goal.

Four of the five-member team will spring into action on Monday, October 30.

Keliza Smith and Jasmine Abrams will compete in the Women’s 100M event, while Emanuel Archibald takes on the male version of the event. Jasmine Abrams will also compete in the Women’s 400M event. The fifth member of the team is Leslain Baird, who will be competing in the Men’s Javelin throw.

(Jemima Holmes)

21st Annual South American Road Race Classic 2023 set CG United Super50 tourney… for November 5 staging CCC thump Scorpions by 121 runs via DLS method S Keliza Smith

cused on making the finals of his events first, and then take it from there.

pectators can look forward to a spectacular day of distance running as the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) hosts the 21st Annual South American Road Race Classic 2023 on Sunday, November 5th, 2023 at the Guyana Police Force Ground.

This event would see participation of over 125 local athletes and 25 foreign athletes from 13 countries, with St. Vincent, Trinidad, Martinique, Grenada, Suriname, Aruba and Guadeloupe being among the counties.

Acting President of the Athletics Association of Guyana, Sheryl Hermonstine, emphasized the work of the vast increase of overseas participation, since their decreased participation in any event over the years.

“We started with many countries in this event, so somewhere along the line, the overseas participation had declined; so, for the 21st edition, we are going to go back to the Drawing Board, put in some work, and see what we can do for Caribbean countries to participate; because, so far, we…have had confirmation from seven countries, which are St. Vincent, Trinidad, Martinique, Grenada, Suriname, Aruba and Guadeloupe”, he said.

Athletes will be divided into three batches of 12-to-14year-olds running a one-mile distance that starts in front of the Guyana Police Force Ground and travels through

T

Officials of the 21st Annual South American Road Race Classic 2023

Parade Street. The course takes a left onto Young Street and travels up to Carifesta Avenue, entering the National Park through the first entrance and travelling back to Camp Street from Barrack Street, before finishing in front of the Police Sports Club.

Athletes 15–17 years old will be in a 5k starting at the Saints Ground. It proceeds to Sherrif Street, where they will make a U–turn at the traffic light and finish at the Police Sports Club.

The 10k event will see athletes testing their true stamina. It starts at Saints Ground; proceeds to the University of Guyana Access Road, where a U–turn would be made, and returns at the Police Sports Club for the finish.

Registration forms for athletes wishing to participate are available at the Police Sports Club and from officers stationed at the National Park

between the hours of 3pm and 6pm daily. Entrance fee per participant is set at $1000.

Winnings from the races vary, with the Senior category receiving US$1000, second prize bagging US$800, this place receiving US$600 fourth place US$400, and fifth place securing US$200.

In the Junior category, the winners would receive trophies, medal and educational cash vouchers.

Registration forms for athletes wishing to participate are available at the Police Sports Club.

Officers would be stationed at the National Park between the hours of 3pm and 6pm daily. The entrance fee per participant is $1000.

Sponsors of this major event are: Clear Waters, ANSA McAL, Camex Restaurants, the Government of Guyana, and the Guyana Olympic Association.

he Combined Campuses and Colleges (CCC) handed Jamaica their fourth consecutive loss of the CG United Regional Super50 tournament when they defeated the Scorpions by a 121-run margin in a rain-affected match played at the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground yesterday.

Asked to bat, CCC posted 320 for seven in 48 overs.

Scorpions, the defending champions, required 321 in 48 overs, but were reduced to 198 all out in 32.4 overs.

Both CCC openers, Johann Jeremiah and Kadeem Alleyne, chalked up half-centuries, but the top score of 71 made by Demario Richards piloted CCC to an imposing total.

Richards smashed nine boundaries, including two sixes, during his 82-ball innings, while adding 79 for the fifth wicket with Jordan Johnson, who made 41 from 40 balls despite rain interrupting the match with CCC on 206 for four.

Richards also shared in a 71-run stand for the fourth wicket with his captain Shane Dowrich (32).

Alleyne raced to 51 from 30 balls, hitting three sixes and six fours as he piled on 73 for the opening wicket with Jeremiah, before top-edging to mid-off off Fabien Allen.

Soon after, rain halted play

Johann Jeremiah (CWI photo)

with CCC on 78 for one.

Jeremiah was joined by Shatrughan Rambaran, and the pair put on 56 for the second wicket, with Jeremiah scoring 56 from 50 balls. His innings was highlighted by nine fours and one six, before culminating when he was bowled by Brad Barnes.

When the Scorpions batted, Chadwick Walton and Jermaine Blackwood laid a solid foundation by putting on 42, before Blackwood was bowled by Guyanese seamer Isai Thorne.

Walton went on to bring up his 10th List A half-century with a four over the

bowler’s head, his eighth four of the innings, but was bowled by Romario Greaves while attempting to paddle the ball down to fine leg.

Greaves struck two balls later when he took the wicket of Nkrumah Bonner, who feathered a faint edge to Dowrich behind the stumps.

Greaves eventually ended with 4-51, his best bowling figures in List A cricket.

Odean Smith made 35 while Barnes chipped in with 31, and Allen and Kirk McKenzie each made 18 runs.

Thorne, Akshaya Persaud and Abhijai Mansingh each picked up two wickets.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023

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Navin/Hanso/Revision Optical T20 final

thump Scorpions by 121 runs Lusignan to tense via DLS method victory over Enmore Pg 23

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