Guyana Times - Sunday, April 28, 2024.pdf

No environmental risk of tsunami from Whiptail project – EPA 2 die in Diamond, EBD motorcycle smash-up

Semi-submersible vessel found at PK

Over 41,000 DUI cases made out against drivers from January to April GPF suspects possible involvement in drug trafficking, transshipment – Benn Govt pumps $86M into improving access to potable water for 2 Region 9 villages

“My heart breaks…how do I start over?” – Colours of India owner after fire guts family home, businesses

The Friday mid-afternoon fire that ripped through the popular ‘Colours of India Boutique’ at Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice (WCB) took place shy of the business’s 10th anniversary.

This has left its owner, Ravi Latchman, devastated, as millions of dollars were reduced to ashes. Latchman, who with his family ran the business, said on social media that he had stocked up the store, which is known for its array of Indian outfits, including bridal wear and accessories, in preparation for the upcoming anniver -

sary in four weeks.

Latchman, who is currently out of the country,

made a series of Facebook posts, including one to show the aftermath of Friday’s fire.

“I left my beautiful home & this is what I am going to return home seeing. My heart breaks… How do I start over? How can I provide for my family again? Tell me this is a dream. I don’t have the strength to go home anymore.

“This is what my beautiful Colours of India turned to… I stocked you up so much before I left Guyana. I’m returning to ashes. This is what I am returning to. Our home is gone. This is too much for me to handle.

“This is not easy for me nor my family… My Colours of India is gone, turned to ashes. Our home is gone. Burned to ashes. I’m not around & this is extremely hard for me, everything I worked for & built from scratch, sweat & tears has gone up in flames.”

Latchman has cut short his vacation, and was expected to return home on Saturday evening.

The fire started at some time around 15:00h at the

Lot D16 Bath Settlement, WCB residence, which housed the popular boutique as well as a mechanic shop next door.

The mid-afternoon blaze left eight persons homeless and also destroyed about 16 cars belonging to one of the business persons, while several other vehicles at the mechanic shop were damaged.

Residents reported seeing several vehicles on fire.

Ravi’s mother, 52-yearold Seelochanie Latchman,

who also runs the business, related that she heard a noise and thought her grandson had knocked over something, so she called on her daughter-inlaw to check it out.

“When she ran [to see what had happened], she said, ‘Fire! Fire!’ When I go upstairs, there was nothing we could do. The whole house was on fire [and] everybody run out,” the woman explained yesterday morning.

Owner of Colours of India, Ravi Latchman

The aftermath of the devastating fire

One of the cars destroyed

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Sunday, April 28 – 06:00h-07:30h and Monday, April 29 – 22:00h-23:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, April 28 – 06:20h-07:50h and Monday, April 29 – 07:10h-08:40h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Sunny conditions are expected throughout the day, interrupted by light showers in the early-morning to mid-afternoon hours. Clear to partly cloudy skies and light to thundery showers are expected at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 06:51h and 19:28h reaching maximum heights of 2.58 metres and 2.36 metres.

Low Tide: 12:58h reaching a minimum height of 0.64 metre.

LOTTERY NUMBERS

APNU/AFC must answer for its near criminal oil & gas record – Gov’t – as controversies include hidden contracts & signing

The Natural Resources Ministry (MNR) on Saturday clapped back against the persistent criticism of its handling of the oil and gas sector from the Opposition A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC). In its response, the ministry noted that the former regime has much to answer for its near criminal oil and gas record.

According to MNR, the former Government lurched from one controversy in its handling of the sector to the next. Among the examples cited is when the former Government signed the lopsided 2016 Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with ExxonMobil…an agreement they would have comfortably kept secret if it weren’t for the public pressure to release it.

Nor was this the only issue APNU/AFC faced a public outcry about. “In fact, the APNU+AFC administration faced years of public outcry to institute a Local Content Act and audit ExxonMobil’s costs. These are arguably two of the most critical contract administration needs, but they were ignored. Today, Guyana’s petroleum sector is governed by a modern legal framework, improved contracts, and environmental stringency,” MNR noted.

“The PPP/C administration has made substantial progress in rectifying the governance deficiencies inherited from the APNU+AFC era. These efforts have not only stabilized the sector, but also positioned it for more sustainable and inclusive growth,” the MNR further wrote, adding that the PPP/C Government has continued to provide the oversight in the sector needed for broadbased economic development.

Speaking to what was discovered when the Dr. Irfaan Ali-led Government entered office, the Government noted that an audit of what APNU/AFC left for them showed a “deplorable state of affairs”, as fundamental regulatory tasks and legislation need-

bonuses

“When the Irfaan Ali-led administration assumed office in 2020, it audited the management infrastructure for the country’s multi-billion-dollar petroleum sector, only to discover a deplorable state of affairs, given the abysmal leadership of the APNU+AFC administration. Fundamental regulatory and legislative tasks languished for years, leaving the country lagging in its preparedness to manage the sector,” Ministry of Natural Resources.

ed to oversee the oil and gas sector had languished for years. This left Guyana lagging in its ability to manage the sector, despite oil being found since 2015.

Failures

Another specific area that APNU/AFC failed in was its inability to overhaul the Petroleum Act, which was 34 years old by the time the PPP/C reassumed office in 2020. Added to this was the former Government’s failure to get the Gasto-Energy project off the ground, despite the steadily increasing demand for energy at the national level.

“The Petroleum Activities Act was passed in August 2023, positioning Guyana on the path of responsible, transparent and modern petroleum management. Contracts (have already been) awarded for the Gas-to-Energy project with significant works already underway. The project will slash energy costs by 50 per cent while delivering clean and reliable energy by 2025,” the MNR said, displaying what its approach has been to these issues.

Then there is the case of the US$18 million signing bonus, which was re-

ceived by the APNU/AFC Government in 2016 when it signed the PSA, but not disclosed to the public by the Government until 2017, following public exposure.

“The Petroleum Activities Act clearly stipulates the instances where signature bonuses may be applied, and the process for doing so. This was enforced for the 2022 Licensing Round where the minimum signing bonuses of US$10 million for shallow water blocks and US$20 million for deepwater blocks were defined in the requisite Gazette Notice and the published Terms of Reference. These efforts further underscore this Government’s commitment to transparency and accountability,” the MNR said.

Additionally, the former Government granted the Liza Phase One Environmental Permit on the same day they received the 1500-page Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the project…thus ensuring there would be no time to properly review the EIA.

“Not only does this prove they performed no review, but the permit also violated the law, as it was given a 20-year term despite

the law allowing a maximum five-year term… the (PPP/C) Government has ensured that the permits were brought into compliance with the law. All permits are now subjected to a rigorous review process,” MNR explained.

Not only has MNR fixed the loopholes created by APNU/AFC, but they have also gone further in improving the sector. For instance, MNR noted that the PPP/C Government overhauled environmental permits and included provisions for a US$50 flaring fee, treatment of produced water per international standards, cradle-to-grave management of waste, having a capping stack in-country, and demanding a subscription to another.

Additionally, it introduced two modernized model PSAs, with improved fiscal terms based on industry-wide standards and best practices to govern deep and shallow water concessions. In addition to legislative reforms, the Government has sought to improve the institutional capacity of agencies such as the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and the Local Content Secretariat. (G-3)

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Not chicken feed

As Guyana develops exponentially, fuelled by the oil revenues – albeit relatively small, because of the lopsided contract signed by the PNC; but relatively large compared with our traditional revenue streams – pouring into our Natural Resource Fund (NRF) and then into our Consolidated Fund, we must be aware of global macro forces impacting that development under the radar, so to speak. For instance, it has become commonplace for Guyanese to boast about the number of foreign food chains entering our country as a sign of our reaching developed country status “like the US”. But there are wheels within wheels spinning even in this seemingly mundane area.

Take KFC for instance, which, not coincidentally, was one of the first US international fast-food brands to enter Guyana. According to an Alex Park report, on which this editorial is based, it was also the first to open in Africa, with a restaurant in South Africa in 1971, and the first to open in China in 1987. In 1997, KFC’s parent company, PepsiCo, spun off the fried chicken giant along with Taco Bell and Pizza Hut to form a separate company, eventually named Yum! Brands. While the United States — its core place of business -- was already saturated with fast food, and the deleterious effects of fast foods became more well-known, financial analysts were skeptical.

But as household incomes rose in developing countries, Yum! found new customers to make up for any losses in the US. However, it was not just the consumption of chicken that made money, there was also the production of the chickens to keep the KFC fryers going. Simultaneously, developing countries, led by Brazil and China, rapidly expanded poultry production. In a matter of years, Yum! went from a risky bet to a Wall Street darling by channelling the global poultry boom into its network of restaurants and satiating a rising appetite for American fast food. In 2014, there were about 40,000 restaurants in 125 countries in the Yum! system. Today, that has increased to around 55,000, with developing countries accounting for most of the growth.

Poultry already holds the top spot in global meat production. Given its myriad cost efficiencies; adaptability across regions, religions, and cultures; and its relatively low emissions per unit of meat when compared to beef or pork, we can only expect chicken to take up an even greater role in humanity’s diet in the future. While Yum! does not buy chicken or finance producers itself, like most fast food companies, it requires franchisees — the companies that own the restaurants carrying its brand names — to buy chicken from suppliers it designates. Suppliers tend to be large, vertically integrated operations, often complete with facilities for manufacturing chicken feed and processing and packaging chicken meat.

For poultry companies, a Yum! contract is one of the most lucrative prizes attainable, as it virtually guarantees sales at quantities that few, if any, other buyers can match. Suppliers to our local KFC outlets will become aware that, with its unparalleled purchasing power and exacting demands, fast food has long shaped agricultural systems in the United States, Europe, and China. And like KFC expand into our so-called “frontier markets,” development banks have made their global expansion possible by underwriting the factory farms that supply them with chicken, and these can be tapped for our expansion of poultry production that can also be exported to Caricom in our 25 by 25 commitment.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private-sector lending arm of the World Bank Group, have financed several mega producers of poultry in developing countries to supply KFC, and they therefore are already aware of financial derisking with such contracts. In South Africa, they helped one KFC supplier bolster its operations across the region.

In 2013, the bank loaned the company US$25 million to expand existing operations in South Africa, Botswana and Zambia, where it supplies KFC in all three countries, as well as Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Three years later, in 2016, the company also became KFC’s sole franchisee in Zambia.

The opportunity must be seized.

BOYCOTT! BOYCOTT! REALLY?

Dear Editor, The President of Guyana’s recent visit to Brooklyn underscores the importance of engaging with diaspora communities and recognizing their contributions to national development.

His visit, however, has seen some fellow Guyanese individuals calling for the boycott of those Guyanese businesses who welcomed the President into their establishments. This call, purportedly aimed at holding President Irfaan Ali’s administration accountable for alleged injustices, discrimination, and abuses, has sparked controversy and division within the community. It is in this regard that I pen this missive to posit that it is imperative for fellow Guyanese in the diaspora to reject such a boycott.

Boycotting “we own” Guyanese business people in a foreign land is just plain stupid. How is that going to achieve anything good? We have hundreds of foreign-owned supermarkets popping up in every part of Guyana, and no Guyanese is calling for a boycott of those businesses, so why the self-hate and intended hurt on ourselves?

Instead of such a call, there should be advocacy for dialogue and constructive engagement as the path toward addressing

all grievances and matters of interest to respective communities and our country, and fostering an agenda for prosperity for all.

The strength of any community lies in its diversity and unity.

The Guyanese diaspora, comprising individuals of various ethnicities, backgrounds and beliefs, embodies this diversity which makes us Guyanese, which makes us unique, with the potential to be strong. Instead of fostering division through myopic and irrational foolishness, we must strive to build bridges that connect us and promote understanding and collaboration.

Boycotting Guyaneseowned businesses not only hurts and undermines the economic livelihood of these individuals, but also perpetuates division and animosity within the community. Boycotting Guyaneseowned businesses serves as a detriment to entrepreneurship, employment opportunities, and economic growth within the diaspora and in Guyana. Many of our countrymen and women, and our economy, benefit from remittances received from our diaspora. These businesses are often the backbone of local economies, providing employment opportunities, goods and services to the communi -

ty, especially our fellow Guyanese, giving them a piece of home. By supporting these businesses, we contribute to the economic prosperity of our fellow Guyanese and foster a sense of collective empowerment.

Moreover, Many Guyanese-owned businesses have overcome numerous challenges to establish themselves in their respective services in a foreign land. By patronizing these businesses, we not only support their growth, but also celebrate their achievements and contributions to the community.

Guyanese boycotting Guyanese businesses is not, by any stretch of the imagination, a rational or constructive approach to one’s fellow countrymen on account of their actions that may have provoked real or contrived offence. Instead, we must promote dialogue, engagement, and peaceful activism as means of effecting positive change. By engaging in open and respectful discourse, we create opportunities for understanding, reconciliation and progress.

Moreover, holding President Irfaan Ali’s administration accountable for alleged injustices requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond boycotting our businesses. It necessitates engaging with policymakers,

advocating for policy reforms, and supporting grassroots initiatives that address systemic issues such as discrimination, injustice, inequitable distribution of state contracts, and human rights abuses.

Instead of perpetuating division through boycotts, we must channel our collective energies and resources toward initiatives that uplift marginalized communities, promote economic development, and create pathways for social mobility.

I say again, that the call for a boycott of Guyanese-owned businesses within the diaspora is misguided, self-destructive, and counterproductive. Instead of fostering division and animosity among ourselves, we must strive to build bridges that promote unity, dialogue, and collaboration.

As we navigate the complexities of our shared history and collective aspirations, let us remember that it is through equitable distribution of resources and opportunities, bipartisanship on what is best for Guyana, having respect for the rule of law, unity, and solidarity that we can achieve true prosperity and progress.

Yours respectfully, Jermaine Figueira MP

His Worship Sharma Solomon, Mayor of Linden, crowned the 2024 Miss Linden Town Week Queen, Areisa Griffith, on Friday evening. Griffith outshone several other contestants to cop the coveted title, while Keiana Ward was adjudged the first runner-up and Tatiana Osborne walked away with second-runner up title

Brooklyn love and adore President Ali

Dear Editor,

Brooklyn is bedazzled with the black, brown and beautiful Guyanese neighbourhoods, beaming with their rich cultural heritage and booming with the business of ancestral tastes and cuisines. Bars are also stocked with Demerara beverages and beers. Bakeries ensure that bread, buns and other delicacies are available so that the tongue is still savoured with the Berbice hospitality.

Many were born from Burnham’s brutish period with banned goods and beckoned their chances for betterment by migrating. Today, they are happy that they made the right choice and ran for their lives from the tyranny of the dictator. They are overwhelmed that the PNC is not in power and the PPP/C Government is working in the interest of all Guyanese, unlike the straining reign of PNC selfishness.

Brooklyn is also beautified with buildings which house families with close ties with their motherland while brightly lit with the brilliance of bookworms at academic

Dear Editor, After the Election of 1992, there was a torrid time for the incoming PPP/C Government, as we witnessed non-stop rioting, burnings, beatings and killings as Hoyte and his PNC thugs went on a rampage.

The ultimate aim of Hoyte’s guerrilla warfare was to bring the Cheddi Jagan Administration down by forceful means. However, this did not happen, due to the resolute action of the Guyana Police Force.

Now, peace did come, but that was a shaky and unstable pause, because, at a dog whistle, that calm could have erupted into mayhem; and sure enough, it did when Mrs Jagan came to power in 1997.

For two long years, this tiny nation was rocked by civil war, yet again. The same old instigators using the same old rhetoric, “They rob Desmond,” were hoping that the carnage would bring about an overthrow of the elected Government.

Mrs Jagan eventually ab-

institutions, bookies at the races, blonds and brunettes for beauties and broads and yes, bums too who beg. A Borough for political bureaucracy, Maduro’s fantasy for Essequibo is not lost as the breeze from Crabwood Creek to Charity, blows all across to Brooklyn with President Ali’s theme, ‘One Guyana.’ Guyanese overseas are committed to their loyalty to this nation and have pledged not to give away any blade of grass or curass which belong to their country. They are supportive of President Ali’s handling of the situation and complying with the progress from the ICJ process, while at the said time, praising him.

Brooklyn is also belittled with bandits, bad influences for crime and big timers for bigshots. There are the braggards who boast about everything to impress while depressed with nothing to back -up. Fearful of returning home, failures fly on failed fortunes and continue to daydream in a foreign fairyland. Rent, romance and rum ruin many as they rummage through the garbage with baggage on their

shoulder, to manage a livable package while unable to book a passage to Cheddi Jagan International Airport. Many express dissatisfaction with their way of life and are hoping that one day, they will find it possible to return to their land where their navel strings are buried, especially on learning of all the good things the PPP/C government is doing!

Brooklyn is bombarded with many who are sold on the idea of becoming rich overnight. But as the cold weather unfolds, blooming flowers wither and braving your way in the snow is the reality show rather than basking in the sun at 63 Beach. When the bills pile up and the brows are knitted, Tiger Bay looks brighter than Bayside or Broadway. Baseball and basketball cannot replace the game of bat and ball at Bourda. Merely thinking about it becomes the straw that breaks the camel’s back. Brooklynites’ honour was battered and bruised when they became knowledgeable of the attempted election 2020 rigging by the PNC. The Ranger becomes

a stranger and cannot dare show his face again. These Guyanese do not like when the PNC try to make them look like fools! They want to know, why can’t the PNC play fair like the PPP/C?

Brooklyn was the sight of delight last week when President Ali bowled bouncers and the likes of a Burke or Benschop were beaten and couldn’t battle with him as they ran for covers while cowering. He shunned his presidential position to mix and mingle with the man in the street like an ordinary citizen. Guyanese from all walks of life rushed to hug and kiss the man of the moment as others shook hands and patiently waited to have their pictures taken with him. President Ali was heartfully welcomed with open arms as people fell on each other just to be seen with him. It wasn’t just a social, Facebook or Kodak moment, but a real opportunity to meet a humble man who has sacrificed so much to bring Guyanese out of the miseries administered by the crafty PNC Party. As the PNC leader was shedding bitter tears at this touch-

ing and tender moment, other members were listening to the noise of silence to drown out the sound of joy reverberating from across the Atlantic Ocean. Guyanese can differentiate the distinction between a real PPP/C Party and a surreal PNC Party.

Brooklyn, being part of the Diaspora, which is referred to as Region 11, sent a message of hope, harmony and happiness to the PPP/C and a motion of hopelessness, haplessness and heaviness to the PNC. Burnham’s soap opera is crumbling as the episodes lose their value and the end is inevitable as the writers run out of scripts for the dying actors who are bleeding profusely.

The turning tide has ushered in a feeling of redemption and Guyanese in the land where people live the American dream, are awakening to the smell of oil which is boosting Guyana’s economy, boasting the country’s development and bragging the pride of a nation. This has broken the ego of a hurt PNC Party, berated their standard and bashed their faith. These Guyanese are aware that the

Is Guyana a narco-state?

dicated, and handed over power to the young, educated and energetic Bharrat Jagdeo. He took over, and his task of running a developing country ravaged by civil conflict was no easy task either. his was a balancing act of building a nation and putting out the flames of hate that would so easily erupt from time to time.

This country then slowly settled down to purposeful development, as progress was seen and felt in every sector of the economy. Guyana became a showpiece for Caricom. From an undeveloped country that was ranked below Haiti, Guyana rose to the prized position of being called a MiddleIncome Developing State, and that was nothing short of being phenomenal!

It was around this time that the Opposition chose to make that blanket statement that Guyana was a narco-state. The logic behind that statement was that Guyana could never see development, unless it was involved in drug trafficking. It was a theory

fashioned and delivered by the PNC after they had suffered successive election defeats. They could not bear the thought of losing again, hence the coining of the new drug phrase “Guyana is a drug haven”. You could hear the “jag” in their voices as they repeated the jargon “Jagdeo is running this country with drugs.”

The singers and the message were all the same, only the lyrics were slightly altered to suit the objective; that is, bring the Government down!

Jagdeo’s reign coincided with Baron Roger Khan, whom the PNC promptly pinned on Jagdeo. They claimed that Khan was an Indian, and so was Jagdeo; therefore, the logical conclusion to it was a drug trafficking connection. This gained much traction here, to the extent that they took their case to The International Community, who believed them. Finally, like a cankerworm, those drug allegations began eating away at the heart of the PPP/C regime,

hence it lost power to the accusing PNC-led Coalition. The PNC had done its work, which brought it back into office.

Now, one would have thought that the so-called “new and clean” PNC would have gone for a trial of the soon-to-be-released Roger Khan on his return to Guyana, but that was not to be. Khan came right into the arms of the people who accused him of being in collusion with Jagdeo and drug trafficking. So, the anticipated next chapter in this drug saga was to have been a prompt trial.

But that long-awaited trial, Commission of Inquiry, or questioning of the man, soon vanished into thin air as Guyanese were now all the more perplexed as to what was unfolding before their eyes. There was none of the above. Even Granger himself came out to announce that “There was no credible information on Roger Khan, like we say in Guyanese Creole “My blood runs cold,” at that

Update on A-Line Pump Station

Dear Editor, The NDIA has taken note of questions raised by Opposition Member of Parliament Ganesh Mahipal relating to the construction of the A-Line Pump Station; and in an effort to maintain full transparency and accountability, the NDIA wishes to make the following known:

Over the years, the Ministry and the NDIA have crafted programmes aimed at delivering quality drainage and irrigation infrastructure across the country, especially in vulnerable areas. These ef-

forts, however, have been met with challenges; as, oftentimes, the NDIA encountered contractors who have underperformed.

These instances have been, and are being, addressed on a case-by-case basis. In some instances, the NDIA applied liquidated damages to contractors who have not been able to complete projects according to the contractual time period. In the case of the A-Line Pump Station, the contractor has not been able to complete the project on time. As

a result, liquidated damages are now being applied. The NDIA has noted that the contractor demobilized several pieces of equipment from the site. As such, the NDIA has notified the insurance company providing bonds on this project, and a file on the current situation has been sent to the Office of the Attorney General for advice on the way forward.

The Ministry and the NDIA remain committed to delivering on projects aimed at improving the country’s drainage and irrigation

needs. While it is not welcomed, contractors have been known to disregard their contractual obligations, thus hampering development in a number of critical sectors.

It is interesting to note that Mr. Mahipal failed to respond to the fire pump engines that were purchased by his party, APNU/AFC, when they were in Government. This has caused Guyanese taxpayers millions of US dollars.

Respectfully, NDIA

PNC is running helter-skelter, hurling abuse at each other and heading towards a cat and not a dog fight.

Brooklynites realize that the PPP/C, led by an energetic, enthusiastic and educated President Ali, is a Party better than the rest. They know that the best is yet to come from this Party and joining hands with winners can fulfil the American dream in Guyana while following losers will see them remaining in a land that is foreign to their habitat. President Ali’s meeting the people tour in Brooklyn is bad news for the Burnhamites, Burke and Benschop. His informal visit was not to berate the Opposition but simply to spend quality time with those he regards as his own people. As a family man, he loves to band with all Guyanese whom he regards as his own ‘kith and kin,’ regardless of colour, race, gender, religion or political affiliation. President Al is genuinely non-discriminatory and the people love and adore him in Brooklyn.

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall

statement. You are talking about a sudden turnaround from a bellicose position of “Drugs partner and some jail time for Jagdeo” to a “No credible information,” or “The allegations we raised were disingenuous and untrue.”

In another article, I shall delve into the heart of Granger’s statement, and who he was trying to protect.

Guyana is once more undergoing rapid development, and again we hear muted tones of a narco-state raising

its ugly head. We await the revelations, if any.

So these are the cold hard facts we have to face here in Guyana. That is, an Opposition who would do practically anything, yes, any low and demeaning thing to gain power. Finally, I pose the question: do you think anyone takes the PNC seriously when they mouth these wild statements?

Respectfully,

Neil Adams

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PUPPY AILMENTS (CONTINUED) - PUPPY SEPTICEMIA (“BLOOD POISONING”)

It is not uncommon, as previously mentioned, for septicemia to develop as a sequel to a navel infection. The germs enter the navel area, and if untreated, they spread throughout the puppy via blood circulation. Puppies between four and 40 days seem to be most susceptible.

However, the more common entry point of germs is via the mouth, and from there to the alimentary canal (stomach and intestines [gut]). In other words, the germs which could later cause a general infection enter the mouth – even while the pup is nursing from its mother. Indeed, this milk (especially the milk produced during the first few days after giving birth) is rich in defence chemicals (antibodies) which protect the pup and give it immunity from those diseases,

WORLD VETERINARY DAY

Yesterday, to mark the occasion of World Veterinary Day, April 27th, 2024, the Guyana Veterinary Association, the Guyana Veterinary Board, the Ministry of Agriculture, local Humane Societies and indeed animal caregivers throughout our 83,000 square miles joined in the recognition of this year’s theme “Veterinarians being Essential Health Workers”.

Increasingly, scientific studies are confronting human health issues which are emerging in our fast-moving social world, and in which veterinary input is becoming more and more meaningful. I refer to ailments relating to anxiety disorders, selective mutism, etc., where the use of animals as therapeutic agents in abnormal human mental conditions is achieving encouraging healing results. Under this rubric fall the areas of recuperation for war veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD), as well as the recovery process of patients (not only the elderly) from serious and life-threatening pathologies.

I extend fraternal greetings to my colleague veterinarians. May the care and treatment of our non-human wards, which provide for a more humane and compassionate society, bring you continued great satisfaction and contentment.

which the mother dog had encountered during her life. But just as these immunities-giving chemicals in the milk can be absorbed by

the blood circulation goes through the intestines, and the symptoms are mainly located in the abdominal cavity. Since the infect-

the membranes coating the pup’s intestines, so too can germs entering the stomach, bowels and bloodstream via the infected mother’s milk. This is a major cause of puppy septicemia.

Once these germs are in the bloodstream, they spread rapidly. The movement of the germs into

ed milk is the main cause of septicemia, the symptoms at first will be listlessness, and the pup cries continuously, with saliva coming from the mouth (drooling).

Bloating and diarrhoea are the most obvious symptoms. The bloat comes from the gas produced by the

it may have been you (the caregiver) who should have brought the pup in as soon as the first symptoms exhibited themselves. Do not be fooled to believe that the problem will go away on its own; some owners even decide to introduce their therapy – not seldomly on the advice of a well-meaning friend or neighbour who is equally non-knowledgeable.

Treatment

In addition to placing the focus on the infection, you (and your vet) will have to tackle the symptoms. The dehydration has to be addressed. This means that the animal must be rehydrated with fluids (young coconut water, oral rehydration salts, drip administered by the vet). The diarrhoea has to be stopped. If only one pup is infected, remove it from the litter (keep an eye on the other puppies), and hand-rear it (we will discuss this later). Your vet will decide and advise on the course of an antibiotic treatment, and if such is at all necessary.

President Ali’s Brooklyn visit

Guyanese American Chamber of Commerce

“gravely concerned” over boycott threats against Guyanese businesses

– says threats unfair, unjust & baseless

Condemnation continues to increase against the recent antics of the Caribbean Guyana Institute for Democracy (CGID), which attracted backlash after threatening to boycott any Guyanese business in New York that is guilty of recently welcoming President Dr. Irfaan Ali on its premises.

In a statement on Friday, the Florida-based Guyanese American Chamber of Commerce (GACC) waded into the controversy and expressed “grave concern” over the boycott calls on Guyanese-owned businesses in Brooklyn, New York which hosted President Ali. According to GACC, the rationale behind the boycott threats is a baseless one.

“A call to boycott small businesses for baseless partisan political, ethnic, religious, or any other reason is downright outrageous, and the GACC urges the people of Brooklyn, New York to ignore these calls,” the GACC has said.

“Guyanese-owned businesses, especially those in the restaurant and related hospitality sectors in the Diaspora, contribute to the cultural fabric by preserving and promoting Guyanese traditions and customs, and fostering social connections and community cohesion, serving as gathering places and hubs

for social interaction,” the organisation also noted. Making it clear that it condemns any effort to target Guyanese-owned businesses in New York and deny them this crucial social role, the body noted the unfairness and injustice of a call for boycotting small businesses that are known for welcoming elected officials into their establishments, particularly a visiting Head of State from their country of origin.

“Those perpetuating calls for a boycott, while they may not have the capacity or influence to make such a boycott successful, ought to demonstrate a better sense of responsibility by taking into account the potential negative impact such calls can have on business enterprises, their employees, and the community,” GACC further noted.

“Welcoming an elected official on a walkabout of a community into a business enterprise is standard in all democracies, whether an enterprise supports that elected official or not. The GACC wishes to reiter-

ate its condemnation of this attempt to unjustly punish the Guyanese business owners in Brooklyn who displayed decency, good manners, and the traditional warm Guyanese hospitality by welcoming President Ali to their establishments.”

Meanwhile, GACC urged all Caribbean-owned businesses to stand in solidarity with those that are subject to these calls for a boycott. They noted that, in the diaspora, it is only through collective Caribbean strength and unity that the diaspora can effectively protect and promote each other. The importance of unity is especially important, considering the vital role played by micro and small businesses.

“Micro and small businesses are the backbone of a nation’s economy. These enterprises are significant job creators, often providing employment opportunities to individuals who might otherwise struggle to find work, including women and young people. Many large companies today began as small startups.

“While individual micro and small businesses may have modest revenues, collectively they make a significant contribution to the communities in which they are located, and to a country, particularly through the equitable distribution of incomes,” GACC also said.

Seawall vendors

One of CGID’s persistent claims have been the allegations of discrimination. GACC, in its statement, also urged the Government to avoid any circumstance that can have the appearance of discrimination, however innocuous. It also referenced the recent action against vendors between Camp Street and the Kitty

Roundabout. The Government has made it clear that persons who have received permission from the Sea and River Defence Board to vend along the Georgetown seawall area will be able to continue vending, but individuals who are unlawfully vending in the area will not be permitted to do so.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill clarified that any misinformation being spread that claimed that the Government was removing vendors from the seawall was a clear sign of mischief-making.

Edghill has stated that the Government planned to ensure that every person who has a licence to

vend on the seawall knows the conditions under which they must vend. GACC expressed hope in its statement that every effort will be taken to avoid confrontation.

“While not seized of all the facts about these developments, the GACC urges the Government authorities to act with fairness and compassion, and to bear in mind the devastating impact any rash and inconsiderate action would have on these micro and small businesses and their owners. We urge that every effort be made to avoid confrontation and any approach to this issue that may be perceived as discriminatory,” GACC said in its statement.

Security guard in custody for shooting pump attendant’s ex-boyfriend

Thirty-year-old

Stephen King is now nursing a gunshot wound to his left leg, from a security guard at the Two Brothers Service Station, Eccles Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD) on Saturday.

Based on reports received, King, of Evan Phillips Park, Agricola, Greater Georgetown, turned up at the Service Station where he confronted a female pump attendant with whom he shared a relationship. At the time,

King was carrying a haversack on his back.

However, not too keen on him visiting her, the woman ran towards the security officer who was armed with a 9mm pistol and 17 rounds of ammunition.

At that time, it was reported that King placed his hand in the haversack and upon seeing this, the security officer drew his pistol and discharged a round that struck him in his lower left leg.

The injured man, Police stated, rode out of the gas

station and soon after, the shooter proceeded to the Providence Police Station, where he reported the matter. He was arrested, and the firearm and remaining ammunition were handed over to the ranks.

Based on reports received, the Police went to the Diamond hospital where King was being treated. His haversack was subsequently checked, and a bunch of keys uncovered. The injured man was taken into custody as investigations continue.

Dutty Politics… …and the Courts

Have you noticed that, with all the various and sundry (and not so sundry!!) crimes committed in our dear, ole mudland, the Courts yet seem to be more taken up in dealing with POLITICAL matters, rather than dispensing justice to the poor victims of crime!! And the Chancellor talks of reparative justice!! What’s going on?? Well, remember what those two UWI academics who’d been part of the Recount Team wrote after THAT sobering rigging experience?? (Sobering cause Grangerwho’d brought them in during a COVID upsurge - allowed some PNC supporters to challenge the recount in – where else? – the Courts!!)

Anyhow, the academics offered a big word we should all get familiar with to describe what’s going on - the “judicialization” of politics. Basically, this means that because some opposition politicians – or their tokens, like in the GTU - are too immature to follow the rules of political participation that’s been worked on -- and worked out -- for hundreds of years, they gotta call in a referee at the drop of a hat to tell them what to do!! And let’s not talk about “industrial dispute”, when we have a GTU official who’s also a PNC exec cussing out the Min of Education worse than some fisherwoman!! That’s right folks…immature, squabbling, tantrum-throwing political wannabees who MUST always have their way!! The GTU execs must’ve seen primary school kids in the playground arguing about whose turn it is to bat!!!

So, you have judges – who AREN’T elected by the people of Guyana – making decisions that the politicians - who’re elected by the people of Guyana and paid by them -- should’ve made!! Can you imagine even a bunch of Grade 6 students arguing about whether you should be paid for not working??! Yet, that’s what the GTU –whose members are teaching this to our impressionable minds – insist that the Government is wrong not to pay them while they’re striking and leaving their charges on their own!!

And one Court AGREED!! But maybe we shouldn’t be surprised. Our judicial system is backed up with cases that go back to the year of Noah’s flood – as citizens languish in jail in many instances. But judges still get paid for the work they didn’t do!! The AG – as he’s had to do on so many occasions -- has signalled that he’s gonna appeal all the way to the CCJ!! Can you imagine what this ruling will do to the economy we’re trying to build??

How many companies will open businesses here when their workers gotta be paid even if they don’t show up?!! No wonder even the staid Justices of the CCJ regularly roll their eyes during the hearings on Guyanese matters!!

…and free speech

Oh, what a tangled web our colonizers weaved when they taught us about the sanctity of “free speech”!! Of course, even while they taught us, THEY were the ones who determined – and they still do - what was “free” and what was not! They could call us “niggers” and “coolies” to their hearts’ content – and they had BIG hearts!! – but we dare not murmur they were murderers and rapists.

Well, the chickens are again coming home to roost – as they first did during the Vietnam War. Their own best and brightest in their Ivy League schools – where the fees run into over US$100,000!! – have now literally encamped in protest on campuses against their government’s support of Israel’s genocide in Gaza!! These universities have clamped down on the students – only the dogs are left to be brought out!! – and have even cancelled classes!!

The problem, of course, is the veil between official platitudes and what’s really going down has been ripped apart - and the kids haven’t been brainwashed enough to fall for the lies!!

…in Guyana

Hey, no one ever accused politicians of being saints. Corruption there was in the Garden of Eden – and your Eyewitness isn’t talking about those generating plants up the EBD!! - and corruption there is now.

So, we gotta keep plugging the holes!!

No environmental risk of tsunami from Whiptail project – EPA

– says Guyana in area with minimal seismic risk

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has clarified that, contrary to reports, there is no environmental risk of tsunami from Whiptail, ExxonMobil’s sixth development offshore Guyana. Among other reasons, this is because Guyana is in an area with minimal risk of seismic activity.

In a statement over the weekend, the EPA noted that there is no indication, in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the recently approved Whiptail Development Project, that there is a risk of tsunami due to the project.

“The EIA for the Whiptail Development Project does not indicate any link between the proposed project’s activities and tsunamis. Tsunamis are natural events resulting from undersea earthquakes caused by the movement of the Earth’s tectonic plates. The Whiptail Development Project, EIA informs, that the likelihood of natural events such as tsunamis impacting the Development Project is minimal,” EPA said.

Reports in sections of the media had said the exact opposite, and had sought to quote sections of the EIA to

indicate the possibility of a tsunami. According to the EPA, however, such reports are misleading, and it noted that all the assessment did was put the risk of a tsunami in the context of comprehensive futuristic and hypothetical assessments of risk.

To provide clarity for the public…the section of the EIA titled “Natural Hazard Risk Ratings for Guyana” highlighted findings from the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) assessments in 2014. These assessments, conducted as part of a global initiative, identified floods, droughts and landslides as the most significant risks to Guyana, based on historical records. Notably, historical data did not indicate tsunami risk to Guyana.

“Nevertheless, futuristic assessments by UNISDR took into account the potential impact of tsunamis on Guyana. According to UNISDR 2014, while floods pose the most significant risk, the risks from earthquakes and tsunamis were deemed not significant enough to be included in the economic analysis, due to their predicted low recurrence interval.”

Added to this, according to the EPA, is the fact that the section of the Stabroek

Block where Whiptail will be situated is approximately 294 kilometres from the boundary between the Caribbean and South American plates, and over 1,050 kilometres from the nearest area of active seismic activity (near Puerto Rico).

“Moreover, Guyana lies within the stable interior portion (craton) of the South American tectonic plate, indicating minimal seismic

“My heart breaks…

Her other son, Mahindra Latchman, who operates the mechanic shop, estimates that between 15 and 16 vehicles were destroyed – most of which were his.

“My cars, my equipment, parts – everything [were destroyed] … One was a customer’s [vehicle, so] basically, most was mine… even to my Prado, Lexus, my sports car and my car,” he explained.

“My father and so wasn’t home. My big brother and small brother [aren’t around]. It was just me alone. A couple neighbours and friends helped me

to evacuate the vehicles,” Mahindra recalled.

While the Guyana Fire Service is investigating the cause, the Latchman family believes that the fire was electrical in origin. Suresh Latchman, who was not at home when the fire started, told reporters on Saturday, “It was an electrical fire. Only that I can think of sound my wife told me she heard,” he said.

“A guy who was passing, he run in to help, and pulled out two racks of clothing out to the road, and he came in for a glass case and the ceiling start dropping. But

he said his eyes happen to glance up by the door and he saw blue flames… and where he saw those blue flames, that’s where the breaker was and the main switch, but the house was already on fire, so I don’t know if it was a feedback or whatever caused that,” Suresh indicated.

Meanwhile, the house, businesses and vehicles which the Latchmans owned were not insured against fire.

As investigations continue, the senior Latchman has said that options are now limited and the family will have to decide on the way forward.

be conducted

risks to the country. Lastly, a seismic hazard map developed by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Hazard Mapping Program illustrates that there is only a 2 per cent chance within 50 years of a very minor seismic event occurring in the PDA. Such an event would likely not even be perceptible to individuals at the exact location,” EPA also said.

Whiptail is expected to add approximately 250,000

barrels of daily capacity by the end of 2027, when it is slated to come on stream, thus bringing the country’s production capacity up to approximately 1.3 million barrels per day.

The multi-billion-dollar Whiptail project, which is expected to last for at least 20 years, would include up to 10 drill centres with 48 production and injection wells. Meanwhile, the floating, production, storage,

and offloading (FPSO) vessel for the Whiptail project, to be named Jaguar, is under construction.

The FPSO will be designed to produce 250,000 barrels of oil per day, will have an associated gas treatment capacity of 540 million cubic feet per day, and a water injection capacity of 300,000 barrels per day. The FPSO will be spread-moored in a water depth of about 1,630 metres, and will be able to store around 2 million barrels of crude oil.

Currently, ExxonMobil has three FPSOs – the Liza Destiny from the Liza Phase One Project, Liza Unity from the Liza Phase Two Project, and Prosperity from the Payara Project –which are currently operating offshore Guyana and are safely producing more than 600,000 barrels of oil per day.

Additionally, construction is underway on FPSOs for the Yellowtail Project – the One Guyana FPSO, which is set to commence production in 2025; and for the Uaru Project – the Errea Wittu FPSO, which is anticipated to start in 2026. In addition to these six projects offshore Guyana, Exxon is eyeing the possibility of having 10 FPSOs operational by 2030.

2 die in Diamond, EBD motorcycle smash-up

Two men lost their lives in the wee hours of Saturday after the motorcycle they were driving crashed into a utility pole along Diamond Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Dead are Philbert Charles, 24, a truck driver who resided at Fellowship Village, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara (ECD), and 20-year-old Chris Daniels, an auto-mechanic of Section C Block Y, Golden Grove, EBD.

Based on reports received, the accident occurred at around 04:10h, and involved motorcycle CN1649, owned and driven by Charles at the time.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the two men were proceeding south along the western drive lane of the Diamond Public Road at a fast rate when Charles lost control of the motorcycle and collided with a utility pole.

Both Charles and Daniels fell on the roadway in an unconscious condition with injuries sustained about their bodies. Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) were

summoned to the scene, and the men were picked up in and taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, where a doctor pronounced Charles dead on arrival.

Daniels was referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment.

At the time of the accident, neither Charles nor Daniels was wearing a safety helmet. The police

are continuing to investigate this matter.

Earlier in the month, 24-year-old Yougeshwar Chris succumbed to injuries he had sustained weeks prior in an accident that occurred along the Diamond Public Road.

It was reported that Chris lost control of the motorcar he was driving, and it toppled several times, flinging the young man out in the process.

The area where the Whiptail project will

The aftermath of the devastated fire

Dead: Philbert Charles

Rectifying Arrival Day

Next Sunday, May 5th, the day on which the first indentured labourers from India landed on our shores, is a public holiday. However, it is officially dubbed “Arrival Day”, which implicitly conflates the arrival of all the groups that were brought here to join our Indigenous Peoples. As usual, there will be calls from Indian Guyanese groups and individuals for the holiday to be given the designation proposed by the Parliamentary Committee, “Indian Arrival Day”, in 2004. Before, the day was first commemorated on the 100th Anniversary of Indian Arrival in 1938, with week-long activities. After a hiatus of two decades, its commemoration across Guyana as “Ramakhan Day” – from the first two persons, Ram and Khan, who stepped off the Whitby - in the 1960s, was initiated by the Gandhi Youth Organization. This morphed into “Indian Immigration Day” in the 70s, and then, from the 1980s, “Indian Arrival Day” gradually took centre stage, after the example of Trinidad and Tobago, which initially named their holiday in 1994 “Arrival Day”, but changed it permanently in 1995 to “Indian Arrival Day”.

On 14th April 14, 2003, the PPP government established a Special Select Parliamentary Committee, of which I was a member, “to Review the Public Holidays Act, Chapter 19:07”. More specifically, it was to consider making May 26 a permanent public holiday (Independence Day) and May 5 to commemorate the Arrival of Indians to Guyana. The rationale for considering the latter holiday was stated in the introduction of the Report of the Special Select Committee: “Guyanese of Indian origin, who form a large portion of the country’s population, had for a period of more than the past forty years, been calling for 5th May to be declared a statutory public holiday, in observance of the arrival of the first batch of Indian indentured labourers who came to the then British Guiana in 1838.” Yet the Government’s Resolution (No.12 of 2003) 14th April, 2003, to establish the Committee, declared that it should review as a possible public holiday “Arrival Day, that is to say, the 5th May, or, if that day is a Sunday, the following day.”

In its conclusions, the Parliamentary Committee noted: “While the aforesaid recommendation (on the holiday be named “Arrival Day) is in keeping with our mandate, the Committee wishes to note that all (my emphasis) the submissions favouring 5th May as a public holiday recommended that it be designated “Indian Arrival Day”, as is the case in Trinidad and Tobago.” The Report was presented to the National Assembly on 29, April 2004, and approved. The first “Arrival Day” public holiday was officially observed on May 5 of that year. I made my objections known during the debate, but the Government’s decision was carried. In the years since, there have been widespread calls from the Indian Guyanese community for the Government to follow the recommendations of the submissions.

That decision, in my estimation, was actuated by a desire of the PPP government not to possibly alienate other Guyanese groups who had also “arrived”. African Guyanese have always argued – rightfully, in my estimation –that since they were brought in chains as chattels, the commemoration of “Emancipation Day” on August 1st was most appropriate. Indigenous Peoples could commemorate their presence during “Amerindian Heritage Month”. In the years following the passing of the omnibus “Arrival Day” legislation, none of the other groups – such as Portuguese and Chinese, whose arrival dates were respectively on June 3 and Jan 12 - took the opportunity to join in commemorating the occasion on May 5. In fact, there were expressions of disapproval from those communities, that their arrivals were subsumed with a date that marked the Indian Indentured’s arrival.

In 2017, however, President David Granger initiated a precedent which addressed concerns about the Government “favouring” Indian Guyanese, which we commend. He issued a public notice in early January 2017 to the effect that Jan 12 be henceforth designated as “Chinese Arrival Day”, but not a public holiday. Later, on 27 February 2017, he likewise proclaimed 3rd of May each year as Portuguese Arrival Day. The days have since witnessed commemorative activities by those communities. May 5th was designated “Indian Arrival Day”.

We believe that, as part of our nation-building activities, our Guyanese society would almost universally support the reconsideration of the name of the May 5th holiday as “Indian Arrival Day”. And I submit that the time has come for the Government to officially rectify the anomaly.

IPED disbursed $4.3B in loans, created almost 9000 jobs in 2023

The Institute of Private Enterprise Development Limited (IPED) has revealed that as much as 4,881 loans, amounting to $4.3 billion, were disbursed last year through its micro and small loans initiative to thousands of entrepreneurs.

IPED made this revelation in its 2023 Annual Report, wherein it announced that these loans all contributed to the creation of 8,655 jobs throughout Guyana.

In a statement, IPED Chairman Komal Samaroo explained that the focus throughout the year was on expanding micro and small loans. As a consequence, 4,750 small and micro enterprises were serviced, and non-performing loans were reduced to $95 million.

“The strategic decision to focus the company’s resources on expanding micro and small loans ($2M-$7.5M) and reducing the microloan interest rate by 31% supported IPED’s growth for 2023 in its efforts to meet market demands for financing,” Samaroo said.

It was further reported that the company demonstrated financial resilience and operational efficiency, with total operating income increasing by 12 per cent to $952 million, and operating surplus surging by 35 per cent to $301 million.

“Strategically, IPED expanded its micro and small loans portfolio, low-

ered interest rates, and enhanced support services for entrepreneurs. The institution's international presence was strengthened through partnerships such as the Memorandum of Understanding with the Cuban Chamber of Commerce, aimed at providing capacity-building training to entrepreneurs,” IPED also explained.

Meanwhile, IPED committed itself to leveraging technology for improved service delivery, with plans to implement a state-of-the-art integrated loan management system. Additionally, IPED noted that initiatives such as the ‘Technical Skills-based Entrepreneurship Program’ reflect the company’s dedication to fostering sustainable business practices and empowering individuals with technical expertise.

IPED's commitment to

environmental sustainability was also highlighted, with initiatives like the Green Loan Product contributing to climate-resilient practices in Guyana. According to Chief Executive Officer Jagdesh Haripershad, the company is looking ahead at opportunities to be more inclusive and dynamic.

"I am proud of IPED's achievements in 2023, and grateful for the dedication of our team, partners, and stakeholders. As we embrace the opportunities of the digital era, we remain steadfast in our mission to create a more inclusive and dynamic landscape for entrepreneurship,” Haripershad has said.

IPED, as a financial institution, plays an important role when it comes to ensuring access to finance for entrepreneurs to both launch and/or grow their businesses. This is especially poi-

gnant, since officials such as President Dr Irfaan Ali have stressed the need for banks to be more proactive in their lending approaches.

The private sector has also been vocal about the need for access to finance to be addressed, at one point calling out continued bureaucracy at commercial banks as hindering access to financing.

Last year, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) had said this situation was putting local businesses at risk of becoming unable to compete in Guyana’s oil and gas sector, as well as losing out on Government projects.

According to the GCCI statement, local banks must be proactive and outline the hindrances – whether legislative, economic, social, or environmental – that are restricting better access to finance for the local private sector.

Ravi Dev

IPED Chairman Komal Samaroo

IPED CEO Jagdesh Haripershad

“Apart from being away from my children, I do not regret my time in prison” – convicted drug trafficker

Kristy Griffith, a 43-year-old businesswoman and mother of five, was sentenced to five years in prison for a $1.1 million drug bust in 2020. Before her conviction, Griffith was a cosmetologist for several years, and was also the owner of a salon.

The mother of five recalled that, during her trial, it was frustrating for her, because, as a very family-oriented person, it was hard on her to be away from her children. “When I was arrested, my baby was a year and four months, and that was taking a toll on me,” she disclosed.

She said that, while in-

carcerated, she began attending church, and that helped her to accept her fate; and she instructed

her family to sell the items in her salon to take care of her children. She even instructed them to stop pay- ing the lawyer’s fees during her trial, since she was ready to plead guilty and serve her time in prison. She was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment, and was posted to the New Amsterdam women’s facility to serve her sentence.

According to Griffith, her prison experience was not “bad”, since, due to her personality, not only did a lot of the inmates and prison officers enjoy her company, but they also respected her.

“It wasn’t that bad, because I am a very friendly person and I respect myself; so, in turn, I got respect. So, it wasn’t hard on me,” she explained.

Shortly after she began serving her time, Griffith was unanimously selected as the orderly for the dorm, and her responsibility entailed handling internal matters before they reached the officers. She also began doing hair and nails, and would send home the money earned to take care of her children. Moreover, she was instrumental in planning social events for the inmates, with permission from the administrators.

“I had a lot of responsibilities in prison…I started to host concerts, and who sang the best I would try to ask the officers for donations…I would also go to the officer-in-charge and seek donations, small stuff like eye pencils, nail polish, and these kinds of things,” Griffith explained.

The success of these shows encouraged her to host a pageant, and she would assist the inmates to secure clothing, and would even sign out money for them, since she was working in prison. Again, she solicited donations from inmates, who were always more than willing to contribute.

“It was something that never really happened in the prison, and I wanted to make a difference; but, more so, give the inmates a sense of pride and confidence among themselves,” she disclosed.

These events not only kept the inmates occupied, but entertained, while demonstrating that there is always a second chance at life, and their imprisonment is not the end of the road.

On another level, she noted that there were, and would always be, challenges. “Sometimes inmates would provoke you to a lot of things, but I did my best in there…While some of us were frustrated, we made the best of what was provided,” she disclosed. It was, however, heart-rending for some of the inmates, whose families neglected them after they were incarcerated.

“Some of them, their families didn’t have time for them…and I know for a fact that some of them were wrongfully accused, so I understand them and their outbursts at times… As an inmate and an orderly, I had to deal with all the emotions, but it was an experience I will never forget,” she disclosed.

One of the most memorable and biggest tasks she undertook in prison was when she was instructed to do the manicure and pedicure for all the inmates for Mother’s Day.

“I had to ask the officer, ‘How could I do that? Me and everybody in the prison don’t talk’, but the officer responded, “Yes”, I can do it arguing that me and everybody in the prison don’t talk but me and everybody in the prison don’t have a problem,” she explained. In pride, and without animosity, he gathered

all the ladies and taught them how to do pedicuressomething some mastered and eventually started doing nails for themselves.

Meanwhile, for her good behaviour, Griffith served a total of only three years and five months, instead of her five-year sentence. Not surprisingly, she was chosen to be a beneficiary of the Fresh Start initiative – a programme which is dedicated to reducing criminal recidivism and is aimed at expanding opportunities for occupational training with a focus on ensuring that inmates develop the job skills they need to enable them to find work after release.

She also received a sum of $200,000 to aid in the re-establishment of her salon. With additional assistance from her family and friends, she managed to acquire a new home, and moved in with her children. She continued her cosmetology business, and is now happily living life to the fullest. Prison officers also visit her to do their manicures, pedicures, nail set and hair.

Griffth noted, “Apart from being away from my children, I do not regret my time in prison.” She is encouraging the current inmates to make the best of the situation and take advantage of all of the rehabilitation programmes being offered by the Guyana Prison Service.

Back in September 2018, Griffith was charged with aiding another woman to traffic 1.638 kilograms of cocaine at Sunset Hotel in Kitty. Her co-accused was, on the other hand, charged with trafficking 1.638 kilogrammes (equivalent to 3.6 pounds) of cocaine at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri.

Former Permanent Secretary in the Home Affairs Ministry, Mae Toussaint Jr Thomas, and Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn are seen with Kristy Griffith and other officials

Kristy Griffith doing what she likes best

In the heart of the endearing Essequibo, amidst the enchanting melodies of this Cinderella County, resides a prodigious talent by name of Simeon Raywaram. Although just 18, this young man has captivated audiences with his soulful voice and magnetic presence, which have earned him recognition both nationally and regionally.

Music is a cherished legacy within his family, and is seamlessly intertwined with Simeon’s upbringing.

“Over the years, music has knitted itself to me, because of the love I have towards it,” he shared, as he reflected on the profound influence of his family’s musical band.

Raywaram’s journey into

the spotlight commenced at a tender age, when he began serenading congregations at church events and family gatherings. However, it was the Culture, Youth, and Sport Ministry which provided the pivotal platform for his talent to flourish. In 2022, during Essequibo’s Independence celebrations, Simeon seized the moment to deliver a mesmerizing performance that left an indelible mark on both audiences and dignitaries, including the President himself.

From that auspicious debut, his star ascended, gracing numerous stages across the nation, from heritage events to national ceremonies. His repertoire expanded to international audiences,

culminating in performances for the Guyana Defence Force and esteemed delegates at the Caricom Heads of Government meeting.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Simeon Raywaram meeting President Dr Irfaan Ali Raywaram performing at Republic Anniversary Flag Raising Ceremony in February at Parliament Buildings

Yet, amidst the glitz and glamour, Simeon remains grounded, acknowledging the unwavering support of his family, especially his single mother, whose resilience fuels his determination to succeed.

“Being recognized by the public not only boosted my confidence as an individual, but also allowed me to provide for my family,” he humbly acknowledges.

His journey continues in 2024 with renewed vigour. Despite facing stiff competition, he re-entered the Guyana Junior Calypso Competition and secured a commendable 3rd position, building on his prior success. Embracing new challenges, he ventured into the Junior Soca Monarch Competition and gave a performance that was a testament to his versatility and artistic evolution.

Behind the scenes,

Raywaram credits his manager, Jovanka Williams, and his supportive team for their instrumental role in his burgeoning career.

However, his message to aspiring talents resonates deeply.

“I would encourage anyone that has a talent and

wants to pursue it, whatever it may be, to go after it. Yes, there would be challenges, but what’s life without a challenge?”

Simeon Raywaram at his graduation

Simeon Raywaram performing on stage

Govt pumps $86M into improving access to potable water for 2 Region 9 villages

The prolonged dry spell across the country has severely depleted water supply in many regions, forcing authorities to seek alternative measures to ensure citizens have a sustainable supply of this important commodity.

Minister Susan Rodrigues, who is currently on a two-day outreach to the Deep South Rupununi in Region Nine, has commissioned the Karaudarnau Water Supply System, which will see more than 2,000 households -- including schools,

additional 120 households, many of whom gained access for the first time. The total investment for the new water system amounted to $61.60 million.

The minister and team also held a brief interactive session with residents of the community, as she engaged them on other sector matters that are affecting them. The residents were also told of other Government interventions that would continue to improve their quality of life.

In addition, the village Awarewaunau would benefit from a water well

the outskirts. However, this new well was drilled by D&R Construction for $15 million, and the distribution network was done by GWI’s in-house team at a cost of $10 million, thus the entire facility costs $25 million.

Minister Rodrigues, in her remarks to the residents, urged them to work together to ensure that they get the best use of the facility. Speaking about training opportunities under the CSO programme, which deals with the maintenance of wells, the minister called on residents to

government offices, and health centres -- getting access to potable water.

The villages that benefitted from the upgrades are Karaudarnau, Awarewaunau, and Rupunau.

The Karaudarnau Water Supply System underwent a significant upgrade in 2023. With two drilled wells, elevated storage facilities, and an expanded distribution network, the system’s coverage was boosted to reach 80% of the village. This overhaul included the installation of new distribution lines and elevated storage, enabling service connections for an

that was constructed to the tune of $25 million. The newly commissioned water supply system is expected to serve 95 per cent of that community. The facility will provide water to approximately 400 households, and will serve public buildings, including schools, government offices, and health facilities.

GWI Hinterland Services

Director Ramchand Jailal, during commissioning of this water facility on Friday, said that, in 2023, GWI expanded the system to cover 95 per cent of the community, with the remaining 10 per cent scattered across

take advantage of this. Mention was also made of other Government interventions in hinterland communities over the past four years, all geared at enhancing the lives of citizens. The minister explained that while interventions and investments are being made in villages, the ultimate aim is to improve the quality of life and promote sustainable living.

“We have been focusing heavily on strengthening village economies. As you know, the Hinterland Housing Programme is one in which all the materials for the construction of 100

homes are sourced from villages within this region,” she explained.

Residents of these villages were also allowed to raise issues affecting them.

The minister and visiting team also donated sports equipment to the village.

Minister Rodrigues and the team at the $61 million water system at Karaudarnau, Deep South Rupununi, Region Nine

Minister Rodrigues and a young resident of Awarewaunau

The $61 million water system at Karaudarnau

Semi-submersible vessel found at PK

GPF suspects possible involvement in drug trafficking, transshipment – Benn

More than one week after a semi-submersible vessel was found along a river at Port Kaituma in Region One (Barima-Waini), Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn has noted that that vessel might have been linked to drug trafficking and possible transshipment.

According to the minister, while the police are still making every effort to ascertain the purpose for which the vessel was manufactured, the

vessel remains in police custody as an exhibit for law enforcement and recognition by seafarers.

On this note, a source told Guyana Times that the vessel may not be categorized as a semi-submersible vessel, since, from all indications, it was propelled by outboard engines. But Minister Benn, when questioned, held out that it is a semi-sub, and he said it is being transported to Georgetown for further examination.

The source also stated that while sand and water were found in the vessel, there is no firm evidence that it had transported drugs. “It may have transported drugs, but the boat is clean as a whistle, leaving no room for investigators to assume anything…,” the source has said.

On Thursday last, the minister stated that the Government intends to keep the vessel for other reasons.

vessel found at Port Kaituma

GFS partners with UK company to modernise fire-fighting capabilities

Government has announced plans to retool, retrain, and better equip the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) in a bid to ensure its capabilities match Guyana’s current growth. This will be facilitated through various initiatives, including a continuing partnership between the Guyana Government and Angloco Limited – one of the United Kingdom’s oldest manufacturers of fire engines. Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn made this disclosure on Thursday during the opening ceremony of the 5th Annual Senior Fire Officers’ Conference.

According to Benn, the venture was initiated by President Dr Irfaan Ali for

eration that there is much more work to be done to significantly improve the operations of the GFS, and this is being undertaken. “We’re out of discussions with the UK and Angloco.

the provision of modern fire-fighting equipment such as airport rescue firefighting trucks, water tenders, ambulances, and breathing apparatus, among other things. These are being acquired taking into consid-

We are being retooled with several firetrucks and other assets to bring the Guyana Fire Service into a better position to respond to the issues of fire in a more expert and a more experienced way,” Benn disclosed in his

address. “We are looking forward to their continued collaboration with the other services, such as the Police Force, the Defence Force and the Guyana Prison Service, in addressing their challenges,” the minister added.

Minister Benn noted that there is a pressing need to strengthen the capabilities of the Fire Service; however, he acknowledged the work of the Fire Service, even during challenging circumstances.

“We’re building new fire stations. We’re building new Fire Headquarters. We’re talking about doing one now at Parika, a new fire station. We have a Wales Fire Station waiting to be fully occupied for the Wales oil and gas development there,” he said.

Meanwhile, Acting Chief Fire Officer Gregory Wickham pointed out that the Fire Service has embarked on a strategically crafted plan, one that would ensure the agency remains relevant to the ever-chang-

ing environment. On this point, he disclosed that numerous fire safety and prevention information campaigns have been conducted in communities and municipalities across Guyana, all geared towards better-equipping citizens with basic fire prevention measures and information.

Further, he added that, over the years, they have been building capacity not only within the service, but also with external agencies that have lent support over the years. However, he explained that upon assessing the needs of the nation with the pace of growth, more strategic planning and out-of-thebox thinking are necessary to ensure that the Fire Service

is up to par and communities are educated about fire safety and prevention.

“We are focused on ensuring that every citizen (knows) of the hazards and what necessary equipment or tools they can use to prevent those hazards from leading or becoming fires. And so we are going into each community, each station would have to commence from January engagements with communities,” Benn explained.

Budget

The sum of $90.6 billion was set aside in this year’s fiscal package for the security sector, the sum of $30.3 billion for the Guyana Police Force, and $6.5 billion for the Guyana Fire Service and

the Guyana Prison Service. Additionally, a total of $2 billion has been earmarked to advance and expand the use of integrated systems designed to enhance surveillance and deter potential criminal activities. These activities will work hand-inhand with efforts to ensure ranks within the disciplined services undergo local and regional training.

Moreover, in 2024, infrastructural investments include the completion of the Diamond Fire Station and the construction of additional fire stations at Charity, Parika, Soesdyke and Wisburg, as well as the extension and rehabilitation of fire stations in Linden, Rose Hall and Timehri.

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn

Chief Fire Officer (ag) Gregory Wickham

5 new chickenpox cases recorded at Lusignan Prison

– 12 active cases being monitored

In the past week, the Health Ministry recorded a total of five new chickenpox cases at the Lusignan Prison, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

This was confirmed by the Advisor to the Minister of Health, Dr Leslie Ramsammy during an interview with Guyana Times.

According to Dr Ramsammy, the individuals are being treated and monitored by relevant personnel and the situation is being effectively managed.

Before the new cases surfaced, the Ministry announced a significant decline in infected persons and announced that 28 persons were isolated and

treatment efforts spearheaded by the Ministry in collaboration with the Guyana Prison Service (GPS).

being monitored. Isolation numbers remain the same; however, the number of vaccinated persons grew to 538.

Currently, there are about 12 active cases due to the vaccination and

“Among the measures we have taken is to provide antivirals to treat the patients, and also calamine lotion to help relieve the itching,” he explained.

When the initial cases were diagnosed, pre -

cautions were swiftly implemented, including the segregation of affected prisoners, assessment of exposed staff members, and provision of vaccination where necessary.

Regarding visitor surveillance, Dr Ramsammy emphasised the importance of contact tracing, considering the potential for asymptomatic transmission.

“Medical and surveillance teams are diligently tracing contacts to pinpoint the origin of the infection to contain the spread within the Lusignan Prison. And proactive measures are being extended to other prison facilities, with medical teams conducting surveillance and screening exercises, and staff members being offered vaccinations as a preventive measure.”

The chickenpox outbreak at the Lusignan

Prison was confirmed in late March, whereby there were 25 active cases alongside 28 individuals in recovery. Initially, the outbreak had affected a total of 53 inmates.

Dr Ramsammy at the time stated that the possibility of the outbreak originating from a newly-admitted inmate who may have been exposed in their home environment.

Signs and symptoms

Chickenpox, also called varicella, is characterised by itchy red blisters that appear all over the body. It often affects children, and was so common it was considered a childhood rite of passage. However, it’s very rare to have a chickenpox infection more than once. Nevertheless, the virus is contagious to those around the infected individual for one to two days before blisters appear.

As a result, the virus can spread through saliva, coughing, sneezing, and contact with fluid from the blisters.

Exposure to the virus through previous active infection or vaccination reduces risk. Immunity from the virus can be passed on from a mother to her newborn. Immunity lasts about three months from birth.

GPF suspects possible...

“We intend to keep it in Guyana for other reasons,” Benn told reporters, adding that the vessel is currently being loaded onto a Transport and Harbours Departmentowned vessel to be brought to Georgetown.

“We’re recovering it to bring it for more detailed examination, while the police detectives are trying to find out who is related to its construction and presence,” he explained.

Two Saturdays ago, the Guyana Police Force intercepted the vessel in Paiana Creek in Port Kaituma, North West District (NWD).

Based on reports received, the police found the greycoloured vessel covered in troolie leaves. In addition, a makeshift camp was found nearby.

The vessel was subsequently searched, and approximately 15 sandbags were discovered, along with about six cases of water.

The vessel was escorted to the police base as investigations continued.

A few years ago, a selfpropelled semi-submersible (SPSS) vessel was found in a secluded area in Region One.

The blue self-propelled semi-submersible was

found by the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) and the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) Special Forces, Coast Guard and Air Corps.

That was the first time an SPSS was found in Guyana, and that one had been built to trans-ship tonnes of narcotics/contraband smuggled into the country possibly for onward movement through the northwest coast onto the Trans-Atlantic route.

The craft had already been fitted with a diesel engine and steering wheel, navigation and other machinery to deem it serviceable.

Advisor to the Minister of Health, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

No seawall vendor has been dislocated – Min Edghill assures

No vendor operating at the Georgetown Seawall has been dislocated, according to Public Works Minister Juan Edghill as he responded to a statement issued by the Institute for Action Against Discrimination (IFAAD).

During an interview with Guyana Times, the Minister explained that the Government’s priority is to ensure compliance with regulations while minimising disruption to the vendors' livelihoods.

The exercise also aims to beautify the landmark area and minimise the disposal of garbage along the bandstand.

As a result, only permanent structures surrounding vending caravans have been dismantled, and latrines removed in accordance with established guidelines. Additionally, all vendors have been aligned within the designated distance from the edge of the road as part of the ongoing exercise.

Edghill further stated that the majority of vendors complied promptly with the requirements, and as such, the Government has extended the timeline for those who require additional time to remove valuable items.

“When we started this exercise of getting the seawall properly arranged, it was a wild west. We have moved more than 10 truckloads of garbage, old fridges and things that weren’t being used and the people themselves helped us to pack the

trucks to get rid of the garbage,” Edghill explained. He added that the exercise was ongoing, and the Government remained committed to working closely with the vendors to facilitate a smooth transition while upholding regulatory standards.

Responses

In response to claims of racial marginalisation and discrimination of AfroGuyanese, the Public Works Minister urged the IFAAD to properly observe the matter before making public statements.

On this point, he clarified that Afro-Guyanese were not being targeted, and urged organisations to stop utilising current events to “push their racist agenda”.

“If organisations want people to take them seriously; at least, they must operate from the standpoint of truth and have some credibility. But for you to say that vendors have been removed – and tonight (Saturday eve-

ning), last night and tomorrow night everybody will be on the seawall and see the vendors operating in an orderly manner – is inaccurate.”

Vending

Persons who have received permission from the Sea and River Defence Board to vend along the Georgetown seawall area will be able to continue vending, but individuals who are unlawfully vending in the area will not be permitted to do so.

According to the Minister, any misinformation that was spread which claimed that the Government was removing vendors from the seawall was a clear sign of mischief-making.

Edghill stated that the Government planned to ensure that every person who has a licence to vend on the seawall knows the conditions under which they must vend.

“Your vending space should be no more than 100 square feet, and you should be 15 feet away from the edge of the road, and you

should always clean up after every vending,” he stated, adding that all of the spaces should be aesthetically pleasing in correlation to what the Government has been doing to beautify the country.

Edghill then took the time to highlight that as these conditions have been put in place within the vendors’ contracts, some vendors have disobeyed and gone to areas that were not designated for them and this

would not be tolerated by the Ministry.

“There will be no vending around the roundabout and the monument, and you would have seen that we have already cleared that area,” Edghill, who reaffirmed the contracts, stated.

Meanwhile, he urged that vendors should reread their contracts to stay up to date with the agreements they have signed. “All vendors need to do is to get in line

with what their permit has said. So, I make it very clear, vending will continue along the seawall, lawlessness will not be continued,” Edghill reaffirmed.

Edghill noted that the Government needed to be reasonable with its decisions as the seawall serves as a sea defence reserve and at any time anything drastic could happen and the Government would need access to the area.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill

Some fixed structures along the Kingston Seawall

Over 41,000 DUI cases made out against drivers from January to April

– 153 convictions secured from 449 charges

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) recently released statistics showing that a total of 41,358 cases of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) were made out against errant drivers between January 1 and April 22, 2024.

Of this number, 449 were brought before the courts, with the Police securing 153 convictions.

The remaining 248 cases are currently engaging the attention of the court. The Police also added that the fines and revenue de-

rived from the court process amounted to $11,188,000.

Further, a total of 585 warrants have been executed in connection with DUI cases, contributing to law enforcement’s proactive measures in ensuring accountability.

In parallel, initiatives focusing on traffic education and public awareness have been implemented to combat the prevalence of DUI incidents. Among these efforts, 366 lectures were delivered to schools, engaging 38,969 attendees, including 5964 driv-

ers.

These educational endeavours according to the Police Force aim to instil responsible behaviour among future drivers and cultivate a culture of safety on the roads.

Additionally, 66 lectures were conducted at bars and corporate entities, reaching 1777 individuals. This outreach strategy targets adults in social settings, where alcohol consumption often occurs. Just three days ago, the Police Force was educating the public about amendments

to the various laws relating to drunk driving and in this regard, particularly pleading with bar owners to abide by the new legislation which prohibits them from selling alcohol to drivers.

In 2022, amendments were made to the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act as well as the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Act to prevent drunk driving and carnage on the roadways.

Under the amended Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Act, licence holders are man-

dated to impose obligations on drivers at their establishments and are required to play a more active role in the prevention of drinking and driving.

Among other things, it specifically assigns responsibility to the licence holders to prohibit drunkenness on the licensed premises and to not sell, give or barter intoxicating liquor to a drunken person.

The licence holder is also required not to sell liquor to a person knowing they are

likely to leave the premises by driving, unless that person has identified a designated driver.

They are also required not to sell any person identified as a designated driver and to inform the nearest Police Station and request their immediate assistance in cases where a drunken person is attempting to drive.

Fines for breaches of these obligations by the licence holder amount to $100,000 for the first offence, and $200,000 for a second offence.

Healthcare services boosted in Reg 9 with 4 new ultrasound units

Ultrasound services will now be offered to residents of Annai, Karasabai, Aishalton, and Sand Creek in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), thus eliminating the need for residents to travel to Lethem to access such services.

During his visit to the region on Friday, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony formally handed over the units to Regional Chairman Brian Allicock at the Lethem Regional Hospital’s boardroom.

All four units were purchased from General Electric, a world-renowned American company which produces systems like these, for US$30,000 (approximately G$6.5 million)

During brief remarks, Minister Anthony emphasised that the new units will enhance diagnostic capabilities at the aforementioned facilities.

“Not just at Lethem, but in other outlying areas to have the capacity to be able to do ultrasounds. As you can see these are top-quality ultrasound machines,” the Minister stated, adding, “The imaging quality is quite remarkable, so this is going to be another tool that will help the doctors to make better diagnoses in the region.”

He also urged the Maternal and Child Health personnel to utilise these machines for expectant mothers, to detect whether they are at risk and to monitor their well-being.

Additionally, the Health Ministry will soon roll out sonography or ultrasound training in collaboration with Mohawk College, a Canadian institution.

A total of 16 persons have already been identified to be among the first batch of persons to receive the training, the first of its

kind to be conducted.

“By providing a different tier of training, having a technician like how we have X-ray technicians…if they cannot do the interpretation, then the interpretation can be done by a doctor and with these machines, we’ll also have the capability of sending some of the images to a central location like in Georgetown,” the Minister explained.

Meanwhile, Regional Chairman Allicock is extremely proud to have witnessed the revolution of

Woman

beaten after refusing “proposition” from attacker

Aman is now in Police custody after he allegedly assaulted a 51-year-old businesswoman on Thursday at the Issano Landing, Middle Mazaruni, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

health care in the Rupununi region.

Only recently, similar units were handed over to Regions Three, Four and Five to expand services offered at health facilities within these regions.

Since 2020, billions of dollars in investments have been plugged into the health sector, with a staggering $129.8 billion budgeted in 2024 for the continued transformation of the health sector into one that meets world-class standards.

It was reported that Holly Monderson was allegedly assaulted by a man outside a mining camp after she reportedly refused his proposition. As a result, the man became

annoyed and dealt her several blows to her body and face.

Following the incident, a report was made to the Police and the victim was escorted to the Issano Health Centre, where she was treated and referred to the Bartica Hospital for further medical attention.

Law enforcement officers have since arrested the suspect. He remains in custody pending charges.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony at the handing-over ceremony on Friday

ARIES

(March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

GEMINI

(MAY 21June 20)

CANCER

(June 21July 22)

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

CAPRICORN

Learn from experience, and research protocol before you jump into something new. Let your charm, speed and agility lead the way. Reconnecting with an old friend will be enlightening.

Do what makes you feel and look your best, and you’ll discover how to strut your stuff, make an impression and gain the confidence to expand your mind. Self-love and personal growth are on the rise.

It’s your right to call the shots and say no to anyone getting in your way. Be strong, do what’s in your best interest and do whatever it takes to look and feel your best. Romance is favored.

Don’t feel pressured into following the crowd. Do your own thing, be creative and choose peace of mind and happiness. Don’t give in to drama; know when to participate and when to observe.

You can voice your opinion without causing upset. Offering food for thought and encouragement will make you feel good while doing good. Put your energy where it counts.

Have more faith in your ability to do what’s right and to gain stability when faced with uncertainty. A steady approach, trusting yourself and moving forward without fear will pay off.

Pay attention to your needs and adjust your space to fit your circumstances. It’s up to you to formulate a plan that puts you in the driver’s seat. Do whatever helps you gain control of today.

Take advantage of what is available and make the most of your day by discovering your gifts and attributes. It’s time to expand, not retreat. Take the plunge and make things happen.

Anyone you let take advantage of you will continue until you say no. Participate in events that encourage selfhelp, awareness, personal growth and boost your confidence.

(Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Navigate situations that require skill, empathy and self-protection. Take time to observe, analyze and map out how to handle delicate situations; you will come out on top.

AQUARIUS

PISCES

(Feb. 20Mar. 20)

Think before you act, and don’t take what others do or say personally. Advocate to take care of your responsibilities. Make clarity a necessity to avoid misinterpretation. Romance is favored.

Be aware of someone’s enthusiasm to engage you in something. Get the lowdown before you sign up for something. Diligence and discipline will spare you from loss and regret.

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

Pickles

Samson and Jurel seal Royals' 8th win in 9 games

The target of 197 that Lucknow Super Giants set Rajasthan Royals may not have seemed like much at the end of the first innings. After all, over the last four days, targets of 262 and 211 had been chased comfortably, while totals of 257 and 225 were also nearly overrun.

But even so, RR were in a tricky situation at 78 for 3 after 8.4 overs, after ending the powerplay 60 for 1. Ten overs into the chase, with RR needing 116, ESPNcricinfo's forecaster gave LSG an 87.76 per cent chance of winning. But then Sanju Samson joined forces with an out-of-form Dhruv Jurel, both batters scoring half-centuries in a 121-run riposte to LSG's hundred partnership between KL Rahul and Deepak Hooda, and took Royals to victory with an over to spare.

The result was Royals' eighth win in nine games, taking them six points clear of Kolkata Knight

Riders in second place, and has all but assured them of a place in the play-offs with five games in hand.

Samson and Jurel keep calm Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal had added 60 off 34 balls. But with two deliveries of the pow-

SCOREBOARD

Lucknow Super Giants (20 ovs maximum)

Quinton de Kock

b Boult 8

KL Rahul (c)† c Boult

b Avesh Khan 76

Marcus Stoinis

b Sandeep Sharma 0

Deepak Hooda c Powell

b Ashwin 50

Nicholas Pooran c Boult

b Sandeep Sharma 11

Ayush Badoni not out 18

Krunal Pandya not out 15

Extras (lb 2, nb 1, w 15) 18

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 9.80) 196/5

Did not bat: Matt Henry, Ravi

Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan, Yash Thakur

Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Quinton de Kock, 0.3 ov), 2-11 (Marcus Stoinis, 1.6 ov), 3-126 (Deepak Hooda, 12.1 ov), 4-150 (Nicholas Pooran, 15.1 ov), 5-173 (KL Rahul, 17.2 ov) •

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Trent Boult 4-0-41-1

Sandeep Sharma 4-0-31-2

Avesh Khan 4-0-42-1

Ravichandran Ashwin 4-0-39-1

Yuzvendra Chahal 4-0-41-0

Rajasthan Royals (T: 197 runs from 20 ovs) Yashasvi Jaiswal c Ravi Bishnoi b Stoinis 24 Jos Buttler

b Yash Thakur 34 Sanju Samson (c)† not out 71

Riyan Parag c Badoni

b Mishra 14

Dhruv Jurel not out 52

Extras (b 1, lb 1, w 2) 4 TOTAL 19 Ov (RR: 10.47) 199/3

Did not bat: Rovman Powell, Shimron Hetmyer, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Sandeep Sharma

Fall of wickets: 1-60 (Jos Buttler, 5.5 ov), 2-60 (Yashasvi Jaiswal, 6.1 ov), 3-78 (Riyan Parag, 8.4 ov) •

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Matt Henry 3-0-32-0

Mohsin Khan 4-0-52-0

Yash Thakur 4-0-50-1

Marcus Stoinis 1-0-3-1

Krunal Pandya 4-0-24-0

Amit Mishra 2-0-20-1

Ravi Bishnoi 1-0-16-0

erplay remaining, Buttler was bowled by Yash Thakur – moving across his crease and missing a full toss that crashed into the base of leg stump. In the next over, Marcus Stoinis had Jaiswal caught at deep

their partnership, before ransacking the next two overs for 29 runs. Jurel launched Mishra for a six and chipped Thakur for four, while Samson also got three boundaries.

Chahal combined for figures of 8-0-80-1. The solitary wicket was Ashwin's – Deepak Hooda caught at wide long-on – and it was only his second wicket in eight games this season.

cover.

LSG had chosen a blacksoil pitch for this contest and brought on 41-year-old legspinner Amit Mishra for the first time this season as the Impact Player. He accounted for RR's Impact Player – Riyan Parag –having him caught at deep cover too soon after conceding a six. RR were in trouble then, but Samson and Jurel led them out of it.

While Samson began his innings with form on his side – he was among the top-scorers of the season –Jurel had managed only 10 runs in his previous three innings across six matches. They took their time, scoring only three runs off the first eight balls of

The 14th over, from leftarm quick Mohsin Khan, proved to be the turning point of the game. Jurel was dropped twice in that over by Thakur and hit three fours and a six, eventually finishing unbeaten on 52 off 34 balls. Samson's innings was less fraught with risk, and he ended the match with a six over fine leg to remain not out on 71 off only 33 deliveries.

Not quite a spinners' pitch

There were a few cracks on the pitch in Lucknow, with the ball expected to turn off them. The soil was black too, which has historically been more spin-friendly. When LSG batted, RR's spinners R Ashwin and Yuzvendra

LSG's spinners didn't have much success during the chase ei ther, even though there wasn't much dew, with Krunal Pandya, Ravi Bishnoi, and Mishra bowling a total of sev en overs for fig ures of 1 for 60.

in the first over. Quinton de Kock had begun the match with boundaries off the first two balls, but had his stumps shattered by the third. And in the second over, Sandeep Sharma swerved the ball through the gap between Stoinis' bat and pad as he attempted to drive and bowled him.

LSG were 11 for 2 when Hooda joined his Captain Rahul, and they went about the recovery at brisk pace, counterattacking by smashing four boundaries in the last two overs of the powerplay. Rahul then took Avesh Khan for 21 in the eighth over, whipping and swinging for six over midwicket and fine leg, and pulling a free-hit for four more. LSG were 94 for 2 at the halfway stage, with Rahul reaching 50 off 31 balls. He and Hooda continued the offensive, picking up 32 off the next two overs. Hooda got to his half-century from 30 deliveries before holing out to a carrom-ball from Ashwin to end his partnership with Rahul on 115 off 62 balls.

While Krunal bowled quicker and flatter to concede only 24 from his four overs, Mishra and Bishnoi proved expensive.

RR restrict LSG at start and finish

Trent Boult did what he almost always does – strike

With eight overs to go and plenty of wickets in hand, LSG were primed for a strong finish, but it did not happen for them. Even though they lost only two more wickets, they were those of Nicholas Pooran and Rahul – for 76 off 48 balls – and LSG were able to score only 25 runs in the last three overs of their innings.

(ESPNcricinfo)

Sanju Samson was scoring even when he lost the grip of his bat Sandeep Sharma gets lifted off the ground in celebration after dismissing Marcus Stoinis

Dhruv Jurel brought out the salute to celebrate his fifty KL Rahul makes superb contact with the pull shot

Apart from Jake Fraser-McGurk, Shai Hope and Tristan Stubbs also played crucial knocks for DC as they posted 257 for 4 after being sent in. In reply, MI lost three wickets in the powerplay – the big ones of Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav – but Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya kept their hopes alive.

Rasikh Salam, however, turned the game by dismissing Hardik and Nehal Wadhera in the same over. While Tilak and Tim David fought till the end, MI eventually fell short.

The win took DC to fifth place on the points table with 10 points from as many games. MI stay rooted to ninth with six points from nine matches.

Fraser-McGurk gives DC a blazing start

As he has done often in his fledgling career so far, Fraser-McGurk did not waste time getting his eye in and his bat swinging. With a slightly open stance to leftarm seamer Luke Wood, he smashed the first three balls of the innings for 4, 4 and 6.

take DC to 89 for no loss after five overs.

For a moment, it looked like Fraser-McGurk might break the record for the fastest T20 hundred – he already has the fastest List A hundred to his name – but he holed out to deep midwicket against Piyush Chawla for a 27-ball 84.

Hope, Stubbs keep DC on course for big total Walking in at 114 for 1 in 7.3 overs, Hope ensured there was no dip in the momentum. Over the last one year or so, he has worked on his six-hitting skills and has demonstrated the same in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) but was unable to

second over. But Khaleel made a good comeback and had Sharma caught at midoff in his next over. From the other end, Mukesh Kumar had Kishan miscuing one to make it 45 for 2.

Yadav started with a flurry of boundaries, including two scooped sixes. But in the last over of the powerplay, he failed to pick a slower ball from Khaleel and fell for 26 off 13 balls.

Rasikh has an impact, again MI had slowed down a bit after the powerplay, but Hardik put them back on track. He hit Axar Patel for a six off the last ball of the eighth over and then smacked three fours and a

overstepped, and FraserMcGurk drilled the free-hit past long-on for four. FraserMcGurk ended the over with another boundary, making it Bumrah's most expensive over (18 runs) of the season.

DC reached 50 in just 2.4 overs, the joint-fastest for a team in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In the next over, Fraser-McGurk got to his own fifty. Coming off just 15 balls, it was the jointfourth fastest in the tourna-

do so in T20s. On Saturday, though, he smashed five sixes in a 17-ball 41 to keep DC going in the middle overs.

After Hope fell, Stubbs took over and raced to 48 not out off 25 balls. In the 18th over, he used scoops, reverse-scoops and pulls to hit five fours and a six off Wood. Despite Bumrah dismissing Rishabh Pant in the 19th and conceding only six, DC had no trouble in cross-

After taking 19 from the first over, he greeted Jasprit Bumrah in the same manner. Bumrah started his over with a slower ball only to be launched over long-on for a six. To make things worse, Bumrah had

ment's history.

Hardik brought himself on for the fifth over, but there was no stopping Fraser-McGurk, who hammered the MI Captain for two fours and two sixes to

ing 250.

DC dominate the other powerplay too MI had a brisk start to their chase with Kishan hitting three successive fours off Khaleel Ahmed in the

six off Kuldeep Yadav in the ninth. Tilak, who was batting on a run-a-ball eight till then, also got into the act with a six and a four in Axar's next over.

MI were still playing catch-up when Rasikh, after coming in as Impact Player, pegged them further back with a two-wicket over. Hardik ended up skying a back-of-the-hand slower ball to backward point and Nehal Wadhera guided a length delivery straight to Pant. That

left MI needing 117 from seven overs with five wickets in hand.

Bumrah 4-0-35-1

Nuwan Thushara 4-0-56-0

Piyush Chawla 4-0-36-1

Hardik Pandya 2-0-41-0

Mohammad Nabi 2-0-20-1

Mumbai Indians (T: 258 runs from 20 ovs)

Ishan Kishan † c Patel b Mukesh Kumar 20

Rohit Sharma c Hope b Ahmed 8

and a four to start the 18th over, but was lbw off the next ball. Rasikh went for 16 in the penultimate over, but dismissed Mohammad Nabi, which meant it was Tilak or bust for MI with 25 required from the final over.

Tilak, David fight hard but in vain Tilak and David kept the cellent over by Rasikh, which went for only seven, made it 64 required from three.

David took on Mukesh and hit him for two sixes

Suryakumar Yadav c Williams

Ahmed 26

Tilak Varma run out (sub [Sumit Kumar]/†Pant) 63

Hardik Pandya (c) c Mukesh Kumar

Rasikh Salam

Wadhera c †Pant

Rasikh Salam

Tim David lbw

Mukesh Kumar

Nabi c Hope

Rasikh Salam

Chawla c Hope

Mukesh Kumar

Wood not out 9

(b 2, lb 2, nb 1, w 12) 17

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 12.35) 247/9

Did not bat: Jasprit Bumrah

Fall of wickets: 1-35 (Rohit Sharma, 3.1 ov), 2-45 (Ishan Kishan, 4.1 ov), 3-65 (Suryakumar Yadav, 5.6 ov), 4-136 (Hardik Pandya, 12.3 ov), 5-140 (Nehal Wadhera, 12.5 ov), 6-210 (Tim David, 17.4 ov),

7-223 (Mohammad Nabi, 18.3 ov), 8-234 (Tilak Varma, 19.1 ov),

9-247 (Piyush Chawla, 19.6 ov) •

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Lizaad Williams 3-0-34-0

Khaleel Ahmed 4-0-45-2

Mukesh Kumar 4-0-59-3

Kuldeep Yadav 3-0-47-0

Axar Patel 2-0-24-0

Rasikh Salam 4-0-34-3

Jake Fraser-McGurk led the way as Delhi Capitals got to 50 in 2.4 overs

Shai Hope was positive from the start

Hardik Pandya dealt in fours and sixes after walking out at a tricky time

Rasikh Salam finished with 3 for 34

Chase outdone by opposite number as Windies A suffer 4-wicket loss to Nepal

West Indies A’s tour of Nepal got off to an unfortunate start, after they suffered a four-wicket loss to their hosts in a high-scoring opening fixture of their five-match Twenty20 series at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, on Saturday.

Set a formidable 204 by West Indies A, Nepal’s thrilling victory, which was set up by a Captain’s knock from Rohit Paudel, etched their names in the history books, as they successfully got to their target at 206-6 with two balls to spare.

Paudel smashed a 54ball 112, including 10 fours and two sixes, to see his team to a 1-0 lead in the series, which West Indies Head Coach Daren Sammy said offered his team a chance to define roles and personnel more clearly for their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup squad.

However, the Caribbean side’s all-round effort was found wanting, as only Captain Roston Chase (74); Alick Athanaze (47) and

Keacy Carty (38) offered any resistance with the bat, while only Obed McCoy (2-34) and Matthew Forde (2-49) had some semblance of success with the ball.

Asked to take first strike, after losing the toss, West Indies A suffered an early blow, as they lost Johnson Charles (zero) off the last ball of the opening over, with 16 runs on the board. Andre Fletcher (13) struck two sixes off five balls, before he too departed via the run-out route, leaving West Indies A at 43-2 in the fourth over.

However, Athanaze went

about his business, striking three sixes and five fours in a 25-ball knock, as he put on 43 for the third wicket with Chase, prior to his demise. From there, Chase and Carty added another 60 runs in a fourth-wicket stand that defined the innings.

Carty’s 38 off 26 balls, included two fours and three sixes, while Chase, who anchored the innings with a captain’s knock, struck nine fours and two sixes in his 46-ball 74. Kadeem Alleyne, on 14, and Keemo Paul, one, were left not out.

No Nepal bowler took

Russell defends CPL's contribution to regional cricket …but

Wopen to suggestions on improvements

ith its long-term agreement with Cricket West Indies (CWI) heavily scrutinised by Government leaders and cricket stalwarts, chief executive Pete Russell of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) defended the product’s positive contribution to cricket in the Region.

Addressing the gathering on Friday’s final day of the Caricom conference on West Indies cricket themed

“Reinvigorating West Indies Cricket”, Russell said the CPL was one of CWI’s largest domestic commercial partners.

While noting that CPL contributed significantly to players’ economic welfare, with nearly US$28 million spent on salaries since the start of the tournament in 2013, Russell also revealed that cumulative losses, across both the league and franchises for the past 11 years, stand at US$40 million.

“Dennis O’Brien and Digicel have been the principal investors, not only investing in the league from day one but they also spent money on sponsorship and media rights. The franchises have also pumped in significant money, money that helps pay players and coaches, as well as investing in local businesses around the Region that help make the games happen. All the franchises have made losses.

“So, on the positive side, Cricket West Indies has been paid close to US$17 million in sanction fees, so over the past 12 years, CPL would be one of CWI’s largest domestic commercial partners. Caribbean players have taken home US$27.7 million in play-

er salaries since the tournament’s inception, all paid for by the franchises,” Russell declared during the event held in Trinidad and Tobago.

“Each year, it takes US$25 million to run this tournament over five weeks. CPL and the franchises bear all these costs. There is no financial burden on CWI or the territorial boards, so the risk is 100 per cent ours.

“So, that is our starting point each and every year. So, as you can imagine, the commercial challenges are considerable just to break even,” he added.

Russell’s response came as Government leaders and West Indies legend Sir Clive Lloyd, suggested that the 50-year contract between CPL and CWI be re-negotiated.

The issue of the league’s ownership was also called into question, as the view was largely expressed that there would potentially be more development and earnings for players if CWI controlled the tournament.

But, Russell, a member of

more than one wicket.

With runs on the board, West Indies A would have felt confident of wrapping up a win, even more so, after Forde and McCoy combined to remove openers Anil Sah (five) and Kushal Bhurtel (16) to have Nepal at 38-2 in the fifth over.

West Indies remained in the ascendancy when Fletcher and Charles combined to run out Kushal Malla (16), leaving their hosts on the ropes at 82-3 at the halfway mark.

However, Paudel showed class, in not only reviving his team’s innings, but pushed them all the way with some aggressive stroke play, assisted by wayward bowling from West Indies A attack at times. Dipendra Singh Airee (24) offered support to his Captain in getting Nepal across the line for a famous victory. (Sportsmax)

SCOREBOARD

West Indies A (20 ovs maximum)

Alick Athanaze c Rajbanshi

b Paudel

KS Airee

Charles

Fletcher † run out

Chase (c) c Kushal Malla

DS Airee

Carty

DS Airee

Alleyne not out 14

Keemo Paul not out 1

Extras (b 6, lb 1, nb 1, w 9) 17

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 10.20) 204/5

Did not bat: Obed McCoy, Matthew Forde, Gudakesh Motie, Oshane Thomas

Fall of wickets: 1-16 (Johnson Charles, 0.6 ov), 2-43 (Andre Fletcher, 3.3 ov), 3-86 (Alick Athanaze, 6.5 ov), 4-146 (Keacy Carty, 14.2 ov), 5-203

(Roston Chase, 19.4 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Kamal Airee 3-0-53-1 Lalit Rajbanshi 4-0-34-0 Dipendra Singh Airee 3-0-30-1

Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Berbice Zone…

Trafalgar, East Bank Gunners, Big Ballers earn semifinal berths

Trafalgar, East Bank Gunners, Big Ballers, and East Bank Young Guns secured semifinal berths when the Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Berbice Zone commenced on Friday night at the New Amsterdam (NA) basketball court.

the CPL management team, made a rebuttal.

“What is interesting is that other leagues around the world are following the lead of CWI. They are also looking for third-party investors to help fund their leagues. The English Cricket Board are in the process of selling The Hundred, the Australian Cricket Board are courting outside investors for the Big Bash, Cricket South Africa sold all their rights to host broadcaster Supersport, and the new American Major League Cricket is 100 per cent privately-owned,” Russell shared.

“In time, only the IPL will end up being 100 per cent owned by its domestic board and that is simply because they can afford to do so. So, trust me when I say, ownership isn’t everything, and smart stewardship and partnership can yield better results. But, of course, we’re always happy to listen to any suggestions on how we can improve things,” he ended.

(Sportsmax)

Witnessed by a large gathering, former twotime champions Trafalgar crushed Hopetown 4-0. N Bobb bagged a brace, while Teon Mackenzie tallied a double.

date, the Georgetown championship has been concluded.

On the other hand, Big Ballers also bested Paradise 4-2. Evon Smith and Demario Gabriel recorded respective doubles. On target for the losers with a brace was Deon Moriah.

Meanwhile, East Bank Gunners squeaked past Ballers United 1-0 on penalty kicks after full time ended scoreless.

Also, the East Bank Young Guns defeated the Street Warriors 2-0. Sherwin Charles and Jaden Thom recorded one goal each.

The winners of the tournament will earn an automatic berth to the national championship in August. In excess of one million dollars in prizes will be awarded to the top four finishers. To

Complete Results

Quarter-finals

Game 1 East Bank Gunners 0 v Ballers United 0 East Bank won 1-0 on penalty kicks

Game 2 Trafalgar 4 v Hopetown 0 N Bobb – 2 Teon Mckenzie – 2

Game 3

East Bank Young Guns 2 v Street Warriors 0 Sherwin Charles – 1 Jaden Thom – 1 Game 4

Ballers

Rohit Paudel slammed a century against West Indies A

East Bank Gunners

The Trafalgar outfit

CPL CEO Pete Russell

CPL's contribution to regional cricket

…but open

to suggestions on improvements

Milo U18 Champions to be decided today

Aclash of epic proportions is expected at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground this afternoon, as Chase’s Academic Foundation and Waramuri Primary Top battle for a chance to lift the championship trophy in the 10th edition of the Milo Schools’ Under-18 Football tournament.

Both teams booked their spots in today’s final in contrasting fashion on Thursday last, at the same Carifesta Avenue venue.

Chase’s Academy eased past President’s College 4-0, while Waramuri came from behind to topple Dolphin Secondary on penalties, 4-3.

However, today’s final contest will not be as easy for both sides.

In the semi-final, Waramuri proved to be a force to reckon with in the second half, as their entire team held their composure and maintained fitness levels for the complete 90 minutes. In addition, wingers Zundel Abrams and Denzil Abrams have been lightning fast in their positions and add to the prolific scoring prowess that midfielder and captain, Odell Holmes brings to the team.

On the other hand, Chase’s Academy boast a number of national Under-20 tal

Sam, Bryan Wharton, Tyrel Walcott, and Duquain Samuels who have worked together to keep the side unbeaten. Given that this team have kept a clean sheet all tournament, the opposition will find their biggest challenge in breaking down their defence.

tomorrow [today].”

Wharton further stated, “The preparation towards this tournament for my team, I think it’s been pretty good. Everybody coming out on the training pitch and doing exactly what the coach asked for. So, yeah, I think it’s going to be a really good game tomorrow [today].”

Meanwhile, Waramuri’s Odell Holmes said, “Well, so far, I think the tournament is great. I’d like to say congrats to Chase and my team. I saw Chase and they have been playing good football, so, I’m hoping for a really good match in tomorrow’s [today’s] final.”

Tonight’s final is set to kick off at 19:00h. However, prior to that showdown Dolphin Secondary and President’s College will vie for the third position, beginning at 17:00h.

The Milo Champions will cart off $300,000 while second place settle for $200,000. Third place will receive $150,000, while the fourth-place finisher pocket $75,000. All the prizes will go towards a school project of the school’s choice.

Speaking at a pre- match press conference on Saturday afternoon, Petra Organisation Co-Director Troy Mendonca spoke highly of the two teams in today’s final, as he envisioned an exciting clash.

Mendonca related, “Come tomorrow [today], we anticipate a very good game for our finals. Looking at all the teams that participate this year, I think everyone would’ve upped their level in terms of preparation and organisation and while I don’t want to sound as a favourite, the efforts that the management for Waramuri make to be here, it must be compliments, and also the investment that

Mr Chase normally do in his academy must be complimented also.

“Tomorrow [today], we expect nothing else but a lot of energy, a lot of skills gonna be on display, a lot of tactical know- how. I just want to wish both teams the best and may the best team win,” the Petra Co- Director went on to add.

As the captains of the two finalists faced off, both expressed an intention to put on a show.

Chase’s Academy’s Bryan Wharton shared, “So far, I think it’s a very exciting tournament, challenging also. Congrats to all the teams that participate in the tournament and I think it’s a good showdown in the finals

Captains Bryan Wharton and Odell Holmes are joined by their coaches, Leroy Brathwaite (right) and Dillon Frederick (left) for a photo opportunity ahead of today’s final

Waramuri Primary Top’s Captain Holmes (left) faces off with Chase’s Academy Captain Wharton ahead of today’s Milo U18 final Petra Co-Director Troy Mendonca