Guyana Times - Sunday, May 19, 2024.pdf

Ramp, road upgrades for fisherfolks at Ogle, ECD outfall

…as Govt passes new Criminal Procedure Bill …Arbitration Bill also passed to allow for domestic & int’l

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Sunday, May 19 – 02:30h-04:00h and Monday, May 20 – 03:00h-04:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, May 19 – 13:40h-15:20h and Monday, May 20 – 14:25h-15:55h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

PPP/C Govt has made unparalleled investments in GDF assets - Finance Minister

…purchases of helicopters, aircraft & OPV vessels are part of bigger agenda

By Jarryl Bryan

On Friday, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government tabled a number of loan agreements, including one for two Dornier aircraft. According to Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh, the Government’s investments in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) are not only unparalleled, but are part of a bigger agenda.

In an exclusive interview with this publication on the sidelines of the 82nd Sitting of the Twelfth Parliament on Friday, Dr. Singh spoke about the agreement for a line of credit of US$23.3 million from the Indian Export Import (EXIM) Bank to procure the two Dornier aircraft, which arrived earlier this year.

“This loan agreement that was tabled today, that speaks to the purchase of two Dornier aircraft, is an important transaction, but it’s also part of a much bigger agenda to improve the capabilities of the Guyana Defence Force,” the Finance Minister has said.

“We’ve witnessed, since the People’s Progressive Party has returned to Government, we’ve witnessed the most significant ramping up of the capital assets of the Guyana Defence Force, which goes to the core of the Force’s capabilities to discharge its very important mandate, which includes, of course, critical elements,” Dr Singh explained.

According to Dr. Singh, these critical elements are the protection and defence of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. This is particularly in light of Venezuela’s recent bellicose actions on the borders, which have prompted Guyana to inform its regional and international allies and partners about developments taking place there.

“We’ve already ramped up the Air Corps’ capabilities. As you know, we bought two brand new helicopters. Tragically, we lost one of those. And every time I speak of those, I must speak of the outstanding Guyanese servicemen whose lives were lost in that tragic accident,” he said in reference to the fatal GDF helicopter crash of December 2023.

The victims of that crash were retired Brigadier Gary Beaton; Lieutenant Colonel Michael Shahoud; Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome; Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles and Sergeant Jason Khan. Only two soldiers survived the crash – Corporal Dwayne Jackson and Lieutenant Andio Crawford.

The fleet

According to Dr. Singh,

the government has been rehabilitating the fleet on an ongoing basis and with the purchase of the Dornier aircrafts, has added two brand new aircrafts to the fleet. When it comes to the coastguard side, they’ve also been investing in rehabilitating the assets of the coast guard.

“We bought, as you know, one metal-shark OPV. That vessel landed in Guyana. And we have purchased, now, from (OCEA S.A), a large French ship-building company, we bought a second OPV.

You would be aware we just concluded the Memorandum of Understanding and Agreement. And the contract was just signed for the purchase of that OCEA vessel. That vessel, construction is going to start very shortly. And we anticipate delivery of that vessel, I think within 24 months or thereabouts.”

“So those represent, I would say, the more prominent and high-profile investments in the coast guard. But we’re making other, strategic investments, to ramp up the

coast guard’s ability to protect our Exclusive Economic Zone and to discharge the GDF’s very significant, very important mandate,” he explained. Of course, the finance minister noted that the government is also making other, strategic investments in improving the GDF’s capabilities… not all of which the government is at liberty to disclose at this time. Importantly, these investments include investing in human resources.

Chief of Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh and other officials witnessing the signing of the letter of intent with French shipbuilding company OCEA S. A in April CONTINUED

Editor: Tusika Martin

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A new Cold War with China?

The recent slapping of tariffs by US President Bident on a host of Chinese renewables has increased concerns of a new “Cold War”. The following is excerpted from a statement by Joseph S. Nye Jr, Prof Emeretus, Harvard University, in a Brookings Institute debate. “The great power competition between the US and China is a defining feature of the first half of the 21st century, but there is little agreement on how it should be characterised. If “Cold War” means intense prolonged competition, then they are in one, but if the term is used as a historical metaphor for the past, then we are not (yet), and should avoid it.

Analogies to the historical Cold War can mislead us about the real challenges faced from China. The US and the Soviet Union had a high level of global military interdependence, but virtually no economic or social interdependence. Moreover, ecological interdependence such as climate change was not yet an issue. The China challenge today is quite different.

The US cannot decouple its economy completely from China without enormous economic costs to itself, its allies, and third countries. US does over half a trillion dollars in trade annually with China, and China has learned to harness the creativity of markets to authoritarian Communist Party control in ways the Soviets never mastered. The US and its allies aren’t threatened by the export of communism, but by a system of economic and political interdependence that both the US and China can manipulate. Partial decoupling or “de-risking” on security issues is necessary, but total economic decoupling would be very costly, and few US allies would follow suit. More countries count China than the United States as their leading trade partner.

The ecological aspects of interdependence, such as climate change and pandemics, obey the laws of physics and biology, which make decoupling impossible. No country can solve these transnational problems alone. Global interdependence requires using power with others, as well as over others. The US is locked in a “cooperative rivalry” with China, in which it needs a strategy that can accomplish two contradictory things at the same time. This is not like Cold War containment. Meeting the China challenge will require a more complex strategy that leverages the alliances and rules-based system the US created. Its allies and partners, like India, are assets that China lacks. While the centre of economic gravity has shifted from Europe to Asia over the past century, Asia includes India, which is a Chinese rival, not an ally. Moreover, the combined wealth of the Western democratic allies will far exceed that of China (plus Russia) well into this century.

If strategic success is defined as transforming China in a way similar to the collapse of the Soviet regime at the end of the Cold War, the US is likely to fail. Although the Communist Party fears Western liberalization, China is too big to be invaded or coerced into domestic change, and the reciprocal is true. In that sense, neither China nor the US poses an existential threat to each other, unless they blunder into a major war. We should expect low intensity and economic conflict, but the US strategic objectives should be to avoid escalation and to preserve the alliances and institutions that will continue our role as the leading (though not hegemonic) country in the future.

Are these strategic objectives feasible, given the growth of Chinese power? Yes, because the US has major geopolitical advantages, and China is unlikely to displace it as a leading power. Geographically, the US is bordered by two oceans and friendly neighbours, while China has territorial disputes with neighbours. A second advantage is energy: the shale oil and gas revolution has transformed the US from an importer to an exporter. China, on the other hand, is highly dependent on energy imports passing through the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean, where the United States has naval supremacy. The United States also has a demographic advantage with a workforce that is likely to grow over the next decade, while China’s will shrink.

And while China excels in some subfields, America remains at the forefront in the key technologies of biotechnology, nanotechnology, and information technology.

Loan forgiveness as a prelude to free education is a giant step for Guyana

Dear Editor,

The Government’s announcement of forgiveness of education loans, which would benefit an estimated 13,000 UG students and cost 11 billion dollars, is a huge investment in the youths of Guyana. And the relaxation of requirement to show employment and NIS contributions in order to make it easier for students to receive forgiveness is also a wise decision.

We celebrate this loan forgiveness initiative. The Government would do well to do something similar for those victims of the NIS, who are waiting for their NIS benefits. This includes my 88-year-old cousin who has been waiting for his payments for 28 years!

The Government’s appealing of the Shariff Zainul NIS case - to not pay the man because it would become a class-action ruling that would benefit working-class people in similar situations - is sad

and regrettable. The same way the Government has allocated funds for the UG students, they must allocate funds to solve the lingering problems of the victims of NIS.

The sad thing about the Government’s laudable action of forgiveness of loans is that some people would not see this action as a very good thing, as they think only direct salary increases matter. But $11 billion going to benefit 13,000 students is a huge transfer of income, and is a very substantial assistance to the recipients. Many teachers would benefit from this.

Some may say that increases for old age pensioners, NIS pensioners, and public assistance recipients should have gotten priority. Maybe the needs of these groups would be addressed soon.

Even the rich and mighty USA does not give free university education. For Guyana to embark on

this action is quite commendable. President Biden tried hard to do loan forgiveness in the USA, but the Republicans opposed that. They managed to get some limited reliefs in loan forgiveness.

For our people to prosper, we have to create an “opportunity culture”, wherein we provide many avenues for people to improve themselves. There are rapid, ongoing socio-economic changes which are transforming our economy and creating needs for an educated populace that would take advantage of emerging new high-paying jobs.

Universal access to education and training are the gateways to a better life. In the old colonial days, higher education was scarce, was rationed, and was reserved for the academically gifted who did well at the Common Entrance Exam, now called the NGSA (National Grade

Six Exam). Guyana is moving away from that old colonial model that restricted access to educational opportunities. We are now creating an opportunity culture to promote greater equity and parity across all regions.

The loan forgiveness, on top of the GOAL scholarships benefitting thousands, is to be immeasurably applauded. This is a giant step for Guyana. The Government said it is keeping its campaign promises. It’s up to our people in all regions to take advantage of all training and educational opportunities available in our high schools, technical institutes, TVET (technical and vocational education training centres), teachers’ training college (CPCE), UG, GOAL, and numerous training avenue provided by the oil and gas companies, etc.

Sincerely, Dr J

Jailall

Guyana Police Force ranks, over the past week, visited the Mahdia Nursery School, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni) (left), and the Green Acres Primary School, Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), and held lectures on safety of students while using the roadway; the purpose of the siren on police and other emergency vehicles; kurb drill; wearing of reflective clothing at nights; and why handcuffs and whistles are used by the police, among other topics (GPF photos)

African-Indian relations

By Ravi Dev

Some insist it was Indian Indentureship that caused African Guyanese to move off the sugar plantations, by undercutting their bargaining power. The reality is more nuanced. There is no question the planters introduced indentured labour because they wanted cheap labour or face closure. In Guyana, the planters feared the freed enslaved Africans would move off the plantations because of the availability of land for self-employment. In islands such as Antigua and Bermuda, where there was no alternative, the planters didn’t even introduce the “apprenticeship” transition period, but gave the slaves immediate “freedom”.

Since the later 19th century, many African leaders in Guyana opposed Indian immigration for several good reasons, not the least being that taxes paid into the Government coffers

(of which a considerable sum came from African pockets) were used to partially fund the cost of bringing the Indians to Guyana.

But it was not Indian labour that broke the back of African attempts to wrest higher wages from the planters. Rather, if labour were to be “blamed”, it was more the Portuguese and, ironically, fellow Africans from both the W.I. and Africa, who played key roles. The ex-slaves called the strike of 1847 at a point of financial crisis for the planters, who, encouraged by the indentureship of 15,848 Portuguese, 12,898 Africans from the W.I., and 6,957 Africans from Africa, compared with only 8,692 Indians, held off the demands for higher wages. People of African descent outnumbered all other immigrants during that critical period of “undercutting” wage demands by the Guyanese ex-slaves.

After another strike in 1847, the unskilled ex-slaves, by and large, decided to make their living off the plantations. Even though Indian indentureship was suspended between 1848 and 1851, there was no movement back to the plantations by the Africans, nor was there any increase in the wage scale. The removal of preferential tariffs into Britain for WI sugar in 1846 ensured further cost cutting. Yet, freed Africans from Barbados and the smaller islands migrated to British Guiana, where the

wages were higher.

The Portuguese first arrived in 1835, during the “apprenticeship” period of the freed slaves. Their immigration continued until 1881-82, with the bulk arriving by 1858. The Portuguese died in considerable numbers, as did the Indians. In the key years of 1846-47, when the efforts of the Africans to raise wages ultimately failed, we should note that 9736 Portuguese arrived, as opposed to 7480 Indians. In terms of work output, the Portuguese were even more industrious, and earned more than Indians. Those Africans who decided to work earned more than either.

The analyses of history by eminent West Indian historians such as Drs. Eric Williams and Walter Rodney (among others) do not lay blame on the immigrants – whether Portuguese, Indian, Chinese, West Indian or African - who were all indentured. Blame was laid on the working of the labour, legal and political systems imposed by the British to extract their labour at the cheapest price.

We must ensure that our justice system works efficiently, effectively

Dear Editor,

During the last sitting of the Parliament, Bill 19 of 2023 was presented and approved. This bill implements a plea-bargaining process into the judicial system of the country. The Chambers of the Attorney General did a very extensive job in their preparation of the Bill via the analysis of the existing legislation in the US and UK.

The motivation for the new bill was to reduce the backlog in the court system, with the added benefit of cost savings. However, for the judicial system to remain effective, the root cause of the backlog must be addressed.

In addition, during the discussion in Parliament, MP Khemraj Ramjattan brought to the house’s attention some inherent risks that exist in the legislation. These risks were: the shifting in the category of the offence to a lower charge to accommodate a lighter sentence, in order to bypass the minimum sentence assigned to the initial charge; the risk of coercion during the plea-bargaining process; and the risk of sloppy police work in support of the search for evidence and, ultimately, justice in the case in question.

The Attorney General clearly addressed two of the three concerns by way of included sections of the bill, but the risk continues to exist as a result of minimum sentence restric-

tions for a given category of crime. The burden of evidence changes with the crime, and the minimum sentence restrictions create an incentive for lack of a thorough investigative process if plea bargaining occurs.

In order to prevent this risk from occurring after the new legislation is implemented, CRG suggests that a minimum sentence adjustment be allowed for the initial charge when plea bargaining is used without a reclassification of the crime. The burden of proof would remain the same, and the criminal statistics used for future legislation would not be misleading, thus preventing the flaw of the plea-bargaining process in the U.S. Judicial System from recurring in our nation. This would also prevent expediency and cost savings from replacing our thorough pursuit of justice.

As for the root cause of the backlog, we must ensure that our nation’s justice system works efficiently and effectively to prevent such a backlog from occurring, thus minimising the need for a plea-bargaining process. Understanding why the backlog is occurring should be the priority. Is it that we do not have enough magistrates? Do we need more courts and prosecutors? Is there a lack of investigative police officers? Answers to these questions would as-

sist members of our justice system to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their undertakings, and help to prevent backlog in the justice system.

Congratulations to the Members of Parliament on their discussion of Bill 19 of 2023. It was an educated and well-informed discussion; one that was without the unnecessary theatrics that have hindered mutual understanding of each other’s perspective in the past.

Best regards, Jamil Changlee

Unjustifiable and untenable demands by GTU

Dear Editor, The strike and unjustifiable and untenable demands by the GTU -- despite Government bending over backwards to negotiate and facilitate the GTU, in accordance with the law -- are clearly a pre-emptive political gambit to derail elections 2025. They are the first of many blackmailing actions meant to drive the Government to its knees.

The GTU is, however, an illegal entity, and

should have no bargaining power. And one wonders what they have done with the contributions of the teachers, made over many years; which should have been used to sustain teachers during strike actions, instead of Government expending taxpayers’ money to pay them for no work, even as the teachers are jeopardising the education of those same taxpayers.

Yours truly, Attiya Baksh

06:00 (Sign on) Jewanram Gospel Hour

07:00 Cartoons

08:00 Shekinah Ministry

08:30 Evening News (RB)

09:30 Fast n Loud 10:30 Cartoons

11:00 Prem's Electrical Religious Program

11:30 Blippi Education

12:00 Movie - Foster (2011)

13:30 Movie - My Boyfriends' Dogs (2014)

15:00 Movie - Legend of the Lost Locket (2024)

16:30 Movie - Rufus-2 (2017)

17:30 The Healing Touch

18:00 Wheel of Fortune

18:30 Week-in-Review

19:00 Supergirl S1 E6

20:00 Arrow S6 E9

21:00 Riverdale S6 E8

22:00 Movie - Damsel (2024)

00:00 Sign off

Enslaved Africans on a Dutch sugar plantation

Portuguese cutting sugar cane

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.

Plea deals, modern ways of prosecuting cases now in place

…as Govt passes new Criminal Procedure Bill …Arbitration Bill also passed to allow for domestic & int’l arbitration

The Criminal Procedure Bill (2023) has been passed in the National Assembly, paving the way for more modern ways of prosecuting cases, including allowing for victim impact statements and plea-bargaining.

Rising to present the Criminal Procedure (Plea Discussion, Plea Agreement and Assistance) Bill, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, said the bill is intended to replace the Criminal Procedure Act Chapter 10:09.

Nandlall noted that the bill will make the justice system more efficient, and cut down on the need, where it is unnecessary, for a full trial; since plea agreements can be reached. This will expedite the pace at which the justice system works.

The bill also provides for victims to provide impact statements, a staple in many countries.

“Part Three of the Bill imposes a duty on the prosecution to inform the victim of his or her right to provide a victim impact statement. It requires a victim to provide a victim impact statement explaining the physical or emotional harm, financial loss, or other impact the offence has had on the victim,” he explained. “Additionally, this part allows

for the particulars of the victim impact statement. Clause 14 is restrictive, as it restricts the content of the victim impact statement,” he explained.

Nandlall detailed other parts of the bill, such as Clause 15, which allows relatives of victims to give statements on their behalf.

Additionally, businesses that have suffered a crime at the hands of the accused can also give impact statements.

“According to Clause 14, a victim impact statement shall not include a restatement of the offence, as that is obviously not necessary. Criticism of the accused person, that is not necessary. Or the victim’s opinion about the type of severity of the sentence to be imposed, that is not the prerogative of the victim,” he explained.

Members of the Opposition, such as Alliance For Change Member of Parliament Khemraj Ramjattan, did raise some objections to the notion of plea bargaining. Among his contentions was that the option of plea bargaining can be a disincentive for investigating police to do their jobs in a thorough manner.

“So, we have to understand that this is a major concern, when you have an arrangement that dangles before you a plea-bargaining scenario whereby the expectation is that they’re going to plead guilty. Let’s write up a couple statements and so on.

“It can realize now a police culture of just having the basic tenuous level of evidence. And they just want you to charge… and that’s very important,” Ramjattan also said.

PPP/C Govt has made unparalleled...

“The army has, of course, a significant core of extremely talented men and women. And we want to be able to ramp up their technical capabilities even further. So, we’re investing very heavily in training, in the army, and similarly in the police and so on. And the disciplined services more broadly.”

Guyana had announced the acquisition of a maritime patrol asset from France earlier this year. A letter of intent was sub-

FROM PAGE 3

sequently signed in April, with the aim of procuring the vessel, between the Guyana Government and leading French aluminum shipbuilding company

OCEA S. A.

The vessel is valued at EU$39.5 million, while the inked agreement covers the manufacturing of the vessel, a comprehensive logistics package with spears, and five years of maintenance of the product. That same month, a 115 Defiant monohull patrol vessel, which was designed and built by United States-

based Metal Shark Boats to the tune of US$11.5 million for the GDF, had also arrived in Guyana to join the army’s Coast Guard fleet.

Prior to that, Indian firm Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, as part of Line of Credit the Government of India had extended to Guyana, had delivered two Dornier 228 planes to the GDF. The planes were acquired to the tune of US$23.27 Million.

And back in October 2020, the US State Department had approved the sale of four helicopters and related equipment to Guyana to the tune of US$256 million. According to the particulars of the sale, Guyana will get four helicopters, including two Bell 412Epi and two Bell 429 helicopters, plus related equipment. (G3)

The bill, which is divided into five (5) Parts and contains thirty-eight (38) Clauses and one (1) Schedule, was nevertheless passed in the National Assembly.

Arbitration Bill

Also passed in the National Assembly on Friday was the Arbitration Bill, which contains key provisions from the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Arbitration, as well as from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) model.

Previously, Nandlall had also revealed that two law firms, Arnold and Porter out of Washington D.C., and Gibson and Dunn out of New York and London, had reviewed the bill and had made certain recommendations that were ac-

Courtney Abel, who did a workshop titled ‘Guyana: the next arbitration hub’. And that workshop was held jointly with the Attorney General’s Chambers, and we invited participation from across the Caribbean, and we also received a lot of inputs from that exercise,” he detailed.

According to Nandlall, the

cepted and included.

While presenting the bill, Nandlall pointed out that the government has done quite a bit of groundwork to prepare for the bill, ranging from consultations, the establishment of an arbitration unit, and the holding of several training workshops to build capacity.

“We began first a consultation exercise in Guyana, and we consulted widely with various stakeholders; organizations, including the Bar Association, the Private Sector Commission and the judiciary; and we enlisted their input,” he detailed.

“Then, sir, we hired a consultant, Professor Justice

intention was to ensure the law could be up and ready as soon as possible. He explained that the bill would apply to both domestic and international arbitration, ensuring that Guyana can also attract arbitration cases.

“The main objectives of the bill are to encourage the use and facilitation of arbitration when solving disputes, obtain fair and speedy resolutions of disputes, and recognize and enforce arbitral awards. This stipulates that the law will apply to domestic and international arbitration when the seat of arbitration is in Guyana,” he explained.

“This part also provides

that the court shall not intervene in arbitration proceedings, except as provided by the Act. Additionally, this part provides that certain functions relating to arbitration assistance and supervision shall be performed by the appointing authority for the purpose of the Act,” Nandlall explained.

The bill was eventually passed, after being considered in committee.

Arbitration is a form of alternative dispute resolution that allows for parties, especially companies involved in a dispute, to avoid the court steps and come to an agreement that is overseen by one or more arbitrators, who are empowered to make legally binding decisions on the matter.

In keeping with its commitment to create a modern platform for arbitration as an effective method of settling commercial and other disputes in the country, the Government of Guyana has already established an Arbitration Unit, which comprises representatives from various stakeholder organizations. These include Jamela A. Ali, SC, from the Bar Association of Guyana; Attorney Suriyah Sabsook from the Berbice Bar Association; Norman McLean from the Private Sector Commission (PSC); and from the AG’s Chambers, Deputy Chief Parliamentary Counsel Joann Bond and Deputy Solicitor General Deborah Kumar, with AG Nandlall as the Chairman. (G3)

Attorney General Anil Nandall, SC

Opposition MP Khemraj Ramjattan

The Criminal Procedure Bill (2023) is intended to expedite the passage of cases through the justice system

An example of the Dornier 228 plane that arrived in March

The 115-foot Metal Shark patrol vessel that arrived in Guyana in April

Gatherings… …and

new PNC leader?

Well, well, well…now that the PPP have held their Congress and elected their office-bearers who’ll be seeing them through the 2025 elections, the two opposition parties left standing – the PNC and the AFC - have become emboldened to announce that they’ll be following suit!!

Monkey see, Monkey do?? Or is it the result of some strategic thinking, to see whom the PPP would put up as their standard-bearers, so they can now “cut to fit”?? Somehow, your Eyewitness doesn’t go along with the latter, since the opposition parties’ recent bumblings don’t reflect any sort of strategic thinking!!

Do the PNC wanna-be leaders really believe boycotting African Guyanese businesses, who were just being polite to an effusive Pres Ali, burnishes their image?? This is right down there with refusing to shake hands with the same Pressie; it’s downright childish and insulative to the hospitable nature of the PNC’s traditional constituency!!

Anyhow, the PNC came up with a theme for their Congress: “Forming the next government; Building a just, inclusive and prosperous society for all”. So, they’re gonna be doing all of this at the Congress, being held over just three days – June 28 to 30?? Forming the next Government?? They’ll be mounting a coup? Since elections to have a stab at changing the Government aren’t due till next year!

This would mean that the Wild Man fringe group are calling the shots from their social media platforms!! Now, if they do stage a coup and take over the Government over that weekend, can they “Build a just, inclusive and prosperous society for all” instantly?? How? By giving US$1million to every Guyanese family?? A new Declaration of Sophia??

But your Eyewitness wonders whether they’ll settle their leadership tussle before staging the coup. Or will they follow Cuffy and have the leadership contest afterwards? We know how that ended, don’t we?? Not very well for Cuffy!! But whether before or after, who might emerge as Numero Uno of the PNC after June 30?? There are three contestants – the incumbent Norton, and challengers Forde and Desir, who are both lawyers. The latter two present a more traditional PNC face to the delegates, who’ll all be coming to Congress Place in person. Norton was pretty much picked as leader after the movers and shakers felt Granger should’ve stuck it to the PPP after the 5-month holdout!! And Norton would manners the PPP.

If the voting is fair – which is an oxymoron when we’re talking about the PNC counting ballots!! – it’ll be either of the two lawyers with their middle-class credentials. If, on the other hand, the party mechanism remains in the hands of the exec, who were all handpicked by Norton, then the PNC’s back to hard stares and no handshakes!!

…and Dead Meat

Imagine, the AFC picked the Saturday smack in the middle of the weekend when the PNC would be holding their Congress for their gathering!! Was it because those members who’re actually crypto PNC members had to be allowed to participate in the dust-up over in Congress Place?? But it really doesn’t matter, does it? In the inspired phrase of AFC Leader Ramjattan - right before he hitched up with the PNC - his party has become “Dead Meat”!! And “dead meat” doesn’t matter where they meet – they’ll stink up whenever or wherever they gather!!

Their one-time front man rose from the Dead Meat state to publish a book that just provides fodder to all who have been snickering at the AFC ever since Granger started walking all over them - without a murmur of protest!! Then, of course, the PNC have made it clear they won’t be providing no coattail for them to hold on to come 2025. So, what is left for them?

More putrefaction!!

…and revival

GuySuCo just got a new CEO – a fella with a background in finance, like his predecessor – but also with decades of experience with cane farming!! And make no bones about it – the industry’s never gonna be saved, unless there’s cane!!

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

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

Motorcyclist who struck down cop at roadblock arrested

Amotorcyclist is now in police custody after he struck down and injured a policeman while trying to evade a roadblock on the Houston Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD), in the wee hours of Saturday.

Reports are that police ranks were conduct-

ing a stop-and-search exercise on the Houston Public Road at about 02:05h on Saturday, and one of them, who was holding a reflector in his hand, was urging the rider of motorcycle CL 6778 to stop; but the motorcyclist failed to adhere to the order, and, in accelerating, crashed into one of the

ranks in his bid to escape.

Both the rank and the motorcyclist sustained injuries as a result of this collision, and they were both taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where both were treated. The motorcyclist has been arrested, and remains in custody pending charges. (G9)

The motorcyclist crashing into the cop

Expand the defence of Essequibo

There is a stubborn refusal by Guyanese of all stripes to accept that Maduro has already launched a war against us. Are we waiting for him to “declare” this? Or do we believe that, with all he has done over the last few years –up to presently annexing our Essequibo and taking the first step to a physical occupation by militarizing our half of Ankoko, which they seized in 1966 – he is creating a “zone of peace” in our region?

The point I have been highlighting is that, in the modern era, the old “absolute, kinetic wars” have been subsumed in the wider notion of “hybrid wars” – the use of a range of different methods other than physical force to attack an enemy.

These include political, diplomatic, economic and financial initiatives, and the spreading of propaganda, criminality, infiltration by fifth columnists, or attacking important computer systems. Technology has opened up new ways to conduct hybrid warfare. Hybrid wars are conducted in what are called “grey zones” – where all instruments of national power are leveraged to achieve the aggressor’s aims.

Venezuela’s use of PetroCaribe’s debt write-offs made some of our fellow Caricom members not only undermine our diplomatic strength, but give succour to Maduro in a very personalised manner, that subverted decades-long institution building. This is an instance of an initiative in a hybrid war.

After all the hullaballoo we made over our Caricom brother Ralph Gonsalves skinning his teeth in front of a map of Venezuela with Essequibo “annexed”, he claimed he did not see the map. But less than a week ago, he was in Caracas, still skinning his teeth as the Venezuelan-led “Group of Friends in Defense of the United Nations Charter” condemned – without irony –“the systematic violation of the principles of the said Charter by taking unilateral coercive measures” against Venezuela. Not a word from Gonsalves about Venezuela’s trampling on the Charter in rejection of the UN Secty General’s forwarding of the Venezuelan Border Controversy to the ICJ in following the Geneva Agreement.

Venezuela’s hybrid war strives to avoid Clausewitz’s kinetic war as “politics by other means” and embraces Sun Tzu’s Art of War, wherein the enemy can be conquered without necessarily fighting. Our strength is to be gradually sapped in the grey zone, as much energy is wasted to keep the war from getting kinetic. Witness all the diplomatic and other capital we have had to expend recently. The premises of the hybrid war-aggressor also become normalised over time, as we saw with Russia’s moves against Ukraine and other neighbours, including Georgia and now the Baltics. Maduro’s appointment of a governor of the region with the “authority” to award or deny licences continues the normalisation of Essequibo as Venezuela’s, so that the final physical occupation – as with Russia in Eastern Ukraine –becomes a fait accompli. Our acceptance of Maduro’s serial acts of aggression against our national interests as not “warfare” makes us complicit in his international brigandry. We can expect such actions to continue escalating, until one day we wake up, as Ukraine did, to find enemy forces occupying Essequibo beyond Ankoko.

Our concerns should not be confined to Maduro, even if he is defeated in the upcoming elections. “Ownership” of Essequibo is enshrined in the Venezuelan Constitution; the Disciplined Forces are mandated to protect that constitution, and because of the Venezuelan Essequibo Defence law passed by the Chavista-controlled National Assembly, anyone who denies Venezuelan sovereignty over the Essequibo is barred from running for public office.

In addition to the creation of a military base in Essequibo, to which the US would have access, we propose that we explicitly open up the region by revising our land use policy, to use incentives such as longer-term leases to encourage Guyanese to settle near the Venezuelan Border.

While over in Europe, the three Baltic states: Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania, announced in January their intention to build a defensive line along their borders with a revanchist Russia that Maduro is imitating, we do not believe that is practical for us. We still favour an operationally elastic defence premised upon manoeuvre warfare, as we recommended earlier when we commended the US 1st Security Forces Assistance Brigade (SFAB) for working with our GDF. They are a US Army innovation to deal with the reality of hybrid wars in the grey zone that used to be handled by their Special Operations Forces.

Labourer nursing chop wound to head after cutlass attack

Ronald Deen, a 50-year-old labourer of Water Street, Bagotstown, EBD, is currently hospitalized in the Georgetown Public Hospital following an attack by a cutlass-wielding security guard at the premises of a fishery in Eccles Industrial Site, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Reports are that the attack occurred at about 17:40h on Friday, and the 56-year-old security guard implicated is a resident of Second Street, Herstelling, EBD.

Police report that Deen and several others were drinking at the fishery when the security guard ap-

proached and asked them to leave, as he needed to secure the building. Deen allegedly grabbed the guard's leg, and

refused to let go, despite being asked.

The escalating situation led to a heated exchange, and the guard drew a cutlass from his waistband and chopped Deen on the left side of his forehead.

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) who arrived at the scene transported Deen to Georgetown Public Hospital, where he is in critical condition. The suspect has meanwhile been arrested, and the weapon has been confiscated, the police have said. (G9)

Ravi Dev

Employment guaranteed – Pres Ali to over 600 Guyanese registered for welding certification

Employment has been guaranteed for Guyanese participating in a new welding programme being facilitated by the Guyana Government through the School of the Nations and the Guyana Academy of Learning (GOAL).

This commitment was made by President Dr. Irfaan Ali during the programme’s registration exercise, held on Saturday, May 18. During that activity, the Guyanese Leader disclosed that the initiative, being sponsored by the administration, is part of efforts to ensure that skilled Guyanese are gainfully employed and are benefitting from the country’s exponential growth.

This initiative would result in experienced and inexperienced individuals gaining certification in the field of welding. While the initial stage of the programme caters for 1000 locals, a total of 650 persons from the various regions have already registered, and are preparing to attend classes.

According to President Ali, the participants would be interacting with major companies in the oil and gas, natural resources, and infrastructure sectors, whose officials would be tasked with their supervision throughout the programme. This, he explained, would ensure that all participants gain full and part-time employment, and have their welding skills upgraded to the highest level.

“By the time of completion for the programme, every single person must be

willfully occupied, must be in employment or must be in service in this field that you’re training. That is the objective that we’re doing this programme with. We, as a Government, is committed to you. We want to see you succeed, we want to see you grow, we want to see you excel, and we’re going to make all the investment to ensure that you are the best you can be,” the Guyanese Leader said.

After the first batch of participants graduate, Government would regionalise and expand the initia-

tive to give individuals in remote areas a chance to be certified, given that the ad -

ministration aims to train 3000 Guyanese through the initiative.

Participants have been encouraged to stay committed to their personal growth, support each other throughout the duration of the programme, and network and utilize this opportunity to their advantage.

“For some of you, it is going to be different. It’s going to be confining, it is going to be in a new environment, and it is going to test you. But that is life. We have to demonstrate ourselves to prove to ourself that we will open up the test and we will get the certification at the end of this programme,” the Head of State added. (G1)

President Dr Irfaan Ali at the launching of the new welding programme facilitated by the Guyana Government through the School of the Nations and the Guyana Academy of Learning (GOAL)

Youngsters being registered for the wielding programme

Holding on to his passion –Jerry Barry exhibits art at 75

By Misheal henry

Renowned Guyanese artist Jerry Barry has successfully maintained a passion that began in the late 1940s, and has lasted for 75 years as he continues to create impactful works that resonate in today’s art world. While he has been polishing the skills of his artistry since the age of five, Barry recently revealed the enduring journey of his artistic passion at his recent ‘Scenes of Long Ago’ art exhibition, on Friday at Castellani House, where he shared how it has shaped his life and career.

According to Barry, at age

in Georgetown and saw a painting that blew his mind, and it later caused

all day, all night, all day. I was like Michael Jordan with the paint brush,” Barry reminisced.

Meanwhile, he revealed, a crucial stage in his life was when he was recommended to attend the E.R. Burrowes School of Art. He

Barry said that was the first time someone had bought one of his oil paintings.

Later, in his artistic journey, he produced another stunning painting, and that was hung in front of the Government Technical

Artist Jerry Barry

from 1985 to 1988. In 2003, he received his Master of Fine Arts (MFA)certification from the Hartford Art School at the University of Hartford in the USA.

“I always had a desire to teach. I wanted to learn more…not only about art, but art academically. I was really following my passion for drawing, and so I would say that teaching shaped me as an artist as much as art shaped me as a teacher,” he explained.

stantly draw anything that came to his mind, and he had thought of himself as a professional artist. However, in one pivotal day in his life, it occurred to him that he was way below his own expectations. He said he passed along Regent Street

“I was about 12, attending

“That was magic to me! I had never seen a painting; moreover, I had never saw a painting with colour. That was a shock to me, and it stayed with me forever. Then was when I realized I wanted to be an artist. That moment gripped me from day one, and stayed with me almost forever, until now,” he explained.

Amidst the high inclination to his academic pursuits, Barry revealed, after that profound day, he was continuously inundated by the thought of creating high-quality paintings similar to the one he had seen.

He added that geometry was his favourite subject in school, and he learned a unique technique which he sought to implement in his drawings in a bid to enhance their realism.

high school, and er were window shopping down Regent Street. And so I came down the street, and the lights were on and I saw two paintings. To me they were pictures, and I stopped,” Barry reflected.

He further recalled that the instant he saw the image, it ignited in him a spark that he describes as a magical experience.

“Geometry was my favourite subject in school, and from geometry, I learned about the perspective for drawing. So, my drawings were no longer twisted up, and I managed to get it straightened for the viewer,” Barry, now 75, said.

As Barry adopted various other techniques in his artistic pursuits, he would constantly put the graphite point of his pencil to work in attempts to better his craft.

“I managed to open the magic, the madness of drawing, and I would draw

was the youngest among the artists, and after years of bettering his craft, he managed to get someone to purchase his artwork.

“After years of drawing, I got the recommendation to go to the ‘working people’s art class’, run by Mr. Burrowes. I was the youngest guy there, a little kid, and so they called me “Smallie”, he laughingly said. He added that, at that school, he learnt how to do his first oil painting, and the lady who recommended him to the school fell in love with it, bought it, and placed it inside her house.

Institute (GTI). Little did he know that, in time to come, it would be taken away by someone, and he would not see it again for years. He found out years later that one of the teachers of the school had seen it and taken it from there.

Having improved his artistic skills, Barry went on to become a teacher at the Burrowes School of Art; and in 1980, he received his Bachelor of Science (BSc.) in Art Education from Illinois State University in the USA.

Barry also held the position of Chief Art Instructor

During this art exhibition in question, Barry also relayed significant advice for not only young budding artists, but also young persons who have a passion to follow their heart’s desires.

According to Barry, youngsters who have long had a need to accomplish something must never forget their dreams, and could use his life as an example to not give up on their dreams.

“Look at me as an example. I followed my dream. I never diverted from my dream, and what we are witnessing here today is the result of that. So, whatever you have a passion for, whether it’s aviation or whatever it is, follow your dream and don’t divert,” he admonished.

Fifty-nine spectacular pieces of art were exhibited at Barry’s art show, which spanned Barry’s memories of his early days in Guyana and how various places in Guyana were built. On Friday, these art pieces were viewed by various associates of the American High Commission to Guyana, various young budding artists; and members of the Youth and Culture Ministry, who were unanimous in their praise of the works produced by Barry.

Renowned Guyanese artist Jerry Barry’s work was on display at Castellani House, Georgetown

Continuing education “absolutely necessary” in education sector – minister

…Govt to

establish

leadership academy to upskill teachers

The Government on Tuesday disclosed plans to establish a leadership academy to upskill teachers, particularly principals and heads of departments.

According to the Education Ministry, the academy would help principals to better manage both administrative and teaching staff, work to uphold curriculum quality, and define school values.

Additionally, the initiative would aid in schools becoming effective incubators of learning; places where students are not only edu-

cated, but challenged, nurtured, and encouraged daily.

Education Minister Priya Manickchand has said the requirements for the initial stages of development of the academy have commenced, given that Government’s primary goal is to ensure that school leaders are engaged in continuous professional development as Government moves to deliver high-quality education across Guyana.

“One of the things we promised in the manifesto was better supervision, monitoring and evaluation,

and one of the things we promised in our five-year plan was more efficiency in the system…,” she explained.

“In every other profession, you have mandatory continuous profession development. In the health sector it (is) called CME - Continuing Medical Education. In law, it’s continuing courses; and so, in education, we believe it’s absolutely necessary,” Minister Manickchand explained.

Manickchand added that the academy, while conceptualised to the upskilling of principles, would also aid in the equipping of prospective school leaders by ensuring they are continuously trained for the role. In the meantime, teachers will continue to be retrained through various avenues.

“We have engaged in continuous profession-

increase when compared to the 32 teachers from the hinterland who graduated from CPCE in 2019.

Overall, some 1796 teachers along the hinterland and coastline have graduated from CPCE in 2023. And Manickchand has said that, with massive expansion of the Cyril Potter College of Education, Guyana has been able to achieve an average of about 99 percent trained teachers.

“Thirty percent of our teachers right now, the increased number of teachers, are training further for degrees, masters and PHDs… And they’re training for free, at no expense to themselves, because the Government is paying for it, and that can’t be discounted as nothing,” the Education Minister has said.

According to the Education Minister, getting to 100 per cent trained teachers may take some

al development for teachers, and it’s such a popular programme where we have teachers trained in the hope that they will develop their skills and methodology, and that that will translate into our children’s quality of education. We have persons fighting to go on the programme, so we have to expand that programme even more now,” the minister added.

Expansion

The Education Ministry recently reported a significant increase in trained teachers over a three-year period. According to statistics provided by the MoE, a total of 10,000 teachers were in the public education system when Government assumed office in August 2020, and that number has grown to 14,000 teachers with a total of 2000 in training.

Additionally, it has been revealed that over 188 teachers from the hinterland have graduated from the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) in 2023, which represents a 488%

more time, since there are few instances in which it would not be practical to ask older teachers in the system to get formal training now. Instead, she said, those teachers are being supported otherwise.

She added that, with this deliberate policy decision, coupled with improved access to training opportunities, the Guyana Government has been able to ensure that students have access to a higher quality of education.

“Now, what happens when you are trained as a teacher? When you're trained as a teacher, you'll get a better salary; you have better chances at promotion and leadership in your school; you have more opportunities to go on to do further tertiary training, like on the GOAL programme. We believe (that) expanding the Teacher Training College was a game-(changer) and will be shown to be a game-changer in the education system. And so we're very, very proud of this particular achievement,” she added. (G1)

Education Minister Priya Manickchand

Talk to young motorcyclists about safety - NRSC to elders

As motorcycle ownership among young people continues to rise, so, too, does the concern for their safety on the roadways. As such, the National Road Safety Council (NRSC) has emphasised the crucial role that elders must play in educating young motorcyclists before they hit the road.

In an appeal to the public, Chairman of the National Road Safety Council, Earl Lambert, emphasised the crucial role that elders must play in educating young motorcyclists before they hit the road.

According to Lambert, family members bear the primary responsibility for instilling safe riding habits in their young ones, as they are the ones who would face the devastating consequences if tragedy strikes.

“Those elders at home,

who know that the younger ones have motorcycles, they have to keep talking to them. They have to keep preaching to them to ensure that, when they go on the road, they do not allow their testosterone levels to rise to the extent where they feel like they can be superman. Because then you will end up burying them, and you

will end up mourning not just for the time, but forever,” he said.

The chairman’s comments come in the wake of rising concerns over motorcycle accidents involving young riders. Statistics indicate that a substantial proportion of road fatalities involve motorcyclists, many of whom are in their teens

or early twenties.

Lambert has said the loss of these young lives not only shatters families, but also deprives the nation of potential future leaders and innovators. Lambert is urging elders to take an active role in educating young riders on the importance of road safety. This includes wearing helmets, adhering to speed limits, and understanding traffic rules.

“It is better to talk to them now, when they are alive, than to mourn them when they are dead. But, in this day and age, parents burying their children. They do not have any control over them, and they buy these bikes, and they do all sorts of unfortunate things on the road…I don’t know if parents and elders don’t have any control over these motorcyclists”, he voiced. Lambert is also call-

ing for a collaborative effort involving schools, community organizations and Government agencies to reinforce these safety messages.

The National Road Safety Council, along with the Guyana Police Force, has recently launched sev-

eral initiatives aimed at reducing road accidents and fatalities, particularly focusing on young motorcyclists. These initiatives include awareness campaigns, safety workshops, and the introduction of stricter regulations for motorcycle riders. (G9)

NRSC Chairman Earl Lambert

Porter falls to death from building after receiving electric shocks

Bryan Hardilall, a 19-year-old porter of Covent Garden, East Bank Demerara, lost his life on Friday after electric shocks tossed him from a three-storey building under construction on Norton Street, between Hardina and Haley streets in Wortmanville, Georgetown.

According to reports, Hardilall and a 53-year-old colleague were sent by their employer to install metal gutters at the top of the building, at about 12:00h, when a metal gutter that Hardilall was fetching came into contact with a Guyana Power and Light (GPL) power line. The electric shock threw Hardilall from the top of the building to the bottom, and he landed on a pile of concrete blocks stored in the yard.

Emergency Medical Technicians were quickly summoned, and Hardilall was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he died at about 13:00h.

Reports indicate that Hardilall was not wearing

any safety gear at the time of the incident.

Police, in a statement on the incident, said, “At the time, the surroundings were wet, and the deceased was not wearing his boots nor any protective gears. Police examined the deceased body, and swelling and bruises were seen about the body. Investigations are ongoing.”

More than two weeks ago, the Labour Ministry announced reduced workplace fatalities. In 2020, there were 32 deaths, followed by 27 in 2021, 21 in 2022, and 20 in 2023. (G9)

Dead: Bryan Hardilall

One year later…

Wanted man nabbed for rape, series of robberies

More than a year after a wanted bulletin had been issued for him, 31-year-old Dexter McDonald has been arrested for a series of robberies, and for rape.

According to the police, the arrest was made on Friday at around 15:45h, when a team from Regional Division 4C (East Coast Demerara), acting on information received, intercepted a silver-coloured vehicle, PAD 1112, at Belfield, East Coast Demerara (ECD). That vehicle was being driven by a 45-year-old contractor of Victoria Village, ECD, and McDonald, also known as “Laba,” was occupying the front passenger seat.

McDonald, a construction worker of Buxton Middle Walk, ECD, had been wanted since March 2023; thus, both McDonald and the driv-

er were arrested and taken to the Cove and John Police Station.

Police say the driver has been arrested for harbouring a wanted fugitive. They remain in custody as investigations continue.

McDonald was on the run in 2018, but was later arrested in Annandale, ECD for a series of robberies. At the time of his arrest, McDonald allegedly had 29 grams of cannabis packaged in small Ziplock bags.

Despite an arrest warrant being issued for him, McDonald had managed to evade justice for a significant period. Prior to his 2018 arrest, he had been charged with rape and had been granted pre-trial liberty by the court. The status of those cases are unknown at this time. (G9)

Teen fatally stabbed by man he allegedly robbed

Orlando Samaroo, a 19-year-old resident of Belle West, West Bank Demerara, died on Friday, one day after he was stabbed multiple times about his body by a man who had accused him of robbery. According to reports, the stabbing incident occurred on Thursday afternoon at Belle West (Phase #2), and the teenager was attacked by a 31-year-old miner of Belle West Housing Scheme. It is alleged that Samaroo had allegedly beaten and robbed the suspect several weeks ago, and he and the suspect had had several misunderstandings thereafter. On Thursday, at about 14:00h, Samaroo was

reportedly in the company of several men, sitting under a bus shed in Belle West when the suspect, armed with a knife, approached him. The suspect immediately held

on to Samaroo’s jersey and stabbed him several times in his abdomen, before fleeing the scene on foot. Samaroo was rushed to the West Demerara Regional Hospital, and was admitted a patient. He was subsequently transferred to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries at 10:00h on Friday. His body is at the GPHC’s Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Police have said that several persons in the area have been questioned, and useful information has been obtained. Police are looking for the suspect as investigations continue. (G9)

Dead: Orlando Samaroo

Arrested: Dexter McDonald

Ramp, road upgrades for fisherfolks at Ogle, ECD outfall

…as Pres Ali address concerns during visit

Fisherfolks operating at the Ogle Outfall on the East Coast of Demerara will benefit from a new ramp to bring their boats onshore for maintenance as well as an upgrade of the mud-dam leading to the channel.

These commitments were made by President Dr Irfaan Ali during an early morning visit on Saturday to the outfall, where he met with a number of fishermen and operators along the East Coast corridor.

During the engagement, the fisherfolks raised a number of concerns ranging from security issues to the state of the channels they are operating from.

One fisherman highlighted the need for the outfall, where there are ap-

weeks, because they take about a week to mobilise, we can finish dredging the Montrose and then dredge here,” the President informed the fisherfolks.

The Head of State was also told of challenges fishermen face to load and offload their boats and requested an access structure, where they can also store the boats during hide tides as well as do maintenance.

“What you need is a ramp because if you build the ramp down [in the channel], you can just reel the boat up and repair it [onshore]… And then y’all have to been innovative. Come together as a group and make a trailer to pull the boat up,” Ali indicated.

ing. Consequently, the Guyanese Leader instructed that the lights be fixed before the end of the day and told officials to make regular checks in the area to monitor, and fix if necessary, these things.

“Y’all gotta come and check these things too because these are simple things that we can fix,” Ali stated.

Meanwhile, the Head of State also committed to fixing the access road, which is a mud-dam, heading to the outfall.

“We’ll definitely have to fix this road here… at least we can bring it up to crushstone and then finish it off later,” he posited.

proximately 35 boats operating from, to be dredged. It was explained that just over a dozen of these boats operating at Ogle are originally from Better Hope and Montrose had to move because but the channels there are blocked.

“So, we’ll dredge Montrose [koker] and this one [at Ogle], we’ll try to start sometime next week… In three to four

Another issue raised that the Head of State committed to addressing is security. The fishermen related that they had put a watchman at Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, to guard the boats and equipment there but he was tied up and badly beaten.

At the Ogle outfall, the President was informed that while lights were installed there, some of them are not work-

He also instructed that the Public Works Ministry immediately look into this road upgrade and try to start the works during the course of this week.

Mon Repos Market

In addition to meeting the fisherfolks, President Ali also visited the newly renovated Mon Repos Market, ECD, on Saturday morning during which he engaged vendors and market officials.

Back in November 2022, a $619 contract was award

for the rehabilitation and expansion of the popular ECD market with the aim of eliminate roadside vending and improving traffic flow in the area. This saw the previous wooden structure being torn down and a modern new 18,000 square-foot pre-fabricated multi-level building that can accommodate some 490 stalls erected in its place.

During his interactions with vendors, concerns

were raised about security in the market. As a result, the President committed to having a police outpost established there. Issues were also raised about the allocation and placement of stalls, narrow passage way for customers and lack of facilities such as parking for vendors.

At the time of the visit, it was raining and the vendors complain about the water seeping into their

stalls and damaging their goods – something which the President witnessed and ordered the engineers to have the contractor fix the issue or otherwise face legal repercussions.

“If he doesn’t fix it by Thursday then y’all confiscate the retention [clause in the contract] and get somebody else to do it, and call upon the bond… Y’all gotta deal with contractor,” the Head of State declared.

President Dr Irfaan Ali engaging vendors and patrons at the Mon Repos Market during Saturday’s visit

The access to road to the Ogle outfall is expected to be upgraded

Over 5000 participants expect at 2025 Guyana Energy Conference

…event set for February 18-21

Following another successful event this year, the fourth installment of the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo has been set for February 2025 with over 5,200 participants expected.

Billed for February 18 to 21, 2025, the conference will be held under the theme, ‘Connecting the Dots: Integrating the Future.’ According to the conference Secretariat, this flagship event is anticipated to attract over 5,000 delegates, feature 180+ booths, and host more than 70 distinguished speakers at the Guyana Marriott Hotel.

It was explained that the theme emphasises the interconnected nature of various elements within the energy sector and the wider supply chain ecosystem. It highlights the necessity of collaboration among stakeholders – including government bodies, industry players, academia, and civil society – to address common challenges and seize shared opportunities.

“Given Guyana’s strategic location within the Caribbean region, the theme for this four-day

event also highlights the importance of regional integration and fostering closer ties with neighbouring countries in areas such as trade, energy, and infrastructure development.

‘Connecting the Dots: Integrating the Future’ therefore serves as a unifying theme that brings together diverse stakeholders with a shared commitment to shaping a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive future for Guyana’s energy sector and supply chain ecosystem,” the Secretariat explained.

This fourth installment of the conference will continue its leadership on discussions pertaining to a just energy transition and balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. Other focus areas include financing sustainable development initiatives, developing a workforce for the future, building resilient supply chains, and promoting the advancement of women in the industry. Given the expanded focus of the conference, panel discussions will also identify investment opportunities in agriculture, tourism and infrastructure projects locally and regionally.

Since its 2021 debut, the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo has established itself as a meaningful platform for connecting industry professionals, government officials, investors, and experts in the energy sector.

Participants have benefitted from invaluable engagements with policymakers and regulatory authorities, leading to a deeper understanding of the legal framework, as well as, key development plans.

For exhibitors and participating business professionals, this platform has allowed for products, services, and solutions to be showcased to a targeted audience with opportunities to connect with potential partners for joint ventures, strategic alliances, and project collaborations.

The Secretariat said, having been entrusted with the oversight and execution of the conference, it has meticulously crafted its 2025 prospectus for sponsors and exhibitors who wish to not only gain visibility within the industry, but also play a crucial role in shaping the discourse around energy sustainability and supply chain excellence.

The third edition of the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo, held from February 19 to 22, 2024, saw participation from more than 21 countries in 19 sectors – outside of the energy sector.

Speakers at this

year’s conference included the Prime Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani along with Regional Leaders, representatives from international oil and gas operators and specialists from various fields such as energy and environment. Back in April, the Secretariat announced leadership changes with a new Chief Executive Officer and a new Media and Operations Director. (G8)

TVET centres to be furnished soon - Manickchand …says will expand skills-training across Guyana

Government is currently in the process of procuring modern equipment to outfit some six new technical and vocational education training (TVET) centres which have recently been constructed.

Built in Mabaruma in Region One (BarimaWaini), Fellowship in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), Beterverwagting in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Hopetown in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Bartica in Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni), and St. Ignatius in Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), these centres are part of Government’s efforts to expand skills training locally in a bid to help fill the skills gap in the current job market.

According to Education Minister Priya Manickchand, when these centres are completed, Guyanese in the respective regions would be able to access courses in various areas, including agriculture science, furniture making, electrical installa-

tion, heavy-duty equipment operation, welding and fabrication, and plumbing, among other disciplines.

She explained that Government’s primary goal is to develop the local workforce and build human ca-

pacity through the enhancement of education, in order to promote sustainable economic diversification in Guyana.

“You’re going to see a robust TVET intervention. You would know (that) in

the country right now, it’s the skills that are needed: the heavy-duty equipment operators; the people who are being hired by the construction industry, where they are earning sensibly and adequately to look after families. And so we want to make sure that we are able to cater to that market, and prepare our people who wish to benefit from that sector,” Minister Manickchand said.

The Education Minister added that technical and vocational education and training is crucial for the development of the world’s economy. She noted that this type of skill is especially important for developing countries such as Guyana, so that the country can prepare for the skills demanded of the 21st century.

In fact, TVET is considered a driving force for sustainable development,

as it focuses on work-based learning and promotes selfemployment, thus contributing to the development of nations.

“This will ensure that service is accessible all around. Technical education is getting a lot of attention. We believe that skill is wealth. The country is in a place where the thrust is going to see a need for a large number of skilled persons, where we need them to develop and earn a sound and solid living by utilising the skills that they gained at these facilities,” she added. Technical and vocational education and training also play a key role in the United Nations’ educational goals, and as such, $1 billion was allocated in the 2023 National Budget for the TVET programme, to facilitate training of some 4,000 Guyanese. (G1)

Regional

T&T State held liable for domestic violence victim’s murder

A60-year-old woman from Carenage, whose daughter was brutally murdered by her abusive ex-boyfriend in late 2017, has won a landmark case over the failure of the police and the Judiciary to afford her protection.

In a 110-page judgment delivered on Friday, High Court Judge Robin Mohammed upheld a novel constitutional claim brought by Tot Lampkin against the Office of the Attorney General in relation to the murder of her daughter Samantha Issacs.

In his ruling, Justice Mohammed decided to take a bold move to impose a positive obligation on the State to act with due diligence in protecting an individual’s constitutional rights to life, protection of the law and respect for private and family life from being violated by the actions of a non-State official.

He admitted he was tempted to take a safe approach but was persuaded by the exceptional circumstances of Lampkin’s case.

Justice Mohammed said, “The facts of this case and the preparation of this judgment have caused me no end of worry to the extent that many a times, in quiet reflection, I was almost persuaded to recoil in the comfort zone of accepting the accepted norm that there are no positive obligations imposed on the State to protect the rights and freedoms under Section 4 (a), (b), and (c) of the Constitution.”

“But this amounts to ‘burying one’s head in the sand’ when so many insidious activities are impacting society right above surface level,” he added.

He noted that Lampkin’s case highlighted that more had to be done by the State, through its agents and servants, to improve how domestic violence cases are addressed.

Stating that a multi-

faceted approach was required, Justice Mohammed said, “It involves legal measures to protect and support victims, such as restraining orders, safe shelters, along with robust law enforcement responses to hold perpetrators accountable.”

“It is this court’s earnest desire to see the implementation of this multidimensional system with some urgency through collective acknowledgement, intervention and empowerment by State authorities to unravel the grip of domestic violence and safeguard the sanctity of our vulnerable in society,” he added.

Although Justice Mohammed ordered compensation for Lampkin, who serves as guardian of her daughter’s now tenyear-old son, he will quantify such at a later date after considering additional submissions.

According to the evidence in the case, Lampkin’s daughter began a relationship with Kahriym Garcia while she was pursuing a degree in biochemistry at the University of the West Indies in 2011.

Isaacs first reported Garcia’s abusive behaviour a little over a year before their son was born in March 2014.

On May 21, 2013, she reported that he destroyed her cellphone with a hammer because she did not

answer his calls while she was busy in school. Garcia was questioned by the police but was allowed to leave after he promised to reimburse Isaacs. While Lampkin claimed that Garcia was physically abusive to her daughter during her pregnancy, a second report was made to the police in November 2015. Garcia, who was armed with a knife, reportedly punched Isaacs in her face in front of their toddler and destroyed furniture in the apartment they shared.

Officers of the Carenage Police Station responded to the domestic disturbance and restrained Garcia, who was instructed to pack his belongings and leave the apartment. Garcia initially compiled but attempted to return after the police left. He fled the scene after he realised that Lampkin was calling back the police.

Although the couple’s romantic relationship reportedly ended that night, Isaacs allegedly allowed him to return to the apartment in early 2017 after he was shot four times. Garcia was asked to leave several months later after his violent conduct resumed.

In June 2017, Isaacs made another report to the police after Garcia broke into the apartment while she was sleeping and attacked her with a knife. Garcia reportedly threatened to kill Isaacs and her relatives if she did not agree to rekindle their relationship.

Lampkin claimed that he only left after her husband intervened and subdued Garcia. She claimed that although the police were contacted they did not respond, as there was no vehicle at the police station.

When Isaacs and Lampkin went to the police station the following day, they were told they would be contacted by an investigator.

After Isaacs was killed, the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) launched an investigation into the officer who gave the assurance and disciplinary proceedings were recommended. However, none were preferred by the Commissioner of Police.

Isaacs made her final report to the police one day before she was murdered on December 16,

others were related to the custody of their son and the payment of child maintenance.

When the case first came up for hearing, the magistrate was unavailable. During subsequent hearings, Isaacs reported threats made by Garcia, including throwing acid in her face and the fact that he had distributed nude images of her.

2017. She claimed that Garcia attacked her outside her workplace. Garcia was warned by a police officer, who advised Isaacs to pursue a protection order. Almost 24 hours later, Isaacs was found lying on the road outside a hotel at Haig Street in Carenage. She had been shot in both her legs and her head. She eventually succumbed to her injuries while receiving treatment at hospital but not before identifying Garcia as her attacker.

Police officers attempted to detain Garcia but he committed suicide while they were trying to enter his apartment.

Several months before her murder, Isaacs made three applications to the Family Court in relation to Garcia. One application was for a protection order against him, while the two

Isaacs was reportedly quizzed by a now-retired female senior magistrate over her motive for obtaining the protection order and warned against doing so simply to receive maintenance.

While Garcia claimed that he was not opposed to the order, the application was eventually dismissed in October 2017 after she missed one hearing.

In his judgment, Justice Mohammed noted that State attorneys did not challenge Lampkin’s claims that were supported by documentary evidence.

“Rather, they attempted to offer explanations and justifications for the State’s actions or inactions in the given circumstances,” he said.

TTPS resource shortfall no excuse

Dealing with the failure of the police to respond to Isaacs’ third report, Justice Mohammed noted that it was unacceptable despite the resource challenges faced by the T&T Police Service (TTPS).

“The TTPS ought to have a mechanism in place enabling them to seek assistance from neighbouring police stations to promptly address live reports of threats to life and limb when their own capacity to respond is inadequate,” he said.

He also expressed disappointment over the fact that her subsequent report was ignored.

“To date, no one has taken responsibility or held accountable for the TTPS’ failure to commence investigations into this matter or prosecute Kahriym,” he said.

He also noted that the police’s handling of that report was not an isolated incident.

“In all accounts in this case there was a total and persistent failure to investigate or follow up in any of the reported incidents which in my opinion points to systemic failure on the part of the TTPS to protect Samantha,” he said.

Justice Mohammed also took aim at his former colleague, who he noted failed to provide reasons for her decision to dismiss Isaacs’ case.

“Notwithstanding the numerous complaints of death threats that Samantha brought to the magistrate’s attention, she failed to take any reasonable measures within her scope to protect Samantha’s life,” he said. Lampkin was represented by Douglas Mendes, SC, and Clay Hackett. The AG’s Office was represented by Fyard Hosein, SC, Rishi Dass, SC, Kadine Matthew, and Kendra Mark-Gordon. (T&T Guardian)

Jamaica spending less on imports, first since 2020 says STATIN

Jamaica has spent less on imports for the first time in three years.

This is according to information contained in the latest International Merchandise Trade Bulletin released on Friday by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN). The latest bulletin covers the period January – December 2023. It highlights that

Jamaica’s total spending on imports for January to December 2023 was valued at US$7,592.1 million, while earnings from total exports were valued at US$2,001.8 million.

For the 12-month period, the value of imports fell by 1.8 per cent when compared to the US$7,731.2 million spent in 2022. This decrease was largely impacted by lower spending on

imports of “Raw Materials/ Intermediate Goods” and “Fuels and Lubricants”, which declined by 4.6 per cent and 14.6 per cent, respectively.

“The decline in expenditure on imports for 2023 followed increases for 2020 to 2022,” said STATIN.

The institute said revenues from exports for 2023 increased by 5.3 per cent when compared to US$

1,901.4 million earned in 2022.

“This performance is a continuation of the trend since 2020,” it said.

The increase in exports for 2023 was due primarily to a 77.6 per cent increase in the exports of “Crude Materials (excl. Fuels)”. Domestic exports increased to US$1,521.9 million, 11.3 per cent above the US$1,367.4 million for 2022.

The trade deficit at the end of 2023 was down 4.1 per cent to US$5,590.3 million when compared to US$5,829.8 million in 2022.

Meanwhile, Jamaica’s five main trading partners for 2023 were the United States of America (USA), China, Brazil, Japan and Colombia. Expenditure on imports from these countries fell by 2.0 per cent to US$ 4,628.6 million in

2022. This was due largely to lower imports of “Mineral Fuels”. The top five destinations for Jamaica’s exports were the USA, Puerto Rico, Latvia, the Russian Federation and Iceland. Export revenues from these countries increased by 1.2 per cent to US$1,347.9 million due to higher exports of alumina. (Jamaica Observer)

High Court Judge Robin Mohammed

OIL NEWS

WTI challenges US$80 again on strong economic data

US crude oil prices pushed past US$80 on Friday, with the global benchmark Brent crude also enjoying its first weekly gain since mid-April on Chinese industrial output data and US consumer prices, both of which came in more favorably than anticipated for April.

On Friday at 4:20 p.m. ET, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) was trading a penny shy of US$80, and had surpassed US$80 earlier in the afternoon. Brent crude was trading at US$83.91, up 0.77 per cent on the day.

The April US Consumer Price Index (CPI) released on Wednesday showed a 0.3 per cent increase from March, lower than the Dow Jones estimate of 0.4 per cent. This data lent more optimism to the potential for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates, with some speculating that rate cuts could start as early as September, according to CNBC.

Also boosting oil prices was Chinese economic data released earlier on Friday. Official data cited by Reuters showed China’s industrial output growing 6.7 per cent year-on-year in April, up from 4.5 per cent in March and beating expectations of a Reuters poll of analysts of 5.5 per cent.

Both sets of economic data provide strong tailwinds for oil demand.

This week, gasoline prices in the US continued to fall as oil prices remained low, with the national average price per gallon at US$3.597 on Friday, down over four cents on the week. according to AAA, but still about 7 cents higher than this same time last year.

Last week, gas demand rose mildly from 8.79 million barrels per day to 8.87 bpd, with US stockpiles reporting a small draw against the backdrop of what AAA calls “lacklustre pre-Memorial Day demand”.

"Barring some unforeseen event, this pokey drop in pump prices is not likely to change anytime soon," said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. "There are seven states with county gas averages at less than US$3 a gallon. This trend will likely accelerate as more gas outlets east of the Rockies drop their prices." (Oilprice.com)

Around the World

Israeli minister vows to quit war cabinet if PM fails to agree new Gaza plan

The Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz has threatened to resign if Benjamin Netanyahu fails to adopt an agreed plan for Gaza, calling into question the future of the Israeli government.

During a press conference on Saturday, Gantz announced that if a plan for postwar governance of the territory is not consolidated and approved by 8 June, his opposition National Unity party will withdraw from the coalition government.

The press conference came just hours after the Israel Defense Forces said it had recovered the body of another hostage, Ron Benjamin, 53, who had been taking part in a cycle ride near the border with Gaza when Hamas launched its bloody attack on 7 October.

His body was found along with three other hostages –Itzik Gelernter, Shani Louk and Amit Buskila – whose remains were recovered on Friday.

“Personal and political considerations have begun to enter the most sacred parts of Israel’s defence,” Gantz told reporters.

“Prime minister Netanyahu, I look you in

the eye tonight and tell you: the choice is in your hands,” Gantz said. “The Netanyahu of a decade ago would have done the right thing. Are you willing to do the right and patriotic thing today?

“The people of Israel are watching you,” he added.

“You must choose between Zionism and cynicism, between unity and factionalism, between responsibility and lawlessness – and between victory and disaster.”

His departure would leave Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, even more beholden to far-right allies who have taken a hardline on negotiations over a ceasefire and hostage release.

On Thursday, defence minister Yoav Gallant challenged Netanyahu over the same issue, saying he would not permit any solution where Israeli military or civil governance were in the territory. Gallant’s comments were immediately backed by his fellow minister Gantz, Netanyahu’s main political rival in the emergency coalition, plunging Israel’s leadership into a highly public row.

Gantz demanded a sixpoint plan, which includes demilitarisation in Gaza

and the establishment of a joint US, European, Arab and Palestinian administration that will manage Gaza’s civilian affairs and the return of hostages.

The previous day, the IDF announced that the bodies of three hostages kidnapped by Hamas, including the German-Israeli Shani Louk, had been retrieved from Gaza.

Images of militants parading Louk’s bloodied and broken body through Gaza on the back of a pickup truck were among the first to capture the horrors of the brutal 7 October attack.

The family initially hoped she had been injured

and survived, but three weeks later learned that she was presumed dead, after fragments of her skull had been found at the festival site, her father, Nissim Louk, told the BBC’s Today programme, saying his family is relieved they will finally be able to bury their “beautiful girl” after her body was recovered from Gaza.

“She brought light to the world, and beauty,” he said, in a tribute to his daughter. Her remains were brought back with those of Amit Buskila, 28, and Itzhak Gelerenter, 56, who were also murdered at the festival. (The Guardian)

Peru protesters slam new insurance law that deems transgender people mentally ill

Hundreds of protesters in Peru's capital marched on Friday to demand the scrapping of a new law that describes transgender people, among others, as having a mental illness so they

Ontario reports first death from measles in over a decade

An Ontario child under the age of five has died of measles, the first such case in the Canadian province in more than a decade, according to the provincial health agency. The child required hospitalization and was not vaccinated against the highly infectious respiratory virus, Public Health Ontario (PHO) said in a statement on Thursday, without specifying when or where the child died, or their actual age. For the period between Jan. 1, 2013 and this week, there had not been a single measles-related death recorded in the province.

Measles, a highly contagious, airborne virus that mostly affects children un-

der five years old, can be prevented by two doses of vaccine and more than 50 million deaths have been averted since 2000, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau blamed "growing vaccine hesitancy" over the past decade around North America and the world for some of the recent outbreaks of preventable childhood illnesses.

"My best advice to all families is to listen to your physicians, talk with your doctors about what vaccinations are right for their kids .. this is a tragedy that nobody wants to see. I can't imagine what that family is going through right now," Trudeau told reporters in Winnipeg.

In February, the WHO warned that more than half the world's countries will be at high or very high risk of measles outbreaks by the end of the year unless urgent preventative measures were taken. Ontario, Canada's most populous province, has reported 22 cases of measles so far this year, with the source of infection in 15 attributed to travel, PHO said. Ontario reported some 101 cases between 2013 and 2023.

Canada eradicated measles in 1998 thanks to high immunization coverage, according to the federal health agency. As a result, measles cases in Ontario are predominantly associated with travel, often referred to as “measles importations", the PHO said. (Reuters)

can access health benefits.

Around 500 demonstrators peacefully walked the streets of downtown Lima, hoisting banners with slogans that read "No more stigmas" and "My identity is not a disease."

The law, which was approved administratively last week by the government of President Dina Boluarte, specifies that those who identify as transgender, along with "cross dressers" and "others with gender identity disorders," are considered to be diagnosed with "illnesses" that are eligible for mental health services via both public and private providers.

The protesters reached the health ministry offices, but no clashes were reported.

"Gender identities are no longer considered pathologies," said activist Gahela Cari Contreras, who accused Boluarte's government of trying to trample on the LGBTQ+ community's rights. "We're not going to let them."

Critics of the law have argued that its update of the country's PEAS health

regulations was unnecessary, since existing rules already allowed for universal access to mental health services. Government officials have sought to chalk up the controversy as a misunderstanding.

In a statement released shortly after the law was promulgated, the health ministry insisted that it rejects the stigmatization of LGBTQ+ people and that the legal language simply seeks to ensure more complete health coverage.

The ministry "categorically reaffirms respect for the dignity of the person

and their free actions within the framework of human rights, providing health services for their benefit," according to the statement.

Despite the ministry's argument, the protesters were not persuaded and some medical experts advocated for the law to be corrected via an amendment.

"We don't see any need to incorporate diagnoses or pathologies that no longer exist into health insurance plans," said Pedro Riega Lopez, dean of Peru's CMP medical college and himself a doctor. (Reuters)

Benny Gantz, leader of National Unity party, called for a plan for post-war governance of Gaza to be approved by 8 June. (Photograph: Tsafrir Abayov)

LGBT community groups protest against a new government decree listing transsexualism as a "mental disorder", in front of Peru's Ministry of Health, in Lima, Peru, May 17, 2024. REUTERS/ Sebastian Castaneda Purchase Licensing Rights

TAURUS (April 20May 20)

GEMINI (MAY 21June 20)

(June 21July 22)

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

Listen, consider what you hear and discard what you don’t like. How you handle change will determine the outcome. Don’t give anyone the authority to decide things for you.

Don’t let an unexpected change of plans disrupt your day. Participate in activities you find engaging. Put your heart and soul into everything you do, and you’ll find a new way to express yourself. Anger will stand between you and your goal. Ignore situations you cannot change and focus on what you can do to improve your life. Use your imagination and set standards and boundaries.

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)

Take time to prepare. Refuse to let setbacks discourage you. Learn from experience. Don’t give someone a definitive answer when you aren’t sure how you feel or what you want.

Don’t spend money unnecessarily. Watching how others handle financial situations or shared expenses will help you address problems. A healthy lifestyle change will pay off.

Revamp your spending habits to suit your budget. Consider what’s necessary and what you can live without. Sell off possessions that are no longer useful. Work to boost your income.

Attend functions and mingle with people who can offer different perspectives on something that interests you. Partnerships, love and commitment are favored. Go through the proper channels.

Do what you can to lend a helping hand, but don’t let anyone take advantage of you. Get the lowdown and offer your services or time; you will make a difference.

Be a good listener and stick to upbeat conversations and positive suggestions. A change of attitude will affect how others treat you. Update your appearance and expand your interests.

Educational pursuits and travel are on the horizon. Visiting old friends or attending a reunion will open your eyes to new possibilities. It may be time to update your goals.

Set your sights on what you want. Changing your surroundings or trying something new will spark your imagination and encourage you to reinvent yourself. Turn your thoughts into reality.

Peanuts

Calvin and Hobbes

Pickles

AQUARIUS

CANCER

CAPRICORN

PISCES

GMRSC appoints Drag Racing Committee to enhance motorsports

The Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMRSC) is proud to announce the formation of the Drag Racing Committee, which aims to elevate the drag racing discipline within the motorsports community. This committee, comprising esteemed drivers and owners, including Krishna Ramsewack, Pierre Singh, Balram Ramdeo, and Imran Khan, will collaborate closely with GMRSC to drive innovation and excellence in drag racing.

Each member brings a wealth of experience and passion for the sport, ensuring that the interests of both competitors and enthusiasts are well-represented. Together, they will work tirelessly to enhance the drag racing experience, implement safety measures, and organize exhilarating events that captivate audiences and push the boundaries of performance.

Furthermore, GMRSC is delighted to announce Trans Pacific Motors Spares & Auto Sales Inc., led by Krishna Ramsewack, as one of the official sponsors for the 2024 drag racing season. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to the growth and development of drag racing in Guyana.

Round 2 of the thrilling drag racing action is set to ignite the track on Sunday, May 19. With over 50 competitors registered for this eagerly anticipated event, spectators can expect adrenaline-fueled races and electrifying showdowns.

Admission: - Adults: $2000

- Kids: $1000

- VIP: $10,000

- Staging Area Pass: $20,000

LEGAL NOTICE 1

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE OF GUYANA REGULAR SURISDICTION 2024- HCDEM- CIV- FDA-BETWEEN: RAY ANTHONY SCHADDE

Applicant and 1. ADRIAN MENTORE

2. MENTION SERVICES INC., a company duly incorporated under the laws of Guyana with its registered address situate at Lot 189 Charlotte Street, Bourda, Georgetown, Guyana Respondents, jointly and severally FIXED DATE APPLICATION

MADE WITH NOTICE TO: THE RESPONDENTS

A LEGAL PROCEEDING HAS BEEN COMMENCED by the Applicant. The claim made by the Applicant is set out in the following pages.

THlS APPLICATION will come on for a hearing on the 2024 at the Law Courts, Georgetown. e.1-h.n

Damages against the Second Named Respondent in an amount not less than 0$6,600,000.00 (six million, six hundred thousand Guyana dollars) as set forth in Paragraph 16 below for loss and damage suffered due to negligence caused by the First Named Respondent in the capacity as servant and/or agent and/ or employee of the Second Named Respondent;

6. Interest on any damages awarded at the rate of 6% per annum (or at the governing statutory rate) from October 11, 2022 until final judgment and therea er at the rate of 4% per annum or the prevailing statutory rate until fully paid;

7. Costs; and

8. Such fu1ther or other Orders as this Honourable Court may deem just.

[2] The grounds for the application are:

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IF YOU WISH TO OPPOSE THIS APPLICATION , to receive notice of any step in the application or to be served with any documents in the application, you or an Attorney-atLaw acting for you must forthwith prepare an Affidavit in Defence in Form 10C prescribed by the Civil Procedure Rules 2016, serve it on the applicant's Attorney-at-Law or, where the applicant does not have an Attorney-at-Law, serve it on the applicant, and file it, with proof of service, at a Registry, AT LEAST FOUR DAYS before the date fixed for the hearing of the application, and you or your Attorney-at-Law must appear at the hearing.

IF YOU FAIL TO APPEAR AT THE HEARING, AN ORDER OR JUDGMENT MAY BE GIVEN IN YOUR ABSENCE AND WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE TO YOU.

IF YOU WlSH TO OPPOSE THIS APPLICATlON BUT ARE UNABLE TO PAY LEGAL FEES, LEGAL AfD MAY BE AVAILABLE TO YOU BY CONTACTING A LOCAL LEGAL AJD OFFICE.

THIS NOTICE OF APPLICATION has no validity unless it is served on you at least seven days before the date fixed for the hearing of the application.

Address of Registry where issued: Law Courts, Georgetown TO: ADRIAN MENTORE

Lot 79 Mahaica East Coast Demerara Guyana OR Lot 107 Mahaica Berbice Guyana

MENTION SERVICES INC.

Lot 189 Charlotte Street Bomda Georgetown, Guyana

APPLICATION

[I] The applicant, Ray Anthony Schadde (the ·'Applicant") makes an application for:

I. General Damages against the First Named Respondent in excess of 0$100,000.00 (one hundred thousand Guyana dollars) for loss and damage suffered due to negligence caused on October 11, 2022 by colliding a motor lorry No. GYY 5964 with the Applicant's minibus, registration no. PRR 7508;

2. Special Damages against the First Named Respondent in an amount not less than 0$6,600,000.00 (six million, six hundred thousand Guyana dollars) as set forth in Paragraph 16 below for loss and damage suffered due to negligence caused on October 11, 2022 by colliding a motor lorry No. GYY 5964 with the Applicant's minibus, registration no. PRR 7508;

3. An Order declaring that motor lorry No. GYY 5964 is beneficially owned by the First Named Respondent;

4. Alternatively to (I), (2) and (3), General Damages against the Second Named Respondent in excess of 0$100,000.00 (one hundred thousand Guyana dollars) for loss and damage suffered due to negligence caused by the First Named Respondent in the capacity as servant and/or agent and/ or employee of the Second Named Respondent;

5. Alternatively to (I), (2) and (3) and in addition to (4), Special

upon the presence, position or stationary state of the Minibus ahead;

h. Failing to apply the brakes of the Truck in time or at all;

1. Failing to have or to retain any or any sufficient control over the Truck;

J. Causing, pe1111itting or suffering the Truck to move into the path of and collide with the Minibus;

k. Failing to adequately or at all heed or act upon the fact that brakes of the Truck were defective;

I. Failing to cause or require or to otherwise ensure that the brakes of the Truck were repaired;

m. Failing to refrain from driving the Truck unless or until the brakes was repaired or otherwise steps were taken to ensure that it was or would remain safe to drive the Truck;

n. Driving off of the Grove Public Road; and

1.The Applicant is self-employed as an electrician by trade, and is the holder of a valid driver's license as well as the owner of a minibus, registration no. PRR 7508 (the "Minibus"). Prior to the events set forth herein, the Applicant utilized the Minibus both for professional electrical work and for personal use, including social and leisure activities.

2. The First Named Respondent is and/or was the driver of motor lorry No. GYY 5964 (the "Truck"), with the registered owner of the Truck being the Second Named Respondent.

3.On October 11, 2022, at approximately 19:20 hours, the Applicant had parked the Minibus in the designated parking space of Dave's Sports Bar (the "Store"), situated on the Western portion of the Grove Public Road, East Bank Demerara, and subsequently exited the Minibus to make a purchase from the Store.

4. The Applicant had positioned the Minibus in the specified parapet area allocated for parking directly in front of the Store, maintaining an approximate distance of 17 (seventeen) feet from the Grove Public Road.

5. At approximately 20:30 hours, the Applicant, while inside the Store, was alerted by a loud noise originating from the Grove Public Road. In response, the Applicant promptly exited the premises and observed the Truck operated by the First Named Respondent colliding with the Minibus, resulting in extensive damage to the latter.

6. At the time of the collision, the Truck was carrying a substantial load of sand, and in the aftermath of the incident, the First Named Respondent verbally communicated to the Applicant that the brakes of the Truck had failed, which he claimed as a contributing factor to the collision.

7. Additionally, at the time of the collision, weather conditions did not pose any hindrance to visibility. The Grove Public Road was in a well-maintained, smooth, and dry state, and ambient lighting conditions were still favourable, this being bolstered by the presence of ample road illumination and exterior lighting in the vicinity of the Store.

8. The Applicant contends that the collision was caused by the First Named Respondent so negligently drivi11g, managing and/or controJling the Truck as follows:

PARTICULARS OF NEGLIGENCE

a. Failing to keep a proper lookout;

b. Failing to have sufficient regard for vehicles on the Grove Public Road generally and for the Applicant's Minibus in particular;

c. Failing to see the Applicant's Minibus in time or at all;

d. Driving too fast in all of the circumstances;

e. Driving into the path of and/ or otherwise colliding with the Applicant's stationasy Minibus;

r. Failing to stop, slow down, steer, or otherwise to control the Truck as to avoid the collision;

g. Failing adequately or at all in time or at all to see, heed or act

PARTICULARS OF SPECIAL DAMAGES

a. Costs to be incurred by the Applicant to replace the Minibus in the amount of 0$6,600,000.00 (six million, six hw1dred thousand Guyana dollars).

17. In support of his claim for general damages, the Applicant will rely on the following facts:

a. The Applicant has been deprived of the use of the Minjbus from October 11, 2022, up to the present date which has hjndered his occupation as an electrician, and his ability to commute to job sites; b. As a result, the Applicant has been compelled to utilize an alternative vehicle owned by his wife, which is inadequately sized and unsuitable for accommodating the necessary electrical equipment and ladders;

o. Exposing the Applicant to a forseeable risk of injury.

9. At aJI material times, the First Named Respondent owed a duty of care to all road users, pedestrians and owners of property on and/or adjacent to the road, inclusive of the Applicant, in respect of, inter alia, the matters set forth in Paragraph 8, which were egregiously breached.

10. Criminal charges were instituted against the First Named Respondent in the matter of the State v. Adrian Mentore CJ#2191/2022 for dangerous driving contrary to Section 36(1) of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act Cap 51:02, in which the First Named Respondent confirmed by way of written statement that (i) on October 11, 2022, at approximately 20:30 hours, he was driving the Truck on the Grove Public Road (ii) the Grove Public Road was in a smooth and dry condition, with adequate lighting at the time of the incident, (iii) he failed to bring the Truck to a halt, and the brakes of the Truck were non-functional, and that (iv) he collided with, inter alia, the Minibus, which was stationary on the Western parapet outside of the Store.

11. The Applicant will rely on all of the aforementioned facts and specifically the fact that (i) the prevailing weather conditions on the Grove Public Road were dry and visibility was favorable, (ii) the Truck crashed into the Applicant's stationary Minibus and (iii) the acknowledged failure of the brakes of the Truck as being conclusive of negligence and that it is inconceivable that such an incident could have occurred but for negligence.

12. Additionally, the First Named Respondent was actively in the process of purchasing and/or acquiring the Truck from the Second Named Respondent, thereby establishing a beneficial ownership and/or possessing a beneficial interest in the said Truck.

13. Alternatively, the Applicant will contend that the Second Named Respondent is liable on the basis the First Named Respondent was driving the Truck in bjs capacity as the servant and/or agent and/ or employee of the Second Named Respondent, the owners thereof of tJ,e Truck and that the First Named Respondent was acting in the performance or purported performance of his duties as its driver.

14. By reason of the negligence of the First Named Respondent and/ or the Second Named Respondent, the Applicant has suffered significant loss and damage.

15. The Minibus has been rendered entirely inoperable and/or irreparable, having sustained extensive damage in the collision with the Truck, affecting its front driver's door, passenger's door, side sliding doors, both external mirrors, the taillights, and the chassis.

16. The cost of replacing the Minibus with a new one of comparable type and functionality is estimated to cost approximately 0$6,600,000.00 (six million, six hundred thousand Guyana dollars).

c. The utilization of the aforementioned alternative vehicle as described in (b) above, has consequently impeded the Applicant's wife from conducting her own activities that require the use of the said vehicle;

d. The Applicant is a parent to four (4) school-going cbjldren, and the absence of the spacious Minibus has made it excessively challenging and burdensome to transport them; and

e. The Applicant has endured significant emotional and mental distress due to the firsthand experience of witnessing the co11ision and the subsequent dan1age inflicted upon his Minibus.

18. The Applicant has a just and well-founded claim in accordance with the reliefs sought in this Application.

19. For the foregoing reasons, the reliefs sought herein should be granted in their entirety. [3) The following documentary evidence will be used at the Hearing of the Application: 1.Affidavit of Ray Anthony Schadde with exhibits attached.

Date: February 13, 2024 s. N. Vieira Mr. Abhimanyu S. Dev London House Chambers Attorneys-at-Law for the Applicant A87 Issano Place West Bel Air Park, Georgetown. Guyana Tel: 231-1882 E-mail: dkissoon@londonhousechambcrs.com nvieira(@londonhousechambers.com adev<wlondonhouscchambcrs.com

The Registry is located at The Law Courts Georgetown, Demerara. The office is open to the public between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays and 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Fridays, except holidays.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE OF GUYANA REGULAR JURISDICTION 2024- HCDEM- CIV- .FDABETWEEN: RAY ANTHONY SCHADDE Applicant and1. ADRIAN MENTORE

2. MENTION SERVICES INC., a company duly incorporated under the laws of Guyana with its registered address situate at Lot 189 Charlotte Street, Bourda, Georgetown, Guyana Respondents, jointly and severally FIXED DATE APPLICATION: MADE WITH NOTICE

Mr. Devindra R.T. Kissoon Ms. Natasha M. Vieira

Mr. Abhimanyu S. Dev London House Chambers Attorneys-at-Law for the Applicant A87 Issano Place West Bel Air Park, Georgetown, Guyana Tel: 2311882

E-mail: dkissoon@,londonhouscchambcrs.com nvieira@londonhousechambers.com adcvr@londonhouscchambcrs. co1n Ray Anthony Schadde v Adrian Mentore et anor, which has been adjourned to July 12, 2024 at 8:30 am. The First Named Respondent has 4 days prior to this date to file a Defence

From left: Imran Khan, Balram Ramdeo, Krishna Ramsewack and Pierre Singh

CWI congratulates Matthews on ICC Player of the Month Award

Cricket West Indies (CWI) President, Dr. Kishore Shallow has extended heartfelt congratulations to West Indies captain Hayley Matthews for being named the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for April 2024.

Hayley Matthews’ exceptional all-round performances against Pakistan have earned her this prestigious accolade for the third time, a testament to her consistent excellence on the international stage.

She has distinguished herself in the recent series against Pakistan, amassing 325 runs in the ODI series at a remarkable average of 162.5 and taking six wickets.

In the T20I series, she continued her stellar form, scoring 126 runs at an average of 42 and securing six wickets. Her outstanding contributions earned her four Player of the Match awards and the Player of the Series title in the ODIs.

President Shallow praised Matthews’ achievements, stating, “Hayley continues to be an inspiration and a beacon of excellence for West Indies cricket. Her dedication, skills, and leadership are evident in her performances, and we are incredibly proud of her accomplishments.”

Matthews edged out strong competition from South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt and Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu to claim the award. Her latest triumph adds to her previous wins in November 2021 and October 2023, making her one of the most decorated players in this category. Only Australia’s Ashleigh Gardner has won the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award more times than Matthews.

Reflecting on CWI’s commitment to women’s cricket, Dr. Shallow remarked, “CWI’s continuous efforts to support and develop women’s cricket are yielding remarkable results. Hayley’s success is a clear indicator of the growth and potential of women’s cricket in the West Indies. We remain steadfast

in our mission to provide our female cricketers with the best opportunities to excel.”

President Shallow also emphasized the broader impact of Matthews’ success, stating, “Hayley’s achievements not only bring pride to West Indies cricket but also inspire young girls across the Caribbean to pursue their dreams in the sport. Her journey is a powerful narrative of what can be achieved when desire meets hard work and determination.”

CWI remains committed to fostering the development of women’s cricket through robust programs, dedicated support, and investment in talent. The success of players like Hayley Matthews showcases the progress being made and the bright future of women’s cricket in the region. (CWI)

Ricketts praises Shaw as City striker adds WSL Golden Boot to accolades

As expected, Jamaica and Manchester City forward Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw won the Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL) Golden Boot award by a distance, becoming the first player from the club to win the prize in their 10 years in the top flight.

The award marks a clean sweep of individual prizes for Shaw, who also won the Football Writers’ Association (FWA) Player of the Year award and the Women’s Super League Player of the Year award in recent weeks.

Shaw’s tally of 21 goals ensured that she finished eight goals clear of Chelsea’s Lauren James and Brighton’s Elisabeth Terland, who both ended with 13 goals apiece.

The 27-year-old Shaw averaged a goal every 66 minutes in the league this season, accounting for over a third of the City’s total league goals. During her impressive exploits, the Jamaican also became the Club’s record goal scorer in the process, when she found the net in a 3-1 Manchester derby win at the Etihad Stadium.

The forward’s campaign was cut short in April af-

ter suffering a broken leg in City’s 5-0 home win against West Ham.

Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) president Michael Ricketts again hailed the towering striker on her remarkable achievements throughout the 2023/24 campaign.

“It’s pleasing to see Khadija receiving multiple accolades for her achievements,” Ricketts said.

“She obviously worked hard to improve her craft and the results have been overwhelming. The management and staff of the federation congratulate her heartily and wish her a speedy recovery from her injury,” he added.

CLASSIFIED ADS

LEGAL NOTICE 2

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE OF GUYANA COMMERCIAL

JURISDICTION 2024-HC-DEM-CIVFDA-BETWEEN: RAJESH SANCHARA Applicant-and1.BALRAM RAMSUNHOYEN 2.MAHARANIE SUKHU

Respondents, jointly and severally FIXED DATE APPLICATION TO THE RESPONDENTS

A LEGAL PROCEEDING HAS BEEN COMMENCED by the Applicant. The claim made by the Applicant is set out in the following pages.

THIS APPLICATION will come on for a hearing on ___________________ the ______ day of ___________, 2024 at __________at the Law Courts, Georgetown.

IF YOU WISH TO OPPOSE THIS APPLICATION, to receive notice of any step in the application or to be served with any documents in the application, you or an Attorney-at-Law acting for you must forthwith prepare an Affidavit in Defence in Form 10C prescribed by the Civil Procedure Rules 2016, serve it on the Applicant’s Attorney-at-Law or, where the Applicant does not have an Attorneyat-Law, serve it on the Applicant, and file it, with proof of service, at a Registry, AT LEAST FOUR DAYS before the date fixed for the hearing of the application, and you or your Attorneyat-Law must appear at the hearing.

IF YOU FAIL TO APPEAR AT THE HEARING, AN ORDER OR JUDGMENT MAY BE GIVEN IN YOUR ABSENCE AND WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE TO YOU. IF YOU WISH TO OPPOSE THIS APPLICATION BUT ARE UNABLE TO PAY LEGAL FEES, LEGAL AID MAY BE AVAILABLE TO YOU BY CONTACTING A LOCAL LEGAL AID OFFICE.

THIS NOTICE OF APPLICATION has no validity unless it is served on you at least four days before the date fixed for the hearing of the application.

Date: _____________________

Address of Registry where issued: Law Courts, Georgetown

Issued by: Signature of Registry TO: BALRAM RAMSUNHOYEN MAHARANIE SUKHU

Lot 189 Section ‘D’ Non Pariel,East Coast Demerara Georgetown, Guyana OR 24120 143 RD Avenue Rose Dale NY 11422 United States of America APPLICATION

[1] The Applicant, Rajesh Sanchara, (the “Applicant”) makes an application against Balram Ramsunhoyen and Maharanie Sukhu (the “Respondents”) for:

and the City Council (collectively referred to as the “Net Balance”), be lodged with the Registrar of Deeds and that the Respondents only be authorized to uplift the Net Balance on the production of a Certificate of Compliance from the Revenue Authority to the Registrar of Deeds;

4. Alternatively to (3), an Order that the Applicant be authorized to apply for a Certificate of Compliance from the Revenue Authority and that that the Net Balance be lodged with the Registrar of Deeds;

5. Costs; and

6. Such further and/or other Order as this Honourable Court deems just.

[2] The grounds for the application are set forth below, contained in the accompanying affidavit in support and the submissions to be made the Court in these proceedings:

1. The Applicant is and was at all material times an adult of full age and capacity of Lot 83 Section 'C Enterprise, East Coast Demerara, Guyana.

2. The Respondents are and were at all material times adults of full age and capacity of Lot 189 Section ‘D’ Non Pariel, East Coast Demerara, Georgetown, Guyana as well as 24120 143 RD Avenue Rose Dale NY 11422, United States of America.

3. On June 26, 2014 (the “Execution Date”), the Applicant and the Respondents executed the Agreement, whereby the Respondents agreed to sell the Property to the Applicant in consideration for the total sum of G$2,000,000.00 (two million Guyana dollars).

4. The Agreement expressly required that the Applicant pay to the Respondents the sum of G$1,000,000.00 (one million Guyana dollars) as a deposit and part payment and further provided that completion should take place within 3 (three) months of the Execution Date, being September 26, 2014 (the “Intended Completion Date”).

5. On the Execution Date, in accordance with the Agreement, the Applicant duly paid to the Respondents the required deposit of G$1,000,000.00 (one million Guyana dollars), the receipt of which was duly acknowledged by the Respondents pursuant to the terms of the Agreement.

6. Additionally, pursuant to the Agreement, the Applicant took vacant possession of the Property within 1 (one) month of the Execution Date.

7. On July 16, 2014, the Instructions to Advertise the intended transport/conveyance of the Property was filed in the Registry of Deeds, together with Transport No. 1380 of 2012, Affidavit of Vendors, Affidavit of Purchaser and Valuation.

and fulfil all his obligations in the Agreement.

14. The Applicant is entitled to the relief of specific performance for the following reasons, inter alia:

a. The Agreement is a valid, complete and enforceable contract in writing pursuant to Section 3 (d) (iv) of the Civil Law Act Cap 6.01 and was made for adequate consideration;

b. The Applicant has materially performed all of his obligations pursuant to the Agreement and all applicable laws, and is therefore approaching the Court with “clean hands”;

c. Damages would be an inadequate remedy, the Property having a unique value independent of its monetary value since the Applicant has already enjoyed the use and physical possession of the Property for nearly 10 (ten) years. Additionally, the location of the Property falls within an increasingly competitive real estate market, with limited availability, rendering it impossible to substitute the value of the Property with monetary compensation;

d. It has not become impossible for the Respondents to perform the Agreement; the Property not being advertised for sale to any external party;

e. There is no prejudice to the Respondents if the reliefs sought herein are granted, the terms of the Agreement not being unconscionable, oppressive in any manner if performed;

f. The transfer of the Property pursuant to the Agreement has already progressed to a material stage, the only remaining steps for completion being that the Respondents obtain the requisite compliance certificates and pay the requisite vesting fees; and

g. The Applicant has always been ready, willing and able to complete the conveyance of the Property.

15. For the foregoing reasons the reliefs sought herein should be granted in their entirety.

[3] The following documentary evidence will be used at the hearing of the application:

1. Affidavit of Rajesh Sanchara dated ____________, 2024.

Date: _________, 2024

Mr. Devindra R.T. Kissoon

Ms. Natasha M. Vieira

Mr. Abhimanyu Dev London House Chambers Attorneys-at-Law for the Applicant A87 Issano Place West Bel Air Park, Georgetown Guyana Tel: 231-1882

E-mail: dkissoon@londonhousechambers.com nieira@londonhousechambers.com adev@londonhousechambers.com

Meanwhile, Shaw’s teammate Khiara Keating became the youngest player to win the Women’s Super League Golden Glove award.

Keating, 19, kept nine clean sheets in 22 league games for City as they finished second behind Chelsea in the title race. Manchester United’s Mary Earps kept seven clean sheets in 22 games, while Chelsea’s Hannah Hampton has managed six in 10 matches.

The young shot stopper played just three league games for City last season, spending most of the second half of the campaign on loan at then-Championship side Coventry United.

(Sportsmax)

1. An Order for Specific performance of a written Agreement of Sale and Purchase (the “Agreement”) executed between the Applicant and the Respondents on June 26, 2014 for the sale by the Respondents to the Applicant of the following property (the “Property”):Lot numbered 189 (one hundred and eighty-nine) being a portion of Section 'D' of Block 13, Parts of Front Lands on Non Pariel (West) formerly Coldingen and Non Pariel (East) situate on the east Coast of Demerara, In the County of Demerara, Republic of Guyana....and more fully described In Transport No. 1380 of 2012…

2. An Order that Transport of the Property be passed to the Applicant within one (1) month of the date of the Order granted herein, failing which an Order that the Registrar of Deeds be hereby authorized to pass Transport of the Property to the Applicant;

3. An Order that the balance of the purchase price less expenses, including legal, filing and vesting fees for the conveyance, legal fees for filing this Fixed Date Application herein, any costs which may be awarded pursuant to the Fixed Date Application filed herein and any and all statutory fees to be paid to the statutory authorities, including but not limited to the Revenue Authority

8. On January 28, 2023, the intended transport/conveyance of the Property was advertised in the Official Gazette No. 30/2023.

9. Since the date of the aforementioned advertisement, there have been no efforts on the part of the Respondents to complete the said conveyance, and the Respondents have failed and/ or neglected to obtain the requisite compliance certificates and pay the requisite vesting fees to enable the transfer of the Property to the Applicant.

10. By way of letter dated May 30, 2023, the Applicant through his Attorney-at-Law requested the Respondents to ensure that the necessary steps were taken to enable the transfer of the Property to the Applicant.

11. The Applicant has received no response to the letter dated May 30, 2023 to date.

12. The Respondents failed to complete the Agreement on the Intended Completion Date and despite repeated requests from the Applicant, refused and still continues to refuse to take the necessary steps towards the completion of the Agreement.

13. The Applicant was on the Intended Completion Date and has at all material times since that date been and is now ready, willing and able to complete the Agreement

The Registry is located at The Law Courts Georgetown, Demerara. The office is open to the public between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays and 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Fridays, except holidays.   IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE SUPREME COURT OF JUDICATURE OF GUYANA COMMERCIAL JURISDICTION 2024-HC-DEM-CIVFDA-BETWEEN: RAJESH SANCHARA Applicant-and1.BALRAM RAMSUNHOYEN 2.MAHARANIE SUKHU

Khadija ‘‘Bunny’’ Shaw poses with her FWA Women’s Footballer of the Year prize

CSK knocked out as RCB win six in a row to make playoffs

Virat Kohli looked nearly in tears. Faf du Plessis could not contain his joy. MS Dhoni was nowhere to be seen after the game. All of it summed up the crazy night in Bengaluru, as Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their sixth game on the trot in IPL 2024 to knock Chennai Super Kings out and make the playoffs.

RCB have been in this situation many timesneeding a win in their last league match to make it to the knockouts. They were at the same venue last year, where they managed to post a tall score featuring a Kohli century, only for a Shubman Gill ton to overshadow it all and knock them out. On Saturday, they found themselves in a similar situation again.

RCB were asked to bat first. They posted 218 and needed to win by at least 18 runs to knock CSK out. They were helped by blazing starts from Kohli and du Plessis with cameos from Rajat Patidar and Cameron Green.

CSK came within touching distance. They needed 10 off the last two balls to qualify with Ravindra Jadeja, the batter who hit a six and four to win CSK their fifth title last year, on strike. But Yash Dayal bowled two off-pace length balls to deny Jadeja and

Kohli, du Plessis and the rain break Kohli has reinvented himself this season like none other. He is

CSK. This was after being taken for a massive six on the first ball of the last over by MS Dhoni, and then using the back-of-the-hand slower one to have him caught at deep square leg.

CSK hopes dipped at that moment and RCB never let them back.

leading not just the pack of run-scorers this season (708) but also that of six-hitters with 37 to his name. Tushar Deshpande delivered a couple of length ball that he duly deposited into the stands. Du Plessis also struck one off Shardul Thakur when rain hit pause on RCB's charge at 31 for 0

in three overs.

The 40-minute intervention seemed to have changed the track, with both Maheesh Theekshana and Mitchell Santner bowling seven dots in the two overs since resumption. RCB finished the powerplay at 42 for none, their joint-lowest score this season alongside the 42 for 3 they made against CSK in the season opener.

Kohli tried to break the shackles with sixes off Santner and Ravindra Jadeja but holed out to wide long-on. Du Plessis, though, hit two sixes and a four of a Jadeja over to get to a 35-ball fifty after being on 29 off 28 at one point.

Patidar, Green and a tall finish That Patidar takes down spin is an open se-

cret, and he proved it with a massive hit over longoff off Theekshana, who was the most economical CSK bowler. But he loves playing fast bowlers more. And that facet came to the fore with the ease he hit Simarjeet Singh for a four and six off successive balls. He continued his unhindered strokeplay against Deshpande and Thakur to super-charge RCB's progress, along with Green, who showed his power game to full effect.

Green slapped Simarjeet through point before hammering Theekshana straight down the ground. He then hit Thakur for back-to-back sixes as RCB

to have Ruturaj Gaikwad caught at short fine leg. Dayal then had Daryl Mitchell miscue to wide mid-off. CSK's charge in the powerplay was led by Rachin Ravindra, with some assistance from Ajinkya Rahane.

Rahane targeted Dayal and hit a six and two perfectly-timed fours off him. He added 66 off 41 for the third wicket with Ravindra, whose gameplan seemed quite simple - to slice the length balls square through off.

Like he did and succeeded against Maxwell in the first over. He would use even the slightest of width - like Mohammed Siraj pro-

crossed 200 for the sixth time this season, becoming the third team to do so in an IPL season.

The result? CSK leaked 63 at the death (overs 17 to 20), the most they conceded in the phase in the entire season. The presence of dew meant they were not able to grip the ball and use the assistance the pitch had, especially when off-pace length balls were dug in.

Ravindra and Jadeja, the bright spots in the chase

After Glenn Maxwell, brought back in place of Will Jacks, struck first ball

vided in the fourth overto thrash it through point, while the short-of-goodlength ones would either be ramped over short third or heaved through midwicket. He brought up his half-century off 31 balls and looked good to be the difference, before a mix-up with Shivam Dube saw him be run out.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (20 ovs maximum)

Virat Kohli c Mitchell

b Santner 47

Faf du Plessis (c) run out

(Santner) 54

Rajat Patidar c Mitchell

b Thakur 41 Cameron Green not out 38

Dinesh Karthik †c † Dhoni

b Deshpande 14

Glenn Maxwell c †Dhoni

Thereon, dew was a constant presence in the middle, which made RCB reluctant to bowl spin. That helped Ravindra Jadeja, who walked in after Ravindra's dismissal, to get into the groove quickly. An off drive against Green got him going before hit a six each of Dayal, Siraj and Lockie Ferguson. Despite middling almost everything, it was not enough to see the side through.

Contrasting middle overs In hindsight, the middle overs proved to be the difference between the two teams. It was the phase in which Patidar and Green showed RCB the way. It was the phase were RCB scored boundaries at will. It was the phase that set them up for a tall final flourish with the bat.

RCB scored 113 runs in overs 7 to 16, and lost just two wickets. But CSK could not quite capitalise in the phase, and could score only 80. What's more, they lost four wickets in the phase, one each in the 12th, 13th and the 14th to be devoid of any momentum. One of those was all du Plessis' brilliance. Mitchell Santner had creamed a lofted off drive off Siraj that seemed to clear mid-off. But du Plessis swiftly moved to his right and timed his leap perfectly to pluck out a one-handed stunner. CSK, as a result, went from 115 for 3 to 129 for 6 in the space of 13 balls.

It prompted Dhoni to walk out to bat at the earliest point this season. And even his 25 off 13 was not enough for a possible fairytale ending, if it indeed is one. (ESPNCricinfo)

ov), 5-218 (Glenn Maxwell, 19.5 ov) • BOWLING O-M-R-W Tushar Deshpande 4-0-49-1 Shardul Thakur 4-0-61-2 Maheesh Theekshana 4-0-25-0

Mitchell Santner 4-0-23-1

Ravindra Jadeja 3-0-40-0

Simarjeet Singh 1-0-19-0

Faf du Plessis celebrates with his team-mates after RCB qualify for playoffs

MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja looked threatening at the end

Yash Dayal bowled a superb final over

Rajat Patidar kept up his good run of form

Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Linden Championship… Bullets, Valley Side, YMCA secure round of 16 berths

Former two-time champion Silver Bullets, Valley Side, and YMCA advanced to the round of 16 segment when the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Linden Championship continued on Friday evening at the Silver City Hardcourt. Silver Bullets riddled Aroaima 6-0. Colywn Drakes tallied a hat-trick via a 14th minute conversion and a ‘Guinness Goal’ (GG) [a goal scored in the final three minutes of the match counts as two] in

the 19th minute. Adding a brace was Clifton Halley in the 13th and 15th minutes, while Felix Innis scored in the 16th.

Similarly, YMCA dismantled the Assassa Ballers 8-0. Kevin Gittens recorded a helmet trick in

RHTYSC cricket teams host annual Mother’s Day programme

…Priya Babulal cops mother of the year award

The cricket team of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club (RHTYSC) on Sunday last hosted there Jessica Sandia Mother’s Day program and also handed over the annual RHTYSC/DTV8 mother of the year award. The teams involved were Poonai pharmacy under 11 and under 13, Farfan and Mendes under 15 Bakewell under 17 and second division, Pepsi under 19 and intermediate, Metro females, NAMILCO under 23 and first division.

The teams over the weekend distributed hundreds of food hampers across the county of Berbice to mothers from single parent and less fortunate families. The team led by RHTYSC executive Hilbert Foster Keith Hicks, Robby Kissoonlall and Tyrone Pottaya visited the homes of mothers to hand over the hampers. Each hamper contained close to 20 food items including flour, margarine soap powder, onion, garlic, potatoes, sugar, split peas, matches, pasta and soap. The cricket team also donated hampers to mothers attending mass at the Saint Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church in Port Mourant and the Saint Agnes Anglican church located at No. 64 village in Upper Corentyne.

Additionally for the mothers at Saint Francis receive a gift, Mother’s Day rose and shared a special Mother’s Day cake. All of the mothers receive a breakfast after the mass compli-

ments of the teams. Club

secretary Hilbert Foster hailed the hard work of the different teams in making the Jessica Sandia program a success in 2024 and congratulated the teams on a job well done. He noted that the success of the club has been based on a simple formula of hard work, team unity and dedication. The RHTYSC over the last 34 years have won 121 tournaments at all levels and produce 122 players combined for Berbice, Guyana and the West Indies. Special thanks were extended to Canadian based Guyanese Andy Moonsammy who was a main sponsor in honor of his late aunt. The team also expressed thanks to other donors including the NAMILCO, Guyana Beverage Company, Ansa McCall, Food for the Poor,

the 15th, 16th, and 18th minutes. Adding a brace in the fifth and seventh minutes was Jamal Bentick, while Kymani Prince tallied a GG in the 19th minute.

On the other hand, Valley Side downed the High Rollers 2-1. Mark Richards and Alton Duke scored in the fifth and 17th minutes, respectively. On target for the loser was Omar Brewley in the 14th minute.

In other results, Top Striker dismantled Double 6 by a 4-0 score. Shelton Whittaker recorded a hattrick in the rout. Whittaker found the back of the net in the eighth minute, alongside a GG in the 19th minute. Netting a goal in the third minute was Rodwick Hamilton.

Also, Turf President downed the BB Ballers 2-0. Kelroy Anthony and Malachi Todd scored in the 12th and 15th minutes, respectively.

Decinco trading and Banks DIH.

Meanwhile the team’s named miss Priya Babulal as the RHTYSC/DTV 8 mother of the year 2024. Miss Babulal who resides in the quiet village of Nigg recently lost her husband and is a single parent of four children. Her eldest son Khemraj Bharat is a member of the RHTYSC under 13 team. Female cricketer Stephanie Ramdas congratulated Babulal on her achievement and urged her to uphold the high standards she has set herself as a single parent. Cricket manager Robby Kissoonlall reassured the 2024 mother of the year that the RHTYSC assistance in the future. Ms Babulal received two special gifts, food hampers, trophy, medal and a framed certificate of excellence.

The winner of the event will pocket $500,000 and

the championship trophy, while the second-place finisher will receive $400,000 and the corresponding accolade. The third and fourthplace finishers will pocket $300,000 and $250,000, respectively, and the corresponding trophy.

The event will resume on Wednesday at the same venue with another round of elimination matches.

Complete Results

Guinness Goal(GG)-2 Goals

Game-1

High Rollers-1 vs. Valley Side 2

Valley Side scorers Mark Richards-5th Alton Duke-17th

High Rollers scorer Omar Brewley-14th

Game-2

Aroaima-0 vs. Silver Bullets-6 Colwyn Drakes-14th, and (GG)-19th Clifton Halley-

13th and 15th

Felix Innis-16th

Game-3

Double 6-0 vs. Top Striker-4

Shelton Whittaker8th and GG-19th

Rodwick Hamilton-3rd

Game-4

One Syde-0 vs. DC Ballers-0

DC Ballers won 2-1 on penalty kicks

Game-5

Turf President-2 vs. BB Ballers-0 Kelroy Anthony-12th Malachi Todd-15th

Game-6

YMCA-8 vs. Assassa Ballers-0 Kevin Gittens-15th, 16th, and GG-18th Kymani Prince-GG-19th Jamal Bentick-5th and 7th

Game-7

Pro Ballers-0 vs. Speightland-0

Pro Ballers won 5-4 on sudden death penalty kicks

Bakewell renews long...

The RHTYSC cricket academy would be held at the Area H ground from the 8th to 19th of July. The academy would cater for 120 youths between the ages of 8 to 19 years and the club is hoping to attract at least 25 young females. The academy would commence at 9 am daily and snacks would be provided to all of the attendees along with the needed educational materials for the classroom work. Special emphasis would be placed on teaching youths the history, rules and traditions of the game while improving their skills in batting, bowling and

fielding. The team of coaches would be led by head level three coach Winston Smith while experienced educators would host several lectures on topics of importance to youth including peer pressure, importance of education, team unity, personal discipline and drug abuse.

A total of $300,000 worth of prizes would be shared out to the top awardee of the academy including cricket gears, designer clothing, footwear, electronic tablet, cycles, educational materials, household items and gold jewelry. Youths in the cricket academy would also be involved

in several community activities. Foster stated that application forms are now available at the club Area H ground for interested youths for the 34th cricket academy of the club. The long- standing secretary expressed thanks to the management of Bakewell for their support especially General Manager Rajin Ganga and administrative assistant Natasha Bhikhari . Ganga in brief remarks stated that his company was very pleased to be associated with the RHTYSC and hailed the club as an outstanding representative of its brand.

RHTYSC female cricketer Stephanie Ramdas presents the award to Priya Babulal

The Valley Side outfit

The YMCA team

John tumbles two records to take lead in Independence 3-stage road race

With his arms held high above his head and pumping the air in Champion’s fashion, Guyanese Cyclist Briton John crossed two finish lines first on Saturday and shattered both records to boot, when the National Sports Commission's (NSC) Independence 3-Stage cycling road race pedaled off with high anticipation in Berbice.

Stage One began at the Corriverton Police

Station and ended in New Amsterdam, a course which took John 1 hour 44 minutes .05 seconds to complete, setting a new event record. On that occasion, the champion rider was being trailed closely by Enriques De Camarand of Trinidad and Tobago, who crossed the line just .36 seconds behind John for second place.

Then, in the second stage which took the Cyclists from the Western side of Berbice Bridge to Carifesta Avenue,

Georgetown, John repeated his record- breaking feat, clocking a stunning 2 hours 22 minutes 5.95 seconds, to cross the line with none of his other Challengers in sight.

In the first stage, De Camirnuan was able to come a close second as he trailed John closely, even after he broke away from the peloton on the ‘19 stretch’ in New Amsterdam.

Earlier in that race, after the youngsters set out on

Ambrose bullish on West Indies’ chances at T20 World Cup

West Indies great and ICC Hall of Famer Curtly Ambrose believes his former team have enough talent to win an unprecedented third ICC Men's T20 World Cup title next month.

While the West Indies are just one of the two sides to have won multiple men’s T20 World Cup titles, the Caribbean team will need to overturn some poor form at recent ICC tournaments, if they are to become the only three-time winner of the event.

The West Indies didn't make it out of the first round of the most recent T20 World Cup in Australia in 2022 and failed to even qualify for last year's ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in India.

But Ambrose thinks the West Indies' fortunes are turning under skipper Rovman Powell and pointed to T20I series successes over powerhouses South Africa, India, and England in the last 14 months as evidence of this.

These returns have the legendary fast bowler confident of a strong showing from the West Indies in the ninth edition of the T20 World Cup, an event they will co-host with the USA.

"We have a very, very good team. As we speak they (West Indies players) are in Antigua at a camp preparing themselves for the start of the T20 World Cup which

is a couple of weeks away," Ambrose said while speaking at the launch of the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York earlier this week.

"I believe once the guys start playing consistent cricket and smart cricket, I believe we can take the trophy. It is not going to be easy, but we are one of only two nations to have won it twice so we are going to try and make it three. And no other nation has ever won it on home soil, so all that is motivation for the guys to do well and I am hoping they can do it,” he added.

The West Indies are drawn in Group C at the T20 World Cup and face the champions of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup East AsiaPacific Qualifier Papua New Guinea first up in Guyana

their own from Corriverton, their energy waned and by #63 Village, punctures and perhaps a lack of fitness saw a few cyclists, Masters, Juveniles and Juniors alike dropped from the peloton.

The experienced Christopher Griffith found himself a victim of those casualties, after encountering a cut chain. Though he fought back to catch up, Griffith was unable to make the top ten in the first stage.

Cortis Dey of KFC

Evolution, kept pace but still finished a distant third in the first stage while Paul De Nobrega, returning to the sport after a while showed good fitness levels to finish fourth with Robin Persaud (KFC Evolution) and last year's winner, Phillip Clarke of Barbados, rounding out the top six.

In the Juniors category Alexander Leung assumed his usual place atop the podium with Sidwell Sandy trailing in his wake.

Trinidadian female cyclist Chyanne Awai took first place ahead of Surinamese Loffe Keikis and Guyana's Abigail Jeffrey.

Later on in the afternoon, Surinamese Jorryn Simon pipped the Trinidadian to take second place in the Second stage, while the Twin Island Republic native had to settle for third.

Similarly to the first leg, Awai took top honors in the female category while Keikis and Jeffrey finished second and third in that order.

With the two recordbreaking victories in his pocket, Briton John sits comfortably heading into today's third and final stage, needing only a second- place finish to take top honours in the competition overall. The Cyclists will take the course from Linden to Homestretch Avenue, Georgetown as they close out the competition.

Bakewell renews longstanding RHTYSC sponsorship …Fuels

two cricket teams and 2024 academy

The long- standing relationship between the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club and Bakewell was last Friday renewed for the 25th consecutive year during a simple presentation ceremony at the company Triumph East Coast Demerara Head Office. The company started its sponsorship of the RHTYSC in 2000 by supporting the club second division team.

Club secretary Hilbert Foster stated that over the years, Bakewell has been the second longest official sponsor after Farfan and Mendes Ltd, which came on board in 1997.

on June 2, before their remaining opening round fixtures against Uganda, New Zealand and Afghanistan.

Ambrose expects to see some upsets at this year's edition of the T20 World Cup as he knows every side has plenty of talented players at their disposal.

"I admire a lot of cricketers (at the T20 World Cup) and I am looking forward to them doing well. As a proud Antiguan and being from the West Indies, I want the West Indies to win,” he said.

"It is not going to be easy because in T20 cricket every team has an equal chance of beating any other team and that is just the nature of T20 cricket. It is going to be exciting, but I am going to be rooting for the West Indies,” Ambrose ended. (Sportsmax)

Bakewell’s sponsorship now covers the club under 17 and second division teams. Additionally, the popular bakery is also a co-sponsor of the RHTYSC annual Cricket Academy. Foster disclosed that the company sponsorship has resulted in both teams winning a combined 23 cricket titles over the years and has produced dozens of players for Berbice, Guyana and West Indies. The players include Kevin Sinclair, Esau Crandon, Royston Crandon, Assad Fudadin, Kevlon Anderson, Shemaine Campbell, Shabiki Gajnabi, Jonathan Rampersaud, Dominique Ricky, Akshay Homraj, Delbert Hicks, Khemraj Mahadeo, Jeremy Sandia, Junior Sinclair, Keith Simpson, Matthew Pottaya,

Sheneta Grimmond, Erva Giddings and Slyus Tyndall. Foster stated that Anderson, Tyndall, Kevin Sinclair and Junior Sinclair were the foundation of the Bakewell second division team five years ago as part of their developmental progress and today they are all established players for the senior Guyana team or the Amazon Warriors CPL team. Dominique Ricky and Akshay Homraj, former members of the under 17 and second division teams has also gone on to play international cricket for the United States of America. The partnership has produced a combined 12 players who have played at the international level and the RHTYSC was very grateful

to Bakewell for its sponsorship over the years.

RHTYSC cricket manager Robby Kissoonlall stated that the 2024 under 17 team would be led by Berbice player Romesh Bharat with Kulmalchan Ramnaris as his Deputy while Surendra Kissoonlall and Jonathan Rampersaud are responsible for the second division teams. Under the sponsorship, the two teams would be required to undertake a combined total of 45 community projects. These would include the distribution of food hampers, award ceremonies, feeding of the needy, cleanup campaign, television program, educational programs, youth camp among others.

Former West Indian Fast bowler Curtly Ambrose

Bakewell Natasha Bhikhari hands overs sponsorship to RHTYSC secretary Hilbert Foster.

Female division winner Chyanne Awai approaches the finish line

Another look at the cycling action on Saturday