Guyana Times - Saturday, September 9, 2023

– Pres Ali

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Saturday, Sep 9 – 12:00h – 12:45h and

Sunday, Sep 10 – 01:00h – 02:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Saturday, Sep 9 – 13:05h – 14:35h and Sunday, Sep 10 – 14:00h – 15:30h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

There will be sunshine during the day. Expect clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 24 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-Easterly between 3.12 metres and 5.81 metres.

High Tide: 12:24h reaching a maximum height of 1.96 metre.

Low Tide: 18:14h reaching a minimum height of 1.28 metre.

Integration of public, private sectors key to Guyana’s healthcare vision – Pres Ali

As the Guyana Government works on building out a healthcare system that is second to none in the Region, President Dr Irfaan Ali said this requires the seamless integration of both the public and private healthcare services.

Delivering the feature address on Friday at the commissioning of Eureka Labs’ Urgent Care Clinic & Pharmacy – the first of its kind in the country, the Head of State posited that there have been tremendous gains in the healthcare sector within a short time.

He outlined that the collaboration between the private and public health sectors was successfully demonstrated during the height of COVID-19 pandemic here.

“What we were able to achieve was a holistic integration of our healthcare infrastructure, and that is what is important. I do not see the investment in healthcare by all the stakeholders in Guyana as competition. I see it as part of a holistic infrastructure that is supporting the vision of the country and that vision is to build a healthcare system that is second to none,” he posited.

Currently, Government has embarked on a programme that focuses on competitiveness and economies of scale.

LOTTERY NUMBERS

According to President Ali, a lot of the specialised services in the public sector such as testing, diagnostic services and treatment are being outsourced affordably at private health institutions. This, he noted, is reflective of that seamless integration between the public and private healthcare sectors.

“Yes, the Government is on an extensive expansion of healthcare facilities across the country and we do not see that in any way conflicting with the private sector because… there are niches that no public health can offer. And we are to build a national healthcare infrastructure that will be export-earning oriented then we have to get all of these facilities firing on all their cylinders, delivering at an optimum level.”

Earlier this year, Government partnered with several private hospitals in Guyana to reduce the backlog for echocardiogram ‘echo’ and ultrasound tests, which were backdated due to the pandemic.

President Ali, in April, had disclosed that some 3000 persons are waiting for echocardiogram tests and over 2000 persons are on the waiting list for ultrasound tests at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). The backlog was

built up after regional hospitals were referring patients requiring these tests to the city hospital.

The Head of State had announced that Government would foot the bill for these tests to be conducted at private hospitals, which agreed to reduce the fees.

During Friday’s event, the Guyanese leader lauded the work of Eureka Labs, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when they set up testing facilities at the two airports which were key in Guyana being a transit hotspot. This, he noted, coupled with the company’s opening of an Urgent Care Clinic and Pharmacy is demonstrative of the collective ownership of Guyana’s vision for healthcare delivery services.

“That is the most exciting thing for me – the way

in which we have come together in collectively owning the vision for healthcare in Guyana.

This is not the vision of the President, this is not the vision of a Government [but] this has now become a national vision and what we’re seeing is a national approach in the achievement of that vision in setting Guyana apart from all others in terms of healthcare delivery,” he stated.

According to the Head of State, the global healthcare service infrastructure has changed rapidly since COVID due to the lack of human resources, limited funding and especially because of the impact the pandemic had on infrastructure in many countries.

But President Ali noted that the Eureka Labs story is a corporate success that

celebrates only a medical accomplishment but is also a win for private sector. He pointed out with the rapid expansion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in every sector across the world, the need for innovation, research and development will play a key role in the future.

However, the Guyanese leader said Eureka is also positioning itself with an innovative approach to healthcare.

“Eureka has a much larger place in the health sphere of things in Guyana… As President, I’m extremely proud of your accomplishment and the tremendous work that this group has done in building out the healthcare infrastructure and in supporting good healthcare delivery in our country.” (G8)

President Dr Irfaan Ali joining Eureka's CEO Dr William Boyle and Medical Director Dr Biden-Luke to commission the Urgent Care Clinic & Pharmacy

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Editor: Tusika Martin

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International Literacy Day

On Friday, Guyana joined the rest of the world in celebrating International Literacy Day (ILD), themed 'Promoting literacy for a world in transition: Building the foundation for sustainable and peaceful societies'.

Since 1967, the celebrations have taken place annually as a reminder to the public of the importance of literacy. This, UNESCO categorised, is “a matter of dignity and human rights, and to advance the literacy agenda towards a more literate and sustainable society. Despite progress made, literacy challenges persist, with 771 million illiterate people around the world, most of whom are women, who still lack basic reading and writing skills and are faced with increased vulnerability.”

However, even in dealing with literacy, the issue of early childhood development plays an integral part of literacy.

Sometime ago, this publication highlighted several aspects of “The Lancet’s Series” which deals with early childhood development.

According to findings from “The Lancet’s Series, Advancing Early Childhood Development: from Science to Scale”, an estimated 43 per cent – 249 million – of children under five in low- and middleincome countries are at an elevated risk of poor development due to extreme poverty and stunting.

The Caribbean regional launch of the series took place some years ago immediately following the 32nd Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) on Education, and was hosted by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Secretariat.

The Series had again made a strong case for Governments and other stakeholders to work towards designing and implementing effective policies and programmes and allocating the necessary resources to ensure early childhood development.

According to the authors of the Series, early childhood development interventions that promote nurturing care – health, nutrition, responsive caregiving, security and safety, and early learning – may cost very little when combined with existing services such as health.

The representative of UNICEF – Guyana and Suriname at the time was quoted by Caricom as saying: “The science and economics are clearly on the side of investing in the first 1000 days of a child’s life. The cost of not doing so is higher. Children fall behind long before they set foot in school.”

There is, therefore, need for increased global commitment to early childhood development. The consequences of inaction impact not only present, but future generations. In the Region, there is less public provisioning for early childhood education, especially for the 0-2 years age group, as opposed to the preschool years. For example, it was explained that the uneven funding distribution across sectors is striking; expenditure on pre-primary as share of Government expenditure on education is only 2.9 per cent, compared to primary at 34.9 per cent, and 40.3 per cent for secondary education.

One of the authors of the Lancet Series, Rafael Pérez-Escamilla, Professor of Epidemiology & Public Health, Director of the Office of Public Health Practice, and Director of the Global Health Concentration at the Yale School of Public Health, presented the research findings and recommendations.

The Series authors propose several ways the global community can scale-up support for early childhood development services; these include by encouraging the adoption and implementation of policies to create supportive environments for families to provide nurturing care for young children; building capacity and strengthening coordination to promote early childhood development through existing health, nutrition, education, social, and child protection services; strengthening measurement and ensuring accountability for early childhood development services; increasing research, and fostering global and regional leadership and action, and expanding political will and funding through advocacy for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Guyana must be commended for placing the issue of early childhood development high on its national development agenda over the years. Guyana’s Early Childhood Development Project, which came as a result of intense discussions between early childhood educators and other relevant officials, is aimed at improving the emergent literacy and numeracy outcomes for children at the nursery level and primary Grade One in hinterland regions.

The first component of the project caters for capacity building for nursery and Grade One teachers, and is aimed at improving the quality of instruction and learning at the nursery and Grade One levels by strengthening teachers’ knowledge, particularly in regard to the implementation of new strategies for the development of emergent literacy and numeracy skills, through an in-service teacher training programme. The second component of the project targets improved supply of teaching and learning materials.

International Literacy Day 2023: Students from around Guyana observed International Literacy Day under the theme "Promoting literacy for a world in transition: Building the foundation for sustainable and peaceful societies". (Education Ministry photos)

One thing you can’t get away from is the track record of the PNC

Dear Editor,

At Thursday’s PPPC press conference, General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, in response to a mischievous editorial in the media, boldly stated that “the one thing you can’t get away from is the track record of the PNC.”

That basic track record, and I add the most predictable thing about the PNC-APNU, is rigging elections. As Jagdeo said, “One million editorials cannot change that fact.”

While rigged elections are the most egregious of APNU behaviour, other kinds of conduct must never be forgotten. Chief among these is that during their 28 years of authoritarianism, the PNC made this country not only bankrupt, but also made us the object of derision throughout the Caribbean and the wider world.

National bankruptcy is not just words. Those who had to endure it, meaning: the entire population, except for the family and friends of the PNC top brass, starved day and

night for years. Note that in 1980, our GDP stood at US$600 million, which then shrunk steadily from thereon to US$374 million in 1992. Effectively, in twelve years under the PNC, our GDP had shrunk by US$226 million, or by 38%. The total public debt in 1985 stood at $8.6 billion with a debt-to-GDP ratio of 438%. Guyana was the only country in the world that had a lower per capita income at the end of the 1980s compared to the end of the decade!

Economic data alone, however, cannot fully capture what the PNC (now head of APNU) did to this country. All food imports had to pass through Government agencies staffed by PNC comrades.

Imagine, for groceries you had to go to a place called Knowledge Sharing Institutes (KSIs), most of them located in PNCdominated localities. With a PNC card, you were able to uplift your full shopping list. Without a PNC card, you got a quarter pint of cooking oil, one pound of

flour, one onion, and two “flegs” of garlic. Foreign missions had to come in to Guyana to share out milk and biscuits to starving school children.

Under the PNC dictatorship, no one who did not have a PNC party card could get a proper Government job or get promoted. Those who were non-PNC comrades in the public service were usually deported to places far away from their homes and families. Teachers who spoke up against authoritarianism were deported to remote places in the interior, were denied leave, and instead of being promoted, were very often demoted.

I know some young people who did not have a PNC card but who had 6,7, and 8 GCE, or even A’ Levels, who had to cut cane or who had to become “smut hunters and cleaners.” Instead of working with chalk or pen, they worked with a bucket of soap water and a toothbrush.

Excepting for technical subjects, University of Guyana was complete-

ly taken over by PNC and WPA activists. Those friendly to the PNC and WPA were immediately imported from abroad when they graduated. Others, even though not political in any way, had their applications summarily rejected, or completely ignored, with no reply offered.

These days, the APNU has a new master trope. It is race, race, and more race. Everything is race, ranging from the defence of an “altar boy” motorcycle thief to the new PSA. If it rains, Vincent Alexander could magically reduce that to race! If a vendor’s black pudding spoils, David Hinds in Arizona can link that to what happened in 1730. If there is too much salt on your French fries, Norton is quite capable of connecting that to racial oppression. If a man stumps his toe, Nigel Westmaas can explain that in terms of the historical dynamics of race and class. You might not believe it, but the culture of rigging elections by the APNU (with slavish assis-

tance from the AFC) is explained and defended on the grounds of race. In that narrative, it is suggested that rigged elections are justifiable because of “historical reasons.” If that were a defensible position, most of the world would be

rigging!

In closing, I can say that the one thing the APNU does not want you to do is to examine their track record.

Sincerely,

Dr Randolph Persaud

Education Ministry clarifies statement by Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha

Dear Editor,

The Ministry of Education has noted a statement made by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS), calling on the Minister of Education to make policy changes regarding rules in schools related to what can and cannot be worn in schools.

The Ministry notes, and wishes to correct, a misrepresentation in the statement of the GHDS which indicates that the Ministry made adjustments to the hair policy. In fact, the Ministry indicated that no child can be sent home for any perceived or real breach of any individual school’s hairstyle rule, as there is no rule from the Central Ministry regarding hairstyles. The rules themselves at individual schools were not changed.

Similarly, at the level of the Central Ministry, there is no rule against the wearing of a rakhi.

There is no allegation, or at least none has come to the attention of the Ministry, that any child was sent home for wearing a rakhi. The issues are therefore different. The Ministry would have no difficulty instructing that no child is to be sent home for

wearing a rakhi, if that were ever to be an issue.

The Cabinet of Ministers of Guyana makes policies or changes in policies. Rules were made on these issues by individual schools, and those rules have been in place for many years, and have been informed by various factors known to individual school populations. Whether those bodies had taken into consideration Guyana’s diversity and/or our children’s constitutionally guaranteed rights would have to be examined when any revision is being considered.

The matter of what can and cannot be worn in schools will be taken to the cabinet by the Minister of Education for a decision to be made thereat.

The Ministry asks for steady heads in resolving issues and arriving at more enlightened positions on matters that are, and can be, emotive. The Ministry of Education continues to commit to serving each Guyanese child with dedication and love.

Sincerely, Public Relations Department, Ministry of Education

Test 3

1) Which of the following triangles is obtuse? __________

Complete the following test items

Power Up Maths Test 3

Right-angled? __________

Power Up Maths Test 3

acute?

Complete the following test items

1) Which of the following triangles is obtuse? __________

Right-angled? __________

Complete the following test items

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2023

acute?

1) Which of the following triangles is obtuse? __________

1) Which of the following triangles is obtuse? __________

Right-angled? __________

Page Foundation 6

Right-angled? __________

acute?

acute? Power Up Maths Test 3

Complete the following test items

1) Which of the following triangles is obtuse? __________

Right-angled? __________

acute?

Power Up Maths Test 3

Module test 3

2) Calculate the following expression: 4 + (8

(CONTINUED FROM YESTERDAY)

MONROE

BY HARRIET

Ah! bid him beware! beware! And the forests, heavy and dark and deep With the shadows of shrouded years, In a murmurous voice, out of age-long sleep, Ask the winds : What creature rude Would storm our solitude? Hath his soul no fears, no tears? The prone rivers lift up their snow-crowned heads, Arise in wrath from their rock-hewn beds, And roar: We will ravage and drown Ere we float his white ships down. And the lakes, from a mist Of amethyst, Call the storm-clouds down, and grow ashen and brown. And all the four winds wail: Our gales shall make him quail. By blinding snow, by burning sun His strength shall be undone. Then men in league with these— Brothers of wind and waste— Hew barbs of flint, and darkly haste

From sheltering tents and trees; And mutter: Away! away!

Ye children of white- browed day!

Who dares profane our wild gods’ reign We torture and trap and slay.

In this fun and easy experiment, we are going to make a cool concoction called baby elephant’s toothpaste by creating a chemical reaction.

Materials:

Plastic water bottle

Dish soap

Yeast packets

Measuring spoons

Hydrogen peroxide

Food colouring

Warm water

Cake pan, tray, or other vessel to catch the foam

eruption Small container or bowl

Instructions:

Pour one half cup of hydrogen peroxide into the water bottle.

Squirt a few drops of dish soap into the water bottle. Add several drops of the food colouring of your choice into the water bottle.

Now in a separate bowl, mix one teaspoon of yeast with two tablespoons of warm water. The yeast mixture will

be a little clumpy. Make sure you have placed your water bottle into the cake pan to contain the eruption.

Now pour the yeast mixture into the water bottle and enjoy watching the chemical reaction that occurs.

How it works:

In this chemical reaction, the yeast acts as the catalyst. A catalyst is the substance that increases the rate of the chemical reaction without

being consumed itself. The yeast catalyses and causes the hydrogen peroxide to release oxygen molecules. The resulting foam that squirts from the bottle like toothpaste is the tiny oxygen bubbles released during the chemical reaction.

Make this a science project: Try different amounts of yeast. Try different temperatures of water. Try different sized and shaped bottles. (sciencefun.org)

Child of the light, the shadows fall in vain. Herald of God, in vain the powers conspire. Armed with truth’s holy cross, faith’s sacred fire, Though often vanquished, he shall rise again, Nor rest till the wild lords of earth and air Bow to his will, his burdens glad to bear. The angels leave him not through the long strife, But sing large annals of their own wide life, Luring him on to freedom. On that field, From giants won, shall man be slave to man? Lo! clan on clan, The embattled nations gather to be one, Clasp hands as brothers ’neath Columbia’s shield, Upraise her banner to the shining sun. Along her blessed shore— One heart, one song, one dream Man shall be free forevermore, And love shall be supreme.

TO BE CONTINUED

WORD SEARCH

Govt, Opposition engagement

“Onus is on Guyanese to solve Guyanese problems”

Norton on US ambassador’s commentary

Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton is of the view that the engagements between the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government and the PNC-led A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Opposition should be ironed out locally.

He made this remark in response to recent statements made by outgoing United States Ambassador to Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch, who urged the Government and Opposition to engage in talks.

“I believe that Guyana is a sovereign country, and we welcome the overtures of the United States. We’re always glad when people are showing an interest in Guyana, and therefore we have no problem with the offer. But I believe the onus is on Guyanese to solve Guyanese problems,” Norton said at his party’s weekly press conference on Friday.

He added, “The solving of these problems is not very much dependent on being brokered by the United States, though there are good intentions. The solving of these prob-

lems is dependent on the changing of attitude politically.”

During a recent interview on the Jumpstart programme with Gordon Moseley, the US diplomat was quoted as saying that open dialogue and frank discussions were very important in bringing people together. Lynch had added, “Certainly, the US stands ready to do whatever we can to bring all parties together.”

Comments have since been made which painted a picture of the Head of State rejecting the gesture by the US to broker talks between the two political sides.

Common courtesy

However, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo pointed out on Thursday that Ambassador Lynch’s remarks were just common courtesy when she was asked about the matter.

“There was no offer to us. The US has never offered to bring people together to discuss power-sharing or inclusion of the people who are making politics out of inclusion. All week long, I see a big debate about President Ali not accepting the US of-

fer. This is not a US offer… Which person, if asked, ‘Are you going to be helpful in trying to bring people together?’, would say, ‘No’?, they would say, ‘Yes’.

“It’s a courtesy. There was no offer to do that, as they made it seem like Ali rejects some offer from the US Government,” Jagdeo stated.

The Vice President further stated that while President Ali will meet the Opposition Leader at any time, it will be solely on matters that the two officials are required to have meaningful engagement on, in accordance with the Constitution. In fact, only last week, President Ali reiterated his willingness to engage the Opposition

Leader whenever constitutionally required, but argued that this responsibility needs to be shared by the Leader of the Opposition.

The Guyanese Leader has stated, “As President of Guyana, I have a responsibility for the people of Guyana -- all the people of Guyana, including the Leader of the Opposition

-- and I take the responsibility for all the people of Guyana, including the Leader of the Opposition, very seriously and I will continue to fulfil my mandate as is expected of me, in line with the Constitution and the rule of law… The Leader of the Opposition can pick up the phone tomorrow and call me, and I will speak to him.”

President Ali went on to say, “The Leader of the Opposition’s attitude and his demeanour towards me would not in any shape or form influence my attitude towards the people of Guyana… Engagement is not in the public domain. Engagement is about building relationships. Engagement is about nurturing relationships. Engagement is about building trust… My hand is ready for friendship.”

Meanwhile, during

Friday’s press conference, Norton underscored the need for dialogue between the two sides, but declared that he would not be reaching out to the Head of State to meet. He claimed that the last time he wrote the President on a constitutional-related matter, the response he received exuded arrogance. (G12)

President Dr Irfaan Ali

Outgoing US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch

Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton

Mahaica brothers on bail over cutlass attack on fisherman

Pushing…

…around sugar workers?

Your Eyewitness has already waded into the strike by cane cutters over at Rose Hall. After twenty of them were charged for behaving disorderly, and were placed on bail, he thought the matter was addressed - pending their appearance before a magistrate. Then he got the news that, before being released, they were taken to the Po-lice station and had their “mug shots” taken – which were released to the press. Nothing unusual…since that’s standard for the course.

Four brothers from Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD), have been released on bail after they were charged with felonious wounding over a cutlass attack on a fisherman.

The siblings: 29-yearold Omesh Persaud, 26-year-old Avidesh Persaud, Yogeshwar Persaud, 21, and 18-yearold Adesh Persaud, all of Lot 14 David Rose Housing Scheme, Mahaica, ECD,

appeared on Friday at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Courts.

The joint charge alleges that on September 4, they unlawfully and maliciously wounded Sushil Nagasar, 35, with intent to maim, disfigure, or cause him actual bodily harm.

After the allegation was read to them by Magistrate Alisha George, they all entered pleas of not guilty and were released. Omesh, Avidesh, and Yogeshwar

were each ordered to post bail in the sum of $250,000 while Adesh was granted $100,000 bail.

The matter was adjourned to November 28.

Police stated that the fisherman of Mosquito Hall, Unity, ECD, reported that he was attacked at a Chinese restaurant at Unity Village, ECD, on Monday evening by four brothers who rushed into the restaurant, all armed with cutlasses, and broad-

sided him several times about his body. He received wounds to his toes and hands and was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was admitted as a patient in a stable condition. Police said two of the brothers were arrested the next day while hiding in a septic tank. According to the Police, their mother tried to mislead the ranks, informing them that her sons were not at home. (G1)

But what WASN’T standard was the revelation that eighteen of them were stripped down to their bucktas for mug shots. Meaning that someone in authority felt that more than their “mugs” ought to be exposed!! Asked for the reason, the Po-lice Commander gave the extraordinary response that the stripping was for “profiling” the cane cutters!! Profiling?? Now, this term has become notorious in law enforcement circles – especially up north – and it ain’t complimentary to the po-lice. Basically, it means that, based on physical characteristics or observed behaviour, the police would suspect or target a person for doing something illegal!! Surely, we’ve all heard of “racial profiling” of black drivers in America - who’re routinely pulled over and beaten – or worse – for violations they never committed!!

And a po-lice officer’s admitting that they’re “profiling” cane cutters?? What the hell?!! Now, your Eyewitness must admit that these fellas stopped cutting cane back in the last century!! They are given to drinking rum and carrying onafter they get paid on weekends. Do the Police believe that the cane cutters don’t have any reason for their protest –and were merely acting out as they’re wont to do when imbibing that Devil Drink?? From the reports, however, the po-lice didn’t even give the fellas breathalyzer tests – so it gotta be real profiling!!

But why’d they have to strip the men down to their skivvies?? Was it because they thought that, since they weren’t drunk, they may’ve been doped up - and were looking for needle marks?? Now, that’s ridiculous, ain’t it?? These fellas were barely making a couple of thousand dollars daily – which can barely buy a fry rice for two – much less hard drugs!! So your Eyewitness thinks the nation needs an explanation from the Police brass. Was it the cane cutters’ rib cages indicating their “hungry belly” propensities?? After all, there’s already the profile that “a hungry man is an angry man”!! But if they’re gonna be profiling cane cutters, we’re talking about at least four thousand persons across the country being subjected to possible arbitrary “search and seizures”!!

Some think that there mighn’t have been no profiling –but someone just trying to humiliate the workers for carrying on. If so, the Po-lice should just offer an apology so that cane cutters can breathe easier!!

…our patience

Back in 2016 - under the APNU/AFC Government - there was some talk of us not complying with the Anti Money Laundering/Financing of Terrorism international regime. Among all the banks in the free world, the Bank of America haughtily cut all linkages with our local banks. These are called “correspondent bank” activities, such as transfers of remittances, cheque payments, international trade, and the facilitation of credit card settlements for local clients. Now, for a small country like ours, this was a blow to the body politic!!

BoA blithely said that they were “derisking” - they didn’t want to be exposed to any financial hanky-panky in our banking system! But suddenly, a whole team from BoA descended on our dear mudland, saying “all is forgiven”; we’ve been good boys and they’re willing to do business with our banks again! Nonsense!! Who’d they think they’re foolin’??

The only thing that changed about our financial system is it’s now awash with oil money!! They want a piece of the action!!

…Chinese fears

Chinese electronics giant Huawei just launched their new phone, called the “Mate 60 Pro”. Now, you’d think this is shadowing the IPhone 15 and Samsung’s S23Pro Ultra. But the US is frantic about where they got the chip!!!

Omesh Persaud Avidesh Persaud Yogeshwar Persaud Adesh Persaud

Police disciplinary processes need revising – PCA Chairman

Chairman of the Police Complaints Authority (PCA), Justice William Ramlal has urged the revision of numerous laws governing Police disciplinary procedures because many of them are out-of-date and in conflict with Guyana's Constitution, which is the supreme law of the State.

The PCA is an independent body that receives and looks into public complaints regarding Police misconduct, as well as oversees

the investigation of any criminal offences allegedly committed by Police ranks.

The Police Complaints Authority Act, Cap 17:02, and the Police (Discipline) Act, Cap 17:01 are substantially the laws that set out the laws and procedures regulating the PCA and they were enacted on December 29, 1989, and May 14, 1975, respectively.

In his 2022 report, which he recently tabled in the National Assembly; Justice Ramlal pointed out

that neither of these laws has ever been amended.

As such, he said, “These two laws could not capture the intent and spirit of the 1980 Constitution and its amendments. In some instances, they conflict with the constitutional provisions and sometimes operate unfairly having regard to the fundamental rights articles of the Constitution.”

The PCA Chairman further stated that the Police Act, Cap 16:01 does not ad-

here to the principles of fundamental rights. An excellent illustration of this, according to him, is the Police's ability to make arrests under Section 17 of the Police Act and the restrictions placed on this authority by Article 139 (e) of the Constitution. He also brought up Section 8 of the Police Complaints Authority Act, which requires that a complainant satisfy the PCA of the type of evidence that the complainant proposes to pres-

ent in connection with the complaint and that this evidence must be credible in accordance with Section 9 of the aforementioned Act to avoid being rejected.

“More often than not it is the Police who have this evidence in their possession but the complainant cannot get it because the complaint is against the Police who simply would not give it to the complainant. This, of course, operates unfairly against the complainant,” he added.

Moreover, he said the Police Act was assented to on August 10, 1957, “so it was never intended to capture the spirit and intent of the first Constitution passed in 1966 but rather it was the other way around, for the Police Act to be consistent with the Constitution.”

The retired Judge said that Article 8 of the Constitution establishes the Constitution as the highest law and declares all other laws that conflict with it to be void to the degree of their incompatibility.

Having regard to Article 152 of the Constitution, he concluded that Section 9 of the Police Act is not totally void but for the words “be reason to suspect” which must be interpreted to be “reasonable suspicion” in keeping with Article 139 (e) of the Constitution.

The foregoing is but a few of the inconsistencies in the aforementioned laws, Justice Ramlall noted in his report. He, therefore, suggested that these laws be amended or new laws passed to make the purpose and functions of the PCA effective in curbing or ending Police excesses.

He said, “A good starting point may be the Police Complaints Act of Trinidad and Tobago which provides, inter alia, for the Police Complaints Authority to deal with complaints of Police excesses or omissions from the inception right up to the imposition of penalties, if any.”

But this, he said, would require that other laws be amended.

In his opinion, the investigating of Sergeants and ranks below should be completely under the control of the PCA, while levels of Inspector and above should continue to be disciplined by the Police Service Commission (PSC) in accordance with the Constitution.

“This would resolve the problem of the Police investigating the Police which as it stands now is largely ineffective and unlawful,” Justice Ramlal emphasised. (G1)

Justice (ret'd) William Ramlal

Get screened for diabetes from 1 of 400 facilities – Health Ministry urges Guyanese

In observance of Caribbean Wellness Day today, the Health Ministry is encouraging the general populace to get screened for diabetes, and utilise the services available at some 400 facilities countrywide.

Technical Officer for Diabetes at the Chronic Diseases Unit, Dr Nandishaw Ramsingh appeared on the Health Matters programme on Friday where she underscored that a simple blood test can assist with detection.

“We have at least 400 facilities nationwide. This includes health centres, health posts and hospitals. We are encouraging persons to visit their nearest health facility. One single screening by way of a blood test, we can at least be able to tell what your blood sugar levels are like,” she disclosed.

The Health Ministry is heavily focused on combating Non-Communicable Diseases, especially diabetes. There is a one-stop shop initiative where persons can access specialised services, diabetic care and check-ups. The idea is to meet people on the ground and develop solutions to bring their

conditions under control. In collaboration with Mount Sinai, guidelines are also being developed.

Dr Ramsingh highlighted, “We want our Guyanese guidelines to be known and to be shown that we can be able to utilise this tool to screen persons, treat them and have diabetes under control.”

A strong family background of diabetes is one of the risk factors, prompting teenagers within this bracket to get tested. Other factors range from physical inactivity and nutrition.

Govt continues to invest in sustainable energy models -PM …reiterates support to GPL despite challenges

Programme Director at Mount Sinai, Josue Alcantará said work is ongoing with the local health authorities to improve services at a national level so as to

reduce the occurrence of waiting until complications arise to take action. This is specially the case for NCDs.

“We’re trying to tackle the issues with health workforce in making sure that we not only train amazing personnel here in healthcare workers but that we’re able to retain them and have this amazing workforce that is the basis of the system,” he divulged.

Caribbean Wellness Day has been a landmark activity for the Caribbean Community (Caricom) for the past 15 years. This followed the 2007 Decision by the Conference of Heads of Government of Caricom, reflected in the Port-ofSpain Declaration “Uniting to Stop the Epidemic of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases”, that the second Saturday in September should be observed annually

as Caribbean Wellness Day.

Over the years, Member States have extended their activities to complement health advocacy and promotion strategies in their national health programmes.

“Power Through Collective Action”, was agreed as the overarching theme for Caribbean Wellness Day from 20202024.

Caricom Secretary General, Dr Carla Barnett has penned in her message, “The objectives of Caribbean Wellness Day 2023 are to advocate for policies that promote healthy behaviours in Caribbean people at the community, institutional, national and regional levels; actions that reduce barriers to healthy behaviours for individuals and households; and programmes and activities that promote physical activity, healthy eat-

ing, mental wellness and health-seeking behaviours within workplaces and schools.”

She added that nations must take steps to minimise the risk of NCDs, through individual and collective action. This will lessen the economic and emotional burdens on our families, communities and health systems.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the greater proportion of deaths was among people with comorbidities, especially those related to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), we saw clearly the impact of NCDs on our Region. The risk of these diseases is increased by modifiable behaviours, such as tobacco use, physical inactivity, the harmful use of alcohol and unhealthy diets,” Dr Barnett pointed out. (G12)

Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips on Thursday reconfirmed Government’s plans to expand the country’s energy portfolio to meet growing needs, and assured of Government’s commitment to support the Guyana Power and Light Inc (GPL) in so doing.

The Prime Minister was speaking during the second energy mixer of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) of Guyana, held at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown under the theme “Delivering the Energy Benefits: The Transmission and Distribution System.”

According to a social media statement, Phillips ex-

plained that several significant short- and long-term investments and initiatives are underway as part of the Government’s broader efforts to bring Guyana into the 21st century. He noted that there needs to be an energy mix that would give Guyana “thrust to enhance energy reliability, efficiency, sustainability, and overall economic development – this is a strategic imperative.” The US$1.8 billion gas-to-energy project, he noted, would solve the energy problem in a substantial way, as it aims to provide an additional 300 megawatts (MW) of power by the end of 2024.

Technical Officer for Diabetes at the Chronic Diseases Unit, Dr Nandishaw Ramsingh

Prime Minister Mark Phillips

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Brazilian mechanic missing following boat mishap

Walter Da Silva Oliveira, a 49-yearold Brazilian mechanic, is feared dead after he disappeared during a river excursion on Thursday.

Reports are that the incident occurred at about 18:00h at Suriname Landing in the Middle Mazaruni River, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

According to reports from Police Headquarters, Oliveira had, on September 1, travelled from Kumung Kumung in the Puruni River to Suriname Landing in the Middle Mazaruni River, with his co-worker Gerson Alves DaSilva, to do some mechanical work for a woman named Francisca Gonzales Leite.

At about 17:40h on Thursday, Oliveira completed his work, and borrowed Leite’s 15ft aluminum boat, which was powered by a 15-horsepower outboard engine, to take back some tools

he had borrowed from a camp about 10 minutes away along the Mazaruni River. At the time, he was the sole occupant of the boat. An eyewitness at Suriname Landing said he heard a loud impact, and upon checking, he saw the boat “spinning” in the river, and a male shouting for help. An alarm was raised, and checks were made in the area for the occupant, but he was not found. The matter was then reported to the Police. Investigations are underway.

A few days ago, the body of Reagan Rodriguez, who went missing following a boat mishap in the Pomeroon River, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), was found floating in the river.

Rodriguez, a farmer of Charity Housing Scheme, was thrown into the river following a two-boat collision along the Pomeroon River last Thursday at about 14:40h.

Itaballi Landing fire leaves 5 homeless

Based on reports received, a licensed boat captain was the lone occupant in a 21-foot wooden boat powered by a 250-horsepower Yamaha outboard engine, and was proceeding from the Charity Wharf to Grant Phoenix Park, Lower Pomeroon River.

However, during the journey, he collided with another wooden boat that was powered by a 5-horsepower Yamaha engine. The smaller vessel was captained by Rodriguez.

Following the accident, the captain went to the Charity Police Station and reported that he was proceeding south on the river when he collided with Rodriguez, causing him to capsize and fall overboard. The captain claimed that he did not see the smaller boat, and had just felt an impact. Upon looking into the water, he said, he saw a hat and a small boat with the engine ‘tilted up’. (G9)

Afamily of five is now homeless after a fire of unknown origin completely destroyed their home at Itaballi Landing in the Lower Mazaruni River, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

Reports are that the homeowner, Ingrid Moore, who works as a cook, left for work at about 07:00h on Thursday, leaving her four children at home. However, the fire started at about 17:35h at the one-bedroom wooden structure, which is powered by solar panels.

The eldest child, aged 17, recounted that at about 17:00h, she and her siblings left home and went to the nearby river to bathe when she noticed flames emanating from their home. She said that she raised an alarm but despite the efforts of residents to extinguish the blaze, their attempts proved futile. The Police reported that the estimated value of the items destroyed in the house is about $1M.

Only three days ago, a family of seven was left homeless after their house was destroyed at Mainstay Village on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam). That fire started at about 09:50h on Tuesday.

The owner of the house, 44-year-old Shervin De Jonge, told Guyana Times he had been living at the house with his wife and five children for over a decade. He explained that he was at

work on Tuesday morning when he received a call that his house was on fire.

De Jonge said when he arrived on the scene, his house was fully engulfed in flames, but his family had already safely exited the building.

He explained that he was told that the fire started from the GPL post, but could not recall having any issue with his electricity prior to the fire. He said his house was only recently connected to the GPL power grid.

The fire that destroyed the home at Itaballi Landing

Guyana a democratic nation because of PPP’s fight – Jagdeo

Had it not been for the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C), Guyana would not have been enjoying the perks of a democratic nation with free and fair elections, which it heavily fought for – especially during the highly contentious electoral periods of 1992 and 2020.

This was the position taken by General Secretary of the PPP, Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday during his weekly press conference at Freedom House. He drew comparison between governance under the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) to make this point.

“If it wasn’t for the People’s Progressive Party in this country, there wouldn’t have been any democracy. There are two periods that APNU have been in Government. The period of 28 years ending 1992 and every election prior to that was rigged and documented internationally.”

“Every single election that the PPP participated

in and won in the period between 1992 and 2015, we had international observers and they all reported at every one of those as being free and fair,” the General Secretary underlined.

Over the last 20 years, he noted that jabs have been made at the party’s democratic credentials, which warrants clarity.

Govt to train 100,000 women to meet labour demands

Jagdeo, who is also the country’s Vice President and a former Head of State contended, “In spite of all of the explanations, the matters keep resurfacing, not in any refined form or format taking into account

the explanations but in the same crude way as though nothing has happened in 20-odd years in this country.”

His comments came in rebutting a recent Stabroek News editorial which sought to label some of the party’s actions in the past as ‘anti-democratic’.

One such example was the prorogation of Parliament in 2014 by then President Donald Ramotar, which Jagdeo responded that while some may not like it, it was ‘never unconstitutional’.

Another reference was the 2006 elections where there was an issue over a Parliament seat in Linden. The General Secretary reminded that the court has ruled upon this matter. Lastly, the PPP’s position that the 2015 General and Regional Elections were stolen was listed.

“You can talk about an-

ti-democratic behaviour of the PPP and cite a couple of examples which we have explanations for. But one thing you can’t get away from is the track record of the PNC,” he added.

Attention was drawn to the PNC-aligned A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), where it took a five-month-long standoff for them to exit office in 2020.

The record-breaking protracted electoral process stemmed from the caretaker A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU/AFC) coalition’s refusal to accept defeat and give up office.

At the hands of the coalition, the threat of sanctions hung over Guyana’s head for electoral fraud - one which the United States was hopeful it would not have to use.

After a recount, the PPP/C won the presiden-

cy with a commanding 233,336 votes, a remarkable lead of 15,416 over its nearest political rival, the APNU/AFC coalition.

In June 2021, several of the key players who were allegedly behind those blatant attempts to steal the elections were slapped with fraud charges. They included longstanding PNC member and former Health Minister, Volda Lawrence.

Going forward, the PPP General Secretary has outlined that for talks to materialise between his party and the PNC, then the latter would have to acknowledge its actions.

“When we say that it’s a precondition for any talks between PNC, they have to acknowledge that history that the whole world knows. If they don’t acknowledge that history, then they don’t believe they did anything wrong,” Jagdeo positioned. (G12)

The Board of Industrial Training (BIT) has been successful in empowering women to step out of their comfort zones and become certified and employed in male-dominated areas.

Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton has said Government’s focus is on encouraging women to become involved in ‘hard skills’, which means that there is more inclusion in programmes such as heavy-duty equipment operation, and welding and fabrication.

“We have testimonials of women who were terrified of a front-end loader or an excavator who are now able to drive one, and can work utilising that equipment,” Minister Hamilton said on Wednesday following an inspection of various ongoing BIT training programmes in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

He emphasised the importance of enhancing their knowledge while uplifting their livelihoods to earn an income through these training programmes, especially within the context of the

growing demand for labour.

“We are hoping that, in the shortest possible time, we can have trained 100,000 females to bring them into the world of work, because they are needed to satisfy the different sectors and to be able to contribute to the economy,” Minister Hamilton explained.

Over the last three years, BIT has successfully trained approximately 10,000 persons in a range of areas. Of those trained, to date, 46 per cent are females.

“That is a long way from where the numbers were in 2020. So we continue to encourage women to embrace these hard skills, so that they can be able to work comfortably in jobs that pay more,” the Labour Minister said.

Government has also put systems in place to establish more training facilities to expand the reach of BIT training. New facilities are being established in New Amsterdam and Corriverton in Region Six; Bartica in Region Seven; and at Unity, Mahaica in Region Four, among other places.

PPP/C General Secretary Bharrat Jagdeo

40th anniversary of Chevening Scholarship

Guyana congratulates UK Govt for contributing to local human resource development

The four Guyanese who have been awarded the prestigious Chevening Scholarship to pursue studies in various fields at renowned universities in the United Kingdom (UK), beginning this fall, are excited to begin this new educational journey.

At the 40th anniversary of the Guyanese Chevening Scholarship Programme, the British High Commission in Guyana hosted a reception in honour of the awardees.

The recipients of the Chevening Scholarships for this year are Keisha Edwards, Joshua Benn, Deanna Walcott, and Amrita Naraine.

UK Ambassador to Guyana, Jane Miller in her address to the gathering said that over the 40 years of the Chevening Scholarship, approximately

150 Guyanese have already had the opportunity to pursue additional studies in the UK.

While delivering the feature address, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh, a Chevening Alumni himself, congratulated the recipients, wished them well in their studies while urging them to take advantage of the opportunity not only to obtain a world class education in the UK but also to immerse themselves in the cosmopolitan experience of living and studying in a diverse multicultural society, and thereby broaden their world view, all of which would be critical in the modern Guyana.

Further, he congratulated the UK Government for initiating the Chevening Scholarship programme 40 years ago, and for con-

tributing to Guyana’s human resource development through the tertiary education scheme. He noted that not only has the programme prepared 55,000plus persons worldwide for leadership in their respective spheres of activity and equipped them with the skills that are needed to make a valuable contribution to the society to which they’ll be returning, but the UK has also managed to make 55,000 friends and ambassadors.

In a brief interview with this publication, at the ceremony, Keisha Edwards, Owner and Creative Director of the fashion brand Shasha Designs, shared that she applied for the scholarship even though at first, she did not think that she would have gotten the opportunity since no one

from the fashion industry has ever applied or received a scholarship of this nature from Chevening.

However, she said she was encouraged by her colleagues to apply. Edwards noted that studying Business Management in fashion is important saying, “this Master’s isn’t just for me, it’s for the entire creative industry and we could revamp Mashramani in Guyana.” She will be pursuing a Master’s in Fashion Business Management at the University of Westminster. She also has a Bachelor’s in Sociology from the University of Guyana and has finished a certificate programme in Fabric Selection and Design Style at the New School-Parsons School of Design in the United States of America.

Also receiving a scholarship for Creative Data Science and AI, Amrita Naraine spoke on some challenges that exist in Guyana that she is hoping to return to address. Naraine said “There is a huge loophole here in Guyana,” that is market reach and she hopes to come back to Guyana and start her own market reach company which she believes

can help fix some of these loopholes once she has completed her scholarship studies.

Meanwhile, Joshua Benn, another scholar, is an attorney-at-law and tutorial lecturer at the University of Guyana’s Department of Law. Benn will pursue an LLM in Oil, Gas, and Renewable Energy Law.

Deanna Walcott, born and raised in the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) will be pursuing her MSc journey in Occupational Safety, Health, and Environment at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Chevening is the United Kingdom Government’s international scholarship and fellowship programme. Fully funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) and partner organisations.

Chevening Scholars study subjects in almost any field, and go on to implement their ideas for positive change in a range of sectors.

The Chevening Scholarship was founded in 1983. The next round of scholarship applications opens on September 12 and closes in November.

British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller, along with Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh and Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson, and the recipients of this year’s Chevening Scholarship Awards, at a reception on Thursday

Govt submits report to IACHR on findings of Chinese Landing

The report on Government’s fact-finding mission to investigate the mining complaints at Chinese Landing, Region One (Barima-Waini) has been completed and submitted to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR).

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo disclosed at his press conference on Thursday that the findings will be made public at a later time.

The Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Ministry, amid aid precautionary measures issued to Guyana on July 21 by the IACHR, had taken a decision to stop all mining in Chinese Landing temporarily to allow for a more conducive environment to address the concerns of the community.

It was reiterated that the fact-finding mission was being implanted to effectively implement requests from the IACHR for the Government of Guyana

to report on the actions taken to investigate the events that led up to the adoption of precautionary measure.

Consequently, the Vice President told media operatives, “The report has been completed. It has been sent to the InterAmerican Commission on Human Rights. That report, Minister [Gail] Teixeira said, will be made public shortly. Then you will see the findings of the report and how they arrived at those findings and what the formal response of the Government is.”

The Chinese Landing issue stemmed from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) granting a mining permit, sometime in the 1990s, to a miner/company to operate within the boundaries of the village’s titled land. However, the Indigenous community has been up in arms over this approval, which they said did not have the consent of the Village Council.

But when the GGMC had taken steps to issue a Cease Work Order (CWO) to the entity, the case had been taken to the High Court, which ruled in favour of the miner/company.

The High Court’s decision was subsequently overturned by the Court of Appeal. However, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) reversed this in 2017.

Chinese Landing, through lobbying bodies, subsequently moved internationally to seek human rights intervention.

Consequently, the InterAmerican Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) recently issued Resolution 41/2023, through which it

Repeat offender remanded on robbery charge

Shamar Davis was charged with robbery and appeared before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Friday.

On August 17, near Water Street in Georgetown, it is alleged that Davis robbed Colex Jilkes of a grey haversack worth $20,000 while he was with other people. The items in the backpack included a Lenovo laptop worth $150,000, a JBL speaker worth $15,000, four silver buttons with the Guyana Revenue Authority's (GRA) insignia worth $20,000, one GRA tie worth $12,000, a GRA badge worth $5000, and two iPhones worth $50,000 and $30,000 each.

The prosecutor opposed bail because the defendant had already been found guilty in 2021 for a related offence. Davis is scheduled to appear in court on October 6 after bail was rejected.

In September 2021, Davis was charged with robbing a Policeman and another man.

It was alleged that on September 24, 2021, at Water Street, Georgetown, while armed with a knife, he robbed Policeman Rohan Persaud of a haversack valued at $8000 and a phone valued at $50,000. It was further alleged that on May 10, 2021, at Croal Street, Georgetown, while being armed with a knife, he robbed Stephan Muniram of a cell phone valued at $125,000.

Reports are that Davis was caught on CCTV using a knife to rob the Police

rank in front of Muneshwers Limited at Water Street, Georgetown. It was reported that, on the day in question, the 38-year-old Policeman was proceeding on the eastern side of Water Street, Georgetown, when he was approached from behind by a man who was carrying a knife.

Clad in a white t-shirt, black shorts and damaged jeans, the man was seen on CCTV camera running behind the cop as he walked on the pavement. He then cornered the cop, whipped out a knife, and held on to the officer’s pocket while threatening to stab him.

The two began to scuffle before falling to the ground, and after battling with the officer for some time, the man then used the knife to cut the cop’s bag off of his back, relieving him of his haversack containing the items mentioned in the charge before making good his escape, leaving the cop lying on the

granted precautionary measures in favour of members of the Indigenous Carib Community of Chinese Landing, who it said are currently at “serious, urgent risk of suffering irreparable harm to their human rights”.

Following the issuance of the IACHR Resolution, the Guyana Government promised to work with the Chinese Landing residents and indicated that a team would soon be sent into the community to meet with them.

Halted

In August, the Government announced that all mining operations at Chinese Landing were

temporarily halted. This decision, it said, was as a direct result of the ongoing communication between the Government of Guyana through the Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister, Gail Teixeira and the Chinese Landing Village Council through Toshao Fernandes.

To implement this, a team from the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission were deployed to put this decision into effect and to ensure that there was peaceful cessation to all mining.

In light of this, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) issued calls for in-

vestigations to be launched into years of unauthorised mining and other illegalities including tax evasion at Chinese Landing.

According to the GGDMA, the mining permit holder was unlawfully deprived of his right to earn a livelihood while illegality ran amuck on the lands for more than 12 years. It noted that the GGMC has failed to do its job, resulting in environmental damage.

“…unregulated mining resulting in the current condition of Chinese Landing is a direct result of this negligence/incompetence. The GGDMA calls for an immediate stop to the harassment of legal miners and for a full commitment from the regulatory agencies administering the mining sector to adhere to Guyana’s highest court. The legal property holder must be allowed to pursue his constitutional right to earn a living and not be vilified, he has legally fought long and hard for this right,” the Association had stated. (G12)

ground.

Shortly after the robbery, another video footage seen by this publication showed three Police officers cornering a man believed to be Davis, who was at the time on a bicycle, at the side of Demico House.

Based on reports, ranks who were at the time patrolling on motorcycles spotted the man in the vicinity of High and Hadfield Streets, Georgetown, and attempted to arrest him.

In a bid to escape, he ran towards the Stabroek Market area, but was cornered by Policemen.

As Police attempted to handcuff him, he resisted, forcing them to brace him against a wall.

Rather than surrendering, the man then proceeded to spit in one officer’s face, which forced the officers to retaliate. He was eventually overpowered and taken to the Stabroek Market Police Outpost.

Earlier in 2021, Davis was charged with armed robbery.

Davis had denied the charge, which alleged that on May 1, 2021, at Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown, while in the company of others and while armed with a gun, he robbed David Wilson of $600,000 in cash. The Police prosecutor had told the court that the victim had positively identified Davis, since there was a confrontation between them during the robbery.

This publication is unaware of the legal status of this matter.

Robbery accused Shamar Davis

File photo: Chinese Landing

Iwokrama re-measures 18 research plots for monitoring forest impacts

est, typically of one hectare, which are periodically re-measured, a statement by the Iwokrama International Centre (IIC) explained.

These plots provide knowledge on forest changes under different situations, such as climate change, and inform carbon storage capacity.

When established in areas that are to be harvested, they offer further information on the impacts of harvesting on the forest and on biodiversity recovery rates.

“Forest management then, can be based on this knowledge and be continuously adapted to new information. This monitoring system is especially important for Iwokrama’s internationally certified timber operation,” the statement read.

The PSP system dictates

plots consist of one hectare, 100m-by-100m square plots divided into 20m-by-20m quadrats, where all trees larger than 20cm in diameter are measured.

Smaller trees of the pole, sapling and seedling categories are measured in the subplots of the main plots.

Furthermore, plot location also gives priority to the forest types that are suitable for commercial harvesting.

Plot establishment began in 2002 with two being set up and continued in 2008, until the last set of four plots were established in 2018.

Since its creation in 1996, the IIC manages the unique reserve of 371,000 hectares of rainforest that forms the Iwokrama Forest, with an overall goal of building lasting ecological, eco-

international partners and donors to develop new approaches and forest management models to enable countries with rainforests to market their ecosystem services whilst carefully managing their resources through innovative and creative conservation practices.

The Centre has received support over the recent years from partners like ExxonMobil Guyana, which funded the development of the Science Programme and annually contributes to the enactment of its duties.

In 2020, the IIC received $50 million from ExxonMobil Guyana for the implementation of a fiveyear science strategy that also aimed to fund key investments to help protect Guyana’s tropical forests.

Prior to that, since 2017,

Iwokrama complet-

ed the re-census of 18

Permanent Sample Plots (PSPs) in the Iwokrama Forest, forming

part of Iwokrama’s Science Programme whereby various forestry research projects are conducted annually. This re-measurement

exercise was made possible with the support of the Exxon Mobil Foundation.

PSPs are permanently demarcated areas of for-

that plots are located in areas with planned logging and in reserve areas where no logging is done; and that

nomic and social benefits.

The IIC collaborates with the Government, the Commonwealth and other

it had offered the Iwokrama Science Programme more than $180 million to support its initiatives. (G13)

Govt continues to invest in...

This gas-to-energy project will see natural gas being piped from offshore operations to Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD), where the 300 MW power plant and an integrated Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) plant are being constructed.

The plant aims to reduce the cost of energy by at least 50 per cent through an energy mix, thereby potentially saving Guyana US$150 million on power generation annually.

According to the Prime Minister, there are three critical components of this sizable project: laying a pipeline that will bring gas ashore; building a power plant; and building the transmission and distribution system.

He emphasised that upgrading the existing transmission network is crucial for successfully implementing these ambitious projects.

“Over the short, medium, and long term, we will, as a government, fund nu-

merous projects aimed at greater utilisation of clean and green energy – more solar, more wind, more hydro,” Phillips said, noting that this will contribute to cleaner and greener energy use across the nation within the decade.

“By 2030, Guyana aims to produce 500 MW of electricity by embracing an energy mix composed predominantly of clean energy sources. Doing so would accommodate the growing demand for electricity while remaining environmentally conscious,” the Prime Minister’s statement read.

Of these renewable energy initiatives are plans for Leguan and Wakenaam to have 0.6MW and 0.75MW solar PV farms, respectively, while Mahdia will have a 0.65MW solar farm completed by 2024.

Furthermore, Phillips confirmed that the Government will continue collaborating with GPL to bring sustainable energy not

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only to households but also to industrial and commercial sectors throughout the country.

“GPL has undertaken extensive work on its transmission and distribution system and launched various initiatives to enhance its overall functionality and efficiency, addressing the historical problems of inadequate maintenance and frequent disruptions,” Phillips said.

This AmCham Guyana energy mixer saw a diverse audience of government officials, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors sharing an interest in advancing Guyana’s energy sector.

A question-and-answer segment reportedly followed the presentations and addressed GPL’s grid management capacity, highlighting plans for a modernised control centre, and strategies to build its human resources capacity. (G13)

Iwokrama staff explaining to UG Forestry students the PSP plot set-up and measurements

UG Forestry students measuring a tree in the PSP plot

Education Month 2023

“Equal opportunities for all children” – celebrations launched in Reg 6

Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) Chairman

David Armogan has assured that all Amerindian students will be given equal opportunities to be educated as others in the region.

The Chairman’s comments were made on Friday as Education Month was launched in Region Six.

At Friday’s launch of Education Month, regional officials underscored their commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for all children.

The region is now on a path to provide the standard of education that is essential for the rapid development taking place in the country.

Themed, “Investing in People, Changing Lives” Education Month 2023 is being celebrated.

The official launch took place on Friday at the Education Department building at Philadelphia Street, New Amsterdam.

Regional Education Officer Satish Udit pointed out that the theme chosen for this year was most appropriate since Guyana is experiencing a wide range of changes.

He pointed out that investing in human resources is significant as emphasis is not only being placed on individuals but on society as a whole.

“Education continues to be the foundation of Guyana. Even at a time when the economic landscape is rocking with changes, Guyana has made significant progress in the field of education,” he said noting that the development and enhancement of educational infrastructure is one of the most notable accomplishments.

“More students have access to high-quality instructions.”

This, he said, is in addition to the introduction of digital learning tools and internet connectivity in remote areas has provided students with an education that has the potential to produce exciting opportunities.

Meanwhile, Region Six Chairman, David Armogan in underscoring the importance of education noted that no country will be able to develop and do so at a fast rate if its population is not educated.

“We have seen many countries that would gotten their independence at the same time like us; countries like Singapore and others that are

today classified as first world countries even though they would have gained independence the same time like us. One of the differences is that they were able to educate their population and once you have an educated population, investors will go to those countries to invest because they don’t have to carry people from other countries to work there. They would have a labour force that they can depend on that is qualified and very qualified to do the work,” Armogan pointed out.

He noted that in Guyana, strides are being made rapidly to ensure that the oppor-

tunities are provided for all students regardless of where they are located, ensuring that all have a quality education so that they can inevitably contribute towards the development of the country.

With Amerindian Heritage Month also being observed, Friday’s Education Month launch focused on that aspect as well.

This year Heritage Month is being observed under the theme “Sustaining our Cultural Heritage and Identity While Contributing to One Guyana”.

“We believe that our Amerindian brothers and sis-

ters should have equal opportunities like those that live along the coast. Every Guyanese should have the same access to all the goods and services that we produce in Guyana and so, our Amerindian brothers and sisters the development of their communities is also important for us. That is why our Government has been spending huge sums of money in Amerindian communities to make sure that we can bring them in line with schools and social facilities including water and electricity which we enjoy in the coastal areas,” the Regional Chairman said.

FAO makes donation to strengthen small-scale farmers’ production efforts …works ongoing on Karlico Inc hydroponics project

Small-scale farmers across the country are set to enhance their operations as the United Nations (UN) Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) on Thursday donated a number of inputs to Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha.

A total of 500 plastic crates for post-harvest transport of fruits and veg-

were handed over by FAO Country Representative in Guyana, Dr Gillian Smith.

The simple ceremony took place at the National Agriculture Research and Extension Institute (NAREI)’s office in Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

“With our conversation with NAREI and our other partners, we came up with

need a little bit of extra support, considering a lot of the changes in global food prices and global crises that affect every single country,” Smith explained.

Mustapha noted that while the budgetary allocation to the sector has increased by about 150 per cent over the last three years, international partnerships as such are still essential in aiding production, especially for smallscale farmers.

“We are trying to help the small-scale farmers to modernise their plots [and] what they are doing. We cannot continue to do things in the same old way,” Mustapha said.

He explained intentions to increase the income and standard of living for these farmers by developing their operations to make them more accessible to investors so that large-scale production can become a reality for them.

The Agriculture Minister further noted that the recently concluded National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference saw about 240 Indigenous villages represented, many of which can particularly benefit from these inputs.

“When we give them these items, they will help to develop their village [and] their community,” Mustapha said.

of opportunities that exist on the coastline would exist in the interior locations,” Mustapha said.

AIEP, Karlico Inc

etables along with 300 electric knapsack sprayers, 20 tillers, and spare parts

the idea that these are inputs that can support especially small farmers who

“We have been building a number of agro-processing facilities in these communities [as] we are trying to bring them on par with the farmers on the coastline so that the same kinds

Meanwhile, on Thursday, Mustapha also visited the Agriculture Innovative and Entrepreneurial Project (AIEP) as well as ongoing works being executed by Israeli company, Karlico Inc. The brainchild of President Dr Irfaan Ali, AIEP was created to encourage youth involvement and entrepreneurship in agriculture.

During this visit,

Mustapha met with students from Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA) and the University of Guyana (UG) who are participating in internship programmes and practical activities as part of their academic pursuits in agriculture.

Meanwhile, he noted the work progressing on the US$15.7 million hydroponic production system project being undertaken by Karlico Inc, an initiative that emerged from the company’s visit last year to the Agri-Investment Forum and Expo.

The project will involve a three-phase hydropon-

ic production system based on nutrient film techniques and soilless production systems and is designed for the production of fresh herbs, lettuce, and other leafy vegetables as well as other high-value crops.

The first phase of the project will see the company setting up a 2000-square-metre state-ofthe-art hydroponic system which will include a cold room, packaging facility, harvesting equipment, irrigation controllers, fertiliser mixers, water recycling system, and emergency water storage among other things.

(G13)

Some of the items donated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

Some of the youths involved in the Agriculture Innovative and Entrepreneurial Project (AIEP)

Works ongoing by Karlico Inc on the hydroponics project

The launch of Education Month in Region Six

Regional Hurricane Lee strengthens into ‘dangerous’ Category 5 storm

Hurricane Lee has built up its strength to become the first Category 5 storm of the Atlantic season, with areas in the northern Caribbean bracing for swells and rip currents.

Located about 1015km (630 miles) east of the northern Leeward Islands on Friday morning, Lee had winds of up to 270km/h (165 miles per hour), according to the National Weather Service in the United States.

The storm was moving west-northwest at 22km/h (14mph), the agency said.

Late on Thursday, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami reported that Lee had become a “dangerous” Category 5 hurricane.

In a Friday morning advisory, the NHC said hurricane-fuelled swells were expected to reach parts of the Lesser Antilles later in the day.

The swells are then expected to hit the British and US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, the island of Hispaniola, Turks and Caicos, Bahamas and Bermuda at the weekend.

“These swells are like-

Panama to increase deportations, efforts to halt Darien Gap crossings

ly to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Dangerous surf and rip currents are expected to begin along most of the US East Coast beginning Sunday,” the agency said.

The storm was expected to remain a major hurricane into next week before slowing down “considerably” over the southwestern Atlantic, according to the NHC.

Lee is the 12th named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30 and peaks in September.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Cuba arrests 17 for trafficking young men to fight for Russia in Ukraine

Cuban authorities said they had arrested 17 people on charges related to a ring of human traffickers that allegedly lured young Cuban men to serve in the Russian military amid the Ukraine conflict.

Cuba earlier this week revealed authorities were working to "neutralise and dismantle" the network, which it said operated both on Cuban soil and in Russia.

"As a result of the investigations, 17 people have been arrested so far, among them the internal organizer of these activities," Cesar Rodriguez, a colonel with Cuba´s Interior Ministry, said late on Thursday on a TV programme.

Rodriguez did not name any of those accused of participating in the ring, but said the group´s leader relied on two people residing on the island to recruit Cubans to fight for hire on behalf of Russia in Ukraine.

Prosecutor Jose Luis Reyes said those involved

in the scandal could be punished with up to 30 years in prison, a life sentence or the death penalty, depending on the severity and type of crimes, which range from human trafficking, fighting as a mercenary and hostile action against a foreign state.

Russia, which has strong political ties with communist-run Cuba, has long been an important destination for Cuban mi-

grants seeking to escape economic stagnation at home.

Russian President Vladimir Putin last year signed a decree allowing foreigners signing up for service in the Russian army to receive citizenship via a fast-track procedure.

Cuba says it has no part in the war in Ukraine, and that it rejects the use of its citizens as mercenaries.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Ecuador youth choosing gangs as route out of poverty, UN expert says

Poor young

Ecuadoreans are choosing to join criminal gangs as an easy way to escape poverty due to a lack of opportunity, according to a UN Special Rapporteur, who urged the country to increase social investment to combat violence.

Lawlessness has soared across Ecuador since the coronavirus pandemic, something outgoing President Guillermo Lasso blames on disputes related to drug trafficking and common crime.

Some 27% of Ecuadoreans live in poverty, while 10.8% live in extreme poverty on a national level, according to the Government's statistics office.

Those figures skyrocket

in rural areas, to 46.4% and 22.6% respectively.

Olivier De Schutter, the United Nations special rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, said impoverished youth were easy picking for gangs looking to recruit new members.

"Poverty afflicts particularly the young adults in this country, and many in fact choose either to join the gangs or to migrate to the US," he said in an interview on Thursday.

Improving security in Ecuador cannot just be left to the security forces and measures, De Schutter said, adding that efforts to calm violence most also take on a social aspect.

Lasso, who brought for-

The Central American nation of Panama has announced new measures to crack down on migrants and asylum seekers entering the country, as a record number of people attempt to cross the inhospitable Darien Gap.

On Friday, Panamanian authorities said that they would increase deportations, build new installations in border areas and increase requirements for foreigners seeking short-term stays.

“We will increase these deportations so that the required impact is felt,” National Immigration Authority Director Samira Gozaine said on Friday.

She explained that President Laurentino Cortizo had authorised charter planes to be used to help with the planned uptick in deportation flights. Gozaine also said her Government agency would collaborate with the Security Ministry to increase the deportation of people with criminal records by twofold.

In addition, Panama will

decrease the maximum tourist stay from 90 days to 15. Visitors will be required to demonstrate they have at least US$1000 in funds, up from US$500.

For years, Central American nations have stepped up immigration enforcement efforts, often at the behest of the United States, erecting new obstacles for the steady stream of people making the journey north.

The journey is plagued with violence, with areas like the Darien Gap under the control of criminal networks

and armed groups.

A strip of thick jungle connecting Colombia and Panama, the gap has a reputation for injury and death. Not only do migrants and asylum seekers face threats from criminal organisations, but the terrain is so perilous it was once considered impassable, with steep mountains, rushing rivers and tangled forest.

Official data shows that more than 350,000 people have navigated the Darien Gap so far in 2023. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Venezuela's Maduro seeks to renew Beijing ties amid China-West tensions

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro arrived in China on Friday, his first visit in five years, to renew engagement between the two countries as China's ties sour with the West and the South American country seeks fresh financing.

China, the world's largest oil importer, is Venezuela's largest creditor and a key customer and player in the OPEC member's energy industry, which has the world's largest proven crude reserves.

Energy trade, debt repayment and new financing likely are the main focus of the Sept 8-14 visit, officials and sources said. Venezuela

owes over US$10 billion to China, according to independent data.

Since the US imposed oil sanctions on Venezuela in 2019, Caracas' debt repayment to China has slowed and State oil company PDVSA is no longer shipping crude directly to its Chinese partners, Stateowned China National Petroleum Corp and PetroChina.

Maduro's arrival follows meetings between a Venezuelan delegation, including the Vice President and Oil Minister, and Chinese officials including Vice President Han Zheng and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing and Shanghai

earlier this week, according to China's Foreign Ministry.

The two countries "closely coordinate and cooperate in international and regional affairs, firmly support each other, and jointly oppose hegemonism and unilateralism," Han told the Venezuelan delegation, according to a report from Chinese State media outlet CCTV on Friday.

Beijing's decision to host Maduro coincides with a G20 summit in New Delhi this weekend, which Chinese President Xi Jinping will not attend. Maduro last visited China in 2018, when he met with Xi. (Excerpt from Reuters)

PAHO wants strengthened surveillance and response to malaria in the Americas

ward elections to avoid impeachment, has repeatedly declared states of emergency in answer to outbreaks of violence.

"Many people propose a law and order response to the rise in insecurity levels, reference was made to Bukele's achievements in El Salvador," De Schutter said, referring to measures enacted by the Central American country's President Nayib Bukele.

"We need a social Bukele, one that takes seriously the links between poverty and the rise in violence," he added.

Ecuador's new Government should lower taxes for those who can least afford to pay, De Schutter said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) is calling on member states to maintain surveillance, early detection and timely treatment of malaria cases in the Americas, including the Caribbean.

PAHO is paying particular attention to non-endemic countries or those that have achieved the elimination of the disease.

It said through a recent Epidemiological Alert, 19 countries and non-endemic territories in the Americas are currently considered free of malaria transmission.

However, between 2022 and 2023, four of these countries, namely Argentina, Bahamas, Jamaica, and the United States, reported sporadic cases of imported ma-

laria and local transmission through their International Health Regulations (IHR) National Focal Points, including in areas where cases of this disease had not previously been reported.

PAHO said the alert emphasises the importance of non-endemic countries being prepared to adequately manage malaria cases, thereby preventing loss of life and the potential reintroduction of malaria transmission in regions that are free of the disease but still harbour vectors and conducive conditions for its spread.

The UN health agency has reiterated the importance of prioritising the detection, early diagnosis, and immediate treatment of ma-

laria cases as the primary measure to contain the transmission of the disease in any context.

It said in situations with a very limited number of cases or in scenarios aimed at preventing the reestablishment of transmission, the need for epidemiological investigation and timely response actions is underscored.

The alert also emphasises the importance of providing regulatory, financial, and logistical solutions to ensure capacities in countries for laboratory diagnoses of malaria, case management, and the availability of essential medications and supplies such as rapid diagnostic tests. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Migrants, mostly Venezuelans, walk across the Darien Gap on October 15, 2022, hoping to reach the US [Fernando Vergara/AP Photo]

A Cuban flag hanging on the street in downtown Havana, Cuba

OIL NEWS

Oil prices rise to 9-month high on worries about tight supply

Around The World

Four killed, scores wounded in Russian air strikes on Ukraine

tive buildings, 17 high-rise blocks, four private houses and a religious building.

"There is a lot of work - the enemy has caused a lot of trouble in the city," regional governor Serhiy Lysak said.

He posted photos on the Telegram messaging app showing rescuers sifting through the rubble, other workers bringing in materi-

als to start repairs and volunteers distributing tea and biscuits to residents. A large fire was extinguished.

Russia also carried out its fifth drone attack of this week on the southern region of Odesa, which is home to Ukrainian ports on the Black Sea and Danube River that are used to export grain and other agricultural products. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Oil prices gained almost 1% to a nine-month high on Friday on rising US diesel futures and worries about tight oil supplies after Saudi Arabia and Russia extended supply cuts this week.

Brent futures rose 73 cents, or 0.8%, to settle at US$90.65 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 64 cents, or 0.7%, to settle at US$87.51.

Both crude benchmarks remained in technically overbought territory for a sixth straight day, with Brent's settlement its highest since Nov 16. WTI's settlement was its highest since Sept 6, which was its highest since November.

For the week, both benchmarks were up about 2%, following gains last week of about 5% for Brent and about 7% for WTI.

"Crude prices continue to trade on supply-side drivers. No one is doubting that OPEC+ will keep this market tight going into the winter," Edward Moya, senior market analyst at data and analytics firm OANDA, said in a note.

The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and their allies like Russia are collectively known as OPEC+.

This week, OPEC member Saudi Arabia and Russia extended their voluntary supply cuts of a combined 1.3 million barrels per day to the end of the year.

Saudi Arabia will probably find it difficult to end its cuts at the end of the year without triggering a price slide, Commerzbank analysts said in a note.

In the US, energy firms this week added one oil rig, the first weekly increase since June, according to energy services firm Baker Hughes.

Rising US diesel prices also supported crude prices with heating oil futures up about 3%.

Energy traders noted seasonal refinery maintenance in Russia in September will likely reduce diesel exports but could lead to an increase in oil exports.

Separately, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro arrived in China on Friday for his first visit in five years. China is the world's largest oil importer and Venezuela, an OPEC member, has the world's largest proven crude reserves.

The oil market is still concerned about the demand outlook in China, which has had a sluggish post-pandemic recovery and stimulus pledges have fallen short of expectations.

China has been deluged by heaviest rain since records began 140 years ago in Hong Kong, killing two people and injuring more than 140, state media reported.

Data on Thursday showed overall Chinese exports and imports fell in August, as sagging overseas demand and weak consumer spending squeezed businesses.

In Germany, the Lower House of Parliament passed a Bill that could reduce future fossil fuel demand by phasing out oil and natural gas heating systems.

Oil traders are also watching whether central banks in the US and Europe will keep fighting inflation with interest rate hikes.

"Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) is acutely aware of the tightrope it walks between tightening the market and upsetting any up-and-until-now progress achieved by central banks in taming price-rise driven inflation," said John Evans of oil broker PVM.

Interest rate hikes can slow economic growth and reduce oil demand. (Reuters)

Four people were killed and scores wounded on Friday in Russian air strikes on Ukraine, including a deadly attack in which a missile slammed into a Police building in President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's hometown.

In the latest wave of aerial attacks since Russia's invasion last year, two women and a 46-yearold man were killed in the village of Odradakamianka in the southern region of Kherson, regional governor

Oleksandr Prokudin said.

The fourth death was in a missile strike that reduced a Police administration building to rubble in the central city of Kryvyi Rih, where Zelenskiy was born.

Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko initially said a Police officer had been killed but officials later said the victim was a private security guard.

Klymenko said 54 people were also wounded in the attack, which officials said damaged administra-

Hong Kong, Shenzhen deluged by heaviest rain on record

North Korea unveils first tactical, nucleararmed submarine

North Korea has launched its first operational "tactical nuclear attack submarine" and assigned it to the fleet that patrols the waters between the Korean peninsula and Japan, state media said on Friday.

Submarine No 841named Hero Kim Kun Ok after a North Korean historical figure - will be one of the main "underwater offensive means of the naval force" of North Korea, leader Kim Jong Un said at the launch ceremony on Wednesday.

Analysts said the vessel appears to be a modified Soviet-era Romeo-class submarine, which North Korea acquired from China in the 1970s and began producing domestically. Its design, with 10 launch tube hatches, showed it was most likely armed with ballistic missiles and cruise missiles, analysts said.

But such weapons won't add much value to the North's more robust landbased nuclear forces, because the ageing submarines used as the core of the new design are relatively noisy, slow and have limited range, meaning they may not survive as long during a war, said Vann Van Diepen, a former US Government weapons expert who works with the 38 North project in Washington.

"When this thing is field deployed, it's going to be quite vulnerable to allied anti-submarine warfare," he said.

"So I think from a sort of hard-headed military standpoint this doesn't make a lot of sense."

South Korea's military said that the submarine didn't appear ready for normal operations, and that there were signs North Korea was attempting to exaggerate its capabilities. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Climate change: UN calls for radical changes to stem warming

The heaviest rain since records began 140 years ago drenched Asian financial hub Hong Kong on Friday, killing two people and injuring more than 140, state media reported, as unusually wet weather caused by typhoons brought more disruption to southern China.

As of 8:15 pm (1215 GMT) on Friday, 144 residents aged between eight and 94 years old were injured amid the heavy rainfall, the Hong Kong Government said in a statement.

Videos showed water cascading down steep hillsides in the former British colony, flooding waist-deep in narrow streets, and inundating malls, metro stations and tunnels.

The extreme weather also brought chaos to the nearby Chinese city of Shenzhen, a tech hub of more than 17.7 million people, with business and transport links across the economically important Pearl

River Delta severely hit.

"I've never seen scenes like this before. Even during previous typhoons, it was never this severe. It's quite terrifying," said Hong Kong assistant nurse Connie Cheung, 65.

The torrential rain was brought by Haikui, a typhoon that made landfall in the Chinese province of Fujian on Tuesday. Although it later weakened to a tropical depression, its slow-moving clouds have dumped huge volumes of precipitation on areas still soaked by rain from a super typhoon a week earlier.

Hong Kong's weather bureau issued its highest "black" rainstorm warning early on Friday. It said more than 200 mm (7.9 inches) of rain was recorded on Hong Kong's main island, the Kowloon district and the northeastern part of the city's New Territories from late on Thursday. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Tackling climate change needs a rapid transformation of the way our world works, travels, eats and uses energy, according to an important UN review.

This is the first "global stocktake" to examine the efforts of countries to reduce planet-warming emissions since the Paris agreement was signed in 2015.

While progress has been made, efforts now need to be massively scaled up.

The report calls for "radical decarbonisation" with a fast phase out of fossil fuels without carbon capture.

Burning fossil fuels like oil, gas and coal to generate electricity emits carbon dioxide, which is the main driver of climate change. Carbon capture in industrial processes and power stations stops most of the CO2 produced from being released, and either reuses it or stores it underground.

Renewable energy also needs significant expansion while deforestation needs to be halted and reversed by 2030.

The stocktake report will be considered by political leaders and will be central to global climate talks in Dubai later this year.

Over the course of the past two years, the UN has set out to review the promises made by countries who signed the Paris agreement in 2015. At the meeting eight years ago, countries agreed to keep the amount of warming since the industrial revolution well below 2C and make efforts to keep it under 1.5C.

The report examines their efforts to cut carbon, to adapt to climate change and how they have mobilised finance and technology to help poorer nations deal with the problem.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

An emergency psychologist helps an injured man at a site of a Russian missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kryvyi Rih, Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine September 8, 2023

Drainage workers assist a driver stranded due to flooding to a safe place, during heavy rain in Hong Kong, China September 8

ARCHIE

PEANUTS

TODAY'S WORD -- RESURGED

(RESURGED: rih-SURG'D: Rose again.)

Average mark 23 words

Time limit 40 minutes

YESTERDAY'S WORD -- DECADENT dance date dead deaden dean decade decant decent

deed deet dent eaten enact ended cadent cadet

cane cant cede cent aced acne acted ante

neat need teed teen tenace tend

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Take a break. Spend quality time with a loved one. Don't feel obligated to keep others happy. Do what feels right. It's up to you to take responsibility for your happiness.

(March 21-April 19)

Limit your intake and spending. Indulgence of any kind will be compromising. An opportunity is apparent but will require putting your cards on the table. Be smart.

(April 20-May 20)

Don't expect anything to run smoothly. Get your facts straight, protect personal information and avoid anyone looking for an argument. Stick close to home. A new image or look will give you a boost.

(May 21-June 20)

Don't get angry; get moving. Concentrate on the people you love, places you find intriguing and pastimes that lift your spirits. You'll maintain peace of mind and avoid an argument.

(June 21-July 22)

Stick to the facts. Exaggeration will hurt your pride and reputation if you can't deliver on your promises. Focus on the details and on finishing what you start. Romance is favored.

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Take notes. Accuracy is in your best interest. Don't let anyone take charge or mess up what's important to you. Keep your personal feelings to yourself to avoid controversy.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Take a breather, consider your options and rethink your direction. Look for ways to get your body and mind back on track. Focus on nutrition and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

An open mind will lead to positive change. Pitch in and help a cause or someone near and dear to you. Change your thinking to fit your interests and the lifestyle you want to adopt or continue to explore.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Don't rely on others. Handle matters personally in order to sidestep someone pushing you in a direction that is better for them than for you. Focus on your health.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Trust your instinct. Follow your inner voice, and don't stop until you reach your destination. Eliminate what no longer works for you and what you no longer need.

Live life your way and take responsibility for your happiness. It's OK to be different, and it's up to you to let your uniqueness shine through. Invest in yourself and the future you desire.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Saddle up and prepare to take the long ride to a happier future. Rid yourself of all the dead weight you are carrying, and it will free your mind and bring you closer to the euphoria you long for.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

MVP Jaikaran leads DCC to inaugural RBL Under-23 title

Demerara Cricket Club (DCC) have stormed to the inaugural title of the Republic Bank (Guyana) Ltd Under-23 Super50 tournament, after trouncing North Essequibo by 124 runs during Friday's exciting final held at the Bourda Ground.

Both teams had qualified to contest the national final after winning their respective county finals, and in keeping with their consistent form throughout the tournament, DCC racked up 278 in batting first.

Leading the charge was Man-of-the-Match, Brandon Jaikaran, who hit a classy 74 that had four fours and a pair of sixes. Support came from his opening partner Sachin Singh, who accumulated 42 off 43 balls (3x4, 3x6), and Jaden Campbell and Indarjeet Nanan each contributed 26 runs.

Led by Rajindra Ramballi with 3-48 and Natron Gill with 2-33, the North Essequibo bowlers operated with decent efficiency,

GFF appoints Omar Khan as Head Coach of Lady Jags

The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) has appointed Omar Khan as new Head Coach of the Guyana women’s national football team, the Lady Jags.

Khan, a UEFA ‘A’-licence holder, brings to the job a wealth of experience, having worked with several clubs in the Netherlands. His most recent appointment was Head Coach of the RKSV Spartaan Football Club. He is also a qualified Sports/Performance Psychologist.

The 49-year-old Khan had migrated to the Netherlands at age four, and has coached several recognized European professional players, including Georginio Wijnaldum who played for Paris Saint Germain, Liverpool, and Newcastle United; Memphis Depay of FC Barcelona, Olympique, Manchester United, and PSV; and Denzil Dumfries of PSV Eindhoven, Sparta and Heerenveen.

Responding to his appointment, Khan has said: “I am very excited to return to my roots after so many years, and I look forward to continuing the positive developments of the staff and players. After good discussions with the GFF, I am happy with the opportunity and the confidence

for this job.”

Wayne Forde, President of the Guyana Football Federation, has said: "We are happy to welcome Coach Khan to our team. He brings tremendous experience to the role, and I am confident that he will achieve the established targets for the team and the women's game in Guyana. I would like to wish him every success in his new role, and assure him of our complete support."

Khan will be in arriving in Guyana very soon to take up his appointment as the Lady Jags prepare for the upcoming Road to CONCACAF W Gold Cup 2023. Further details will be made available on his arrival.

but replying to almost 300 runs was never an easy task,

and North Essequibo found that out, as they could muster only 153-7 by the time

their overs had been expended. However, Carl Gilgeous (43), Quincy Simpson (31),

Govinda Tulsie (20) and Ramballi (19) had toiled with bat for Essequibo. Bowling for DCC, Ezekiel Wilson (3-28) and DCC skipper Nkosi Beaton (2-13) stemmed the flow of runs ahead of the victory.

The “Most Wickets” accolade in the finals went to Wilson for his 3 wickets. However, the star of the moment was Jaikaran, who was undoubtedly the form man for his team in the final battle. He copped a double award, as he was named MVP of the Finals and was awarded for scoring the Most Runs in the Final.

GCB Secretary Ronald Williams hailed the tournament for being outstanding, and added it was important to secure sponsorship for the tournament. He lauded the sponsors, RBL, for their full support, especially with their title sponsoring the ongoing Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League.

Berbice High School turns 107

…fitness run kicks off anniversary

The Berbice High School (BHS) is currently celebrating its 107th anniversary. To kick off its anniversary on Friday morning, a Fitness Walk was held around the town of New Amsterdam in Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne.

BHS was established on 5th September 1916 initially as a Boys’ School, with nine being enrolled on the first day. By 1920, the school had started accommodating girls, but boys and girls were housed in separate buildings. The two schools continued their separate existence until 1924.

By the time the school was handed over to the Government of Guyana in 1966, there had been 741 pupils enrolled at the school.

On Friday morning, a ‘Fitness Walk’ dubbed ‘Refreshing the Mind’ was held with current and past students, along with teachers and parents of students. Sports Coordinator of the Allied Arts Department, Shenelly Kendall, explained that the school had received great support for the anniversary activities. She said

a walk was decided upon because the school does not have very good runners.

“So we thought that a walk would be a very good way to start the morning, and to get the mind and body engaged, and also to explore the town,” she revealed. She pointed out that the school currently has many students who reside outside of the town, including on the West Coast of Berbice in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

“This is also a way for them to explore the town of New Amsterdam, where Berbice High School is located,” she explained. The inter-house cricket competition was run off on Friday, while students will be engaged in learning the fundamentals of circle tennis next week.

“We have found out during research that circle tennis originated in Region Five, and it is almost a dying sport here in Guyana.

Many of us don’t know how to play circle tennis. Our children, many of them don’t know about the game. So, this is a way for us to bring a bit of our athletic culture back to Berbice High School, and maybe to the region at large,” she explained. The inter-house circle tennis competition will be held on Wednesday. During the school term, students will also be involved in athletics, football, basketball and table tennis. G-4

DCC are champions

Berbice High School is 107 years old

Omar Khan

The first Youth Test match between Sri Lanka U19s and the West Indies U19s, played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, has ended in a draw.

The West Indies entered Friday’s fourth and final day

balls, and including 11 fours and two sixes. He had also hit a century in the ODI series.

Steven Wedderburn entered the day on 28, and eventually made 41; while Nathan Edward contributed 36 as the West Indies were eventually bowled out for 309 in 89.5 overs.

Vihas Thewmika took 6-78 off 28.5 overs, while Vishwa Lahiru took 3-61 off 24 overs for the hosts. Sri Lanka then reached 122-4 in their second innings, before play was called off and the spoils were shared.

Ravishan

Nethsara hit an even

The teams will now turn their attention to the second match, beginning on Monday. (Sportsmax)

SCOREBOARD

Vishwa Lahiru

Vihas Thewmika

Nathan Edward lbw b Thewmika 36

Tarrique Edward c Rajapaksha b Thewmika 10

Reon Edwards not out 0

Isai Thorne lbw b Thewmika 0

Extras (b 10, lb 6, w 3, pen 5) 24

TOTAL 89.5 Ov (RR: 3.43)

309 Fall of wickets: 1-20

(Adrian Weir, 4.3 ov), 2-27

(Joshua Dorne, 7.4 ov), 3-50

(Stephan Pascal, 15.3 ov), 4-160

(Steve Wedderburn, 47.1 ov), 5-178

(Jewel Andrew, 53.6 ov), 6-191

(Nathan Sealy, 58.5 ov), 7-287

(Jordan Johnson, 83.1 ov), 8-304

(Nathan Edward, 87.5 ov), 9-309

(Tarrique Edward, 89.4 ov), 10-309

(Isai Thorne, 89.5 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

The semifinal and final rounds of the Matarkai Sports Council’s (MSC) Amerindian Heritage Games are slated to be played at the Fitzburg Recreational Ground on September 9 and 10, starting at 10:00 hours.

Male and female teams will be vying for championship honours in cricket, football and volleyball; which would give them opportunity to represent Matarkai at the Regional Heritage Games slated for Mabaruma on September 15-17, 2023, and a chance to represent Region One (Barima-Waini) at the National Heritage Sports slated for September 28October 1, 2023.

The female cricket semi-final fixtures are on today, and intense battles are anticipated as PK Super Squad clash with Sebai SC in semifinal one, while Arakaka SC take on Matthews Ridge SC in semifinal two.

In semifinal two of the male cricket fixtures, Four Miles SC will battle Arakaka, and the winner will take on Sebai SC in the finals on Sunday.

In the male football fixtures: Matthews Ridge FC will take on host Fitzburg FC in game one, and Baramita FC will match skills with Sebai FC in game two. Arakaka will take on the winner from game one or two in a draw for a semifinal playoff.

In the female football finals, slated for Sunday, Sebai FC will clash with Oronoque FC; and in the female Volleyball fixture,

Two-time reigning and defending National Heritage Football Champions, Port Kaituma United

Sebai SC will take on a PK mixed team.

According to Jason Ramjohn, newly-elected President of MSC, the Matarkai Heritage Games commenced on August 27 with intention to give every community throughout Matarkai sub-region an equal opportunity to participate in the sporting disciplines, with the hope that the most successful team come out victorious and advance to the regional tournament scheduled for Mabaruma, then on to the Amerindian Heritage Sport in Georgetown.

He add-

ed that the playoff attracted great support from fans and each community.

“The Vision of MSC is not just to have playoff only around Amerindian Heritage Games, but we are working to materialise our annual Matarkai Day of Sports. We will focus on educational programmes like spelling bee competitions, youth engagement on STI, counselling, and youth empowerment”, Ramjohn said.

Ramjohn is encouraging persons to come out and support the MSC Games, and those who wish to

exhibit and sell Amerindian cuisine and craft items on the weekend day of sports are kindly asked contact him on telephone 662-3577 in order to effect the necessary arrangement.

Reigning two-time National Heritage Football Champions PK United will be defending their bragging rights at this year’s National Heritage Sports.

The Matarkai Sports Council is hereby extending gratitude to the following sponsors: Ms. Sally De Goias,

for the 15 medals; Mickey’s Confectionery, for the Champion Female Cricket Trophy; Ms. Annisa Thomas, for the 2nd place Male Football Trophy; Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley and the RDC; Matarkai NDC; International Imports and Supplies; Tarique Deonarine; Gailann Kellman; Guyana Gold Board, and David Samaroo.

R. MAHARAJ and B.K. Jameel, both of 185 Charlotte and King Streets, Lacy town, Georgetown, the subscribing witnesses to the last will and testament of OUTAR also known as OUTAR KAKHAN, deceased, dated the July 2006, are hereby requested to attend the chambers of Kissoon & Kissoon, Attorney’s at Law of lot 99, Hadfield Street Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown, within fourteen (14) days after the second publication for the purpose of swearing the affidavits of attesting witness.

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

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RBL CPL 2023: Amazon Warriors ready for battle royal tomorrow

By Brandon Corlette

The Guyana Amazon Warriors men’s team will be in action on Sunday, September 10, against the Barbados Royals in the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League 2023. That match will be played at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad from 10:00h Eastern Caribbean Time.

Warriors are atop the

ble win has been against the Trinbago Knight Riders (TKR), whom they outplayed in their backyard at Queen’s Park Oval.

Captain Imran Tahir was delighted with that victory, and has described Shai Hope as the best player in the world. Tahir also spoke highly of 21-yearold Pakistani opener Saim Ayub.

“Really happy to be on the winning side. The boys

prove ourselves from the previous games, we wanted our openers to do a better job, and they did against TKR.” He revealed.

“Ayub is a talented kid, that is why we got him. I have seen him play before. They got the freedom how they want to play, but sometimes you have to take responsibility and learn the game quite quickly. He did really well, and he has been getting 30s and 40s. It was nice to see him get some big runs,” Tahir said.

The Warriors skipper added: “Shai is the best player at the time in World Cricket. So he showed why he is the best player in the world (with his innings against TKR).”

Warriors’ next opponent, the Barbados Royals, have been inconsistent this season, recording three wins and four defeats in eight matches. Rahkeen Cornwall has been the Royals’ dangerman, having scored a century in Barbados; while

Jason Holder is the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 12 wickets, and he will be a key player for the Royals. Warriors’ leading batsman is Saim Ayub, who has scored 145 runs. Shai Hope has 143 runs. Gudakesh Motie has seven wickets, leading the Warriors’ bowling charts this season.

Barbados Royals Squad: Kyle Mayers, Rahkeem Cornwall, Laurie Evans, Rovman Powell(c), Alick Athanaze, Jason Holder, Carlos Brathwaite, Nyeem Young, Rivaldo Clarke(w), Roelof van der Merwe, Qais Ahmad, Justin Greaves, Obed McCoy, Akeem Jordan, Joshua Bishop, Ramon Simmonds, Kevin Wickham.

points table with four wins, and are the only unbeaten team in this CPL season. Their most memora-

played really good. The plan we had to bowl, I was pleased with that. I had no doubt that if we want to im-

Kyle Mayers, Rovman Powell and Alick Athanaze are

the

Guyana Amazon Warriors squad: Saim Ayub; Chandrapaul Hemraj; Azam Khan(w); Shai Hope; Shimron Hetmyer; Dwaine Pretorius; Keemo Paul; Romario Shepherd; Odean Smith; Imran Tahir(c); Gudakesh Motie; Matthew Nandu; Hazratullah Zazai; Kelvon Anderson; Kevin Sinclair; Junior Sinclair and Ronsford Beaton.

GAW, TKR in showdown for final spot in Massy Women’s CPL

By Brandon Corlette

The Guyana Amazon Warriors women’s team will be battling their Trinbago Knight Riders counterparts for the final spot in the 2023 Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League. This fixture is schedule for the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad from 15:30h today, Saturday September 9.

Barbados Royals have been the first team to secure a spot in the 2023 Women’s CPL final, after recording three wins in Barbados last week. Warriors are fresh

from a win against the TKR at Queen’s Park Oval, while hosts TKR have defeated Royals. The tournament remains unpredictable, since all three teams have shown weak spots.

For the Amazon Warriors, Sophie Devine is the top player and leading run-scorer with 193 runs.

Gabby Lewis of the Royals has 138 runs, and her team mate Hayley Matthews has 109 runs.

From a bowling perspective, Marie Kelly has six wickets, and the Guyana Amazon Warriors star spinner from India, Shreyanka Patil, has

six wickets with a stellar average of 11.66. Superstar Devine has said she is proud of the Warriors’ Women after they bounced back from defeats in Barbados to win in Trinidad.

“We have been close in the last two games, but have not been able to get over the line. But I am proud of the group, (for) the way they bounced back to get a win against TKR is really nice,” she said.

“The surface (in Trinidad) takes more turn than (the one in) Barbados, but seamers can have a role to play with change of play and variations.

Playing at different venues, you have to be able to adapt. But I am really proud of the group, and we have a big game against TKR,” Devine said. Warriors will have to come against West Indies Women’s legends Deadra Dottin, who scored 47 in her last game; and Anisa Mohammed, who has five wickets, including a career-best 4 for 28.

dangerous men with

bat.

Shai Hope has 143 runs this season

Imran Tahir has shown his experience

Gudakesh Motie is the Warriors’ leading wicket-taker this season

Shimron Hetmyer and his captain Imran Tahir in celebratory mode

Barbados Royals have recorded three wins this season

TKR Women celebrating against the Royals

Shreyanka Patil is leading the bowling for Warriors

Devine is the leading batter this season

Deandra Dottin will be key for TKR

Jason Holder is the leading wicket-taker with 12 wickets