Guyana Times - Sunday, May 12, 2024.pdf

EPA already doing live monitoring of Exxon for oil spills, flaring – VP Jagdeo

road accidents in Division 6 – Traffic Officer

EU

in Guyana

Legal advisors reviewing statements of alleged sexual assault victim – Crime Chief Guyana’s

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Sunday, May 12 – 05:30h-06:30h and Monday, May 13 – 22:00h-23:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, May 12 – 06:25h-07:55h and Monday, May 13 – 07:10h-08:40h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

EPA already doing live monitoring of Exxon for oil spills, flaring – VP Jagdeo …says

Govt committed to further capacity building

hile committing that the Government will continue to build the capacity of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has clarified that the Government is currently doing live monitoring of oil operations in the Stabroek Block.

During his recent press conference, the Vice President spoke of the EPA and its ability to monitor oil and gas. He acknowledged that more could be done to build capacity. But when it comes to the work that has already been done, Jagdeo noted that EPA has independent satellite monitoring in place.

“We need to build capacity in the EPA. And that’s precisely what we’re doing. However, I want to refer to what the Head of the EPA has said publicly – that we have independent satellite monitoring now to detect any sheen in the water, so that even small quantities of oil leak can be detected, because of high-resolution satellite imaging. We have thermal imaging now, to detect any flare. So, if there’s flaring done, we’ll detect it,” Jagdeo said.

The Vice President’s mention of satellite monitoring is likely a reference to the Monitoring Recording Verification System (MRVS). According to him, the Government has strengthened and will continue to strengthen the EPA’s capacity.

“There is a live feed for discharge water. And that they do independent samples of the water, to be discharged. They test it, to ensure that the water meets the standards that are outlined in the Environmental Permits that they’ve received.

“And we’ve strengthened those standards and they’re international standards. Notwithstanding all of that, we need to continue building capacity at the EPA and in Government itself, independent capacity. So, I agree,” Jagdeo further added.

Last year, the Government partnered with MAXAR Technologies in a three-year deal to provide Guyana with satellite capabilities to monitor oil and gas vessels operating offshore. The deal had marked the first time the company rolled out its Crow’s Nest technology in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The use of more technology in its regulatory duties had been among the EPA’s specific goals for last year, as well as supporting Guyana’s low carbon development trajectory, improving enforcement, incorporating the use of more technology, and effective implementing the various multilateral environmental agreements Guyana is a

signatory to.

Real-time monitoring is a crucial element of regulating the oil sector. Before ExxonMobil affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL) installed its new flash gas compressor on the Liza Destiny Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel and reduced its flaring in 2022, the company had had to pay out over US$10 million in fines to the EPA for flaring.

In 2021, the EPA had amended the Environmental Permit for the Liza 1 Development Project after the oil company had been flaring excessively following technical issues with its

gas compressor on the Liza Destiny on two separate occasions in 2021. Initially, a cost of US$30 per ton of carbon emission was agreed upon, but the fee was then increased to US$45 during discussions with the operator over the August-September 2021 period.

EEPGL is the operator and holds 45 per cent interest in the Stabroek 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. The company is currently undertaking four production projects – Liza 1, Liza 2, and Payara (which are currently producing oil) and Yellowtail (where installation activities are ongoing) in the oilrich block. It is estimated that when the Yellowtail development project comes on stream, production will climb to 810,000 barrels per day (bpd) by 2027. Additionally, it recently received approval for a sixth project, Whiptail. The US oil major anticipates at least six FPSO vessels in operation by 2027.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

An example of the Crow’s Nest technology

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Mother’s Day

Like most of the “days” that have now become de rigueur for families to commemorate, “Mother’s Day” is another American gift to the world. Not surprisingly then, its commemoration was driven by commercial concerns - restaurants, florists, and sellers of chocolate. This year, in the US, spending on “Mom” is expected to reach a high after Covid - exceeding US$33.7B. But while “clothing” as a category is just behind personalized jewellery as a gift for “mother”, the figures on chocolates have not been disaggregated. In Guyana, while there have not been any surveys done, from anecdotal evidence, Mother’s Day appears to be more of a private occasion, with at most a special meal prepared for “Mom”, or adult children possibly visiting “the Old Lady”.

Mother’s Day, of course, is much more widely commemorated than Father’s Day, and maybe this tells a story that may be unconnected to the American experience, where Mother’s Day official recognition in 1914 preceded calls for Father’s Day to be recognised. It was not until 1972, after all, that US President Nixon declared the event an “official day”. In the Caribbean, with our experience of slavery being the foundational fact of our societal creation, the secondary role of fathers in the family might have something to do with this historical peripheralization.

The arrival of the indentured servants after slavery would coincide with the governmental policy to encourage stable families, to reduce expenditures on quelling disorders – even though the paucity of women precipitated the notorious wife (and mothers’) murders. The nuclear family, where “the man was the head of the house”, and “father knows best”, was now the official policy, even though structural continuities ensured in a wide swathe of African Guyanese families, where this was more an ideal than a reality. The father was oftentimes a peripatetic visiting figure, not very encouraging to acts of filial piety such as having a special day observed in his honour. Mother’s Day came easier.

But even in an era in which the “patriarchal oppressive” nature of the “traditional” nuclear family has been sharply criticised by feminists, it is generally acknowledged that single-parent families - which generally means a single mother - are not the ideal institution for raising future generations. This has remained the major function of mothers and fathers despite communal proposals from Plato in 500 BCE to Skinner in the 20th century.

Rather than throwing out the mother and father with the bathwater, the emphasis in the present has to be placed on both of them playing roles in which family responsibilities are equitably shared. Too often, the “father”, even when present in the Guyanese family, sees his role as bringing home a “pay packet” and leaving all other responsibilities on the beleaguered mother. Before commemorating Mother’s Day, we must be very clear about what a “mother” is supposed to be - apart from the very obvious biological procreative role.

She is now increasingly a “breadwinner”, even as she accepts that, in a supposedly ever-changing world, women are returning to the workplace in as great a percentage as occurred during slavery and indentureship. Many have forgotten that in those historical working relations, very little distinction was made between men and women, save in the type of tasks assigned.

The point is that if, at one stage of our history, we were able to move from equal participation of women in the workforce and then change to the latter’s sequestration in the homes (where their work was given no value), then we can reverse that process. Sufficient thought has to be given so as not to endanger the proper development of the children.

As implied earlier, if there are two “breadwinners” in the new world being created within the home, there will have to be a reassignment of roles away from what is now thought to be “women’s and men’s work”.

In the wider society, the state would have to make more accommodation for the welfare of the child during the work day - for instance, standardizing “creches” at workplaces to give relief to working mothers.

Happy Mother’s Day!

President engaging with Christian churches a very good thing for Guyana

Dear Editor, A “village” news entity has lamented President Ali’s engagement speaking at a function of the Assembly of God (AOG) Youth Group, dubbing it “worrying” (May 2, OPED, “President Ali’s coziness with Christian Churches worrying”).

As a founder member of an Assembly of God Church on the Corentyne, I want to ring in on this matter. You may not agree with the President or his Party, but we have to be fair in our commentary, giving credit where credit is due. While the President’s appearance at the event does not need defending, everyone knows this President is not a “sitting in the office” President.

He is always on the go, going everywhere, visiting many villages and solving problems, checking up on the progress of projects all over the country. He is energetic and is engaged locally as well as internationally. The President is President of all Guyana which he calls “One Guyana,” and can attend any event to which he is invited. It seems as if the real worry by the “Village” people is that this democratically-elected President is well received in all communities in Guyana, Brooklyn or elsewhere.

They worry about the implications for the 2025 elections. Those who are

nervous about the warm welcome he receives are attacking their own people and calling for boycotts. People welcoming a President or Opposition Leader with politeness and warmth is a good “Christian” thing in our environment where some push a race card to polarize our people. But Churches are called to be healers within the community. The AOG’s invitation to the youthful President at their Convention is a step in the right direction. Churches have been very silent and aloof at a time when we need them to engage with national development matters.

Not because people are warm to the President means they will vote for him, but that can happen if they like his demonstration of caring and ongoing engagement. No party or group should tell us whom we should associate with or not associate with. No one party owns us racially, religiously, or politically and think they can tell us whom to talk to or not! In our politics, politeness has been absent. We have an Opposition Leader refusing to shake the President’s hand, but at the same time ACDA calls for power sharing.

If you can’t shake hands, how will powersharing work? Ghandi said, “you can’t shake hands with a clenched fist.” Because gov -

ernment controls so much resources, engagements with the Government would be a smart thing for any church or community group. Engagement with the Government does not mean you necessarily endorse and agree with their every policy or practice.

I remember during the five months of the PNC’s attempted rigging in full view of the world, the Government released pictures of a top Assembly of God leader ushering President Granger into his birthday party. While some may say that’s the right thing at the wrong time, and that subliminal messages were being sent,

that leader was within his right to do so. I don’t recall the “village” people objecting. The Government side needs to be commended for always reaching out. At Easter time, Government Ministers are seen attending and speaking at many Christian Churches. The Churches need to engage with the Government especially to make sure we don’t reverse generations of family values, as these are under organized attacks by deviant movements in and out of Guyana.

Sincerely, Dr J Jailall Civil Society Advocate

Another misleading comparison

Dear Editor, Trinidad & Tobago (TT) have recently launched their “natural gas audit results” for the year ending 2022. Given this, the publisher of Kaieteur News (KN), Glenn Lall, sought to sell a misleading story viz-à-viz a so-called comparison, suggesting that the Guyanese Government has failed to uphold a similar standard as regards Guyana’s natural gas resources. The story by the KN publisher however lacked context.

According to TT’s “Gas Master Plan (2015), TT has been a commercial produc-

er of natural gas since 1953 (71 years to date), and it has only started to conduct audits of this kind annually since 2001; that is, forty-eight (48) years later, since becoming a commercial producer of natural gas (1953). In the case of Guyana, natural gas has so far been established in the Liza-1 field that is sufficient to monetize. ExxonMobil is still conducting feasibility studies in other fields in order to determine whether those fields have natural gas that could be commercialised.

This Colin Williams photo shows the view of one of the mountains in the Pakaraima Mountain Range. Also in photo is the Kurupung Creek located in the Middle Mazaruni area. This is another entry for the Ministry of Tourism's 58th Independence Anniversary photography competition

Landing in Br Guiana

By Ravi Dev

After spending four or more months crossing the Indian and Atlantic Oceans – including the treacherous waters dubbed “Pagli Samundar” (Mad Sea) below South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, where the two oceans collide – the indentureds would get their first glimpse of British Guiana: the Lighthouse in Kingston, Georgetown, built in 1830.

After the ship docked at the wharf at the southern end of Water Street, the indentureds were inspected by the Immigration Agent General (IAG) and his staff before disembarking. The IAG had the responsibility to, upon the arrival of an immigrant ship, ascertain whether certain rules and regulations regarding the

voyage had been observed. The immigrants were then marched up Water Street to the stares of the Creole townspeople, right past the lighthouse, to the “Coolie Depot” on the isolated Atlantic shore, next to where the Marriott now stands.

The building now houses NCERD, and should be designated a National Monument in honour of the 239,000 that passed through from India and the 75,808 that did so on their way back… Those immigrants who came on their own accord could proceed as they saw fit.

At the depot, where the office of the Immigration Agent General and his staff was located, the impetus was to assign and dispatch the immigrants to plantations that had “ordered” them ASAP, since, after forty-eight hours, the plantations had to pay for rations used. It was accepted that families were not to be separated, but sometimes marriages claimed after meeting in the depot in Calcutta were not recognised.

It became customary for resident indentureds to visit the depot when a new shipment arrived: they would check for persons they knew from their villages back in India.

On a personal note, one of the brothers of my great-grandfather Rambishun, who arrived on the Allan Shah in 1888, came to Guyana on an immigrant ship to seek him out. But upon discovering that Rambishun had married a Guyana-born woman, he returned to India without making contact. The immigrants were transported to their assigned plantations generally via trains, ferries, or carriages.

The name “Crosby” has come down the ages as an ally of the immigrants, and was used long after Indentureship was abolished. He was James Crosby, a graduate of Trinity College, Cambridge and a Barristerat-law of Middle Temple, who had been a Stipendiary Magistrate in the colony. He was appointed Immigration Agent General in 1858 with, and acted as, Stipendiary Magistrate in these matters. After many pitched battles with the authorities, including the Governor, on behalf of the indentures who brought their complaints to him, he died in 1880.

The GTU must get

off its

high horse and get back to the bargaining table

Dear Editor,

It is now public knowledge what the motive of the GTU Executive is, as articulated in their mouthpiece Demerara Waves. It is: continue to stay away from the collective bargaining table, and hope that the Government feels pressured and go to arbitration.

But that is not going to happen, and forcing the teachers in prolonged strike action only makes a bad situation for the union even worse. You see, memories of the 1999 Armstrong Arbitral Award are sweet in their mouths, which Lyte believes can take place in 2024, but again I say that that cannot take place.

In the first place, the conditions that existed then are not the same now. The Janet Jagan Government was then transitioning into a Jagdeo Leadership, and the country was about shakily coming out of two years of violent protests.

The country was in a mess. The situation was then conducive for the Hoyte Opposition to up the pressure on the fledgling government to get them to concede to an arbitration. Led by a deceitful Education Minister Henry Jeffrey, Hoyte chose Armstrong as the arbitrator, knowing fully well what he would do.

Now, what GTU President Dr Mark Lyte is not telling the hapless teachers is that, for an arbitral

award to take place, a total breakdown of talks would have had to take place for the Government to come to any stage of an arbitration. Further, the Government would have had to have been under intense pressure from street protests; that is, the violent, chaotic situation that existed in 1999, the present Government of Guyana is not under the climate of either of the two circumstances mentioned above.

If ever the Union is under pressure to lead the teachers into an aimless strike, now that he has backed himself into a corner, he is making inordinate demands on the Government. Asking for a collective bargaining agreement for 2019-2023 is simply unrealistic wishful talk.

Though quite a lopsided agreement, that triennium award was a done deal, collectively bargained and settled between a union and the government of the day. To demand that the present administration renegotiate the award for that period is contrary to reason and commonsense. Therefore, can we conclude that Lyte is making sort of a belligerent acceptance that his union was duped by the APNU/AFC Government? Must the present Irfaan Ali Government clean up the mess that was made by a government Lyte embraced?

I think Lyte is of that view, but what I can tell

him is that approaching the Government of the day in that confrontational manner is not the way to go, and would not solve anything; neither is it in the true spirit of collective bargaining either.

The Government has always maintained that it is open to collective bargaining, as it should be. The GTU has to get off its high horse and sit down as reasonable people and negotiate an agreement. There is no other option.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

Another misleading...

The Government of Guyana is currently finalizing a “Gas Strategy” for the country. It is important to note that the natural gas resources from the Liza1 field, which is associated with the gas-to-energy (GtE) project, would be derived as a byproduct from the drilling of crude oil. As part of Guyana’s gas master plan, the Government has to consider whether natural gas production would be pursued as a separate development, as in the case of TT.

Therefore, considering Guyana’s current state in terms of natural gas production, it is premature to conduct “gas audits” of a similar

nature as in the case of TT. The natural gas resources in Guyana have not yet been fully explored, and Guyana has not yet started to produce its gas resources. It is unfortunate and mischievous that media entities are omitting context altogether when putting out these stories. The omission of context and facts is becoming the norm of the day in some sections of the media fraternity. It is also improper to compare and contrast a 100+-year-old industry with a 4-year-old industry.

Sincerely,

Joel Bhagwandin

TPUPPY AILMENTS – CONTINUED

PUPPY DERMATITIS - ACNE AND IMPETIGO

hese are relatively common, usually mild, but pathological conditions of the skin –mostly, but not only, around the chin and lips’ areas. The skin (of infected puppies and young dogs) develops an inflammatory disorder, which can become self-perpetuating and long-lasting if not treated immediately. The ailment will not just go away as the pup/ young dog grows older.

I have placed the two terms “Acne” and “Impetigo” together because of their similarity. Let me clarify these two conditions:

ACNE is identified by a collection of purplishred bumps primarily on the animal’s chin and lower lip. These pimples come together and become infected, releasing a discharge of a thick, slimy fluid and pus. It is more often found in dogs with oily skin.

IMPETIGO (also called “Milk Rash” or “Puppy Pyoderma”) is found more on the face, underbelly, and on the hairless parts of the lower abdomen and groin. The pus-filled blisters rupture easily, leaving behind thin brown crusts. It is a contagious bacterial (staphs) skin infection. The bacteria enter the skin via scrapes/

cuts/bruises. The blisters can be found anywhere on the dog’s body. These conditions seem more prevalent in larger dog breeds with coats of short hair, such as Boxers, Dobermans and Rottweilers. We don’t have too many Great Danes, Weimaraners, German Short Haired Pointers and English Bull Dogs here in Guyana, but during my years practising in Europe, especially Germany, I recall that those latter breeds mentioned were the ones which mostly presented themselves with Acne/ Impetigo conditions in the Clinic.

Often, the caregivers do not immediately recognize that there is a problem. Not until the tiny papules merge

scar tissue in the area, which could be difficult to treat, or even become irreparable. Secondarily, a fungus and bacterial infection can emerge and complicate matters.

TREATMENT

Right at the outset, I prefer not to waste time with

together to become pustules, and later crusts, do pet owners conclude that there is a problem. If left untreated, ulcers develop – with a lot of itching and scratching and even bleeding. The affected and infected skin becomes thickened, and could produce

some soothing balm. Rather, I would advise caregivers that an ointment concoction be prepared and applied on the lesioned areas once every twelve hours. This ointment must contain antifungal, antibacterial, soothing antiitch and anti-inflammatory components. Your veterinarian will advise you accordingly, and/or even prepare the salve concoction for the animal.

Of course, the choice of treatment and the prescribed dosage rate would depend

with specific gentle shampoos, gels, creams and lotions – under veterinary advice. Do not use anti-tick, anti-flea shampoos, which are usually so strong that any such application on a pup’s soft and fragile chin skin may almost surely exacerbate the condition.

Not seldomly, veterinarians are confronted with chronic cases. The pet’s owner/ caregiver might have waited too long to present the suffering animal to the vet for science-based treatment. Such chronic cases may need weeks of therapy for a complete healing to be achieved.

SOME OTHER ADVICE RELATIVE TO THE TREATMENT

* Owners/caregivers must discontinue their own homemade interventions, as well as the implementation of advice from Google et al, if no improvement is being ascertained, or if the condition worsens.

* Do not use topical corticosteroids (against the itching) unless such intervention is under veterinary medical supervision.

* Owners/caregivers must not squeeze the pustules on the chin/lips/body, hoping to extract the contents.

* Purchase a “cone” (also called an Elizabethan Collar) from one of the many shops selling veterinary and pet products. Apply the cone in such a way that the pup/ young dog cannot scratch at

PROGNOSIS

Canine Acne/Impetigo could have a good outcome if (as I have emphasized above) the condition is arrested by competent and knowledgeable intervention. Most dogs would achieve a permanent (and a non-returning) cure. In cats, my experience has been that Acne/ Impetigo has a pretty good prognosis. However, it is not a singular occurrence, that intermittent treatment may continuously be needed over a long period.

National Assembly approves correction of CRC’s numerical composition

In the late hours of Friday, the National Assembly unanimously approved corrections to the Constitution Reform Commission Act in regard to the complement of members to be appointed.

The highly-anticipated Constitution Reform Commission Bill 2022 was first tabled in the House back in August 2022, and was subsequently passed in November of that year. The Act sought to establish a 20-member Commission to review the country’s supreme laws.

These 20 members have to be drawn from political parties (five from the ruling party, four from the main Opposition and one from the joinder parties), while the 10 remaining persons would be drawn from the three main religious groups, the Private Sector, the Guyana Bar Association, the National Toshaos Council, the labour movement, women’s organisations, as well as nominees representing farmers and youths.

Additionally, the Act contained provisions for the President to “…act in accordance with his/her own deliberate judgement and appoint a chairperson…” With this provision, the compliment of appointed members of the Constitution Reform Commission (CRC) has been taken to 21, hence the need to amend the law.

The Constitution Reform Commission (Amendment) Bill 2024 was presented to the National Assembly on Thursday by Governance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Gail Teixeira.

She explained, “In order to rectify what appears to be a contradiction, the amendment is being brought in the House to allow for the Constitution Reform Commission to be properly constituted, and to proceed with what is very important

work for our country and our parliament.”

Debates on the Bill were brief, commencing on Friday evening with Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, pointing out that with 21 members of the Commission already sworn in, “an erratum” was unfortunately discovered belatedly.

“The Act speaks to a Commission comprising of 20 members, and that was the intention. However, the Chairman not coming from the Commission, but is appointed by the President in the exercise of his “deliberate judgement”, and who is a part of the Commission, renders the Commission a 21-member Commission. This bill simply seeks to correct that numerical composition.

“The amendment is as simple as that. Some amendments were being proposed by the Opposition, but they have been graciously withdrawn, and I want to thank the Opposition for the good sense in that decision… I don’t think the other side is in opposition (to) this amendment, they having nominated their members already, and I know [they are] very anxious to start the work of the Commission,” AG Nandlall posited.

The Explanatory Memorandum details that Clause 2 of the Bill seeks to amend Section 3 of the Principal Act to increase the

Khemraj Ramjattan, during brief remarks, took a jab at the Government’s side for seeking to correct a “miscalculation.”

“They miscounted, and

membership of the Commission from twenty members to twenty-one members. Section 4 (1) of the Act was consequently amended to provide for the President to nominate a member of the Commission - that is, the Chairperson whom he appointed.

With the support of the Parliamentary Opposition, the amendments were passed, but not before A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Member of Parliament

they come here to correct it,” he teased. Ramjattan, Leader of the AFC, was rebutting reminders, mainly by the Government’s side in the House, of the APNU/AFC Coalition’s outrageous claim in the previous parliament, when the David Granger-led Administration was toppled by a No-Confidence Motion tabled by the then People’s Progressive Party/Civic Opposition.

After the NCM motion was passed 33-32 due to a cross-over vote in support of the PPP/C

Opposition, Coalition activists had infamously mounted arguments that a 34-vote is the majority of the 65-seat Parliament, and not 33 – something which was rejected by the High Court and the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

Last month, President Dr Irfaan Ali swore in the 20 nominated members of the CRC, along with his pick for Chairman, the former acting Chancellor Justice (retired) Carl Singh. The other CRC members are Attorney General Anil Nandlall, S.C., along with Ministers Gail Teixeira, Dr Frank Anthony, Pauline Sukhai and Kwame McCoy –representatives of the ruling PPP/C Government. The APNU/AFC Opposition is represented by Vincent Alexander, Sherwood Lowe, Ganesh Mahipal and Nigel Hughes. The other political appointee is Timothy Jonas, who is the representative of the joinder parties and holds a seat in the parliamentary Opposition.

Labour Movement Representative Aslim Singh, National Toshaos Council Representative Derrick John, Private Sector Representative Ramesh Persaud, Women’s Representative Kim Kyte-

Thomas, Youth Representative Dr Josh Kanhai, Muslim Representative Imran Ally, Hindu Representative Radha Krishna Sharma, and Farmers’ Representative Adrian Anamayah are the other members sworn-in by the President.

The other CRC members are the Guyana Bar Association Representative Kamal Ramkarran, and Christian Representative Keoma Griffith.

The 2022 law outlines the key areas which should be considered for potential reforms by the Commission. These include the fundamental rights of citizens, indigenous peoples’ rights, rights of children, the eradication of discrimination, enhancement of race relations, promotion of ethnic security and equal opportunity, safeguarding minority rights, electoral reforms; economic, political and cultural rights; fiduciary responsibility, bolstering integrity in public office, as well as the functioning of the National Assembly and local government.

During the April 3 swearing-in ceremony, President Ali told the Commission members that while these areas are wide-ranging, they are not exhaustive of their scope of work. He further noted that the constitution must be drafted in a clear and accessible language that is comprehensible to the average individual. This, according to the Head of State, would ensure that all citizens understand their rights and obligations, thereby facilitating active participation in the democratic process, and reinforcing the mutual understanding between the Government and the governed.

The PPP/C Government has already assured that the public would play an integral role in deciding what reforms would be undertaken. (G-8)

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

Opposition MP Khemraj Ramjattan

President Dr Irfaan Ali with the sworn-in members of the Constitution Reform Commission

Prison Director reiterates calls for respect of inmates' rights

Months after Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn had emphasised the importance of respecting the rights of prisoners, Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot, has made a similar call by urging officers to uphold the dignity and welfare of inmates under their care.

During his recent visits to Timehri and New Amsterdam Prisons, Elliot urged prison officers to approach their duties with practicality, innovation, and unwavering integrity. He emphasised the importance of embodying discipline and professionalism while ensuring respectful treatment and the welfare of inmates.

Addressing the officers, Elliot stressed the significance of respecting both the laws of the land and the rights of prisoners. He underscored the Government and prison authorities' commitment to implementing pragmatic interventions in

healthcare, food security, education, and skills training to enhance inmates' conditions and facilitate their rehabilitation.

“As prison officers and security personnel of the state, you will be called upon to serve in prison establishments all over the country. You must show utmost respect for the laws of the land and the rights of prisoners committed to prison custody under your care,” the Prison Director admonished.

These directives align with the Government's vision for an exemplary prison system in Guyana.

Minister Benn has consistently advocated for continuous improvement within the Guyana Prison Service (GPS), emphasizing the importance of upskilling and professionalism. He emphasized that prisoners have inherent human rights that must be upheld, and he has condemned any form of physical or emotional abuse met-

ed out to them.

Benn has also urged the Prison Service to redouble its efforts in addressing systemic issues, emphasizing the critical role of personnel in ensuring the security and wellbeing of both inmates and the broader community.

He has underscored the importance of learning from past failures, urging vigilance to prevent incidents such as the 2002 jailbreak and the Camp Street Prison fire tragedy.

The morning after…

…the Congress

The word “congress” has two distinct meanings; first: there’s the more popular one - “a formal meeting where people come together to discuss issues or questions. It often refers to the legislative branch of a nation’s government, such as the US Congress, but it can also refer to any important meeting or official organization.” So, we had the Indian National Congress formed all the way back in 1885, and of course the African National Congress - which must’ve inspired LFSB to dub his breakaway faction of the PPP (after his drubbing by Cheddi) as the Peoples’ National Congress.

Of recent, of course, they’ve been frantically trying to play down the notoriety of the PNC by calling it APNU!!

But there’s that second meaning that most don’t know about: “carnal knowledge, coition, coitus, congress, copulation, intercourse, relation, sex act, sexual intercourse, sexual relation”!!! So, we gotta be careful when we tell folks, “We’re going to congress”!! Knowing folks might ask archly, “With whom??”!!

Anyhow, now that the dust has settled after the PPP Congress – which was a meeting to discuss issues, thank you!! – maybe we can talk about some of what went down there!! And for what it’s worth, over in Leonora, from where Pressie hails, to “kick dust” means to dance with fervour!! So, maybe the dust from his exertions in this art form has also settled!! As if rigging elections with soiled bedsheets is dignified!!

Well, the Leonora contingent didn’t just “kick dust”, but kicked up a storm among the chatterati, who revel in dissecting anything the PPP does!! They’re worse than paparazzi!! The Leonorians moved a motion that the words “socialism” and “Marxism-Leninism” be expunged from the PPP’s constitution!! They’d been put there by no other than Cheddi Jagan himself - after a meeting he attended in Moscow in 1969.

After years of playing coy about his ideological stance between the “capitalism” practised by the US and the “socialism” practised by the Soviets, Jagan decided to call a red a red!!

But you can’t dip your toe into the same river twice, can you?? Not only would the river have changed as it flowed, but also your toe!! And so the world has changed, Guyana has changed, and the PPP has changed – especially on economic equity, which Socialism and Marxism-Leninism tried to address at the turn of the last century!! In this brave new world, it’s not theory – but sobering PRACTICE –that’s shown it’s foolish to blindly follow this or that “ism” when the goal promised – economic prosperity for all and sundry - is always “mañana”!!

What the PPP must be saying is: in the new dispensation, workers and business owners aren’t automatically enemies; we must all work together to build a better Guyana!!

…the fighter planes’ flyover

It’s not every day of the year we get to experience fighter jets flying over our not-so-glorious capital!! And US fighter jets to boot!! So, what’s this all about? Inquiring minds want to know. Was it connected to the expunging of “socialism” and “Marxism-Leninism” from the PPP’s constitution?? Quite possibly!! When those Congressmen from the far right, who control the US purse strings, ask why America seems to be cozying up with Guyana, we can’t have them hear that Guyana’s ruled by Commies, can we??

As we learned more than half a century ago, even intelligent Americans get all bassidy when they hear the words “socialism” – much less “Marxism-Leninism”!! So, what’s in a name, anyway?? The Chinese leader Deng said, “It doesn’t matter whether the cat is black or white – once it catches mice!!” And look how far they’ve progressed since then!! We can’t do worse, can we?? Starting as the poster child for poverty in the 50s, China now has more billionaires than the USA!!

Guyana?? Soon!!

…the accusation

Rape isn’t a subject to satirize. At least not by your Eyewitness. He hopes there’s a full and TRANSPARENT investigation into the allegations from both parties, and that justice be done. Today’s Mother’s Day, and it matters.

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

Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot, speaking with some prison officers

Sexual assault allegations against Dharamlall

Legal advisors reviewing statements of alleged sexual assault victim – Crime Chief

Legal advisors attached to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) are currently reviewing the statements taken from a 28-year-old woman who alleges that she was sexually molested by embattled former Local Government Minister Nigel Dharamlall.

This is according to Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum during a brief telephone interview with Guyana Times on Saturday. Further, Blanhum confirmed that the complaint of misconduct was lodged in Division 4C, but is now engaging the attention of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) at Police Headquarters, Eve Leary. He noted that detectives have immediately launched an investigation, which is in its preliminary state.

Blanhum also said it is most likely that the suspect would be called in for questioning in relation to the allegation brought against him.

“I cannot say how soon, but yes, Mr Dharamlall will be brought in for questioning… This is a serious allegation, and we do not want to miss any critical piece of information during the investigation stage,” Blanhum said.

A new rape allegation surfaced on Friday against Dharamlall, who also serves as an executive of the ruling People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C). The 28-yearold alleged victim, who topped

Guyana at the CSEC exams several years ago, hosted a virtual press conference in which she detailed two separate incidents when she was sexually molested against her will. The first, she revealed, was committed back in September 2020 at State House in Anna Regina.

Recounting that incident, the woman explained that her alleged abuser, who was a minister at the time, had invited her there to be interviewed for a job. She claimed that, upon arriving, she was taken into a bedroom, where she was sexually assaulted. She described feeling trapped and violated as she resisted the official’s advances.

The woman revealed that the second incident occurred in 2021 at the former minister’s residence in Cummings Lodge.

She admitted that she was hesitant to report the matter, considering the extent of corruption within the Police Force, and more importantly, she did not want her name to be dragged into the mud.

Hours after the accusation surfaced, the former government official issued a statement vehemently refuting the claims made against him. He expressed awareness of the alleged victim’s press conference, where she levelled ‘malicious’ allegations against him. He began by outrightly denying each accusation put forth by the woman.

“For some while hitherto, I was privy to rumours that (named person) was making unsavoury comments in relation to me, but I made a deliberate effort to ignore them. I have known (name provided) personally for several years, and have always maintained a most civil and cordial relationship with her, including socialising on many occasions. Her demeanour towards me changed fundamentally after I rebuffed her advances and spurned her attempts to engage in an intimate relationship,” the statement said.

“Thereafter, (name provided) embarked on a campaign to malign and tarnish my reputation. This was manifested through several fake profiles on social media, surreptitious leaks of information to the traditional media, and a whisper campaign to anyone willing to listen.

It really begs the question as to what has reignited this quest by (named person) to sully my good name, particularly at this time. Her latest attempt bears testimony to this.

“I have already engaged and instructed attorneys-at-law, who are reviewing the statements made by (named person) with a view (to) instituting legal proceedings against her and other persons associated with propagating these falsehoods, as may be necessary.”

In June 2023, Dharamlall

was arrested at the Brickdam Police Station for questioning in relation to rape allegations levelled against him by a 16-yearold girl. He was subsequently released on $1 million station bail. The charges were subsequently dropped based on advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, following a statement from the teenager that was delivered to the police by her mother.

The teenager, in that statement, indicated that she wanted

no further action on the matter. In light of that, the DPP concluded that in the absence of the victim’s complaint, there was no legal provision for the police to proceed with the matter. The DPP also disclosed that consideration was given to the fact that the complainant had given a further statement to investigators to the effect that she wished to withdraw her complaint against Dharamlall, that her decision was not influenced by anyone, and that it was in her best interest to do so.

Former Minister Nigel Dharamlall

Countering Maduro’s gamble

The recent visit by U.S. Marine Corps Major General Julie Nethercot of SouthCom was very significant, especially when it was capped by two U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets flying over Georgetown and its environs.

It was a display of American might, unprecedented since Atkinson Air Base was established during WWII.

The US Embassy explained: “Maj Gen Nethercot’s visit to Guyana underscores the continued importance and unwavering commitment the United States places on the U.S.-Guyana bilateral defense and security partnership.”

Maduro’s raising the ante on their old border controversy started with Exxon’s discovery of oil off our shores in 2015, and escalated as a diversionary tactic in the face of elections to be held this year. He hoped to generate a foreign policy crisis to both divert his beleaguered populace’s attention away from the crisis and bolster his political fortunes through a “rally around the flag effect”. Additionally, since Venezuelans have been conditioned to believe Essequibo was stolen, Maduro had a ready-made issue to exploit.

But he knows that, in addition to threatening the powerful US corporation Exxon and US interest in a hemisphere of democratic states by his escalation of hostilities to “annex” Essequibo and order Exxon out, he was opening up the Pandora’s Box of settled borders with powerful neighbours like Brazil and Colombia. So why take this risk? He is “gambling for resurrection”, in seeing defeat staring him in the face, yet taking high-risk actions that would be considered “irrational” in normal circumstances. He considers the low probability of victory “objectively” outweighing the high costs of defeat.

Maduro has concluded that the democratic elections insisted on by the US would be fatal, and so would continue his bluff. The old Yankee bogeyman might even boost the “rally around the flag” effect, since enough Venezuelans have not been duped. And by now it appears that his military and other allies have become complicit in his folly.

As we have been arguing over the past months, as Maduro continued turning the screws, now by massing troops on our border and building a bridge to Ankoko, we must make a realistic decision to protect our interests, our sovereignty over our Essequibo. Of the two options available in the foreign policy realm at our conjuncture – balancing or band-wagoning” - some have accepted China’s line that it is selflessly interested in balancing the world hegemon – the USA and we should join that effort. We, however, have taken the stance that Maduro presents a clear and present danger to our country’s survival, and we cannot engage in Hamlet-like soliloquies. We must take the cold, realistic position to bandwagon with the US, because their interests coincide with ours.

Early in the day, we suggested establishing a military base in Essequibo; to which we should allow the US access, whether as a formal ally or not. After a visit to the US, VP Jagdeo cryptically announced, “We have never been interested in military bases, but we have to protect our national interest…” We support this realpolitik decision to repel Maduro’s adventurism.

As all states do, we must continue to employ all foreign policy instruments; for instance: alliances, arms sales, dispute resolution – e.g. the World Court, foreign aid, cultural soft power, and diplomacy. But our good faith effort at Argyle has been taken as a sign of weakness, since Maduro has co-opted some of our allies with PetroCaribe. We therefore must prepare ourselves to wage a credible defensive war to secure our interests, and as such, rethink our doctrine and force structure because of the disparity in military sizes. Very positively, the US 1st Security Forces Assistance Brigade (SFAB) - a US Army innovation to deal with the reality of hybrid wars in the grey zone, which used to be handled by their Special Operations Forces – has been working with our GDF.

We should formulate a strategy of denial and cost imposition - with the limited aim of changing Venezuela’s decision-making calculus and thus their strategic behaviour. Our Essequibo terrain favours this denial strategy, since unlike Venezuela, our goal is not to occupy their territory. We must follow Clausewitz’s reaffirmation of the venerable Roman dictum, that “If you want peace, prepare for war.” Meaning, of course, any potential aggressor would be deterred by a strong response, and peace would most likely ensue.

We again reiterate the need to establish a base in our Essequibo Region, to which our US ally can have access.

CXC begins standardisation process for NGSA 2024 marking

The Director of Operations at the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), Dr. Nicole Manning, and a team have commenced the standardization process for marking the National Grade Six Assessment 2024 scripts. This follows other processes, such as batching, which started last week.

The standardization process that is led by Dr. Manning, along with Chiefs, Assistant Chief Examiners (Table Lead), and markers, is a thorough part of the marking process.

During the standardization process, the examiners would be marking sample scripts and discussing to ensure all plausible responses are included in the mark scheme, to guarantee that each child is given the best possible opportunity to be marked fairly and accurately.

Dr. Manning has stressed the importance of standardization, as this process eliminates any possible subjectivity and other hazards, and gives reassurance that all markers are marking at the same level. The marking process continues next week. The results are expected to be released on or before July 10, 2024.

Back in 2021, the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), for the first time since it began setting, marking and managing the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), completed a process of verification to ensure that the scores that were earned by the candidates are re-

corded and reflected accurately and fairly in the candidates placements. Chief Examiners and Assistant Chief Examiners employed by CXC have checked an appropriate sample of the NGSA examination scripts. These scripts, which were housed in containers specially sealed by CXC in a manner that would allow detection of any tampering, have been opened in the presence of the CXC Supervisor. Initially, quality checking was done by the Testing Unit of the National Centre for Education Resource Development (NCERD). The Ministry of Education aims, with these new measures, to conduct level-appropriate exams that are fairly and transparently marked, and that bear the CXC mark of integrity for which the examining body is renowned across the world.

Ravi Dev

The Director of Operations at CXC, Dr Nicole Manning, at the marking centre

“No-fly” zones, dept to investigate aviation accidents among new legislative changes

– as Civil Aviation Bill 2024 passed with bipartisan support

With International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) audits on the horizon, the People’s Progressive Party- sponsored Civil Aviation (Amendment) Bill 2024 received bipartisan support in the National Assembly when it was passed on Friday evening.

Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill, in whose name the bill was brought, explained to the National Assembly that the purpose of bringing the amendments to the house was to make existing legislation more robust.

He explained to the House that, for instance, the current Civil Aviation Act falls short of addressing key elements of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (also known as the Chicago Convention), which has regulated air travel since 1944.

“The current Act was found to be deficient in addressing Article 26 of the Chicago Convention…this amendment that we are proposing introduces a structured approach to conducting independent accident investigations, as is required by ICAO Annex 13. It establishes functional separation, autonomy, and independence from the Civil Aviation Authority,” Edghill explained.

“You can’t investigate yourself. So, if there’s an accident or an incident, there must be functional separation, independence, and autonomy from the authority for an impartial investigation to be carried out. Guyana has a responsibility under Article 26 of the Chicago Convention

to conduct investigations for civil aircraft accidents and serious incidents,” Minister Edghill declared.

Edghill acknowledged that practical constraints and hindrances, including unavailability of resources, do exist. This, he noted, would be a challenge to establishing a separate independent accident investigation unit.

“The objective of this amendment is to establish a dedicated Aircraft Accident Investigation Department of the authority, separate from the regulatory functions, to ensure effective and impartial accident investigation. By doing so, Guyana should strengthen the institutional framework for conducting investigations into aviation accidents and serious incidents,” Edghill explained.

“The next amendment that we’re asking the house to support is section 89 (1). The 2018 Act does not provide for certification of aerodromes - a requirement outlined in the ICAO Annex 14. This amendment rectifies this deficiency, enhancing safety measures for the issu-

ance of licences, permits, and approvals for various classifications of aerodromes,” he detailed.

According to Edghill, this last amendment would allow for the certification of aerodromes and helipads, among other aviation structures. This is especially important in the context of the oil and gas industry, since helicopters play a crucial role in accessing floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels in the open seas.

“Some of our inspectors have had to travel to the place where these FPSOs are being made, or they go into jurisdictions where we have to certify them. The traffic to helidecks by helicopters is becoming more and more pronounced, and certification is important,” Edghill said.

Support Meanwhile, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament Annette Ferguson made it clear that the Opposition would give the bill their unwavering support. However, she

also claimed credit for the very 2018 Civil Aviation Bill amendments being made.

APNU MP Amanza Walton-Desir, who formerly worked as a legal counsel in the GCAA, meanwhile joined previous speakers in praising the work of the technical staff at the authority, particularly when it comes to raising Guyana’s compliance.

“We had a compliance rate of 44 per cent, and it was through the sheer hard work and dint and commitment of the men and women of the Civil Aviation Authority that we were able to raise that level of compliance by 20 per cent, and earn Guyana recognition from ICAO for one of the most improved states in the world. So, I’m very proud of that,” she said.

The bill was eventually read a third time, and passed without amendments.

In addition to setting up a department to investigate aviation accidents and providing for the certification of aerodromes, the amendments, which total 16, include references to the creation of ‘No-fly’ zones and interception of aircraft.

According to 56(B, 2) of the Bill, “The pilot in command of any aircraft when in flight over the territory of Guyana shall comply with any marshalling signal, interception order, or manoeuvre issued by any appropriate authority of Guyana, in compliance with the rules of the Air Regulations made… in accordance with the applicable standards and recommended practices of Annex 2 of the Chicago Convention.”

There have long been reports of Venezuela conducting illegal flyovers of aircraft in Guyana’s air-

space. In 2021, Guyana issued a protest note after two Venezuelan-owned Sukhoi SU 30 fighter jets flew over the Region Seven community of Eteringbang. The Venezuelan Ambassador Luis Edgardo Diaz Monclus had also been summoned to a meeting with Foreign Minister Hugh Todd.

Tensions between Guyana and Venezuela have since escalated after the Maduro Government held a referendum on December 3, 2023 purporting to annex Guyana’s Essequibo region.

Following the referendum, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro had announced a series of actions, including issuing identification cards to Guyanese living in Essequibo, and issuing licences for mining and other activities in Guyana’s Essequibo. (G-3)

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill

APNU MP Amanza Walton-Desir

Guyana’s 1st CARIFTA Games gold medalist

Vigil Lewis remembers his 1977 triumph …believes new generation can earn Olympic gold

Iwaited in the starter’s blocks, my ears alert for the sound of the starter’s pistol. I badly wanted to win a medal — any medal -- for myself (and) for Guyana. The Games were almost over, and we were in danger of returning home empty-handed.

I was used to feeling earth and grass beneath my feet when I ran, (so) this red synthetic surface was unlike anything I’d run on.

I’d even come to the Games with the wrong spikes for running on synthetic. An Olympic sprinter had given me the correct spikes just in time for this race. As if all this wasn’t enough, it had begun to rain…

RUNNING AT SIX

It was at age six that I discovered that I had a talent for running. Back then, we attended church in the afternoon, and sometimes they would hold athletic events. I remember being taken to one of these events on the West Coast of Demerara and winning a race.

My father was a policeman, and when I was nine, he would take me and my older brother Gordon to the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary, to race against other children.

MY FIRST TRACK RIVAL

At St. Stephen’s Government School, which we attended, Gordon would win the under-12 and under-14 events. I wanted to follow in his footsteps, but our coach, a “Mr. Green”, seemed to only be interested in training Gordon and a sprinter named Brian Dey, (whom) we called “The Flying Saucer.”

In 1975, Gordon transferred from St. Stephen’s to East Ruimveldt Secondary, while I began attending East La Penitence Government School. I took my running talent with me, excelling in the 100 and 200 metres and the 4x100 relay (boys’ under-12). That earned me the school’s ‘champion boy’ status. Meanwhile, there was another ‘champion boy’ at St. Stephen’s School. He was my old rival Brian Dey, “the Flying Saucer”. It was only a matter of time before we clashed. That finally happened in the InterSchool Championships at the Georgetown Sports Club Ground.

The coach, Mr. Green, was also there, and I boldly told him, “You made a mistake in not coaching me.

I’m going to beat ‘Flying Saucer’.” I proceeded to win the 100 metres in 11.9 secs, and I was only 11 at the time. Then I beat ‘Saucer’ in the 200, and in the 4x4

Gordon won the 60 metres’ race for the under-11 and 12 age group. When he grew older, I took over and also won the same events twice.

100-(metre) relay for under-12 boys.

Until I turned 13, all our running was done barefoot. Gordon and I began to train at the National Park.

Around 1975, I was awarded a Chronicle scholarship to East Ruimveldt Secondary. “Back School”, as we still call it, had some of the country’s top junior athletes, like my brother Gordon; high-jumper and shot-putter Wilbert Angoy; and long-distance runners Oliver Alves, Wayne Mathurin and Brian ‘Chinaman’ Griffith.

I dominated in the 100, 200, and 400-metre races, while Gordon dominated in the 100 and 200 metres. We trained hard. We would

run 10 miles on roadways to build our endurance, then 400, 600, 700 and 800 metres on the track. By 5:30a.m, we would be on the seawalls, running in the water to build our endurance.

The only supplements we knew of were Vitamin B12 tablets and glucose. My mother made every possible sacrifice to nurture our athletic careers. She gave us a steady diet that included soup, porridge, and lots of cow’s milk. She would sell milk, black pudding, and bread to invest in our athletic careers. She even sewed our track suits.

Nobody actually trained us. Luckily, I had Gordon to guide me. We would practise in front of mirrors to see if our running posture was right, or if your knees crossed. If they crossed, that meant you were out of stride. We never did weight training, which is now a basic part of athletics training. We did pull-ups on a beam at home, and ran up the long steps in the stands at the National Park, or in the sandy hills at Linden.

In April, 1976, at age 16, I got my first big overseas break when I was selected for the Bahamas Junior CARIFTA Games. That was my introduction to ‘rubber’ tracks. I found out how different these surfaces were to the grass tracks that I ran on back home. For instance, you have to learn to ‘bounce’

when you run on synthetic tracks. The long spikes we used on grass tracks were inefficient on this material.

I didn’t have the shorter spikes. In fact, I didn’t even have my own running shoes! The one I was wearing were Gordon’s. I managed to reach the finals in the 100 and 200 metres, but failed to earn a medal. However, our long-distance athletes Oslyn Barr copped silver, while Oliver Alves, my ‘Back School’ colleague, earned a bronze in the 800 metres. That race was won by a very good Barbadian distance runner, Trevor Small.

I redeemed myself five months later at the Inter-Guyana Games in Suriname.

Running again on a grass track, I won the 200 metres (boys under-17). I won another gold when our team won the 4x100 boys under-17 relay.

OFF TO BARBADOS

The Lewis brothers — Gordon and me — were Guyana’s top sprinters in our age group. That earned us selection for the April 1977 CARIFTA Games, which were held in Barbados.

Guyana took its largest contingent of athletes. There was my brother Gordon, Eugene Phillips, Wilbert Angoy (high jump), Waveney Benn (800 metres) and sprinters Marilyn Dewarder and Gem Barrow.

We were certain that this would be our best CARIFTA games’ performance. Former sprint champion Rocky McPherson was our coach. We encamped at the Guyana National Service base for two weeks of intense training with the GNS ranks. I later travelled to Springlands, Corentyne, where it was quiet, to train undisturbed.

Most of us were visiting Barbados for the first time, and I guess we were a bit distracted at first. For me, my initial distraction was the memory of the Cubana disaster. It was just six months earlier that a terrorist’s hidden bomb had caused Cubana Airline Flight 455, with 11 Guyanese among the passengers, to crash in the sea off Barbados. One of the victims was medical student and athlete Eric Norton, whom I had met at the Inter-Guyana Games in Suriname.

The Holiday Inn, where our team stayed, was close to the ocean, and I often found myself staring at the sea and wondering where the plane had crashed.

Waveney Benn with her 1977 CARIFTA Games bronze medal

Vigil Lewis

Guyana’s 1st CARIFTA Games gold...

Eventually, we went to the Barbados National Stadium, and I saw a track that I’d never seen before. It was a red Tartan all-weather synthetic track.

“I never ran on a track like this,” I said to Gordon. “The Bahamas track wasn’t like this.” None of us had the correct spikes for this track.

The Jamaicans had the largest contingent. Their athletic attire alone scares you, and of course they had all the right equipment.

Perhaps because they did weight training, the Jamaican and Trinidadian athletes were muscular. Compared to them, I was skinny.

On Guyana’s grass tracks, I’d clocked 11.6 seconds in the 100 metres and 23.2 seconds in the 200. These were excellent times for my age, so I was expected to do well in these events. But without

the right spikes, on that strange red track, I could only manage a disappointing fifth in the 200 metres.

Things were also going badly for the rest of the team. We were being blown away by the Jamaicans (their medal haul would be 34 gold, nine silver and seven bronze) and the Bermudans. The sight of Gordon being outrun in the 100, 200, and 400 metres (men’s under-20) was a discouraging sight. Jamaica’s 200-metre sprinters, Small and Lee, seemed to ‘fly’ rather than run.

The Games were winding down, we had no medals, and the mood was low. But I still had two events: the 100 metres and the 400 metres (boys under-17).

OLYMPIC CHAMP TO THE RESCUE

My 400-metre event came first, and luck was with me. Trinidadian 1976 Olympic gold medalist

Hasley Crawford was at the stadium. He had brought extra spikes for synthetic tracks, and he readily assisted me.

But then I was placed in a lane in which I was unaccustomed to running. And it had begun to rain. “I never ran in lane seven,” I complained to Gordon. “You trained for the race, just run your race,” he said.

Still, I was so nervous that I asked Gordon to follow me through the tunnel that led to the ground. “Just walk out with me,” I said.

Wilbert Angoy, our high-jumper, was on the field preparing for his event. I intended to run the first 200 metres extremely fast, so I asked him to let me know how far ahead I was of the others when the race started.

As the drizzle continued, I settled into my starting blocks. I focused my attention on Trinidadian Londsdale Demming, who was just ahead of me in the staggered lane on my right.

The starter’s pistol broke the silence, and I bolted from the blocks. By the first 15 metres, I had already passed the Trinidadian.

WORK YOUR ARMS!

“At least I’m going to get a medal,” I thought. You see, at that point, I was content with even a bronze. I completed the first 50 metres…I was still ahead! Now I dared to think ‘gold’.

I was all alone on the turn when Wilbert Angoy shouted, “You have ten metres on them!” I could hear the Guyanese in the stadium shouting, “KEEP GOING!”, and Gordon, still standing near the entrance, yelling, “WORK YOUR ARMS! WORK YOUR ARMS!”

But I had started fast; maybe too fast. In a race like this, you have to focus on when to accelerate. You don’t want to ‘die’ coming down to the end, but that was happening to me. Now my legs were practically gone, that was why Gordon was urging me to pump my arms. The more I worked my arms, the more I could lift my legs. I kept going. Had Gordon not been there, I would have ‘chucked.’

And now all of the training, all of the technique, all of the encouragement from my coach, came into play. Then, with 60 metres to go, the Trinidadian drew alongside me. “No way you beating me,” I thought, and sprinted to the tape just ahead of him.

I had won Guyana’s first CARIFTA Games gold medal. I had done it in 50.1 seconds! I had just broken the under-17 CARIFTA Games record!

That record (had) stood for years. I followed up this victory with a bronze medal in the 100 metres (boys under-17).

Then our long-distance queen Waveney Benn gave us another bronze in the 800 metres (under-20 category).

My mom later told me that she’d been praying all the time when I was running. Then she overheard radio sportscaster B.L Crombie announce that I had won a gold medal. She’s now a healthy 104, and still asks people, “You know who is my son?”

DISAPPOINTMENT

On my return, I continued to put in excellent performances on the track. In 1978, I was offered a scholarship to a United States university, but an embassy official turned me down. He said that Gordon and my sister had already gained scholarships. I think one of the reasons I was rejected was that some other local athletes never finished their scholarships.

Being turned down for the scholarship destroyed my motivation to train seriously. I was very good back then. Had I gained that scholarship, I believe that I would have been ready for the 1984 Olympics. People who have seen me run still say, “You were fast.”

FUTURE BRIGHT FOR UPCOMING ATHLETES Guyana had very good athletes during my time, like James Wren-Gilkes, Anthony October, Clifton Shultz, my brother Gordon, and Eugene Phillips and Barr and Alves, but we didn’t have the exposure and the modern facilities. Jamaicans who know that I used to run track, sometimes tease me by asking how many Olympic gold medals Guyana has, and I have to say we have none. But the future looks much brighter for our young athletes. They have the synthetic tracks, the training equipment, the coaches, and knowledge we didn’t have. They can view footage of themselves and international athletes. Guyana has come a long way. We have Tianna Springer (who won the under-20 girls 400 metres in record time at the 2024 CARIFTA Games, and also the 400 (metres) gold medal in the 2023 CARIFTA Games).

All I want is for our young athletes to win an Olympic gold medal. All Guyana needs now is a gold medal.

(Recounted by Vigil Lewis to Michael Jordan)

Guyanese author Tarik Braithwaite publishes 1st children’s book,

– hopes to spread message of sharing through poetry

Author of “Trapped” and “The Art of Blooming”, Tarik Braithwaite, has published his first chil dren’s book, titled ‘Crocodile Benji’.

The book targets children between the ages of 6 and 10 years old, is penned in poetic verse, and offers a delightful blend of imagination and mor al lessons surrounding friend ships and sharing.

The story revolves around the eponymous charac ter Benji, a formidable and grumpy crocodile who fierce ly guards his swamp from in truders. With an unwavering determination to keep his do main to himself, Benji shuns the company of his fellow swamp dwellers, refusing to share his space with anyone.

However, as the narrative unfolds, Benji embarks on a transformative journey, guid ed by the universal values of friendship and togetherness. Through a series of heartwarming encounters with his friends, Benji learns the importance of sharing and cooperation, ultimately realizing that true happiness lies in companionship and mutual support.

parture from the convention al narrative structure. It embraces the fluidity of poetic verses to captivate young minds by infusing the story with themes of sharing and friendship. The author hopes to also promote empathy, compassion, and a sense of community among readers.

crafting a narrative that not only entertains, but also instills valuable life lessons.

“My hope is to get them (children) to interact with the characters, interact amongst themselves and have fun with the project. It is good when we can educate children around the world, but I don’t think you can take away, at this stage, the fun from learning so the two kind of work antagonistically,” Braithwaite told this publication.

The evolving world of children’s literature

example of this literary evo lution, offering a narrative that not only entertains, but also enriches the minds and hearts of its readers. In this regard, the 28-year-old author takes pride in the ability to hand draw all the characters before they were digitally illustrated.

According to Braithwaite, this project compiles multiple short stories based on the art and culture of pork-knocking, challenges, and common myths and legends.

Further, Crocodile Benji

In a world in which chil dren’s literature is undergoing a paradigm shift, Crocodile Benji stands out as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling. Speaking about the inspiration behind the book, Braithwaite told Guyana Times his hope is for Crocodile Benji to fill a void in the literary landscape by

In an era marked by technological advancements and shifting cultural dynamics, the landscape of children’s literature is undergoing a profound transformation. Gone are the days of simplistic narratives; today’s young readers crave stories that challenge their imagination and stimulate their intellect.

In response to this evolving landscape, many authors are pioneering new storytelling techniques and thematic explorations to cater to the diverse needs of young audiences.

In essence, Crocodile Benji represents a shining

“As writers, we need to evolve as well with the generation, if we want to appeal to them. We can’t appeal to them using traditional methods, so we need to evolve and develop new methods, methods that could apply to them. This is one of the gaps I think we need to touch on, because it’s not that children are no longer into reading books, but it’s how we put it over to them,” Braithwaite added.

Future projects

Braithwaite, who majors in law studies, promises his readers quality and timeless content. In this regard, he is currently working on several new projects, including his first novel, ‘Red Light City’, which will narrate the history of mining in Guyana, specifically in the Amerindian community of Kamarang, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

“The Red-Light City is going to be a book that I am going to focus a little bit more on bringing out my Guyanese culture and Caribbean culture. I have always wanted to dedicate a book specifically to that; because, when you go around the world, you will still be seen as a Caribbean writer, but yet the question is posed as to how you can be a Caribbean writer when none of your content is Caribbeanbased… And I think that’s where the Red-Light City comes into play, because you are going to see a lot more use of creole language and familiar content that Guyanese can relate to,” Braithwaite disclosed.

Crocodile Benji can be purchased at business outlet Book Hub or Book Cub. It is also available on Amazon in hardcover, paperback, and e-book versions.

Local author Tarik Braithwaite during an interview with this publication

– A true epitome of a mother’s unwavering love

Every year, on Mother’s Day, Robin St. Marthe and her family celebrate the matriarch of their clan. To her children and grandchildren, she is more than just a mother; she is a pillar of strength, a source of wisdom, and an embodiment of love.

Robin St. Marthe has always put her family first. Coming from the kind of loving home in which she grew up to now having her own family and working tirelessly to provide for them, she has been making every sacrifice necessary to ensure their needs are met and their happiness is secure. Her daughters shared briefly their fond memories of how Robin would stay up late at night, helping them with school projects despite having worked long hours at her job.

“She never complained,” they shared. “Her only concern was making sure we were taken care of.”

As a grandmother, Robin

continues to shower her two grandchildren, Nakiyiah and Emmanuel, with love and affection. Nakyiah, 11, shared

how Robin is always there for him, “whether it’s taking us out for treats, or offering words of encouragement

during tough times”. “My grandma is my biggest cheerleader,” he said with a smile.

Robin capitalizes on every opportunity she gets to spend time with her grandchildren, and revealed that it’s a joy for her to see them living with the kind of love she instilled in her own daughters.

Becoming a mother certainly comes with great responsibilities. Robin herself admires her mother for having taken care of her and her four siblings while her dad, who was self-employed as a

mason, worked hard to play his part in the family. Because of this kind of upbringing, she knew she had to make similar sacrifices, and focus on bringing up her children as well.

“The Bible says, train up a child, and when they reach the age of accountability, they will not depart from it. So, as a Christian mother, I tried to, with prayers, keep them in church; of course, with my parents around,” Robin explained.

Robin with family

A smiling Robin St Marthe

But perhaps what stands out the most about Robin is her unwavering love and support during difficult times. When her youngest daughter went through her first pregnancy, and delivered a premature baby which died the same day, it was Robin who held her hands and reassured her that everything would be okay.

“I had to be strong for her even whilst standing there in tears, but I knew at the time I had to encourage her because she felt like giving up,” Robin recounted with tears in her eyes.

So, this Mother’s Day, Robin and her family will come together - as they do every year - to honour and celebrate the woman who has been their rock through thick and thin. Robin continues to be a good influence to her children, and a good example as she leads them to live for Jesus. In bringing them up, she ensured they knew of the sacrifices she made and still makes to this day. Those sacrifices were all for them.

“They did not call me. I, along with their dad, brought them into this world, and it is

our responsibility to make sure they live a peaceful and comfortable life,” Robin shared.

“This is why they must be given a firm foundation, allowing them to grow strong and have provisions made for them. So, in re-

turn, they do so for their children.”

One thing’s for sure, Robin believes that each child knows their calling. She believes parents should allow their children to live their own lives, even while still teaching them to know and understand who they are and what their responsibilities are.

“I have put in the work with my children, and that’s what I would advise any mother to do”, she said. “Teaching them to live in love, respect each other, look out for one another, and help when you can”.

As the sun sets on this Mother’s Day, Robin will look around at her loved ones with a feeling of gratitude for the gift of motherhood and the bond that holds their family together. And in that moment, as laughter fills the air and love surrounds her, she will know that her legacy of love lives on in the hearts of her children and grandchildren.

Mothers, you are role models for your children. They look to you as their biggest influencer, not anyone else, and certainly not some man or woman. Be prepared to sacrifice your time, and do it without hesita-

tion. Remember, once they have that foundation, they surely can grow strong in your belief. Give them quality time, share at least one meal a day with them, and you will be surprised at what a big difference that can make.

Robin performing at church

Robin with family

GTA, Rainforest Tours launch 1st Independence Safari

n commemora-

Ition of Guyana’s 58th Independence Anniversary, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) has partnered with Rainforest Tours and Guyana Beverages Inc, to launch the Independence Safari.

The tour will pass through Rockstone, Bartica, Mahdia, and Karasabai, and will be held from May 23 to May 26.

The safari was launched in a ceremony Friday at the GTA boardroom. GTA Director Kamrul Baksh said the safari presents yet another opportunity for travellers to enjoy the wonders of nature and connect with Indigenous villages.

“The Safari is an opportunity to see the beauty of Guyana, especially for the new attractions that are under development and the new products that we have launched in and around these new circuits,” he said.

The GTA Director also pointed out that over 52 attractions and products have been launched in the last four years.

He reminded that a similar collaboration led to the launch of the Moraikobai and Pakaraima Safaris, promising that similar excursions were in the pipeline, in addition to shorter tours to highlight the bustling thrills of the coastland.

Baksh said each of these regions holds significant promise for the tourism sector and highlighted that adventure tourism was a core pillar of Guyana’s economy.

“Going on the safari is not only about the terrain,

but it also provides an opportunity to see the country’s hidden gems, and we want to bring those hidden gems to light, especially through itineraries that we are creating with the Private Sector and with communities,” he explained.

He added that the GTA has been piloting a series of initiatives to enhance the tourism industry, including a rigorous anti-littering campaign to promote cleaner, greener environments, a critical element of the country’s tourism product.

the partnership and spoke of the compa-

ny’s continuous support of initiatives to advance the country’s

Meanwhile, the Trade Marketing Coordinator at Guyana Beverages Inc, Lalita Lachman, commended

tourism sector.

Trade Marketing Coordinator at Guyana Beverages Inc, Lalita Lachman; Managing Director of Rainforest Tours, Frank Singh, and GTA’s Director, Kamrul Baksh

Emergency Medical Services now available in New Amsterdam

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are now available in New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), following an official launch thereof on Friday.

During that launch, Director of National Emergency, Dr Zulfikar Bux, referred to the EMS as being a very complex integrated system, with quite a lot of planning to ensure that it works very well.

“How it works is that if a member of the public has a medical emergency, as it stands currently, you will have to get the public-spirited citizen, a relative, or someone to get a taxi or a vehicle and take you to the hospital. Studies have shown that this is not

maybe some situations where someone is injured in the public domain,” he explained.

“Emergency Medical Services covers this aspect of life-saving intervention, that is needed in any part of the world,” he added.

the most efficient and effective way, and lives are impacted negatively. Lives are lost because of not having systems in place to respond to these kinds of emergencies; whether it is an accident, heart attack, or

The EMS Director pointed out that the unit would be collaborating with the Regional Health Services.

“So, if you are getting a heart attack, these specially trained Emergency Medical

Technicians will come to your home and start the process of resuscitation, and administer basic care; and they will communicate that to (officers in) an emergency room and nurses, so that they are ready to accept you, and (are) prepared to help start interventions that would save your life,” he detailed.

Dr Bux noted that during what is termed ‘the golden hour’, interventions are often needed to save lives.

“Quite a lot of times in Guyana, we don’t get patients within that first hour because of the challenges to get patients stabilized, extracted, and transferred. This will change that challenge that we currently have,” he explained.

EMT services were first introduced to Guyana in 2016 as Guyana Fire and Emergency Medical Services, which is a collaboration between the Guyana Fire Service and the National Emergency Medical Services office of the Ministry

of Health. The aim is to deliver an integrated form of emergency medical response, with the Fire Department taking care of operations and ad-

tification of the EMT to perhospital medical care - are the responsibility of the Health Ministry through the National Emergency Medical Services

ministrative responsibilities, while medical policies - which include the training and cer-

office.

Since the programme was launched in 2016, over 30,000

emergencies were responded to by the EMS unit. Those include close to 100 babies being delivered in the ambulance, four such incidents having occurred in the past month.

EMT services are available in Georgetown and its environs in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica); and in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Region Five (MahaicaBerbice), and now in Region Six.

“That is saving a mother’s life and saving a child’s life at the same time.” Rose Hall Town is expected to benefit from the services before the end of the year.

The service which is available in the town of New Amsterdam has two Emergency Medical Technicians and two drivers attached to the unit.

Director of Emergency Medical Services, Dr Zulfikar Bux

Officials at the launch of the EMS on Friday

The interior of the mobile unit

The EMS unit in New Amsterdam

EU reaffirms commitment to bolster climate change adaptation in Guyana

The European Union has recommitted to bol-

stering climate change adaptation and environmental partnerships with civil society, Government agencies, and non-government organisations in Guyana.

This was announced by the EU Ambassador to Guyana, Rene Van Nes during a reception on Thursday evening to commemorate Europe Day 2024.

During his remarks at the reception, the Ambassador underscored the importance of fostering cooperation between the bloc and Guyana while highlighting several initiatives that were being spearheaded in Guyana to focus on increasing joint attention to the environment and climate change, peace, and sustainable development.

He explained that the EU was prepared to further develop other initiatives with the same goals, and this would be facilitated through the provision of financial and technical support, capacity building, and research, among other areas.

Among the agencies paving the way for this charter were the Guyana Forestry Commission, ChildLink Guyana, the Amerindian Peoples Association, and the Guyana Marine Conservation Society.

“Some of our projects are so successful that we can get additional funding and one of my favourites is the Sustainable Wildlife Management Programme…

and it is a brand itself. The project ensures a sustainable future for wildlife while supporting the Indigenous people in the Rupununi, and with success also comes the need to expand, so we will also grow through our Global Gateway Initiative,” the EU Ambassador said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips, also stated that the European Union was an integral partner for Guyana’s development across the economic, environmental, and security spheres.

According to Phillips, Guyana’s partnership with the European Union is rooted in shared democratic values and cooperation.

On this point, he posited that the EU was one of the world’s foremost inte-

gration movements, fostering the goals of cooperation and peace among its member states.

“Guyana lauds the EU for its proactive measures, engaging in promoting global cooperation, providing financial and technical assistance to developing countries, and advocating for ambitious targets at international forums. Guyana is championing carbon neutrality. We have benefited significantly from the issuance of funds from the EU in support of our climate change adaptation capacity, which is spearheaded under the Integrated Coastal Management Programme.”

In noting the shared priorities between Guyana and the EU in mitigating climate impacts and fostering sustainable development, Phillips also welcomed the re-

cently-signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to make Guyana one of five countries to partner with the EU on forest protection as part of the European Green Deal.

This collaboration reflects the shared commitment to environmental sustainability and underscores the importance of international cooperation in tackling this critical issue.

“The relationship between Guyana and the European Union is predicated on the respect for democ-

racy, human rights, the environment, and the promotion of sustainable development.

Our cooperation and collaboration, over the years, have advanced across many sectors, resulting in beneficial cooperation in areas including trade and investment, forestry, coastal zone management, and health. The European Union is an important trading partner and a valued source of Foreign Direct Investment,” the PM added.

Additionally, he commended the EU’s commit-

ment to transparent and credible electoral processes, which he said reflected its “broader dedication to democratic values, human rights, the rule of law, good governance, and the promotion of inclusive and participatory political systems.”

Moreover, the Prime Minister highlighted the EU’s significant role in supporting Guyana’s development priorities through its assistance, which has resulted in notable improvements in critical sectors, such as health and forestry.

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips and European Union’s Ambassador to Guyana, Rene Van Nes interacting at the Europe Day reception

GPF records 50% decline in road accidents in Division 6 – Traffic Officer …says “Eyes

in the Sky” initiative yielding results

Traffic Officer of Division Six, Assistant Superintendent Charles Hooke reported that the region has recorded a staggering 50 per cent decline in road accidents for 2024 when compared to last year.

During a recently-televised programme, Hooke stated that 97 accidents were recorded from January to date last year when compared to 47 this year.

Hooke attributes this significant decline in road accidents to the diligent efforts of law enforcement officials in implementing robust traffic enforcement measures throughout the region.

Additionally, educational initiatives such as lectures to schools, religious organisations, and drivers have played a pivotal role in rais-

ing awareness and promoting safer driving practices.

“This didn’t happen by chance; it is the continuing and robust traffic work that we have been doing throughout our region…we also pay great emphasis on our black spots where we observe where accidents occur frequently. We target those areas and ensure that we conduct our robust exercise to reduce the accident figure throughout the region,” he explained.

Despite this notable achievement, Hooke acknowledged that challenges persisted, particularly concerning motorcyclists. He highlighted concerns regarding motorcyclists riding without helmets and modifying their exhaust systems, contributing to noise pollution.

“This’s not only within our region but countrywide…it is causing noise pollution in the region and the entire country. We want to advise people to desist from doing such. If you are stopped and it is observed that the silencer is not on the motorcycle, you will be arrested and charged,” Hooke said.

Warning that offenders will face legal consequences, he emphasised the importance of adhering to traffic regulations for the safety of

tint today, it is a business, and before the day ends, they find a tint shop and put it on back. Notwithstanding, we will still target those offences and ensure that persons are placed before the court”, he stated.

Highlighting the effectiveness of the “Eyes in the Sky” initiative, which employs drones for surveillance and crime prevention, the Assistant Superintendent underscored its role in apprehending individuals evading law enforcement.

all road users.

Furthermore, Assistant Superintendent Hooke addressed issues related to vehicles with coloured lights and tinted windows, reaffirming the authorities’ commitment to addressing such offences and ensuring that offenders are prosecuted accordingly.

“With the tinted motor vehicles, persons are tinting the windscreen of the vehicle… we would take off the

Guyanese face no financial hurdles in accessing mortgages – Minister Rodrigues

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues has asserted that Guyanese face no financial barriers in accessing mortgages to construct their homes.

Since its implementation in April, the initiative has led to the prosecution of 175 motorcyclists.

“We are targeting the cyclists, and we would like to advise motorcyclists to ensure that they have the right documentation…and ensure that the cycle you are riding is registered, because we have a lot of unregistered motorcyclists,” the Assistant Superintendent said.

Meanwhile, the Traffic Officer emphasised the need for cooperation from all stakeholders to further reduce road accidents and create a safer environment for all residents in Region Six.

This, she underscored, is a direct outcome of the Government’s deliberate housing policies and programmes aimed at enhancing the well-being of Guyanese citizens while bolstering their financial standing.

Rodrigues made these statements while dismissing the Opposition’s proposal for establishing a Special Select Committee to review charges for house lots in the National Assembly at Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown on Friday.

She criticised the presentation by Opposition Member of Parliament, Annette Ferguson, noting its focus on personal attacks against People’s Progressive Party/

Civic (PPP/C) individuals rather than addressing the actual affordability challenges faced by the people.

“In examining the motion, I try to think about what ill this motion is trying to cure. What prevailing set of circumstances exists that requires a motion of this type? What hardships exist that would require any relief and I am still to hear it,” she pointed out.

Highlighting the inaccuracy of claims made in the motion, the Minister debunked the notion of a 20 per cent equity requirement for accessing mortgages. She clarified that such constraints do not exist, particularly with recent policy changes.

Previously, the equity requirement at institutions like the New Building Society (NBS) ranged from 20 to 25 per cent, but it is now eliminated, facilitating access for low- and moderate-income earners.

TURN TO PAGE 25

Traffic Officer of Region Six, Assistant Superintendent Charles Hooke

Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues

Several Reg. 9 villages inundated due to persistent downpours – CDC

As the La Nina season takes hold of climatic conditions in Guyana, several villages in Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo) have been inundated by heavy rainfall.

While other regions have reported no flooding, communities in Region Nine, particularly villages in the North Rupununi district, have reported being affected by the relentless downpours.

According to the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), the Hydromet Service’s latest report highlights that villages such as Toka, Massara, Yakarinta, Aranaputa Valley, Karasabai, Tiger Pond, Sand Creek, Karaudaranu and Katoonarib have been hardest hit. In these areas, floodwaters have risen to alarming levels, submerging roads and inundating homes.

Among the severest im-

pacts of the flooding detailed in the report is the erosion

of crucial roadways by flash floods, such as the section between Toka and Massara. This erosion has not only disrupted transpor-

tation, but has isolated communities by rendering them inaccessible by land. Additionally, vital infrastructure such as the Yakarinta Bridge are currently submerged, further complicating matters for residents.

Karasabai Village faces a particularly dire situation, as soaring water levels in the Yurora Creek have cut off all land routes, leaving the community stranded.

Tiger Pond is suffering from eroded roadways, making travel impossible in many areas, while Sand Creek remains cut off from vehicular access entirely. Karaudaranu Village, too, is grappling with flooding as heavy rains persist.

In response to these challenges, authorities have issued urgent safety advisories for residents and travellers alike. Key recommendations include the use of protective rain gear, avoidance of flooded areas, and the stockpiling of potable water in sealed containers. Maintaining communication with loved ones for updates and assistance coordination is also emphasized.

Residents are further urged to report any impacts promptly to local authorities or the National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) at 600-7500 at any time.

Guyanese face no financial...

At the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), the equity requirement has been reduced to five per cent, while at Demerara Bank, it stands at a standard 10 per cent across the board.

Rodrigues told the House, “When you read the annual reports of these banks, they [have] credited the Government’s policies for

making it possible and easy for people to access housing loans.”

Moreover, she highlighted Guyana’s comparatively low interest rates in a global context, attributing the decline in interest rates over the past three and a half years to the PPP/C Administration’s strategic interventions.

“Whether the PPP/C is in

FROMN PAGE 24

Government or Opposition, we will always be a champion for the people. It is reflected in our work. It is reflected in our track record,” Minister Rodrigues stressed.

Homeownership, a central focus for the Government, has afforded financial independence and empowerment to families from all strata of society throughout the nation.

A bridge at Karasabai under water

The water level in the savannah continues to rise

Section of the Annai-Lethem Road being repaired after damage caused by water

18MW of electricity from power ship added to grid – GPL

The 36-megawatt (MW) power ship has been successfully connected to the Guyana Power and Light’s grid, generating some 18MW of electricity.

This was announced by GPL in a post on its Facebook page on Saturday.

According to the Staterun power company, “Currently, 18 MW of generation from the power ship is injected into the Demerara Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS).”

GPL added that the remaining generation would be added to the grid incrementally during the course of the coming week.

The power company said in addition to its internal Engineering Services Division, Transmission and Distribution, and Protection and Instrumentation employees, the National Data Management Authority (NDMA); GAICO Construction and General Services Inc and E-Networks made an “invaluable contribution” towards realising this initiative.

The floating power plant arrived in Guyana on May 1 and has been docked at Everton on the East Bank of Berbice in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), where it will be stationed for the next two years as it sends electricity into the DBIS.

Over the past few weeks, GPL has been preparing the necessary infrastructure for the 36-MW power ship to be connected to the national grid.

GPL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kesh Nandlall told <<<Guyana Times>>> on Saturday evening that

the vessel had been connected to the grid since Thursday, but that connection had been on and off.

“There was a lot of testing that had to be done, synchronising [the ship] to the grid so we had been working throughout Thursday night to ensure everything is working well, because that is a lot of power – it’s a new power plant so you had to ensure you do all the testing and procedures and so on,” the GPL Head explained.

GPL had said on Thursday that it completed testing the engines, transformers, fuel, metering, and telecommunication systems on the power ship.

Nevertheless, as efforts continue to gradually push the vessel’s generation to its 36-MW capacity, Nandlall noted that specialists have been brought in to ensure that this was done without any hiccups.

“They are taking their time, documenting the procedure and they will execute this successfully,” he assured.

Nandlall further stated that during the process of connecting the power ship to the grid, including the testing phase, there was no major issue encountered.

Only Thursday, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, during his weekly press conference, said the Government hoped that this connection would be able to stop the frequent blackouts experienced by Guyanese in recent months as a result of low generating capacity. In the same breath, however, he said there could still be some power outages.

“We’re hoping that with the 36 megawatts now added to the system, that we’ll have enough power in the system to end the current spate of blackouts which comes from the unavailability of power… There may be isolated instances, because of the poor transmission and distribution system,” he stated.

Jagdeo said the Government was still looking to get an additional 30 megawatts of power through

a similar arrangement until the much-anticipated Gasto-Energy Project comes on stream next year.

Last month, GPL signed a multimillion-dollar deal with Qatar-based Urbacon Concessions Investments,

W.L.L (UCI) for the rental of the 36-MW floating power plant for two years in a move to add much-needed capacity to the grid.

As part of that deal, GPL has already paid a US$1 million mobilisation fee.

The power company also has to pay a fee of 6.62 US cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) as a monthly charter fee for the power ship and a monthly operation and maintenance fee of 0.98 US cents per kWh based on electricity generated. GPL is also required to provide Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) for the operation of the generators onboard the vessel.

The State-run power company has been experiencing generation shortfalls due to an unprecedented rise in electricity demand coupled with challenges from its aged equipment. In March, two of GPL’s engines failed disrupting power generation across the country. Before this vessel connected to the grid, GPL was generating about 165 megawatts of power. However, the peak demand is about 180 megawatts. (G8)

Experts onboard the power ship monitoring the connection to the grid

The transmission lines from the power ship connecting to GPL’s DBIS network at Everton, Berbice

OIL NEWS

Chinese companies win licensing bids to explore Iraq oil and gas fields

Chinese companies won bids to explore five Iraqi oil and gas fields on Saturday in a licensing round for hydrocarbon exploration that was primarily aimed at ramping up gas production for domestic use.

An Iraqi Kurdish company also took two of the 29 projects up for grabs in the three-day licensing round across central, southern and western Iraq, which for the first time includes an offshore exploration block in the country's Arab Gulf waters.

Iraq aims to lure billions of dollars of investments to develop its oil and gas sector as it looks to ramp up local petrochemicals production and end imports of gas from neighbouring Iran that are currently key to producing power.

More than 20 companies pre-qualified for the licensing round, including European, Chinese, Arab and Iraqi groups.

There were notably no US oil majors involved, even after Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia met with representatives of US oil firms during an official visit to the United States last month.

Five bids were won on Saturday by Chinese companies.

Zhongman Petroleum and Natural Gas Group tab took the northern extension of the Eastern Baghdad field, in Baghdad, and the Middle Euphrates field that straddles the southern Najaf and Karbala provinces, the Oil Ministry said.

China's United Energy Group Ltd won a bid to develop the Al-Faw field in southern Basra, while ZhenHua won a bid to develop Iraq's Qurnain field in the Iraqi-Saudi border region and Geo-Jade won a bid to develop Iraq's Zurbatiya field in the Wasit.

Two oil and gas fields were taken by Iraq's KAR Group – the Dimah field in eastern Maysan province, and the Sasan & Alan fields in Iraq's northwestern Nineveh province – the Ministry said.

Around 20 more projects are open for bidding today and Monday.

Falah Al-amri, the Iraqi Prime Minister's advisor for oil and gas issues, said the Government hoped the new projects would raise oil production to six million barrels per day by 2030 from around five million now.

The Government also wants the projects to produce enough natural gas so that, along with plans to all-but eliminate gas flaring by 2030, Iraq could end imports.

"It’s too early to talk about (gas) exports. We want to get selfsufficient," Al-amri told Reuters.

Iraq, Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries's secondlargest oil producer after Saudi Arabia, at one time had targeted becoming a rival to the Gulf Arab kingdom with output of over a tenth of global demand.

But its oil sector development has been hampered by contract terms viewed as unfavourable by many major oil companies as well as recurring conflict and political paralysis.

Growing investor focus in recent years on environmental, social and governance criteria have also had an effect.

Western oil giants such as ExxonMobil Corp and Royal Dutch Shell Plc have departed from a number of projects in Iraq while Chinese companies have steadily expanded their footprint. (Reuters)

Around the World

Israel orders Palestinians to evacuate from more areas of Gaza's Rafah

Israel called on Saturday for Palestinians in more areas of Gaza's southern city of Rafah to evacuate and head to what it calls an expanded humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi, in a further indication that the military is pressing ahead with its plans for a ground attack on Rafah.

The Israeli military also called on residents and displaced people in the Jabalia area of northern Gaza to clear out, saying it was returning to operate there after it noticed Hamas trying to re-establish its control of the area.

The Palestinian Health Ministry said at least 37 Palestinians, 24 of them from central Gaza areas,

The Palestinian Health Ministry said at least 37 Palestinians, 24 of them from central Gaza areas, were killed in overnight airstrikes across the enclave (May 11, 2024 Reuters/Amir Cohen)

were killed in overnight airstrikes across the enclave, including in Rafah, the Strip's southernmost city

Gunmen kidnap more than 100 in attack on villages in northwest Nigeria

More than 100 persons were kidnapped by gunmen during Friday night raids on three villages in northwest Nigeria, a district head and residents said on Saturday, the latest abduction of villagers in a region blighted by widespread insecurity.

Kidnapping has become endemic in Nigeria's northwest as roving gangs of armed men abduct people from villages, highways and schools, and demand ransom money from their relatives.

Alhaji Bala, head of a district in the Birnin-Magaji local government area of Zamfara, said gunmen attacked the villages of Gora, Madomawa and Jambuzu and that 38 men and 67 women and children were missing.

"But the number of peo-

ple abducted could be more than that," he said.

Zamfara is a hotspot for kidnapping gangs who carry out attacks and retreat into forests where they have set up camps. The Nigerian military has bombed some of the camps, but attacks continue.

Yezid Abubakar, Zamfara police spokesperson, could not immediately be reached for comment.

Aminu Aliyu Asha, the Madomawa village head, said gunmen arrived in his village on motorbikes and shot sporadically before kidnapping several people.

"The abduction breaches the peace agreement between us and bandits. In February this year, we made several ransom payments in order to stop them from attacking our territory," said Asha. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Philippines sends ships to disputed atoll where China building 'artificial island'

T he Philippines said on Saturday it has deployed ships to a disputed area in the South China Sea, where it accused China of building "an artificial island" in an escalating maritime row.

The coast guard sent a ship "to monitor the supposed illegal activities of China, creating 'an artificial island'," the office of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said in a statement, adding two other vessels were in rotational deployment in the area.

Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela told a forum there had been "small-scale reclamation" of the Sabina Shoal, which Manila calls Escoda, and that China was

"the most probable actor".

The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for

comment on the Philippine assertions, which could deepen the bilateral rift.

The Philippine nation-

al security adviser called on Friday for expelling Chinese diplomats over an alleged leak of a phone conversation with a Filipino admiral about the maritime dispute.

Beijing and Manila have been embroiled for a year in heated stand-offs over their competing claims in the South China Sea, where US$3 trillion worth of trade passes annually.

China claims almost all of the vital waterway, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam. The Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled in 2016 that Beijing's claims had no basis under international law. (Excerpt from Reuters)

bordering Egypt. It does not distinguish how many were civilians or militants.

"They threw fliers

on Rafah and said, from Rafah to al-Zawayda is safe, people should evacuate there, and they did, and what has become of them?

Dismembered bodies? There is no safe place in Gaza," Khitam Al-Khatib, who said she had lost at least 10 of her relatives in an airstrike on a family house earlier on Saturday, told Reuters.

Al-Zawayda is a small town in central Gaza Strip that has been crowded by thousands of displaced people from across the enclave.

The Israeli military said its aircraft struck tens of targets across Gaza over the past day, adding its ground troops had eliminated some 30 fighters in Zeitoun.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

5 killed in Ukrainian strikes on Russian border regions, Donetsk, officials say

Five persons were killed and nine wounded in three separate Ukrainian drone and artillery strikes on the Russian border provinces of Belgorod and Kursk, and the city of Donetsk, which Russia claims to have annexed, local officials said on Saturday.

Denis Pushilin, the Russian-installed head of east Ukraine's Donetsk region, said in a statement posted on the Telegram messaging app that three civilians had been killed and eight more injured when a Ukrainian missile struck a restaurant in Donetsk city.

Donetsk, which fell under the control of Russian-backed separatists in 2014, regularly came under Ukrainian shell-

ing after Moscow ordered tens of thousands of troops into Ukraine in February 2022, but became more secure after Kyiv's troops were forced from its outskirts earlier this year.

Belgorod region governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said in a statement posted on Telegram that one man had been killed and another injured after a Ukrainian drone hit a parked truck in the border village of NovostroyevkaPervaya.

His counterpart in neighbouring Kursk region, Roman Starovoit, said that a civilian had died in hospital after being wounded in a drone strike on the frontier town of Sudzha. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Death toll from floods in Brazil's south climbs to 136

The death toll from heavy rains in Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul state has climbed to 136, the local civil defence government body said on Saturday, up from 126 in the previous day, while another 125 people remain unaccounted for.

Storms and floods battering the South American country's southernmost state have also left around 537,000 displaced, according to the local civil defence body, a significant increase over the 340,000 reported a day earlier.

About 446 urban centres have been impacted, affecting the lives of more than 2.1 million people in a state whose population is about 10.9 million.

Weather forecaster

Metsul has reported that after a short respite, rains coming down over the state on Friday have begun to fill rivers in what it called a "worrying" situation. "Accumulated precipitation is occurring in the worst possible region given the current flood scenario, along the basins and in the sources of the main rivers that are still full," said the meteorological service in a public statement. The state is at a geographical meeting point between tropical and polar atmospheres, which has created a weather pattern with periods of intense rains or drought. Local scientists believe the pattern has been intensifying due to climate change. (Reuters)

A Philippine Coast Guard personnel looks through a binocular while conducting a resupply mission for Filipino troops stationed at a grounded warship in the South China Sea, October 4, 2023 (Reuters/Adrian Portugal file photo)

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

GEMINI (MAY 21June 20)

VIRGO (Aug. 23Sept. 22) (March 21April 19)

Don’t aggravate situations when TLC will get better results. Choose intelligence over brute force and channel your energy into making the world a better place.

Join forces with like-minded people and enjoy the satisfaction that comes from teamwork. Get involved in something that concerns you. Consolidation can help overcome challenges.

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(June 21July 22)

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LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

SAGITTARIUS

(Nov. 23Dec. 21)

(Jan. 20Feb. 19) (Dec. 22Jan. 19) LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

(Feb. 20Mar. 20)

Distance yourself from stressful situations or people trying to take advantage of you. Focus on what you can learn about yourself and how you can make your life better. Put your energy where it counts.

Step up, make a difference and gain ground. You can make things happen. Traveling, connecting with old friends and nurturing relationships are favored.

Be direct about your intentions. Someone will misinterpret you if given the chance. Focus on getting things done and putting your energy where it will do some good.

You’ll gravitate toward people who share your sentiments. Your foresight and work ethic will put you in a leadership position. Love and romance are in the stars.

Pay attention to what’s happening at home. Keep an eye on your expenses and look for cheaper alternatives. Challenging yourself will encourage you to make positive changes.

Follow your intuition instead of letting someone push you in a compromising direction. Arguing is a waste of time and energy. Focus on changes that make you happy.

Communication will help solve problems. Be direct, say what’s on your mind, make notes and take action. Refuse to let your emotions interfere with doing what’s right and best for you.

Participation will open doors. The insight you gain will help you succeed. Personal gain is favored, and romance is on the rise. Put more consideration into how you promote yourself.

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

Pickles

AQUARIUS

CANCER

CAPRICORN

PISCES

IPL 2024: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians…

KKR QUALIFY FOR PLAYOFFS

– as Chakravarthy, Narine strangle Mumbai in rain-hit game

On an evening that started with the ball swinging around like a boomerang following plenty of rain in Kolkata, Kolkata Knight Riders' spin twins - Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine - stifled Mumbai Indians' chase to seal a playoffs berth for their side, with an almost-certain finish in the top two as well.

After MI were set a target of 158 runs in 16 overs, Chakravarthy and Narine started the strangle that saw MI score just 22 runs in the five overs after the powerplay, for which the visitors lost two wickets that mounted the pressure on them.

Suryakumar Yadav and Tim David had no choice but to go after the quicks, and fell to Andre Russell's variations that saw MI stumble to 92 for

5.

There was no coming back from there, barring a late cameo from Tilak Varma. He reduced the equation to 22 required from the six balls, but his wicket early in the last over eventually handed MI their ninth loss in 13 matches.

After rain had delayed the start of the game by an hour and 45 minutes, the match was reduced to 16 overs a side. Even though KKR lost their openers early, Venkatesh Iyer and some lower-order hitting powered them to 157, which may have seemed short early on, but proved to be enough.

Strangle from Narine, Chakravarthy

Rohit Sharma was struggling for runs, and scored at under a-run-a-ball in the first six overs. So, the onus of hitting was on Ishan Kishan,

who flat-batted his way to 37 off 17 in the powerplay (which was five overs for this game). He largely peppered the square boundaries, the highlight being a four with a reverse hit, which he followed by a six with a pull at the end

with his riposte in his next over, and had Kishan hole out for 40. With the spin on from both ends, which featured a lot of stump-to-stump bowling and 17 consecutive boundary-less balls, Rohit's struggle ended on 19. Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak also hardly attacked the spinners, and the equation soon became 77

had Hardik Pandya caught for 2 to add to MI's woes. Equations like 57 needed from 18 have become all the more achievable in this IPL, and Tilak kept MI's flame burning when he took on Harshit Rana in the 14th over for 16 runs by dispatching his slower ones to the ropes.

Naman Dhir, #8, took in-

required from 36. Russell was then given the ball. His scrambled seam

of the powerplay to take MI to 59. But Narine was ready

snared Suryakumar, and the slower ball removed David. In between, Chakravarthy

spiration from Tilak to smash Russell for a couple of sixes and a four, producing a 19-run over that brought MI back in the game. With 22 needed from six, Dhir and Tilak fell in the first three deliveries of the last over, and that sealed MI's fate.

Bumrah magic

You didn't have to guess that the KKR openers would come out all guns blazing in this shortened game. Phil Salt kicked off the innings with a first-ball six against Nuwan Thushara, but fell in the same over.

From the other end, Bumrah showed some magic for which Narine had no answer. His first ball was a yorker that tailed in just a bit at the

end from outside off. Narine, who had shouldered arms to it, was flabbergasted by the late movement that took the base of the off stump. It was Narine's first duck of this IPL.

Venkatesh takes charge

The ball was swinging and troubling the batters in overcast conditions. After the hard-hitting openers were dismissed and Russell was yet to walk out, Venkatesh

when Piyush Chawla had Venkatesh hole out for 42 off 21.

Out walked Russell, and smoked Chawla over his head for a six and a four in his next two overs, along with a drill through the covers. Chawla moved his field around, stationed a fielder at the rope right behind the umpire for the straight hit, and varied his pace even beyond 110kph, while Russell took KKR past 100. After be-

took charge of the innings. He went down the track, rocked back to pull the short balls, and used his reach to score 25 off 10 in the powerplay. It also included 14 off five balls against Bumrah.

Venkatesh enjoyed some luck too, as edges evaded the fielders, and his proactive approach helped KKR collect 77 in the first eight overs, all bowled by fast bowlers.

But spin struck first ball

ing hit for another six in the 13th over, this time by Rinku Singh, Chawla had the last laugh when Russell skied a 117kph thunderbolt to deep midwicket.

Thushara and Bumrah then sent down a flurry of yorkers in the last two overs, and it was only because of a six each from Rinku and Ramandeep Singh that KKR crossed 150. (ESPNCricinfo)

Mumbai Indians (T: 158 runs from

Jasprit Bumrah 4-0-39-2

Anshul Kamboj 3-0-24-1

Hardik Pandya 3-0-32-0

Piyush Chawla 3-0-28-2

The KKR team is all smiles after getting Suryakumar Yadav out

Varun Chakravarthy celebrating the wicket of Rohit Sharma

Andre Russell slamming the ball over the off-side

Ground staff mopping water off the covers at Eden Gardens ahead of the match

Tilak Varma played another useful cameo

Dolphin Speed Swim Club raises GASA issues with World Aquatics

The Dolphin Speed Swim Club has moved to highlight several issues within the local swimming fraternity by raising several issues it has with the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA) with the Aquatics Integrity Unit of World Aquatics.

The Swim Club has issued a statement, full details of which follows:

Dolphin Speed Swim Club wishes to shine light on recent actions taken by the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association (GASA). These matters, which centre on the precipitous suspension of our club without due process, and purported violations of the World Aquatics Integrity Code, including claims of discrimination and favouritism, and admitted forgery of documentation by a member, have sparked concern and a demand for transparency within our sport.

As an organization deeply committed to upholding the principles of fairness, integrity and inclusivity in aquatic sports, Dolphin Speed Swim Club takes any accusation of misconduct very seriously. Any allegation of misconduct should be investigated, and any findings disclosed, and all parties given the opportunity to defend themselves at a hearing at which all mitigating and (if applicable) aggravating factors can be taken into account before any wrongdoing is found and any sanction applied.

It is our firm belief that every athlete deserves equal opportunities and fair treatment, regardless of their background, affiliation, or standing within the swimming community.

We have filed the attached formal complaint with the Aquatics Integrity

Unit (an independent arm of World Aquatics, charged with administering the Aquatics Integrity Code), detailing the alleged violations and providing evidence to support our claims. Our goal in taking this action is not only to seek accountability, but also to safeguard the integrity of the sport and ensure a level playing field for all athletes.

Discrimination and favouritism have no place in swimming or any sporting endeavour. Every swimmer deserves to compete on an equal footing, and be judged solely on their merit. Any actions or policies that undermine this principle must be addressed swiftly and decisively.

Additionally, the admitted forgery of documents strikes at the heart of trust and accountability within our sport’s governing body. It is imperative that all organizations adhere to the highest standards of transparency and honesty in their dealings, particularly when it comes to matters as important as accounting for funding from international organizations.

Furthermore, GASA’s suspension of Dolphin Speed Swim Club without a hearing or due process is a matter of grave concern. We firmly believe in the fundamental right to a fair and impartial review of any allegation before disciplinary action is taken. Such actions not only infringe upon our rights as a member organization, but also undermine the principles of justice and procedural fairness.

Interestingly, at meetings held after the said suspension, GASA agreed to quash the illegal sanction against Dolphin Speed Swim Club, and instead to implement, document, and follow a procedure for dealing with the alleged violations.

We are sure GASA will say that it is waiting on letters outlining its obligations as an excuse for its failure to act. We know that GASA will do this because the Association’s current administration is incapable of understanding that their reliance on this excuse makes them appear weak and ineffectual. Additionally, they will rely on the said excuse be-

cause, in managing the organization, they have not (acted) and do not intend to act in good faith. If they intended to act differently, they would have contacted the relevant parties to enquire about the letters. Instead, they sit in obstinate petulance, doing nothing.

Despite GASA’s inaction, Dolphin Speed Swim Club reached out to the Association in yet another attempt to move this matter forward. GASA acknowledged the club’s correspondence and asked us for an agenda for a meeting. In addition to preparing a draft agenda, we also suggested possible meeting dates, times and a venue. GASA has not responded to Dolphin, but has instead applied to host a meet on May 16-19, 2024, at which, to the exclusion of the club’s athletes, the 2024 CCAN and Goodwill Swim Championship teams will be selected.

Dolphin Speed Swim Club has therefore called for a thorough investigation into the matters outlined in the attached complaint to the

Aquatics Integrity Unit, with full transparency and accountability throughout the process. Dolphin Speed Swim Club also calls on the Guyana Olympic Association to use its good offices to ensure that the fundamental principles and values of Olympism are being upheld within GASA.

We urge all parties involved to cooperate fully with any inquiries, and to prioritize the best interests of the athletes and the integrity of the sport above all else.

We remain steadfast in our commitment to promoting a culture of integrity, fairness and respect within the swimming community. Together with our fellow athletes, coaches, officials, and supporters, we will continue to champion these values and strive for a brighter future for aquatic sports worldwide.

For further inquiries or comments, please contact Dolphin Speed Swim Club at dolphinspeed1974@gmail. com.

About Dolphin Speed Swim Club

Dolphin Speed Swim Club is dedicated to the development and promotion of swimming excellence. Our commitment extends beyond conventional boundaries, as we proudly train swimmers of diverse abilities and backgrounds, fostering an inclusive environment where individuals can thrive.

At Dolphin Speed Swim Club, we believe that swimming is a sport for everyone, regardless of differences in ability or experience. Through specialized coaching and tailored training programs, we empower all athletes to reach their full potential in the water, competing at local, national and international levels.

Dolphin Speed Swim Club

Burnley relegated from Premier League with defeat at Spurs

Burnley have been relegated from the Premier League after they could not secure a win at Tottenham which would have kept their hopes alive.

The Clarets, who knew a draw or defeat meant they would no longer be able to catch fourth-bottom Nottingham Forest, took the lead when Jacob Bruun Larsen slid in a 25th-minute opener.

The joy among the travelling fans was tempered seven minutes later when Pedro Porro hammered in an equaliser.

After dominating the second half without finding a way through, Spurs were finally rewarded when defender Micky van de Ven burst forward and expertly slotted the winner into the bottom corner.

The draw would have done few favours for fifthplaced Tottenham, who needed a win to keep the pressure on Aston Villa in the race for the Champions League.

Spurs are four points behind Villa, with each side having two games remaining. Burnley are five points be-

hind Forest, with one game remaining, meaning they join Sheffield United in making an instant return to the Championship.

Spurs' Champions League dream still not over

For all the positives under Ange Postecoglou this season, a miserable run over the past month has led to concern for Tottenham supporters.

Four straight defeats severely damaged their team's hopes of finishing above Villa, and Postecoglou was hoping to avoid the ignominy of becoming the first Spurs boss to lose five on the bounce since Ossie Ardiles in 1994.

The ease with which their team have leaked goals – conceding 13 times in the defeats by Newcastle, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool – has been particularly alarming.

Burnley, who arrived as the third lowest scorers in the league, were also able to find space in attacking areas and punished Spurs through Bruun Larsen’s opener.

But Tottenham eventually had enough quality to come

through a stern test – even though they needed two defenders to provide the attacking spark.

The fightback has maintained Spurs’ slim hopes of overhauling Villa. Tottenham know they must beat Manchester City and Sheffield United in their final two games, while hoping Unai Emery’s side drop points against Liverpool and Crystal Palace.

"We were dominant enough, their keeper was outstanding today, and we had enough chances," said

Postecoglou.

"It's always difficult when you lose four matches in a row, and it is only natural there will be a bit of anxiety and a bit of stress.

It should have been a more comfortable victory, but the most important thing is we won the game."

Gulf proves too big for Kompany's Burnley

Having won the Championship title at a canter last season, Burnley were hoping the dynamic and attacking style developed under Vincent

provides comprehensive training and support to swimmers at every stage of their journey, nurturing talent and instilling a love for the sport from grassroots to elite levels. Our holistic approach to coaching emphasizes not only technical skill development, but also mental resilience, teamwork, and sportsmanship. With a focus on accessibility, diversity, and excellence, Dolphin Speed Swim Club is proud to be a trailblazer in promoting equal opportunities in aquatic sports. For more information about our programs and initiatives, one can visit the Club’s social media handles.

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Kompany would translate into success in the Premier League.

The top flight is a different beast, however, and the gulf has proved too big for the Clarets. A young and inexperienced side has been punished by defensive mistakes and a failure to take the chances which they created.

Burnley have particularly struggled against the leading sides, losing all 12 games against the current top six, after defeat at Tottenham.

Like the draws they claimed at Chelsea and Manchester United, Kompany’s side were competitive against Spurs, but did not have enough quality at either end to earn the win which they needed.

Sloppy possession at the back invited pressure, while rare chances for Wilson Odobert and Maxime Esteve when it was still 1-1 were not taken.

After relegation was confirmed, Burnley’s dejected players applauded their travelling supporters, who will be hoping their team can return at the first time of asking next season. (BBC Sport)

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Burnley are the ninth club to be relegated from the Premier League at least four times

Members of the Dolphin Speed Swim Club

With an eye on regulating several aspects of the upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup, for which Guyana’s National Stadium at Providence, East Bank Demerara (EDB) will be hosting six matches, the ICC Cricket World Cup West Indies Bill 2024 was debated in the National Assembly on Friday evening.

The Bill covers key areas for hosting games such as venues, ticket sales, import and export duties, advertising, broadcasting work permits, tax exemptions and venue protocols amongst others.

During an invited comment with media operatives at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC)

T20 World Cup Bill passed

on Friday, Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr discussed having a legal framework to operate with and the necessity of such.

Ramson Jr divulged, “First of all, it’s necessary. It’s necessary for us to have the legislative framework for us to host successfully. Things like being able to gazette particular areas, appoint committees etcetera, you need a legal framework for that to happen, that’s the first thing.

“But’ there’s also some serious commercial elements in there too, that needs protection, and that’s one of the reasons why we have the legal framework to give it that protection.”

“If they [broadcasters] were coming in with their goods, they would have to pay taxes and duties, part

of this here is to make sure that they don’t pay those taxes, because they’re just coming in for this event. We want to make our environment as friendly as possible to hosting internation-

al matches and this is one of the ways that we are doing that and it is a signal to all of the other international type of events that Guyana is serious about hosting international matches,” the

Sport Minister went on to add.

As such, Ramson Jr went on to detail how the Act would be enforced during the hosting period.

“So there’s a strong policing element in there, meaning actually the Guyana Police Force of which we committed to as part of what our conditions were. So, we’ll be giving that additional support. How much of that we can control? It [black market ticket sales] happens all around the world, but there’s a reason why we put that kind of penalties in there, because many times it functions as a prohibition or a deterrent for persons to not enter the game.”

“It hurts a country in that way, if all of the tickets are gone and persons who are hucksters, who are just

looking to flog it back on so that they can make a dollar. I understand that type of hustle, but, you know, you don’t want to hurt the country,” Ramson Jr further stated.

The World Cup Bill was reportedly done in conjunction with several other Caribbean counties who will also be hosting games for the global event.

Guyana’s hosting begins on June 2 when West Indies begin their campaign against Papua New Guinea and will conclude with the semi-finals on June 27. Guyana will also host other preliminary games on June 3, 5, 7 and 8. In addition, physical tickets for the global event are on sale at the Guyana Cricket Board’s (GCB) Box Office at Regent Road, Bourda, Georgetown.

Anderson to retire after Lord's Test against West Indies

James Anderson has announced he will retire from international cricket after England's first Test of the summer at Lord's, against West Indies, bringing the curtain down on a legendary career where it all began 21 years ago.

Anderson, who turns 42 in July, made his Test debut at Lord's in 2003 against Zimbabwe. He

years representing my country, playing the game I've loved since I was a kid. I'm going to miss walking out for England so much. But I know the time is right to step aside and let others realise their dreams just like I got to, because there is no greater feeling."

"I couldn't have done it without the love and support of Daniella, Lola, Ruby and

and further conversations involving Managing Director Rob Key, Anderson was informed the team needed to look beyond him this summer with a view to building to that tour of Australia.

The news of that meeting, initially reported in The Guardian on Friday, ultimately brought confirmation from Anderson 24 hours later. He was due to feature as part of the BBC's live coverage of England Women's of the summer Pakistan at Edgbaston on Saturday, but has subsequently pulled out.

eventual tally of 188 caps will be the second most in Test history, with just Sachin Tendulkar ahead of him on 200.

In a personal statement released on Instagram, Anderson confirmed he would represent England one last time, although speaking later to the BBC's Tailenders podcast, he did not rule out the possibility of extending his playing career with Lancashire.

"Hi everyone. Just a note to say that the first Test of the summer at Lord's will be my last Test," Anderson wrote on Instagram.

"It's been an incredible 20

with even more golf.

"Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the years, it's always meant a lot, even if my face often doesn't show it.

"See you at the Test, "Go well

"Jimmy x"

Anderson had previously harboured ambitions to play England's six Tests this summer against West Indies and Sri Lanka and even refused to rule out being around for the 2025-26 Ashes, by which point he would be 43. However, following a faceto-face meeting on the golf course with Test Head Coach Brendon McCullum in April,

Speaking to Tailenders, Anderson confirmed that his discussions with McCullum had come up as part of his annual appraisal, at the six-month mark of his one-year contract.

"I feel like I have talked about it for 10 years with every coach I have had, asking 'how long you going to play for'," Anderson said. "Looking ahead, could a 43-year-old me make the Ashes in 18 months’ time? I sort of came to the decision 'probably not'. From my point of view, it feels like a stretch at this point in my career, and from their point of view there are 15 or so Tests before the Ashes so it gives them time to get other guys Tests and experience before that Ashes series.

"I feel good about it. I have had an amazing career. Stuff about retirement has been hanging around for years now, ever since I turned 30 and grown even more since I turned 40. I just feel really lucky that I have managed to get to this stage, still playing at this very high level."

Anderson reached the 700 Test-wicket mark earlier this year in the fifth and final Test of England's tour of India. Though he has long been the lynchpin of the English attack, he bowled just 110 overs in seven innings in that series after a tough Ashes campaign last summer in which he took just five wickets at 85.40 in

four Tests. Anderson is currently on a one-year central contract, which expires at the end of the summer.

Regarding his county career, however, Anderson admitted he was "not 100 per cent set" on hanging up his boots, and could yet feature in the latter half of Lancashire's Championship campaign.

"There are games at the end of the season that I'm not ruling out at this moment," he said. "That's a conversation I've got to have with Lancashire and see what they want to do.

"It is part of the thought process. I'm not 100 per cent set on what I'm going to do next. That will be a conversation further down the line with Lancashire and see what they want to do, see if I've actually got the desire and willingness to do that as well. Again, that will be later in the year."

In a statement released by the ECB alongside Anderson's, chair Richard Thompson said:

"I don't think we'll ever see a bowler to match Jimmy again. It has been an honour

as an England fan to watch him, and to marvel at his skill with the ball.

"To still be bowling at the top of his game at 41 is remarkable, and he is a true inspiration and role model for peers and younger generations alike.

"His final Test promises to be an emotional one, and having been there for his first Test in 2003, it will be an honour to watch his final one at Lord's in July.

"English cricket owes Jimmy Anderson a send-off like no other."

(ESPNcricinfo)

GAPLF set to host Annual Masters and Intermediates Championship

The anticipation is palpable as the Guyana Amateur Powerlifting Federation (GAPLF) gears up to host its highly-anticipated Masters and Intermediates Championship on Sunday, May 19, 2024. This annual event promises to showcase the strength, skill, and determination of our local powerlifters from the various gyms across the regions here in Guyana.

Athletes from the various classes and skill levels will converge at the Saint Stanislaus Collage here in the capital city of Georgetown, Guyana, to compete in this important championship. With categories tailored for both masters and intermediates, the event provides a platform for seasoned veterans and emerging talents to demonstrate their prowess on the powerlifting stage.

The championship serves as a testament to the growing popularity of powerlifting in Guyana and underscores the dedication of the country's amateur athletes. Participants have spent months honing their techniques and pushing their

limits in preparation for this momentous occasion.

Spectators can expect an electrifying atmosphere as competitors vie for top honours in their respective divisions. From the thrill of record-breaking lifts to the camaraderie shared among athletes, the championship promises moments of triumph and inspiration for all involved. This event not only celebrates the achievements of our powerlifting community but also fosters a sense of unity and sportsmanship among participants.

As the Powerlifting Federation prepares to welcome spectators, a nominal entrance fee of $1000 is required. The stage is set for a day of exhilarating competition and memorable performances. With the support of our usual sponsors, the local community and the dedication of participants, the championship is poised to be a resounding success, further solidifying Guyana's place in the world of amateur powerlifting.

Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr as he presents the ICC Cricket World Cup West Indies Bill 2024 to the National Assembly

James Anderson is set to finish his career with 188 Tests to his name

A look at previous winners of the GAPLF Masters and Intermediates Championships