Guyana Times - Sunday, November 12, 2023.pdf

Nationwide coverage coverage from from the the best best news news team team in in Guyana Guyana Nationwide Issue No. 5551 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON BEACON OF OF TRUTH TRUTH THE

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023

Dec 3 referendum does more harm than good – Venezuela’s presidential frontrunner See story on page 9

– urges Maduro regime to adhere to ICJ’s resolution on border controversy

PRICE $140 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Greater efficiency expected in 2024 at Albion Estate amid critical upgrades …surpasses weekly target by 4%

P12

History and significance of Diwali, the Festival of Lights P13

Govt awards $842.3M in contracts for Reg 10 road works P31

One of the 30 creative floats that illuminated the streets of Georgetown in the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha’s annual Diwali Motorcade on Saturday evening. The motorcade made its way to the La Bonne Intention (LBI) Community Centre Ground for a grand cultural presentation (Photo by Tourism Guyana)

Diwali mirrors vibrancy of Guyana’s renewed prosperity– Pres. Ali Page 3

– reiterates all citizens will benefit from country’s wealth – Diwali is a poignant reminder of Guyana’s ability to overcome darkness – Norton

Revising Local Content Act

Motorcyclist Expanding carved-out areas, fixing loopholes dies after are priorities – VP Jagdeo crashing at Pearl Page 7

Page 7

ECD man granted bail on burglary charge P8

Mahaica resident celebrates 101st birthday P10

P

2

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

3

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Sunday, Nov 12 – 04:00h – 05:30h and Monday, Nov 13 – 04:30h – 06:00h The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, Nov 12 – 04:00h – 05:30h and Monday, Nov 13 – 04:30h – 06:00h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Diwali mirrors vibrancy of Guyana’s renewed prosperity – Pres Ali – reiterates all Guyanese will benefit from country’s wealth

– Diwali is a poignant reminder of Guyana’s ability to overcome darkness – Norton

There will be sunshine and light rain showers during the day. Expect clear skies at night.

Temperatures should range between 24 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-Easterly between 3.12 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 15:48h reaching a maximum height of 2.71 metres.

Low Tide: 09:25h and 21:46h reaching minimum heights of 0.62 metre and 0.47 metre.

President Dr Irfaan Ali

O

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2023

LOTTERY NUMBERS J

06 11 19

24 25 27

18

FREE TICKET

Bonus Ball

DAILY MILLIONS

02 09 21 25 26 LUCKY 3

8

4

5

5

Afternoon Draw

6

0

Evening Draw

DRAW DE LINE

04 05 07 14 16 19 20

18

02

SUPER

PAY DAY

PAY DAY

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2023

01 02 09 14 17 1

13

01 06 07 11 17

5

2 Afternoon Draw

2X Afternoon Draw

2

8 Evening Draw

FP Evening Draw

955

DISCLAIMER: WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ERRORS IN PUBLICATION. PLEASE CALL THE HOTLINE FOR CONFIRMATION - TEL: 225-8902

COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$81.43/barrel

+1.77

Rough Rice

$301.32/ton

+1.36

London Sugar

$747.10/ton

-1.26

Live Spot Gold Bid/Ask Low/High Change

USD Per Ounce $1938.70 $1932.60 0.00

$1939.70 $1959.40 0.00

n the occasion of Diwali 2023, President Dr Irfaan Ali has assured that even as Guyana undergoes renewed prosperity, his People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government will ensure that all benefit in an inclusive manner.

In his Diwali message, President Ali observed that the vibrancy associated with Diwali is mirrored in the economy. Further, he assured citizens that they would not be left behind in this economic resurgence.

“The vibrancy observed during Diwali mirrors the dynamism within our nation. Our nation is today experiencing renewed prosperity. The Government is actively and purposefully taking steps to ensure that this prosperity is inclusive.

We are committed to ensuring that no citizen will be left out or left behind in enjoying the fruits of this prosperity.”

“While we cannot promise a spectacular overnight leap in fortunes, our assurance is steadfast that every Guyanese will have a stake in and benefit from the country's impressive strides. Just as the lamps illuminate our homes, may the spirit of Diwali inspire us to collectively work towards a future where prosperity is not a privilege but a shared blessing for all,” the President said.

According to President Ali, it is important that Guyanese remember what Diwali represents and he further noted that it is a time for devotees to reflect on the blessings bestowed by Lakshmi and express their gratitude through worship, the sharing of sweets and gifts, and acts of kindness and affection.

“The eternal message of Diwali serves as a timely reminder that prosperity is not merely material wealth but a

shared abundance of joy, unity, and goodwill. In the spirit of Diwali, let us envision a Guyana where the glow of prosperity reaches every individual. The observances of Diwali in our beloved Guyana have become more impressive each year.”

“The cultural presentations are livelier, the motorcades more spectacular, and the decoration of homes more stunning. Public participation in the Festival of Lights is growing. As homes are cleaned, decorated, and illuminated, it reflects the pride and reverence attached to this joyous occasion. At a deeper level, the lively expressions during Diwali symbolise the triumph over negativity, despondency, illwill, malice, and division,” President Ali said.

APNU

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton’s message on behalf of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) was one of urging love and unity. He further noted that even as Guyana faces external challenges such as Venezuelan aggression over Essequibo, Diwali is a poignant reminder of the country’s ability to overcome the darkness.

“As we joyfully celebrate the Festival of Lights, Diwali, on behalf of the APNU+AFC family and as the Leader of the Opposition, I extend warm and heartfelt wishes to you and your loved ones. In the luminous glow of Diwali, let us be reminded of the importance of living in love and unity, fostering peace and harmony among our diverse communities.”

Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton

“This festival is not just about the brilliance of diyas and the sparkle of fireworks; it is a profound celebration of the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil. Let the spirit of Diwali inspire hope within us, encouraging us to remain resilient as a people. Together, we can navigate through adversity and emerge stronger, more united than ever.”

According to Norton, Guyana’s destiny is intertwined and the only way the country can overcome its challenges is by having a “shared purpose and unity”.

“As we illuminate our homes and hearts during Diwali, let us also light the path towards a brighter future for Guyana. May this festival instil in us the determination to forge ahead, fostering a society where compassion, understanding, and prosperity prevail!

Wishing you and your families a Diwali filled with love, joy, and the promise of better days ahead,” the Opposition Leader said.

4

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544 223-7230,223-7231,231-0544, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Divali in Guyana T

onight will be the darkest night of the year. To us in Guyana, who are near the equator, the lengthening of the night is not as significant as it is for countries nearer the North Pole. In North India, for instance, from where almost half of our population originated, at this time, early man would have already reaped his crops and prepared for winter. Lights are traditionally lit to celebrate the harvests, and also to mark the gradual lengthening of the nights and as propitiation for the return of the lifesustaining light of the sun.

This is how Divali was birthed, that joyous festival in which God in the female form of Mother Lakshmi, the giver of wealth and light, is worshipped. Food was wealth to early man, and one can understand why She is worshipped at this time. Hindus are very clear about the need for man to acquire wealth: it is his duty, for without wealth man cannot take care of any of his mortal obligations. But even more important than acquiring wealth is its distribution for the upliftment of society. The Hindu is exhorted to “earn with a hundred hands; give with a thousand”.

The first prayer uttered by the Hindu upon awakening, while looking at his open palms, is: “Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth) is on the tip of my fingers; Saraswati (Goddess of knowledge) is in the middle, and Govinda (The God of Protection) is at its base.” Man, then, is responsible for earning wealth, but to do so, he/she must acquire knowledge. Armed with wealth and knowledge, he/she will be able to protect him/herself and family, community, and country.

This acquiring of knowledge is one of the “lights” that Divali reminds us must be lit. In Guyana today, there is much ignorance abounding, and because of this, society suffers. The knowledge of how we can make our society more harmonious is available; many countries also have similar challenges, but have worked successfully to address them. Is there a Guyanese who really does not have the “information” that the leaders of all the groups of Guyana must cooperate for the development of our country? But information must be validated through action to become “knowledge”; and until we all choose leaders who are prepared to work together for the common good, we are all ensuring our dark nights will only lengthen.

But Divali also suggests another message - for the individual. When the nights were getting longer, early man would have seen that the individual lights did not make a difference, but together, the sun could be evoked.

Let there be light!

And this is what we also have to do in Guyana. In addition to selecting leaders who have the interests of all the people at heart, individuals also have to light their own lights to eliminate whatever darkness confronts them. Is it a problem with a neighbour? A co-worker?

Then do what it takes to resolve the problem; that will be “lighting a light”.

But the actual festival of Divali has also come down to us with other practices that are of immense value to create a more cohesive society: the process is as important as the content. There is a complete and most thorough cleaning of the home by all members of the Hindu family to welcome Mother Lakshmi into that home. There is also the cooking of sweetmeats, which all help to bring the family closer together. The sharing of sweetmeats with neighbours and friends spreads that closeness far and wide in the community.

In multi-ethnic and multi-religious Guyana, it is a welcome development that groups other than Hindus are participating in this festival of Divali, which can play such a positive role in nation-building. The Hindus themselves have increasingly begun to take the festival into the public space, where the rest of the country can be engaged. The Divali Motorcade has long been a feature in Guyana’s cultural heritage, and has been joined lately by the “National Diya Light Up” at Rahaman’s Park.

Happy Divali, Guyana!!

A depiction of devotees worshipping Mother Lakshmi – The Goddess of Light – during a cultural presentation at the Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) Diwali Motorcade held at the Uitvlugt Community Ground on Friday evening

Ignite the light of enlightenment

Dear Editor, Throughout the world, including Guyana, Diwali is being celebrated on Sunday, November 12th.

Guyanese are lucky to enjoy a long weekend by virtue of Monday being a day off.

The sages who instituted this Deepavali custom may have hoped that their descendants would realize its benefits and make the tradition a regular habit in their lives. Unite and unify is one of the themes observed as we seek the mercy of the Divine for the removal of benightment. Diwali is a cooperative event, and it can soften even the hardest of hearts, being an ideal moment to beg pardon. It is a time when people mingle in joy and embrace one another, forgiving anyone of any grievance. Those with keen, inner spiritual ears will clearly hear the voices of the sages, “O children of God, unite and love all”.

The vibrations produced by the greeting of love, which fill the atmosphere, are powerful. When the heart has considerably toughened, only a continuous celebration of Deepavali can rekindle the urgent need to turn away from the ruinous path of hatred and greed. Prosperity and progress resonate with prayers to the Divinity of Wealth. On this day, Hindu merchants in India open new account

books and pray for success and profit during the coming year. Outstanding accounts are settled. People buy new outfits for the family. The females receive golden jewelries.

Employers, too, purchase new clothes for their employees. Homes are cleaned and decorated by day and illuminated by night with earthen oil lamps called diyas.

Children make Rangolis in their yards. Strings of colored lights decorate the ambiance for a kaleidoscopic look. The best and finest illuminations can be seen from Berbice to Demerara and throughout Essequibo to the hinterland in this country. Motorcades are organized, and enshrined with pictures depicting the images of deities, in particular Mata Lakshmi.

The famous Golden Temple at Amritsar in India is lit in the evening with thousands of lamps. This festival instills the urge of the doer as a giver in the hearts of people to perform good deeds. This includes Govardhan Puja, a celebration by Vaishnavites on the fourth day of Diwali. On this day, they feed the poor on an incredible scale. Time out is taken to kindle the spark within the inner self. The lights of Diwali also signify a time of inner awakening and reconnecting with the Atma.

Hindus believe that the light of lights is the one that steadily shines in the chamber of the heart. Sitting quietly and fixing the mind on this supreme light consoles the inner self. It is a practice to cultivate and enjoy eternal bliss. From Darkness on to Light is the cry of those blinded by negativities, nefariousness, and naiveness. In each legend, myth, and anecdote, the story of Deepavali narrates the significance of the victory of good over evil. It is with each Deepavali and the lights that brighten our homes and hearts that this simple truth finds new reason with the season and hopes to cope. The fascination of light empowers us to a commitment of bettering ourselves and brings us closer to the Divinity. Sweetmeats are distributed among families, friends and neighbors.

Gifts are exchanged. Seva is practiced as the less fortunate are treated and money is shared as dhaan.

During Diwali, lights are lit in every corner of the world, and the scent of incense hangs in the air, mingled with the sounds of music, firecrackers, the squeal of laughter of joy, and the clapping of hands for togetherness. Diwali is celebrated around the globe. Outside of India, it is more than a Hindu festival; it’s a culture of celebration of South-

Asian identities, Hindus, followers, observers, and other participants. If you are away from the sights and sounds of Diwali, light a diya, sit quietly, shut your eyes, withdraw the senses, and concentrate on this supreme light. Giving thanks to the Unseen One and visiting the mandirs, brings a sense of being rejoiceful, especially for the farmers who would have reaped bountiful crops.

This Diwali season represents knowledge over ignorance with the rows of lights, it is daunted with so many deaths due to illness, accidents, and crime in Guyana. Doom and gloom demoralize man with the many wars that are destroying the lives of millions in the universe. Let us light a special Diya for all the departed ones, for the families who have suffered any loss, and say a special prayer in their memory. Let us pray also for the well-being of all the leaders of this country and the rest of the world to always do what is best and right for the people, by exercising wisdom, care, and good judgement.

May all negativities be extinguished from everyone, especially the sick, oppressed and depressed, with the brightness of Diwali.

Shubh Diwali to you and your family.

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall

guyanatimesgy.com

Govt’s responds to “facts finding” mission

T

he Government of Guyana notes from publications on social media that a delegation from the United States of America intends to travel to Guyana on Monday, November 13, 2023 for a “fact finding mission”. This delegation and the intended visit appear to have resulted from a conference organised by Rickford Burke, a Guyanese residing in Brooklyn, New York.

During the month of September, 2023, Burke organised a so-called “Conference on Guyana” in Washington, DC, to which the Government of Guyana was not invited but which was attended by members of the Opposition. This one-sided engagement presented the platform for Opposition Politicians to spew concocted and fabricated narratives about the Government of Guyana, including their usual diatribe about racial discrimination and extra judicial killings, without any fact-checking mechanism and without the Government being afforded a hearing or the facility of a response. It is obvious that these jaundiced, baseless and unfounded narratives of these Opposition Politicians, unsupported by any evidence whatsoever, have influenced this delegation.

Burke is wanted by law enforcement agencies in Guyana for a number of criminal offences for which he is charged, including, extortion of Guyanese businessmen. These charges are pending before Magistrates’ Courts in Guyana. Burke is publicly known for his daily diet of racist rants on social media with the intent of exciting racial hostilities, strife and ethnic violence among the different ethnic groups of Guyana. His inane rantings are invariably directed at the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) Government.

That Burke’s Facebook Page is the main medium for the dissemination of information regarding this visit, only serves to compound the matter. From the missive disseminated, it is clear that Burke has not only determined the Terms of Reference of this “fact finding mission” but has also essayed the findings of this mission even before it has commenced. This is nothing but a politically driven and orchestrated design by opponents of the Government which seems to have ensnared certain office holders within certain a few States’ Legislature in the US. As a result, the Government of Guyana will not be engaging this delegation acting in their private capacities as this is a clear interference in Guyana’s domestic politics with a bias towards the political Opposition in Guyana.

Any delegation that is interested in a “fact finding mission” of the problems that Guyana and Guyanese have faced historically and in the recent past must enquire into the following: 1. Fraudulent elections in 1968, 1973, 1980 and 1985;

2. The massive violations of human rights and freedoms of the people of Guyana during 28 years of dictatorial rule from 1968 to 1992; 3. The abuse, violence and killing of persons opposed to the Government, including, the assassination of Dr. Walter Rodney, a world-renowed historian and a black political leader, and Father Bernard Darke, a Jesuit priest; 4. The total mismanagement of Guyana’s economy from 1968 to 1992, leaving Guyana as the second poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere, second only to Haiti; 5. Widespread racial and ethnic discrimination between 1968 and 1992; 6. Rampant corruption, mismanagement and racial discrimination between 2015 to 2020; 7. 30,000 Guyanese losing jobs between 2015 to 2020; and 8. Flagrant, multiple attempts to fraudulently alter the results to the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections in the presence of international observers and the diplomatic community.

The above list is not by any means exhaustive, but those are a few broad areas upon which we can commission a fact-finding mission by anyone who is interested in Guyana and its people’s welfare.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023

5

You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Keeping agri in focus - USAID to assist Guyana in cultivation, production of turmeric, coconut, cherries

Dear Editor, Concerning the good news that USAID (is) to assist Guyana in cultivation and production of turmeric, coconut, and cherries, I am compelled to make a few comments, as I think this is something quite huge.

First, I want this to sink in. I speak here of the reality that close to one billion people around the world continue to suffer from chronic food insecurity. Also, global demand for food is expected to increase dramatically, while the growing world population and climate change are already negatively affecting farming practices and productivity.

In other words, not only trends in agriculture must be changed; they must do so in quick time. In this vein, it is good that “…Guyanese farmers (are) set to benefit from specialized technical assistance under a $5.3 million Caribbean Agricultural Productivity Improvement Activity (CAPA) project (that is) being funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).”

As for the USAID organization, Guyana, in this project, is again under expert guidance and tested leadership. As most are aware, the USAID is top-notch. It has been working assiduously for years to foster agricultural investments in various countries, seeking to make them sustainable and country-led. Specifically, USAID is supporting agricultural capacity development on farms and in the private sector producer organizations, research and extension institutions, Government agencies, rural financial institutions, and civil society. Its thrust is all about capacity development

programs to support a process of change in which people, organizations and societies can improve their performance over time. These programs, over time, create, strengthen, and maintain capacity in critical areas ranging from agricultural research and policy analysis to essential skills needed to create and run farmer associations and agribusinesses.

Secondly, I revisit the last National Budget, in which Dr. Ashni Singh, Head of the Finance Ministry, emphasized that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government “…is aiming to expend G$2 billion on four food security projects that will serve as a barometer for measuring the success of the agriculture sector this year. These are the establishment of a regional security hub; the creation of an enhanced capability to harness greater use of science, technology, and research to help promote innovation and product development; and the promotion of hinterland agriculture for food security and self-sufficiency and to meet market needs “beyond the local community.”

Thus Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha was right on target when he recently met with a team from the USAID agency to discuss priority areas. Let us remember, as Minister Mustapha noted, that plenty has been done over the recent past to assist farmers, and that the outcomes have indicated that both Guyana and the Caribbean are moving in the right direction.

After all, Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley did charge the Guyana President, Irfaan Ali, during his recent trip to Barbados for the country’s agro-fest, “…

to lead a campaign to encourage people to change their consumption patterns.” On that occasion, she charged that “…we need a CARICOM stamp of food and CARICOM produce so that we can run a regional campaign where Caribbean people can say ‘I want to buy Caribbean food even if it costs me 10 cents more or 50 cents more, because I know my money is now going to keep our societies safer, or our societies more stable’.”

So, all of this is in line.

Minister Mustapha explained Guyana’s plan to commence construction of a food terminal before the end of 2023 as the Government gears up to make Guyana a regional food distributor. “We have a lot of room to collaborate, and I know USAID has been a valuable partner over the years. We are seeing a lot of positive results from what we started when we took office in 2020.”

He detailed that “We are on the verge of starting our food terminal, so that we can be a food distributor for the Caribbean. I have the technical people working, and we are looking to get that project started before the year is out, because we have a lot in place already. So, overall, I think we are moving in the right direction in the Caribbean in terms of the 25 by 2025 Initiative”.

On the part of USAID, Programme Director for IESC’s USAID Caribbean Agricultural Productivity Improvement Activity (CAPA), Sandiford Edwards, informed Minister Mustapha

that the upcoming programme cycle for USAID’s CAPA is scheduled to commence sometime in January.

He also said that through consultations with agencies like the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), the local Private Sector, and farmers, they were able to identify three target commodities for support.

What are those? First there is turmeric, “…as the Government has invested in a major plant in Region One. So, in discussion, we agreed that turmeric is an area where we are going to provide some support in terms of working with the farmers.”

Then there is coconut, as USAID pointed out, it is recognizing that this is the third most exported produce from Guyana. And finally, it has looked at cherries, and how we can work with farmers to access resources.

My final word is that we can be optimistic. USAID did meet with some of the large producers, and noted that there is a gap in supply where we can support farmers to expand production. “We are in deep discussion with the GBTI to look at the staff capacity building in agricultural lending to see how we can support them with specialized agriculture loan products. The project will also work with input suppliers.”

Guyana naturally has these three crops in abundance; it is time to forge ahead.

Yours truly, HB Singh

Sunday, November 12, 2023

6:00 (Sign on) Jewanram Rel. Hour 7:00 A TVG Diwali 8:00 Shekinah Ministry 8:30 Evening News (RB) 9:30 Anthony's Diwali Special 11:00 David Persaud Religious Program 11:30 Blippi's Educational Adventures 12:00 Movie - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023) 13:45 Movie - Peter Pan & Wendy (2023) 15:30 Forged in fire 16:30 Payless Power Hour 17:30 The Healing Touch 18:00 Explained 18:30 Week-in-Review 19:00 Lucifer S5 E8 20:00 Arrow S5 E8 21:00 Riverdale S5 E6 22:00 Unsolved Mysteries 23:00 Stand-up Comedy 0:00 Sign off

6 FEATURE

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

O

ver the last few weeks, we focused on the care of the elderly pet. This was followed by discussions on that complicated and emotional topic of EUTHANASIA. Putting the appropriate text together was not an easy task.

Having concluded that discourse, it is time to address a miscellany of matters that may not be substantially

USE AND MISUSE OF PET MEDICATION

to those charged by human medical practitioners).

bour, the pharmacist, the veterinary technician, the exercise may be quite useless, since the problem may very well be associated with Heartworm Infection – a mosquito-borne disease which may have fits of coughing as the main symptom.

2) Distance to the clinic/ pet hospital is too far.

3) Their experience with veterinarians may not have been reflective of a great success rate, especially after spending significant sums on tests and x-rays and ultrasounds, etc.

trained at the Guyana School of Agriculture in animal (livestock) agriculture. Neighbours, too, who have had contact with dogs and cats (for long periods of their lives) may be considered knowledgeable enough, and advice may be sought from them. Such persons are often quite confident in giving opinions. scientific, but which nevertheless veterinarians must confront within the context of achieving wellness for the companion animal which may be ailing.

Today we will discuss the issue of the use and misuse of medications.

WHY DO PET OWNERS/ CAREGIVERS DECIDE TO TREAT THEIR PETS THEMSELVES? 1) The costs related to the diagnosing and treating of the ailment exhibited by the sick animal by the competent and trained persons (veterinarians) may be considered as being too high.

Some vets may even charge consultancy fees (similar

4) The medication costs are prohibitively high.

5) There may exist in close vicinity animal health technicians who have been

symptoms, what the ailment actually is? If not, how can one attempt to administer an effective cure?

For example, if the dog is coughing, can one say with certainty how long? With

2) If, after consultation with non-knowledgeable and under-equipped persons, to make any sensible diagnosis, one determines a remedy via medication, then what is the dosage rate?

How often per day and for how long must it be given?

How may the medication(s) be best administered – via the mouth (orally), by injection – in the muscle, under the skin, on the skin, or in

that if you have received advice from a trained, tested and proven professional, it must be followed as exactly as instructed?

Let me advise that our colleagues in human medicine have, to a large extent, the same problem – possibly for other reasons, but with the same end effect, namely: citizens of this fair Republic often (too often) decide to self-medicate – (mis)using antimicrobials without the requisite knowledge associated with usage.

This misuse of antimicrobials is a cause of major global concern in public health.

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is on the rise, and is a direct consequence of the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials (including antibi-

Please be warned that in deciding to treat your ailing companion animals by yourself, several meaningful questions arise, not lastly: 1) Does one know for sure, referring only to the

what intensity? If is it a dry cough? Etc. Whether other animals in the household (or nearby) are exhibiting similar symptoms? Are there other symptoms? And so on.

If one decides to treat the cough with a cough syrup suggested by the neigh-

the vein?

What happens when the caregivers’ genuine desire to assist the sick animal goes awry? Such as a shock reaction (allergy) to the medication given; or worse, death?

Dear caregivers, Please believe that I do not wish to over-alarm you when you – for whatever reason – decide to attempt a solution to the pet’s health problem. But healing is a science, not mumbo-jumbo quackery. The scientists have studied and researched long and hard, using the best technologies available to decide via which method a drug can best be given. They know in which form the medication can best be given – and there are several: solutions, suspensions, emulsions, semi-solids (pastes), solids (tablets, capsules, powders, granules, premixes, and medicated blocks), etc.

Because of the sentiments expressed in the paragraph above, it is advisable, no, imperative, that you consult and discuss the pet’s ailment with your veterinarian, so as to ensure that the treatment protocol on which you wish to embark is the correct one.

Talking costs nothing.

After all, the vet’s job is to be of service to ailing animals. He/she took a solemn oath in this regard.

Further, may I demand

otics, antifungals, antivirals and antiparasitics), causing the bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites to change over time and no longer respond to medicines. Infections are thus becoming harder to treat, and the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death is greater.

There is a nexus between the misuse of antimicrobials in the livestock industry and the concomitant passage into humans via the meats we consume.

This development has enormous negative consequences for wellness in humans, and the WHO has declared that AMR is one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity.

In the small animal practice, we remain vigilant in the prescribing of antibiotics and other antimicrobials to avoid AMR and secure the future well-being of our pets. Please help us to help you by ceaseing to administer these drugs without a prescribed regime from a veterinarian.

Happy Divali!

I have pleaded incessantly during the festive seasons against the wanton and indiscriminate use of fireworks, squibs, etc. in the interest of sparing our animals the agony caused by the loud decibel levels to their very sensitive hearing.

I can only hope that this year will be a better one.

NEWS

7

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Revising Local Content Act

Expanding carved-out areas, fixing loopholes are priorities – VP Jagdeo T he Guyana Government will soon revise the Local Content Act (LCA) with the aim of expanding the 40 carved-out areas that were set aside to benefit Guyanese companies as well as fixing all the loopholes that are being taken advantage of.

This was revealed by Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo during his recent weekly press engagement.

In December 2021, the National Assembly passed the Local Content Act which outlines 40 different service areas that oil and gas companies and their subcontractors must procure from Guyanese and Guyaneseowned companies.

However, Jagdeo noted that while there are some areas where locals could not meet the demand, there are other areas where they now have the capacity to do more.

“We’ve had mixed reviews. There are some areas where we raised the bar high and the locals have not met all of those bars because they couldn’t supply and we’ve had to give exemptions because they didn’t have the capacity. And there are other areas where can now expand… So, we have some new areas that we can expand into,” he pointed out.

Another focus of the review, according to the Vice President, will be fixing the loopholes.

“There are some loopholes that people have been

capitalising on and some local companies have been acting as a front for some foreign companies and they have to beware too that we’re coming after these local companies through the tax system. So, if they’re using that to benefit unfairly by bringing in the foreign to just utilising them, we’re gonna be looking at a number of measures that will hopefully address these issues too. So, yes, we’re looking at [revising the Local Content Act]. It should happen soon,” Jagdeo posited.

United States oil giant ExxonMobil, which is producing oil offshore Guyana with its partners – Hess Corporation and CNOOC Limited, disclosed earlier this year that it spent some US$400 million in 2022, with more than 1500 local companies and over 5000 Guyanese employed under the company and its contractors.

However, Jagdeo is of the view that these numbers could go up even further.

“We believe, given what our plans are and the expansion of industry offshore, it will go up to probably $1 billion maybe by 2027 or so.

That’s a large sum of money to be spent procuring goods and services from our people. So, we’re very pleased that the Act was passed. It was a commitment we made in Opposition as one of the ways that we can get more benefits outside of the reve-

nue stream that had already been affected because of the lack of ringfencing and the low royalty rate, that we can get more from their spending in the country and to integrity more, the offshore operations… more to the local economy and so that is happening,” he asserted.

Back in August, the Director of the Local Content Secretariat, Dr Martin Pertab, had noted that the strengthening and revising of the Act is high on the agenda. In fact, he had disclosed that work had already started on the process of drafting the new legislation, and once completed, it would be released publicly for countrywide consultations and feedback from stakeholders before being finalised and taken to the National Assembly.

Meanwhile, to further bring local companies closer to contract opportunities within the oil and gas sector, the Local Content Secretariat is developing an application (app) to connect Guyanese with contractors and licensees.

According to Dr Pertab, information asymmetry is a recurring challenge that the Secretariat faces, where one party – such as oil and gas contractors, sub-contractors, and licensees – has more information and takes advantage of another party – like Guyanese companies – during transactions.

In addressing this issue,

Motorcyclist dies after crashing at Pearl

T

he carnage on Guyana’s roadways continues, with the death of a 41-yearold Charlotte Street, Georgetown resident who lost control of the motorcycle he was riding along the Pearl Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD).

Dead is Mark Marks formerly of Soesdyke, EBD. Police stated that on the day in question at about 07:30h, Marks was heading to Soesdyke when he reportedly lost control of his motorcycle, CM 6193, thus resulting in him falling onto the roadway.

Due to the speed he was travelling, he reportedly

Dead: Mark Marks

skidded some distance away before the motorcycle came to a halt. Police stated that he sustained severe head injuries and other injuries to his body.

He was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre where he was pronounced dead.

As the news spread about his demise, his friends took to social media expressing their sadness at his passing. Some recalled speaking to him on Thursday evening at the Soesdyke Junction where he was partying with friends.

In addition, some reportedly saw him leaving a Chinese supermarket in Soesdyke moments before he died. Family members and friends remain in a state of shock at his sudden passing.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

the Secretariat has pushed for a competitive bidding process to be undertaken within the oil and gas sector especially as it relates to the 40 carved-out service areas for Guyanese and Guyaneseowned companies.

Dr Pertab had also pointed out that there has been an increase in participation

by Guyanese in opportunities within the petroleum sector. He added that there has also been an increase in joint ventures (JV) between

local and foreign companies with many of these partnerships being formed outside of the 40 carved-out areas.

“Trajectory seems to suggest that we are aligning our focus to provide a more sophisticated line of services…

This is the kind of direction we want to move in. We want to move outside of those basic services and see a more advanced line of services being offered by Guyanese,” the Secretariat Head posited.

The 40 carved out ser-

vices for locals include 90 per cent of office space rental and accommodation services; 90 per cent janitorial services, laundry and catering services; 95 per cent pest control services; 100 per cent local insurance services; 75 per cent local supply of food; and 90 per cent local accounting services.

The Local Content Act further mandates penalties, such as fines ranging from $5 million to $50 million, for oil and gas companies and their sub-contractors who fail to meet the minimum targets of the legislation, as well as those who are in breach of the Act. Dr Pertab, in response to complaints that some Guyanese companies are entering into sham partnerships with foreign companies to capitalise on the benefits earmarked for locals – a practice called ‘fronting’ or ‘rent-a-citizen’, had also indicated in August that an enforcement unit has been set up to go after those companies involved in these illegal acts. (G-8)

8 NEWS

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ECD man granted bail on burglary charge

A

35-year-old man, whom Police described as a “notorious convicted criminal”, was slapped with burglary and break and enter and larceny charges, for which he was granted $100,000 bail.

Rayan Sebastian, an unemployed resident of Foulis, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was arrested on Wednesday by a rank attached to the Enmore Police Station and charged on Friday with the offence of burglary, contrary to Section 233 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01.

Sebastian, who has had several brushes with the law, is accused of robbing Krepaul Mahase, a 60-yearold farmer of Hope West Enmore, ECD, sometime between September 12 and 13, 2023, at his residence.

At about 11:35h on Friday, the accused appeared at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Fabayo Azore.

Sebastian pleaded not

the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Fabayo Azore. In this charge, Sebastian pleaded

not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of $50,000.

The case was adjourned to January 24, 2024.

Light up Alleged thief freed after victim requests no further action the light...

A

Charged: Rayan Sebastian

guilty to the charges and was granted $50,000 bail.

In addition, he was charged with a second offence on Friday, this time for break and enter and larceny, contrary to Section 229 (a) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01.

He is accused of committing the act on Khemraj Singh, a 64-year-old shopkeeper of Fifth Street Foulis, East Coast Demerara, sometime between October 19 and 20, at his residence.

The accused appeared at

Lusignan, East Coast Demerara (ECD) resident was recently freed after the victim in a simple larceny matter for which he was charged requested that no further action be taken.

Rajendra Lall, a 21-yearold unemployed resident of Lusignan Grassfield, ECD, was arrested on Monday last and charged the following day by ranks of the Vigilance Police Station with the offence of Simple Larceny, contrary to Section 164 of the Criminal Law Offences Act, Chapter 8:01, committed on Michael Mohamed.

Lall appeared at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Fabayo Azore, where the charge was read to him, and

W

Freed: Rajendra Lall

he pleaded not guilty.

However, during the arraignment, the victim also appeared in court and requested no further action in the matter. Hence, the matter was dismissed.

…all together and bright ell, here we are again. As sure as the world turns and day becomes night, it also tilts from side to side, and especially up north, days become shorter and nights become longer. Winter’s on its way, and they’ve turned their clocks back in the States. So, who sez we can’t turn back time?? Remember when Burnham said we’d better “produce or perish”, and turned back the clock to make us work longer?? That didn’t last long, did it??

Anyhow, we’re into the festivals of light: tonight’s the Hindu Divali, Dec 7-15 is the Jewish Hanukkah, and Dec 25 is the Christian Christmas.

The Hindus are gonna light up their diyas; the Jews their Menorahs (this year in Gaza, they’re sure to lob at least double the usual number of flashing missiles); and Christians their Yule Logs.

What? Do you mean to say, dear reader, you can go out and find mistletoe, ice apple, eggnog etc and can’t get Yule Logs?? Anyhow, since last week, we’ve been exposed to Divali Motorcades, National Diya Light Ups, Stage shows, Government offices and schools with their Divali Rangolis; businesses with their Indian costumes staff – and now the biggest of them all, the ONE GUANA DIVALI JALSA!! At last we can say that Christmas - which was made the de facto national festival of Guyana by the Brits - now has a rival!!

Your Eyewitness hopes that Masquerade will also become bigger to make Christmas more Guyanese. How can we do without the Mother Sallys and Bull Cows of yore that scared the living daylights of kids back then??

Anyhow, back to tonight’s Divali. Your Eyewitness and his family are gonna be competing with his neighbours to win the (friendly but tense) annual competition on who’s gonna put out the most diyas. When he was a boy and had to help his mother find mud to make the diyas, it was much more fun than nowadays, when everything is now premade and the lights can now be switched on in the plastic diyas.

But hey…if you can't beat ‘em, then you gotta join ‘em!

Not to mention the kids refuse to go dig mud, and the wife refuses to get her hands dirty!!

But what hasn’t changed are the sweets (your Eyewitness is affronted that some call them “sweetmeats” when the point is that they gotta be non-meat!!) that are distributed around the neighbourhood. He doesn’t mind that nowadays some of the neighbours buy theirs from shops and caterers. It’s the thought (and calories) that count, innit??

You might be wondering why your Eyewitness hasn’t mentioned Divali and “light over darkness” as yet. It’s just that he hasn’t seen that in action till now! …wid Desman’ H’yte Talk about lighting up and Desmond Hoyte’s campaign slogan for the 1997 elections always pop into your Eyewitness’s mind – “light up the light with Desman’ H’yte”!! The PNC was always involved with “lighting up” Guyana – starting with Feb 16, 1962, when they burnt down Water Street!! Anyhow, there was another light up on May 25, 1964, when 220 Indian Guyanese homes were burnt to the ground by PNC supporters at Wismar; and 3000 men, women and children had to flee for their lives!!

The next big political light-up was in 1979, when the PNC Headquarters on Camp Street – which had been merged with the Ministry of National Mobilisation – was burned down. Walter Rodney and Rupert Roopnaraine of the WPA were blamed! Further political light-ups were “outed” as political opponents of the PNC became shaken by the assassination of Rodney in 1980. It wasn’t till Desmond Hoyte lost the aforementioned 1997 elections that he brought out the tried-and-true PNC tactic in launching the explicitly-named “slow fyaah…mo’ fyaah”!! …with goodwill But we Guyanese do need a bit of light in our lives considering that GPL seems determined to take us back to the dark old days of continuous blackouts. Imagine if the PNC hadn’t scuttled 685MW AFHEP!!

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

NEWS

9

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Dec 3 referendum does more harm than good – Venezuela’s presidential frontrunner - urges Maduro regime to adhere to ICJ’s resolution on border controversy

M

aría Machado, widely considered the presidential frontrunner in Venezuela’s upcoming 2024 electoral race, has publicly denounced the upcoming December 3 referendum and urged the Nicolas Maduro regime to adhere to the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) resolution of the border controversy with Guyana.

The Opposition politician, who is a former member of the Venezuelan National Assembly, was recently interviewed by Miami-based online publication Infobae. During that interview, Machado was asked for her thoughts on the December 3 Venezuelan referendum that the Maduro regime is using to get a mandate to illegally annex Essequibo.

Not only did Machado make it clear that the referendum does more harm than good for Venezuela, but she also denounced the Maduro regime’s actions as irresponsible and urged them to focus on preparing a proper defence for its case before the ICJ, where the border controversy awaits a final and binding settlement.

“I’m not going to speculate what they’re looking for. What I can tell you is that this does not help the defence of Essequibo and the territorial integrity of Venezuela. On the contrary, once again, the regime’s irresponsible actions are putting Venezuela’s sovereignty at risk in a territory that is strategic and that belongs to Venezuela,” Machado said.

“We cannot do anything that at this moment would harm our position in the International Court of Justice, whose process is underway. So, what we must all focus on is that the best jurists, expert specialists in this matter, put themselves at the service of the country and not in a propaganda action that will harm us even more,” the politician further told the publication.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro

Machado’s quest to run as a presidential candidate in the 2024 Venezuelan elections has faced many hurdles from the Maduro regime, in much the same way as other Opposition Venezuelan politicians were blocked by the State from running in previous elections… politicians such as Henrique Capriles and Leopoldo Lopez, both of whom were imprisoned on what many in the international community consider trumped up charges.

In Machado’s case, she has not only been repeatedly attacked by Government supporters but she has been forced to send her children abroad due to threats to their lives. And despite Machado winning more than 92 per cent of a primary election last month, giving her a landslide mandate as Opposition leader, the Venezuelan regime has consistently looked for ways to overturn this.

However, the Maduro regime has already been warned by the United States (US) not to prevent Machado from running in the elections. Speaking in a recent interview with Colombian TV station NTN24, White House Latin America advisor Juan Gonzalez had said that the Maduro regime has until the end of November to fulfil its pledge to allow any opponent, including Machado, to compete in next year’s presidential election.

Venezuelan Opposition presidential frontrunner María Machado

He had said that otherwise, the Biden Administration would reinstate the recently lifted sanctions on the Venezuelan economy. Further, Gonzalez had said the Biden Administration also expects the Maduro regime to free all political prisoners as well as all Americans jailed unjustly in Venezuela.

Last month, the

Venezuelan National Electoral Council published a list of five questions it plans to put before the Venezuelan people in a referendum set for December 3, 2023. One question (#5) proposes the creation of the Venezuelan State of Guyana Essequibo and an accelerated plan for giving Venezuelan citizenship and identity cards to the Guyanese population.

After years of failed good offices process, Guyana approached the World Court in 2018, seeking a final and binding judgement to reinforce that the 1899 Arbitral Award remains valid and binding on all parties, as well as legal affirmation that Guyana’s Essequibo region, which contains much of the country’s natural resources, belongs to Guyana and not Venezuela.

Guyana’s Spanishspeaking neighbour has laid claim to more than two-thirds of Guyana’s landmass in the Essequibo region, and to a portion of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in which nearly 11 billion barrels of oil have been discovered largely by United States oil giant ExxonMobil.

The Maduro regime has accused the Guyana Government of being a puppet of ExxonMobil and the US Southern Command. And Venezuelan President Maduro has called on President Dr

Irfaan Ali to abandon the ICJ process and engage in bilateral discussions with Venezuela, mediated by the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

The Guyana Government has, however, already declared its commitment to resolving this longstanding border controversy with Venezuela through the legal process at the World Court. This position was also reaffirmed by Guyana’s National Assembly in a unanimous vote last week.

Over the past few weeks, Guyana has been informing regional and international partners of Venezuela’s planned referendum, which has been criticised by the United States, Caricom, and the Organisation of American States (OAS), as well as several other nations in the Region, including Brazil. There is a consensus that Venezuela’s referendum threatens the peace, security and stability of the Region.

10 NEWS

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CCAC received $409M in complaints for 2023 thus far – publishes Motor Vehicle Buying Guide to assist consumers

T

he Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) has reported that 431 complaints were received to the value of a whopping $409.2 million for 2023 thus far.

Of this total, 109 were received for the auto industry to the value of $256.2 million.

In light of this trend, the Commission recently launched its Motor Vehicle Buying Guide to assist consumers in making the best decisions when considering the investment in the purchase of motor vehicles.

“This is another proactive effort by the CCAC to provide helpful information to consumers based on the analysis of the number and value of complaints received about the auto industry,” the entity shared in a statement.

Some of the areas the

The CCAC Office at the Sophia Exhibition Centre guide covers are steps to take before shopping for a motor vehicle, the development of a financial plan, the supplier’s compliance with the Consumer Affairs Act, online reviews of the supplier, tips when purchasing a reconditioned vehicle, essential tips when purchasing a motor vehicle from a dealer outside of Guyana, vehicle warranty and a brief overview of the

Hire Purchase Act. The published guide can be accessed via the Commission’s website, ccac. gov.gy, under the Resources tab.

“The CCAC encourages consumers to seek redress through the Commission when there are issues of perceived conflict with auto dealers,” the CCAC shared, adding that complaints can

be filed via the website ccac. gov.gy.

It was reported that inspections carried out at 416 business establishments for the first half of 2023 found that an alarming 91 per cent were non-compliant with the Consumer Affairs Act. From its mid-year re-

port, the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC) inspected businesses across eight administrative regions between January and June.

Only nine per cent were in conformance with the CAA. The highest number of inspections were conducted in February – showing only four per cent compliance while 96 of the establishments were in breach.

Upon reinspection of 346 businesses, 27 became compliant while 73 remained non-compliant. A total of 120 compliance certificates have been issued for the first six months of 2023, while

128 complaints were sent to non-compliant entities – a majority of 86 for Region Four.

The CCAC was established in 2011, to enforce consumer rights and ensure competition within markets under the Consumer Affairs Act and the Competition and FairTrade Act. Its functions include investigating complaints by agencies and consumers and determining if there has been a contravention of the Competition and Fair-Trading Act of 2006 and the CAA; taking prescribed actions should there be a contravention of the law and eliminating anti-competitive agreements.

Mahaica resident celebrates 101st birthday

Guyana’s latest centenarian along with staff of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security and two of her children

B

orn on November 10, 1922, Ruby Hunte is a living testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of family bonds. She calls First Street, Jonestown, Mahaica, her home, and her life story is a remarkable one.

Ruby is the mother of ten children, with five of them watching over her from above. She is a cherished grandmother to 13, a doting great-grandmother to 22, and the great-great-grandmother to one lucky soul.

Ruby’s journey through life began as a young schoolgirl at the Mahaica Scot School, known by that name back then and later renamed the Mahaica Primary School. As the eldest of five siblings, she exhibited her

unwavering work ethic early on.

In 1938, after leaving school, Ruby joined her grandmother and began working at an estate in Mahaica to support her family, showcasing her sense of responsibility and dedication. Her commitment continued into her married life, beginning in 1951.

For many years, she plied her trade as a market vendor, gracing both Georgetown and Mahaica with her presence.

Ruby Hunte’s life is a testament to resilience, hard work, and the importance of family bonds. She was recently inducted into the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security’s Century Club.

NEWS

11

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

$2B spent on climate mitigation in Reg 3, plans afoot for other regions – VP Jagdeo

– says NDIA has already presented plans to residents of flood-prone regions

The Dharma of Divali

T

onight we will be celebrating “Divali”, or “Deepavali”, which means “a row of light”. Divali has gained wide acceptance in our multicultural, multireligious and multiracial nation.

Unfortunately, Ravi Dev apart from a perfunctory and stereotypical “good over evil” motif, even many Hindus do not appreciate the significance of the event commemorated.

The Hindu calendar is punctuated by “Parvas” – pronounced “Parbs” by our Bhojpuri ancestors – which means “part”. It is translated into English as “festivals”, but, as with all concepts, there are aspects that may be lost or added in translation.

Hindu Parbs emphasize that events commemorated should help integrate individuals into the social institutions in which they are embedded - family, community, nation etc - by stressing particular moral values that should be inculcated into their lives. Hindu festivals are thus always concerned with transmitting moral behavioural rules. The celebratory aspects are secondary, and are only meant to performatively signal the consequent victory of morality over immorality.

Hindus have four overarching goals of life: “Dharma”, which exhorts living a righteous life even as we pursue pleasures (“Kama”), economic and social success (“Artha”) so that we may eventually achieve liberation (“Moksha”) from the cycle of life and death (samsara). The Parbs are reminders on the need to live in accordance with Dharma.

Divali is one of the most ancient and sacred of the Hindu Parbs, and arose out of their early lived experience in North India of increasing darkness at this time of the year. This seemingly threatened to permanently dispel the sun’s lifegiving rays, and they mimetically acted to reverse the threat by burning bonfires and offering prayers during the darkest night. This use of light to dispel encroaching darkness was later used metaphorically to convey the message that when evil increases (symbolized by the increasing darkness), it must be confronted by the forces of righteousness (light) if the implicate order in all creation (Dharma) is to prevail.

This use of stories surrounding Parbs to convey lessons of life to generally illiterate members of society through symbolic language has become characteristic of Hindu pedagogy.

Over the millennia, several narratives have become attached to Divali because they occurred at this propitious time. One of them is the Samudra Mantan – the great churning of an Ocean of Milk (Kshirsagar) by the Devas to regain their powers through the Amrit or nectar that would be produced.

It is important to remember that this churning was performed by all of the celestial beings coming together – even those, the Asuras, who opposed the Devas. During the churning, several wonderous creations were manifested in addition to the Amrit.

Among them was Mother Lakshmi, who represents fortune, prosperity, wealth, good luck, success, accomplishment, beauty, grace, etc. In a word, all our worldly desires. Hindu Dharma covers the entire gamut of life, and Divali suggests that Mother Lakshmi’s bounties can emanate from a churning of our own minds to do what is right by our own Dharma (Svadharma) to dispel whatever darkness envelopes us in the here and now.

By our own actions, we can achieve.

On Divali night, every Hindu would have cleaned their home and performed worship (puja) with their front door open to welcome Mother Lakshmi. They would churn their minds over specific challenges they, the community, and the nation confront, and vow to play their part in addressing those challenges in a Dharmic manner. The universal ground for Hindus is Dharma – there is the dharma of all man (Manav dharma), the rulers (Raj dharma), individuals (Sva Dharma), and for each position one occupies – father, mother, child etc. citizen. And what is Dharma?? That which sustains, that which upholds whatever institution we are talking about – our family, community, or country.

Over time, several other auspicious occasions have become linked with Divali, and were also commemorated.

The most noteworthy for Guyanese Hindus is the return of Sri Ram to his home on Divali night. He was the SEVENTH incarnation (avatar) of the sustaining aspect of the Divine, Vishnu whose consort Lakshmi - his “shakti” or power who always incarnates with him – was Mother Sita.

The significance of His nexus with Divali should be obvious. When Mother Sita was kidnapped by King Ravana, his Dharmic duty led him not to wring his hand and moan, but to assemble an army, confront and kill his enemy, and rescue Her. He did not annex Ravan’s kingdom, however, but passed it on to the latter’s righteous brother, Vibhishan.

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

A

pproximately $2 billion has been spent on climate mitigation measures in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), with Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo revealing that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government also has plans for other flood-prone regions.

During his recent press conference, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo was questioned about the Government’s plans to spend money on climate mitigation measures.

He explained that monies from Guyana’s US$750 million sale of carbon credits to Hess Corporation, are available for use and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has already provided plans to residents.

“Funds for adaptation from the sale of carbon, the first sale of the 30 per cent, so those funds are now in a bank account. And we’ve already had almost a year and a half of consultations on some of the infrastructure work we’ve had to do. In some of the regions, to address flooding or irrigation.”

“I met, maybe a year and a half ago, with people from the Pomeroon and Region Two, Three, Five, and Six. These were at the Convention Centre, at which the NDIA made presentations highlighting some of the projects we would embark upon in these

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

communities to address water management,” he said.

At the same time, however, Jagdeo made it clear that they are not waiting on the carbon funds to spend money on climate mitigation. In fact, money has already been spent in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), and further, an additional two pontoons and excavators will be procured.

It is here that he revealed approximately $2 billion has meanwhile been spent in Region Three already, to prepare the region for possible floods and other occurrences.

“We didn’t await the receipt of these funds. For example, in the Pomeroon, we went ahead and awarded a contract to dredge the mouth of the Pomeroon. Which was causing issues there. And we bought two excavators with pontoons which were given to the communities in Upper and Lower Pomeroon, to be managed by the communities. To deal with

the impoldering of their lands and putting in drainage systems there.”

“The plans are there. And we’ve already started implementing many of those. In the canal area, you would see a lot of work being done already. About $2 billion have been spent in Region Three, on structures and pumping capacity now, that would ensure the flooding that takes place around the canal area, is alleviated. We’re doing the same in Regions Five and Six,” Jagdeo said.

Guyana signed a contract with Hess Corporation in December 2022 which will see the nation earning US$750 million within a ten-year period. While 85 per cent is being invested in multi-community and national priorities, 15 per cent ($4.7 billion) is allocated towards Amerindian development.

To date, a number of villages have had their plans

approved and already begun implementing their projects.

Some villages will use the grants to develop their tourism and agriculture sectors while others are using the money to fund projects that empower women.

The 33.7 million credits sold to Hess Corp is just 30 per cent of the carbon sink contained in Guyana’s vast forest cover. The country’s more than 18 million hectares of forest is estimated to store approximately 20 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.

In the meantime, the remaining 70 per cent of Guyana’s carbon credits are currently attracting interest from several markets, and Vice President Jagdeo had previously said that Government is now exploring these opportunities.

A carbon credit is a tradable permit or certificate that allows the holder of the credit the right to emit a stated tonnage of carbon dioxide or an equivalent of another greenhouse gas. Countries and companies that exceed their permitted limits can purchase carbon credits from nations that have low emissions such as Guyana.

The deal with Hess came on the heels of Guyana being the first country to receive a certification of more than 33 million carbon credits by the Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART) on December 1, 2022. (G-3)

12

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Greater efficiency expected in 2024 at Albion Estate amid critical upgrades …surpasses weekly target by 4%

C

ritical upgrades to the infrastructural and equipment components of the Albion Sugar Estate have been undertaken to ensure greater efficiency in the new year, the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has positioned.

In a statement to the press on Saturday, the sugar company noted that 36 bridges were rehabilitated in order to improve access to the canes. Some of these bridges were unusable for over 12 years.

Further, 22 tractors which were down due to a shortage of spares were all repaired and 95 per cent of the field machines were re-fitted with new tyres during October to increase the availability and reliability.

Moving forward into 2024, the estate will continue to prioritise innovation and efficiency to further enhance its productivity and streamline its production process. This includes the acceleration of its mechanisation projects to ensure an increase in cane supply.

However, the Guyana Sugar Corporation reported that the Albion Estate exceeded its weekly production target by four per cent in the week ending November 11. This is the fifth time the estate has exceeded its weekly production target since grinding operations began for the second crop of 2023.

“The estate continues to remain focused on its crop target and is making all efforts to boost its overall cane supply to the factory to improve on the factory efficiency during the second crop of 2023…Favourable weather conditions in 2023 during these “El Nino” conditions have also played a major role in this estate passing this target this week.”

Estate Manager, Yudhisthira Mana expressed his satisfaction, “The successful achievement of the target for the fifth time is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and effective strategies implemented by the estate.

Management is confident that with continued com-

mitment and dedication, the estate is well-positioned to maintain its success in future crops.”

This achievement will boost the income of workers at Albion Estate, who have worked a minimum of 80 per cent of the days available for the week. This will earn them an additional day's pay through GuySuCo's Weekly Production Incentive (WPI) programme.

The Hydromet Office of Guyana in its November 2023 forecast has predicted below-normal rainfall for the remainder of November 2023 and these conditions are conducive to the industry harvesting the remaining canes.

With the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government having injected over $17 billion into the sugar industry and currently supporting close to 8000 workers, President Dr Irfaan Ali has reiterated that his Administration will continue to invest in the sector to bring it up to viability.

Between 2016 and 2017, the A Partnership for

The Albion Sugar Estate

National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) regime closed several estates across Guyana – an action that displaced more than 7000 sugar workers, who were not only without jobs but who had no means to support their families and contribute to their village as well as the national economy.

Meanwhile, since assuming office in August 2020, the PPP/C Government has undertaken a slew of measures to revive the sugar sector and rehired some 2000 of those dismissed workers.

The PPP/C has promised in its manifesto to revive sugar and reopen these estates.

However, after it was

found that the assets at Wales Estate were sold out by the previous regime, the PPP/C Government announced plans to establish a Development Authority, where several major industrial operations would be undertaken. Similarly, the Enmore Sugar Estate is also being transformed into an industrial area.

FEATURE

13

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

History and significance of Diwali,

the Festival of Lights D eepawali, Deepavali, or Diwali is the biggest and the brightest of all Hindu festivals.

It is the Festival of Lights: deep means “light” and avali “a row” to become “a row of lights”. Diwali is marked by five days of celebration, which literally illuminates the country with brilliance and dazzles people with joy.

The Diwali festival occurs in late October or early November. It falls on the 15th day of the lunar Hindu month of Kartik, so it varies every year. Each of the five days in the festival of Diwali is marked with a different tradition. What remains constant is the celebration of life, its enjoyment, and a sense of goodness.

Historically, Diwali can be traced back to ancient India. It most likely began as an important harvest festival. However, there are various legends pointing to

the origin of Diwali. Some believe it to be a celebration of the marriage of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, to Lord Vishnu. Others use it as a celebration of her birthday, as Lakshmi is said to have been born on the newmoon day of Kartik.

Diwali also commemorates the return of Lord Rama (along with Ma Sita and Lakshman) from his 14year exile and vanquishing the demon-king Ravana. In joyous celebration of the return of their king, the people of Ayodhya, the capital of Rama, illuminated the kingdom with earthen diyas (oil lamps) and set off firecrackers.

Each day of Diwali has its own tale to tell. The first day of the festival, Naraka Chaturdasi, marks the vanquishing of the demon Naraka by Lord Krishna and his wife, Satyabhama.

Amavasya, the second day of Diwali, marks the worship of Lakshmi when she is in her most benevolent mood, fulfilling the wishes of her devotees. Amavasya also tells the story of Lord Vishnu, who, in his dwarf incarnation, vanquished the tyrant Bali and banished him to hell. Bali is allowed to return to earth once a year to light millions of lamps and dispel darkness and ignorance while spreading the radiance of love and wisdom.

It is on the third day of Diwali, Kartika Shudda Padyami, that Bali steps out of hell and rules the earth according to the boon given

by Lord Vishnu. The fourth day is referred to as Yama Dvitiya (also called Bhai

Homes are illuminated with lights, and firecrackers fill the skies as an expression of respect to the heavens for the attainment of health, wealth, knowledge, peace, and prosperity.

The spiritual significance of Diwali

Dooj), and on this day sisters invite their brothers to their homes.

Some people refer to

Beyond the lights, gambling, and fun, Diwali is also a time to reflect on life and make changes for the upcoming year. With that, there are a number of customs that revellers hold dear each year.

Give and forgive. It is common practice that people forget and forgive the wrongs done by others during Diwali. There is an air of freedom, festivity, and friendliness everywhere.

Rise and shine.

Waking up during the

Diwali as a five-day festival because they include the festival of Dhanteras (dhan meaning “wealth” and teras meaning “13th”). This celebration of wealth and prosperity occurs two days before the Festival of Lights.

The tradition of gambling on Diwali also has a legend behind it. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Parvati played dice with her husband, Lord Shiva. She decreed that whosoever gambled on Diwali night would prosper throughout the ensuing year.

All of the simple rituals of Diwali have a significance and a story behind them.

Brahmamuhurta (at 4 am, or 1 1/2 hours before sunrise) is a great blessing from the standpoint of health, ethical discipline, efficiency in work, and spiritual advancement. The sages who instituted this Diwali custom may have hoped that their descendants would realise its benefits and make it a regular habit in their lives.

Unite and unify. Diwali is a unifying event, and it can soften even the hardest of hearts. It is a time when people mingle about in joy and embrace one another.

Prosper and progress.

On this day, Hindu merchants in North India open

their new account books and pray for success and prosperity during the coming year. People buy new clothes for the family. Employers, too, purchase new clothes for their employees. Homes are cleaned and decorated by day and illuminated by night with diyas. The best and finest illuminations can be seen in Bombay and Amritsar. The famous Golden Temple at Amritsar is lit in the evening with thousands of lamps.

This Festival instils charity in the hearts of people, who perform good deeds.

This includes Govardhan Puja, a celebration by Vaishnavites on the fourth day of Diwali. On this day, they feed the poor on an incredible scale.

Illuminate your inner self. The lights of Diwali also signify a time of inner illumination. Hindus believe that the light of lights is the one that steadily shines in the chamber of the heart.

Sitting quietly and fixing the mind on this supreme light illuminates the soul. It is an opportunity to cultivate and enjoy eternal bliss.

From darkness unto light...

In each legend, myth, and story of Diwali lies the significance of the victory of

good over evil. It is with each Diwali and the lights that illuminate our homes and hearts that this simple truth finds new reason and hope.

From darkness unto light – the light empowers us to commit ourselves to good deeds and brings us closer to divinity. During Diwali, lights illuminate and the scent of incense sticks hangs in the air, mingled with the sounds of firecrackers, joy, togetherness, and hope.

Diwali is celebrated around the globe. If you are away from the sights and sounds of Diwali, light a diya, sit quietly, shut your eyes, withdraw the senses, concentrate on this supreme light, and illuminate the soul. (Patil, SM. “Diwali: Festival of Lights Light Up Your Life)

14 FEATURE

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

O

n what is described as the darkest night in the year, Hindus celebrate the auspicious occasion of Diwali, and the epic that goes with this festival states that it was the night Shree Ram, along with his wife, Sita, and brother Lakshman returned home to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. It goes on to say that as the people in the Kingdom of Ayodhya prepared for the arrival of their beloved Shree Ram, they lit the pathways with little earthen lamps so as to illuminate the dark path to the palace.

That is the story I have been hearing for the past 26 years, every Diwali, and the memories associated with the festival are some of my most cherished. As a child and well into my adolescent years, I would go to the side of the trench and collecting mud (clay) and rolling it in some sand (for what reason I don’t know) and then sitting beside my grandmother as she demonstrated how to make the perfect diya to light later that night.

Every Diwali morning, my grandmother,

Margaret, would sit with her bucket of mud and make her diyas to light. We would sit with her, but rather than being helpful, we would create a ruckus, which often resulted in us being shooed away.

But no matter how much she shooed us away, we would look

at how effortlessly she would shape and smooth those little masterpieces.

She was a hero and the best diya maker we had ever known. As we grew up, we would sit with her and make our own versions of diyas and leave them out to bake in

the sun for the day while we went ahead helping mommy prepare the sweetmeats and treats for the feast later in the night.

While she was alive, my grandmother would usually make about 10 mud diyas which she would place at the altar in her house, at the bridge and at the Shiva Mandir in the yard. She would always say that those were the most important places as we pray for our homes to be blessed with the presence of Shree Ram. Not a year would go by without us having at least three such diyas every Diwali.

We relished making them and getting the finest mud as well as vying for grandma’s approval. No matter how many cracks we had in our diyas or how deformed they were she always gave us a thumbs up for effort and would reluctantly allow us to light them later in the evenings along with others. Those are the memories about Diwali I treasure to this day.

Most people, in my area, would use store-bought clay diyas for Diwali and

just dispose of them the day after in the trench as they would dissolve over time. That is also practised by my family since the task of making mud diyas is considered tedious.

However, in my village, there was one particular household that used only mud diyas when it was Diwali.

It was located a few yards away from where I live and as a child, I used to be mesmerised by the sight of Uncle Bango sitting under the cashew tree at the front of his yard for hours rolling mud and shaping them into the most perfect diyas.

As times progressed and development became rapid in my community, we lost that tradition. Now when it is Diwali, everyone goes to the supermarket and buys the clay diyas and pre-rolled cotton wicks and just lights away. Another thing that is becoming popular is the wax diyas which reduce the mess

of using the coconut oil or ghee to light diyas.

As for my family, after my grandmother died in 2011, no one had the courage to make mud diyas and now we just do not do it anymore. I am also not sure when Uncle Bango stopped making his diyas at the front of his yard, but for the past two Diwalis, I have not seen him doing that.

However, I am told that there are certain parts of Guyana where the Hindu community has not lost the tradition of making the little earthen lamps and for that I am happy. Those little lamps signify so much. They have the ability to instantly shed light and brighten where they are placed.

Maybe, this year, I would make a few of those diyas in honour of my grandmother.

After being unable to find an image of a mud diya online, I went home and made one so here it is. (Lakhram Bhagirat)

FEATURE

15

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

The evolution of Diwali and its relevance to today’s society I

n the early days, we would see women with their brooms, buckets and cloths perched on ladders or tables stretching to reach every nook and cranny of their houses to ensure that it is cleaned to perfection, as they prepare for the arrival of Ma Lakshmi. It is believed that the goddess of wealth visits every home that is illuminated with little oil lamps on what is believed to be the darkest night of the year.

The festival of Diwali is one that is most-anticipated by the Hindu community, since it is a time for reflection and shining light on the darkness in their lives. It is a time when they are at their most forgiving and it signals the start of a lot of new things. In some cases, even new traditions.

According to the Bhagavad Gita, change is the law of the universe and we have indeed seen change as the only constant when it comes to how we celebrate the Festival of Lights. In the earlier days, there was a certain level of community when it comes to the celebration. Everyone would come together and chip in to make the celebration one that was for all.

restaurant as opposed to labouring all day preparing them. Of course, back then, very few women had fulltime jobs and those things were expected of them.

But as time progressed, expectations dropped and now, it is perfectly fine to have a caterer cater to the needs of you and your family.

Over the years, people

As time changed so did society. Today, we see the disintegration of the level of community when it comes

have found their own reasons to make Diwali unique.

Traditional celebrations would entail laborious clean-

ly. In the days gone by, people would do most things themselves, and little was left to purchase. Other than the clothes, ladies preferred completing all other arrangements at home.

Sweets were prepared at home by the ladies, the cleaning was done with the help of the men, and the arrangements were made with the children. While we know Diwali as a time to greet everyone and share special moments, the build-up to Diwali was special in the early days.

Men would gather together weeks in advance to find ways to make Diwali special.

Ladies would work together to make sweets and food, making this truly a community occasion.

The Hindu community, particularly, has changed the way in which they celebrate Diwali now. There was a time when the only lights that illuminated the yards and homes of Hindus were those of the little earthen lamps powered by coconut oil or ghee. But now the scenes

to certain aspects of Diwali.

Back then, it was taboo to say that you are going to buy all your sweets and savoury snacks from a caterer or

ing of the house weeks in advance, lavish preparations including sweets and savouries, and the purchase of new clothes for the fami-

are different with houses elaborately wrapped in fairy lights twinkling away without the threat of being doused by the wind. We

are seeing fewer diyas being lighted to illuminate the pathways and more ornamental lighting taking centre stage.

Also, one of the biggest changes, in the Guyanese context, is the virtual disappearance of the little mud diyas that were usually made on Deepavali day or the day before and left in the sun to bake. They are hard to find in homes since it is much easier to pick up some clay diyas from the supermarket.

Despite all the changes, Diwali still remains relevant in today’s society, because it

fosters unbreakable bonds and reignite the camaraderie and togetherness in us. So go out there and light a diya,

despite your religious beliefs, and illuminate your heart so there is space for more people in it.

16 FEATURE

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FEATURE

17

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Rangoli Art R

angoli is an art form, originating in the Indian subcontinent, in which patterns are created on the floor or the ground using materials such as colored rice, dry flour, colored sand or flower petals. It is usually made during Diwali or Tihar, Onam, Pongal and other Hindu festivals in the India. Designs are passed from one generation to the next, keeping both the art form and the tradition alive.

Rangoli is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘rangavalli’ which means colour. The purpose of rangoli is decoration, and it is thought to bring good luck. Design depictions may also vary as they reflect traditions, folklore, and practices that are unique to each area. It is traditionally done by girls or women.

Rangoli designs can be simple geometric shapes, deity impressions, or flower and petal shapes (appropriate for the given celebrations), but they can also be very elaborate designs crafted by numerous people. The base material is usually dry or wet powdered rice or dry flour, to which sindoor (vermilion), haldi (turmeric) and other natural colours can be added.

Chemical colors are a modern variation. Other materials include colored sand, red brick powder and even flowers and petals, as in the case of flower rangolis. Here are some simple designs for you to try out.

18

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

19

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

20

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

21

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

22

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

23

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

24 FEATURE

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

O

ne of the things that make Guyanese, particularly the Hindu community, distinctive when it comes to celebrating the Festival of Lights is not the brightly illuminated yards and houses or the bursting of elaborate fireworks, rather it is something as simple as the annual Diwali Motorcade.

You can travel the entire world and would never witness such a spectacle as that organised by the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha (GHDS) as part of its annual Diwali Motorcade. This year, Diwali will be cele-brated on November 6 and the series of coun-trywide motorcades has already begun.

We can expect to see people of all walks of life as well as different nationalities en-joying the scenes of the brightly lit floats all sending a message that goes hand in hand with the significance of the Diwali festival. Thousands of people would line the streets along the routes the Motorcade would take and also pack the converging sites as they experience the cultural explosion organised by the GHDS. The Motorcade is now entrenched in our traditions since it has been around for al-most 45 years now. Like the celebration of Diwali, the Motorcade has evolved over the years with more floats taking part, all try-ing to outshine the other. The preparation that goes into hosting the countrywide mo-torcade is nothing short of herculean, since some mandirs and organisations would start making their floats months prior to the date of the Motorcade.

The common theme portrayed is that of the return of Lord Rama along with Ma Sita and Lakshmana to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile or that of Maa Lakshmi seated on the lotus flower showering her blessings on the world. She is the representation of wealth and prosperity, and it is believed that when worshipped on Diwali Day, a prosperous life is guaranteed.

FEATURE

25

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

W

hen Vickiola Aaron stepped into the National Cultural Centre on Saturday to attend the University of Guyana’s 57th Convocation exercise, she held back a few tears as fond memories of her journey to her Bachelor’s degree in Education streamed into her mind.

One she vividly recalled was the many days when she would sit in the grass at Paramakatoi, the village of her birth, especially her final year at UG, hoping her phone and laptop would reconnect to the community’s Wi-Fi so that she could attend classes virtually.

Aaron, who graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Education, majoring in mathematics, would trek an hour from her home to the Wi-Fi hub at the village. “I had to walk like an hour from my home to get to

the internet place where I would sit in the grass, sometimes in the dew,” she said.

“Sometimes it would be on and off and then it would slow down. Sometimes I am there trying to do my test and I would have to log in again many times, it was a challenge,” she said.

Aaron previously completed the Associate’s degree in Education programme, offered to teachers, at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), before reading for her Bachelor’s degree at UG. She said when she started the programme two years ago, she foresaw attending classes in person and virtually; the latter would prove to be the most challenging of the two, since her family is based in the Region Eight village and she noted that attending to her family’s needs was most important.

As such, she needed to bal-

ance the two.

Challenging upbringing

Aaron grew up in “a loving family” and she noted that her upbringing was filled with challenges. “My parents struggled to make ends meet, relying on subsistence farming, hunting, and fishing.”

She said despite those hardships, she cherished her childhood. “Especially the vivid memory of trekking uphill for two hours to attend Paramakatoi Nursery School at the age of four. My academic journey continued through primary school, but I truly excelled in Grade Six when I secured third place in the Common Entrance exam for my region.”

She attended the Paramakatoi Secondary School, and the daily twohour journey home was equally demanding, she

added. “Witnessing my parents' hardships is what fuelled my determination to become self-reliant and support them,” she said.

Moving to the city

Her brother Lennox would later place his little sister at the forefront of the family’s priorities and facilitated her transfer to attend school at the Apex Academy on the East Coast of Demerara. At the time, Aaron was in Grade 10. “This transition was emotionally challenging, but I persevered and excelled, eventually ranking among the top ten students,” she said.

TURN TO PAGE 27

Vickiola Aaron stands upon a mountain at Paramakatoi, the village she calls home in Region Eight. She said overcoming personal and other challenges were the most memorable aspects of the journey to her latest tertiary achievement

26

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FEATURE

27

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FROM PAGE 25

Vickiola Aaron plans to utilize her skills and knowledge which she attained at the University of Guyana to motivate and inspire villagers at Paramakatoi, the village of her birth and upbringing

Living in the city is no easy task and as such she sought employment; she would later work for Air Services Limited at Ogle.

Then, she realised that her calling was to give back to her village even as she enhanced her qualifications.

She was then employed by the Ministry of Education as a Temporary Qualified Teacher at Paramakatoi Secondary School. “Special thanks to the inspiration and support of Miss Odessa Paul, our District Officer and our very own Michael McGarrell from Region Eight, who constantly motivated me to press forward and encouraged me to grab every opportunity as it comes,” she added.

Aaron can be described as an all-rounder. She ventured into pageantry, winning the title of "Miss Potaro-Siparuni 2013" and she represented her region at the national level at the Miss Indigenous Heritage pageant that year.

Teaching full-time

After completing the Associate’s degree in Education programme at CPCE where she majored in mathematics, Aaron said she reached a turning point in her life. “Despite never dreaming of becoming a teacher, I fell in love with teaching while interacting with diverse students. After completing my studies in 2018, I returned to Paramakatoi, shouldering the responsibilities of my family,” she said.

In 2020, she managed to build her own home in the village, and according to Aaron, “I achieved independence.”

She would then serve the village for three years before embarking on a Bachelor’s degree journey. She said sev-

eral factors motivated her prior to and while attending UG. “The lack of resource persons in my community and below-average CSEC performance motivated me to make a positive change.”

She said she was awarded a scholarship by Mr and Mrs Harris to attend university, a gesture she described as very generous. “I continued my tertiary education, tackling challenges with unwavering determination.”

Aaron said her time at UG was a combination of late-night assignments, emotional moments, and personal transformation. During the time she attended classes in person, she found support from friends who became her extended family.

“I adapted to a new life and overcame numerous obstacles,” she said.

Aaron is very passionate about her roots, and she noted that during her time at university, she also completed short courses with Indigenous organisations, and obtained certificates as she accomplished those feats.

“Beyond teaching, I found the courage to be a voice for my Indigenous community, where few vocal leaders existed,” she said.

“My journey has been far from smooth, but I've learned to navigate its challenges,” she said of her time at UG. “My message to aspiring young individuals is to never give up on their dreams, regardless of the difficulties they encounter.

Today, I proudly hold a BSc in Education, am a mother, a sibling, and a teacher. I strive to make my community and region better, and as a youth leader, I hope to inspire more vocal leaders and everyone within my community,” the ambitious Aaron said.

28

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

Timeless message of Diwali symbolises hope – South African President

S

outh African President, Cyril Ramaphosa has extended Diwali greetings to all Hindus across the world who are celebrating the festival of lights, while underscoring that it holds great significance to forming unified communities.

In his greetings, he stated that the messages of Diwali speak to renewal, and are timeless.

“As a nation of many cultures and faiths, we have a deep appreciation of the importance of Diwali and members of the Hindu faith.

Diwali is a celebration of the triumph of light over

darkness and has its roots in the story of Lord Rama’s return from banishment and exile,” Ramaphosa acknowledged.

According to the South African leader, the lighting of lamps, which is a tradition in Hindu homes during this time, symbolises hope.

“As we all look to the future with hope, we are reminded that we must hold fast to our unity as a nation and strive for tolerance and understanding regardless of race, religion, colour or any form of diversity. Diwali is a reminder of our own personal responsibility to bring light and hope to all those

who suffer the effects of poverty, inequality, disadvantage and exclusion.”

In Guyana, Diwali is one of the biggest festivals, celebrated by thousands of homes. While there are many variations as to why it is celebrated, it symbolises the spiritual "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance".

Derived from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, which means “row of lights,” Diwali is known for the brightly burning clay lamps that Hindus use to decorate their homes and surroundings.

29

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

30

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

31

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt awards $842.3M in contracts for Reg 10 road works T

he Public Works Ministry has signed contracts to the tune of $842,393,353 for the rehabilitation of 19 miscellaneous roads in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), all of which will be completed in three months.

The projects include the Block 22 Main Road, Wismar; Ice Water Road, Block 22; Broad Money Street, Amelia’s Ward; Community Centre North Side Road, Amelia’s Ward; Henry’s Road, South Amelia’s Ward; Well Road, Amelia’s Ward; Lover’s Lane and School Access Road, Amelia’s Ward; Second Corner Main Street; Empire Drive Road; Last Cross Street, Empire Drive; Blue Berry Hill Back Road; Oval Road, Retrieve, Linden; Harvey’s Road,

England/Siberia, Minister Edghill stated, adding that these roads are at crusher run level and must be

62 roads to be built and some $300 million earmarked for projects under the hinterland programme for Region 10, there is work and opportunity for everyone. He said, like every other region of the country, Region 10 is experiencing a massive infrastructural overhaul in keeping with the Government’s national buildout plan.

This year, through the Housing and Water, Public Works and Local Government and Regional Development Ministries, more than 1100 internal access roads in communities across the country were to be upgraded to concrete and asphaltic concrete.

In January, Minister within the Public Works

brought up to asphaltic concrete.

Additionally, he said there is work to be done at Ituni, as well as a new road to be constructed at Black Bush for which the contract will be awarded immediately.

Edghill said along with

Ministry Deodat Indar had disclosed that for just 2022, over 1100 roads were built in communities across Guyana, as the Government was still fixing infrastructure that was left abandoned under the former APNU/AFC Administration.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and contractors after signing the agreements

One Mile Extension; Bobby Nowel’s Street, One Mile, Linden; Riverside Road, Watooka; West Watooka Hill Top; West Watooka

Internal Road; Half Mile Road, Wismar; and Green Valley Road, Wismar.

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill facilitated the

signing ceremony, where he urged contractors to immediately get into execution mode. Meanwhile, he reem-

Signing ceremony in progress

phasised the Government’s massive build-out plan for Region 10, which will continue into 2024.

Just recently, instruction was given by President Irfaan Ali to pave 1000 metres of roadway in Coomacka, along with another 1600 metres at Old

32 NEWS

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Farmers to benefit from USAID’s $5.3M to grow turmeric, coconut & cherries

G

uyanese farmers are set to benefit from specialised technical assistance under a $5.3 million Caribbean Agricultural Productivity Improvement Activity (CAPA) project being funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on Friday met with a team from the agency to discuss priority areas, during which he disclosed that a lot has been done over the past three years to assist farmers.

These outcomes have indicated that both Guyana and the Caribbean are moving in the right direction.

Minister Mustapha also spoke about Guyana’s plan to commence construction of a food terminal before the end of 2023, as the Government gears up to make Guyana a regional food distributor.

“We have a lot of room to collaborate and I know USAID has been a valuable partner over the years. We are seeing a lot of positive results from what we started when we took office in 2020.

Those results are very promising for us in terms of food security. We are on the verge of starting our food terminal so that we can be a food distributor for the Caribbean.

I have the technical people working and we are looking to get that project started before the year is out because we have a lot in place already. So, overall, I think we are moving in the right direction in the Caribbean in terms of the 25 by 2025 Initiative,” he explained.

Programme Director for IESC's USAID Caribbean Agricultural Productivity Improvement Activity (CAPA), Sandiford Edwards informed Minister Mustapha that the upcoming programme cycle for CAPA is scheduled to commence sometime in January. He also said that through consultations with agencies like the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI), the local private sector, and farmers, they were able to identify three target commodities for support – turmeric, coconuts and cherries.

“We have identified three value chains in terms of support for Guyana. Turmeric is one as the Government has invested in a major plant in

Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and Director General Madanlall Ramraj, along with the team from USAID

Region One. So, in discussion, we agreed that turmeric is an area where we are going to provide some support in terms of working with the farmers. We’ve also listed coconuts, recognising that this is the third most exported produce from Guyana. We’ve also looked at cherries and how we can work with farmers to access resources. We met with some of the large producers and there is a gap in supply where we can support farmers to expand production.

We are in deep discussion with the GBTI to look at the staff capacity-building in agricultural lending to see how we can support them with specialised agriculture loan products. The project will also work with input suppliers,” he explained.

Minister Mustapha said that the Government is now repositioning and revitalising the spices sector and has since designated Region One as the spices region of the country.

“We’ve started a lot of work to develop our spice industry. In fact, Region One was designated the spice region of the country. For this crop, the farmers are expected to reap about a million pounds of ginger. We started the cultivation of other spices like black pepper, and nutmeg, and we’ll continue to expand on those.

We’ve also, in the three sub-districts in Region One, built processing facilities to support these industries,” Minister Mustapha added.

Earlier this week,

Regional Representative of USAID in the Eastern and Southern Caribbean,

Mervyn Farroe disclosed that the programme is currently in the design phase

in Guyana. Farroe also said the new farmer-to-farmer programme is a five-year

initiative that would start this year. “Farmer-to-farmer sends US-based volunteers on technical assignments and these volunteers really have technical skills to provide hands-on training to communities, cooperatives, agri-businesses, and educational institutions,” he said.

The USAID Director for the Eastern and Southern Caribbean highlighted that CAPA is one of the aid agency’s key collaborations with Caricom that emerged from the 9th Summit of the Americas.

He noted that USAID had responded to Guyana’s mission to ensure food security in the Caribbean by crafting the CAPA project which has three interconnected objectives that are aimed at generating tangible positive impacts for smallholder farmers, enterprises, and consumers across the Region.

UN supports Caricom’s advances to develop ‘Regional Approach’ to migration

IOM’s Coordinator for the Caribbean, Patrice Quesada

A

“regional approach” to migration was the focus of discussions during a two-part workshop held at the UN House in Barbados from November 1 to 3, 2023.

Institutions and entities of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), UN agencies, other international and regional development partners, and representatives of civil society came together in response to the 2019 decision of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) to create a regional migration policy.

The UN Network on Migration (UNNM) oriented the group in using the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) as a guiding tool for developing an effective regional migration policy for Caricom, strategically aligned to the Region’s ambition of achieving free movement of citizens within the Caribbean Community in 2024.

Multi-partner Advisory Groups for policy development met on Day 3 to identify opportunities and needs for further research to inform the policy, in a follow-on event organised by the Caricom Secretariat in collab-

oration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM-UN Migration).

The activation of the recently established Advisory Groups is a key milestone in the policy development process for Caricom, as they will provide support to the Steering Committee and subsequently to national focal points. The Advisory Groups dissected key areas to be addressed in a migration policy, including border management and protection of vulnerable migrants; climate change and adverse drivers of migration; and labour migration and social and economic development.

IOM’s Coordinator for the Caribbean, Patrice Quesada, noted that the GCM is useful “as a sort of lighthouse to help steer us in the right direction.

That's important because the Global Compact is the highest level of consensus ever reached among a vast majority of the member states of the UN system on migration issues; it is truly a goldmine of information to expand our vision on what is migration governance."

A strategic approach to regional migration can support accelerated progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),

as good migration governance contributes to all 17 SDGs. The GCM advocates, therefore, for a whole-of-government approach to address key issues related to migration.

International Labour Organization (ILO) Regional Specialist on Labour Migration and Mobility, Francesco Carella noted the connection of migration to all the SDGs. He commented on the correlation of migration with gender, for instance. "We see that out of all Caribbean migrants in the United States for example, 55 per cent are

tion.

The European Union funded the activity under the Building Migration Partnerships Programme.

The overall initiative for a “regional approach to migration policy” is supported jointly by the US Department of State, the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) and by the European Union.

The next phases in this policy development process include gaining feedback and consensus from Caricom Member States on the roadmap that was developed over

International Labour Organization (ILO) Regional Specialist on Labour Migration and Mobility, Francesco Carella

women; that in the case of Caribbean countries, such as Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Grenada, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, over 50 per cent of the migrants are women; in the case of Barbados, approximately 60 per cent. So, it's crucial to take that aspect into account.”

The workshop and meeting of the Advisory Groups were supported through a collaboration with IOM’s Coordination Office for the Caribbean and the UNNM, which comprises UN Organizations with cross-cutting responsibility for migra-

2023 and the activities scheduled for the next 14 months.

These activities include hiring consultants to complete the policy framework and provide coordination support for Caricom; capacity-building and sensitisation in Caricom Member States; and the development of a communications plan and a fundraising strategy to support the implementation of the policy through capacity-building, research, technical support and investment in key infrastructure, contributing towards further regional integration among Caricom Member States.

33

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Messages

Let the light of prosperity Embrace values of unity, manifest within our lives tolerance & respect for each as we build stronger bonds other’s cultures – ERC of togetherness – PPP T

A

s our nation celebrates the festival of Deepavali, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) takes this opportunity to extend greetings to all Guyanese, especially the Hindu community.

Deepavali commemorates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana, and his triumphant return to the kingdom after years of exile. The jubilant subjects of Ayodhya, keen to make Lord Rama’s homecoming as swift and safe as possible, illuminated the way with masses of twinkling diyas.

Universally recognized as the Festival of Light, the triumph of knowledge over ignorance, and the substitution of all that is negative with that which is positive, we call on all Guyanese, in particular our Hindu brothers and sisters, to reflect upon the significance of this great festival, and to inculcate its message into their daily lives.

Occasions such as these present the

opportunity for all of our people to display to the world, as one nation, the beauty and uniqueness of our cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity and tolerance.

Let us all remain open to be inspired by its pertinent messages, and to work for the best interest of our country, so that the light of prosperity will manifest itself in our lives, building stronger bonds of togetherness.

Shubh Deepavali to all!

he Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) extends warm greetings to all Guyanese, especially our Hindu brothers and sisters, on this auspicious occasion of Diwali, also known as Deepavali, the Festival of Lights.

Diwali signifies, among other things, the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. It reminds us that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, once there is faith and discipline, light and goodness will prevail.

The Commission firmly believes that a harmonious and tolerant society can only be fully realized once our minds become illuminated through the power of knowledge. As such, the ERC is advocating that we all take this opportunity to learn more about the customs, traditions, and histories of our friends and neighbours who observe Diwali, as it will only serve to further enrich Guyana’s multifaceted cultural tapestry.

The ERC recognizes the cultural and spiritual significance of Diwali in our di-

verse society. The honoured Guyanese traditions of beautifully decorated motorcades and homes adorned with diyas and lights serve as a timely reminder that this festival transcends religious and cultural boundaries. Indeed, it is a time when people of all backgrounds come together and share in the spirit of togetherness.

As we celebrate this vibrant and joyous occasion, the ERC encourages everyone to embrace the values of unity, tolerance and respect for all.

Shubh Deepavali!

Diwali celebration transcends May this festival of light illuminate one community, supported the path towards a harmonious, nationally – GAWU inclusive Guyana – AFC

A

s we again observe the Festival of Lights – Diwali – the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) takes this opportunity to extend best wishes to all Guyanese, particularly our Hindu brothers and sisters.

Diwali is a time for celebration, but it is also a time for reflection – a time when we must remember that there are always others less fortunate than ourselves. This holiday reminds us that we should commit ourselves to helping those in need. For many, this is also a time to gather with family and to pray.

The Diwali celebration is one that today transcends one community, and is supported nationally. The symbol of the lighted diyas is not only lovely to behold in the evening,

but it impacts the message of the value of spiritual enlightenment in our collective efforts to bring about conditions for our peace of mind and a satisfying life.

With such sentiments in mind, GAWU is encouraged by the usually wide interest shown in the expectedly dazzling celebrations that are traditionally associated with Diwali.

Diwali honours the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge and wisdom over ignorance and thoughtlessness. Diwali also reminds us that we must each do

our part to achieve that victory by committing ourselves to serving others, to ensure that together we continue moving closer to that better and peaceful future we all seek. On this holy day, devotees around the country and worldwide will light diyas that symbolise the victory of light over darkness. May this divine light shower you with peace, prosperity, happiness, success and fulfilment. May it also encourage recommitment and rededication by all to make Guyana and the world a better place for all.

We wish all practitioners of the Hindu faith, and indeed all Guyanese, a happy and enjoyable Diwali, the Festival of Light.

Let the lights, at this time, light up our pathway to harmony, economic well-being and our general upliftment.

T

he Alliance for Change (AFC) extends warm greetings to the people of Guyana on the joyous occasion of Deepavali, the Festival of Lights.

Deepavali, celebrated by millions around the world, holds special significance in our multicultural and diverse nation. It is a time when communities come together to celebrate the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

This festival transcends religious and cultural boundaries, fostering unity and understanding among the people of Guyana. The Alliance for Change recognizes the importance of embracing our shared heritage and celebrating the cultural tapestry that makes our nation unique.

As we illuminate our homes and communities with the glow of diyas and the brilliance of vibrant decorations, let us also kindle the light of compassion, tolerance, and respect for one another.

Deepavali serves as a powerful reminder that, despite our differences, we are bound by the common threads of humanity.

The Alliance for Change encourages all Guyanese to join in the festivities, partake in the cultural richness

that Deepavali brings, and use this occasion to strengthen the bonds that unite us as a nation. Together, let us work towards a future where diversity is not only celebrated, but also serves as a source of strength and resilience.

On behalf of the Alliance for Change, we wish everyone a joyous and prosperous Deepavali. May the light of this festival brighten our lives and illuminate the path towards a harmonious and inclusive Guyana.

Diwali spreads peace & love, influences respect – Guyana Islamic Federation T

he Guyana Islamic Federation for Religious Solidarity and Human Development sends out greetings of peace, joy and a fulfilled destiny to all our Hindu brothers and sisters, and to the world over. We extend sincere greetings to His Excellency President

Dr. Irfaan Ali, the Cabinet, Leader of the Opposition, and to all our citizens, to enjoy this day in peace, safety, love and harmony.

The Festival of Lights is something that is exceptionally celebrated now the world over by one and a half billion people of Indian descent. The Diaspora of

ancient Bharat, India, has taken the message of love and goodness of the One Humanity through the Festival of Lights to the world. It has spread goodness, peace and love among all people, and has influenced people of other faiths to respect Sanatan Dharma from the ancient

land of Bharat.

The philosophy of our Excellency President Dr. Irfaan Ali matches in the most congenial way the wisdom and philosophy of Diwali, which in our case is a true One Guyana philosophy. A true One Guyana principle where all our people must unite and work

for the development, goodness and growth of our peoples, and the opportunities for all must be enjoyed, as it is being worked upon

by Excellency President Dr. Irfaan Ali. Not only on Diwali, but the One Guyana philosophy must live in our hearts forever and ever, and we all must

learn to enjoy each other’s holidays in peace and joy and full respect.

May the Holy Lights of Diwali, the diyas of the earth, spread peace, health and goodwill in our own hearts, among our families, and families to families in our country for a true One Guyana.

34

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023

Regional

Jamaicans urged not Trapped Brazilians, to panic as dengue source of tensions with Israel, still stuck in Gaza cases rise A

H

ealth authorities on Thursday appealed to Jamaicans not to panic as the country’s dengue fever cases swelled to 870.

Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Jacquiline Bisasor McKenzie said this is the highest number of confirmed cases in comparison to previous outbreaks in 2019 (179) and 2016 (190 cases). “...By far the number of confirmed cases at 870 is a lot more than we had in the previous years,” she told at a press conference held at the Ministry’s New Kingston office on Thursday, but appealed to Jamaicans not to panic.

She said the confirmation of this number of dengue cases is due to the Health Ministry’s increased capacity to test at the National Public Health Lab. “In 2019 we had to depend quite a bit on results coming in from the Caribbean Public Health Agency in Trinidad, and there was a long delay in getting results. Now we are getting results within 48 hours and…higher numbers of test results,” she said.

Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton (centre) in conversation with Director of Environmental Health Michael Williams and Chief Medical Officer Dr Jacquiline BisasorMcKenzie, at a press conference held at the Ministry in New Kingston, Thursday (Photo: JIS)

The CMO said the 870 cases are among the 3147 suspected, presumed, and confirmed dengue cases recorded by the Health Ministry’s National Surveillance Unit as of November 6, 2023.

She said the number of confirmed dengue-related deaths have moved to two. This is among the nine deaths recorded, with seven classified as suspected. No deaths have, however, been

recorded in the past two weeks.

Additionally, within the last week, on average 72 people have required hospitalisation for dengue symptoms.

In the meantime, Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Chistopher Tufton said the outbreak is expected to run its course until the end of 2023 into the new year. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Saturday. “Today we came out strong and united to win the heart of our great capital.”

To pursue the post, twotime congresswoman Brugada stood down as Mayor of Iztapalapa, a sprawling borough in the southeast of the capital of over 1.8 million people where she built up a respected track record during three stints in charge.

New gender parity rules on political representation in Mexico secured the nomination for the 60-year-old Brugada, even though the capital’s former Chief of Police Omar Garcia Harfuch comfortably defeated her in polling commissioned by the party.

Nine heads of regional government will be elected next June, including the Mayor’s job, and the parity rules meant that parties needed to nominate at least five women for the posts.

As runner-up for the capital, Brugada will run for the job to meet the quota, MORENA party leaders said.

Mexico City has for decades been a bastion of the left, but MORENA suffered a major setback in midterm elections in 2021, losing more than half the city’s boroughs to the opposition.

The city’s top job has also served as a springboard for presidential ambitions.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

group of 34 Brazilians, trapped in Gaza since the outbreak of the IsraelHamas war last month, saw their hopes of leaving extinguished again on Friday as the border with Egypt was shut, Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira said.

The Brazilians’ dire situation has played a central role in Brazil’s mounting displeasure with Israel’s conduct in the conflict, which began with an attack on Israel from Gaza

by Palestinian militants of Hamas on Oct 7 that Israel has met with a bombardment of the enclave.

Brazilian officials say they have grown irate at the slow pace of exit for the Brazilians, with a view that Israel is slow-walking their release. The Rafah crossing through which foreign nationals and aid have been transported is controlled by Egypt.

The 34 Brazilians believed they would be leaving on Friday, and travelled from their shelter in Gaza to the border - only to have to return when they learned it would not be opened.

Brazil’s Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira speaking to members of the media after attending a UN Security Council meeting about the conflict in Gaza, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, US, October 13, 2023

“The Brazilians were on the list since Wednesday, but their departure was not confirmed because there was no opening for individuals of different nationalities,” Vieira told journalists in Brasilia. “The situation in Gaza doesn’t allow me to say, at the moment, when they will leave.”

Evacuations from Gaza through Rafah began on Nov 1 for an estimated 7000 foreign passport holders, dual nationals and their dependents, as well as a limited number of people needing urgent medical

treatment.

The fate of the trapped Brazilians in Gaza is not the only issue to drive a wedge between Brazil and Israel in recent days.

An unusual statement by Israeli spy agency Mossad this week saying it had helped foil a Hezbollah attack in Brazil added to tensions, as did an appearance by Israel’s ambassador to Brazil with former President Jair Bolsonaro, a staunch Israel ally and longtime foe of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Mexico’s ruling party again picks Missing London man Robert woman to run for Mayor of capital Dyer found dead in Jamaica

M

exico’s ruling party on Saturday picked veteran politician Clara Brugada to be its candidate for Mexico City Mayor, placing her in a strong position to win the election next June.

Brugada could become the second woman in a row to be elected as Mayor of the Mexican capital if her campaign for President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s leftist National Regeneration Movement (MORENA) is successful.

“Thank you to everyone who gave us their trust,” Brugada wrote on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, early on

A

man who went missing two days into a holiday in Jamaica has been found dead.

Robert Dyer, 60, from Lewisham, south-east London, became lost when he was walking in a wooded area near St Elizabeth in the south-west of the island on Sunday.

His body was found at 09:15 local time on Thursday during a search-and-rescue operation, the Jamaica Constabulary Force said on

P

tion of early man, later in his so-called Western Age of Enlightenment, followed by what we believed to be a centuries-long march of progress, into a Fourth Industrial Revolution, with artificial intelligence, creating advances in genetic engineering, robotics, nano-technology, quantum computing, and space exploration,” he said.

He added that for us, there was hope that at some point man would have overcome, finally, his fatal flaw, that of irrationality.

“But for the past two years, the world has been under many dark clouds of war and inhumanity on a scale unanticipated in modern times. So, as citizens, be warned that the gruesome effects of these occurrences will reach our land, in some form,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the inherent message of Diwali holds a light to this flood of darkness, inviting each one of us to look within ourselves for inner peace, beyond the rapid and confusing pace of our daily lives. (Trinidad Observer)

previously.

More than 250 people were involved with the search operation on Tuesday, according to local media reports.

On Wednesday night volunteers found Dyer’s trekking stick.

A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Jamaica and are in contact with the local authorities.”

(BBC News)

Mottley takes climate change message to Africa Investment Forum

PM warns effects of war will reach T&T P

rime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has warned citizens that they could see some effects of the wars taking place around the world.

In his Diwali message, Dr Rowley said in recent times, there was the feeling among many people, himself included, that there were signs, at last, that gave us hope for greater human understanding, comity, and long-lasting peace.

“On reflection, we, quite naively, charted that hope from the cognitive revolu-

social media.

The Force said “no foul play is suspected in his death”.

The Jamaica Defence Force and the fire brigade were involved in the search for Dyer.

Dyer had made contact with his brother on Sunday, having become lost on his walk.

He called his wife Anne on Monday and sounded “disoriented” and was “severely dehydrated”, his family said

rime Minister Mia Amor Mottley believes there has to be a global approach to combating climate change in order to prevent smaller nations being disadvantaged.

Mottley was speaking at the Africa Investment Forum Opening Ceremony which was held in Marrakech, Morocco, on Wednesday, and expressed the belief that it was important citizens from small island developing states (SIDS) could benefit from investments made by their Government.

“If we are continuously fighting the climate crisis and the consequences, it will be difficult to raise the quality of life of our people. That is why we believe there has to be a unified approach to creating a more level playing field,” she explained.

Mottley also mentioned this challenge has presented an opportunity for collaboration between Barbados and Africa.

“For many years we in the Caribbean have spoken about the climate crisis and indicated that we were the canaries in the

mine - a small island developing state (SIDS),” Mottley continued. “But we have so failed to act that others have joined (before us) and in particular in this continent, you have felt through droughts, floods, hurricanes, the full impact of climate change.

This has given us an opportunity to show how we can work together again, not just on the immediacy of the political actions which are necessary for the climate crisis, but most importantly the oxygen necessary for development.” (Excerpt from Nation News)

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023

35

Around The World

Israel's war on Hamas OILNEWS OIL NEWS hones in on Gaza hospitals US drillers cut P

oil rigs to lowest since Jan 2022 for 2nd week – Baker Hughes

U

S energy firms this week cut the number of oil rigs operating for a second week in a row to the lowest since January 2022, energy services firm Baker Hughes said in its closely followed report on Friday.

The combined oil and natural gas rig count, traditionally an early indicator of future output, fell by two to 616 in the week to Nov 10, the lowest since February 2022.

Baker Hughes said that puts the total rig count down 163, or 21%, below this time last year.

The number of active rigs has dropped since December due to weaker energy prices and as many firms return profits to investors and pay down debt rather than spending to boost production.

However, US oil and gas production is still set to hit record highs this year as demand grows and the industry boosts efficiency to offset the impact of the lower prices.

The number of oil rigs fell by two to 494 this week, while gas rigs were unchanged at 118.

US oil futures were down about 4% so far this year after gaining about 7% in 2022. US gas futures, meanwhile, have plunged about 32% so far this year after rising about 20% last year.

Despite lower prices for oil and gas, independent exploration and production companies tracked by US financial services firm TD Cowen were set to raise spending by about 20% this year, a slight increase from earlier expectations of a 19% hike. Spending rose about 40% in 2022 and 4% in 2021.

Much of the extra spending, however, is going towards rising inflation-related costs for labour and equipment.

US oil and gas output is expected to rise to record highs in 2023, although the Energy Information Administration (EIA) slightly cut its forecasts this week.

Crude production was on track to rise from 11.9 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2022 to 12.9 million bpd in 2023 and 13.2 million bpd in 2024. That compares with a record 12.3 million bpd in 2019.

Gas production was set to rise from a record 99.6 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd) in 2022 to 103.7 bcfd in 2023 and 105.1 bcfd in 2024. (Reuters)

alestinian officials said two babies had died and dozens more were at risk after fuel ran out at Gaza's largest hospital on Saturday, while Israel said it was ready to evacuate babies from the facility.

As the humanitarian situation worsened, the Gaza's border authority announced that the Rafah land crossing into Egypt would reopen today for foreign passport holders after being closed on Friday.

Amid continued fighting, Hamas said it had completely or partially destroyed more than 160 Israeli military targets in Gaza, including more than 25 vehicles in the past 48 hours.

But an Israeli military spokesperson said Hamas had lost control of northern Gaza.

The Israeli military will help evacuate babies trapped in Gaza's Al Shifa Hospital, chief military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said.

"The staff of the Shifa hospital has requested that tomorrow we help the babies in the paediatric department to get to a safer hospital. We will provide the assistance needed," Hagari told a news conference.

Israel said earlier that doctors, patients and thousands of evacuees who have taken refuge at hospitals in northern Gaza must leave so it can tackle Hamas gunmen who it says have placed command centres under and around them.

Hamas denies using hospitals in this way. Medical staff say patients could die if they are moved and

Palestinians fleeing North Gaza move southward as Israeli tanks roll deeper into the enclave, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in the central Gaza Strip November 10, 2023

Palestinian officials say Israeli fire makes it dangerous for others to leave.

"It's totally a war zone, it's a totally scary atmosphere here in the hospital," Ahmed al-Mokhallalati, a senior

plastic surgeon at Al Shifa hospital, told Reuters. "It's continuous bombardment for more than 24 hours now."

The Israeli military denied endangering the hospital. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Russia renews missile attacks on Kyiv, pounds Ukraine's east and south

R

ussia launched a missile attack on Ukraine's capital Kyiv and the nearby region for the first time in weeks on Saturday and pounded the east and south of the country with drones, Ukrainian officials said.

Serhiy Popko, head of the Kyiv city military administration, said a Russian ballistic missile was launched toward the capital at about 08:00 am (0600 GMT).

"After a long pause of 52 days, the enemy has resumed missile attacks on Kyiv," Popko said on the Telegram messaging app. "The missile failed to reach Kyiv, air defenders shot it down as it was approaching the capital."

Popko said there were no casualties or major damage in the capital.

Ruslan Kravchenko, regional governor for the central Kyiv region, said five private

houses and several commercial buildings in the area were damaged. He said two Russian missiles struck a field between settlements.

Ukraine's air defenders also shot down 19 Iranianmade "Shahed" drones out of 31 launched by the Russian forces in the overnight attack on southern and eastern regions, the air force said in a statement.

Oleh Kiper, Odesa's regional governor, said the southern region was attacked with missiles and drones on

Friday evening and overnight.

The strikes wounded three people and damaged port infrastructure facilities, he said without offering further details.

Russia has intensified its bombardments of Ukraine's ports, including Odesa, and grain infrastructure since July when Moscow pulled out of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, a wartime deal that enabled Ukraine’s exports to reach many countries facing the threat of hunger. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Iceland prepares for Violence in Sudan volcanic eruption In very rare move, Pope “verging on pure in coming days dismisses conservative evil”, UN warns US Bishop Strickland

V

iolence against civilians in Sudan is “verging on pure evil”, a senior United Nations official has warned, after nearly seven months of war has left a wave of destruction with at least half the population in need of humanitarian aid.

“We continue to receive unrelenting and appalling reports of sexual and gender-based violence and forced disappearance, arbitrary detentions and grave violations of human and children’s rights,” Clementine NkwetaSalami, the UN humanitarian coordinator for Sudan, told a news conference on Friday.

“What is happening is verging on pure evil. The protection of civilians continues to be of major concern,” she said.

Since the civil war escalated between the Sudanese army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April, nearly six million people have been uprooted from their country or have been in-

ternally displaced.

Nkweta-Salami added that some 25 million people need humanitarian help and said that more than more than 70 per cent of health facilities in the conflict areas were now out of service, resulting in outbreaks of cholera, dengue, malaria and measles, and high levels of malnutrition among children.

The UN is targeting about 12 million people for aid and has appealed for another US$2.6bn.

Within Sudan, fears are also mounting that the horrors of Darfur 20 years ago are returning, with reports of widespread killings, rapes and destruction of villages in the region.

Nkweta-Salami noted that people fleeing to neighbouring Chad had also reported cases of ethnically driven killings taking place in Sudan’s West Darfur with the RSF taking over the main army base in the state capital, el-Geneina.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

I

celandic authorities said on Saturday they were preparing for a volcanic eruption in the southwest of the island in the coming days after a series of earthquakes and evidence of magma spreading rapidly underground.

The Icelandic Meteorological Office said there was a "considerable" risk of an eruption on or just off the Reykjanes peninsula because of the size of the underground magma intrusion and the rate at which it was moving.

"The probability of an eruption has increased since this morning and an eruption could start at any time in the next few days," it said in a statement.

Iceland's Civil Protection Agency overnight ordered a complete evacuation of Grindavik, a fishing town of around 3000 residents.

The Reykjanes region has seen several eruptions in unpopulated areas in recent years. The latest is expected to begin on the seabed just

southwest of Grindavik, the meteorological office said.

A tunnel of magma, or molten rock, that extends northeast across Grindavik and some 10 km further inland, was estimated late on Saturday at a depth of less than 800 metres, compared with 1500 m earlier in the day, the office said.

On Thursday, increased seismic activity prompted the closure of the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, one of Iceland's main tourist attractions.

Reykjanes is a volcanic and seismic hot spot southwest of the capital Reykjavik.

In March 2021, lava fountains erupted spectacularly from a fissure in the ground measuring between 500-750 metres long in the region's Fagradalsfjall volcanic system.

The Fagradalsfjall system, which is around 6 km wide and 19 km long, had remained inactive for more than 6000 years prior to the recent eruptions. (Excerpt from Reuters)

P

ope Francis has dismissed Bishop Joseph E Strickland of Tyler, Texas, one of his fiercest critics among US Roman Catholic conservatives, a Vatican statement said on Saturday.

It is very rare for a bishop to be relieved of his duties outright. Usually, bishops in trouble with the Vatican are asked to resign before submitting a resignation, which the pope accepts.

Popes make such moves, considered drastic, when a bishop refuses a request to resign. Strickland is 65, 10 years shy of the usual retirement age for bishops.

Strickland had said earlier this year that he would refuse to resign if asked.

Strickland, a prolific user of social media who was named to the diocese by the late Pope Benedict in 2012, tweeted earlier this year that he rejected Pope Francis' "program undermining the

Deposit of Faith".

He has been particularly critical of the pope's attempt to make the Church more welcoming to the LGBT community and attempts by Francis to give lay people more responsibility in the Church and opposed a recent synod.

The dismissal followed a Vatican investigation earlier this year into the administration of the Tyler diocese, which Catholic media reports said included a review of his handling of financial affairs.

Strickland had become one of the most vocal standard bearers of the ultra-conservative wing of the U.S. Church and has a national following far beyond the small diocese of Tyler in eastern Texas.

Last August, the pope lamented what he called a "reactionary" Catholic Church in the United States, where he said political ideology had replaced faith in some cases. (Excerpt from Reuters)

36

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023

Make partnerships a priority.

Look at ways to im(March 21prove your lifestyle. An opApril 19) portunity to join forces with a loved one will get you a step closer to your life goal.

ARIES

Being a go-getter will TAURUS open doors. Share your (April 20thoughts to receive valuMay 20) able feedback. Think big but pay attention to the details.

Manage your time efficiently.

Research will save you a GEMINI (MAY 28- bundle. Learn from the experts and redirect your skills June 20) to fit your needs. Participate in exciting events and talk to people who can offer different perspectives.

Feed your imaginaCANCER tion.

Surround yourself (June 21with people who make you July 22) think. Consider how to use your attributes to improve the world. Your input will make a difference.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Listen carefully and consider how to tailor information to make it more easily heard. Physical activity will ease stress. Romance and self-improvement will boost your ego and confidence.

A physical change will give you a different per(Aug. 23- spective on the possibilSept. 22) ities. Use your imagination, and you’ll devise a plan that works for you and pleases your colleagues.

VIRGO

Pickles

Put your energy where it LIBRA counts.

Make innovative do(Sept. 23mestic changes to save monOct. 23) ey and make your home more efficient. How you adjust to outside influences will determine your popularity.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Dance to the beat of your heart, and the doorway to adventure will open. Accept change and be ready to incorporate unique experiences into your everyday routine.

SAGITTARIUS Refuse to let anyone hold (Nov. 23you back. Say what’s on your Dec. 21) mind and focus on doing what’s right and best for you, the environment and those who need help. Your empathy and hard work will be appreciated.

Peanuts

CAPRICORN Do your best to reduce overhead and tighten your (Dec. 22spending habits. Take care Jan. 19) of yourself by focusing on your exercise routine. Don’t waste time or money.

Calvin and Hobbes

Enjoy what life offers.

AQUARIUS Keep life simple. Don’t hold (Jan. 20back when it’s necessary to Feb. 19) make things happen. Offer kindness and hands-on help to brighten someone’s day.

PISCES (Feb. 20Mar. 20)

Tie up loose ends, update documents, tend to money management and upgrade the way you take care of yourself. Choosing a healthy lifestyle will give you more energy. Don’t settle for less.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023

37

ICC ODI World CUP 2023: England vs Pakistan

Stokes, Willey fashion last hurrah for England E

ngland's soon-to-bedeposed world champions bade farewell to the 2023 World Cup with a glimpse of their former domineering selves, as they marched to an emphatic 93run win over Pakistan at Eden Gardens. The result means that Babar Azam's men are officially out of semi-final contention.

David Willey marked the final appearance of his international career with a sparky all-round display that included his 100th and final ODI wicket, and after Ben Stokes had underpinned an imposing total of 337 for 9 with his second forceful outing in quick succession, Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid turned the screw on a spin-friendly surface to snuff out any pretence of a contest with four wickets between them.

England vs Pakistan could have been one of the matches of the World Cup, and surely would have been had either team lived up to their pre-tournament expectations. Instead, both slipped out of the side door among the also-rans, even if England's second victory in quick succession did confirm them a seventh-place finish in the group stage standings, and a place at the 2025 Champions Trophy the most pyrrhic of consolation prizes.

As for Pakistan, their despondent display began from the moment Jos Buttler called correctly at the toss. With

fourth-placed New Zealand streets ahead of them on net run-rate, their already slim chance of reaching the semi-finals had rested on putting a huge score on the board and routing England by 287 runs or more in response - which, to be fair, wasn't totally outlandish, given England's experiences in the tournament so far.

Being asked to bowl first, however, was a different matter. Once Jonny Bairstow and Dawid Malan had biffed along

David Willey struck for England with the new ball

Fifty-six of Ben Stokes's 84 runs came in boundaries

to 72 without loss in the powerplay - England's highest of the tournament - Pakistan already needed to be able to tick off that total inside three overs, and that requirement only rose exponentially with every additional run. Their eventual target of 338 meant their challenge would be officially snuffed out after 6.4 overs of their chase, by which stage Willey had reduced them to 30 for 2 with his 98th

SCOREBOARD

England (50 ovs maximum) Dawid Malan c †Mohammad Rizwan b Iftikhar Ahmed 31 Jonny Bairstow c Agha Salman b Haris Rauf 59 Joe Root c Shadab Khan b Shaheen Shah Afridi 60 Ben Stokes b Shaheen Shah Afridi 84 Jos Buttler (c)† run out (Haris Rauf) 27 Harry Brook c Shaheen Shah Afridi b Haris Rauf 30 Moeen Ali b Haris Rauf 8 Chris Woakes not out 4 David Willey c Iftikhar Ahmed b Mohammad Wasim 15 Gus Atkinson b Mohammad Wasim 0 Adil Rashid not out 0 Extras (b 5, lb 2, w 12) 19 TOTAL 50 Ov (RR: 6.74) 337/9 Fall of wickets: 1-82 (Dawid Malan, 13.3 ov), 2-108 (Jonny Bairstow, 18.2 ov), 3-240 (Ben Stokes, 40.1 ov), 4-257 (Joe Root, 42.2 ov), 5-302 (Harry Brook, 46.4 ov), 6-308 (Jos Buttler, 47.2 ov), 7-317 (Moeen Ali, 48.4 ov), 8-336 (David Willey, 49.4 ov), 9-336 (Gus Atkinson, 49.5 ov) • BOWLING Shaheen Shah Afridi Haris Rauf Iftikhar Ahmed Mohammad Wasim Shadab Khan Agha Salman

O-M-R-W 10-1-72-2 10-0-64-3 7-0-38-1 10-0-74-2 10-0-57-0 3-0-25-0

and 99th ODI wickets.

From there the only way was down for Pakistan. Babar Azam miscued Gus Atkinson to midwicket to end his campaign as he had begun it against the Netherlands, while Mohammad Rizwan also provided an unwitting echo of past performances, as he galloped down the pitch to Moeen and seized up with cramp while the ball was gripped to bowl him through his gate - a comedic reprise of his heroics against Sri Lanka

Pakistan (T: 338 runs from 50 ovs) Abdullah Shafique lbw b Willey 0 Fakhar Zaman c Stokes b Willey 1 Babar Azam (c) c Rashid b Atkinson 38 Mohammad Rizwan † b Ali 36 Saud Shakeel b Rashid 29 Agha Salman c Stokes b Willey 51 Iftikhar Ahmed c Malan b Ali 3 Shadab Khan b Rashid 4 Shaheen Shah Afridi lbw b Atkinson 25 Mohammad Wasim not out 16 Haris Rauf c Stokes b Woakes 35 Extras (lb 1, w 5) 6 TOTAL 43.3 Ov (RR: 5.60) 244 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Abdullah Shafique, 0.2 ov), 2-10 (Fakhar Zaman, 2.4 ov), 3-61 (Babar Azam, 13.6 ov), 4-100 (Mohammad Rizwan, 22.3 ov), 5-126 (Saud Shakeel, 27.5 ov), 6-145 (Iftikhar Ahmed, 30.1 ov), 7-150 (Shadab Khan, 31.4 ov), 8-186 (Agha Salman, 36.4 ov), 9-191 (Shaheen Shah Afridi, 37.4 ov), 10-244 (Haris Rauf, 43.3 ov) • BOWLING O-M-R-W David Willey 10-0-56-3 Chris Woakes 5.3-0-27-1 Adil Rashid 10-0-55-2 Gus Atkinson 8-0-45-2 Moeen Ali 10-0-60-2

earlier in the campaign.

Regardless of the subplots, it was unquestionably England's most complete performance of the World Cup. At the ninth time of asking, they got their batting tempo just right on what soon proved to be a sluggish black-soil surface, with a trio of half-centuries from Bairstow, Joe Root and Stokes interspersed with a clutch of unfettered cameos - including an admittedly jammy 27 from 18 balls from Buttler - that suggested that they had finally stopped worrying and simply reverted to hitting the ball as hard and as often as possible.

Bairstow, to be fair, hadn't strayed far from that formula all tournament, but after an underwhelming haul of 156 runs at 19.50 in his previous eight innings, this time he allowed himself time to gauge the pace of the pitch before signalling the charge with five fours and a six in the space of 16 balls, after just one run from his first 11. His eventual 59 from 61 balls ended with a flat drive to cover off Haris Rauf, by which stage Malan, England's most consistent performer in an underwhelming field, had already fallen on the reverse-sweep for 31.

However, in taking England's opening stand to 82 in the 14th over, the pair had at least spared Root reacquaintance with the powerplay - a period of the game that, to judge by his 11 dismissals in 19 innings since the 2019 win, has seemingly had him spooked.

Root's bafflingly poor tournament concluded with his third half-century in nine in-

nings, and an overall haul of 276 runs at 30.66 that disguised the extent to which his game went missing in the crunch moments of England's campaign. Even so, his 60 from 72 balls was still a long way removed from the standards to which he aspires.

Once again, his timing on his trademark scoop over the keeper was noticeably awry, and until Mohammad Wasim offered up back-to-back fours to give his strike-rate a massage late in his stay, he'd managed a solitary boundary in his first 38 balls.

Root did, however, have

knee was on its last sinews.

At one point, after a bludgeon through the line off Wasim, it visibly locked up in his follow-through, but Stokes's response was to get even more inventive with his angles, including an extraordinary tumbling reverse-sweep for six over backward point off Agha Salman, a shot last seen in his Headingly 2019 miracle.

A second century in successive innings seemed to beckon as the range of hits kept coming, until Afridi back for the 40th over with the ball just beginning to reverse - landed a pinpoint

Mohammad Rizwan playing a late cut with Jos Buttler also interested

familiar and indomitable company to mitigate his tempo.

For the second match running, Stokes turned in the sort of performance that had been expected of him on his return to ODI colours. His 84 from 76 balls provided the impetus in England's telling third-wicket stand of 132, although it might have been a different story had Shaheen Shah Afridi clung on to a return catch after suckering Stokes with a well-disguised slower ball. That moment could have sent Stokes on his way for 10 from 16 balls. Instead, it was the catalyst for an inevitable counterattack, as Afridi's next ball was belted straight back over his head for four, followed by three more thrashes down the ground in his subsequent over.

The harder Stokes came, however, the more apparent it was that his troublesome left

first-ball yorker to pluck out his off stump. With Stokes booked in for surgery ahead of January's Test tour of India, and given his prior absences from the ODI and T20I setups, that moment could well have marked the end of his involvement in England's whiteball formats. It may not have been the glory he had envisaged after reversing his ODI retirement, but at least it was suitably removed from the ignominy that the team had embraced earlier in the campaign.

And with a platform finally set for the middle-order, there was also chance for Buttler to end his campaign on a high - although, in keeping with his troubling loss of form, he wasn't entirely able to capitalise. He did at least unfurl his reverse-sweep for the first time in the tournament - an extraordinary in-

dictment of his flatlining confidence - but having nailed the first off Shadab, he scuffed the second through Wasim's clutches at backward point, then survived a second chance in the same over as Rauf at long-on trod on the rope after clinging on to a miscued drive.

There was even time for Buttler to chop Wasim onto his own stumps without dislodging the bails, but just when it seemed the fates were feeling sorry for him, Rauf ran him out with a bullet shy from backward point, to draw a veil over an inglorious tournament haul of 138 runs at 15.33.

With Brook chipping in with a hard-hitting 30 from 17, Willey marked his retirement with a lusty cameo of 15 from five balls, then carried that feel-good factor into his opening burst. His second delivery curled into Abdullah Shafique's front pad to trap him lbw for a duck, and he had two in ten balls when Fakhar Zaman - the hero of Pakistan's rain-affected chase against New Zealand - smeared to Stokes at mid-off for 1.

Of Pakistan's top-order, only Agha Salman, with 51 from 45, found a tempo remotely in keeping with the needs of a stiff chase, but Willey bagged him too in his second spell, caught at long-off for a satisfying 100th wicket.

By then the game was over as a contest, thanks to two other players who may well have just played their last ODIs. And if so, then Adil Rashid - England's best player of a grim campaign - looks to have signed off with 199 wickets, after two more breakthroughs, including a sharp googly to bowl Saud Shakeel round his legs for 29.

England's margin of victory would have been more emphatic, but for a carefree tenth-wicket stand of 53 between Wasim and #11 Rauf, who belted three sixes in his 23-ball 35. But by then both teams' thoughts had drifted away to the what-ifs.

(ESPNCricinfo)

38

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023

NBA in-season tournament…

LeBron stars as Lakers beat Suns L

eBron James claimed 32 points and 11 rebounds as the Los Angeles Lakers ended a three-game losing streak with a 122-119 win at the Phoenix Suns.

Kevin Durant scored a game-high 38 points for Phoenix in what was both teams’ in-season tournament opener. The Suns led 96-89 at the end of the third quarter after Durant scored nine points in a span of 71 seconds. But the Lakers opened the fourth quarter with an 11-0 run to take the lead, and ultimately held on.

After missing Wednesday’s game at Houston with a hip in-

jury, Anthony Davis added 18 points for the Lakers, who won on the road for the first time in six tries. Both teams now have a 4-5 record this season, with the Suns having played without Devin Booker (calf) for the seventh time in eight games.

There were in total nine NBA games played on Friday, all part of the league’s new in-season tournament. Luka Doncic scored 44 points on 17of-21 shooting as the Dallas Mavericks beat the visiting Los Angeles Clippers 144-126.

Kyrie Irving added 27 points for Dallas, who are now 7-2.

The Philadelphia 76ers en-

joyed a seventh straight win as Joel Embiid had 33 points and 16 rebounds in a 114-106 win at the Detroit Pistons.

Jaylen Brown scored a game-high 28 points to help the Boston Celtics end a twogame losing streak with a 121107 home win against the Brooklyn Nets, with Jayson Tatum adding 23 points.

Karl-Anthony Towns scored 29 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves came from behind for their fifth straight win, beating the San Antonio Spurs 117-110, despite 29 points from number one draft pick Victor Wembanyama.

LeBron James and Kevin Durant have a combined total of five Olympic gold medals, and were both part of USA’s squad in 2012

Fred VanVleet drilled two late three-pointers as the Houston Rockets rallied from a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter to win 104-101 at home to the New Orleans Pelicans.

Mark Williams had 21 points and a career-high 24 rebounds as the Charlotte Hornets won 124-117 at the Washington Wizards.

Elsewhere, the Sacramento Kings claimed a 105-98 home win against the Oklahoma City Thunder, while the Utah Jazz recovered to win 127-121 at the Memphis Grizzlies. (BBC Sport)

ICC ODI World Cup 2023: Australia vs Bangladesh…

Mitchell Marsh 177* powers team to seventh straight win

A

ustralia’s aversion to chasing has disappeared ahead of a semi-final with old foes South Africa, after a statement innings of 177 not out from Mitchell Marsh at #3 helped his side cruise to their second successive record World Cup chase against Bangladesh in Pune, running down 307 with eight wickets and 32 balls to spare.

Marsh made his highest ODI score and his first century at first drop, thumping 177 off 132 balls, with 17 fours

outstanding run outs to continue to prove his worth to Australia’s team.

Bangladesh’s only solace came from the fact that they avoided damage to their net run-rate and will likely qualify for the Champions Trophy, barring the Netherlands upsetting India.

Marsh’s second century of this World Cup was easily his most important. As good as his innings was when opening against Pakistan earlier in the tournament, his significantly

Mitchell Marsh scored his second World Cup hundred

and nine sixes in brutal fashion. Australia had chased more than 300 only once in the last four years, but the rejigged batting line-up finally clicked, with Steven Smith making an untroubled, unbeaten 63 at #4, and sharing in a 175-run stand to guide Australia to their seventh straight win of the tournament.

They made mincemeat of a toothless Bangladesh bowling attack that had fewer runs to defend than they should have had, after their batters butchered an outstanding platform to post just 306 for 8 on a pristine Pune batting strip. Towhid Hridoy had earlier made his highest World Cup score of 74, but six other Bangladesh batters passed 20 with none of them making more than 45.

Adam Zampa again put on a masterclass of middle overs bowling to take his World Cup wicket tally to 22, the second most of any spinner in tournament history, while Marnus Labuschagne produced two

inferior numbers at #3 had left some questions about the balance of Australia’s top seven.

But the fall of Travis Head in the third over of the chase allowed Marsh seven overs of powerplay batting to get comfortable again, and he made the most of it. His ball striking was as imposing as ever, standing tall and holding his shape to thump drive after drive on the up through the cover region.

Having been tied down by spin at different stages during the tournament, he showed no such fear against Bangladesh.

Long-off and long-off fielders were merely spectators as he hit balls 20 rows over their heads. He scarcely made a mistake. He barely played and missed. His only worry was having cramps late in the innings. But he powered through and kept his tempo up as he and Smith never gave Bangladesh a chance to open the door to Australia’s middle-order.

Marsh formed another outstanding partnership with

David Warner, who made another composed contribution.

Warner made 53 off 61 in a 120-run stand from just 17.2 overs, and looked completely untroubled until he inexplicably chipped Mustafizur Rahman to mid-off. It could have been a moment of controversy, as Bangladesh’s acting captain Najmul Hossain Shanto took the catch easily, before losing control of the ball when he clipped his own leg as he went to throw it in the air.

But Warner walked off without a qualm, bitterly disappointed at throwing away a possible third century in this World Cup. It brought Smith in at #4, a position he has been shunted to begrudgingly to accommodate Head and Marsh above him. But any fears Australia’s hierarchy may have had about the Marsh-Smith #3-4 dynamic were quickly erased as he found his trademark rhythm and flow at a venue he loves. Having played for the Pune franchise for three seasons in the IPL and scored a Test century here, he looked right at home as he turned the strike over consistently, and found the boundary when he needed to.

He even added some inventive lap sweeps to relieve pressure, and backed himself to clear the rope when he was beaten in flight.

It leaves Australia’s selectors with a quandary when Glenn Maxwell returns for the semi-final, having been rested in this game following his cramp-riddled 201 not out against Afghanistan just four days earlier.

That apart, Labuschagne’s contributions in the field were phenomenal to ensure Australia weren’t chasing more than 306. His two outstanding runouts stalled Bangladesh’s march as Australia’s bowlers lacked penetration. Mitchell Starc was rested, and Josh Hazlewood bowled only seven overs, for just 21 runs, to keep him fresh for the semi-final.

Australia’s other four seamers: Pat Cummins, Sean Abbott, Marcus Stoinis and Marsh, bowled 33 overs for 210 runs, and picked up only three wickets.

Bangladesh’s top order, led initially by Litton Das, Tanzid Hasan and Shanto, dominated the seamers with some sublime timing and brave footwork.

Tanzid and Shanto skipped down the track and flat-batted

length balls down the ground.

Litton pierced gaps with pure class. But they all butchered starts. The worst of those was Shanto, who looked set on 45 when he took on Labuschagne for two and was run out by a

ly to long-on for 36 after scoring just five singles from the first eight balls he faced off the legspinner. Zampa later tied Mushfiqur Rahim in knots, before forcing a miscue to midwicket.

turn means their overs may not be required in the knockout games. (ESPNCricinfo)

CLASSIFIED ADS ASTROLOGY Pandith Mohan can read past, present and future specialist bring back loved ones within days, love, health, business, family problems etc. Located Georgetown Guyana call or whatsapp 692-1009.

Steven Smith collected many singles and doubles behind square

mile.

Hridoy, who played impressively to make his first World Cup half-century, then called for a suicide single to Labuschagne at cover. He swooped like one of his childhood heroes Jonty Rhodes, diving, gathering and underarming in one motion to hit direct from close range and run out a helpless Mahmudullah just as he was starting to roll on 32.

Zampa was able to take control through the middle overs. He had already forced Litton to hole out needless-

Sean Abbott, who had replaced Starc for his first appearance of the World Cup, then bowled superbly at the death, delivering slower ball bouncers with precision to concede just four runs in overs 48 and 50, and finish with figures of 2 for 61 from 10.

Australia’s only concern with the ball was Marsh and Stoinis’s contribution of 1 for 91 from nine overs between them. But Marsh’s magnificent century more than made up for it, and Maxwell’s re-

SCOREBOARD

Bangladesh (50 ovs maximum) Tanzid Hasan c & b Abbott 36 Litton Das c Labuschagne b Zampa 36 Najmul Hossain Shanto (c) run out (Labuschagne/†Inglis) 45 Towhid Hridoy c Labuschagne b Stoinis 74 Mahmudullah run out (Labuschagne) 32 Mushfiqur Rahim † c Cummins b Zampa 21 Mehidy Hasan Miraz c Cummins b Abbott 29 Nasum Ahmed run out (Abbott) 7 Mahedi Hasan not out 2 Taskin Ahmed not out 0 Extras (lb 10, nb 2, w 12) 24 TOTAL 50 Ov (RR: 6.12) 306/8 Did not bat: Mustafizur Rahman Fall of wickets: 1-76 (Tanzid Hasan, 11.2 ov), 2-106 (Litton Das, 16.4 ov), 3-170 (Najmul Hossain Shanto, 27.5 ov), 4-214 (Mahmudullah, 35.4 ov), 5-251 (Mushfiqur Rahim, 42.1 ov), 6-286 (Towhid Hridoy, 46.3 ov), 7-303 (Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 49.1 ov), 8-304 (Nasum Ahmed, 49.3 ov) • BOWLING O-M-R-W Josh Hazlewood 7-1-21-0

Pat Cummins Sean Abbott Mitchell Marsh Adam Zampa Travis Head Marcus Stoinis

8-0-56-0 10-0-61-2 4-0-48-0 10-0-32-2 6-0-33-0 5-0-45-1

Australia (T: 307 runs from 50 ovs) Travis Head b Taskin Ahmed 10 David Warner c Najmul Hossain Shanto b Mustafizur Rahman 53 Mitchell Marsh not out 177 Steven Smith not out 63 Extras (w 4) 4 TOTAL 44.4 Ov (RR: 6.87) 307/2 Did not bat: Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis †, Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins (c), Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Sean Abbott Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Travis Head, 2.5 ov), 2-132 (David Warner, 22.1 ov) • BOWLING O-M-R-W Taskin Ahmed 10-0-61-1 Mahedi Hasan 9-0-38-0 Nasum Ahmed 10-0-85-0 Mehidy Hasan Miraz 6-0-47-0 Mustafizur Rahman 9.4-1-76-1

Vishnu Astrology Center, I can read and give you solutions for your problems and get results immediately. Remove Black magic, evil spirit etc. Located Georgetown and Berbice call or whatsapp 632-9943 Pandith Raghu Ram “for every problem there are solutions“.

Know about your life and adjust your life, are there any problems I will give solutions now etc. Located Guyana call or whatsapp 657-2022

TO RENT Business Opportunity: Restaurant for Rent – West Bank Demerara (at Aracari Resort, Versailles – between Harbor Bridge and Vreed-en-Hoop).

Turn key Business. Furnished and equipped. Phone 264-2946, 626-5290.

ACCOMMODATIONS Aracari Hotel, West Bank Demerara (Versailles – between Harbor Bridge and Vreeden-Hoop) – Air Conditioned Comfort. Amenities include TV, Restaurant, Bar, Swimming Pool, Gym. Free parking, Free WIFI. Spend 7 nights and get 1 Free.

Breakfast included. Long term rates available. Packages and getaways available. Phone: 2642946-9. www.aracariresort.com.

ENTERTAINMENT Swimming Pool Family Fun & Buffet – Crystal Clear Pool. Kids and Adult Sections. Very Safe. All you can eat Buffet Sunday Adults $3,000, Kids $1,000 11 AM – 3 PM over 12 options to choose from. Aracari Resort: West Bank Demerara (Versailles, Vreeden-Hoop)- Every Weekend. DJ Music. Groups and Excursions welcome – Phone 264-2946-9.

WANTED One Night watchman Call 612-2125

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023

39

Red Force regain Super50 title T

rinidad and Tobago Red Force have regained the CG United Regional Super50 title after defeating the Leeward Islands Hurricanes by seven wickets yesterday at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.

Hurricanes won the toss and opted to bat first, but were bowled out for 135 in 41.5 overs, despite a rain intervention that reduced the contest to a 43-over affair.

Set a target of 138, Red Force then cruised to 141 for three in 23.4 overs, to remain undefeated this season and lift their 13th title in this format.

Terrence Hinds followed

Jahmar Hamilton played the lone hand for Leeward Islands Hurricanes’ batting (CWI photo)

Sunil Narine picked up three wickets (CWI photo)

SCOREBOARD Leeward Islands Kieran Powell b ST Gabriel 8 Justin Greaves c SP Narine b AJ Hosein 12 Keacy Carty c JM Da Silva b T Hinds 12 Jahmar Hamilton c KA Pierre b T Hinds 62 Terance Warde lbw SP Narine 0 Rahkeem Cornwall lbw SP Narine 1 Kofi James b KA Pierre 7 Hayden Walsh c JM Da Silva b T Hinds 20 Alzarri Joseph lbw SP Narine 2 Daniel Doram run out N Pooran 5 Oshane Thomas not out 2 Extras (b: 0 lb: 2 wd: 2 nb: 0) 4 Total 135 all out (41.5 overs) BOWLING O-M-R-W Akeal Hosein 9-1-30-1 Shannon Gabriel 6.5-0-25-1 Sunil Narine 9-2-17-3 Terrance Hinds 7-1-16-3 Khary Pierre 5-0-21-1 Yannic Cariah 5-0-24-0

Trinidad and Tobago Kjorn Ottley b HR Walsh 23 Joshua Da Silva lbw KHM James 28 Darren Bravo b HR Walsh 40 Nicholas Pooran not out 39 Jason Mohammed not out 5 Sunil Narine Shannon Gabriel Akeal Hosein Yannic Cariah Khary Pierre Terrance Hinds Extras (b: 0 lb: 2 wd: 4 nb: 0) 6 Total 141/3 target reached (23.4 overs) BOWLING O-M-R-W Alzarri Joseph 6.4-0-52-0 Oshane Thomas 3-0-21-0 Daniel Doram 2-0-11-0 Kofi James 4-0-19-1 Rahkeem Cornwall 4-0-17-0 Hayden Walsh 4-0-19-2

up his career best figures that knocked out Guyana Harpy Eagles with another impactful performance, this time taking 3-16 while getting support from Sunil Narine with 3-17.

He emerged as the leading bowler in the competition.

Rain interrupted proceedings twice, first with Hurricanes on 59 for four, and again when they were on 119 for six, but Jahmar Hamilton produced an outstanding score of 62 from 103 balls, his patient innings seeing him hitting three fours and a six.

Hayden Walsh scored 20, while Justin Greaves and Keacy Carty each made 12 runs. The rest of the batting order failed to reach double figures.

Darren Bravo then ensured he saw his team over the line with 40 runs in 35

Limacol Schools Football League continues today

A

ction-packed secondary school football is in store for today and tomorrow, as the New GPC Inc-sponsored Limacol Schools’ Football League continues.

Rounds 3 and 4 of the 8-team league will be contested on Sunday and Monday respectively, on both days at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground on Carifesta Avenue.

Today’s proceedings will begin with a clash between Ann’s Grove Secondary and East Ruimveldt Secondary from 12:00hrs.

At 13:30hrs, Digicel Schools’ Football champions Carmel Secondary will come up against Bartica Secondary, while Mackenzie High and Santa Rosa Secondary will do battle from 15:00hrs. The day will end with Christianburg Wismar Secondary and Chase’s Academy battling for 3 points. That match is scheduled to kickoff at 16:30hrs.

The following day’s games will begin with a contest between Ann’s Grove Secondary and Mackenzie

balls, which moved him to the top of the batting charts.

His innings featured two sixes and three fours, before he was bowled by Walsh, who equalled Narine’s tal-

ly of 20 wickets this season with figures of 2-19.

Nicholas Pooran hastily ended proceedings by clubbing Alzarri Joseph for a four and three consecutive

KFC Elite League Cup…

GDF, Western Tigers maintain dominance with massive wins A

similar script was written for both games in a double header on Friday night at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary, in continuation of the Guyana Football Federationorganized KFC Elite League Cup. Both football clubs: Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and Western Tigers, found themselves in a similar position at the half, but roared back to pick up commanding wins and 3 full points.

First on the pitch was

Scenes from the League Cup thus far (File photo)

A look at what to expect today and Monday

High at 12:00hrs. Then a clash involving East Ruimveldt Secondary and Bartica Secondary will follow at 13:30hrs. Carmel Secondary and Chase’s Academy will go head-tohead from 15:00hrs, while Christianburg Wismar and Milo Champions Santa Rosa Secondary will duke it out in the final game of the day, set to kick off at 16:30hrs.

Two rounds have already been completed in this Limacol League, and Carmel

Secondary, Chase’s Academy and Bartica Secondary each have two victories from as many games. While Santa Rosa Secondary has a win and a draw in two rounds, East Ruimveldt has a draw and a loss, with the remaining teams suffering two losses.

The Limacol League will go 7 rounds, with the top teams expected to be drafted into the Petra Organization’s Goodwill Tournament at the year’s end.

sixes. In total, he belted four sixes and a four on his way to a 20-ball 39 not out, while Joshua Da Silva (28) and Kjorn Ottley (23) each provided useful cameos.

Western Tigers, taking on Ann’s Grove United FC. Western struck first by way of a Rashaun Ritch goal in only the second minute of the game. however, Jaden Grann of Ann’s Grove fired back in the 21st to level the scores, which remained stuck at 1-1 into the second half.

There, Western found their form, with Randolph

Wagner sending home a hat trick in the 57th, 60th and 64th minutes to move the score to 4-1 in quick time.

Jermain Beckles found the back of the net in the 88th and Daniel Wilson capped off the 6-1 victory with a strike in the 90th+1.

The story was almost identical when GDF went on to defeat Buxton United FC 7-1 in the ensuing game. This time, Buxton

drew first blood when Paul Kingston found the back of the net in the 13th minute.

The lead was short-lived, however, as Chris Macey equalized for GDF in the 24th.

In another good show of defensive tactics from the underdogs, the scores remained locked at 1-1 into the second segment. But like Western, GDF showed off their goal scoring prowess, which was kickstarted when Olvis Mitchell broke the ice in the 56th.

Stephon McDonald made it a 2-1 game in the 62nd, and a third goal came from Delroy Fraser in the 71st.

Kelsey Benjamin then added his name to the score sheet in the 75th minute, before Fraser returned to complete his triple in the 82nd and 85th minutes; taking GDF’s tally to 7-1.

GDF now sit atop Group A with 9 points from 3 games, while Western Tigers have identical points leading Group B. The League Cup is likely to continue today, Sunday.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2023

Sport is no longer our game, it’s our business

Pg 39

Pg 39

Pg 39

KFC Elite League Cup…

GDF, Western Tigers maintain dominance with continues today massive wins GUYANA TIMES - www.guyanatimesgy.com, email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, NEWS HOTLINE: 231-8063 EDITORIAL: 223-7230, 223-7231, 231-0544, 225-7761 SPORT: sport@guyanatimesgy.com SALES AND MARKETING: 231-8064 - marketing@guyanatimesgy.com - PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GUYANA TIMES INC.