Guyana Times - Thursday, April 11, 2024

Guyana was “well supported” at UNSC meeting on Venezuela’s aggression – Foreign Secretary

…Venezuela UN rep tells meeting no plans to occupy Essequibo …as UK warns Venezuela against further provocative actions

“We are working every day to make the lives of all Guyanese better”– Pres Ali

…says challenges not there to mope about, but to confront Rookie Chairman questions party stalwart

CXC students’ agri SBAs threatened by porous fence at Fort Wellington Secondary …as animals invade garden used for assessment

Traffic Dept concerned as parents allowing children to use e-bikes

Sophia man wanted for murder of labourer GTU challenge Judge to rule on legality of teachers’ salaries, union fees deduction on April 19 As divisions widen

Amna Ally’s loyalty Bike bursts into flames after crashing into car GDF to acquire €39.5M ocean patrol vessel to strengthen maritime security …French company exploring establishment of modern maintenance yard in Georgetown

Border controversy

Guyana “well supported” at UNSC meeting on Venezuela’s aggression – Foreign Secretary

…Venezuelan UN rep tells meeting no plans to occupy Essequibo …as UK warns Venezuela against further provocative actions

The recent closeddoor United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting on Venezuela’s escalating aggression against Guyana, despite both countries agreeing to avoid actions that can inflame the border controversy, resulted in much support being expressed for Guyana’s position.

It had been reported that the UNSC would meet on Tuesday, to discuss the escalating tensions in the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy. The meeting came about after an April 5 letter from President Dr Irfaan Ali, bringing the Council’s attention to Venezuela’s continued provocations.

In a brief interview with <<<Guyana Times>>> following the meeting, Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud noted that Guyana’s position was well supported by the UNSC.

“I think Guyana’s position was well supported… that’s all I would say. Guyana’s position was well supported and understood, by the entire Council,” the Foreign Secretary explained to this publication.

According to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Guyana’s Permanent UN Representative, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, made a presentation to the Council at the meeting. The diplomat listed all of the actions Venezuela has taken to threaten peace, breaching international law and the Argyle Declaration which both countries signed last year.

“In her remarks, she provided a thorough overview of the history of the border controversy, and highlighted the actions that have been taken by Venezuela in contravention of diplomatic agreements, including the Argyle Declaration, and international law, including the legally-binding orders of the International Court of Justice. She emphasised Guyana’s commitment to peace, the rule of law and to the resolution

of the controversy through the International Court of Justice,” the Ministry said.

Further, RodriguesBirkett reminded the Council, of which Guyana is a non-permanent member, of its responsibility to ensure the rule of law and adherence to the UN Charter. She also called on the Council to stress on Venezuela the need to be responsible and act within the confines of the 1966 Geneva Agreement.

“Ambassador Rodrigues-

courage any further provocative actions.

“Essequibo is recognised internationally as being part of Guyana. The border was settled in 1899 through international arbitration. The President of Guyana, Irfaan Ali, requested a meeting of the UN Security Council, saying “we will not countenance the annexation, seizure or occupation of any part of our sovereign territory”.

“The UK will continue to call for Guyana’s territorial integrity to be respected, in accordance with the UN

Birkett emphasised the Council’s responsibility to ensure respect for the rule of law and adherence to the fundamental principles of the UN Charter. She called on the Council to impress on Venezuela the need to pursue a peaceful settlement of the controversy by the ICJ, as it is bound to do by the 1966 Geneva Agreement.”

No occupation plans

This publication was reliably informed that Venezuela’s representative to the UN, Samuel Moncada Acosta, delivered remarks to the Council in which he ruled out any plans by Venezuela to occupy Essequibo. Haiti was present at the meeting on behalf of Caricom and also made remarks.

The United Kingdom, a permanent member of the UNSC, meanwhile issued a statement on X in which it rejected any unilateral action by Venezuela to disrupt peace in the region. Further, the UK urged those with influence on Venezuela to dis-

Charter. Venezuela cannot act unilaterally to disrupt the peace of the region. We urge those with influence on Venezuela to discourage any further provocative action,” the UK wrote.

President Ali had dispatched the April 5 letter to the Council invoking Article 35 (1) of the UN Charter. Further, it was explained that Assistant Secretary General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas,

Miroslav Jen?a, would provide the brief during the meeting. Additionally, it was noted that members of the UNSC are expected to urge Venezuela to follow the Argyle Declaration.

In the letter requesting the meeting, Ali cited the “Organic Law for the Defense of Guayana Esequiba”, which Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro signed on April 3. He warned that this action “cements Venezuela’s intent to annex more than two-thirds of Guyana’s sovereign territory and make it part of Venezuela”.

Maduro had described the law as the implementation of the results of the December 3, 2023 referendum. He added that the law “establishes the creation of state number 24, the state of Guayana Esequiba within the political and territorial organisation of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela”. The law also reiterated Venezuela’s rejection of the validity of the 1899 Paris Arbitral Award and the ICJ’s jurisdiction on the matter.

It was only on Monday that Venezuela finally submitted its counter-memorial on the border controversy case to the ICJ – the very last day the World Court had given the country to do so. Ironically enough, members of the Venezuelan Diaspora in the Netherlands were on hand to protest and boo the Venezuelan entourage as they left the Peace Palace. (G3)

Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud

Guyana’s UN Rep Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett

The United Nations Security Council

A troubling traffic offence

Every day, the Guyana Police Force continues to release statistics about traffic offences, mainly speeding and driving under the influence.

Alcohol-involved vehicle accidents remain a leading cause of injury, and in many cases death, in Guyana. Drunk driving is one of the most troubling traffic offences. Driving while either intoxicated or drunk is dangerous, and drivers with high blood alcohol content or concentration (BAC) are at a greatly increased risk of being involved in vehicular accidents and sustaining highway injuries and/or vehicular deaths.

Every single injury and death caused by drunk driving is fully preventable. Alcohol-related crashes locally are now as significant as they are in other countries.

Unfortunately, in spite of these concerns, alcohol-impaired driving remains a serious national problem that tragically affects many victims and their families.

The approach to combat drunk driving has been severely lacking for years. Now, with the passage of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill 2022, aimed at toughening existing laws to prevent drunk driving and the carnage on the road, it is hoped that this would be properly enforced. However, from the road carnage we are seeing as a result of drinking and driving, we are convinced that this is not being done. We agree that this is not a police issue only, but full responsibility must be taken by the driver; however, full enforcement will send a pellucid message to drivers.

We agree with Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, when he said during his presentation on the Bill that the nation needs to change its mindset.

As the country continues to battle with the effect of drunk driving, more needs to be done as the holidays approach. Public messages via the media should be issued to citizens, to constantly remind drivers about the impacts of drunk driving, and what is the law’s position on it. Cautioning drivers every time about getting behind the wheel after surpassing the drink limit is necessary, as every year there are scores of young and new drivers who are not familiar with these issues or the reality of the roads. Drunk driving aside, World Health Organization (WHO) data has shown that alcohol kills a whopping three million people worldwide each year -- more than AIDS, violence and road accidents combined. It has been stated that men are particularly at risk.

According to the WHO, alcohol causes more than one in 20 deaths globally each year, including by drunk driving, alcoholinduced violence and abuse, and a multitude of diseases and disorders. Men account for more than three-quarters of alcoholrelated deaths.

Here, in Guyana, there are many social ills affecting citizens, and alcohol abuse is seen as one of the contributing factors.

WHO has, over the years, been urging countries to do more to counter harmful drinking, and to reach a goal of cutting global consumption by 10 per cent between 2010 and 2025. It is also urging countries to further tax alcohol, and ban advertising of such beverages to reduce consumption. However, this is not enough, there is need to push for a change in attitude and lifestyle changes in general, especially among the younger segment of our population.

While the Government must play a crucial role in respect to relevant programmes and policies, and put in place the necessary legislative framework and other support mechanisms aimed at addressing the harmful use of alcohol, this burden must also be shared by all citizens.

It is important that we remind drivers of the provisions of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic (Amendment) Act 2022, which creates new criminal offences of motor manslaughter and causing grievous bodily harm when driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

A person would be found guilty of motor manslaughter when that person causes the death of another person while driving under the influence of drink or drugs. The penalty for conviction of this offence is not less than 10 years’ imprisonment.

It was hoped that this harsh penalty would be a reality check for those who may want to break the law, but yet the prevention of drunk driving has persistently been defied, despite expenditure of resources and increase in penalties. As was stated by the AG, the nation, more specifically drivers, need to change their mindset.

Lula is styling himself as the new leader of the global south – and shifting attention away from the west

By Jordana Timerman

The world stage often seems sepia-toned, dominated by the dusty international structures of the post-second world war era, favouring the world’s richest countries. However, it is increasingly clear that this setup isn’t sufficient to respond to the interests of the global south, including combating climate breakdown and expanding economic development.

Recognising this mismatch, Brazil under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has positioned itself as an international leader, focused on the agenda of emerging economic powers who prize stability, and in fact have much to lose from conflict and power struggles between rich countries.

But in a world that is increasingly focused on competition between major powers like China and the US, Lula’s “active nonalignment”, which seeks to balance engagement between powers without picking one side, is often interpreted with suspicion. The Brics alliance that Brazil has championed as a forum for global south priorities – such as the reform of global financial institutions like the IMF, where developing states hold only a fraction of voting power – is consistently interpreted as “anti-west” by US and European analysts.

This year will be a test for Lula’s global strategy. Brazil holds the rotating presidency of the G20, and Brazil’s agenda for it is firmly grounded in the priorities of the global south. Lula promised to focus work on “the reduction of inequalities”, including social inclusion and hunger reduc-

tion; energy transition and sustainable development; and global governance reform. And next year, Brazil will host the UN Cop30 climate change conference in the Amazonian city of Belém.

Lula’s foreign policy has also long sought to reshape global institutions like the UN security council to create permanent seats for developing nations in addition to the existing cold war-era veto power balance. He has elevated Brazil’s negotiating power along with other emerging markets in the Brics alliance: Russia, India, China and South Africa. And he has sought a global role for Brazil in mediating international conflict, from Ukraine to tensions between Venezuela and Guyana.

But nonalignment is more difficult these days, as competing superpowers have hyper-polarised perspectives. “What I see is a more complicated world, with more closed spaces. As if it were a game, a jigsaw puzzle in which the pieces are very close, not fitted together, but very close, and where the space to act is less,” Celso Amorim, a special adviser to Brazil’s president and a former foreign minister, told me. Brics (which this year expanded to include Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates) will be difficult to sell as an nonaligned group – or one that doesn’t threaten western interests – when the leaders’ summit takes place in Russia later this year.

It doesn’t help that Lula is a peacemaker with a penchant for (perhaps inadvertent) offence. His efforts at diplomacy have been overshadowed in some cases by headline-grabbing positions,

such as that Ukraine has a portion of blame in Russia’s invasion of its territory, and that Israel’s actions in Gaza are comparable to Hitler’s genocide of the Jews.

The uproar ignores discussion of the central thrust of his mediation: that balance and pragmatism will obtain better results than posturing and polarisation. That in apparently insoluble situations, the all or nothing of good v evil undermines attainable solutions. And, crucially, that it is fair for the global south to suggest new and disruptive innovations that might improve its position in the international system, such as his call to use alternative currencies for international trade, challenging US dollar dominance. Far from western headlines, the diplomacy led by Lula has a strong impact. He often voices the opinions of emerging countries that do not align with the disputes of the great powers. Lula’s call for a ceasefire in Gaza reflects the opinion of a growing number of countries from the global south, including South Africa, which took the case to the international court of justice.

Lost in the uproar is the fact that Lula spoke those words in Ethiopia, at the close of the African Union summit – an example of how Brazil’s foreign policy has lateral connections to the developing world, outside the western-dominated international institutions.

Ultimately, Brazil’s foreign policy focus on peace is pragmatic as well as idealistic, said Amorim. “For Brazil to grow, it is important that the world is at peace. It is an illusion to think that we can win because the price of a

commodity rises.” In a world of polarisation, Lula is betting on balance and attainable – rather than perfect –peace.

Lula must convince the sceptical major players that the global south’s interests can legitimately diverge from those of the developed world, and that effective global governance must reflect the geopolitical clout of emerging powers. That even though “the west and the rest” may disagree at times, they can still coexist amicably in a reformed international system.

Last week’s images of Emmanuel Macron frolicking in the Amazon rainforest with Lula could be an indicator of Brazil’s successful international diplomacy. During the French president’s three-day visit to Brazil, the two countries signed nearly two dozen cooperation agreements and an £855m investment plan for the Amazon, and Macron endorsed Lula’s G20 agenda, including a proposal to create a global tax for the world’s wealthiest people. France and Brazil “represent a bridge between the global south and the developed word”, Lula told the press, while Macron quipped that the “bromance” photoshoots represent a symbolic wedding and mutual love between France and Brazil.

It’s a long shot. But if anybody can leverage the importance of the global south on the international stage, it’s the one-name international superstar Lula.

(The Guardian)

(Jordana Timerman is a journalist based in Buenos Aires, she edits the Latin America Daily Briefing)

President Dr Irfaan Ali serves a policewoman desert at an Eid-Ul-Fitr lunch at his home in Leonora, West Coast Demerara on Wednesday (Office of the President photos)

Eid celebrated by New York Guyanese Muslims

Dear Editor, Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated on Wednesday, April 10, by the large Guyanese Muslim community in New York and other parts of USA with traditional morning prayers (salaat) at masjids across the city. There are a dozen Guyanese and Trinidadian masjids in New York (most in Queens, Brooklyn, and Bronx) where prayers were held nightly for the month-long breaking of the fast. Eid culminated the month-long dawn-to-dusk fasting period of Rojah or Ramadan, also called Ramzan, that commenced on March 10.

Eid is among the most important days for Muslims. Masjids were beautifully dressed with green party favours and colourful flickering lights.

Many Guyanese homes were also brilliantly decorated outdoor and indoor, reflecting the symbol of the Eid festival of a crescent moon that was sighted on Tuesday night to mark the end of the fast.

Tens of thousands of Guyanese and Trini Muslims have been settled in the New York metro area since the 1960s; most are in Queens, with large numbers also in Orlando, Miami, and Ft. Lauderdale, where they also established masjids. The dozen IndoGuyanese Masjids in the greater Richmond Hill area and several more in other parts of Queens, Brooklyn, and Bronx cater to the spiritual needs of the large Guyanese and Trinidadian communities in the New York environs.

Eid was greeted with bright sunshine and warm temperature, as worshippers gathered inside masjids, with throngs flowing outdoors. Roads were shut off, with police barricades set up to accommodate celebrants for prayers and the morning breaking of the fast. Parking was suspended in New York for the holiday. Public schools were also closed.

The festival morning began with prayers from the Holy Koran uttered by a lead Muezzin, Imam or ‘Meiji’, as is known in Guyana. Attendees overflowed from inside the Masjid Al Abidin on 126 Street and Liberty Ave and the Jama Masjid on 102 Street and 95th Ave. onto the sidewalks of streets. The males gathered inside

on the first floor and basement of Al Abidin, flowing outside while females gathered on the upper floor and in nearby building on 126th Street. At Jama Masjid, males gathered outside of the Jama Masjid while females gathered inside. Many Guyanese worshippers were dressed in brilliantly coloured traditional Indian garb, while some were attired in full Arabesque and Yemeni tradition, with long gowns including with head gear worn by Arabs in Arabia.

Islam was transplanted from Guyana and Trinidad to New York by early migrants during the late 1960s, when USA opened its borders in 1965 to non-white nationalities. Muslims of various nationalities began com-

ing to America. Guyanese and Trinidadians cooperated in promoting and institutionalising their version of Islam. Guyanese and each nationality and Islamic sect established their own ‘jamaat’ and Masjid that have been patronized by their own followers. For Wednesday’s Eid celebrations, several Blacks from Africa, attired in their national dress, joined Guyanese and Trinis in ‘mangay’, ‘doa’, and supplication.

Following the salaat, or prayers, worshippers gave alms. Worshippers gave zakat or donations in separate boxes on a table for the masjid, imams or meiji, muezzin, and charities. Worshippers also gave donations or alms to the less fortunate who were on the sidewalks.

At the conclusion of prayers, worshippers embraced, uttered “Eid Mubarak”, shook hands and/or embraced each other, exchanged other greetings and/or shared gifts.

Worshippers partook in snacks such as sawine or vermicelli (liquid and cake), pastries, dates, mithai, gulab jamun, and other sweetmeats. At Jama Masjid, an ice cream truck was hired to provide gratis ice cream to the congregation.

During the month of Ramadan, politicians hosted Iftaar get-togethers for the breaking of the fast. On Tuesday, politicians conveyed Eid greetings to the Muslim community.

Yours truly,

Vishnu Bisram

In just three short years, our country has shown growth

Dear Editor, I watched intently as the BBC Journalist Stephen Sackur interviewed Guyana’s President Dr Irfaan Ali. It was an interesting interview, and it saw the arrogance of a former colonial master trying desperately to lecture his former colony on climate change, as well as how to utilise or to stop the use of our sovereign resources. It was a discourse tailored to suit a colonial master talking down to his servile colonist.

Well things really got to a head, and our President had to stop Sackur in his tracks. The BBC Journalist had to be enlightened in several of the areas raised.

In the first place, we are not citizens governed by Britain, we are an independent developing state that stands as equals with Britain. Secondly, we are well aware of the Developing World’s creation of Global Warming and the evils of Climate Change. In this regard, we would not be the sewer line for the Industrialized World, of which Stephen Sackur is

part. We would not be burdened and bullied into cleaning up their mess either; it comes with a cost! President Ali summarily silenced him on all fronts.

Which brings me to the point where I would say that on a scale of 1-10, President Ali came out with a resounding nine rating. I do not know if Sackur wanted to test the President’s ability to deliver when faced with an international interviewer, whichever his test, President Ali came out a winner.

In just over three short years, our country has shown growth that is phenomenal even to world ratings, so Sackur’s condescending behaviour would not be tolerated. For a developed country, which had the luxury of 400 years of free labour plus the loot of our natural resources to make the jewel of Great Britannia, Sackur is well out of place to lecture us on such matters.

Well, the President would have none of it; enough is enough. “Let me stop you right there!” Britain is no moral compass for us in the developing world. We are no

longer servile slaves of the British, we now speak as equals. To quote the lyrics from our Caribbean Singer Buju Banton, our President “Walk like a champion, talk like a champion”, as he went on to put Stephen Sackur in his place.

The President caused him to tone down his condescending rhetoric, and the rest of his interview was a rehash of what the Opposition Leader told him. He was

taken to selective places of the Opposition Leader’s choosing, such as none-regularised squatter camps in Sophia, where there was no potable water supply.

Now, if the Opposition Leader had any moral decency in him, he would have told Mr. Sackur that this former slum was laid bare by his own party when Hoyte sent the police with dogs to race the (mainly Black occupants) from the land. It took

Mrs. Janet Jagen to regularise that area into what it is today, a thriving suburban city place.

Further, Norton should have told the interviewer of the developmental works being conducted in Albouystown, another suburban area built by Mrs Jagan and the PPP. Persons from that area were granted $250,000 plus cement and steel to upgrade those range houses. The recent transfor-

mation of the area is to the tune of $1.5B worth of community enhancement work.

Sackur was flat-footed before the President. I think in the future he would be better advised to do some serious background research before he embarrasses himself on an international stage.

Respectfully,

Neil Adams

Page Foundation

Line Graphs

A line graph often shows how information changes as time passes. In a line graph, the steeper a line segment is, the more change there has been during that interval. The distance from one time to another is called an interval

Example:

In which year were the most dolphins seen?

Step 1: Look for the highest point on the graph (80).

Step 2: Look along the horizontal axis for the time that point relates to: 1999.

Exercises: Interpret

1) What number of students took 20 minutes to locate library materials?

Use pipe cleaners or drinking straws to print colourful fireworks on paper.

Supplies needed

Black or any dark-coloured construction paper (12 inches x 18 inches)

Pipe cleaners or drinking straws

Poster paint or tempera paint

Plastic plates or similar flat containers for the paint

Glitter (optional)

Method

Gather the pipe cleaners

together. Do not align them at the ends so that you can print fireworks with uneven rays.

Fold the bunch of pipe cleaners in half. Take a half piece of pipe cleaner. Use this to bind the bunch of pipe cleaners from the folded end to about three inches up the length of the bunch.

To complete your printing tool, spread open the pipe cleaner ends. Try to position them at the same level so that they lay completely flat when placed on a flat surface.

To create smaller printing

1) What are the two most popular days for consuming potatoes?

By Walt Whitman

CONTINUED FROM WEDNESDAY 15

tools, cut the pipe cleaners in half in Step 1. The resulting printing tool will have a very short handle, but will still be easy to grip.

Prepare a large sheet of black or dark-coloured construction paper to print your fireworks on. Put tempera or poster paint in plastic plates, small trays, or similar shallow containers. Add just enough water to make the paint spreadable. Mix well.

Dip the printing tool onto the paint. Wiggle it around so that all the pipe cleaners touch the paint.

Press the printing tool onto the paper. You can press on any

pipe cleaner that isn't touching the paper.

Lift the pipe cleaner tool to see the coloured print on the paper. Print one or more colours over your first print to come up with a colourful firework.

You can use the same colour palette on all your fireworks (eg red, green and blue) or make the fireworks super colourful.

To make sparkly fireworks, you can either sprinkle glitter while your firework prints are still wet or apply glitter glue after the paint on your firework prints dry. (firstpalette.com)

WORD SEARCH ◄

To the tally of my soul, Loud and strong kept up the gray-brown bird, With pure deliberate notes spreading filling the night. Loud in the pines and cedars dim, Clear in the freshness moist and the swamp-perfume, And I with my comrades there in the night.

While my sight that was bound in my eyes unclosed, As to long panoramas of visions.

And I saw askant the armies, I saw as in noiseless dreams hundreds of battle-flags, Borne through the smoke of the battles and pierc’d with missiles I saw them, And carried hither and yon through the smoke, and torn and bloody, And at last but a few shreds left on the staffs, (and all in silence,) And the staffs all splinter’d and broken.

I saw battle-corpses, myriads of them, And the white skeletons of young men, I saw them, I saw the debris and debris of all the slain soldiers of the war, But I saw they were not as was thought, They themselves were fully at rest, they suffer’d not, The living remain’d and suffer’d, the mother suffer’d, And the wife and the child and the musing comrade suffer’d, And the armies that remain’d suffer’d.

16

Passing the visions, passing the night, Passing, unloosing the hold of my comrades’ hands, Passing the song of the hermit bird and the tallying song of my soul, Victorious song, death’s outlet song, yet varying ever-altering song, As low and wailing, yet clear the notes, rising and falling, flooding the night, Sadly sinking and fainting, as warning and warning, and yet again bursting with joy, Covering the earth and filling the spread of the heaven, As that powerful psalm in the night I heard from recesses, Passing, I leave thee lilac with heart-shaped leaves, I leave thee there in the door-yard, blooming, returning with spring.

As divisions widen in PNCR

Rookie Chairman questions party stalwart Amna Ally’s loyalty

…as attempts in play to stave off challenge to Aubrey Norton’s leadership

As the race for the leadership of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) heats up, leaders in the party are pulling no punches against a stalwart with over 40 years in the party under her belt, to stave off challenges to current leader Aubrey Norton.

PNCR stalwart and former Social Cohesion Minister Amna Ally, who has been with the party for well over 40 years and last served as General Secretary before stepping down in 2021, did not mince words during a recent interview where she lambasted Norton.

According to Ally in other sections of the media, Norton was an “unfit leader” who was responsible for divisions in the party. She had gone on to throw her support behind Opposition Member of Parliament Roysdale Forde, SC, who recently publicly declared his intention to challenge Norton for the leadership at the next congress.

“What Mr Norton, the Opposition Leader, has to do is pull his socks up. Mr Norton must work with the

Constitution, and he must seek to unify the party rather than splitting hairs and having people go their own way. He is not fit to be a leader,” Ally was quoted as saying.

Her words did not go over well with current PNCR Chairman Shurwayne Holder, who was elected Chairman of the party back in 2021 at the 21st Biennial Congress. In a social media post, Holder, a first-time PNCR parliamentarian, blasted Ally and questioned her record in the party.

“Where was this former Minister and General Secretary for the last four years? How has she contributed to the development of the party and the fight against the PPP? She didn't even have the decency to facilitate a handover process to the new General Secretary when the faction she created lost at the last congress.

“While I respect her right to endorse whomever she sees fit, I don't believe Amna Ali has the moral authority to say who is unfit to lead the Party… my Gloves are off!

I will say much more at the right time,” Holder further wrote.

It was previously announced that the PNCR Congress would be held before its August 31, 2024 deadline. In March, Forde launched his campaign to run for the leadership of PNCR – the leading party in the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU)majority Opposition – at the upcoming Biennial Delegates Congress where the party elects its Leader, Chairman, Vice Chairman and 15 members to sit on its Central Executive Committee (CEC).

While no date has been set as yet, Forde had expressed the belief that there was a short time between the Congress and the upcoming 2025 General and Regional Elections. As such, he had rolled out a “Regroup, Refocus and Rebuild” plan, which he believes will deliver electoral victory for the party.

At his campaign launch, Forde was surrounded by

several top PNC members, including his colleague Opposition parliamentarians Annette Ferguson, Tabitha Sarabo-Halley and Natasha Singh-Lewis. Also there to support Forde were former Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine and Region Four Chairman Daniel Seeram.

In addition to Forde, Norton could also be facing another PNCR Executive, Ganesh Mahipaul, who has also expressed interest in running for the party’s leadership post. Shortly after Forde’s announcement, Mahipaul, while sitting alongside Norton at the party’s weekly press conference on Thursday, told reporters that he believes he has what it takes to lead the PNCR. But he said that it would be up to the party’s membership to decide whether he would run.

In their quest to contest the leadership post at the upcoming Congress, Forde and Mahipaul would first have to be nominated by the party’s membership to challenge Norton for the PNCR leadership.

Only a year ago, Forde

and Mahipaul were at the centre of a leaked phone conversation with Treasurer Faaiz Mursalin, who had expressed concerns about the PNCR leadership on a host of issues including him being instructed to sign several blank cheques. (G3)

PNCR stalwart Amna Ally

PNCR Chairman Shurwayne Holder

Leader Aubrey Norton

Sophia man wanted for murder of labourer Fixing…

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Wednesday issued a wanted bulletin for 22-year-old Stephon

Branford. He is wanted for questioning in connection with the murder of Courtney Younge.

Younge, a 56-yearold labourer of D Field, Sophia, Georgetown, was killed on March 24 about 20:30h at D Field, Sophia. Police said a 57-yearold eyewitness, of D Field, who is constructing a house in the yard in which the shooting occurred, said that Younge was working for him as a labourer.

He stated that about 19:00h on March 24, he was at the work site when Younge visited him and they started consuming alcohol. He said that Younge was sitting on two concrete blocks facing north while

he was sitting on a concrete block to his left inside the yard.

The man told Police that about 20:30h, while they were in the yard, he observed the suspect approaching on a pedal cycle. The suspect stopped in front of the yard and ran towards them with what appeared to be a shotgun in his hands.

As he entered the yard, he approached Younge, pointed the gun at him, and discharged a round in his direction. As a result, Younge fell to the ground, after which the suspect fled from the yard, mounted the pedal cycle, and rode west along the street.

Police were sum -

moned to the scene, and Younge’s body was taken to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home.

Reports are that a few nights before he was killed, Younge allegedly received death threats from the suspect.

It was reported that days prior, a man entered Younge's yard in search of him. Younge allegedly confronted him and broadsided him with a cutlass.

Anyone with information regarding Branford’s whereabouts is asked to contact the nearest Police Station or call the police on 226-3405, 225-6978, 225-8196, 227-1611, 2263405. (G9)

Police raid recovers stolen items

Officers from Regional Division 4C (East Coast Demerara) executed a raid on a Surat Drive, Triumph, East Coast Demerara house which revealed a cache of items believed to

have been stolen. The articles include a variety of electrical tools and electronic devices

among other things.

Police on Wednesday said that they also found four vehicle batteries, seven solar lights, one Total electrical plane, one Total electrical saw, one Royal electrical saw, one INGCO electrical saw, two water pumps, two hand sprayers, one kit containing a ratchet set, one Stihl grass cutter, one Homelite grass cutter, one Terratek battery drill, half a roll of 2.5 electrical wire, two Samsung Galaxy smartphones, and one ZTE cellular phone.

Of recent, residents from several communities on the East Coast of Demerara have voiced complaints of their homes and businesses being burglarised. As such, they have called for increased security by the Guyana Police Force. The seized items have been transported to the Beterverwagting Police Station as Police conduct further investigation into the ownership of the items.

…mental health?

Guyana is one of the toughest places on earth to grapple with “mental health”. First, most Guyanese don’t see it as a “health” issue. Tell somebody about their “mental health”, and they don’t get past the “mental” part – which in Guyana means you’re wacko!! “Who de arse tell you me mental?!!” is the outraged retort you’ll more likely than not get - followed by a whack behind your head!!

Our facility to deal with mental issues is the Berbice Mental Asylum – dubbed the “Berbice Mad House” when established in the 19th century. That the Mental Asylum was closely associated with the upsurge in prisons built in that era offers a clue as to the cause of much of the mental illnesses – most of the inmates in both institutions came from the sugar plantations and its draconian labour regimen!!

But in this millennium - starting in 2006, after a decade of debate and finger pointing - the Government’s been coming up with five-year plan after five-year plan to address the scourge. And scourge it is. A few years back, we were topping the charts for the entire world on suicide rates - 44.2 suicides per 100,000 people versus the global average of 16 per 100,000!! Imagine that!! And we didn’t even have to throw in those Jim Jones “Cool Aid” numbers, which went back to 1978; and in any case, the PNC Govt assured us it was an “American thing”.

Anyhow, the Government’s five-year plans have kicked in – there are more psychiatrists, psychologists, and other workers in the field. Mental health has been made part of the primary care agenda, and even the police have received sensitivity training in dealing with mental health patients. But it’s clear we’re still not seeing the results we want. The question your Eyewitness raises is whether Guyanese see it as a “health” issue after all the sweaty effort.

The goodly Min of Health just announced a refinement of the 2020-2025 plan – to “decentralise” the services. Seems that most of them were centralised in Georgetown. So what else is new?? Isn’t that how “health” issues were treated, starting with the Georgetown “Big” Hospital - also launched in the 19th century to treat the town people who really mattered, cause they were white and coloured?!! Well, better late than never; but now that the water’s being taken to the horse, so to speak, the challenge remains to get him to drink.

Your Eyewitness remembers when a former Health Minister went even further with this decentralisation. He’d gone into the communities where the suicide rates were highest and trained individuals to look out for signs of mental disequilibrium - and to then counsel the affected individuals.

“Gatekeepers” they were called. Whatever happened to them??

…the PNC

The folks’ wisdom, “Moon a run ‘till day ketch am”, pronounces on the inevitability of natural processes unfolding according to innate natural laws. Most of us transfer those processes into the workings of our own lives, and in the case of this aphorism, conclude that no matter how bleak and dismal things may look today, there’s an end to it all. “Day will ketch am” with the brightness of sunshine!! Well, after all the contortions – mathematical and otherwise, involving stained bedsheets and all! – which the PNC engaged in unsuccessfully after the 2020 elections, the chickens are coming home to roost.

They’d elected Aubrey Norton as leader for one reason – to “manners” the PPP and their supporters because of his street fighter reputation he’d earned back in the day. But he disappointed the kingmakers in the party when he confined his pugnacity to refusing to shake Pres Ali’s hands!! Now that Congress is coming up, the old guard’s getting their licks in.

Amna Ali says he’s “not fit to lead the PNC”!! Ouch!!

…Mad Maduro?

As predicted, upon Pres Ali’s request, the UNSC met to discuss Mad Maduro’s passing an “organic” law to annex our Essequibo – and they didn’t even slap him on his wrist.

Once again, they simply said Guyana and Venezuela must settle matters peacefully!!

Wanted: Stephon Branford

Some of the items that were recovered during the raid

GDF to acquire €39.5M ocean patrol vessel to strengthen maritime security …French company exploring establishment of modern maintenance yard in Georgetown

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) will soon acquire an Ocean Patrol Vessel (OPV) 190 valued at 39.5 million euros from the OCEA S.A. company.

The Letter of Intent for the procurement of the vessel was signed on Wednesday between the Guyana Government and the leading French alumin-

ium shipbuilding company at the Finance Ministry on Lamaha Street, Georgetown. The inked agreement covers the manufacturing of the vessel, a comprehensive logistics package with spears, and five years of maintenance.

During his remarks at the signing ceremony, Chief of Staff of GDF, Brigadier Omar Khan disclosed that

the significant piece of equipment would strengthen the capability of GDF’s Coast Guard to conduct surveillance and monitoring of Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone, response to search-and-rescue missions, aid vessels in distress, and control the harmful risk of maritime pollution.

Further, he explained that the vessel would also

play an integral role in the protection of Guyana’s sea assets and sovereign territory.

“The significance of Guyana’s partnering with France to embark on this project transcends borders, cultures and languages with one unifying purpose – building partnership and working together to ensure the region remains safe and secured from illicit maritime trade and other threats that threaten the peace and stability of the region,” the Chief of Staff said.

Senior Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh said the vessel represented the latest instalment in the realisation of President Dr Irfaan Ali’s vision and commitment to ensure Guyana has an equipped army capable of discharging its functions.

Dr Singh said the signing also represented yet another longstanding and special relationship that exists between the two countries.

“It constitutes a further deepening of that relationship including beyond economic cooperation and we are discussing several other economic cooperation initiatives with the Embassy and

French Treasury… in the realms of defence and operational partnerships on the security side,” the Senior Finance Minister said.

Maintenance yard

In addition to manufacturing the OPV vessel, OCEA S.A. is actively exploring the possibility of establishing a modern maintenance yard in Georgetown.

OCEA S.A. designs and manufactures maritime vessels, as well as patrol boats; passenger, cruise, environmental ships; motor yachts; tank ends; floating pontoons; multihulls; monohulls, and customised aluminium structures.

The firm serves customers in France, French Guiana, French Polynesia,

and Suriname and Guyana.

OCEA S.A.’s presence in Guyana was established in 2014; however, serious discussions between the firm and the Guyana Government commenced in 2020.

Representative of OCEA, Yorgo Hernandez said the maintenance yard was part of efforts to strengthen the company’s business relationship with Guyana while ensuring that its customers benefit from regular vessel maintenance services and timely repairs to help prevent accidents.

All of which, he believes, are vital to maritime security and the protection of sovereign territories.

An Ocean Patrol Vessel (OPV)

GDF Chief of Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan; Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh and other officials witnessing the signing of the letter of intent

Bike bursts into flames after crashing into car

…teen rider seriously injured

A17-year-old lad was on Wednesday admitted a patient in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) after being involved in an accident along the Perseverance Public Road on the Essequibo Coast in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

Reports are that at about 09:30h on Wednesday, Shane Lall of Cullen Village, Essequibo Coast was driving a motorcycle on the western driving lane of the public road at Perseverance, proceeding north at a fast rate when he lost control of the motorcycle and it crashed

into a motorcar and burst into flames.

“He went going home with speed, and he couldn’t control the bike and he run into the car in front he. He really deh bad, the doctor carry he away at Georgetown. They give him 50/50 chance to survive,” a relative of the injured teen told this publication.

The teenager was treated at the Suddie Public Hospital after the accident, but because of the extent of his injuries, he was transferred to the ICU at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Investigations are ongoing. (G14)

Injured: Shane Lall

CXC

students’ agri SBAs threatened by

porous fence at Fort Wellington Secondary …as animals invade garden used for assessment

Students of the Fort Wellington Secondary School are frustrated with the poor fencing of the facility, noting that animals constantly invade the compound and devastate their agriculture school-based assessment for the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.

The issue was raised at the level of the Regional Democratic Council of Region Five (MahaicaBerbice) after a complaint regarding the poor fencing at the Fort Wellington Secondary School was ventilated. Students particularly complain that, due to the inadequate fence, animals often invade the school’s compound and destroy the garden which they use for their schoolbased assessment (SBA) for agriculture science.

Councillor Emerson Benjamin raised the issue at a recent Regional Democratic Council (RDC) meeting, highlighting that students are cur -

rently preparing to write their Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.

“I don’t know if it is

plants,” Benjamin told the RDC.

He called upon the regional administration to pay urgent attention to the issue, but

Region Five Chairman Vickchand Ramphal pointed out that the school has 24-hour security, and the administration would be engaging the security firm on the matter.

“Like we always do, we have routine maintenance within all of the schools across the region, and I am sure that some work will be done on the fence,” the

the residents or children of Fort Wellington Secondary School… but every time the children or the teachers try to patch that fence, somebody removes what they put to block the holes. The children have a shade house where they have their projects, and the animals would go in and destroy the children’s

Regional Chairman pointed out.

When this publication visited the school, a security rank on duty at the time said it is impossible for one guard to keep the animals out, as there are numerous holes in the fence through which cattle and smaller animals enter. (G4)

The bike in flames along the Perseverance Public Road, Essequibo Coast

Traffic Dept concerned as parents allowing children to use e-bikes

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) is pleading with parents to discontinue the practice of allowing their underage children to utilise electric bikes, noting that not only was it illegal, but it also puts their children’s lives at risk.

During a recent broadcast of the televised programme “Road Safety and You”, the Guyana National

Road Safety Council (GNRSC) along with Region Three Police Division officers reported an increase in the use of e-bikes by students under 16 years.

Not only is it illegal for persons under the age of 16 to operate these vehicles, it also puts their lives at risk since children are often uneducated about the rules of the road.

According to GNRSC Chairman Earl Lambert, the act has become an issue of public safety and the Regional Division is engaging parents to rectify the issue.

“Yes, these electric cycles are economically in a sense that it gets you from point A to point B within a reasonable time, but one of the most important things is knowing to use it on the roads because by itself it’s a vehicle and if you don’t know to ride, you don’t have experience on how to use

the road – putting a child on one of those bikes is actually putting the child’s life at risk,” Lambert explained.

Sensitisation

The GPF is taking steps to educate road users about the amendments made to the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic Act, Cap 51:02 in relation to the regulation of e-bikes.

These include parents and youths given that it is important for e-bike users to familiarise themselves with these laws and adhere to them, in order to ensure their safety as well as that of other road users.

Additionally, when e-bike users are stopped, instead of facing legal charges, they are provided with valuable information on safe road usage, defen-

sive riding techniques, and the process of obtaining a driver’s licence, among other relevant topics.

The GNRSC Chairman disclosed that this programme was part of efforts to reduce the occurrence of e-bike-related accidents.

“In many instances we speak of the younger people losing their lives and it is sad to know that it is an ongoing thing and it is not that efforts are not being made to ensure that people use the road in a safe manner.

“Guyana is now moving, going places and we have a small population and we are hoping that our young people can grow and realise their full potential in this oil-rich country,” the Chairman added.

Amended law

Section Two of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act was amended in May

2023 to regulate the use of electric cycles. It defines an electric cycle as any cycle that has an electric motor and is fitted with an effective stopping system controlled by the use of brakes, gears, or motor control.

In practical terms, electric cycles would be subject to the same rules and regulations as motorcycles, regarding registration and use.

The regulatory framework, which was presented to the National Assembly by Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn, aims to address the alarming increase in road fatalities and accidents involving electric bikes.

In July last year, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) began to register e-bikes. Among the requirements for registration, persons must be the holder of a valid driver’s licence. (G1)

Guyana National Road Safety Council Chairman Earl Lambert

Scenes from Eid-ul-Fitr

Eid-ul-Fitr celebration

“We are working every day to make the lives of all Guyanese better” – Pres Ali …says challenges not there to mope about, but to confront

On the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, President Dr Irfaan Ali has assured that the Government is hard at work making everyone’s lives better and that existing challenges are there to be confronted.

The Head of State also believes that in multicultural Guyana, the lessons of the holiday have bearing across all walks of life.

President Ali addressed Islam devotees at the Muslim Youth Organisation of Guyana (MYO) lawns. According to him, the lessons of Ramadan will help Guyanese to uplift the society they live in for the benefit of all. Further, he said it would help reinforce the values that shape Guyanese society.

“In a multi-ethnic, multicultural society like ours, it is important. We are blessed with shared religious values and context of each faith, if we apply those values and contexts

in our everyday life, in the way we treat each other, in the way we treat the environment, in the way we speak, in the way we uplift each other,” the Head of State said during Eid-ulFitr Salat observances.

“Then we will achieve what Prophet Mohamed wanted us to achieve. In his final sermon, he chose a topic that is so import-

about, but rather to confront. He assured that the Government was working hard every day, to make the lives of all Guyanese better.

“On behalf of the Government of Guyana, I assure you that we will continue to work hard ev-

other activities from dawn to sunset. Muslims not only celebrate the end of fasting, but also give thanks for being able to maintain that fast throughout Ramadan.

Meanwhile, Head of the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana

ant to the world today. In that final sermon, he could have chosen anything to speak about. But what did he concentrate on?”

According to Ali, the prophet concentrated on the oneness of humanity and the fact that people are not as different from each other as they may believe, “regardless of our colour, which part of the world we are from, regardless of status, that we are one of the same family”.

Ali further noted that though there were challenges, those challenges were not there to mope

ery day. That we will continue to sacrifice every day. And yes, there are challenges in our society. There are challenges in different areas of governance.

“But those challenges are there, not for us to mope about, but for us to confront and overcome, so that we can build a stronger society. A society in which we can deliver better to the people of this country.”

Eid-ul-Fitr is a celebration which marks the end of Ramadan, a period where Muslims abstain from eating, smoking and

“Let us continue to exemplify this behaviour and this kindness… we must be grateful to Allah for his bounties. We share a way of life which teaches us optimism, to be happy, not heedless. To be grateful, not greedy. To see the best in everything and in every situation. And to be able to say praise be to Allah, in every situation,” he said.

(G3)

(CIOG), Sheikh Moen ulHack, echoed President Ali’s message on the applicability of Eid-ul-Fitr’s message of kindness and gratefulness.

President Dr Irfaan Ali in his address to the gathering at the Muslim Youth Organisation of Guyana lawns, Woolford Avenue, Georgetown

GTU challenge Judge to rule on legality of teachers’ salaries, union fees deduction on April 19

Next week, the High Court will be handing down its decision on the legal proceedings filed by the Guyana Teachers Union (GTU), which is seeking to reverse Government’s decision to cut the pay of those teachers who were on an almostfive-week strike as well as the move to stop deducting dues from teachers’ salaries and remitting them to the union.

This was after presiding judge, Justice Sandil Kissoon heard submissions on Wednesday from the lawyers representing the GTU (applicant), the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) and the Attorney General (respondent).

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, contended that the Union’s case is “incurably defective”, arguing that with the changes made

in 1980, 1996 and 2001, Guyana’s Constitution only caters for the “freedom to strike” and not the “right to strike” hence teachers cannot be paid for the period that they did not show up for work.

However, Attorney Darren Wade for the GTU and Roysdale Forde, SC, for the GTUC maintained that the ‘no work, no pay’ policy did not apply in this

GDF to acquire EU$39.5M ocean...

“The possibility of OCEA S.A. investing in a maintenance shipyard in Guyana in the future makes sense. Such an investment will not only benefit your nation, but also contribute to regional maritime development. I hope we can jointly work towards this objective,” Hernandez said.

The Finance Minister shared similar sentiments, noting that an endeavour of this magnitude would create employment opportunities for Guyanese in the engineering industry and enable synergy in vessel maintenance between Guyana and neighbouring countries.

“I would encourage you to continue to explore this option, because we anticipate that the opportunity will not only serve your Guyanese clientele but provide the opportunity to serve the sub-region…itself very effectively in Georgetown,” Dr Singh posited.

Strengthen security

In February, the Guyanese and French militaries agreed to conduct increased joint training, with more units of the local military slated to be engaged.

At the time, GDF Colonel General Staff, Kenlloyd Roberts and a team of officers welcomed French Captain (Navy) Laurent Martin and his team for a courtesy call at Defence Headquarters, Base Camp Ayanganna, Thomas Lands, Georgetown.

During discussions, Guyana and France renewed their commitment to cooperate and mitigate shared challenges, conduct training and strengthen bilateral relationships.

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

Guyana’s deepening military cooperation with India encompasses a range of activities, fostering an integrated relationship spanning technology, equipment, and various levels of training for GDF members with the Indian military. And the idea of Guyana acquiring aircraft from India was first raised back in January 2023, when President Dr Irfaan Ali visited the Asian nation, where he toured the Indian State-owned aerospace and defence company in Kanpur and inspected its CG-767 Indian Coast Guard 18-seater Dornier aircraft.

Dubbed Guyana’s first major defence deal with India, this development to procure defence assets from the Asian Government comes on the heels of the Ali-led Administration taking significant steps to modernise the GDF with the acquisition of new equipment and supplies, as well as capacity-building.

Budget

In an effort to fasttrack the modernisation of Guyana’s security sector, Government invested $42.2 billion of the country’s $1.146 trillion fiscal package for 2024 to enhance the GDF’s capabilities.

Key focus areas include expansion of the air wing, maritime assets, and Coast Guard capabilities, reflecting the Government’s commitment to comprehensive defence measures.

Capital expenditure details revealed a multifaceted approach, with $1.8 billion earmarked for the upgrading of buildings, $1.5 billion allocated for marine development, and $500 million dedicated to providing essential vehicles, boats, and engines.

Additionally, a notable $16.2 billion was set aside for defence-support initiatives, emphasising international collaboration with India.

According to President Ali, the Administration’s commitment extends beyond conventional defence measures, with a keen focus on cybersecurity to counter the growing threat of cybercrimes.

The Head of State explained that as Guyana continues to position itself for sustained development, it must be acknowledged that a secure environment was pivotal to attracting investments and fostering economic growth. (G1)

instance since Government failed to engage the Union in collective bargaining thus creating the conditions for industrial action to be taken.

Forde pointed to the Constitution of Guyana at Article 147 (2) and (3) which fundamentally allow for the freedom to strike. This, he insisted, is supported by international conventions that cater for the right to strike.

Completely rejected

But this concept was completely rejected by AG Nandlall.

“The Constitution has a right to demonstrate, a right to assembly but a freedom to strike. The draftsman used different language to portray a different concept… So, how can you advocate that you have a right to pay when you have not worked, because if you are to be paid for services not rendered then you are compelling the employer to give you his property for which he has not received no compensation and no reward…”

“Secondly, wages is defined in the Labour Act. It is monies paid for work done or to be done… So, how can you not do work and expect to get paid. I also examined other parts of the Constitution which they relied upon to show that no international treaty that we have signed at the ILO (International Labour Organisation) or anywhere else has conferred a right on a worker to get paid for work not done during a strike period,” Nandlall contended.

He was at the time speaking with reporters after the court hearing during which the Attorney General further proffered that any other position could have far-reaching consequences in the future.

“Ruling that a worker is entitled to salary and wages when they have not performed the work will have serious implications in this country and in every part

of the world… You heard Mr Forde [citing cases from] India and the Judge tell him that is not the position in India… There is no country that has a law that says workers can get paid for work undone,” he posited.

According to the AG, it is within the Terms of Resumption that would usually stipulate whether the employer would agree to pay workers for the time on strike, but this is not a decision that is imposed on the employer.

Meanwhile, on the issue of the deduction of union dues from teachers’ salaries, Nandlall argued that this was a voluntary service offered by the Government as a policy matter, and the separation of powers does not allow the court to review this decision.

“The voluntary service of the Government in offering this facility to the union is not grounded in contract or is not grounded law. It is the Government, as part of its policy, has decided to extend this service to the union, voluntarily. And anything that is voluntarily done can be terminated voluntarily and the decision to do so is an executive decision… The court cannot enquire into matters that are purely executive matters. These are beyond judicial review,” the Attorney General explained.

Nevertheless, in highlighting the unions’ defective case, Nandlall contended that there was no relief in the pleadings filed by the unions that seek to get money for the striking teachers or even speak to the collective bargaining process.

But the AG believes that Guyana’s collective bargaining structure, which mirrors most laws in the Caribbean, is adequate in that it has all the protective mechanisms in place.

Wednesday’s hearing for submissions followed a court-ordered mediation process between the

Education Ministry and the GTU, which ended in deadlock last month.

In court documents filed by the Union in February 2024, it was noted that only non-financial matters were discussed with the Education Ministry regarding its multi-year proposal for the period 20192023 that was submitted to Government in September 2020.

But during cross-examination at a hearing last month, GTU’s Vice President, Julian Cambridge, admitted that several areas including duty-free concessions, housing revolving fund, and debunching of salaries according to scales, and the granting of scholarships for teachers that would eventually result in increased salaries were all financial matters that were discussed between the Government and the Union.

In another application, the GTU had approached the High Court asking for the court, among other things, to order the Government to negotiate salary increases for teachers for the period 2019 to 2023. But Justice Kissoon ruled that the court has no such jurisdiction.

The Union also wants the court to order the Government to engage in collective bargaining for salaries for 2019 to 2023.

The Union had also asked the court that Chief Education Officer Saddam Hussain and Education Ministry Permanent Secretary Shannielle Hoosein-Outar be held in contempt of court, for “unwillingness and bad faith for refusing to discuss collective bargaining for the period 2019-2023”.

Government had responded with a responding application to strike out that application filed by the Union.

Justice Kissoon will be delivering his ruling on April 19 at 09:30h

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC Roysdale Forde, SC

Justice Sandil Kissoon

New Thriving owners to pay GPL over $13.7M in electricity arrears …after CCJ upholds CoA ruling

Owners of the New Thriving Restaurant in Georgetown will now have to pay the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Inc in excess of $13.7 million that was owed in electricity arrears after the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) dismissed their appeal.

Che Jain Ping and Xiao Guang Zhao (appellants) –individuals doing business in Guyana under the trading names “New Thriving Restaurant” and “New Thriving Fast Food” – had taken the power company to court regarding arrears they accrued by virtue of consumption of electricity supplied by GPL (respondent)

The legal action filed by the business owners commenced before the High Court on October 19, 2010 and resulted in the Court finding that the appellants were liable to pay to GPL the sum stated as arrears for electricity supplied and not paid for by them. Based on court docu-

for the period January 2002 to July 2009.

The appellants were billed monthly and at the end of the period, arrears on the appellants’ account exceeded payments credited to the account by the sum of $13,768,937.

ments, it was noted that the main defence during the High Court trial relied upon by the appellants was that the computer-generated printout for Account No 13003-346-11 showed a ‘current balance’ of zero. The court accepted evidence that GPL had transferred the ac-

crued amount of $13,768,937 to another account held by the same individuals, as is allowed under Regulation 23 of the Public Electricity Supply Regulations (PESR), hence the zero balance on the computer-generated printout.

The High Court held that the appellants were liable to pay to GPL the sum owed as arrears for electricity supplied and not paid for by them. This decision was appealed and later upheld by the Court of Appeal (CoA) in Guyana.

On May 12, 2023, the decision of the Guyanese appellate court was appealed at the Trinidad-based regional court.

In their written submissions, the appellants conceded that while GPL is entitled to bill and recover payment in respect of electricity supplied under the supply contract between the parties, there are limits and restrictions which the law imposes, on the circumstances under which the power company can recover payment for electricity supplied.

The appellants contended that these limits are primarily set out under Electricity Sector Reform Act (ESRA), regs 31(2), and (3) of the PESR and clauses 6.3 and 6.4 of the Public Supplier’s Standard Terms and Conditions. The appel-

lants argued that, in all the circumstances, the legislative framework does not allow GPL to back bill them beyond 12 months, whereas the sum claimed as arrears reflects billing for a period of seven years.

Statutory contract

Meanwhile, lawyers for the State-owned utility company maintained that the legislation affords them varied powers in billing customers. As an example, GPL points to its power as a public supplier to estimate power consumption for periods where the meter cannot be relied upon, such as where it has been compromised or damaged. GPL asserts that the appellants, not cognisant of such powers, were erroneous in the view that the $13.7 million owed represented miscellaneous charges.

GPL argued that in fact the financial history of Account No 13-003-34611 reveals monthly bills issued based on actual meter readings for a period of several years, with arrears of payments accruing and ultimately totalling in the sum claimed. According to GPL, the only miscellaneous charge imposed on

the said account is $318,446, estimated for a billing period where a tampered meter was removed, and a new meter installed.

In its judgement issued on Tuesday, the CCJ explained that Section 23 of the ESRA expressly creates a statutory contract for the supply of electricity between the parties as consumer and public electrical supplier.

The court then went on to outline the effect of GPL’s right under Regulation 31(2) of the PESR to recover debt by civil action, ‘without prejudice’, to their rights to so recover under other laws. The court reasoned that the effect of the expression ‘without prejudice’ in reg 31(2) of the PESR is that GPL is not restricted to enforcing its debt as a statutory claim but retains all other means of access to the court, and in particular, by an action for breach of the electrical supply contract.

In light of these findings, the CCJ concluded that GPL was entitled to back bill the appellants for a period beyond 12 months pursuant to PESR reg 31(2). In the circumstances, the appeal was dismissed by the regional court, and the orders of the Guyana Court of Appeal were affirmed.

The matter was heard by CCJ President, Justice Adrian Saunders, along with Justices Winston Anderson, Maureen Rajnauth-Lee, Denys Barrow, and Andrew Burgess, who read the court’s decision on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the appellants were represented by Stephen Fraser, SC, and Attorney Shantel Scott-Lall while Senior Counsel Timothy Jonas and Attorney Krystal Abrams appeared for the respondent. (G8)

Next, the court turned to the question of GPL’s ability to back bill the appellants beyond a 12-month period. The court was of the view that there were provisions in GPL's Standard Terms and Conditions for Electric Services which set out billing periods, as is required by PESR reg 31(2) to empower GPL to back bill beyond 12 months. According to the court, the evidence demonstrated that GPL billed the appellants in line with such billing periods under its Standard Terms and Conditions, and the appellants were now liable for these sums pursuant to clause 7.5(a) of the Standard Terms and Conditions.

Providence man stabbed 3 times over old grievance

A30-year-old man of Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD) was stabbed in his chest and head at Ketley Street, Charlestown, Georgetown as a result of an old grievance.

Injured is Orcsenio Benn. Reports are that the incident occurred on Tuesday about 20:30h, in the vicinity of Humphrey Bakery.

According to Police reports, the injured man and the suspect are known to each other. Police said that on Tuesday, Benn was standing on the western side of the street, in the company of the suspect's brother, when the

suspect approached from the northern direction of Ketley Street, on a bicycle and dealt him three stab wounds – two to the centre of his chest and one to the right side of his head.

The assailant then escaped east along Ketley Street. Police said that Benn and the suspect had

a prior misunderstanding.

Following the stabbing, Benn was picked up by public-spirited citizens and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, when he was admitted a patient.

Investigations are ongoing. (G9)

New Thriving

Indo-Guyanese culture spotlighted at ICCR anniversary event

The Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) in Georgetown, Guyana has been recognised as one of the oldest cultural centres established outside of India for preservation and promotion of Indian culture.

The SVCC was established as a flagbearer of India's cultural diplomacy initiatives by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR), which celebrated its 75th Foundation Day on April 9. Over the years, the ICCR has played a major role in enhancing India’s diplomatic landscape through cultural engagements.

During an event hosted by the Indian High Commission in Georgetown on Tuesday to commemorate this milestone, Director General of ICCR, Shri Kumar Tuhin, delivered a virtual address.

As part of the celebration, a Yoga session as well as an interesting panel discussion was organised at the SVCC, tracing the history and evolution of the Indo-Guyanese culture incorporating unique Indian traditions and adapting them to the new surroundings.

of preserving the shared heritage, Dr Shah Roath shared interesting anecdotes on Indian dance, music, cuisine and costumes besides underlining the role of Indian theatre.

The panellists called the centre and ICCR's initiative to send dance, music and language teachers as a beacon of hope and reflection of the yearning that the diaspora community has towards their ancestral roots.

While Dr Ramharack, Dev and Persaud highlighted different elements of the challenges and struggles of the Indo-Guyanese community and expressed their gratitude towards many prominent Guyanese, including artists and experts in the direction

A prominent panel of experts from the fields of Indology, Indian culture, religion and ethnic studies including Baytoram Ramharack, Ravi Dev, Chris Persaud, Dr Seeta Shah Roath, and Dr Ritesh Tularam shared their thoughts about the pivotal role played by the Indian culture centre in Guyana since 1972.

Dr Tularam highlighted the role and contribution of ICCR scholarships and its importance for connecting the young Guyanese with their ancestral roots besides contributing towards higher education, technology and other areas of knowledge and encouraged young Guyanese to avail of these opportunities,

Making briefing remarks at the event, High Commissioner Dr Amit Telang underlined the role of ICCR and its cultural centres

in expanding the footprint of India's soft power through cultural democracy initiatives going beyond the traditional realm of dance and music, covering democracy initiatives, youth leadership, academic exchanges, Yoga and traditional medicine which have expanded the role of centres such as SVCC.

High Commissioner Telang appreciated the role and contribution of the present and former Directors and teachers at the SVCC who have played a crucial role towards this end.

According to the ICCR’s website, it was resolved at the historic Asian Relations Conference held in New

Delhi in 1946 to set up an Indian Council for Cultural Cooperation to revive and promote closer cultural ties with the other Asian Countries and to project the Indian personality and its rich culture through "Indian eyes".

The ICCR was established some three years later with its scope expanded outside of the Asian region as part of forging closer cultural ties with the rest of the wide world.

ICCR facilitates the exchange of artistic and cultural values at some 37 Cultural Centres such as the SVCC across the world. These centres serve as hubs for cultur-

al exchange and hosting various events that reflect the diversity of the Indian culture.

The ICCR offers an extensive range of over 3,000 scholarships across 21 different programmes to international students from over 180 countries.

In Guyana, the SVCC runs regular classes in Yoga, Dance (Kathak), Tabla, Harmonium and Vocal.

Additionally, IndoGuyanese have also been benefitting annually from several ICCR scholarships and exchange programmes for training in dance, music, painting, sculpture and other forms of fine arts. (G8)

Operation “Safe Road” nets multiple traffic violations

On Tuesday, between 07:00h and 18:00h, law enforcement officers conducted an extensive operation “Safe Road” exercise within Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

According to Police, the operation aimed to promote road safety and enforce traffic regulations, and the results of the operation have revealed numerous violations, indicating the necessity for heightened awareness and adherence to road laws.

During the operation, a total of 64 cases were made against motorists for various infractions. Among the infractions recorded, the most prevalent included exceeding the speed limit, with 19 cases reported. Failure to wear seat belts followed closely behind, with six instances noted. Additionally, authorities uncovered instanc-

Traffic officers carrying out enforcement activities

Indian High Commissioner, Dr Amit Telang (centre) with some of the panellists and other officials at the 75th Foundation Day of the ICCR held at the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Georgetown

Yoga is one of the cultural programmes being offered at the SVCC in Georgetown under the ICCR

News

Help Lula save our people, Yanomami leader tells Pope Francis

Arepresentative of Brazil's Yanomami people said he met Pope Francis on Wednesday to ask him to support Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's efforts to save his Indigenous people.

The Yanomami, estimated to number around 28,000, live in Brazil's largest Indigenous reservation, in the northern states of Roraima and Amazonas. Invasion of their lands by illegal miners has caused malnutrition and deaths.

"I've asked the Pope to support the Lula Administration, because Lula needs friends. He won't be able to do it alone. There are a lot of people around him, politicians who don't want him to solve it," Davi Kopenawa told reporters.

"The Pope said he's going to talk to him."

Kopenawa, a shaman who co-founded and chairs the Hutukara Yanomami Association, which campaigns for Indigenous rights and the preservation of the Amazon

rainforest, met Francis at the Vatican.

He mentioned water poisoning from mercury – used by wildcat miners in the hunt for gold – as one of the biggest threats to his community, along with deforestation for cattle ranching and soya farming.

The Yanomami territory, an area about the size of Portugal, has been invaded by gold miners for decades, but the destructive incursions multiplied in recent years when former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro dismantled environmental protections.

Lula has led a push to evict illegal miners from Yanomami territory. In January, his Administration announced 1.2 billion reais (US$239.58 million) in aid for the Indigenous community.

Francis, who hails from Brazil's neighbour Argentina, has made defence of the environment one of the cornerstones of his papacy, and has repeatedly condemned the plundering of natural resources in the Amazon and elsewhere. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Cuba says drug use on the rise, especially among youth

Cuba said on Wednesday illegal drug use is rising on the Caribbean island, a blow to the communist-run nation that has for decades prided itself on controlling the illicit traffic and use of narcotics.

A health official said the island was moving to "control and contain" the growing use of drugs, especially among young people, but acknowledging shortfalls amid an increasingly severe economic crisis.

Ecuador's ex-Vice President Glas attempted suicide, on hunger strike – former President

Ecuador's former Vice President Jorge Glas attempted suicide earlier this week and is now on a hunger strike at a prison in Guayaquil to protest his arrest, his lawyer Sonia Vera and former President Rafael Correa said on Wednesday.

Glas, already twice convicted of corruption and now facing fresh charges, was arrested on Friday after a raid by Police on Mexico's Quito embassy, where he had been living since December.

Glas was taken to hospital on Monday after the prison service said he refused to eat food provided in jail and became ill.

"We have confirmed that the medical emergency was a

suicide attempt. He has not eaten anything and is on a hunger strike," Correa said in a message on X, which was confirmed by Vera in a WhatsApp message.

In a separate message on X, Vera included a video of Glas recounting his arrest last week.

The arrest capped a week of growing tensions between Mexico and Ecuador, after Quito declared the Mexican Ambassador persona non grata, citing "unfortunate" comments by leftist Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

Ecuador's Government has said that it has evidence that Glas was planning to escape, though it has not pro-

vided details.

He was discharged from hospital on Tuesday and returned to prison.

Video clips from inside the Embassy broadcast during Lopez Obrador's daily press conference on Tuesday showed a door violently forced open as well as a man, who appeared to be Glas, being carried out, his arms and legs hoisted up by Police or soldiers.

In the video shared by his lawyer, Glas accused Police of abusing him during the arrest in Quito.

"I tried to stand up but I couldn't because of the beating they had given me," Glas said in the video. (Excerpt from Reuters)

T&T in shock as girl, 4, decapitated by stepfather

As news of the gruesome killing and dismembering of fouryear-old Amarah Lallite began to circulate in the early hours Monday, an already traumatised nation fell to its knees as details of the horrific act became known.

ways protected her. He was never violent to her.”

Little Amarah is believed to have been killed between 10 pm Monday and midnight Tuesday at her Fifth Street, Five Rivers, Arouca home by her stepfather, even as her mother stood before officers at the Arouca Police Station filing a domestic disturbance report.

Cuba`s Government has long espoused a policy of "zero tolerance" against drugs, and the island has a long-held reputation for severe punishments for all sorts of crime.

The recent economic downturn, the worst in decades, has been accompanied by a strong perception of rising crime on the island, and an increase in the use of drugs. "The economic situa-

"In Cuba, there has been an increase in recent years (in drug consumption), and adolescents and young people represent the most vulnerable group," said Dr Alejandro García, Director of the Mental Health Center of Central Havana, in an interview in State-run newspaper Granma.

tion is having a great impact for various reasons," García said, mentioning a decrease in specialised personnel. "There are municipalities that do not have psychiatrists or those who directly address the phenomenon of addictions."

Cuban authorities said the country`s courts in 2023 had convicted 689 persons linked to drug trafficking and use and noted that the Penal Code punishes "possession and trafficking of illicit drugs with penalties from 4 to 30 years in prison, including life imprisonment and up to the death sentence". (Excerpt from Reuters)

Colombia peace delegation to hold extraordinary meeting with ELN rebels

Colombian negotiators will travel to Venezuela's capital Caracas to hold an extraordinary round of peace talks with leftist rebel group the National Liberation Army (ELN), the Government said on Wednesday.

The extraordinary meeting, which was requested by the ELN amid a stall in progress, will also be attended by delegates from guarantor countries

– which include Norway, Chile and Venezuela –the Government said in a statement.

"We hope that by April 22 we will have a decision with new and definitive advances," the Government's chief negotiator Vera Grabe said in a statement.

President Gustavo Petro restarted talks with the ELN at the end of 2022 as part of his efforts to end Colombia's six-decade con-

flict, which killed at least 450,000 persons, by inking peace or surrender deals with armed groups. The ELN and the Government have held six rounds of talks so far, resulting in a bilateral ceasefire, the establishment of a multi-donor fund to finance the process and a pledge from the ELN to suspend kidnappings for ransom. (Reuters)

An overwhelming outpouring of prayers began almost instantly for the four-year-old, who was reportedly killed by a man who had been like a father to her for almost her entire life.

In shock as she walked out of the Forensic Science Centre in St James after identifying little Amarah’s body, her mother, Tricia Villaruel, choked up as she whispered, “I never thought he would have done that. He loved Amarah.”

She added, “He would have killed for her, he al-

At the FSC, the weeping Villaruel recounted, “My daughter Amarah was a loving, loving, loving child.”

Staring blankly off before grief caused her to close her eyes, she went on, “She was the light of the room. Everybody loved this child. Everybody...”

Fighting to find the words as her elder daughter stood at her side, Villaruel shook her head, saying, “I can say nothing bad about her. I don’t know what would make him want to harm that child so much. She was a darling. She was everybody darling.”

Villaruel, 41, and the 39-year-old suspect were involved in a common-law relationship which spanned Amarah’s age. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Argentina's Milei sees “2nd chance” for pared-back reform bill

Argentina's Government has circulated a pared-back version of its sprawling omnibus reform bill to lawmakers and Governors after Congress rejected it earlier this year, a spokesperson for President Javier Milei said on Wednesday.

The bill, which includes plans to privatise State entities and measures to allow reductions in State subsidies, is a key part of Milei's plan to fix a severe economic crisis in which inflation is over 275 per cent and net foreign reserves near zero.

The economist and for-

mer pundit, who had a shock election win last year and only has a minority in Congress, has been forced to compromise with potential political allies on the bill after it was rejected in February.

"Today we find ourselves with a second chance," presidential spokesman Manuel Adorni told reporters, adding the new draft of the bill was circulated late on Tuesday. The Government was confident it would win support, he said.

The bill is expected to go back to congressional committees as early as next

week before a new round of voting. It eventually needs approval by both chambers of the legislature.

The process underscores that Milei's Government is having to take a more conciliatory approach to reforms as the Opposition Peronist bloc still holds the largest number of seats in Congress.

The Government has removed a key fiscal section of the original bill – part of Milei's pledge for a "zero" deficit this year – and watered down some reforms. It plans to pursue the fiscal measures separately.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Davi Kopenawa, Chief of the Yanomami, as he talks with the media after meeting Pope Francis before the weekly general audience, in Rome, Italy, April 10, 2024 (Reuters/Remo Casilli photo)

Four-year-old Amarah Lallite

Around the World OIL NEWS

Oil settles higher after Israeli strike overshadows ceasefire talks

Oil prices settled up US$1 on Wednesday after three sons of a Hamas leader were killed in an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip, feeding worries that ceasefire talks might stall.

Brent crude futures settled up US$1.06, or 1.2 per cent, to US$90.48 per barrel while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures settled up 98 cents, or 1.2 per cent, to US$86.21.

"The oil market has been and continues to be very reactive to news out of Gaza," said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital LLC in New York.

The Israeli military confirmed carrying out the attack, describing the three sons as operatives in the Hamas armed wing. On Tuesday, Hamas said it was studying an Israeli ceasefire proposal in the more- than-six-month-old Gaza war ,but called it was "intransigent" and said it met none of the Palestinian demands. A continuing conflict could drag in other countries, particularly Hamas-backer Iran, the third-largest producer in the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Mexico's decision to curb crude exports in order to supply domestic refineries also supported prices and led to record low US imports of Mexican crude in early April.

In early trade, oil prices fell after US Government data showed crude oil and fuel inventories swelled by much more than expected on weak demand and lower oil exports.

US crude stocks climbed by 5.8 million barrels in the week ending April 5, more than double the rise of about 2.4 million barrels analysts had expected. Refined products inventories rose unexpectedly with gasoline up by 700,000 barrels and distillate stocks by 1.7 million barrels.

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) data also showed a roughly 2.1 million barrel per day (bpd) drop in oil product supplied, a proxy for fuel demand, and a 2.7 million bpd drop in crude oil exports.

"Some of the heat has come out of the rally in crude oil in the early part of this week on hopes of a ceasefire in Gaza and higher US inventories," said Tony Sycamore, a market analyst at IG in Singapore.

Separately, the EIA sharply raised its forecast for crude oil output. It anticipates an increase of 280,000 bpd to 13.21 million bpd in 2024, up from its earlier forecast of a 20,000 bpd increase.

The EIA said it expects Brent crude prices to average US$88.55 a barrel in 2024, up from a previous forecast of US$87, and it upgraded its demand growth forecast for the past two years.

"Broadly it reconfirmed an oil market outlook with OPEC+ in good control of the oil market," SEB analyst Bjarne Schieldrop said.

OPEC's monthly oil market report will be published today, April 11 and the International Energy Agency's oil market report will be published Friday, April 12. (Reuters)

3 sons of Hamas leader Haniyeh killed in Israeli airstrike

Three sons of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh were killed in an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, the Palestinian Islamist group and Haniyeh's family said.

The Israeli military confirmed carrying out the attack, describing the three sons as operatives in the Hamas armed wing.

The three sons – Hazem, Amir and Mohammad –were killed when the car they were driving in was bombed in Gaza's Al-Shati camp, Hamas said. Four of Haniyeh's grandchildren, three girls and a boy, were also killed in the attack, Hamas said.

Asked about the four grandchildren killed in the airstrike, the Israeli military said there was "no information on that right now".

US

Haniyeh, based abroad in Qatar, has been the toughtalking face of Hamas' international diplomacy as war with Israel has raged on in Gaza, where his family home was destroyed in an Israeli airstrike back in November.

"The blood of my sons is not dearer than the blood of our people," Haniyeh, 61, who has 13 sons and daughters according to Hamas sources, told pan-Arab Al Jazeera TV.

The three sons and four grandchildren were making family visits during the first day of the Muslim Eid alFitr holiday in Shati, their home refugee camp in Gaza City, according to relatives.

Hamas said on Tuesday it was studying an Israeli ceasefire proposal in the more than six-month-old Gaza war, but that it was "intransigent" and met none of the Palestinian demands.

and Japan boost defence ties with eye on China

Taiwan and China were a focus of the meeting between US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

They have vowed to strengthen defence cooperation in the face of a potential threat from China.

The plans announced by Biden and Kishida during his Washington visit include an expanded air defence network incorporating Australia.

Additionally, Biden said a Japanese astronaut would join Nasa's Artemis pro-

South Korean Opposition wins landslide parliamentary vote in resounding blow to Yoon

South Korea's liberal Opposition parties scored a landslide victory in a parliamentary election held on Wednesday, dealing a resounding blow to President Yoon Suk Yeol and his conservative party but likely falling just short of a super majority.

The Democratic Party (DP) was projected to take more than 170 of the 300 seats in the new legislature, data by the National Election Commission and network broadcasters showed with more than 99 per cent of the votes counted as of 05:55h today.

A splinter liberal party considered allied with the DP was expected to take at least 10 seats, projections showed.

"When voters chose me, it was your judgment

South Korea's main Opposition

Democratic Party (DP) leader Lee Jae-myung, speaking to reporters after watching TVs broadcasting the results of exit polls for the parliamentary election at the National Assembly on April 10, 2024 in Seoul, South Korea (Chung Sung-Jun/Pool via Reuters)

against the Yoon Suk Yeol Administration and you are giving the Democratic Party the duty to take responsibility for the livelihood of the people and create a better society," DP leader Lee Jae-myung said.

Lee won a seat in the

city of Incheon to the west of the capital, Seoul, against a conservative heavyweight candidate considered a major ally of the president.

The bitterly-fought race was seen by some analysts as a referendum on Yoon.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

gramme to put people on the moon.

The astronaut will become the first non-American on the moon's surface.

Speaking from the Rose Garden of the White House during Kishida's state visit to Washington, Biden said that the deals constituted "the most significant upgrade of our alliance since it was first established".

Over the course of about two hours of talks, the two leaders largely focused on defence matters in the IndoPacific, as well as the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.

North Korea, Taiwan, and China were a particular focus of the discussions, Kishida said, calling on an "international order based on the rule of law" to be maintained.

"Unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion is absolutely unacceptable, wherever it may be," Kishida said.

"Regarding Russia's aggression of Ukraine... Ukraine today may be East Asia tomorrow," he added.

As part of the agreements, Biden said that the US military would establish a joint command structure with its Japanese counterparts.

The two allies will also develop a joint air and missile defence network in the region along with Australia, as well as participate in three-way military exercises, along with UK forces.

While Mr Kishida acknowledged that, while the US and Japan would continue to respond to "challenges" (Excerpt from BBC News)

"Our demands are clear and specific and we will not make concessions on them. The enemy will be delusion-

al if it thinks that targeting my sons, at the climax of the negotiations and before the movement sends its response, will push Hamas to change its position," Haniyeh said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Russian forces stage deadly attacks in southern, northern Ukraine

Russian forces launched deadly attacks on Wednesday on frequent targets in the south and north of Ukraine, in Kharkiv and Odesa regions, killing seven persons and injuring many more, officials said.

In Odesa district in the south, an early-evening missile attack killed four persons, including a 10-year-old girl, and injured 14 more, regional Governor Oleh Kiper said.

Writing on the Telegram messaging app, Kiper said four of the injured were in serious condition with doctors "fighting to save their lives". One man had had his legs amputated.

In northeastern Kharkiv region, which has been subjected to intensified Russian attacks on cities and energy sites in recent weeks, a strike on a pharmacy killed a 14-year-old girl and two women in the village of Lyptsi, regional Governor Oleh Synehubov said.

Two were injured and

rescuers combed rubble for other possible victims.

Two guided bombs destroyed a clinic in the village of Vovchansk, injuring one person, Synehubov said. Separately, Russian troops dropped an explosive on a bus, wounding a man, according to the Interior Ministry.

On the Russian side of the border, Roman Starovoyt, governor of Kursk region, said three persons, two of them children, were killed in a Ukrainian drone attack on a car. Reuters could not independently verify battlefield accounts from either side.

In Odesa, Kiper said missiles, presumed to be Iskander-M ballistic missiles, also damaged transport infrastructure, including nearby trucks.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy decried the deaths in his nightly video address, saying, "Russian terror persists day and night at our border and in frontline areas". (Excerpt from Reuters)

Hamas' top leader Ismail Haniyeh speaking during a press conference in Tehran, Iran, March 26, 2024 (Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via Reuters photo)

(March 21-April 19)

(April 20-May 20)

(May 21-June 20)

(June 21-July 22)

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Keep your records and documents in order. Don't expect things to run smoothly, and be ready to counter any negativity that comes your way. Protect your interests.

Put your money, personal papers and possessions in a safe place. Be a good listener and a helpful associate, but don't take the blame for someone else's shortcomings. Focus on what you can learn.

Take a long, hard look at the past, present and future. Gauge relationships strategically. Refuse to let emotions taint your perspective. Look at the fine print.

Seeing is believing. Show what you have to offer, and you'll receive interest and suggestions to help you achieve your goal. Let your imagination guide you.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Work the room. Make connections, but don't exaggerate. Stick to the truth, and you'll avoid wasting time on damage control. Listen to others and give them compliments.

e open to suggestions, while making sure to verify information. An opportunity to learn something new or to make connections through travel or networking will pay off.

Don't count on anyone or anything. Lean toward simple choices that enhance what you are trying to do and keep you within budget. A financial adjustment at home will ease stress.

Follow through with your plans, regardless of what others do or say. Avoid joint ventures and don't give up your goals for someone else's dream. Pay attention to what's happening around you.

Listen, dissect what you hear and walk away from situations that are dubious or contradictory to what you are trying to achieve. A practical approach will guard against financial loss.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Take time to rearrange your space to ensure maximum efficiency. Be creative but not extravagant. Make every move count. Set an example for others. Offer support, encouragement and a smile.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Keep your eye on subscriptions, updates and institutional dealings that require attention. Don't leave someone else in charge when money or reputation is at stake.

Your insight and willingness to handle contractual or financial matters will prove valuable. An opportunity to invest more time in yourself will pay off.

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES PICKLES

Rajasthan Royals did almost everything they could to go 5-0 on top of the IPL 2024 points table, but Rashid Khan happened. He conceded just 18 runs off his four overs, and should have had at least one more wicket, but for dropped catches. Without his effort, Gujarat Titans could have been chasing a lot more than 197.

That was a difficult ask in itself, and it had come down to 40 runs off 15 balls when the Titans lost their sixth wicket. Guess who walked in then? Yes, Rashid Khan again.

It's never over if Rashid is at the crease, especially if Rahul Tewatia is at the other end; and so it proved. It came down to 15 off the last over, which Avesh Khan bowled with only four fielders on the boundary, Royals having incurred an in-game over-rate penalty. Rashid hit two fours off the first three balls, and got back on strike for the last ball, Tewatia having sacrificed his wicket at the danger end while going for a third run that would have levelled the scores. The equation was two to get with one ball left, and Avesh went short and outside off. Rashid unfurled his wrists, among the strongest and most flexible in world cricket, and carved the ball to the vacant boundary beyond point, and just like that, Titans had ended Royals' unbeaten run.

Rashid vs Royals, part 1

Yashasvi Jaiswal threatened to break his run of low scores with a series of thrilling off-side boundaries early on, but both he and Jos Buttler fell inside the powerplay, leaving Royals 42 for 2.

Buttler departed in Rashid's first over, the sixth of the innings, after edging a sharply turning legbreak to slip while trying to drive inside-out. The first ball he had faced from Rashid had kept low and beaten him outside off, giving Royals an early clue of how difficult they would find it to score against Rashid.

Rashid could have dis-

Indian Premier League 2024…

Titans end Royals' winning streak

– in thrilling twist to script

missed Riyan Parag later in that over, or in his next over, as Royals' No. 4 reached away from his body and edged a pair of legbreaks. Keeper Matthew Wade, however, put him down.

Parag, Samson set up challenging total

At times Noor Ahmad looked just as threatening as his Afghan spin twin at the other end, but he didn't quite bowl with the same control of length. Parag took every opportunity he got to slog-sweep Noor when he went a little too full or a little too far down the leg side, and that shot brought him three sixes and a four against the leftarm wristspinner. In all, Parag hit 33 off 17 against Noor, the centrepiece of another impressive display, his third fifty in five innings this season. Sanju Samson didn't have as much of the strike as Parag early on in their partnership. He was on 29 off 20 when Parag reached his half-century off 34 balls, but he made a telling impact when he did get on strike, showing off his range of shots, including a stunning pair of hits off Spencer Johnson in the 15th over: two short-oflength balls, one punched wide of extra-cover for four and the other flat-batted over long-on for six. The one bowler the third-wicket pair didn't go after, though, was Rashid. Parag scored 13 off 15 against him, and Samson five off six. His final over, the 16th, produced five singles and a dot.

You could see why Royals played him this way. R Ashwin was slotted at No. 7, and Royals have tended not to use a batter as their Impact substitute, even when they've lost early wickets. They've preferred to stack their bowling, and by playing out Rashid, they ensured they could do this again. Keshav Maharaj came in for his IPL debut, partnering Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal in a formidable spin attack.

With Rashid's quota done, Royals went hard, taking 57 off their last four overs. Parag fell in

the 19th, and Shimron Hetmyer, who has seldom got a chance to get his eye in this season, clattered an unbeaten 13 off 5 as he and Samson hit 24 off the last eight balls of the innings.

Gill sets the platform, Sen and Chahal wreck it Titans hit some sumptuous shots in their powerplay. Sai Sudharsan uppercut Avesh for six, and Shubman Gill launched Maharaj inside-out over the cover boundary; but they went at less than eight an over in that phase,

When Kuldeep Sen, playing his first game of the season, made a dramatic entry with the wickets of Sudharsan, Wade and Abhinav Manohar in the space of 10 legal balls, Titans appeared to be going nowhere, needing 118 off the last 9.2 overs with seven wickets in hand.

Vijay Shankar showed a bit of initiative and inventiveness to hit three fours in his first nine balls, but he was bowled in missing a sweep off Chahal, and Titans went into their last six needing 86.

ending it at 44 for no loss. Even their good overs weren't ending up as truly big overs. Sudharsan punched Chahal for backto-back fours to start the eighth, but Titans only scored 12 off the over, and could have lost Sudharsan, had Chahal not dropped a return catch.

Gill, on 53 off 37, hadn't hit a boundary since the 10th over, but changed gear at that point and hit Ashwin for a pair of fours in the 15th over. He started the 16th with two more fours, freeing his arms to take full toll of Chahal's line wide of off stump. Then came what seemed a deci-

sive moment: Gill stepped out, perhaps a touch too early, and Chahal, seeing him coming, fired it even wider - a genuine wide - to have him stumped for 72 off 44.

Titans' finishers finish it off

The last four began with Titans needing 59, and the extra muscle in their lineup - they had included the out-and-out T20 hitters Manohar and Shahrukh Khan for the first time this season - began to pay off. Ashwin's final over, the 17th, went for 17, as Shahrukh and Tewatia hit him for a six and two fours

between them, bringing the equation down to 42 off 18. Royals have used Avesh and Sandeep Sharma as their main death bowlers this season, with Trent Boult not used even once in this phase. Boult conceded only eight in his two powerplay overs here, but Royals continued to not use him at the death here, trusting Avesh to do his assigned job and Sen to step into the absent Sandeep's shoes. Avesh conceded just seven in the 18th over, along the way spearing in a full ball to trap Shahrukh lbw as he played across it. The momentum seemed to be with Royals, but Sen's 19th reversed it, as Tewatia, Rashid and extras combined to shave 20 off the 35 that Titans required.

The last ball of that over, shortish and angled across the left-handed Tewatia, produced a terrific shot under pressure, flat-batted calmly over mid-off. This left Titans needing 15 off 6. This team, with largely the same personnel, had successfully achieved lastover chases of 15 or more on three occasions during their fairytale debut season of 2022. Tewatia and Rashid had been stars of that season, and were runners-up second season in 2023, and they were in the middle again. Was there any way for Titans not to win? (ESPNCricinfo)

Matthew Wade † b Sen 4 Abhinav Manohar b Sen 1

Vijay Shankar b Chahal 16

Rahul Tewatia run out (Buttler/Avesh Khan) 22

M Shahrukh Khan lbw b Avesh Khan 14

b Chahal 72

Rashid Khan guided Gujarat Titans home in a last-ball thriller

Riyan Parag drilled the ball through the off side

Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee’s Race of Champions…

Eight high-quality races are on the provisional programme of the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee’s Race of Champions card, set for April 28 at the Rising Sun Turf Club in Region Five.

More than ten million dollars will be up for grabs, and the feature race, which will be open to all horses, imported and locally-bred, would be contested over 1600 metres for a winner’s purse of $2M. This race has stakes totalling $3,750,000, while the entry fee is G$232,500.

Spankhurst, Bossalina, Easy Time, Jessica’s Pride and Stolen Money are among the top horses that would be contesting this race.

Other races on the card are as follows: West Indianbred four-year-old and three-year-old horses contesting a distance of 1600 metres for a winner’s purse of $600,000.

Three-year-old Guyana-

bred horses contesting a distance of 1600 metres for a winner’s purse of $600,000.

F Class & Lower & E Class non-earners in the

Reunion Gold Inc partners with LGC for upcoming golf tournament

Reunion Gold Inc. has proudly announced its partnership with the esteemed Lusignan Golf Club for the upcoming Reunion Gold Golf Tournament, scheduled for Saturday, April 13, 2024.

This collaboration reflects Reunion Gold's commitment to supporting local communities and fostering sportsmanship.

Stacy Carmichael, Communications Specialist at Reunion Gold Inc., has expressed delight in supporting the Lusignan Golf Club, and has highlighted the anticipation of a productive partnership. "When approached by the club, we eagerly embraced the opportunity to contribute," Carmichael has said.

Bjorn Jeune, Country Manager of Reunion Gold Inc., echoed Carmichael's sentiments and emphasised the company's dedication to

promoting community development and the spirit of sportsmanship.

"This partnership is a testament to our commitment to supporting local communities," Jeune remarked.

The Reunion Gold Golf Tournament promises an exhilarating day of competition and camaraderie. Golf enthusiasts can expect a medal play format over eighteen holes, with two flights catering to players of different skill levels, 0-14 and 15-28.

Exciting prizes await participants, including trophies for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in each flight, as well as awards for the Overall Best Net and Overall Best Gross performances. Additionally, players can showcase their skills in the Nearest to Flag and Longest Drive competitions.

Highlighting teamwork, the tournament will also feature a prize for the best two-person team, where the net scores of team members would determine the winner.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, all participants are reminded to adhere to Covid practices and protocols. Registration for the tournament closes at 5pm on April 12, 2024. Players are advised to contact the club's manager on the tournament day to collect scorecards, pay fees, and proceed to their allocated tee boxes for a prompt 12:30pm tee-off.

The tournament's conclusion will be marked by a prize presentation ceremony at approximately 5:30pm. For registration and further information, interested participants can contact Lusignan Golf Club at 220-5660.

last two races contesting a distance of 1400 metres for a winner’s purse of $400,000.

H3 & Lower and H1 & 2 horses that are non-earners in their last two starts, & first-time starters in Guyana contesting a distance of 1400 metres for a winner’s purse of $350,000.

I Class, J Class, and West Indian-bred three-year-old maidens, the K Class horses and Lower and the L Class horses and Open to J3 firsttime starters would complete the provisional programme.

All races would be run under the rules of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority, and races are subject to change. Entries

for the April 28 Race of Champions would be closed on April 22.

Owners intending to have their horse/horses compete in any of these races must have them properly entered on the programme.

Owners are advised to contact Fazal Habibula on telephone #611-1141; or Buju on #658-7037; or Shazenna or Rose on #322-0789; or Glen on 1 (868) 368-5192; or to contact Ginjo on #618-7278.

This race meet would begin at 12:00h, and the programme is sponsored by Jumbo Jet, AJM Enterprise, Sinotruck, and XCMG.

Fifteen individuals eager to pursue officiating roles in football locally and internationally have successfully completed the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF’s) Referee Introductory Course on Sunday, April 7.

A practical and theoretical workshop was conducted by the GFF Refereeing Department at the National Training Centre at Providence, East Bank Demerara from April 5-7, and 4 women and 8 men, including former players, were awarded certificates for completing this training programme.

The course was led by Natasha Lewis, Abdullah Hamid and Ingram Johnson, in association with fitness instructor Tyrone Tyrrell. And the workshop, attended by Aldrin Benjamin, Sheldon Toney, Kezia McLennan, Derick Daniels, Stefvon Daniels, Jenel Walker, Wesley McDonald, Andre Sampson, Alliyah Elexey, Jaheim Crandon, Tiffany Lord and Kevin Morean, dealt with the role of referees in matches, encompassing international regulations and guidelines.

The group also participat-

ed in fitness assessments as an integral component of the workshop.

GFF Head of Referees, Lenval Peart, has said he is pleased with the response received from individuals who came from as far as Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) to attend the workshop, but is disappointed that no individual was present to represent Georgetown.

Peart emphasised that the GFF continues to invest in training programmes for field officials, in order to ensure a widespread presence of referees across Guyana, but has said that, for the refereeing pool to expand, there needs to be dedication from all associations.

Derick Daniels, who hailed from the community of Rupertee in Region 9 (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), shared how enthusiastic he was to attend the workshop, which he described as "very interesting” and added that he intends to return to his

community and educate "the other officials…about this aspect of the course."

Former player Alliyah Elexey added, “I love football, so that's the reason why I decided to become a referee.

The Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) resident noted that persons are interested in the game, “but because of the whole stigma and everything when it comes to females playing football, it's basically tough. I want to be that guiding light for them, to let them know you don't have to be a male to like football, you can be a female; and they have different opportunities for females in football. For instance, they need a lot of female referees.”

The GFF remains committed to expanding the pool of officiating talent, with a focus on increasing game time across all levels, from junior to senior competitions.

The national recruitment initiative will be ongoing throughout the year.

Reunion Gold Inc Communications Specialist Stacy Carmichael handing over the sponsorship cheque to LGC VP Brian Hackett (first left)

Those participating in the Referee Introductory Course

Participants during the Referee Introduction course

Eight races are on the provisional programme of the Jumbo Jet Race of Champions meet, which would be staged on April 28

2024 West Indies 4-Day Championships…

Sensational Savory steers GHE out of the lion’s den

Spurred by a sparkling century from Kemol Savory, the Guyana Harpy Eagles (GHE), defending champions of the 2023 West Indies 4-Day Championships, recorded a stunning fightback at Sabina Park on Wednesday to overcome a scare on day 1 of their 6th round clash against the Jamaica Scorpions.

The Harpy Eagles had come dangerously close to being bowled out on the first day -- or before lunch on the first day even -- with them reeling at 44-6 after just 19 overs. Tagenarine Chanderpaul registered a single run from 30 deliveries; Raymon Perez recorded 4 runs from 30 deliveries; Kevlon Anderson contributed a single run from 8 deliveries; Kevin Sinclair was at that stage the only player to reach double figures, with 23 from 18 deliveries, before becoming Jamaica’s 4th victim; Ronaldo Alimohamed was clean bowled for a duck by Peat Salmon; and Veerasammy Permaul hit a run-a-ball 15.

April Open Chess Tournament…

The stage was set for Guyana’s jaw-dropping recovery when Gudakesh Motie and Kemol Savory came together at the crease. Motie slammed 8 fours and 1 six in his 86-

ball 56 before the 127-run partnership between him and Savory came to an end.

The 7th wicket result-

ed in the reintroduction of Captain Tevin Imlach, who had been forced to retire hurt earlier in the day on account of a hand injury sustained. With Imlach’s support at the other end, Savory went on to bring up his second first-class century in 209 balls. The pair then steered Guyana past the 250-run mark, and the GHE ended the day’s play on 278-7 in 88 overs.

Savory remains unbeaten on 127 from 251 deliveries, while Captain Imlach has 33 from 93 deliveries.

Ojay Shields was the standout bowler of the Jamaican attack on day 1, claiming 3-56 in 15 overs. Peat Salmon had 2-64 in 19 overs, while Derval Green and Abhijai Mansingh each had one scalp.

Day 2 play in the Regional 4-Day action will commence today from 11:00hrs local time.

KFC Elite League 2024… Drayton, Narine emerge winners in Open, Juniors’ categories

In exhilarating action in the 2024 April Open Chess Tournament which concluded on Sunday

ry, the other places went to Kishan Puran, Sachin Pitamber, Kyle Couchman and Alexander Zhang, fin-

evening at the Catholic Life Center on Brickdam, Anthony Drayton and Ricardo Narine emerged winners in the respective open and junior categories.

In second place in the Open category was Damian Moulder, with Gilbert Williams occupying the third spot.

In the juniors’ catego-

ishing second to fifth respectively. The best overall female was Aditi Joshi, while the best newcomer was Tendi Cameron.

The April Open Chess Tournament is an annual rapid chess open competition held in April. It was originally started as a birthday celebration of the founder Marlon Williams.

However, over the last thirteen years, the tournament has evolved to a popular and highly anticipated event that now proverbially stands on its own.

The tournament now attracts many chess enthusiasts from all ages and genders, and persons from all walks of life, and has maintained its position as an excellent platform for the promotion of chess locally.

The event was held under the auspices of the Guyana Chess Federation, and was sponsored by SAB Mining, Andrews Supermarket, Maggie’s, Fantasy Gaming Lounge, JGS filling Station, and the Victoria Law Chambers & Designers House.

The first prize in the Open category was $300,000, with $200,000 going to the second-place finisher and $100,000 to the third-place finisher. They were also presented with trophies.

In the juniors’ category, the top prizes ranged from $30,000 to $3,000.

Additionally, the best overall female received $5,000 and a trophy, as did the best newcomer. (G-4)

GDF, Ann’s Grove each add three points to tally

KFC Elite League ac tion returned to the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF’s) National Training Center (NTC) at Providence, East Bank Demerara on Tuesday night with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Football Club continuing to inch their way up the points table.

Another 3 points which went the way of the soldiers after drubbing Monedderlust FC 11-0 in a team effort have taken them to second place, with 15 points in 5 games.

Darrel George opened the scoring for GDF in the 10th minute, after Monedderlust looked tenacious in the opening minutes of the encounter. Abumuchi Benjamin struck next in the 27th, and went on to complete his hattrick in the 42nd and 84th minutes.

Earlier, Ann’s Grove United FC returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over fellow East Coast outfit

Buxton United. Elton Sullivan of Ann’s Grove broke the ice in the 29th minute, but

Stephen McDonald also registered a hat trick in the 45th, 72nd and 82nd minutes, while Chris Macey added his name to the scoresheet twice, in the 39th and 79th. One goal each from Cedric Osbourne and Sherwyn Caesar in the 55th and 90th+3 completed

the second goal was not witnessed until the second half, when Yohance Francis found the back of the net in the 52nd to seal the 2-0 win.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) FC currently lead the points table with 18 points

only loss was suffered at the hands of GDF, who sit behind the Police on 15 points. Also with 15 points are Slingerz FC, in third place on account of a lesser goal difference than the soldiers. Western Tigers are fourth with 9 points in 3 wins from 5 games, while Fruta Conquerors FC have registered a similar 3 wins and 9 points, but in 7 games played to complete the top 5. While Den Amstel FC, Ann’s Grove United and Santos FC rank 6th to 8th with 7, 7 and 6 points respectively, Buxton United and Monedderlust FC languish at the bottom of the table, yet to pick up a point after 6 games.

The ongoing sixth season of the KFC Elite League is set to continue on Saturday, April 13th, with another doubleheader at the same venue. From 18:30hrs, Buxton United will battle Slingerz FC, while at 21:00hrs, last year’s top two teams, GDF FC and Western Tigers FC, will duke it out.

Open category champion Anthony Drayton Best female overall, Aditi Joshi 1st in Juniors’ category, Ricardo Narine

Action in the chess tournament

Kemol Savory led the GHE comeback with a fighting century

Ojay Shields rocked the Guyanese openers

CPL unveils 2024 fixtures

…11 games slated for Guyana

Fixtures for the 2024 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (RBL CPL) have been confirmed, and the tournament is set to be played from Thursday, 29 August, to Sunday, 6 October.

For the first time since 2019, the event will visit six host countries, with matches set to take place in Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, St Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Trinidad & Tobago.

There will be 34 matches in total, with each of the six teams playing 10 group matches. The knockout stages will take place in Guyana with the home team, the Guyana Amazon Warriors, looking to defend the title they won in 2023.

The tournament gets underway with the newest CPL franchise, the Antigua & Barbuda Falcons, hosting their nearest rivals, the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots. The tournament will have

two legs running concurrently, with all six teams hosting home matches. Michael Hall, Tournament Operations Director of the Republic

Bank CPL, has said: “We are looking forward to getting underway in Antigua & Barbuda with matches back in the country for the first time in 10 years. It

is also very pleasing to be back having home matches for all six teams, with the Biggest Party in Sport set to have an even wider footprint in 2024.”

A look at the Republic Bank CPL 2024 fixtures

The Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) will begin their title defence on August 30th in Antigua