Guyana Times - Thursday, April 27, 2023

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, April 27 – 23:30h01:00h and Friday, April 28 – 10:30h-11:15h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, April 27 –08:30h-10:00h and Friday, April 28 – 10:00h-11:30h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Early-morning sun followed by thundery to light rain showers with late afternoon sunshine are expected during the day. Expect light cloud and thundery showers at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to Southerly between 1.34 metres and 3.58 metres.

High Tide: 09:01h and 22:01h reaching maximum heights of 2.12 metres and 1.97 metres.

Low Tide: 15:20h reaching a minimum height of 1.11 metre.

2020 General & Regional Elections

"Shockingly brazen attempts... to steal" elections by CEO, DCEO, Region 4 RO – CoI report reveals

…urges change to GECOM machinery, campaign financing laws

The final report of the Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the events of the 2020 General and Regional Elections was on Wednesday handed over to President Dr Irfaan Ali.

The findings of the report all point to brazen attempts to derail the elections, shining a spotlight on the actions of Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) staff themselves.

During the handing-over ceremony at his office, President Dr Irfaan Ali spoke of the importance of the report. According to the President, the results of the March 2020 General and Regional Elections had implications for the welfare of citizens and the country.

“Free and fair elections are the lifeblood of democracy. Therefore, they must be zealously guarded and protected. Therefore, any circumstance or event which could have led or did lead to affecting the declaration of the results of the elections had implications for democracy and for the welfare of citizens. It was thus deemed imperative that there be enquiry into the circumstances and events that followed the holding of elections on March 2, 2020,” Ali said.

But what did those inquiries reveal? According to the report, there were brazen attempts by senior GECOM staff to derail the elections. The report named former Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, his former deputy Roxanne Myers and former Returning Officer (RO) for Region Four, Clairmont Mingo.

“After careful consideration and analysis of the evidence before us, it is our considered view that CEO Mr Keith Lowenfield, DCEO Ms Roxanne Myers and RO Mr Clairmont Mingo were principally responsible for clear and deliberate attempts to frustrate, obstruct and subvert the ascertainment of votes in electoral district No 4.,” the CoI report states.

Lowenfield

According to the report, the CEO’s overall conduct called into question his impartiality during the tabulation process and apparent efforts to steer the tabulation in favour of A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) and away from the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C).

It noted that Lowenfield met with international observers and party agents, and had assured them that the Statements of Poll (SoPs) in GECOM’s possession would be used to compare with those in the possession of party agents during the tabulation.

Instead, GECOM went on to do the complete opposite. The CoI also said that

Lowenfield made statements that, even if they were made with the best intentions, were misleading. For instance, despite knowing that GECOM had already decided that the votes would be tabulated by examining the SoPs, the CEO on March 4 approved the use of a spreadsheet that did not match the SoPs in party agents’ possession.

“Despite the loud objections of party agents who did not have access to nor possession of this spreadsheet, the CEO insisted that this document had to be used because it was an administrative document, and its use was efficient. By referring to the spreadsheet as an “administrative document” the CEO was in our view, conveying the impression that the spreadsheet was a GECOM-approved document, which it was not,” the CoI report noted.

It also noted that when he was called before GECOM to explain the use of the spreadsheet, the CEO did not tell the Commissioners that a methodology had already been decided on to use the 323 SoPs that had already been vetted. Nor did he tell them that the spreadsheet he was pushing to use had significant errors.

“The data on the spreadsheet, when compared with SoPs in the possession of party agents, was found to have a record of votes for the APNU/AFC which had not been earned by that party and which was, therefore, an inflated record of the votes for that party, while the very spreadsheet carried a decrease in the number of votes earned by the PPP/C,” the report .

Myers

The CoI also found that in Myers’ case, she took steps to limit the number of party agents and observers during the tabulation process at Ashmins building. According to the report, there was no justification for this.

The report said that the DCEO, in most of her interactions with party agents, was unhelpful and even hostile. In contrast, however, the CoI found that she even chaperoned a Minister of the then Government around Ashmins

difference in her demeanour with the Minister sharply contrasted with her demeanour with party agents and observers who had a legitimate interest in being at the Ashmins building.

building.

“This was evident when she asked party agents and observers to leave the tabulation room saying, ‘Take your rubbish with you and leave’. On the occasion of a report of a bomb being placed in Ashmins building, she told party agents, observers, and diplomats, ‘Y’all get out the room. There’s a bomb in the building.’ She never left the building,” the CoI report noted.

“GECOM Commissioner Mr Sase Gunraj told us that on one occasion as he went up the stairs to the second floor to meet the RO, DCEO Myers stood in his way and blocked his path to prevent him from getting into contact with the RO. However, we saw video evidence of a Minister of the then APNU/AFC Government visiting the Ashmins building to have a meeting with diplomats and observers.”

According to the CoI, GECOM Chairperson, Retired Justice Claudette Singh testified that she was completely unaware that any meeting by a Government Minister was to be held in the GECOM building.

“At one point, the DCEO received a call on her phone which was apparently intended for the APNU/AFC Minister, and so she passed her phone to the Minister. The

“On the 5th March 2020, the DCEO seemed to have developed an obsession with getting party agents, observers, and others out of the room. We believe that the bomb threat which turned out to be a hoax (given that the Police had determined the objects handed over to them by the DCEO were completely harmless contraptions) was a contrivance, an artifice created by persons bent on manipulating the outcome of the elections,” the CoI report stated.

Mingo

The CoI also detailed a litany of breaches from Mingo when it came to the tabulation process, including his determination to declare results that were not verified and even altered. It was pointed out that despite the tabulation of electoral district No 4 being incomplete and a court order halting him, Mingo continued his efforts to declare the results – in clear violation of section 84 (1) of the Representation of the People’s Act.

“The RO ignored all advice that by so doing he was acting in breach of the court’s order. He offered no comfort to party agents and observers who sought to question him on the integrity of the information on his broadsheet. Very significantly, he made no response to a request to inspect the SoPs he claimed were used in the compilation of his broadsheet data. Indeed, we are satisfied that the RO and his staff defiantly resisted all efforts by party agents and observers to scrutinise GECOM’s SoPs.

TURN TO PAGE 15

President Dr Irfaan Ali as he examines the COI report with Prime Minister Mark Phillips; Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

Editor: Tusika Martin

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The loss of another woman

Another mother has been killed on Wednesday morning at the hands of her partner, in her bid to end the relationship. This 31-year-old mother of two, Lisa George, was killed in front of her 12-year-old son at their Sophia, Georgetown home.

This issue of domestic violence, its trickledown effects, and its impact on society have, on numerous occasions, been reported in Guyanese media, but unfortunately, the violence continues despite awareness efforts. In this particular case, the woman, according to her family, used the mechanisms available to help domestic violence victims, but all systems seemed to have failed her.

Domestic violence has been described as “behaviour which causes one partner in a relationship to be afraid of the other. Domestic violence can take the form of physical or sexual abuse, and forced social isolation away from friends and family members”.

There is more than a subtle irony in the continuance of this societal scourge in spite of the relentless efforts and the plethora of available mechanisms to inform and educate. The problem appears much larger than reflected in the news, as many cases go unreported. This speaks to the reality being underestimated.

Many reasons have been made known for what can deter an abuse victim from seeking the intervention of the law. Among them are aspects of culture, shame, dependency and its redounding lack of empowerment for some, and the absence of confidence in law enforcement precipitated from the reported trivialising of the issue in some instances.

The magnitude of the impact cannot be underestimated. Many persons have cruelly been made witnesses to the horrific assaults. Those ghastly images, especially when life is snuffed out, are not only lasting, but profoundly traumatising.

While it is always heartening to hear that surviving victims and witnesses to such horrific incidents would be counselled, it would be very informative for all to know the extent of what is available and offered. While expectations would be for what obtains in the developed nations, realistically, there must be something tangible in keeping with available resources, with upgrades foremost in planning.

This is not, in any way, suggesting that there is not an effective mechanism. However, counselling can be an extensive process for some, depending upon the circumstances. Given the plethora of incidents that unfortunately continue, and which would make added demands on the system, the question of adequacy of trained staff, needed facilities, and support systems becomes more pertinent.

While there is a disadvantage in accurately quoting figures based on extensive research, if available, on the number of people lost, injured and disfigured and those scarred for life as a result of domestic violence, they must be extremely high in proportion to our population. Clearly, the highest number would be those who are left traumatised.

This, therefore, must be seen as a serious cause for concern, and a compelling reason for consideration for declaring domestic violence a national priority. This is an apolitical issue, and is not confined to any one group, thereby making it less difficult to garner national support. In such small societies, the impact permeates throughout.

As this newspaper had previously said, persons reading and learning about incidents through television and social media are in many ways impacted too, especially if one of their own is affected. In the context herein, the pervasiveness and impact of trauma cannot, and must not, be underestimated. Its mitigation has to uncompromisingly be immediate, holistic, effective and sustained. Persons within communities most often do not think it is their business to report instances of abuse, but proper and timely intervention could save someone’s life.

Narratives that ignore facts do a disservice to Guyana, Guyanese people

Dear Editor,

The objectionable narrative from Stabroek News, via its editorial headlined ‘Regional anti-corruption conference’ on April 23, 2023, serve the single purpose of feeding into the narrative of naysayers in Guyana –the usual suspects whose agenda remains unchanged and visible, conveniently enough only when the PPP/C Administration is in office.

The assertion by Stabroek News, that “All that Minister Teixeira likely succeeded in doing at the Conference was persuade the other regional participants that the government here was not fully committed to addressing corruption”, is imprudent.

The facts of the matter of corruption are as follows:

FACT 1: At no time was an insinuation made that corruption is not a problem; rather, the objection is that non-empirical, non-scientific data cannot be the standard by which such a serious issue is measured by Transparency International and the World Justice Project.

For example, the World Justice Project explains that its methodology employes the use of a survey “that (highlights) perceptions and experiences”, and features “perception-based questions” and “experience-based questions” in its questionnaire.

Transparency

International’s approach is the same, since it “aggregates data from a number of different sources that provide perceptions among business people and country experts” in a country. Minister Teixeira questioned if this unknown, minute number of persons was sufficient to castigate an entire country.

Stabroek News’ defence of the work of Transparency International cannot detract from the fact that, by its own admission, TI and international financial institutions accept that the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) is based on non-empirical, non-scientific, data. This cannot be an acceptable basis to paint countries in the Global South in a negative light.

This fact is neither new nor unheard of; according to a Centre for Global Development 2013 blog post, “the CPI embeds a powerful and misleading elite bias in popular perceptions of corruption, potentially contributing to a vicious cycle and at the same time incentivizing inappropriate policy responses. The index corrupts perceptions to the extent that it's hard to see a justification for its continuing publication.”

Stabroek News does not seem to find it highly coincidental that the Global South, made up mainly of developing countries, is also made up of people of colour.

Consequently, the

opinion expressed in the Editorial, “…was she really trying to suggest that in terms of corruption, Guyana, for example, equated to mature Scandinavian democracies” can only be described as obtuse.

In fact, the Minister re-affirmed the Government’s commitment to prevent, detect, investigate, and enforce the constitutional and statutory framework against corruption, and to build resilient institutions.

FACT 2: Efforts are being made to strengthen Guyana’s anti-corruption framework – a fact that the perceptions-based reporting ignores.

The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance last year published a guided 26-page document, titled ‘Cooperative Republic of Guyana: AntiCorruption Framework –Fact Sheet and Detailed Framework 2022’, which might prove instructive for some who are intent on conveying the impression that nothing is being done to address the corruption challenge.

At an international level, Guyana’s reporting is done under two major conventions. Firstly, the Inter-American Convention against Corruption (IACAC) under the Organization of American States (OAS) was the first multilateral anti-corruption treaty instru-

ment negotiated in the world. The Committee of Experts of the Follow-up Mechanism for the Implementation of the Inter- American Convention against Corruption (MESICIC) of the OAS is the follow-up mechanism for the implementation of the IACAC. Secondly, the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) was adopted by the UN General Assembly on October 31, 2003. The UNCAC entered into force on December 14, 2005. Guyana ratified both conventions: on December 11, 2000 and April 16, 2008 respectively.

Guyana has reported to both bodies in keeping with its treaty obligations; Guyana is now in its 6th cycle review of the IACAC and the 2nd assessment at the UNCAC.

At the national level, a National Coordinating Committee (NCC) on AntiCorruption with regard to Guyana’s treaty obligations, which involves a cross-section of Government agencies, was established. This committee works on not only ensuring that Guyana is compliant with its reporting obligations, but also on capacity building and maximising the synergies that exist among agencies. The NCC meets on a bi-monthly basis, and 16 agencies are currently represented on the Committee.

Road safety lecture: Traffic ranks of the Guyana Police Force met with students of the St Mary's Primary School at Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara. During the lecture, the ranks met with 320 students and 15 teachers to discuss kerb drill; no playing on roadways; use of pedestrian crossing; clothes to be worn at nights among other important road safety topics (GPF photos)

We must protect our democracy from PNC intimidation, bullyism, threats

Dear Editor,

Our democracy is once again under threat of being trampled upon by a despairing PNC cabal, which are using brutish methods of intimidation and bullyism against persons participating in the democratic process for the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE).

The PNC are cognisant that their campaign of racial incitement for close to three years has been roundly rejected, further isolating them from voters, including their own sup-

porters, many of whom are gravitating to the PPP/C in droves, choosing to embrace a multi-ethnic party with a platform of inclusion for all Guyanese.

It is for this reason that the PPP will face no contest from the PNC-led APNU in about 283 of the 610 constituencies across the country.

Faced with the grim reality of a heavy defeat, the PNC have deployed henchmen across towns and villages to intimidate persons who have consented to be backers for PPP/C candi-

dates at LGE.

Several reports have been made by persons who have been harassed by the PNC thuggish surrogates, whose only agenda is to derail the holding of the 2023 LGE.

The PNC intimidatory tactics include false accusations of fraud against persons freely participating in the election process by defaming them. These persons are made to feel unsafe.

We must stand firm by protecting the right of citizens to vote free from fear

and intimidation. While we’re working hard to safeguard our democracy from the PNC, who have a history of rigged elections and voter suppression, we encourage voters to maintain confidence in our elections process by resisting the fear to openly support the candidate of their choice.

Sincerely, Kwame McCoy Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with responsibility for Public Affairs

Designate 5th May as Indian Arrival Day

Dear Editor,

I write again to join the chorus of persons, including Ravi Devji and Baytoram Ramharackji, who have made repeated calls with justifications as to why the 5th of May must be renamed from Arrival Day to Indian Arrival Day or Indian Immigration Day.

We have an extant situation where the other two main ethnic groups have a whole month quite fittingly

dedicated to activities recognising their heritage, while the hapless East Indians cannot have a single day correctly designated to commemorate the arrival of our illustrious ancestors.

I believe the Opposition Leader has already publicly supported this request, and I am positive that no group or organization of any significance has opposed or could properly oppose this request by our East Indian brothers

and sisters. So, it is beyond my comprehension why our current Government has not yet responded decisively and positively to this request.

In addition to the renaming of the holiday, there is no doubt - given the ubiquitous presence in the building of this country by East Indians across all spheres of endeavour - that the month of May should be designated as East Indian Heritage Month, with suitable ac-

Leadership uninspiring and tribalist

Dear Editor,

I have observed that the main political Opposition continues to exhibit its ferocious racial and divisive tendencies. This political faction has no strategy for the upcoming Local Government Elections. We do not hear of any plans, but only some of the saddest stories. The leadership is uninspiring and tribalist.

already rejected them at the polls in the Elections of 2020.

In the Local Government Elections of 2018, the PPPC beat the combined coalition APNU/AFC whilst they were in Government. In those elections, the People’s Progressive Party Civic got a whopping 61% of the votes cast.

tivities planned by various Government agencies and NGOs to enlighten the general populace on the incalculable contributions made by our East Indians to the development of our beloved country.

So, President Ali and Cabinet, please do what is required and let this anomaly be corrected forthwith.

Yours sincerely,

Christopher Persaud

Narratives that ignore facts...

At the community level, the ‘eyes and ears’ concept is an important component in building out the anti-corruption framework, since it encourages members of society to act as vigilant “citizen observers” and report any suspicious or acts of corrupt activities they may observe, including quality of work being executed with taxpayers’ money.

The Stabroek News may need to be reminded that, in 2008, the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board launched its website with the minutes of the opening of the bids, awards of the tenders, and advertisement for contracts and standard bidding documents. It is the only country where the media is invited to the opening of the tenders, and in spite of the CVOIS-19 pandemic, this continued through livestreaming of the process for the media and competing contractors. This was the first country to do so, and remains so today. However, during the 20152020 period, this website became defunct; and when forced to partially restore in 2019 due to the on-site visit of the MESICIC for the 5th cycle of review, the website was a conundrum of confusion for anyone trying to ascertain who received an award of a contract.

In 2013, the Minister

of Home Affairs launched the online 'I Paid A Bribe' initiative to support efforts aimed at cracking down on bribery in Government agencies and departments and the Guyana Police Force. Under the last Administration, this initiative and its online platforms were morphed into promotion platforms for personalities in the PNCR-led Coalition before the initiative died.

Further, Guyana is the only country with a constitutionally appointed Public Procurement Commission which is in place and functioning.

Unfortunately, none of these international reporting obligations or national programmes, policies, or legislative advances are reflected in perception-based reporting. It is in this context that Stabroek News’ ramblings about the PPP/C Government not being able to move to a “more objective approach” ring hollow.

FACT 3: The reference to the Caribbean Region is relevant if developing nations are to effectively counter a narrative that harms our Region.

The narrative in the developed world is that countries in the Global South are not only underdeveloped, but are rife with corruption.

Only recently, Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Motley,

in an interview with a reporter from SVT (Sweden), questioned why "every time we talk about countries from the South, the first allegation is corruption?" The Barbadian leader was clear in saying: “Why is it that every time we talk about countries from the south, the first allegation is corruption? The USA, UK & Europe are riddled with corruption, but nobody says that they’re not capable of achieving their objectives (…).” Prime Minister Mottley clearly articulated that this is a challenge developing countries face, and her comments on the matter are instructive.

Therefore, Stabroek News’ claim that reference to the Caribbean Region was “a case of the PPP/C government applying its own distorted norms to the region as a whole” is without basis. There can be no apology for Guyana’s and other nations’ rejection of the use of non-empirical, non-scientific data to minimise “good faith efforts” by our country and other developing nations to fight corruption.

FACT 4: Partnerships are needed to respond to all forms of corruption.

Contrary to perception, corruption is not a concept that is restricted to Government’s fiscal prudence in managing the provision of goods and services

In my opinion, the People’s Progressive Party Civic is the only logical choice for the upcoming local government elections. The city of Georgetown and many of the Oppositioncontrolled NDCs are grossly mismanaged and are in need of a change of representatives.

The PNC-led APNU are cognizant that they would perform poorly in Local Government Elections in June 2023. This is because the people of Guyana have

The members of the Opposition have urged the Guyanese people not to believe the numbers. Editor, numbers don’t lie. All across the country, the numbers are showing poorly for the Opposition. To make up for this, they have resorted to threats and intimidation as a means of getting backers of lists and candidates for the PPP/C to withdraw. This is unfortunate, and ought to be addressed by the relevant authorities.

Sincerely,

Ryan Newton

FROM PAGE 4

to people, but extends to guarding against the corrupting of our electoral process and the consequent undermining of the will of Guyanese, as well as good stewardship of our national patrimony, and transparency and accountability in the business and civil society.

The 9th Annual Conference of the Commonwealth Caribbean Association of Integrity Commissions and AntiCorruption Bodies (CCAICACB) was held under the theme ‘"Resetting the Anti-Corruption Agenda: Assessing Achievements and Challenges in the Commonwealth Caribbean”. It is one of several anti-corruption platforms where experiences on national polices, programmes and legislation, etc. can be shared to strengthen the national and regional efforts in the fight against corruption.

It is unfortunate that the Stabroek News Editorial of April 23, 2023 appeared to have been disinterested in having a “more objective approach” to the Minister’s speech and of Guyana’s genuine “good faith efforts” to fight corruption.

Sincerely,

Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance

THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2023

14:30 Star Wars: The Clone Wars S3 E11

15:00 From the Pavilion

16:00 Power Rangers: Super Ninja Steel S1 E13

16:30 That Girl Lay Lay S2 E8

17:00 The Young & The Restless 18:00 CNN

20:00 Stop Suffering

21:00 Station 19 S6 E1

22:00 Grey's Anatomy S3 E19

NGSA Math Questions

Army to get new head on Friday

…Omar Khan named Chief-of-Staff as Brigadier Godfrey Bess retires

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) will be changing its command on Friday, as Chief-of-Staff Brigadier Godfrey Bess heads off on his pre-retirement leave. Colonel Omar Khan is expected to take over at the helm of the GDF as the new Chief-of-Staff.

Guyana Times understands that the official ‘Change of Command’ parade will be held on Friday, April 28.

Prime Minister Brigadier (retired) Mark Phillips explained that Brigadier Bess will meet the statutory age of retirement in December 2023.

“But he has terminal leave, so he proceeds on his terminal leave very soon, and that will carry him right into his retirement,” PM Phillips, a former Chief-of-Staff himself, indicated to this newspaper on Wednesday evening.

The 51-year-old Khan, who has over 30 years of service in the GDF, currently heads the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA).

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Dr Irfaan Ali, told reporters on Wednesday that Khan will step down from his post at NISA when he is appointed as the GDF head.

“You don’t have to worry about [Mr Khan heading two agencies at the same time]. When Mr Khan assumes his new responsibility [as Head of the GDF], of course, we will have other persons taking up that responsibility [at NISA],” the Head of State assured.

Khan took over as the Head of NISA when his predecessor, Bruce Lovell, resigned shortly after the change of Government in 2020.

According to President Ali, his Government is now working on establishing the legislative framework for the agency, which has been in existence over the course of several Governments.

Only earlier this week, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, SC, present-

ed a bill in the National Assembly for the creation of legislation for the National Intelligence and Security Agency.

“I rise to request that Bill number five of 2023, National Intelligence and Security Agency Bill 2023, be read for the first time,” the Attorney General said. Bills have to go through at least three readings before they can be passed.

When it comes to the National Intelligence and Security Agency Bill, provision is made for the creation of an Intelligence Agency that will, among other things, protect Guyana against espionage, terrorism and sabotage.

The agency would also protect against agents within or outside of Guyana, as well as against foreign powers seeking to undermine the state. There is also scope for the agency to collaborate with other foreign agencies in the interest of national security.

The Bill spells out the agency’s functions, which include to “collect information of national intelligence and security interest that provides a basis for decision making and preventative actions; gather, store, process, analyse and disseminate information that is relevant to national

intelligence and security; conduct analysis of information of national interest and security interest.”

Additionally, the agency’s functions are to “maintain a national database of information of national intelligence and security; conduct relevant research to enhance efficiency in information management and all matters relating to national intelligence and security; provide national intelligence estimates and intelligence and security advice to the President… provide support to investigations of matters pertaining to threats to national intelligence and security.”

In 2012, under the Donald Ramotar Administration, the Central Intelligence Unit (CIU) was established, and

LGE 2023

there were calls for there to be legislation to govern this body. However, in 2015, under the David Granger presidency, this unit was integrated into the National Intelligence Security Agency established by the then APNU/ AFC Government.

Over the past few weeks, the outgoing Chiefof-Staff has been visiting the various GDF base camps across the country, where farewell ceremonies have been held in his honour. On Wednesday, GDF ranks and civilian employees at Base Camp Ayanganna in Georgetown hosted a similar ceremony for Brigadier Bess.

In his address, Brigadier Bess reflected on his 33 years of service, and the many lessons he learned during his career. According to the Chief-ofStaff, he witnessed many changes as the Force adapted and evolved to meet the threats and challenges of the 21st century.

Brigadier Bess expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve with, and lead, this large body of men and women.

“One of the most valuable lessons I have learned during my career is leadership. As an officer, I had the privilege of leading soldiers and civilians

from all walks of life. I learned that leadership is not about rank or authority, but about character and commitment. It is about setting an example, inspiring others, and empowering them to reach their full potential. Leadership is also about taking care of your subordinates and putting their needs above your own. It means being willing to make tough decisions and accepting responsibility for the consequences. And above all, it is about never losing sight of the fact that your subordinates are not just employees, but human beings with families, dreams, and aspirations,” he posited.

The outgoing Chief-ofStaff has said he is grateful for the memories and invaluable skills provided through his military career, adding that service to his country afforded him the opportunity of being part of something greater than himself.

“I look forward to the next chapter of my life, and am excited about spending more time with my family, pursuing new challenges and hobbies and exploring new opportunities. I am proud to have served alongside the brave men and women of the Guyana Defence Force,” he said.

(G8)

No evidence of forged signatures presented to GECOM - Chair …CEO says Commission can

Police.”

claims and the Opposition protests around the corner from GECOM that have accompanied the claims. Singh noted that despite these claims, no one has so far come forward and presented any evidence to GECOM.

“They have not brought their evidence. When they bring the evidence to us, we’ll take it from there. But I have not seen anything. They’re making allegations, allegations are not evidence. I use to be a criminal judge, and I know evidence. I was a Police Legal Adviser,” the Chairperson said.

While A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) continue to allege that persons’ signatures were forged on candidate lists as backers for the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE), these remain just allegations, because those persons are yet to come forward and make formal complaints to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

On the sidelines of an event at Office of the President on Wednesday, GECOM Chairperson Justice (retired) Claudette Singh was asked about these

Meanwhile, Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Vishnu Persaud also expounded on what GECOM’s powers are in this instance. He assured that GECOM can only act if persons come forward and formally inform the Secretariat that their signatures have been forged. According to Persaud, persons are yet to do this.

“The whole issue about forged signatures is not something that has been put to us at GECOM. These are things that we have been hearing from the media. Nobody has come forward to say somebody has forged

my signature. And even if they did, we do not have the wherewithal to investigate those things. We have no authority to go and investigate that.

“What may be the case is that those things would have to be reported to the Police. It’s a fraud or a forgery. I can’t speak for the Commission, but (the Secretariat) would not be in a position to engage the Police, simply because we do not have the facts. I would expect that the persons who are directly affected by that alleged forgery would be the ones to go and engage the

Identification

Persaud said it is not enough for persons to simply send in a letter saying they did not give their consent for their signatures to be placed on candidate forms. According to Persaud, such persons have to come forward, engage GECOM and identify themselves, or else GECOM may not be able to do enough to effect a change in the list.

“So we ask those persons, first of all, to identify yourselves that you are in fact the person who is mentioned in the list. And then you have to give us something in writing to substantiate the claim of the misrepresentation of your name in the list. On that basis, we would inform the representative of the concerned list to say your list is now in defect, and you are required to come forward and make a correction,” he explained.

“And so far, we have been successful in that regard,” he said, noting that when persons make representation to GECOM that their names were fraudulently inserted on the list,

the Secretariat will, of its own accord, de-recognize that person’s name as a valid name on the list.

Report threats

Meanwhile, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has denied acquiring forged signatures for its candidates. What has happened, according to Public Works Minister Juan Edghill in a video broadcast on Monday, is that APNU/ AFC has been bullying persons to withdraw from supporting the party’s candidates.

“I have had the opportu-

nity to put up candidates in all of the constituencies in Linden, a place they pride themselves as if they own Linden…And across the country, my colleagues in every region and in every local authority area did that. We did our political work,” Edghill said.

“A failing, dying, hopeless PNC/R-APNU has now resorted to their campaign of misinformation, misdirection, and obfuscating issues by putting out reckless statements that are filled with lies about the PPP/C and its candidates and electoral backers. What they’ve been doing…they’re using family members and villagers to pressure these candidates and backers to see if they can get them to back away from supporting the PPP/C.”

According to Edghill, a variety of tactics have been used, ranging from targeted harassment to blackmail. Thanking candidates and backers who have held their ground, the Minister urged persons affected to report any threats to the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on the special 24-hour hotline set up (226-2917).

only act if persons report matters

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill

GECOM CEO Vishnu Persaud

GECOM Chairperson, Justice (retired) Claudette Singh

Incoming GDF Chief-of-Staff, Colonel Omar Khan

Outgoing GDF Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess

Appointment of Chancellor, Chief Justice

dereliction, abdication of duty

Court

Setting up... …the

Agency

Now, if you had to wonder “what agency?” your Eyewitness thinks today’s offering isn’t for you!!

It means you’ve read neither the novels of Tom Clancy (eg “The Hunt for Red October” with Jack Ryan) nor even seen the Bourne movies. “The Agency”, dear reader, is the one and only “Central Intelligence Agency” (CIA), with its headquarters in Langley, West Virginia! Yeah…the same folks who did the dirty to start some riots back in the 60s and oust Cheddi and the PPP Government to install Burnham!! Nice guys.

By Feona Morrison

While the High Court on Wednesday ruled that President Dr Irfaan Ali’s failure to make substantive appointments to the offices of the two top judicial posts does not amount to a dereliction/abdication of duty, nor does it contravene the Constitution, it called on the Head of State and the Opposition Leader to act with “all convenient speed” to fill the vacancies.

The decision was handed down by High Court Judge Damone Younge in the Fixed Date Application (FDA) brought against the Attorney General by Opposition Parliamentarian Vinceroy Jordan. In that FDA, Jordan had asked the High Court

be faulted for the delay in the appointment because there was no Opposition Leader for him to consult between January 26, 2022 and April 12, 2022. Joseph Harmon resigned as Opposition Leader on the former date, while Aubrey Norton was elected as the new Opposition Leader on the latter.

Referring to the evidence, the Judge said that Harmon himself contributed to the delay as he had refused to meet with the President because he regarded the PPP Government as being illegal.

“From the period August 2020, when he [President Ali] took office, to April 2022, when Mr Norton was appointed the Leader of the Opposition, there was no reciprocal party with whom [the President] could have engaged, given the refusal of the then Leader of the Opposition to engage.

“A delay occasioned by these circumstances is fair, reasonable, and rational,” the Judge said.

Based on the evidence before the court, and while alluding to the various correspondence between the President and Norton on constitutional matters, she said it was only after Norton was appointed that any interest in consulting with the President was demonstrated.

“All convenient speed”

In the absence of time limits, the Judge emphasized, political actors must act with “all convenient speed” to make these substantive appointments, given their fundamental importance to the functioning of an equally important arm of the State — the judiciary.

The High Court Judge then went on to reason that what is considered “all convenient speed” would turn on the circumstances of each case, while noting that this is where the applicability of Section 39 of the Interpretation and General Clauses Act comes into play.

able and unacceptable to the citizenry and inimical to the independence of the judiciary that the supreme law of the land provides for. Any further delay in commencing this process should be eschewed so that this significant blot on the otherwise impressive Guyanese legal and judicial landscape is not perpetuated further,” the Judge said.

So, you Eyewitness is picking up on the “National Intelligence and Security Agency” (NISA) - for which the Government wants to have legislative credentials, and just laid the necessary bill in Parliament. Unlike some of his Opposition members, the Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton, agreed that such an agency is necessary. He just has some concerns about its “sweeping powers” and its director being appointed by, and reporting to, the President. Fair enough…that’s what an Opposition’s all about. To suggest how the Government could perform its job better.

But when we’re venturing into new areas of Government, we should be looking at the experience of those who’ve gone there before - and see how they did things. The Yanks split their “intelligence” job into two parts – the FBI, which handles matters within the US, and the CIA outside. The Brits also did the same with MI5 (inside) and MI6 (outside). The latter, of course, are much suaver than their CIA counterparts across the pond!! As you’d know if you read those extraordinarily tedious novels by John Le Carre!!

to declare that the Head of State’s failure to make permanent appointments to the offices of the Chancellor of the Judiciary and the Chief Justice between August 2020 and April 2022 amounted to a gross dereliction and abdication of his duties. He had also sought an order directing the President to forthwith initiate the process contemplated by Article 127 of the Constitution to fill the important judicial posts.

Article 127 (1) of the Constitution states: “The Chancellor and the Chief Justice shall be appointed by the President after obtaining the agreement of the Leader of the Opposition.”

While delivering her ruling, Justice Younge pointed out that President Ali cannot

If there is no agreement between the President and the Opposition Leader, Article 127 (2) of the Constitution provides for someone to be appointed to perform the functions of the Chancellor and Chief Justice (acting appointments).

Concerning Jordan’s contention that the delay of over two years in making the appointment constitutes a gross dereliction and abdication of duty on the President’s part, the Justice held that Article 127 (1) does not prescribe a time limit within which the President and Opposition Leader are to act to obtain an agreement, and Article 127 (2) does place any restriction as to the time limit within which a person is to perform the functions of the office of the Chancellor/Chief Justice.

“The parties have a mandatory obligation to comply with the provisions of the Constitution to make these appointments. This requires active engagement, mutuality, and sincere receptivity by constitutional actors. While the Constitution does not give time limits as to when this process must begin or end, it is expected that even without the court’s intervention, the President and the Opposition Leader would act with some expedition to bring this impasse to a swift end.”

Given the particular circumstances of the case, Justice Younge concluded that the delay in initiating the process for the substantive appointment of the Chancellor and Chief Justice by the President is not a breach of the Constitution, nor did it amount to gross dereliction of duty.

The Judge added that there is no better way for the President to demonstrate his commitment to upholding the Constitution than by acting with alacrity to initiate the process, noting that the filling of these two top judicial posts should be given the “highest priority”.

“For two long, Guyana has been without substantive office holders for the two top positions in the judicial arm of the state, a situation which continues to be unten-

Despite the existence of Article 127 (2), she said, it could not be the intention of the framers of the Constitution that Article 127 (1) would not be complied with for decades, resulting in perpetual acting appointments, which are intended to be short-term and are made on a transient basis.

The Judge noted that Article 127 (2) ought not to be used as a lacuna or loophole through which the President and Opposition Leader can abdicate his/her mandatory obligation under Article 127 (1). Justice Younge opined that Article 127 (1) was fashioned by the framers with the aim of consensus building and political comity. This, she said, is a recognition that all political actors should have a part to play in the ultimate selection of these important constitutional posts.

According to her, Article 127 (1) envisages that some level of expediency in filling these vital constitutional offices would be exercised to ensure the competent functioning of the judicial arm of the state. She firmly pointed out that the absence of substantive appointments for a protracted length of time fails to insulate the judiciary from attacks on its independence, as provided for in Article 122 A, and that this threatens the fabric of Guyana’s thriving democracy.

In the end, the Judge dismissed Jordan’s FDA which listed the Attorney General as the respondent, and ordered the parties to bear their own costs in light of the public interest nature of the case.

But on operational remits, are we big enough to warrant a whole separate agency to gather foreign intelligence?? Or, like the USA, to create a third agency, the National Security Agency (NSA), to gather intelligence technologically?? Granger probably wanted to go in this direction, cause he picked “NSA” as the name of our spy agency. That one was so secretive at one time that it was called “No Such Agency”!! On appointing the head of the NISA, POTUS nominates but have him vetted by the Senate. Here our National Assembly might have to do.

Now, both the heads of the CIA and MI6 ultimately report to the head of their Executive – POTUS and the British PM. So, your Eyewitness doesn’t see what the fuss is all about our President “having too much powers”. Who’s the intelligence supposed to be sent to, if not Pressie?? The Opposition Leader?? Jeez!! It’s the Executive Branch of Government that’s in charge of all state institutions!! Are they gonna now complain that Pressie heads the Defence Board and is Commander of the Armed Forces??

While Burnham taught us we must circumscribe power, we also can’t hobble the President.

…Georgetown vendors

Looks like Mother Nature might just be the one to help us control the vending chaos in Georgetown. Your Eyewitness knows folks gotta make a living. And vending’s a much more honourable option than that other one chosen by some urban denizens – choke and rob. But even vendors would probably agree that they’re not doing the city – and themselves - any favours by creating obstacle courses for pedestrians.

It was very positive that they cooperated with the M&CC to clear the drains during the last deluge by removing their pallets over the drains. But we need a more lasting solution. It was tried some time ago, when the Government bought a prime Water St property and allocated vendors space on it. It was meant to take them off the street, but still allow them to make a living. How did that work out??

If the experiment was successful, maybe we could sprinkle other such spaces across the city??

…a functioning Parliament

At Monday’s sitting of the National Assembly, your Eyewitness was pleased that matters didn’t descend into whistle blowing and dildo waving!! While on occasion very sharp – as it ought to be – the exchanges demonstrated that Opposition can be positive.

No

by the President – High

rules …says political actors must now act with “all convenient speed”

President Dr Irfaan Ali

Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton

Justice Damone Younge

Acting Chief Justice Roxane George, SC, (left) and acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette Cummings-Edwards

PS’ treatment at US airport “No motive; it was a normal, routine procedure” – Pres Ali

President Dr Irfaan Ali has stated that there was no ulterior motive behind the treatment meted out to the Permanent Secretary of the Home Affairs Ministry, Mae ThomasMeerabux, at the Miami International Airport in the United States recently, adding that it was a normal procedure.

Earlier this month, the Permanent Secretary was travelling on official duties to China and in-transit in the US, where she was detained and allegedly manhandled by male officers attached to the US Customs and Border Protection. Her mobile phone was confiscated during the ordeal.

Questioned about this incident on Wednesday, President Ali told reporters that the matter is “no issue” for the Government of Guyana.

“The Minister [of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn] would have advised me that the authorities said it was a normal routine as part of how they execute their job that persons are asked to go to secondary [screening], which I’m aware of. There was no motive, that is what I was told. There was no motive; it was a normal, routine procedure,” the Head of State indicated to reporters on the sidelines of an event at the Office of the President.

According to the President, PS Thomas-Meerabux, who was part of a delegation travelling to China for a training programme when the incident occurred, has since submitted a detailed report on what transpired upon her re-

turn to Guyana.

That report, the Guyanese Leader explained, will be examined thoroughly by the Government after which, the matter will be further dealt with through established procedures.

“…A public office holder would’ve said to the Minister [she was mistreated] and given a statement about what transpired. [But] all of that would be handled through the procedure and the procedure is one in which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will examine the report and then pursue that report with the relevant agency. In this case, I am convinced that once that report is completed, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would channel it through the necessary procedure,” he stated.

Further pressed on whether he is concerned specifically with the way the senior public official was treated, the Head of State posited “Any Guyanese who is mistreat-

ed anywhere by anyone and reports such mistreatment, there is procedure through which we deal with it...”

On April 8, PS ThomasMeerabux was singled out at the Miami Airport and taken into a room to be grilled during her transit in the US.

Meanwhile, in a statement on Wednesday evening, the Permanent Secretary said that her United States visa was revoked.

“I wish to clarify that I was referred for a “routine secondary check”. There was a misunderstanding over my official cell phone without me being able to advise my officials. I advised that the cellphone be sent to the Minister of Home Affairs, Honourable Robeson Benn in Guyana. Thereafter, I was allowed the choice of entering the United States of America or continuing on my journey –which last I opted to so do. Subsequently, during my return journey I was advised that my US visa was revoked

No dereliction, abdication...

Cause for concern

Since the Constitution was amended in 2001 to provide for the Chancellor of the Judiciary and Chief Justice to be appointed by the President after obtaining agreement from the Opposition Leader, no one has been confirmed in these two positions.

Currently, Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards and Justice Roxane George, SC, are performing the duties of Chancellor and Chief Justice respectively.

The last confirmed Chief Justice was in the person of Dr Desiree Bernard, who served from 1996 to 2001. She also served as substantive Chancellor and Head of

the Judiciary from 2001 to 2005.

The country’s inability to appoint a substantive Chancellor and Chief Justice for an extended period has been a cause for concern for its highest court, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), the Caribbean Association of Judicial Officers (CAJO), and the Bar Association of Guyana.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, had previously said that, regrettably, some 20 years after Guyana’s Constitution was amended to facilitate the appointments of top judicial officers by the President with the agreement of the

on the 10th April, 2023 and that I would have to make alternative arrangements to return to Guyana. I remain open to engaging with US authorities on any possible travel arrangements to the USA in the future,” ThomasMeerabux said.

Thomas-Meerabux, who is married to American citizen Dameion Meerabux, was held for some three hours during which she was asked basic questions by the male officers until a female officer entered the room and took other personal details.

The Permanent Secretary was travelling on a Service Passport and despite her informing the Customs and Border Protection officers that she was on official duties, she was reportedly handcuffed.

Additionally, her phone was confiscated and searched despite her explaining that the device belonged to the Government of Guyana and clearance must be given by her superiors before she could

hand it over.

However, she was reportedly denied a request to make contact with officials of the Guyana Government. Instead, she was told that she was in US territory and that her rights to do so were forfeited.

Thomas-Meerabux was later released and continued her journey to China. However, she had to travel via the London-BarbadosGuyana route on her return home since her US visa had been revoked.

When news on the matter broke last week, Permanent Secretary of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Ambassador Elisabeth Harper had told Guyana Times they had reached out to the US Embassy in Georgetown regarding the incident.

In that response, which was seen by this publication, the US Embassy through its Deputy Chief of Mission, Adrienne Galanek informed the Foreign Affairs Ministry that “We don’t have any spe-

cific information to share.”

However, the missive further went on to detail the policies of the Department of Homeland Security and US Customs and Border Protection that are shared with all travellers to the US, including citizens of that country, on secondary inspection. (G8)

FROM PAGE 8

Opposition Leader, there is yet to be a substantive appointment of a Chancellor and Chief Justice.

He has conceded that the formula that requires consensus between the President and the Opposition Leader has not worked in the more than two decades it was put in place, signaling the need for constitutional reform. According to him, Guyana is the only country in the Commonwealth that has this constitutional provision.

Meanwhile, President Ali has time after time assured that he is committed to making the appointments, but only “when the time is right”.

Permanent Secretary of the Home Affairs Ministry Mae Thomas-Meerabux

President Dr Irfaan Ali speaking with reporters on Wednesday

Sophia woman brutally killed by boyfriend in front of son

…stabbed 22 times – Police

with her mother at the time.

"When he came over, he saw the guy with the knife in his hand, and he pull it away from [him]. When he take away the knife, he didn't realize he had a second knife in [his] waist, and he pull out the one from he waist and he was about to continue and the guy manhandle him and took it away. At the time, she already had multiple stab wounds," the distraught mother shared as tears came to her eyes.

Amother of two who attempted to end her rocky relationship of just four months was stabbed some 22 times by her boyfriend, in the presence of her young son at their Lot 604, ‘C’ Field Sophia, Greater Georgetown home.

According to Police, the incident occurred at around 03:00h on Wednesday, and Lisa George, a 31-yearold security guard employed at Atlas Security, is dead. George’s two children: a 12-year-old son and a six-year-old daughter, resided with her in Sophia. According to reports, the victim’s 12-year-old son, who was at home when the incident occurred, was awakened by his mother screaming, and ventured into her bedroom, where he saw his mother lying on her back on the bed in a pool of blood.

According to the traumatised 12-year-old boy, the 23-year-old suspect was on

top of his mother at the time of the discovery, continuously stabbing her about her body with a knife.

At the said time, the victim’s sister, Lovern George, who lives next door, rushed over at the sound of her screams, and entered the house after her 12-year-old nephew ran to open the door. Lovern’s husband accompanied her into the bedroom, and immediately wrestled the knives away from the assailant.

Speaking with Guyana Times, the victim’s mother, 55-year-old Yonette George, shared that when her son-inlaw rushed over to the scene, he saw the knife in the suspect’s hand, and he took it away. However, he did not realize that the man had another one in his possession, which he reached for to continue the gruesome act.

She added that the 6-year-old daughter of the deceased was also on the bed

According to Lisa’s cousin Beverley Solomon, while her cousin had never confided in her about any concern for her safety in the relationship, she did uncover unpleasant things about the suspect, and had told him she no longer wanted the relationship. She shared that at that time she just wants justice for Lisa.

"Within that relationship, she found out something…about the young man and she decided that she didn't want to be in that relationship any longer," Solomon disclosed.

However, according to Lovern, her sister was fearful for her life after the suspect began talking about guns and started making other nasty remarks.

"Because he keep talking about guns and what he have and how she never see the [other] side of he and different things," the devastated sister shared.

As she broke down in tears, Lovern added, "He didn't had to kill [her] even if the relationship [wasn't] working. He could have leave, he didn't have to take

The home in which Lisa George had resided with her children she life, she had two children. He start jook my sister in she sleep."

Lisa was described as a very loving, caring and humble woman, who was family-oriented and al-

ways there for those in need. She was also an exceptional mother who always had the best interest of her children at heart and would work hard to provide for them.

The news of the murder broke several friends and family members to share their grief on social media and express hopes that justice would be delivered to the family.

Magistrate throws out false declaration charges against Ramps Logistics

All 10 charges against Ramps Logistics (Guyana), for making false declarations to the Guyana Revenue Authority, were dismissed on Tuesday by City Magistrate Dylon Bess.

This was after the court upheld a no-case submission made by the company’s lawyers: Nigel Hughes, Mahendra Satram, and Pratesh Satram.

Particulars of the charges stated that between 2021

and 2022, at Georgetown, the company made several false declarations for consideration by a customs officer on an application presented to him for tax exemption on items.

The company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Shaun Rampersad, was hauled before a city magistrate in October 2022 to answer the charges.

Despite his lawyer’s pleas for him to be placed on self-bail, a magistrate had put Rampersad on bail in the sum of $500,000.

It was the prosecution’s case that the company had falsely declared itself to be the seller of several items, including heavy-duty machines, dehydrated substances, and calcium chloride.

The Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) had instituted the charges against the

company in October 2022, noting that the accusations were in accordance with the provisions of the Customs Act. According to the GRA, the charges had stemmed from an investigation carried out by its Law Enforcement and Investigations Division. The 10 charges are not the first run-in Ramps Logistics, a Trinidad-based company, has had with Guyana’s tax agency. It had been revealed in June 2022 that the company was fined $20 million by GRA for violating local customs laws. Ramps Logistics (Guyana) acts as the agent of motor vessel Seacor Mixteca, and according to GRA, had failed to report the vessel departing Guyana, which violates the Customs Act. Consequently, the company had opted to pay the fine instead of being taken to court. (G1)

The deceased Lisa George

Seelall Persaud heads new Restorative Justice Centre …as soft approach being taken to tackle crime

In a move to use a softer approach in order to curb the high prevalence of serious and violent crimes, the Guyana Government has introduced the Restorative Justice Centre, and it will be headed by retired Police Commissioner Seelall Persaud.

The Restorative Justice Centre, which was launched on Wednesday, will be working with perpetrators and victims of minor crimes with the aim of resolving interpersonal conflicts, thus keeping them out of the prison system.

The Guyana Government passed the Restorative Justice Bill in November 2022 to pave the way for the use of restorative justice in the local criminal justice system. Guyana is now leading the Caribbean region with the introduction of a restorative justice programme.

At launch of the centre on Wednesday, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, pointed out that traditional methods of penal sanctions – punitive and retributive – have failed to tackle the level of crimes that are infesting societies, not only in Guyana, but the Caribbean region. Hence, the need for a new approach using a rehabilitative component, that is, restorative justice.

“[Restorative Justice] by law, shall only apply to non-violent offences and minor offences – offences that carry a term of imprisonment of three years and below… It brings the victim and the perpetrator together, and it tries to repair that relationship… Once human relations strained can be repaired, then that goes a far way in ensuring cordial relations.

“So, this brings together the victim and the perpetrator, and allows for apologies to take place; allows compensation to be paid; and allows other forms of amends consensually worked out between the perpetrator and the victim through a facilitator [from the Restorative Justice Centre],” he posited.

According to Nandlall, this approach depends largely on societal participation.

Consequently, the Ministry of Legal Affairs, over the past two years, has been working with other stakeholders to train various community leaders across the country on restorative justice practices. These include teachers, religious leaders, and community leaders such as Toshaos.

Nandlall added that Restorative Justice also goes beyond interpersonal relationships and focuses on a preventative approach as well. The aim is to reduce the prison population by targeting recidivism.

“It seeks to examine the underlying factors that resulted in the violent criminal or delinquent conduct, and it seeks to address that underlying problem… Restorative Justice allows us to go into homes and toxic environments and identify the source of the toxicity and root it out once and for all,” the Minister stressed.

As Director of the Restorative Justice Centre, Persaud will be rolling out the pilot project on the East Coast of Demerara in areas between Buxton, Mon Repos and Annandale, before the programme is introduced at a national level.

He expressed optimism that this initiative would have a transformative impact in tackling crimes within communities across Guyana.

“These engagements will

allow for the spread of compassion and love. Spreading compassion and love is the essence of being human, hence my optimism [for the success of the restorative justice programme],” the former Top Cop stated.

He will be operating out of a temporary office lo-

cated in the compound of the Region Four Regional Democratic Council (RDC) at Triumph, in order to be close to the communities that will be targeted by the one-year pilot project.

According to Persaud, the first order of business is to engage the leaders from these communities, who were trained over the past two years. He explained that those persons will have to undergo additional training exercises to better understand restorative justice and their role in this process.

Wednesday’s launch was also attended by Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn and Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud, both of whom talked about the importance of this softer approach in tackling crime.

Meanwhile, Peace and

Development Specialist at the United Nations Office in Guyana, Janet Murdock, reaffirmed her agency’s continued support for restorative justice efforts in the country.

The restorative justice initiative is funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) through its Support for the Criminal Justice System

(SCJC) Programme, which seeks to strengthen the justice system in the country and reduce the local prison population through alternative sentencing.

In Budget 2023, the Guyana Government allocated $6.2 billion for the enhancement of the justice sector. This is added to the $4.4 billion spent on this initiative last year. (G8)

Director of the Restorative Justice Centre, Seelall Persaud

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall, S.C.

Death of overseas-based Guyanese… Post-mortem reveals cause of death as heart attack

Apost-mortem examination conducted on the body of Ceon Abrams, the overseas-based Guyanese who died after an altercation with his brothers in Strath Campbell village, Mahaicony, East Coast Demerara, has revealed that he died from a heart attack.

Abrams, a 48-yearold businessman living in New York, had returned to Guyana about a month ago for business purposes. He was staying at his mother's home in Mahaicony when the altercation with his brothers occurred on a Friday evening.

According to his daughter, her father had gone to his brothers' home to ask for the money that was owed to him.

However, an argument ensued, and the situation quickly escalated into a physical altercation. She explained that her father was allegedly choked by one of his brothers for some time, before managing to run away

and collapse on the roadside.

Abrams was transported to the Mahaicony Cottage Hospital, but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The dead man’s mother had initially called to report that her son had been in a motorcycle accident, but the family later learnt the truth.

Family members have said they are also deeply affected by the businessman’s sudden death, and his wife of 30 years is struggling to come to terms with the loss.

In an interview with the man’s in-laws on Wednesday, Guyana Times was told that Abrams's wife and children have been refused access to his body since their arrival in Guyana.

They allege that the funeral home where his body is being kept has claimed that it was lodged by his brother, and therefore they cannot release the body without further investigation.

They said this has added to the grief and frustration of the family, who have been desperately seeking justice for Ceon's untimely death.

“His wife is legally married to him. How can she be denied access to his body?” one relative asked.

Meanwhile, Guyana Times was informed that the dead man’s brothers, who were initially being questioned about the incident, have since been released from Police custody. (G9)

Sandy Babb St fatal accident…

DUI charge dismissed against driver

Owing to “insufficiently reliable” breathalyser results, 38-year-old Roberto Narine, who is presently on trial for causing the death of a squash athlete by dangerous driving, has been freed of a driving under the influence (DUI) charge, his attorney Siand Dhurjon has said.

The accident which occurred at the intersection of Vlissengen Road and Sandy Babb Street, Kitty, Georgetown during the wee hours of May 1, 2022 resulted in the death of Ian Mekdeci, 27, of Subryanville, Georgetown.

The DUI charge against Narine, a civil engineer of Peter’s Hall, East Bank Demerara, was dismissed by Magistrate Clive Nurse on Wednesday at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts. In so doing, the magistrate upheld a no-case submission made by Narine’s counsel.

According to Dhurjon, while the Police, through special prosecutor Attorney-atLaw Latchmie Rahamat, led evidence of video footage of Narine being breathalysed and being shown the instrument’s reading of being over the legal limit — .162 microgrammes — there was no evidence that the specific breathalyzer instrument was approved for such use by the Minister. This is a requirement of the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, he noted.

The legal limit is .35 microgrammes in every 100ml of breath. The lawyer pointed

out that there was no certificate adduced by the prosecutor to prove that Police Officer Haynes, who conducted the breathalyzer analysis, was authorised to do such breath tests.

In light of this, Dhurjon contended, an unauthorised officer conducted a “flawed breathalyser procedure” on Narine using a device unapproved for the said purpose.

“The magistrate went on to rule on Wednesday that the prosecution itself had introduced into evidence information to show that the breathalyser device was not in proper working condition… that the apparatus was incapable of printing the result receipts,” Dhurjon said.

Under cross-examination, he said, Police Officer Haynes admitted that he was not trained to print and use the receipts, and that the court was deprived of certain facts because the machine could not print receipts.

Dhurjon said, too, “Both witnesses accepted under cross-examination that, contrary to the requirements of the Act, no statement or certificate was delivered to Mr. Narine specifying the date

and time of the breath test and his breath analysis results expressed in microgrammes of alcohol per each 100ml of breath.”

According to him, the magistrate noted that there was an absence of any evidence of the machine being recently calibrated, selfchecked, or purged.

Causing death by dangerous driving

The charge of causing death by dangerous driving against Narine is currently ongoing before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

In relation to this charge, Narine has been granted $200,000 bail on condition that he lodge his passport with the court and report to the Police periodically until his trial ends.

Mekdeci died following the two-vehicle collision which took place at the intersection of Sandy Babb Street and Vlissengen Road, Georgetown in the vicinity of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Base Camp Ayanganna.

Dead: Ceon Abrams

…“insufficiently reliable” breathalyser results cited

Charged: Roberto Narine Dead: Ian Mekdeci

Health & Safety Strategy being developed to improve local seabob sector

Globally, the fishing industry is considered one of the most hazardous occupations, with an ever-existing risk of vessels capsizing, exposure to viruses and bacterial contamination, harsh weather conditions; and potential failure of gears, nets, engines, ropes and other equipment on board vessels.

As such, an Occupational Health and Safety (OSH) Strategy for the seabob value chain is being developed under the FISH4ACP programme by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in partnership with the Fisheries Department, the Guyana Association of Trawler Owners and Seafood Processors (GATOSP), the Guyana National Fisherfolk Organization (GNFO), and other key stakeholders.

This is according to a recent release from FAO, which relayed that the report is expected to be developed within 18 months, after which it would be handed over to the industry.

This OSH Strategy seeks to improve the well-being of

workers, strengthen operational safety and health standards, and build longterm sustainability and resilience in the seabob sector.

It will also strength-

Mining pit fatal accident

en risk assessment and risk task management practices along the seabob value chain, while upgrading current policies and practices to protect this fishery.

“Additionally, it will

help export firms to maintain compliance with national and international labour standards as required by the Ministries of Labour and Health in Guyana, and comply with the labour requirements introduced by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) in 2022,” the release stated.

“We, the members of GATOSP, welcome this initiative of the FAO FISH4ACP Project, as it will assist with the development of the OSH Strategy for the seabob sector. This will ensure that the revised policy meets not only the MSC certification process, but also help them to meet the Ministries of Health and Labour OSH requirements,” said Reuben Charles, GATOSP President.

Maintaining MSC certification is essential for export market access, and increasingly, the new European Union regulations are requiring exporting firms to demonstrate how they are meeting internationally-recognised standards for labour practices, the release revealed.

“This strategy will help the industry to meet national and international standards, and also benefit the fishers who ply their trade in tough conditions by providing them with better awareness on health and safety at work and at the landing sites,” said Pamashwar Jainarine, GNFO Chairman.

The strategy development process commenced with an initial awareness and assessment of the current OSH conditions, policies, and regulations across the value chain, and will be followed by a series of consultations among stakeholders to develop a Risk Assessment and Risk Management Manual.

“Trawler captains and crews, dock/transport workers and seafood processing workers and managers will then be trained on the safety and health measures of the value chain operations. Artisanal (Chinese Seine) seabob fishers will also receive training through the fisherfolk cooperatives on OSH and risk assessment to improve the lives of fish-

ers at sea and on land,” the release stated.

Guyana is one of 12 countries participating in the five-year FISH4ACP program, conceptualized by the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) and implemented by FAO, aimed towards supporting the development of sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, with the country being the world’s largest producer of Atlantic Seabob.

A January 2023 FAO report of the seabob value chain in Guyana revealed that while the country’s seabob population is healthy, it is not fully exploited, and success of the industry relies heavily on strong management of the resource.

“Although seabob unavailability, or unreliability of supply, is largely due to the declining catch…various value-adding opportunities exist for artisanal actors (including fishers, processors and market vendors) to better tap into the unmet domestic demand,” the report stated.

Extractive sector must adhere to legal framework without being prompted – investigative team

Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton on Wednesday received the investigation report from the team appointed to assess the fatal accident in March which claimed the life of Neptrid Hercules, former BOSAI Minerals Group employee.

According to the team’s chair, Charles Ceres, the report’s primary finding is that Guyana’s legislative framework to preclude structural failures within BOSAI and the mining industry overall is adequate, if implemented.

“Industrial establishments such as BOSAI must adhere to that framework without being prompted,” Ceres said.

“And the relevant agencies such as the Ministry of Labour can somewhat be proactive in the enforcement of that framework.”

During the handing over ceremony at the ministry’s boardroom, Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton expressed the need to give the report’s recommendations “life.”

Failure to comply with these recommendations, he said, would be an injustice to the memory of the man who lost his life.

“This is the methodology we will have to adopt going forward,” Hamilton added. “We will have to set up a joint technical committee or to expand the one that is already in existence so that we can continue conversations with family, friends and co-

workers.”

In March, Hercules went missing along with the CAT D9T bulldozer he was operating at the time with body being found several days later after an extensive search.

Reportedly, this was the result of a failure experienced by the overburden dump in the East Montgomery Mine where he was working which led to him being covered by the overburden material.

The 10-member team began their investigation into this case on March 27, submitting their findings about two weeks prior to the date set by the Labour Minister.

In addition to Ceres, this team also included Victor Fernandes from the National Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health; Colis Primo from the Environmental Protection Agency; independent professional Emilia Maslen; Jimmy Reece, Michael Howard and Krishna Ramdas of the Geology

and Mines Commission; Neza King and Darwin Bourne of the Ministry’s Occupational Health and Safety Department and; Legal Officer of the Ministry Alyea Williams.

Bourne relayed that the detailed investigation involved both daytime and nighttime visits to the accident site, and verbal and written statements taken from witnesses and other necessary parties to ascertain what actually transpired.

They also looked into the culture of the organisation, what controls and systems employees are required to check, and the strengths, weaknesses and areas for improvement in the workplace.

King added that this investigation can be used as a template for any related investigations that may occur in the future.

While the findings of the report are yet to be publicly revealed, a soft copy will be sent to BOSAI for review.

Members of the team leading investigations into the fatal accident involving BOSAI employee Neptrid Hercules

ExxonMobil strikes oil in Lancetfish well offshore Guyana

…Govt welcomes 39th oil find in Stabroek Block, 44th in Guyana’s waters

ExxonMobil has made yet another oil discovery in Guyana’s prolific offshore Stabroek Block, with the news of this new discovery being shared by Hess Corporation, ExxonMobil’s partner in the Block.

According to information shared by Hess Corp, 28 metres (92 feet) of oil-bearing sandstone was found in the Lancetfish-1 well. The well, according to Hess, was drilled by the Noble Don Taylor and is located some four miles southeast of the Fangtooth well, Exxon’s discovery earlier this year.

While Lancetfish is a triumph, it was a more sombre story for another well that was drilled during the first quarter. According to Hess, the Kokwari-1 exploration well did not encounter commercial quantities of hydrocarbons.

Meanwhile, the Natural Resources Ministry, which is headed by Minister Vickram Bharrat, welcomed the oil find. According to the Ministry in its statement, the find represents Exxon’s 39th discovery in the Stabroek Block.

“The Ministry of Natural Resources is pleased to announce that the Lancetfish-1 exploration well in the Stabroek Block encountered 28 metres of oil-bearing sandstone. This well was drilled at a water depth of 1781 metres. It brings the total number of discoveries in the Stabroek Block to 39 and the total number of discoveries offshore Guyana to 44 from 2015 to present,” the Ministry said.

Exxon is currently conducting 3D and 4D mapping in the Stabroek Block, even as it also seeks authorisation for a 35-well drilling campaign. According to reports in other sections of the media, the Government has already advanced authorisation for Exxon’s fifth development, the Uaru project in the Stabroek Block.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo is quoted in Demerara Waves as saying that Uaru had been approved by the Government, after it would have gone through “vigorous analysis” by external consultants. He is also reported to have said that the project would cost close to US$12 billion.

The Uaru oil development, which will be the fifth one for the company offshore Guyana, is targeting between 38 and 63 development wells, including production, water injection, and gas re-injection wells. Exxon had previously also made known that it anticipated first oil from the Uaru development by late 2026 or early 2027.

Exxon is currently seek-

ing authorisation from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for 35 exploration/appraisal wells in the Stabroek Block. According to the company’s application, if all requisite approvals are granted then the drilling of the wells is expected to start in the 2023 third quarter, with the proposed drilling campaign coming to an end by the fourth quarter of 2028.

The Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) of the 35 exploration/appraisal wells planned for the Stabroek Block was done by ERM Guyana, which conducts environmental, health, safety and risk assessments. It had said that no major environ-

mental impacts would result from the project.

Guyana, with US oil giant ExxonMobil as the operator, began producing oil on December 20, 2019, in the Stabroek Block. Guyana’s oil revenues are being held in the Natural Resource Fund (NRF) at the New York Federal Reserve Bank, where it is earning interest.

The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres). Exxon, through its local subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), holds 45 per cent interest in the Block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 per cent interest and CNOOC

Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds the remaining 25 per cent interest.

Since last year, Guyana has been recording weekly lifts in the Stabroek Block with oil production now at 340,000 barrels per day (bpd) from the Liza Destiny and Liza Unity Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels. With EEPGL making weekly lifts, Guyana’s crude entitlement of one million barrels occurs monthly from the two FPSOs.

ExxonMobil has said it anticipates at least six projects offshore Guyana will be online by 2027. Production has already started in the second phase, with the Liza Unity FPSO vessel in operation.

The third project – the Payara development – will target an estimated resource base of about 600 million oil-equivalent barrels, and was at one point considered to be the largest single planned investment in the history of Guyana.

Meanwhile, the Yellowtail development, which will be oil giant ExxonMobil’s fourth development in Guyana’s waters, will turn out to be the single largest development so far in terms of barrels per day of oil, with a mammoth 250,000 bpd targeted. (G3)

The Noble Don Taylor that drilled the well

Mechanic killed in ECD crash

The community of Non Pareil, East Coast Demerara is in mourning following a tragic car accident that claimed the life of 28-year-old me-

chanic Akram Samaroo. Reports are that the accident occurred along the Coldingen Access Road, East Coast Demerara on Saturday evening.

According to reports, Samaroo, of Lot 334 Section ‘B’ Non Pareil, ECD, was driving motorcar PTT 4607 at about 18:15h when he lost control while navigat-

ing a left bend on the road. Police said the car flipped and landed in a nearby trench, where it quickly became submerged in the water.

Eyewitnesses at the scene recounted the harrow ing moments as they tried to rescue Samaroo from the sinking vehicle. Despite their best efforts, they were

Guyana records 50 road fatalities between January and April 2023

Fifty persons have died on Guyana’s roadways between January 1st and April 24, 2023, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has revealed.

In a report release, the GPF has said that of the total of 50 road fatalities during this period, 19 were caused by fatal traffic incidents and the remaining 31 were due to accidents.

Only two months ago, the Police reported a 100% increase in road fatalities compared to the same period last year.

The report also highlights an increase in pedestrian fatalities by 25 per cent, while motorcyclists comprise approximately 44 percent of those killed during the same period compared to last year. Comparative data shows that fatal accidents primarily occur on Sundays and Fridays between 18:00h and 05:59h, with male drivers accounting for 81 per-

cent of all deaths.

In response, the Home Affairs Ministry has been collaborating with stakeholders to develop a comprehensive action plan to reduce

road accidents and fatalities by 50 percent by 2030. The National Assembly passed the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill in 2022, which aims to promote

and enforce safe driving and impose higher penalties for serious infractions.

The National Road Safety Council’s financial resources have been boost-

ed to over $11 million, aid ing in sensitization and re ducing road accidents. The Ministry of Home Affairs is committed to providing ev idence-based road safety knowledge and awareness programmes through advocacy, training and education, to create a culture of safety among all road users, including young adults.

The Government is also upgrading roads and highways and installing lights and CCTV cameras at strategic points to improve infrastructure and safety.

Augmenting these efforts, the Traffic Department is intensifying efforts to prevent speeding, and urges drivers to exercise caution on the roads, follow traffic laws and regulations, and maintain their vehicles regularly. Safe driving practices such as wearing seatbelts and avoiding distracted driving are emphasised.(G9)

Dead: Akram Samaroo unable to save him, and he was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical technicians. His body was later taken to Jerrick’s Funeral Home, where it awaits a post-mortem examination.

As the investigation into the incident continues, those who knew Samaroo took to social media to remember him as a kind and hardworking individual who was always ready to lend a helping hand.

One of his friends wrote in a social media post that the loss of such a young life is a devastating blow to the community, and their thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time. (G9)

"Shockingly brazen attempts... to steal"...

FROM PAGE 3

“The RO, on 13th March 2020, continued the use of his broadsheet in a changed location and in a room where tables previously provided for the convenience of party agents and observers had been withdrawn and were no longer available to them.

On 13th March 2020, the RO allowed himself to be influenced by APNU/AFC party representative Ms. Carol Joseph, who was conducting herself in a wholly inappropriate manner, and as a result recanted on his earlier undertaking to party agents and observers to restart the ascertainment and tabulation process in the interest of transparency,” the COI report also said.

According to the COI,

the authenticity of the documents Mingo insisted on using was in doubt, with the figures they contained altered in favour of the APNU/ AFC party. Despite the myriad of concerns about the process, Mingo continued to stoutly resist all efforts by party agents and observers to examine the documents he claimed to be SOPs. He even permitted APNU/AFC representative Joseph to sign on to the form, despute no legal requirement for her to do so.

“We conclude therefore that permitting the signature of the APNU/AFC agent, Ms. Carol Joseph, was an effort by the RO to legitimize his highly unlawful conduct in the ascertainment and tabulation of

the results of the elections in electoral district No. 4 and as an endorsement by the APNU/AFC party of the RO’s unjustified and wrongful declaration of their victory in electoral district No. 4,” the COI stated.

Recommendations

Meanwhile, the report contains several recommendations, including reforming GECOM to allow for more balanced representation. The report also shined a light on the need for campaign financing law… not the first body to do so, as previous calls have been made by observers.

“As it stands, the structure of GECOM is, at its core, politicized, making it

difficult for it to operate with any efficiency or effectiveness. Consideration should be given to amending this to allow for more balanced participation from other organizations or professionals with technical expertise thereby reducing the politicization of the electoral process,” the COI report pointed out.

The COI noted that there is a strong need for campaign financing legislation as there is a perception that persons and/or corporations who give large donations stand to gain

political favours.

“Save for the provisions set out in Part XII of ROPA, there is no legislation applicable to campaign financing in Guyana. Accordingly, there is a lack of transparency and accountability regarding political parties and campaign financing.

Political parties have historically raised funds without any limitations regarding the source or amount of donation, and with very little obligation to disclose election expenses,” the COI stat-

ed.

Public Hearings of the COI commenced on November 3, 2022, and several witnesses took the stand including politicians, staff of GECOM, ranks from the Guyana Police Force, and other stakeholders such as local observers. However, the key players fingered in the attempts to rig elections had refused to testify when they were summoned before the Commission... including Mingo, Lowenfield and Myers. (G3)

File photo: Two vehicles that were involved in recent fatal accidents

The infamous bedsheet Mingo tried to use to call out figures for the Reg 4 tabulation

Sections of NA inundated after hours of rainfall

Overnight rainfall has left several sections of the town of New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), inundated on Wednesday.

One of the worst affected areas was Vryman’s Erven, where residents reported up to six inches of water in their yards. Residents of Glasgow say they woke up this morning to water pouring into their homes.

The business community was variously affected, with many businesses being unable to open until afternoon, when the level of water had subsided.

One business owner was seen pumping water out of his store, where more than six inches of water was lodged. He told this publication that flooding comes about whenever there is prolonged rainfall. He said there is no maintenance of the drainage system, and it currently has very little capacity. He said authorities need to stop depending on

premises before they were able to open for business.

The proprietor of Sharron’s Variety said the water started entering her building at 22:00h on Tuesday, and had risen to four inches.

“Suitcases of clothing have been damaged,” she declared.

The businesswoman said she was unable to use her kitchen or open her store for the day. “We are having this problem for a long time. I tried to get people to

his store if flooded. He says blocked drains are one of the main contributing factors. Coupled with that, the tide was high, thus preventing sluices in the town from being opened to let out the water.

“Due to the heavy rain last night, when I woke up and I came downstairs to open and do business, the whole place was flooded; all over with six inches of water, and we had to bail. We started about 8 O’clock.”

According to the businessman, it took his staff three hours to get the water out of the section of the building which is used by customers.

“All isn’t bailed as yet, we still have some in the garage,” he added.

ed. It is hurtful to see what is happening to some of the people that are working at those businesses and those that own stores. I have seen a lot of items damaged,” she said.

“They said they would have made several complaints to the Town Council about this situation. This is not a situation that has been occurring now; it has been occurring for years,

and they are still not doing anything.”

The entire road network in Vryman’s Erven was inundated, and certain vehicles could not even venture into that community. (G4)

the ancient way of draining the community and install pumps similar to those installed in some parts of the country, including the capital city.

One of the hardest hit sections of the business community was Pitt Street, where some business persons said it took them hours to bail water out of their

dig the drains, but I can’t do it alone. Others have to do their part for it to become clear,” she said. However, the inter-lot is being used by business owners at Pitt Street as a garbage collection site.

Meanwhile, Gyandat Marray who operates a pharmaceutical business in the town says whenever there is heavy rainfall

Nicola Luther says the Municipality should take responsibility. Luther, who is seeking a seat on the new council, says she is concerned because the community which she hopes to represent is suffering whenever there is prolonged rainfall in the town.

“This morning (Wednesday) I woke up to a lot of phone calls, with people telling me to come out and see what is happening. When I came here, the first thing I observed was that the head of Pitt Street was blocked, and all the businesses, the stores, are flood-

9

persons appointed to serve on Technical Standards Review Committee

Of the nine individuals who were appointed to serve on the Technical Standards Review Committee of the Public Works Ministry, working directly with the Government Electrical Inspectorate (GEI), seven were given their instruments of appointment on Wednesday.

The two remaining persons, who were unavoidably absent, would receive their appointment letters at another time.

The new members appointed on Wednesday are: Navin Deonarayan, Kevon Grimmond, Dr. Anna Perreira, John Cush, Kevin Vickerie, Davindra Ramnarine, and Elton Patram. Dr. Perreira will chair the committee, while Grimmond will be vicechair.

This committee will serve as a consultative and advisory body to Public Works Minister Juan Edghill on matters like any variation to the National Electrical Safety Codes (NESC) or the National Electrical Code (NEC), which may be necessary or advisable in the Guyana context.

This committee would also assist in the resolution of any dispute between the Government Electrical Inspectorate (GEI) and any

person, guide on technical matters related to the formulation and implementation of the National Energy Policy, as well as inspect and test suppliers’ works, and investigate incidents as well as any other technical matter concerning the supply of electricity.

Minister Edghill, before giving the charge this morning, noted that this Technical Standards Review Committee is one he believes would add value to what is taking place in Guyana.

“Just think about the build-out that is taking place in Guyana. Practically everybody is improving their homes, and lots of people are building new homes, and I don’t think that one of the areas that is observed

in its proper way is electrical wiring,” the Minister expressed.

During a simple meeting with the Committee members, Minister Edghill welcomed the board and explained that they will play a pivotal role in the modernisation of our country.

“I welcome this board in the context of Guyana’s trust for modernisation and the speed with which we are modernising. So, none of you here came because you like to do something, the agencies and the organizations that you represent carefully selected you and asked you to serve. So, as the minister responsible, I want to say welcome and thank you. I hope that you would be able to serve effectively for the improvement of all in Guyana,” Edghill expressed.

He added that, at the rate the country is currently growing, the Committee would need to start looking at new standards that can facilitate the modern construction world.

“There are some new things we have to do with the modernising of Guyana. We have seen buildings wanting to go 15/20 storeys, we have to start looking at standards in that way, to ensure that we don’t have collapsing,” Edghill outlined.

DUI charge dismissed...

His friend, 31-year-old Sheik Baksh of Dowding Street, Kitty Georgetown, was hospitalised after the crash.

Police have said that the accident occurred at about 02:15h and involved motor car PXX 4592, driven by Baksh, and motor jeep PTT 4136, driven by Narine. The jeep was proceeding along Vlissengen Road while the motor car was travelling along Sandy Babb Street.

At the time of the accident, the driver of the motor car was reportedly cross-

ing the intersection on the green light when the driver of the jeep failed to stop, thus causing a collision.

Mekdeci and Baksh sustained injuries to their bodies, and were picked up by an ambulance in an unconscious condition and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

Baksh was admitted as a patient in the Emergency Unit of the hospital, suffering from a broken left arm, a laceration to the head, and a punctured left lung. Mekdeci, on the other hand,

FROM PAGE 12

was pronounced dead on arrival.

A breathalyser test administered on the driver of the jeep proved that he was way above the legal limit of alcohol consumption, Police Headquarters had reported.

The late Mekdeci was a squash player who had participated in the Georgetown Squash Associationorganised Squash League. In 2019, he performed exceptionally well in the Bounty Farm Handicap Squash Tournament. (G1)

Public Works Minister, Bishop Juan Edghill

Water being pumped out of a store at Strand, New Amsterdam, on Wednesday

NGSA Science Questions NGSA S. Studies Questions

Colombian President reshuffles Cabinet in dramatic move

President Gustavo Petro has replaced seven Ministers in a shake-up he hopes will reinvigorate his ambitious agenda for reform in Colombia, a platform that has faced significant obstacles since he took office in August.

Petro announced the changes on Wednesday, replacing key figures such as Finance Minister Jose Antonio Ocampo and Health Minister Carolina Corcho.

“Today a new Cabinet is being built that will help to consolidate the government’s programme,” Petro wrote in a statement published on Twitter.

The surprise shakeup is a gamble that could be a defining moment in Petro’s legacy as the leftist President grapples with challenges ranging from securing peace with Colombia’s criminal and rebel groups to reforming the country’s labour and healthcare systems. Healthcare reform has

been a key area of contention, with Petro promoting a plan he says would expand access to the country’s poor and increase pay for health workers.

Facing opposition from what he called “traditional political leaders and the establishment”, Petro signalled his commitment to the reforms by ejecting figures appointed to his Cabinet as an olive branch to powerful conservative and centre-right forces, in-

Rights group denounces ‘brutal’ protest crackdown in Peru

Peru’s Police and military have violently suppressed recent anti-Government protests, resulting in deaths that likely amount to “extrajudicial or arbitrary killings” under international law, according to a new 107-page report from the non-profit Human Rights Watch (HRW).

with certainty.”

The report, released on Wednesday, comes nearly five months after widespread demonstrations erupted across Peru, following the impeachment and arrest of then-President Pedro Castillo in December.

died from firearms, and five more were killed by “pellets fired from shotguns”.

According to Muñoz, Police, in some cases, used a type of lead pellet that contravened Peruvian law.

cluding Ocampo.

“We reconfirm our commitment to be always faithful to the popular mandate we received and we have decided to configure a government to renew our social change agenda,” added Petro.

Some political figures, including prominent allies of the President, have expressed concerns that the audacious move could backfire.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Jamaica pays tribute to Belafonte

Jamaica on Tuesday paid tribute to Harry Belafonte, who has died of congestive heart failure at his New York home.

Both Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Opposition Leader Mark Golding said the 96-yearold Belafonte, who was of Jamaican parentage, was a treasured icon.

“Representing the best of our culture and values, his music and activism touched the hearts and minds of people globally. Harry Belafonte was not only a talented artiste but also a fearless activist who dedicated his life to the struggle for civil rights and so-

cial justice,” Holness said of Belafonte, who was bestowed with the Order of Merit (OM) for his outstanding contribution to culture in 2018.

Holness said Belafonte, a singer, actor, and activist who used his talent and platform to promote social justice and equality, was a trailblazer who paved the way for generations of artistes and activists to come and his legacy will live on.

Golding hailed Belafonte as a tireless advocate for civil rights and a staunch opponent of racism, inequality, and oppression.

“His contributions to the fight against Apartheid in

South Africa and his advocacy for the rights of the marginalised will forever be remembered. Rest in Peace to a true son of Jamaica.

“We join with all Jamaicans, and the world, in mourning the passing of this extraordinary son of the soil, and celebrating his remarkable life and legacy. Harry Belafonte was a true Jamaican icon, whose contributions to music, film, and social justice will continue to inspire generations to come. Rest in peace, Harry Belafonte, your music, activism and Jamaican spirit will live on forever,” the Opposition Leader added. (Nation News)

UN’s new Haiti envoy warns of “alarming” surge in violence

Haitians are living through an “alarming” surge in violence, the Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) has said, with the number of criminal incidents more than doubling since last year.

Speaking to the UN Security Council on Wednesday, BINUH chief Maria Isabel Salvador said 1674 homicides, rapes, kidnappings and lynchings were reported in the first quarter of 2023.

That is up from 692 such incidents in the same period a year earlier, said Salvador, citing data collected by BINUH and the Haitian National Police (HNP).

“Gang violence is expanding at an alarming rate in areas previously considered relatively safe in Port-au-Prince and outside the capital,” she said.

“The horrific violence in gang-ridden areas, including sexual violence, particularly

against women and girls, is emblematic of the terror afflicting much of Haiti’s population.”

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres appointed Salvador to lead BINUH and act as his special representative to Haiti in early March, as the Caribbean nation remains embroiled in a political crisis and faces worsening violence.

Gang violence has been on the rise, particularly after the July 2021 assassination

“We have found conclusive evidence that Police and military in Peru used disproportionate, indiscriminate and brutal force against protesters and bystanders,” César Muñoz, the Americas Associate Director at HRW, told Al Jazeera. “We can say that

After reviewing autopsy and ballistic reports as well as health records, HRW found that most of the protester and bystander deaths were the result of gunshot wounds.

Of the 49 civilians killed during clashes with security forces from December through February, the non-profit found that 39

“The National Police of Peru have approved pellets for use in crowd control operations,” Muñoz said. “But those pellets are supposed to be made of rubber.”

One civilian, 22-year-old Rosalino Florez, was shot more than 30 times with pellets on January 11. He died this past March after nearly two months in the hospital. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

of President Jovenel Moïse, which created a power vacuum. And the country’s virtually non-existent government system has made stemming attacks even more difficult.

Haiti’s de facto leader, Prime Minister Ariel Henry, whom Moïse chose for the post just days before he was killed, has faced a crisis of legitimacy – and attempts to chart a political transition for Haiti have failed, as well.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Barbados

economy recovered, says Central Bank Governor

Central Bank Governor, Dr Kevin Greenidge, says the Barbados economy has recovered following the slump caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

He reported this on Wednesday during his first quarterly press conference since being appointed on March.

Dr Greenidge told members of the media at the Courtney Blackman Grande Salle, and an online audience, that the economy grew by 6.4 per cent in the first quarter, which was the eighth consecutive quarter of expansion.

“Tourism drove the expansion during the quarter with improved performance in all the major source markets. Arrivals more than doubled those of the corresponding period of 2022, reaching 78 per cent of 2019 or the pre-COVID levels,” the Governor said.

“This growth in tourism spilled over into the other sectors of the economy, resulting in the unemployment rate falling by 3.7

percentage points to 7.2 per cent at the end of 2022, relative to 2021. This unemployment rate is the lowest on record since September 2007.”

The Central Bank is predicting that the economy will grow by between four and five per cent this year.

“Continued expansion in tourism and Private Sector investments are key to driving this performance for the rest of 2023, while the Government’s ongoing public investment programme, should provide further impetus to the economy,” Dr Greenidge said. (Nation News)

panellists say A&B’s transition to republican status needs to be bipartisan

UWI

The future of the British monarchy in Antigua and Barbuda’s political sphere continues to be debated by political thinkers and the public alike with opinions on a transition to republicanism continuously being raised.

The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus held its monthly public advocacy series Monday night on the “The Case for Republicanism”.

While changes to the current political system have been largely supported by

the leaders of both political parties, it remains to be seen whether partisan politics would sink any proposals, as seen with the 2018 referendum on the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).

Vice Chairman of the Caricom Reparations Commission, Dorbrene O’Marde, told attendees that both parties needed to work together on this move.

“The reality is that in these tribal political societies that we live in … that the movement to republicanism, especially in coun-

tries like ours where there are entrenched clauses that require at least two-thirds majority … it is going to be difficult to achieve under normal circumstances.

“But I think our government must take responsibility of making this happen [with] mature political leadership … and the inclusion of Opposition voices … it is not enough for the Government to say [it is] committed to a referendum and we are going to do it,” he said.

(Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

President Gustavo Petro has proposed ambitious reforms to Colombia's healthcare system, but has faced stiff opposition from conservatives in the legislature [Luisa Gonzalez/Reuters]

Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados, Dr Kevin Greenidge. (Picture by Jameel Springer)

Trucks block a street as people protest against gangs in Port-auPrince, April 25, 2023 [Ralph Tedy Erol/Reuters]

Oil prices dropped by almost four per cent on Wednesday, extending the previous session's sharp losses, even after a report showed US crude inventories fell more than expected, as recession fears grew for the world's biggest economy.

Brent crude settled at US$77.69 a barrel, losing US$3.08, or 3.8 per cent.. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude settled at US$74.30 a barrel, shedding US$2.77, or 3.6 per cent.

Energy Information Administration (EIA) data showing US crude inventories fell last week by 5.1 million barrels to 460.9 million barrels helped to limit the price fall, far exceeding analyst forecasts of a 1.5 million drop in a Reuters poll.

Gasoline and distillate stocks also drew down, sinking by 2.4 million barrels to 221.1 million barrels and almost 600,000 barrels to 111.5 million barrels, respectively, the EIA said.

"The complex appears more focused on a recession that may be well under way rather than some current EIA statistics that have generally been tilting bullish," said Jim Ritterbusch of consultancy Ritterbusch and Associates.

A forecast of higher refinery activity, but lower crude exports, will continue a push and pull for weeks.

"Refinery runs are set to climb in the weeks ahead, boosting the demand side of the ledger, but countering this is the expectation of lower crude exports, as the tightening of the Brent-WTI spread weighs on buying appetite," Matt Smith, lead oil analyst for the Americas at Kpler, said.

Oil prices have erased all their gains since the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and producer allies such as Russia, known collectively as OPEC+, announced in early April an additional output reduction until the end of the year.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Wednesday that OPEC+ remains an efficient tool for coordination.

Oil prices fell more than two per cent on Tuesday as lingering economic concerns and expectations of further interest rate hikes that could curtail fuel demand growth countered signs of improving short-term consumption gains.

US consumer confidence dropped to a nine-month low in April as worries mounted, heightening the risk of the economy falling into recession this year. New orders for key US-manufactured capital goods also fell more than expected in March and shipments declined.

"This (data) will add credence to claims that the US economy is edging closer to a recession," said PVM Oil's Stephen Brennock.

Investors also are concerned potential interest rate hikes by inflation-fighting central banks could slow economic growth and dent energy demand in the United States, Britain, and the European Union.

The US Federal Reserve, the Bank of England, and the European Central Bank are all expected to raise rates at their coming meetings. The Fed meets over May 2-3. (Reuters)

Xi holds first talks with Zelenskyy since Russian invasion

Chinese President Xi Jinping has spoken to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the first time since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with Beijing saying it wanted to send an envoy to Kyiv to serve as a mediator to pursue a “political settlement”.

The phone call on Wednesday lasted nearly an hour and was “long and meaningful”, according to the Ukrainian President.

Around The World OIL NEWS Oil drops nearly 4% as recession fears outweigh US inventory draw

“I believe that this call, as well as the appointment of Ukraine’s Ambassador to China, will give a powerful impetus to the development of our bilateral relations,” Zelenskyy wrote on Twitter.

The first known wartime phone call between the two

leaders comes after Xi and Zelenskyy both said they were willing to speak to each other following Xi’s visit to Moscow in March.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry statement said Beijing’s “core stance is to facilitate talks for peace” and announced that an en-

voy – a former Ambassador to Russia – would visit Ukraine to seek a “political settlement”.

The statement struck a positive tone, giving a nod to Kyiv’s insistence that its territory cannot be broken up by Russia’s annexations and making clear that Beijing

values its long-standing ties with Ukraine.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova commended China’s approach, but slammed Ukraine’s stance.

While Zakharova praised Beijing’s “readiness to strive to establish a [peace] negotiations process”, she said Kyiv rejected “any sound initiatives aimed at a settlement”.

The US White House also welcomed the phone call between the two leaders, but said it would be too soon to tell if it would lead to a peace deal.

“That’s a good thing,” United States national security spokesperson John Kirby said about the call.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Republicans

pass debtceiling hike as US creeps toward financial calamity

The US House of Representatives on Wednesday narrowly passed a bill to raise the Government's US$31.4 trillion debt ceiling, defying Democratic President Joe Biden by attaching sweeping spending cuts for the next decade.

The mostly partisan 217-215 vote was a win for Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who hopes to lure Biden into negotiations on cutting spending, even as the White House and congressional Democrats insist on a debt limit increase with no strings attached.

The US Treasury Department could run out of ways to pay its bills in a matter of weeks if Congress fails to act, and financial markets are already flashing warning signs. A 2011 standoff led to a downgrade of the Government's credit rating, which pushed borrowing costs higher and hammered investments.

"We've done our job," a victorious McCarthy told reporters just after the vote. "The Republicans

Donald Trump rape accuser takes the stand

have raised the debt limit. You have not. Neither has Schumer," McCarthy added, referring to Biden and top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer.

McCarthy now faces a far more daunting task in trying to broker a compromise with Democrats without losing the backing of some of his most conservative fellow Republicans.

McCarthy called on Biden to begin negotiations on a debt limit increase and spending-cut bill and for the Senate to either approve the House bill or to pass its own.

The bill would increase Washington's borrowing authority by US$1.5 trillion or until March 31, whichever comes first, raising the spectre of another round of negotiations during the 2024 presidential campaign.

The bill would pare spending to 2022 levels and then cap growth at one per cent a year, repeal some tax incentives for renewable energy and stiffen work requirements for some anti-poverty programmes. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Disney sues Florida Governor Ron DeSantis

Disney has accused Florida Governor Ron DeSantis of organising a campaign of "Government retaliation" in a lawsuit.

The new legal action sharply escalates the battle between the entertainment giant and the Republican politician.

The two sides have been fighting since Disney criticised a state law banning discussion of sexual orientation or gender identity in primary schools.

The lawsuit came after state officials voided a development deal involving the firm's Florida theme park.

Disney said DeSantis' steps to assert control over its operations threatened its business and violated its constitutional rights.

It asked the court to undo the moves.

"Disney regrets it has come to this," the company's parks division said in the lawsuit, filed in federal court in Florida.

"But having exhausted

efforts to seek a resolution, the company is left with no choice but to file this lawsuit to protect its cast members, guests, and local development partners from a relentless campaign to weaponise Government power against Disney in retaliation for expressing a political viewpoint unpopular with certain state officials."

DeSantis – who is currently abroad on a roundthe-world tour – has previously cast the state's moves as efforts to remove special

perks for a company that were no longer in the public interest.

At one point he said the state would not "bend a knee to woke executives in California".

"We are unaware of any legal right that a company has to operate its own government or maintain special privileges not held by other businesses in the state," his communications director Taryn Fenske said in response to the lawsuit.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Aformer columnist suing Donald Trump over an alleged rape nearly 30 years ago has testified she launched the case "to try and get my life back".

E Jean Carroll told the New York civil rape and defamation trial she had been unable to have a romantic life since the alleged assault.

Carroll claims Trump accosted her in a Manhattan department store in 1996.

He has consistently denied her accusations as "fiction".

"I'm here because Donald Trump raped me, and when I wrote about it, he lied and said it didn't happen," Carroll told a Manhattan federal

court on Wednesday. "He lied and shattered my reputation, and I'm here to try and get my life back."

Carroll, a former advice columnist for Elle magazine, testified that the encounter with Trump initially began with flirtatious banter after he approached her at the Bergdorf Goodman store and asked if she would help him buy a gift for a friend.

She said the banter quickly took a turn when Trump asked her to try on a piece of lingerie and followed her into a dressing room.

Once inside, she claimed, he closed the door, held her against the wall and raped her. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Humanitarian fears as thousands of Sudanese flee to Chad on foot

Tens of thousands of people fleeing violence in Sudan are spilling into Chad, with aid agencies warning that larger flows of refugees are expected to arrive.

Since fierce fighting broke out in Sudan on April 15, an estimated 20,000 people have entered Chad and at least 100,000 are set to arrive, the United Nations said on Tuesday, raising concerns about the stability of a fragile region.

The conflict has pitted army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan against Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo, the head of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and al-Burhan’s deputy in the military’s Sovereignty Council that has been running the country since the October 2021 coup. More than 400 people have died so far.

While the most intense fighting has been taking place in the capi-

tal Khartoum, battles have also spread to Sudan’s western region of Darfur, reviving memories of the 16-yearlong conflict, in which 300,000 people were killed. Back then, rebels fought against the Government of President Omar al-Bashir and the Popular Defence Forces – called “Janjaweed” by the rebels – which later evolved into the RSF.

Lying on Darfur’s western border, Chad has reported the highest number of refugees from the Sudan conflict compared with other neighbouring countries, according to the UN.

“They arrive exhausted and in a state of panic after they left behind all their material and financial assets,” said Idriss Mahmat Ali Abdallah Nassouri, head of Chad’s National Commission for Reception, Reintegration and Returnees (CNARR).

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Chinese President Xi Jinping

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Let your imagination lead the way, but don’t lose sight of what things cost or what’s realistic. Pay attention to self-improvement and avoid trying to change others.

(March 21-April 19)

Don’t rely on others. Do your part, choose your path and own the outcome. Speak from the heart and look out for your interests. Protect your reputation. Make the changes you want to see happen.

(April 20-May 20)

PEANUTS

(May 21-June 20)

Simplify, downsize and let go of the past. It’s a new day; time to reset your goals and focus on what’s important to you. You can’t change the past, but you can control how you move forward.

Put your energy where it counts. Reach out to those who have been there for you in the past, and you’ll get the backup you require. A change of attitude will result in new ideas.

(June 21-July 22)

Clear your head before you share your thoughts. Confusion will set in if you let your emotions interfere with what you are trying to accomplish. Expect to meet with stubborn resistance. Be patient.

(July 23-Aug. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Don’t hesitate to change your mind if something feels wrong. The adjustments may spark emotions but will also help stabilize your life. Trust your instincts. Don’t risk your health or well-being.

Spend quality time with people who lift your spirits and make you smile. Look for any opportunity to travel, learn or get involved in a partnership that offers growth opportunities.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Not everyone will agree with your decisions, but feeling comfortable and living with the results are what matter. Be true to yourself and feel good about the decisions you make.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Be careful with whom you share information today. Someone will twist your words if given a chance. Pay attention to relationships and determine who has your back. Avoid joint ventures.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Take care of financial matters. Money won’t buy you happiness or peace of mind. Someone you care about will disappoint you. Show patience and be a good listener, and something good will transpire.

You’ll face many controversies if you share too much information with a friend, relative or peer. Spend time developing your plans and working toward your objective.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

You’ve got the drive to achieve your goal. A change you want to make regarding your financial situation will happen if you put in the hours and do the work yourself. Pay attention to the details.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

DDL/Savannah Milk sponsor Guyana’s first national junior golf championship

Demerara Distillers Ltd (DDL) and the Guyana Golf Association (GGA) announced today that the first ever Guyana National Open Junior Golf Championship, scheduled for May 20-21, 2023 at the Westside Golf Course in Vreed-en-Hoop, is being sponsored by Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL), one of the nation's largest companies, under their Savannah Milk brand. Present at the DDL Headquarters for the official announcement were several CSEC students from Friendship Secondary School, Mr. Philip Haynes (Site Director for the LPGA/USGA Girls Site), GGA president Aleem Hussain, and Ms. Schemel Patrick, Brand Communications Manager, who said, "We wish to acknowledge the exceptional work being done by the Ministry of Education’s Unit of Allied Arts, Aleem Hussain, and the Guyana Golf Association with the development of golf

in the country. We're proud to be associated with this event as a key focus, for us at DDL /Savannah Milk is the advancement of youth through education and sport. We look

forward to being a part of this programme that has attracted many women and children players.”

The tournament will be open to all players aged 10-18.

The team that will represent Guyana at the Caribbean and USGA Juniors later this year will be drawn from the participants. Format of the tournament will be Chip, Putt

& Drive, and there will be three age categories (10-13; 14-16 and 17-18) with 1-5th place prizes for both male and female players.

Registration closes on May 15th at 6pm, and can be done by contacting the GGA via email guyanagolfassociation@ gmail.com or by calling 6450944.

Savannah Milk is the latest addition to the growing list of sponsors who have thrown their support behind the Guyana Golf Association and Nexgen Golf Academy. Ideal Autos Inc and Reliance Inc recently joined Banks DIH, Assuria General Insurance, Trophy Stall, Guyana Beverages, Blue Life Waters, Diamond Insurance, Sunshine Snacks, Darthan Investments, Puran Brothers, Toolsie Persaud Ltd, Aracari Resorts, Caliper Drones, Party Castle, Praetorian Security Services, the Region Three Private Sector Inc. and Region Three Regional

Offices in supporting the facility, which is already turning heads and bringing attention to sports tourism in the region.

Westside Golf Course, located in Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara, is the first modified course in the country that is open to the public for regular play on a daily basis, with subsidised rates for students. It features a challenging layout with multiple teeboxes and greens wrapped around a massive lake.

As a preview to the tournament, on May 7th, the Westside Golf Course will be hosting an Arrival Day Food & Fun event for families to enjoy the spacious grounds for barbecue and duck curry competitions, cricket, football, picnics, fishing in the lake, and partaking in GolFun activities for prizes. Interested persons can contact 645-0944 for reservations.

KKR’s Varun and Suyash wreck RCB's chase again in TATA IPL 2023

It took Kolkata Knight

Riders eight games to finally produce a cohesive team performance. They excelled with bat and ball, and were the better team in the field too, as they achieved only their third win of the season. It was the perfect way for them to start the second half of the league stage, beating Royal Challengers Bangalore for the second time in the season.

KKR's win was set up by their new opener, Jason Roy, who laid the base for their total of 200 by smacking 56 off 29 balls. Nitish Rana pumped 48 off 21 to keep the momentum going through the middle overs, and Rinku Singh (18 off 10) and David Wiese (12 off 3) put on the finishing touches.

RCB's chase, though, was on while Virat Kohli was out there. He scored 54 off 37 to keep them on course. However, regular wickets from Suyash Sharma, Varun Chakravarthy and Andre Russell kept pegging them back, and RCB eventually ran out of gas and fell short by 21.

Suyash, Varun pull it back for KKR

Kohli and Faf du Plessis hammered 30 runs in two overs from Vaibhav Arora and Umesh Yadav to start the chase, forcing Rana to bring on spin in the third over. He chose to go to his least experienced spinner - Suyash Sharma - ahead of Sunil Narine and Varun, and was rewarded with du

Plessis holing out to long on second ball.

While Kohli kept finding the boundary, he failed to find support in the powerplay, with Shahbaz Ahmed falling lbw to Suyash while Glenn Maxwell holed out off Varun. With RCB three down in the powerplay, Kohli and Mahipal Lomror stabilised the chase by running hard and taking on Sunil Narine.

Rana then went back to Varun, who had Lomror caught in the deep, and when Kohli was superbly caught on 54 by Venkatesh Iyer, diving to his left at deep midwicket in the 13th over, KKR were decidedly ahead in the contest. The dismissals of Wanindu Hasaranga and Dinesh Karthik in the space

of four balls ensured RCB had no way back, and Kohli, who was standing in as captain for du Plessis once again, said they had "gifted" the victory to KKR.

Rana makes RCB pay Kohli's scathing postgame comments were largely because of RCB's fielding. They put down a tough caught-and-bowled chance off Roy, but it was the two reprieves that Rana received that really cost RCB. According to ESPNcricinfo's Luck Index, the two drops: by Mohammed Siraj in the 13th over and Harshal Patel in the 15th, cost RCB a total of 29 runs.

The first chance came when Rana was on 5 off 5 deliveries, and the second when he was on 19 off 12. He ended up scoring 48

off 21 balls. Rana's innings included three fours and four sixes, and it allowed KKR to wrest the momentum after sluggish innings from N Jagadeesan and Venkatesh.

Roy sets Knight Riders up It was Roy's innings, however, that set the tone for KKR's night. After struggling for runs from their opening partnership all season, KKR finally had

a strong start, and it was all Roy. He smashed four sixes in the fifth over from leftarm spinner Shahbaz Ahmed to power them to 66 for 0 in the powerplay.

So, even though Vijaykumar Vyshak dismissed N Jagadeesan and Roy in the same over, KKR had a platform to build on, and this time Rana and the rest ensured that it was not wasted. (ESPNCricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Kolkata Knight Riders (20 ovs maximum)

BATTING R B

Jason Roy b Vyshak 56 29

Narayan Jagadeesan † c

Willey b Vyshak 27 29

Venkatesh Iyer c

Maxwell b de Silva 31 26

Nitish Rana (c) c

Vyshak b de Silva 48 21

Andre Russell b

Mohammed Siraj 1 2

Rinku Singh not out 18 10

David Wiese not out 12 3

Extras (lb 2, w 5) 7

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 10.00) 200/5

Did not bat: Sunil Narine, Vaibhav Arora, Umesh Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy

Fall of wickets: 1-83

(Narayan Jagadeesan, 9.2 ov), 2-88

(Jason Roy, 9.6 ov), 3-168

(Nitish Rana, 17.2 ov), 4-169

(Venkatesh Iyer, 17.4 ov), 5-185

(Andre Russell, 18.6 ov) •

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Mohammed Siraj 4-0-33-1

David Willey 3-0-31-0

Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva 4-0-24-2

Shahbaz Ahmed 1-0-25-0

Vijaykumar Vyshak 4-0-41-2

Harshal Patel 4-0-44-0

Royal Challengers Bangalore (T: 201 runs from 20 ovs)

BATTING R B

Virat Kohli (c) c Iyer b

Russell 54 37

Faf du Plessis c Singh

b Suyash Sharma 17 7

Shahbaz Ahmed lbw b Suyash Sharma 2 5

Glenn Maxwell c Wiese b Varun 5 4

Mahipal Lomror c Russell b Varun 34 18

Dinesh Karthik † c

Singh b Varun 22 18

Suyash Prabhudessai run out (sub [AS Roy] /Suyash Sharma) 10 9

Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva c sub (AS Roy) b Russell 5 4

David Willey not out 11 10

Vijaykumar Vyshak not out 13 8

Extras (lb 3, w 3) 6

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 8.95) 179/8

Did not bat: Mohammed Siraj

Fall of wickets: 1-31 (Faf du Plessis, 2.2 ov), 2-51 (Shahbaz Ahmed, 4.4 ov), 3-58 (Glenn Maxwell, 5.5 ov), 4-113 (Mahipal Lomror, 11.3 ov), 5-115 (Virat Kohli, 12.1 ov), 6-137 (Suyash Prabhudessai, 14.5 ov), 7-152

(Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva, 16.5 ov), 8-154

(Dinesh Karthik, 17.3 ov) •

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Vaibhav Arora

Umesh Yadav

Suyash Sharma

Varun Chakravarthy

Andre Russell

Sunil Narine

Nitish Rana

DDL’s Schemel Patrick making a presentation to the tournament organizers in the presence of prospective competitors

The KKR players celebrating after running Suyash Prabhudessai out

Virat Kohli played at a good tempo even as wickets fell around him

West Berbice cricket boosted by BCB/Faizal Jaffarally MP Trust Fund

- clubs benefit from cricket balls and scorebooks

items like bats and tapeballs.

The region would soon benefit from a bowling machine and batting cage at a combined cost of over six hundred thousand dollars. Four cricket coaches who are employed under the Government of Guyana Job Programme are also based in the West Berbice area and are working with youths. The sub association also received a large pitch cover at the cost of over three hundred thousand dollars.

‘One Guyana’ National Futsal Tournament…

Bent Street, Back Circle nab big wins

"West Berbice cricket has benefit greatly since my administration came into office in 2018, with numerous cricket tournaments and clubs receiving assistance on an unmatched scale. Your Member of Parliament Faizal Jaffarally has played a great part in these developments. He has been one of my greatest supporters, and today I want to specially thank him for his dedication and support."

Those were the words of BCB President Hilbert Foster as he spoke at the presentation ceremony for the second BCB/ Jaffarally Trust Fund for cricket teams in Region Five.

Foster, along with BCB

Secretary Angela Haniff and Competition Committee

Chairman Leslie Soloman, visited the Cotton Tree Ground with the People’s Progressive

Party Member of Parliament Faizal Jaffarally to share out two hundred and fifty thousand dollars’ worth of cricket balls and scorebooks to teams in West Berbice.

The Member of Parliament first sponsored the trust fund in 2022, and this year increased his contribution after last year assisting clubs with balls and wicket keeping gloves. This year, four clubs: Achievers, Cotton Tree, Bath and Bush Lot United, each received two boxes of red balls because they are involved in junior cricket in addition to second division, while one box of balls were presented to others who only play at the second division level. Among those were Police, D’ Edward, Shieldstown and Blairmont.

Each of the teams also received a scorebook under the

trust fund. Foster stated that, since 2018, clubs in the area have benefitted from playing in numerous cricket tournaments at both the junior and senior levels, and have received a wide range of assistance that include items like grass-cutters, practice nets, cycles, school bags, cricket balls, scorebooks, water pitchers, cricket gear, catching cribs and educational materials, among other things.

Cricket at the secondary school level has also returned after an absence of a few years, while the game is now been played at the primary level. Secondary schools in the region have also benefitted from uniforms and gear under the BCB’s massive developmental programme, while primary schools have also benefitted from donation of much needed

MP Jafarally was loud in his praise of the Hilbert Foster leadership of the game, and spoke of the many achievements over the years. He called on the teams to work together to achieve more success in the future. The MP pledged his future support, including his sponsorship of the Jaffarally 20/20 tournament, which would now be played on a round robin basis in 2023, and would start shortly with twelve teams divided into three zones. The defending champion D’ Edward CC is expected to be strongly challenged by the other teams for the championship in 2023, with Achievers, Cotton Tree and Bush Lot United being the main challengers.

President of the West Berbice Cricket Association, David Black, expressed thanks to both Foster and Jaffarally for their continued interest in West Berbice cricket.

BCB secures cricket sponsorship from Armco Construction Ltd and Ali's Bakery

The proactive Berbice Cricket Board (BCB) received a major boost when it secured two major sponsorships for the hosting of cricket tournaments at the secondary school and under-17

cricket. The BCB President noted that the Lower Corentyne tournament would be one of four inter-zone tournaments that would be played across Berbice - the others been Upper Corentyne, New Amsterdam/

delighted to be part of the rapid development of Berbice cricket, and pledged to make the tournament an annual event. Each of the schools would play in white uniforms that they have already collected from the BCB

Damion Cecil. The tournament would see the teams been divided into four zones: West Berbice, New Amsterdam/ Canje, Lower Corentyne, and Upper Corentyne. The winner and runner-up of each zone

There was no mercy shown by Bent Street on Tuesday evening at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue, as they picked up their second victory in the ‘One Guyana’ National Futsal tournament in commanding fashion - defeating a hapless Avocado Ballers 14-1.

Adrian Aaron was the main marksman for Bent Street, netting 7 goals in the 5th, 6th, 16th, 17th, 24th and twice in the 13th minute. Two hat tricks from Clive Nobrega in the 7th, 9th and 26th and Pernell Schultz in the 19th, 22nd, 28th pushed their tally to 13, while Daniel Wilson added the cherry on top in the 28th for the massive win.

Leonardo Thomas netted Avocado’s consolation in the 15th minute.

In another fixture on Tuesday, Albouystown had a neat 3-0 victory over Sophia. A brace from Joshua Samuels in the 3rd and 24th, in addition to a Dwayne James strike in the 30th, accounted for Albouystown’s tally.

On the back of a Jermaine Beckles (10th, 10th, 23rd) hattrick, Back Circle pulled off a 6-1 drubbing of Kitty. Adding to Back Circle’s tally were Jamal

Cozier in the 17th minute, Simeon Moore in the 21st, and Selwyn Williams in the 24th, for their 6.

Meanwhile, Deon Alfred was the only man to find the back of the net for Kitty in the 13th minute.

Ven-Guy also found themselves in the winners’ circle by way of a 3-1 victory over Alexander Village. Salas Joiber led the charge for VenGuy with goals in the 28th and 30th minutes, while Carlos Escobar netted their first in the 17th. On the other hand, Christopher Williams pierced the nets in the 25th minute for Alexander Village’s consolation.

The ‘One Guyana’ National Futsal Tournament is set to continue on Thursday evening (tonight) with another four games at the Mandela Avenue venue. A total of 32 teams are battling for a million- dollar grand prize in the inaugural tournament, organized by Kashif and Shanghai.

levels.

The BCB secured sponsorship from Armand Ramdial of Armco Construction of Kildonan Village, Central Corentyne for the hosting of a 30-over inter-secondary school tournament for six schools in the Lower Corentyne area, while Ali Bakery of Cotton Tree Village is on board for the hosting of an under-17 countywide tournament for clubs. BCB President Hilbert Foster, who has returned to his duties after a three-month medical absence, expressed thanks to the two sponsors for the investment in Berbice

Canje, and West Berbice.

The teams involved would be Lower Corentyne Secondary, JC Chandisingh Secondary, Port Mourant Secondary, Corentyne Comprehensive Secondary, Manchester Secondary and Wilfred Gaskin Secondary. The winner of the zone would then go on to play the champions of the three other zones for the overall county championship. The winner and runner-up of the zone would each receive cash prizes and trophies.

Mr Ramdial, whose company is currently involved in several major projects, including the expansion of the Port Mourant Hospital, said he is

and sponsor Lochan Samkarran under a multi-million-dollar uniform project.

The sponsorship from Ali’s Bakery would cater for the annual under-17 inter-club tournament. A total of fifteen clubs are expected to play, including Cotton Tree, Bath, Achievers, Bush Lot United, Tucber Park, Guymine, Rose Hall Canje, Edinburgh, No 19 Kendall, Albion, Port Mourant, RHTYSC, NO 73 and Skeldon.

The cut-off date of birth is September 1, 2005, and among those expected to play are Rampertab Rampersaud, Shiv Harripersaud, Matthew Pottaya, Romesh Bharrat and

would advance to the quarter finals and the knockout phrases. The tournament’s overall winner and runner-up, along with the Man of the Finals, would win attractive cash prizes and trophies.

Mr Zaman Ali, CEO of the Bakery, stated that he was very delighted to be part of the game that has made the county proud over the years, and expressed confidence the BCB would do a great job in organising the tournament.

Foster reassured him that the tournament would surpass all expectations and would be used to select the Berbice intercounty team.

Representatives of the West Berbice clubs posed with Faizal Jaffarally MP, BCB President Hilbert Foster and other BCB executives

The Secretary of Ali’s Bakery presenting BCB Secretary Angela Haniff and Competition Chairman Leslie Soloman with the sponsorship cheque

A representative of Armco Construction handing over the sponsorship to BCB PRO, Jonathan Rampersaud

Scenes from the ‘One Guyana’ National Futsal Tournament (File photos)

GKC, IKD Headquarters about $10M away from completion

…Facility has potential to boost sports tourism

The Guyana Karate College (GKC), after a decade of assiduous work, are hoping to soon complete their National Headquarters at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara.

A stone’s throw away from the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) Headquarters, the GKC building is about 85% complete, and will also become the technical Headquarters for the International Karate Daigaku (IKD). The building is set to be named the ‘Frank WoonA-Tai Budokan’ after world renowned Guyanese 10th Dan Frank Woon-A-Tai.

While the building in its current state does not have a specific price tag, the GKC has raised over $40M in funding for the building’s construction.

“We raised all this money to put up the steel. The steel, I guess, was the most expensive item here. An then we got some money from the Government, a grant. We had a lot of donations that came in from business people and businesses. So, I think we’re looking at another $10M to finish it, to be operational,” Master Frank Woon-A-Tai shared with media operatives during a walk- through of the building on Wednesday morning. “Some people donated money, some people donated materials,” he clarified.

While doors have already been installed on the Liliendaal building, the windows are yet to be installed. Another project which is yet to be completed is the concreting on the second floor, a factor that is proving tough for the GKC, considering Guyana’s booming construction sector at present.

“Another big expense is the concrete for the second

Headley-Weekes Tri-Series 2023…

Sinclair scores unbeaten 50

-after King and McCaskie dominate WI Academy

floor, we’re waiting for the concrete. I understand there’s so much development right now in Guyana that it’s hard to get them to give us the second floor. And then there was some talk about the bricks, stone, for the concrete mix,” the 10th Dan divulged.

The IKD Headquarters is being constructed on a 1-acre plot of land which was given to the organization back in 2008 by then President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo. While the Budokan only takes up about 1/3rd of the land, the remaining space will be used to build a

dormitory for visiting students of the Digaku.

Meanwhile, the main building will sport 4 dojos, offices, instructors’ lounge, changing rooms, washrooms, and sections for spectators. Once completed, IKD Headquarters will be shifted from Toronto to Guyana, a move that will boost the country’s sports tourism, since the IKD has a whopping 60 member countries and 80 regions under its jurisdiction.

“It’s very important,” Woon-A-Tai commented. He went on to add, “My

headquarters in Toronto, the dojo is very small. You can’t afford something like this in Toronto, so this will be the technical headquarters, because a lot of people, especially from Africa and India, they want to come here and study.”

Probed on the significance of the building to the GKC, Woon-A-Tai responded, “It is significant because this will be the only dojo, perhaps in the world, that is being built from scratch for Karate.”

Further, Woon-A-Tai, remarking on the GKC’s ability to push sports tourism through the completion of their HQ, shared, “We have 95 regions - like Canada has 10 regions/ provinces - in 62 countries throughout the world, and this is the technical headquarters for that. So, the World Cup is going to be a big event that will boost sports tourism in Guyana.”

Last October, President Dr. Irfaan Ali pledged a whopping $10M towards the GKC project. Now the body believe they are another $10M away from completion. (Jemima Holmes)

Trophy Stall powers GRFU 7’s tournament this weekend

Popular businessman Ramesh Sunich has again collaborated with the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) to host a muchanticipated tournament at the weekend.

Sunich, through the household name of his company, Trophy Stall, has donated the trophies and medals for the GRFU/Trophy Stall 7's tournament, set for Saturday, April 29, 2023 at the National Park.

During a brief meeting on Wednesday, Sunich handed over the prizes to Public Relations Officer of the GRFU, Godfrey Broomes.

The businessman, who is a longstanding sponsor of Guyana Rugby and other sport associations, took time out to encourage other business owners to take seriously their corporate social responsibility.

He noted that his continued contribution to sport in Guyana is a key factor in his success and recognition of his business.

The rugby tournament will be contested by GDF, GPF Falcons and Panthers. GDF will be gunning to remain unbeaten after winning

the last sevens’ tournament a month ago. Falcons won the sevens tourney in February, while Panthers were runnersup in both.

West Indies Academy were taken to the cleaners on day one of this second match of the Headley-Weekes triseries at Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua. Zachary McCaskie (93), Brandon King (92), Jahmar Hamilton (57) and Kevin Sinclair’s unbeaten 52 were main contributors for Team Weekes on day one. Stumps were drawn with Team Weekes on 365-7 in 90 overs.

Earlier, West Indies Academy won the toss and elected to bowl first. Test opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul made only 25 before being trapped legbefore. He and McCaskie added 55 runs for the first wicket. Keacy Carty (12) wasted a start, and Alick Athanaze was stranded down the leg-side for a duck.

King came and displayed royalty in his batting. He and McCaskie added 136 runs for the fourth wicket. McCaskie struck 13 fours and one six in his 147-ball 93. King struck 11 fours and two sixes in the 148 balls he faced in his freeflowing 92.

Jahmar Hamilton showed his experience, but made 41 from 100 balls in an innings which had seven fours and one six. Hamilton and the Guyanese Sinclair added 74 runs for the sixth wicket, but Team Weekes were in control

at 331-6 in 82.3 overs.

Veerasammy Permaul joined Sinclair, and the duo ensured no further hiccups when stumps were drawn. Sinclair was unbeaten on 52 from 82 balls, which was decorated with seven fours and two sixes.

McKenny Clarke had 3-91 in 14 expensive overs, while Nyeem Young had 2-75 in 22 overs.

Layne out of match after death of mom West Indies Academy fast bowler Johann Layne will miss the second match of the Headley-Weekes Tri-Series, starting on Wednesday, 26 April, following the sad news of the passing of his mother, Yvette Layne.

Johann returned to Barbados following the firstround match which ended last Friday, in which he took five wickets in the first innings in the West Indies Academy’s win over Team Headley.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) extends sincere condolences to Johann and his family at this difficult time.

The players and match officials will wear black armbands, and they will also observe a moment of silence before the start of the play.

Day two will commence at 10:00h Eastern Caribbean Time.

Jahmar Hamilton and Kevin Sinclair contributed vital runs

A peek inside the GKC/ IKD Headquarters at Liliendaal

Guyanese 10th Dan Master Frank Woon-A-Tai

Trophy Stall’s Ramesh Sunich making a presentation to GRFU’s Godfrey Broomes