Guyana Times - Thursday, February 23, 2023

Head of State urges national unity in face of storm of

global uncertainty

WHAT'S INSIDE:

France to establish local office in Guyana in September

Global pledges on climate change “too small” – VP Jagdeo tells World Sustainable Development Summit

EITI gave Guyana May 2023 extension to submit report – Ali …says persons with “ulterior motives” in MSG caused delays

Glenn Lall loses bid to overturn tax exemptions granted to oil companies

$1.1M in cocaine, $500,000 in ganja unearthed in Norton St busts

GDF seizes helicopter, destroys illegal mining camp

DHB to close for 24 hours for emergency works

…speedboats to operate on 24-hour basis

GECOM suspends continuous registration; adding new names to voters' register

Labourer jailed for 18 years for raping 5-yearold boy

“I does hustle it” – vendor to cops on ganja bust

Charges likely for Buxton, Hopetown protesters – AG …says lawlessness will not be condoned

The Golden Arrowhead stood tall as Guyana ushered in its 53rd Republic Anniversary during a flagraising ceremony on Wednesday evening at Parliament Building. Local talents were on full display during the ceremony which saw Guyanese from all walks of life participating in the event as it embraces this year’s Mashramani theme, “Mixing and Mashing as One Guyana” (Tourism Guyana photos)

France to establish local office in Guyana in September …more

convenient to process visa applications

France is moving to establish a local office in Guyana in September 2023, as it works to strengthen relations between the two countries.

This was revealed on Wednesday by the non-resident French Ambassador to Guyana, Nicolas de Lacoste, during an exclusive interview with Guyana Times

“We have decided to step up our diplomatic presence in Georgetown. We’ll have a full-fledged French diplomat…based in Georgetown, making sure that all the different fields of cooperation that we have identified, that we are deepening them,” Ambassador de Lacoste explained.

“It’s not a full-fledged embassy…but it’s an office.”

Currently, the Embassy of France to Guyana and Suriname is located in Paramaribo, with the Ambassador being stationed in the neighbouring Dutch-speaking country.

In December last year, President Dr Irfaan Ali accepted letters of credence from de Lacoste, accrediting him as the new non-Resident Ambassador of France to Guyana. According to the Ambassador, during that ceremony, President Ali engaged him on the issue of visa free travel between

the two countries.

Guyanese wishing to travel to France presently need to have their visa applications processed in Suriname.

But de Lacoste noted that with an office in Georgetown, the processing of visa applications will now be more convenient for locals.

However, on the topic of visa-free travel, the Ambassador noted that the matter was still being examined.

There are roughly 50 French persons residing in Guyana; the size of the Guyanese Diaspora in France is not immediately known. The two countries established formal diplomatic relations on June 22, 1967.

Ambassador de Lacoste hopes that with a perma-

nent diplomat here, the two countries can foster stronger ties in a number of areas, including culture and business.

Since 2021, the French Embassy has had a resident representative in Guyana in the person of Pierre Gaté while Jean-Francois Gerin has been the French Honorary Consul resident in the country since 2019.

Meanwhile, France is not the only country seeking to deepen diplomatic ties with Guyana. In fact, countries such as Guatemala, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic have announced their intention to set up embassies here.

This was revealed earlier this year by Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd. (G11)

Non-Resident Ambassador of France to Guyana, Nicolas de Lacoste

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Thursday, February 23 –06:15h-07:45h and Friday, February 24 – 20:15h-21:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, February 23 –06:15h-07:45h and Friday, February 24 – 06:50h-08:20h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery showers are expected in the day and at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 27 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 06:41h and 19:02h reaching maximum heights of 2.78 metres and 2.75 metres.

Low Tide: 12:35h reaching a minimum height of 0.42 metre.

EITI gave Guyana May 2023 extension to submit report – Ali

…says persons with “ulterior motives” in MSG caused delays

Although Guyana was unable to submit its 2020 report on transparency and accountability in the local extractive industry by the December 31, 2022 deadline, President Dr Irfaan Ali has revealed that the country has been given an extension until May of this year for the final submission.

The report was supposed to be submitted to the international Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Secretariat, but reports recently emerged that it was not submitted. In a national address on Wednesday, President Ali made it clear that non-submission of the report was unacceptable even though Guyana has received an extension.

“In relation to EITI report, I’ve already made it clear that it is unacceptable to have a delay in the submission of a report. Notwithstanding the fact that an extension was given by EITI secretariat, to have that report completed by May this year, we still should have been in a position to have that report submitted.

LOTTERY NUMBERS

“Notwithstanding the fact that all countries were given an extension in 2019, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and in our case, extensive floods that disrupted data collection, I’ve made it very clear that I will not tolerate delays in the presentation and submission of our report,” President Ali said.

According to President Ali, he will ensure that this time around the report is submitted in advance of the new May 2023 dead-

line. He also revealed that there may have been deliberate attempts to sabotage the submission of the report, at the level of the MultiStakeholder Group (MSG) of the EITI, which delayed approval of the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the consultant hired to complete the report.

“I found out a number of things. One, that the Government of Guyana, in keeping with its mandate and in keeping with its commitment to transparency and accountability, hired an independent administrator to complete the report. However, for four months, the Multi-Stakeholder Group, had the ToR for this administrator on pause.”

“This begs the question, whether there are persons on that group with ulterior motives. It was not until after four months, that we were able to have ToRs agreed upon, with two persons abstaining. This is unacceptable. To put a coun-

try reporting framework at stake, to try to damage the Government’s credibility is not being a good citizen,” President Ali added.

The EITI is an international body that requires implementing countries to publish comprehensive reports which include the full disclosure of Government revenues from the extractive sector, as well as the disclosure of all material payments made to the Government by companies operating in the oil, gas, and mining sectors.

Guyana’s first report was submitted to the International Secretariat on April 25, 2019. Membership in the EITI means that Guyana will have to adhere to the 12 principles of the EITI standards voluntarily.

These 12 principles include encouraging corporate social responsibility, sharing of information, revealing beneficial ownership and promoting revenue transparency. Failure to do so could be met by suspension

from the EITI. Guyana’s next validation commences on April 1, 2024.

The EITI had previously allocated Guyana a score of 52 for implementing the 2019 standard, commending Guyana for the strides taken to make information available and consult with stakeholders, while also providing recommendations to further strengthen the system.

Guyana’s score of 52 included a score of 42 on “outcomes and impact”, 60 on “stakeholder engagement” and 53.5 per cent when it comes to transparency. According to EITI, Guyana did manage to establish a functioning platform for multi-stakeholder discussions.

Back in 2021, a 12-member MSG was appointed. Those appointees included Exxon and Repsol reps Jesus Bronchalo and Ryan Ramjit, as well as Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) representative Andron Alphonso and Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) representative Rafeek Khan.

The Government’s four appointees were Sonya Roopnauth, Hema Khan, Vanelda Harris and Michael Munroe. The appointees from civil society included Nicholas Fredericks, Larry Carryl, and Gomin Camacho.

Outspoken activist Vanda Radzik, who has brought court cases against projects ranging from the gas-to-energy project to a radioactive storage facility in Houston, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was another civil society appointee. (G3)

President Dr Irfaan Ali

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Republic celebrations

Over the past few weeks, the nation has been in preparatory mode for Guyana’s 53rd Republic Anniversary, which is celebrated today. More special this year is the return of the customary events which were staged across the country in every Region. This is after COVID-19 had caused a halt to all celebrations.

We have seen costume parades for children, flagraising for adults, and a gamut of local talent shows. The country is abuzz with activity and revelry. In addition to these activities, it is a tradition for lectures, exhibitions and school tours to be hosted with the aim of evoking a sense of patriotism and understanding of the Republic celebrations.

Indeed, it should be a time of reflection; Guyana attained republican status on February 23, 1970. The annual hoisting of the flag this year took on a new dimension with the advancement of technology and young talent on display at the Parliament Buildings on Wednesday evening. As always, this ceremony, with concert, attracted large numbers both virtually and in person, who gathered from near and far to bask in the glow of our national patrimony.

Prior to the attainment of republican status, the country attained independence from Great Britain on May 26, 1966. These are significant milestones in the life of this country. More importantly, it provided us, as a nation, with an opportunity to reflect on the path we have traversed over these years, as well as the pains and tribulations we experienced in the past. While the challenges are still formidable today, citizens should be reminded not to lose sight of the patriotism and resilience that brought us this far as a nation. Our leaders should also be reminded that it is their responsibility to foster a society in which there is peace, progress, prosperity and a sense of patriotism.

We have witnessed the coming together of our people over the last few days; thousands participated in the Mashramani 2023 events, themed “Mixing and Mashing as One Guyana.” Again, this was evident at the gathering for the Golden Arrowhead’s hoisting, commemorating yet another milestone in Guyana’s history. While the older generation of Guyanese were undoubtedly reflecting on the journey and struggles that led to this point, we should pause to consider what the younger folks were thinking of. Was there a feeling of deep patriotism or national loyalty? Were there reflections on the struggles of our foreparents?

More importantly, did the pomp and ceremony ignite within them the deep-seated sense of national pride?

With Guyana now enjoying some of the initial benefits of our oil and gas sector, the Government is in an accelerated process of development and capacity building as we embrace our new economic reality. However, we must also remember in the midst of preparations and the grand plans for our new wealth, the border controversy with Venezuela has gained new life.

Guyana, however, anticipates that successful defense of its territorial integrity will not only boost local development, but continued investor-confidence in Guyana, especially in light of the oil and gas production.

Through it all, the citizens of Guyana have been called upon to hold firm to their patriotism, and to be steadfast in their support for our sovereignty. While there will undoubtedly be many instances in the future for the citizenry to band together, Guyanese from all walks will gather today for the 2023 Mashramani Costume Parade and Road March. This is a fitting culmination of this year’s Republic Anniversary celebrations, and reminder of the need for a revival of the patriotism that lies within all of us.

Happy 53rd Republic Anniversary, Guyana!

is a nation at a pivotal crossroads” – PPP/C

On the occasion of Guyana’s 53rd Republic anniversary, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) expresses best wishes to all Guyanese, both at home and in the Diaspora.

Fifty-three years ago, the attainment of Republican status heralded self-rule. As we reflect, let’s renew our commitment to collectively work towards building a Guyana we all desire, and

Republicanism heralded the full and final severing of our bonds with our colonial masters. For our country, it was a mammoth achievement after centuries of colonial rule, and, we daresay, at times exploitation. Graduating from an independent state into a republic meant that for the first time, we, as one people, were fully charged with guiding our nation to its destiny.

In the fifty-three (53) years since that achievement, we can say the situation was perilous at times, and there was cause for deep concern. The undermining of our democracy through massively rigged elections represents several sordid chapters of our history. Similarly, our economic stagnation and regression whittled away our years of progress and advancement, and literally moved us to nearly the back of the pack in this region. We know too that, during the years of republicanism, we have man-

to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood. Let us work towards removing the barriers of division, recognising that we are stronger together as we work to the collective aim of ‘One Guyana’.

Ours is a nation at a pivotal crossroads, one of growing pride and collective optimism, ushering palpable manifestations of the dreams of our forefathers through the visionary and transformational

aged to attain several objectives which have redounded to the welfare of our people. Steady hands at the national wheel have brought us development and improvement. These are laudable, though we know there are several empty barrels who choose to regularly express critical views.

Today, as our nation and people pause to observe our 53rd Republic Anniversary, the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU) takes this opportunity to extend best wishes and greetings to all Guyanese. As a working-class organisation, we take great pride in our nation becoming one of the first republics in our Caribbean region. It was a monumental step as we sought to assert our political freedom. We recognize, too, that even as we observe another republic anniversary, several issues remain unresolved. National unity and cohesion continue to attract our concern. We are conscious that there are

manifesto of your elected Government steadily charting a course for greatness.

Mashramani celebrates that which is achieved after hard work. There is indeed much to celebrate, as there is much hard work remaining.

We encourage all Guyanese to let Mashramani 2023 reflect an extraordinary degree of camaraderie and oneness, and let the spirit and vibes

among us those who seek to exploit our multi-cultural identify for their own political ends. They deserve our widest condemnation.

Similarly, the construct of an egalitarian society is one that must attract priority attention. This has become even more acute as we are experiencing rapid economic expansion. We remain unflinching that we must all benefit equally from the economic tide.

The celebration of our republicanism is linked to the observance of Mashramani. The colourful floats and calypso, chutney and soca competitions, among other things, feature prominently on the calendar of events. Mashramani, which means “celebration after hard work”, enables us to assess whether our working-class and poor have much to celebrate. Indeed, we all marvel at the staggering economic expansion attained with our international status. Whether such plaudits have translated into real im-

of the celebrations in every region permeate the society infinitely.

We are optimistic that the radiance of the colours in the costumes, the energy in the stage performances and parades, and the overwhelming display of Guyaneseness will be carried through tomorrow, the day after, and beyond. Happy Mashramani to all Guyanese!

People’s Progressive Party/Civic

– GAWU

provements for our people is yet to be fully determined.

Certainly, Mashramani 2023 comes against the background of workers finding difficulties. The cost of living, despite attempts by Government, continues to rise. Similarly, challenges in other areas may well be aggravating the situation. We recognise attempts to build a strong future for our people, and we are heartened by such efforts. However, such efforts, together with a trickle-up economic approach, are critical, we believe, at this time. As we “Mix and Mash as ‘One Guyana’”, let us give true meaning to Mashramani and ensure that we all have good reason to celebrate.

Once again, the GAWU extends hearty greetings to all Guyanese on Republic Day 2023. May our spirit of nationalism be further imbued by our coming together, and may the goals of republicanism be drawn closer as we are One People, One Nation, One Destiny.

“Ours

“We all have good reason to celebrate”

Students of the Fort Ordnance Primary School in East Canje, Berbice rushed to give President Dr Irfaan Ali a hug during a school tour at the Office of the President on Tuesday (Office of the President photo)

Global pledges on climate change “too small” – VP Jagdeo tells World Sustainable Development Summit

Vice President Dr Bharrat

Jagdeo has sounded a call for more financial pledges to climate change initiatives to be undertaken globally, especially by small developing countries which need funding in order to achieve sustainable development.

He made this remark at the opening of the World Sustainable Development Summit 2023 in New Delhi, India on Wednesday. The threeday event is being held under the theme: “Mainstreaming Sustainable Development and Climate Resilience for Collective Action.”

According to Vice President Jagdeo, the issues of sustainable development and climate resilience are often dealt with separately, but they are interlinked, as demonstrated in the case of small island developing states such as in the Caribbean region.

“Many developing countries will never achieve sustainable development goals unless they have the financing to do that… Now, the small countries do not need only climate finance, they need a reform of the global financial system for them to achieve sustainable development,” he stated.

Jagdeo explained that most

of the Caribbean countries are fiscally stressed, with just one sector, mainly tourism, that brings in all their wealth. This, he noted, makes them extremely vulnerable and debt stressed.

With a lot of these countries using more than half of their revenues to service debt, the Guyanese VP pointed out, unless their financial plights are addressed by multilateral agencies, they would never be able to have a sustainable medium-term economic framework, especially not having the resources to address the catastrophic damage of weather-related events that they face ev-

ery season.

“So, the search for sustainability for those countries has to include all of these options. We have to have a contingent line of credit from the multilateral financial institutions that they can draw down on if there is a hurricane immediately. For them to work their way out of the fiscal situation, they have to be able to expand their economy and be able to trade, because their growth can’t be driven by internal demand, and they need a favourable trading environment to do that.

“We're not talking about

just sustainability of ecosystems for them, we're talking about the sustainability of the countries themselves and their future wellbeing… because right now it's clear that we are not going to achieve any of the targets. We can't mask this over, the pledges are too small to achieve the 1.5 or even two degrees raise above pre- industrial level,” the Guyanese official stressed.

Moreover, VP Jagdeo outlined that the path forward in tackling climate change requires a balancing approach on various fronts of sustainable action. He noted that the debate is often between the extremes, and this clouds the search for solutions.

“We need balance in the discussions that take place at these various bodies if we're going to find lasting solutions… We need to reduce the production of fossil fuel; we need carbon capture, utilization and storage; and we need a mass transit into renewable energy.

It is these three -- combined action on all three fronts -- that would deliver lasting solutions,” he contended.

Guyana’s commitment

To this end, the Vice President stated that Guyana

remains committed to playing a role in the fight against the climate crisis and the shift to renewable energy. He noted that despite being an oil and gas producer, Guyana has a sustainable framework in place that features the country using the revenues earned from its petroleum industry as well as from its sale of forest carbon to give its citizens access to renewable energy.

“So we are helping to fund our energy transition from those resources… [Guyana’s goal is to] triple installed capacity and yet cut emissions by 70 per cent by 2030,” he reminded.

In fact, the Vice President pointed to a loan from the Indian Government that Guyana is using to procure some 30,000 small solar units to distribute to every household in the hinterland, so that the country’s Indigenous People can have access to electricity.

“We're using it for adaptation purposes…So that's how we are mainstreaming it into our sustainability development agenda in Guyana's case…We are going to ensure that we do our part, in spite of us being a producer of oil and gas. But if you have any justice about climate issues, the existing producers have to make way now

for some of the new producers…because the world will still need the demand,” the Guyanese official maintained.

On this note, Jagdeo, a former Guyanese President who was named a ‘Champion of the Earth’ in 2010 by the United Nations, further responded to continued criticism of Guyana’s decision to extract its abundant oil resources offshore, arguing that there needs to be sustainable consumption of fossil fuel.

“If the world wants to decarbonize faster, it will [have to] cut the demand for fossil fuel faster. And so sometimes we get lectures from people who are growing their demand all the time for fossil fuel or for energy, and then they lament the fact that it has to be supplied from fossil fuel, yet they are not providing the financing to introduce renewable energy at scale,” he pointed out.

Vice President Jagdeo arrived in India earlier this week along with Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, and has already met several ministers of the Indian Government and other officials.

His official visit to New Delhi is expected to further strengthen bilateral cooperation between Guyana and India in several areas. (G8)

Republic Anniversary greetings to all Guyanese at home and abroad – PNCR

Happy 53rd Republic Anniversary to all our fellow Guyanese at home and abroad.

On this day, 53 years ago, our Dear Land became the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. What did (and does) it mean for Guyana to attain this status? The PNC Founder Leader, Forbes Burnham, said it best on the occasion of the 9th Republic Anniversary:

“For us, the coming into being of the Cooperative Republic was the logical culmination of the struggle for independence initiated over 200 years ago by our National Hero Coffy in

Magdalenenburg, Berbice. But as I have always emphasised, political independence is not an end in itself. Rather, it represents an opportunity to create a society in which all citizens are assured of social and economic justice.”

Our Constitution fully enshrines that grand vision, but as we mark our 53rd anniversary this year, we are yet to create a society in which all citizens enjoy social and economic justice. Too many Guyanese still face the brunt of rampant poverty, inequality, insecurity, and exclusion. Consequently, many citizens have lost faith in

whether we will ever seize the opportunity (to quote from the Preamble of our Constitution) “to develop a viable economy and a harmonious community based on democratic values, social justice, fundamental human rights, and the rule of law.”

On this 53rd Republic Anniversary, we, in the PNCR and the Opposition, remain confident that Guyanese can still forge such a nation. Our Party and Coalition remain committed to the aspirations of those who fought for freedom and independence over the centuries with great courage and sacrifice. We

remain committed to realising the aspirations enshrined in our Constitution on the political, social and economic wellbeing of all Guyanese. We remain committed to ensuring Guyanese from all walks of life can enjoy a high living standard and a high quality of life.

We call on all Guyanese to therefore keep the faith in the Guyanese nation. Our country has the human, natural and social capital to do far better for all its citizens. Obstacles, however, stand in our path. We are confident Guyanese will make the right choices to overcome those obsta-

Celebrating Guyana’s multi-ethnic identity – ERC

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) extends warmest Republic Day greetings to all Guyanese on this important anniversary in our multi-ethnic society. The Commission reminds that, in 2023, the rich cultural heritage of Guyana’s diverse peoples remains intact since an independent

Guyana took the final step towards republicanism in 1970.

Thousands of Guyanese will join in the revelry of Mashramani, or observe the Republic anniversary by fraternising with friends and family. The ERC therefore sees the many activities and observances as another solid ex -

ample of citizens taking time out as one people to celebrate.

The Commission commends Guyanese for their efforts to respect the country’s ethnic diversity and their continuing to contribute in spirit to attain togetherness. The task of the ERC is made easier as the body continuous -

ly seeks to “promote harmony and good relations” when national occasions are embraced by the people. Today, Guyanese are able again to bond freely and observe another important milestone in their country.

Happy Republic Day from the Ethnic Relations Commission!

cles and move this country forward. Together, we can make Guyana one of the best countries to live in.

Again, Happy 53rd Republic Anniversary to all Guyanese.

06:00 (Sign on) Inspirational Time

06:30 Cartoons

07:00 Evening News (RB)

08:00 Stay Woke

08:30 Iron Chef America: The Series

09:30 Grand Designs

10:30 Stop Suffering

12:00 Movie - Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019)

14:00 I Didn't Do It S1 E3

14:30 Star Wars: The Clone Wars S1 E12

15:00 Anthony’s Republic Day Special

16:00 Danger Force S1 E21

16:30 Just Add Magic S2 E17

17:00 The Young & The Restless

18:00 TVG Mash Coverage

19:00 The Evening News

20:00 Stop Suffering

20:30 Stand-up Comedy

21:00 Station 19 (ABC)

22:00 Grey's Anatomy (ABC)

23:00 Ginny & Georgia S1 E4

00:00 Sign off

Thursday, February 23, 2023

Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo speaking at Wednesday’s opening of the World Sustainable Development Summit 2023 in New Delhi, India

NGSA Math Questions

WORD SEARCH

Glenn Lall loses bid to overturn tax exemptions granted to oil companies

sought a host of declaratory reliefs against the companies -- Justice Harnanan found that none of Lall’s contentions had any basis in law and in fact.

The case filed by Kaieteur News’ publisher Glenn Lall, in which he had sought to overturn the tax exemptions granted to oil companies under the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) for oil drilling exploration in the Stabroek Block, has been dismissed by High Court Judge Nareshwar Harnanan.

In dismissing the Judicial Review Application (JRA) which had challenged the PSA granted to Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), CNOOC NEXEN Petroleum Guyana Limited and Hess Guyana Exploration Limited – in which Lall had

Lall’s main complaint was that Article 15 of the June 27th, 2016 PSA signed by then Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman had, inter alia, granted exemptions to persons other than licensees, in violation of Sections 10 and 51 of the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act (PEPA). As a result, Lall had argued that the PSA was unlawful, null, void, and of no legal effect.

After examining Sections 10 and 51 of the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act, Justice Harnanan held that the provisions give the Minister the power to issue an order exempting certain laws, including tax exemption laws, to a licensee who has entered into a PSA with the Government.

This order, the Judge noted, shall be subjected to resolution by the National Assembly, and applies directly to the oil companies and indirectly. For context, he quoted from an oil and gas textbook which, among other things, stated that operators in the industry “cannot avoid contracting out”.

Having regard to this, as well as the literal and contextual meaning of those two provisions, the Judge further found that the additional entities under the PSA, including affiliate en-

had such entities in consideration when drafting the provisions,” Justice Harnanan said as he delivered his ruling virtually.

Lall had argued that “licensee” as defined by the PEPA refers only to EEPGL, CNOOC NEXEN Petroleum Guyana Limited, and Hess Guyana Exploration Limited, and not to any other person. In addition, Lall had asked the High Court to declare that Article 15.12 of the PSA violates Article 149 of the Constitution, which provides for protections against discrimination.

to permit remission under the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act, and Article 15.12 is as such intra vires the Constitution.

“The tax exemptions were given legislative effect made pursuant to the PEPA,” he explained.

ploration, and production activities in the Block.

Edward Luckhoo, SC, and Andrew Pollard, SC represented the oil companies, while Attorney-at-Law

tities and expatriates, are connected to the licensees, and are thus also entitled to these tax exemptions.

“And it could only reasonably be said that Parliament

But in refusing to grant the declaration, Justice Harnanan explained that he is of the view that any Act or provision of an Act of Parliament, including the Petroleum Exploration and Production Act, could be eligible to be struck down only if it is proven to be incompatible with the Constitution. In this case, he ruled, the subject minister acted within his powers

For the foregoing reasons, Lall’s JRA was dismissed, with costs to be assessed if not agreed upon.

EEPGL and its co-ventures and subcontractors had sought the dismissal of the case, which it had described as “misconceived, and without merit”, while referring to the more-than US$13B they had already spent on projects, development, well ex-

Mohamed Ali appeared for the newspaper’s publisher, who filed the case in January 2022. The ruling was handed down on Wednesday at the High Court in Demerara.

PEPA is an Act that applies to the exploration, exploitation, conservation, and management of petroleum existing in its natural condition on land in Guyana, including the territorial sea, continental shelf, and exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of Guyana.

ExxonMobil is the parent company of Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL)

Kaieteur News publisher Glenn Lall

Justice Nareshwar Harnanan

Attorney-at-Law Edward Luckhoo, SC

Attorney-at-Law Andrew Pollard, SC

“I does hustle it” – vendor to cops on ganja bust

Avendor of La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara is now in Police custody after he was allegedly caught with a quantity of marijuana at his home.

A report from Police Headquarters has said that, acting on information received, ranks went to the house of the vendor at Westminster, La Parfaite Harmonie, WBD at around 05:00h on Wednesday and found the vendor with 390 grams of marijuana.

According to Police, the 38-year-old man was in-

formed by one of the ranks that the Police had received information that he had narcotics in his home.

Police said the vendor did not object to his home being searched, thus in his presence and in full view of the ranks, the law enforcement officers conducted the search, and in the process found one bulky black plastic bag resting on the ground next to his bed.

Ranks opened the bag in the vendor’s presence, and a quantity of what was suspected to be cannabis was seen. He was told of the offence committed, and he allegedly replied saying: “Sir, the weed is me own. I does hustle it.”

He was arrested and escorted to La Parfaite Harmonie Police Station, where, in his presence and full view, the suspected cannabis was weighed and it amounted to 390 grams. It was then placed into a transparent plastic evidence bag, sealed, marked, and lodged with the Station Sergeant for safekeeping.

The vendor was then placed in custody pending further investigations. (G9)

Well, here we are again – it’s Mash time again!! Now, don’t you try correcting your Eyewitness that it’s actually “Republic Day”. It might’ve originally started out with Republic Day, but when Burnham decided to make the 1970 wine-down at Linden NATIONAL, who doubted the tail would soon be wagging THAT dawg!! After all, the folks at the bauxite town – who’d up to then been living at Wismar and Mackenzie – had showed their Republican patriotism by changing the names of that community to that of their beloved “Founder Leader” –Linden. As in Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham!!

So why not reward them by acknowledging their “farsightedness” for creating a jump-up session under a madeup, supposedly “Arawak” festival that calls for “celebration after a hard day’s work”!! No one before or after then has ever been able to find such a word in the nine Amerindian cultures, much less Arawak!! But hey!! The folks at Linden had to be acknowledged, not only for renaming their town, but also for ensuring it was literally a PNC town. They’d burned and chased out all 3000 or so residents – who were assumed to be “PPP” – since they were Indian-Guyanese!! Linden’s remained staunchly PNC since.

But it wasn’t just Mashramani that was made up – the day itself was made up as commemorating Cuffy’s start of the Berbice Rebellion, and Cuffy was made our National Hero. But it was one historian - slavish follower of Burnham, Daly – who’d arbitrarily decided that the start of the Rebellion by Cuffy up the Berbice River was on Feb 23. Poor Cuffy wasn’t even at the Plantation where the Rebellion started – Magdalenenberg – and only joined weeks later!! Not so incidentally, a coin of Cuffy was struck, and he looked awfully like Burnham!! Awfully!!

Now, apart from the name being fake, the content of the Mashramani celebration’s also fake, since it had nothing “Guyanese” about it!! It’s a shameless rip-off of the Trini Carnival those folks had evolved from the French Creoles and their slaves. They’d emigrated from Haiti to Trinidad after they fled the REAL revolution there by Toussaint Louverture!! So we had the PNC Government foisting a totally fake occasion onto the Guyanese people!!

Not springing organically from the lives of the people, the PNC Government had to sponsor most of the floats and parades of Mash until they were thrown out in 1992. It was thought the incoming PPP – which had pointed out the additional phoniness of commemorating the date due to its closeness to Burnham’s birthday on Feb 20!! –would scupper Mash. And Education Minister Dale Bisnauth originally did downplay it. However, PNC supporters cried “Discrimination”!! And back it came – this time by strongarming business support!

So, this year, we’ll be “Mixing and Mashing” – still led by the Ministries!!

…anti-nationalism

There’s this Guyanese legal practitioner who’s invariably referred to as an “international lawyer”. It invokes this image of the individual jetting off to the World Court, arguing matters affecting the “international system”!! Sadly, the truth’s far more mundane!! All an “international lawyer” does – like this one did – is work for a multinational like Exxon – and represent them in a jurisdiction they’re familiar with!!

Anyhow, the “international lawyer” just received an award by the Commonwealth Law Association for “upholding the rule of law” in Guyana. Wow!! That’s big time!! Knowing that the Commonwealth had firmly condemned the PNC/AFC attempted heist of the 2020 General Elections – the greatest violation of the rule of law against the fundamental rights of the entire Guyanese people to choose their Govt! - your Eyewitness assumed the “international lawyer” had nailed the PNC/AFC for the violation in another jurisdiction!! Sadly, NO!! The award was for fighting to have Guyana keep its oil under the seas – and keep us barefoot and pregnant!!

Talk about “native informants”!!

…our local writers?

Your Eyewitness is still reeling in shock at the “Guyana Prize for Literature” being sneaked back in like a thief in the night!!

And imagine WE funded the world-famous Booker Prize with our sweat!!

The marijuana that was found in the home of the vendor

223-7230-1 (Ext 55)

Head of State urges national unity in face of storm of global uncertainty

In a message urging national unity as the only way to face the storm of global uncertainty, President Dr Irfaan Ali has struck a conciliatory tone as he addressed the nation in observance of the 53rd Republic Day Anniversary.

During his Republic Day Address, the President spoke about global predictabilities such as economic conditions and climate insecurities. He questioned how the nation would face the next storm, and noted the importance of unity, whatever may come.

“In the unpredictability of the weather and changing climatic conditions, the world seems an unsettled place. What will be the next storm? How are we preparing for that storm? And how do all of us survive? It cannot be in isolation of each other. It cannot be in self-defense. Rather, it must be through a collective effort,” President Ali has said.

“A collective defense and

a collective chain of action that strengthens itself with the intensity of the storm and locks itself into the chain of each link. Whether it is the storm of food insecurity, the storm of climate insecurity, it is our collective effort as a nation, as a people, as a society and as a family that will ensure we’re all protected safe and we all succeed.”

The President also made it clear that he would stand as the leader of this defense system as Guyanese face these “dark days and dark clouds”. According to the President, Guyanese must confront all threats to nationhood, and put “country above self.”

“I pledge to be at the head of the storm’s defense system and to be that leading link that embraces every other links, that forms itself into the Guyanese family to secure our future, safeguard our land, and preserve the beauty of a unified people and uplift the aspirations of a

hopeful people.

“My hands remain open to friendship. My hands remain open to vulnerable, to lead the weak and guide the strong; to embrace all of us. It remains outstretched to the proposition of unity and hope, and to the dedication of country above self,” the President said.

Prime Minister Meanwhile, Prime Minister Brigadier (retired) Mark Phillips, in his Republic Day Message, spoke of the importance of reflecting on Guyana’s achievements. He, too, stressed the importance of “unity, diversity and inclusion.”

According to Phillips, these are all critical factors in the vision of building a healthy and prosperous nation. Hence the 2023 theme for Mashramani, “Mixing and Mashing as One Guyana.”

“As home to a diverse array of cultures, ethnicities and religions, Guyana’s dynamic makeup allows us to learn from, and respect, each other’s backgrounds, beliefs, and values. This diversity also means that we must work to create a society

where everyone feels included and respected, regardless of their differences.

“As we partake in the celebrations today, we must cherish our similarities and differences, as they have all contributed to our journey as a nation. Let us also continue to seek ways to foster tolerance and inclusion in all aspects of our lives, from education to the workplace, to the community at large,” the Prime Minister has said.

According to the Prime Minister, a good start would be everyone learning about other communities and cultures. Another good start would be listening to other stories and trying to understand the perspectives of others.

“Let us create an envi-

ronment where everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed, where everyone's voice is heard and valued, and where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. Our Government is committed to promoting the concept of “One Guyana”, while also ensuring we exhibit good governance for all.

“We are dedicated to creating a robust economy through a society built on transparency and accountability, greater inclusivity. So, I urge all Guyanese to “Mix and Mash” together today, while remembering the symbolic purpose of our actions,” Phillips also said.

Opposition

The People’s National Congress/Reform (PNC/R),

in association with other Opposition parties, also released a statement. In theirs, the party was optimistic that Guyana can forge a unified nation and make Guyana “one of the best countries to live in.”

“Our Party and Coalition remain committed to the aspirations of those who fought for freedom and independence over the centuries with great courage and sacrifice. We remain committed to realizing the aspirations enshrined in our Constitution on the political, social, and economic wellbeing of all Guyanese. We remain committed to ensuring Guyanese from all walks of life can enjoy a high living standard and a high quality of life.”

(G3)

…“We must cherish our similarities and differences” – PM …as both Govt, Opposition extend Republic Day greetings

President Dr Irfaan Ali

Scenes from the 53rd Republic Flag Raising Ceremony (Tourism Guyana photos)

GDF seizes helicopter, destroys illegal mining camp

had expired, the demolition of shops and other structures was undertaken. After the demolition, the Chair of the

Small Miners Association of Guyana Inc (SMAGI), David Daniels, noted that the issue stemmed from several per-

sons laying claim to the land on which the small miners are operating. He said the SMAGI had been in contact

with the small miners, and many of them have reported that they are operating on state lands. (G9)

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) on Sunday destroyed an illegal mining camp and seized a helicopter and several other items in the New River Triangle, situated in the southeastern portion of

equipment was confiscated, and mining tunnels were destroyed.

The Guyana Defence Force has said that the operation was conducted over a period of four days, and involved two officers and 27

East Berbice.

According to the GDF, having gathered intelligence on the mining operation, it launched a search of the New River Triangle and arrested two Brazilian nationals, one of whom is a pilot. Upon seeing soldiers, several others fled the scene into the surrounding jungle.

The illegal mining camp was secured and cleared by members of the Guyana Defence Force. A shotgun, 10 cellular phones, a generator, mining equipment, passports, identification cards and a bank card were recovered. A quantity of

of their ranks, and was supported by the Air Corps. Only a few months ago, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) demolished a num-

ber of structures and ordered the removal of over 75 mining operations from the Two Point Backdam of the Cuyuni river following a standoff with small miners operating there. Before that operation, the miners were given three days to remove from the area following complaints of illegal operations as well as squatting on lands owned by other persons.

After the grace period

The helicopter that was seized by GDF ranks

The camp that was destroyed by the GDF

2017 Corentyne piracy

Fishermen jailed for 25 years each for killing boat captain

A25-year prison sentence was on Monday imposed on each of two men for the offence of manslaughter, over the death of a boat captain who drowned when his vessel came under attack by pirates back in 2017.

Following their guilty pleas on Monday, January 23, 63-year-old Doodnauth

Singh of Lot 348 Fifth Street, Rose Hall Town, Corentyne and 44-year-old Khemraj Narsayah of Lot 108 Section B, Rose Hall Town, Corentyne were remanded to prison pending

their sentencing hearing.

Singh, otherwise known as “Rambo”, and Narsayah, called “Antenna”, had initially been charged with the capital offence of murder in the death of Mahadeo Ramdial, called “Chico”, but they each opted to plead guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter, thereby admitting that on May 16, 2017, on the foreshore between the Corentyne communities of Tain Village and Rose Hall Town, they unlawfully killed 57-year-old Ramdial during an act of pi-

racy. The charge has been laid contrary to Section 7 of the Hijacking and Piracy Act.

Before accepting the men’s new pleas, the presiding Judge asked them whether they had discussed their decision with their lawyers, whether they agreed with the prosecution’s facts, and whether they understood that the offence carries a term of imprisonment.

Ramdial drowned after his fishing boat came

under attack by pirates. It has been reported that on May 16, 2017, Ramdial and two of his crewmen, Arjun Permaul and Parmanand Nandan, were attacked by two cutlass-wielding men while they were out at sea.

The fishermen were beaten and relieved of their catch and boat engine before being tossed overboard by the pirates. Ramdial drowned while trying to swim ashore. (G1)

Jailed: Khemraj Narsayah

Dead: Mahadeo Ramdial Jailed: Doodnauth Singh

$1.1M in cocaine, $500,000 in ganja unearthed in Norton St busts

Four persons have been arrested by the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) in connection with the discovery of large quantities of cocaine and marijuana in Norton Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown.

CANU officers conducted an operation at a property located in Norton Street, Wortmanville on Tuesday, and in the presence of two persons who were on site at the time, unearthed a bricklike parcel suspected to be cocaine. A 50-year-old man of the same address and a 45-year-old man of Pike Street Kitty, Georgetown were arrested and escorted to CANU Headquarters

with the narcotic. The narcotic tested positive for cocaine amounting to 2.55 lbs (1.158 kgs), which has a street value of $1.1 million.

Meanwhile, on the same

Labourer jailed for 18 years for raping 5-year-old boy

day, CANU officers, again acting on information re-

ceived, conducted another operation in Norton Street, Georgetown and intercept-

ed motor vehicle PHH 9387. A search of this vehicle was conducted in the presence of

the driver and another occupant, and three brick-like parcels of suspected cannabis were unearthed.

A 39-year-old man of First Street, Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara and a 24-year-old woman of Crown Dam Industry, ECD were arrested and escorted to CANU Headquarters along with the suspected narcotic.

The drugs later tested positive for cannabis with a weight of approximately 3.3 lbs (1.542 kgs), which has a street value of $500,000. (G9)

Twenty-eight-year-old Davindra Petamber has been sentenced to 18 years in jail after being found guilty of raping a fiveyear-old boy, whose mother’s home he used to visit regularly.

This labourer, formerly of Django Town, Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, had been on trial before Justice Sandil Kissoon in the Sexual Offences Court in Demerara for the offence of rape of a child under the age of 16 years old. After deliberations, a 12-member jury, on December 22, 2022, found Petamber guilty of engaging in sexual penetration of the child by placing his penis inside the child’s mouth on July 27, 2020. The jury’s verdict was unanimous.

According to the prosecution’s facts, Petamber is known to the victim, as they were neighbours and Petamber had been a friend of the child’s mother, whose home he would visit regularly. On the day in question, the child went to the labourer’s home with his mother and siblings. Shortly after, Petamber lured the boy to a semi-secluded area of the property and raped him.

The child’s mother had caught Petamber in the act, and had reported the incident to the Police. But even though Petamber was found guilty by a jury of his peers,

during an interview with a Probation Officer, he maintained that he would not engage in sexual activity with a minor.

He claimed that the boy’s mother had levelled the accusation against him for financial gain.

Meanwhile, in his impact statement, the victim, who is now seven, expressed that he is still traumatised by the sexual abuse. He related to the Probation Officer that he would sometimes reflect on what the convict did to him, and would become fearful.

The boy said that as a result of the incident, he is unable to focus at school, hence he is not excelling academically.

The victim’s mother told the trial Judge that she would like the perpetrator to experience the full brunt of the law, since the incident has disrupted her child’s growth.

Justice Kissoon, in calculating an appropriate sentence, considered the aggravating and mitigating factors, the factual circumstances, the serious nature and prevalence of sexual offences against children in Guyana, and the need to impose a sentence that is a deterrent.

The 18-year custodial sentence was imposed by the Judge on Monday afternoon. (G1)

Child rapist Davindra Petamber

The marijuana that was found in Norton Street, Georgetown

The cocaine that was found in Norton Street, Wortmanville

GECOM suspends continuous registration; adding new names to voters’ register

…as 2000+ new registrants captured in over month-long exercise

The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has taken a decision to suspend continuous registration, while it adds the over 2000 persons captured in the exercise to the register of registrants in preparation for Local Government Elections (LGE).

This decision was communicated by GECOM Commissioner Sase Gunraj while giving an update to the media on Wednesday.

In addition to the people who registered during continuous registration, Gunraj said, claims and objections also resulted in 500 applicants.

Gunraj said that the Commission had lengthy discussions on how to process the new registrants and concern was raised by Chief Elections Officer

Vishnu Persaud on whether they would be included into Register of Registrants.

“The preliminary voters’ list was extracted in the first or second week of February. And persons continued to register up until today (Wednesday), when the continuous registration exercise was suspended,” Gunraj said.

“Now the CEO raised the concern that those persons

who were registered after the committal of the persons to the National Register of Registrants and who continue to be registered up to today would not have been included as qualified to vote at the qualifying date at the upcoming Local Government Elections.”

According to the Commissioner, they were, therefore tasked, with finding a way to include those

persons in the register, from which the voters’ list will be drawn. Gunraj noted that the lifting of this suspension will be discussed further at the level of the commission. He also emphasised that GECOM was well within its rights to have taken this decision. According to Gunraj, “everyone conceded that GECOM eminently has

within its plentitude of powers the legal authority, to do so.”

Continuous registration had started on January 3, 2023, while the Claims and Objections period was scheduled to last from February 13 to February 22. Additionally, GECOM had announced it would begin preparing the Register of Voters, from which the Official List of Electors will be drawn.

Anyone eligible to be registered as a voter and not on the Preliminary List of Voters was required to make a claim to entry on/or before February 19. There was a requirement that persons objecting to a voter during this period could only do so if they were in the same constituency list as the voter.

Last week, Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall set Monday, June 12, 2023, as the date for the holding of the much-anticipated and long overdue LGE in Guyana.

Section 35 (1) of the Local Authorities (Elections) Act, Chapter 28:03 empowers the Local Government Minister to appoint a day for the elections.

The previous week, GECOM Chairperson, Retired Justice Claudette Singh had written the Local Government Minister asking him to set May 22 this year for the conduct of the local polls. Minister Dharamlall responded to the GECOM Chair and indicated that the LGE were set for June 12 instead. (G3)

After 2nd trial Skull City woman acquitted of uncle’s murder

After facing her second trial at the High Court in Demerara, 41-yearold Vishawantie Ragnauth has been found not guilty of the capital offence of murder committed on her uncle Sunil Ramsundar on Boxing Day of 2014 at Skull City, Patentia, West Bank Demerara.

After over two hours of deliberation, a mixed 12-member jury on Wednesday, February 22, returned with a unanimous verdict of not guilty, thereby freeing her of her uncle’s murder.

Particulars of the charge that Vishawantie had faced stated that on Boxing Day 2014 at Skull City, Patentia (WBD), she murdered Sunil Ramsundar, her 39-yearold uncle. Her trial was conducted by Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall.

In light of the jury’s findings, Ragnauth was informed by the trial Judge that she was discharged, and would be released from prison as soon as prison officials process her.

The mother of three was represented by defence lawyer George Thomas, while State Counsel Marisa Edwards, Tanesha Saigon, Abiola Lowe and Delon Fraser had prosecuted the matter.

Ragnauth and her reputed husband Nyron Thakurdyal had first been tried for this murder in 2018, and had been found guilty by the jury. They had each been sentenced to 40 years in prison by Justice Sandil Kissoon.

The couple later appealed their convictions and sentences to the Court of Appeal of Guyana, and last year that Court quashed the trial court’s ruling and or-

dered that Ragnauth face a new trial. Thakurdyal, a father of six, had died in prison while awaiting the hearing of his appeal.

In quashing the High Court’s ruling, the three Justices of Appeal had, among other things, cited several misdirections by the trial Judge. No orders were made by the appellate court in relation to Thakurdyal.

The facts of the matter detailed that Ramsundar was killed after he attempted to settle a dispute between his sister, his niece Ragnauth, and his niece’s reputed husband Thakurdyal.

At about 22:00h on that fateful night, Ramsundar’s sister was assaulted by her daughter Ragnauth and her daughter’s partner, Thakurdyal. Ramsundar had asked his sister why she was crying, and upon learning about the assault, had approached his niece for an explanation.

That intervention had quickly turned into a heated argument, during which Ramsundar was stabbed about his body. Thakurdyal had held down the man while his wife Ragnauth had stabbed him.

Ramsundar had collapsed on the spot, and was pronounced dead on arrival at the West Demerara Regional Hospital.

After the duo had stabbed Ramsundar, in their bid to get away, they had flagged down a passing car. That vehicle had happened to be that of an off-duty Policeman who reportedly heard Thakurdyal telling someone via his cell phone that he had just “jook up” someone.

The cop had then driven Thakurdyal and Ragnauth to the Wales Police Station, where they were subsequently arrested. At the time of his arrest, the late Thakurdyal was reportedly found with a knife in his possession.

Meanwhile, the pathologist, in his testimony, gave Ramsundar’s cause of death as shock and haemorrhage due to a stab wound to his neck.

The pathologist had told the jury that there were also injuries to Ramsundar’s right forearm, right chest, left part of the neck, and jaw, noting that a puncture to an artery had caused excessive blood loss.

Freed: Vishawantie Ragnauth Dead: Sunil Ramsundar

Charges likely for Buxton, Hopetown protesters – AG

year. AG Nandlall reminded that during the unrest, protesters not only blocked the public road and burned debris but also set alight vehicles, robbed commuters as well as persons at the Mon Repos Market, and looted and destroyed stalls and businesses in the market and its surroundings – all of which, he said, were done with impunity.

In light of nine persons being charged and placed before the courts on Monday for the June 2022 unrest at Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara, those actors who were involved in the protests at Buxton and Hopetown earlier this month are likely to face a similar fate.

This is according to Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, who posited that the State has a duty to maintain law and order, and to ensure those who take the law into their own hands are dealt with.

On February 1, an operation conducted by the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) wherein a man was arrested with a large quantity of marijuana resulted in several hours of protest action by residents of Buxton, ECD.

Persons took to the main road to protest the arrest of the suspect – who is well known in the community. They gathered on the roadway and burnt debris, while a truck driver was pulled from his truck and his vehicle was set alight. Another driver of a Canter that was transporting wood was also

attacked, and had his windshield damaged as debris was thrown at him.

“That lead to some type of outpouring of disorder [on] the roadways of Buxton. Persons there would be charged as well,” the Attorney General stated.

Less than a week later, on February 5, another protest erupted at Hopetown, West Coast Berbice (WCB) following an accident which left two persons from the area injured. The driver of the vehicle was badly beaten by residents and his vehicle was set on fire. The main access road was also blocked.

“The Police are investigating and hopefully, charges will emanate therefrom as well because there again persons took the law into their own hands and began to assault a driver, who may have driven recklessly… and did cause an accident,” Nandlall noted.

This announcement of possible charges against those persons in the two instances of unrest earlier this month comes on the heels of nine men being arraigned at the Sparendaam Magistrate Courts on terrorism-related charges on Monday.

They are accused of using wood and other materials to block, burn, and damage the public road between Golden Grove and Mon Repos, ECD, on June 28, 2022 with the intent to strike terror.

These nine persons surrendered after the Guyana Police Force had issued wanted bulletins last week for 12 males in relation to the incident, which was sparked by protest action against the fatal shooting of an ECD man, Quindon Bacchus, during a Police sting operation in June last

Govt to provide free visual, hearing assistance to students

The Government is currently working on programmes that would provide spectacles and hearing aids free of cost, as required by students this year.

This was announced by Health Advisor Dr Leslie Ramsammy during the launch of the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team’s operations in Guyana on Wednesday.

According to Ramsammy, the Government has recognised that many children have been put at a disadvantage in the learning sector due to audio and visual problems.

“We have made a promise that every child in school -- this is two hundred and eight thousand (208,000) children -- will benefit from

vision screening, and all the children that need glasses will be provided with their glasses free of charge. We

“Persons were simply pulling things off people’s stalls and walking off with them and throwing them in vehicles, and driving off with them – wholesale highway robbery. That cannot be conduct which any lawful society will condone and countenance. That is conduct that must be condemned in the strongest possible fashion and any society government by the rule of law must visit those types of behaviour with the strongest of criminal charges and consequent sanctions.

According to the Attorney General, the legal advisors felt that the ‘terrorism charge’ was appropriate for the actions carried out by these persons. He added that while persons have expressed disquiet over the $300,000 bail granted to the nine accused, this decision by the Judiciary has to be respected.

However, he pointed out, “Hopefully these charges are going to be competent-

ly prosecuted and hopefully, the appropriate decision will be made based upon the evidence presented to the court.”

AG Nandlall went on to outline that such lawless actions by citizens could not and would not be condoned by the State.

“Persons cannot be allowed to become vigilantes and take law into their own hands and begin to administer punishment because if that is replicated across this land, we will simply descend into a state of anarchy and that will be the end of civilised society. And that will be the end of law and order as we know it, and we simply cannot, as a society, countenance and condone this type of lawlessness,” he contended.

The Attorney General also used the opportunity to further call out politicians for taking advantage of such situations and in

some instances, causing and supporting the escalation of these unlawful actions.

“Politicians must be condemned when they attempt to convert these matters into political issues. These are matters of law and order. They are not matters of politics. Not because a person is aggrieved by the behavioural conduct of [an] agency of state, including the Police, it means that any grouping of citizens can decide to unleash violence and mayhem on any segment of the population. That is not tolerated anywhere, and in those circumstances when those issues manifest themselves, it is the duty of the State to enforce the law and to do so, swiftly and condignly. And it is the duty of the criminal justice system to ensure that justice is administered in accordance with law and that’s all that this Government is seeking to do,” Nandlall asserted. (G8)

Caribbean Airlines supports Guyana’s Mashramani

Caribbean Airlines on Wednesday said that it continued to support national events across the Caribbean region and joins Guyana in celebrating the annual Mashramani festival, being observed today.

have made a commitment that every child will have screening for hearing, so that anyone that needs aid to hear…we want to correct that. Not sometime in the future, but in 2023,” Ramsammy announced.

Additionally, he shared that very soon the health sector would see a tremendous upgrade, given that it would now be able to conduct sequencing to determine variants of the COVID-19 virus and other diseases.

“In a few days, Guyana will be able to do our first sequencing to determine variants for COVID-19, for malaria etc…We’re talking about sequencing, we’re talking about DNA work… it is a far way that we have come,” he declared.

Caribbean Airlines Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Garvin Medera said: “We are happy to support Guyana’s Mashramani again this year. As you know, Mashramani is a national festival that brings together people from all over the country and from all walks of life. They gather ‘as one community’ to celebrate and experience Guyana’s rich culture, diversity, and distinctive heritage.”

Medera added that this year’s Caribbean Airlines’ campaign which is themed “Welcome Home” focuses on our authentic Caribbean culture and unique elements like Mashramani that make our region special.

“We are happy to be aligned with and to support this festival, which is all part of our Caribbean home.

Caribbean Airlines’ official “Welcome Home” Soca hit and theme song, produced in collaboration with iconic

Soca star Machel Montano, The Voice, and Agent Sasco, will be played at all “Mash” events in Guyana,” he added.

The airline highlighted that it has also partnered with key stakeholders to provide attractive prizes for various competitions. Additionally, Caribbean Airlines has decorated the entire parade route and judging points with “Welcome Home” signage in support of the event.

Guyana remains an important destination for Caribbean Airlines and the airline operates an average

of six daily flights, including non-stop service between New York and Guyana with seamless connections to other Caribbean and North American destinations.

Mashramani, also called “Mash”, is considered one of Guyana’s most colourful festivals and is celebrated with street parades, music, dancing, and bright costumes. The annual event first took place in 1970, marking the South American nation becoming a republic. The theme under which Mash is being commemorated this year is “Mixing & Mashing as one Guyana.”

Health Advisor, Dr Leslie Ramsammy

Caribbean Airlines CEO Garvin Medera

…says lawlessness will not be condoned

Attorney General & Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC

A truck on fire as Police and protesters face off on the Buxton Public Road

The car destroyed by residents of Hopetown earlier this month

DHB to close for 24 hours for emergency works

…speedboats to operate on 24-hour basis

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed for 24 hours from Saturday evening to facilitate emergency works.

In a notice issued on Wednesday afternoon, the Public Works Ministry said the closure would take place during the period Sunday, February 26 from 03:00h (3:00am) to Monday, February 27 at 03:00h (3:00am).

According to the Public Works Ministry, these works have become critical after the Panama-registered oil tanker MV Tradewind Passion crashed into the bridge in October 2022 and rendered it inoperable for several days.

The Ministry has since assured citizens that this inconvenience is “absolutely” necessary at this time to ensure the structural integrity of the bridge for the safety of everyone crossing.

Meanwhile, the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) also announced on Wednesday that subse-

Mechanical Maintenance Engineer Ahmad Khan, had to run for their lives.

Public Works Minister

Juan Edghill had said that repairs to the Demerara Harbour Bridge following the Tradewind Passion’s collision had racked up a bill of over $1 billion, for which the owners of the vessel would be liable.

A Board of Inquiry (BoI) had meanwhile recommended, among other things, that the vessel’s pilot be suspended for 24 months, and the International Collision Regulations/Conventions to which Guyana is a signatory be implemented.

According to the BoI, the probable cause of the collision of the vessel with the DHB was as a result of the Bridge team’s exclusive reliance on the contracted pilot’s incorrect navigational direction, and their total reliance on looking at the bridge and disregarding alarms of the electronic system on the vessel as it approached the bridge.

collision.

The seven-member BoI further found that the contracted pilot was known to have an arrogant disposition, and was oftentimes very difficult to communicate with. “This is similarly reported as being the general disposition of the Master of Tradewind Passion, yet no reports nor warnings, disciplinary actions were taken against either party.”

Court battle

In November 2022, the High Court had ordered that the MT Tradewind Passion be released to its owners, subject to conditions. It also granted an order for limited liability of Gy$245.5 million to be underwritten.

Making this order was Justice Fidela CorbinLincoln.

Attorneys-at-Law Sanjeev Datadin and Donovan Rangiah represented the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC) as the claimant, while the owners of the ship, the defendants, were represented by Attorney-at-Law Kamal Ramkarran.

Justice Corbin-Lincoln ordered that permission be granted for the defendant and Canama Trading, a Panamanian company that owns the ship, to argue limited liability as a defence against the property damage claims.

quent to the closure of the Harbour Bridge, speedboats will remain operational for a period of 24 hours from Sunday, February 26 at 03:00h (3:00am) to Monday, February 27 at 03:00h (3:00am), in order to facilitate the transport of commuters.

“Commuters are assured of an uninterrupted water taxi service from Vreed-enHoop to Stabroek during this period. Please be advised that the fare for this service remains at $100,” MARAD highlighted.

The October 8, 2022 collision rendered the DHB structure inoperable for several days and resulted in billions of dollars in damages.

It also resulted in injuries to Shift Supervisor Andy Duke, who had to jump from the lookout tower…an act that resulted in him fracturing his leg and being hospitalised. Two other men who were working at the bottom of the Bridge, one of whom was

The BoI found that the captain failed to assume command of the vessel in a timely manner and manoeuvre it safely into the channel and through the transit; that the passage plan provided adequate information for safe navigation of the bridge zone, but this was not properly executed and monitored; that at the time of the collision, MARAD had no oversight of river pilots, hence the safety of vessels’ operations beyond the southern limits were not guaranteed.

It was also found that there was no clear path of communication on the vessel’s bridge, as the inquiry found several persons were giving commands at the same time, thereby contributing to chaos on the bridge; and that the vessel was not equipped with a bow thruster which could have enhanced its manoeuvrability, thereby steering it away from the DHB or alternatively reducing the impact of the

It was also ordered that a limitation fund be created through a Letter of Undertaking in the sum of $245.5 million. The order states that once a copy of the Letter of Undertaking from the ship’s underwriters is received and a notice of receipt issued by the Court Registrar, the ship should be released into their custody.

The original Letter of Undertaking by Steamship Mutual Underwriting had to have been lodged by November 25, 2022. “The claimant, its servants and agents are hereby directed to allow and facilitate the defendant vessel to return to service and leave Guyana forthwith upon receipt of notice of the constitution of the limitation fund as ordered,” the order stated, going on to threaten that failure to comply with the directives would result in the party being held in contempt of court.

A Letter of Undertaking from Steamship Mutual and a Notice of Receipt from the Court Registrar, both dated November 11, 2022, were seen by this publication.

The Demerara Harbour Bridge

File photos: A damaged section of the bridge in 2022

Around the World OIL NEWS

China, Russia deepen ties as Biden rallies NATO's 'frontline' over Ukraine

Oil drops 3% as high inflation risks stoke demand worries

Oil prices fell by US$2 per barrel to their lowest in two weeks on Wednesday, as investors became more concerned that recent data will prompt more aggressive interest rate increases by central banks, pressuring economic growth and fuel demand.

Brent crude futures settled US$2.45, or three per cent, lower at US$80.60 per barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures dropped US$2.41, or three per cent, to end at US$74.05 a barrel.

The settlement levels were the lowest for both benchmarks since February 3.

Minutes from the latest US Federal Reserve meeting showed a majority of Fed officials agreed the risks of high inflation remained a "key factor" shaping monetary policy and warranted continued rate hikes until it was controlled.

"While better US economic data should mean better oil demand, the concern is that this forces the Fed to overtighten monetary policy to bring inflation under control," said UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo.

"This is also supporting the US dollar, which is not of help for oil."

The US dollar Index gained for a second straight session, making greenback-denominated oil more expensive for holders of other currencies.

Other US economic reports, however, showed some troubling signs for the world's biggest oil consumer. Sales of existing homes fell in January to their lowest since October 2010.

US crude stockpiles rose by 9.9 million barrels last week, according to market sources citing American Petroleum Institute (API) figures on Wednesday. US oil inventories have climbed every week since mid-December, worrying investors about demand in the country.

A Reuters poll had forecast a 2.1-million-barrel increase in crude stockpiles last week. Official data from the Energy Information Administration(EIA) is due today at 11:00h EST.

The API, an industry group, releases its inventory report at 16:30h ET (2130 GMT).

Demand for crude oil is seasonally lower with major US refineries deep in maintenance season, said Price Group analyst Phil Flynn.

Some 1.44 million barrels per day of US refining capacity is expected to be offline in the week ending March 3, according to research company IIR energy.

A massive snowstorm in the US Northern Plains and Upper Midwest has also hit fuel demand, with 3500 flights delayed or cancelled across the country so far, according to FlightAware. com.

US gasoline futures slid almost four per cent to their lowest in two weeks. (Reuters)

Big mistake for Russia to suspend nuclear arms treaty, Biden says

US President Joe Biden has called Russia's decision to suspend the New Start nuclear arms treaty a big mistake.

President Vladimir Putin announced the move on Tuesday in his annual address to the nation.

The deal, signed in 2010, limits the number of US and Russian nuclear warheads and gives each the power to inspect the other's weapons.

Biden's comments came as he met a key group of NATO allies in Poland.

The group of eastern European States, known as the Bucharest Nine, reiterated their condemnation of Russia's invasion of

China pledged a deeper partnership with Russia on Wednesday as US President Joe Biden reaffirmed security assurances for NATO's "frontline" eastern members, highlighting global tensions as the anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine approaches.

However, a day after President Vladimir Putin said Moscow was suspending participation in a nuclear arms reduction treaty with Washington, his Deputy Foreign Minister sought to calm nerves, saying the step did not make a nuclear war more likely.

Within Ukraine, schools took their classes online for the rest of the week for fear of an upsurge in Russian missile attacks a year on from Moscow's February 24 all-out assault, which failed to topple the Government

and has long been bogged down.

Wang Yi, the highest-ranking Chinese official to visit Russia since the countries announced

a "no limits" partnership weeks before the invasion, told Putin that Beijing was ready to enhance ties.

A time of crisis called for Russia and China "to contin-

uously deepen our comprehensive strategic partnership", Beijing's top diplomat said.

Putin said he was looking forward to a visit to Moscow by Chinese President Xi Jinping and a deeper partnership.

Xi is expected to make a "peace speech" on Friday, but Kyiv says there can be no talk of peace while Russian troops are in Ukraine.

"This unprovoked and criminal Russian war against Ukraine, Europe, and the democratic world must end with the cleansing of the entire Ukrainian land from Russian occupation and solid guarantees of the long-term security for our state, the whole of Europe, and the entire world," President Volodymyr Zelenskiy wrote on the Telegram messaging app. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Ukraine nearly a year since its start.

Putin's decision to suspend involvement in the nuclear treaty was officially pushed through by both Houses of Russia's Parliament on Wednesday.

But Russia's Foreign Ministry later said Moscow would continue to comply with the New Start treaty's restrictions in a "responsible approach".

A senior military official told Russia's Lower House that the country would continue to observe agreed restrictions on nuclear delivery systems – meaning missiles and strategic bomber planes.(Excerpt from BBC News)

Colombia, Bolivia to ask

Colombia and Bolivia will jointly ask the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs to remove coca leaves from its list of prohibited substances and accept the plant's traditional uses, Colombia's Government said on Wednesday.

The proposal, which the two countries will make at the Commission's session in Vienna in mid-March, is a bid to de-stigmatise conversations about the problem of drugs, Colombia's Vice Minister for Multilateral Affairs, Laura Gil, said in a statement.

"Bolivia and Colombia consider it is the moment to

UN

to remove coca leaf from narcotics list

once again put this issue on the table," she said. "To remove the coca leaf – the leaf, not cocaine – from the prohibited substances list."

Coca leaves are widely used in different countries in Latin America, especially by Indigenous groups, to treat stomach aches and altitude sickness, among other ceremonial uses.

Colombia's leftist President Gustavo Petro –who took office just over six months ago – has derided the US-led war on drugs as a failure and called for a new international approach.

Petro and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken have discussed stepping up

intelligence sharing and other measures, but remain at odds on some issues like extradition.

Bolivian President Luis Arce said in January his Government would push for

coca leaves to be removed from the list so they can be commercialised, after his predecessor Evo Morales decriminalised coca nationally. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Teacher stabbed to death by pupil in France

Ahigh school student has stabbed a teacher to death in a school in the French town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

French Government spokesman Olivier Véran confirmed Wednesday's attack and said the perpetrator was 16 years old.

Police attended SaintThomas d'Aquin school with the local Prosecutor, where the student was arrested.

French newspaper Sud Ouest said the attacker entered the classroom while the teacher was giving a Spanish class and attacked

her. The teacher was in her 50s and died of cardiac arrest after emergency services arrived at the school, local media reported.

French TV station BFM said the attacker locked the classroom door and stabbed the teacher in her chest.

Local prosecutor Jerome Bourrier said that an investigation had been opened by local Police for assassination and the suspect was in custody. He added that the suspect was not known to the Police or the justice system.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Former Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo to be extradited from US

Toledo, who served as Peru’s president from 2001 to 2006, is accused of taking millions of dollars in bribes from a Brazilian construction company.

The United States has granted the extradition of former Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo over corruption allegations, Peru’s Attorney General office has said, adding that the country’s justice system has been coordinating with nation-

al and foreign authorities for the execution of the order.

“We have been informed that the US State Department granted the extradition of Alejandro Toledo Manríque for the crimes of collusion and money laundering,” read a tweet from the public prosecutor published on Wednesday.

Peru requested the extradition of Toledo – who served as the country’s President from 2001 to 2006 – in 2018

on charges he took millions of dollars in bribes from Odebrecht, a Brazilian construction company involved in an extensive corruption case across South America.

Toledo was detained by US authorities in 2019, but released to house arrest in 2020.

“We do not have a set deadline [for the extradition] at the moment, but it is unlikely to take months,” Alfredo Rebaza, the head of the Attorney General’s ex-

tradition office, said on the Canal N television station, adding that logistics would now begin with Interpol and US authorities.

A US judge ruled in September 2021 that the charges against Toledo met the standards laid out in the extradition treaty between the US and Peru. Still, the State Department had to give its final say before US authorities could proceed. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with China's Director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission Wang Yi during a meeting in Moscow, Russia, February 22, 2023 (Sputnik/Anton Novoderezhkin/Pool via Reuters)

Coca leaves for sale in Bolivia

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Take on responsibilities. Do your best to show off your skills, insight and experience. Love is in the stars. Your actions will impact the quality of the help you receive.

(March 21-April 19)

Do what makes you happy, update your image or learn a skill that helps you head in an exciting new direction. Keep the ball rolling, and do everything with passion and dedication.

(April 20-May 20)

You’ll meet with opposition, but don’t let that stand in your way. Make your plans clear with or without help. Socializing with serious people will give you better insight into what’s possible.

(May 21-June 20)

Take whatever path makes you happy. Don’t overdo it, overspend or pay for someone else’s mistake. Create a lifestyle that will encourage you to reach out to helpful people.

(June 21-July 22)

Mix things up a bit, and you’ll enjoy your day. Expand your mind or get involved in something new to you. Focus on love, romance or personal improvements. Shake things up.

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Express your thoughts and adjust whatever isn’t working for you. A sound long-term strategy will give you confidence to follow whatever path you choose.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Stop taking it easy and get to work. Don’t wait for someone to take charge or push you into something that benefits them more than you. Assess your personal and financial situations.

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Stick to what you know and do best, and align yourself with people you can count on. Take a unique path that offers a financial advantage and plenty of opportunities.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Get back to what you enjoy doing. Focus on projects, people and places that energize you. Spread a little joy. An adjustment at home will make your life easier. Romance is favored.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Question anyone who appears to be giving you inaccurate information. Do your due diligence and find out firsthand whether an idea you have is feasible. Someone from your past may help you.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

Ben Stokes vows to leave IPL early

…In order to prepare for Ireland Test and Ashes series

Ben Stokes has confirmed he will cut short his IPL commitments to ensure he is primed and ready for the 2023 Test summer.

Stokes, who has been picked up by Chennai Super Kings for £1.6m in December's auction for the upcoming season, spoke, during England's recent series with Pakistan, of his desire to commit to the competition after missing last year's edition.

However, the IPL schedule, announced last Friday, confirmed the final will take place on May 28, just four days before England's first Test of the summer against Ireland at Lord's (June 1), which leads into a five-match Ashes series.

It is normal for players, particularly those with central contracts, to miss the latter stages of the IPL, given the infringement on the start of the international summer in England. However, the more relaxed approach taken by Director of Men's Cricket, Rob Key, and Test Coach Brendon McCullum has recently seen the ECB work

with players when it comes to fixture clashes between international and T20 tournaments, most notably with a number of players turning down England's white-ball tour of Bangladesh to fulfill their Pakistan Super League contracts.

As Test captain, Stokes has led his side to 10 wins in 11 matches since taking over full-time, a record that might have earned him the right to play the whole competition and drop in for the first Test at Lord's, as Trent Boult did for New Zealand last year. Instead, he has decided the best thing would be to return early.

"Yes, I'll play," Stokes answered when asked if he would play the Ireland Test.

"I'll be making sure that I give myself enough time to get back and play that [Ireland] game."

How many follow his lead remains to be seen. There are currently eight other Test players - active or availableset to play in the IPL, of which six are on full-time contracts

(Joe Root, Mark Wood, Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone, Jofra Archer, Sam Curran),

with Harry Brook on an incremental deal. While the ECB could enforce a date for them to return, Stokes has said he would discuss what they need to be ready for the Ashes, leaving the door open for some to miss the Ireland Test if they'd prefer.

"I'll probably get round the individuals and ask them

what they want to be ready for the Ashes, because those five games are obviously the big ones of the summer, and you've got to think about what lads want. But what if something was to happen in that game [Ireland] and we lose someone for the Ashes…

“It's just one of those (situations) where you have to

weigh up the options of what the individual person actually wants out of that week versus do we really need to play that one? Because, obviously, I'm right in saying that series is bigger than that game against Ireland."

Speaking in Wellington ahead of the second Test at the Basin Reserve, Stokes

confirmed he would ideal ly like to go in with an unchanged XI. However, there are question marks over whether he would be able to do that with seamers James Anderson, Ollie Robinson and Stuart Broad being monitored after the 267-run win at Mount Maunganui.

Robinson is the one most likely to be rested after suffering discomfort below his left knee on day three. The options to replace him, if it is felt he cannot make it through the Test, are Matthew Potts, who offers a similar unerring accuracy, or the extra pace of Olly Stone.

"If we have got a couple of people who are a bit sore, or bowlers who don't feel like they are 100 percent right to go, then I will still be picking my best team, because I will be picking the XI who are able to play," Stokes said. "So, it's the beauty of the squad we've got at the moment - if someone doesn't feel like they're quite up to performing again after a close turnaround, we'll still be able to pick the best team, judging by the people we've got." (ESPNCricinfo)

Murray beats Zverev to reach Qatar Open quarter-finals

Andy Murray continued his eventful start to the season with a notable win over Germany's Alexander Zverev that put him into the Qatar Open quarter-finals.

Britain's Murray, 35, dug deep into his physical and mental reserves yet again to win 7-6 (7-5) 2-6 7-5 after an absorbing three-hour match in Doha.

"I managed to stay strong, keep fighting, and get the break at the end," said the former world number one.

French qualifier Alexandre Muller, ranked 170th, awaits Murray next. "I would like to win the matches quicker, but Alex is a top player, and a great competitor who always fights until the end," added the Scot Murray after upsetting fourth seed Zverev.

"In the third set, I was hanging on and he was making better chances."

Gutsy wins

It was another gutsy win from Murray in a year when all of his four wins have come in dramatic circumstances. At the Australian Open, he survived a match point to beat Italian 13th seed Matteo Berrettini in

the first round, and then fought back from two sets down to win at 4am against Thanasi Kokkinakis in his next match.

On Monday, he saved three match points before winning a final-set tie-break to beat Italy's Lorenzo Sonego in Doha. Against 25-year-old Zverev, Murray eventually came out on top in an intriguing contest between two players who have both suffered serious injuries, and which acted as a gauge of their respective progress.

A different blessing

Three-time Grand Slam champion Murray might not be blessed with the physical capabilities of his peak, after the hip surgery which he thought would end his

career; but, as we saw in Melbourne, the talent is still there to make the very best opponents solve the problems he creates, and the desire to beat them remains stronger than ever.

Murray twice fell a break behind in a competitive first set, but continued to ask serious questions of the 2020 US Open runner-up with his clever returning.

Zverev, who snapped ankle ligaments in a French Open semi-final against Rafael Nadal last year, was unable to serve out at 5-4, and the opener swung the way of Murray in a tight tiebreak.

The one-sided nature of the second set was a stark contrast.

Murray's physical levels

dipped, and his plummeting service percentage enabled Zverev to break twice, and the world number 16 appeared to hold the momentum in the decider.

Murray, ranked 70th, had to scrap to hold serve early on as Zverev dominated his service games. But, like we have seen him do so many times, Murray survived the pressure and held serve when two points from defeat at 5-4. The quality of a momentum-changing dropshot helped Murray break for 6-5, and he served out victory to stop Zverev winning one of the sternest tests he has faced in his comeback.

Other matches in Qatar Open Britain's Liam Broady faces former world number one Daniil Medvedev, seeded three, later on Wednesday.

Top seed Andrey Rublev, another Russian player, saved three match points before eventually beating Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor in a 1-6 6-1 7-6 (8-6) success.

On the other side of the draw, Canadian second seed Felix Auger-Aliassime also fought back to win 4-6 6-1 6-4 against Australia's Jason Kubler. (BBC Sport)

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WANTED

Ben Stokes is set to leave the IPL early for national duties

Andy Murray

WI tour of SA 2023: warm-up match against SA XI…

Jordan, Chase take three wickets

-but SA Invitational XI lead Windies by 34 runs

ing with 71, while Dewald Brevis scored 50. After Gabriel had his opening partner Bryce Parsons dismissed for 25 with the score at 39, Lubbe and Daniel Smith took the score to 112, when the latter was dismissed by Raymon Reifer for 33. Lubbe became the third wicket to fall, and Gabriel’s second, when he was caught behind as the South Africans reached 146-3.

Delight Travel Service donates to resuscitation of Golden Mile

Seamer Akeem Jordan and Roston Chase each took three wickets, but that could not prevent a South Africa XI from taking a 34-run lead over the West Indies at stumps on day 2 of their warmup match at Benoni on

Wednesday.

Jordan, who was recently called to the West Indies squad to replace Jomel Warrican for the South Africa tour, proved incisive and economical in taking 3-32 from 19.5 overs. Chase returned figures of 3-94

and Shannon Gabriel 2-45 from 10 to bowl the South Africa Invitational XI out for 317 in 89.5 overs, in reply to the West Indies’ first day score of 283-9.

South African Captain Wihan Lubbe, who opened the innings, led the scor-

Brevis made his half-century, and Ruan de Swardt made 40 to help their side keep on track, but South Africa XI slipped to 218-6 as Jordan and Chase chipped away at the middle order. Evan Jones scored 23 and Corbin Bosch scored an unbeaten 31 as the side breached 300, but Jordan cleaned up the tail to restrict the lead to below 50. (Sportsmax)

to be great team”

…Walsh recaps Windies T20 World Cup campaign

West Indies bowed out of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup on Monday following India’s victory over Ireland, but Head Coach Courtney Walsh has said he is proud of his team’s showing, despite their not making it to the business end of the tournament.

Led by the heroics of captain Hayley Matthews, West Indies had two thrilling wins over Ireland and Pakistan on Friday and Sunday. However, India’s win on Monday meant they stayed in second spot in Group 2, with West Indies finishing third. England won the group.

“We knew it would have been a tough group with the two top teams ahead of us -- England and India -and we would have had to beat one of them to have a realistic chance of getting through. But I am very happy with the last two wins that we had; two from four

is not bad, but we were really hoping for three from four, which would have given us a chance,” Walsh told CWI Media.

The West Indies fast bowling legend was full of praise for Matthews, who performed exceptionally well in the back-to-back wins, where she also won the Player of the Match awards. Against Ireland, she played the innings of the tournament – 66 not out - to engineer a win with one ball to spare. Against the Pakistanis, she was again on song with 20 at the top of the order, followed by two crucial wickets in a sensational last-ball victory.

Walsh added that it was also good to see several other player stepping up at vari-

Three Rising Stars Under-19s players were selected into the World Cup squad, Djenaba Joseph, Trishan Holder and Zaida James. Holder and James were part of the playing eleven in the two matches that the West Indies won.

Walsh said:

“They’re in good stead, the experience and exposure they would have had from a tournament like this would be second to none. We saw how good they fielded in the last game in saving runs, the youth and exuberance paid off. The three of them that were here have potential for West Indies long term and that’s one the things I said that we need to pull out some players from now and I’m happy we were able to do so with them from this tournament. We hope when they go back home, the territorial boards will do everything they can to maintain and help them grow because that is also very important.”

Asked where the team goes from here, Walsh replied:

“There is a rebuilding phase but potential wise, this team has the potential, it’s just the execution and consistency we’re lacking in, once we get the consistency and execute well, I see a lot of good things happening for the team.”

Next on the international calendar for the West Indies Women, they are expected to

host Ireland Women in three One-Day Internationals and three T20 Internationals in June and July. The full match schedule

Delight Travel Service yesterday made a donation to the resuscitation of the Golden Mile, which is slated for March 12 at the National Park Circuit.

According to a press release from the Jefford Track and Field Classic Group, Adriana Singh-Onoja of the Delight Travel Service, located in the North Road entrance foyer of the Guyana Post Office Corporation, has said that entity has been a supporting partner of Edison Jefford for some time.

Rebranding and resuscitation efforts of the Golden Mile is being led by Edison Jefford under his Jefford Track and Field Classic brand. It is being dubbed

the Jefford Classic Mile, and promises to be a mouth-watering showdown among the best milers in Guyana.

Jefford has said in the release that Delight Travel Service would be the preferred choice when the event develops to include international participation as part of its long-term vision. He said that, in the future, the race would add to Guyana’s sports tourism industry, and Delight Travel Service would lead the event’s efforts in that regard.

The athletes will be competing for cash, medals and other prizes, including nutritional supplements and gift hampers, on March 12 at the National Park.

Reggae Girlz suffer 3-0 defeat to Australia …to go winless in Nations Cup

Despite another decent display, Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz have suffered their third straight defeat in the FIFA Nations Cup, going down 3-0 to hosts Australia on Wednesday at the Newcastle International Sports Centre.

The victory for Australia means that Australia would win the trophy in the fourteam tournament that also involved Spain and the Czech Republic. Goals from Katrina Gorry, Alex Chidiac and Caitlin Foord settled the matter for Australia against the Caribbean team, which played well enough but, for

the second of three matches, failed to find the net.

The Reggae Girlz started well, with Jody BrownSpence and Kayla McCoyMcKenna posing threats that Australia managed to thwart. In defence, especially in the first quarter of the match, Jamaica were organized, repelling Australia’s attacks with aplomb. Australia, however, broke the deadlock in the 28th minute with a 25m rocket from Gorry that flew past Rebecca Spencer in the Jamaica goal.

Growing in confidence, the hosts took a 1-0 lead into the half-time break, and

doubled their lead in the 56th minute after a brilliant build up that saw Gorry take the ball to the byline before pulling it back to Chidiac, who beat two defenders and powered the ball into the roof of the net from five metres. Australia sealed the issue in the 69th when Foord and Sam Kerr executed a 1-2 pass at the edge of the box around Jamaica’s defence, after which Foord curled one from 20m past Spencer.

Jody Brown was denied a consolation three minutes from time when goalkeeper Arnold parried her shot from just inside the box around the upright. (Sportsmax)

Akeem Jordan

Managing Director of Delight Travel Service, Adriana Singh-Onoja (right), yesterday making the donation to Edison Jefford for the upcoming Golden Mile

“Potential

West Indies Women’s Head Coach Courtney Walsh

Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz have played winless in the Nations Cup

will be confirmed at a later date.

Diplomats school Parliamentary staff in anniversary game

The Everest Cricket Club Ground (ECCC) came alive with a celebrity football match of sorts on Tuesday evening as the Parliament of Guyana kicked off their 70th anniversary celebrations in fine style.

Clad in black uniforms, the Parliamentary team took on Guyana’s Diplomatic Corps, who were outfitted in bright blue. Eventually, it was the Diplomats who proved ‘too hot to handle’, as they won the encounter 6-3, with the experienced Fruta Conquerors player Jessica Teasdale being the highlight of the match.

Edwin Gonzalez stunned the Parliamentary outfit when he opened the scoring for the Diplomats in just the 7th minute of play.

Three minutes thereafter,

Rick Jan Molanus scored the Diplomats’ second goal, while Jessica Teasdale made it a 3-0 game in the 13th, much to the delight of the supporters gathered at the Carifesta Avenue ground.

Teasdale was the centre of attraction as she went on to net a hat trick, adding goals in the 21st and 33rd minutes.

The Parliamentary team’s first reply came in the 39th, off the boots of Azumah

Roberts, for a 5-1 score at the half. Roberts began the second segment on a high note for the Parliament outfit, netting in the 46th, while Roberto Gibson added a third to their tally.

However, one more for the Diplomats from Rick Jan Molanus in the 60th sealed the 6-3 victory.

Meanwhile, Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, showcased his skills in the net during the half time when he faced the ‘get one past the speaker’ challenge from the likes of US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch.

GCB issues notice on NOC & selection criteria

The Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) has said it would like to remind cricketers who have been invited to play for clubs/teams overseas that they must apply for a No Objection Certificate (NOC), which must be approved and issued by the GCB as an extension of their contractual obligations to the Board.

The requisite application must state the club/ team the player intends to join, the competition (and whether approved by the local Board), and the period of their playing obligation. The GCB would then

be in a position to assess whether players would be

involved in the standard of cricket overseas that

would be of benefit to their cricket development.

Players are further reminded that to be eligible for selection to the senior national team, they must participate in GCB franchise cricket and premier competitions, including the 4-Day, Super50 and T20 Inter-County tournaments.

The GCB has said selectors have been apprised of this dispensation, and would engage in the selection process accordingly.

Petra to initiate volunteer programme through Milo tournament

The Petra Organization has found a new way to engage youths in the secondary school system outside of the 90-minute football games.

With the 9th edition of the Milo Under-18 Schools’ Football tournament set to kick off next Saturday, March 4, 2023, the Organization has launched a volunteer programme attached to the Milo tournament, which has already received the blessing of the Ministry of Education (MoE).

Petra Secretary Jackie Boodie unveiled the brandnew Volunteer programme last week. It will entail the Organization’s utilization of the skills of teens belonging to schools in and around the Georgetown area, and will be done on game days (weekends).

According to Boodie, volunteerism is a major part of the school experience around the world, since it helps in moulding rounded students.

Boodie said, “Student volunteers make a difference in society when they give their time and ability to help out in different volunteer activities. In return for their giving, they develop life skills, become well-minded or opened-minded individuals, and get the satisfaction of helping others.”

As such, in keeping with a new MoE mandate for volunteerism, the Petra Organization will be handing the opportunity to 40 students.

“Across the globe, many students are required to vol-

unteer for a certain number of hours to fulfill the requirements for their classes or clubs. In Guyana, the Ministry of Education has embarked on a mandate that, for a child to complete secondary education, he/she must complete not only academics by attaining subjects at CSEC or CAPE, but must also participate in the Arts, sports, or volunteerism,”

Boodie explained.

“As such the CEO charged the Petra Organization with this task to include and incorporate Volunteerism into our programme, which he applauded the organization for being a major contributor to sports in schools,” Boodie said about how the volunteer programme came to fruition.

The volunteer programme attached to the

Milo U18 tournament will see one male and one female student from 20 schools being equipped with an “I am a proud volunteer” jacket on game days. Those volunteers are set to assist with, and learn, daily operational tasks and gain insights on what administration duties entail.

The Petra Organization

Secretary went on to share, “We, at Petra Organisation, accept the charge bestowed upon us by the CEO to use the opportunity teach students valuable skills by allowing them to contribute their time and energy to help worthy causes. Some of the valuable life skills these students will be exposed to are teamwork, net-

working, communication, administrative and operational tasks.”

The Milo tournament, set to commence next Saturday at the Ministry of Education Ground, has been expanded to include 48 teams from across the country. Schools from Regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 10 will be competing in this year’s tournament.

The Diplomatic team celebrating their 6-3 victory

Players hopeful of representing Guyana are required to participate in franchise tournaments and premier competitions

A look at the volunteer vests with which students will be outfitted during the programme