Guyana Times - Thursday, February 1, 2024

Guyana hosts 4th UK, Caribbean heads of defence conference

P13 Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 5629

THE BEACON OF TRUTH THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024

“This President will break new ground all over” – Pres Ali tells ECD residents

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Sahara dust to persist for another 7 days

PRICE $100 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Rose Hall Estate to begin grinding by month-end P2

Butcher allegedly caught with P12 stolen cattle …as Canje farmer misses hundreds of animals

Rosignol man gets 30-year jail time for killing father of 1 P8

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Mineral mapping to help avoid unnecessary deforestation by miners Strike action illegal; Woman reject GTU’s call – caught on Education Ministry to camera Headteachers, teachers setting Norton …says industrial action will disrupt teaching/learning process St house on fire See story on page 7

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Man remanded to prison on attempted P8 murder charge

Drug trafficker jailed for 4 years, fined P10 $1.7M

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“We don’t extort people” – Mustapha, Mahipaul clash over delayed completion of pump stations Page 10

GPS strengthens health care with addition of Medex Falane Grant P15

2 NEWS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Rose Hall Estate to begin grinding by month-end T

he Rose Hall Sugar Estate in East Canje Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), will commence grinding by the end of February 2024.

Some 2500 hectares of sugar cane are to be harvested for the factory to start its production, but Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has said an additional crop for the estate would be available by mid-March, and Government would only then be able to set a 2024 production target for Rose Hall.

He disclosed that reha-

bilitation and maintenance works would commence shortly at the factory, following the passing of this

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar parliamentarian Vinceroy Jordan

Mustapha

year’s $1.146 trillion fiscal package, which included a sum of $2 billion for the

The minister provided this information to the National Assembly on Wednesday while making remarks on day two of the Consideration of the 2024 Budget estimates of revenue and expenditure.

Specifically, he was responding to extensive queries about the operations of GuySuCo by Opposition Parliamentarian Vinceroy Jordan, who sought answers about operations of the Rose Hall Estate, the availability of crop, and monies expended on the factory’s reopening.

Jordan also inquired about the $50 million set aside in 2024 budget for construction of roads in the area. He asked: “Mr Chair,

Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to undertake works and purchase new equipment for Rose Hall.

and

Opposition

can I ask the honourable minister whether all the boilers are operable at the Rose Hall Estate? And if they are at this time…what was the total cost for the rehabilitative works after the $549 million was spent?”

Minister Mustapha, in defending the money set aside for Rose Hall, noted that the factory would play a viable role in helping Guyana to ramp up its sugar production and assist in achieving Vision 25 by 2025.

He also remined the National Assembly that the reason why sums of money had to be expended to rehabilitate the factory is because the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government had closed the estate and let it fall into disrepair.

“Mr Chair, like other estates, sugar factories that were left to the mercy of nature, we had to spend a lot of money…those parts that the honourable member mentioned, things like boiler, you will repair the boiler, but during the course of grinding, you might find a leakage and have to repair it (again); and that will be a continuous process. Those baskets that he talks about, yes, all were repaired…

They caused it! They closed the estate! They caused it to rot! They caused people of this country -- they caused tax payers nine billion dollars to be spent to rehabilitate and bring back the Rose Hall Estate into production,” the minister declared.

Rose Hall Estate

closure, reopening

no longer required to go to Rose Hall and work.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), while in Opposition, had promised that should it be successful at the 2020 elections, it would reopen the closed Rose Hall Sugar Estate.

This promise was fulfilled when the estate recommenced operating in September 2023.

Hall Estate, 1181 of whom were retrenched, while the remainder were transferred to Blairmont and Albion Estates.

GuySuCo subsequently issued a statement saying that the workers were

According to Mustapha, harvesters from the Albion Estate are harvesting canes for the Rose Hall Estate, and in excess of 130 tonnes of sugar has already been produced.

The Rose Hall Sugar Easter in East Canje Berbice, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), was closed in 2017 by the then coalition Government, A Partnership For National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC).

When the estate was closed, there were some 2500 workers at the Rose

3 “This President will break new ground all over” – Pres Ali tells ECD residents NEWS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

BRIDGE The Demerara OPENINGS Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, February 1 – 22:00h-23:30h and Friday, February 2 – 22:30h-00:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, February 1 – 07:50h-09:20h and Friday, February 2 – 08:30h-10:00h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunshine is expected during the day. Clear skies are expected at night. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to Easterly etween 3.12 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 08:29h and 20:54h reaching a maximum height of 2.40 metres.

Low Tide: 14:25h reaching a minimum height of 0.80 metre.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 27, 2024

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resident Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday conducted community outreaches in several villages along the East Coast of Demerara, where he reiterated his Government’s commitment to ensuring that all citizens’ lives and communities are developed alongside the country.

The Head of State visited Supply, in Mahaica, and Ann’s Grove and Victoria villages on the East Coast, where he engaged scores of residents and addressed issues affecting them and their villages.

“I’m here to let the people know we will do it for you. This President here will break new grounds all over, and we will win the hearts of the people through hard work and through results…

Nothing can distract me, because we are fixed on one agenda: that is, the development of all the people of the country. So, trust me, they can send a million distractors, but we will stay focused on the task ahead. You can be assured of that,” the President declared to a gathering of villagers in Victoria.

Trapped in a narrative

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President Dr Irfaan Ali interacting with residents in Victoria Village, ECD on Wednesday evening

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The President’s remark came in response to one resident claiming that no work

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According to Ali, the individual who made the remark, also Chairman of the Opposition-controlled Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), has an agenda to keep the people

Scores of residents in Ann’s Grove turned out for Wednesday’s community engagement with President Ali

trapped in a narrative, but he is heading on the wrong track.

The Guyanese Leader noted that since getting into office in August 2020, he and his Cabinet Members have been regularly conducting community engagements across the country; even in areas that are strongholds

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President Ali with students during his visit to Supply, Mahaica

has been done in the community, while works are being executed in surrounding communities. However, engineers accompanying the Head of State detailed the list of works being carried out.

of baggage behind me, because I don’t see anything by race, by colour, by religion; that’s not my aim… That Government was in office for five years, between 2015 and 2020, did any president

President Ali and his team engaged residents at Ann’s Grove, ECD, where he assured that several developmental projects would shortly be undertaken in the community.

He said that representatives of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), and the engineer from the Public Works Ministry would work along with the committee representatives to peruse all the programmes to identify women and single parents for participation in the beekeeping, egg production and black giant chicken projects.

“We will work with all these communities to include all the young people and so on in the programme. We will also do the Community Centre and rehabilitate the playground in Two Friends. We will look at the four bridges and the canal dam…,” he announced.

Other issues highlighted

of the PNC-led APNU/AFC Opposition.

He then questions whether the same can be said for the Coalition regime during its term in office from 2015 to 2020.

“I don’t have that type

in that five year came at 5:25 in the afternoon and talk to you? They should, from the mountains (of claims) that they love you, but which one came to talk to you?” the President argued.

Community concerns

The Head of State went on to address concerns raised by residents, among which were deplorable roads, infrastructural works, support for farmers, need for street lights, and facilities /training for youths, among other things.

Prior to visiting Victoria,

by Ann’s Grove residents included road infrastructure, farm-to-market roads, drainage and irrigation works, clearing of farmlands, and construction of access bridges, among other things.

President Ali was informed by the engineer about the roads under construction, and the other roads that are scheduled to undergo construction in Ann’s Grove and Clonbrook.

Additionally, several bridges are being completed in Ann’s Grove.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024

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Tackling childhood obesity

T

he discussion over childhood obesity rates has now become a global conversation as this complex condition is increasing worldwide.

Studies have shown that one-third of children and adolescents in the United States are classified as either overweight or obese.

Here in Guyana, the Rotary Club of New Amsterdam launched an interesting programme on Wednesday in an effort to tackle the rise of childhood obesity locally.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children who have obesity are more likely to carry the condition over into adulthood.

Some time ago, Country Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organisation, Dr Gillian Smith was quoted in the media as saying at a World Food Day event in Guyana that over 40 per cent of Guyanese are either overweight or obese and of that number, the majority are women.

While lauding Guyana and the rest of the Caribbean region for the immense progress made in reducing absolute hunger, Dr Smith underscored the point that overweightness and obesity is another dangerous problem which must be tackled by policy makers and other development partners.

Health experts say that chronic diseases result largely from bad food choices and low levels of physical activity.

Reducing the risk of developing chronic illnesses, including Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and various cancers is associated with living a healthy lifestyle, which includes such factors as not smoking, a healthy diet, regular physical activity, moderate alcohol intake and a sense of mental wellbeing. For example, evidence suggests that half of all cancers could be prevented by following a healthy lifestyle. Citizens, therefore, need to make a conscious effort to check on the status of their health regularly, instead of procrastinating, which further compromises their health.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) come at a high cost to individuals and to nation states in terms of human suffering, expensive treatment, and loss of production. For example, Dr Smith explained that a 2011 cost-of-illness assessment, done by the Health Ministry in collaboration with the PAHO/WHO, estimated that the direct and indirect cost of treating non-communicable diseases in Guyana was over 10 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This, she noted, threatens to erode the human capital.

What is noteworthy is the realisation that most cases of chronic, non-communicable diseases are avoidable and it is within our individual powers to prevent these diseases from affecting our lives. So how do we make the breakthrough when it comes to getting our citizens to adopt healthy lifestyles considering the fact that some persons still operate with a high degree of ignorance?

The Government, even though it must take the lead as it relates to policy drafting and implementation, etc, cannot do it alone. The entire society must be actively involved.

Perhaps the temples, mosques, and churches can take up a more active role in educating their congregations about the need to adopt healthier lifestyles in order to live longer, more fulfilling and happier lives. Consumer bodies, schools and other educational institutions; civil society groups, and more importantly, the media, also have a role to play, as when we lose our citizens due to premature deaths, the entire country is robbed of its most valuable resource – its people.

Additionally, while individual responsibility and choice are crucial factors affecting the incidence of chronic diseases, public policy, public education, qualitative regulation of food imports, licensing laws to protect consumers and gearing the environment to support prevention of chronic diseases are also prerequisites for combating this epidemic.

Better health is central to human happiness and wellbeing. It also makes an important contribution to economic progress, as healthy populations live longer, are more productive, and save more. Everyone should, therefore, aim to live a healthy and full life and to avoid becoming trapped

by NCDs. We commend the Rotary Club of New Amsterdam for its efforts to tackle childhood obesity through awareness, prevention, and treatment.

Children participating in the calypso and dramatic poetry competition at the National Cultural Centre on Tuesday at the Department of Education- Georgetown continued its Children's Mashramani Competition 2024 (Education Ministry photos)

To beat Trump, we need to know why Americans keep voting for him. Psychologists may have the answer

By George Monbiot

M

any explanations are proposed for the continued rise of Donald Trump, and the steadfastness of his support, even as the outrages and criminal charges pile up. Some of these explanations are powerful. But there is one I have seen mentioned nowhere, which could, I believe, be the most important: Trump is king of the extrinsics.

Some psychologists believe our values tend to cluster around certain poles, described as “intrinsic” and “extrinsic”. People with a strong set of intrinsic values are inclined towards empathy, intimacy and self-acceptance.

They tend to be open to challenge and change, interested in universal rights and equality, and protective of other people and the living world.

People at the extrinsic end of the spectrum are more attracted to prestige, status, image, fame, power and wealth.

They are strongly motivated by the prospect of individual reward and praise. They are more likely to objectify and exploit other people, to behave rudely and aggressively and to dismiss social and environmental impacts. They have little interest in cooperation or community. People with a strong set of extrinsic values are more likely to suffer from frustration, dissatisfaction, stress, anxiety, anger and compulsive behaviour.

Trump exemplifies extrinsic values. From the tower bearing his name in gold letters to his gross overstatements of his wealth; from his endless ranting about “winners” and “losers” to his reported habit of cheating at golf; from his extreme objectification of women, including his own daughter, to his obsession with the size of his

hands; from his rejection of public service, human rights and environmental protection to his extreme dissatisfaction and fury, undiminished even when he was president of the United States, Trump, perhaps more than any other public figure in recent history, is a walking, talking monument to extrinsic values.

We are not born with our values. They are shaped by the cues and responses we receive from other people and the prevailing mores of our society. They are also moulded by the political environment we inhabit. If people live under a cruel and grasping political system, they tend to normalise and internalise it, absorbing its dominant claims and translating them into extrinsic values. This, in turn, permits an even crueller and more grasping political system to develop.

If, by contrast, people live in a country in which no one becomes destitute, in which social norms are characterised by kindness, empathy, community and freedom from want and fear, their values are likely to shift towards the intrinsic end. This process is known as policy feedback, or the “values ratchet”. The values ratchet operates at the societal and the individual level: a strong set of extrinsic values often develops as a result of insecurity and unfulfilled needs. These extrinsic values then generate further insecurity and unfulfilled needs.

Ever since Ronald Reagan came to power, on a platform that ensured society became sharply divided into “winners” and “losers”, and ever more people, lacking public provision, were allowed to fall through the cracks, US politics has become fertile soil for extrinsic values. As Democratic presidents, following Reagan, embraced most of the prin-

ciples of neoliberalism, the ratchet was scarcely reversed.

The appeal to extrinsic values by the Democrats, Labour and other once-progressive parties is always self-defeating.

Research shows that the further towards the extrinsic end of the spectrum people travel, the more likely they are to vote for a rightwing party.

But the shift goes deeper than politics. For well over a century, the US, more than most nations, has worshipped extrinsic values: the American dream is a dream of acquiring wealth, spending it conspicuously and escaping the constraints of other people’s needs and demands. It is accompanied, in politics and in popular culture, by toxic myths about failure and success: wealth is the goal, regardless of how it is acquired. The ubiquity of advertising, the commercialisation of society and the rise of consumerism, alongside the media’s obsession with fame and fashion, reinforce this story. The marketing of insecurity, especially about physical appearance, and the manufacture of unfulfilled wants, dig holes in our psyches that we might try to fill with money, fame or power. For decades, the dominant cultural themes in the US – and in many other nations – have functioned as an almost perfect incubator of extrinsic values.

A classic sign of this shift is the individuation of blame.

On both sides of the Atlantic, it now takes extreme forms.

Under the criminal justice bill now passing through parliament, people caught rough sleeping can be imprisoned or fined up to £2,500 if they are deemed to constitute a “nuisance” or cause “damage”. According to article 61 of the bill, “damage” includes smelling bad. It’s hard to know where to begin with this. If someone had £2,500

to spare, they wouldn’t be on the streets. The government is proposing to provide prison cells for rough sleepers, but not homes. Perhaps most importantly, people are being blamed and criminalised for their own destitution, which in many cases will have been caused by government policy.

We talk about society’s rightward journey. We talk about polarisation and division. We talk about isolation and the mental health crisis. But what underlies these trends is a shift in values.

This is the cause of many of our dysfunctions; the rest are symptoms.

When a society valorises status, money, power and dominance, it is bound to generate frustration. It is mathematically impossible for everyone to be number one. The more the economic elites grab, the more everyone else must lose.

Someone must be blamed for the ensuing disappointment.

In a culture that worships winners, it can’t be them. It must be those evil people pursuing a kinder world, in which wealth is distributed, no one is forgotten and communities and the living planet are protected. Those who have developed a strong set of extrinsic values will vote for the person who represents them, the person who has what they want.

Trump. And where the US goes, the rest of us follow.

Trump might well win again – God help us if he does.

If so, his victory will be due not only to the racial resentment of ageing white men, or to his weaponisation of culture wars or to algorithms and echo chambers, important as these factors are. It will also be the result of values embedded so deeply that we forget they are there. (The Guardian) (George Monbiot is a Guardian columnist)

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Guyanese have to cast aside naiveté of Adams Screaming corruption is the new formula and co when dealing with business world of the Opposition

Dear Editor, I found Dr. Vincent Adams's assertion startling and unbelievably naive (published on 29.1.24): “…the Guarantee costs nothing. It is merely a paper guaranteeing that parent company Exxon and its partners Hess and CNOOC will provide Full Liability Coverage to cover all costs above the insurance coverage, regardless of the amount of insurance. Simply put: Full Liability Coverage = Insurance + Parent Company Guarantee” (sic).

If only things in the business world were as simple as Adams asserts in his fantasies. I have seen others making similar assertions, but Dr. Adams was the head of Guyana’s EPA, and a reality check is in order.

ExxonMobil (XOM) is one of the world’s largest publicly traded oil and gas companies, has 62,000 employees, and is organized around 3 areas of activity: Refining and Distribution (78.8% of

net sales); Petrochemical (13.3%); Exploration and Production of hydrocarbons (7.9%; worldwide leader). XOM is governed by a Board of Directors which is answerable to the shareholders; institutional investors hold a majority ownership of XOM through the 61.26% of the outstanding shares that they control. ExxonMobil's 12-month revenue was $285.6 billion for FY2021, with a net profit of $23 billion. The company's market cap was about $360 billion as of March 2022.

All of this financial information would be trotted out by lawyers in the event of a spill, and put at risk with an ‘unlimited parent company guarantee’, or what Vincent Adams calls “merely a paper”, because what he (Adams) fails to appreciate is that over 70% of oil spill costs go to compensating people and businesses affected by the spill, less than 20% is spent on actual cleanup.

The lawyers, environmental activists, and every

unscrupulous opportunist would attack that ‘unlimited guarantee’ until XOM was bled dry. It would be a very foolish executive who entertains any such guarantee suggestion, and it would certainly not fly with a board charged with protection of the billions of dollars invested by the shareholders.

In the business world, things are quantified; planning is done based on multiple ‘doomsday’ models; and a worst-case costing is assumed as the total risk. Putting pen to paper to pledge ‘unlimited’ funds is akin to ‘chumming’ the ocean while you are swimming, the sharks are the only winners in that scenario. We have already seen a Judge in Guyana demanding ‘unlimited’ insurance; imagine if that had been a claim for damages!

It is not unheard of for Judges to award penalties against ‘corporate giants’ based on personal beliefs; activism; or worse, personal gain via bribery and ar-

ranged kickbacks. XOM cannot risk its entire existence for such a small part of its overall business.

There will be no unlimited parent company guarantee, nor is one required to cap and clean up in the event of an oil spill. XOM owns an insurance company, and could easily produce a trillion-dollar policy and stick the premium payments under the ‘cost oil’ expenses if they wanted to stick it to us! Instead, XOM has wisely used scientific modeling and data to keep premiums and costs down, despite pressure from locals who would have us throw millions away to prove an unnecessary point.

That is the reality, and Guyanese have to cast aside the naiveté of Adams and co when dealing with the business world, if we are to continue to be an ‘oil-producing nation’ and reap all ensuing benefits.

Sincerely, Robin Singh

Do Henry Jeffrey and Vincent Alexander think President Ali’s Indian ethnicity disqualifies him for the African Global Leadership award?

Dear Editor, The exploitation of racial and ethnic differences in electoral politics is neither a recent nor an anomalous campaign strategy. In persistent search for relevance, and sights focused on ascending into the office of governance and political power, desperate politicians seldom hesitate from invoking racial and ethnic distinctions in efforts to galvanize public support.

Such political chicanery is not new to Guyana’s national politics. In 1957, Burnham effectively appealed to racial differences in his break from the PPP and his formation of the PNC. Today, PNC leaders and their surrogates regularly accuse the PPP/C Government of racism, while they themselves utilise race to instigate and promote indifferences and distrust.

Today, accusations of racism against the PPP/C reflect themselves in artful and crafty forms, as if to disguise the real racist intent of the individual accuser. Let’s take Dr. Henry Jeffrey’s letter, entitled “Our president’s African Award and government attitude towards UG”, published on 1/30/24. No sooner had Jeffey completed his first sentence than he proceeded headlong into a verbal rant against the African Prosperity Network, the sponsors of the African Global Leadership Award to be bestowed on President Irfaan Ali. After some meander-

ing explanations and incoherent verbiage to discredit the sponsorship organization, Jeffrey’s own words began to reveal his real racist motivation, when he said, “… given the history and current behaviour of the PPP towards Africans…”

To this statement Jeffrey failed to provide any “historical” or “current behavioral” evidence of PPP’s discriminatory behaviour towards Afro-Guyanese.

Had Jeffrey searched for evidence, he would have found that President Ali regularly reaches out to, and engages, Afro-Guyanese on local projects and community/ individual needs.

Turning attention to UG, Jeffries rambled on, saying, “It is…indicative of the kind of company the PPP needs to sustain in its attempt to hoodwink the world that it has substantial support in Guyana as it continues upon its autocratic pathway towards ethnic dominance… What is taking place at the University of Guyana is a sufficient reminder of the PPP’s ethnic agenda… In 2003, just after the PPP drive for ethnic dominance began…”

Jeffrey’s quoted statements, and multiple use of the word “ethnic”, clearly disclose his racialization of the issues, whether it relates to the African Global Leadership award, governance of the country, or the University of Guyana.

Prior to Jeffrey, Vincent Alexander showed his distaste for awarding the African Global Leadership

to President Ali. Alexander wrote, “The Burnham Foundation is compelled, at this juncture, to call upon the African Prosperity Network to rescind the decision to bestow President Irfaan Ali” (Published on 1/26/24).

In seeking to discredit the President, Alexander went on to state, “The Ali regime has openly articulated that Guyanese of African descent, as a subset of the population, do not need equitable treatment, as redress for post emancipation economic and social deprivation…the disrespect for the people of African descent…”

Alexander’s racists appeal became increasingly evident in the final paragraph of his letter, which he ended by saying, “The brethren from Ghana would be best advised to themselves embrace equity and probity, and not repeat the ills of some of our ancestors from that land, who sold our fore parents into slavery.”

Except for its racial content, the intent of this sentence is somewhat baffling.

Both Jeffrey and Alexander’s letters are indications of racial absurdities to discredit President Ali. Ali has demonstrated time and again, both through national policies and personal actions, his commitment to building a unified and just Guyana, a nation in which all racial and ethnic groups can harmoniously coexist. For this, being bestowed with the African Leadership Award is simply an acknowledgement of his

efforts and commitment to a humane Guyanese identity and society. However, if Jeffrey and Alexander’s intent is that he be denied the award because he is not of African descent, then this not only suggests deep seated racism, but also indicates some level of political chicanery.

If someone’s ethnicity disqualifies him/her for political leadership acknowledgement, then Dr. Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, and to some degree Kwame Nkrumah, would not have credited Mahatma Ghandi – a non-African - for impacting their lives and influencing their political philosophies. Indeed, Irfaan Ali is not of the stature of Ghandi, but he is of Indian ancestry, and is working assiduously amid racists’ appeals to unify his multi-racial, multi-ethnic nation, and for this an African organization would like to honour him for his leadership efforts. Would Jeffrey and Alexander, prefer that the African Prosperity Network not bestow the leadership award upon the Guyanese President because of the non-African ancestry?

If we could summon up the spiritual souls of Martin Luther King, Mandela, Nkrumah, and even Archbishop Desmond Tutu, what would they say? Would they agree with Jeffrey and Alexander? What do you think?

Regards, Narayan Persaud, PhD

Dear Editor, During the Cold War, scores of democratically elected governments in the Third World were overthrown by a coalition of local authoritarian operatives and their foreign counterparts. Many of the operations were based on a simple formula by which the locals simply screamed socialism or communism. The foreigners, often without any knowledge or evidence of what was transpiring on the ground, provided the resources to engineer a coup, or to use other techniques of interference.

Guyana was a victim of this when the PPP was removed from office and the PNC was installed. It is important to note that, in our own case, the PNC had quite a helping hand from private individuals and private organizations, all of whom hid behind the label civil society.

In the post-Cold War period, these undemocratic forces have found a new formula. All they have to do is shout, “Corruption!” Much like in the old days, private

individuals and organizations who are aligned against the PPP Government are waving their modern magic wand of corruption.

The local branch of Transparency International and numerous letter writers and columnists have been harnessing the corruption label. As usual, little or no evidence is ever produced. To the credit of Western governments, they have become much more conscious of these subterfuges. In the case of Guyana, the embassies know of the recent record of the APNU-AFC. They are also aware that two major newspapers in Guyana are fronts for the Opposition.

The foreign embassies have picked up on the double standards of these newspapers.

The corruption narrative is championed by the same folks who attempted to rig the 2020 elections. That much is widely known, and for that reason, they are not taken too seriously.

Sincerely, Dr Randy Persaud

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024 06:00 06:30 07:00 08:00 08:30 09:30 10:00 11:30 12:00 12:05 13:35 14:00 14:30 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 20:30 21:00 22:00 23:00 23:30 00:00

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Foundation ◄

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Problem-solving with proportions There are many kinds of proportion problems that you may run across in the real life. Just remember the basic steps:

Example: Step 1: Express your proportion problem using two ratios.

Step 2: Use your proportion problem to set up an equation. Then cross-multiply.

Step 3: To find the unknown number, divide both sides of the equation by the same known number.

Exercises: Solve 1) Rihanna wants to expand her grass-cutting business. She currently cuts 12 yards with 3 workers.

How many workers will she need if she plans to cut a total of 100 yards?

2) If a bus can travel 100 kilometres on 5 litres of diesel, how far can it travel on 8 litres?

3) John studies 2 hours each week day for 4 subjects, how many hours would he need to study if he took 6 subjects?

4)Each cashew tree in Farmer Rodrigues’ farm bears 20 kilograms of fruit each harvest.

If there are 20 trees, how many kilograms will he expect each harvest?

5) It takes John five minutes to inflate the wheels of the 2 bicycles belonging to his brothers. How long will it take to inflate the wheels of 70 bicycles?

L

earn how to make a cloud in a bottle with this super simple and really cool weather science experiment.

Materials:

Empty plastic water bottle with cap Scissors Isopropyl rubbing alcohol

Safety goggles

Instructions:

Use the scissors to carefully remove the label from the plastic water bottle.

Put on your safety goggles.

Pour a small amount of alcohol into the bottle.

Put the cap on the

bottle.

Slowly rotate the bottle ,so the alcohol coats the inside of the bottle.

Grab the bottom one third of the bottle and twist. This will create pressure in the bottle.

Release and watch your Cloud In A Bottle form right befo-

re your eyes.

How it works:

The pressure you created inside the bottle forced the water vapor to compress together, heat up, and evaporate into gas.

When you released the pressure, the water vapor molecules cooled quickly and

condensed to form a visible Cloud In A Bottle.

Make this a science project:

Try the Cloud In A Bottle demonstration is areas that are significantly colder or hotter and record any noticeable differences. (sciencefun.org)

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Mineral mapping to help avoid unnecessary deforestation by miners Lithium in big demand

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat surrounded by officers from his Ministry during Wednesday’s Consideration of Estimates for the 2024 National Budget

T

he Guyana Government is looking to reduce deforestation caused by miners with its mineral mapping exercise, for which some $400 million has been allocated in Budget 2024.

During the Consideration of Estimates for the 2024 National Budget on Wednesday, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat defended a $710 million allocation that is earmarked for several projects, including the rolling out of a mineral mapping project which would be launched in phases.

According to the minister, this mineral survey is “badly needed”, and would assist with a more informed allocation of claims and mining blocks of mineralized areas. This, he explained, would significantly reduce deforestation caused by miners.

With a limited or outdated mineral inventory, miners are usually issued lands that they clear out, and if they do no find minerals, then they would move on to other locations.

The Natural Resources Minister pointed out that this mineral survey would also remove or ease the

cost of prospecting and exploration exercises, especially for small- and medium-scale miners. Already, miners do not usually invest in this exercise.

“Many miners don’t spend on prospecting…so they’re basically destroying patches of forests as they are seeking to find minerals. But once we can complete the mineral inventory and have an updated mineral inventory, then we can point you in a direction where there is mineralisation, maybe 90-95 per cent, so there is no need to go destroy any other part of the forest,” Bharrat disclosed.

Phase One of this mapping project would focus on gold and diamond minerals, as well as on critical elements. The Natural Resources Minister has noted that the latter minerals are being sought after worldwide. He added, “We know that lithium is in big demand across the world.”

He said last year’s global production for lithium was just about half of a million tonnes, but the demand was three million tonnes.

“So it is a much-soughtafter element around the world, and we know that there are few countries in South America producing lithium. So, we believe that we may have that in the critical minerals here too, so that is why we are focused on not only the gold and diamonds, but the critical elements here too, especially lithium,” Bharrat stated.

In its first phase, the mineral survey would focus on the main mining districts: the Mazaruni area; including Issano, Pappi Show and Tamakay. The Puruni area, a heavily mineralized area that has the Toroparu Deposit, where many small- and medium-scale miners are operating. And the North West

District area; where there is a mining station at Eclipse Falls, at Port Kaituma, and at Matthews Ridge subdistrict.

According to Minister Bharrat, in addition to the high cost of this exercise between US$30 million and US$40 million - this mineral mapping project would also entail a lot of in-house work before the physical survey actually starts.

This includes the examination of data available at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) on the mining districts across the country.

Moreover, the mineral mapping project would also target some new mining areas in its other phases.

The Natural Resources Minister said this would aid in addressing the country’s low gold production levels, which have been on decline since 2017. He outlined that one of the main reasons for this reduced gold production is the fact that the same lands are being reworked constantly.

“We keep reworking [the same land], but at some point in time, obviously, the minerals will diminish from it. So, it is definitely important that we look at the new areas available, and do the survey in some of those new areas as

well as some of the existing areas, because we believe that some of the existing areas are not being worked out fully, mainly because of accessibility too,” he asserted.

Land reclamation & reforestation

Another $300 million from the $710 million would be allocated towards the land reclamation and reforestation programme.

This project commenced last year in Region 10 with some 60 acres of land identified for reclamation/ reforestation.

The Natural Resources Minister disclosed that works have been significantly advanced, with over 100 persons being employed. The 2024 budget allocation would go towards continuation of the project, with focus this year on another 60 acres in Regions One and Eight, at Matthews Ridge and Mahdia respectively, where Bharrat noted there are significant minedout areas.

“This will help significantly to boost our capacity as a green country, our forest coverage, and in the long-term add more carbon credits to our already verified credits by ARTTREES,” he stated.

TURN TO PAGE 12

8 NEWS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Rosignol man gets 30-year jail time for killing father of 1

Murdered: Arshad Ally

Justice Jo-Ann Barlow

orty-year-old Kareem Charles of Bennet Dam in Rosignol, West Coast Berbice has been sentenced to 30 years’ imprisonment for the murder of 24-year-old Arshad Ally, whom he hit in the head with a metal pipe on March 1, 2019 at Rosignol, WCB.

And Justice Jo-Ann Barlow, on Tuesday in the High Court in Berbice, ordered that the convicted Charles must serve 21 of those years before becoming eligible for parole.

Earlier this month, Charles had entered a guilty plea to a charge of murder when he was ar-

F

raigned before this Judge at the Berbice High Court.

In order to support this killer's rehabilitation and smooth transition back into society, Justice Barlow has mandated that he takes part in anger management and skills-building programmes while incarcerated.

The Prison Service has also been instructed to deduct from the 30-year prison sentence the time that Charles has spent in pre-trial custody.

Charles was represented by defence attorney Kevin Morgan, while the prosecution's case was presented by State Counsel Muntaz Ali.

Recap of the case

On March 1, 2019, Arshad Ally of Bennet Dam, Rosignol, West Coast Berbice was hit in his head with a metal pipe by Kareem

Watching… …Mad Maduro’s antics Y Jailed: Kareem Charles

Charles in an alleged act of revenge.

Ally, a Blairmont Sugar Estate labourer, was on his way to see his newborn baby at the New Amsterdam Hospital when the incident occurred at Rosignol. He died from shock and haemorrhage due to blunt trauma to the head. (G1)

Man remanded to prison on attempted murder charge

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ollox George, a 23-year-old father of one, appeared before acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus in her Georgetown Court on Wednesday to answer a charge of attempted murder; wherein it is alleged that, with intent to commit murder, he intentionally inflicted severe bodily harm on Hassan Ally on January 3, 2024 at Princes and George streets in Georgetown.

Unrepresented by legal counsel, George was not required to plead to the indictable charge, and has been remanded to prison.

The Police prosecutor, in her submissions to the court, said that while brandish-

ing a cutlass, George hacked Ally in the head and on his right hand as he was strolling down Princes Street on January 3, 2024. She said Ally had tried to run away, but had managed only to stagger and fall.

She said Ally's brother became aware of what had happened, and had rushed to save him; but George and another man threw bricks and pieces of wood at him when he got there, and he had also been chopped.

A profusely bleeding Ally had been transported by ambulance to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), where he was admitted as a patient and had received treatment before being dis-

Remanded: Rollox George

charged.

However, he recently went back to the hospital after complaining of being in terrible pain, and it was diagnosed that he had suffered a fracture to his skull.

The Police prosecutor revealed that he is still unable to walk.

The Police captured George on January 26, and the virtual complainant pos-

itively identified him as the perpetrator.

Given the gravity of the crime, the complainant's inability to walk, and the fact that George had fled the scene after committing the offence, the prosecutor has objected to the defendant being released on bail.

She also said that because the two men are acquainted, there is a chance that George might try to harm Ally again.

For his part, George has refuted the allegation levelled against him. Even though he said Ally had first attacked him with a cutlass, he denied chopping the man.

He also told the court that this is the first time he has ever been charged.

Magistrate IsaacsMarcus has, however, denied George bail, and has ordered that he be examined by a psychiatrist. His next court date is February 19. (G1)

our Eyewitness hates to say, “I told you so!”. But he DID tell you, dear readers (and policy makers), that Mad Maduro wasn’t to be trusted farther than you could throw him!! And with him clocking in at more than 280lbs – even though most Venezuelans have lost 43 pounds from starvation - you really can’t throw him an inch!! If Maduro were Pinocchio, his nose would be sticking into Essequibo – literally as well as figuratively!!

So, what did he lie about this time?? Just that he would agree to free and fair elections if the Yanks remove the sanctions they’d slapped on him and his regime back in 2019, after he had blatantly rigged the elections!!

The Yanks and their allies – some sixty countries -- had declared the Opposition Leader Guiado as “President of Venezuela”!! But we all know that with Maduro controlling the massive armed forces and almost all institutions, including the oil company PDVSA – through corruption and bribery - there was no way he coulda been dislodged.

So, the Yanks and their surrogates went back last year to negotiating the aforementioned “free and fair elections” pact – this time in Maduro’s bestie Mia’s Barbados. And it seemed that the Yanks really believed him.

After they engaged in some prisoner exchanges, they took their foot off the sanctions pedal, and allowed Chevron and some European majors to start pumping oil as pay for their debt. This, of course, is just what Mad Maduro wanted – and expected!! He cynically counted on the central tenet of the US business class: “greed is good”; or, as we say, “money gaffa mek”!! Hadn’t that class already made America into a Rust Belt while they made more profits in China?? It didn’t hurt, of course, that the US was in a bit of a pickle for Venezuela’s heavy oil - after imposing sanctions on Russia for invading Ukraine.

And that’s what raised red flags for your Eyewitness.

While we’re counting on the Yanks to “do the right thing” for democracy, we gotta remember that from how they backed Burnham’s rigging to keep out Jagan, democracy can be a very elastic concept!! So, we just heard from the US that they’re reimposing on Mad Maduro SOME of the sanctions they just lifted!! But surely, it isn’t coincidental that SOME of the sanctions NOT reimposed are on the oil production!! We’re told that those licences extend to April, so we’ll just have to let the oil keep flowing till then!!

So, where does that leave us and the congenital liar Mad Maduro?? Just that we shouldn’t get sucked into the nonsense that he wants a “Zone of Peace” in the Caribbean.

What he wants is a big PIECE of the Caribbean Zone!! …and preparing Back in Roman times, it was said, “Si vis pacem, para bellum”, meaning: “If you want peace, prepare for war".

Over in China, the venerable Sun Tzu, in his “Art of War”, had pretty much said the same thing: “In war, prepare for peace; in peace, prepare for war.” So, since the Argyle Declaration we and Venezuela signed onto says we’re at “peace”, it’s rather refreshing to see our Government preparing for war – to ensure there’s gonna be peace!!

During the approval of the line items, at the conclusion of the Budget process, it was revealed that the Government has allocated US$90 million to purchase “two aircraft, four helicopters, and accompanying equipment; Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL), long-range drone systems; and a second Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) for the army”!! The drone systems are the going thing for modern armies, so your Eyewitness wants to know what happened to the 5 drones Public Security Minister Ramjattan had bought from that start-up company for US$80,000 each. …Trinidad’s agony Your Eyewitness isn’t enjoying Trinidad’s Rowley slowly swinging in the wind over Venezuela’s Dragon Gas Field being sanctioned once again by the Americans.

The lesson for us it that while, as Eric Williams said, “oil doan spoil” - it does run out!!

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

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

NEWS

9

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Strike action illegal; reject GTU’s call – Education Ministry to Headteachers, teachers …says industrial action will disrupt teaching/learning process

Chief Education Saddam Hussain

T

Officer

he Education Ministry has issued an open call to headteachers and teachers across the country to reject calls by the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU) to stage strike action, saying it is an illegal move.

The GTU has planned strike action from February 5 to 16, 2024. In fact, the union has adopted scare tactics, threatening to fire teachers and block their promotions if they fail to participate in the strike. Already, Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton has said the GTU does not have the authority to take such actions against any teacher, and has also called the planned strike illegal – something which was reiterated by the Education Ministry in a public notice issued on Wednesday.

“The decision to strike is illegal, and goes contrary to the agreements signed by the MoE and GTU (10th April, 1990)… This threat of industrial action sets a bad precedent, since this is the final term before the NGSA (National Grade Six Assessment) and CSEC (Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate) exams. Any disruption to the teaching-learning process could affect individual children and their entire future, thereby hampering the ability of families to use education to exit poverty…

Consequently, I call on all head teachers and teachers to reject GTU's call to strike,” Chief Education Officer Saddam Hussain said in the open letter to all headteachers and teachers.

In fact, the CEO pointed out that the Labour Ministry, as well as experts on the issue, have advised that conditions for strike action have not been met, hence any such industrial action would be wholly illegal and unlawful.

He believes the GTU has been unduly influenced by its General Secretary, Opposition Member of Parliament Coretta McDonald.

According to Hussain,

this call for strike action is “quite unexplainable and incongruous”, considering the relationship between the Education Ministry and the GTU, who only met Wednesday morning in a pre-arranged engagement to address a number of issues. These include the payment of teachers who have completed GOAL programmes; the implementation of Circular 7 of 2023, which allows for an additional deputy head teacher; senior master/ mistress, and reduction in the workload of teachers; in addition to other issues which revolved around teachers' condition of work.

Hussain noted that such engagements illustrate the Ministry's commitment towards improving the lives of teachers.

Previously, the GTU had proposed 41 areas identified for better working conditions for teachers. Over the three years, the Education Ministry has fulfilled 25 of those requests, and of the 16 proposals remaining, two are specifically for the benefit only of GTU and its Executive Members, and two others are contrary to the laws of Guyana.

The areas in which the Ministry and the Union have not reached an agreement include: salary increases for some scales (MOE has gone above GTU's request for some scales), allowances, rehired teachers paid at the scale that they retired at, housing fund (which the Union has repeatedly failed to give a way forward for although the fund has a few hundred million dollars put there by the Government), and salary scales for different HODS and Sixth Form Deputy Heads, payment for the marking of SBAs, and house lots for teachers in each new housing scheme.

Moreover, 12 unresolved issues are currently being examined for their practical implementation and sustainability. In fact, only two weeks ago, Education Minister Priya Manickchand tasked the Ministry’s Exams Division to consider the proposals and return with options in order for a stipend to be paid to teachers who manage SBAs. “It is for these reasons that the threat of a strike is incomprehensible,” the Chief Education Officer has argued.

Reducing burdens

While he acknowledged the difficulties that teachers experience – many being non-financial issues, Hussain outlined that the Education Ministry has taken several actions to sim-

tem which would eliminate most aspects of manual record keeping.

Moreover, an Open Day policy which is held centrally and regionally to address teachers' concerns; the appointment and upgrade of all teachers who attended University of Guyana (UG) without official release and permission before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic; a reduction in the number of teaching APNU Member of Parliament and GTU General Secretary, Coretta McDonald

plify the teaching process, while reducing the burdens of being a teacher – all of which are outside of the GTU’s requests.

Among these interventions are: the removal of the Child Development Index Card (CDIC) as a required school document; the removal of the General Scheme of Work as a curriculum document; the weekly preparation of lesson plans, rather than daily; all trained teachers being eligible to be a Senior Assistant Master/Mistress after six years, rather than seven years; 50 duty-free vehicles for teachers per year, PLUS the granting of a duty-free concession to all senior teachers who have three years left to serve and have not received a concession previously; all teachers being provided termly with grants to purchase teaching materials; and all Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) pre-service trainees being paid $90,000 rather than a $10000 stipend per month, except a trainee teacher refuses same.

In addition, the Education Ministry requested the Teaching Service Commission and the School Board Secretariat to do two senior promotion cycles per year, so that more teachers can be promoted and earn higher salaries. Other inventions include: a general waiver letter to allow teachers to travel abroad without collateral; the issuance of one waiver letter to cover the teacher's contracted period; the holders of the Technical Teachers' Certificate as being appointed as Assistant Master/Mistress; the creation of more senior vacancies in nursery, primary and secondary schools; the reduction in teaching periods for secondary teachers; the assignment of an assistant teacher to senior teachers in primary and nursery schools; the appointment of floating teachers to schools to reduce the workload and substitute for teachers who are absent; and the implementation of the EMIS sys-

practice for CPCE teachers; the institution of a digitised senior promotion process; a simplification in the Teacher Upgrade Process after improved qualifications; the substitution of the head teachers' monthly report with a reduced digital version; a waiver for the issuance of the permanent trained teachers' certificate; the placement of guidance and counselling officers in secondary schools to as-

sist with the disruptive behaviour of students; the continuous placement of a data entry clerk in each school to assist with digital record keeping; the removal of the quota system to attend UG; and the introduction of a Teacher Support Unit within the Education Ministry.

According to CEO Hussain, he is deeply saddened to see the educational community facing such unwarranted challenges. (G8)

10 NEWS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“We don’t extort people” – Mustapha, Mahipaul clash over delayed completion of pump stations A s the consideration of the budget estimates continued on Wednesday, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha clashed with Opposition Member Ganesh Mahipal over the delayed completion of pump stations across the country; and the Minister made it clear that Government has nothing to hide, and is not in the business of extorting persons.

A sum of $10 billion has been set aside for capital spending by the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), catering for the provision of drainage and irrigation structures, pump stations, and payment of retention. During his contributions on day two of the Consideration of the 2024 Budget Estimates of revenue and expenditure, Mahipal sought answers for why the construction of several pump stations, catered for through budgetary allocations provided to the NDIA in 2022 and 2023, have not been completed.

After examining the NDIA capital projects reports, Mahipal informed the Parliamentary Committee of Supply that the pump stations at Canal No.1 Polder and at Belle Vue, West Bank Demerara; and at Jimbo, Grove, East Bank Demerara, among other places, have not been completed.

He therefore requested

mering these piles down to strengthen the base of the pump station, it is destroying the home of that family there. There’s evidence of cracks on the wall, and so on. Would the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority compensate that family for the destruction that was brought to

their home? And secondly, would NDIA add monies to these contracts to rectify the access roads that are damaged?” the Opposition Parliamentarian asked.

Mustapha reminded that policies are in place that cater for the damages to personal assets.

“In these contracts,

you have something called ‘public liability insurance’, and I don’t know if the Honourable Member doesn’t know about that, but any home destroyed, any person’s assets destroyed, will have to be replaced at the end of the contract,” Mustapha explained.

“This President will break new...

FROM PAGE 3

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha

their revised deadlines, and suggested that NDIA engineers should design the projects and supervise the construction themselves, if contractors continue to delay projects.

“Sir, can the Honourable Minister provide us with an update on the (pump station) at Andrews, Essequibo Coast, that was awarded in the sum of $528 million with a start date of the 27th of September 2021?” the Opposition Parliamentarian asked.

In response to the extensive line of questioning, Minister Mustapha disclosed that quite a few of the projects mentioned would be completed soon.

Among those would be the station at Cottage on the West Bank Berbice, which Mustapha said is about 80 percent completed.

The new completion date is

March 30.

Meanwhile, the station at Andrews on the Essequibo Coast should be completed by the end of February.

According to Mustapha, NDIA engineers and consultants have discussed the projects and agreed on the best way forward.

“This pump station is about 80 percent complete, and the new completion date is March 30…Work is going apace, and we will ensure that we work and we monitor these projects very closely,” Mustapha has said.

Mahipal further inquired whether or not Government would expend money for the reconstruction of roads in communities that are damaged when pump stations are being constructed. “…when they keep ham-

Chairman of the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA), Lionel Wordsworth said that this year, the NDIA will continue to work along with the CDC group for the monthly maintenance of drainage channels in Ann’s Grove, Bee Hive, Clonbrook and Two Friends.

Excavation works will be undertaken to remove the overhanging vegetation along the drainage channel. Wordsworth further disclosed that 6,322 drainage and irrigation channels will be done in Ann’s Grove, Two Friends, Bee Hive, and the Greenfield areas.

Approximately $8 million will be invested to execute works on the culvert at Dochfour.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), Dr Dwight Walrond indicated that the residents

Guyana.

As part of Guyana’s duck project, Dr Walrond said, “Again, it would be the first time in the history of Guyana that we will be having a duck abattoir in this country. And that will give you guys access to the niche market. We have the extractive sector and so on. You will now be able to produce your ducks to supply that market.”

GLDA will also help the farmers in this undertaking since the first set of breed-

will benefit from various programmes this year.

He also informed Dr Ali that the consultants for the apiculture project arrived earlier today in Guyana.

Training will commence next month-end for beekeepers in

ing stock will be available on March 18. The GLDA, he further emphasised, is looking to produce 10,000 ducklings on the East Coast corridor every month.

The residents were encouraged to capitalise on the

GLDA benefits

various programmes in the agriculture sector, especially single parents and youths.

Meanwhile, over in Supply, Mahaica, President Ali urged engineers overseeing infrastructure works to engage residents on the progress of these projects and hear whether they have concerns.

This was after residents again complained about incomplete road works for which the Head of State admonished that engineers alongside contractors would be held accountable if this practice continues.

“So once the contract time is up and the road is not completed, the engineers would have to give explanation and the contractors, and people will have to face the full consequences because we are paying engineers to be in these communities to supervise on our behalf. And we have to come to the community to hear this – the engineer seems unaware of what is happening – that cannot be what we want,” President Ali contended.

Only in October, the Guyanese Leader expressed his dissatisfaction with engineers not ensuring that projects are completed on time and not being up to date with the progress. (G8)

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Rehabilitated Police Academy to feature stateof-the-art classroom, swimming pool, gym

P

olice Commissioner Clifton Hicken, accompanied by the GPF Executive Leadership Team (ELT) comprising Deputy Commissioner Calvin Brutus and Force Training Officer Superintendent Sonia Herbert, has inspected rehabilitative and infrastructural works ongoing at the Guyana Police Force Academy, and has assessed the progress made in preparation for the upcoming senior and junior officers’ courses, scheduled to commence on February 5.

Expressing eagerness and satisfaction, Commissioner Hicken highlighted that work on the Academy is nearing completion, with the anticipated completion date having been set for February 2.

The ELT toured the

ficers. Adorned with crisp linens and modern amenities, these rooms offer a

novation and adaptability, which are crucial for modern policing challenges.

Commissioner Hicken emphasized that the Academy is on the brink of welcoming a new generation of leaders. He said the upcoming senior and junior officers’ courses promise not only to impart knowledge and skills, but also to instill a sense of unity and purpose among the participants.

The Police Academy is positioned to be not just a training ground, but a catalyst for professional growth

‘home away from home’ for the ranks undergoing training.

Beyond the Barrack rooms, the Academy boasts a newly-built swimming pool, a gym, and a state-of-

and personal development among the ranks.

This comes after the Guyana Police Force has been allotted a whopping $30.3 billion in the 2024 national budget, and is geared ern facilities are pivotal to propelling the Force towards contemporary law enforcement standards.

With a keen eye on adapting to emerging challenges, Minister Benn reiterated, Government is committed

academy grounds and commended the advanced stages of rehabilitation. Barrack rooms, meticulously refurbished, aim to provide a comfortable and conducive training environment for of-

the-art classroom equipped with cutting-edge learning tools and computers. This dynamic learning environment aims not only to provide officers with essential skills, but also to foster in-

at enhancing its capabilities, as this allocation is aimed at fortifying law enforcement capabilities while investing in vital infrastructure for the overarching development of the Guyana Police Force.

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn has lauded the growth and advancement of the Guyana Police Force, and has said he is cognisant of the need to ensure the provision of essential resources to Guyana’s premier law enforcement agency in order to elevate its operational capacity.

Benn has said the ongoing training programmes and investments in mod-

to providing the resources needed to propel the Guyana Police Force along its current rapid growth trajectory.

In addition, Benn has highlighted the significant increase in training pro-

grammes for members of the Guyana Police Force, and underscored the importance of equipping officers and ranks with the necessary skills to navigate complex security challenges.

(G9)

12 NEWS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Butcher allegedly caught with stolen cattle …as Canje farmer misses hundreds of animals

The tractor and trailer which were allegedly used to transport the stolen cattle

Two of the animals in the Police pound at Fort Wellington

A

cattle farmer of West Canje in East Berbice (Region Six: East Berbice-Corentyne) is accusing Police officers of not taking action to dismantle a cattle-rustling ring operating in the general county of Berbice.

This farmer recently chased down a butcher of a West Coast Berbice community in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and found him with seven head of cattle which the farmer claimed had been stolen from his ranch, located along the Canje River.

And whereas the farmer was asked to produce documentation to prove ownership of the animals, which by then had been impound-

Cattle farmer Krishna Persaud

ed on the West Coast of Berbice, a Police officer in Region Five released four of the animals to the butcher even before he returned with his documentation.

This cattle farmer, Krishna Persaud, is there-

fore accusing the Police of being part of a cattle rustling ring in Berbice.

Persaud, who has several hundred head of cattle at Potuka, situated about 30 miles up the Canje River, said last Friday he

had received information that persons had visited his ranch to steal cattle. He was subsequently informed that the animals had been taken across the Berbice River to the West Coast of Berbice, and he had gone to a location there based on the information he had received.

Persaud said persons there had informed him that a popular butcher had been transporting animals in the backdam at about midnight.

“I go down the mud dam and trace the tractor wheel mark, and it lead to this man yard. When I reach, I see some cows in his yard.

I called the Police, and we went back the following morning, and they saw the cows and they took them to Fort Wellington Police Station; seven head of cow.

Some of the cow brands were tampered. Two of the cows that I bought did not have my brand. I took the receipt and showed the Police,” he explained.

“On Saturday, the Police handed over four cows to the same people that thieving my cows!” an agitated Persaud revealed.

He said the animals were handed over without his knowledge, and during the period he was sent to get the evidence to prove ownership of the animals.

Contacted on the allegation of Police involvement in this cattle-rustling racket, a senior Police officer in Region Five told this publication that the investigation is being handled by the Police in Region Six, even though the animals were being kept at the pound at Fort Wellington Police Station in Region Five.

A source has told this publication that the Police administration of Region Five was unaware that some of the animals had been handed over to the butcher; but Persaud is claiming it was an officer in Region Five who had instructed that the animals be handed over to the butcher.

This publication has not been allowed to take photographs of the animals in the pound, and Persaud himself has also been prevented from going to the pound while this newspaper is present.

“The Police in Region Six need to support cattle farmers more!” Krishna Persaud is contending.

“One day I went into the savannah and meet 20 of my cows tie up and five horsemen in my place.

I save myself by shouting out, ‘Officer! Officer!

Look them here!’ And then the horsemen shoot up in

the air and rode away,” Persaud detailed.

“These are some of the challenges I face…over 600 head of cattle I lost from my savannah from January last year to now.

Young calves and all they are stealing,” he declared.

This cattle farmer has said he is now down to about 300 head of cattle.

Meanwhile, the animals have been taken back to Region Six, and the Police have said they would be preparing a file to send to the DPP for advice while the three head of cattle remain impounded.

As for cattle farmer Persaud, his contention is: “I want justice! Because the cows that were handed over should have been in the pound until the matter is solved! The cows should not have been handed over to nobody!”

However, on Wednesday, the cattle farmer told this publication that he was informed that the animals which were handed over to the butcher have since been returned to the pound.

Persaud is of the steadfast conviction that the Police should do more to address cattle rustling in Region Six. Region Five, he said, is being used as a transshipment point for stolen cattle. (G4)

Mineral mapping to help avoid...

In December 2022, Guyana became the first country to receive certification of over 33 million carbon credits by the Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART). That issuance of the REDD+ jurisdictional carbon credits paved the way for the historic US$750 million carbon credit sale between Guyana and Hess Corporation.

The Opposition grilled the Natural Resources

Minister about the scope of work to be done, given that the reclamation and reforestation project is another expensive undertaking.

Minister Bharrat defended the allocation as an “investment”.

“When I was defending my budget to the Finance Minister, I said, ‘Look at it as an investment, and not an expense’, because already we are earning money from our forests…through

FROM PAGE 7

the US$750M deal…So, it’s more of an investment, and it’s needed especially in the context of climate change and our own NDCs – Nationally Determined Contributions – to fighting climate change, and our commitments as a country to all the agreements that we would have signed, including our own LCDS (Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030),” Bharrat stressed. (G8)

NEWS

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana hosts 4th UK, Caribbean Heads of Defence Conference

President and Commander-in-Chief, Dr Irfaan Ali

M

ilitary leaders from the Caribbean and the United Kingdom are currently convening in Guyana for the United Kingdom and Caribbean Heads of Defence Conference 2024.

Hosted jointly by the Guyana Defence Force and the United Kingdom, under the esteemed leadership of the United Kingdom Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin and Chief-of-Staff Brigadier Omar Khan, the

conference marks a pivotal moment in fostering collaboration among nations.

In a GDF post on so-

cial media, it has been stated that the hybrid format of the conference, which was declared open on Tuesday by President

and Commander-in-Chief Dr Irfaan Ali, reflects the innovative approach taken to address contemporary security challenges.

President Ali, the GDF said, an advocate for regional peace, emphasised the significance of the conference against the backdrop of Guyana's historical context and the global landscape. He articulated his vision for the discussions to yield a comprehensive document addressing the multifaceted threats while considering the complexities of development.

The President noted that the output from the discussions would ele-

vate policymakers' understanding from a defense perspective. He proposed the formulation of a document that encompasses a holistic view of threats, acknowledging the intricate relationship between security and development.

The UK-Caribbean Heads of Defence Staff Conference serves as a platform for addressing current and emerging security threats to the region. It facilitates in-depth analysis of issues impacting regional security, including humanitarian assistance, disaster response

cooperation, and gaining insights into the UK’s strategic perspective on providing support.

The military officers would also explore several initiatives aimed at strengthening the collective response to evolving security challenges.

Brigadier Khan has extended a warm welcome to counterparts from Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Belize, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, and other Caribbean nations during his opening remarks.

According to the GDF post, in attendance during the opening were Prime Minister Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips; Home

Affairs Minister Robeson Benn; National Security Advisor Gerry Gouveia; High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to Guyana, Jane Miller; and other senior officers of the Joint Services.

The UK-Caribbean Heads of Defence Staff Conference, part of a series of forums where defense chiefs in the region collaborate on matters of mutual interest, underscores the commitment to promoting peace and stability across the hemispheres. These meetings, held regularly, further consolidate the resolve of participating nations to work together in the pursuit of shared security objectives.

14 NEWS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Sahara dust to persist for another 7 days

Visibility was extremely low on the East Bank of Demerara on Tuesday as a result of Saharan Dust Plume

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he Environmental Protection Agency has said on Wednesday that the Saharan Dust affecting visibility is expected to last until February 7.

In an update on the situation, after visibility had become extremely low on Tuesday, the EPA said visibility remains affected by Saharan Dust, and the level

of particulate matter (dust particles) in the atmosphere has increased.

The EPA has said its Air Quality Sensors located at Whim; West Coast Berbice; Eccles, East Bank Demerara; Vilvoorden; Central Georgetown; and Linden in Region 10 all show particulate matter levels significantly above the WHO standard for

‘good’ air quality. As such, the EPA has advised, the haze caused by Saharan Dust would continue to develop; and, as such, extra caution should be taken on the roadways.

NASA has forecasted a continued presence of the dust plume until February 7.

The Saharan Dust Plume is a layer of sand, dirt and

dust lifted from the Sahara Desert in North Africa. It is transported by the trade winds from North Africa over the Atlantic Ocean, through the Caribbean and South America. The reach of the plume is dependent on the wind and weather.

The Saharan Dust Plume is

a normal phenomenon that may occur several times throughout the year.

The elderly, children, and persons who have respiratory and skin conditions are being encouraged to take necessary precautions. During this time, persons are encouraged to

spend more time indoors, and to wear dust masks as practicable.

Data collected by the EPA on the Saharan Dust Plume within the last two years indicates peak concentrations may occur in January, March, April, August and September.

Woman caught on camera setting Norton St house on fire

A

woman has been caught on closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage setting a house at Norton Street in Wortmanville, Georgetown on fire.

The Guyana Fire Service reported on Wednesday that the fire started at about 06:40h at Lot 20 Norton Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown.

Reports are that the fire was maliciously set and resulted in severe damage to a double-bed frame, mattress, PVC ceiling, glass cabinet, and a glass door at the house.

According to reports, after the fire was detected, neighbours took swift action by utilising buckets of water to douse the flames before the arrival of the Guyana Fire Service. Some 15 firemen, two water tenders and a water bowser were dispatched to the scene.

During investigations, Tinesa Lewis reported that neighbours spotted smoke on the eastern side of the ground floor, and promptly formed

a bucket brigade that extinguished the fire. Lewis said she suspects the fire had been maliciously set, and she cited this occasion as the third occurrence. However, neighbours and other residents have denied witnessing any malicious act.

According to the Fire Service, a thorough inspection of the premises revealed CCTV cameras that showed

a woman attempting to start a fire through a window, confirming that the fire had intentionally been set.

The matter has been handed over to the Guyana Police Force, resulting in the arrest of the main suspect.

The Guyana Fire Service has since emphasized the importance of community vigilance in preventing such incidents, and has commended

the public-spirited citizens who assisted in extinguishing the fire.

The Fire Service has said it remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens, and continues its efforts to educate the public on fire prevention measures.

“Protect your loved ones and property from the threat of arson by following these

guidelines: Report suspicious activity near houses or other buildings to the Guyana Fire Service, or Guyana Police Force Keep matches and lighters out of reach and out of sight of children If you know or suspect that an arson crime has been committed, contact the Guyana

Fire Service or Guyana Police Force immediately Keep garbage, litter and other combustibles away from buildings Install outdoor lighting or cameras on your property, and never leave burning garbage or grass unattended,” the GFS said in a statement on Wednesday evening.

15 NA Rotary Club launches initiative to address childhood obesity NEWS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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he Rotary Club of New Amsterdam is moving to address childhood obesity in the New Amsterdam community in which it operates.

Childhood obesity is a serious health issue worldwide, and is a complex disease that can occur when a child is above the healthy weight for their age and height.

This Rotary club is partnering with the Rose Hall Canje and Tucber Cricket Clubs in an effort to bring about awareness and simultaneously institute measures that would reduce instances of childhood obesity. This is to ensure that more children are involved in activities which would lead to healthier lifestyles.

Dr Rosa Acevdo, a member of the New Amsterdam Rotary Club and a Gynecologist attached to the New

Amsterdam Hospital, said on Wednesday that through the programme - one of the projects undertaken by the club this year – there is hope that enough information would be provided on diet and the need for exercise, in order to prevent complications which may occur later in life, including high blood pressure which is preva-

lent in Guyana.

“From my experience, about 80 percent of the population in Guyana is actually suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure,” she said.

Dr Acevdo is advising that children should eat lots of vegetables, and reduce their consumption of fat.

“They should use more

natural oils, like vegetable oils,” she said. “Apart from diet, I would advise them to come off of Facebook and other forms of social media and games on their tablets and go to the play grounds. Sports help to keep you fit and healthy.

Apart from exercise, children learn a lot on these grounds about their culture,” Dr Acevdo added.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one child in five children and one adolescent in five adolescents in the United States has obesity. Children who have obesity are more likely to carry the condition over into adulthood. Children who have obesity are at a higher risk of developing many health conditions.

These include: asthma, sleep apnea, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension , heart disease, stroke and certain cancers, including colon cancer and breast cancer.

In addition, children who have obesity are at a higher risk of experiencing bullying, social isolation, low self-esteem and depression, the CDC has said on its website.

It says fast food and unhealthy snack foods can contribute to childhood obesity. However,

the CDC advises parents to help their child to focus on their health, not their weight.

The CDC has also said there is no simple solution to tackling childhood obesity, but advises parents to encourage children to reduce sugar intake and get good sleep at night.

Children aged 6 to 12 years old need nine to 12 hours of sleep every night.

Adolescents aged 13 to 18 years old need eight to 10 hours of sleep every night.

Poor sleep can lead to obesity, because it makes a child want to eat more and be less physically active.

Dr Acevdo has said that from the age of 8 years, children should become actively involved in sporting activities, which should involve some form of exercise. Moreover, she has expressed concern for teenagers between the ages of 12 and 16 years old. (G4)

GPS strengthens healthcare with addition of Medex Falane Grant

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o enhance healthcare services for both inmates and staff, the Guyana Prison Service (GPS) has welcomed Medex Falane Grant to its healthcare team.

With a wealth of experience gained from a rigorous five-year training programme, Medex Grant is set to play a pivotal role in advancing healthcare across various prison locations. Her notable background includes serving at prominent healthcare institutions such as the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), the New Amsterdam Hospital, and several health centres nationwide.

Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot, has expressed enthusiasm in welcoming Medex Grant to the GPS. Acknowledging the unique challenges of providing healthcare within a prison setting, given the distinctive conditions that accompany imprisonment, Elliot has emphasized that despite these challenges, the commitment of the GPS is to ensure that prisoners receive healthcare services

Falane Grant (centre) with Director of Prisons Nicklon Elliot (left) (GPS photo)

of a standard comparable to what obtains in the wider community.

Elliot elaborated on the range of healthcare services provided within the prison system, including counselling, mental health support, screening, and substance misuse services.

Noting the importance

of prisoners actively participating in their healthcare, Elliot has emphasized the responsibility to request and schedule healthcare appointments and adhere to prescribed medication regimens.

This comes just after Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn has said there would be a shift in

Government’s approach to the prison system this year. The focus now is on avoiding physical punishment for prisoners, and encouraging their active participation in self-development, self-improvement, and rehabilitation.

There are other initiatives planned for the prison system for 2024, among

which are: providing better nutrition; facilitating more family visits; constructing educational facilities for regular and vocational education; and addressing the issue of prisoners sleeping on the ground at the Lusignan Prison.

Efforts to enhance safe housing for prisoners are

ongoing, with two more modules planned, Benn said, as he reiterated that a new prison is under construction at Lusignan specifically for female inmates. The minister also recommitted to improving conditions at the New Amsterdam Prisons.

The Mazaruni Prison is nearing completion of overdue modules, expected to finish in the first quarter of 2024.

Changes in incarceration procedures are also anticipated at Timehri, Benn added, saying that there has been a significant shift involving mandating that 50 per cent of prisoners’ food be grown by them, thus promoting self- sustainability.

The Prison Service has also initiated a ‘fresh start’ programme in which suitable prisoners would be provided with resources to start a small business upon their release, with the aim being to reduce recidivism.

Benn has acknowledged the considerable work ahead, but has expressed determination to make substantial improvements in the prison system this year. (G9)

16 NEWS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GFS confronts alarming spike with 192 fire calls in January

A

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn

startling surge in incidents of fire during January 2024 has prompted heightened concerns, with the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) reporting a significant increase in calls compared to the same period last year.

Addressing the press, the Fire Chief underscored

Comparing January 2024 to the previous year, there has been a substantial escalation -- from 92 to 192 -- in fire calls. This alarming spike follows a pattern of increased fire incidents throughout 2023, when the country experienced a staggering 182.5 per cent rise in calls, reaching a total of

Fire Prevention Officer Sheldon Sauns

the urgency in addressing this rise, and detailed the broader accomplishments and challenges faced by the Fire Service.

4181.

Fire Prevention Officer Sheldon Sauns has shed light on the root causes, identifying electrical issues

Chief Fire Officer (ag) Gregory Wickham

as the primary culprit, supplemented by incidents of negligence. In response, he said, the Fire Service has intensified its community outreach exercises, home inspections, on-the-spot training, school visits, and increased presence on popular media platforms to educate the public on fire prevention measures.

“This is what we are doing currently, and the Guyana Fire Service will continue to deliver service with confidence as we partner with other stakeholders”, he said.

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn has acknowledged the challenges faced by the Fire Service, including a 282 per cent increase in fire calls over the past year, and the persistence of malicious calls diverting crucial resources.

He reassured the public that, akin to what is ongoing in the Police Force, the Fire Service is undergoing a rebuilding process, and investments are being made to replace aging equipment

and enhance firefighting capabilities.

“We are aware of the quality of the electrical appliances and the wiring and all that…”, Benn has said.

Benn has stressed the importance of efficient execution in the rebuilding process, urging those in high positions to ensure its success.

Earlier this month, $572.8 million was allocated to the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) in the 2024 budget, and the Government intends to construct four new fire stations at Charity, Parika, Soesdyke, and Wisburg.

In addition to the new fire stations, the Diamond Fire Station would be completed, while there would be extensions and rehabilitation of fire stations in Linden, Rose Hall, and Timehri.

As Guyana grapples with this surge in fire incidents, the Fire Service has said it remains committed to safeguarding the nation, and is actively working to educate the public on fire prevention measures and reinforcing the infrastructure for a safer future. (G9)

Drug trafficker jailed for 4 years, fined $1.7M N

ishart Samsundar has been sentenced to four years in prison and fined $1,778,400 for trafficking over two pounds of marijuana.

A resident of Timehri, East Bank Demerara, the 20-year-old Samsundar was on Wednesday arraigned before Diamond/ Golden Magistrate Sunil Scarce on charges of growing a prohibited plant and possessing narcotics with the intent to traffic.

He pleaded guilty to both charges, and was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment and fined $1,778,400 for trafficking 1.976 kilograms of cannabis (marijuana); and was jailed for four years for cultivating a prohibiting

Jailed: Nishart Samsundar

plant. The two sentences would be served concurrently.

Last Thursday, Customs Anti- Narcotics Unit officers conducting an eradica-

tion exercise at Hauraruni Village, off the SoesdykeLinden Highway, stumbled upon a farm consisting of about 200 cannabis plants ranging from two feet to four feet in height, together with a nursery of about 5,000 cannabis plants.

A search of two camps found on the farm uncovered approximately 100 pounds of cannabis leaves, seeds and stems, and one 12-gauge cartridge. The plants and approximately 100 pounds of cannabis were destroyed.

As a result of this discovery, Samsundar and a 33-year-old woman of Timehri were arrested and escorted to CANU Headquarters, along with the cartridge. (G1)

NEWS

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GRO moving towards digitising marriage, death, other certificates

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in 2024. This ISO- certified, International Civil Aviation Organizationaccepted card system will allow for the issuance of resident identification and work permits, and will facilitate a more coordinated approach to public service delivery. The eID system would allow for fingerprint verification and validation of individuals, so that the need

cards will begin in the second quarter of 2024, with $783.4M being budgeted to continue this project

for proof of address and all the audit documentation may be eliminated,” Singh added.

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

s Government continues to take advantage of the technology that is being developed every day, Guyana’s General Register Office, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, will soon be digitising all types of certificates that are issued by the agency.

Although the agency has already developed a database for certain documents, it is currently in the process of digitising marriage and deaths certificate.

During a recent press conference at the Home Affairs Ministry, Minister Robeson Benn said this move would allow the information of citizens to be better secured.

“I think, fundamentally, the basic interest of the Government, and by extension the Ministry, is to have a more efficient process, one

gency fire and medical response systems, and immigration support services, to name a few,” the Finance Minister said.

In addition, further digitisation would include implementation of the National eID, which began in March 2023 with the finalization of the requisite policies, and design is currently in progress.

“Issuance of these

that is more responsive to the needs of our citizens; and to ensure that we do not have situations where people make repeated attempts to get certain documents,” the minister is quoted in a DPI story as saying.

He said that with one transaction, every information needed on a citizen will be available, instead of them having to run around to the agency more than once.

Additionally, Registrar General Raymon Cummings noted that whatever information is presented on the agency’s database about a person would remain as that at all times. It will not change. This, he said, decreases the chance of persons making multiple mistakes.

“The documents are scanned, and a database with all the information

is created…So, it removes that chance of error when persons writing. In terms of technology, we have secured printers. The security feature on the certificate, that is known by the person who is required to know them, will be printed on the printer at the time when the certificate is printed. So, your document will be printed on a printer from the database,” Cummings explained as quoted by DPI. The Registrar General further noted that as the agency moves forward to do this with the marriage and death certificates, the process would be cross-checked to make sure that all information on the database is precisely correct.

Meanwhile, Deputy Registrar General Visham Budhoo stressed the importance of Guyana becoming technologically savvy in these modern times.

“Those certificates will be more secure, as it will have more security features. We also would not like to be left behind. We want to move to technology, as the world is going in that direction,” Budhoo posited.

Structured digitisation During the presentation of Budget 2024, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh said Government is undertaking a structured digitisation masterplan that would allow 70 processes to be digitised in a phased manner.

The first phase, he said, will see the procurement of the required hardware and software systems.

“This first phase aims to achieve, among other things, digital birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, passport processes, safety inspection certificates, emer-

FFTP partners with Canadian counterpart to launch literacy, numeracy project in Region 1

Speaking at the opening ceremony was FFTP (Guy) Inc Social Worker/Programme Coordinator Stacy Parris

F

ood For The Poor (Guyana) Inc has partnered with Food For The Poor (Canada) to launch the Baramita Literacy Project: ‘Empowering Women and Girls through Literacy and Numeracy’, in Baramita, Region One (BarimaWaini).

Launched at the Baramita Primary School, the project, according to

FFTP, would be completed in August 2024, and would benefit 30 women and girls from that community who have never attended school and/or lack basic foundational literacy and numeracy skills.

At the launching of the project, each participant was given a package which consisted of one bag, books, pencils, eraser, sharpener and crayons.

Speaking at its opening ceremony, FFTP (Guy) Inc Social Worker/Programme Coordinator Stacy Parris said the launching marks a pivotal moment in the Baramita community, “as we gather to launch a literacy programme specifically tailored for the empowerment of women and girls.”

She added that in the heart of the rural landscape, education becomes a beacon of hope, and this initiative seeks to illuminate the path toward knowledge and self-sufficiency.

“Access to education is not just a right, but a catalyst for positive change. By focusing on literacy, we aim to break down barriers that have hindered the potential of our women and girls for far too long. As we embark on this journey, let us remember that an educated woman not only transforms her own life, but becomes a catalyst for the transformation of her community,” Parris has said.

According to Parris, this programme is more than

just alphabets and numbers; it is about fostering confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging.

She added that it would also open doors to opportunities that were once distant dreams, and explained that with every word learned, the participants would be scripting a narrative of empowerment, resilience, and progress.

Further, she encouraged the entire Baramita community to actively support

and participate in the literacy endeavour. “Thank you for your commitment to the power of literacy; and let this programme be the cornerstone for a brighter and more inclusive Baramita,” she shared.

One of the tutors of the programme, Bissoonnauth Bacchus, commended FFTP (Guy) Inc on the work being done in Baramita. He relayed that FFTP (Guy) Inc has on numerous occasions made major investments in

Baramita, such as donating hampers and grills; partnering with Stem Guyana to enhance the learning of students at the school; and donating tables and computers, among others.

Bacchus told the beneficiaries about the uniqueness of the programme, and how beneficial it would be as, at the end, they would have a better grasp of the English Language.

According to FFTP, in the first 12 weeks of the project, participants would be able to learn to print the letters of the alphabet, understand the phonetics of each letter, print their names, names of parents or children/husband, place of birth, birthday and dates, fill out a birth certificate form, and count to 100.

In the final 12 weeks, they would learn to print numbers to 100, simple math addition and subtraction, complete simple money transactions, read public signs and simple sentences, and learn the calendar and how it works.

18

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024

guyanatimesgy.com

Regional

Brazil's Lula sacks Kenyan President Ruto says deputy intelligence Haiti mission to go ahead chief amid spying probe soon despite court ruling A B

razilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has sacked the Deputy Director of the national intelligence agency and four department heads.

Investigations continue into claims the agency, Abin, illegally spied on ex-President Jair Bolsonaro's enemies.

The Deputy, Alessandro Moretti, is accused of passing information to former Abin boss Alexandre Ramagem, a politician for Bolsonaro's party.

Bolsonaro says he and his family are being persecuted.

Lula has rejected that claim, saying his government does not give orders

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

to the federal Police.

The scandal first broke on Thursday when Brazil's Supreme Court unsealed documents in which Abin was accused of carrying out surveillance on key political and judicial figures critical of the former President.

Among the alleged targets of the illegal eavesdropping were three Supreme Court Justices and a Speaker of Brazil's Lower House of Congress.

Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes said Police had identified Bolsonaro's son Carlos as part of the "political nucleus" suspected of ordering the illegal spying.

The Judge authorised raids on Monday on the home and offices of Carlos, who is a Rio de Janeiro City Councillor.

Carlos Bolsonaro's lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Associated Press news agency.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Kenyan Opposition Leader has accused President William Ruto of planning to defy a court ruling against the deployment of Police to Haiti.

Ekuru Aukot, who last week successfully challenged the planned deployment in court, says the President could only deploy the army and not the Police.

The court said the mission was illegal.

Ruto said on Tuesday the mission could go ahead "as soon as next week" if all the paperwork was done to satisfy the demands of the

court.

Last November, the Kenyan Parliament ratified the deployment of 1000 officers to lead a multinational force in Haiti, where gangs are attempting to expand their territorial control.

But last week, a Judge said Kenya's National Security Council, which is led by the President, does not have the authority to deploy regular Police outside the country.

It added that the council could only deploy military, not Police, for peacekeeping missions such as Haiti.

The court also said there must be a reciprocal agreement between the two countries before the deployment.

Delivering the ruling, Justice Chacha Mwita praised Kenya's offer to deploy police to Haiti, but said it needed to be carried out within the law.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Italy-Africa summit in Rome, Ruto on Tuesday told Reuters news agency that he expected a request would come soon that would satisfy the demands of the Kenyan court.

(Excerpt from News)

Mexico City residents protest "unprecedented" water shortages

Jamaica: Unemployment F dips to record low 4.2% for October 2023 J

amaica’s unemployment rate dipped to a new historic low of 4.2 per cent in October, the lowest it has been since Independence, according to data released by Statistical Institute of Jamaica (Statin) on Tuesday. That is down from 4.5 per cent in April 2023, which was the previous record low for the

percentage of Jamaicans who wanted a job and could not find one at the time of the survey.

The lowering of the unemployment rate was realised as 1.32 million Jamaicans were working — more than ever in the country’s history — representing 85,200 more people working than in October 2021.

The year-over-year data compared October 2023 to October 2021. Statin has no data for the labour force for October 2022 because at that time it was conducting the population and housing census, it said in notes accompanying the latest labour force statistics.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

Peru reopens train route to Machu Picchu after protests end P

eru inflation protests grip tourist capital Cuzco, gateway to Machu Picchu Peruvian authorities have reopened the train route to Machu Picchu, the Andean country's railway operator said on Wednesday, after an agreement was struck to end protests that had blocked access to the famed Incan site and stranded tourists.

PeruRail said in a statement a partial service had restarted on Wednesday and that a regular service would return on today from the city of Cusco to Aguas Calientes near the archaeological site.

The protests began late last week over a new centralised ticketing system, leaving hundreds of tourists unable to reach the ancient ruins high up in the Andes.

Protesters said they feared the new electronic ticket sales platform would hurt local businesses by shift-

rustrated Mexico City residents have been protesting weeks of water shortages, with officials warning of "unprecedented" low levels in a main system that supplies millions of people.

The bustling metro area of 21 million people -- one of Latin America's largest cities -- is struggling after years of low rainfall blamed on climate change, as well as chaotic urban growth and outdated infrastructure.

In the community of Acambay, about 130 kilometres (80 miles miles) outside the Mexican capital, protesters forced open the gates of an office of Mexico's National Water Commission (Conagua), breaking windows and ripping shingles off the roof, local media reported.

In the Azcapotzalco neighborhood of Mexico City, residents lined up to fill buckets and trashcans with water piped from a

A general view shows the Villa Victoria Dam, part of the Cutzamala System collecting water for distribution into Mexico City and the metropolitan areas, in Villa Victoria, Mexico, January 26, 2024 (Reuters/Raquel Cunha)

truck.

Azcapotzalco resident Maribel Gutierrez said she had been without water at her home for more than a month. Neighbors have started fighting over the limited supplies, residents said.

"I think they should be empathetic," Gutierrez said of Government officials. "We understand there was a serious water problem, but they must understand that water is

vital for everyone."

Officials from Mexico City's water utility SACMEX have said the Cutzamala System, a network of pumping plants, dams and other infrastructure that is the source of water for about 6 million people, is the most stressed it has ever been.

They have asked residents to change habits in order to conserve as much water as possible. (Excerpt from Reuters)

T&T begins weighing CBAM impact A child travelling with tourists rests next to a train track near the Incan ruins of Machu Picchu, a tourism magnet, access to which is being limited by local protests against rising prices amid a worldwide surge most recently triggered by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, outside of Cuzco, Peru, April 18, 2022

ing the administration of ticket sales to one private company authorised by the Ministry of Culture.

The two sides signed an agreement on Wednesday that will see a transition period to the new platform.

"We have to move forward to reactivate our economy," Peru's Minister of Culture, Leslie Urteaga, told a local

radio station.

Agencies responsible for the preservation of the UNESCO World Heritage site have warned about overcrowding and tickets being oversold, leading authorities to find new ways to control visitor numbers as travel rebounds in the wake of the COVID pandemic.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

A

s the European Union (EU) began implementing its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) last October, research at the University of the West Indies (UWI) has revealed Trinidad'ss exports to the EU that would be affected

by CBAM amounts to US$ 1.9 billion.

Further, it makes up 14.4 per cent of the country’s total exports or 6.81 per cent of GDP in 2022.

The European Union is T&T's second-largest trade partner after the United

States.

T&T is among the largest exporters of ammonia, methanol and fertilisers in the world and the production process of these exports is carbon-intensive, meaning the local companies exporting such products to the EU face a hefty carbon tax.

At yesterday's "First Carbon Border Adjustment Stakeholder Dialogue for T&T" hosted by the UWI, concerns were raised that the Border Carbon Adjustment (BCA) mechanisms such as CBAM

could make the country’s exports less competitive as exporters take into account the carbon-adjusted price. Additionally, if the EU were to extend CBAM further to other petroleum products, more of T&T’s exports would be affected. Similarly, if more countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States and Japan were to impose their own BCA policies, Trinidad would be further impacted.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024

19

Around the World

World Court dismisses much of OILNEWS OIL NEWS Ukraine's case against Russia Oil settles lower J on faltering China economy, US crude stock build

O

il prices settled lower on Wednesday, pressured by low economic activity in leading crude importer China and a surprise build in US crude inventories as producers ramped up output following frigid weather this month.

Brent crude futures for March, which expired on Wednesday, settled down US$1.16, or about 1.4 per cent, to US$81.71 a barrel while the more-actively traded April contract settled down US$1.89, or about 2.3 per cent, at US$80.55.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures settled down US$1.97, or roughly 2.5 per cent, to US$75.85. Both benchmarks fell by more than US$2 a barrel earlier in the session.

Manufacturing activity in China, the world's secondlargest economy, contracted for a fourth straight month in January, an official factory survey showed on Wednesday.

The latest sign of the broader Chinese economy struggling to regain momentum came days after a court ordered the liquidation of troubled property developer China Evergrande.

The real estate sector accounts for a quarter of China's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Major forecasters, including the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), see oil demand growth in 2024 driven primarily by Chinese consumption.

"The factory data confirms our view that China, at least for now, is an impediment to global oil demand growth," said Tamas Varga of oil broker PVM. Prices were pressured after US Energy Information Administration (EIA) data showed weekly crude inventories rose by 1.2 million barrels last week, compared with analysts' expectations for a 217,000 barrel draw.

US domestic oil production climbed back up to 13 million barrels per day (bpd) bpd last week after nearly one million bpd of capacity was shut in during cold weather earlier this month.

Meanwhile, crude runs in oil refineries fell to their lowest level since January 2023 due to the weather, as did refinery utilisation rates to 82.9 per cent, according to the EIA. "Refiners are going to be in no hurry to rush back to levels above 90 per cent," said Bob Yawger, director of energy futures at Mizuho.

US policymakers, meanwhile, kept rates unchanged this week. Economists' predictions suggested that a cut is unlikely before June, given continuing strength in household spending and uncertainty over the economic outlook.

The Israel-Hamas war has widened to conflict in the Red Sea between the United States and Iran-aligned Houthi militants.

But while that has disrupted oil and natural gas tanker shipping, which is driving up delivery costs and starting to affect oil supplies, a Reuters poll suggested that record production in the West and slow economic growth will keep a lid on prices and limit any geopolitical risk premium.

"The main issue with turning outright bullish on crude oil here is the technical picture remains bearish and is yet to catch up with recent events," including a deadly drone attack on US troops near the Jordan-Syria border last week, said IG market analyst Tony Sycamore.

Yemen's Houthi group on Wednesday said it would keep up attacks on US and British warships in the Red Sea in what it called acts of self defence, stoking fears of long-term disruption to global trade.

Meanwhile, Israel's offensive in Gaza persisted, though Palestinian militant group Hamas said it was studying a new proposal for a ceasefire and release of hostages in Gaza.

On the supply side, OPEC oil output in January registered the biggest monthly drop since July, a Reuters survey found, as several members implemented new voluntary production cuts agreed with the wider OPEC+ alliance and unrest curbed Libyan output.

OPEC pumped 26.33 million bpd this month, down 410,000 bpd from December, the survey found. December's total strips out Angola, which has left the group. (Reuters)

udges at the top United Nations court on Wednesday found that Russia violated elements of a U.N. anti-terrorism treaty, but declined to rule on allegations brought

by Kyiv that Moscow was responsible for the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine in 2014.

In the same ruling, Judges at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) found that Russia had breached an anti-discrimination treaty by failing to support Ukrainian language education in Crimea after its 2014 annexation of the peninsula.

The decisions were a legal setback for Kyiv. The court rejected Ukraine's requests to order reparations

Ukrainian Foreign Ministry's Director General for International Law, Oksana Zolotaryova and Ambassador-at-large Anton Korynevych take part in a press conference after an International Court of Justice (ICJ) hearing on Ukraine accusing Russia of violating an anti-terrorism treaty by funding pro-Russian forces, including militias who shot down the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, and discrimination, in The Hague, Netherlands, January 31, 2024 (Reuters/Piroschka van de Wouw photo)

for both violations and only ordered Russia to comply

with the treaties.

Ukraine's representa-

tive Anton Korynevych stressed the judgment was important for Kyiv, because it did establish Russia violated international law.

"This is the first time that officially, legally Russia is called a violator of international law," he told Journalists after the ruling.

Ukraine had filed the lawsuit at the ICJ, also known as the World Court, in 2017, accusing Russia of violating an anti-terrorism treaty by funding pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine.

The court's Judges said Moscow violated the UN's anti-terrorism treaty by not investigating plausible allegations that some funds were sent from Russia to Ukraine to possibly fund terrorist activities. (Excerpt from Reuters)

UN warning that aid system could collapse if UNRWA funding is withheld

T

op United Nations officials have warned that the withdrawal of funding for its main aid agency in Gaza could lead to the "collapse of the humanitarian system".

They spoke out after the US, UK and other countries halted funding over the alleged role of some UN staff in the 7 October Hamas attacks on Israel.

The UN sacked several of its staff over the allegations.

It said an investigation into its agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, is underway.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described UNRWA as "per-

Medicine is distributed at a UNRWA health centre in Deir Al-Balah, Gaza, earlier this month

forated with Hamas", saying Israel has "discovered that there were 13 UNRWA workers who actually participated, either directly or indi-

rectly, in the 7 October massacre".

But the US, the biggest

donor to the UNWRA, has said it wants to see the aid agency continue its work.

"There is no other humanitarian player in Gaza who can provide food and water and medicine at the scale that UNRWA does," US State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller said.

"We want to see that work continued which is why it is so important that the United Nations take this matter seriously, that they investigate, that there is accountability for anyone who is found to have engaged in wrongdoing." (Excerpt from BBC News)

YouTube deletes Tech CEOs told 'you have blood on your hands' at US channel of disgraced Senate child safety hearing megachurch leader

U

S Senators on Wednesday grilled leaders of the biggest social media companies and said Congress must quickly pass legislation, as one lawmaker accused the companies of having "blood on their hands" for failing to protect children from escalating threats of sexual predation on their platforms.

The hearing marks the latest effort by lawmakers to address the concerns of parents and mental health experts that social media companies put profits over guardrails that would ensure their platforms do not harm children.

"Mr Zuckerberg, you and the companies before us, I know you don't mean it to be so, but you have

blood on your hands," said Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, referring to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. "You have a product that's killing people."

Zuckerberg testified along with X CEO Linda Yaccarino, Snap CEO Evan Spiegel, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, and Discord CEO Jason Citron.

Senator Dick Durbin, the Judiciary Committee's Democratic chairman, cited statistics from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children nonprofit group that showed skyrocketing growth in financial "sextortion," in which a predator tricks a minor into sending explicit photos and videos. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Y

ouTube has terminated the official channel of disgraced Nigerian televangelist TB Joshua's megachurch for violating its hate speech policies.

It comes weeks after an investigation by the BBC and openDemocracy uncovered evidence of widespread sexual abuse and torture by the late preacher.

Emmanuel TV played a key role in his rise from local pastor to global star.

TB Joshua died in 2021, but his Synagogue Church of All Nations (Scoan) is now run by his wife Evelyn Joshua.

The church has not commented on the removal, but has said previous allegations of wrongdoing have been "unfounded".

Emmanuel TV had more

than half a million followers on YouTube and hundreds of millions of views.

This is the second time in three years that its YouTube channel has been suspended, following previous breaches of the platform's community guidelines.

As part of the investigation with the BBC, openDemocracy analysed Emmanuel TV's online presence, finding at least 50 "abusive" videos on YouTube.

Their team reported the videos to YouTube and the account was suspended on January 29.

In a comment to the BBC, the Google-owned video-sharing platform said Emmanuel TV had been "terminated for violating… hate speech policies".

(Excerpt from BBC News)

20

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Stick close to your allies. Recognize when someone is trying to use you to get ahead. Don't let an emotional situation lead to anger, which will weaken your position.

(March 21-April 19) Put your energy into learning, discovery and trial and error. Be a sponge, ask questions, hone your skills and prepare yourself to fight for what's important to you. Confidence will take you far.

PICKLES (April 20-May 20)

Listen to others and modify what you learn to fit your situation. Research will uncover possibilities that can make your life easier. Don't let anyone convince you to do something you don't like.

(May 21-June 20) Take a break and give yourself a chance to review important details and rethink your strategy. You have plenty to gain if you know the possibilities and eliminate what's unnecessary.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Recognize what's happening around you. Refuse to let your emotions cause you to overreact. Avoid trouble and concentrate on your responsibilities. Don't get swept up in someone else's drama.

(July 23-Aug. 22) Be succinct, choose your words wisely and don't waste energy on what you can't change. Dive in, make the necessary changes and reap the rewards you deserve. Step into the spotlight.

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

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Keep moving forward, regardless of what others say. An emotional incident can derail what you are trying to accomplish. Stick to your plans and refuse to make allowances for someone else's shortcomings.

Don't get involved in no-win situations or one-sided conversations.

Explore your options and determine how to do the most using what's available. Compare notes with someone in a similar boat.

Mixed emotions will lead to confusion regarding a financial situation or professional position. Consider what action you can take to protect yourself from being taken advantage of.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Refuse to let your emotions interfere with your decision-making. Avoid a shouting match. It's OK to treat yourself, but don't go into debt for the sake of a moment's pleasure.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Keep tabs on subscriptions, updates and hidden costs. Go directly to the source when you find a discrepancy.

Act quickly. Say no to temptation and change what isn't necessary.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Protect your possessions and position. It's up to you to set standards that keep you moving in the right direction.

Don't let anyone lead you astray or compromise your position.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024

21

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup…

Windies fans urged to register for public ticket ballot system Cricket fans around the West Indies are being urged to register for the public ticket ballot as they prepare to be part of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Fawwaz Baksh, the Tournament Director, reached out to the regional fan base to encourage supporters to make wise use of the available window which will allow them to

pre-register for tickets.

Baksh said: “Everyone

join the public ticket ballot and give themselves every opportunity to secure the best seats and be part of an amazing event on their shores.”

Ten of the 20 teams will play their first match of the 29-day tournament in the USA – with 16 games to be held in Lauderhill, Florida; is eagerly looking forward to the *ICC Men’s

T20 World Cup 2024*, this is the biggest event to be

staged in the West Indies.

It will feature the best players in the world, and as a result, the eyes of the sporting world will be on our countries in this region and the USA.” He added: “There will be a great demand for tickets as cricket lovers worldwide want to get this golden opportunity to see their favourite players. This will be a truly world-class event – at a level never before seen in our region – and fans will enjoy the amazing atmosphere and entertainment that is in store."

“We want to encourage our ‘hometown’ fans to

T&T, Jamaica place 8th, 16th at inaugural Hockey5s World Cup

C

aribbean representatives Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica had to settle for eighth and 16th place respectively after both produced credible efforts at the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Hockey5s World Cup in Muscat, Oman, on Wednesday.

Trinidad and Tobago suffered a narrow 5-7 loss to Kenya in the seventh and eighth-place playoff, while Jamaica, making a historic appearance at the tournament, also went down by two goals in their 2-4 loss to Fiji in the 15th-16th-place encounter.

Netherlands were crowned champions following their 5-2 beating of Malaysia in the final.

Earlier in the tournament, Trinidad and Tobago registered a 5-5 stalemate with Australia, defeated Kenya 7-2 and then thumped New Zealand 11-4.

However, the twin-island republic lost their quarter-final tie 4-5 against Malaysia, and then lost 5-8 to Egypt in the fifth to eighth-place playoff.

Meanwhile, the Jamaicans lost all six games played, but would have benefited im-

A look at the Hockey5s World Cup action featuring the Caribbean nations

mensely from their debut outing on the world stage.

The Duvaughn Henloncoached team first suffered a 2-10 loss to Egypt, but produced a more respectable showing in their 4-6 loss to Switzerland in their second encounter. They were also beaten 13-0, 15-2 and 8-1

by India, Pakistan and the United States respectively.

Fabian Stewart, Jamaica Hockey Federation (JHF) President, took heart from the team’s performance and, by extension, top 16 ranking, which he believes is a solid platform to build on going forward.

“The positive of participating in this tournament is that Jamaica is in the top

16 of countries that are playing hockey5s. We earned our spot to come to this tournament and it is clear that we are in the top 16. So, we are in the top tier, globally,” said Stewart.

“The players have learnt a lot. The game is played in a particular manner, and all the players can actually see the sort of speed they play with.

“We played against top-tier countries that we never got an opportunity to see or play against, but we understand that how we played in parts, we can actually handle them, but we have to be more consistent. But our coaches and staff have seen what is required to operate at this level,” he added. (Sportsmax)

Dallas, Texas; and Nassau County, New York. The remaining 39 matches will be played in the Caribbean across six different countries, with semi-finals to be played in Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago on Wednesday, June 26 and Thursday, June 27 respectively, and the title decid-

er to be played in Barbados on Saturday, June 29.

Details on the public ticket ballot will be shared in the coming days. The start time for games will vary from venue to venue; for tournament details, fans can visit www. t20worldcup.com.

England spinner Leach ruled out of 2nd Test

E

ngland spinner Jack Leach is out of the second Test against India in Visakhapatnam on Friday because of an injury to his left knee.

Left-armer Leach was hurt in England's superb 28-run win in the first Test and did not train on Wednesday.

His absence could lead to a debut for 20-year-old off-spinner Shoaib Bashir.

"The knock he took resulted in a haematoma," England Captain Ben Stokes said.

"Hopefully, it does not keep him out for longer in the series."

Following the second match in the five-Test series, there is a nine-day break when the England team will travel to meet their families in Abu Dhabi.

Leach sustained the injury while fielding in the first Test in Hyderabad. He was restricted to bowling short spells in the first innings, but was able to bowl 10 overs in the second as England inflicted only a fourth defeat in 47 home Tests on India.

It is the latest injury blow for the 32-year-old, who missed all of the Ashes series in the home summer because of a stress fracture to his back.

"It's a big shame for us, especially after a long time out of the game with his back," Stokes added.

"Obviously, it's frustrating, but it's something we're assessing every day."

With Leach missing, England could opt for a straight swap with his Somerset teammate Bashir, w h o

missed the first Test after experiencing a delay in receiving his visa.

England played three frontline spinners, plus the off-spin of batter Joe Root in Hyderabad.

Early indications show the Visakhapatnam pitch could be better for batting, which might necessitate an extra seamer.

Mark Wood played the first Test and is thought to be fit for the second, with James Anderson, Ollie Robinson, and Gus Atkinson the other pace options.

If that is the case, England would possibly choose between Bashir and Rehan Ahmed, with Tom Hartley already elevated to senior spinner in only his second Test.

Hartley was a left-field selection for this tour, yet bowled England to victory in the first Test by taking 7-62 in the second innings.

Bashir, who has played only six First-Class matches, was a similarly surprising selection, but England believe he has attributes to be successful in India.

And Stokes revealed he was first alerted to Bashir's potential when he saw a video on Twitter (now X) of the then 19-year-old bowling on his First-Class debut to England's all-time leading Test run-

scorer Sir Alastair Cook.

"I just saw something," Stokes said.

"The height he bowled from, it was

very obvious that he put a lot of action, a lot of revolutions on the ball. It was something I looked at and thought 'this could be pretty good for India'.

"The height he delivers the ball from, the amount of natural variation that he can produce, is a handful out here. I've played a lot of games out here, as a batter you know what is hard to face, especially from a spin point of view."

Stokes shared the clip in a WhatsApp group with Coach Brendon McCullum and Managing Director Rob Key. The Captain also revealed Bashir dismissed him three times in the nets in a training camp in Abu Dhabi and again in training on Wednesday.

"When it came to selection of the squad, there wasn't too much thought around him because everyone was very, very impressed with what Bash showed," Stokes said.

"Everything we wanted in our spin group was answered by Bashir."

Stokes is not bowling in this series after having surgery on his own knee issue in November.

However, he will bowl for the first time since the operation in training today as he builds towards being able to play as an all-rounder in the home summer.

"This trip is a back-to-bowling programme for me," the 32-year-old said. "You have seen me do a lot of running and that has been part of it.

"Tomorrow is just the start of low impact bowling, get the rest of my body going again and just gradually keep building that up. I won't be bowling in the game." (BBC Sport)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024

OES Guyana bats for National U15 team T

he Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has secured the corporate support of OES Guyana Inc to outfit the national male team to compete in the Cricket West Indies (CWI) Rising Stars Under-15 50over championship, slated for Antigua in March.

Last Sunday, the partnership was sealed when representatives of the Cricket Board and the oil and gas company made a public announcement during the lunch break of the Inter- county Under-15 match between Berbice and Essequibo at the Malteenoes Sports Club Ground on Thomas Lands.

OES Guyana Inc is honoured to support and partner with the GCB through a sponsorship deal.

An OES representative makes the presentation in the presence of several U15 players

OES is the preferred choice for Asset Integrity Management, providing ser-

vices that safeguard clients' assets through their full life-cycle. The company is a

global market leader in inspection, repair and maintenance services. Operating

for four years in Guyana, and over 25 years globally in 14 locations to become our

clients' first choice partner.

Giving some insight into the company's goals, Marketing Coordinator Trevannie Dennis outlined, OES understands the importance of giving back and local community development. We are delighted to contribute to the future Guyanese cricket talent with a donation to the GCB towards the U15 team's uniform and preparation ahead of the Regional U15 Championship hosted in Antigua.

The GCB U15 team has been an integral part of Guyana s cricket foundation, having produced countless players who currently represent, or in the past, played at the highest levels for Guyana and the West Indies.

Farfan and Mendes renews longstanding relationship with RHTY&SC

T

he longstanding relationship between the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club and Farfan and Mendes Limited was renewed last week for another year.

The renewal of the sponsorship for the 29th consecutive year was done at the company's Providence, East Bank Demarara head office and was attended by officials of the RHTY&SC and the company.

Club Secretary Hilbert Foster stated that the Georgetown-based company came on board to support the RHTY&SC in 1995 and then in 1997, it became the official sponsor of the Rose Hall Town Farfan and Mendes Under-15 team. The Farfan and Mendes Under-15 team

…Hand in Hand insurance company and CCI also make input ed that Farfan and Mendes Limited is one of the main pillars for RHTY&SC's success.

Accounts Clerk Sufeena Ram handed over the sponsorship to Pottaya and fellow club members Asaf Esua.

Meanwhile the club's Say

Fareeza Kasim of CCI makes a donation to Club Secretary Hilbert Foster

Mohammed, Tameshwar Deonandan, and Pereira.

The RHTY&SC Farfan and Mendes Under-15 team, over the years, have won numerous tournaments, includ-

Sufeena Ram, Accounts Clerk of Farfan and Mendes Limited, hands over the sponsorship to Matthew Pottaya

are currently playing in the Dr Amarnauth Dukhi tournament and head Zone C going into the quarter-finals.

The team, led by Komalchan Ramnarace, has won all six of their zone matches defeating Albion, Port Mourant, Whim, Upper Corentyne, Kildonan, and Kennard Memorial.

MatthewPereira has struck 2 centuries in the strong batting lineup while the spin duo of Ramnarace and Akash Sookhlall have claimed a combined six wickets. Six members of the team are currently playing in the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) inter-county tournament. They are Ramnarace, Rafael McKenzie, Akash Sookhlall, Sohail

ing six Berbice titles and in 2022, were the runners-up for the sixth time. The team have produced numerous Berbice, Guyana and West Indies players to date. They include Test players Assad Fudadin, Kevin Sinclair, Esan Crandon, Royston Crandon, Delbert Hicks, Shevan Marks, Shemaine Campbelle, Jonathan Rampersaud Jeremy Sandia, Sheneeta Grimmond, Shabika Gajnabi, Khemraj Mahadeo, Askay Homraj, Shaun Pereira and Dominic Rikhi.

Royston Crandon, Kevin Sinclair, Campbell, Gajnabi, Raj and Ricky all went on to play international cricket for either the West Indies or the

United States.

Fudadin, Esan Crandon and Kevlon Anderson also captained Guyana at the senior level.

Foster, who is also the former President of the Berbice Cricket Board, stated that the team last year successfully completed over 60 personal development projects under the name of the sponsorship.

Among the projects successfully completed were the RHTY&SC Cricket Academy, Republic Bank summer camp, youth information booklet, Tribute to Medical Workers, Tribute to Law Enforcement Officers, scorebook project for clubs, Tribute to Municipality Workers, Tribute to Umpires, the Basil Butcher trust fund, Say Yes to Education, Tribute to Heroes, Berbice sports awards, Dolphin Award of Excellence, Tribute to Teachers, Tribute to retired Educators, Walter Nero Father’s Day programme, Jessica Sandia Mother’s Day programme, Christmas concert and Christmas charity programme. The team also assisted other members of the club to organize a very successful RHTY&SC Christmas village, which was held from the 21st to the 24th of December.

Foster stated that all the teams of the RHTY&SC in 2024 would complete over 108 activities combined.

Senior cricketer Matthew Pottaya expressed gratitude to the company for its support to the team for the last three decades, and stat-

Yes to Education programme also received a major boost from the Hand in Hand insurance company and Caribbean Containers Inc (CCI).

The insurance company donated 16 trophies towards honouring outstanding

Berbicians via the Tribute to Heroes while CCI contributed financially. Under this programme the club reaches out to all youths in Region Six to say no to drugs, crime, suicide, alcohol and yes to education, life and sports.

Cadogan clinches victory at LGC Tournament The results for the tournament were as follows: 1st Troy Cadogan – Gross 95, HC 27, Net 68 2nd Patanjilee Persaud – Gross 85, HC 14, Net 71 3rd Chet Bowling – Gross 99, HC 25, Net 74 Nearest to Pin – Troy Cadogan Longest Drive – Shai Stanford

L

Troy Cadogan copped first place

usignan Golf Club witnessed a thrilling display of skill and determination as Troy Cadogan emerged triumphant in the latest tournament held on Saturday, January 27,2024.

Cadogan’s exceptional performance secured him the coveted first-place position, solidifying his reputation as a force to be reckoned with on the golfing circuit.

In a closely contested battle, Patanjilee Persaud showcased remarkable prowess, claiming the well-deserved second-place spot. Persaud’s precision and strategic play kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the very last hole.

Rounding off the podium finishers was Chet Bowling, whose consistent performance throughout the tournament earned him third place. Bowling’s dedication and resilience were evident

as he navigated the challenging course with finesse.

Speaking on behalf of the LGC was Secretary Chet Bowling who said, “It was a lovely day for golf, perfect weather, which has allowed us to keep the golf course in prime condition. The greens are cut low and playing much better than they did the previous months. And therefore, the enthusiasm of the golfers was also reflected by the conditions. It was pretty competitive the longest drive drew some competition I mean one member thought he had it then the last group came up behind him and pipped him by less than a few feet.”

The tournament showcased not only the individual talents of the players but also the camaraderie and sportsmanship that define the golfing community at Lusignan Golf Club.

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2024

23

"Riding momentum of Test team" T

his evening, West Indies’ men’s team will turn their attention to the shorter formats when the first of a three-match One-Day International (ODI) series bowls off at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne against hosts Australia.

As such, West Indies have been in preparation mode Down Under for just under a week.

Quizzed about the team’s morale, during a pre-match press conference, Captain Shai Hope revealed that the team was upbeat.

“It was jet lag a few days ago,” Hope joked.

He continued, “You know, it’s pretty good.

Everyone’s up and ready to roll. I think seeing some of these grounds here in Australia, that in itself,

...West Indies optimistic ahead of ODI series

West Indies ODI Captain Shai Hope

you just want to play cricket. So, the guys are upbeat, ready to go.”

“Like we always say in the dressing room, every game matters. It’s not necessarily about series or an opponent, we have to take every single game as a final, and it’s nice ...the guys are taking to the new system and the way in which we’re trying to play our

cricket. So, yeah, it’s just one game at a time and the results will take care of itself,” Hope added about the team’s mindset heading into the series.

Just a few days ago, West Indies’ Test team won their first match in Australia since 1997, a feat that has boosted the confidence of the ODI squad, says Hope.

“Ideally, we want to.

As I said before this, it’s a very inspiring win that they had in the last Test and it’s great momentum for us.

It’s a different format, but it would be great signs for us to continue what happened in the last Test in this ODI series,” the West Indies ODI Captain shared.

Quizzed about the inexperience of some

GMMAF international fight night set for March 23

T

he Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Federation (GMMAF) is set to put the Land of Many Waters on the map in a matter of months when it hosts their first-ever, official, internationally-sanctioned event on local shores on March 23.

The fight night is tentatively set to be a Pro/ Am, 14-16 bout card, hosted at the Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown.

During the official announcement on Tuesday morning, at the same venue, GMMAF President Gavin Singh disclosed one component that would bring international recognition to the event.

“I’m proud to announce that at this event, we will be expecting former UFC fighter and currently a referee and official, Mr Herb Dean, that will give our country the international recognition for the sport that is actually needed,” Singh announced.

Declaring his commitment to the event’s success, MMA’s Pan Am Federation President Jason Fraser made a bid for more corporate sponsorship.

Fraser vowed, “We’re going to actually go over pothole, every hump, every valley and make this a

success. Today is the beginning of many more events to come. It will not take us seven years again, after March 23rd, I can assure you guys that. We’ll try to do at least two events or three events a year in Guyana.”

He went on to urge corporate Guyana, “I want to ask Corporate Guyana to come onboard for this event; it’s not a cheap event

ants KFC, Burger King, Zoon and Mohamed’s Enterprise are among the sponsors on board.

As such, Singh went on to share why the event can carry such a heavy price tag.

“So, one of the reasons that the cost is so high, in order for this e v e n t to be a success, we must have certified o f f i cials.

Certified referees, certified cut-men, certified ring bearers and having those individuals come here, that’s what takes the cost up,” Singh divulged.

The March 23 fight

team m e m bers, Hope noted that it was important to expose those players now, looking ahead to the 2027 World Cup. The wicketkeeper-batsman shared, “I think it’s great to deepen that pool and widen that pool, and what’s a better way to start your career than here in Australia for some of the guys? Yes, I think four years seems like a long time, but it really isn’t and as much games as these guys can play over that span, I think, is going to widen the pool and give

W

GMMAF President Gavin Singh

to do, this event is over 100,000 USD to do. Sorry you guys didn’t announce the cost, but that is the reality of it, it’s going to cost over $100,000 to make this event happen.”

Currently, fast food gi-

night will feature fighters out of Canada, USA, Colombia, Brazil, Suriname, French Guiana, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana; with T&T’s Keron Bourne set to be one of the headline fighters.

The Men in Maroon will be riding the momentum set by the Test team earlier this week

us a headache when that time comes to hopefully select a strong squad. And then, they will also gain a lot more experience by that time.”

Having missed out on last year’s ODI World Cup, Hope shared how disappointing the occurrence was and revealed the intention to move past it.

“Everyone knows it hurts, being on the world stage and being one of the dominating teams in world cricket for a period of time and not being involved in one of the biggest tournaments in sport, certainly hurt us as a team, and

then obviously, we know the wide range of supporters for West Indies cricket,” Hope related.

He went on to add, “So, yes, it’s something that we felt, but that’s gone, we have to look ahead. We’ve got some years to prepare, to get ourselves ready for the next World Cup, so that’s the main focus right now.”

The first ODI between the West Indies and Australia will bowl off at 23:30h local time tonight.

The other two matches will be contested on Saturday, February 3 and Monday, February 5.

Windies rising star Joseph makes huge leap in ICC Test rankings

est Indies fast-bowling sensation Shamar Joseph has jumped a massive 42 spots up the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s Test rankings this week to sit joint 50th on the list.

Joseph, whose breathtaking performances in the recently-concluded two-Test series against Australia earned him the Player of the Series award, was instrumental in the regional side's historic second Test win against the world champions. He took five wickets for 94 runs in the first encounter, which Australia won by 10 wickets and seven wickets for 68 runs in West Indies' famous eight-run win.

The 24-year-old Joseph and his pace partners all secured ranking upgrades, as Kemar Roach

Guyanese fast bowler Shamar Joseph

moved two places up to 17th and Alzarri Joseph inched four places up to 33rd. New Zealand’s Kane Williamson remains the number one batsman ahead of England’s Joe Root and Australian Steve Smith, while the bowling list is headed by India's Ravi Ashwin followed

by South Africa's Kagiso

Rabada and Australia's Captain, Pat Cummins.

All-rounders Jason Holder, ranked at seventh, and 10th-ranked Kyle Mayers, the highest rated West Indies players on the all-rounders’ list, did not play against Australia in the recent series. India’s Ravi Jadeja heads that list. (Sportsmax)

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2024

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

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Windies rising star Joseph makes "Riding momentum huge leap in ICC of Test team" Test rankings ...West Indies optimistic ahead of ODI series

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From left, Dr Sarwan, Jason Fraser, Michael Singh, Gavin Singh, Neville Persaud and Charles Greaves

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