Guyana Times - Sunday, January 8, 2023

FERRY SCHEDULE

Guyana’s economy has enough jobs for everyone – President

While there are persons claiming that they are unemployed, President Dr Irfaan Ali is maintaining that not only is Guyana on a trajectory of constant growth that would provide even more higher-paying jobs, but the current economic growth has already opened up enough job opportunities for the number of people unemployed.

The President made this assertion during a recent engagement with the Private Sector at State House. He noted that even as Guyana continued to grow, the country needed a transitionary labour force – and it was very much in need of workers.

“We’ll meet a point where, because of the growth here and the investment we are making, because of the GOAL (Guyana Online Academy of Learning) schol-

you will see at least one or two persons say I’ve just come back from Barbados or St Lucia.

“Because now, the skilled and semi-skilled people are finding it attractive to work at this, because they’re back home, they can own their own home, they have great-

Ministry, paving the way for Guyanese seeking employment to browse potential vacancies available in the country.

Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton had revealed during the launch that with this platform now available, authorities intend to pursue

it must be done within operating procedures.

Hamilton said the Board of Industrial Training, which was training 1300 to 1500 individuals per year, saw this number increase to 2000 just a few months after Government took office. In 2021, the number further increased by 50 per cent with 3068 persons trained. The target for 2022 is over 4000 trainees across the country.

Labour Ministry Permanent Secretary Bishram Kuppen had meanwhile added that the design of the job bank took into consideration the needs of employers and job seekers and was structured to allow synergistic interaction between them without the intervention of any third party.

arship in four years you’ll have 25,000 people now coming out with a degree that expect a higher form of job and a higher salary… that takes us to another part of the equation. Where will the transition labour for the other sectors come from?

“You hear people say they can’t get jobs. I have made it very clear. Anyone right now who don’t want a job is lazy, because there is enough capacity in the system to take off anybody who want a job. And wanting a job is different from having a job you think you don’t want,” the President said.

Ali pointed to examples of the growth in pay alongside the economic growth, such as the increases in pay for construction workers. According to the President, a semi-skilled construction worker has gone from earning an average of US$20 in 2020 to US$30 to now an average of US$40 a day.

“That is a function of demand and supply. A function of the growth of the construction sector. What has happened now is that if you go to every construction site,

er connection and everything,” he added.

It was only last year that a National Job Bank was launched by the Labour

actions to regularise employment agencies. While these agencies will be able to access the information, the Minister contended that

The National Job Bank was initiated as part of a mechanism to address employment and placement of Guyanese. The Minister shared that while the Ministry was training thousands of persons, it must also look at employment mechanisms for these persons to access employment.

(G3)

…“anyone right now who don’t want a job is lazy” – Ali to persons claiming to be unemployed

President Dr Irfaan Ali during the engagement with the Private Sector and civil society at State House

A section of the civil society members and Private Sector representatives during the engagement

Views

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Ethnic incitement

There is no question that, in democracies, political parties were institutionalised to represent the various “factions” that inevitably will have different positions on any given issue. But in the few hundred years of the modern era in democracy’s emergence from the ideas of the 5th century BC Greek City states, rules and conventions evolved to deal with the contingencies encountered. One of them is that while political parties are by definition “partisan”, their actions must be guided by the “greater good” of the country – and not only their specific constituencies.

Unless such a course is followed, while a party may win elections and govern their country, ultimately, this would be tantamount to winning a battle but losing the war. And this would be a hollow “victory” indeed. Like Burnham’s practice of egomaniacal rule between 1964-1985 demonstrated, they would be ruling over Eliot’s “wasteland” of economic, political, social, psychological and emotional collapse. We can do worse than begin with the method mutually agreed on to secure control over the state as adumbrated in our Constitution. This was created by Burnham in 1980 and amended at the insistence of the PNC in 2000. The PNC cannot complain that they were not involved in crafting the “rules of the political game”.

But it is they who insisted on breaking one of the most fundamental of those rules – the method of electing governments – from the very beginning. Elections and a referendum were rigged in 1968, 1973, 1978, 1980 and 1985. The ultimate results were predictable: Guyana was plunged from its position as one of the more advanced countries in the Caribbean to clinging by its fingernails just above the international basket case of Haiti. It was not coincidental that a dictator also ruled that unfortunate pioneering country of liberty.

Ousted from office after free and fair elections in 1992, the PNC raised the “race card” by claiming the PPP Government was practising “discrimination” in all areas of national life. And this, even though UN-conducted surveys demonstrated that poverty was reduced from the Burnham days and both African and Indian Guyanese benefitted equally. They precipitated ethnic violence after they lost the 1997 elections, claiming “rigging” by the PPP. They continued to do so even though a Caricom “forensic audit” proved them wrong. They then plunged Guyana into an orgy of violence in which the country became a killing field and hundreds were murdered.

After that frontal armed attack on the state was overcome, the country continued developing under the PPP, as Guyana was reclassified from being a Highly Indebted Poor Country (HIPC) to a Medium Income Level Country. Changing demographics and a long incumbency caused the PNC, under the fig leaf of an APNU/AFC coalition, to win the 2015 elections, but once again their disastrous economic and social programme caused then to lose the 2020 elections. But not before they created a dubious world record for having the longest (five months) transition for the new PPP Government after their blatant attempt to rig the elections failed ignominiously.

Now out of office for two and a half years, they have resorted to Desmond Hoyte’s provocations about “racial discrimination” against African Guyanese. Rather outrageously, they have dubbed the Government’s development program as creating an “emerging apartheid state”, and have been instigating actions that destroyed the paradigmatic apartheid state in South Africa. One foray last year on the East Coast of Demerara resulted in racial attacks against Indian Guyanese vendors at Mon Repos, for which no one was prosecuted.

Now it would appear they have created a “cause celebre” at Mocha that would escalate racial hostilities. After the Government had made concerted efforts to develop that community, much to the PNC’s chagrin, the PNC persuaded seven of 38 squatters in the line of a new highway intended to relieve traffic congestion. In addition to explaining this public purpose, the Government offered above market rate compensation, assistance for building new houses, and land for cattle.

Now a total of six holdouts will be displayed to “prove” the Government’s “racism”. This is pure political opportunism.

Less talk, more action for 2023

By LLoyd B Smith

Former United States Ambassador to Jamaica Gary Cooper, who had a way of shooting from the hip and telling it like it is, made the observation that in this country we tended to focus more on announcements rather than getting the job done and ultimately spotlighting outcomes, which, in the final analysis, would ensure accountability. Unfortunately, notwithstanding this bold pronouncement, Jamaica has continued to be taken up with announcements and pronouncements.

Incidentally, many citizens, including some of our politicians, whose corns he might have stepped on, dismissed his observation, even suggesting that he was interfering in local issues which are not part of his ambassadorial duties. However, as my dear departed mother would have said, “True word, Mr Ambassador!”

Let’s face it, talk is cheap, and given the high level of Anancyism in this country, where many of our political representatives and leaders have always sought to “sweet mouth” the electorate, Jamaica has been paying a heavy price for this sleightof-hand approach to governance. And it is not only our parliamentarians and local government representatives who have been found guilty of this despicable form of sophistry. Many public servants are also victims of shooting themselves in the foot as well as setting up themselves for ridicule and contempt because they have “run up their mouths”.

In this vein, as well intentioned as he is, Police Commissioner Major General Antony Anderson must be careful he does not end up being a victim of the “cock mouth kill cock” syndrome. Recently, in an ad-

dress to his colleagues, he was quoted as saying he and his teams were anticipating “fantastic results” for 2023.

On the lawn of the Office of the Commissioner of Police he declared that “it is going to be a good year” for policing in Jamaica.

While we commend him for his optimistic approach, which is more than needed against the backdrop of hundreds of Jamaicans being murdered under his watch, he must be reminded, as my grandmother would say, “Mouth mek fi say anything.”

Of course, the goodly top cop must also bear in mind that, in the public’s eyes, he has not been doing a good job. Public opinion polls have repeatedly revealed that a large percentage of Jamaicans have rated his tenure as an abject failure. In this vein, his latest “lick and promise” pronouncement will be taken with a grain of salt.

Against this backdrop, it is this writer’s hope that his words will come to pass by year end. If not, he should walk, so he had better walk the talk. Every concerned and well-thinking Jamaican wishes the police commissioner well and is hoping and praying that he and his team will help take Jamaica out of the morass of crime in which it has found itself. Needless to say, he needs all hands on deck, including the general citizenry who must see themselves as a part of the solution and not a part of the problem.

In the meantime, Prime Minister Andrew Holness should also seek to be more economical in his utterances. Indeed, there are those who believe that he talks too much at times, saying things that perhaps ought not to be said.

One of the worrying trends that continue to plague officialdom with respect to crime fighting is the perception that too much

of the Government’s plans, policies, and strategies as well as those of the police high command are being revealed, which may well enable the criminals to be more proactive rather than reactive. It has been said that to be forewarned is to be forearmed. These innumerable press conferences need to be revisited as, quite frankly, Mr Prime Minister, they are overkill, which means that after a while many citizens tune out rather tune in. Reminds one of those motorists who flash their lights at incoming vehicles to alert speeding drivers of a police speed trap ahead.

When all is said and done, 2023 must be a year of action. In this context the highly anticipated Vale Royal Talks should not just be another photo opportunity and grand public relations. This is a golden chance for both Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Opposition Leader Mark Golding to bury the proverbial hatchet and emerge from that summit with a national consensus rather than a press release replete with announcements/pronouncements, which, in the final analysis, signify nothing.

That great coming together should also be used to visit the pressing issue of constitutional reform, inclusive of the nation moving full speed ahead to becoming a democratic republic. By the way, isn’t it time we get rid of that somewhat archaic moniker “Opposition leader” and replace it with “minority leader”? This would help lessen the perennial tendency of the party not in power to always oppose, oppose, oppose.

Unfortunately, Jamaica, in true African tradition, tends to be an oral society, so we love to do a great deal of talking and we love when our leaders “talk sweet”, even if “dem a fool wi up”. Then there are the numerous talk shows, talk shops, bar talk,

verandah talk, and we could go on. Very few of us read enough or listen, preferring to be talking heads. As a result, hearsay and “suss” are the order of the day, helping to create a society which is akin to the Tower of Babel, made even worse by social media platforms.

It is time to hold our leaders’ feet to the fire. And the advent of 2023 is an opportune time to take the bull by the horns. Action, not a bag o’ mouth!

Farewell, Ambassador Bernal

The late Ambassador Dr Richard L Bernal, at the time of his untimely death, was professor of practice at Sir Arthur Lewis Institute of Social and Economic Studies, The University of the West Indies; senior associate, Americas Program, Center for Strategic and International Studies; member, Leaders Council, United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network; and principal research fellow, P J Patterson Institute for Africa-Caribbean Advocacy. These are but few of the many outstanding roles he played in Jamaica’s and the wider Caribbean’s development. What a man!

We last communicated in October of last year as he wanted me to use my column to highlight a particular issue dear to his heart. To his credit, he was highly respected and sought after by both PNP and JLP administrations because he was never a political animal. He will be greatly missed and I use this medium to extend sincere condolence to his wife, family, and colleagues. May his soul find everlasting peace.

(Jamaica Observer)

(Lloyd B Smith has been involved full-time in Jamaican media for the past 46 years. He has also served as a Member of Parliament and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.)

The Guyana Defence Force Band on Friday at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri, after mounting a Guard of Honour for Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, prior to his departure from Guyana after the conclusion of a four-day State visit (GDF photo)

Dear Editor,

Utter Ignorance: ‘Two Guyanas’ myth busted Garden City and garbage

The Garden City has been my home for most of my life. I recall the drives to school with my children, sharing the latest school gossips and simply chitchatting about my business ventures. But I vividly remember the heaps of trash tainting the once beautiful Garden City into one of obnoxity.

I remember the way bus drivers, pedestrians, ‘druggies’ would litter without a care. I recall the mountains of waste on almost every street you turn, and the waste trailing into trenches and gutters. Strikingly, I recall little to nothing being done about it.

Garbage is everywhere, and suddenly we have decided that it is damaging. Until recently, waste enjoyed anonymity in ubiquity; we were so surrounded by it that we hardly noticed it. No one seemed to care enough to do anything about it. The general approach is to sit back and let it be someone else’s problem. This simpleminded attitude of witnessing an ill and doing nothing, part-taking, or just not having the slightest care in the world has been embedded in the minds of numerous people for years. “It is only one straw,” said 8 billion people.

Conferences have been held, protests have been happening, meetings with world leaders and business owners have been taking place, but is there any progress? At the COP26, I was blown away by the loads of ideas and projects that can decrease carbon emissions and aid in the global climate fight, but were any ideas actually implemented? We promise, but do we fulfil? We applaud those that recy-

cle and share people’s DIY projects, but how are we actually doing our part in preserving the Earth?

The burden of litter cleanups falls to local government organs or community groups. For years, numerous cleanup campaigns have been created, executed, and then failed. Why? Because of us. Unreservedly, I can say that the efforts of the Government and the numerous resources used do not matter. People simply do not care!

Littering is a disgusting side-effect of our convenience-oriented disposable culture. To underline the extent of the problem - and it does not stop there - once trash gets free, wind and weather move it from streets to waterways, and eventually rivers and oceans. One study found that 18% of litter ends up in rivers, streams, and oceans, resulting in trash islands like the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Species are going extinct because of climate change. This is happening. It is not a theory or a hoax, it is not ‘it will happen,’ it has been happening, and will only get worse.

There is a worldwide revolt against plastic. In 2016, a Greenpeace petition for a UK-wide plastic ban hit 365,000 signatures in just four months, becoming the largest environmental petition ever presented to a government. The United Nations declared a “war” on single-use plastic.

It is time for Guyana to join this revolution and contribute to the fight against climate change.

Doing your part to keep litter to a minimum is easy, but it involves vigilance. For starters, do not let trash es-

cape your car, and make sure household garbage bins are sealed tightly. Also, if that stretch of area you drive by every day is a haven for litter, offer to clean it and keep it clean.

Seeing how blessed our beautiful land truly is, it is time we take interest and care for our environment.

We have to reduce, reuse, recycle, refill, repair, re-gift and repeat. It is time to implement more strict laws and consequences of littering and getting rid of waste.

We, as a community, should unite and create more cleanup campaigns. But most importantly, it is crucial to note that it does not matter how much we clean, because the waste would still be dumped at a landfill. The only way to thwart this is to reduce the non-biodegradable garbage on landfills (items such as plastic, cardboard, glass, metals). Perhaps Guyana, as a developing nation emerging and growing in the Oil & Gas Sector, should seek to implement different strategies of breaking down and getting rid of waste in non-harmful ways.

Many people do not feel the urgency, or would hesitate at the initial cost of transitioning our energy infrastructure, without considering the cost of inaction. Many fail to grasp how dependent humanity really is on intact ecosystems. When racism, politics and bigotry are mixed, it becomes near impossible. But the earth does not belong to us, we belong to the earth.

Respectfully, Nazar Mohamed Businessman

Dear Editor, Joshua Faria’s Jan 06, 2023 letter, “Two Guyanas: Enmore Martyrs vs Linden Martyrs”, reflects mass ignorance. The letter is as silly as can be, and I quickly want to ‘clear the air’ on the issues that this ‘Faria’ fellow ignorantly touched on.

First, he mentions that “in 2012, under the PPP Government (People’s Progressive Party), the Guyana Police shot and killed three persons in a protest in Linden against an unconscionable 50% hike in electricity rates.”

Fact: The Lensley Wolfe Commission of Inquiry into the Linden Shooting clearly ruled that even though the “Cops were responsible for the Linden deaths (those of Ron Somerset, Shemroy Bouyea and Allan Lewis), there was ‘no clear intention to kill.’ In fact, the esteemed body explained that “…in the circumstances, the discharge of ammunition was justified, as the Police were confronted by a hostile crowd and had no clear intention to kill or injure anyone… (as the) apparent intention was to scare the protestors into removing from the Bridge.”

The Report also found that “…the organisers must accept some responsibility for what transpired, since blocking of the Bridge was unlawful and unconstitutional.” As such, the Commissioners hoped that the “Organisers of, and participants in, the demonstrations will agree that obedience to the law in carrying out justifiable demonstra-

tions can enhance their cause amongst well-thinking members of the society, whilst behaviour that is chaotic can cause mayhem, death, injury and alienate empathisers.”

In fact, I do challenge Faria to revisit how the then Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee, was unfairly castigated for being the ‘Architect of Execution’ in the killings, only to be vindicated by the inquiry, which was independent and elaborate.

Fact again: This talk of the supposed “…unconscionable 50% hike in electricity rates” that was PPP-engendered needs elucidation. I remind Faria that going all the way back to 1976, the late Forbes Burnham recognised that the provision of electricity in Linden should be examined with the intention to integrate all of Linden into the national grid, simply because the full subsidy that Lindeners were unfairly enjoying over the years had become unsustainable (and still is).

So, the gist of the issue at that time was that the Donald Ramotar Administration, in congruence with a Burnham initiative, hovered around the rightful, fair and ethical proposal “…to find the best approach to bring Linden, over a specified time, to the same rates as the rest of the country.”

Let me jam this in: Why must the rest of the coun-

try shoulder Linden’s power bill? Thus, even when it was the right thing to do, the Ramotar Government never tried to remove the entire subsidy at one go; they were simply seeking to put a system in place to gradually incorporate Linden with the rest of the country with respect to electricity rates.

Also, the proposal was to have the new rates for Lindeners to average about half of what others were paying in Bartica, Berbice and Essequibo.

Digest this please: Up to the point of 2011, the $2.6B of electricity subsidy to Linden translated to around $17,000 per month per household. This means that about 4,000 to 5,000 domestic consumers in Linden receive a subsidy of $204,000 per year each. Who else was and is getting this?

Let me wrap up and hope that the Farias will summon up some candour when commenting on issues. You see, to protest, like the Enmore Martyrs and company, for national goodwill for sugar workers, irrespective of clime and colour, is quite different from creating havoc for unfair privileges at tight expense of others. I mean, this was the reality then, and it still obtains, as the average consumption of power in Linden at the domestic level is two to three times more than what it is in other parts of the grid.

Yours truly, H Singh

Allow me to once again wish you and your pet-owning, animal-loving families all the very best for 2023 and beyond.

Each year, at this time, I make every attempt to urge you, dear readers, to consider adopting a dog or cat. Such an addition to your family is guaranteed to bring joy and more togetherness, and immeasurable benefits to every person in the household, for different reasons.

I dare say that you would have sincerely made your New Year’s Resolutions (some of which you know you would have already broken ??). If one of them was to add a new four-legged member to your family, I urge that you please pursue. You will not regret honouring this resolution. So, today, permit me to share with you some thoughts on the human-animal relationships, which ought to cement your decision to adopt a pet from one of the many shelters in Guyana (e.g., Guyana Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals, PAWS for A CAUSE, Rosewood Foundation Guyana, Tails of Hope) as part of your New Year’s resolutions.

I have often argued that

the education a child can receive from observing the pregnancy, birth process, and maternal care of the offspring is an emotive experience that money cannot buy and textbooks cannot give. However, it goes further than that. Experts today call the special friendship between pets and people the human-animal bond, and recognise that, in addition to being fun and fulfilling, owning a dog may benefit a person’s health.

When an affectionate greeting from your dog at the end of a stressful and especially difficult day seems to lift your spirits and ease tensions, it is not just your

imagination. Your pet is in fact good for you, both mentally and physically.

Scientists have shown in several studies that, in the presence of pets, people simply behave in a more relaxed and open manner. They are happier, smile more readily, communicate better, and may be more likely to get regular exercise – all of which lead to improved general health.

I am well aware that the enduring and painful period of the COVID-19 pandemic has had worrisome consequences on mental health – anxiety, depression, social awkwardness. Having a dependent, loving and loy-

al companion may offer you the pathway to a return to normal life.

In one very interesting study of heart attack patients at the University of Maryland, it was revealed that those who owned pets were more likely to be living one year after the heart attack than those who did not. Researchers also found that the simple act of petting a cat or dog consistently lowered a heart patient’s blood pressure. (Ref: The American Journal of Cardiology, Volume 76, Issue 17, 15 December 1995: Pet ownership, social support, and one-year survival after acute myocardi-

al infarction in the Cardiac Arrhythmia Suppression Trial).

This affinity that humans have with dogs evolved tens of thousands of years ago, when humans decided to cultivate, befriend, breed, and love wild forebears of the present-day dog. I know someone who believes that the whole human-dog association started with the canine (feline also?) conning us. They observed our bi-pedal behaviour and decided that mankind looked like it was going somewhere upwards in the evolutionary tree. They latched on to us and mimicked our behavioural patterns so that we would believe they were easy to get along with. For that, we would feed them and keep them warm. In turn, they gave us, then and today, immeasurable loyalty and protection.

Indeed, it seems that compelling evidence is emerging that dogs and cats have figured out how to join the community of an entirely alien species, and this is evidence of their sophisticated social competence.

I know that, as a scientist, I should not be even thinking of attributing human characteristics like feelings to dogs and cats. Well, the scientists’ code is beginning to change. Researchers are now seeing what every dog and cat owner knew all along: dogs especially do exhibit human characteristics of grief, envy, jealousy, anger, rage, bellicosity, love, hate, guilt, remorse, happiness, resentfulness, anxiety, fear, contentment, deceit, pride, arrogance, shyness, bravery, kindness and willingness to help, desire to make the human happy, recklessness, sadness, depression, vexation (e.g. at being blamed wrongfully), gluttony, malice (aforethought?), low self-esteem, laziness, greed, stubborn-

ness, playfulness (including engaging in pranks), selective forgetfulness, vengefulness, boredom, communicativeness using only the eyes, flirtatiousness, coyness, loyalty, protectiveness; and I’m sure that I have left out some important characteristics. But I am equally sure that one of you will point out my omission.

Professor in Animal Psychology, Alexandra Horowitz, wrote a seminal tome called “Inside of a Dog”. It became a bestseller when published in 2010. Here is what she wrote: “In learning how to study the behaviour of animals, I was taught, and adhered to, the scientist’s mantra for describing actions: be objective; do not explain a behaviour by appeal to a mental process when explanation by simpler processes will do; a phenomenon that is not publicly observable and confirmable is not the stuff of science. These days, as a professor of animal behaviour, comparative cognition, and psychology, I teach from masterful texts that deal in quantifiable fact. They describe everything, from hormonal and genetic explanations for the social behaviour of animals, to conditioned responses, fixed action patterns, and optimal foraging rates, in the same steady, objective tone”.

Then she added: “And yet”. What came after those two words was the confession that, traditionally, science — as practised and deified in tests — rarely addresses pet-owner experiences of living with, and attempting to understand the minds of, our companion animals. Since then, a lot more objective studies have been, and are being, carried out and shared with the public in easy-to-read articles.

The Scientific American (May 1, 2015 issue) carried an in-depth cover story on “Why do we have pets” — the science behind the bond”. Well worthy of a read! (Ref: Why Do We Have Pets? - Scientific American).

What does all of this mean? Quite a revealing treatise. What I am saying is that there should be less trepidation and worry when we go into a shelter to choose a companion animal as a complement to our family. Nevertheless, should you make the decision to choose a companion animal, it may be worth your while to have the potential family member examined by your Vet.

Again, please accept our kindest wishes for 2023.

Fangtooth well could lead to 7th FPSO in Stabroek Block – Hess

up to 1.2M BoE

By Jarryl Bryan

ExxonMobil and its partners have said they anticipate six Floating Production, Storage and Offloading Vessels (FPSOs) operating in Guyana’s waters by 2027. However, the results of an appraisal on one well – the Fangtooth well – could see the number of planned FPSOs increased to seven.

This was revealed by Hess Corporation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) John Hess, during a Goldman Sachs energy conference. Hess Corp is part of a consortium of oil companies that include ExxonMobil, the operator of the Stabroek Block, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited.

According to Hess, it is evident that the consortium has been dealt one of the best hands in the oil industry when it comes to the Stabroek Block. He explained that the multiple wells they plan to drill this year could become either standalone discoveries or tiebacks. In fact, Fangtooth itself could have the potential to turn into a seventh FPSO, which would increase daily oil production to over 1.2 million barrels of oil equivalent (BoE).

“When I say there are multi-billion barrels remaining, there’s a significant amount in terms of billions of barrels remaining potential in the deep. And we’re going to be drilling some wells this year, that

are going to be further extensions of that,” Hess said.

“It’s either standalone or tieback. We think Fangtooth has the potential, subject to the appraisal that we’re drilling one well now and another well later in the year, that Fangtooth itself could potentially be the seventh boat.”

The Fangtooth-1 well hit oil in January 2022, around the same time as Exxon’s Lau-Lau-1 oil discovery. Exxon had said at the time that a positive result would allow it to test deeper exploration targets in the Stabroek Block. And that is not all. The nine discoveries last year do not even factor into the 11 billion barrels of oil in the Stabroek Block.

“We had nine discoveries last year, 30 discoveries that we’ve had overall underpinning the 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent. The nine discoveries we had last year is not in that 11-billion-barrel equivalent, so there’s upside. We’re also start-

ing to drill the deeper horizons. The 18,000 feet that is Fangtooth that we drilled last year. That was the first deeper horizon, 18,000 feet, versus the majority of the discoveries and production at 15,000 feet.

“Fangtooth came in, we’re doing an appraisal of Fangtooth as we speak. Hopefully, we can give an update on our quarterly call at the end of January. But we see a decent amount of potential at the deeper horizons for those sand channels that we already have at 15,000 feet. So, when we talk about resource duration, we’ve grown from 1-billion-barrel oil equivalent to 11-billion-barrel oil equivalent. There are multi-billion barrels remaining,” Hess said.

Guyana, with US oil giant ExxonMobil as the operator, began producing oil on December 20, 2019, in the Stabroek Block. Guyana’s oil revenues are being held in the Natural Resource

Fund (NRF) at the New York Federal Reserve Bank, where it is earning interest.

The oi- rich Stabroek Block, which is producing the oil, is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres). Exxon, through its local subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), is the operator and holds 45 per cent interest in the Block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 per cent interest, and CNOOC Petroleum

Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds the remaining 25 per cent interest.

ExxonMobil has said it anticipated at least six projects offshore Guyana would be online by 2027, with production having already started in the second phase, with the Liza Unity FPSO vessel in operation.

The third project –the Payara development – will target an estimated re-

source base of about 600 million oil-equivalent barrels, and was at one point considered to be the largest single planned investment in the history of Guyana.

Meanwhile, the Yellowtail development, which will be oil giant ExxonMobil’s fourth development in Guyana’s waters, will turn out to be the single largest development so far in terms of barrels per day (bpd)of oil, with a mammoth 250,000 bpd targeted. (G3)

Hess Corp CEO John Hess

The Liza Unity FPSO was the second FPSO to go into operation in Guyana

Labourer remanded on attempted murder charge

Alabourer was on Friday remanded when he appeared at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court on an attempted murder charge.

Deo John, 20, of Mai Mai Dam, Mount Sinai popularly referred to as Angoy's Avenue, New Amsterdam, Berbice, appeared before Magistrate Rabindranauth

Singh, and the charge was read to him. He was not required to plead to the charge and was remanded to prison. It is alleged that on January 1, in New

Roots…

…and routes

Well, President Ali just keeps on earning those frequent-flyer miles, doesn’t he?? Your Eyewitness understands he’s in India – as we read this - to be honoured by the Indian Government!! Another 10,000 miles coming and going each way!! And what’s he being honoured for, you ask? Silly question!! For being of Indian Origin and having distinguished himself, that’s what!! Mother India is proud of her children abroad, and wants them to know she cares!!

Charged: Deo John

Amsterdam he attempted to murder Desmond Bender, 21, by stabbing him with a knife.

The matter will come up again on January 20 when the prosecution will update the court on the progress of the investigation and the condition of Bender.

The incident occurred about 03:50h at Mai Mai Dam, Mount Sinai which is considered a suburb of the town.

According to the Police, Bender and John were on their way home from a party when there was a misunderstanding.

Police said the misunderstanding escalated into an argument and the suspect pulled out a knife from his pants pocket and stabbed Bender in his neck.

He was picked up by public-spirited citizens, who rushed him to New Amsterdam Public Hospital, where he was admitted as a patient. His condition is listed as stable. (G4)

Isn’t that sweet?? But then, we all know the extent of a mother’s love, don’t we?? Nothing can match that!! We, Caribbean people, were brought together from all the continents to join our Indigenous People, and so we have Mothers from all those continents!! Didn’t we just last year have that African Union-Caribbean virtual first ever AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum?? There Mia Mottley of Barbados showed her love for Mother Africa when she channelled Marcus Garvey’s UNIA (Universal Negro Improvement Association) motto, “One God! One aim! One destiny!” in her forum’. The forum’s theme was "One People. One Destiny. Uniting and Reimagining Our Future"!!

More to the point, to the delight of Africans from across the globe, she and Keith Rowley from TT repeated Kwame Nkrumah’s famous aphorism, “I am not African because I was born in Africa, but because Africa was born in me”!! Wasn’t that great?? So how does our Pres Ali top that? From all we’ve seen in the two and a half years since he became President, he is a real down-to-earth fella. Your Eyewitness wouldn’t be surprised if in his acceptance speech he bursts into one of those songs made famous in, say, Shakrukh Khan’s Dilwale Dulhan le jayenge!! Meaning “The brave hearted will get the bride”!!

Well, your Eyewitness knows Pres Ali’s married and all that…but he’s speaking figuratively, and wonders what he’ll be bringing back from India. The last time President Ramotar got the same award – back in 2013?? – he brought back a commitment for a ferry for Region 1 and a US$50 million soft loan to build that East Coast-to-Diamond bypass highway going through Mocha!! It’s also possible thatlike then Pres Bharrat Jagdeo - he’ll be taken to visit the village from which his ancestors originated!! The Indian Government would’ve already done all the background checks, and probably spruced up the road to the village!! Who knows, there might be a host of fellas who look exactly like our President??!! Genes don’t lie, you know!!

But seriously, folks, it’s good that we’re making these connections with India and Africa. The former is poised to become a global power in the next decade, while the latter will do so in a few decades.

Mama…look how well we’ve done!!

…of maternal deaths

What in the world’s going on in our hospitals with all these maternal deaths? C’mon guys, this is the 21st century, and women have been giving birth since…erm… the beginning of (human) history? So, in every culture and civilisation, isn’t this one of the constants that all medical personnel – from shamans and medicine men to doctors – should be looking out for?? Here, in Guyana, we’ve had medical doctors trained since the 18th century, and they want to tell your Eyewitness they haven’t gotten a handle on childbirths??

Your Eyewitness wagers that even in the days of midwifery instead of doctors, during slavery and indentureship, the rates of maternal deaths weren’t this high!! As soon as you turn your head, another mother bites the dust. And the strange thing is no one’s ever responsible!! We just might have to go the American route and hold these medical personnel responsible through the legal system.

Your Eyewitness calls upon the Government to hire lawyers to represent the grieving families. Enough is enough!!

…and COVID testing

With the rate of COVID infection in China rising, our medical mavens decided to impose the requirement that folks coming from – or through – there be tested. Made sense.

Then, the following day, it’s scrapped!! What’s going on??

US$8.6M spent during 2022 on fertilisers, cash grant support for Guyanese

– Govt

Referencing the various international reports that have tracked Guyana’s more than US$8.6 million in relief measures spent last year to keep the cost of living down, the Finance Ministry has assured that the Government will continue to monitor inflation throughout the new year.

On Saturday, the Finance Ministry assured that not only would the Government proactively monitor inflation, but it would “review and put into action measures to ease the burden on its most vulnerable citizens.”

According to the Ministry, Guyana was one of the few countries in the Caribbean which were able to contain inflation to single digits. Inflation here is, in fact, lower than in many countries in the world, and a number of reports attest to this. One such report is the Inter-American Development Bank’s (IDB) ‘Caribbean Economics’ publication, which went into detail about all that the Guyana Government did.

Weathering external threats in 2022 was made particularly difficult due to the economic challenges of post-COVID-19, supply chain disruption, and even the Russian/Ukraine war.

“Just as Caribbean economies are emerging from the sharp recessions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, a confluence of external shocks now complicates the recovery…the current global context of high commodity prices affects countries differently, depending on whether they are mainly commodity importers or ex-

porters”, the IDB has stated.

“As the global economy confronts high levels of inflation, the economies of the Caribbean, including Guyana, have recorded low inflation rates due to direct action to keep prices from rising.”

These direct measures have included slashing the excise tax on fuel to zero, and absorbing electricity and water tariff costs at the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) respectively. But other measures were taken, such as the US$$4.8 million spent to purchase and distribute fertilizer to farmers.

“The IDB noted that the Government also intervened by allocating US$4.8 million for the purchase and distribution of fertilizer to farmers to reduce operating costs; distributing US$3.8 million in the form of one-time cash grants for households in the rural interior and riverine communities (US$120 per household).”

Additionally, public assistance payments to vulnerable populations were increased from US$57 to US$67 per person per

month, benefitting approximately 18,000 people. In fact, the report noted that Government subsequently expanded these payments to provide lifelong support for people with permanent disabilities.

“It also referenced the Old Age Pension, which ‘benefitted approximately 65,000 senior citizens and which saw a series of increases that brought it from a monthly payment of US$98 in 2020 to US$134 in 2022,” the IDB report pointed out.

The IDB report went on to note that “price shocks have also inspired regional leaders to promote longer-term regional solutions to the dependence on imports from outside the region, and also alluded to Caricom’s 25 by 2025 Initiative.”

The 25 by 2025 Initiative refers to the target of reducing food importation into the Caribbean Community (Caricom) by 25 per cent by the year 2025. Guyana, which held lead responsibility for agriculture, agricultural diversification and food security in Caricom last year, has been spearheading the regional body’s quest to

reduce its US$5 billion food import bill.

It also builds on a plan that was previously presented by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo to Caricom back in 2005 when he was President of Guyana - dubbed the “Jagdeo initiative”.

Many of the regional leaders involved in the discussions have lauded the efforts of both Guyanese lead-

ers to push the food security agenda in the Caribbean.

“Vision 25 by 2025” envisions that, in the next three years, with the assistance of more diversified crops, Caricom’s food import bill would be reduced by 25 per cent as the Region ups its own production of food.

Months after assuming office, President Ali had charged the Foreign

Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry to assess and address the hurdles related to exporting food and agricultural products to markets within the Region.

As such, concerns about barriers to trade in some Caricom markets were raised with the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) last year. (G3)

continue to monitor, counteract cost-of-living rises in 2023

During 2022, the President Irfaan Ali-led Government had made concerted efforts to bring down food costs, including distributing billions of dollars’ worth of free fertiliser to farmers

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

No application from Arajet to operate in Guyana – local authorities

While it has been granted approval by its local aviation body to expand operations in the

Caribbean and Latin American region including Guyana, Dominican Republic-based lowcost carrier – Arajet Airlines – is

yet to submit a formal application to local authorities to operate in the country.

On Thursday, the Junta de Aviación Civil (JAC) – the civil aviation board of the Dominican Republic – said via Twitter that it has approved Arajet’s request to include routes connecting Santo Domingo with Brazil, Honduras, Belize, Barbados, Trinidad, and Guyana.

However, Head of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Retired Lieutenant Colonel Egbert Field disclosed that no formal application has been submitted by the start-up airline to operate here.

According to Field, the company did reach out to the GCAA in November to enquire about the process and requirements needed to service this route. He said the GCAA has since provided all the relevant information to the airline.

“We responded to them as to what the requirements are for operation of their aircraft [in Guyana] …the ball is now in their court,” the GCAA Head stated.

Meanwhile, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill pointed out, when contacted by <<<Guyana Times>>> on the matter, that there was an exten-

sive process and due diligence to be done before Arajet could get permission to operate here.

“As the Minister responsible, I have to give my consent [to the granting of an application] and that will only be based upon them satisfying all the necessary requirements to ensure safety first and secondly, passengers’ guarantee that once they spent money, they are going to be taken to their destinations which means the lodging of bonds. It’s a whole process,” Edghill noted.

Arajet has gotten approval from the JAC to expand its routes to Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Manaus in Brazil; San Pedro de Sula, Honduras; Belize; Bridgetown, Barbados; Port of Spain, Trinidad and Georgetown, Guyana as of March 2023.

The Santo Domingo-based ultra-low-cost airline started operations in September 2022 with flights to Barranquilla and Cali in Colombia, San Salvador in El Salvador, and Aruba. In November, it added Jamaica to its routes.

Currently, Arajet has flights to some 17 destinations in 11 countries within Latin America and the Caribbean region, using its existing fleet of five Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft with the capacity to carry 185 passengers in a two-class configuration.

It has been reported that Arajet plans to transport more than seven million passengers, generating more than 4000 direct and close to 40,000 indirect jobs in the region, within the next five years.

In fact, the JAC had reported that the start-up airline trans-

ported nearly 50,000 passengers in the first three months of its operations between September and November last year.

According to an article published by Simple Flying in December 2022, Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Arajet, Víctor Pacheco, described the airline as a ‘lowprice’ company and not a lowcost or ultra-low-cost airline. He said, in the article, the difference between both business models lies in the connectivity hub, which will be based in the Dominican Republic and connect the region with low-fare services.

Simple Flying also reported that Arajet signed a deal with Boeing last year for 20 B737 Max 8 aircraft plus options for 15 more. These new planes will be delivered starting in 2024.

However, the airline is expected to add five leased Max units to its fleet by the end of this year.

Pacheco said that Arajet was looking to have a fleet of about 30 aircraft by 2027 with more than 50 regional routes. These would include destinations in North America while European ones could also be a possibility, the article detailed.

(G8)

Mocha boiling

Most Guyanese are unaware that when the Dutch created Canals #1 and 2 westwards on the West Bank of the Demerara River to irrigate agricultural land further inland, they created Canal #3 opposite on the East Bank between Plantations Providence and Herstelling going eastwards to do the same for new coffee plantations behind the riverfront plantations. Arcadia and Mocha were the first of six new plantations on the south bank of Canal # 3, mirroring six others on the North. Haags Bosch, for instance, was a plantation on the northern side. Arcadia and Mocha were purchased sometime after 1860 by freed Africans.

They came to my notice in 2017 when the APNU/AFC Government included them in their $2.6 billion Rural Agricultural Infrastructure Development programme (RAID) along with three other African-Guyanese villages – Ithaca, Buxton and BV. It was in line with our decades-long recommendation for affirmative action in depressed African-Guyanese communities, and we wonder why it was not extended to the Indian Guyanese communities in the just-shuttered sugar estates. Happy days appeared to be here again in those communities, from glowing reports by the DPI. This was buttressed when the new PPP Government repaired major roads – including Burnham Blvd - in the village to the tune of $192M, and launched several empowerment programmes.

However, the bonhomie was ruffled late last year when the Opposition PNC protested vehemently that the President and his government were “going directly to the people and bypassing the NDC” controlled by them. Especially when residents booed the said NDC Chairman’s intervention to Pres Ali’s presentation. On that visit, the President reminded the Mocha/Arcadians of the 4-lane EcclesDiamond bypass highway that would intersect their community and raise real-estate values. Since 2021, notices had been served to 37 squatters in Mocha abutting the planned highway.

The conventions surrounding Government’s powers of eminent domain were strictly observed, even though technically the squatters had no ownership. The land was for “public use”, and the Government offered market compensation for their properties, alternative house lots in surrounding communities, and other assistance to construct new homes. Twenty-eight squatters accepted, and have now moved into their new homes. The seven holdouts claimed strong economic and social reasons for their decision, since they were living there for decades. The Government attempted to address these objections: for instance, leasing land to cattle and sheep/goat farmers, but to no avail.

Sadly, these objectors were used by the Opposition parties to escalate the situation into the unfortunate confrontation that developed like a Greek tragedy when the seven houses were demolished by an excavator. There was a very poignant scene when a female shop owner described her struggles to make a decent living for herself and children. Matters could have escalated further after an incendiary device was hurled into the excavator driver’s cab. Luckily, he escaped alive, and the flames were extinguished before the $50 million piece of equipment was destroyed.

Two additional holdouts have accepted the Government’s offers for relocation, while the others have evidently been convinced that they should be paid hundreds of millions, which the lands would allegedly be worth after the highway is built.

Several opposition commentators allege that the land would be sold to the “Government’s friends and cronies”, which in my estimation would be criminal, if true. One of them named businessman Nazar (Shell) Mohamed as “the crony”. I called the gentleman, and he categorically denied the claim, agreeing this would be unethical.

All Governments have had to deal with the problem of squatters. I remember returning in 1979, after a 7-year overseas stay, and hearing the agony described to me by several friends and relatives when their squatting houses behind Meten-Meer-Zorg were destroyed two years earlier by the Riot Squad on the orders of the PNC Government, even though there was no ‘public use” imperative. Ironically, the scheme was eventually rebuilt and named “Prem Nagar” (City of Love”) after the 1974 hit movie of the same name.

In October 2017, the APNU Coalition destroyed 20 structures of mainly African Guyanese at Field A, Sophia for “aesthetic reasons”, but the now Opposition political protestors were mute.

While the Government has touched all the economic and social bases in the unfortunate matter, by choosing to ignore the ethnic nature of our politics, it has raised an “ants’ nest”.

I again commend the institutionalisation of ethnic caucuses in both major parties to explicitly represent the interests of those outside their ethnic corps.

Ravi Dev

President Dr Irfaan Ali and his delegation arrived in India on Saturday after for an official visit. While in India, Dr Ali will be conferred with Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award during Indian Diaspora Day in Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday. President Ali joins 26 other persons of Indian origin/non-resident Indians who have been recognized by the Government of India for their outstanding achievements both in India and abroad (Office of the Presidnet photo)

After 25 years

30 Bath Settlement residents receive land transports

Just before the turn of the century, the community of Plantation Hope, Bath Settlement, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) became habitable and persons quickly took up land there which was being issued by the then Housing Ministry.

However, it was not until some 25 years later that the titles to those lands were issued to those residents. The land had previously belonged to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) and was under the control of the Sugar Welfare Fund.

On Friday, Attorney

This was the second batch of titles to be handed out to the community to complete

an agreement of sale with GuySuCo [Guyana Sugar Corporation] for decades for lots of land that they have been living on and constructed houses, but who have not been granted transports to work with those people, so that they get their transports, to work with those people so that they get their transports,” the Attorney General told Guyana Times after handing out the transports on Friday.

Dularry Harrybobin said that the transport was a treasure for her.

the woman said with an appreciative smile on her face.

Another recipient, Hansmattie Dyal, who has been occupying a portion of land that she did not legally own for the past 25 years even constructing a house on it, said she now feels secure.

“Nobody can take it away from me now,” she said.

Nandlall said the process

from a similar project. These include Enterprise, Tuschen, Cotton Tree and Numbers Four, Five, Six and Seven Villages on the West Coast of Berbice.

Government has supported the residents in this process by waiving the fees.

“The transport can be used for so many purposes, for example, it can be used as

ly, so I’m happy that we have concluded this,” Nandlall pointed out while noting that similar exercises are taking place around the country.

“Because historically, for whatever reason you have had this situation whereby ex-sugar workers or even current sugar workers purchased these lands years ago and have not been able to get the transport or the certificate of title for these lands.”

the process.

“Today cumulates a process that we started about a year ago whereby we came into this community and promised persons who had

“Is long I have been waiting. I live here for over 25 years. I have to see what I will do with it. When I wanted, they didn’t give me they till ah finish making my house,”

is taking place countrywide. He noted that several other villages would also benefit

collateral for lending. So, importantly it makes the people the owner of the land final-

He said the current Government has been going to every community to single out those persons, bring them together and coordinate a joint effort to produce the titles.

The agencies involved include the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, the Land Registry Department and the Commissioner of Title or the Land Court Judge. (G4)

General and Legal Affairs

Minister Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, handed out 30 land titles to the long-time landowners.

Three residents of Plantation Hope walk proudly home after receiving certificates of title for their land

Titles were issued to homeowners 25 years after they signed agreements of sale

Sand truck operators to get new parking area to ply trade

having some problems, so we are looking at the relocation. With the relocation, we are prepared to tell people where the sand trucks will be,” the drivers were assured.

From the meeting, an alternative parking site was recommended: an auxiliary parking lot of the Guyana National Stadium, entering from Red Road, and drivers have agreed to this new arrangement. Guyana Times understands that more than

Sand truck operators who ply their trade in the vicinity of the DSL Cash and Carry operation at Industrial Site in Ruimveldt, Georgetown are to be relocated by the Public Works Ministry in order to ensure their safe operation and the free flow of traffic.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar, on Saturday met with these sand truck owners and operators, during which Edghill pointed out that complaints have emanated from businesses regarding the presence of these trucks. The most important of those complaints is that these trucks

are parked on the shoulder of a major highway, contributing negatively to traffic flow.

“Our engagement with you is to see how we can get an arrangement worked out. We want you to do your business. We know householders are depending on you for sand…It looks like we’re

25 of these drivers would be relocated there.

Edghill has said that this facility is used only for major cricketing events, and is vacant year-round. He said, “We have built a four-lane highway. They have to ply their trade, so those who are waiting to sell sand to

customers have been parking in the vicinity of where we finished the new fourland Mandela Road, where it connects to the four-lane going to the East Bank. We are moving them to a location where customers will be able to get them, where they will be comfortable, and they will not be a traffic hazard or any inconvenience to businesses,” the Minister told this publication.

He pointed out that this arrangement would take immediate effect. Repair works to enhance the parking lot would commence as early as Monday, in an effort to facil-

itate this new arrangement.

“We will do some reparation work and they will be able to start here. We want to announce to the whole country that people who want to buy sand and they don’t have a number for the truckman to call, this is the place,” he outlined.

These truck operators would transport sand to their current location, where they would await customers who wish to purchase sand. However, some trucks act on preorder. Taking this into consideration, the Ministry would be accommodating some 20 trucks at the new

location.

The Public Works Minister also spoke with taxi drivers using the ‘Red Road’ entrance to solicit passengers, informing them that they would have to make changes to their current operation. He advised against the use of major road connectors and corridors for such activities, adding that the Ministry would be looking at a location for them to occupy.

The Ministry will announce publicly when these persons will be plying their operation from the new parking space.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill speaking with the truck drivers on Saturday

"Is a fine hustle because things lil' hard" – farmer tells Police

…busted with 2041 grams ganja

A58-year-old Berbice farmer has been detained by Police after he was nabbed at a roadblock with more than 2000 grams of marijuana.

At about 18:25h on Friday, ranks were conducting a stopand-search exercise in front of the Ituni Police Station in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) when they stopped white 212 motor car PZZ 7500.

At the time, the car was being driven by a 34-yearold electrician of Airy Hall Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, and there were three passengers inside.

A Police rank told the driver and passengers that the Police would like to search their persons and belongings, and they all consented to being searched.

One of those passengers, Compton Joseph Allicock, a

58-year-old farmer of Unamco Junction in Ituni, Upper Berbice River, was seated in the front passenger’s seat, and he had a pink haversack on the floor of the car between his feet.

When the rank searched

the person of Allicock, he found a bulky black plastic bag containing leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis stashed in the crotch of his pants. The ranks also searched Allicock’s haversack, and found four bulky

black plastic parcels and one blue plastic parcel concealed among a quantity of cassava.

The parcels contained a number of leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis.

Allicock was told of the offence committed and cautioned. He then admitted under caution, "Officer, I was taking this thing (marijuana) to make a fine hussle, because things lil hard."

He was arrested and escorted into the Ituni Police Station, where the cannabis was weighed in his presence and amounted to just over 2,041 grams.

While nothing of evidential value was found on the driver and the other two passengers, Police took statements from them, and they were allowed to go. The suspect, Allicock, is in custody pending further investigation. (G9)

ECD vendor nabbed with illegal gun, ammo

Police ranks from Regional Division

4'C' (East Coast Demerara) have nabbed a 34-year-old vendor of Vigilance, ECD with a Glock-17 9mm pistol and two matching rounds of ammunition. The serial number of this pistol could not be found.

At the time on mobile patrol duty in Friendship, ECD on Saturday at about 01:56h, the Police ranks saw Colwin Barnwell, called 'Timmo', standing with a black plastic bag in his hand. Police say that upon seeing the ranks, Barnwell started to walk away, and was told to stop, but instead broke into a run. The ranks gave chase, and he was caught.

Ranks conducted a search on his person and unearthed the pistol and ammunition in his pants crotch. Asked if he was a

A LOOK BACK AT 2022

Thank you for joining us once again as we count the days into the year 2023.

The Environmental Protection Agency takes this opportunity to reflect on some of its major accomplishments during what can be deemed a rewarding 365 days in 2022. Despite some challenges, we have seen great improvements. From major developments, to its monitoring capabilities such as the use of equipment and online tools, to the reintroduction of the “Green Walk” in celebration of World Environment Day, the Agency has much to be proud of.

Let’s reflect on some of those key events:

EPA’s Executive Director participating in HSE Panel Discussion

The Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency, Mr. Kemraj Parsram, participated in a panel discussion on Health, Security, and Environment (HSE), which was organized as part of the Guyana International Energy Conference, held in Guyana from February 15-18, 2022.

During that discussion, Mr. Parsram reminded the audience that the environment is as important as health and safety, and therefore warrants the same attention. He also pointed out that while the EPA is improving its capabilities to monitor development and respond in the event of environmental emergencies, operators are likewise expected to ensure that their staff are trained and have the necessary equipment and skills to adequately respond to any emergency.

EPA Monitoring Air Quality

In February 2022, the Agency received five (5) Air Visual outdoor sensors from IQAir with capability to measure the presence of fine particles present in the air. The equipment is being used to monitor ambient air quality by continuously monitoring Particulate Matter (PM) - PM2.5, PM1, PM10, and Carbon Dioxide (CO2).

Each sensor unit has the ability to cover a radius of 20-25km and has a performance accuracy of 82%. The sensors indicate Air Quality Index (AQI) in the following categories: Good, Moderate, Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups, Unhealthy, Very Unhealthy, and Hazardous.

Particulate Matter of a certain size, eg. PM2.5 and PM10, are of primary concern to health; the smaller the particle, the greater its potential impact on health. The five sensors have been installed at locations in Central Georgetown, East Bank Demerara, Corentyne, Berbice; Linden; and at Region Two.

Since installation, readings for PM2.5 have so far been below that of the WHO Guidelines for Air Quality. Data on air quality allows the Agency to understand contaminants of concern, possible sources of contaminants, as well as proposed appropriate mitigation action to reduce emissions of harmful air contaminants.

The Guyana Police Force and EPA signed the MoA to tackle noise nuisance

The Agency, on April 13, 2022, met with the Commissioner of Police (ag), Mr. Clifton Hicken, to discuss a strategy for sustained noise management in Guyana in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force (GPF). The team discussed matters such as the response to noise complaints from bars and music sets, training of Police Officers in noise management, more collaborative enforcement efforts, and mechanisms for information sharing and reporting.

The discussion resulted in the two authorities signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) cementing the partnership to effectively manage noise in Guyana, and the formation of the Technical Task Force between the agencies to address key problematic issues that warrant urgent attention by both agencies.

EPA’s Legal Department delivered a public lecture at the University of Guyana

The Legal Department of the Agency, on May 31, 2022, delivered a public lecture to the University of Guyana’s Department of Biology students on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process in Guyana. The lecture covered areas which include:

● The purpose of the EIA;

● The legislative background; and

● The procedure for their conduct in Guyana.

licensed firearm holder, Barnwell replied in the negative. Told of the offence committed and cautioned, he claimed that he bought the firearm when he was in the interior at Aranka, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Barnwell was thus arrested and escorted to Vigilance Police Station along with the firearm and ammunition, where it was sealed and lodged, and the suspect was placed into custody pending charges.

Last Friday, at around 05:15h, ranks of the Sparendaam Police Station, acting on information received, went to a two-bedroom house at Robert Road, Plaisance and conducted a search. In the presence of the two occupants they found there (a 30-year-old labourer and a 23-year-old plumber who resides next door) they unearthed a 12-gauge double-barrel shotgun with no serial number, and four (4) live matching cartridges. These items were found in the first bedroom of the house.

Asked if they were licensed firearm holders, the suspects opted to remain silent. They were

then told of the offence committed, cautioned, and arrested.

On the previous day (Thursday, January 5, 2023), ranks of the Police Force’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Special Patrol of Regional Division 4 ‘A’ managed to recover two high-powered assault weapons and ammo during an operation in Norton Street, Georgetown.

The CID ranks were on patrol duty within the vicinity of Norton Street when they observed a male acting suspiciously as he held a bulky green-andorange haversack in his right hand. When this man saw the Police ranks, he dropped the haversack and ran through an alley in a northerly direction. The ranks gave chase, but he escaped.

However, when they retrieved the haversack and checked inside, they found an AK-47 assault rifle, an AR-15 rifle, one circular magazine containing 44 live rounds of 7.62×39 ammunition, and two AR-15 magazines, one containing eight (8) live rounds of 5.56×45 ammunition. (G9)

Through this engagement, the Legal Department, and by extension the EPA, was able to promote and encourage a better understanding and appreciation of the regulations that guide the Agency's mandate to protect the natural environment.

Green Walk and Exhibition

A Green Walk and Exhibition was organized in celebration of World Environment Day (WED) on June 05, 2022. The walk commenced at the Umana Yana and concluded at the National Park. This activity attracted participation of approximately 2000 persons from various strata of society, including Government Agencies, schools, non-governmental organizations, and Civil Society. At the end of the walk, participants were treated to a WED ceremony, at which remarks were delivered by Ministers of Government and members of the Diplomatic Corps. The feature address was delivered by HE. Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. Following the feature address, the Agency collaborated with the United Nations Office to launch a Wall Art in the National Park.

Complaints management

Whether authorised or unauthorised, operations, during their processes, would release unwanted materials into the environment. It is the EPA’s duty to take a number of steps to control pollution within the environment, including conducting investigations and

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

The marijuana that was found in Ituni

Suspect: Colwin Barnwell

The gun that the Police found

Public order needed to control “haphazard” roadside vending – Edghill

Negative COVID test requirement for passengers travelling from China rescinded

The National COVID-19 Task Force Secretariat has rescinded its decision to have passengers travelling from the People’s Republic of China submit a negative PCR test before entry into Guyana.

This requirement was supposed to take effect from January 8, 2023, but the Secretariat has said it further considered the current global epidemiological COVID-19 situation as outlined by the World Health Organization, through collaboration with the Health Ministry’s Technical Working Group.

Even as Government supports the establishment of small businesses, free vending along any major highway would not be encouraged, as it is considered a hindrance to traffic flow.

This is according to Public Works Minister Juan Edghill, who underscored on Saturday that comprehensive work is being undertaken to ensure that there are proper highways and fourlane roads to avoid traffic congestion -- an issue that has long been frowned upon by citizens.

However, the Minister shared that some roadside vendors are plying their trade in any spot, affecting the free flow of traffic and creating hazards for drivers.

“As a policy position of the President Irfaan Ali Government, we encourage small business development. We have nothing against people vending, selling, developing small businesses;

but you cannot just put up a booth, a shack, a cart at any place where you feel… The purpose why we have put four-lane roads is to ease congestion, reduce travel time, and to make the experience more pleasurable, as opposed to the backup,” Edghill outlined.

The Minister relayed that there are specific areas and markets to facilitate businesses and vendors. In restoring order, he shared, there must be a balance between encouraging business operations and respecting Government’s policies.

“There are markets. There are areas that you can go and vend, but everybody seems to want to do it wherever. For example, at DSL turn, if you sell dog food there and people stop to buy, we have a backup of traffic on four-lane roads. We can’t put vending there,” he explained.

“We intend to start doing improvements, and, some-

where along the line, we have to be able to restore order. Everybody will say they are hustling to make a living, but we have to bring order somewhere along the line… We’re just taking the necessary steps to bring order,” he posited.

In recent times, vendors operating in high-traffic areas have been given notices to remove within a certain timeframe. Just last month, the Public Works Ministry initiated actions to remove vendors who were occupying spaces along New Market Street, between Thomas and East Streets, following notices that they were impeding traffic flow in the vicinity. According to the notices issued to them, they were informed that their operation had been impeding the smooth flow of traffic in the vicinity of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), the main public health institution in the country. (G12)

“It is noted that the decrease in surveillance and changes in reporting frequency had interpreted epidemiological trends as more complex. It is noted that there (are) increased hospitalisation, ICU admission, and deaths in some regions. It also noted the circulation of the highly transmissible Omicron sub-variants, such as XBB, XBB 1.5, BQ1 and BA 2.75,” a notice stated.

However, according to the Task Force, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) advised that many of the new variants of omicron have been circulating in the region since early 2022, as evidenced by gene sequencing results submitted by member states. Considering that Omicron subvariants circulating in Canada, China, the United Kingdom and the United States are similar to those across the Caribbean, it has been concluded that no advantage

would be gained through the testing requirements. It is against this backdrop that the decision has been annulled.

The emergency of COVID has caused several countries to re-implement travel restrictions. As such, passengers should always carry relevant documents of their vaccination status; be aware of the testing requirements of their country of destination; and should be able to provide documentation of recovering from COVID-19 if they had previously tested positive.

A message from the Task Force added, “The Task Force will like to remind the general public to adhere to all Public Health Safety Measures, adhere

to social distancing, and ensure that they get their booster shots. Their booster shots are recommended especially among older people and those with comorbidity.”

Globally, there have been over 657 million confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 6.6 million deaths, reported to World Health Organization. As at December 2022, over 13 billion vaccine doses had been administered.

Since June last year, the Guyana Government lifted the COVID-19 testing requirement for international travel. Then, in October, persons travelling to Guyana no longer needed to present proof of vaccination against COVID-19.

An instance when vending has occupied part of the roadway

Documents of a passenger being processed at CJIA (CJIA photo)

Prisoners must have hope beyond “the walls” – Benn

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn has said that inmates serving sentences in penitentiaries across the country deserve equal opportunities and facilities to ensure their rehabilitation and proper reintegration into society.

He has therefore called on inmates at the Mazaruni Prison to take every opportunity to be rehabilitated, as work is ongoing to improve their living conditions.

The Minister made the call during a visit to the facility on Friday, where he had a first-hand assessment of the new prison block.

Benn was accompanied to Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) by Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot; Deputy Director of Prisons, Kevin Pilgrim; Regional Commander Dion Moore, technical teams from the Home Affairs Ministry and Service Guyana, along with other staff members of the Ministry and the Guyana Prison Service.

Benn has noted that while the Government would continue to promote rehabilitation and social reintegration to those incarcerated, the inmates must, at the same time, have “better ambition, vision, and behaviour”.

“We must make provision where those who are in prison must have hope beyond the walls; and when leaving the prison, they must be successfully reintegrated into society,” the Home Affairs Minister noted.

Benn further noted that both the prison system and society must view inmates as people who potentially have the ability to better themselves and become productive citizens.

Meanwhile, the final touches to Phase One of the new, state-of-the-art Mazaruni Prison are progressing. With most of the logistics in place, the entire facility would shortly be in operation and would address the issue of overcrowding of prisons across the country. It will accommodate some 220 prisoners.

In an effort to address the issue of overcrowding of prisons across the country, the Mazaruni Prison has been expanded at a cost of $4 billion. And Prison Director Nicklon Elliott has noted that the new prison would improve security, welfare, and accommodation for prisoners. It would also aid in adequately segregating prisoners based on their offence and length of sentence. Moreover, the operation of this new facility would be in keeping with international best practices.

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn during his visit to the Mazaruni Prison

Dr. Tariq Jagnarine Family meDicine, enDocrinology/DiabeTes

Mental health is a widely discussed concept these days, but widespread and frequent use of any term can lead to the meaning becoming blurred, if not misinterpreted entirely. So, if the term is encountered, persons may still have some uncertainty

HEALTH TIPS

Habits to better one’s mental health

thinking; deeper relationships; improved self-esteem and confidence. Nurturing one’s mental health can also help one to manage health conditions that are worsened by stress, like heart disease. Mental health can impact everything about one’s life, including the ways the world is viewed and navigated, and the ability to handle the things being thrown at one by life. That’s why building habits for better mental health can make a big difference in a person’s day-to-day life.

Below are some strategies to promote improved mental health, along with some guidance on seeking professional support.

1. Get restful sleep Sleep isn’t just non-negotiable for physical health, it also plays an essential role in mental health. In one 2021

like cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia. Know, too, that mental health concerns can also lead to poor sleep.

2. Cut back on social media

Constantly consuming information about other people’s lives may cause someone to compare themselves and promote feelings of low self-worth, which increases feelings of anxiety and depression.

To spend less time on

social media, try to: keep phones in a drawer or outside the bedroom while sleeping; make a list of alternatively more meaningful activities to replace the usual scrolling sessions; turn off notifications, or delete social apps from the phone; learn more about building a healthier relationship with social media.

3. Strengthen relationships Humans are social creatures, and strong relation-

ships can have a positive influence on our mental health in various ways.

Friendships, for example, can: ease feelings of loneliness; make it easier to get emotional support; add meaning to one’s life.

There are plenty of options for cultivating positive connections and nurturing friendships. Here are some: Keep in touch by checking in regularly, even with just a quick text or funny meme; meet

up for a morning walk or breakfast; call for a short chat during the lunch break;

schedule bi-weekly or monthly dinner dates.

Research from 2018 suggests catching up and joking around in person predicated closer bonds above and beyond the number of hours participants spent together.

around exactly what “mental health” refers to, but those persons are definitely not alone.

Mental health is about the functionality of our brain, and all that impacts it. In a nutshell, mental health includes our psychological and social wellbeing, and encompasses our emotional health, or our ability to name, address, and regulate our emotions.

Many factors play a part in mental health, some of which can’t be controlled: such as genetics, life experiences, and family history. However, persons can influence a wide portion of their mental health.

Importance of mental health

Mental health helps determine how people handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Caring for mental health can lead to:

Improved mood; reduced anxiety; clearer

study that included data from 273,695 adults in the United States, researchers found that people who averaged 6 hours of sleep or less per night were about 2.5 times more likely to report frequent mental distress than those who averaged more than 6 hours of sleep.

The quality of sleep also matters. Disrupted sleep can contribute to mental health symptoms. To get enough high-quality sleep, try starting with these habits:

1. Avoid caffeine after 3pm

Try to wake up and go to sleep at the same time every day. Make the bedroom into a quiet, relaxing, clutter-free space. Aim to keep the bedroom temperature at around 65°F (18.3°C).

If persons feel that their sleeping issues may relate to a sleep condition, a mental health specialist can offer more information about helpful evidence-based treatments,

HEALTH TIPS

Habits to better one’s mental health

the beach.

4. Move your body on your own terms

Exercise offers a range of mental health benefits, including: Relieving stress;lifting mood; helping you fall asleep faster, and sleep longer; helping you manage symptoms of depression and anxiety conditions.

‘Movement’ can involve something different for every person, and it doesn’t have to mean going to the gym, unless you genuinely want to. To get started, experiment with a range of physical activities, and keep doing the ones that resonate.

Enjoyable movement could include: Joining a running or walking club; taking a slower-paced restorative yoga class; trying seated exercises; throwing a dance party; taking stretching breaks every hour; gardening or doing other work in your backyard; a weekend family hike or walk along

5. Savour nutrient-rich

foods

Certain foods can also affect your mental health. To support improved mental health, try expanding your current diet to include foods packed with mood-boosting nutrients: like berries, bananas, beans, whole grains; and fatty fish, like salmon.

It can also help to simply make sure you fuel the body every day; eating anything is better than eating nothing. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can also have benefits.

Certain foods, namely: alcohol, caffeine, refined carbs, and added sugars, may worsen anxiety symptoms; so, limiting these foods could help ease some of the

symptoms.

6. Know when to take it easy

On difficult days, people may find it tough to do any of the above, which might make them feel even worse. At times like those, it is recommended that you turn to compassionate, more accessible strategies, like: Creating a hygiene kit when unable to shower — think dry shampoo and cleansing body wipes; setting a timer to clean something for just 5 minutes; buying a prepackaged meal when cooking anything feels close to impossible; committing to taking one small step every day.

7. Make time for rest

While what constitutes “rest” may vary from person to person, it generally means giving the mind and body the opportunity to unwind and restore.

8. Get some sunshine

The sun is a great source of Vitamin D, and studies show it can improve attitude

and mood. If you are stuck inside all day, try: Taking a quick walk; sitting in the backyard; standing outside breathing in the fresh air; open the window near your desk; taking a work meeting outside; eating lunch at a nearby park; exercising outdoors.

When to reach out

The strategies above can help improve mental wellbeing, but they can’t “cure” any mental health conditions. Consider professional support at any time. Persons don’t need to have depression, anxiety, or any specific mental health symptom to benefit from therapy.

That said, reaching out becomes particularly important if you are:

Experiencing a stressful or traumatic event; feeling more upset, anxious, or sadder than usual; frequently feeling agitated, irritable, or angry; your motivation has tanked; you notice changes in your appetite and sleep patterns; often find it difficult to get through the day; are using alcohol or other substances more than usual, or turning to other unhelpful coping behaviours.

Our mental health plays a pivotal role in our quality of life. Many of the factors that can affect mental health remain beyond our control, but adding beneficial habits to our days can promote greater wellness.

If one’s mental health starts to get worse, it could be time to consider reaching out to a therapist. Professional support can be a powerful tool in one’s positive mental habits toolkit.

Stabroek block partners HESS, CNOOC join Exxon for energy conference

Development”, and will be hosted from February 14th-17th at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown, Guyana.

It is expected to assemble Heads of State, Government officials, policymakers, academics, industry professionals, and global energy thought-leaders.

Baboolall added, “We anticipate the lively discussions that will be held focused on the direction of Guyana's energy indus -

expo are expected to gather over 800 attendees, 40 speakers, 150 exhibitors, and 30 sponsors.

A number of Heads of Government have

confirmed their attendance, among whom are Guyana’s President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali; President of Suriname, Chandrikapersad

Santokhi, and Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Keith Rowley. They are expected to deliver addresses at the opening ceremony.

The International Energy Conference and Expo Guyana 2023 on Saturday announced that CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited (CPGL) and Hess Corporation are diamond sponsors of the second edition of the event. The two companies now return for the second time to join their Stabroek Block partner ExxonMobil Guyana at the conference and expo.

Chief Executive Officer of the International Energy Conference and Expo Guyana 2023, Kurt Baboolall, has said, “We are happy to see Hess and CNOOC return as diamond sponsors for the conference and expo. This proves that we have

made our mark as we host some of the world leaders and energy professionals here in Guyana come February."

The Conference and Expo this year is themed “Harnessing Energy for

try. These powerhouse energy players continue to promote Guyana as a regional energy leader, and have, over the years, made major contributions to our country's energy future.”

The conference and

Missing security company guns Suspect takes cops to Albouystown hiding place, 4 guns recovered

As the probe continues into the theft of several firearms belonging to Radar Security and Supplies Company, Police on Saturday afternoon recovered four more of the stolen guns in Albouystown, Georgetown.

Reports are that one of the suspects took detectives to the Albouystown location where the guns were hidden. At that location, Police recovered three .32 calibre and one 9mm calibre guns.

Five persons were taken into custody on Friday in relation to the disappearance of several weapons from the Radar Security and Supplies Company last year, including the mastermind, a security official.

Crime Chief Wendell

Blanhum has said that detectives from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Headquarters made the breakthrough in the case after one of the suspects led investigators to a location in South Ruimveldt, Georgetown. He said that during their raid on the property, two of the six stolen weapons were recovered. The probe is ongoing.

Two employees of the Radar Security and Supplies entity had been taken into Police custody in December after six firearms and a quantity of ammunition were allegedly stolen from the entity between Christmas and Boxing Day.

It has been reported that two single-barrel shotguns

valued at $950,000; four 9mm Taurus pistols valued at $1,400,000, and five Taurus .32 pistols valued at $1,425,000 were stolen from this security entity.

Also missing were twenty-five 12-gauge cartridges; 538 rounds of .32 ammunition, and 18 rounds of 9mm ammunition. These items were allegedly stolen from the security company’s office at Lot 79 Carmichael Street, Georgetown.

The offices of the Radar Security and Supplies are located in the middle flat of a three-storey wooden building. An office to the western side has a wooden door to the eastern side, and that is secured by a manufactured Yale lock. In that said office, there is a steel

‘strongbox’ in which the security firm secures the firearms and ammunition. The said strongbox is secured by two padlocks. Inside the strongbox, the firearms are chained and padlocked with three padlocks.

The firm’s Chief Security Officer, a 72-year-old resident of Guyhoc Park,

Georgetown, claimed that he had checked the firearms on Christmas Day and everything was intact. However, at 18:30h on Boxing Day, a 65-year-old ‘Weapons Training Officer’ from Enterprise, East Coast Demerara (ECD) visited the location and met a 57-yearold security guard from

Tucville, Georgetown, who was on duty.

The weapons training officer observed that the door to the office was not secured, but was rather left ajar. He then entered the office, where he observed that the padlocks on the strongbox were cut off, the chain that secured the firearms was also cut, and the firearms mentioned were missing. However, two other shotguns were left in the strong box.

The Training Officer claimed that he then informed the owner of the security service of his findings. Detectives were summoned to the office, and they observed that the padlocks and chain had indeed been cut. The two shotguns were removed from the strong box and lodged. The office was checked, but there was no sign of breakage.

The 57-year-old security guard was questioned, and he claimed that at 17:00h on Boxing Day, he took over duty from a 36-year-old security guard from Paradise Housing Scheme, ECD, who had handed over the key for the said office that housed the strongbox. He claimed that he did not check the office door, nor did he go into the office.

He was arrested, and a search was carried out at his home, but nothing was found.

Checks were made for the 36-year-old security guard at his stated address at Paradise, ECD, but no one was seen at the house, which seems to have been abandoned.

The training officer was also arrested and questioned, and his home was searched, but nothing was found.

The weapons that were recovered on Saturday afternoon

More opportunities loom in agri sector – Minister

More opportunities are looming in the agriculture sector, subject Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has told farmers at Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) during a meeting on Saturday.

He responded to several issues which farmers raised during that meeting, among them that some farmers were cultivating crops on dams, making it difficult for others to access their farms, and causing sluices to be blocked and necessitating the desilting of the Abary River.

One farmer pointed out the urgency of Government’s intervention to prevent the constant flooding experienced as a result of heavy rainfall, and fisherfolk also called on the Minister to have the channel in the ocean dug; while animal farmers lamented the scarcity of breeding animals.

According to another farmer, some farmers were asking as much as $200,000 for a breeding ram.

Explaining that Government has been trying to assist all farmers, the Agriculture Minister pointed to the flood relief money given to farmers last year, and said all sectors of farmers had benefitted therefrom.

“Most of the persons who

were deserving received, whether it is cash crop, livestock or rice. Some rice farmers rented their land and they wanted the flood relief,” he decried.

Mustapha has said there are plans to further develop the MMA Scheme this year, to have 100,000 acres available. He pointed out that another 5,000 acres will be opened up for cattle, and pasture should be available for usage within three months.

The livestock industry is developing, he said as he noted that 437 black belly sheep have already arrived from Barbados to improve the breeds here. He added that the programme has not been rolled out as yet, as the Government is waiting on the remainder to complete the al-

lotment of 100 sheep. These sheep are expected to replace the Austrian and New Zealand lambs here.

“We can’t only depend on rice and cash crops, we have to develop the entire agriculture sector; but one cannot be at the expense of another one,” he declared.

Mustapha said improvements have been made in all sectors within the agriculture industry last year. “We have seen a decline in sugar, but I am hoping that with the reopening of the Rose Hall Estate and the systems that we have put in place, we will be able to surpass the first crop target. The target for the year is 60,000 tonnes.

I am hoping that we can surpass that,” he said.

Traditional crops

Focusing on traditional crops, he pointed out that many farmers do not reap when the market is flooded and prices are low. These farmers prefer to allow their produce to rot in the fields. He assured that farmers can still get the prices they expect all year round.

“We now have a number of agro-processing facilities where you can take your produce and we will package it. Now the New Marketing Corporation (GMC) is looking to find markets, so if there are crash crop farmers who don’t have markets for their produce, let us know.

The GMC will find markets for your produce. We will have people come to your area to buy it from your farm gate. You can also take it to the agro-processing facility,” he explained.

Mustapha noted that both Barbados and Trinidad are demanding fresh produce from Guyana monthly. “All the fruits and vegetables that they can have, they want it in Barbados. There are a lot of avenues where your produce can be exported,” he explained.

The Minister also noted that strides are being made in the aquaculture industry. Shrimp production has sig-

nificantly increased over the past year. Production moved from 10,000 kg to 80,000 kg per month.

Additionally, caged fishing has started for farmers in the hinterland.

“Any farmer who wants us to help them to get into aquaculture, we can do that. We have started the cage fish culture in the hinterland, and we are now helping those communities to start rearing fishes like tilapia and tambaqui; we have already procured the fingerlings,” Mustapha explained as he told farmers that more opportunities are looming in the agriculture sector. (G4)

2-day installation guaranteed for GTT’s business customers

…free 1-month, free installation if not connected in 48 hours

GTT’s Business Solutions has recorded massive support for its relatively new conneX service from small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). According to the company, over 4000 businesses have subscribed to the service since it was launched in April 2022, less than ten months ago, and 90 percent of those subscribers

have been installed within 48-72 hours.

The company is now promising that customers who do not get installed within a minimum of two days would get one month’s free service in addition to free installation. Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Business Solutions, Orson Ferguson, has said GTT is doing its utmost to reliably

connect its customers, as the company continues to make transformative changes to further pivot in the role of a 21st century customer-centric organisation.

“We have made bold promises to our customers, and we continue to make positive adjustments to ensure that we honour our commitments in a transparent manner. If we can-

Police find 12-gauge shotgun in Corentyne …3 arrested

An intelligence-led

Police operation around 14:05h on Friday resulted in the arrest of three men and the recovery of an unlicensed shotgun and ammunition.

Acting on information received, the ranks ventured to Johanna South, Black Bush Polder, Corentyne, Berbice, where they saw two men standing next to a silver grey 212 vehicle, with registration number PNN 3838. A search was conducted on the said motor car, and nothing illegal was found.

Police then proceeded to the nearby yard, where they saw another male in a storeroom. They searched the storeroom and found one single-barrel shotgun with no serial number and three 12-gauge cartridges. The police took possession of the firearm, and all three men were arrested as investigations continue.

Just recently, two juveniles were among three per-

sons in custody following the discovery of a shotgun in Black Bush Polder.

The adult in custody is reportedly from Mount Sinai, West Canje, Berbice, and he had previously been before the court on a series of matters, including robbery, possession of arms and ammunition, and throwing marijuana over the prison wall.

Police say an intelligence-led operation resulted in the arrest of these three males.

Based on the information received, Police went to Johanna South, Black Bush Polder, and encountered two

men standing next to a silver-gray 212 motor car PNN 3838.

A search conducted on that vehicle unearthed nothing illegal, but when ranks went to a nearby yard, they observed a male in a storeroom.

They conducted a search of that storeroom, and unearthed one single-barrel shotgun with the markings CBC, along with three 12-gauge cartridges. The serial number of the weapon was filed off.

The three men have been arrested, and are currently assisting with investigations. (G9)

not have the customer’s service installed within 2 days, we are holding ourselves accountable,” Ferguson said.

In addition to ensuring customers are quickly connected to the internet, Ferguson noted that the company places a high priority on delivering the best after-sales service and ensuring businesses receive the quality of connectivity necessary for their daily functioning.

“Not only have we increased our speeds by over 200% since we introduced the service less than ten months ago, but we have also introduced a dedicated support line so that our customers can contact us easily”.

He added that Business Solutions has been getting consistent customer satisfaction scores of over ninety percent.

“We also recently launched our business mobile postpaid plans, which give the customer unlimit-

ed data, talk, and text, and includes free roaming in the USA, Latin American and Caribbean. The first for Guyana,” he said.

The Business Solutions team has recently been recognised as the Georgetown

Chamber of Commerce’s (GCCI) Large Business of the Year for 2022 because of its exceptional performance, including engaging the Private Sector and the Government on numerous national causes.

The weapon that was found at Black Bush Polder

Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Business Solutions, Orson Ferguson

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha speaking at the meeting on Saturday at Bush Lot, WCB

Some of the farmers at the meeting

Regional

Top Cuban spy freed in US after more than 20 years

Ana Montes -- among the best-known Cold War spies caught by the US -- has been released from prison after more than 20 years in custody.

The 65-year-old spent almost two decades spying for Cuba while employed as an analyst at the Defence Intelligence Agency.

After her arrest in 2001, officials said she had almost entirely exposed US intelligence operations on the island.

One official said she was among "the most damaging spies" caught by the US.

Michelle Van Cleave, who was head of counter-intelligence under President George W Bush, told Congress in 2012 that Montes had "compromised everything -- virtually everything -- that we knew about Cuba and how we operated in Cuba".

"So the Cubans were well aware of everything that we knew about them and could use that to their advantage. In addition, she was able to influence estimates about Cuba in her conversations with colleagues and she also found an opportunity to pro-

vide information that she acquired to other powers."

After her arrest, Montes was accused of supplying the identities of four US spies and oceans of classified material. She was handed a 25-year prison sentence, with the sentencing Judge accusing her of putting the "nation as a whole" at risk.

However, unlike other high-profile spies caught during the cold war, Montes was motivated by ideology, not per -

sonal gain. She agreed to work for Cuban intelligence in part based on her opposition to the Reagan Administration's activities in Latin America.

In particular, a report from the defence department's inspector general found, she is believed to have been angered by US support for the Nicaragua Contras -- a right-wing rebel group suspected of committing war crimes and other atrocities in the country. (Excerpt from BBC News)

T&T Opposition nominates Israel Khan for President

The United national Congress (UNC) Opposition has nominated Israel Khan, Senior Counsel, for President. In a press release issued by the Opposition, the Government was asked to consider his appointment.

The following is a press release from the Opposition Leader Kamla BissessarPersad

The Opposition has today requested the Government to consid-

er Mr Israel Khan, Senior Counsel, for President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

Yesterday, we indicated our non-support for Ms [Christine] Kangaloo on the basis, inter alia, that as a sitting PNM [People's National Movement] politician under the hand of the Prime Minister, serious issues would arise about apparent bias in decision-making. We stated our willingness to work towards

a consensus nominee.

To this end, we have proposed that Mr Khan be considered as the nominee for President.

Given Mr Khan’s fiercely independent track record, significant experience within the legal fraternity as well as his dynamic contributions to our national development, we are of the view that he is a suitable candidate for this distinguished office.

(Trinidad Guardian)

Chilean Justice Minister resigns amid critique of pardons

Chilean Justice

Minister Marcela

Rios has resigned her post, the country's President Gabriel Boric said on Saturday, amid accusations of wrongdoing over pardons given to people connected to violent 2019 protests.

Lawyer Luis Cordero Vega will take up the job in the coming days, leftist Boric added in a video statement, thanking Rios for her work during her 10 months in the role.

"When situations with these characteristics occur in politics, we must take responsibility," Boric said.

Boric backed pardons for those convicted in less violent crimes during the protests that shook the South American country.

The list of those pardoned included men between the ages of 21 and 38 involved in various crimes such as looting, robbery, handling Molotov cocktails, and others.

But political opponents

decried the December pardons -- which included a former guerrilla fighter imprisoned for other crimes -- and accused Rios of poor communication and coordination. They were set to formalise those complaints in the legislature on Monday.

Boric urged Congress to approve a new Attorney General and pass a package of economic measures. The government has so far failed to garner enough support to name a top prosecutor. (Reuters)

Colombian, Venezuelan Presidents discuss investment, trade

Colombian President Gustavo Petro and his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolás Maduro discussed binational investment and trade at a meeting in Caracas on Saturday, the Colombian Government said.

The countries have renewed political ties since Petro took office in August 2022, reopening trade and promising to work together on issues including agriculture and management of borders.

Discussions at the meeting, the Presidents' second, centred on similar topics as when they first met in October -- management of a newly re-opened

border, efforts to increase trade and the peace talks that Bogota is holding with rebel group the National Liberation Army (ELN), Petro's office said in a statement.

"We had a complete and very fruitful meeting. We have a clear joint work plan that will keep giving positive results for our countries," Maduro said on Twitter.

The two men have previously said they could strengthen cooperation over Monomeros, a Colombia-based fertiliser producer which is owned by Venezuelan State chemical company Pequiven. Colombia's Finance Minister has said his coun -

try may be open to buying Monomeros.

Venezuela is a guarantor country at Colombia's talks with the ELN and hosted the first round of negotiations between the two sides, which ended in December.

Caracas broke off relations with Bogota in 2019 after Venezuelan Opposition activists tried to send aid trucks from Colombia. Maduro's Government said it was a front for an attempted coup.

Previous Governments in Bogota have accused Maduro of harboring Colombian rebel groups and criminals, accusations he has denied.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

At least one person was killed and 57 were injured in a train collision on Mexico City's metro early on Saturday, local authorities said.

The person killed in the morning accident was a young woman, city security head Omar Garcia told local media Grupo Milenio.

Garcia shared an updated list of the injured later on Saturday, and the city's mayor, Claudia Sheinbaum, said on Twitter that she was at the site.

Four others who were trapped on one wagon on Line 3 were rescued and are in good health, Garcia said earlier.

A variety of accidents have taken place on the metro in recent years. The most serious was the May 2021 collapse of a rail overpass on Line 12 that killed 26 people and injured more than 60.

Maintenance shortcomings were identified as one of that accident's causes.

(Reuters)

1 dead, 57 injured in accident on Mexico City metro Commonwealth team to observe Antigua elections

The Commonwealth Secretariat on Friday announced that former Seychelles President, Danny Faure, will lead a six-member team of Commonwealth election observers to Antigua and Barbuda for the January 18 general election.

Commonwealth Secretary General, Patricia Scotland, KC, announced the composition of the Commonwealth Observation Group in response to an in-

vitation from the Antigua and Barbuda Government.

“I thank Danny Faure for accepting my invitation to lead this group and each of the Commonwealth observers for agreeing to undertake this important assignment.

“The group, which is independent and impartial, will assess the overall conduct of the election and, at the end, make recommendations which will contribute towards strengthening the

electoral process in Antigua and Barbuda,” Scotland said in a statement.

The Commonwealth Secretariat said that the group’s mandate is to observe the preparations for the election, the polling, counting, tabulation procedures and the overall electoral environment as well as consider any factors that could impinge upon the credibility of the process as a whole.

(Excerpt from CMC)

Ana Montes after her arrest in 2001

Paramedics assist a woman after two subway trains collide head-on at a subway station, in Mexico City, Mexico, January 7, 2023 (Reuters/Quetzalli Nicte-Ha)

OIL NEWS

Where are oil prices heading in 2023?

Recession is the keyword for oil prices at the beginning of 2023.

The Fed isn’t abandoning its hawkish stance at the start of the year, and could possibly inflict more damage on oil markets.

Oil bulls see the reopening of the Chinese economy as one of the most bullish factors this year.

At the beginning of 2023, several factors are at play in determining the short and medium-term trend in oil prices this year. Supply and demand concerns, tightening monetary policy globally, expectations of a material slowdown in economic growth and possible recessions, and China’s reopening with a COVID-19 exit wave are all impacting crude oil prices.

During the first week of the year, oil prices tumbled by nine per cent in the first two trading days for the worst start to a year since 1991. The price of Brent Crude dipped to below year-ago levels for the first time in two years, possibly suggesting that “broader inflation has peaked and could fall rapidly in the coming months,” Reuters columnist Jamie McGeever notes.

The annual change in the US benchmark, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) Crude, has also turned negative several times over the past two months. The base effects, that is, prices and the inflation rate compared to the same time last year, are falling and could signal deflation in energy commodities, which could intensify the drop in broader inflation to closer to the Fed’s two per cent target, according to McGeever.

Still, the Fed isn’t abandoning its hawkish stance and determination to fight inflation which is “persistent” and at an “unacceptably high level”, according to the minutes of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) from the December meeting released this week.

“No participants anticipated that it would be appropriate to begin reducing the federal funds rate target in 2023. Participants generally observed that a restrictive policy stance would need to be maintained until the incoming data provided confidence that inflation was on a sustained downward path to two per cent, which was likely to take some time,” the Fed said.

“Participants concurred that the inflation data received for October and November showed welcome reductions in the monthly pace of price increases, but they stressed that it would take substantially more evidence of progress to be confident that inflation was on a sustained downward path,” according to the FOMC minutes.

This week, Federal Reserve Bank of St Louis President James Bullard said that the prospects of a soft landing for the US economy have increased compared to the autumn of 2022, thanks to a strong and resilient labour market.

“The policy rate is not yet in a zone that may be considered sufficiently restrictive, but it is getting closer,” Bullard said in a presentation on Thursday.

Nevertheless, concerns about a recession persist. The current weak oil demand in both the US and China adds to the immediate-term bearish outlook on oil prices.

“Oil is trying to rally but demand concerns are keeping the gains small. The Saudis are slashing prices as the shortterm crude demand outlook seems like it won’t quite get a major boost from a robust China reopening,” Ed Moya, Senior Market Analyst, The Americas, at OANDA, said on Thursday when oil prices inched higher after the massive selloff on Tuesday and Wednesday.

However, the weekly EIA report indicated that implied gasoline demand fell last week by the most since March 2020, and crude oil and distillate demand posted significant declines from a week ago, Moya noted.

ING strategists said on Thursday, “The oil market is looking better supplied in the near term and risks are likely skewed to the downside. However, our oil balance starts to show a tightening in the market from the second quarter through to the end of the year, which suggests that we should see stronger prices from 2Q23 onwards.”

According to broker PVM Oil, “There is no doubt that the prevailing trend is down, it is a bear market.”

“Readily available Russian crude also played its part in the continuous move lower and so did the co-ordinated SPR release. The question now is whether these forces will be at play throughout 2023 and whether the cheapening of oil prices will be the main theme this year.” (Oilprice.com)

Around the World

Kevin McCarthy elected US House Speaker after 15 rounds of voting

Kevin McCarthy has been elected Speaker of the US House of Representatives after heated exchanges which almost saw fellow Republicans come to blows.

It took 15 rounds of voting for McCarthy to win the job, despite his party having a majority in the chamber.

It came after a dramatic pressure campaign played out live on the House floor as party rebel Matt Gaetz was urged to vote for McCarthy.

The Florida Congressman was among six holdouts who relented late on Friday.

Earlier, amid heated scenes in the chamber, Gaetz had almost come to blows with Representative Mike Rogers, a supporter

of McCarthy. The Alabama Congressman had to be physically restrained by colleagues as he bellowed and

China on Saturday marked the first day of "chun yun", the 40day period of Lunar New Year travel known pre-pandemic as the world's largest annual migration of people, bracing for a huge increase in travellers and the spread of COVID-19 infections.

This Lunar New Year public holiday, which officially runs from January 21, will be the first since 2020 without domestic travel restrictions.

Over the last month China has seen the dramatic dismantling of its "zero-COVID" regime following historic protests against

a policy that included frequent testing, restricted movement, mass lockdowns and heavy damage to the world's number two economy.

Investors are hoping that the reopening will eventually reinvigorate a US$17trillion economy suffering its lowest growth in nearly half a century.

But the abrupt changes have exposed many of China's 1.4 billion population to the virus for the first time, triggering a wave of infections that is overwhelming some hospitals, emptying pharmacy shelves of medicines and causing

jabbed his finger at Gaetz.

The Speaker sets the House agenda and oversees legislative business.

The post is second in line to the presidency after the US Vice President.

Speaking after his confirmation, McCarthy wrote on Twitter: "I hope one thing is clear after this week: I will never give up. And I will never give up for you, the American people."

McCarthy told reporters that former President Trump had helped him get the final votes: "I don't think anybody should doubt his influence".

"He was with me from the beginning... he would call me and he would call others," he said.

US President Joe Biden congratulated McCarthy for his win and said he looked forward to co-operating with the Republican Party.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

The Ministry of Transport said on Friday that it expects more than two billion passengers to

take trips over the next 40 days, an increase of 99.5 per cent year-on-year and reaching 70.3 per cent of trip numbers in 2019. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Air India has issued show cause notice and de-rostered one pilot and four cabin crew as it investigates the handling of an unruly passenger on a flight from New York to Delhi in November, the airline's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) said on Saturday.

The Tata group-owned airline has faced criticism from India's aviation regulator following an incident on a November 26 flight in which a male passenger, while apparently inebriated, urinated on a female passenger.

A second similar incident occurred last month on a flight from Paris to Delhi.

"Air India acknowledges that it could have handled these matters better, both in the air and on the ground and is committed to taking action," the airline's CEO and managing director Campbell Wilson said in a

statement on Saturday.

Wilson said Air India has initiated multiple measures to improve its response to such incidents, including a review of airline policies and reporting processes.

A male passenger accused of misbehaviour on the New York to Delhi flight has been terminated by his employer Wells Fargo , the bank said on Friday, adding that it was cooperating with local law enforcement.

Local media said on Saturday that the passenger had been arrested by Indian Police.

Air India will provide full cooperation to the affected passenger, regulators and law enforcement authorities, Wilson said.

"We are committed to providing a safe environment for customers and crew, as well as operating in full compliance with all laws and regulations," he said. (Reuters)

Ukrainians and Russians mark Orthodox Christmas under the shadow of war, as reports of fighting come from the eastern Donbas region despite Russian President Vladimir Putin unilaterally ordering his forces to pause attacks.

Ukraine rejected the purported 36-hour ceasefire from midday on Friday to mark Orthodox Christmas, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy describing it as a ploy by Putin to buy time to reinforce troops that have taken heavy losses this week.

The Russian Defence Ministry on Saturday insisted its forces were observing the ceasefire until midnight local time (21:00 GMT) which is 23:00h in the

Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, but added that its army had repelled attacks by Kyiv forces in eastern Ukraine and killed dozens of Ukrainian soldiers on Friday.

In a Facebook post, the general staff of Ukraine’s armed forces said Russian troops had shelled dozens of positions and settlements along the front line on Saturday.

President Zelenskyy said the attacks showed Moscow could not be trusted.

“They were saying something about a supposed ceasefire. The reality, however, was that Russian shells once again hit Bakhmut and other Ukrainian positions,” he said in a video address on Saturday. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) bangs the Speaker's gavel for the first time after being elected Speaker of the US House of Representatives in a late-night 15th round of voting on the fourth day of the 118th Congress at the US Capitol in Washington, US, January 7, 2023 (Reuters/Evelyn Hockstein)

China's 'great migration' kicks-off under shadow of COVID

People wearing protective face shields enter the Beijing Railway Station as the annual Spring Festival travel rush starts, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), ahead of the Chinese Lunar New Year, in Beijing, China, January 7, 2023 (Reuters/Tingshu Wang) long lines to form at crematoriums.

Air India grounds crew over handling of unruly passenger on flight

No respite in Ukraine fighting as shaky Russian truce nears end

ARIES

(March 21April 19)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

Heighten your awareness through observation, research and asking key questions to ease your concerns. Step into the spotlight in a grand and knowing manner that will grab attention.

An opportunity will pass you by if you hesitate. Evaluate what’s entailed and compare the benefits and detriments. Keep your emotions and those who can manipulate you at a distance.

GEMINI (MAY 28June 20)

CANCER

Let experience be your guide. Looking at the big picture and summarizing what’s important will aid you in reaching your designated target. Stay one step ahead of the competition.

Make a move or change for the right reason, not because someone is pressuring you. Find the path most compatible with your plans and hightail it in that direction. Make your presence felt.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Change because you want to, not because someone is putting demands on you. Be true to yourself and live life your way. Put your effort where it counts, and it will bring you the results you want.

Move forward with enthusiasm. Reach out to people who share your sentiments. Embrace unusual partnerships that encourage mutual respect and willingness to learn.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Take a breather and reevaluate your goals. Consider what’s important and how you want others to perceive you. A positive attitude will help you establish good relations.

Use intelligence to defuse emotional situations. Don’t let matters escalate or change the dynamics of a relationship. Be patient, be a good listener and recognize when to call in an expert.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21)

CAPRICORN

(Dec. 22Jan. 19)

Financial management will help you avoid overindulgence. Save up for something that will make your life more meaningful and less stressful. An opportunity to advance is apparent.

Turn the tables on anyone trying to mess with you. Put your energy into forging meaningful relationships that enhance your life. An optimistic attitude will attract positive people.

AQUARIUS

(June 21July 22) (Jan. 20Feb. 19)

PISCES

(Feb. 20Mar. 20)

Go over details to ensure everything falls into place. Take care of home and family, and keep the peace. Show determination and discipline, and refuse to let uncertainty cloud your vision.

Get down to business and finish what you start. Put your energy where it counts and avoid discord. Be creative, offer help and do your best to make a difference. A financial change looks promising.

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

Dilbert

Suryakumar's stunning century propels India to 2-1 series win

Suryakumar Yadav's sublime century - only his third in 43 T20I innings – set up a series win for India against Sri Lanka. Batting first in the decider, India scored 228, out of which Suryakumar hit 112 off just 51 balls.

It was an innings full of trademark Suryakumar shots: inside-out drives over extra cover, ramps over short fine leg, and wrists used to manufacture shots over square leg and point.

India were helped along by a blazing start from Rahul Tripathi and a finishing kick from Axar Patel. Sri Lanka kept getting boundaries in response, but the asking rate was too high, and they kept losing wickets too often to seriously challenge the hosts. Once Shivam Mavi and Axar interrupted a quick start from Sri Lanka, the small margin for error kept creating more shots that weren't quite on.

The win took India's unbeaten streak in T20I bilaterals at home to 11 series. Only one of these series was drawn.

Tripathi announces himself Tripathi is known for his selfless intent in the IPL, no matter where you send him to bat. Having made his international debut at the age of 31, Tripathi showed that side of him in just his second match. The bowling had looked tough until then on a tacky pitch at the start of the innings: Dilshan Madushanka got Ishan Kishan in the first over, Kasun Rajitha bowled the first maiden of the series to Shubman Gill, but Tripathi salvaged the powerplay.

Tripathi first charged at Madushanka to counter the movement, and then got stuck into Maheesh

Theekshana, whose control of length had been exceptional this series. Once Tripathi swept him from a decent length, though, Theekshana's lengths went awry. Immediately after the sweep, Tripathi expected a short ball, and cut it from outside leg. Then he drew a rare drive ball from Theekshana, and lofted him over mid-on. By the time he got out, Tripathi had scored 35 off 16 balls, and taken India to 52 for 2 in 5.5 overs.

Surya burns bright You wonder if Sri Lanka regret getting the second wicket, because Suryakumar then batted with ridiculous ease against all the bowlers. He hit nine sixes and seven fours - a boundary every three balls almost - and still maintained a control percentage of over 84.

As is often the case, Suryakumar didn't need much of a sighter. The fourth ball he faced he drove over extra-cover for four, followed by a ramp-whip to drag a short ball from outside off for a six over square leg.

It was almost like Suryakumar's shots were competing among themselves to be the most audacious on the night. Was it the wide, high, full toss from the leftarm quick that he sent over fine leg for a six while he was on the floor trying to get his head out of the line of danger? Or was it the wide, slower ball on which he somehow imparted enough whip of the wrists to be able to ramp it over fine leg for six? Or was it the back-foot inside-out drive to a slower legcutter for a six over extra-cover?

In the blinding lights of Suryakumar's innings, it was easy to forget that Shubman Gill scored just 46 off 36, taking ten balls to get

It took 45 balls for Suryakumar Yadav to get to his third T20I century

off the mark. Batters who replaced Gill tried to hit out immediately, but only Axar was successful, scoring 21 off nine in an unbroken 39-run stand with Suryakumar off 20 balls.

Axar starts the slide

Kusal Mendis continued his good touch by running away to 21 off 10, as Sri Lanka got to 35 in 3.1 overs. Mavi then pulled them back, and Axar created enough mistakes to get Mendis caught at short third in the fifth over.

Needing more than two runs a ball for the rest of the innings, the Sri Lanka batters had to keep swinging. India remained good enough to keep taking wickets. Arshdeep Singh, still struggling for rhythm, got Pathum Nissanka with the bouncer, making it 51 for 2 in the powerplay. Avishka Fernando found fine leg off a loose ball from Hardik Pandya, Charith Asalanka hit a short ball from Yuzvendra Chahal to deep cover, and the wickets just kept falling.

France Coach Deschamps has extended contract to 2026

Didier Deschamps

has extended his contract as France head coach until June 2026, and is expected to remain in charge for a fourth World Cup. He led France to World Cup victory in 2018, and to the 2022 final in Qatar, which they lost to Argentina.

Since the 54-year-old former Chelsea midfielder took charge in 2012, France have also reached

the 2014 World Cup quarter-finals and 2016 Euros final. Deschamps has won 89, drawn 28, and lost 22 of his 139 matches in charge.

The France Football Federation said assistant coach Guy Stephan, goalkeeping coach Franck Raviot, and physical trainer Cyril Moine will also remain with the national team.

Deschamps, who also won the World Cup as a player in 1998, helped

France win the Nations League in 2021. His most recent contract - signed in December 2019 - took him up to the end of the 2022 World Cup. He will now oversee France's qualification campaign for Euro 2024 in Germany, before focus turns to qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 2026.

(BBC Sport)

de Silva, 11.2 ov), 6-107

(Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva, 12.6 ov), 7-123

(Chamika Karunaratne, 14.3 ov), 8-127

(Maheesh Theekshana, 15.3 ov), 9-135

(Dasun Shanaka, 16.1 ov), 10-137

(Dilshan Madushanka, 16.4 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Hardik Pandya 4-0-30-2

Arshdeep Singh 2.4-0-20-3

Shivam Mavi 1-0-6-0

Axar Patel 3-0-19-1

Umran Malik 3-0-31-2

Yuzvendra Chahal 3-0-30- 2

Arshdeep ended with three wickets to bowl Sri Lanka out in 16.4 overs. (ESPNCricinfo)

Didier Deschamps is one of only five managers to win the World Cup and also finish as runners-up

India celebrating with their trophy after beating Sri Lanka in the T20I Series

Suryakumar getting a cut through for four

India vs Sri Lanka: T20I Series, Game 3 of 3…

Post-Qatar 2022 soccer…

Barbados Pride trial matches shifted for January 11 start

The Barbados Cricket Board will host a tri-series tournament to decide their West Indies Championship squad in January. The first three-day match, which was originally scheduled for January 6, will now commence from January 11, while the second match is scheduled for a January 16 start. Both matches will be played at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown.

Shai Hope, Shane Dowrich and Nicholas Kirton will captain the different sides, which are named after Sir Charles Griffith, Sir Garfield Sobers and Sir Wes Hall.

Those in Sir Charles Griffith Squad are: Nicholas Kirton (Captain), Mikhail Austin, Joshua Bishop, Leniko Boucher, Jamaine Bullen, Rivaldo Clarke,

Zidane Clarke, Joshua Drakes, Tauron Gibson, Keon Harding, Chaim Holder, Jarion Hoyte, Matthew Jones, Shayne Mosley, Shamar Springer, Craig St. Hill, Shanaldo Taylor, Kevin Wickham.

Those in Sir Garfield Sobers Squad are: Shai Hope (Captain), Marrodon Bend, Joshua Dorne, Jonathan Drakes, Jaden Edmund, Matthew Forde, Amari Goodridge, Chemar Holder, Javed Leacock, Jaden Lorde, Zachary McCaskie, Antonio Morris, Tariq O’Neale, Indal Persaud, Demario Richards, Demetrius Richards, Jomel Warrican, Rashawn Worrell.

Those in Sir Wes Hall Squad are: Shane Dowrich (Captain), Michael Agard, Kadeem Alleyne, Camarie Boyce, Shian Brathwaite, Jonathan Carter, Romario

Greaves, Kyle Hope, Aaron Jones, Akeem Jordan, Johann Layne, Kalvin Marcus, Jair McAllister, Hakeem Perryman, Nathan Sealy, Kemar Smith, Akeem Springer, Nyeem Young.

The 2023 West Indies Championship commences in February. The first two rounds will be played at the National Stadium in

Venus Williams withdraws from Australian Open because of injury

Grenada from 1 February to 11 February, and at the CCG in Antigua and the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium (SVRS).

There will then be a break, and the tournament will resume on 15 March and run until 1 April for the final three rounds, after which the champions will be crowned and presented

with the Headley Weekes Trophy. These matches will be played in Trinidad at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy (BLCA), Queen’s Park Oval (QPO) and the Diego Martin Sports Complex (DMSC).

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULES West Indies Championship 2023 (for Headley Weekes Trophy)

1 to 4 February 1st round in Grenada and Antigua 8 to 11 February: 2nd round in Grenada and Antigua

15 to 18 March: 3rd round in Trinidad & Tobago 22 to 25 March: 4th round in Trinidad & Tobago 29 March to 1 April: 5th round in Trinidad & Tobago.

Injured McCoy ruled out of SA T20 League

game by a decent margin. Paarl Royals will be the third sister franchise of Rajasthan in a franchise T20 competition, after Barbados Royals in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). They will be based out of Paarl, a city in the Western Cape province of South Africa, with Boland Park Cricket Stadium as their home ground. They will be involved in the opening encounter of SA2023 facing MI Cape Town.

Venus Williams has withdrawn from this month's Australian Open after sustaining an injury at a warm-up tournament. The 42-year-old had been awarded a wildcard for the Grand Slam, which begins on 16 January in Melbourne. Williams was injured during the ASB Classic in Auckland.

Other news in the world of tennis There are doubts over world number one Iga Swiatek's fitness, after she withdrew from the Adelaide International 2 WTA 500, which is due to be played next week. Poland's Swiatek, 21, has a problem with her right shoulder. Three-time ma-

jor winner Swiatek was in tears following a straightset defeat by the United States' Jessica Pegula in the United Cup mixed teams tournament in Sydney on Friday. The US will face Italy in Sunday's final, after Lucia Bronzetti's 6-2 6-3 win over Greece's Valentini Grammatikopoulou.

Australian world number 173 Kimberly Birrell has taken the wildcard place of seven-time singles Grand Slam champion Venus Williams at the Australian Open.

It remains to be seen whether British number one Emma Raducanu will compete at the Australian Open, after she rolled her ankle at the ASB Classic on Thursday.

Tunisian world number two Ons Jabeur suffered a shock 6-3 1-6 6-3 defeat by Czech 18-year-old world number 102 Linda Noskova in the Adelaide International semi-finals.

Noskova, who beat twotime Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka in the quarter-finals, will face Belarus's world number five Aryna Sabalenka - a 6-3 6-2 winner against Romania's Irina-Camelia Begu - in Sunday's final.

Coco Gauff has reached the final of the ASB Classic in Auckland by beating Montenegro's Danka Kovinic 6-0 6-2. American Gauff will face Spain's Rebeka Masarova, who beat Belgian Ysaline Bonaventure 6-3 6-3. (BBC Sport)

In a big setback for the Royals franchise, West Indies ace pacer Obed McCoy has been ruled out of the upcoming 2023 edition of the inaugural SA League, and dark clouds are hovering over his participation in the upcoming Indian Premier League.

Paarl Royals had signed four players before going to the auction: Corbin Bosch, David Miller, Obed McCoy and Jos Buttler. Obed McCoy has been capped at T20I and ODI level by the West Indies. The big fast bowler was particularly impressive with figures of six for 17 in August 2022 against

India, which helped the home team to seal a memorable victory.

Ahead of the IPL 2023 auction, McCoy was retained by Rajasthan Royals. The left-arm seamer settled for a price of INR 75 lakhs. Speaking about his numbers in IPL, the 26-year-old has played 7 matches and scalped 11 wickets. However, his economy is at a higher side with 9.17. McCoy also played in the final encounter of IPL 2022 against Gujarat Titans. However, the left-arm seamer failed to grab a single wicket in that all-important match, as the Royals lost the final

Shai Hope will lead one of the teams

Barbados Pride players will play two trial matches before the team is selected

Obed McCoy

Venus Williams has reached the Australian Open final twice in her career

“GUYANA WON”

By Jemima Holmes

The curtains came down last Sunday on the “One Guyana” President’s Cup tournament, a year-end football competition that directly resulted from President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s vision in regard to spotting and developing Guyanese football talent.

For several weeks prior, ballers across the length and breadth of Guyana had played their hearts out competing against their peers in the Regional Championships. While the New GPC Inc/Ferrol- sponsored Region 4 team grabbed the top prize, the President’s Cup was a great stepping stone for further developing Guyanese football.

National player Jeremy Garrett agrees with this assessment. “On the aspect of football development across all regions, I think that was the most important part coming out of this regional tournament,” Garrett stated in an exclusive sit-down with Guyana Times Sport.

“As much as it might seem as though Region 4 walked away with millions or whatever on that side, which is good, I think Guyana won. Guyana won in the sense that payers were able to have the exposure on that grid, to represent their region and showcase their talents. So, to help with the development of Guyana’s football,” he declared.

Sacrifices and rewards

On the occasion of the tournament’s official launch at State House, Main Street, back in December 2022, Garrett was one of those players who had the privilege of addressing the gathering.

In his time at the mic, the young player reminded his peers that sacrifices on

the field are likely to bring rewards. And that it did.

“A number of players would’ve given that sacrifice on the field, and I did mention at the opening that, you know, Coach Jamaal

Garrett reminded.

Touching on the incentive aspect of the tournament, which saw the Region 4 team adding another $1.2M to their $2M grand prize, Garrett alluded to the

a burden off of me. Now I’m able to access a house lot, compliments of the Government of Guyana’, which is massive!

But every single player in the football fraternity,

“The vision of the President is nothing but spot on, and I must commend him, his team, the Minister of Sport, the GFF, Kashif and Shanghai for this wonderful initiative, this vision. I’m more than pleased about it,” Garrett commented on the topic.

Expounding on why he believes the President’s Cup achieved its intended vision, Garrett referenced the opportunities given to those players who are not club members. The Golden Jaguars defender explained, “The tournament did give opportunities to players outside of the clubs, which is a good thing that we want to see, that football development wants.

do their best, to work hard, to continue to be part of such a group. This year again, the tournament will come and other talented players will be spotted, so it’s a matter of players doing the right thing and trying to keep their names on the roster to be able to earn a living, and also continue to represent Guyana,” Garrett said as he shared his thoughts on what is expected of players throughout the year, leading up to the President’s Cup.

Shabazz, when he first came back, one of his first speeches was that players, if you guys make the sacrifice for your country, your country will make the sacrifice for you. And we’re seeing it,”

Most Valuable Player (MVP) prize that was snapped up by Region 3’s Leo Orion Lovell.

Garrett explained, “Look at Leo Lovell. Leo can sit home and be like, ‘I have

or sports in general, should be able to look back maybe 5-10 years from now and say, ‘Well, look, I have something to show. This is what I accomplished just by playing the sport,” the player further stated.

A vision fulfilled

On the launching occasion, when Garrett had shared this particular message with his colleagues, President Dr. Irfaan Ali had spoken of his vision for the “One Guyana” President’s Cup tournament, which stemmed from conversations with citizens in the community of Buxton.

For the Head-of-State, the tournament was all about giving every player a chance to showcase their skills, even at the community level. Of course, this had extended to players who were not members of a football club.

“Because you might have a player who is not in a club, but has the talent, they would’ve now had the experience and the exposure playing against the top players in the country. They now have a job to do,” he explained.

However, aside from personal aspirations, there is expectation that such a largescale tournament would see improvements for the next edition. Quizzed on how he thinks the President’s Cup concept can be improved for the second edition, the Golden Jaguars player suggested that the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport’s work on community grounds across the country be utilised.

“

‘Alright, we go back home, this is what we have to do to compete in the next President’s Cup’,” Garrett explained as he described a scenario. “And it pushes the sponsors now to invest, and that’s what football development is all about: having these sponsors come in, invest in the talents in the different regions, so that they can compete on a larger scale, and there’s only one outcome from that: a better national team, a better local pool,” Garrett reasoned.

On to the next one

Essentially, the One Guyana President’s Cup has been touted as an annual event, so more football action can be expected when the year-end season comes around in 2023.

“Players now have the responsibility to commit to

“They’re doing a lot of development with the fields and community grounds and what not. So, I think with that kind of development, it would do a little better for the regional tournament this year. Because now we can have games maybe in Region 1, have a nice facility in Region 1, bring the fans out,” Garrett commented.

“I think that would be my thing for this year’s tournament: having the community grounds a bit more up-tostandard, so that the games aren’t all in Leonora alone; persons are able to travel, get different vibes, different energy,” he said.

Aside from opportunities of exposure for players across Guyana’s ten administrative Regions, the “One Guyana” President’s Cup saw an investment of approximately Gy$30M from the Government of Guyana and a long list of corporate sponsors.

New GPC’s Region 4 emerged champions of the inaugural "One Guyana" President’s Cup tournament

National footballer Jeremy Garrett

Jeremy Garrett and others in action during the “One Guyana” President’s Cup final

- Jeremy Garrett on inaugural President’s Cup tournament