Guyana Times - Sunday, October 29, 2023.pdf

Theodore Fernandes remains positive after being diagnosed with rare form of cancer P13 Nationwide coverage coverage from from the the best best news news team team in in Guyana Guyana Nationwide Issue No. 5537 guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON BEACON OF OF TRUTH TRUTH THE PRICE $140 VAT INCLUDED

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2023

$200M hydroponics facilities for Linden, Essequibo Coast – Pres Ali announces

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Manhunt underway for suspect linked to guns, ammo, drugs P21

See story on page 19

Major ganja busts made during Police river patrol

Oil blocks' award

“We put a lot of effort into getting this far” - local women company

…eager to explore after historical award

P21

Page 3

Guyana’s Speaker 150 Region 10 Manzoor Nadir healthcare workers to get 'young now Vice Chair of LAC-Parliamentary LAC-Parliamentary Union professional' homes Page 8

Women, youths to benefit from jobs as major projects are set to enhance P18 Essequibo Coast

Page 10

“New league” of healthcare as $26M x-ray machine P22 commissioned at Linden Hospital

Page 7

CWC farmers lose millions as wildfire …wildfire also destroys EBD land rages through farms for industrial development

Govt calls out APA for attempts to bias ART TREES' certification process P23

… Independent verification rejects complaint; APA withdraws appeal

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Sunday, Oct 29 – 05:00h – 06:30h and Monday, Oct 30 – 04:00h – 05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Sunday, Oct 29 – 16:20h – 17:50h and Monday, Oct 30 – 05:10h – 06:40h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY There will be thundery showers and sunshine during the day. Expect clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 25 degrees Celsius and 33 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Easterly to East North-Easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 16:41h reaching a maximum height of 2.88 metres.

Low Tide: 10:18h and 22:41h reaching minimum heights of 0.47 metre and 0.31 metre

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023

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COMMODITIES Indicators

US$

Change %

Crude Oil

$90.48/barrel

+2.55

Rough Rice

$291.78/ton

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$742.70/ton

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Live Spot Gold Bid/Ask Low/High Change

USD Per Ounce $2005.60 $1976.50 -0.00

$2006.60 $2009.80 0.00

Oil blocks’ award

“We put a lot of effort into getting this far” – local women company

…eager to explore after historical award

N

ow that it has been awarded two blocks from the oil bid round, local company Sispro Incorporated has its eyes set on eventually moving towards exploration and, hopefully, production. The company has further assured that there will be no flipping of these blocks.

Last week, it had been announced that local company Sispro was among the companies to have been awarded blocks from the recent oil auction. Of the eight new oil blocks that were awarded, Sispro received two blocks, including one of the only two deep water blocks that were allocated.

Speaking with this publication, Executive Director and Chairwoman, Dr Melissa Varswyk, one of the four all-female directors of the company, noted that the company is happy with what they’ve been able to achieve.

According to her, a lot of effort was put into the company getting so far. Varswyk also spoke about what the company’s next steps will be.

“Strengthening the team, of course. Making sure we have the best financial and administrative models. And crafting a way forward towards exploration and hopefully, production from these blocks…. we’re not going to be flippers,” Dr Varswyk explained.

“We put a lot of effort into getting this far. And we built a team we are proud of. And we’re happy we were awarded at the end. We definitely want to explore the challenge of being operators.

So, plans are to go the nine yards.”

Varswyk noted that the company will eventually have to have negotiations with the Government, on the agreement to be signed.

According to her, however, at the end of it all, the company wants what’s best for Guyana, just like the Government.

“We understand that we have to go along with the system. We plan that we are going to be asking or doing some negotiations with Government with a view of the terms of the PSA, but we’ll see how that goes,” the Director explained.

“But at the end of it all, like Government, we want what’s best for Guyana. And that is why we want to make sure all Guyanese win. I don’t see us having to lose providing that we fulfil that criterion in terms of deadlines and so forth, at the end of the day, it will be Guyana winning either way.”

Meanwhile, a part of Sispro’s strategic plan is to eventually branch out into renewable energy. For now, however, the company’s focus is on oil and gas.

According to Varswyk, “ba-

(L-R) Sispro Inc Executive Director Dr Ayodele Dalgety-Dean; Executive Director and Secretary Abbigale Loncke-Watson; Executive Director and Chairwoman Dr Melissa Varswyk, and Executive Director and THAG President Dee George

sically we will be exploring the best possible option. We did have discussions with a few in the industry. And we are going to see what will be the best possible way forward.”

In addition to Varswyk, the other three Executive Directors are Dr Ayodele Dalgety-Dean; Executive Director and Secretary Abbigale Loncke-Watson; and Executive Director and THAG President Dee George.

Sispro received a shallow block (S3) and a deep-water block (D2), from the auction of the blocks offshore Guyana. Other shallow blocks were awarded to Total Energies EP Guyana BV in consortium with Qatar Energy International

E&P LLC and Petronas E&P Overseas Ventures SDN BHD (Malaysia), which got Block S4; Liberty Petroleum Corporation of the US and Ghana-based Cybele Energy Limited, which got Block S7, and International Group Investment Inc of Nigeria, which got two blocks – S5 and S10.

Another shallow block, S8, was awarded to the Stabroek Block partners – ExxonMobil Guyana Limited, Hess New Ventures Exploration Limited, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited.

The second deep-water block – D1 – was awarded to Delcorp Inc Guyana, which comprises Watad Energy and Communications Limited and Arabian

Drilling Company of Saudi Arabia.

During his press conference on Thursday, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo was in high praise for the local group – Sispro Inc, for securing the two oil blocks in what he described as a “very competitive environment”.

“This is a very risky sector and I’m extremely pleased that the locals have been able to organise themselves to work with some foreign companies to put in the bids,” Jagdeo had noted. With the oil blocks having been awarded, the Vice President had said the Government would now be moving to start contract negotiations with these companies as early as this week.

(G3)

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 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

The moral equivalent of war

I

n 1910, four years before the outbreak of what would be dubbed “The Great War”, and with war clouds already on the horizon, the American Philosopher William James delivered an essay, “The Moral Equivalent of War”, on how wars may be avoided. With appropriate allusions to incorporate institutions and inventions over the last century, his advice is still pertinent in an era characterised by violent and even genocidal wars.

He wrote: “History is a bath of blood. Our ancestors have bred pugnacity into our bone and marrow, and thousands of years of peace won’t breed it out of us.” But although war is horrific, it is also beneficial. Wars promote political unity by uniting people against a common enemy, and wars promote the cultivation of virtue by inspiring people to perform noble and heroic deeds of self-sacrifice. “The earlier men were hunting men, and to hunt a neighbouring tribe, kill the males, loot the village and possess the females was the most profitable, as well as the most exciting, way of living. Thus were the more martial tribes selected, and in chiefs and peoples, a pure pugnacity and love of glory came to mingle with the more fundamental appetite for plunder.”

However, while today “the military instincts and ideals are as strong as ever…they are confronted by reflective criticisms which sorely curb their ancient freedom. Pure loot and mastery seem no longer morally allowable motives, and pretexts must be found for attributing them solely to the enemy.” We have, then, a dichotomy between “hawks and doves” – “militarists and pacifists” - that must be bridged.

Because stressing the cruelties of war have no effect on militarists, pacifists must adopt an alternative strategy to end war. This strategy must cultivate all the virtues and benefits derived from war if it is to persuade militarists. In the words of William James, the pacifists must identify “a moral equivalent of war.”

While being no Marxist, James proposes that mankind’s propensity for violence and domination be shifted toward the injustices related to financial inequality. “There is nothing to make one indignant in the mere fact that life is hard, that men should toil and suffer pain. The planetary conditions are such, and we can stand it. But that so many men, by mere accidents of birth and opportunity, should have a life of nothing else but toil and pain and hardness and inferiority imposed upon them, while others no more deserving never get any taste of this hard life at all, is capable of arousing indignation in reflective minds.”

To remedy financial inequality, James advises governments to conscript youths to labour armies against Nature, rather than to military armies against other nations. “To coal and iron mines, to freight trains, to fishing fleets in December, to dishwashing, clothes-washing, and window-washing, to road-building and tunnel-making, and to the frames of skyscrapers would our gilded youths be drafted off to get the childishness knocked out of them, and to come back into society with healthier sympathies and soberer ideas. They would have paid their blood-tax, done their own part in the immemorial human warfare against nature; they would tread the earth more proudly, the women would value them more highly, they would be better fathers and teachers of the following generation.”

Today, we see states spending trillions of dollars to fight wars, when they could have spent that money to develop their own countries, and even assist in the development of those with whom they have conflicts. Take, for instance, the war between Israel and the Palestinians. Could not a portion of the US$3.6B annual aid that the US give Israel have been diverted to develop the Palestinian lands? In the long run, as has been shown for instance in the US war against Iraq and Afghanistan in retaliation for the 9/11 attack, the fundamental contradiction that led to the war must be addressed. A two-state solution with a developed Palestine is the moral equivalent of this present war.

President Dr Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister Brigadier (retd) Mark Phillps met with members of the New York State Legislature, led

by Senator Roxanne Persaud, Chair of the Committee on Social Services, on Friday at State House (Office of the President photo)

Israelis and Palestinians are steeped in a history of trauma. It reproduces and continues

By Michael Segalov

T

hree weeks into this latest eruption of violence, one emotion prevails. It’s what I felt as news broke of more than a thousand Israelis being murdered on 7 October.

The same as Gaza is pounded night after night, Palestinians slaughtered in their thousands; or when I hear of civilians routinely killed by Israeli weapons in the West Bank, long before the world once again took notice. I worry for the safety of loved ones in the region. Yes, harrowing images shock. But really, I’m struck, again, by a total lack of surprise at all that’s happening: these events all feel so predictable. That’s not said with nihilism, nor as a detached pragmatist, but as someone who empathises deeply with all those caught up in this perpetual conflict, in ways I’ve long struggled to articulate or admit. I’ve marched waving both flags, and understand the psyche of both “sides” in ways I for a long time wished I didn’t: that would be far easier.

Recently, I’ve come to see that this empathy may be a privilege.

Raised in a liberal, London Jewish community, I long viewed the state of Israel as a place to which I had a deep commitment and connection; its staunch defender. In adulthood, exposed to other outlooks, my views profoundly changed.

I felt cheated, only taught a selected history. This affords me a generosity to parties that some others might never allow themselves to feel.

Any civilian death feels profoundly painful. My empathy extends to those sent into battle. I understand why Palestinians fight for their freedom: Gazans

languish in the world’s largest open-air prison; Palestinians in the West Bank face violence from the Israeli state and far-right settlers, and are refused basic rights. I also understand why third-generation Israelis see national service as a duty, a question of their survival.

Amid the civilian tragedies, I felt an unexpected wave of sadness when I heard the news that a 20-year-old British, London-born IDF soldier – Nathanel Young – had been killed in action. In the arena of war, he’s distinguished from civilian targets. He made an active choice to serve, not conscripted like his fellow fighters. Yet while I profoundly disagree, I can understand why he was willing. My upbringing also taught me that risking one’s life, as he did, was a noble cause. It’s a choice I might well have made, as some friends did, had things turned out differently.

In 2019, I returned to Israel – my first visit in almost a decade – on a reporting assignment. Being in the only country where being Jewish does not make me a minority still soothed wounds inflicted upon generations of ancestors that I’ve inherited.

That same trip, I ventured for the first time into the West Bank. In Hebron, I saw with my own eyes the mistreatment and oppression of its Palestinian population. Walking streets Palestinian residents are forcibly denied access to, I for the first time truly understood its label as an “apartheid state”. I witnessed how the Jewish homeland has come at the expense of others who’d also lived there. As we’ve seen in protests across the world these last weeks, an

ever-growing portion of the Jewish diaspora feels similarly.

While these lands might well feel a Jewish ancestral home, within living memory, it was shared with another people: the majority.

Certainly, Jews lost their lives too in Israel in the early 20th century as they settled in greater numbers. But by 1948, more than 750,000 Palestinians were made refugees,15,000 killed. If the rhetoric of some in Israel today bears out, Gaza may soon see fatalities in these numbers.

While working representing convicts on death row in the United States a few years back, I learned of the concept of mitigation. Once a guilty verdict for some major crimes is returned, the defence may set out why its client should be spared the harshest punishment. Not in an effort to absolve or excuse, but to contextualise actions. The most common experiences to come to light are histories of trauma, abuse and cruelty. There’s no justifying the worst of what Jewish settlers just a few generations before mine did, nor any atrocities committed since, but the fear and trauma – of the Shoah, of the Nakba, of generations now born into perpetual fear – surely provides some explanation.

It’s through this lens I now see this cycle of violence.

Those of us not ourselves lost in the fog of war urgently need to understand this more nuanced story.

That despite the fact that Britain’s promising of a land to the Jews not theirs to give away stinks of imperialism, early Jewish settlers were far from their imperial soldiers, but a persecuted population failed by global governments pre and post Holocaust. That while Israel’s early paramilitar-

ies didn’t march to the beat of Europe’s imperial drum, to the Palestinians who by 1948 were expelled from their land, what difference?

Both fights are steeped in trauma. Now on both sides, it’s reproduced and continues.

We must accept that this iteration of a Jewish state is built on irreparably broken foundations However painful it is to admit, we must accept that this iteration of a Jewish state is built on irreparably broken foundations. Now 75 years in, Israel continues to veer further rightwards. Short of a total transformation of domestic Israeli politics and a major geopolitical shift – or World War Three – this violence only ends two ways. One: the eventual permanent exclusion of the Palestinian people from equal citizenship on the land, their resistance continuing until they’re erased from Israel’s expanded borders, displaced or destroyed entirely. The only alternative is reconciliation that sees Jews and Arabs truly share the land. At the turn of the 20th century, these two communities coexisted in Palestine, before the project to advantage one group over another started to become a reality. A future where Palestinians and Israelis live side-by-side in relative peace is no easy road, but this only starts with the acknowledgement of an unbearable history: That Jews were failed time and again in the 19th and 20th centuries, left with no place to seek shelter from antisemitism. That “a land without a people for a people without a land” – how Israel was sold to my ancestors – was in fact a fallacy.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2023

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

Hydroponics is the way to go Dear Editor, Hydroponics is the way to go. Students of agriculture can easily attest to the following advantages: Higher yield; Controlled level of nutrition; Plants are healthier, and they mature faster; Weeds can be easily eliminated; Susceptibility to pests and diseases is negligible; and Automation is possible.

This is because hydroponics, as a system of agriculture, utilizes nutrient-laden water rather than soil for plant nourishment; that is, the operation does not require natural precipitation or fertile land in order to be effective. This translates to presenting people who are living in arid regions with a means to grow food for themselves and for profit.

Editor, before I get to what is a truly wonderful

thing ongoing in Guyana, I apprise our people that, globally, it was estimated that the hydroponic farming industry was worth $21.4 billion in 2015, with its value projected to grow at 7 per cent per year.

Slowly but steadily, farming appears to be changing. But equally, there are big global changes on the horizon, and these could vastly accelerate the use of controlled-environment agriculture. By 2050, an extra 3bln people could be living on earth, with over 80 per cent of the global population living in urban centres. We’re already using the vast majority of land suitable for raising crops, so new growing areas, particularly in arid regions, need to be found.

The answer is obviously in hydroponics.

In Guyana, as we all

know, “Local hydroponics farms could (indeed) support (the) region’s food security efforts.” In fact, Guyana has made significant strides in this area, to boost the production of various crops as it tries to do its part in the big effort. The big CARICOM (Caribbean Community) goal is that of reducing the food-import bill of the region by 25 per cent by 2025, and typifying this drive is the hydroponics project that was recently launched by the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.

Just digest this: the current capacity at the farm’s nursery stands at 100,000 plants, and in its incipient stage, there are some 25,000 plants, including kale, lettuce and

pak choi. The word given to President Ali, who is really a vanguard in this regional venture, is that “…the farm would meet the full capacity of 100,000 plants…within two weeks…” As he pointed out, and like I did intimate at the onset, President Dr. Ali highlighted that “…a capacity of that scale, if done in the traditional way, would have taken up approximately 15 acres of land; however, with this way, it’s being done on less land, and there will be consistency in the produce.”

Guyana is currently investing and experimenting with about 15 herbs, including mustard, basil, chai, thyme, and local and foreign varieties of pak choi. Noting that “… that planting crops that are usually imported will replace the need for that

import and further provide export for other countries…the President explained that “the intention of this facility is to build additional facilities like this one to meet the entire CARICOM’s needs for these crops and export from here.”

I see this as a great start, and moreso that “… the next phase includes introducing modern aquaculture tanks and the ‘whole works’ of (the) cutting-edge system, comprising a cold room, packaging space, harvesting tools, irrigation controllers, a water recycling system, and emergency water storage.”

Editor, we need to face reality. Land mass for agriculture is already an issue, therefore hydroponic systems or soil-less agriculture is a necessity, as it reduces the farmer’s con-

sumption of resources. This kind of modernized movement by our country means that Guyana can lead the way by enabling this farming technique to be adopted by a large number of stakeholders, ranging from home gardeners to professional growers, and supermarkets to restaurants.

Of importance is the fact that, according to the UN reports on global population, plants grown in hydroponic systems have achieved 20%–25% higher yield than the traditional agriculture system, with its productivity being 2–5 times higher.

So, I say to the People’s Progressive Party/Civic, and particularly to those on the ground: embrace the vision of hydroponics.

Yours truly, HB Singh

Electoral fraud cases must be resolved before next national and regional elections

Dear Editor, The rigging of elections must become a thing of the past in Guyana. Rigged elections have proven to be too costly for our nation.

Guyana must preserve its standing as a democratic nation; and we, as a united people, should strive for massive economic development while embracing inclusivity in our diversity.

This would enable Guyana to prosper, not just domestically, but on the global stage as well.

That said, the ongoing delays in the hearing of the electoral fraud cases must cease. These fraud cases have remained unresolved for three years. The attempt to rig the National and Regional Elections in 2020 disrupted our democracy for five months, requiring domestic struggle and international condemnation to restore peace and justice to our land.

Members of the Guyana Elections Commission, in collusion with known PNC/APNU/AFC affiliates, played a role in frustrating our democracy for an extended period.

A total of 32 electoral fraud cases has been filed in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

Already, several boxes containing certified copies of Statements of Poll (SOPs) and Statements of Recount (SORs) from the March 2020 elections have been handed over to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. The documents will

be used as evidence against those before the court. The SOPs and SORS were accompanied by statements and video evidence, which included copies of video-recorded interviews the accused had with the Police.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) DPP and acting Police Commissioner had initiated legal proceedings in the High Court, seeking orders to obtain certified copies of the SOPs and SORs from the March 2, 2020 General and Regional Elections, which are currently lodged with the Registrar of the High Court.

The decision to move to the High Court came after the Police Commissioner wrote the Registrar of the High Court, Sueanna Lovell, to obtain the certified copies of the documents, but was informed by way of a letter that this could not be done without an order from the Court.

The time is now ripe for the Judiciary to ensure that these fraud cases are heard, and justice is served. Last year, defence attorneys applied for the prosecution to drop some of the cases to expedite the proceedings. It is interesting to note that, earlier this month, the defendants’ attorney, Nigel Hughes, suggested that the prosecution drop some cases to expedite the proceedings. He claimed there was extensive evidence and the number of defendants involved, suggesting that the case might take several

years to progress.

Hughes’s suggestion was met with strong objections from the prosecution.

He was reminded of a similar application before the former Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, which was rejected. Notably, on dismissing the application, the Chief Magistrate had ordered that the case be heard expeditiously, giving its na-

tional importance.

This came after Special Prosecutor Darshan Ramdhani, KC, who is representing the state in the electoral fraud case, called for the assignment of a special court to hear the evidence in the electoral fraud cases. The Special Prosecutor also called for the cases to be consolidated into one, as the underly-

Israelis and...

Today’s priority is to immediately stem the flow of blood. And when one party is a self-described liberal democracy – with far superior military might being used to inflict calculated pain and what the UN describes as a genocide with western backing, it’s clear on whose shoulders sits that responsibility. The other is a stateless people refused the right to change leadership who have long paid the greater price in this war, now facing collective punishment and Israel’s superior ability to kill indiscriminately.

Compassion is what will help halt this bloodshed in the longer term. For decades, civilians on both sides have been failed by political leaders who thrive off conflict and tension.

Even now, western leaders defend the breaking of international law, and refuse to call for a ceasefire – the bare minimum. Joe Biden labelled Hamas “the other team”; Rishi Sunak wants Israel to “win”, as if it’s all a game for geopolitical manoeuvring.

ing evidence stems from the same source.

Further, he offered to write to the Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Yonette Cummings-Edwards, and the Chief Magistrate to discuss potential solutions and the appointment of a dedicated magistrate. This mat-

ter is now expected to be settled on December 12, 2023.

These cases must be resolved before the next National and Regional Elections.

Regards, Neil Kumar

FROM PAGE 4

For two peoples, once neighbours, few see a path back. As the death count continues to mount, and despair takes a hold, there are at least glimmers of humanity. Much like those grieving in Gaza, it’s those Israelis who personally suffered on 7 October – loved ones killed or taken hostage – who’ve spoken with profound humanity. There are plenty of examples. As the son of Vivian Silver, an Israeli peace activist not heard from since Hamas attacked Kibbutz Be’eri, said of the current assault on Gaza: “She’d be mortified because you can’t cure killed babies with more dead babies.” As the father of one girl taken hostage put it: “Gaza also has casualties … mothers who cry … let’s use this emotion – we are two nations from one father. Let’s make peace; a real peace.”

There are many routes to empathy: how many more have to die for us to find it? (The Guardian) ( Michael Segalov is a freelance journalist, filmmaker and author)

Sunday, October 29, 2023

06:00 (Sign on) Jewanram Rel. Hour 07:00 Cartoons 08:00 Shekinah Ministry 08:30 Evening News (RB) 09:30 Fast & Loud 10:30 Cartoons 11:00 David Persaud Religious Program 11:30 Blippi Educational 12:00 Movie - The Curse of Bridge Hollow (2022) 13:30 Movie - Hocus Pocus 2 (2022) 15:30 Forged in fire 16:30 Payless Power Hour 17:30 The Healing Touch 18:00 Maths is Fun 18:30 Week-in-Review 19:00 Lucifer S5 E6 20:00 Arrow S5 E6 21:00 Riverdale S5 E4 22:00 Unsolved Mysteries 23:00 Stand-up Comedy 00:00 Sign off

6 FEATURE

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2023| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

I

believe that by now readers of my column would have noticed that I have a fixation with definitions – mainly to ensure there is no misunderstanding when unaccustomed terminologies are used. “Euthanasia” is one such word that may need clarification. For example, in order to alleviate some of the pain which the caregiver is experiencing with the terminally ailing pet, the veterinarian may introduce the option of “putting the pet to sleep”. The owner, in his/her desire to (c)ease the suffering of the companion animal, might interpret the intervention literally, viz the animal will go to sleep temporarily, and wake up later with less exhibition of pain and suf-

fering. But in the case of irreversible ailment, which

EUTHANASIA the introduction of the lethal concoction.

Defining Euthanasia

is causing much suffering to the animal and unbearable anguish in the household, “Put to sleep” is not a temporary intervention; it is permanent. The animal will not wake up – ever. The veterinarian and the clinic staff must make this very clear

during discussions prior to the final decision.

At my clinic, we ensure that the permission of the owner/caregiver to permanently end the life of the pet must be recorded and signed off. This special document is important, and I have been willing to share the text with my colleagues. Veterinarians

must ensure that the text is read and understood prior to

I must mention, relative to the definition and explanation of the term Euthanasia, that the associated words must be couched not just in the science involved in the actuality of the intervention, but must reflect compassion and understanding of the client’s feelings at that point and time.

I have often referred to the veterinarians’ “bible”, that has been produced to aid veterinarians in their

practice. Yet, in arriving at a definition, it speaks of Euthanasia as “killing the animal” – although it adds “in a humane manner, making death easy and painless for the animal”. Thay may be all well and good. However, the work “killing” overshadows all other concepts associated with the actual procedure.

reassurance is needed, the caregiver must ask and receive supportive answers to queries pertaining to the

The caregiver must (and usually will) understand that, often, even the sick pet exhibits distress and anxiety in the clinic before it loses consciousness. It is the reason why the pet is given a sedative. The introduction of this chemical takes less than three seconds. During the time it takes for the action of the sedative to kick in, the caregiver may choose to stay with the animal – providing final expressions of TLC. The caregiver will then be asked to leave the room prior to the administration of the lethal intravenous intervention. I must mention, as has occurred during these last moments, there might be a change in the heart of the caregiver. He/she decides, just prior to the administration of the lethal dose, to take the patient home to die in the surroundings it knows and

methodology used in ending the life of the suffering pet.

The definition that best resonates with me is as follows: “Euthanasia is the term used

with the family it loves. The Veterinarian and clinic staff will appreciate and understand this volte face, and the emotions displayed by the

to describe ending the life of an animal in a way that eliminates or minimizes pain and suffering.”

caregiver. Clinic compassion, especially in cases of euthanasia, is the hallmark of any practice.

The caregiver must feel that the final act is designed to prevent and dispel fear, distress, and anxieties. If

NEWS

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

CWC farmers lose millions as wildfire rages through farms W

ildfires on the Corentyne, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) have damaged several acres of plantain at Crabwood Creek.

More than 50 farmers cultivate land at Torani Canal, with most investing in plantain and citrus.

On Tuesday, farmers discovered that the dry bush adjacent to where some cultivated fields are, was burning.

However, by Wednesday the fire managed to sweep over the canal with the aid of the wind and started burning sections of the cultivated area.

One farmer lost seven acres cultivated with plantain, citrus, and other fruits while another lost five acres.

The fire also damaged significant portions of other farms.

Randy Primsoop has a 20acre plot, on which he cultivates plantain, and citrus: orange, tangerine, lemon, and lime.

Seven acres of his farm have been damaged by fire.

He told this publication that on Thursday while trying to pump water he discovered that someone lit a fire on the opposite side of his farm.

“All I see is fire in the bushes and the smoke started affecting me and I had to leave. The fire was opposite side so I said it was no threat to me.”

“It damage my neighbour first and then come to my land and burnt over 7000 bearing plantain suckers. I cut 1000 pounds the said day but now

Randy Primsoop

Sandy Samaroo

I have lost everything.”

The farmer estimated the damages to the plantain plants to be in excess of $7M, explaining that 7000 plants on the seven acres have so far been burnt.

“As farmers, we always count the least per bunch. We count it as $1000 per bunch – sometimes we would get as much as $4000 or $5000 per bunch. So, if it is 7000 bearing plants that would be $7 million but it would actual-

ly be more,” the farmer explained.

He said he also lost about 50 citrus plants which were about to bear.

A section of the farm totalling 2000 feet is under citrus cultivation.

Those citrus plants were

purchased in the town of Linden, Region 10 (Upper

Demerara-Berbice), and transported to Berbice.

He has been caring for them for more than one year on the farm.

“It was really hard,” he said.

“The heat damaged them and it affected the citrus a lot

because the weather is dry – we have not gotten rain for two months. We were pleading for some water and now that fire did more damage to them. We don’t know if they are going to die or if we are going to get them to come TURN TO PAGE 9 back.”

8 NEWS

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana’s Speaker Manzoor Nadir now Vice Chair of LAC-Parliamentary Union

…Venezuela remains suspended over illegitimacy of 2 Parliaments

S

peaker of Guyana’s National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir has been selected as Vice Chairman of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) that combines 180 Parliaments from all over the world. At the same time, Venezuela remains suspended from the union over the illegitimacy of their two Parliaments.

Nadir was elected as the Vice Chairman of the IPU’s Group of Latin America and the Caribbean (GRULAC), the geo-political group bringing together the Parliaments of 26 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). He will serve along with the Deputy of the Mexican Congress, Sofia Carvajal Isunza, who was elected Chair of the IPU’s GRULAC. During the session which was held in Luanda, Angola, Nadir opened the general debate of the IPU by drawing the attention of the attendees to Venezuela’s threats against Guyana. According to Nadir, while the IPU is being held under the theme of “Parliamentary Action for Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions”, more and more hotspots for potential conflict are emerging, including Venezuela’s border controversy with Guyana.

An invitation was meanwhile extended to both the

GRULAC Chair Sofia Carvajal Isunza of Mexico, along with GRULAC Vice Chairman and Speaker of Guyana’s National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir

IPU Chairman Isunza and to President of the IPU Tulia Ackson, whose candidature Guyana supported, to visit Guyana. Meanwhile, Guyana also received praise from Bahamian representative Pia Glover-Rolle. With Bahamas being accepted as a member of the IPU this year, GloverRolle revealed that Guyana was instrumental in helping them with their membership.

Meanwhile, it was also revealed during the 147th IPU Assembly that Venezuela’s suspension from the union remains in place. According to Secretary General of the IPU, Martin Chungong,

Venezuela remains suspended “as there remain questions concerning the legitimacy and recognition of the two competing Parliaments in Venezuela.”

Back in 2017, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro created a parallel law-making Assembly packed with his supporters, to bypass the combined Oppositionled National Assembly of Venezuela… a move that was widely criticised in Venezuela and internationally, as unconstitutional.

Over the past few years, IPU has routinely expressed alarm over the way the

Venezuelan ruling party has been treating its Opposition parliamentarians. In 2018, IPU had cause to urge Venezuela to immediately stop its harassment of and attacks against Opposition parliamentarians.

IPU has tracked and documented a number of alleged human rights violations against hundreds of Venezuelan Opposition parliamentarians, including torture, ill treatment, threats and acts of intimidation, arbitrary arrest and detention and violations to their right to privacy.

At present, a national referendum is scheduled for December 3, 2023, by the National Electoral Council, seeking the approval of the Venezuelan people to create a new Venezuelan State out of Guyana’s Essequibo region – which the Guyana Government has already lambasted as “brazen” and “pernicious”.

“In particular, question three of the set of questions to be placed before the people of Venezuela speaks to the “historical position” of Venezuela “of not recognising the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice to resolve the territorial controversy…,” a statement from the Guyana Government had said.

TURN TO PAGE 9

The long game…

L

…in wars

ots of folks figure that, with the kinda weapons and munitions available to states with money, wars would be fought so fast and furious they’d be over within days. Especially when some of the said states have nuclear weapons!! But from what we’ve seen in the European Theatre – that’s the term they use, innit, since war’s a spectacle?? – Russia and Ukraine have been going at it for over a year and a half, with no end in sight!!

Initially, Russia was seen as capable of overrunning its former satellite because of its superior manpower and everything else that war demands. As far as leadership was concerned, you had the macho ex-KGB tough guy Putin versus Ukraine’s ex-comedian President Zelensky. And war’s no joke, we’re told – it’s hell!!

But on the men and materiel shortage, the US and its NATO allies have thrown in billions and billions of dollars’ worth of supplies of every sort!! Drones and missiles have not only depleted their present stocks, but have even stretched the weapons’ makers capacities to the max.

Money – which makes the world go round, especially during wartime – is being spent like it’s going outta style, with the West seemingly willing to fight to the last Ukrainian!

And Zelensky’s definitely willing to go along, since it keeps him in the spotlight - as his previous career had never done!!

So, when can we expect that show to wind down and even have the curtains pulled? Not soon. The Ruskies have discovered ways of circumventing the oil sanctions slapped on by the US and EU that’s actually worked to their advantage, since it has brought two of their critical BRICS partners – China and India – into their orbit!! They’ve also become more self-sufficient in producing goods demanded by their economy – and might even be realizing the autarkic nirvana of all states – to be truly independent!!

So, how about the war in the Mideast?? For decades, the STATE of Israel had figured that the TERRORISTS of Hamas in Gaza were no match for their huge IDF army and reserves – plus their Airforce with its missiles that could obliterate Gaza in a wink. But they never calculated that Hamas were playing the “long game”, and were doing a rope-a-dope a la Muhammed Ali!! When they sprung THAT surprise on Oct 7, they caught the Israelis completely by surprise!!

They’ve won a major psychological battle from which the Israelis can never recover!! Now, with the outpouring of support from across the world, the Israelis can’t very well march into Gaza and slaughter all Palestinians. In the meantime, their economy’s imploding, and can’t last a year and a half like Ukraine!!

It’s gonna be a new David and Goliath story!! …on Venezuela Now, lest we become complacent on faraway wars, let’s remember we have the real possibility of Venezuela launching a surprise attack against us – like they did back in 1966 when they seized our half of Ankoko Island. The Venezies have an army of over 100,000 - with a paramilitary that doubles that!! Then their navy’s another 30,000 personnel, including 12,000 Marines and 600 bodies from its Naval Aviation. Then there’s their Airforce, with thirteen Air Groups consisting of squadrons of transport aircraft, helicopters, fighter and attack aircraft, and training aircraft!!

Now, you’d think that with their economy having imploded, their armed forces might be running on bearings – but you’d be wrong!! Those forces are the institutions propping up Mad Maduro, and have been getting first dibs on whatever comes Venezuela’s way. They’re the most jingoistic about their Essequibo claim, and even more than the ordinary citizens, have been indoctrinated to not only believe they wuz robbed, but it’s their DUTY to “recover” our Essequibo!!

Let’s get ready to rumble!! …of the Opposition Our Opposition’s in a rebuilding state. It’s like a knife getting a new handle, and then later a new blade: it’s still the SAME knife. Why?? It’s performing the same task. And that’s what the PNC does for its constituency!!

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, OCTOBER 29, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana’s Speaker Manzoor Nadir now Vice Chair...

FROM PAGE 8

“Question five seeks the approval of the Venezuelan people for the creation of a new Venezuelan State consisting of Guyana’s Essequibo Region, to include “the granting of citizenship and Venezuelan identity card in accordance with the Geneva Agreement and international law.” This is a deliberate misinterpretation of the Geneva Agreement and a clear violation of international law.”

The Inter Parliamentary Union, which was established in 1889, is now an organisation of 180 Parliaments. Guyana was represented at this IPU Assembly by Speaker Manzoor Nadir, Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, and Opposition

Member of Parliament Dawn Hastings-Williams, who are all members of the General Council of the IPU. Also attending were Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs and International Affairs Coordinator Carletta Charles.

While addressing the 147th IPU General Assembly, Attorney General Nandlall had called on the IPU to condemn Venezuela’s aggressions. According to him, Venezuela perseveres with its illegal conduct despite the fact that the border controversy is pending between the two States at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) upon the direction of the United Nations (UN) Secretary General.

CWC farmers lose millions ...

Primsoop told this publication that if they can access water for the citrus plants, they might survive but they cannot access water from the canal and are seeking the intervention of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI).

As it relates to the plantain plants, the farmer pointed out that they take one year to bear.

“We are looking to see if the Government can assist us. We are not blaming anyone for what happened because we did not see who lit it.”

Primsoop said he has asked the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), which has a machine in the area, to reduce the height of the earthen dam so that he will be able to access water from

the canal.

“I did that last week but no response. Another farmer had a little fire, and when he requested the machine it went there right away,” he said.

“If the water was in the land here the fire would not have been able to burn my suckers. There was a lapse so

I am asking the Government to please help with getting the excavator to come this way and break down the day because it is very high and the tractor cannot access water with the pump... I would like them to come so we can get back on our feet.”

Bharrat Ramphal and his wife Sandy Samaroo cul-

FROM PAGE 7

tivates 15 acres with the same type of crops, and five acres have been burnt.

On Saturday, when this publication visited the fields which are situated five miles into the backdam, there was still fire to a section of the field.

Samara aid about 6000 plantain plants were destroyed, which, using the same method of calculations, would be worth $6M. “We would like the Government to support us with an excavator so that we can get some water.

Everything that you see here is finished, we have to start back from fresh,” the farmer told this publication. (G4)

10 NEWS 150 Region 10 healthcare workers to get ‘young professional’ homes S SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

ome 150 healthcare workers in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) will soon benefit from young professional homes constructed by the Housing Ministry.

President Irfaan Ali visited the region on Saturday where he informed that pend-

ing applications for doctors, nurses and medical technicians will be soon be processed. A total of 1000 homes are in the construction phase at Plantation York, accelerating Government’s housing initiative.

“We’re now developing Plantation York. I have

asked that before the end of this year, those 150-plus who have applied that we must have then pre-qualified and have the bank approve their loans. So, by the first quarter next year, they can move into their young professional homes.

Ali said such initiatives

Healthcare workers at an event at Linden on Saturday

change conditions and circumstances, improve net value and create opportunities for future generations.

“Young people have the best opportunity for a brighter future. Don’t be sidetracked. All of us today have a responsibility of carrying all of Guyana on our shoulders,” he encouraged the young health workers.

Constructed on 500 acres of land, Plantation York will include a residential area as well as commercial and industrial zones. The housing development includes the building out of roads, bridges, drainage and culverts as well as utilities.

Since taking office in 2020,

the PPP/C Administration has distributed more than 23,500 house lots to date, and is working aggressively to meet the target of 50,000 by the end of its 5-year tenure in 2025.

The Ministry has been constructing ‘young professional’ homes in several areas across the country.

During the Linden Building Expo held in May, Croal announced an investment of approximately $600 million towards constructing 200 core homes in Silica City on the Soesdyke-Linden Highway.

Government has pushed aggressively to develop housing schemes in Onderneeming, Charity,

Edinburgh, Cornelia Ida, Meten-Meer-Zorg, Anna Catherina, Stewartville, Great Diamond, Little Diamond, Non Pareil, Enterprise, Hope Cummings Lodge, Lusignan, Good Hope, De Endragt Golden Grove, Le Ressouvenir, La Reconnaissance, Blairmont, Shieldstown, Burma, Fort Ordnance, Number 75 Village, Number 76 Village, Lethem, Amelia’s Ward, among several areas, and excludes areas under the 2023 work programme.

During its term thus far, construction commenced on 2154 houses – and over 1000 have been handed over to new beneficiaries. (G12)

NEWS

11

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Wildfire destroys EBD land for industrial development Genocide in the air?

T

he Hamas attack on Israeli settlements and the massive bombardment of Gaza by the Israeli war machine in response – with a promised full-out invasion - have raised the spectre of a “genocide” in the making.

The dictionary tells us that genocide is “the deliberate and systematic destruction of a racial, political, or cultural group”. Some of the earliest accounts of genocide were recorded in the Bible in the same land where its Ravi Dev possibility is in the offing. In one instance, God ordered the Israelites to slaughter the definitionally “sinful” Canaanites, saying: “You shall not leave alive anything that breathes. But you shall utterly destroy them.” And, according to a passage in the Old Testament's Book of Joshua, they did just that: “Thus Joshua struck all the land, the hill country and the Negev and the lowland and the slopes and all their kings. He left no survivor, but he utterly destroyed all who breathed, just as the Lord, the God of Israel, had commanded…. He left nothing undone of all that the Lord had commanded Moses.” (Joshua. 10:40, 11:15) Unfortunately, genocides have been committed through the ages in all so-called “civilizations”. We know that following Europe’s “discovery” of the Americas, genocide was unleashed on the native peoples of the Caribbean, and then on enslaved Africans they hauled across the Atlantic to labour on their plantations. In the last century alone, some of the genocides committed were of 1.5 million Armenians killed by the Turks from 1915-18; 6 million Jews killed by Germans during WWII; 3 million Bengalis killed by a “famine” in 1943 while the British shipped grains to Europe; 2 million Cambodians killed by the Pol Pot regime between 1975-79; and 800,000 Tutsis killed by Hutus in Rwanda in 1994.

After Rwanda, which occurred in full view while the world looked, a typology was formulated by an academic and activist, Gregory Stanton, who warned in his “Ten Stages of Genocide” that: “Genocide is a process that develops in stages that are predictable, but not inexorable. At each stage, preventive measures can stop it.” We need to be alert to these stages, not just because of what is unfolding in the Middle East, but in our own Guyana, since we exhibit some of the symptoms.

The first stage is CLASSIFICATION: All cultures have categories to distinguish people into "us and them" by ethnicity, race, religion, or nationality etc. and some group can impart an invidious ranking to this classification. In Guyana, the White Colonials created an exclusive category of themselves as “Europeans” that even excluded Portuguese. Stanton warns, “If societies are too segregated (divided), they are most likely to have genocide.”

The second stage is SYMBOLIZATION, where characteristics such as names and other visible characteristics are given meanings to support the ranking. For instance, Africans were initially categorized as “savages”, but ironically, after they accepted the values of the Whites, they ridiculed Indians as “pagans” and “heathens”.

This leads to stage three – DISCRIMINATION such as when, for decades, Indians were prevented from becoming teachers unless they converted to Christianity to fix their defect.

Even more extreme treatment is justified when the “out” group is DEHUMANIZED by attributing characteristics of animals or vermin to them. This is a critical stage, since it becomes much easier to be cruel to animals than to fellow humans.

Dehumanization is followed by ORGANIZATION of powerful groups or the state to plan, arm, and begin killing the “other”.

In Guyana, during the ethnic violence of the 1960s, a PNC “X13 Plan” was discovered that offered detailed measures such as bombings etc, to deal condignly with the “enemy”.

On May 26, 1964, Guyana experienced its first ethnic cleansing of 3000 Indian Guyanese from Wismar. Extremists drive the groups apart by broadcasting propaganda that reinforces prejudice and hate. Rabbi Washington’s House of Israel was given airtime by the PNC to make such broadcasts during the 1970s.

They target moderates, and intimidate them as “sellouts” so that they are silenced. Today we hear of “slave catchers” over social media.

Then comes the PREPARATION for the “final solution”, which begins with “PERSECUTION” and ends with “EXTERMINATION”. In the last, the killings are not viewed by the perpetrators as murder, since the victims are sub-human: vermin must be exterminated.

The last and tenth stage is DENIAL, as the perpetrators insist that whatever occurred was actually the fault of the victims: they brought it on themselves. Where is Gaza or Guyana on this genocide spectrum?

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

A

raging wildfire on Friday evening wreaked havoc at Rome, New Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD), leaving devastation in its wake and posing a grave threat to lives and the environment.

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) said on Friday evening that firefighters and emergency response teams were tirelessly battling the blaze, which had already consumed vast acres of land and was continuing to spread rapidly.

The alarm was raised at around 08:56h on Friday and water tenders and a bowser from Central, West Ruimveldt, and Eccles Fire Stations responded to reports of a wildfire in the area.

With the combined efforts, firefighters managed to extinguish the initial blaze.

However, their respite was short-lived as another fire erupted in close proximity to the original location at 13:20h. Fuelled by dry conditions, strong winds, and ample flammable vegetation, the inferno quickly escalated, ravaging countless acres of land.

Up until the evening of Friday, two wa-

The raging wildfire that wreaked havoc in Rome

ter carriers and firefighters from Campbellville and Alberttown Fire Stations were on-site, awaiting additional support. Their efforts were hampered by a large canal that separated them from the fire, making firefighting challenging.

Despite these challenges, the Fire Service emphasised that the safety of residents and the environment remains their top priority.

“The Fire Service would like to express that the safety of our residents and our environment is paramount.

We will continue to work

tirelessly to bring this situation under control as quickly as possible. The fire is currently destroying two 30-acre lots which are intended for private industrial development,” a statement read.

“Landowners are being urged to desist from lighting fires for land clearing at this time. It is crucial for all residents to remain vigilant and monitor their lands for any signs of potential wildfires”.

The recent dry weather conditions and soaring temperatures underscore the importance of proactive measures to safeguard com-

munities and the environment.

"By monitoring and maintaining your lands, you can help reduce the risk of wildfires and contribute to the safety of our community. Let us remain vigilant and prepared during this dry season," they urged.

To report any fire hazards, the Fire service said concerned citizens are encouraged to contact emergency services at 912.

Up until press time on Saturday, there had been no update from the Guyana Fire Service on the fire.

12

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

FEATURE

13

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Theodore Fernandes remains positive after being diagnosed with rare form of cancer

I

n February 2022, one year after he moved to Georgetown from the Pomeroon, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Theordore Fernandes began experiencing severe pain accompanied by swelling in the lower part of his right foot. At the time, he thought maybe it was just a simple passing ailment. Then he visited the hospital and was told by medical staff that he had a blood clot in the ailing foot.

“I was diagnosed with DVT, or deep vein thrombosis,” he said.

Now 69, Fernandes, who worked in the mining sector for most of his life, told Guyana Times that he was treated at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) for the ailment. “I had to be put on blood thinner for six months,” he said.

He said he was referred for treatment at the clinic at the Campbellville Health Centre, and staff there would monitor his blood pressure. He was also treated at the Hematology Clinic at the GPHC at the time.

“Dr. Bernard was extremely good at her work,” he said. He noted that she also referred him to other clinics as she tried to investigate what was the cause of the blood clot. “And why my blood was always short of iron.”

Fernandes said he kept undergoing multiple blood tests, which he said were a task by itself, and he also

charged from hospital, he would visit the clinics for treatment. He then started to undergo therapy at the Rehabilitation Unit of the Palms Geriatric Home on Brickdam.

“The therapists there are extremely professional and kind. I was doing really well with my mobility. My wife and I would even go for walks in the evenings,” he said.

Fernandes sharing a light moment with one of his grandchildren

was treated for regular heat tests, and had to take head and chest scans and x-rays.

“But nothing was showing up,” he said. “So, because of the lack of iron in my blood, I had to be given iron infusions.”

He said that, in August this year, he had just received his second dose of iron infusions, and was returning home on a bus when he began to feel weak. “I was dizzy, and I had a funny feeling on my hips,” he said.

Experiencing a stroke “After arriving home, my wife took me to the Campbellville Health Centre, where I was checked by a doctor,” he said. He said his blood pressure was nor-

mal, as were his facial features, and as such, the doctor recommended that he go home and take some rest.

Later that night, Fernandes said, he started to feel weak again. According to his wife Yvonne, he then experienced a stroke.

“I was immediately taken to the GPHC Emergency Department, but after being there without seeing a doctor for three hours, my wife panicked and took me to a private institution, where I spent six days,” he said.

Fernandes said that with them both being pensioners, the couple was drained of what money they had, including their little savings, and he noted that after being dis-

Second and third strokes Fernandes said all seemed well, until August 24 this year, when he experienced a second stroke.

He was admitted and spent three days at the GPHC, “because my left side was once again paralyzed. It was not a good experience for me.”

He said the doctors and nurses were helpful, but he noted that he could not do anything to help himself.

Fernandes said after he was discharged from the hospital, he continued to attend clinic.

“I drank my medication and tried my best to eat healthy meals,” he said.

Fernandes then restarted therapy sessions at the Palms on September 27th last. He said that on the following day, while exercising, he started to feel weak once more, and his speech became slurred. “My wife couldn’t even understand what I was saying,” he said. “I experienced a third stroke,” he said.

Theodore Fernandes’ wife has always been by his side

Rare form of cancer

Fernandes said he has high praise for Dr. Bernard, who treated him for this third stroke and who continued to investigate his ailment. He said that, on October 12, Dr. Bernard informed him of his diagnosis while he was being treated at the Hematology Clinic at the GPHC. “She had my test results, and it showed that I am suffering from a rare disease called Polycythemia Vera a type of blood cancer where the bone marrow is making too many red blood cells.”

He said it is a situation where his blood is becoming thick and causing the blood clot, which was the cause of the strokes he experienced.

According to medical research, although there is no cure for the disease, people

diagnosed with Polycythemia Vera can survive for decades if they do not experience any serious complications.

Fernandes said he felt relieved when he received the diagnosis. “I know it is cancer, but it is manageable, and I was happy that after more than one year and a half, I learnt what was causing the blood clot,” he said. “I was put on oral medication called hydroxyurea for cancer,” he added.

When he spoke with Guyana Times last week, he was on his 9th day of medication, and being optimistic, Fernandes noted that with his wife by his side, although the medication has produced side effects, “we are dealing with those as they come along.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

14 FEATURE

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Theodore Fernandes remains...

FROM PAGE 13

He said the side effects include bouts of upset stomach, an “itchy” feeling about his body, and headaches. He said if the medication does not work, he would have to undergo Phlebotomy, which is the removal of blood from the body to manage blood disorders.

Family’s reaction and faith in God

Fernandes has said that although he was diagnosed with cancer, his wife and other family members felt relieved when he received his diagnosis. He said he recently began therapy session once more at the Palms. As he recounted his experiences of last year, Fernandes said life as he knows it has not been easy for the past year.

“Since the attacks from

the stroke, it is even more challenging. Instead of bus, I have to now take taxis; and my left side is paralyzed, so I have to use a wheelchair.

My wife has to do so many things that I am unable to do for myself,” Fernandes noted.

However, Fernandes said he and his wife have “great faith in God. We thank Him for life often.”

He said his relatives and friends also pray for him, and they have also provided sincere words of encouragement to him and his wife.

“The doctors, nurses and therapists also do a great job at helping me with my recovery,” he added.

Fernandes hails from the Upper Pomeroon. He said he was born in the village of Mapari, and after his school days, he was once

a teacher at the primary school at Kabakaburi, which he had attended. He taught there for four years before moving to the Rupununi village of Annai to teach.

He said he then left the teaching profession to work in the field of forestry, alongside his father who was in the timber trade. He then entered the mining field, travelling to areas where there were gold “shouts.”

Fernandes said he spent most of his life along the Guyana/Venezuela border; he lived along the Wenamu River for many years, where he worked as a diver and on the mining dredge.

He noted that he has lived life the way he wants it, and he reiterated that he has faith in the Almighty that his ailment will be cured.

15

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2023

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18 NEWS

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Women, youths to benefit from jobs as major projects are set to enhance Essequibo Coast

N

ew investments and initiatives will soon be rolled out in the Cinderella County with the sole underlying purpose of creating high-value jobs for women and youth, said President Dr Irfaan Ali. The Head of State spoke about his Government’s plans to further enhance the lives of Essequibians, during the opening of the Essequibo Expo 2023 on Friday evening in Anna Regina.

Before the end of the year, recruitment will commence for the two new call centres in Essequibo, employing more than 400 persons by March 2024.

“This is not talk, this is delivery on promise. This is delivery on commitment…

Together, we are on a journey of building a strong and resilient Guyana; a Guyana in which our prosperity must go and contribute to the regional prosperity in Caricom,” Ali asserted.

The second project, in collaboration with the private sector, will see the development of a world-class glamping facility and wellness centre which will see 50 per cent women and youth

President Irfaan Ali addressing residents of Essequibo

involvement.

“These are investments that we are planning to expand your economy, to diversify your economy here in Essequibo, to create more jobs, to create newer and higher value jobs and to create higher skilled jobs.

Together, we are on a journey of building a strong and resilient Guyana.”

Government is making investments so that persons can become trained teachers right within the comfort of the region. In addition, he noted that the state-of-theart cricket stadium being developed on the Essequibo Coast will see the hosting of

world-class cricket matches.

Negotiations are underway with the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) to bring the Women’s T20 tournament to Guyana and Essequibo in 2025, further cementing the link between investment and opportunity.

This time around, the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ECCI) successfully hosted the expo commonly referred to as “Essequibo Night”, drawing a large and enthusiastic crowd to support local small businesses.

With approximately 80 booths showcasing a wide range of products and ser-

Essequibians showed up in their numbers for the expo

vices, the event served as a catalyst for economic growth and empowerment in the Pomeroon-Supenaam region.

The expo intended to strengthen the small business community in Essequibo by providing a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their offerings.

Visitors were captivated by the diverse array of innovative products and services on display, ranging from organic produce to handcrafted goods.

Coordinator of the ECCI, Rawle Pearce emphasised the importance of support-

ing and nurturing small businesses. By providing a platform for visibility and growth, he noted that the Chamber aims to foster economic development and create a thriving business ecosystem in the region.

Meanwhile, Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva echoed the same sentiment, adding that the Expo not only showcased the entrepreneurial spirit of Essequibo but also highlighted the region’s potential as a hub for small business development. It served as a reminder of the importance of investing in local

enterprises, ultimately contributing to the overall economic growth and prosperity of the community.

Entrepreneurs seized the opportunity to network, establish new partnerships, and gain exposure for their ventures.

Savina Sukhnandan, owner of Lilly’s Organics, expressed her gratitude, stating, “The agro expo was a fantastic opportunity for us to connect with the local community and showcase our products. The overwhelming support received has given us the confidence to expand our business further.” (G12)

19

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

$200M hydroponics facilities for Linden, Essequibo Coast – Pres Ali announces

G

President Ali visited the NAREI hydroponics facility this week

overnment will be building out two new hydroponics facilities in the near future as it pursues a robust agricultural agenda – earmarked for Linden and Essequibo to the tune of $200 million each.

As he engaged residents during the Essequibo Expo on Friday evening, President Irfaan Ali announced that this agriculture innovation project for Essequibo will provide employment for scores of youths.

The President divulged, “We are opening of tens of thousands of acres of lands.

We are going to spend in excess of $200 million on an agriculture innovation entrepreneurship project in which we will build a world-class hydroponics facility here and 100 of your young people will be the owners.”

Then during his visit to Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice) on Saturday, the Head of State noted of a similar project to be undertaken in

Linden.

“Very soon, we will be investing $200M in Region 10 to support your own hydroponics facility. Development is coming to every corner, every crack, every valley because that is what we’re about. We’re about transforming things for every single category of Guyanese people. One Guyana is about all of Guyana.”

Under the innovative entrepreneurship programme for agriculture, Ali contended that least 35 per cent of new farms and agro-businesses must benefit women and youths.

Over the week, it was reported that production at the hydroponics facility of the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara has been overwhelming for 2023 thus far.

The Head of State had visited the facility on Thursday

where harvest for 2023 included two tonnes of chili peppers, two tonnes of hot peppers, 50,000 heads of lettuce, one tonne of carrots, and 2.4 tonnes of cauliflower. The majority of this produce is used to supply hotels, and excess produce is sold to contiguous communities or agro-processed, thus there is never a waste of food grown.

There are 25,000 plants in the hydroponics nursery, and this capacity will reach 100,000 within the next two weeks. These plants include mint, celery, parsley, pak choi, cucumber, kale, basil, chives and thyme, among others. The hydroponics nursery is operated on 10 acres of land, and shade houses measuring 90 feet by 40 feet are used. Using traditional methods, production would require a larger area of land, estimated at 30 acres.

At that time, the President had signalled intentions of building out additional hy-

Guyana has recorded successes with its modern hydroponics project

droponics facilities across the country to meet the needs of not just Guyana but the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

Hydroponics is one of the modern technologies being embraced by the Government as it seeks to support Caricom’s vision of slashing the food import bill by 25 per cent by 2025.

Last year, the Agriculture Ministry signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Israeli company KARLICO INC, making way for the development of a massive hydroponics project. With an estimated investment of US$15,750,000, the project is set to involve a three-phase hydroponic production system

based on nutrient film techniques and soilless production systems designed for the production of fresh herbs, lettuce and other leafy vegetables, as well as other high-value crops.

First phase of the project was the setting up of a 2000-square-metre, state-ofthe-art hydroponic system which would include a cold room, packaging facilities, harvesting equipment, irrigation controllers, fertiliser mixers, water recycling system, and emergency water storage, among other things.

Phase two would see the construction and installation of an advanced greenhouse system, while phase three would involve the construction of a regional distribution centre where a variety of agricul-

tural and food products would be collected, processed, packaged, and delivered to both local and international markets, meeting all of the necessary USDA and European Food Safety Authority standards and regulations.

Vision 25 by 2025 was conceptualised by President Ali for a 25 per cent reduction in the Region’s food import bill by the year 2025. Owing to the Region’s dependency on imported foods, it faces hardships when disruptions occur.

As of 2022, the Region achieved 57 per cent of the production target towards reducing the food import bill.

Over the next two years, more than 1.4 metric tonnes of commodities must be produced to achieve this target. (G12)

20 FEATURE

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

HEALTH TIPS

HYDROCELE - (WATER AROUND TESTICLES)

son’s activity level and the amount of fluid present.

Communicating hydroceles are often associated with an inguinal hernia.

CAUSES

A

hydrocele is a painless swelling in the scrotum that occurs when fluid collects in the thin layer of skin surrounding a testicle. It is common in newborn males, and usually disappears without treatment within the first year of life.

In older males, a hydrocele can have one of several different causes, including injury or infection. Diagnosis is usually straightforward, and there is often no need for treatment.

Females can also experience a hydrocele along the canal of Nuck, but it is very rare.

About 10% of newborn males have a hydrocele, which usually disappears before the age of one year.

Swelling can occur on one or both sides of the scrotum. It does not cause pain, but may be uncomfortable, particularly when the swelling is significant.

The cause of a hydrocele depends on a person’s age. * In babies When a male foetus is growing during pregnancy, the testicles develop near the kidneys in the abdomen. By the end of a full-term pregnancy, they move down to their usual position in the scrotum. To allow the testicles to descend, a muscle lining opens in the scrotum (the inguinal ring), forming a canal or sac. Once the testicles have moved into their usual position, the inguinal ring closes. If the ring stays open or reopens, fluid can pass from the belly to the scrotum through this canal, and this causes a hydrocele.

Sometimes, babies are born before the testicles have descended, increasing the chances of a hydrocele developing. * In adults In older males, if the inguinal ring has not closed, or if it reopens, a communicating hydrocele can form.

Hydroceles in adult males have several other possible causes, including: * Injury * Inflammation * Infection A hydrocele is unlike-

DIAGNOSIS

ly to be painful, but it can cause an uncomfortable feeling of heaviness in the scrotum. A hydrocele is not usually dangerous, and will not affect fertility. In rare instances, it might be linked to an underlying testicular condition, such as an infection, tumour, or inguinal hernia.

People should seek out a diagnosis from a doctor to rule out any other condition.

SYMPTOMS

Usually, hydroceles do not cause any pain, and the only symptom is a swollen scrotum. However, in adults, hydroceles can be uncomfortable. The greater the amount of fluid in the hydrocele, the heavier the scrotum feels.

Some people find the swelling more uncomfortable in the morning than in the evening.

If sudden scrotal pain or swelling occurs, especial-

ly after an injury to the scrotum, it is important to get medical help straight away.

These symptoms can stem from restricted blood flow in a twisted testicle (testicular torsion), which requires immediate treatment.

TYPES

There are two types of hydroceles: communicating, and noncommunicating. * Noncommunicating These hydroceles form in infants when the inguinal ring closes but fluid remains in the membrane of the testicles. The body usually absorbs the fluid within a year. * Communicating Rarely, the inguinal ring remains open, allowing fluid to pass back and forth between the abdomen and the membrane of the testicles. Doctors call this a communicating hydrocele. The scrotal swelling can change size, depending on a per-

When a person with swelling in the scrotum seeks treatment, the doctor would first ask questions to help determine the likely cause. The doctor would perform a physical exam which would include feeling the scrotum, to confirm the location and extent of the swelling.

A hydrocele lies in front of, or below, the testicle. The doctor would want to know whether the scrotum feels tender during the exam.

The doctor might also check to see whether light passes through the swelling in the scrotum. This test is called transillumination.

If the swelling is fluid-filled like a hydrocele, light will pass through it. A solid mass, such as a tumour, would not allow light to pass through.

Transillumination can be very helpful in allowing doctors to work out the cause of scrotal swelling, but some other steps can help them make a definite diagnosis.

For example, a doctor may want to order another investigation, such as an ultrasound scan, if that doctor

has any doubt about the underlying cause of the swelling.

In rare cases, exploratory surgery might be the only way to determine what issue is responsible for this symptom.

TREATMENT

Most babies and infants with a hydrocele would not require any treatment, as the condition would resolve itself over time. Parents and caregivers should check the scrotum now and then, and contact their doctor if the swelling becomes very large, or if the infant is in pain.

For people with very large and uncomfortable hydroceles, surgery to remove them might be the best option.

Another treatment option is to drain the hydrocele using needle aspiration. In this procedure, a doctor inserts a long needle into the sac to draw out the fluid. The doctor may then inject chemicals into the hydrocele to stop it from refilling with fluid (sclerotherapy). This treatment is best for adults at risk of complications during surgery.

Most hydroceles in both infants and adults disappear without the need for medical intervention. In rare cases, doctors might need to perform surgery or aspiration to drain the fluid.

NEWS

21

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Manhunt underway Major ganja busts made for suspect linked to during Police river patrol guns, ammo, drugs I P olice have issued a wanted bulletin for a man believed to be involved in a series of crimes, including multiple robberies.

Wanted is William Hendricks, whose last known address is listed as Bartica and Eroma Backdam, Cuyuni River, Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

Hendricks is wanted in connection with unlawful possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, and a string of robberies, all of which occurred on October 19, 2023.

Prior to the issuance of the wanted bulletin, the Police have been actively pursuing Hendricks, who allegedly dropped a haversack containing firearms, ammunition, and cannabis when he evaded cops.

Police have since revealed that a team of officers, led by an Inspector, responded to reports from miners in the Goldfinger Backdam area, Cuyuni River, Region Seven, concerning threats, assaults, and robberies committed by Hendricks, a wellknown figure in the region.

Upon receiving information that Hendricks

On the run: William Hendricks

was staying at a camp in Eroma Backdam, the officers proceeded to the location. When the Police arrived, they observed Hendricks holding a black haversack. Upon noticing the Police ranks, Hendricks fled into nearby bushes.

During the pursuit, Hendricks dropped the black haversack, which was later retrieved by the officers. Inside the haversack, Police found a black 9mm Ruger pistol loaded with 17 live 9mm rounds of ammunition in its magazine.

Additionally, the haversack contained a bulky transparent plastic bag and a blue plastic bag, both filled with a quantity of leaves, seeds, and stems. (G9)

n multiple raids, Police ranks from Mackenzie, Aroaima, and Kwakwani Police Stations in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) and Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara (ECD), conducted operations resulting in the discovery of a substantial amount of cannabis.

The first bust occurred on Friday around 15:00h, when Police ranks embarked on a river patrol between Kwakwani Water Front and Wiruni Creek, Berbice River.

During their patrol, an alert was raised when a man was spotted fleeing an in-

stems strewn across the floor, with a portion in a large black plastic bag.

Additionally, an 8-horsepower Mercury outboard en-

The illegal drugs that were found in Ann’s Grove, ECD

The house where the ganja was found in Region 10

The ganja and engine that were found in Region 10

complete wooden house on the western bank of Wiruni Creek. Despite a pursuit, the suspect managed to evade capture. Upon inspection of the premises, law enforcement discovered a quantity of cannabis leaves, seeds, and

gine was found at the scene.

The suspected cannabis, weighing 43 lbs (equivalent to 19,504 grams), was seized and taken to the Mackenzie Police Station. The engine was lodged at the Kwakwani Police Station.

In a separate operation, officers apprehended a 27-yearold shop owner in Ann’s Grove, ECD, following a tip-off.

A search of the shop’s premises led to the discovery of a black plastic bag containing transparent zip-lock bags filled with cannabis leaves,

seeds, and stems, totalling 102.7 grams. The shop’s owner and the confiscated narcotics were promptly escorted to the Cove and John Police Station.

He remains in custody as the investigation continues.

(G9)

22 NEWS

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“New league” of healthcare as $26M X-ray machine commissioned at Linden Hospital …Govt training 1500 nurses; another 3000 on the cards your own mammogram machine. We have already started preparing the room for that…We had a very primitive ultrasound and one of the things we have done is give this hospital a modern ultrasound machine.”

He added, “There are many more pieces of equipment that you have in the lab costing millions of dollars. We’re equipping the lab to become a modern lab.”

Upgrades to the medical facility include the development of a landing pad for medevacs.

During the commissioning ceremony, the hospital also received an ambulance.

Meanwhile, President Ali

revealed, “Today, with this capacity, we are now building a relationship with top doctors in India, Mount Sinai, Canada and instantaneously, these results are connected to specialists across the world who can give us second opinion and specialised opinion. That is what we’re doing, building tomorrow today.”

Ali remarked that in building out a proper healthcare system, it is not only about tending to the needs of Guyana, but creating institutions that are recognised and utilised regionally.

“The Government of Guyana is supporting more than 1500 nurses being trained across all Guyana.

President Dr Irfaan Ali and Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh touring the facility

P

resident Dr Irfaan Ali on Saturday commissioned a modernised X-ray machine valued at $26M at the Linden Hospital, allowing for faster diagnosis and treatment of patients brought to the facility.

A Siemens X-ray machine, considered one of the best on the market, has been installed at the Region 10 hospital and health workers have been trained to use the new equipment. The ma-

chine produces digital imagery using X-ray scans, where doctors can examine and interpret the results on any screen. It can also be sent to other departments in a digital file.

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony voiced, “This is one of the best X-ray machines that is on the market. It is one of the top-quality X-ray machines in the world. This is moving us in another league because of

the machine and the quality of X-rays that we will be able to take.”

A special room has also been set aside within the complex for a mammogram machine to be installed, allowing for persons to get screened for breast cancer.

The Health Minister also added that a new ultrasound machine and another to test blood gases have also been installed.

“Very soon, you will have

The new X-ray machine at the Linden Hospital Complex

We’re building the infrastructure that we have the capacity to train at least 3000 nurses simultaneously all across Guyana. We want to create a health service provision hub here for the region and further afield,” he disclosed.

In the last 18 months, the President reminded that Government has adjusted the salaries of healthcare workers between 27 and 75 per cent. Ali added that Government is working on a special programme to ensure that health workers own their homes in improving the standard of living for those in the sector and beyond. (G12)

23

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt calls out APA for attempts to bias ART TREES' certification process …Independent verification rejects complaint; APA withdraws appeal

A

n appeal that was filed by the Amerindian Peoples’ Association (APA), which has been seeking to bring a halt to Guyana’s carbon credit programme through which the country and Amerindian communities receive payments for the forests, has since been withdrawn and the Government is calling out the Association for what it said are attempts to bias the process.

Back in May of this year, an Independent Reviewer had examined APA’s complaint against the Architecture for REDD+ Transactions’ (ART) decision to certify Guyana’s forest carbon. At the time, the Independent Reviewer had found that APA’s case lacked merit and that Guyana did follow the correct process.

“In May 2023, the Independent Reviewer who examined the APA’s complaint, concluded that the process set forth in the ART Standards was followed by Guyana, and that concerns expressed by the APA were not supported facts and, in several cases, inaccurate, and, further, that specific issues pointed to in the APA’s submission did not reflect an understanding of the role of the ART Standard,” a statement from the Office of the Vice President said.

“The Independent Verification concluded with a rejection of the complaint made by the APA, as well as its associated call for the suspension of Guyana’s ART-TREES carbon credits. Further, the Independent Reviewer concluded that the APA’s claims

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

that it had not been appropriately consulted on Guyana’s ART-TREES issuance process, were verifiably false,” the statement added.

According to the office of the Vice President, APA has since expressed dissatisfaction with the failure of its appeal filed in June of 2023, which the office said was a seeming attempt to bias the ART process. According to the office, APA is effectively trying to stop the carbon credit revenues and now that their appeal has been withdrawn, is trying to taint the process.

“In its Release dated October 27, 2023, the APA expressed dissatisfaction that the ART Secretariat has not given in to its machinations, which seemingly attempted to bias the ART process with several of APA’s demands.

The APA’s appeal was tabled in July 2023, and fol-

lowed its first failed attempt at stopping Guyana’s ART Trees crediting, which effectively meant stopping carbon credits revenues flowing to Amerindian Villages.”

“The original complaint by the APA and the recent Appeal which has now failed, were both done in secret and without the knowledge or support of any Indigenous communities in Guyana, and without the knowledge or support of any of their elected leaders. Once the existence of the complaint (March 2023) and the Appeal (July 2023) were made public (by other parties, not by the APA), not a single Indigenous community supported it,” the office said.

Importantly, it was pointed out that the National Toshaos Council (NTC) spoke up on behalf of Indigenous communities to ensure that their voices would be heard

APA President, Lemmel Benson Thomas

receive the benefits from the sale of carbon credits that they rightly expected.”

“At the recently held NTC Council Conference in August 2023, there was no support expressed for the APA’s appeal.

The question arose at the time of the complaint in March 2023 and again at the time of the Appeal in July 2023, as to who the APA is purporting to represent and whether there has been Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) by Amerindian Villages.”

and to support the carbon credit programme.

“The NTC is comprised of leaders from every Indigenous community in Guyana. Those leaders are elected by their own communities, unlike those of the APA. The NTC continues to speak up on behalf of communities across the country, including raising issues with the Government to ensure that communities

In their statement after withdrawing their appeal, APA had accused ART Secretariat of refusing to “employ a fair, independent and transparent complaint mechanism.” According to the Office of the Vice President, however, APA in filing its appeal failed to seek the free, prior and informed consent of the very Amerindian villages

Withdrawal

they claimed to represent.”

“Meanwhile, Guyana has earned US$150 million in payments from the sale of ART-TREES credits for the year 2023. A total of 85% of this money is being invested in multi-community and national priorities identified by stakeholders during the seven-month consultation on the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030,” the office said.

“A total of 242 communities have completed Village Plans to the standards required by village-led processes. In all cases, the village processes must culminate with a vote of approval from at least two-thirds of all adult villagers present at village meetings (in many villages, support has been unanimous).

All 242 communities have their own carbon credit bank accounts and finance committees chosen by villagers and community members.”

24 2 Indigenous women receive SBM Offshore Guyana scholarships SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

S

BM Offshore Guyana has announced that Kimberly Kenyon and Graziella Abraham have been awarded scholarships to pursue their tertiary education in varying engineering fields at the University of Guyana.

Through the company’s Scholarship Programme for Indigenous Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), the young women will receive full financial support for the academic year 2023/2024, which includes tuition, accommodation, transportation, books and other resources required to pursue their respective disciplines.

The company said on Saturday that during a small ceremony, Kenyon and Abraham were officially presented with their letters of acceptance by

General Manger Martin Cheong. In attendance were the University of Guyana’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin and Deputy Chief Education Officer with responsibility for Amerindian and Hinterland Development, Marti De Souza.

Kenyon, a first-year student pursuing an Associate of Science Degree in Industrial Engineering, expressed her gratitude, saying, “I feel honoured to be given this scholarship. I think it’s a big opportunity for myself and my colleague; It’s like a weight lifted off your shoulders to actually put your full focus on your studies.”

Abraham, who is also a first-year student, will be pursuing an Associate of Science Degree in Civil Engineering. She high-

Kimberly Kenyon and Graziella Abraham with SBM Offshore Guyana’s General Manager Martin Cheong; Human Resource Manager Onecia Johnson; University of Guyana Vice Chancellor Dr Paloma Mohamed-Martin, and the Education Ministry’s Deputy Chief Education Officer with responsibility for Amerindian and Hinterland Development, Marti De Souza

lighted that the scholarship relieves her of the financial responsibility attached to pursuing higher education and training so that she can focus solely on her academic pursuits. She said, “I can put all my efforts towards getting good grades, and I can put all my efforts towards making sure that

I study without that pressure of financial stress, so this scholarship really and truly benefits me a lot.”

The scholarship programme is one of several programmes offered by SBM Offshore Guyana, the company said, adding that it is aimed at furnishing the local work-

force with the skills needed for the oil and gas industry. Other capacity-building programmes undertaken by the company include the Graduate Engineers’ Programme and Trainee Technician Programme, both of which provide international training for their beneficiaries.

NEWS

25

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Friends star Matthew Perry ‘has died aged 54 in accidental drowning’ M

atthew Perry has reportedly died. He was 54.

The actor, who was best known for playing Chandler Bing on Friends, was found dead at a Los Angeles-area home on Saturday, TMZ reported, citing law enforcement sources.

The outlet reported that Perry was found in a jacuzzi at the home, and no drugs were found at the scene.

A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department told PEOPLE that officers responded to a call at Perry’s address regarding the death of a male in his 50s, but would not confirm the deceased’s identity.

TMZ was also told that there was no foul play involved, and their sources said first-responders were called to the residence for cardiac arrest.

Representatives for Perry did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

Born in Williamstown, Massachusetts, on Aug. 19, 1969, Perry was raised on Ottawa, Canada, where he attended elementary school with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

His mother, Suzanne Morrison, was a journalist and press secretary to Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, Justin’s father.

Perry’s stepfather is Dateline‘s Keith Morrison. His father, John Bennett Perry,

From left: Matthew Perry, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer

Friends star Matthew Perry

was an actor and model — the younger Perry even gueststarred in an episode of his dad’s cop show, 240-Robert, in 1979.

Perry moved to Los Angeles as a teenager. After landing a few TV guest spots, he recurred as Chazz Russell on Boys Will Be Boys from 1987 to 1988. Roles on Growing Pains and Sydney followed, but his big break came in 1994 with NBC’s iconic sitcom Friends.

Perry played sarcastic commitment-phobe Chandler Bing for 10 seasons, landing an Emmy nomination in 2002. Friends was the hottest show of the 90s, with Perry and costars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow,

Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer ultimately earning a whopping $1 million per episode.

“I was 24 when I got on the show,” he said in the 2004 book Friends … ‘Til the End. “I’ll be 34 when it’s over, and those are really important years in somebody’s life. So to do it all in public … was difficult. At first you have the wave of ‘I’m famous, and this is exactly what I’ve wanted my whole life.’ But then you go through the whole recluse stage where you think, ‘I wish everybody would stop staring at me.’ And then you eventually, hopefully, get through all that. You find things in your life that are grounding, like your family and good friends.”

Despite his success, Perry struggled with addiction behind the scenes, seeking treatment in 1997 and 2001. He told Britain’s BBC Radio 2 in 2016 that he didn’t remember filming seasons 3 through 6 of Friends.

In a 2013 PEOPLE cover story, the actor admitted to abusing alcohol and Vicodin, which a doctor had prescribed him after a 1997 Jet Ski accident.

“I had a big problem with

alcohol and pills and I couldn’t stop,” he said. “Eventually things got so bad that I couldn’t hide it, and then everybody knew.”

Then, “something clicked,” and he founded Perry House, a men’s sober living facility, in his old Malibu beach home.

“The interesting reason that I can be so helpful to people now is that I screwed up so often,” he said. “It’s nice for people to see that somebody who once struggled in

their life is not struggling any more.”

Back in 2015, he was awarded for his advocacy by the treatment center Phoenix House, telling The Hollywood Reporter, “You can’t have a drug problem for 30 years and then expect to have it be solved in 28 days.”

When Friends ended in 2004, Perry struggled to find another small-screen hit: his next starring vehicle, Aaron Sorkin’s Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip aired on NBC for just 22 episodes from 2006-07.

He co-created Mr. Sunshine in 2011, but ABC cancelled the comedy after nine episodes. His NBC comedy Go On ran for one season in 2013. Next, he starred alongside Thomas Lennon on CBS’s The Odd Couple reboot for three seasons from 2015-17.

Perry also worked on a play The End of Longing, in London beginning in 2016.

His movie credits include Fools Rush In, The Whole Nine Yards, Serving Sara and 17 Again. (PEOPLE.com)

26

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2023

guyanatimesgy.com

Regional

Panama orders halt to new mining Barbados economy grew by more than 4% projects as street protests grow P in 9 months of 2023 B

arbados’ economy expanded by 4.4 per cent in the first nine months of this year, the largest nine-month expansion since 2006, excluding the pandemic recovery period, the Central Bank of Barbados (CBB) reported on Friday.

In its Review of the Barbados Economic Performance January to September 2023, the CBB said this performance also accounts for the 10th consecutive quarter of economic growth.

“Broad-based growth boosted tax collections, improved labour market conditions, reduced the debtto-GDP ratio, narrowed the trade deficit, increased foreign reserve levels, and improved credit quality as well as bank profitability,” the central bank said.

Central bank Governor, Dr Kevin Greenidge, told reporters that the consistent economic expansion over the past 10 quarters demonstrates that Barbados is on a sustainable growth path.

He said after increasing by 13.8 per cent in 2022,

View from across the wharf in Bridgetown of Barbados Parliament buildings and Central Bank of Barbados

economic growth is projected to moderate to around 4.5 per cent in 2023 which still surpasses pre-pandemic levels.

“The upcoming winter season, bolstered by events and improved air access, is expected to be very good for tourism, although high ticket prices could pose a challenge. The increase in tourism will spill over to other sectors, including distributive trade and transportation. Major construction projects slated for late 2023 will also contribute to the economy’s expan-

sion and employment generation.”

The CBB said that forward bookings and increased seating capacity also bode well for the winter tourism season.

The CBB said that inflation is expected to moderate in the medium term in line with recent international commodity price declines. Domestic inflation should fall to five per cent or below by the end of the year given price declines in cereals, vegetable oils and dairy products. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

anama will reject all new mining projects, the President said on Friday, as his Government defends a controversial contract extending operations for two decades at a major copper mine that has sparked growing protests demanding its cancellation.

President Laurentino Cortizo announced that the new mining restrictions will apply to both future mining projects as well as those currently seeking permits.

“All of them will be rejected,” he wrote in a post on X. “This ban will go into effect from today.”

The abrupt mining pause comes barely a week after Cortizo hailed the revised contract that allows the local unit of Canada’s First Quantum to continue operating its lucrative Cobre Panama project.

The extended First Quantum concession for the sprawling open-pit mine guarantees State coffers at least US$375 million annually while allowing it to operate for at least 20 more years, with the possibility

T

“We had a shared determination to step out from under this shadow as soon as possible, and today, we have done exactly that…

Compliance with the FATF standard helps protect all of us as we conduct everyday business, whether that’s banking, purchasing local goods, or donating to charities.”

This completes Cayman’s participation in FATF’s 4th-Round Mutual Evaluation process.

The 5th Round process starts in 2025, with Cayman expecting its evaluation in 2026.

Attorney General Samuel Bulgin said officials are now monitoring and anticipating changes to the FATF standard and evalua-

he death toll from a devastating hurricane this week in the Mexican beach resort of Acapulco has risen to 39, the Government said on Saturday, as President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador accused his opponents of overblowing the extent of the disaster.

Hurricane Otis pounded Acapulco with winds of 165 miles per hour (266 km per hour) on Wednesday, flooding the city, tearing roofs from homes, stores and hotels, submerging vehicles, and severing communications as well as road and air connections.

The Government has so far released little information about dead and in-

P

Police two men entered her home, one was armed with a shotgun. They allegedly told her to take her 13-month-old baby and leave the house.

She told Police one of the men had a bottle of gas in his hand. He then set the on fire.

The mother was able to escape safely. She ran to a

tract.

In recent days, protesters have erected road blockades to pressure authorities, which also led to the suspension of classes nationwide earlier this week.

In an interview, Edison Broce, a lawmaker who opposes the contract, predicted that politicians who support it will be punished in elections next year.

He urged Cortizo and his Government to heed the protesters. (Excerpt from Reuters)

jured. The latest death toll was up from 27 reported previously, with four others missing due to Otis.

Lopez Obrador issued a 24-minute video on social media to update the country on the situation. He devoted much of it to attacking critics he accused of trying to exploit the situation ahead of next year’s presidential election.

“They circle like vultures, they don’t care about people’s pain, they want to hurt us, for there to have been lots of deaths,” he said.

Lopez Obrador, 69, said media outlets seeking to smear his Government had exaggerated the toll, but that Security Minister

Rosa Icela Rodriguez would provide an update on casualties “without lying.”

Rodriguez said the victims were believed to have drowned due to the Category 5 storm and that 10 people were unaccounted for.

Looting has ravaged Acapulco since the record-breaking storm left thousands of residents struggling to get food and water.

Many people have complained of insufficient Government aid to Acapulco. Some officials have privately expressed concern that the number of fatalities could rise.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

tion methodology to ensure local policies and legislation align.

They are also “monitoring changes to the FATF evaluation methodology, to assess how best to demonstrate the Cayman Islands’ effectiveness in implementing the standard”.

Bulgin and the Minister said that lessons learned during FATF’s 4th Round are guiding preparations for the next round. Meanwhile, Premier Wayne Panton, who was here when the delisting was confirmed, said it was a “culmination of the tireless efforts, advocacy and diplomacy” by the countless public servants involved, as well as the Minister and the Attorney General. (Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Ecuador to impose power cuts as El Nino hits hydroelectric plants

neighbour’s house to call the authorities. Fire officers attached to the Chaguanas Fire Station arrived and extinguished the blaze. The two-storey, one-bedroom, wooden home, was completely destroyed. No motive was given for the attack.

(Trinidad Guardian)

cuador will introduce power cuts for several hours a day until mid-December, the Government said on Thursday, because of a strong drought that has hit production at its hydro-electric plants.

The country’s most extreme drought in the last five decades, which the Government attributes to the El Nino phenomenon, has affected the eastern and southern regions where 90% of hy-

T&T: Bandits kick mom, baby out E of house before setting it on fire olice are investigating an incident in Mamoral where two men allegedly kicked a woman and her baby out of their home before setting it on fire.

The incident occurred around 6:30pm on Friday.

The 39-year-old victim told

of further extensions.

Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets to criticise the deal, as well as the mine’s environmental costs, and demand its withdrawal.

Earlier on Friday, Economy Minister Hector Alexander echoed Cortizo’s support for the contract.

The Cobre Panama mine alone accounts for nearly 5% of Panama’s economy.

Also on Friday, Panama’s top court agreed to consider a second lawsuit challenging the con-

Mexico hurricane death toll hits 39; President slams critics

Cayman Islands removed T from FATF’s grey list he Cayman Islands has been removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) anti-money laundering grey list after more than two years of trying to do so.

The British overseas territory was listed in February 2021 due to a failure to successfully prosecute or sanction those involved in financial crime.

The FATF announced the decision to de-list Cayman following the October plenary in Paris that was held this week.

“Team Cayman faced this challenge with faith, competence and dedication,” said Financial Services Minister André Ebanks, who was in Paris for the session.

View of the Cobre Panama mine, of Canadian First Quantum Minerals, in Donoso, Panama, December 6, 2022

dro-electric plants operate.

“We have to be honest with the country, generation is not enough to meet demand,” Energy Minister Fernando Santos told journalists. “As a precaution against a collapse in power we have to make specific and temporary cuts.”

Cuts will last four hours per day in the Sierra and Amazon regions and three hours a day along the coast, he said. They will begin on Friday and each city’s power company will decide a sched-

ule.

The country needs an additional 460 megawatts to meet demand, Santos said, which will be covered with purchases from electricity generation boats, among other sources. Imports of natural gas will generate an additional 100 megawatts from mid-December, authorities said.

Technical problems at hydro-electric plants have exacerbated the problems, Santos added. (Reuters)

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2023

27

Around the World

Israel launches Gaza war's 2nd phase OILNEWS OIL NEWS with ground operation, Netanyahu says

US oil drillers add 1 rig as rut continues T

he total number of active drilling rigs in the United States rose by 1 this week after climbing by 2 last week, according to new data that Baker Hughes published Friday, as drillers continue to operate with restraint.

The total rig count rose to 625 this week. So far this year, Baker Hughes has estimated a loss of 154 active drilling rigs.

This week’s count is 450 fewer rigs than the rig count at the beginning of 2019 prior to the pandemic.

The number of oil rigs rose by 2 to 504, down by 117 so far in 2023. The number of gas rigs fell by 1 this week to 117, a loss of 39 active gas rigs from the start of the year. Miscellaneous rigs stayed the same.

The rig count in the Permian Basin rose by 1 again this week, and is now 33 rigs below this same time last year. The rig count in the Eagle Ford also rose by 1 and is now 19 fewer than this time last year.

Primary Vision’s Frac Spread Count, an estimate of the number of crews completing unfinished, rose in the week ending October 20, to 269, up from 263 in the week prior. The frac spread count is 11 more than where it started the year.

Crude oil production levels in the United States stayed steady at 13.2 million bpd for week ending October 20, according to the latest weekly EIA estimates, the highest production level in the United States ever. US production levels are now up 1 million bpd from the start of the year, according to estimated weekly figures.

At 1:00 pm ET on Friday, the WTI benchmark was trading up US$1.17 (+1.41%) on the day at US$84.38—down nearly US$6 per barrel from this time last week. The Brent benchmark was trading up US$1.32 (+1.50%) at US$89.25 per barrel on the day—down nearly US$4 per barrel from a week ago. (Oilprice. com)

P

rime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday that Israeli forces had unleashed the second phase of the Gaza war as they pressed ground operations against Hamas militants, vowing to "destroy the enemy above ground and below ground."

Gaza's besieged people had barely any communications with the outside world as Israeli jets dropped more bombs on the Hamas-ruled Palestinian enclave and military chiefs said a long-threatened ground offensive was gearing up.

Speaking at a press conference in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu warned that the war would be "long and hard" and reiterated Israel's appeal to Palestinian civilians to evacuate the north-

ern Gaza Strip where Israel was focusing its attack.

He vowed that every effort would be made to rescue the more than 200 hostages held

by Hamas.

"This is the second stage of the war whose goals are clear - to destroy Hamas' governing and military capabilities and to bring the hostages home," Netanyahu told reporters.

"We are only at the start," he said. "We will destroy the enemy above ground and below ground."

Israel has blockaded and bombarded Gaza for three weeks after the Islamist group Hamas' Oct 7 assault killed 1400 Israelis in the deadliest day of the nation's 75-year history.

Western countries have generally backed what they say

A child walks at the site of an Israeli air strike on a house, as the conflict between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas continues, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, October 27, 2023

is Israel's right to self-defence but there has been mounting international concern over the toll from the bombing and growing calls for a pause to allow aid to reach Gaza civilians.

Health authorities in the Gaza Strip of 2.3 million people say 7650 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's campaign to obliterate the militants. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Russia says Israel's Gaza bombardment is against international law

R

ussian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said that Israel's bombardment of Gaza runs counter to international law and risks creating a catastrophe that could last decades.

Lavrov made the comments, some of Moscow's most critical of Israel yet, in an interview with the Belarusian state news agency Belta, which released them on Saturday.

"While we condemn terror-

ism, we categorically disagree that you can respond to terrorism by violating the norms of international humanitarian law, including indiscriminately using force against targets where civilians are known to be present, including hostages that have been taken," said Lavrov.

It was impossible, he added, to destroy Hamas - as Israel has vowed to do - without destroying Gaza along with most of its civilian popu-

lation.

"If Gaza is destroyed and 2 million inhabitants are expelled, as some politicians in Israel and abroad propose, this will create a catastrophe for many decades, if not centuries," warned Lavrov.

"It is necessary to stop, and to announce humanitarian programmes to save the population under blockade."

Russia, which backs an immediate ceasefire and a twostate solution, has angered

Israel by inviting a Hamas delegation to Moscow, a decision it defended on Friday.

Hamas has said it is seeking eight Gaza hostages at Russia's request.

Lavrov said Russia was in close contact with Israel too.

Kyiv and the West have accused Russia itself of bombing civilians across Ukraine.

Moscow says it does not deliberately target civilians and only aims at military targets.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Bangladesh opposition At least 32 dead, At least 32 killed, protest turns 14 missing after dozens injured in violent amid calls ArcelorMittal mine Egypt road crash for PM to resign

O

ne Police officer was killed in Bangladesh on Saturday and over 100 people injured during an opposition party protest demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and calling for a free and fair vote under a caretaker Government.

Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets as clashes erupted when tens of thousands of supporters of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) gathered in the capital Dhaka, chanting slogans against the government.

Dozens of vehicles, including Police vans and ambulances, were set on fire, Police and media said.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police spokesman Faruq Hossain told reporters one officer had been killed and 41 others were injured in clashes with protesters.

Several journalists were attacked and injured while trying to cover the clashes, media reports said.

Security was tightened in the city in recent days as thousands of people arrived to at-

tend the rally. Hundreds of opposition party activists have been arrested, BNP leaders said.

The party has been calling on Hasina to resign to allow elections scheduled in January to be held under a neutral caretaker Government - a demand her Government has so far rejected.

"Today's rally continued for hours in a perfectly disciplined and peaceful manner until all of a sudden the lobbing of tear gas shells started," senior BNP leader Abdul Moyeen Khan told Reuters.

"The intensity increased and violent attacks with sounds of blasts and shootings turned the whole place into a war zone."

The BNP has called for a dawn-to-dusk countrywide strike in protest against the police action.

Hasina, who has maintained tight control since coming to power in 2009, has been accused of authoritarianism, human rights violations, cracking down on free speech and suppressing dissent while jailing her critics. (Excerpt from Reuters)

fire in Kazakhstan

A

t least 32 people have died and 14 remain missing after a mine fire in Kazakhstan, the Ministry for Emergency Situations said on Saturday.

Operator ArcelorMittal Temirtau, the local unit of Luxembourg-based steelmaker ArcelorMittal, said 206 of 252 people at the Kostenko mine had been evacuated after what appeared to be a methane blast.

It said 18 people had sought medical attention.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who expressed condolences to the victims' families and declared a national day of mourning on Oct 29, ordered his Cabinet to stop investment cooperation with ArcelorMittal Temirtau.

The company said it had suspended operation of coal unit mines for 24 hours for gas protection checks. The Government and company also confirmed they were working to finalise a deal to nationalise the company,

which operates the country's biggest steel mill.

"ArcelorMittal can also confirm, as communicated earlier today by the Government of Kazakhstan, that the two parties have been in discussions concerning the future of ArcelorMittal Temirtau and recently signed a preliminary agreement for a transaction that will transfer ownership to the Republic of Kazakhstan," the miner said.

"ArcelorMittal is committed to completing this transaction as soon as possible in order to minimise disruption to the greatest extent possible."

Last month First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar told reporters that Kazakhstan was in talks with potential investors who could take over the mill.

He said the Cabinet was unhappy with ArcelorMittal's failure to meet its investment obligations, upgrade equipment and ensure worker safety after a series of deadly accidents. (Reuters)

A

t least 32 people have been killed in a multi-car pileup on a highway in Egypt’s Beheira governorate, according to authorities.

More than 60 people were also reported injured in the road accident on Saturday, Egypt’s Health Ministry said.

The collision took place in morning fog when a passenger bus on its way to Cairo slammed into a parked vehicle on the highway linking the Egyptian capital, Cairo, and the Mediterranean city of Alexandria, according to local media and authorities.

Other cars slammed into the bus, with some catching fire.

The state-run al-Ahram newspaper said there was “a horrific collision on the Cairo-Alexandria desert road near Wadi al-Natroun”, about 160km (100 miles) north of Cairo.

Images posted on social media showed an overturned truck lying across the fast lane on charred

tarmac.

Further on is at least one bus and a minibus, both largely gutted by fire, as well as many cars, some still in flames.

Crowds of people can be seen standing by the road, gazing at the crash site alongside queues of cars as thick black smoke billows into the air.

Ambulances rushed to the scene to transfer the injured to hospital.

Bottom of Form Al-Ahram quoted Police sources as saying an oil leak from one vehicle caused the collision with some of the vehicles then catching fire.

It reported that 29 vehicles were part of the crash, and six, including a passenger bus, were gutted by fire. It also said “at least 18” people were burned in the accident.

The Egyptian Meteorological Authority warned of heavy fog on highways a day earlier, according to local reports.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

28

guyanatimesgy.com

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2023

ARIES

You’ll be surprised by the

(March 21- response you receive. Verify April 19) what you hear and consider your next move. A change of heart will prompt an opportunity to repeat something you enjoy doing.

Engage in whatever most TAURUS (April 20- attracts you; opportunity will May 20) unfold. A chance meeting, conversation or offer will stimulate your mind. Take the initiative and make your move.

Listen, observe and reGEMINI spond with dignity and grace.

(MAY 21Refuse to get mixed up in gosJune 20) sip. Stay focused on what’s important to you. Protect your reputation and health.

Do what you like doing most, CANCER (June 21- live life to the fullest and enjoy July 22) the moment. A day trip, reunion or social event that gives you food for thought will make this day one to remember.

LEO (July 23Aug. 22)

Pickles VIRGO

Talk things over before you decide what to do next. Give others the chance to voice an opinion, and offer alternatives that help keep the peace.

There is nothing you can’t accomplish.

LIBRA (Sept. 23Oct. 23)

Keep your emotions out of the mix. Domestic or partnership problems will fester if you aren’t willing to compromise. Address financial and partnership issues with respect and care.

SCORPIO

Put your ideas out there, and you’ll be surprised at the response. Attend events that offer a look into what’s trending. An open mind and the willingness to go the distance will pay off.

(Aug. 23Sept. 22)

Peanuts

Be a friendly observer and avoid getting caught in someone else’s dilemma. Don’t dramatize what’s going on around you or contribute to chaos.

Look inward.

(Oct. 24Nov. 22)

Listen and read between SAGITTARIUS the lines; someone will mis(Nov. 23lead you if you aren’t direct.

Dec. 21) A medical or domestic matter will be difficult to deal with if trust and truth don’t prevail.

Calvin and Hobbes

Tidy up loose ends and beCAPRICORN gin again. You have nothing to (Dec. 22fear and everything to gain by Jan. 19) following the path that leads to happiness. Say what’s on your mind and put your plans in motion.

AQUARIUS Don’t take anything for granted or let insecurity set (Jan. 20in. It’s up to you to take conFeb. 19) trol and to say no to anything that isn’t in your best interest.

Keep a watchful eye.

PISCES It’s up to you to make (Feb. 20- things happen. Believe in Mar. 20) yourself. A financial gain or change will put your mind at ease. How you handle work and cash will determine the opportunities you receive.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2023

29

ICC World Cup 2023: Australia vs New Zealand…

Travis Head produces Australia’s winning hand – in nail-biter of 388 vs 383

I

n the foothills of the highest peaks in the world, Dharamsala hosted the highest-scoring World Cup game of all time, and Australia held off New Zealand in a 771run thriller that reached giddying heights and featured records galore.

Travis Head made a stunning 59-ball century as he and David Warner clubbed 118 runs in the opening powerplay and shared a staggering 175run opening stand to underpin Australia's mountainous 388.

This feat has made Australia the first side in ODI history to post three consecutive 350-plus scores.

But Rachin Ravindra produced a dazzling 77-ball century of his own, while Daryl Mitchell continued his love affair with Dharamsala in making 54 to give New Zealand a chance to pull off their highest-ever ODI chase.

It was left to James Neesham at the end, as it had been in the World Cup final in 2019, and as he did on that occasion, he went within one hit of stealing the game with an outstanding 58 off 39 balls.

But he ended like his Lord's partner Martin Guptill, cutting a forlorn figure face first on the turf, having been run out off the penultimate ball.

Mitchell Starc, having been plundered everywhere,

held his nerve off the last ball to deny Lockie Ferguson the six he needed and hand Australia a vital two points.

Starc could have very easily been the villain for Australia. New Zealand needed 43 off 18 balls with two wickets in hand. Starc and Josh Hazlewood missed their marks. Trent Boult got some personal redemption for 2019 when Marnus Labuschagne stood on the rope at long-on to hand him six runs.

Josh Inglis ran out James Neesham to leave New Zealand needing six runs off the last ball

Rachin Ravindra rebuilt New Zealand's chase

Starc had 19 to play with at the start of the last over, but was allowed only four men outside the circle because of Australia's slow overrate. He delivered five wides with the second ball to reduce

SCOREBOARD Australia (50 ovs maximum) David Warner c & b Phillips 81 Travis Head b Phillips 109 Mitchell Marsh b Santner 36 Steven Smith c Boult b Phillips 18 Marnus Labuschagne c Ravindra b Santner 18 Glenn Maxwell c Boult b Neesham 41 Josh Inglis † c Phillips b Boult 38 Pat Cummins (c) lbw b Boult 37 Mitchell Starc c Neesham b Henry 1 Adam Zampa b Boult 0 Josh Hazlewood not out 0 Extras (b 1, nb 2, w 6) 9 TOTAL 49.2 Ov (RR: 7.86) 388 Fall of wickets: 1-175 (David Warner, 19.1 ov), 2-200 (Travis Head, 23.2 ov), 3-228 (Steven Smith, 29.4 ov), 4-264 (Mitchell Marsh, 36.3 ov), 5-274 (Marnus Labuschagne, 38.1 ov), 6-325 (Glenn Maxwell, 44.3 ov), 7-387 (Josh Inglis, 48.1 ov), 8-388 (Pat Cummins, 48.3 ov), 9-388 (Adam Zampa, 48.6 ov), 10388 (Mitchell Starc, 49.2 ov) • BOWLING O-M-R-W Matt Henry 6.2-0-67-1 Trent Boult 10-0-77-3 Lockie Ferguson 3-0-38-0 Mitchell Santner 10-0-80-2 Glenn Phillips 10-0-37-3 Rachin Ravindra 8-0-56-0 James Neesham 2-0-32-1

the equation to 13 off five.

But he nailed his Yorkers, as Neesham couldn't find the rope, and Australia's sweepers made some great saves before Labuschagne and Josh Inglis combined to run out Neesham off the second-last ball.

In a game dominated by batters, Adam Zampa's 3 for 74 proved pivotal for Australia; they comprised the key wickets of Mitchell, Tom Latham and Mitchell Santner.

But Zampa wasn't the best

New Zealand (T: 389 runs from 50 ovs) Devon Conway c Starc b Hazlewood 28 Will Young c Starc b Hazlewood 32 Rachin Ravindra c Labuschagne b Cummins 116 Daryl Mitchell c Starc b Zampa 54 51 Tom Latham (c)† c Hazlewood b Zampa 21 Glenn Phillips c Labuschagne b Maxwell 12 James Neesham run out (Labuschagne/†Inglis) 58 Mitchell Santner c Maxwell b Zampa 17 Matt Henry c Hazlewood b Cummins 9 Trent Boult not out 10 Lockie Ferguson not out 0 Extras (lb 4, w 22) 26 TOTAL 50 Ov (RR: 7.66) 383/9 Fall of wickets: 1-61 (Devon Conway, 7.2 ov), 2-72 (Will Young, 9.4 ov), 3-168 (Daryl Mitchell, 23.6 ov), 4-222 (Tom Latham, 31.2 ov), 5-265 (Glenn Phillips, 36.6 ov), 6-293 (Rachin Ravindra, 40.2 ov), 7-320 (Mitchell Santner, 43.3 ov), 8-346 (Matt Henry, 46.4 ov), 9-383 (James Neesham, 49.5 ov) • BOWLING O-M-R-W Mitchell Starc 9-0-89-0 Josh Hazlewood 9-0-70-2 Pat Cummins 10-0-66-2 Glenn Maxwell 10-0-62-1 Adam Zampa 10-0-74-3 Mitchell Marsh 2-0-18-0

bowler in the game. Glenn Phillips produced stunning career-best figures of 3 for 37 for New Zealand, including 30 dot balls, to single-handedly drag his side back into the contest after Head and Warner had threatened to kill it off in 13 overs of carnage following Australia’s being sent in to bat.

Head justified the Australian selectors' gamble in keeping him in the 15man squad despite his not being available for the first five games. Head and Warner reached dizzying heights in the Himalayan air with a violent display of batting that left New Zealand's in-form fast bowlers broken in mind, body and soul; with Ferguson suffering an Achilles injury on top of three overs for 38.

Head clubbed 109 from 67 balls, while Warner pounded 81 from 65. The pair treated the bowling with utter disdain on the magnificent batting strip. Warner was savage on anything short, reaching 50 for the third straight innings off just 28 balls. Head looked like he had never been away, despite hardly picking up a bat for six weeks. He bludgeoned anything full, reaching 50 off 25 balls, Australia's second-fastest ever in the tournament, and the fastest by a World Cup debutant.

Phillips's introduction in the 14th over changed the game. Australia were 144 for nil, but he immediately tied Warner down with immacu-

late lines and lengths. He never gave the stumps away, and hardly overpitched or dropped short. Warner had scored 65 off 36, but managed to score just 16 from his last 29 deliveries, including eight dots off Phillips, before he chipped a return catch in the 20th over.

While spin stalled Warner, Head kept going fearlessly. He had some luck, as he was dropped twice: once on 70,

by Santner diving one-handed full length to his right off his own bowling, and once on

Labuschagne also struggled. The pair allowed Phillips to bowl 30 dot balls in his 10 overs, and scored just 54 off 77 balls between them before they both fell to Santner.

It looked like Australia had wasted the good work of Warner and Head, until Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis and Pat Cummins smacked 11 fours and seven sixes be- tween them in the death overs

Travis Head going big

75, by Phillips standing close at midwicket as Head hammered a full-blooded pull shot.

Head raced to his century off 59 balls, the fastest by an opener in World Cups. But he, too, was deceived by Phillips, and he played back to a fuller, quicker ball and lost his middle stump.

Then Australia's customary middle-order stumble unfolded. Mitchell Marsh really struggled, having been shifted back to #3 on Head's return.

His lack of strike-rotation caused an agitated Steven Smith to hole out to mid-off off Phillips.

to help Australia post an imposing 388.

Maxwell was again magnificent, making 41 off just 24 balls. Inglis made 38 off 28, and Cummins made 37 off just 14 with four towering strikes.

But both were aided by some uncharacteristic drops from the New Zealand outfielders.

Australia were 387 for 6 with two overs to go, but lost 4 wickets for a single run, and were bowled out with four balls left.

Trent Boult picked up three wickets in an over. It didn't seem an issue at the time, but it nearly proved cost-

ly.

New Zealand started well in the chase, but were unable to match Australia's powerplay fireworks. Devon Conway and Will Young both looked in excellent touch, but neither could cash in on stunning starts, with Hazlewood claiming both with the help of Starc's sublime catching.

Ravindra battled for rhythm early, but Mitchell dragged him along in his slipstream during another sensational half-century that he reached off 42 balls. Mitchell treated Zampa and Starc with equal disdain, looking every bit the world-class batter he has become. But Zampa had the last laugh when he forced a miscue to have Mitchell caught at long-on.

Ravindra started to motor once Mitchell fell. He shared a half-century stand with Latham, and a 43-run stand with Phillips. Ravindra raced from 50 to 100 in just 28 balls. He had not hit a six until he was 45, and he struck five to get to three figures, all of which were as pure as the mountain air. He was dropped by Maxwell just after reaching three figures, but it didn't cost much, as he holed out shortly after.

His innings, however, had brought New Zealand within reach of a record chase, as they were on the same score as Australia with 10 overs to go. Neesham kept his cool as Australia lost theirs. Starc, Hazlewood and Cummins all missed the mark as Neesham and the tail found the boundary at will.

When Matt Henry holed out, New Zealand needed 43 off 18 before bedlam unfolded. But Australia held on, and consolidated their semi-final chances with New Zealand left to rue another Dharamsala defeat.

(ESPNCricinfo)

30

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2023

Bumper to Bumper Services partners with Maraj for ENET Clash of Champions

L

ocal automotive company and paint distributers Bumper to Bumper Services has teamed up with Starlet Cup and Group Three competitor Nyron Maraj ahead of next weekend’s ENET Caribbean Clash of Champions race meet.

Maraj, who is in the running for the B.M. SOATsponsored Starlet Cup Trophy, will now carry the company’s brand as well as their U-Pol Raptor Guard finish aboard his number 868 Toyota Starlet.

At a brief handing over ceremony earlier in the week, Bumper to Bumper General Manager Bobby David Katwaroo explained that the company has always been involved in motorsport through one avenue or the other.

Shenell Ornella Rodrigues, Bumper to Bumper Services Associate, handing over the sponsorship cheque to Nyron Maraj

“We have always been involved in motorsport. This time around, we decided to go with one of the guys who we know uses our brand of products; and we think, from a marketing standpoint, the race applications of our products will show themselves,” he explained.

He also explained why they chose to go under the U-Pol raptor guard brand.

“The Raptor Guard, which is a product of U-Pol, has many applications which may require an abrasive surface like the wheel wells of cars and others, and we think that this is a great place to show its quality.”

In his invited comment, Maraj said, “Bumper to Bumper Services has been an

integral part in the development of the car. This deal is a twofold deal that will encompass both financial and material services. So, what that means is that in addition to help offsetting the expenses for this event, they are also giving to the team materials to help prepare the car, one of which is the U-Pol Raptor Guard.”

Apart from their U-Pol brand, the company also distributes PPG Global, Maxmeyer, and Lechler through their 30 Anira Street, Queenstown location.

Set for November 4 and 5 at the South Dakota Circuit, the ENET Clash of Champions will feature several groups of racing, with the BM Soat Starlet Cup attracting huge fan support over the last year.

ICC World Cup 2023: Bangladesh vs Netherlands…

BANGLADESH ROUTED!

– under van Meekeren’s spell, Edwards’ batting

S

cott Edwards has again dragged his team from the abyss, but it was the bowlers who led their victory charge, as the Netherlands held firm in their defence of a middling total of 229 to record an emphatic 87-run win over Bangladesh.

The result sees Bangladesh all but eliminated from the semi-final contention, while the Dutch have yet another famous victory to add to their collection; one that - aside from its impact on this tournament - in the grand scheme of cricket as a sport in the Netherlands, will be yet another rung on an increasingly impressive ladder of growth.

The victory was arguably made sweeter by virtue of it coming in Kolkata, where Bangladesh had support as close to home backing as they are likely to get in this World Cup, with the short flight in from Dhaka offering many fans easy access. In the end, it was a journey of frustration, and many were seen leaving the stadium early, as a well-drilled Dutch outfit trumped their much more experienced counterparts in nearly all facets of the game.

This victory was primarily built on the now customary rearguard heroics of captain Edwards, and his entire clan was in attendance at the stadium to cheer him on as he stitched together his second fifty of the tournament, an 89-ball 68.

What will particularly hurt Bangladesh is that they could have seen the back of Edwards before he even got going; he was twice dropped on zero, but that, in a microcosm, was the difference between the two sides. While both teams struggled with the bat, the Dutch persevered to get to a fighting total; and while both sets of bowlers kept things tight to create chances through pressure, it was the Dutch who capitalised on them with ferocity; Bangladesh, on the other hand, were left to rue their missed opportunities.

Paul van Meekeren got Shakib Al Hasan with a delivery that reared up from a length

Such fortune, though, would be for nought without proper backing; and, like they had done so impressively against South Africa, the bowlers and fielders again ensured that their skipper's efforts did not go in vain.

Paul van Meekeren was excellent in picking up figures of 4 for 23, which included the wickets of Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim. Bas de Leede, fresh off his World Cup record hounding at the hands of Australia, took out the only two Bangladesh batters who threatened the Dutch total - Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mahmudullah, for 35 and 20 respectively; and then there was the ever reliable Aryan Dutt who, despite picking up just one wicket, was wily as ever in starting off the Dutch defence by dismissing Litton Das, reeling off two consecutive maidens inside the first powerplay, and generally denying the batters a moment's rest with his guile and variation.

In the face of this Dutch exuberance, Bangladesh floundered in their chase, and were unable to match their opponents' energy. They lost wickets at regular intervals, being unable to string together a

partnership of any reasonable length, 38 was their highest; and a middling chase fast became a daunting and eventually impossible one.

That hardly seemed the case midway through the Dutch innings, though, when, having won the toss and electing to bat, they suffered yet another top-order collapse. Only a late surge at the death, wherein they scored 74 in the last ten overs, including 36 in the final three, got them to their eventually winning total.

That Bangladesh were able to keep them to 229 even after that was testament to the work put in by their bowlers. The early damage had been caused by Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam, who picked up openers Vikramjit Singh and Max O'Dowd inside the first three overs to leave the Dutch reeling at 4 for 2.

While there was a brief counter, courtesy of Wesley Barresi, his run-a-ball 41 was the only instance of a Netherlands batter showing any degree of dominance over a disciplined Bangladeshi attack.

In fact, Netherlands had had to wait until the penultimate over of the innings to register their first six.

But another pair of wickets once more set Netherlands back, as the two set batters, Barresi and Colin Ackermann, fell in quick succession to Mustafizur Rahman and Shakib respectively. It was at that point the spinners began their slow strangle, as neither Shakib, Mehidy or Mahedi Hasan conceded more than four an over across the middle overs. Indeed, it was only in the final over of the innings that Netherlands showed any sort of aggression against spin, taking Mahedi for 17.

And so it was that Edwards was once more tasked with patching up his side, first with de Leede and then with Sybrand Engelbrecht. With de Leede, he scrounged 44 off 74, and with Engelbrecht, he made a slightly quicker 78 off 105. Throughout those stands, there was hard-

ly a highlight that could be extracted or stroke played in anger, with the intent simply to knock it around and bat as deep as possible.

It was an understandable endeavour, considering Edwards had entered the fray with his side on a perilous 63 for 3, which soon became 63 for 4.

But when he departed 30 overs later, he had dragged them to a slightly more respectable 185 for 6, before the late hitting took them to a fighting total.

At the time, that score had seemed below par, especially with many expecting the surface to favour the batters. However, with the ball starting to stick in the pitch and take some turn, it was Netherlands who adapted better and showed the wherewithal to come through victorious in the end. (ESPNCricinfo)

SCOREBOARD Netherlands (50 ovs maximum) Vikramjit Singh c Shakib Al Hasan b Taskin Ahmed 3 Max O'Dowd c Tanzid Hasan b Shoriful Islam 0 Wesley Barresi c Shakib Al Hasan b Mustafizur Rahman 41 Colin Ackermann c Mustafizur Rahman b Shakib Al Hasan 15 Scott Edwards (c)† c Mehidy Hasan Miraz b Mustafizur Rahman 68 Bas de Leede c †Mushfiqur Rahim b Taskin Ahmed 17 Sybrand Engelbrecht lbw b Mahedi Hasan 35 Logan van Beek not out 23 Shariz Ahmad run out (Mahmudullah/†Mushfiqur Rahim) 6 Aryan Dutt c Mehidy Hasan Miraz b Shoriful Islam 9 Paul van Meekeren lbw b Mahedi Hasan 0 Extras (b 4, lb 1, w 7) 12 TOTAL 50 Ov (RR: 4.58) 229 Fall of wickets: 1-3 (Vikramjit Singh, 1.4 ov), 2-4 (Max O'Dowd, 2.2 ov), 3-63 (Wesley Barresi, 13.4 ov), 4-63 (Colin Ackermann, 14.4 ov), 5-107 (Bas de Leede, 26.6 ov), 6-185 (Scott Edwards, 44.3 ov), 7-185 (Sybrand Engelbrecht, 45.1 ov), 8-194 (Shariz Ahmad, 47.1 ov), 9-212 (Aryan Dutt, 48.5 ov), 10-229 (Paul van Meekeren, 49.6 ov) • BOWLING O-M-R-W Shoriful Islam 10-0-51-2 Taskin Ahmed 9-1-43-2 Shakib Al Hasan 10-1-37- 1 Mehidy Hasan Miraz 4-0-17-0 Mustafizur Rahman 10-1-36-2 Mahedi Hasan 7-0-40-2

Bangladesh (T: 230 runs from 50 ovs) Litton Das c †Edwards b Dutt 3 Tanzid Hasan c †Edwards b van Beek 15 Mehidy Hasan Miraz c †Edwards b de Leede 35 Najmul Hossain Shanto c van Beek b van Meekeren 9 Shakib Al Hasan (c) c †Edwards b van Meekeren 5 Mushfiqur Rahim † b van Meekeren 1 Mahmudullah c Dutt b de Leede 20 Mahedi Hasan run out (de Leede) 17 Taskin Ahmed c de Leede b van Meekeren 11 Mustafizur Rahman b Ackermann 20 Shoriful Islam not out 0 Extras (w 6) 6 TOTAL 42.2 Ov (RR: 3.35) 142 Fall of wickets: 1-19 (Litton Das, 4.2 ov), 2-19 (Tanzid Hasan, 5.2 ov), 3-45 (Najmul Hossain Shanto, 11.5 ov), 4-63 (Shakib Al Hasan, 15.6 ov), 5-69 (Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 16.5 ov), 6-70 (Mushfiqur Rahim, 17.4 ov), 7-108 (Mahedi Hasan, 29.4 ov), 8-113 (Mahmudullah, 32.3 ov), 9-142 (Mustafizur Rahman, 41.6 ov), 10142 (Taskin Ahmed, 42.2 ov) • BOWLING O-M-R-W Aryan Dutt 10-3-26-1 Logan van Beek 9-1-30-1 Colin Ackermann 7-1-25-1 Paul van Meekeren 7.2-0-23-4 Bas de Leede 7-0-25-2 Shariz Ahmad 2-0-13-0

Maraj, whose car is also sponsored by Team Trini Autoworks, Nedds Bakery, I-Sun Health Conscious Foods, Asif Trucking, MACs Tire Service and Auto Sales, and Sonrize Engineering, sits third in the championship on 74 points, 26 behind second place Steven Nobrega and a further 18 points behind leader Anand Ramchand.

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2023

CG United Regional Super50 tourney…

31

GTT Invitational golf tournament commences with historic turnout on Day 1

Mohamed pilots Red Force to four-wicket …Minister Ramson commends LGC for excellent leadership win over WI Academy D ay 1 of the GTT Business Solutions Invitational Golf Tournament got off to a great start, as 96 players who turned out to compete at the Lusignan Golf Club comprised the largest turnout the tournament has ever seen since 1965.

During the tournament's official launch, on Friday evening at the LGC Clubhouse,

T

rinidad and Tobago Red Force got the better of the West Indies Academy yesterday, and they beat them by four wickets on the back of Jason Mohamed’s half-century in a match of the CG United Regional Super50 tournament played at the Queen’s Park Oval.

Academy won the toss and opted to bat first, posting a respectable 263 for eight in their 50 overs. The hosts then reached 264 for six with eight balls to spare.

Mohamed registered his 22nd half-century by reaching 70 not-out in 86 balls. His innings was highlighted by seven boundaries. The former West Indies batsman piloted the chase with Terrence Hinds, who made 23 not out, and they forged together an unbroken 72run stand for the seventh wicket.

Mohamed also partnered with Akeal Hosein to put on 50 runs for the sixth wicket, before Hosein was caught at deep square leg for a well-put-together 31 from 25 balls.

The Red Force were able to finish their innings well, compliments of the efforts of Tion Webster, who added 50 runs for the second wicket alongside Joshua Da Silva (13), despite their losing Kjorn Ottley for 12 early on.

Webster defied the

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr

Jason Mohamed top-scored with 70 not-out (CWI photo)

Academy bowlers to make 45 from 63 balls. He carved four fours and two sixes before holding out to Ackeem Auguste at long off, off of Kevin Wickham (2-54).

The Academy were sloppy in their bowling, gifting the Red Force 36 extras.

Earlier, when Academy batted, Auguste recorded his second List A half-century with a four through the covers off of Hosein, as he top-scored with 76 not-out. The former West Indies youth captain recorded his best List A score by hitting three sixes and six fours as he strung together a series of partnerships, including two 50-run stands: with Matthew

Forde (28), who was caught at deep mid-wicket off the bowling of Terrance Hinds despite hitting him for two sixes and two fours in a 23-run over; and with Nyeem Young (13), who was trapped leg-before-wicket to Sunil Narine (2-33).

Auguste also shared in a 51-run partnership with Wickham, who made 31 from 54 balls before his innings ended via a sharp direct hit from Shannon Gabriel.

Additionally, Academy openers Matthew Nandu and Kimani Melius banded together to put on 59 for the opening wicket. Nandu toiled for his 40 runs, which came from 52 balls, while Melius made 29.

KFC Elite League Cup…

Buxton, Police pick up wins

Buxton United’s Tyreel Cummings

B

uxton United FC maintained their winning ways while the Guyana Police Force (GPF) FC bounced back into contention when the KFC Elite League Cup organized by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) continued on Friday evening at the Police Sports Club Ground in Eve Leary, Georgetown.

Tyreel Cummings scored in the 17th minute to secure a 1-0 win for Buxton United against Fruta Conquerors FC; their second win in the tournament. The East Coast side were victorious in their opening match against Santos FC 2-1, with Cummings scoring one of the goals, and they now lead Group A with six points from two matches.

The Guyana Defence Force

abled me to provide the club with the necessary support.

We will continue to support the LGC wherever we can. This aligns with the vision of our Government, which is to create a premier destination for worldclass players."

The Minister also said that Government believes in the development of golf and all sports in Guyana, and is happy to be a

GPF FC goal-scorers Pernel Shultz and Dorwin George

FC hold second position with 3 points from one fixture. Fruta Conquerors and Milerock are tied on one point each, while Santos is yet to secure a point.

In the second game of the double-header, Police FC stamped their authority on their home turf against Ann’s Grove FC by winning the encounter 2-0.

Pernell Schultz sent the cops into the lead in the 4th minute from a penalty kick, while Dorwin George sealed the issue in the 81st minute with a timely strike.

Police were beaten 1-3 by Den Amstel FC in their opening encounter. Western Tigers

lead Group B with 3 points from one game, while Police, Ann’s Grove and Den Amstel are locked on 3 points each from two matches.

Victoria Kings are in the cellar position without a point.

The tournament continues on Sunday with another double-header at Eve Leary, and not Camp Ayanganna, as was previously mentioned.

Santos will be in action again against Milerock in the opening match at 18:00 hours, while the feature game would see Western Tigers looking to advance their points tally when they face Victoria Kings at 20:00 hours.

11-time Guyana Open Champion Avinash Persaud in action

the Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport, Honourable Charles Ramson Jr., delivered the feature address. In his message, Minister Ramson said, "One of the reasons why we wanted to support golf from the beginning was due to the exemplary leadership at the club. The leadership at the club has always been credible, with a lot of integrity.

This was something that en-

part of the opening of the lucrative tournament.

Also making remarks on Day One of the event was LGC Secretary Chet Bowling, who boasted about the fantastic day the club had because of the enormous turnout. Noting that the turnout is an indication of the good work the current committee has been putting in, Bowling said: "We, as a commit-

tee, are not perfect. There were some blunders, but we have regained the confidence of the members, so they have come out to support us. Of course, GTT Business Solutions cannot be forgotten; they played a major role in spreading the word to the public. We also had other sponsors, such as Oasis Cafe, Montra bar, and Banks DIH, just to name a few.

“I think this is a demonstration that the members have faith in the current committee.

The corporate sponsors believe in the current committee, so golf is thriving at the Lusignan Golf Club," Bowling posited.

The two-day gross tournament has seen players from Guyana, Suriname, Colombia, Mexico, Canada, Barbados, the USA and Fiji, among other places.

CG United Regional Super50 tourney…

Scorpions, Volcanoes battle for first points

D

efending Champions Jamaica Scorpions will battle the Windward Islands Volcanoes as both teams look to turn their fortunes around when they square up in tomorrow's clash of the CG United Regional Super50 tournament in a match to be played at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, San Fernando, T&T. Both teams are hovering at the bottom of the table, and each will be looking for their first win as they battle it out.

Scorpions' batting has been lacking venom this season, with the only bright spot being the form of Chadwick Walton.

The wicketkeeper-batsman has scored two half-centuries in four innings, with a best of 94, and is the only batsman with an average above 40 in the side.

Kirk McKenzie and Rovman Powell have each scored a half-century, but their inconsistencies underscore the troubles of the Scorpions.

If the Scorpions are to solve their batting issues, Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, Fabien Allen and Odean Smith will have to come good.

Like their batting, the Scorpions’ bowling has not been as potent as it could be, with their bowlers lacking the wicket-taking ability their talent has suggested. Shalome Parnell has taken just four wickets in 19 overs so far in

Alick Athanaze

his debut season; while Smith, Nicholson Gordon, Powell and Allen each have three wickets.

Sheldon Cottrell and Dennis Bulli will both need to shift gear to give Scorpions a fighting chance.

The Volcanoes have not yet erupted with a match-changing performance, despite the consistency of Alick Athanaze who has scored over 200 runs this season. Jeremey Solozano has shown his value in his two innings so far, with 95 runs under his belt; while Andre Fletcher and Johnson Charles have shown the young guns there is no substitute for experience.

Like those batsmen, Sunil

Ambris has also registered a half-century; but, ironically, the Volcanoes have not strung together a team effort. With all showing glimpses of form, they can be a handful for the Scorpions’ bowlers should they produce collectively.

The Scorpions’ bowlers also have seemingly been sporadic in their approach, but what has stood out is the consistency of Ryan John and Darel Cyrus. Shermon Lewis, Shemar Springer, Kaveem Hodge, Kenneth Dember and Larry Edward will have their work cut out for them, as the Scorpions will no doubt be carrying the fight to their opponents.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2023

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

Eagles looking to enhance position against Pride today Tevin Imlach

T

he Guyana Harpy Eagles are gearing up to enhance their standing on the points table in the CG United Regional Super50 tournament as they prepare to face Barbados Pride today. Currently positioned at sixth place with 15 points from two wins in four matches, the Eagles are eyeing a climb in rankings.

Barbados Pride, also with two wins, hold the third spot with 22 points, courtesy of the bonus points system which rewards teams for achieving specific performance targets during the match. These targets encompass runs and wickets during powerplays, reduced ‘dot ball’ percentage, centuries by batsmen, five-wicket hauls by bowlers, and runouts by fielders.

For the Guyana Harpy Eagles, success hinges on their batting prowess as they confront the formidable Barbados Pride bowling attack. Tevin Imlach, the team’s most consistent batter, has emphasized the importance of a strong batting performance, especially after achieving his highest List A score of 80 in the last match.

Sara Misir

J

amaica’s first Formula Woman racer, Sara Misir, is set to mark her initial presence in the Group 4 class at ENet Caribbean Clash of Champions on November 5 at the South Dakota Circuit.

Sara raced through the ranks, making her debut in international motorsport in 2022 in the prestigious GT Cup Championship in the UK, competing as part of the Formula Woman Team for McLaren Customer Racing in the British GT Cup Championship.

Back on her home turf at the Dover Raceway, Misir has been unstoppable, securing a hat-trick of victories in three consecutive JRDC meets.

This remarkable feat crowned her Champion in the 2022 JRDC Modified Production 3 and the TS1 Classes.

Sara is no ordinary competitor. Before she transitioned to motorsports, she was a dedicated equestrian, showcasing her resilience and tenacity even after a serious accident that resulted in a broken jaw and fractured skull. After a challenging six-month recov-

Imlach has been a standout performer with 241 runs at an impressive average of 44. Sherfane Rutherford follows closely with 170 runs, including an unbeaten 105 in four innings. Notably, no other Eagles batsman has reached the half-century mark, with only Kevin Sinclair touching the 40s.

The onus is on West Indies batters Tagenarine Chanderpaul (79 runs), Shimron Hetmyer (59 runs), and Romario Shepherd (55 runs) to contribute more significantly. Their performance will set the standard for emerging players like Quinten Sampson, Kevlon Anderson and Kemol Savory.

While the batting lineup seeks improvement, Guyana’s bowling has been a pillar of strength. Led by the veteran Veerasammy Permaul, the bowling unit, consisting of Sinclair, Gudakesh Motie, and Shepherd, has

demonstrated professionalism. The support from Nial Smith and Rutherford has further strengthened the team’s bowling prowess.

To gain an early advantage, the Eagles need the collective efforts of their frontline bowlers, especially against the in-form Kyle Mayers, who recently notched up a scintillating century. Mayers, supported by captain Shai Hope and Shamarh Brooks, poses a formidable challenge, but none of them has dominated bowling attacks consistently.

Conversely, Barbados Pride rely on their bowlers, with seamers like Dominic Drakes and Jair McAllister, and consistent performers such as Jomel Warrican, Chase, and Javed Leacock. As both teams are familiar with each other, the stage is set for an enthralling showdown at the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground today.

ery, Sara has proven she’s as tough as they come.

Now she’s ready to take on the Group 4 competition and show that she’s a force to be reckoned with as she gives the men a run for their money.

This is the first time that a female will compete in the “big boys” league. The Group 4 racers from Guyana include Mark Vieira, Andrew King, Kevin Jeffrey, Vishok Persaud and Denzil Hopkinson.

Group 4 drivers from Trinidad include Franklyn Boodram and Kristian Boodoosingh, while Mark Maloney will be flying the Barbados flag.

For Jamaica, Misir will join veteran racer Doug Gore. The female racer will definitely add to the excitement, especially that of female motor racing enthusiasts.

Accordingly, the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) promises, on November 5, a spectacle never before seen event at the South Dakota Circuit.

President of the GMR&SC, Mahendra ‘Raj’ Boodhoo, confirmed that among the countries that would be competing on the day are Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Canada and the USA, along with the Guyanese contingent.

In addition, bikers from the United Kingdom, around the Caribbean, and the USA will be in action against their Guyanese counterparts such as Matthew Vieira, Kevin Persaud and others.

The action races off at 11:00h and fans can expect a thrilling and exciting day of motor racing.

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