Guyana Times - Thursday, February 16, 2023

Guyana donates US$100,000 in aid to Türkiye, Syria

240 Indigenous communities allocated over US$22M from carbon credit sales

Guyana to pay US$55M annual amortised cost for gas-toenergy pipelines – Brassington

…says Guyana will save, earn 10 times that amount from project

Real-time satellite monitoring of Guyana’s forests to be implemented

…over 500 officers placed throughout hinterland – Bharrat

Govt lambasts American Airlines’ shabby treatment of visiting Heads of State

12 wanted for “acts of terrorism” at Mon Repos

Political activist's ID found in car with 151lbs of ganja

Another parent charged for assaulting teacher

"Ratty" acquitted of bus driver’s murder

200lbs of ganja found during roadblock at Mahaica

Farmers must recognise importance of each sector, act unselfishly – Agri Minister

Woman dies after being flung from out-of-control car into trench

Govt lambasts American Airlines’ shabby treatment of visiting Heads of State

Miami International Airport

(MIA).

The Guyana Government has once again called out American Airlines over its refusal to grant VIP treatment to high-ranking officials travelling with the carrier from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) in Timehri.

This recent expression of disappointment comes on the heels of the airline’s treatment of two Caribbean Heads of State, who were

leaving Guyana after an official visit for the opening of the International Energy Conference on Tuesday.

According to a statement from the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry in Georgetown on Wednesday, the Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, and the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr Keith Rowley, had to face inconvenience

on their departure from the CJIA earlier on Wednesday.

It was explained that all Government protocols were put in place to facilitate their departure, but they were not facilitated by the United States-based airline.

“Despite American Airlines having been written to prior to the arrival of the Prime Ministers in Guyana, for them to be accorded the courtesies of check-in on departure from the VIP Lounge

[at the CJIA], the airline refused to acquiesce to the Ministry’s request and insisted that the Prime Ministers leave the Lounge to present themselves to the checkin counter,” the missive detailed.

As a consequence of this incident, the Foreign Affairs Ministry indicated that Government intended to “formally communicate its displeasure of this most recent action by the airline that has caused embarrassment not only nationally, but also to our regional friends”.

Moreover, the Guyana Government pointed out that it had previously protested this position taken by American Airlines against its own high and senior Government officials. But, according to the Foreign Ministry, the airline has continued to “pay scant regard” to the Government’s requests for entitlements to the positions held to be respected.

Back in March 2022, American Airlines came under fire after delaying a flight that President Dr Irfaan Ali and his entourage were on, for more than four hours. The flight, 1512, was booked to fly the Guyanese leader and his delegation to the

In a letter to local authorities, the airline explained that the four-hour, 13-minute delay was due to a mechanical failure.

“The Captain in command of the flight made an announcement from the cockpit to all passengers on board the aircraft at approximately 07:45. The Captain then proceeded to communicate directly with the President, where he offered an apology. The President requested to be deplaned at 08:22 and this request was facilitated as quickly as possible,” the airline said.

Eventually, the flight was able to depart after they were able to successfully start the engine. But this would not be the end of the ordeal as further delays occurred when the plane landed at the Miami International Airport. American Airlines had even admitted that this was not conveyed to the President and his team.

“We own this failure and have taken immediate actions to ensure it does not happen in the future… Our Government Affairs Manager and local management will provide the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the respective protocol

offices with frequent updates should there be a flight delay or any issues in the future… American Airlines is proud to serve Guyana, and we are committed to offering the best product and service possible, especially when welcoming someone such as His Excellency on board our aircraft. We did not live up to that commitment, and wholeheartedly regret and apologise for the inconvenience caused,” the airline had stated in its letter of apology.

In November 2021, the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry had expressed grave concerns over a series of flights cancellations by American Airlines.

“On average 44 per cent of AA flights from Guyana over the last six months have been delayed. Additionally, an average of two flights monthly have been cancelled. The Government of Guyana has received numerous complaints about the manner in which customers are treated when there are cancellation,” the Ministry had noted.

American Airlines made its inaugural flight to Guyana in November 2018 and currently operates direct flights from the CJIA to the Miami International Airport and the John F Kennedy (JFK) Airport in New York. (G8)

T&T Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley

St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Thursday, February 16 –01:00h-02:30h and Friday, February 17 – 02:00h-03:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, February 16 –13:00h-14:30h and Friday, February 17 – 14:05h-15:35h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery showers are expected during the day and the night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North North-Easterly to North-Easterly between 3.58 metres and 6.26 metres.

High Tide: 13:15h reaching a maximum height of 2.32 metres.

Low Tide: 06:41h and 19:31h reaching minimum heights of 1.08 metres and 0.83 metre.

240 Indigenous communities allocated over US$22M from carbon credit sales

LOTTERY NUMBERS

Some 240 Indigenous communities will receive payments ranging from $10 million to $35 million, courtesy of the first set of payments from the sale of Guyana’s forest carbon credits to Hess Corporation.

This was announced during a meeting at the Arthur Chung Conference Center (ACCC) between Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, other Government officials and Indigenous leaders from these communities.

A total of $4.7 billion (US$22.5 million), which is 15 per cent of US$150 million, is earmarked for distribution to these villages. In fact, this number may increase as other agreements for the sale of the remainder of Guyana’s credits are concluded.

Jagdeo explained to the Toshaos that a formula would be applied to ensure that the proceeds from the carbon credit sales were distributed equitably and every village benefited. He revealed that this money would soon be paid into a bank account. But to access it, villages must have village development plans and a finance committee.

“Based on the application of the formula based on population and size, you’re going to see how much the communities are getting. Ranging from $10 million to some communities, their share of the 15 per cent this year will be $35 million. So, a place like Aishalton will get in their bank account $35 million. And the smaller communities will get $10 million.

“You can’t draw down this money until you name your finance committee and complete your village development plan (which) must be endorsed by the village and share the minutes of the meeting in which the village endorsed the development plan,” Jagdeo further explained.

The Vice President meanwhile made mention of a further $3 billion which the Government had allocated in a supplementary paper last year. But again, financial transparency and ensuring that villages have their plans ready will be important prerequisites to accessing this money.

“The last time you came here, the President said we’re going to develop $3 billion based on the initia-

tives you had. So, a number of people submitted much more than the $3 billion. Ten times more. So today, I want us to settle on the programme for the $3 billion, so you can get that. That’s money sitting, waiting to be spent on the communities.

“But we can’t move forward, because we have not settled the priorities as yet. And we want to make sure every community gets something from the $3 billion; that’s separate from this money we’re talking about today,” Jagdeo said.

He talked about other investments the Government was making in hinterland communities, such as the $5 billion set aside for hinterland roads and $3 billion which the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) will also be contributing to hinterland roads.

“This year’s budget alone. The budget was just passed. If you look at our expenditure on health, on education, on roads in the hinterland, it’s going to be about $35 billion… $5 billion on hinterland roads. This is mon-

ey I’m talking about that is not part of the money you’re getting here today,” the VP said.

It is understood that the first tranche will come from Guyana’s carbon credit sales to Hess Corporation, as per the 10-year agreement signed last year for the purchase of 37.5 million credits at US$750 million. Vice President Jagdeo has said that the Indigenous communities will get 15 per cent, which they will spend according to their village development plans.

During Wednesday’s energy conference and expo, the Vice President had expressed hope that the Indigenous communities would spend their funds on income-generating ventures. According to Jagdeo, it is preferred if the money is spent in the social sectors, job creation and/or on food security efforts. And in a subsequent press release from the Department of Environment and Climate Change, the modalities of distributing the monies were explained.

“At today’s meeting, Toshaos started the process of establishing dedicated bank accounts for the receipt of all carbon credit revenues. These revenues will become accessible to villages and communities after village-led processes are completed to produce Village Plans in accordance with the Amerindian Act and the LCDS (Chapter Two),” the Department said.

“This is described in more detail… in the LCDS 2030, but in summary, access to finance can commence after villagers have met to discuss their priorities and proof is provided that the village has approved priorities via a vote of majority of those present at the village meetings.”

It was also revealed that the total initial money received from the carbon credit agreement with Hess would total US$150 million by the end of 2023 – with US$112.5 million already received and a further US$37.5 million to come in July 2023. (G3)

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo as he addressed the Toshaos on Wednesday

A section of the gathering

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Adolescent mothers & school

Young and teenage mothers now have a chance and opportunity to be gainfully employed and take care of their children as a result of the re-integration programme by the Education Ministry.

This opportunity into the formal school system gives adolescent mothers a prospect to a good education, thus providing them with the foundation to have a better life.

Sometime ago, after reports in the media surfaced of teenage girls, aged 13 and 15, from the Lower Pomeroon area, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) becoming pregnant and subsequently giving birth to twins, there was much uproar about the lack of will at the level of policy makers, and the lack of guidance at the social level to help prevent teenage pregnancy. Also, this publication had reported some time ago of a 14-year-old girl, also from the Pomeroon River, who was hospitalised after she had tried to abort her unborn baby and injured herself. This is a typical example on what happens when one becomes pregnant at a very young age, and possibly gets into a state of depression due to pregnancy.

The fact that our students, who ought to be at school educating and preparing themselves to face life’s challenges, are engaging in such unwholesome and life changing activities is very worrying. Our adolescents will, later down the road, certainly have to face the consequences of these poor choices. The resulting problems could be many; for example: severe health complications for both the mother and child, and serious social and economic problems.

The World Health Organization (WHO), in one of its reports, had stated that adolescents aged 10-19 years account for 11 per cent of all births worldwide, they account for 23% of the overall burden of disease due to pregnancy and childbirth.

The Organization has reported that fourteen percent of all unsafe abortions in low- and middle-income countries are among women aged 15–19 years. About 2.5 million adolescents have unsafe abortions every year, and adolescents are more seriously affected by complications than are older women.

Many health problems are particularly associated with negative outcomes of pregnancy during adolescence. These include anaemia, malaria, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, postpartum haemorrhage, and mental disorders such as depression.

Likewise, the social problems, both on families and the community, are many. Many girls who become pregnant have to leave school. This has long-term implications for them as individuals, their families and communities. For example, when an adolescent girl becomes pregnant, her entire life is affected, as her focus can no longer be her academic studies; she would now have to dedicate all her energies and resources to child rearing and caring. In most cases, the male partner is also similarly affected.

That said, we believe that in many of these cases, especially in cases of girls under-15, such pregnancies are not the result of a deliberate choice, but are rather due to an absence of choices and of circumstances beyond a girl’s control. Early pregnancies reflect powerlessness, poverty and pressures - from partners, peers, families and communities. Hence, there is need for approaches that build girls’ human capital, help them make decisions about their lives, including matters of sexual and reproductive health, and offer them real opportunities so that motherhood is not seen as their only destiny.

Girls need to have access to both sexual and reproductive health services, and to the right kind of information so that they can make informed choices about their own lives. In many communities, especially in the hinterland areas, these services are lacking.

In May 2011, the World Health Assembly adopted a resolution urging member states to accelerate actions to improve the health of young people. It included these specific measures: reviewing and revising policies to protect young people from early childbearing; providing access to contraception and reproductive health-care services; and promoting access to accurate information on sexual and reproductive health.

It is very commendable that the Education Ministry continues to help teen moms through the Re-integration of Adolescent Mothers programme. This affords teen mothers the opportunity to be productively employed, and for those who choose to reenter the formal school system, they can do so successfully.

Mark Phillips is a valued member of President Ali’s team

Dear Editor, Since assuming office two and a half years ago, Brigadier Mark Phillips has since become a remarkable Prime Minister in the execution of his duties. He had the choice of following in the footsteps of other Prime Ministers before him, but he did not. Instead, he carved out his own niche which allowed him to be flexible and at the same time candid with the public. His transition from being the Chief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defense Force (GDF) to Prime Minister and to politics was smooth which leaves little or no doubt in the minds of many of his political and leadership skills.

Brigadier Phillips did not become the PM by chance or by accident, he was carefully selected by members of the PPP because of his talents as senior military personnel and because of his ability to lead as he had done in the army. Despite his lack of political experience, many believed that Prime Minister Phillips was the right person for the job, and they were right. But is there a ‘right’ person to be the Prime Minister of Guyana. The answer is yes, mainly because he is the ideal person with the ideal set of skills necessary to fulfil the role of Prime Minister. The former chief of staff of the GDF posses a wide range of qualities, an impeccable integrity, a credible and pragmatic politician and a leader with vision and the ability to compromise.

Cool, calm, and enthusiastic, Brigadier Mark Phillips has surprised many of his sound leadership style, his requisite skills, knowledge and understanding of the role of Prime Minister

and the first Vice President. In many of his visits to various rural communities, he told the residents that his most important mission as Prime Minister is to work closely with President Ali and the cabinet to solve their problems, improve their lives and unite and develop the country.

Since becoming Prime Minister, the former army chief has exhibited all the characteristics of a gifted politician and a leader who adapts readily and easily to new situations. He is a keen listener and an extremely good communicator with very strong analytical and negotiation skills. Self-motivated, original, creative, and judicious, and having an advanced vocabulary, Brigadier Phillips is always concerned with right and wrong, good, and bad. Sociable, and known for his unique and clever responses, he is unwilling to accept authoritarian pronouncements without critical examination. Not only is he a strong believer in good governance, accountability, and transparency, but he is also an unyielding advocate of an animated opposition that would not criticize for the sake of criticizing, but one that would genuinely highlight tangible problems and articulate sound policies.

As Prime Minister, Mark Anthony Phillips is a firm believer of the government’s commitment to inclusiveness. To this end, he has he brought on board persons from other political parties, welcomes criticisms and value and respect those who may disagree with him on positions taken. Because of his military experience and his superb man-

agement style, President Dr, Ali has entrusted Prime Minister Phillips with enormous responsibilities such as the leader of Government Business in the National Assembly, the Telecommunications Sector, the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), Public Utilities Commission (PUC), and the Guyana Post Office Corporation (GPOC). The Office of Prime Minister is also responsible for the Energy Sector which in part includes the Guyana Power and Light (GPL), the

Hinterland Electrification Company Inc, (HECI), as well as the Guyana National Broadcasting Authority (GNBA). A son of the soil, Mark Phillips is a competent, trusted, and valued member of the President Ali’s team who is instrumental in assisting in providing policy direction to advance the welfare and development of all the people of Guyana, regardless of race, ethnicity, or party affiliation.

Sincerely,

Dr Asquith Rose

Mahadeo Shivraj should be honoured & supported for his films

Dear Editor,

My attention is drawn to a missive from Haji Roshan Khan in another paper, stating that celebrated actor and producer Mahadeo Shivraj has never received support from any Government for his films, which largely focus on Guyana and the Guyanese diaspora. Haji Roshan noted that two other producers, Bunny Alves and Charmaine Blackman, also did not receive support for their productions.

Government should consider giving support to local producers and actors in the entertainment industry. News reports and a letter, “Others who contributed to Guyana were not honoured as Wright”, in your paper (Feb 14) indicated that Ms Letitia Wright, the Guyanese-born,

British-educated actress, was honoured by UG with an honorary doctorate. I congratulate the British actress on her achievement as an actress, and for her being honoured. However, I can think of many actors, other entertainers, artistes, and so many others who also distinguished themselves in various fields, who made (and are making) greater contributions to Guyana than Ms Wright, and who are very worthy -- perhaps more deserving -- of an honorary doctorate. I endorse the recommendation that these artistes and other distinguished Guyanese in their various fields of endeavour should also be considered for honorary doctorates without, as Massiah put it, “cheapening the honoris causa”.

President Dr Irfaan Ali receiving a ceremonial welcome upon his arrival in The Bahamas on Wednesday for the opening of the 44th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), which will run until Friday, February 17 (Photo: President Irfaan Ali’s Facebook page)

ExxonMobil Headquarters justified

Dear Editor,

I read with deep interest the statement of Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo in the media, where he stated that: “The ExxonMobil’s Headquarters currently being constructed at Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD) is cost recoverable, and is justifiable, considering the scale of the activities being undertaken at the facility” (Guyana Times, 13th February, 2023).

Vice President Jagdeo further went on to say: “To manage a million barrel a day industry, from a safety and operational perspective, you need a building of that nature. A high-end building. Also, with advanced capabilities” (Guyana Times, 13th February, 2023).

Personally, I am in agreement with Dr. Jagdeo and the Government’s supportive position that he has taken: for ExxonMobil to construct such a multi-million-dollar, stateof-the-art Headquarters here in Guyana. I was in support of Vice President Dr. Jagdeo’s previous position that he had taken on the matter: where he, prior to 2020, had indicated that construction of such a multi-million-dollar Headquarters facility by ExxonMobil should not be cost recoverable, and that if the Headquarters building continued in that form, his par-

ty, which was in Opposition then, would not support the construction project being cost recoverable (Guyana Times, 13th February, 2023).

Such a multi-million-dollar, state-of-the-art, high-tech facility for ExxonMobil to house its Headquarters here in Guyana has now become absolutely necessary, and is crucial and very important to the extensive oil exploration activities that the company is presently carrying out in Guyana. I will highlight some significant reasons why the construction of the Headquarters should be allowed, and should receive the support of all Guyana:

It is cost recoverable: Vice President Dr. Jagdeo, in his statement (Guyana Times, 13th February, 2023), indicated that ExxonMobil is currently renting space, and when the cost of rental is considered, it would approximate to almost the cost of amortizing the building over time. He was in agreement with Routledge that the new Headquarters would be constructed to support solely the oil exploration operations of Exxon, and the cost would be recovered in the cost recovery mechanism. Last year, 2022, ExxonMobil had oil expenses of US$9 billion, which is more than the projected US$160 million construction cost of its

new Headquarters. Renting of space accounted for a huge fraction of the company’s oil expenses (Guyana Times 13th February, 2023). Therefore, by all accounts, this is a financially feasible project with huge savings for the company and Guyana at large.

The facilities that the Headquarters will house: According to Exxon Mobil’s Country Manager Alistair Routledge, the new Headquarters are to be constructed at a cost of US$160 million. The Headquarters building would feature training facilities, an operations suite, and a control center for all the offshore operations; the fibre-optic cable which would come from floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels, staff residential quarters, etc. These are features that are necessary to effectively support the exploration of oil in Guyana’s waters; and clearly, a state-of-the-art, high-tech facility is required to house such facilities.

The extensive oil exploration activities conducted in Guyana by the company: Exxon is projected to be producing 600,000 barrels of oil per day by next year, when the facility is completed, and over 1 million barrels of oil per day by 2027.

The extent of Exxon Mobil’s

oil discoveries includes a long list of over 20 projects in the Stabroek Block: The Liza discovery (May 2015), Payara (2017), The Snoek discovery (2017), The Liza Deep (2017), The Turbot discovery (2017), The Ranger discovery (2018), The Pacora (2018), The Longtail (2018), The Hammerhead (2018), The Pluma (2018), The Tilapia discovery (2019), Haimara (2019), The Yellowtail discovery (2019), Uaru (2020) etc. just to name a few. No doubt, you will agree with me that a company with such extensive oil exploration ventures does indeed need a state-of-the-art Headquarters building to effectively carry out its developmental activities.

The financial revenue to be generated by the company from the oil discoveries: Revenues which we hope would be used wisely for the development and improvement of all the people of Guyana in the area of infrastructure, education, health care, creation of job opportunities for the citizens, and the environment in a sustainable way. The Department of Public Information (DPI) stated that: “Guyana expects US$957,874,800 revenues in 2022, US$1,165,443,900 in 2023, US$1,335,315,100 in 2024, and US$1,781,842,700 in 2025. These figures - ac-

counting for profit oil, royalties and interests - amount to US$5,240,476,500. In Guyana currency, that amounts to nearly $1.1 trillion.” (DPI January 29, 2022). Reuters reported in April 2022 that Guyana sold its first share of crude oil from the country’s newest offshore production facility to ExxonMobil for about $106 million, (Reuters, April 24th,2022). ExxonMobil made US$55.7B in 2022, and though there is understanding and acceptance that ExxonMobil earned some of its billions from the Permian Basin and other places, plus other businesses, Guyana’s high-quality oil was a significant contributor to the company’s profits that are now the envy of the world (Kaieteur News 11 February, 2023).

According to the Department of Public Information, Guyana plans to use proceeds from oil in the short term to build roads, bridges, houses, gas-fired power plants and solar energy projects (DPI, 2022). It is precisely because of these huge financial earnings and the economic development of Guyana that Exxon needs to have its state-of-theart Headquarters building constructed to carry out its exploration activities in an environmentally sustainable, effective and efficient way.

We, as the people of

Guyana, must realize than Exxon is not our enemy, and without Exxon and its affiliates, how would we possibly exploit our resources? We have no technology, no satellite-locating system, management skills, technological skills, PR skills etc., etc. I say that we embrace ExxonMobil, but we must have full insurance protection to cover Guyana and other nearby countries. We must have ringfencing (Ringfencing prevents customers of public utilities from credit risks or exposures of the parent company that may harm customers’ access to essential services).

In the early days of ExxonMobil coming to Guyana, I appealed to them to look at the human factor of the Guyanese people and our environment for generations to come. ExxonMobil should be concerned with its international reputation, which is not of the best. However, it should take the opportunity to use Guyana to showcase its humanity and care for people and for our country. I am no enemy of Exxon, and I welcome their presence. Together, let us partner for a successful venture for both Exxon and Guyana.

Sincerely,

Roshan Khan (Sr)

The Windsor Forest fire was preventable

Dear Editor,

The recent fire on Sunday, February 12, at Seventh Street, Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara was avoidable, or could have been minimal for many reasons.

Firstly, the electric power supply system of the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) entity badly needs overhauling, in view of constant blackouts (since I was a schoolboy, 40 years ago!), and with constant switching on and off, deadly high-voltage power surges are produced. According to reports, it is this power surge that resulted in sparking from the fuse box-controlled electricity distribution system.

Now, if the location of the box was away from combustible materials, this would not have precipitated any fire (unless the converse was done by placing flammable materials near the fuse box). Anyway, with appropriate electric design codes, and by using the correct material, such an occurrence would not have taken place. The death of 60-year-old Mr Mohabir, while greatly tragic, could also have been prevented. It remains a defying question if the GPL would assume responsibility for the onset of this disaster.

Guyana needs a complete overhaul of its building codes and safety standards.

Here are some solutions:

1. Some buildings in Guyana generally do not confirm to the country’s building codes. Singlefamily homes are secretly converted into tenant-occupied residences so that homeowners could accommodate family members and get some rental income. The flaw in this is that the original plumbing and electrical systems for a single family have to support tenants with additional appliances for the same outlets. In other words, the electrical system in a single-family house is built to accommodate one microwave oven, several air conditioners, and a fridge, but having tenants means more appliances — enough to induce overloading of the electrical circuits. In some cases, extension cords are hidden under carpets, and their multiple connections could induce sparks from an overloaded system, which in turn could result in burning the carpet. Then there is the scenario wherein persons break off the earth safety prongs in three-way plugs to accommodate two-way plugins. There is no need to state that this is a serious fire hazard.

2. Single-room occupancy buildings (prevalent in hospital and university neighbourhoods) and

other multi-family buildings should be inspected on a yearly basis; not only in order to prevent fires, but to see that they conform to their specific occupancy codes.

3. In Guyana, the building codes and zoning regulations should be updated to allow a minimum space of roughly eight feet between buildings, in order to facilitate evacuation as well as allow access to firefighters.

4. Given the spate of recent fires on commercial buildings, it should be mandated that all commercial buildings be fitted with modern sprinkler systems, to prevent their entire destruction in case of fire. Automated oxygen-retardant systems (halogens are often used) should also be installed inside commercial buildings, so that an increase in temperature (say at 110F) would trigger off the chemical spray which would reduce atmospheric oxygen, thus containing the fire. Smoke alarms should be installed in homes and along the corridors of commercial buildings which are the principal pathways for smoke.

5. Regardless of what is stored, bonds need to be sectionalised, much like the compartments in ships like oil tankers. Each compartment must be entirely sealed and fire-proofed. This, coupled with periodic safety in-

spections, must be the way forward. Storage of cooking gas containers must never be inside a closed building. Propane is highly flammable (we cook with it) and needs to be stored outdoors, where any leakage/explosion would dissipate harmlessly into the atmosphere.

6. Perhaps the worst aspect of construction in Guyana is the electrical system, materials and installation codes, all of which should be updated to reach international standards. For example, the main power distribution centre in both residential and commercial buildings should be equipped with flyback circuit breakers in the event of an overload. GFCI ground fault circuit interrupter), instead of regular outlets (points), must be used wherever water is used, like kitchens and bathrooms. The circuit will shut down, along with others, whenever there is overload).

7. Fire hydrants, which are generally taken for granted by many, should be seen as a means of emergency water supply to out fires. For the safety of all Guyanese, young or old, the Bureau of Standards must make it its duty to monitor the quality of electrical fittings and accessories on the market, most of which are imported from China. And while these electrical accessories are cheap, the Bureau

of Standards should not sacrifice life for cost. And the Housing Authority must determine the safety features and occupancy of commercial buildings.

8. In the final analysis, to prevent further tragedies, the authorities should put safety first, and institute polices which must be mandated by law. All commercial buildings must be insured,

have sprinkler systems, and undergo a yearly inspection by the Fire Department, wherein pitfalls would be identified and corrected. Fines must be imposed on all forms of non-compliance if Guyana is truly serious about preventing fires.

Sincerely,

Leyland Chitlall Roopnaraine

Mahadeo Shivraj should be...

In the field of entertainment, I would like to nominate Mr. Mahadeo Shivraj, a distinguished Guyanese in the diaspora just like Ms. Wright, for an honorary doctorate as well as Guyana’s national honours.

Mr Mahadeo produced, directed, and acted in several movies and dozens of plays in the diaspora and in Guyana. He is ingrained in, and has lived among, the Guyanese community in America (New York metropolis and surrounding cities). He supported charitable causes in America as well as in Guyana – fundraising for worthy causes in his homeland and for natural disasters around the globe.

Whenever Guyanese

FROM PAGE 4

groups (organizations) called for his gratis service on fundraising drives for worthy causes, he was there. In addition, he trained Guyanese actors and gave opportunities to many in his several films, and he has been involved in many promos on Guyana to encourage tourism.

He socializes with and in the diaspora, and is a frequent participant at festivals. He was also a regular participant at commemoration of national days. He most certainly is qualified for an honorary doctorate in addition to other honours from the Government.

Yours truly, Vishnu Bisram

Guyana to pay US$55M annual amortised cost for gas-to-energy pipelines – Brassington

…says Guyana will save, earn 10 times that amount from project

Asum of US$55 million per annum will be paid to ExxonMobil in amortization costs for the pipelines to be installed in the Gas-to Energy project, which will allow Guyana to, in turn, save and earn ten times that amount.

This revelation was made by Gas-to-Energy project head Winston Brassington in a presentation during the Guyana Energy Conference and Expo. He explained that the $55 million to be paid to ExxonMobil annually would allow the oil major to recover the US$1 billion spent on the pipelines.

“We’re looking to pay Exxon an annual fixed payment of (US)$55 million for the supply of 50 million cubic feet of gas per day over a 20-year period from the time the project comes online. This payment is intended to allow Exxon or their co-vees to recover the expected (US)$1 billion investment over time.

“So, we’re paying for the amortization of the pipeline infrastructure. We’re not paying for the gas per day, the gas is considered free. So, this $1 billion being spent covers everything that Exxon will spend on the pipeline,” Brassington said.

Brassington noted that electricity sales from the project would pay for the amortization of the pipeline construction. He noted that, in turn, Guyana is guaranteed 50 million cubic feet of gas per day. He stressed that Guyana is only paying for the pipeline

infrastructure, not the gas.

“By any comparison, this is an extremely good deal. We’re paying $55 million and getting a value proposition of probably about ten times that. Even if we were to use lower prices for the NGL and the fuel, we’d still get multiple returns from this. And of course, the transformational impact this can have on Guyana cannot be understated.”

Brassington provided figures on how much money the gas-to-energy project would save Guyana. Additionally, the equivalent value that Guyana would benefit from the Natural Gas Liquids project is approximately US$150 million. Not to mention the fact that, by 2026, the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) would need double the current installed capacity as demand for power grows.

“If we take a look at how much output we will get from this powerplant using gas, were we to pay for the price of fuel for that volume of power, it would cost us close to $400 million. So that would be the equivalent value, using HFO (heavy fuel oil).

“If you look at what we’re getting, the equivalent value based on (2022) prices of the volume of NGL and the level of power would equate to something in the range of $500 million. And we’re paying $55 million per annum to Exxon for that gas,” Brassington further said.

In budget 2023, the Gas-to-Energy project received a $43.3 billion allocation. This allocation is in addition to the $24.6 billion injected into the startup of the transformational project, which includes the construction of an Integrated NGL Plant and the 300-megawatt (MW)

Combined Cycle Power Plant at Wales, WBD.

The NGL and 300 MW power plant components of the Gas-to-Shore project are meanwhile expected to cost US$759.8 million and will be financed through sources that include budgets and loan financing.

The scope of Guyana’s gas-to-energy project consists of the construction of 225 kilometres of pipeline from the Liza field in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, where Exxon and its partners are currently producing oil. It features approximately 200 kilometres of a subsea pipeline offshore that will run from Liza Destiny and Liza Unity floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels in the Stabroek Block to the shore.

Upon landing on the West Coast Demerara shore, the pipeline would

continue for approximately 25 kilometres to the NGL plant at Wales, West Bank Demerara.

The pipeline would be 12 inches wide, and is expected to transport per day some 50 million standard cubic feet (mscfpd) of dry gas to the NGL plant, but

it has the capacity to push as much as 120 mscfpd. The pipeline’s route onshore would follow the same path as the fibre optic cables, and will terminate at Hermitage, part of the Wales Development Zone (WDZ) which will house the gas-to-shore project. (G3)

Gas-to-Energy project head Winston Brassington

"Ratty" acquitted of bus driver’s murder

The Demerara High Court presided over by Justice Jo-Ann Barlow last week acquitted 29-year-old Orwyn Peters, called “Ratty”, of the murder of 35-year-old minibus driver Tedroy James, allegedly committed on July 11, 2017 in the course or furtherance of a robbery at McDoom, Greater Georgetown.

Peters had pleaded not guilty to the charge, and at the close of the prosecution’s case, his lawyer Ronald Daniels had made a no-case submission which was later upheld by the trial Judge, who accordingly directed the 12 jurors to return a formal verdict of not guilty in favour of Peters.

State Counsel Cicelia Corbin had been one of the prosecutors.

Guyana Times had previously reported that James, also called “Six-Head”, of Suddie, Essequibo Coast, was shot in the back by one of three armed male bandits at

around 11:30h on the day in question.

It was reported that a passenger who was picked up along the West Coast of Demerara had turned out to be a bandit. He had been seen constantly communicating with someone on his cellular phone during the journey. According to an eyewitness, the suspicious passenger had requested to be put off at McDoom, and as he was about to exit the minibus, had grabbed a bag belonging to another passenger before brandish-

ing a gun.

Just moments after that occurrence, two male accomplices had pounced on the bus and attempted to rob the other passengers. James had attempted to drive away with his passengers, but was shot once to the back by one of the robbers, who had then escaped through a street in McDoom.

After being shot, the father of two had continued driving the minibus, but had collapsed and was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

In September 2016, Peters and another man were committed to stand trial at the High Court in Demerara for attempting to murder Neezam Khan, a businessman. That charge against the pair had said that on June 6, 2015, at Grove, East Bank Demerara, they had discharged a loaded firearm at Khan with intent to

Shortage…

…of technical skills

murder him.

According to reports, Khan and several of his colleagues were outside his snackette at Grove, EBD when four men on motorcycles rode up beside them. Media reports are that one of the men held Khan at gunpoint and relieved him of a quantity of jewellery, cash and other items, before shooting him in the left arm.

Peters had also been previously charged with robbery-under-arms. (G1)

Another parent charged for assaulting teacher

Steve Dick, a construction worker of Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara (ECD), is the second parent charged this month for allegedly assaulting a public school teacher.

Dick was taken before Magistrate Alisha George at the Sparendaam Magistrates’ Courts. He denied the charge which stated that he unlawfully and maliciously assaulted Shawn Marshall on January 11, 2023 so as to cause him actual bodily harm.

Dick was released on $40,000 and instructed to return to court on March 23.

According to reports, Dick, a parent of a pupil who attends the Graham’s Hall Primary School, Greater Georgetown, physically as-

saulted the graduate teacher. It is unclear what led to the alleged assault. Marshall reportedly had to be taken to the hospital after the incident.

Last week, a 29-year-old cosmetologist accused of assaulting a teacher of the St Angela’s Primary School in Georgetown appeared in court and was placed on $50,000 bail.

Ashelle Clement, of Lot 14 Dowding Street, Kitty, Georgetown, has not been required to plead to the charge when she appeared before the Chief Magistrate at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. It is alleged that on January 12, at St Angela’s Primary School, she unlawfully assaulted Nicasey Barker, a teacher, so as to cause her ac-

tual bodily harm.

Clement’s matter had been adjourned until tomorrow.

The Education Ministry had issued a statement condemning the physical attacks on the educators and had warned that persons engaging in such acts would face the full brunt of the law.

In fact, Chief Education Officer (CEO) Saddam Hussain had said, “Whatever the circumstances, (assaulting a teacher) is a reprehensible and ghastly act. It is unacceptable, and will not be condoned in the least.”

According to the Ministry, schools are considered safe spaces, and any act of violence is deemed totally unacceptable.

“When parents or guard-

ians are engaged in violent acts against teachers, it goes against established values, norms and expectations. We cannot beat teachers and then ask them to teach our children peaceful conflict resolution,” the CEO had said.

He had added that the Ministry would, therefore, take all appropriate actions to ensure that all teachers continue to work in a safe and secure environment.

Such actions, it has been noted, include prohibiting violent parents or guardians from having access to school premises, and transferring any learner whose parent commits any act of violence on any teacher; or any other sanction deemed necessary while the Police or any other institution or authority would be encouraged to take whatever action the law prescribes.

The CEO has reminded all parents and guardians that in any instance where an incident occurs with a teacher, the matter must be brought to the attention of the head teacher or teacher-in-charge of the school or institution.

The phenomenon of teachers being attacked at places of learning by parents or guardians, and even in some cases by students themselves has been a cause for concern over the years.

Meanwhile, Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) President Mark Lyte had called on the Education Ministry to do more to protect teachers.

“The union is here in solidarity with the teachers of this school. This is becoming too frequent, where teachers are being assaulted by parents and guardians; and it is something that has to be addressed forthwith. So, we are going to continue to make the call to the Ministry to take decisive action,” Lyte had told media operatives. (G1)

Here we are in 2023 -- EIGHT years after Exxon and its consortium had struck oil, and way past three years of shipping the black liquid gold -- having the World Bank Resident Representative for Guyana and Suriname, Diletta Doretti, telling us that we have less than half of the skills that are demanded by the sector!! “…Of the high demand jobs, welders and engineers, environmental specialists, there are only 49.6% of those skills readily available,” she bemoaned. And let’s not even talk about “seafarers”, even though we always had a large fishing sector – and an even larger collection of pirates who know their way around the sea!! Ahoy…me maties on FPSOs!!

The point of this is that, as soon as the PNC coalition got into Government - the same month that oil was discovered - they should’ve conducted a “baseline study” to identify needed skills going forward. This isn’t rocket science, and allowing for the fact that this was new to us, they knew that, right next door, they’ve been dealing with oil production for a HUNDRED YEARS!! Not to mention that there are consulting firms out there to conduct such studies at the drop of an… erm…dollar!!

So, rather than giving themselves a 50% raise in salary when they hadn’t even settled into their seats, they would’ve known in which specific areas to start training Guyanese, so they’d be employed directly and indirectly in the oil industry!! At least, when the PPP were allowed in –after six months! – they could’ve then built on the programs in place, so by now we would’ve been well on our way to filling all positions with locals. As it is, we’re about two years away from getting there – the two years during which the PNC illegally squatted in the Government after failing the No Confidence Motion (NCM)!!

In the meantime, the venerable and reliable Port Mourant GuySuCo that churned out thousands of skilled, world class technical workers since 1957 is being expanded presently by the PPP Government to include workers for O&G. Exxon had trained some workers for its FPSOs in Canada, but now we’ll have the training capabilities in Guyana. Then there is the privately-owned OPITO Training Centre of Excellence at Lusignan, opened last year. It’s a joint venture partnership between 3 locally owned Guyanese companies and the internationally accredited 3T EnerMech to grow Guyana’s oil and gas talent and support the needs of the region.

One of the fastest ways to bring our trainees in our technical schools, TVET programme, etc up to snuff would be to hire them as interns for two days weekly - to understudy the skilled foreigners brought in. This would create a seamless transition in dealing with our ever-rising needs!! …being filled

Meanwhile, over at the Marriott, at the “International Energy Conference and Expo – Guyana 2023”, Trinidad’s PM Rowley was very expansive. On the training front, he noted: “Trinidad possesses a number of governmental and nongovernmental agencies that have been meeting the human resource development needs of the energy and industrial sector as well as the emerging oil and gas economies.” And these can be utilised by Guyana and Suriname.

He also said that with all the facilities TT possesses to process gas, the latter two countries didn’t have to invest in very expensive infrastructure!! Now, that’s a bit rich, coming from a man who last month made the same promise in Guyana, and then the very next day we heard he’d signed off with the US to exploit the Venezuelan Dragon gas field in exchange for “humanitarian supplies”!! This time he brought up Dragon Field, but in the context of the “overall Caribbean”.

This is the same undermining his predecessor Manning did to the Jagdeo Caricom Agri Initiative!!

…not in oil!!

Exxon had some news that must’ve given the “save the planet” woke brigade conniptions!! Supposed to be producing 380,000 bpd, Exxon’s ramping that to 400,000 imminently! Ahead of schedule to 1.2M bpd by 2027!!

Drill baby, drill!!

Freed: Orwyn Peters

Dead: Tedroy James

12 wanted for “acts of terrorism” at Mon Repos

The Guyana Police Force has issued wanted bulletins for 12 suspects who, several months ago, had attacked several vendors at the Mon Repos Market on the East Coast of Demerara while allegedly “protesting” the Police shooting death of Quindon Bacchus.

In a report on Wednesday, the Force said the men are wanted for acts of terrorism that occurred on June 28, 2022. Most of these suspects’ real names are still unknown, according to the Police, but they have each been identified by their aliases.

Those wanted are: Walkie Glasgow of Golden Grove, ECD; Trotman Tixey, alias ‘Quincy’, of Nabaclis, ECD; Sukie Reginal of Golden

Grove, ECD; ‘Carlos’ of Golden Grove, ECD; ‘Ray Ray/Lilly’ of Golden Grove, ECD; ‘Nedd’ of Golden Grove, ECD; ‘Blammi’ of Golden Grove, ECD; ‘Dave’ of Nabaclis, ECD; ‘Burke’ of Nabaclis, ECD; ‘Layne’ of Nabaclis, ECD; ‘Kaldin’ of Enmore North, ECD, and ‘Peters’ of Haslington North & of Victoria, ECD.

The Police are asking anyone who knows the whereabouts of these men to inform them so that they can be prosecuted.

The Police Force has further explained that terror and mayhem were unleashed on persons on the East Coast of Demerara when several vehicles were burnt and a number of stalls were ransacked and looted at the Mon Repos Market.

“Roads were blocked by burning debris, and scores of persons were beaten and robbed during the acts of terror committed by 'protestors’,” the report has said.

On June 28, 2022, what was supposed to be a call for justice for Quindon Bacchus of Golden Grove, ECD escalated into terror along the East Coast Demerara (ECD) corridor after several vendors at the Mon Repos Market were robbed while their stalls were vandalised and goods looted.

Armed with cutlasses, knives, iron bars, and other handy weapons, looters stormed the Mon Repos Market, claiming that they were avenging the shooting death of Bacchus, which had occurred on June 10, 2022.

The looters proceeded to

destroy goods, burn stalls and vehicles, shatter windscreens of vehicles, and even assault vendors - who were forced to run into the adjoining streets in fear for their lives.

After the looters had made off with fruits, vegetables, clothing, shoes and other articles, vendors were left counting their losses, which amounted to millions of dol-

lars.

A protest started on the morning of June 28, 2022 at the Golden Grove Market square had later seen residents blocking the main access roads on both sides with debris. Chanting and singing filled the air as residents called for justice for villager Quindon Bacchus, who was killed by a Policeman.

After the attack on the

vendors, Government had offered them compensation. The compensation offered by President Dr Irfaan Ali amounted to millions of dollars, with one vendor receiving as much as $3M. Another vendor, whose vehicle was damaged, received $1.5M, and another vendor received $2M to compensate for his minibus that was torched by a looter. (G9)

Farmers must recognise importance of each sector, act unselfishly – Agri Minister

Farmers must ensure that they recognise the important contributions that each sector plays in the overall agriculture industry in Guyana, and they must act unselfishly.

This is according to Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, whose comments came as he met with farmers from different sectors on the Corentyne Coast in East Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) recently.

During his engagements with them, farmers at Crabwood Creek and at Black Bush Polder apprised him of the challenges they face.

The dumping of gar-

bage into the waterways and the need for an all-weather road to the landfill site at Crabwood Creek were some of the issues raised by farmers during their meeting with the Minister.

Some cash crop farmers said that when rice farmers spray their crops with chemicals, some get into the water and negatively impact their cultivation.

Besides the Crabwood Creek farmers, the Agriculture Minister also met with farmers from the four Polders at Black Bush Polder: Yakusari, Johanna, Mibicuri and Lesbeholden. A major concern of those farmers was

the lack of adequate drainage and irrigation infrastructure.

According to Minister Mustapha, issues affecting Corentyne farmers are not unique to the Corentyne.

“All these times, when I come here and listen to concerns and issues, it is the same thing. Went to Canal Polder two days ago, it is the same issue. One would think that you all had a meeting to coordinate issues. It is the same type of issue, because our infrastructure was neglected between 2015 to 2020,” he lamented. “We will have to ensure that we prioritise the work that has to be done; we can’t do everything

at one time. That is why we are coming to consult with you all.

“I will ask that NDIA [National Drainage and Irrigation Authority] come back in the area, look at the drainage canals, and we will make machines available through a programme in Crabwood Creek to desilt all the canals,” the Minister said. Similar commitments were made when he met with farmers in the Black Bush Polder.

Mustapha noted that, in many instances, when machines are sent to communities, those in authority utilise the equipment for personal projects.

“It can’t happen like that, Comrades,” he said, while noting that millions of dollars are being given to the various Water Users Associations to undertake drainage and irrigation work in farming communities.

“We are giving the Water Users Association money because farmers are not paying their rent, and according to the Water Users Act, farmers have to pay a rent to use the water, but they are not paying it, and we, the Government, (are) making the funds available.”

Further, he pointed out that the entire Polder would be outfitted with pumps to aid

in producing a more efficient drainage system. He said farmers ought not to act in a selfish way, and they ought to ensure they recognise the important contributions each sector plays in the overall agriculture industry in Guyana. “We can’t only think about ourselves and be selfish. Agriculture is not only rice or cash crops; it has different sectors. We have the livestock sector, we have the rice farmers and we have the cash crop farmers. All these sectors fall under the Ministry of Agriculture, and we have to ensure that we give service to every single sector,” he pointed out. (G4)

A rice farmer pumping water into his rice field in the Black Bush Polder; but, in so doing, damaging the newly constructed road in the process

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha

200lbs of ganja found during roadblock at Mahaica

Two men, one aged 29 and the other aged 24, have been arrested in a hire car that Police intercepted with 200lbs of cannabis on the public road at Helena Number One, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara on Tuesday, February 14, at about 22:30h.

It has been reported that anti-crime patrol ranks at the Mahaica Police Station received information that caused them to erect a roadblock at Helena Number One, Mahaica, ECD, and they were thus able to intercept silver-coloured Note motorcar PYY 3323 with two persons inside.

The person driving the car was a 29-year-old resident of Turkeyen, ECD while the other occupant was a 24-year-old resident of Angoy’s Avenue in New Amsterdam, Berbice.

The marijuana that was found in the vehicle at Helena Number One, Mahaica Station. When weighed, the narcotics amounted to 90.58 kilograms.

A search conducted on their persons and the vehicle unearthed six bulky bags containing 70 transparent parcels of leaves,

seeds and stems suspected to be cannabis sativa. Both men were arrested, and the vehicle and cannabis were taken to the Mahaica Police

Linden man remanded on ganja charge

Businessman Prince Williams, a 44-yearold resident of Lot 7

Canvas City Wismar, Linden, has been charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

Appearing on Wednesday, February 15, before Linden Magistrate Wanda Fortune, he pleaded not guilty and was remanded. The matter has been adjourned to March 14.

Police ranks arrested the businessman after he was allegedly found in possession of 2069.8 grams of cannabis in a building located at Bayrock Junction, One Mile

Remanded: Prince Williams

Extension, Wismar. It has been reported that a party of Police ranks, acting on information received, proceeded to the area and made contact with Williams, who at that

time was the lone occupant of the building.

Having conducted a search of the building, the ranks unearthed a black plastic bag from under a wooden counter, and it contained several Ziplock bags containing leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis. A further search at the back of the building unearthed a bucket containing three black plastic bags with leaves, seeds, and stems suspected to be cannabis sativa.

After allegedly admitting ownership of the narcotics, Williams was arrested. (G9)

The suspects remain in custody pending charges.

Only two days ago, a 44-year-old businessman of Wismar, Linden was arrested after Police unearthed more than two kilograms of cannabis in a building in which he was sole occupant at the time.

The Police had said that on Monday, at about 14:00h, a party of ranks,

acting on information received, went to an address at the Bayrock Junction One Mile Extension in Wismar, Linden and made contact with this 44-yearold businessman, a resident of Canvas City, Wismar.

A subsequent search of the building unearthed a black plastic bag containing several Ziplock bags which had been concealed under a wooden counter. An inspection of those bags revealed a quantity of can-

nabis, and the businessman was arrested.

The ranks conducted another search at the back of the building, and further unearthed a bucket containing three black plastic bags with cannabis. The suspect allegedly admitted ownership of the narcotics, and was arrested and escorted to the Mackenzie Police Station, where the marijuana was weighed and amounted to 2069.8 grams. (G9)

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Deadly earthquake

Guyana donates US$100,000 in aid to Türkiye, Syria

The Government of Guyana has donated US$100,000 to the countries of Türkiye and Syria as the two nations reel from a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake earlier this month.

The February 6, 2023 disaster has resulted in thousands of fatalities, injuries to civilians, and destruction to infrastructure. According to international reports, the death toll in the neighbouring countries has surpassed 41,000 as at Wednesday.

Immediately following the

massive earthquake and major aftershock, President Dr Irfaan Ali had written the leaders of both countries, conveying solidarity and support on behalf of the Government and people of Guyana.

On Wednesday, the Guyana Government announced that it “…has since taken a decision to contribute the sum of US$50,000 to Türkiye and US$50,000 to Syria to aid the relief efforts underway.”

This donation was in response to a call by the United Nations and as such, the con-

tributions will be channelled through the UN.

United Nations SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres on Tuesday issued an appeal

for humanitarian funding to bring urgent relief to approximately five million Syrians.

The Secretary-General announced that $397 million is needed to address humanitarian concerns over the next three months, up to May 2023, in priority areas such as shelter, healthcare, food and protection.

The Secretary-General is expected to shortly make a similar appeal for Türkiye.

“In the immediate aftermath of the earthquakes, the United Nations rapidly provided $50 million through the Central Emergency Response Fund. But the needs are immense… the most effective way to stand with the people is by providing this emergency funding. We all know that lifesaving aid has not been getting in at the speed and scale needed. The scale of this disaster is one of the worst in recent

memory.

“One week after the devastating earthquakes, millions of people across the region are struggling for survival, homeless and in freezing temperatures. We are doing all we can to change this. But much more is needed…. I urge Member States and others to fully fund this effort without delay and help the millions of children, women and men whose lives have been upended by this generational disaster. This is a moment for unity, for common humanity, and concerted action,” SG Guterres implored during a press conference.

On Tuesday, the UN also reported that more than seven million children are affected by the earthquake.

“In Turkiye, the total number of children living in the 10 provinces hit by the two

earthquakes was 4.6 million children. In Syria, 2.5 million children are affected,” James Elder, spokesman for the UN children’s agency UNICEF, told reporters in Geneva, according to international news agency Aljazeera.

“UNICEF fears many thousands of children have been killed,” Elder was quoted in the article as saying, and warned that “Even without verified numbers, it is tragically clear that numbers will continue to grow.”

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has described the earthquake as the “worst natural disaster in the WHO European Region for a century”. It has also expressed great concerns over the northwestern area in Syria, which is a rebel-held region with little access to aid.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Some of the exhibitors at the ongoing International Energy Conference and Expo 2023 at the Marriott Hotel, Georgetown. The conference which opened on Tuesday and concludes on Friday, has about 200 exhibitors

Real-time satellite monitoring of Guyana’s forests to be implemented

…over 500 officers placed throughout hinterland – Bharrat

In a similar man-

ner to the way the Government currently monitors oil and gas activities offshore Guyana, a system for real-time monitoring of Guyana’s forests will be established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to complement the work done by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC).

This revelation was made by Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat, on day two of the Guyana Energy Conference and Expo. Asked by a member of the audience how Guyana guards against illegal logging, Bharrat noted that work has been done to build the capacity of the GFC – which was bankrupted when the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) entered office in 2020.

“The GFC and the GGMC combined, we have over 50 stations in the interior, manned by forest and mining officers. Added to that, we have the com-

pliance department and over 50 wardens. And they have two stations. In total, we have over 500 officers at different interior locations where there is heavy mining and forestry activities concentrated,” the Minister said.

He also spoke of the Monitoring, Reporting and Verification System (MRVS), which is being used to oversee the forests. In fact, the MRVS has played an important role in

Guyana being able to verify its carbon credits, so that they can be sold on the international market.

Last year, the EPA had implemented real-time satellite monitoring of oil and gas activities. This includes real-time reporting of environmental discharges from the Liza 1 Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels.

“We’re shifting it to our forest and mining activi-

ties, besides from our capabilities on the ground. Because at some point we have to move towards the use of technology. We haven’t been doing that too much.

“In terms of forestry, it’s basically easy to monitor forest activities. I often say to loggers and anyone who asks the question, it’s not every day you will see a man with a log on his back running around or trying to hide from us,” Bharrat further said.

It has been said that the MRVS ensured that Guyana’s forest carbon credits were a strong product on the international market. This was also reflected in the number of proposals Guyana has received to buy them.

Last year, Guyana signed a historic, multi-year US$750 million agreement with Hess Corporation for the purchase of 37.5 million carbon credits. Guyana is, in fact, the first country to conclude the Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART) process of certifying its forest carbon.

Woman dies after being flung from out-of-control car into trench

A41-year-old woman died on Thursday after she was flung out of a car after the driver lost control and the vehicle landed in a trench along the Enmore Public Road, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

Dead is Samantha Moffatt, of Lot 30, Block 20 Haslington New Scheme, ECD.

Reports are that at 05:00h on Wednesday, motor car PZZ 7712, driven by a 24-year-old of Lot 78 Middle Walk, Buxton, ECD, was proceeding

eastward along the northern driving lane on the Enmore Public Road at a fast pace when the driver lost control and the vehicle ended up in a trench on the southern side of the road.

Police said that as a result, Moffatt, who was seated in the front passenger seat, was thrown from the car and into the trench, where she received injuries about her body.

She was picked up by public-spirited citizens in

an unconscious state, and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital by Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT), along with the driver, who, Police said, fled on arrival at the hospital.

Moffatt was admitted, but later succumbed while receiving medical attention. Her body has since been moved to the hospital’s mortuary to await a post-mortem examination. Police said that efforts were being made to apprehend the driver.

Driver in hit-and-run accident on $100,000 bail

The driver of the car which allegedly crashed into a motorcyclist in the vicinity of Skeldon Market, Corentyne on Saturday was placed on $100,000 bail when he appeared in court on several charges with respect to breaching traffic regulations.

Akram Ramatulla, 22, of Scottsburg Housing Scheme, Corentyne, appeared before Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh at the Number 51 Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.

The charges are being an unlicensed hire car driv-

Charged:

er, contrary to section 80 (3)(2) of the motor vehicle and road traffic law, chapter 51:02 and committing a breach of insurance, contrary to section (3)(1) of the

motor vehicle insurance (third party risks) legislation, chapter 51:03.

He pleaded not guilty to the two charges.

Police said Ramatulla drove motor car HC 9047 on February 12, while not being the holder of a hire car licence.

The matter has been transferred to Springlands and comes up again on March 13.

Police had reported that about 00:10h Sunday on the Number 79 Public Road Corentyne, motor car HC 9047 was proceeding south along the eastern lane, and

These serialised credits, listed on ART’s public registry, are available to buyers on the global carbon market, including for use by airlines for compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s global emission reduction programme, CORSIA, as well as for use toward voluntary corporate climate commitments.

Guyana’s completion of the ART process paved the way for other Governments that are looking to receive carbon market finance for success in protecting and restoring forests. At the time Guyana was issued with the credits, 14 other countries and large sub-national jurisdictions are working toward their own issuances of TREES credits.

ART, which is in charge of certifying forest carbon credits so that they can be sold on the international market, had announced its approval in January of

Guyana’s registration for 2021 to 2025, as well as the monitoring report for Guyana’s forests.

In a statement, ART noted that it approved these two documents for Guyana and that they are now available for stakeholder comments which must be submitted within 30 days. The first document is a TREES (The REDD+ Environmental Excellence Standard) registration document for 2021 to 2025, while the second is a TREES monitoring report for 2021.

ART’s approval of Guyana’s 2021-2025 registration document and monitoring report are important follow-ups on its approval last year of 33.47 million forest carbon credits for Guyana, dating from 2016-2020. These credits were verified by a third party against ART’s robust environmental and social requirements. (G3)

crashed into motorcycle CK 3356, which was proceeding north along the western drive lane at a fast pace.

As a result of the collision, the motorcyclist and pillion rider who were not wearing safety helmets fell onto the road surface and received injuries to their bodies.

The rider, Vickram Basdeo, 26, of Number 71 Village, Corentyne was subsequently pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.

The car sped away from the scene, but the driver was later arrested. (G4)

Thursday, February 16, 2023

06:00 (Sign on) Inspirational Time

06:30 Cartoons

07:00 Evening News (RB)

08:00 Stop Suffering

08:30 Stay Woke

09:00 Iron Chef America: The Series

10:00 Grand Designs

11:00 Paternity Court

11:30 Divorce Court

12:00 Movie - Brink! (1998)

13:40 Wheel of Fortune

14:00 Raven's Home S5 E24

14:30 Star Wars: The Clone Wars S1 E7

15:00 Indian Soaps

16:00 Danger Force S1 E16

16:30 Just Add Magic S2 E12

17:00 The Young & The Restless

18:00 CNN

19:00 The Evening News

20:00 Stop Suffering

20:30 Movie - Dennis the Menace (1993)

22:00 Grey's Anatomy S3 E18

23:00 Ginny & Georgia S1 E2

00:00 Sign off

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat

Dead: Samantha Moffatt

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2023| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Quindon Bacchus’s death

Prosecution to make further disclosure in case against murder-accused Policeman

Though set to commence on Tuesday, the Preliminary Inquiry (PI) into the murder charge against Police Constable Kristoff De Nobrega, who is accused of fatally shooting a father of one, did not proceed as the prosecution is still to disclose further evidence to the defence.

Consequently, the matter has been put off until next Wednesday, February 22, when the prosecutor is expected to lay over further evidence it intends to rely on to prove its case.

This matter is being presided over by Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court. The now interdicted De Nobrega is attached to the Police Force’s Special Branch Unit.

The accused, 22, who is being represented by Attorneyat-Law Bernard Da Silva, is accused of the June 10, 2022 murder of Quindon Bacchus, a father of one, of Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara (ECD), who was fatally shot during a Police sting operation at Haslington, ECD.

It was reported that on the day in question, ranks were conducting an intelligence-led operation in the Haslington New Scheme, after receiving some information earlier

in the day. The ranks went to Bacchus’s home, where he was seen with a firearm in his possession. He had reportedly intended to sell the illegal firearm to the ranks.

The plainclothes rank De Nobrega, who was armed, had made arrangements to purchase the firearm from Bacchus.

In the process of handing over the firearm to the rank, an alarm was raised and Bacchus reportedly ran away from the ranks. A chase ensued, during which Bacchus reportedly shot at the ranks, who returned fire, shooting him several times about his body.

Police said that Bacchus was picked up in a conscious state, and escorted to the

Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was medically attended to but subsequently died.

Police Headquarters had said that a .380 pistol with a magazine that contained one round and a .380 spent shell and two 9mm spent shells were recovered at the scene.

The incident was investigated by the Police Complaints Authority (PCA), which had recommended that the Police rank and two of his colleagues be charged, a decision that was endorsed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Shalimar Ali-Hack, SC.

Meanwhile, Police Lance Corporal Thurston Simon and Police Sergeant Dameion Mc Lennon have been charged

Political activist’s ID found in car with 151lbs of ganja

with attempting to obstruct the course of justice, for allegedly giving false information to investigators probing Bacchus’s death.

Sergeant Mc Lennon, 35, of Lot 175 ‘B’ Field, South Sophia, Greater Georgetown, who was initially remanded to prison by a Magistrate, was in August 2022 granted $250,000 bail by a High Court Judge. It is unclear whether Lance Corporal Simon, 24, of Bareroot, ECD was admitted to bail.

Following Bacchus’s death, violent protests had erupted at several ECD villages.

The protests led to several vendors at the Mon Repos Market being robbed, while their stalls were vandalised and goods looted.

Some of the ‘protesters’ who were armed with cutlasses, knives, iron bars, and other handy weapons, destroyed vendors’ goods, burnt stalls and vehicles, shattered windscreens of vehicles, and even terrorised vendors.

Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Chief of Staff Brigadier Godfrey Bess is in India to participate in Aero India in Bangalore and hold talks with his Indian counterpart. He was interviewed by WION News about Guyana-India cooperation.

WION: What kind of cooperation is there between India and Guyana when it comes to the defence relationship?

The vendors were compensated by the Government, and 16 men were arrested and charged with the offence of riotous behaviour. The Police, on Wednesday, issued wanted bulletins for 12 more persons accused of behaving in such a manner.

Threats were also made against President Dr Irfaan Ali’s life, which led to the arrest of a 35-year-old man of Golden Grove, ECD, Marvin Richmond, known as “Wakie”, a psychiatric patient. (G1)

The national identification card of a Berbice political activist was discovered in a car which was found with over 68.6 kilograms (150lbs) of marijuana on Tuesday evening.

Reports are that about 22:30h on Tuesday in the vicinity of Rotterdam, East Bank Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), a party of Police ranks on mobile patrol conducted a search on a motor wagon bearing registration number HC 4483 and found four white bulky salt bags and two brown bulky salt bags containing 31 parcels wrapped

in transparent plastic.

The Police said a thorough search was then conducted of the motor car and numerous documents were found including two drivers’ licences, one provisional licence and one national ID card all in favour of a political activist of West

Canje, Berbice.

Reports are that the driver reportedly abandoned the car on a dam when he saw the Police approaching. The car has since been impounded. Up to press time, no one has been arrested as the investigation continues. (G4)

Brigadier Godfrey Bess: The Government and people of Guyana are very thankful to India for the invitation to this conference. Since I have been here, we are enjoying the hospitality of the people of India and the conference has been an eye opener. I must say that Guyana and India have had a very long diplomatic relationship and as a result of that, we have been traditionally doing things together. Regarding defence, over the last two years, there has been a tremendous improvement in our relations, and presently we have been doing a lot of training, building human capacity, and collaborating with the military of India. We plan to increase that collaboration so that we can continue to prepare our defence force for greater things, particularly since Guyana has been known to be the fastest-growing economy. We have ensured there is a conducive environment for investors and the people of Guyana. We do recognise we need to build capacity and capabilities regarding defence and security and we do see India as a very strategic partner in this regard. We do recognise based on PM Modi's speech of India's need and willingness to collaborate with all countries to ensure that our defence structure is built stronger.

WION: What can you tell us about the training of your military by India?

Brigadier Godfrey Bess: Well, my military is very small, and needs capac-

ity building. In the last two years, we have seen extensive training in the military, in information tech enhancement, and involved my commissioned and non-commissioned officers. We are taking Indian training and it has enhanced the capacity back home in Guyana. Training has done very well for us so far. We will continue to enjoy those training and we would like, open to inviting trainers to Guyana so that we can continue to build and share the experience we have in Guyana with India.

WION: Last month, your President spoke to WION and said that his country is keen to buy Indian defence equipment. Can you elaborate on that?

Brigadier Godfrey Bess: There is an MoU, meant to be signed by the two sides, indeed I do see our defence cooperation enlarged. Presently, we are looking at the proposal, as it relates to air assets and naval assets for our country and for sure, as we continue to collaborate having gone around the exhibition, over the last two days, there are a lot of other assets and capabilities that Guyana will be interested in. I do feel a lot of positivity as it relates to growth in our defence areas.

WION: Are you looking at including Dornier, fast patrol vessels? And so far, have you bought Indian defence equipment?

Brigadier Godfrey Bess: Yes, exactly those are some of the options we are actively looking at. Well, we have not bought defence equipment thus far; we have purchased other infrastructure equipment. Recently our government purchased a ferry from

India, and in years gone by we have been very good customers for TATA. We purchased transportation equipment from the country. We have been collaborating on a country-to-country basis, mainly in the area of medical science and technology and other areas. Business with India is no strange activity with Guyana, we have lines of credit and there have also been agreements between my government and India Exim Bank.

WION: What kind of air assets are you looking for from India?

Brigadier Godfrey Bess: In the beginning, we are looking at air assets that would build our capacity in the area of moving our troops across the country and I would say disaster-related activities. We looked at one such aircraft, a Dornier, and it is actually suiting the capability we would like to have.

WION: So, you will be keen on a Dornier with India?

Brigadier Godfrey Bess: Yes, in the initial stage.

WION: What kind of conversation you had with your Indian counterpart?

Brigadier Godfrey Bess: I had conversations with some of the persons from the Private Sector and am looking at options. I had a conversation with the Indian chief of defence staff and spoke about increasing cooperation and working together as a partner, partners with similar challenges and interests which will improve our relationship.

Police Constable Kristoff De Nobrega

Dead: Quindon Bacchus

The ganja that was found in the car

Guyana looking to get Dornier from India in 1st such major defence deal

GDF Chief of Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess

part

Brazilian Police seize assets from illegal Amazon gold mining

Brazil’s Federal Police have seized assets related to illegal mining operations in the Amazon rainforest, as the Government of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva cracks down on unsanctioned commercial activity that threatens the forest and the people who inhabit it.

In a press release on Wednesday, the Federal Police said they had seized more than two billion reais (US$383 million) garnered from the sale of about 13 tonnes of gold, which had been illegally extracted from the rainforest and exported through an unnamed USbased entity.

The Police also said they were carrying out 27 searchand-seizure warrants and three arrest warrants to disrupt the gold-smuggling operation.

“More than 100 Federal Police Officers are participating in Operation Sisaque, in addition to five tax auditors and three Federal Revenue analysts,” the re-

lease said. “The objectives are to expand the volume of evidence to dismantle the criminal scheme and combat clandestine mining, especially in the Itaituba region.”

The Police are investigating crimes including mining without authorisation, money laundering and usurping property without legal authorisation.

The Police operation comes as the Lula Administration seeks to step up protections for the Amazon after years of degradation by illegal business

El Salvador vows gang crackdown will go on as citizens cheer safer streets

El Salvador’s state of emergency to combat gangs, which has widespread public support despite a growing prison population and allegations of human rights abuses, will be maintained until all criminals are captured, the country’s Security Minister told Reuters.

activity, including logging, mining and farming. Former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro largely turned a blind eye to such activity, which led to record deforestation and violence against the Indigenous communities that call the forest home.

Some of the business interests expanding into the Amazon, particularly in the agricultural sector, were important constituencies for Bolsonaro, who viewed development in the forest as a tool to boost the economy.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Peru’s Machu Picchu reopens as protests shift to capital

The Inca citadel of Machu Picchu was scheduled to reopen on Wednesday, Peruvian officials have announced.

The Unesco World Heritage site, which is visited by thousands of tourists a day, was closed more than three weeks ago as anti-Government protesters blocked key access routes.

Officials said they would ensure the ancient monument and the transport links leading to it were safe.

Protests continue in the capital, Lima, and other regions in the south.

Tourism is key to Peru’s economy and the losses caused by the ongoing po-

litical crisis are estimated to amount to more than US$ 6 million.

Train services to Machu Picchu resumed last week with a limited service. They had been suspended after protesters had placed boulders on the line.

While the situation around the ancient sanctuary high in the Andes has relaxed somewhat, other regions continue to suffer from major disruption.

The political crisis erupted on December 7 when the then President, Pedro Castillo, tried to dissolve Congress before it could hold a vote on whether to impeach him.

Congress defied the

President and proceeded with his impeachment, removing Castillo from office and swearing in his Vice President, Dina Boluarte, as the country’s new leader. At first, Boluarte said she would serve out the presidential term begun by Castillo in full – until July 2026. But with violent protests sweeping through the country, she urged lawmakers to bring the election forward.

Congress voted in favour of a proposal to move it to April 2024, but this concession failed to quell the protests, which have turned deadly. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Since President Nayib Bukele asked the country’s congress to approve a state of exception in March last year, security forces have arrested more than 64,000 suspected gang members and associates. Authorities estimate they have around 10,000 more arrests to make and the measure has been regularly extended.

“As long as we have these murderers and these terrorists fleeing and escaping within the country, this measure must continue,” Security Minister Gustavo Villatoro said in an interview last week in his office in San Salvador.

He said Salvadoran authorities were working with counterparts in southern

Mexico, Guatemala, and the United States to find an unspecified number of gang members who had fled.

The crackdown on El Salvador’s notorious gangs has more than halved murders in one of the most crime-ridden countries in the Western hemisphere, drawing the interest of other nations struggling with gang violence and raising questions about what rights citizens are willing to exchange for living on safer streets.

With nearly two per cent

of its adult population behind bars, El Salvador has the highest incarceration rate in the world and recently inaugurated one of the region’s largest prisons, with a capacity for 40,000 inmates.

Under the state of emergency some constitutional rights have been suspended. Arrests can be made without a warrant, the Government has unfettered access to private communications, and detainees’ rights to a lawyer have been shelved.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Panama migrant bus plunges off road killing 39

At least 39 persons died in Panama when a bus carrying migrants hoping to reach the US plunged into a ravine.

The bus was heading north and was near the Costa Rica border when the driver reportedly tried to turn round, having mistakenly passed a migrant hostel.

There were 66 passengers on the bus and about 20 injured are now in hospital, officials said. Officials did not disclose the victims’ nationalities.

Thousands of migrants risk their lives crossing Panama’s swampy Darién Gap.

Last year, those numbers surged to a record 248,000 migrants, most of them Venezuelans. Migrants from

Haiti and Cuba also take the long overland route.

The crash in Gualaca district is reported to be the worst accident involving migrants in Panama’s history. It is not clear why the driver lost control on the twisting road; some reports speak of a collision with a minibus.

Panamanian President Laurentino Cortizo said: “The Government extends its condolences to the families of those killed in this accident, and reiterates its commitment to continue providing humanitarian aid and decent conditions to deal with irregular migration.” (BBC News)

PM Rowley sells T&T as energy hub to global stakeholders

Trinidad and Tobago’s self-proclaimed “number one salesman”, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, was hard at work on Monday as he marketed his country as the Region’s best bet for a bright energy future.

Prime Minister Rowley was among a group of Heads of Government from the Region who arrived in Georgetown, Guyana to

participate on the opening day of the International Energy Conference and Expo at the Guyana Marriott hotel.

“The regional energy landscape does not equip any single country to meet the energy security requirements of the Region.

A cooperative approach allows for shared risks and diversified perspectives, and will facilitate the de-

velopment and execution of innovative solutions to the challenges associated with the energy demand for the Region,” Rowley said.

Rowley said because of this, T&T had taken a deliberate policy to engage its regional neighbours in the development of economic cooperation in the energy sector.

This includes agreements with Bolivia,

Venezuela, Barbados and Grenada, which will allow for the exploration of hydrocarbon resources in the shared maritime boundaries, he said.

In addition to this, he said a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Guyana and Haiti have also been signed.

Rowley said in today’s economic environment, however, investments in

enabling infrastructure and technology can be costly, even to the point of being prohibitive.

However, he said T&T can help in that regard.

“T&T has the energy infrastructure to monetise hydrocarbon resources produced by its Caribbean neighbours. The country possesses ten ammonia plants, seven methanol plants, four LNG plants,

an iron and steel complex, which at peak performance utilised as feedstock four bcf of natural gas per day, and an oil refinery which processed up to 140,000 barrels of oil per day. Our current natural gas production averages 2.8 bcf per day and we are still exploring the market for a user for the oil refinery,” the PM said. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Brazilian Police say criminal organisations used a US-based entity to export gold illegally extracted from the Amazon [Edmar Barros/AP file photo]

General view of homes abandoned by families who fled after being threatened by gang members (Reuters/Jose Cabezas)

The crash pulverised the bus and it is not clear why the driver lost control

Oil little changed as market discounts big US crude storage build

Oil futures were flat to lower on Wednesday as the US dollar strengthened and investors worried that rising interest rates would slow the economy and cut fuel demand.

Oil’s losses were limited as the market discounted a big build in US crude stocks due to a data adjustment and as the International Energy Agency (IEA) forecast higher global oil demand growth.

Brent futures slid 20 cents, or 0.2 per cent, to US$85.38 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell 47 cents, or 0.6 per cent, to US$78.59.

The US dollar rallied, suggesting the Federal Reserve (Fed) will keep monetary policy tight.

“Crude prices are under pressure as the dollar rallies following impressive economic data that paves the way for more Fed tightening,” said Edward Moya, senior market analyst at data and analytics firm OANDA.

A stronger dollar can cut oil demand, making crude more expensive for holders of other currencies.

Federal Reserve officials said the US central bank would need to maintain gradual interest rate increases to fight inflation. Investors worry higher rates could slow the economy.

US crude stockpiles jumped by 16.3 million barrels last week to 471.4 million barrels, their highest since June 2021, the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) said.

That was much bigger than the 1.2 million-barrel increase analysts forecast in a Reuters poll. , But analysts said an unusually large crude oil supply adjustment contributed to the outsized build.

“Once everyone realised the adjustment threw off the EIA data, scepticism about the big (crude storage) build crept into the market,” said John Kilduff, a partner at investment advisory Again Capital LLC in New York. “It’s a one-off.”

The IEA raised its forecast for 2023 oil demand growth and said there could be a supply deficit in the second half due to restrained production from OPEC+, the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and other oil suppliers including Russia.

The IEA said China would make up nearly half of this year’s oil demand growth after it relaxed its COVID-19 curbs, and also said about one million bpd of production from Russia will be shut in by the end of the first quarter, citing a European ban on seaborne imports and a Group of Seven (G7) price cap.

The G7 group of wealthy countries comprises Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Britain and the United States.

On Tuesday, OPEC also raised its projection for global oil demand growth and pointed to a tighter market in 2023. (Reuters)

Around the World

Russia declares battlefield gains as Ukraine urges faster military aid

Russia said on Wednesday it had broken through two of Ukraine’s fortified defence lines in the east and Kyiv spoke of relentless Russian attacks making it “difficult for us”, as Western allies announced more military aid for Kyiv including artillery rounds.

Bolstered by tens of thousands of reservists drafted in December after months of humiliating battlefield reverses, Russia has intensified attacks across southern and eastern Ukraine in recent weeks, and a major new offensive is widely anticipated as the first anniversary of its invasion nears.

The Russian Defence Ministry said Ukrainian forces had retreated in the face of Russian attacks in the Luhansk region, although it gave no details and Reuters was not able to independently verify this

and other battlefield reports.

“During the offensive ... the Ukrainian troops randomly retreated to a distance of up to three km (two miles) from the previously occupied lines,” the Ministry said on the Telegram messaging app.

“Even the more forti-

fied second line of defence of the enemy could not hold the breakthrough of the Russian military.”

The Ministry did not specify in which part of the Luhansk region the offensive took place.

Later in the day, Ukrainian Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Malyar

said Russian forces were mounting “round-the-clock” assaults on Government positions, without specifying where.

“The situation is tense. Yes, it is difficult for us. But our fighters are not allowing the enemy to achieve their goals and are inflicting very serious losses,” Malyar wrote on the Telegram messaging app.

In Kyiv, the capital’s military administration said six Russian balloons that may have contained reconnaissance equipment were shot down over the city on Wednesday after air raid sirens blared.

Bakhmut’s capture would give Russia a stepping stone to advance on two bigger cities, Kramatorsk and Sloviansk further west in Donetsk, which would revive Moscow’s momentum ahead of the Feb. 24 first anniversary of the invasion.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Gunman in racist mass shooting in Buffalo gets life in prison

was premeditated, Gendron had scouted out the mainly Black neighbourhood a threehour drive from his home, creating a diagram of the grocery store’s layout and issuing a self-described manifesto about preserving white power in the United States.

Gendron, whose hatred was driven by racist conspiracy theories he encountered online, cried during some of the testimony and apologised to victims and their families in a brief statement.

ing for him. Several pointed out that he deliberately attacked a Black community far from his nearly all-white hometown.

“I believed what I read online and acted out of hate, and now, I can’t take it back, but I wish I could, and I don’t want anyone to be inspired by me,” he said as a woman in the courtroom audience stood up, screamed that “we don’t need” his remarks and stormed out.

Awhite supremacist who killed 10 Black people, at a US grocery store has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, after victims’ relatives confronted him in court.

Anger briefly turned physical at Payton Gendron’s sentencing when a man in

the audience rushed at him. The man was quickly restrained; Prosecutors later said he would not be charged. The proceeding then resumed with more emotional outpouring from people who lost loved ones or were themselves wounded in the attack.

The May 2022 shooting

US actress and model Raquel Welch dead at 82

USactress Raquel Welch, often credited with paving the way for modern-day action heroines in Hollywood films, has died at the age of 82.

The Hollywood star passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning after a brief illness, her manager said.

Welch became an international sex symbol in the 1960s, widely remembered for playing a bikini-clad cavewoman in the 1966 film “One Million Years BC”.

She also won a Golden Globe for her role in 1974’s “The Three Musketeers”.

Born Jo Raquel Tejada in 1940, Welch grew up in California, where she won teen beauty pageants and later became a local weather forecaster.

During a brief stint in

Raquel Welch

Dallas, Texas, the divorced mother of two modelled for the Neiman Marcus clothing store and worked as a cocktail waitress. Her big break came in 1964 soon after she moved back to California, when

she scored cameos in A “House Is Not A Home”, and “Roustabout”, a musical starring Elvis Presley. She shot to prominence two years later, with her back-to-back roles in the scifi film “Fantastic Voyage”

and the fantasy film “One Million Years BC”.

Welch only had a few lines in the latter, but promotional stills of her wearing a skimpy two-piece deer-skin bikini turned her into a leading pin-up girl of the era.

Despite her public image, however, she long expressed discomfort with the representation of her body, once saying she “was not brought up to be a sex symbol, nor is it in my nature to be one”.

“The fact that I became one is probably the loveliest, most glamorous and fortunate misunderstanding,” she added. In a career spanning over five decades, Welch appeared in more than 30 movies and 50 television shows.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Some angrily condemned him; others quoted from the Bible or said they were pray-

There were only three survivors among the 13 persons he shot.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Ohio cleaning up toxic train derailment as pollution ‘plume’ moves downstream

Cleanup is moving quickly after a train carrying toxic materials derailed in Ohio 11 days ago, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said on Tuesday, while residents and observers questioned the health impacts of pollution that spilled into the Ohio River.

The Norfolk Southern Railroad-operated train derailed on February 3, causing a fire that sent a cloud of smoke over the town of East Palestine, Ohio, and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate. After railroad crews drained and burned off a toxic chemical from five tanker cars, DeWine on February 8 said that residents could return to their homes.

While DeWine said the pollution did not pose a serious threat to five million people who rely on the river for drinking water, he and several Ohio health and environmental officials cautioned at an afternoon press conference that residents

using private wells near the derailment should only use bottled water.

Reporters pressed DeWine and other officials about some residents’ complaints of headaches and concern that the Government or the railroad were not telling them the entire truth about the pollution and potential harm.

One of the chemicals on the train was vinyl chloride, which the US Environmental Protection Agency says is highly flammable and carcinogenic, especially through inhalation. When burned, it decomposes into other toxic compounds including hydrogen chloride.

Dr Bruce Vanderhoff, director of the Ohio Department of Health, said the compounds spilled can cause headaches, eye and nose irritation even at levels considered safe, but that the “measured facts” show air sampling is not reporting any dangers.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

A man is rescued by firefighters after an apartment block was heavily damaged by a missile strike, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Pokrovsk, Donetsk region, Ukraine, February 15, 2023 (Reuters/Marko Djurica)

Payton Gendron has received concurrent life sentences for the Buffalo supermarket shooting, one for each victim [Brendan McDermid/Reuters file photo]

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Say less and do more. Work alone, perfect what you are trying to achieve, and present and market what you have to offer. Acting in haste will put you in a vulnerable position.

(March 21-April 19)

Dream on, but don’t lose sight of what’s possible. Be observant, and don’t ignore a valid point that can help bring about change at a price you can afford. Romance is favored.

(April 20-May 20)

It will be easier to accomplish your objective if you don’t let others take control. A change will entice you, but before you move or plan a trip, do your homework.

(May 21-June 20)

Put your best foot forward. Enhance your personal life, update your image or pick up additional skills or qualifications. Discuss your plans with someone who can offer expert advice

(June 21-July 22)

Be realistic and map out a plan to help you get from one point to another without interference. Don’t be afraid to make suggestions. Unwise spending will ruin your budget.

(July 23-Aug. 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Take a chance and play to win. Size up situations and consider the benefits of participating in something. You’ll discover how to improve your life and relationships with others.

Make up your mind. Discipline and hard work will get you where you want to go. Your intelligence won’t let you down; step forward with confidence. It’s time to take a side

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Explore events, activities and educational pursuits. Keeping busy will encourage positive conversation and development. Romance is in the stars.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Think; if you act in haste, you’ll overstep your bounds or end up paying too much for something. Proper research will help you avoid making a mistake. Ask questions.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Emotions will surface regarding money matters. Find a solution that will help you put things in perspective. A passionate approach to living and working will make life easier.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Don’t sit back if you want to make an impression. Make your move with finesse. Your energy and intellect will capture someone’s interest and encourage talks that can bring about positive change.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Learn from your mistakes, and you’ll know instinctively when to make a move and when to sit tight. Sign up for projects that involve helping others or cleaning up the environment.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

India cruise to victory against West Indies

– says Barcelona’s Xavi Hernandez

Barcelona

Manager

Xavi Hernandez has praised Erik ten Hag for transforming Manchester United and turning Marcus Rashford into "one of the most dangerous players in Europe".

The Spanish giants host United on Thursday in the first leg of their Europa League knockout round playoff.

Ten Hag was appointed in the summer, and has quickly made his mark, with the Red Devils flying high in the Premier League and also in the EFL Cup final.

SCOREBOARD

West Indies Women (20 ovs maximum)

Hayley Matthews (c) c

†Ghosh b Vastrakar 2

Stafanie Taylor lbw b Sharma 42

Shemaine Campbelle c Mandhana b Sharma 30

Sharma, has set up India's comfortable six-wicket win against West Indies on a slow Newlands surface in slightly overcast and very windy conditions.

India's second win in a row was more convincing than the one against Pakistan, as they chased down a modest 119 with 11 balls to spare to remain second on the Group 2 table behind England, who are also unbeaten and will be India's next opponent, on Saturday in Gqeberha.

The deflating loss was West Indies' 15th straight in the format and their eighth in a row against India, leaving them fourth on the table.

They opted to bat again, but never got going, because India effectively used as many as five spinners and allowed West Indies' run rate to touch six only once in the innings.

India's teenage hard hitters Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh played crucial hands in reply with their trademark display of boundaries, and captain Harmanpreet Kaur chaperoned the chase nearly till the end with a patient 33.

Is Matthews Vastrakar's bunny?

Hayley Matthews might be pleased with the fact that she and Pooja Vastrakar will be Mumbai Indians team-mates at the WPL. Vastrakar's first ball in the second over got extra bounce to get Matthews's outside edge for just 2, to brag of a one-sided record against the West Indies captain: four dismissals in 17 balls for a mere 10 runs.

Being their best batter on form, the dismissal hurt West Indies, be-

Chinelle Henry run out (Mandhana/†Ghosh)

Chedean Nation not out 21

Shabika Gajnabi b

Renuka Singh 15

Afy Fletcher b Sharma 0

Rashada Williams †not out 2

Extras (lb 1, w 3)

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 5.90) 118/6

Fall of wickets: 1-4

(Hayley Matthews, 1.1 ov), 2-77

(Shemaine Campbelle, 13.3 ov), 3-78

(Stafanie Taylor, 13.6 ov), 4-79

(Chinelle Henry, 14.2 ov), 5-114

(Shabika Gajnabi, 18.6 ov), 6-115

(Afy Fletcher, 19.2 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Radha Yadav 1-0-8-0

Devika Vaidya 2-0-16-0

India Women (T: 119 runs from 20 ovs)

Shafali Verma c

"Ten Hag is a great coach," Xavi has said. "In my mind, I believe that, somehow, [reversing] the situation of United was no easy task, and he's accomplishing it. They are excited again - the club, the fanbase - and also, the way they play does a lot.

"He changes things offensively, defensively; everyone's working very well, so it's a tough rival for us, and he's a very interesting coach."

Both clubs needed a reset. Barcelona, who will be without Sergio Busquets and Ousmane Dembele for Thursday's game, will provide a tough test for Manchester United. They top La Liga, are 11 points ahead of Real Madrid, and have won their past eight games in all competitions.

Ten Hag has returned Xavi's praise, saying the former midfielder has Barcelona heading in the right direction following a much-needed "reset".

"Both clubs are in the Europa League, but both clubs have the ambition to be in the Champions League," he said.

"Not just to be there, but to have a real impact in the Champions League after the group stage, going to the semi-finals, final; to win even,” he said.

4

Deepti was the best in that phase, with her loopy deliveries in a first spell of 2-0-8-0. And just when Taylor started to open up with boundaries against Gayakwad and Renuka Singh in consecutive overs, and Campbelle smacked Vastrakar over her head to stretch the scoring rate towards six, Deepti returned to remove both set batters in a double-wicket over.

Campbelle reverse swept to short third, where Smriti Mandhana dived forward for a sharp low catch with both hands, and Taylor was trapped lbw for 42 when she moved across to a straight delivery and India used a review to get the on-field decision overturned.

Renuka Singh 4-0-22-1

Pooja Vastrakar 4-1-21-1

Rajeshwari Gayakwad 4-0-30-0

Deepti Sharma 4-0-15-3

Shafali Verma 1-0-5-0

Two balls later, Chinelle Henry wanted a second run with a fumble from backward point, but the quick throw from Mandhana found her short for her second run-out in as many games, and the West Indies were in trouble.

Deepti tops the charts

Chedean Nation and Shabika Gajnabi steered West Indies from 79 for 4, especially helped by Deepti giving Nation a life on 3, by putting down a chance at long-off. The duo collected a boundary each in the 17th over to make the team score touch 100, before Gajnabi fetched a lucky boundary with a thick inside edge in an over full of yorkers from Vastrakar.

fore Shemaine Campbelle and Stafanie Taylor took Rajeshwari Gayakwad for 12 in the fifth over to lift the run rate slightly, finishing the powerplay on 29 for 1.

The spin squeeze and the fifty partnership Harmanpreet brought on spinners from both ends,

with Deepti, Shafali, Radha Yadav and Gayakwad bowling five in a row, that yielded 26 runs around Taylor and Campbelle's fifty stand. Taylor still looked scratchy and ate up 20 dots in her 40-ball stay on her return from a long injury layoff, whereas Campbelle used her feet and the sweep to

Deepti returned in the last over and got to 100 T20I wickets by rattling Afy Fletcher's middle stump. She now has the most wickets by an India player, across men or women, and with a four-run over, finished with 3 for 15. (ESPN Cricinfo)

Rashford in particular has excelled under the Dutch manager. The striker scored his 13th goal in 15 games since the World Cup in Sunday's 2-0 win against Leeds, netting more than any other player in Europe in that time.

"In the transition, he is very, very dangerous, so we need to take care of all of them, but especially Rashford," added Xavi. "He's one of the most dangerous players now in Europe."

"The reality is we are in the Europa League but both clubs needed a reset, and we are both going in the right direction. It's exciting to face each other; with each test, you get better."

'De Jong makes your team stronger'

The game will see Manchester United come up against Frenkie de Jong, who had been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League club in the summer. Ten Hag is very familiar with the midfielder, having managed him at Ajax before the Netherlands international's move to Barcelona.

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ASK-G hosts first national championships since COVID

Results:

Female 5-to-8yrs White to Orange

KUMITE KATA

1st Natalia Persaud 1st Miah Rajkumar

2nd Jeevika Tiwari 2nd Shreya Persaud

3rd Shreya Persaud 3rd Jeevika Tiwari

4th Miah Rajkumar 4th Natalia Persaud

Female 17-to-18yrs White to Green

KUMITE KATA

1st Allana Margan 1st Alisha Moideen

2nd Alisha Moideen 2nd Allana Margan

3rd Nyalsha Beaton 3rd Nyalsha Beaton

Female 11-to-14yrs Brown & Black

KUMITE KATA

The ASK-G has held its first national karate championships since its reopening after the COVID closure.

On Sunday last, parents and supporters turned out in large numbers to witness the competition, hosted at the YMCA building on Thomas Lands, Georgetown. The Senior Black Belts started the championships off to a rousing spectacle. The spectators were thrilled by the performances, as was evident by the constant applause.

Malcolm Francis, Roger Peroune and Shemar Francis emerged top competitors in both the Kata and Kumite (fighting) for their respective divisions.

They later faced each other in a special Open division

( 17 – 49 years), and Roger Peroune took first place position, while Shemar Francis and Malcolm Francis placed second and third respectively.

For the Senior Black Belts, this competition was a great opportunity to get themselves back into the competition mindset, as they are hoping to attend the Invitational Open in St Vincent & the Grenadines in April, and the Pan-American Karate Championships in Costa Rica in May.

Following were the 5- and 6-year-old children and other Junior Belts, the competitions of which served as a great introduction into competition, allowing the children to confidently step on to the tournament scene.

An athlete participated

Former cricketers give back to Port Mourant Cricket Club

in the para-karate category, which was well received and proved a great step in the direction of inclusivity in sport. After the events had concluded at about 14.30hrs, the medal presentation followed.

The ASK-G hereby extends

its gratitude to the YMCA for allowing the use of their auditorium; to the parents and competitors (especially those from out of Georgetown), judges and officials, who enabled the championships to flow smoothly and successful.

GBA continues ‘Shuttle Time’ programme

As promised on the calendar of activities for 2023, the Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) continued the Shuttle Time programme in which racquets, shuttles and nets were donated to the following schools of secondary learning: Berbice High School, New

students would this year take the Physical Education Examination for CSEC, and would be doing two sports: Badminton and Volleyball.

The GBA has extended special gratitude to Mr. Zahir Moakan and Mr. Colin Bowry for promoting Badminton in the schools’ curriculum.

1st Chelsea Benjamin 1st Chelsea Benjamin

2nd Saskia Dyasindoo 2nd Saskia Dyasindoo

Female 11-to-15yrs White to Orange

KUMITE KATA

1st Nathania Nedd 1st Zuriyah Howell

2nd Nia Richards 2nd Nathania Nedd

3rd Zuriyah Howell 3rd Nia Richards

4th Rachael Seymour 4th Rachael Seymour

Female 9-to-10yrs Green to Purple

KUMITE KATA

1st Marissia Appanah 1st Marissia Appanah

2nd Shivanna Brijbhukan 2nd Shivanna Brijbhukan

Male 5-to-6yrs White to Orange

KUMITE KATA

1st Raheem Josiah 1st Erik Lynch

2nd Erik Lynch 2nd Raheem Josiah

3rd Wayne Brown 3rd Wayne Brown

Male 7-to-8yrs Orange

KUMITE KATA

1st Shivendra Brijbhukan 1st Josiah Clinken

2nd Josiah Clinken 2nd Marquis Ferreira

3rd Wyatt Fraser 3rd Shivendra Brijbhukan

4th Marquis Ferreira 4th Wyatt Fraser

Male 13-to-14yrs White to Orange

KUMITE KATA

1st Adi Persaud 1st Jason Richards

2nd Jason Richards 2nd Adi Persaud

Male 5-to-6yrs Green to Purple

KUMITE KATA

1st Lukas Singh 1st Lukas Singh

Male 7-to-8yrs White to Yellow

KUMITE KATA

1st Shemson Suffrien 1st Shemson Suffrien

2nd Tyler Spooner 2nd Tyler Spooner

3rd Jahmar Bullen 3rd Jahmar Bullen

Male 9-to-10yrs White to Orange

KUMITE KATA

1st Aryan Shiwdas 1st Veerendra Krishna

2nd Veerendra Krishna 2nd Mikhail Tobin

3rd Lucas Spooner 3rd Aryan Shiwdas

4th Mikhail Tobin 4th Lucas Spooner

Male 13-to-14yrs PARA

KUMITE KATA

1st Daniel McIver 1st Daniel McIver

Formercricketers

Derrick Kallicharran, Moshin Khan, Freddie Roopchand, John Harihar, Vijay "Napp" Seunarine and Roopsingh Singh have donated cricket gear to the historic Port Mourant Community Centre Cricket Club (PMCCCC).

Most of these players, having remembered the proverbial bridge they had had to cross in their playing days, have done the honourable thing by assisting the young players.

Current players of the Port Mourant Community Centre Cricket Club have benefitted from the receipt of cricket bats, batting gloves, pads, helmets, cricket footwear, clothing, and cricket balls.

Other donors included Mike Heralall of New York and members of the Centennial Cricket Club of Montreal, Quebec, who made significant donations. Brahma Meloram, Suresh Ramkissoon, Pooran Ramkissoon and Glen Roy Regis all played roles in this noble initiative. Mr. Roopsingh, who lives in Montreal, was instrumental in getting the equipment, and members of the Port Mourant Community Centre Cricket Club have extended gratitude to him and his club members for their donations.

In New York, Mr. Khan and Vijay spearheaded these efforts. In total, 15 cricket bats, 15 cricket balls, 20 hats,

20 pants, 37 shirts, five cricket bags, six helmets, five thigh pads, five batting pads, one pair of wicket-keeping gloves, two pairs of wicket-keeping pads and 11 pairs of batting gloves were presented.

A few members have been back home, visited the club and spoken with the Executives. These individuals, having witnessed what is needed to help improve the club, have decided to undertake this venture. The former players have undertaken this initiative to give back to a club that has given them a break and a start in their cricketing lives.

In a statement of gratitude from the former players of Port Mourant, plans are in place, they revealed, to help secondary schools.

"Having said that, I must thank the contributors who are not from Port Mourant but was very responsive and kind towards the venture, especially from Centennial and Heralall. Without any hesitation, they became a part of this. I would hope that Port Mourant Cricket Club will be thankful for what we have done, and the kids can make full use and become good players in the future.”

The group is now thinking about helping a couple of schools in Port Mourant, namely J C Chandisingh, Corentyne Comprehensive, and Lower Corentyne Secondary," the statement reads.

Amsterdam Secondary School, Fort Wellington Secondary School. AirBadminton was also introduced at the Berbice Educational Institute.

Two years ago, under the guidance of late President Gokarn Ramdhani, the GBA visited and introduced the Shuttle Time programme to the New Amsterdam Secondary School and the Berbice High School. The level of the game has since risen, as has the number of students playing in and out of school.

“It was very delightful to see this. The enthusiasm shown by the students was very encouraging and heartening to see them play for the love of the sport,” Mr. Moakhan, Physical Education Teacher of Berbice High School, has said.

Moakhan mentioned that the highest number of

The GBA and other associations have recently met with the Minister of Education, Hon. Priya Manickchand, to discuss incorporating different sporting disciplines in schools across the country.

The Guyana Badminton Association has said it intends to continue this trend of promoting the sport throughout the length and breadth of Guyana. The Shuttle Time programme would be done at schools with indoor facilities, and AirBadminton would be done at schools without indoor facilities.

The equipment was handed over to the Principals and PE Teachers by Ms. Priyanna Ramdhani and Mr. Akili Haynes, senior national badminton players who did an exhibition match and taught the students a few drills to improve their technique on court.

Male 9-to-10yrs Green to Purple

KUMITE KATA

1st Gerrett Lalljee 1st Gerrett Lalljee

Male 7-to-8yrs Green to Purple

KUMITE KATA

1st Simkhael Levans 1st Zane Elcock

2nd Algernon Sealy 2nd Rayden Austin

3rd Aden Persaud 3rd Algernon Sealy

4th Rayden Austin 4th Simkhael Levans

Male 13-to-14yrs Brown & Black

KUMITE KATA

1st Jeremy Hargobin 1st Jeremy Hargobin

2nd Maheshwar Dyasindoo 2nd Maheshwar Dyasindoo

3rd Kishan Ragubeer 3rd Kishan Ragubeer

4th Joshua Nimar 4th Joshua Nimar

Male 21-to-39yrs Brown & Black

KUMITE KATA

1st Roger Peroune 1st Roger Peroune

2nd Avinash Ramgolam 2nd Avinash Ramgolam

Male 17-to-49yrs Brown & Black ‘1st place’

KUMITE KATA

1st Roger Peroune 1st Roger Peroune

2nd Shamar Francis 2nd Shamar Francis

3rd Malcolm Francis 3rd Malcolm Francis

Male 11-to-12yrs Green to Purple

KUMITE KATA

1st Isaac Ramsarran 1st Shivraj Brijbhukan

2nd Shivraj Brijbhukan 2nd Isaac Ramsarran

3rd Christopher Cooblall 3rd Christopher Cooblall

4th Mahir Rajkumar 4th Mahir Rajkumar

Male 17-to-18yrs Brown & Black

KUMITE KATA

1st Shamar Francis 1st Shamar Francis

2nd Matthew Gurahoo 2nd Matthew Gurahoo

Male 40-to-49yrs Brown & Black

KUMITE KATA

1st Malcolm Francis 1st Malcolm Francis

2nd Keith Beaton 2nd Keith Beaton

The entire winners’ row at the ASK-G competition

A glimpse of the proceedings at the ASK-G tournament

Members of the Port Mourant Community Centre Cricket Club with the gear

GBA’s Priyanna Ramdhani making a presentation at the Berbice Educational Institute

Powell, Hope confirmed as West Indies white-ball captains

Hope to captain ODI team and Powell to lead T20I team

Commencing with the West Indies tour of South Africa, Cricket West Indies (CWI) today announced, Shai Hope would be new captain of the West Indies Men’s OneDay International (ODI) team, and Rovman Powell would be new captain of the West Indies Men’s T20 International (T20I) team.

Hope, the wicketkeeper-batter, and Powell, the batting allrounder, will take over from Nicholas Pooran, who stepped down from these positions last November following the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia.

The first assignment for both captains will be the upcoming tour of South Africa in March, when the West Indies face the Proteas in three ODIs and three T20Is from March 16 to 28, following two matches in the ICC World Test Championship.

Each captain will be heavily involved in strategy and planning leading up to the next ICC World Tournaments. In ODI cricket, the West Indies are likely to need to qualify for the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup, with the qualifiers scheduled to be held in Zimbabwe in June.

In T20I cricket, the West

Indies would be hosting the next ICC T20 World Cup with the USA in June 2024.

Hope has been selected as ODI captain af ter demonstrating strong leadership on and off the field, and experiencing the vice-captain role over a number of Series since 2019. He became vice-cap tain for a second time in June 2022, and played his 100th ODI for the West Indies against India in July last year.

Hope has played 104 ODIs, and was recently selected in the ICC ODI Team of the Year for 2022.

Hope has said: “It is a tremendous honour and privilege to be appointed captain of any West Indies team. To lead a team that is of such incredible sig nificance, not only to my self and my teammates, but to our legion of fans the world over, is something one dreams of as a child. The rich history and legacy that our region and our brand of cricket is so famous and loved for requires no intri cate explanation.

“I would like to thank CWI for entrusting me with this immense oppor tunity. To navigate West Indies Cricket in the right

my team-mates and our dedicated fans, I look forward to a long and fulfilling tenure as captain of the West Indies OneDay International team.”

The CWI Selection Panel has recommended Powell as T20I captain, referencing his demonstrated leadership acumen and tactical ability when acting as the West Indies T20I vice-captain, and as captain for Jamaica in 2022, with double success in both re-

He led Jamaica, winning firstly the Caribbean Premier League with the Tallawahs in September, before captaining the Jamaica Scorpions to the CG United Super50 Cup ti-

Powell has said: “I’m truly humbled and grateful to be given this amazing opportunity to lead the West Indies. For me, this is a huge vote of confidence, and I see this as the greatest honour of my career. To be asked to ‘carry the flag’ for the people of the Caribbean, there’s no bigger role in cricket in the region — a job previously held by some of the greatest servants of West Indies Cricket.

“I also want to thank CWI for allowing me to guide the team in the coming years as we set sights on the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which we will be jointly hosting with the USA next year. I’m a passionate cricketer who believes in leading from the front and always giving 100 percent.”

Match schedule in South Africa

21 to 24 February: vs South Africa Invitational XI at Willowmoore Park, Benoni

28 February to

4 March: 1st Test at SuperSport Park, Centurion 8-12 March: 2nd Test at the Wanderers, Johannesburg

Thursday, 16 March: 1st ODI at Buffalo Park, East London (day/night)

Saturday, 18 March: 2nd ODI at Buffalo Park, East London (day/night)

Tuesday, 21 March: 3rd ODI at JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom

Saturday, 25 March: 1st T20Is at SuperSport Park, Centurion

Sunday, 26 March: 2nd T20I at SuperSport Park, Centurion

Tuesday, 28 March: 3rd T20I at Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg (night)

MVP Sports fuels women’s league national playoffs

Senior Women’s Football is set to return next weekend, when the Guyana Football Federation (GFF)- Guyana National Women’s Football Association (GNWFA)

Women’s Developmental league will reconvene after some months.

The tournament will see the national playoffs be-

ing kicked off on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at several venues, and action is set to culminate on April 1, 2023 at a venue to be disclosed.

At a simple event on Wednesday morning, renowned sporting apparel store MVP Sports was announced as the primary sponsor for this stage of the tournament.

MVP Sports’ Proprietor

Ian Ramdeo, at his store’s Giftland Mall location, shared that he is especially keen on assisting with women’s sport this year, hence his support for this event.

“We’ve had discussions with the GFF over the past few months, and this year MVP Sports is looking to focus our attention more on

GBA confirms Bajan trio for Patrick Forde Memorial

the blue and yellow trident flying high.

President of the Guyana Boxing Association (GBA), Steve Ninvalle, confirmed that Barbados would be sending Jeremiah Toussaint, Sean Shepherd and lone female Kemara Stewart.

Toussaint is slated to collide with Guyana’s Joel

Sean Shepherd

The highly anticipated Patrick Forde Memorial boxing tournament is shaping up nicely ahead of D-Day, Sunday February 19.

Set for staging at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue, the tournament is set to feature a slew of regional and international talents coming to challenge the local pugilists. Barbados has confirmed the trio that would seek to keep

Kemara Stewart

Williamson, while countrywoman Stewart is slated to battle Guyana’s Abiola

Jackman.

Touting it as a “Bajan Invasion”, Ninvalle disclosed that the Barbadian contingent is expected to touch down in the Land of Many Waters on Friday afternoon.

Also scheduled to touch down on Friday afternoon is the St. Lucian contingent. On Saturday, pugilists from Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname are expected to arrive.

This prestigious competition is being staged in honour of the late pugilist Patrick Forde, who etched his name in the annals of Guyana’s boxing history by becoming the first Guyanese to contest for the world title under the Golden Arrowhead.

Forde, who captured the WBC Fecarbox title and Commonwealth Featherweight Championship in his famed career, passed away in 2011 at the age of 55.

MVP Sports owner, Ian Ramdeo assisting where we can with the development of women’s sports, and it’s great for us to be here,” the MVP Sports owner shared. Ramdeo added, “We have been a supporter of the GFF, football and sports in general over the years, and hopefully, this year, we can continue to do so in a bigger way and a different way.”

GNWFA President Andrea Johnson shared some details on the playoff stage of the tournament, teasing that it will be an exciting one.

Johnson related, “A total of 12 teams will compete over the coming weeks to determine a national champion. We believe this playoff format will bring an exciting conclusion to what has been a very tough tournament.

“It goes without saying that the GFF Women’s

GNWFA’s President, Andrea Johnson

Football Development programme is making tremendous strides, both locally and internationally,” she added.

While commending MVP Sports for this generosity, Johnson made a call for more support as the GFF explores an extended women’s calendar this year. She explained, “The GFF’s 2023 national football calendar reflects a significant increase in female competitions, as compared with any previous year in our football history. However, for us to fully implement the 2023 season, we need the Government of Guyana and corporate Guyana to follow the example of MVP Sports, who is in fact a small company but yet making a huge investment in sports.”

Game day 1 will see the ladies of Bartica All Stars

taking on Potaro Strikers in the mining town from 20:0hrs, while Milerock FC and Coomacka would clash at the Wisburg Ground, starting at 15:00hrs. the next game day will be on March 4, 2023, when Essequibo go head-to- head with Foxy Ladies from 15:00hrs, while Pakuri Jaguars and NA United lock horns from 14:00hrs in St. Cuthbert’s Mission (Pakuri).

Last year, the Women’s Development League was launched, and commenced with support from UEFA assist and the Danish Football Union. At that time, the tournament was part-funded with EUR 35,000 from the DBU, via the UEFA Assist programme, providing materials and apparel to 37 clubs around the country.

(Jemima Holmes)

Rovman Powell