Guyana Times - Thursday, December 14, 2023

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 5583

THE BEACON OF TRUTH THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023

President Ali to meet with Nicolás Maduro today for historic Guyana-Venezuela talks …Caricom Chair; Barbados, T&T PMs to also attend meeting in SVG

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

“We are homeless” – single mother after fire destroys P Corentyne home 10

Pages 3&7

Teen crushed to death by truck he was repairing

The last flight: Guyana bids farewell to pilot Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles Man serving life

P17

sentence for P8 child rape found not guilty on 4 similar charges

Preparations P10 ongoing ahead of Guyana taking up UN Security Council seat

Page 2

GRA records $176B in revenue, $86.2B in taxes collected from oil & gas …sector accounts for majority of $56B in 2022 corporate tax collection

…as Security Council Report conducts capacity building with Guyanese team

See story on page 9

UN to dispatch 2 observers to Pres Ali & Maduro talks in St Vincent today …reject Venezuela’s attempts to disrupt regional zone of peace – former St Lucian PM Page 7

…“We must stand up to bullies and tyrants” – UK’s Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs

Shooting probe

P17

Travis Chase asked to turn in firearm to Police

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

The last flight: Guyana bids farewell to pilot Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles O

n Wednesday, a sombre atmosphere hung over the nation as Guyana bid farewell to a true patriot and a fearless aviator, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles.

Known affectionately as “Mike”, Charles embarked on his last flight not as a routine mission, but as a final journey that united a grieving nation in profound sorrow.

Charles was more than a military officer; he was a symbol of unwavering dedication to his country. His final moments were tragically marked by the Bell 412 helicopter crash, but he has left behind a legacy of valour and sacrifice, the news of his passing along with four other servicemen sending shockwaves through the hearts of Guyanese.

Lieutenant Colonel Charles, a man enamored with the natural beauty of Guyana, had a unique way of showcasing his love for the country. Through captivating videos and images, he brought to life the breathtaking landscapes that defined Guyana. His dedication to documenting the magnificence of the Essequibo region, even in the face of imminent threats to national sovereignty, reflected his commitment to duty.

President Dr Irfaan Ali, joined by dignitaries, military officials, and the grieving family, paid a moving tribute to the fallen hero. Lt. Colonel Charles, he said, was more than an ordinary Guyanese; he was a leg-

Ann Fernandes, widow of Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles, holding the flag of Guyana which was handed over to her by Commander-in-Chief, President Dr Irfaan Ali (DPI photo)

end and a patriot who willingly laid down his life in defence of his homeland.

President Ali acknowledged Charles's role in portraying Guyana's beauty, and said it ensured that his legacy would be immortalised in the National Museum.

“He was a patriot who would lay down his life willingly in defence of Guyana. In his job, he undertook risky missions, and he always acted out of a sense of duty…has fallen in the line of duty, but in his falling, he continues to lift our nation,” President Ali said.

According to President Ali, Charles’s death has left a void.

“Mike wasn’t just a brother, he was my dearest friend, my

trusted friend. I feared nothing in the sky once Mikes Charles was there,” the President said.

As the nation mourned, memories of Charles’s illustrious career and contributions to the Guyana Defence Force were shared. It was revealed that from his early days in 1981, to his promotion to Lieutenant Colonel in 2021, his dedication, love for his country, and willingness to go the extra mile were evident.

The farewell ceremony unfolded with President Ali expressing a deep personal connection to Charles, remembering him not just as a brother, but as a cherished friend.

The final journey commenced with Charles’s remains being

flown across the country in a symbolic last flight over the landscapes he loved.

“Mike wasn’t just a brother, he was my dearest friend, my trusted friend. I feared nothing in the sky once Mike Charles was there,” the President said.

Air Corps Commander Lieutenant Colonel Mohinder Ramjag shared similar sentiments, saying that Mike Charles was an ‘angel’. He said Charles was loved by all, especially the Indigenous children, who were always fascinated with his helicopter.

“He ate, slept, and lived among those (as) a local part of his family…his infectious smile and genuine care had the power to heal even the heaviest of

hearts. Mike was a beacon of light, a true friend, and was always there to lend an ear of advice…”, he said.

The farewell ceremony started at the Nazarene church, just a stone's throw away from Charles’s home. Prayers and reflections filled the air as his remains were honoured in a solemn service. The casket was then lifted into the helicopter, and his body was flown one final time across the country he loved.

His body was then taken to the Promenade Gardens in Middle Street, Georgetown, where another service was held before the cortege later proceeded to the Memorial Gardens Crematorium and Funeral Home in Princes Street, Georgetown.

In the streets of Georgetown, a solemn procession unfolded, with soldiers marching in unison, family members holding hands, and citizens paying their respects. The Golden Arrowhead draped around the casket symbolized Guyana's gratitude for his service and sacrifice. Tears flowed as his wife, Ann Fernandes, collected the emblem, marking the emotional reality of their loss.

At the memorial site, wreaths were laid, and Mike Charles's remains were taken to the crematorium building for a private funeral and cremation.

Of the seven servicemen who went missing when the

helicopter crashed in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) on December 6, only two have survived. Lieutenant Andio Crawford and Corporal Dwayne Jackson were extracted from the crash site on December 8, after two days and multiple thwarted attempts by the search and rescue team to rescue them.

In the presence of President Irfaan Ali and other senior officials at the Eugene F Correia International Airport on Friday, the caskets containing the bodies of Brigadier (ret’d) Gary Beaton, Colonel Michael Shahoud, Lieutenant Colonel Sean Welcome, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Charles, and Staff Sergeant Jason Khan were taken from a GDF Skyvan by their comrades and transported to waiting hearses.

Brigadier Beaton was the project engineer; Colonel Shahoud, an attorney-at-law, was Commander of the 1st Infantry Battalion; Lt Col Charles was the pilot; Lieutenant Colonel Welcome was Commanding Officer of the Reserve Battalion; and Staff Sergeant Khan was from the 31 Special Forces Squadron.

At about 11:20h on Wednesday, an Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) signal was received, but because of rough terrain and adverse weather, the search and rescue team was only able to reach the site on Thursday at about 14:30h. (G9)

NEWS

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

BRIDGE The Demerara OPENINGS Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, December 14 – 04:00h-05:30h and Friday, December 15 – 04:00-05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, December 14 – 05:05h-06:35h and Friday, December 15 – 05:50h-07:20h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunshine and light rain showers are expected during the day, with clear to cloudy skies at night.

Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to Easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 17:24h reaching a maximum height of 2.73 metres.

Low Tide: 10:58h and 23:30h reaching minimum heights of 0.68 metre and 0.48 metre.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2023

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COMMODITIES Indicators

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President Ali to meet with Nicolás Maduro today for historic Guyana-Venezuela talks

By Devina Samaroo in St Vincent and the Grenadines

H

istory will take place today at the Argyle International Airport Inc in St Vincent and the Grenadines as Guyana's President Dr Irfaan Ali and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro meet to discuss issues aimed at maintaining regional peace and stability.

Expectations are high, since Venezuela, in recent months, has intensified its threats and aggression towards Guyana and continues to peddle false narratives regarding the border controversy.

These talks were largely brokered by St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves in his role as President Pro Tempore of CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean States), and came in the wake of a discussion President Ali held with the leadership of the Caribbean Community (Caricom).

Current Chairman of Caricom, Roosevelt Skerritt, Prime Minister of Dominica, is slated to be at the engagement, as well as Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Keith Rowley and Barbados Prime Minister Mia Motley.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, a key supporter of the talks, will be represented by his Foreign Policy Advisor.

President Ali has since made it clear that the matter of the border controversy was not up for discussion, as it was being adjudicated by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The Guyanese leader had explained that even though talks on the border controversy were off the table, there are a number of other matters that can be discussed with Maduro, including issues surrounding migration and climate change. He had indicated that these talks could help to maintain the region as a zone of peace.

On the other hand, Maduro, in a letter to PM Gonsalves welcoming the talks, expressed a different interpretation of the meeting's agenda; "to directly address the territorial dispute between Venezuela and Guyana".

In fact, his letter contained a number of inaccurate positions, which were promptly clarified

by President Ali in a second letter to PM Gonsalves, wherein he maintained that discussions on the border controversy would not be entertained.

“I, too, have a mandate from the National Assembly of Guyana, which is unanimous in its resolve that the land boundary is not a matter for bilateral discussions and the settlement of the matter is properly on the International Court of Justice where it must remain until the Court gives

Argyle International Airport Inc in St Vincent and the Grenadines

its final ruling on the merits of the case, which, Guyana has always said and I repeat, will be fully respected

by Guyana,” President Ali wrote.

“Let me assure you, Dear Colleague, that I am prepared to speak with President Maduro on any other aspect that may contribute to improving and strengthening amicable relations between our two countries,” he continued in the letter.

Maduro, according to his letter, also has expectations that the meeting's discourse would touch on topics such as Guyana's cooperation with the United States of America.

But President Ali re-

minded that Guyana reserves the right to engage in any form of cooperation with its bilateral partners.

He made it clear that there was no military operation aimed at Venezuela taking place in Guyana’s territory and called such claims by the Venezuelan leader “misleading and provocative”.

President Ali was further forced to debunk other inaccuracies in Maduro’s letter, including his claim that Guyana was giving out oil concessions in maritime areas that had not been delimited, even though these concessions are well within the 200 nautical miles of Guyana’s coast that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea recog-

nises as a State’s maritime jurisdiction.

While engaging with the media earlier this week, President Ali was presented with a scenario during which Maduro pressed to have the border controversy discussed.

But President Ali maintained that there would be no wavering on his position, saying "the 1899 Arbitral Award settled where Essequibo belongs. And it belongs squarely, firmly in the geographic space of Guyana.

That is the first thing I would say. The second thing is that the Geneva Agreement provided for the UN Secretary General to appoint a place where this controversy should be settled. He has appointed the ICJ and that is where it should be settled.”

According to the Guyanese leader, “when we get to the talks, there’s a lot still to talk about."

"We say we’re part of the same region. If we are both concerned about the development of our countries and people, there are so many things to talk about. You have the migration issue, climate change …consequential matters. One of the important things is to ensure this region remains peaceful and stable. And that is talking about the narrative not conducive to peace."

TURN TO PAGE 5

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guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023

Views

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

Squibs and explosives

G

overnment has introduced legislation which prohibits the importation and use of squibs and explosives on the local market. This was after years of advocacy, especially from animal rights activists.

However, as the holidays are upon us, these items are being openly sold on the pavements and in the markets.

Every year, communities and villages are inundated with persons throwing firecrackers during Christmas and New Year’s.

The sale and purchase of such explosives are illegal under the Customs Act amended by Act No 1 of 2005 and the Criminal Offences Act, Cap 8:02.

As a matter of fact, this starts since Diwali celebrations. Each year, it is hoped that this changes and the law enforcement agencies make an example of the importers, sellers, and buyers.

These little devices are no different from bombs.

Our Pet Care Columnist, Dr Steve Surujbally in one of his columns explaining the dangers these devices pose to animals said, “…whether it is a firecracker or a squib or any noise-making explosive, it hurts animals. Dogs and cats have sensitive ears.

The noise from the explosions disorients and traumatises them.

They don’t know what to do. They run indoors and try to hide in secluded places where they think there is security (bathrooms, under beds, in cupboards, etc). They hurt themselves. They run away from home. They jump off the verandah, break their legs or, worse, their necks, or damage their spinal cords, causing paralysis for life.”

In the past, persons have paid the price for not heeding warnings to desist from playing with these explosives. Persons were left maimed, blind, and without limbs, among other irreparable harm, when the firecrackers exploded in their faces.

Sadly, even toddlers and children have suffered severe burns from either playing with firecrackers or coming into contact with those that were lit by other persons. Yet, despite these many disasters, and in the face of repeated warnings, Guyanese still play with these explosives.

A ban was imposed on all fireworks, and persons caught selling the devices could face fines and jail time, as could persons caught playing with the items. But, if this year has been anything to go by, the Police have been incredibly weak in clamping down on this practice and in preventing the banned products from entering into the country.

Only a few months ago, the Diwali celebrations were greeted by an overwhelming number of dangerous firecrackers popping around the country. The excessive noise suggests that very little – if anything at all – was done to ensure that the banned products were kept off the market. Too many citizens had banned firecrackers in their possession.

In some areas, young people assembled on the road, lit these explosives, and tossed them, being unconcerned about the dangers in which they were placing innocent people and the damage they could have done. Motorists are often times aggravated about this.

The wide use of firecrackers suggests that the products were easily available on the market, and the Police did not make it their duty to crack down on their illegal importation and sale.

The Police could say that tracking down illegal products and finding every seller of banned firecrackers in every nook and cranny in the country is difficult, perhaps impossible, to do; but that is not what we had in mind. Our contention is that, when it comes to smuggling, law enforcers are still not on top of the situation.

In previous years, when the Police targeted sellers of firecrackers in the lead-up to Diwali and Christmas celebrations, there was a major difference.

Playing with firecrackers is no longer fun. One of the major concerns about the practice is that citizens cannot distinguish between the sound of a firecracker popping and a gun being fired. With the proliferation of firecrackers during these holidays, gun-toting bandits would have an easy time escaping after committing their acts. So, if the Police want to prevent more serious crimes from happening, they might want to start paying attention to issues of seemingly lesser consequence, but which in truth hold many dangers.

In time for the holidays: the new generators which are expected to boost power generation capacity in the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS) arrived in Guyana on Wednesday evening (Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar photos)

Public sector salary increase Dear Editor, Further to my letter published on December 11th and 12th 2023, and in the print media on December 12th, 2023, I would like to address some other aspects of the subject of “public sector salary increases” for your readers.

A few prominent commentators suggested that the percentage increase could have been higher than 6.5% to 10-15%, since the cost-of-living situation remains elevated. Be that as it may, it is of importance to remind observers that, with regard to the issue of cost of living, the Government instituted a number of measures, subsidies included, in response to this reality, and those measures have largely been maintained to date.

They include: * The several cash grants, including for the school children * Reduction of the excise tax on fuel imports from 50% to 0% * Reverting the shipping freight computation to be based on the pre-covid formula * Subsidizing the increased generating cost, i.e., the fuel cost for GPL and GWI * Maintaining the subsidized electricity in Linden * Increasing the tax threshold, * Increase in old age pension and cash grants provided to other vulnerable groups, * The Part-time jobs * Subsidy (building materials) for first time home builders One would also recall that in the first “emergency budget” by the Government,

in 2020, they had reversed a plethora of punitive taxes, fees, and VAT on a long list of consumable goods and services. The reversal of these taxes alone resulted in an instant reduction in the tax burden for taxpayers to the tune of nearly $60 billion annually. This in turn would have translated to an additional disposal income of $80,000 per person or $200,000 per household annually. With that in mind, the combined cost of all of the above, together with those that would translate to foregone revenue to the national treasury, such as the reduction of excise tax on fuel from 50% to 0% ($20 billion annually), is an estimated $200 billion per annum.

Effectively, this has an indirect impact per household that is almost akin to a costof-living subsidy of roughly $667k annually/per household.

Furthermore, readers would recall that, in my previous letter on the subject, I had illustrated that the cumulative salary increases that the Government implemented since 2021-2023, taking into account the upward adjustments for various categories of public sector employees, is an average of 46.1%. This would translate to an average annual (nominal) increase for the period (2021-2023) of 15.4%.

However, in real terms; that is, when adjusted for the total inflation for the period (20212023), which was 17.7%, the real average increase for the period observed is 28.4%, or an average of 9.5% annually.

Henceforth, considering the analysis presented herein and in previous referenced article, it is safe to conclude

that the average annual salary increases in nominal terms for the period 20212023 is 15.4%; and in real terms is 9.5% on average.

With respect to the costof-living measures instituted by the Government to help cushion the impact at the household level, these

measures altogether have the equivalence of an annual subsidy of $667k per household (indirectly) or $200 billion annually in costs to the national treasury, inclusive of foregone revenues.

Yours respectfully, Joel Bhagwandin

Was it "Journalist" Travis Chase who was attacked by a gunman, or was it ‘businessman’ Travis Chase?

Dear Editor, Was it ‘journalist’ Travis Chase who was attacked by a gunman, or was it ‘businessman’ Travis Chase?

It is an important distinction, as Mr. Chase, who has featured in the news previously as “Travis Chase, a television reporter”, was convicted in a simple larceny case. In fact, during the now infamous Commission of Inquiry into an alleged plot to kill President David Granger, Chase, who was a witness, reportedly admitted that he pleaded guilty and paid a “hefty” fine in a simple larceny case involving a camera” (Media reports on 29.5.19), and there were many questions raised when it was revealed that Chase was a Director of Adolphus Mining, who were granted a licence to export gold in 2019.

Chase took to social media on 29th May 2019 to suggest that two gold dealers were waging a smear campaign against him. In

April 2020, Chase’s company was featured in an armed showdown at a mining camp in the Upper Berbice area (Media reports on 14.4.20). Chase’s car was firebombed in 2020 (Media reports on 30.6.20).

It is not a stretch to suggest there may be motivation to harm Chase from his business dealings rather than from anything he has reported to date.

The Guyana Press Association’s (GPA’s) statement on the attempt on Chase’s life will undoubtedly affect Guyana’s ratings in several international reports, regardless of whether the attempt was unrelated to his work as a journalist. In my opinion, it was premature, given that Chase is not exclusively a journalist. The GPA should have delayed pronouncement until there is clarity on the motivation/s.

Sincerely, Robin Singh

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023

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

A more holistic view of the 6.5% increase Dear Editor, Your readers by now will be well aware of the recent 6.5% increase in public servants' salaries; however, it is necessary to view this development within the broader context of measures undertaken by the Government to enhance the well-being of various sectors within the public workforce.

It is heartening to hear about these significant boosts in income for such a wide range of public servants and members of the Disciplined Services in Guyana. This injection of $7.5 billion in disposable income into the economy,

thanks to the 6.5% acrossthe-board retroactive salary increase, is substantial.

Moreover, extending the one-month tax-free bonus to 12,000 members of the Disciplined Services, including civilians of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) for the first time, is a commendable move.

This additional $1.5 billion injected into the disposable income of these workers not only recognizes their contributions, but also amplifies their financial well-being.

Editor, you would recall that our dedicated service men and women were stripped of this bo-

nus under the previous APNU+AFC regime, which now seeks to criticize the current Government.

While the 6.5% raise for public servants has rightfully garnered attention, it is crucial to consider this increment within the framework of the comprehensive efforts initiated since August 2020 to bolster the financial conditions of Guyanese citizens across different segments of the public sector.

The Government's commitment to improving disposable incomes commenced with a seven per cent across-the-board increase in 2021, followed

by an additional eight per cent retroactive raise in 2022. These measures, taken in prior years, have significantly contributed to elevating the financial standing of public employees. Moreover, recent announcements by President Irfaan Ali have further substantiated the administration's dedication to addressing various sectors' needs.

Notably, adjustments in salaries for graduate teachers, augmented Remote Areas Incentive (RAI) for hinterland teachers, and duty-free concessions for teachers holding substantive

appointments as Senior Masters/Mistresses were announced earlier this year.

We must not forget the adjustments made to the salaries of Disciplined Services’ ranks and health sector workers.

These moves signify a targeted approach to ensure equitable benefits across different categories of public sector employees.

In addition, the upcoming $25,000 one-off bonus slated for payment in December 2023 will extend across public servants, teachers, Disciplined Services’ members, semi-autono-

mous agency staff, and public enterprise employees.

When examining the recent 6.5% increase for public servants, it's essential to recognize it as part of a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing the financial well-being of various sectors within the public workforce. This holistic perspective is crucial to understanding the comprehensive measures undertaken by the Government to uplift and support different categories of public employees.

Sincerely, Brian Azore

A certain outcome Our strength is in jungle warfare from any engagement is a natural expectation

Dear Editor, It is being promoted from our side of the border that Thursday's “appropriate” dialogue will focus on maintaining the zone of peace and respect for international law.

There has been no such corresponding outpouring from across the border to the west on its focus or thrust of the engagement (at least none that I have seen).

Is President Ali go-

ing with one agenda and President Maduro with another? Are they on the same page as to the purpose and outcome of the dialogue?

Will there be a joint statement (Kingstown Accord 2023) at the conclusion of this meeting, or will each side issue its statement on its take of the dialogue? In other words, will there be takeaways from this engagement to the mutual benefit of both countries, and by extension the re-

gion?

We are told the talks are limited, and ‘false expectations’ should not be encouraged. A certain outcome from any engagement is a natural expectation; but we should not set our hopes too high in this particular instance.

Time will tell if our expectations can yield a hopeful outcome.

Sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed

Dear Editor, With the passing of these highly experienced and valuable members of our military, we must continue to be strong and confident in the face of the would-be invaders. Our strength continues to be in our knowledge and abilities in jungle warfare. Allow open military combat to be the domain led by our allies, and maintain our focus where our military strength serves us best.

There was a time during His Excellency President Burnham’s tenure when the FROM GDF carried out training exPAGE 3 ercises with the US Military in jungle warfare. During that period, there were many stories of how well the GDF did

in sharing our techniques and our knowledge of the terrain.

Given the relative size of our military when compared to that of Venezuela, we must continue to embrace a combat strategy that leverages the use of jungle warfare. It will be more to our advantage versus traditional combat.

This tragic loss of experienced and long-serving military personnel is a reminder that the military equipment which Venezuela has and relies upon will be restricted in its use in our jungle.

Sincerely, Jamil Changlee

President Ali to meet with Nicolás...

FROM PAGE 3

Venezuela maintains that the border with Guyana, a former colony of The Netherlands and the United Kingdom (UK), was fraudulently imposed by the British, which it has denounced as a “land grabber”. Guyana, on the other hand, maintains that the line was determined on October 3, 1899 by an arbitration panel (Arbitral Award of 3 October 1899).

The Anglo-Venezuelan Arbitral Tribunal met in Paris, France, and on October 3, 1899 — 122 years ago — gave its award defining the border between Venezuela and then-British Guiana.

After abiding by the 1899 Arbitral Award for over half a century, Venezuela in 1962 claimed that the Essequibo area of Guyana belonged inside its borders. The debate heated up after ExxonMobil found oil in Guyana in 2015 and has intensified in recent months, with Venezuela holding a referendum on December 3 in which they voted to ‘purported annex the Essequibo; however,

the country’s Opposition has since reported that 89 per cent of eligible voters did not vote.

Nevertheless, following the referendum, Maduro claimed that, among other things, he would now authorise oil exploration in Guyana’s Essequibo River.

Maduro also claimed that he has announced the activation of a human and social care plan for the population of Guyana’s Essequibo that includes censuses and identity cards.

He also claimed to have announced the creation of the "High Commission for the Defense for Guyana’s Essequibo region”; and the creation of the Comprehensive Defense Zone for Guyana’s territory.

The Venezuelan President also announced that in addition to oil, he would be issuing licences for mining and other activities to be conducted in Guyana’s Essequibo county.

The Maduro regime has been untruthfully claim-

ing that Venezuela demonstrated that the award issued in 1899 by the Paris Arbitration Court was "null and void” and that a solution to the controversy under the Geneva Agreement must be amicably resolved in a manner that is acceptable to both parties, while ignoring that such discussions had failed for over 30 years and that the Geneva Agreement provided for the Secretary General of the United Nations to choose another path for the settlement of the controversy if not settled by discussion between the two countries.

Maduro also ignores the fact that the Secretary General, in accord with the Agreement, on January 30, 2018, had advised both Venezuela and Guyana that “having carefully analysed the developments in the good offices process during the course of 2017” and “significant progress not having been made toward arriving at a full agreement for the solution of the controversy”, he had “chosen the International Court of Justice as the

means now to be used for its solution”.

Within the framework of the 1966 Geneva Agreement between the two countries, the Secretary General conducted Good Offices processes from 1990 to 2017 to find a solution to the border controversy.

On January 30, 2018, Secretary General António Guterres, following a careful analysis of developments in 2017, chose the ICJ as the means to be used for the solution of the controversy.

As a consequence, Guyana, on March 29, 2018, filed its application to the World Court.

In the substantive case, Guyana seeks, among other things, to obtain from the ICJ a final and binding judgement that the 1899 Arbitral Award, which established the location of the land boundary between then-British Guiana and Venezuela, remains valid and binding, and a declaration that Essequibo belongs to Guyana. (G11)

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023

Foundation ◄

Page

MATH QUESTIONS

Bless Thou mine yes that they might see The joy of all Eternity; The sun by day, the moon by night By each in turn my guiding light.

How to make

Firstly, punch a hole either side of the top of the cardboard and thread jute twine through the holes so the advent calendar can be hung. Then stick and wrap your cardboard in hessian roll then let the glue dry.

Flatten the cardboard tube then fold both sides of either end of the cardboard tube inwards, creating a ‘pocket’.

Paint the cardboard tubes red, white, and green.

For the snowman use the template to cut out the features from card and use a hole punch to create the circles for the mouth.

Stick and assemble the snowman and stick two wiggle eyes on. Repeat for the other designs.

For the glitter candy cane design, cut strips of double-sided tape of different thicknesses. Stick the double-sided tape onto the cardboard tube, alternating the thickness of the tape.

Lastly, pour red glitter on top, the glitter will stick to the double-sided tape.

Stick glitter foam numbers on each cardboard tube.

Once all 24 of the cardboard tubes are decorated stick them to the board, using 2 hook & loop self-adhesive craft dots for each cardboard tube. Using the hook and loop craft dots allows you to rearrange the advent calendar each year.

Fill each cardboard tube with a treat, then hang on the wall.

Bless Thou my mind that it might be Pure as the wide unfurrowed sea.

May all foul thoughts that therefrom rise Fade as an azure ripple dies.

Top tip

You can layout all 24 cardboard tubes on the cardboard to make sure you cut the cardboard to the correct side. (bakerross.co.uk)

Seal Thou my lips if they should seek Trembling a sinful word to speak.

Make every breath that I might breathe Fresh as a dew-charged morning breeze.

Guide Thou these fingers as they write That they might flame the darkest night.

As sheets of flame fierce upward rise So may their music hit the skies.

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

UN to dispatch 2 observers to Pres Ali & Maduro talks in St Vincent today

…reject Venezuela’s attempts to disrupt regional zone of peace – former St Lucian PM …“We must stand up to bullies and tyrants” – UK’s Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres

T

he United Nations has indicated its intention to dispatch two observers to observe the upcoming talks between President Dr Irfaan Ali and his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolás Maduro, which will go down in St Vincent and the Grenadines on Thursday.

According to UN Chief Spokesman Stephane Dujarric, the UN Secretary General himself, Antonio Guterres, has welcomed the announcement of talks between the two Presidents, which are being held under the auspices of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) and the Community of Latin American Countries (CELAC) in an effort to deescalate tensions between the two countries.

Dujarric also revealed that Guterres, who was invited to the meeting, will be sending two envoys from the UN who will represent him at the talks.

These envoys are Guterres’ chef de cabinet, Courtenay Rattray, and Assistant Secretary General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas, Miroslav Jenca.

"The Secretary General commends efforts by the President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and the Prime Minister of St Vincent and

Former St Lucian Prime Minister Allen Chastanet

the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, to bring the parties together, and the support expressed by Mexico and the international community," Dujarric further said in a statement.

Stand firm

Meanwhile, former St Lucia Prime Minister Allen Chastanet has made it clear that the Caribbean region as a whole and St Lucia in particular, must stand firm in rejecting Venezuela’s attempts to disrupt the regional zone of peace.

The former St Lucian Prime Minister turned Opposition Leader made these comments in a recent interview, where he made it clear that Venezuela was in the wrong and had no right to take preemptive measures against another country’s land, when a court case is in process.

He also called out the St Lucian Government for not being firm enough in repudiating Venezuela’s efforts to disrupt the peace and alluded to recent statements made by the Prime Minister of St Lucia, Philip Pierre, who made a recent trip to Venezuela and has defended his Administration’s efforts to foster closer ties with the Spanish-speaking country.

“It’s an embarrass-

ment. It’s a simple statement. Very, very simple statement. Venezuela is wrong. There’s an ongoing court case. You cannot, all of a sudden, unilaterally decide you’re going to take over a piece of land while you’re in court. And this government wants to say ‘well, Maduro is my friend.

My friend?’” An incredulous Chastanet said.

“I’d have thought when the government of St Lucia went down to Venezuela a couple of weeks ago, they actually would have gone by boat and brought food with them, to help out the people of Venezuela,” he said.

The former PM also questioned what his successor could hope to gain from Venezuela, when that country’s socio-economic problems have prompted a migrant crisis that countries in the region, including Guyana, have had to grapple with.

“Venezuela is a disaster when it comes to its economy. It’s a complete failed state. And then for leaders of Caricom to say they’re going to have a meeting. I agree with Sir (Shridath) Ramphal. A meeting to discuss what? It’s in court,” he further explained.

“All Venezuela has to be told is, you have to cease and desist what you’re doing because it’s disrupting

and jeopardising the zone of peace in our region. And it’s undermining the rule of law. And all we want to know is that both sides are prepared to accept what the outcome of the courts are.”

Bullies

Over in the United Kingdom, the Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs, David Lammy, had strong

UK MP David Lammy

words for Venezuela and made it clear that regional bullies must not be tolerated.

“An aggressive threat to a smaller neighbour, an attack on recognifed international borders, an illegitimate referendum stoking historical grievances, the Putin playbook is being copied in Caracas by Maduro…we must stand up to bullies and tyrants with imperialistic ambitions,” Lammy said.

Lammy went on to seek assurances from the Minister of State in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Andrew Mitchell, who noted that not only does the UK wholeheartedly support Guyana, but that he also attended a meeting with the Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Patricia Scotland, KC, following which a statement to this effect was issued.

(G3)

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Man serving life sentence for child rape found not guilty on 4 similar charges

F

ifty-one-year-old Sheldon Lynch, a father of two, who is currently serving a life sentence for his July 2018 child rape conviction, was found not guilty on four similar charges on Tuesday.

In March 2018, Lynch was handed two consecutive life sentences by Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall after he was convicted of raping a 10-year-old girl on two occasions, beginning when she was 10. Lynch had been convicted of raping the child in December 2010 and November 2011.

The Judge had ordered that he must spend 35 years on each conviction before being paroled.

But the Court of Appeal of Guyana determined in May 2023 that Lynch's trial before Justice MorrisRamlall was unjust.

In light of the foregoing and the appellate court’s finding that the prosecution had a strong case against Lynch, the court vacated his convictions and mandated that he face a new trial.

In allowing the man’s appeal, the appellate court

Sheldon Lynch

agreed that he indeed had not had a fair trial, because the trial Judge, Justice Morris-Ramlall, had failed to properly put his defence of alibi to the jury. “[His] defence was not properly put by the trial Judge to the jury. The issue of alibi clearly arose, and it was not treated at all by the trial Judge. When the case was given to the jury for their determination…they were not specifically directed in relation to the issue of an alibi,” said acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards, as she read the

court’s ruling.

Four counts

At Lynch’s retrial before Justice Navindra Singh, State prosecutors presented the indictment of four counts of rape of a child, committed by Lynch in December 2010, between December 2010 and November 2011, between January 1 and December 2012, and in January 2013.

In his defence, Lynch claimed fabrication and alibi, and maintained his innocence, telling the court through his attorney Dexter Todd that he was in the in-

terior of Guyana when the virtual complainant alleges that she was raped.

Considering this, the lawyer contended that his client could not have been in two places at the same time.

Following hours of deliberation on Tuesday, the jury returned not-guilty verdicts on all counts.

Lynch has another appeal pending against another child rape conviction and life sentence. For that offence, which he committed on August 22, 2015 against the same girl, he was sentenced to imprisonment for life, without parole, by Justice Priya SewnarineBeharry in July 2018.

It was reported that Lynch is known to the child, and on August 22, 2015, he raped her. Following the incident, the girl told her mother what had transpired, and the mother reported the matter to the Police. Thus, Lynch was arrested, charged, and later convicted.

His appeal in relation to this conviction is yet to be heard. (G1)

Henrietta farmer charged for ganja possession

F

ollowing the seizure of 33.9 grams of marijuana last Saturday, 41-year-old Rondel Stephen, a farmer of Henrietta, Essequibo Coast, appeared at the Anna Regina Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

Bail was granted him in the sum of $100,000 after he pleaded not guilty.

The matter will continue on

January 16, 2024, when there would be a report and disclosure of statements. (G1)

Alleged drug trafficker Rondel Stephen

Man remanded for murder of 16-year-old miner

A

32-year-old man was arraigned on a murder charge in connection with the stabbing death of Raymond Cozier, a 16-yearold miner of Isseneru Village, Middle Mazaruni River.

Appearing before Magistrate Christel Lambert at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court was Kwesi Sumner, who was not required to plead to the indictable charge for the capital offence. This murder accused was remanded to prison.

Cozier was fatally stabbed on Monday, November 6, at around 01:30h at a bar located at Issano Landing, Middle Mazaruni River.

Investigations by Police have so far revealed that Sumner and the nowdead teen were at a bar at Issano Landing consuming alcohol, during which the latter was dancing with a woman.

According to the Police, Sumner expressed an interest in dancing with the said female, which resulted in an argument between him and Cozier.

Meeting… …and missing Lula

W

hat’s going on with that meeting, scheduled for today, between Pres Ali and Mad Maduro??

To repeat what he’d said at the announcement a week ago, your Eyewitness supports the meeting in principle. Even in war – and this IS war! – you gotta keep communication going; the only question is the channel.

“You never know” has to be your motto when it comes to these things; you hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. But another reason that reinforced his position was that, from the beginning, it was announced that Pres Lula of Brazil was gonna be there as the main gobetween. In a word, the channel!!

Ralph Gonzalves – who’ll host the face-to-face meet as the pro-tem head of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) – was pretty fulsome in praise of Lula - who evidently suggested the meet after speaking to both Mad Maduro and Pres Ali. In his invitation letters to Maduro and Pres Ali, it was pretty clear that the presence of Lula was a big factor in persuading the two sides to accept the invitation. And it wasn’t just because of the bonhomie that “Ralph” clearly shares with “Nicolas”, “Lula” and “Irfaan” – not with the stakes involved!!

Nah…as Lula had warned, we’re talking of a possible breakout into physical warfare – following Mad Maduro’s crazy (redundant?) de-facto annexation of our Essequibo.

Lula didn’t need to spell out his fear in words – his actions spoke louder! Knowing that the terrain through his Roraima State into our Region Nine was more logistically feasible for Venezuelan troops to invade rather than over the mountains and jungle up north, he moved Brazilian troops into the area. Checkmate Mad Maduro!!

Lula’s respected by most leaders in the hemisphere even the US concedes Brazil as primus inter pares in Latin America. And that even though his star may’ve been dimmed somewhat after his conviction on corruption charges. As a certified “leftist”, Mad Maduro would know Lula would be sympathetic to his rantings about “Imperial America”!! It was Lula who’d helped him to come in from the cold when diplomatic relations were resumed and he was invited to that regional meet in Brasilia back in May. Our Pres Ali also has worked with Lula to strengthen our linkages – especially in our new mega-agriculture thrust where we’d be following in Brazil’s footsteps!

The problem is: what now? After learning that Lula won’t be coming to dinner tonight in St Vincent. We’re told that Mia’s now gonna be there. Your Eyewitness is a HUGE fan of Mia – but with all her charm, intelligence and wit – Barbados ain’t no Brazil!!

Lula would’ve had an iron fist inside the velvet glove he would’ve extended to Maduro!! …and Russian proxy Back in the day, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) of Chairman Mao used to really resent the junior role the Russians foisted on them - in what they were convinced was the world communist tide. Well, things have certainly changed since then, haven’t they?? Today, China’s the state – still under their Communist Party! – that’s creeping up on the Capitalist bastion America – and Russia’s been forced into a subsidiary role!

Recently, they’ve been playing the “Bad Cop” to China’s “Good Cop” in Venezuela, which we can’t ignore – nor forget!! Putin will be hosting Mad Maduro in Moscow in a couple of days – and your Eyewitness will bet dollars to donuts that Maduro’s annexation of our Essequibo won’t even be mentioned!! But the US knows who’s the threat – and their proxy war in the Ukraine is just to deny China a too powerful ally in Europe!! The UK’s Cameron just revealed that they and the US have just moved from the “peaceful” reunification of China and Taiwan – to “No reunification”!!

Ouch!! …Israel’s lebensraum?

Hitler invaded Austria and Poland because he said Germany needed “lebensraum” – a living space for the German people. Exterminating the Jews was just to “purify” the said people. So, what’s different in what Israel’s doing in Gaza?

Murder accused Kwesi Sumner

Dead: Raymond Cozier

During the argument, Sumner brandished a knife and dealt the victim one stab to his right upper arm, and then fled the scene. The victim, who

suffered severe blood loss, was taken to the Issano Health Centre, where he succumbed while receiving treatment for his injury.

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

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

NEWS

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GRA records $176B in revenue, $86.2B in taxes collected from oil & gas …sector accounts for majority of $56B in 2022 corporate tax collection

O

ver $56 billion in corporate tax was collected by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) for the year 2022, with companies from the oil and gas sector largely responsible for this almost doubling of corporate tax collections.

This is according to the Auditor General’s 2022 Report, which reveals that a total of $176 billion in revenue was collected. It was explained that this is a 15.2 per cent, or $23.3 billion, increase on the approved estimates. This increase, according to the Auditor General, can be attributed mostly to companies in the oil and gas sec-

ative variance of 0.25 per cent, equivalent to a net negative of $77.436 million. The total Import Duties collected in the year 2022 amounted to $27.125 billion, or 87.31 per cent of the total revenue collected by Customs, as such, contributing significantly to the total collections for Customs,” the report said.

Import duties collected and paid into the

respectively from private and public sector companies. This is equivalent to $13.199 billion, or 30 per cent, above the Approved Estimates. In addition,

funds paid in 2022,” the report adds.

Meanwhile, the Auditor General’s Report provides a breakdown of revenue collection, including from

there was an increase of $38.305 billion when compared to the collections for 2021,” the report stated.

“Further, the collections from Corporation Tax for the year 2022 represented 32.15% of the total revenue collected by Internal Revenue. It was noted by the Authority that the main contributors to these increased collections were payments made by companies within the Oil and Gas Sector and several companies within the Private Sector, such as Wholesale and Retail Trade, Financial and Insurance Activities, and Manufacturing.”

Meanwhile, the report states that $86.2 billion in internal revenue and customs was collected from taxpayers in the oil and gas sector for last year. When it comes to Value Added Tax (VAT) refund payments made during the year 2022, this was $8.627 billion, or 10.12 per cent of the total revenue collected from VAT and Excise Tax. “There was an increase of $342.517 million when compared to refunds paid in 2021. The Authority processed 881 refund claims to companies/businesses and diplomat registrants. VAT refunds relative to the Oil and Gas Sector is 59.30 per cent, while the large tax payers accounted for 33 per cent of the total VAT re-

customs duties, trade and other taxes, fees, fines and licences, though the $31.1 billion estimated to have been collected is slightly less (0.25 per cent) than the $31.069 billion actually paid into the Consolidated Fund.

“This represents a neg-

The Guyana Revenue Authority

tor.

Additionally, companies in wholesale and retail trade, financial and insurance activities, and manufacturing also contributed.

“It was reported by the Authority (GRA) that the positive variances resulted primarily from: (i) significant increase of $9.720 billion, or 147.7 per cent, in payments made by companies within the Oil and Gas Sector; and (ii) significant increase of $6.620 billion, or 21.1 per cent, in payments made by several companies within the Private Sector,” the report stated.

The Auditor General’s Report notes that the tax types that contributed significantly to the positive variance were Companies Income Tax (Private and Public Sector), Personal Income Tax - Pay as You Earn (Net Mortgage Interest Relief Refunds) and Withholding Tax. Meanwhile, a sum of $56.6 billion in corporate taxes was collected, 30 per cent above the approved estimates. When compared to 2021, the Auditor General said, corporate tax collections increased by $38.3 billion.

“During the year under review, amounts totalling $56.6 billion were received as Corporation Tax and interest and penalties

Consolidated Fund were $27.1 billion, while export duties were $84.4 million, stamp duties were $72.6 million, and environmental levies were $2.7 billion.

Meanwhile, GRA explained to the Auditor General in its response that while higher import tax collection had been expected during the budgetary process, collections

fell short of monthly estimates for most of the year.

“Shipping delays experienced around the world due to disruptions in the supply/delivery logistics chain and rising fuel costs, all emanating from the COVID- 19 pandemic and exacerbated by the Russia/Ukraine war, all severely impacted import taxes revenue,” GRA further explained. (G3)

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Preparations ongoing ahead of Guyana taking up UN Security Council seat …as Security Council Report conducts capacity building with Guyanese team

G

uyana is ensuring it is well prepared when it takes up its United Nations Security Council (UNSC) seat next month, with the Security Council Report commencing training with the Guyana team that will be directly involved with the council matters.

It was revealed in a statement that the Security Council Report (SCR), which is a non-profit organisation that assists incoming members of the Security Council in preparing for their role, and building capacity, has started doing just that with the Guyanese team at the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry.

“The training aims to build the capacity of the home-based team ahead of the assumption of Guyana’s non-permanent seat on 1 January 2024, and will focus on procedural and thematic issues of the Security Council.

“Officials from several Government agencies are also participating in the training, with a view to gaining an understanding of the

A scene from the training exercise at Takuba Lodge, Georgetown

functioning of the Council relative to Guyana’s priorities identified for its tenure,” the Ministry further explained.

Foreign Secretary and High Representative for UNSC Affairs, Robert Persaud was one of those officials present and he thanked the group for helping to prepare Guyana for its critical responsibilities ahead of it being a non-permanent Member of the UN Security Council.

The United Nations

Charter establishes six main organs of the organisation, including the Security Council. It is given primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.

Its functions and powers are: to maintain international peace and security in accordance with the principles and purposes of the United Nations; to investigate any dispute or situation which might lead to international friction; to recommend methods of adjudicating such dis-

putes, or the terms of settlement; to formulate plans for the establishment of a system to regulate armaments; to determine the existence of a threat to the peace or act of aggression, and to recommend what action should be taken among others.

In some cases, the Security Council can resort to imposing sanctions, or even authorising the use of force, to maintain or restore international peace and security. Temporary members hold their seats on a rotating

basis by geographic region.

Guyana will serve a two-year term on the Council from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2025.

Most recently, the UNSC convened privately to discuss the intensifying border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela, as the latter advances efforts to seize the oil-rich Essequibo From reports, officials were tight-lipped after the meeting concluded.

The closed consultations were called by this month’s Council President, Ecuador, after it was requested by Guyana.

The request letter by Guyana cited Article 35 (1) of the UN Charter, which states that any UN member state “may bring any dispute, or any situation referred to in Article 34 [that is, one that may lead to international friction or give rise to a dispute] to the attention of the Security Council or of the General Assembly”.

The UNSC outlined that as the meeting got underway, “Council members are also likely to urge a peaceful resolution to the territorial

dispute and express concern about its possible ramifications on the Region. Many Council members are expected to urge respect for multilateralism and adherence to international law, and express support for the ICJ. While some members—including the US and European members—are likely to regret Venezuela’s actions, others are not expected to specifically denounce Venezuela’s role in the situation.”

Guyana’s request for intervention was issued amid Venezuela’s blatant violation of the International Court of Justice’s order – occurring after Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced several measures which his Administration intends to take in enforcing the outcome of the referendum.

On December 5, the Venezuelan President asked the State oil company to issue extraction licences for Venezuelan companies to explore for fossil fuels and minerals in the Essequibo region and proposed that the National Assembly pass a Bill to make the area part of Venezuela.

“We are homeless” – single mother after fire destroys Corentyne home

A

female security guard and her three children, including twins, are now homeless after a fire destroyed their Bengal, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) home on Tuesday morning.

Fortunately, no one was at home at the time of the blaze.

Jonell Batson, a 43-yearold single mother, had left home to take her eight-yearold twin children to school while her teenage daughter had gone to make drop-offs of

produce from Batson’s farm to customers.

It was while she was a short distance away from home, the security guard said she was alerted that her house was on fire.

When she returned, the building was already engulfed in flames.

“So when I come back with my children is bare fire. I can’t save anything; my computer, my daughter printer, her phone, the fridge, my gas stove, microwave – a lot of things; all

Jonell Batson

The aftermath of the fire

my clothes, all my children clothes. We lose everything; I don’t have nothing, nothing. Nothing we didn’t get to save. My bike burn-up, my bicycle burn too. All my money; just how I collect my salary and my box hand, everything bun up,” the woman related.

This publication was told that the Rose Hall Fire Service responded to the fire, but by the time they arrived

the two-bedroom building was completely destroyed.

Preliminary investigations by the fire department suggest that the fire was electrical in origin.

According to Batson, she had unplugged all electrical items except the refrigerator which is always plugged in.

The woman and her children spent last night at her son-in-law’s house at Limlair, which is a few villages away.

“The next move is to see if I could get some help to build back something for me and my children, because right now I am at my son-in-law place; I don’t have nowhere to go. It is sad, real sad, because we are left homeless and with no clothes to wear,” the single mother related.

Persons desirous of making contact with Batson can do so by telephone number (592) 644-1303.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Magistrate to set date next year for CMC in election fraud cases S

enior Magistrate Leron Daly on Tuesday scheduled January 15, 2024 to fix a date for a case management conference (CMC), taking a step toward starting the trial into the more than two dozen fraud charges arising from the

Tuesday. Multiple bundles of paperwork were turned in. Following the CMC, a date will be set for trial.

The defendants are former District Four (Demerara-Mahaica) Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo; former People’s National

presenting an inaccurate vote total.

These charges stemmed from attempts to rig the 2020 General and Regional Elections in favour of the then-ruling APNU/AFC. These accused persons are all out on cash bail.

The prosecution has

Jurisdiction (Magistrates) Act allows the Chancellor to act in this way.

Since the underlying evidence for each of these charges comes from the same source, Ramdhani had requested that the cases be consolidated during an earlier court hearing on

Senior Magistrate Leron Daly

of years because of the volume of evidence and the number of accused parties.

Hughes had suggested that the prosecution drop some charges to expedite the process, but the special prosecutor had strongly objected. The prosecution plans to call about 80 witnesses.

Concerns of unsatisfactory progress

FROM TOP LEFT are: Volda Lawrence, Keith Lowenfield, Denise Babb-Cummings, Michelle Miller.

FROM BOTTOM LEFT are: Enrique Livan, Sheffern February, Clairmont Mingo, and Carol Smith-Joseph

March 2020 General and Regional Elections.

During an earlier hearing on October 25, Magistrate Daly had informed lead prosecutor Darshan Ramdhani, KC, that she would not start the trial until the prosecution had arranged witness statements, exhibits, and other trial-related materials in an orderly manner.

Prosecutor Ramdhani once more provided flash drives containing certified copies of the Statements of Poll (SoPs) and Statements of Recount (SoRs), scanned documents as well as video interviews with the defendants during a hearing on

Congress/Reform (PNCR) Chairperson Volda Lawrence; PNCR activist Carol Smith-Joseph; former Chief Elections Officer (CEO), Keith Lowenfield; former Deputy Chief Elections Officer Roxanne Myers; and Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) employees Sheffern February, Enrique Livan, Denise Babb-Cummings and Michelle Miller. They are accused of a number of offences, including misconduct while holding public office, presenting falsified documentation, and planning to manipulate Guyana’s voters by

since asked the Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag), Justice Yonette CummingsEdwards, to assign a special court to hear the cases; the court is currently awaiting her response.

This, in Ramdhani's opinion, would guarantee that the cases be tried quickly.

Regarding the prosecutor’s letter addressed to the Chancellor, Nigel Hughes, one of the defendants’ attorneys, has argued that the Chancellor is not authorized to interfere with a criminal charge proceeding before a magistrate.

Prosecutor Ramdhani, however, reasoned that Section 9 of the Summary

October 3. This was in reaction to Hughes’s assessment that the proceedings would go on for a number

Concerns regarding the unsatisfactory progress in these cases have been voiced by a number of persons, including Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC. Shortly after GECOM

had announced the election results on August 2, 2020, charges were brought against the individuals in question.

The trials have not started after more than three years.

The election report of former CEO Keith Lowenfield claimed that the APNU/AFC coalition garnered 171,825 votes, while the PPP/C gained 166,343 votes. How he arrived at those figures is still unknown, since the certified results from the recount exercise supervised

by GECOM and a high-level team from the Caribbean Community (Caricom) pellucidly showed that the PPP/C won with 233,336 votes, while the coalition garnered 217,920.

The recount exercise also highlighted that Mingo had heavily inflated the figures in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica)— Guyana’s largest voting District — in favour of the then-caretaker APNU/AFC regime.

In August 2021, GECOM voted to terminate the employment of Keith Lowenfield, Roxanne Myers, and Clairmont Mingo. (G1)

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

TAU’s 4th International Conference for Communicable Diseases

Findings will play crucial role in addressing issue at healthcare level – Dr Anthony W

ith an aim to contribute meaningfully towards the elimination of communicable diseases in Guyana, Texila American University (TAU) held its fourth International Conference for Communicable Diseases on Tuesday.

The conference provided the platform for discussions on the evolution of communicable diseases, and explored advancements in healthcare technology and research.

It also allowed participants to learn and explore various aspects of infectious diseases, and gain crucial information about communicable diseases and their impacts on healthcare.

This includes the elimination of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and other cardiovascular diseases by 2030.

During brief remarks, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony lauded the conference, noting that it’s ‘revolutionary’ and contributes significantly to medical students’ education.

“The environment is providing opportunities for people who want to learn, for people who want to do research. So,

A section of the gathering at the opening of the conference

with more conferences, the persons who are doing research will have the opportunity to present their findings. Earlier, we were talking about getting a journal. So, we would also have opportunities of publishing, which is very important, because it you wanna pursue an academic career, it’s important that you publish as well,” the minister said.

Anthony added that the conference’s findings would play a crucial role in addressing communicable diseases at the prima-

ry healthcare level. In this regard, he pledged to collaborate with the university to further elevate the country’s healthcare standards. However, in the meantime, Government will continue to address the issue in a holistic manner.

“The strength of the Ministry has really been in communicable diseases.

Over the years, that has been pretty much the focus of the Ministry. In some cases, we have been able to achieve some successes, but at this point, we

don’t want to roll back…

What we are looking for is the elimination of some of these diseases,” Minister Anthony explained.

“We have invested a lot of resources, both in training people, in developing infrastructure, in adding equipment, and also in connectivity. So, another area you will see a lot of work going on in is digital health. You’ll see a lot of that happening from next year,” he promised.

The conference, themed ‘Communicable Diseases in the Caribbean, Regional Update and Recent Advancement’, concludes today.

Expansion

Government have made significant strides to introduce, implement and expand clinical services and best practices in hospitals here. During a press conference on July 13, President Dr. Irfaan Ali disclosed that Guyana’s life expectancy is 70 years, compared to 68 in 2020, and the goal is to increase this number to 72 years by 2026, and to 75 by 2030.

The Head of State noted that achieving the above would require Guyana to expand and make available moderate and complex clinical services, in which Government have invested heavily.

Reflecting on some of the projects, the President shared that Guyana now has 19 health posts providing telemedicine services to citizens, while radiology and imaging technology are available at hospitals in all ten administrative regions.

He added that oxygen plants are being set up in all hinterland hospitals to provide oxygen therapy and remove dependency on oxygen cylinders.

President Ali added that medicine supply without disruption is another key area of accomplishment, given that medicine availability in Guyana was 35 percent in 2020. However, this number has increased to 85 percent, and is expected to reach 95 to 100% by the end of 2023.

Health infrastructure

Meanwhile, President Ali said the transformation of the physical infrastructure in Guyana’s healthcare system is paramount, and it is in recognizing its importance that the regional health budgets have more than doubled in less than three years.

The build-out of health infrastructure countrywide is well underway, including the construction of new hospitals and rehabilitation of all existing facilities.

During the July 13 press conference, the Head of State highlighted some of the projects to come on stream; including the reconstruction of the Bartica Hospital, which will be-

gin at the end 2023 and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025.

Additionally, plans are underway to develop the National Psychiatric Hospital, reconstruct West Demerara Regional Hospital, and upgrade Suddie, Port Mourant, Mahaicony, and other hospitals.

Further, all existing hinterland hospitals outside of Mabaruma, Port Kaituma, Mahdia, Paramakatoi, Annai and Kwakwani are scheduled for major upgrade between 2024 to 2026.

President Ali said Government is working to expand Guyana’s human resource and infrastructure simultaneously.

In this regard, he noted that robust training is being provided to doctors and nurses, while current professional training programmes are being expanded to accommodate more individuals.

Training

Under the guidance of the People Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), Guyana has fostered many international partnerships and facilitated advanced training for health practitioners. Scores of doctors are currently completing fellowships aboard with Mount Sinai, McMaster University and Northwell Health. The said fellowship provides the opportunity for doctors to learn new clinical skills and understand how international institutions function, so Guyana can adopt new medical techniques and best practices.

Additionally, Government is exploring new international training opportunities for nurses and midwives.

NEWS

17

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Teen crushed to death by truck he was repairing Travis Chase asked to turn in firearm to Police R Shooting probe

onaldo Henry, called “Greg”, was on Tuesday crushed by a truck he was repairing in Matthews Ridge, North West District, Region One (Barima-Waini).

Reports are that the 18-year-old was working under the truck at around midday on Tuesday when the vehicle unexpectedly collapsed, trapping him underneath. He was pulled out therefrom and transported to the Pekera Hospital in the community, but succumbed shortly afterwards.

Family members revealed that Henry had earlier that day boarded the

Dead: Ronaldo Henry

truck in Baramita, as it was destined for Port Kaituma, carrying goods. The vehi-

cle experienced mechanical issues during the journey, and broke down in Matthews Ridge.

A relative of the young man recounted the tragic incident by stating, "He was underneath it fixing something when it fell on him." Despite prompt efforts to rescue him and transport him to the hospital, Henry lost his life within minutes.

As investigations into the incident are currently underway, the community mourns the loss of Henry, whom they remember as a vibrant young individual.

(G9)

2 wanted Guyanese men nabbed in Suriname T

wo men who are wanted in Guyana for assaulting a Guyana Defence Force (GDF) rank have been nabbed in neighbouring Suriname.

Suriname’s Waterkant news agency on Wednesday reported that the two men, Emanuel B. and Roman R., are wanted by Guyanese law enforcement authorities in connection with a criminal offence committed in Guyana.

“A mixed unit consisting of members of the Directorate of National Security (DNV), Regional Assistance Team Paramaribo (RBTP), Arrest Team (AT) and Capital Crimes (KD) have arrested two wanted Guyanese suspects in Suriname and taken them to the police station for arraignment,” Waterkant stated.

Roman, who is part of a gang, is wanted in connection with a case in which he had been seen wearing a balaclava, in a short video which was recorded while he was in the process of beating a soldier of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

The uniformed soldier is said to have been assaulted at knifepoint. The sol-

One of the men captured in the video assaulting the GDF rank

dier was also beaten by other gang members. This was videoed and shared via social media.

It is suspected that Emanuel is also part of the gang.

“After the Police launched an official search notice, the two men fled to Suriname. After detailed in-

formation, they came into the picture, after which they were arrested in the district of Para in a bonukampoe,” the Waterkant story stated.

According to the news agency, the suspects have been handed over to the Capital Crimes Division, which is investigating the case further.

D

Guyanese Journalist Travis Chase

ays after the car of Guyanese Journalist Travis Chase was shot at by a lone gunman, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has asked him to turn in his firearm after the spent shells found at the scene of the shooting bore similarities to those fired by his registered firearm.

On Wednesday evening, the Police said that its Crime Laboratory preliminary examination reveals “significant similarities” between the spent shells and specimen casings obtained from Chase during his firearm registration.

“Investigators recovered spent shells from the scene and submitted same to the GPF Crime Laboratory for testing. One of the expert firearm examiners within the Laboratory compared the aforementioned shell casings with the specimen shell cas-

ings that were obtained from Mr Chase when he had just purchased and registered his firearm, and the preliminary test result reveals significant similarities between these spent shells,” the Police said in a statement.

As the probe advances, investigators have called on Chase to surrender his licensed firearm for further analysis.

Three nights ago, a lone gunman opened fire on Chase’s vehicle at his D’Urban Street and Cemetery Road, Georgetown home.

The Journalist related that he had parked his white Toyota Premio motor car, PVV 8453, on the western side of the road, facing south, in front of his residence, and went inside to collect a shopping list from his aunt when he heard several loud explosions, suspected to be gun-

shots, emanating from the direction of his car.

He said that upon inspecting his vehicle, he discovered three bullet holes on the left rear fender.

Police, in a statement, said investigators discovered three 9mm spent shells and one live 9mm round at the scene. Several individuals were questioned. This alarming incident marks the second attempt on Chase’s life.

In 2020, Chase’s black Honda CRV was set ablaze in the compound of the Public Service Ministry.

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) footage revealed an intruder scaling the fence before the vehicle erupted in flames.

“This is not the first attempt on my life. The last time they burnt my car, and some years ago, the Police received intelligence that there was a hit on my head,” Chase told the media.

Chase, attributing the attacks to his journalistic style, said he remains steadfast in pursuing the truth. The Guyana Press Association (GPA) has called for a thorough investigation, emphasising the need for Journalists to work without threats to their lives and livelihoods.

Calls to Chase for a comment on the surrendering of his firearm proved futile.

(G9)

18

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023

19

Around the World

strike deal at COP28 to OILNEWS OIL NEWS Nations transition away from fossil fuels

Oil prices up 1% on big US storage withdrawal, tanker attack in Red Sea

O

il prices edged up about one per cent on Wednesday from a five-month low in the prior session on a biggerthan-expected weekly withdrawal from US crude storage and on worries about the security of Middle East oil supplies after a tanker attack in the Red Sea. Traders also noted crude prices held gains after the U.S. Federal Reserve released a statement that it would hold interest rates steady as expected and signalled it would start lowering borrowing costs in 2024.

Lower interest rates cut consumer borrowing costs, which can boost economic growth and demand for oil.

Brent futures rose US$1.02, or 1.4 per cent, to settle at US$74.26 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 86 cents, or 1.3 per cent to settle at US$69.47.

A tanker in the Red Sea off Yemen's coast was fired on by gunmen in a speedboat and targeted with missiles, the latest incident to threaten the shipping lane after Yemeni Houthi forces warned ships not to travel to Israel.

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) said energy firms pulled a bigger than expected 4.3 million barrels of crude from stockpiles during the week ended Dec 8 as imports fell.

EIA/A , "This (EIA) report is definitely more supportive than the (API) report that we saw yesterday," said Phil Flynn, an analyst at Price Futures Group, referring to the "larger than expected drawdown in crude oil supplies" in the EIA report.

On Tuesday, both Brent and WTI futures fell to their lowest since June and were in contango, with prices in later months higher than earlier months. Traders say this is bearish because it can encourage marketers to buy oil at current prices and store it to sell later when prices are higher.

The US Fed said it held interest rates steady and signalled an end to monetary policy tightening to fight inflation and lower borrowing costs coming in 2024.

Elsewhere, nearly 200 nations reached an historic deal at the COP28 conference to begin reducing global consumption of fossil fuels.

Saudi Arabia's Energy Minister Said he was in agreement with the COP28 presidency on the final deal, adding it would not affect the kingdom's hydrocarbon exports.

In its monthly report, the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) blamed the latest crude price slide on "exaggerated concerns" about oil demand growth.

Brent futures have dropped about 10 per cent since OPEC+ announced a new round of production cuts on November 30.

OPEC+ includes OPEC and allies like Russia. (Reuters)

R

epresentatives from nearly 200 countries agreed at the COP28 climate summit on Wednesday to begin reducing global consumption of fossil fuels to avert the worst of climate change, signalling the eventual end of the oil age.

The deal struck in Dubai after two weeks of hardfought negotiations was meant to send a powerful message to investors and policy-makers that the world was united in its desire to break with fossil fuels, something scientists say is the last best hope to stave off climate catastrophe.

COP28 President Sultan al-Jaber called the deal "historic", but added that its true success would be in its implementation.

"We are what we do, not what we say," he told the crowded plenary at the summit. "We must take the steps necessary to turn this agreement into tangible actions."

Several countries cheered the deal for accomplishing something that until now

eluded decades of climate talks.

"It is the first time that the world unites around such a clear text on the need to transition away from fossil fuels," Norway's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Espen Barth Eide said.

More than 100 countries had lobbied hard for strong language in the COP28 agreement to "phase out" oil, gas and coal use, but came up against powerful opposition from the Saudi Arabia-led oil producer group Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), which said the world can cut emissions without shunning specific fuels.

That battle pushed the summit a full day into overtime on Wednesday, and had some observers worried the negotiations would end at an impasse.

Members of the OPEC control nearly 80 per cent of the world's proven oil reserves along with about a third of global oil output, and their Governments rely

T

peso currency would be halved, public work tenders halted, and energy and transport subsidies reduced.

The Government will also, however, double social spending for the poorest.

William "What I see is everything getting more expensive almost every day, and I don't know for how long we'll be able to make it, because if salaries stay low and prices keep rising there won't be enough to eat," said 63-year-old retiree Maria Cristina Coronel.

Just to survive, many people are scouring markets in a race against time to find the best prices, which are updated daily in many stores. (Excerpt from Reuters)

heavily on those revenues.

Small climate-vulnerable island states, meanwhile, were among the most vocal supporters of language to phase out fossil fuels and had the backing of major oil and gas producers such as the United States, Canada and Norway, as well as the European Union and scores of other Governments.

"This is a moment where

multilateralism has actually come together and people have taken individual interests and attempted to define the common good," US climate envoy John Kerry said after the deal was adopted.

The lead negotiator for the Alliance of Small Island States, Anne Rasmussen, however, criticised the deal as unambitious. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Israelis say Hamas must be crushed despite Gaza casualties, UN rebuke

I

sraeli citizens said on Wednesday the army should not back off from its unrelenting offensive to crush Hamas, despite the United Nations General Assembly's ceasefire call, the growing list of troop casualties and a spiralling Palestinian death toll in Gaza.

Israel's military suffered one of the deadliest days in the two-month-old Gaza war on Tuesday, with a colonel among 10 soldiers killed, bringing the toll to 115 – almost double

the number killed during clashes in the coastal enclave nine years ago.

And with much of the enclave laid to waste, conditions dire and more than 18,500 Palestinians killed in the Israeli army's air and ground assault, US President Joe Biden said the "indiscriminate" bombing of Gazan civilians was costing Israel international support.

But six Israelis who spoke to Reuters on Wednesday said now was not the time to back down,

tankers face long Argentina's surging Fuel slog as Panama Canal prices add urgency to drought reroutes flows new President's plan he relentless pace of creeping prices in Argentina provides the new President's plan for immediate shock therapy little margin for error, with many citizens already wondering how they will survive annual inflation nearing 150 per cent.

President Javier Milei's economy chief laid out the new Government's initial policy push on Tuesday, targeting deep cuts to public spending and a sharp currency devaluation that will stoke short-term inflation as it hopes to staunch the bleeding in the country's worst economic crisis in decades.

Economy Minister Luis Caputo, like Milei in his first few days on the job, announced the value of the

United Arab Emirates Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and COP28 President Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber attends the plenary, after a draft of a negotiation deal was released, at the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP28 in Dubai

O

il tanker Cururo is taking the long way from Houston to Chile: sailing the length of South America's Atlantic coast, across the Strait of Magellan and heading up the Pacific coast before discharging.

The voyage could take 32 days and travel more than 10,000 nautical miles (18,520 km) before it ends next week, compared with about 23 days and less than 5000 miles for a typical route through the Panama Canal.

The odyssey is shipping's new reality due to a severe drought in Panama that is expected to shift trade flows and push up freight costs.

The change will mean less US gasoline heading to the West Coast of South America, particularly Chile, said Matt Smith, an analyst at ship tracking service Kpler. Chile will instead likely pull gaso-

line from Asia, he added.

Cururo headed for the Panama Canal last month and, unable to secure a slot for passage, changed its route. Two other refined products vessels, Green Sky and High Loyalt, also have taken longer routes to or from Chile that avoid the Panama Canal.

Taking longer routes or opting for bidding in Panama's daily slot auctions has made transportation more expensive for tankers and other vessel types with no priority in the canal.

US diesel flows increasingly are heading to Europe as South America buys less due to Panama Canal logjams, Kpler data also showed.

About 45 per cent of US diesel exports headed to Europe so far in December, compared with about 21 per cent last month. (Excerpt from Reuters)

regardless of fading global sympathy reflected in Tuesday's UN resolution.

Polls in recent weeks show overwhelming support for the war despite the rising costs.

Hamas' killing of about 1200 people, mostly civilians, on October 7 revived something Israel previously felt when Arabs staged a surprise attack in 1973 – fears that its neighbours and enemies

could do away with the Jewish nation all together, said political scientist Tamar Hermann.

"The sense of the people is that this is a threat to the very existence of Israel," said Hermann, of the Israel Democracy Institute, which conducts regular opinion polls on the war. She said that people were prepared for more deaths of soldiers.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Brazil's Lula says G20 to debate more representative global institutions

B

razilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Wednesday urged the international community to work for a twoState solution to the IsraelPalestinian conflict, and called for better representation in global institutions like the United Nations.

Speaking at a preparatory meeting of sherpas ahead of the November G20 meeting that Brazil would host, Lula said Brazil would continue to work for a permanent ceasefire that allows humanitarian aid to enter Gaza and for the immediate release of all hostages held

by Hamas.

"It is essential that the international community works towards a two-State solution, living side by side in security," he said.

Lula said the G20 group of the world's top economies is currently the political and economic forum with the greatest capacity to positive-

ly influence the international agenda in a world marked by the resurgence of conflicts, the emergence of protectionist blocs, and environmental destruction.

"We want to seriously confront the debate about the anachronism of global governance institutions, which no longer have representation," he said, referring to the five-member permanent UN Security Council y Council created in 1945.

Lula called for reform of multilateral financial institutions so debtor nations are better represented and suggested looking at international taxation mechanisms to help finance development.

Brazil's priorities as G20 President over the next 11 months will be the fight against hunger and poverty in the world, the promotion of sustainable development and the reform of global governance institutions, he said.(Reuters)

20

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023

guyanatimesgy.com

ARCHIE

DAILY HOROSCOPES Don’t let anger or animosity weigh you down. Concentrate on taking positive action and surrounding yourself with uplifting people. Choose peace over chaos.

(March 21-April 19) Dig deep, and you’ll get the answers you seek. Enhance your knowledge and hone your skills to ensure you have what it takes to pursue your goals. Romance is favored.

PICKLES

(April 20-May 20) Stick to the truth and don’t exaggerate. Pay attention to what others want, and make an effort to seal a commitment. Let your actions speak for you.

Don’t be gullible.

(May 21-June 20) Open discussions will drum up the help you require to make your dreams come true. Taking your plans to the next level will change your outlook and timeline. Embrace love and romance.

PEANUTS

(June 21-July 22) Get into the spirit of the season, mix business with pleasure and listen to others. A calm, practical outlook and a display of interest in others’ pursuits will give you a healthy edge.

(July 23-Aug. 22) Don’t let anger set in when change is your best bet. Size up situations and make your move. A change of location, direction or atmosphere will lighten the mood and offer the clarity you need.

CALVIN AND HOBBES (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

A liberated view of what’s unfolding will help you navigate the ups and downs you face. Don’t procrastinate or let your emotions lead you astray. Be concise and let your actions speak for you.

Update your skills. Reach out to people you trust to give you expert advice.

Look at partnerships and offers that show promise. Do your best to stabilize your home life.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Timing is everything. Be aware of what’s happening around you and prepare to take advantage of any opportunity to connect with someone who can contribute to your vision.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

YESTERDAY'S WORD -- ANEURYSM

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Let bygones be bygones. Open your heart, home and mind to achieve a peaceful atmosphere for you and the people you love. Focus on doing your best and offering what you can to those in need.

Take care of pressing matters that influence your position or prospects. Put your energy where it counts, and take care of unfinished business before it’s too late. Don’t take risks.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Exhibit financial control when shopping or trying to please the people you love. It’s better to play it safe and avoid debt. The greatest gifts you have to offer are kindness and love.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023

21

It wasn’t so easy to just move on from World Cup final defeat

– says India Captain Rohit Sharma

L

osing the ODI World Cup final to Australia hit India captain Rohit Sharma so hard that "it was very hard to get back and start moving on".

Speaking to fans helped him heal, he said in a social-media video on Wednesday.

Twenty-four days after the final in Ahmedabad, which India lost after winning all ten of their games in the run-up to the title clash, Rohit put out the message on Instagram, saying, "I had no idea how to come back from this. The first few days I didn't know what to do.

You know, my family, my friends, kept me going, kept things pretty light around me, which was quite helpful.

"It wasn't easy to digest, but life moves on. You have to move on in life. But, honestly, it was tough. It was not so easy to just move on.

"I have always grown up watching 50-Over World Cup, and, to me, that was the ultimate prize. We have worked all these years for that World Cup…and it is disappointing, right? If you don't get through it, and you don't get what you want, what you've been looking for all this while, what you were dreaming of, you get disappointed, and you get frus-

trated as well at times."

Australia, now six-time ODI World Cup champions, had lost their first two games at the World Cup one of them to India - before getting on a hot streak that culminated with them winning the trophy. In the final, on a pitch later rated "average" by the ICC, whereon Australia brought their most ruthless game to the table, India put up a below-par 240, which was chased down with seven overs in hand for a six-wicket win.

"I thought we did everything we could from our side.

If someone will ask me what went wrong…because we won ten games, and in those ten games, yes, we made mistakes, but that mistake happens in every game that you play. You cannot have a perfect game. You can have a near-perfect game, but you cannot have a perfect game," Rohit said.

"If I look on the other side of it, I'm really proud of the team as well. Because how we played was simply outstanding. You don't get to perform like that every World Cup. And I am pretty sure I am (proud), at least, how we played up until that final, it would have given people a lot of joy, a lot of pride, watching the team

India Captain Rohit Sharma

play."

Rohit said he had to get away from it all after the World Cup final, to wrap his head around what had happened. And that his interactions with people he met helped him "heal".

"After the final, it was very hard to get back and start moving on, which is why I decided that I need to go somewhere and just get my mind out of this," he said. "But then, wherever I was, I realised that people were coming up to me and they were appreciating everyone's effort, how well we played. I feel for all of them.

They all, along with us, they were dreaming of lifting that World Cup along with us.

"Everywhere we went during this entire World Cup campaign, there was so much support from everyone, who came to the stadium firstly, and people who were watching it from home as well. I want to ap-

Recovering Kyrgios says tired of playing tennis

N Matthews hails Royals’ Girls Club as significant platform for women's cricket

W

est Indies captain Hayley Matthews has hailed the launch of the Barbados Royals Girls Cricket Club as a significant developmental move for women’s cricket on that island.

“I think it is huge. It is something that we definitely needed in Barbados for a long time now,” Matthews has said.

The club was launched this past weekend at the Passage Road playing field in St Michael, and big names in attendance included Matthews, former England captain Mike Gatting, West Indies Women’s T20 World Cup winner Stacey-Ann King, and West Indies selector Roland Butcher, the first black man to play international cricket for England.

Barbados Royals Girls Cricket Club would provide mentorship and resources to 100 young ladies as they seek to foster their cricket development.

“I honestly think it’s something that has been needed for a very long time, and that’s why I’m so happy to see it come to frui-

West Indies and Barbados Royals’ Captain, Hayley Matthews

tion. Hopefully, we can see this thing really take off and present girls with a lot more opportunities,” said the 25-year-old Matthews, currently ranked as the World’s No.1 all-rounder in Women’s T20 cricket.

“I think that to be able to

give young girls from age six and up the opportunity to be able to come out here and fall in love with the game of cricket is a great first step in Barbados; and hopefully, we can see (more) stuff like this moving forward,” she added.

(Sportsmax)

preciate what the peop l e h a v e done for us in that one-anda-half months. But again, if I think more and more about that, I feel quite disappointed that we were not able to go through all the way.

"For me to see, you know, people coming up to me, tell-

ing me that they were proud of the team, you know made me feel really good to a certain extent. And along with them, I was healing as well. I felt, okay these are the kind of things you want to hear. When you meet people, when they understand what the player must be going through, and when they know these kind of things…and not to bring out that frustration, that anger, it means a lot for us, for me definitely it meant a lot because there was no anger, it was just pure love from people that I met, and it was wonderful to see that. So, it gives you motivation to get back and start working again, and look for another ultimate prize."

(ESPNCricinfo)

ick Kyrgios has said he is “tired” and does not want to play tennis any more, as he continues to recover from injury.

The 28-year-old Australian missed all four majors in 2023 because of wrist, knee and foot injuries.

On Saturday, Kyrgios said he will not take part in the Australian Open in January because of injury concerns.

“If it was up to me, I don’t really want to play anymore, to be honest,” Kyrgios told the ‘On Purpose with Jay Shetty’ podcast. “I have to [keep playing]. I’ve got so much more to give, but, for me, I don’t feel like playing anymore.”

Kyrgios enjoyed the best year of his career in 2022, reaching his first Grand Slam singles final at Wimbledon and a career-high of 11 in the world rankings. But he withdrew from the Australian Open in January with a knee injury, before undergoing surgery for the issue.

He then missed the French Open because of a foot injury, and Wimbledon with a wrist ligament problem, which also forced him out of the US Open.

The 2021 Australian Open doubles champion has since had surgery on his wrist, but having dropped out of the world rankings, has said he is “exhausted”

with his continuing recovery process.

“I’m tired. I have had three surgeries now, I’m only 28 years old. I always wanted to have a family and not be in pain. When I get up, I can’t walk without pain. It’s a tough gig,” he said.

Kyrgios has played just one ATP Tour match this year, losing to China’s world number 64 Yibing Wu in Stuttgart i n June.

“I only want to play for about another one to two years, be at the top, and go down (by) my own terms,” Kyrgios said. “I would hate to have another surgery or anything like that. I think I’ve still got the ability to have a good one to two years, and then that’s it.

“I think I’ll be at peace with e v e r y thing I’ve achieved, and I’m going to have to just say to everyone out there

who wants me to play more, ‘You’re just going to have to be OK with me not playing any more’.”

He had previously opened up about mental health issues that left him contemplating suicide in 2019.

“That period in 2019 accelerated my exhaustion and almost pushed me to the end of my career a bit earlier. If I had a normal career and I flew under the radar, I don’t feel I’d feel this way; but those couple years really, I think, put a lot on my age,” he said.

“It’s just hard. I am tired. I’m tired of playing tennis.” (BBC Sport)

Kyrgios was beaten in the 2022 Wimbledon final by world number one Novak Djokovic

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023

CONCACAF W Gold Cup…

Lady Jags could potentially face CONCACAF powerhouses if advanced …Head Coach Omar Khan hoping to seize opportunity

C

ONCACAF on Monday conducted the official draw for the 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup. The inaugural edition of the region's new flagship competition for women's national teams will be played between February 17 and March 10, 2024 across four venues in three US metropolitan areas, and includes the participation of CONCACAF's and CONMEBOL's best women's national teams and some of the world's top players.

The made-for-tv event was hosted by CBS Sports reporter Susannah Collins, and included the participation of CONCACAF President and FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani and former national team stars Dinnia Diaz (CRC), Cheyna Matthews (JAM) and Monica Ocampo (MEX). CONCACAF Chief Football Competitions Officer Carlos Fernandez conducted the draw.

In Monday’s draw, the 12 women’s national teams participating in the tournament’s group stage were divided into three groups of four as follows: Group A: United States, Mexico, Argentina, and Prelims Winner 3.

Group B: Brazil, Panama, Colombia, and Prelims Winner 1.

Group C: Canada, Costa Rica, Paraguay, and Prelims Winner 2.

The pairings for the Preliminary Round (Prelims) were determined based on CONCACAF Women's Rankings as at December 2023, and are as follows (highest-ranked teams versus the

Winner 1 vs Panama M13: Colombia vs Brazil.

Sunday, February 25, 2024 - Shell Energy Stadium, Houston, TX M14: Prelims Winner 2 vs Costa Rica M15: Paraguay vs Canada.

Monday, February 26, 2024 - Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, CA M16: Argentina vs Prelims Winner 3 M17: United States vs Mexico.

lowest-ranked teams): P1: Haiti (1) vs Puerto Rico (6) P2: El Salvador (2) vs Guatemala (5) P3: Guyana (3) vs Dominican Republic (4)

2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup Competition Format

The 2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup will begin with the Prelims at Dignity Health Sports Park Track and Field Stadium on February 17, 2024.

After single-match elimination play, the winning team in each match will advance to the Group Stage.

A 12-nation team Group Stage will be played between February 20-28, 2024 at Dignity Health Sports Park (Group A), Snapdragon Stadium (Group B), and Shell Energy Stadium (Group C).

After round-robin play, the group winners, runners-up, and the two best third-place finishers will advance to the

tournament's Quarterfinals.

The Knockout Stage will commence with the Quarterfinals at BMO Stadium on March 2 and 3, followed by the Semifinals and Final at Snapdragon Stadium on March 6 and 10 respectively.

2024 CONCACAF W Gold Cup Match Schedule

*Kick-off times and order of matches will be announced at a later date.

M5: United States vs Prelims Winner 3.

Wednesday, February 21, 2024 - Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, CA M6: Panama vs Colombia M7: Brazil vs Prelims Winner 1.

Thursday, February 22, 2024 - Shell Energy Stadium, Houston, TX M8: Costa Rica vs Paraguay M9: Canada vs Prelims Winner 2.

Saturday, February 17, 2024 - Dignity Health Sports Park Track and Field Stadium, Carson, CA M1: Haiti vs Puerto Rico M2: El Salvador vs Guatemala M3: Guyana vs Dominican Republic.

Friday, February 23, 2024 - Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, CA M10: Prelims Winner 3 vs Mexico M11: Argentina vs United States.

Tuesday, February 20, 2024 - Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, CA M4: Mexico vs Argentina

Saturday, February 24, 2024 - Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, CA M12: Prelims

Tuesday, February 27, 2024 - Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, CA M18: Colombia vs Prelims Winner 1 M19: Brazil vs Panama.

Wednesday, February 28, 2024 - Shell Energy Stadium, Houston, TX M20: Paraguay vs Prelims Winner 2 M21: Canada vs Costa Rica.

Saturday, March 2, 2024 - BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, CA (Quarterfinals) M22: 1st vs 8th M23: 2nd vs 7th Sunday, March 3, 2024 - BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, CA (Quarterfinals) M24: 3rd vs 6th M25: 4th vs 5th Wednesday, March 6, 2024 - Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, CA (Semifinals) M26: WM22 vs WM25 M27: WM23 vs WM24

Sunday, March 10, 2024 - Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, CA (Final) M28: WM26 vs WM27 Meanwhile, Lady Jags Head Coach Omar Khan has said the team is eager to seize the opportunity to compete in Group A alongside several top female national teams. He highlighted that the coaching staff has already started analysing the playing style of the Dominican Republic.

“This is our chance to really get in with the big countries in the big games. I think it's a great opportunity, and we have to take that opportunity with both hands to try to get everything out of it. We’ll be ready, we already started to analyse the game of the opponent, we’ve started to see which game plan we could use. Doesn't matter what happens, it's going to be a great experience and opportunity to play on a high level in the first Gold Cup.” Guyana Football Federation (GFF) President Wayne Forde has said he is confident the national team would tackle this upcoming challenge with the same level of determination and heart shown during the Road to Concacaf W Gold Cup. “The Lady Jags have consistently demonstrated their talent and dedication, proving their capability to excel at the highest levels of football. I have no doubt this round will echo that. Despite the strong challenge posed by the Dominican Republic, our team tackles each game with determination and heart,” he said.

Blue Water Girls U15 Development League set for 2024

T

he Blue Water Girls' Under-15 Development League will be run as a national tournament in 2024, providing a competitive platform for budding talents to exhibit their skills and contend for potential positions within the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF’s) national team programme.

This announcement was made during a friendly match between Georgetown’s Tucville Secondary School and Bartica’s Potaro Strikers to celebrate Blue Water Shipping's acqui-

sition of the naming rights for the GFF Durban Park Stadium, located in the heart of Georgetown.

The football community has warmly welcomed news of the stadium, after its announcement on December 8 by the

company's dedication to nurturing youth talent, and has emphasised that the stadium would play a pivotal role in the nationwide growth of football.

“At Blue Water Shipping, we are always happy to contribute in a meaningful way to

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The Blue Water U15 Development League will be run as a national tournament next year

A look at what to expect when the national tournament kicks off next year

This initiative's rollout in 2024 promises positive engagement from participating schools," he said.

This is something we should all be proud of,” DeNobrega has said.

In May 2022, the GFF and Blue Water Shipping collaboratively launched the first girls' league, aimed at nurturing young female footballers across

GFF and Blue Water Shipping.

The state-of-the-art, multi-million-dollar facility will have a seating capacity of 10,400; a main pitch, mini pitches for grassroots programmes, and office space for the federation. It will be completed in four years.

Blue Water Shipping’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Development, Richard DeNobrega, has affirmed his

sport development. This further development of our partnership with the GFF…allows us to build on our existing commitment to the U15 Girls League with the construction of the Blue Water Shipping Stadium.

Our vision is that the continued development of talent is boosted, and youths from all across Guyana are given the opportunity to benefit from a facility that promotes their growth.

Guyana. Now the league will mirror the recently concluded Namilco Thunderbolt Flour Power U17 National Academy Playoff.

GFF President Wayne Forde highlighted that the Guyanese football community has plenty to celebrate, thanks to the extended partnership with Blue Water Shipping.

“Thank you to Blue Water Shipping for supporting the

GFF's football infrastructure goal. This is another significant step toward achieving our state-of-the-art stadium, given the green light by Concacaf and FIFA, within the coming four years. The Blue Water Shipping Stadium is poised to become the official home of football,” Forde has said.

Further, Forde highlighted that the 2024 launch of the Blue Water Girls' U15 Development League shows the company's resolute commitment to fostering the growth of talented girls across Guyana.

"GFF’s focus on grassroots initiatives is crucial to our strategic plan to ensure the sustainable advancement of football.

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Caption: Evin Lewis and Rashid Khan were teammates at St Kitts & Nevis Patriots last season

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023

23

Buttler admits England face ‘great KFC International Goodwill tournament…

Chase, Carmel, T&T, test’ to slow down West Indies

J

os Buttler lamented England’s batting, but admitted they must find a way to restrict the West Indies, whose six-hitting prowess saw them claim a four-wicket win in the T20 opener.

England raced to 77 for none at the end of the powerplay, then 112 for two at halfway, but collapsed to 171 all out in 19.3 overs, losing their last five wickets for six runs in 15 balls in Barbados.

Adil Rashid marked his 100th T20 appearance – he was presented with his cap

by Andrew Flintoff – with two for 25, and became the first English male bowler to collect 100 wickets in the format. But the Windies batters lived up to their reputation as big hitters, bludgeoning 14 sixes in total, possibly aided by a half-hour rain delay that made bowling conditions trickier.

Buttler has accepted that figuring out how to stop them so readily being able to clear the ropes must be a priority for England’s bowlers in the remaining four matches.

“From the position we were in at halfway, to only end up with 170 is an area we could have improved in,” Buttler said.

“The wicket definitely got harder, and the West Indies adapted. They hit a lot of sixes as a team, that’s something that is a trademark of their side, and we’ve got to find ways to limit that. Obviously, the swing in the game with sixes is so big you’ve got to find ways to get it out the arc, try and find ways to take wickets as well, be aggressive and be committed.

“It’s a great test for us, and we’ll find out lots over the next few games. But certainly, we need to find a way to score 20-25 more runs in that phase, which

Jamaica among day 1 winners

T Rehan Ahmed was a standout for England in the first T20I on Tuesday

would have been a really good score on that wicket,” Buttler said.

Veteran all-rounder Andre Russell marked his first international appearance since the 2021 T20 World Cup with three for 19 and an unbeaten 29 off 14 balls, as the Windies won with 11 balls to spare. He is a regular on the franchise circuit, but has been coaxed back into the Windies set-up by former team-mate and now head coach Darren Sammy just a few months before they co-host the T20 World Cup. “I still have a lot left in the tank, but based on discussions with the coach, I told him that after the World Cup, I would walk away from international cricket,” the 35-year-old said.

“But if they need me, I will come out of retirement. If West Indies should still need me, I would be willing to put in the hard yards for them. I always want to play for West Indies.

“Sometimes people might think it’s all about playing leagues and all of those things, but I try to make sure that I look after my body, and make sure that when this call-up is here, I’m ready.”

England have no time to lick their wounds, after a miserable World Cup and ODI series defeat against the Windies was followed by another setback here, with the second T20 on Thursday in Grenada. They were vindicated in selecting two leg-spinners, as Rashid and Ahmed shared five of the six Windies wickets, and the pair are set to feature in two matches in Grenada and another couple in Trinidad.

“It was great to see them operate together,” the England captain added. “We need to find out if it’s an option here before we get to the World Cup.” Rashid continues to shine for England, and will almost certainly be instrumental in their T20 World Cup defence in six months’ time.

“He was class again,” Buttler said. “He’s been a key player for England for such a long period of time. To reach 100 caps shows his longevity, his skill, and he’s been such an important member of our team.”

The first ball in today’s second T20I between England and West Indies is set for 13:30hrs local time. (Sportsmax)

wo Guyanese teams and two overseas teams tasted victory on Tuesday in the first day’s play of the fourth edition of the KFC International Goodwill series.

The four games played on Tuesday have completed Round 1 of the Group Stage in the 8-team competition, which is billed to continue today across two venues.

First, at the Queen’s College Ground, Bryan Wharton netted goals in the 27th, 30th, 35th and 51st minutes to register a helmet trick that led Chase’s Academic Foundation to a 5-2 victory over St Ignatius Secondary. Omar Sam netted the fifth for Chase in the 75th minute.

The two goals scored by St. Ignatius came off the boots of Stephon Sprosta and Caio Demetro Paul in the 28th and 47th minutes respectively.

At the same venue, Jamaica’s Clarendon College eased past Bartica Secondary 3-0 in their first game on Guyanese shores. Bartica put up a good fight in the first half, but Jamaica’s Chevon Watson broke the ice in the 41st minute, and Nicholy Forbes made it a 2-0 affair in Jamaica’s favour six minutes later.

Then, in the 72nd, Watson completed his brace to seal the 3-0 win.

Later in the evening at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground, Trinidad and Tobago’s St. Benedict’s College gave Suriname’s VMO 4 a 9-1

A glimpse of some of the action on the first day of the KFC-sponsored competition

drubbing. Malachi Webb was St. Benedict’s marksman, netting goals in the 6th, 8th, 38th and 45th minutes for a helmet trick. Jeremiah Nilles got in on the goal fest with a triple in the 10th, 42nd and 44th minutes, while Josiah Ochoa and Nathan George each found the back of the net once.

In the 86th minute, Justin Jackson pierced the nets for VMO’s consolation goal.

In the final game of the day, Carmel Secondary narrowly got past defending champions D.C. Caesar Fox (Waramadong) Secondary 2-1. Carmel’s Ian Daniels opened the scoring in the 16th minute with a shot across the face of the goal, and later pushed the score to 2-0 in the 43rd.

However, Waramadong’s Anthonio Isaacs pulled one back in the 45th, after converting a free kick.

The KFC International

Goodwill series continues tomorrow with Chase’s Academy taking on Bartica Secondary at 13:30hrs, and Carmel Secondary battling Suriname’s VMO 4 from 15:30hrs, both at QC Ground.

Jamaica’s Clarendon College goes head-to-head with St. Ignatius at the MoE Ground from 18:00hrs, while St. Benedict’s College of Trinidad goes up against D.C. Caesar Fox (Waramadong) Secondary from 20:00hrs.

The teams are vying for a grand prize of Gy$500,000 (US$2500), but second, third and fourth-place prizes are $300,000 (US$1500); $200,000 (US$1000)and $100,000(US$500) respectively -- a first for the competition.

The tournament is supported by KFC, ANSA McAL’s Lucozade, ExxonMobil, MVP Sports, and the Ministries of Education and Culture, Youth and Sport.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2023

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

Russell mulling retirement after 2024 T20 World Cup W

est Indies all-rounder Andre Russell on Tuesday produced a man-of-the-match performance to lead his team to a 4-wicket victory over England at the Kensington Oval in Barbados.

Russell claimed figures of 3-19 from 4 overs, and hit 29 runs off 14 deliveries for the stellar all-round performance that marked an emphatic return to the West Indies set up.

“I love the start that I got: second over picking up an important wicket, you know, and then start to pull it back in the middle. I was excited to see all the guys there trying to make sure that all the plans that we discussed in the huddle came out; and, you know, it’s good to pull it back from a high-scoring game to 170,” the West Indian all-rounder said of his performance on Tuesday.

As he spoke during a

Andre Russell showed up with bat and ball in the first T20I against England

post-match interview, Russel went on to share with media operatives how his return to the Men in Maroon set-up was streamlined by white ball Head Coach Daren

Sammy.

“Actually, since CPL, Sammy mentioned once I do what I have to do in CPL, he will definitely mention my name in selection. And,

KFC International Goodwill tournament…

Chase, Carmel, T&T, Jamaica among day 1 winners

you know, I had my fingers crossed, because, at the end of the day, I always want to play for West Indies,” Russell explained.

“Sometimes people might think it’s all about playing leagues and those things, but I tried to make sure I look after my body and make sure that when this call-up is here, I’m ready. I’ve been training hard and make sure that I eat properly and take care of myself. So, I was ready and excited for this call-up,” he added.

Quizzed about whether or not the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup would be his last, Russell admitted that he is considering retirement after the global showpiece, but said he would think twice if the team needs his services after.

The Jamaican cricketer divulged, “It all depends how the World Cup goes for me.

To be honest, I still have a

lot in the tank, but based on discussions with the coach, I told him that after World Cup I would walk away from international cricket; but if they need me, I will come out of retirement.

“But that’s the plan that I have. There are so many young talents here, all-rounders similar to myself; so, sometimes you real-

ise you’re going into 36, you know, just give the youngsters the opportunity. If West Indies should still need me, I would be willing to put in the hard yards for them,” Russell went on to reveal.

The West Indies T20I Series against England continues today with the second match in the 5-match series bowling off in Grenada.

CONCACAF W Gold Cup…

Pg 23

Lady Jags could potentially face CONCACAF powerhouses if advanced Pg 22

…Head Coach Omar Khan hoping to seize opportunity

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