Guyana Times - Thursday, February 2, 2023

–First Lady

Contractor remanded for crashing into crowd at wedding house, killing man

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, February 2 –03:30h-05:00h and Friday, February 3 – 04:00h-05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, February 2 –14:15h-15:45h and Friday, February 3 – 14:50h-16:20h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Light rain showers are expected in the midmorning to mid-afternoon hours, with more rain expected in the evening. Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: Northerly to North-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 14:31h reaching a maximum height of 2.25 metres.

Low Tide: 08:02h and 20:39h reaching minimum heights of 1.11 metres and 0.93 metre.

With new housing schemes being developed across Guyana, acting Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken says that efforts are being made to ensure that there is a Joint Services presence in all these new communities as a crime-fighting tool.

He made this remark as he was addressing the opening ceremony of the Inspectors' and Sergeants' Conference on Wednesday morning at the Police Officers' Mess Annexe, Eve Leary.

The four-day conference is being held after a 12-year hiatus under the theme: “Developing Middle Management For Greater Efficiency Through Strategic Partnership, Accountability and Performance”.

According to the Top Cop, the dynamics of the country are changing every day and if the Police Force is not contemporary, it is going to be

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challenged by the changes that are taking place. To this end, he said the Force was developing its capacity to operate in an oil-producing nation.

“We cannot remain stag-

Stations and outposts so we can adequately fight crime; looking at the frontiers that are gonna be joined and the new villages that are gonna be opened,” Hicken stated.

the Housing Ministry to ensure that these new communities were adequately protected.

“We are doing smart policing, too, not only in the way in which we grew, but in an advisory position too… We have been advising, through our Ministry, of course, that we plant Joint Services Members in all of the new established communities as part of a crime-fighting tool,” he noted.

This year, the Police Force will be focusing heavily on operational priorities, performance, professionalism and accountability. In fact, strategies have been identified to mitigate against crime and violence, particularly clamping down on illegal firearms and drugs in the streets of Guyana.

nant…we have to be integrally involved in the developmental process [of the country]. And so, we are currently working out where we gonna relocate, reposition, rebuild; establish new Police

Adequately protected

To this end, the acting Police Commissioner disclosed that the Guyana Police Force (GPF) through the Home Affairs Ministry was working directly with

Already, according to Hicken, some 14 illegal firearms have been taken off the streets while a quantity of cocaine and marijuana were also seized in the first month of this year.

“We cannot remain stagnant”, dynamics of Guyana are changing

Top Cop to ranks …says aiming for security forces’ presence in all new communities

Police Commissioner (ag) Clifton Hicken

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn conducting the ceremonial inspection ahead of Wednesday’s opening ceremony for the Inspectors’ and Sergeants’ Conference

A section of the gathering at the Inspectors’ and Sergeants’ Conference on Wednesday

Editor: Tusika Martin

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“Uniting our voices and taking action”

For the second year, World Cancer Day campaign will continue with the theme “Close the care gap”.

Each year, February 4 is designated as World Cancer Day to raise awareness of cancer while encouraging its prevention, detection, and treatment.

However, the “Close the care gap” campaign is a continuous three-year movement to bring awareness and understanding to the inequities in cancer care, and taking action to make the necessary progress to address them. However, each year in the three-year campaign has specified objectives. In 2022, the objective was “realising the problem”; in 2023 its “uniting our voices and taking action” and the final year, 2024, will be “together, we challenge those in power.”

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2020, or nearly one in six deaths.

In the United States alone, the new estimated cancer cases in 2022 was 1.9 million.

Lung, prostate, colorectal, stomach and liver cancer are the most common types of cancer in men; while breast, colorectal, lung, cervical and thyroid cancer are the most common among women.

The WHO has pointed out that the cancer burden continues to grow globally, exerting tremendous physical, emotional and financial strain on individuals, families, communities and health systems. Many health systems in low- and middle-income countries are least prepared to manage this burden, and large numbers of cancer patients globally do not have access to timely quality diagnosis and treatment. However, according to WHO, in countries where health systems are strong, survival rates of many types of cancer are improving, thanks to accessible early detection, quality treatment, and survivorship care.

What is very worrying is the fact that the number of cancer deaths could increase by over 50 percent by 2030 if immediate global action is not taken, especially in the low- and middleincome countries, where most of the deaths are likely to occur. The statistics regarding cancer and its impact on individuals and society tell a sad tale. However, it should motivate us to work harder for better results.

It should be noted that between 30 and 40 percent of cancer cases could be prevented, and one-third of cancer cases could be cured through early diagnoses and treatment. The sad thing, however, is that the medicines, technologies and services are not widely available in low- and middle-income countries, and this results in the majority of premature cancer deaths each year.

In Guyana, cancer is one of the leading causes of death, and we, as guardians of our own destiny, should continue to make arduous efforts in our campaign to reduce the number of persons dying from the disease. For example, individuals could assist in the prevention of cancer by doing simple things, such as: making sure they eat a healthy diet, engaging in regular adequate physical activity, and the overall maintenance of good health. Research has shown that physical inactivity is linked to breast and colon cancers.

WHO’s Global Recommendations on Physical Activity for Health details how differing amounts and intensities of physical activity for all age groups can help reduce non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including some cancers. It is also worthy to note that the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research has advised that cancer could be prevented if persons could be as lean as possible without becoming underweight; be physically active for at least thirty minutes each day; and avoid sugary drinks, among other things.

The three main cancers in Guyana are breast cancer, cervical cancer and prostate cancer. While cervical cancer is a slow-growing cancer that is easily prevented through regular screening and treatment of pre-cancerous lesions, far too many women ignore the pre-testing option, and seek medical advice and treatment only when they begin to develop signs of illness. In many cases, indications of physical illness or signs of discomfort often suggest that the cancer is at an advanced stage. Persons should therefore be encouraged to have regular tests done, since pre-symptoms are not that visible.

The Public Health Ministry, along with NGOs such as the Cancer Society, and leading Private Sector bodies such as GTT, must be commended for the work they do in spreading awareness and encouraging persons to get screening etc. These efforts must be stepped up with the involvement and funding from more stakeholders, so that the impact could be more far-reaching.

We can never overstate the importance of having more public awareness and education campaigns about the disease, with the aim of changing lifestyles and getting persons to do regular testing, so that treatment could be administered before the disease becomes life-threatening.

Opposition’s Budget Debate incoherent & contradictory (Pt 2)

Dear Editor, Poverty reduction, investing for the future through a balanced budget

The notion that the budget is void of a poverty reduction strategy and is not sufficiently balanced on the social side was not compellingly articulated by the critics. One of the key counter proposals by the Opposition, for example, in response to cost of living and poverty reduction is to distribute the oil revenues in the sum of $300,000 per household.

The Opposition also argued that the cost-of-living phenomenon may persist for the next three years (citing international agencies’ analyses). Hence, this is suggestive that the Opposition proposal is to be maintained for the next three years.

As illustrated earlier, the COL measures implemented by the Government translate to about $400,000 per household, albeit indirectly; which is more than the Opposition’s proposal of $300,000 per household through direct cash transfers. Assuming that the Opposition is proposing an additional $300,000 per household through direct cash transfers in addition to the COL measures implemented already, this will translate to an another $66 billion per household on the current expenditure side of the budget. This amount represents 8.4% of the budget, 32% of the NRF inflow to the budget, and 21% of the current revenue. To make this possible, it means that the Government would have to cut the capital expenditure side of the budget. The question is, which project should the Government cut and/ or delay to accommodate

such a proposal?

For demonstration purposes, two major projects are the new bridge across the demerara river and the gas-to-energy project. The budgetary allocation for both projects in budget 2023 amounts to $45 billion, giving rise to a shortfall of $21 billion. This means that the Government would have to slash some of the road infrastructure projects in the budget to reach the $66 billion for this proposal. With these adjustments, the configuration of the budget will move from a 50:50 ratio to 59% (current expenditure) and 41% (capital expenditure). Apart from such proposal having the potential to engender uncontained inflationary pressures driven by consumption spending, it would effectively delay the development of the projects that are actually designed to mitigate the impact of inflationary pressures attributed to external factors. Consequently, not only Guyana, but the entire region will be subject to prolonged risks of externalities on the regional and domestic economies. As such, the gas-to-energy project, together with the infrastructure development, is absolutely critical to achieve the objectives of the regional energy and food security agenda that the Government has positioned Guyana to lead.

Social services sector

The budgetary allocations in the social services sector, which include allocations towards employment cost for public sector employees; health; education; social welfare programmes; housing and water; culture and youth amounts to $255.2 billion, reflecting a 36% increase

over the previous year, and accounting for 33% of budget 2023 and 79.73% of current revenues. In view of this, there are substantial budgetary allocations towards the social services sector, while it must be noted that the approximate sum of $255.2 billion is exclusive of allocations towards the public safety and security sector.

Determining whether the Budget is a balanced budget

With respect to the argument that the budget is not a balanced budget, and is not people-centric, the proponents of this view failed to state and justify what are the determinants of a balanced budget, and how is it that the budget is not people-focused? In this regard, the author attempts to put context to this notion and demonstrate evidently how the budget is a people-focused budget, and to further contextualise the term “investment for the future”, or drawing the theme of the budget, “Improving lives today, building prosperity for tomorrow.”

In doing so, the author examined the composition of the population age groups using the 2012 population census data (which is 11 years ago), whereby, for the purpose of

this analysis, the age groups were adjusted upwards by 11 years, since the study was done 11 years ago.

In examining the age groups of the population from the above illustration, 71% of the population are in the age group of 11–40; 17% of the population are in the age group 41–65; 7% of the population are in the age group 66–75; and the remaining 5% of the population are 76 and over. Putting this into context, investing for the future and creating prosperity for tomorrow essentially means investing in the economy that will create sustainable prosperity for the 71% of the population comprising of the present and future generations, who in turn have their entire working life ahead of them – and in the process building and developing the economy. Another 24% of the population in the age group which is made of 17%, in the age group of 41-65 and 7% in the age group of 66–75, these age groups are also in the working population, all of whom ought to have the framework for improved standard of living and quality of life today, and securing their future as well.

Guyanese-British actress Letitia Wright receiving the key to the city from Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine at City Hall (M&CC photo)

Source: 2012 Population Census Data (Age groups adjusted by 11 years)

President Ali has waged a war on food insecurity Injustice done to Antony Adams

Dear Editor,

Since his election to office as President of Guyana, following the stalemate and fiasco of the March 2, 2020 General Elections which lasted for five months, Guyana’s Head of State, His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali, has carved out his own niche, both domestically and on the international stage.

His election to office, which has coincided with Guyana’s emergence as an oil-producing nation, has provided him with the rare but prodigious opportunity to become the most efficacious President in recent times. As the country’s most youthful and vivacious President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, more than any of his predecessors, is confident that the country is moving in the right direction. In his quest to lead Guyana and its people to prosperity, he has visited almost every district, village and city to meet and greet the residents as well as to solve their problems.

Known for his bravery and competency, Dr. Ali has not shied away from going to any neighbourhood, either on the coast or in the hinterland, to heal the racial divide and promote unity among the people, which is at the core of his “One Guyana” Initiative.

On the international scene, President Ali has enhanced Guyana’s image in the Caribbean and the world on issues such as food security, fair trade policies, development, and the region’s economy. His goal is to attract investment to Guyana and the Caribbean, which had been

ignored for decades by the international business community. For many, his influence as a spokesperson for the Caribbean has been made possible through the country’s huge oil and gas reserves. In office for only two and a half years, President Ali has met with several heads of states, including the United States President Joe Biden; former Prime Minister of Britain, Boris Johnson; recently- defeated President of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro; President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo; and Suriname’s President, Chan Santokhi. He has also embraced almost all his Caricom counterparts, including Barbados Prime Minister Mia Motley, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, and St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, among others.

Truth be told, President Ali has developed a good rapport with his counterparts in the Caribbean and fellow world leaders, which no doubt augurs well for the country.

What is already palpable in his short stint in office, however, is that President Ali is being guided through the governance process by his efficient Prime Minister and Cabinet, and by the trust placed in him by the people, who love and respect him. And this should be no surprise to the general public, because, as we have seen, he has proved to be the President for all the people. That said, there has never been any real doubt about his presidency or his ability to lead

Opposition’s Budget...

Aligning this with the configuration of the budget, whereby 33% of the budgetary allocations are towards the social services sector and the remaining 67% allocated towards investing in the infrastructure to enable the future growth trajectory and prosperity, this ratio configuration virtually mirrors the composition of the population in terms of age group where the future is for the 71% of the population (11-40 years old).

While this segment of the population needs social services, more importantly, they also need the opportunity to build profitable enterprises for those who have entrepreneurial ambitions, and job opportunities which can only be created through investing in the economy

the nation, because of his ability and highly visible presence with the people, as well as his continued political influence abroad.

He is committed to building a prosperous Guyana, not only by talk, but by his action. As a result, the country’s Private Sector has supported him because of the seemingly hugely investment opportunities that have emerged from the response which Guyana has attracted from the Caribbean and the international business community.

So far, his Excellency has met with little or no major political, economic, or social obstacle to deter him from his goal to promote Guyana’s interest and investment potential among Caricom, Latin America, Europe, Asia and North America, that has derived out of the country’s oil windfall.

Unlike his predecessors, he has become the primary regional leader for food security in the Caribbean and elsewhere. Indeed, Guyana’s status as a major oil-producing country has placed President Ali in good standing with the region and world leaders. Few can dispute that President Irfaan Ali has positioned Guyana on a process of socio-economic transformation which has boosted his support base in the country still plagued by ethnic and political divisions. If his political and socio-economic influence holds, Guyana will emerge as the bread basket of the Caribbean, and thus reduce or end the region’s food insecurity.

Sincerely,

Dr Asquith Rose

Dear Editor, Many are asking for answers, many used social media to express their views. No answer would be fitting to justify the injustice that was meted out to Antony Adams after his non-selection; the damage has already been done to an Essequibian cricketer - a young man who has dedicated and spent most of his life working tremendously hard on his game and fitness over the past 15 years.

A son of the soil who hails from south Essequibo has been knocking at the doors of the Guyana selectors and senior teams with his consistent performance in most GCB competitions for over a decade. Antony Adams has been in the running, competing with some of Guyana’s premier spinners in the likes of Bishoo, Permaul and Motie, all of whom have played regional first class and Test cricket.

At this time, when Bishoo has not been around the Guyana National Team setup and Motie is not available due to CWI selection, most, if not all, cricket pundits who want to be fair towards a man whose stats are there to show in all departments of his cricket, would have chosen Antony Adams as the first choice left-arm spinner to play alongside Permaul in the Guyana team contesting the first two rounds of the 2023 WI Regional Four-Day Championships.

The GCB, ECB and selectors must be held accountable. It is absolutely clear now, from evidence, that the way things are being done is without any fairness, honesty or integrity. The President of the Essequibo Cricket Board, who is a CWI Director, seems unconcerned, since nothing has been said by the ECB, and they remain silent on Adams’s non-selection.

These are the words seen in a WhatsApp message: “As an executive of the GCB, I cannot go public”. We are now left to wonder what this means!!

The ECB Vice-President and Guyana Senior Selector is an individual who is well known to readers for his letters and sports articles in the newspapers about Essequibo’s cricket, especially being very critical of the previous boards and non-selection of this very player Antony Adams. Where are his pen and voice now?

After looking and listening to their press conference, where only three persons from the media were present, it is clearly evident that incompetence and biasness exist in selection. There were ridiculous and nonsensical responses given to questions asked about Adams’s non-selection.

It was very strange what was said by Chairman of Selectors at the press conference, as those words relate to his availability. When called for his input, as an Essequibian, it seems like he would have found himself between a hard place and a rock. Having worked as coach alongside Adams as captain, where a lot of recognitions was gained after winning both 3days and 50 overs titles at the senior level with the Essequibo senior team, with knowledge of his ability and what he

can bring to the team, stronger representations and recommendations should have been made for his place in the team.

It’s with great concern that we recognise the kind of representation that is being made by ECB, which can now be considered spineless in representation of our players. It seems as if there is a fixed number – maximum of TWO players from Essequibo - who may be allowed in the squad. Also, when they are selected, they are subjected to unfair treatment to make the final eleven. Just to name a few: Trevor Benn in 2010, Delon Heyliger in 2012, Norman Fredricks in 2015, Quintin Sampson in 2023, all of whom were selected and NEVER given opportunity to play a single game of an entire regional tournament.

The disrespect and injustice meted out to some of our Essequibo cricketers at the senior level can’t be accepted anymore, and must be put to a stop. We will be calling on President Ali, VP Jagdeo, and Ministers to address the unfair treatment given to some of our cricketers, and also the Administration of Cricket by the ECB in the county of Essequibo.

Sincerely,

Public Relations Officer Executive Member South Essequibo Cricket Committee

FROM PAGE 4

and creating a conducive business and investment climate to so facilitate.

Conclusion It is within these contexts, therefore, that it can be safely concluded that the budget is people-focused. It is a balanced budget, catering adequately for the present and future generations of professionals and entrepreneurs – while improving the present-day conditions upon which their livelihoods hinge. The budget also sufficiently caters for the elderly, who account for about 5% of the population, within the limitations of the financial resources available.

Yours sincerely, Joel

Bhagwandin

Lost and Found system at CJIA

Dear Editor, The Cheddi Jagan International Airport wishes to acknowledge the letter in the newspapers dated February 1, 2023 by Ms. Katherina Roshana under the caption, “Please establish a ‘Lost and Found’ area at CJIA, “Timehri”.

The airport corporation would like to advise that there is a lost and found system established at the airport.

Passengers and greeters can contact the Airport Duty Office at +592 2612281/+592 600-7022 if they require assistance regarding any missing item.

During 2022, we have

recovered hundreds of misplaced items, including laptops, passenger luggage, watches, mobile phones, duty-free purchases, iPad, travel documents and identification cards, which were successfully returned to their respective owners.

I would like to thank the letter writer, and assure the travelling public of our commitment to working with our stakeholders to continuously improve the service offered to the public.

Yours respectfully,

Shunza Samuels Public Relations Officer

20:30

22:00

NGSA Questions: Maths

Qatar to help Guyana with gas utilisation, leak mitigation plans – Bharrat …experts

to arrive next week

2023 allocations

With the allocation of $500 million for 2023 under the oil and gas sector development programme, Bharrat explained that the allocation will, among other things, cater for the creation of an oil and gas data management system. The 2023 allocation is being financed from external sources.

“There’s an allocation here to get a consultant, of course to look at our needs as a country. Because we would have to determine, first of all, what data we need to store, the size of the data, what software and hardware will be needed, the specifications and requirements,” he explained.

requisite studies.

Guyana will be receiving assistance from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) powerhouse Qatar when it comes to the formulation of a plan to utilise and monetise the gas supply it will get when the Gas-to-Energy project comes online.

This was revealed by Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat during consideration of the budget estimates. He was asked by parliamentary Opposition for an update on the gas utilisation plan, and Bharrat revealed that Government is getting help from Qatari experts.

“We have managed, through His Excellency President Ali and the recent visit of the Petroleum Minister from Qatar to Guyana, we have managed on building our relationship to secure two experts

that will be in country next week. That is, Qatar sending two experts to Guyana to assist us with this very plan that the honourable member spoke of: the gas leak and gas utilisation and monetisation plan; and at no cost to us.

This is Qatar’s way of showing its appreciation to Guyana. They will be paying for that,” Bharrat has said.

Late last year, Energy Affairs Minister of the State of Qatar, and Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Energy, and Chairman of Qatar Airways, H.E. Engineer Saad bin Sherida Al-Kaabi, paid a visit to Guyana during which he met with President Dr. Irfaan Ali and Cabinet and discussed areas of cooperation.

“These are all information we need upfront. So, there’s an allocation here to hire a consultant to start the initial work, so that we’re advised properly before we rush into setting up data repository in Guyana,” the Minister has said.

Local data repository

Bharrat noted that the setting up of a local data repository is a very technical endeavour, but once this data is set up locally, Guyana could actually earn more money, as companies would have to come and purchase data packs.

He explained that, currently, Guyana only gets a 50 per cent cut when its own data is purchased from offshore location. It was at this point that Alliance For Change (AFC) Member of Parliament David Patterson questioned whether the programme catered for a gas leak management plan and

“These studies are ongoing. The operator has been assisting with all the studies, along with our technical teams. So, you would not see an allocation assigned to it, but it is being done between ourselves and the operator. They’re actually paying for it, in other words.”

Asked by Patterson if having Exxon finance these plans is a sustainable option, and whether independence can be maintained, Bharrat noted that the Government still has to review whatever plans the operator submits. In fact, he pointed out that it is built into the operator’s licence.

In budget 2023, the Gasto-Energy Project received a $43.3 billion allocation. This allocation is in addition to the $24.6 billion injected into the start-up of

the transformational project, which includes the construction of an Integrated Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) Plant and the 300-megawatt (MW) Combined Cycle Power Plant at Wales, WBD.

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

The scope of Guyana’s gas-to-energy project consists of the construction of 225 kilometres of pipeline from the Liza field in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, where Exxon and its partners are currently producing oil. It features approximately 200 kilometres of a subsea pipeline offshore, which will

run from Liza Destiny and Liza Unity floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessels in the Stabroek Block to the shore. Upon landing on the West Coast Demerara, the pipeline would continue for approximately 25 kilometres to the NGL plant at Wales, West Bank Demerara.

The pipeline would be 12 inches wide, and is expected to transport per day some 50 million standard cubic feet (mscfpd) of dry gas to the NGL plant, but it has the capacity to push as much as 120 mscfpd.

The pipeline’s route onshore would follow the same path as the fibreoptic cables, and will terminate at Hermitage, part of the Wales Development Zone (WDZ), which will house the gas-to-shore project. (G3)

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat

File photo: President Dr Irfaan Ali and H.E. Eng. Saad bin Sherida Al-Kaabi (centre), flanked by Government Ministers and members of Al-Kaabi’s delegation in 2022

Amerindian land rights case Akawaio, Arekuna peoples appeal part of CJ’s ruling

in fact and in law when she found that even though the Indigenous tribes had proved and established their occupation of the land from time immemorial by showing a substantial connection between them and the land, the State and/or the Government still possessed radical or ultimate title to the lands.

No exclusive right

In her December 16, 2022 decision, Justice George had ruled that the Akawaio and Arekuna peoples do not have “exclusive right” to lands in

The Akawaio and Arekuna are Amerindian tribes that occupy the Upper Mazaruni area. In the case at reference, they had sought legal recognition of their rights to traditional and ancestral lands.

Delivering her ruling, Justice George had firstly apologised for the delay in the judgement, while noting that though it was proven through testimonies and other evidence that the tribes have been occupying the lands from time immemorial, they do not have an exclusive right to the

it retains sovereignty over the lands,” the appellants’ Attorney-at-Law, Nigel Hughes, argued in a Notice of Appeal filed on January 26.

Further, the lawyer contended that the Chief Justice again erred in law in concluding that the State had radical title to the lands without there being any evidence of, or her accepting evidence which inferred, the acquisition of radical title by the State.

Justice George had also referred to the lands being occupied by the Seventh-

Too full...

…of himself

Reading a letter from Basil Williams, your Eyewitness’s first reaction was, “He’s so full of sh*t!” But since this is a family newspaper, he figured that “too full of himself” conveyed the same sentiment!!” The letter was about his take on the CCJ’s case, wherein they slapped him at the back of his head and ruled he could be sued in his personal capacity!! But more than his take was his insistence on not only referring to himself in the third person (Mr Basil Williams) but twice as “APNU+AFC’s Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, SC”!! The moustachioed one exemplifies the word “pompous”!!

Along-awaited judgement issued by acting Chief Justice Roxane George, SC last December, in which she affirmed the Akawaio and Arekuna peoples’ rights to lands in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), but held that this right was not to the “exclusion of all others” and subject to State lands and titles, has been appealed to the Court of Appeal of Guyana.

The appeal was filed by Van Mendason, Czar Henry, Anderson Hastings, Lawrence Anselmo, Dutchell Isaacs, and Norma Thomas (the appellants) jointly and severally, and on behalf of the members of the Akawaio and Arekuna Amerindian communities, against the Government.

Their main contention is that Justice George erred

Region Seven, as they were contending in a case filed against the Government since 1998 — 24 years ago.

lands, because non-Amerindians have also settled on the lands. According to her, although it had been confirmed that during colonial times the tribes had the sole occupation of the lands after Guyana became a sovereign state, non-Amerindians began occupying the lands, in particular those persons providing Government services.

“The Learned Trial Judge erred in law in failing to take judicial notice of, and take into consideration, the Roman Dutch legal underpinnings in Guyanese property law, under which the State does not hold radical title to lands, although

Day Adventists. She had said there also is evidence that some of the lands in question are owned by the State, especially those in the vicinity of Mount Roraima.

Not prudent

Considering this, and the fact that there may be competing claims to the lands by other groups, she found that it would not be prudent to grant a declaration giving the tribes possession of the lands “to the exclusion of all others”. As such, the tribes’ claim for damages resulting from “their unlawful deprivation of the lands” was refused.

TURN TO PAGE 10

He was objecting to the headline in one of the dailies that announced, “Basil Williams loses appeal to be struck out in libel suit by Prithima Kissoon”!! Since he couldn’t very well object to the fact that he did lose his appeal to the CCJ in the case by the one-time Dep Solicitor General whom he fired, it would appear he was objecting to the tabloid not placing the suffix “SC” behind his name!! But we all know how he got that appellation, don’t we?? The decision by David Granger – as President – to confer him with silk ahead of so many illustrious colleagues at the bar could be rated as only slightly less fatal than the decision to go along with the rigging attempt post March 2, 2020!!

Who in his right mind would elevate the losingest Attorney General in the history of Guyana to the ranks of “Senior Counsel” – which was formerly “Queen’s Counsel”?? In one stroke, he devalued the worth of the honorific – and your Eyewitness half expected some previous awardees to hand in their silk. But Williams was so petty he dared to call out a practising lawyer, Hughes – who’s light years ahead of him professionally and otherwise – to emphasise that the latter wasn’t an SC!! The poor slob didn’t realise how he suffered by comparison!!

But back to the letter. Apart from not conceding that once again he’d come out at the losing end of yet another case, he actually announced, “What the media saw as a loss was actually a major victory”!! And how’d he arrive at this conclusion - which appears to suggest he’d been smoking something quite stronger than your Eyewitness’s favourite “Jamaican Gold”?? The “victory” he was talking about was the CCJ’s reaffirmation of our local courts’ decision that Ministers and Attorney Generals can be sued in their personal capacities. So, if we’re to take him at his word, he took his claim that he couldn’t be sued in his personal capacity all the way to the CCJ because he wanted to REAFFIRM this principle??!!

What a douche!!

…of power obsession

With the PNC Opposition excoriating the incumbent PPP Government for all manner of sins, your Eyewitness is reminded of Walter Rodney’s analysis of the dictator Burnham – who had him murdered. In terms of “racism”, this is what Walter said: “We should refer to the pamphlet by Jessie Burnham (Burnham’s sister), entitled Beware My Brother Forbes, in which she described his racist attitude to Indians, his absolute selfishness, and his limitless ambition to hold others in domination. Jessie Burnham also provided evidence as to the stealthy manner in which Forbes Burnham went about his objectives.”

On the accusation of political incest, here is Rodney’s take on Burnham: “For a small nation, Guyana has produced a discouragingly large number of lackeys and stooges who hide in the shadow of the “Comrade Leader”. Guyanese constantly complain of “square pegs in round holes.” The square pegs are the misfits and soup drinkers who flourish because each one is prepared to be his master’s voice.”

And Guyana was destroyed!!

…of envy

Apart from the political challenge, Burnham was green with envy of Rodney’s scholarship and verbal skewering of his pretentions to being an “intellectual”. Burnham must’ve been reminded of Julius Caesar’s assessment of Cassius.

“He thinks too much; such men are dangerous.”

Acting Chief Justice Roxane George, SC

Chairman of Upper Mazaruni District Council (UMDC), Mario Hastings (second from right in centre row); Executive Director of the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA), Jean La Rose (left in centre row); and Attorney-at-Law Nigel Hughes (first from right in centre row) following a press conference after the CJ’s ruling. They were accompanied by village leaders from the Upper Mazaruni (APA photo)

Unrest erupts at Buxton: truck burnt, road blocked after CANU busts drug trafficker

…$7M worth of ganja seized, shots fired by ranks

Police as it relates to this issue. Initially, I was told by a few residents on my arrival that some homes were shot at, but I am waiting on the end of this operation to further engage them,” he said.

He also said his ranks do not want to use excessive force to help bring the situation under control.

Residents of Buxton, East Coast Demerara on Wednesday started unrest following an operation conducted by the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) in the area wherein a man was arrested with a large quantity of marijuana.

ligence they had received. During the chase, the ranks fired warning shots in a bid to stop the driver from fleeing. This caused the car to become uncontrollable and end up in a nearby trench at Buxton, ECD. Upon searching the vehicle, the drugs were found in its trunk.

The driver of a Canter that was transporting wood was also attacked, and had his windshield damaged as debris was thrown at him.

Engaging community leaders

Speaking with the media, Regional Commander Khali Pareshram said the

“There are certain things that can be dealt with in a different manner, and as we head forward in a strategic way, we are trying to use minimal force in most of our incidents. That is why we are speaking with the leaders of the community to help bring peace…”, he explained.

Meanwhile, the Home Affairs Ministry, in a statement, said Police officers and Fire Service units were im-

mediately sent to the scene to assist in reopening the roadways. By Wednesday afternoon, Police in a statement assured motorists,

commuters, and the general public that the East Coast Demerara corridor was open to the free flow of traffic.

Guyana Times has been informed that on Wednesday morning the man was nabbed with 51.2 pounds of marijuana by CANU ranks. It has been reported that the suspect was travelling in a white motorcar, PRR 6703, when CANU ranks started a pursuit based on intel-

Shortly after, residents of the community took to the main road to protest the man’s arrest. Scores of persons gathered on the roadway and burnt debris, while a truck driver was pulled from his truck and his vehicle was set alight.

Police began engaging with the leaders of the community so that they could have the roads unblocked and have traffic flowing freely.

“We are also collaborating with the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit, so that an investigation can be conducted by the national

Protesters on the blocked roadway

Tyres set on fire on the Railway Embankment at Buxton, ECD

The car in which the drugs were found ended up in a trench after the pursuit with CANU

The truck that was set on fire

The car with the drugs which CANU unearthed

ECD businessman charged with felonious wounding

Police Force (GPF), the accused has pleaded not guilty to the charge, which was laid contrary to Section 57 (a) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act. He has been granted his pre-trial liberty, and the matter has been adjourned to February 17.

Boat operator acquitted of rape charge by jury

The High Court has acquitted a man of a seven-year-old rape charge, with the jury on Wednesday returning a unanimous not-guilty verdict in his favour after deliberations.

Brian Albert, a boat operator in his late 30s, had been indicted for the offence of rape, contrary to the Sexual Offences Act. He had been accused of raping a woman on January 1, 2016 in the county of Essequibo, and was on trial for the of-

fence before Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Demerara High Court.

At the start of his trial, Albert, who was represented by Attorney-at-Law Teriq Mohammed, had pleaded not guilty to the indictment. He had been out on bail pending the determination of his trial.

The virtual complainant had alleged that on New Year’s Day of 2016, she had gone to Albert’s sister's home, where she imbibed local wine and became intoxi-

Akawaio, Arekuna peoples appeal...

Fifty-four-yearold Suruj Basraj, c/d “Monkey” and “Vickram”, a businessman of Chateau Margot, East Coast Demerara, has been charged with the offence of felonious wounding and has been placed on $450,000 bail.

Arrested two weeks ago, he was on Tuesday arraigned before Sparendaam Magistrate Rochelle Liverpool.

According to a statement from the Guyana

But in their appeal, the appellants contended that Justice George “erred in law when she found that a declaration didn't need to be granted that the tribes were entitled to a legitimate expectation that their communal ownership of the lands, occupied from time immemorial, and the rights attached thereto, would be recognised by the State, and that no step would be taken by the State or its representatives, assigns or licensees, to impair it.”

Erred in law

According to Hughes, the Chief Justice erred in

law once more by refusing to recognize that the Akawaio and Arekuna peoples' aboriginal title was to the “exclusion of all others”, despite finding that they were the exclusive occupants of the land at the time sovereignty was acquired by the Crown, in particular.

“The Learned Trial Judge erred in law by paradoxically holding that the subsequent occupation of the subject lands by State agencies, the church, and private persons rendered the appellants' occupation nonexclusive, while simultaneously holding that adverse possession and the

system of titling in Guyana was not relevant in respect of communal ownership of land.”

The lawyer further argued that Justice George erred in law and in fact by finding that the Akawaio and Arekuna peoples' communal aboriginal title became non-exclusive as a result of the subsequent grant of titles by the State without there being any evidence of how the State acquired the authority to grant those titles.

In the end, Justice George had declared that the Indigenous tribes hold communal and aboriginal titles to the lands, but those are subject to State lands and titles. She had ordered the State to pay the applicants, now appellants, $250,000 in costs.

28 years ago, a group of Indigenous peoples of the Upper Mazaruni filed a court action against the Government, seeking legal recognition of their traditional and ancestral lands.

After Guyana gained independence from the British in 1966, the following year, the Government instituted an Amerindian Lands Commission that was tasked with mapping and suggesting titles to be issued to Indigenous communities.

In 1991, titles were granted individually to each community, although they had requested to hold collective titles to their traditional territory. According to reports, the villages of Paruima, Waramadong, Kamarang (Warawatta), Kako, Jawalla, and Phillipai in the Upper Mazaruni have long sought legal title over the area defined by the 1959 Amerindian District as one Akawaio/Arekuna district.

Dissatisfied at their request being ignored, the Arekuna and Akawaio peoples took the landmark case to court, to fight for their rights as Indigenous peoples of Guyana.

During the trial, they had submitted archaeolog-

cated. She had then gone to take a nap, but was awakened by someone “pressing on her body”, and noticed that Albert had positioned himself between her legs, and was having sex with her against her will.

She alleged that she pushed him off of her, and he…ran out of the house.

At the same time, she had claimed, Albert’s sister returned home, saw her lying naked on the bed, assaulted her, and chased her out of her house. (G1)

ical evidence showing that their people have occupied the Mazaruni River Basin for over 2000 years, and that their homes, cultures and livelihoods depended on their territory.

The State had contended that it treats all of its citizens equally, and therefore the tribes’ contention that they were being discriminated against on the ground of their race in respect of being granted legal recognition of their rights to the lands was unsupported.

Final submissions in the case were made in 2017, prompting several Indigenous community leaders to protest the lengthy delay in bringing the matter to a conclusion.

They had accused the judiciary of denying them their right to access to justice, which, according to the Constitution of Guyana, requires a case to be determined within a reasonable time.

Though the tribes had welcomed the Chief Ju

Freed: Brian Albert

Suruj Basraj

Berbice man remanded for attempting to kill ex-wife

ported that, on January 30, Persaud allegedly chopped Badal about her body with a cutlass, resulting in her sustaining severe injuries to her head. Reports are that at around 13:00h at Rose Hall Town in East Berbice, the woman – who works as a junior manager at the Nand Persaud Berbice Rice Mills – was at a wash bay when her ex-reputed husband arrived and began chopping her to the head and body.

This publication understands that Persaud and Badal have been separated over three months ago. (G4)

Injured: Deoranie Badal

Unrest erupts at Buxton...

Meanwhile, CANU in a statement said that its officers conducted an operation at East Coast Demerara, and the vehicle which was being driven by a 25-year-old of Vigilance Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara, drove into Buxton and evaded the

officers on several occasions, including at a roadblock on Buxton public road.

This led to pursuit and the discovery of 12 parcels of cannabis which amounted to 23.2kgs with street value of $7 million.

According to CANU, mem-

bers of the public in Buxton, became hostile, assaulted several officers and damaged several of the unit’s vehicles in an attempt to free the man who was arrested by pulling him out of CANU’s vehicle. This resulted in several shots being discharged in the air. (G9)

Remanded: Khemadatt Persaud

Businessman

Khemadatt Persaud of Vryheid Village, West Canje Berbice has been charged with the attempted murder of his former reputed wife Deoranie Badal, called “Marcy”, who is currently in critical condition in a medical institution, having sustained severe chop wounds to her head.

On Wednesday, February 1, the 55-yearold man was arraigned before Number 51 Village Magistrate Rabindranauth Singh on a charge of attempted murder of his ex-reputed wife, and he was not required to plead to the indictable charge, but was remanded to prison. The matter comes up again on February 16 at the Whim Magistrate’s Court.

In his arraignment before Magistrate Singh, the accused was represented by Attorney Mursaline Bacchus, who told the court that his client was first attacked by Badal’s paramour, and that he had sustained injuries to his shoulder and abdomen.

Meanwhile, the 36-yearold Deoranie Badal remains hospitalised in a critical condition. She has since been transferred to the Infectious Diseases Hospital at Liliendaal, ECD, since she has been tested positive for COVID-19.

This publication has re-

A fireman clearing debris on the roadway

Contractor remanded for crashing into crowd at wedding house, killing man

An East Berbice contractor whom the court heard is currently executing several contracts for the Public Works Ministry

was on Wednesday remanded to prison by Reliance Magistrate Rabindranath Singh on a charge of causing death by dangerous driving.

Shazad Sattaur, 36, the CEO of N&S Engineering and Contracting Services and resident of Lot 1294 Glasgow Housing Scheme, East Bank

Berbice, is facing four charges. He is accused of driving motor pickup GZZ 8988 in a dangerous manner, thereby causing the death of 50-year-old Somdatt Indal, called “Fats”, of Canefield Settlement, East Canje Berbice.

It is alleged that Sattaur drove into a group of people outside a wedding house on Sunday morning in East Canje, causing the death of one and injuring three others.

Additional charges Sattaur faces are: failing to render assistance to the injured persons; failing to stop after an accident; and failing to report the accident. He pleaded not guilty to those charges, but was not required to plead to the charge of caus-

ing death by dangerous driving.

During the court proceedings on Wednesday, the prosecution submitted that the court should refuse to place Sattaur on bail because one person has been killed, one is in critical condition, and two others have been injured.

The court heard that the accused was captured on video fleeing the scene in a reckless manner. The Police are still investigating the matter, and have so far obtained four statements, the court has heard.

Attorney-at-law

Marceline Bacchus, SC, in a bail application, said the prosecution’s submissions do not constitute grounds on

which to refuse bail. He also said the Police were hiding the facts.

Bacchus told the court that on the morning of the incident, Sattaur – a father of three - was taking two of his children to his sister’s house, because he was going to Georgetown the following morning. Bacchus said the street was blocked by a group of about 50 persons who were attending a wedding, and Sattaur stopped and blew his horn, seeking to be allowed to pass.

At this point, several persons who were in court supporting and representing the injured and deceased walked out. However, Bacchus continued by telling the court that someone pelted a bottle and broke the back windscreen of the pickup, and two persons tried to open the doors of the vehicle.

Dead: Somdatt Indal

Shazad Sattaur on Wednesday after his court appearance

Guyana-born British actress Letitia Wright conferred with honorary doctorate

Guyana-born British actress Letitia Michelle Wright has been conferred with an Honorary Doctorate in Arts and Letters by the University of Guyana.

At a special convocation on Wednesday, February 1, the talents and achievements of this international actress were recognized. She famously plays the role of Shuri in the Marvel movie “The Black Panther and Wakanda Forever”, and an Honorary Doctorate in Arts and Letters was conferred on her in a simple but solemn ceremony at the University’s campus in Turkeyen. Wright is the 11th person in the University’s 60th year of history to have ever received its highest degree.

Prior to the event, ViceChancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin, had met with the Guyanese actress to offer the University’s highest honorary award, which she accepted.

Delivering remarks on the day of the event, the Vice-Chancellor said she hopes that Wright’s accomplishments would bring hope to many Guyanese. She expressed gratitude to the Tourism, Culture, and Education Ministers for providing access and supporting requests for the actress’s brief visit to the University to accept the award.

“This that we gave this morning [Wednesday] is the smallest thing that we can do, not only to honour you, but all that you represent,” Professor

Mohamed-Martin said.

The simple, brief and solemn event carried all of the trappings of a solemn University ceremony. In respect of the University’s Artist in Residence and Cultural and Arts programmes, the University also took note of Chadwick Boseman, Wright’s close friend, the “Black Panther,” who passed recently, as well as Shaunette Renée Wilson, a New Yorkbased Linden-born Guyanese who played a member of Dora Milaje, a Wakanda elite Special Forces Unit.

Battled many hurdles

Wright, in her acceptance speech, shared her experience of how she battled many hur-

dles to accomplish all she did at such a young age. She said at one point during her struggle she fell into depression, but she allowed herself to get back up and keep pushing.

The actress also spoke of how she uses her platform to promote her homeland.

“…being a young girl and practising my art when no one could see. Going to the UK and not having enough to go on holiday or do the other thing that the keeps did, but I stayed with a little laptop in my room and watched movies, and I would print off the scenes and I would practise them in my room and no one will see….

“…when life would knock me down or knock my family down, you would not be-

lieve the obstacles we’ve overcome to even be here. It was not given to us on a silver spoon, we worked very hard. I watched my parents go from job to job, and my grandma worked very hard to send things home for us, and help us to know that we will never be in want.

“…sometimes I got angry, sometimes I fell into depression, sometimes I didn’t pick myself up…then the opportunity comes, doors started to open and you see preparation meets opportunity. I was prepared for those auditions. Yes, they wanted a white girl…but that black girl from Guyana walked in….

“As the years went by, and as God was able to use my talent, I always made it very known to everybody in Hollywood and every inter-

view of where I am from…no, it is not Ghana, it is Guy-ana. Please don’t confuse the two.

“I took the opportunity to highlight my country because this county is where I am from”, she explained.

Meanwhile, in addition to receiving her doctorate certificate and being draped in the honorary doctoral robe, Wright was adorned during proceedings with words of encouragement and gifts from students and staff of the University of Guyana.

Wright, 29, left Guyana for the United Kingdom at the age of eight. She began her career with appearances on Top Boy, Coming Up, Chasing Shadows, Humans, Doctor Who, and Black Mirror. She was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for the latter. Her

breakthrough came with her role in the 2015 film Urban Hymn, for which the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) named Wright one of the 2015 BAFTA Breakthrough Brits.

In 2018, she attained global recognition for her portrayal of Shuri in the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Black Panther, for which she won an NAACP Image Award and a SAG Award. She reprised the role in Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Avengers: Endgame (2019), and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022). In 2019, she received the BAFTA Rising Star Award. She also appeared in the 2020 anthology series Small Axe, which earned her a Satellite Award nomination. (G9)

Guyana-born British actress and star of the Black Panther, Letitia Michelle Wright, speaking at the special convocation ceremony at UG

Letitia Michelle Wright being conferred with an honorary doctorate by Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin

Splendid performances grace Region 2 in Children's Mashramani competition

pated; namely Mainstay Lake Primary, Abram Zuil Secondary, and Anna Regina Secondary School.

In the 14-17 category, five secondary schools participated, those being Johanna Cecilia, Anna Regina, Aurora, Abram Zuil, and Charity Secondary Schools.

On Wednesday, the second day of Region

Two’s Children’s Mashramani competition, students from various schools brought excitement to the proceedings as they competed in dramatic poetry and calypso segments.

Hundreds of children and teachers flocked the Anna Regina Community Centre Ground to witness the spectacular display put forward in the competitions.

The programme commenced with Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva urging the students to showcase their talents under the theme “Mixing and Mashing as One Guyana.”

“I love the theme, because it is the way we want to see our beautiful country, where we can all mix and Mash… As you know, we are multi-ethnic and

multi-cultural, and that's what makes Guyana beautiful, because we can come together and celebrate,” she said.

She added that Mashramani is “the celebration after hard work”, and it's the people of the Region who worked hard despite the two years of challenge during the global pandemic.

De Silva also took the opportunity to applaud the students of the Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary School (ARMS), who topped the country at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate examination. She alluded that Region Two is top of the list for the cleanest and one of the most developing regions in Guyana in terms of proper infrastructure and development.

As the much-anticipat-

ed audience, comprising students, parents, and teachers, rose to their feet to applaud the performers, a splendid performance was portrayed by the students, leaving the judges with the challenging role of determining the winners in the various categories.

In various calypso pieces, they sent messages for the citizens in Guyana to live in peace, word of wisdom, and also work together as “One Guyana”. Emphasis was also placed on messages for citizens to live as one Guyana, build home, save lives, and serve humankind.

The children were dressed in brightly-coloured clothing depicting various Mashramani messages.

Participating in the dramatic competition this year in the ages five to seven category were Huist

Dieren Primary, CV Nunes Primary, Mainstay Lake Primary, Fisher Primary, and Dredge Creek Primary schools.

In the ages eight to 10 category, 11 schools participated; namely Friendship,

Mainstay Lake, Good Hope, Mashabo, Huist Diren, Riverstown, Fisher, Suddie, Sparta, Taymouth Manor, and C. V. Nunes Primary Schools.

In the 11-13 category, seven schools partici-

Meanwhile, in the calypso five-to-seven category, two schools participated; namely Friendship and Charity Primary Schools. In calypso 8-10, Mainstay Lake, Better Hope, Queenstown, Fisher, and CV Nunes Primary schools participated.

The competition continues on February 2 (today) at the Anna Regina Center Ground with masquerade and dance.

Contractor remanded for...

However, he told the court that had someone pelted a bottle and broke the back windscreen of the pickup and two persons tried to open the doors of the vehicle.

Bacchus referred to the actions of the accused as a defense of circumstance noting that the accused had turned himself over to the police after a telephone conversation with the police commander.

The lawyer submitted that the court grant bail to the Sattur and said he was willing to lodge his passport as a condition for bail.

However, Magistrate Singh refused the application and remanded Sattaur. The case will continue on February 17.

It was reported that during the wee hours of January 29, the pick-up vehicle was stationary facing

east on Workshop Street when the driver suddenly drove off at a fast rate of speed during which he collided with several persons standing on the northern side of the street.

As a result of the collision, 51-year-old Somdatt Indal died while Daniel Sackichand, 21, of Adelphi Village, East Canje Berbice; 11-year-old Dion Kistnen, a student of Canje Secondary School and of Lot 23 Goed Bananen Land, East Canje; and Leon Revon, 34, of Lot 1143 East Canefield were all injured.

They were picked up by public-spirited citizens and taken to New Amsterdam Public Hospital, where Indal was pronounced dead on arrival by a doctor on duty.

It had also been reported that the driver of the motor pick-up had fled the scene but several hours later, he turned himself over to the

FROM PAGE 12

police station, in the company of his lawyer.

Reports at the time of the incident, there was an argument between the accused and other persons after which pickup which was parked there for some time suddenly pull out and into the crowd.

Meanwhile, only weeks ago, the Public Works Ministry terminated the contract that was awarded to N & S Contracting Services for construction of the El Dorado Road, Corentyne, Berbice after it was found that no work has been completed on the road, even after a letter of poor performance was issued to the contractor The contract was awarded in early 2022, and the contractor was given a $22 million mobilisation advance and had done nothing almost a year. (G4)

Students participating in Children's Mashramani Competition 2023 at Anna Regina Community Centre Ground

Top UG criminal, constitutional law students receive Justice Ian Chang award

$13.1B approved for upgrades to Mon Repos, Parika Markets

…Mon Repos Market to feature mezzanine floor – Minister

Continued upgrades of the Mon Repos and Parika Markets, which will have mezzanine floors and other advanced features, will be funded from a $13.1 Billion allocation out of the $781.9 Billion budget.

This was revealed during day three of the budget estimates by Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall, who was asked about a $13.1 billion allocation to his Ministry. Questioned if works on upgrading the markets would be finished this year, the Minister noted that these upgrades were a continuous exercise.

“Resources have been geared towards Parika, Mon Repos, Charity, many markets across the country. And we have consistently been upgrading these markets during different phases. So, until we’re finished, we’ll see resources every year allocated in the budget for these markets. For instance, at Mon Repos, we are at the eastern wing.

wing, which will have a mezzanine floor as well, something that is alien to market structures in the country, but which are a norm in many developed countries. So, Mon Repos will be one of those outstanding markets.”

ket places are a significant centre of business in many of our regions. And these markets have been a hodgepodge arrangement... So, President Ali, during many of his outreaches and after numerous supplications from people, we have decided as a Government to enhance the quality of service at these markets,” the Minister further explained.

The Local Government and Regional Development Ministry had begun Phase One of rehabilitation works on the Mon Repos Market, East Coast Demerara (ECD), back in January 2021.

grading these markets, noting their importance to the village economy.

The Chief Justice Ian Chang Award was on Wednesday given to two top-performing students from the Department of Law at the University of Guyana.

This presentation was made during the Faculty of Social Sciences Award and Prize Giving Ceremony held at the George Walcott Lecture Theatre (GWLT). Jamicka Rutherford, who attained the highest grade in criminal law, and Geneva Wills, who scored the highest grade for constitutional law, were awarded. Both graduates are

presently abroad furthering their legal studies and as such, the prizes were received on their behalf by Head of the Law Department, Dr Kim KyteThomas and a relative of the students.

The trophies and cheques for $100,000 were presented by acting Chief Justice Roxane George. These awards were introduced last year by Retired Chief Justice (ag) Ian Chang’s wife, Savitri Chang, as a means of commemorating his legacy in the fields of law that he was most passionate about.

“We are about complete. We will have tiled surfaces and almost modern, the eastern wing. We’ve also begun construction on the western

Meanwhile, work will also be done on the Parika Market, which has been congested for some time. The Minister explained that the market would be rebuilt in steel, ensuring that more people, including vendors who have transgressed on the road, could be housed in the market. Dharamlall also explained the rationale of up-

“The area has been relatively congested for a number of years. And we’ve taken a decision to, as a Government, in phases, to expand the market, rebuild it in steel, so that more persons can be housed in the market. And hopefully when we finish, we can get the vendors who have transgressed on to the road, for them to get into the market in a proper environment and ply their trade,” he said.

“We’ve put a lot of resources towards transforming regional economies. And mar-

It was reported in December 2020 that Minister Dharamlall decided to upgrade the facility after learning of its dilapidated state. In fact, it was decided that several other markets would undergo infrastructural upgrades.

“We will be rehabilitating fences, roofs, creating bigger washrooms with much better services. We will also look at the drainage within the markets and the basic flow of people in the market and that will only be the first phase, because we intend to go to different phases with these markets,” the Minister was quoted as saying. (G3)

More Guyanese participating in Know India Programme

The High Commission of India in Georgetown selected four young Guyanese nationals as the participants of the 64th edition of the Know India Programme (KIP), which was conducted over the course of three weeks from January 3 to January 24, 2023 in Madhya Pradesh, India.

Selected were East Coast Demerara Collateral Analyst Sumintra Ram; East Coast Demerara Community Development Officer Devika Gurucharran; Berbice Marine Scientist Maria Fraser and East Coast Demerara Administrative Officer Lakhram Mahadeo.

In December 2022, the participants met and interacted with the Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr KJ Srinivasa. They were encouraged to make full use of the initiative to connect with their roots in India –the land of their ancestors.

Madhya Pradesh also hosted this year’s Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas (PBD) convention from January 8 to January 10, 2023 where Guyana’s President, Dr Irfaan Ali, along with his delegation, was in attendance and received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2023. The KIP participants were also present at the three-day extravaganza.

The KIP is a flagship programme of the Ministry of External Affairs for engagement with Indian origin youth (between 18 and 30 years) to enhance their awareness about India, its cultural heritage and art. Participants are provided with local hospitality like boarding and internal transportation in India, and return air tickets from their country of residence to India. The minimum qualification required for participating in KIP is graduation from a recognised university/institute or enrolled for

graduation and ability to speak English. The applicant should not have visited India through any previous Programme of the Government of India. Those who have not visited India before will be given preference.

Two officers of the Guyana Defence Force also met and interacted with the High Commissioner of India in December 2022.

Corporal Terrence Collins was selected to study the Junior Leader Course in India at the Junior Leader Academy in Bareilly, Western Uttar Pradesh. Corporal Collins

from Corentyne, Berbice departed Guyana in December 2022 and will remain in India for 50 days.

Sergeant Arthur Scipio of East Bank Demerara was also selected and departed for India in January 2023, to commence his month-and-ahalf training in the Platoon Commander Course at the Junior Leader Academy in Karnataka, Bengaluru. The Government of India will continue to strengthen its bonds with Guyana and promote India-Guyana defence collaboration, by offering scholarships in military, technical, and leadership areas.

Head of the Law Department, Dr Kim Kyte-Thomas receiving the trophy and cheque from Chief Justice (ag) Roxane George

An example of a mezzanine floor

Guyanese participate in the Know India Programme along with Guyana Defence Force ranks with Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr KJ Srinivasa

Prosperity FPSO another avenue to build better future for Guyanese – First Lady

…dedicates new vessel ahead of voyage

uals.

“Ultimately, this means increased revenues for Guyana, which will go towards helping the country achieve many of the goals outlined in our National Development Strategy, including access to quality medical treatment and education,” Mrs Ali added.

“I wish the men and women who will crew and operate this vessel every success along the way.”

Guyana’s transformation

As Guyana continues to see unprecedented growth fuelled by its burgeoning oil and gas industry, First Lady Arya Ali has stated that the operationalisation of a third floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel offshore will contribute to building prosperity and a better future for the people of this country.

The Prosperity FPSO was officially dedicated by First Lady Arya Ali and company officials on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 during a simple naming ceremony at the Keppel Shipyard in Singapore.

The naming and dedication ceremony marked the final stage for the Prosperity as it readies to set sail for Guyana, where it will arrive some two months after departure. This FPSO will be the third vessel that will op-

erate in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana.

First Lady Arya Ali is the godmother of the vessel, a longstanding maritime tradition which identifies a woman to bestow good luck and protection over the vessel and those who sail aboard.

“This vessel offers another avenue to prosperity, an opportunity to build a future for our people, a future they deserve. The Prosperity is more than just a symbol of development, though; she is a physical manifestation of the hard work and collaborative relationship between the people of Guyana and the collection of companies doing business in our oil and gas sector,” she said.

According to First Lady Ali, this third FPSO vessel signals the potential for more local content growth, more opportunities for businesses, and jobs for individ-

Meanwhile, ExxonMobil’s Senior Vice President of Deepwater, Hunter Farris, has praised the level of collaboration among multiple companies in several countries that went into making the project a reality. He also highlighted the benefits that would arise from having a third vessel operating offshore Guyana.

“The Prosperity reaffirms ExxonMobil’s commitment to Guyana. A third vessel operating offshore will further contribute to Guyana’s transformation, creating new business and employment opportunities over the life of its operation,” Farris has said.

The Prosperity, scheduled to leave Singapore for Guyana this quarter, will be utilised on the Payara Development – ExxonMobil Guyana’s third project in the Stabroek Block, which is expected to start up later this year.

The Prosperity will have an initial production target of 220,000 barrels of oil per day, and an overall storage volume of around two million barrels.

Currently, the United States oil major is operating two other FPSOs – the Liza Destiny and Liza Unity vessels – in the Stabroek Block. They are producing approximately 360,000 barrels of oil per day.

In addition to the Payara, the Yellowtail Development – Exxon’s fourth project in the Stabroek Block – is set to come on stream by 2025 with the ‘One Guyana’ FPSO, which will enter drydock in April.

The company’s fifth development, called Uaru, is

currently with the Guyana Government for approval.

The Whiptail Development, the sixth development, is slated to be sanctioned early next year, pending approval from the Guyanese authorities.

With these six FPSOs in operation, it is estimated that Guyana’s oil production would be ramped up to about 1.2 million bpd by 2027.

However, ExxonMobil anticipates at least 10 FPSOs operating offshore Guyana by the end of this decade.

The oil rich Stabroek Block, which is producing the oil, is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres).

Exxon, through its local subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited

(EEPGL), is the operator and holds 45 per cent interest in the Block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 per cent interest, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds the remaining 25 per cent interest.

Guyana, with US oil giant ExxonMobil as the operator, began producing oil on December 20, 2019 in the Stabroek Block, where there is an estimate of more than 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe) recoverable resource. Since 2015, more than 30 discoveries were made on the block – nine of which were found last year and one so far this year. (G8)

SOCU to be called in as forensic audit ongoing into SLED programme …as probe finds $165M channelled through Rupununi organisation

Local Government and Regional Development

Minister Nigel Dharamlall has revealed that a forensic audit into the Sustainable Livelihoods and Entrepreneurial Development (SLED) programme is ongoing, with the possibility of the Special Organized Crime Unit (SOCU) being called in as the probe continues.

During the budget estimates, the Minister referred to the SLED programme. According to him, persons have benefitted from the receipt of millions of dollars from the SLED programme, including Members of Parliament (MPs). This is despite the grant being intended to

reach the most vulnerable and those in need.

“We are currently conducting a forensic audit of the programme during the course of the administration of the APNU/AFC. And to give you some tidbits of what we have found, it will be egregious when Mr. Norton hears of who amongst his cohort, how many of them have benefitted, some in the millions, some in the tens of millions. And in one case, through some organization set up in the Rupununi, (almost) $165 million.”

Dharamlall went on to hint that the Special Organised Crime Unit could be engaged by the Government to pursue the matter. In fact, he not-

ed that he would be “surprised” if SOCU doesn’t take action against those who pilfered from the grant. The Minister meanwhile explained that the distribution of grants from the SLED programme would be intensified this year.

“We have embarked - as part of our commitment to regional transformation, and more particularly the transformation of our villages - President Ali made a commitment in 2020 to make sure small businesses benefit as much as possible, and small people, many of whom are single mothers and vulnerable, benefit from grants such as these. So, during the course of this year, we will intensify the distribution

of grants across the country. Unfortunately, in the last Government, it was a handful that benefitted, now the masses will bene-

fit,” Dharamlall said.

In 2020, Dharamlall had revealed that over $250 million from the SLED fund could not be accounted for. In fact, he had noted that much of the paperwork ended up at the Haags Bosch dumpsite.

“SLED had no system when we got into Government, so a system will be put in place. It is apparent that, in the last administration of SLED, there was no criteria in terms of its implementation.

And that is why you find high officials of the last regime benefitting to the tune of millions of dollars. That is why you find that over $250 million cannot be accounted for. And that is why you will find that those

who misspent the resources of the taxpayers are going to be held accountable,” Dharamlall had informed the House.

The SLED programme, which was implemented through the former Social Protection Ministry, is a programme which was supposed to give grants to cooperatives and friendly societies to equip them to engage in sustainable entrepreneurial ventures. Specifically, it was supposed to be used to uplift disadvantaged youths. In his 2023 Budget Speech, Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh had announced that the SLED and other programmes would benefit from a $13.5 billion allocation.

First Lady Arya Ali at the naming ceremony for the Prosperity FPSO

First Lady Arya Ali with company officials in front of the Prosperity FPSO in Singapore

Local Government & Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall

Maintenance equipment gifted to workshop at aeronautical school

Excel Guyana forges alliance with Inver Group

Excel Guyana has announced a strategic alliance with Inver Group, a firm specialising in the distribution of metal building solutions and construction materials, including the design, engineering, and supply of prefabricated warehouses and insulated panels.

Area Manager Lt.

Col (ret’d) Courtney Byrne of BRISTOW Helicopters, which provides aeronautical services in Guyana for the Oil and Gas Industry, last Thursday presented a quantity of maintenance equipment to the George Loy Workshop at the Art Williams and Harry Wendt Aeronautical Engineering School at Ogle, ECD.

The BRISTOW team included pilots Captains Wayne Boodoo and Vishal

Boochay and Helicopter Mechanic Donal Carey.

The donation was received by General Manager Nalini Chanderba; Head of Training, Rabindra Ramoutar; and Workshop Manager Rawle Ally.

The company, in a release, said the equipment, valued at $3M, will supplement the school’s current equipment used for practical Aircraft Maintenance Engineering training for its Ab-Initio and Modular Programmes.

Col. Byrne has said that BRISTOW is happy to contribute to capacity building and the positive impact this would create with the youths enrolled in aircraft maintenance engineering, who would be given an opportunity to use industry standard equipment in their training processes.

Chanderban has thanked BRISTOW for the generous donation, and stated that the equipment would greatly assist the school in its practical programme delivery.

“We cannot remain stagnant...

“We want to have safe communities… [So,] we stepped up policing, visibility, public roadblocks, engagements with the communities and we’re now seeing the necessity of a partnership with community,” he posited.

Role and responsibility

Critical to this partnership, the action Top Cop outlined, is for inspectors and sergeants, as middle-managers of the Force, to step up and shoulder their responsibilities.

“Inspectors and Sergeants, you have a role and responsibility to fight crime in your regions. Fighting crime is not CID (Criminal Investigation Department) work; fighting crime is not a [junior] officer’s job; fighting crime is not a Commander’s work only and that is why we have structures in place,” the Commissioner stated.

He pointed out that during the four-day conference, these and other issues geared towards enhance the middle-management of the Force will be highlighted and discussed. In addition, the acting Top Cop also disclosed plans to have these officers undergo skills training programmes

with bilateral partners in the Caribbean as well as the United States.

Moreover, some of these inspectors and sergeants will also be sent to the Guyana Defence Force for tactical training to build on their command and control capabilities.

“At your level you’re supposed to be doing researches every day; you supposed to be looking at best practices. You are living in an era of technological development… you have to do as much research as you can do to ensure that you are contemporary. We are preparing you now during this conference… You’re gonna work harder than you’ve worked before. We’re gonna attract value in these four days and when you get back to the stations, the public which you serve, they must see a difference in how things are being done.”

“If we set the bar very high and transparent that is going to be transcend to the most junior level of this Guyana Police Force. So, what we do and how it is done is very important for us to set the standard of the force and we are doing just that…,” Commissioner Hicken stressed.

The Inver Group specialises in building solutions in the Caribbean and in Central and South America. The Chief Executive Officer of Excel Guyana has said, “Excel is honoured to have such a close relationship with one of the most trusted authorities in prefabricated construction materials in the region. We look forward to erecting worldclass buildings with Inver in Guyana. Stop by and see us at booth 23-24 at the International Energy Conference.”

Excel’s team of experts, who have more than 30 years of experience, and Inver’s team of highly trained engineers and experienced architects are dedicated to providing solutions tailored to suit clients’ needs, and are working in collaboration to bring

value-based solutions to each project. They say their approach delivers quality while saving the client time and money.

The Inver Group offers not only prefabricated construction materials, but also various services, such as problem-solving systems; continuous technical support until products are installed; approval drawings and other deliverables free of charge; advice and technical guiding; efficient selection of materials; job site visits and support; freight and logistics service; as well as 3D renderings for industrial buildings and warehouse projects.

In keeping with the rapid increase in infrastructural projects within the country, Excel has said, it

is important to the company to source engineering and prefabricated buildings and panels from a company that has extensive knowledge in the region. Inver’s buildings can be found at Baker Hughes, Pacific Rim, Schlumberger and at Courts.

“Our team at Inver Group is looking forward to working with Excel, a company that is focused on high standards, to build better buildings for the Guyanese. Our customers are ensured great customer service, quality components and value engineering. We will work hand in hand with Excel to accomplish the client’s building project in the most optimal way and with the best performance,” Roberto Guzman of Inver Group has said.

FROM PAGE 3

“Soft”

Also speaking on the importance of training and professional development was Home Affairs Minister Robeson Been, who said that the Police Force is “soft” in the middle. As such, he underscored the need for this four-day conference for the inspectors and sergeants.

The Minister noted that all the physical assets and resources given to the GPF will not matter if, at the middle level, the direction and willingness and ability to engage does not integrate with what needs to happen in order to guarantee and secure peace in communities.

“So, I welcome this engagement… that is sorely needed, that it gives us the ability to have introspection and retrospection as to our mission, that is gives us an opportunity to look at each other in the face – our squaddies – and those whom we relate to, as to the overall mission of our country. If peace is not guaranteed, all else will fail… This focus over the next few days allows us to have a reset of the policing and the Police Force,” Benn stated. (G8)

The BRISTOW team–– Pilots Wayne Boodoo and Vishal Boochay and Helicopter Mechanic Donal Carey––making the donation to General Manager Nalini Chanderba; Head of Training, Rabindra Ramoutar; and Workshop Manager Rawle Ally

4 suspects in Haitian President’s killing sent to US

Four men accused of having played a key role in the assassination in of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse have been transferred to the United States, where they will face charges.

President Moïse was shot dead at his home in the Haitian capital on July 7, 2021 by what Police described as a hit squad of mainly foreign mercenaries.

Three of the suspects are dual US-Haitian citizens and one is Colombian.

They were due to appear in a federal court in Miami later on Wednesday.

The investigation being conducted into President Moïse's assassination in Haiti has stalled, with investigators and Judges receiving death threats. But as the plan to kill Moïse was allegedly hatched by Haitian-Americans in Florida, investigations are proceeding in the US.

The transfer of the four men from Haiti to Florida has brought the total number of suspects in US custody to seven.

Three of those moved to the US have been charged with conspiracy to murder President Moise. The

fourth, Christian Sanon, was charged with smuggling bullet-proof vests to Haiti for use in the plot.

Those charged with conspiracy to commit murder are: James Solages, dual Haitian and US citizen, 37; Joseph Vincent, dual Haitian and US citizen, 57 and Germán Alejandro Rivera, Colombian citizen, 44.

Suriname court seeks to uphold ex-President's sentence

Prosecutors in Suriname have asked the High Court of Justice to uphold a 20-year jail sentence given to former President Desi Bouterse.

The 74-year-old was convicted in 2019 of ordering the extrajudicial execution of 15 political opponents four decades ago. Bouterse has since been appealing against this ruling and cannot be arrested until the process ends.

The court is expected to rule on the sentence later this year.

Bouterse has denied involvement in the executions. He insists the victims – who included lawyers, union leaders and Journalists –

Prosecutors allege that James Solages and Christian Sanon met in Florida in April 2021 to discuss "regime change" in Haiti.

According to police in Haiti, Sanon, a HaitianAmerican doctor and pastor, had "political objectives" to replace Moïse as President.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Trinidad Opposition Leader says AG's news conference "bizarre"

Trinidad and Tobago Opposition Leader Kamla PersadBissessar is describing Attorney General Reginald Armour's news conference on Wednesday as a "bizarre" one that has only served to raise more questions than answers.

AG Armour addressed the media about the recent award of TT$20m to the nine men accused of killing businesswoman Vindra Naipaul-Coolman in 2006.

The award was made after the State failed to provide a defence in a malicious prosecution suit brought by the men after they were freed.

Following the news conference, Persad-Bissesar said " it is simply beyond belief that a file against the State involving one of the most high-profile murder cases in our nation’s history can “simply disappear” from the office of the Solicitor General. It also beggars belief that Mr Armour feels he can distance himself from this scandal even though the Solicitor General’s office falls directly under his control."

She said Armour’s call for an investigation is clearly an attempt to pass the blame for this scandal onto anyone and everyone apart from himself, his predecessor Faris Al -Rawi and the Head of the Cabinet, Keith Rowley.

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley had earlier said he was disturbed by news that the State failed to file a defence.

He made the comment on Monday, as news that

the men had won a record TT$20 million overall, and TT$2.1 million each, brought public outrage in some quarters.

Rowley said just like the nation, he too wanted an explanation from the Attorney General and Legal Affairs Ministry. He said the Cabinet has no role in court proceedings but, like the public, follows the matters made public.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

shot while trying to escape a colonial-era fortress in Paramaribo, the capital of the South American country. An appeal hearing for the former leader is currently under way and is expected to last until the end of March, after which time the High Court will announce its decision on the sentence.

Bouterse recently admitted in court that he had heard gunshots on the day the prisoners were killed, but insisted he did not order their execution.

He has instead blamed his deputy, Paul Bhagwandas –who died in 1996 – for the deaths. But witnesses testified that Bouterse was pres-

ent when the victims were killed.

The killings took place in 1982 – seven years after Suriname's independence from the Netherlands. Lawyers for Bouterse have previously argued that the victims were collaborating with the Dutch, France and the US to depose him.

Bouterse led Suriname during the 1980s as head of a military government and de facto leader.

He took office as President in 2010, following a democratic election and was elected for another term in 2015. He remained in the post until 2020, when his party lost power.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

El Salvador opens 40,000-person prison as arrests soar in gang crackdown

Authorities in El Salvador have opened one of Latin America's largest prisons, more than doubling the country's incarceration capacity, as a Government crackdown on criminal gangs is causing the prison population to soar.

The 40,000-capacity Terrorism Confinement Centre was inaugurated on Tuesday to help relieve some of the overpopulation in the country's prison system.

Since President Nayib Bukele asked the country's

congress to approve a state of exception in March, the Police and Army have arrested more than 62,000 suspected gang members and their collaborators.

Under the measure some constitutional rights have been suspended, including allowing authorities to make arrests without a warrant and giving the Government access to citizens' communication.

With nearly two per cent of its adult population behind bars, El Salvador has the highest incarceration rate in the world.

The rising inmate population as a result of the anti-gang measures, which the vast majority of the population supports, has stretched the country's already overwhelmed prison system. El Salvador's largest prison, La Esperanza, currently holds 33,000 people despite having a capacity of 10,000.

El Salvador's Prisons Director Osiris Luna said the new prison will span over 166 hectares (410 acres), while 600 troops and 250 Police Officers will secure it.(Excerpt from Reuters)

Peru's Congress fails to agree on holding early elections

Peru's Congress on Wednesday rejected a proposal to move elections forward to December 2023, despite nearly two months of protests that have left dozens dead following the ousting of former President Pedro Castillo.

Lawmakers will continue debating a different proposal to hold early elections, a key demand of the protesters. But Peru's Congress is deeply fragmented and reaching an

agreement is tricky.

The first proposal, which came from the rightwing Popular Force party, was rejected by 68 lawmakers, and voted in favour of by 54, with two abstentions.

Jorge Montoya, a congressman and spokesperson for the far right-wing Popular Renovation party, said during Wednesday's debate that early elections were unconstitutional and that members of Congress should be allowed to finish

their term.

Now Castillo's party, Peru Libre, will try to wrangle votes for their proposal, which includes a non-binding referendum for a new constitution and new members of Congress.

"We want to leave our seats, but not before taking the first steps for a new constitution," Maria Aguero, a congresswoman for Peru Libre, told Reuters after the vote.

"That means asking the people if they do or don't

want a new constitution."

A supermajority of 87 votes is needed to advance the proposal, while 66 votes are needed to trigger a national referendum.

Violent protests erupted over the weekend after Congress delayed the vote amid infighting, leading to the death of one protester and prompting President Dina Boluarte to say she would submit her own proposal if Congress failed to reach an agreement.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Haitian President Jovenel Moïse was shot dead in his home on July 7, 2021

Trinidad and Tobago Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar

A general view shows the Terrorism Confinement Centre in Tecoluca, El Salvador in a handout distributed to Reuters on February 1, 2023 (Secretaria de Prensa de la Presidencia/Handout via Reuters)

Oil dives US$3 after EIA reports big builds in crude, fuel stocks

Oil prices settled lower on Wednesday after sliding more than US$3 a barrel in the session after US Government data showed big builds in crude oil, gasoline and distillate inventories and the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies stuck to their output policy.

Brent crude futures settled down US$2.62, or 3.1 per cent, at US$82.84 a barrel while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures fell US$2.46, or 3.1 per cent to settle at US$76.41.

US crude oil and fuel inventories rose last week to their highest levels since June 2021, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) said, as demand remained weak.

Crude inventories climbed 4.1 million barrels in the week ending January 27 to 452.7 million barrels, much steeper than the 0.4 million barrel rise that analysts had forecast in a Reuters poll. It was the sixth straight weekly build, as refining utilisation declined and net imports climbed.

"The market is reacting to the report that indicates there isn't demand for crude oil or fuels," said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital LLC in New York.

The Federal Reserve raised its target interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point on Wednesday, yet continued to promise "ongoing increases" in borrowing costs as part of its still unresolved battle against inflation.

"Inflation has eased somewhat, but remains elevated," the US central bank said in a statement that marked an explicit acknowledgement of the progress made in lowering the pace of price increases from the 40-year highs hit last year.

The US dollar last fell 0.9 per cent on the day against a basket of currencies at 101.19.

Ministers from the OPEC+ producer group comprising the OPEC and allies, including Russia, kept their output policy unchanged on Wednesday.

OPEC's oil output fell in January, as Iraqi exports dropped and Nigerian output did not recover, with the 10 OPEC members pumping 920,000 barrels per day (bpd) below OPEC+ targeted volumes, a Reuters survey found.

The shortfall was bigger than the 780,000 bpd deficit in December.

Elsewhere, Russia's Deputy Prime Minister said he expected oil demand to rise on the back of Chinese economic activity. (Reuters)

Vienna murders: 4 guilty of helping jihadist in terror attack

Four men have been convicted of being accomplices to murder in a deadly terror attack by a lone jihadist gunman in the heart of Austria's capital in November 2020.

Kujtim Fejzulai went on the rampage in Vienna's busy nightlife area known as the Bermuda Triangle, shooting dead four people and wounding 23 others. His nine minutes of terror finally ended when he was shot dead by Police.

The men on trial were ac-

Around the World

Russia advances in eastern Ukraine, strike on apartments kills civilians

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and a senior defence official issued dire accounts of Russian forces shelling and advancing in Ukraine's eastern province of Donetsk, the main focal point of the 11-month-long war.

Fierce fighting was unabated in eastern Ukraine, where Russian troops are trying to gain ground near the strategic logistics hub of Lyman, Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Malyar said on Wednesday evening.

Bakhmut town and 10 communities around it came under Russian artillery and tank fire, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said in a statement on Wednesday night. Bakhmut has suffered relentless bombardment for months by Russian troops.

Separately, Avdiivka, another major target, and the nearby contested town of Maryinka and other settlements were also hit, the

Mourners call for end to Police violence at Tyre Nichols funeral

statement said.

"A definite increase has been noted in the offensive operations of the occupiers on the front in the east of our country. The situation has become tougher," Zelenskiy said in a Wednesday eve-

ning video address.

The Russian forces were trying to make gains that they could show on the anniversary of their February 24, 2022 invasion, Zelenskiy said.

At least three people were killed and 20 wounded on Wednesday night after a Russian rocket strike destroyed a residential building in the eastern city of Kramatorsk, officials said.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian state security officials searched the home of billionaire businessman Ihor Kolomoiskiy on Wednesday, in what several media outlets said was an investigation into possible financial crimes.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) did not immediately reply to a request for comment about the reports, and Kolomoiskiy could not be reached for comment.

A senior governing party official confirmed Kolomoiskiy's home had been searched – as well as that of a former Interior Minister – but did not state the reason for the search.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Nikki Haley, once Trump's UN Ambassador, to take him on in 2024

Former South Carolina

The relatives of AfroAmericans killed by Police in cities across the United States came to Tyre Nichols' funeral in a Memphis church on Wednesday to offer comfort to the family of the 29-yearold, who was fatally beaten by officers last month.

let these people brutalise our kids," said Rodney Wells, Nichols' stepfather.

Vice President Kamala Harris flew to Memphis and embraced Nichols' mother, RowVaughn Wells, in the pews before addressing the congregation.

cused of helping him before the attack.

Two others aged 22 and 23 were found not guilty of being accomplices to murder, but were convicted of lesser terror offences.

The 20-year-old attacker, who had Austria and Macedonian nationality, had been radicalised in Austria and had served 18 months in jail for trying to join jihadist group Islamic State (IS), which said it was behind the murders.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Speaking over a flower-bedecked casket at the Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, preachers recalled a young man who loved photography and skateboarding, and demanded justice for Nichols.

Civil rights leaders and family members also called for an end to recurring Police violence. They addressed a congregation that included relatives of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, two African Americans whose deaths at the hands of Police sparked protests in 2020.

"We cannot continue to

"This is a family that lost their son and their brother through an act of violence at the hands and the feet of people who had been charged with keeping them safe," Harris said. "Tyre Nichols should have been safe."

The Democrat promised to help pass federal legislation to reduce Police misconduct.

Nichols died on January 10 in a hospital from injuries he sustained three days earlier when beaten by Memphis Police who pulled him over while he was driving home.(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Governor Nikki Haley will kick off her campaign for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination this month, squaring off against her one-time boss, Donald Trump, two sources familiar with her plans said on Wednesday.

The move would make her just the second declared Republican candidate and could set the stage for a more combative phase of the campaign, potentially putting her in the sights of the pugnacious former US President.

Haley's campaign sent an email to supporters on Wednesday inviting them to a February 15 event in Charleston. There she will declare her candidacy, the sources said.

South Carolina is expected to host one of the first Republican nominating pri-

maries in 2024 and will play an important role in picking the eventual candidate.

The daughter of two Indian immigrants who ran a successful clothing store in a rural part of the state, Haley has gained a reputation in the Republican Party as a solid conservative who has the ability to address issues of gender and race in a more credible fashion than many of her peers.

She has also pitched herself as a stalwart defender of American interests abroad, having served as US Ambassador to the United Nations under Trump from 2017 to 2018. During that time, the United States pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal, which was inked under Democratic President Barack Obama and was highly unpopular among Republicans. (Excerpt from Reuters)

People work at a site of a residential building destroyed by a Russian missile strike, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kramatorsk, Ukraine, February 1, 2023 (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty/Serhii Horbatenko via Reuters)

Demonstrators call for charges against all of those involved in the beating and neglect of Tyre Nichols on January 30 in the US city of Memphis, Tennessee [Gerald Herbert/AP Photo]

Nikki Haley

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Think big, but don't overspend. Be open to ideas, but not at the expense of giving up on your dreams. Take pride in what you do. Distance yourself from emotional interference.

(March 21-April 19)

Talk with someone you enjoy working with. A reunion or gathering will drum up feelings you once had for someone. It's time to either embrace the past or let go of it completely.

(April 20-May 20)

Do your thing, even out the playing field and make disciplined decisions. Refuse to let anyone take credit for something you do or say. Protect yourself and your assets from anyone pressuring you.

(May 21-June 20)

Share information, feelings and plans with someone special. Build your future with a goal in mind. Overreacting won't solve problems. Look for common ground. Handle a romantic gesture with care.

(June 21-July 22)

Don't be shy; speak up, and your contributions will open doors. Don't walk away from change; embrace what's available and make it your own. A partnership will require compromise.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Consider what you want and how best to make it happen. Plan a fun-filled day that will ignite your imagination. Create an exciting way to get things done quickly and efficiently.

TODAY’S WORD — INVOICE

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Shake off any negativity dragging you down. Set the record straight and map out your goals. Procrastination is the enemy, so gear up and show everyone what you can bring to the table.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

You'll gain power if you are observant. Take note of how others treat you and eliminate situations holding you back. Improve your image and how you present yourself to the world.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Don't ignore trouble. Size up situations and protect yourself from anyone coming on too strong. If something doesn't sit right with you, take a pass and do your own thing.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Pressing matters will escalate if you don't take charge. Refuse to let anyone put demands on you. By asking questions, you'll learn how to move forward. Apply your skills and follow your instincts.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

A low-key approach will work wonders in a tight situation. Offer intelligent and forward-thinking ideas and plans. Take precautions and ward off injury or illness.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Initiate activities with friends. Share your feelings and intentions. A trial run would be a good call. Clear favors or debts owed before you move on. Choose love over discord.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

NZ Tour to India 2023: T20I

Series,

Game 2 of 3…

Stunning Gill sets up record demolition of New Zealand

This is the year of Shubman Gill; we are just living in it. To add to his three ODI centuries in the first month of the year, he started the second by becoming the fifth Indian to have scored hundreds in all three international formats.

India played the near-perfect innings around Gill, anchoring at a two-runs-a-ball 126, and followed it up with the near-perfect bowling performance to bowl New Zealand out for 66. India's margin of victory - 168 runs - was the highest in any T20I involving two Full-Member teams.

It was no accident that India found themselves bowling when the ball moved around. Hardik Pandya used his experience of the IPL Final, even though his side had won it chasing, to decide to bat first, because the ball moved around more in the night in that match. It proved to be the perfect call, as India got to make the most of the batting conditions, before getting just enough help in the night to reduce New Zealand to 7 for 4 and 21 for 5.

The come-from-behind series win meant India maintained their unbeaten series record in all formats at home since March 2019.

The powerplay symphony

New Zealand got immediate results with the decision to open the bowling with Michael Bracewell through the wicket of Ishan Kishan,

but that was to be the last bit of joy for them. It brought together Gill and Rahul Tripathi, one batter in great touch, the other making the most of his intent. If Tripathi ramped Lockie Ferguson over short fine, Gill caressed him through the covers. If Gill took apart Blair Tickner with what seemed like paper cuts in the fifth over, Tripathi bludgeoned and ramped Ferguson in the sixth.

India were 58 for 1 at the end of the powerplay, with Gill on 34 off 20 and Tripathi on 20 off 13.

Tripathi races away Gill played a superb innings, but part of the credit for India's display belongs to Tripathi. He, and in part Suryakumar Yadav, allowed Gill to set himself up for a final assault, and score just 16 off the first 15 balls he faced after the powerplay to get to a maiden T20I fifty.

While Gill took his time in the middle overs, Tripathi, the intent monster, played around with bowling that wasn't really bad. He scored 24 off the nine balls he faced in the middle overs, which is exactly his role: score quick in the powerplay, look to score quicker outside of it, without worrying about his wicket.

Suryakumar managed 24 off 13, including a slog-swept six off Ish Sodhi, to leave India at 125 for 3 in the 13th over.

The Gill Show

Pandya scored 30 off 17, but never has someone scoring 30 off 17 looked more like a bystander than he did at the end of this innings. Ferguson came back at the fall of Suryakumar's wicket, and did the right thing by bowling short to try to bring the bigger square boundaries into play. The boundaries were not big enough. Gill

pulled him for a six and a four in the 14th over.

Debutant Ben Lister, who had bowled well till then, bowled an ordinary 16th over, and Gill played the pickup and the whip for sixes off length balls. Tickner's legcutters didn't grip either, and he got both driven and pulled for sixes. Ferguson tried to go fuller, only to be driven over wide mid-off to take Gill to his hundred, a 50-to-100 progression in just 19 balls.

In the 19th, Gill managed to hit two excellent deliveries for fours. Lister nailed the yorker, but he steered it past short third, and then when he missed his length by six inches, Gill drove it all along the ground straight of long-on. If this was happening to good balls, the juicy full toss stood no chance, disappearing over wide long-on.

Daryl Mitchell bowled an excellent last over to concede just six; it was one of only three overs in the innings without a boundary. Gill and Pandya added 103 in just 40 balls. New Zealand now needed all the flatness of the pitch and the dew if they were to challenge the total.

Fast bowlers kill the chase Pandya the bowler immediately vindicated Pandya the captain when he had Finn Allen caught at slip in the first over. Arshdeep Singh went one better in the second over, taking out Devon Conway and Mark Chapman. The length ball that seamed

to take the edge of Chapman wouldn't have been out of place in a Test match.

Pandya repeated the Allen dismissal with Glenn Phillips: short of a length, extra bounce, slight movement, an identical overhead catch for the leaping Suryakumar at slip.

When Umran Malik beat a hoick from Bracewell in the fifth over, New Zealand still needed 214, with only half their wickets in hand.

Mitchell and Mitchell Santner then added 32 for the sixth wicket, but once Santner fell, the end came swiftly. (ESPNCricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

India (20 ovs maximum)

BATTING R B

Ishan Kishan † lbw

b Bracewell 1 3

Shubman Gill not out 126 63

Rahul Tripathi c

Ferguson b Sodhi 44 22

Suryakumar Yadav

c Bracewell b Tickner 24 13

Hardik Pandya (c)

c Bracewell b Mitchell 30 17

Deepak Hooda not out 2 2

Extras (b 2, lb 1, w 4) 7

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 11.70) 234/4

Did not bat: Washington Sundar, Shivam Mavi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Umran Malik

Fall of wickets: 1-7 (Ishan Kishan, 1.2 ov), 2-87 (Rahul Tripathi, 8.2 ov), 3-125 (Suryakumar Yadav, 12.3 ov), 4-228 (Hardik Pandya, 19.1 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Benjamin Lister 4-0-42-0

Michael Bracewell 1-0-8-1

Lockie Ferguson 4-0-54-0

Blair Tickner 3-0-50-1

Ish Sodhi 3-0-34-1

Mitchell Santner 4-0-37-0

Daryl Mitchell 1-0-6-1

New Zealand (T: 235 runs from 20 ovs)

BATTING R B

Finn Allen c Yadav

b Pandya 3 4

Devon Conway † c

Pandya b Arshdeep Singh 1 2

Mark Chapman c †Ishan

Kishan b Arshdeep Singh 0 2

Glenn Phillips c Yadav

b Pandya 2 7

Daryl Mitchell c Shivam

Mavi b Umran Malik 35 25

Michael Bracewell

b Umran Malik 8 8

Mitchell Santner (c) c Yadav b Shivam Mavi 13 13

Ish Sodhi c Tripathi

b Shivam Mavi 0 2

Lockie Ferguson c

Umran Malik b Pandya 0 4

Blair Tickner c †Ishan

Kishan b Pandya 1 5

Benjamin Lister not out 0 1

Extras (lb 1, w 2) 3

TOTAL 12.1 Ov (RR: 5.42) 66

Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Finn Allen, 0.5 ov), 2-4 (Devon Conway, 1.1 ov), 3-5 (Mark Chapman, 1.6 ov), 4-7 (Glenn Phillips, 2.4 ov), 5-21 (Michael Bracewell, 4.3 ov), 6-53 (Mitchell Santner, 8.3 ov), 7-53 (Ish Sodhi, 8.5 ov), 8-54 (Lockie Ferguson, 9.4 ov), 9-66 (Blair Tickner, 11.5 ov), 1066 (Daryl Mitchell, 12.1 ov) BOWLING O-M-R-W

Brady retires “for good” after 23 seasons in NFL

Legendary quarterback and record seven-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady has said he is retiring "for good" after 23 seasons in the NFL.

Brady, 45, first announced his retirement on this day last year, but reversed his decision six weeks later, claiming he had "unfinished business".

He won six Super Bowls with the New England Patriots and one with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021. Brady's final season ended in the Bucs' 3114 play-off defeat last month.

"I'm retiring - for good," he said in an emotional video posted on social media. "I know the process was a pretty big deal last time, so when I woke up this morning, I figured I'd just press record and let you guys know first.

"It won't be long-winded. You only get one super-emotional retirement essay, and I used mine up last year.

Thank you so much to every single one of you for supporting me - my family, my friends, my team-mates, my competitors. I could go on forever - there's too many.

"Thank you for allowing me to live my absolute dream. I wouldn't change a thing. Love you all."

After being selected by the Patriots with the 199th pick of the 2000 draft, Brady led the franchise to six Super Bowl titles. He left for the Bucs in 2020, and helped them win the title in his first season, being named the game's Most Valuable Player (MVP) for a fifth time.

After returning to the game last March, Brady - a three-time NFL season MVP - posted the first losing record of his career in a difficult year on and off the field.

Away from the sport, Brady and his wife of 13 years, Gisele Bundchen, announced their divorce in October after months of ru-

mours. Brady - heralded as American football's GOAT (greatest of all time) - led his team to the play-offs in 20 of his 21 seasons as a starter. He is the NFL's alltime regular-season leader in pass attempts (12,050), completions (7,753), passing yards (89,214) and touchdown passes (649), as well as being the league's leader

in all four categories in the post-season.

In 2015, Brady was given a four-game suspension for allegedly colluding to deflate balls during a play-off game, but the ban was overturned after a United States judge ruled it had "legal deficiencies", allowing him to play the entire 2015-16 season. It was reinstated for the start of 2016, and he missed the

first four games of the campaign.

The 2022-23 season was expected to be Brady's last, at least with the Bucs - he had been linked with the Las Vegas Raiders, Tennessee Titans, San Francisco 49ers and Miami Dolphins.

Last March, Brady agreed a 10-year contract worth a reported $375m (£300m) to become Fox Sports' lead NFL analyst once he retired.

Analysis - a dignified departure for the undisputed GOAT

Ben Collins, BBC Sport

Last year there were leaks and denials about whether Tom Brady would retire, then confirmation, and a U-turn just 40 days later.

This time around, Brady made his intentions crystal clear in a raw, humble message direct from the man himself, rather than via a marketing team.

It was a dignified departure befitting a player who must now be recognised as the NFL's greatest of all-time.

After Tampa Bay's exit from the play-offs, there had been some speculation about what Brady would do next, and he was linked with several other NFL teams.

But this announcement comes before the rumour mill could go into overdrive, sparing suitors from making a futile attempt to sign him, and giving them time to pursue other targets.

It also comes before the media circus of Super Bowl Week kicks off on Monday, so it won't take the spotlight away from this year's title contenders.

However, Brady is set to join Fox Sports, which has the television rights to Super Bowl 57, so many are now wondering if he would have a role to play during their coverage a week on Sunday.

(BBC Sport)

NFL great, Tom Brady

Shubman Gill now has centuries in all three international formats

GDF resources to be utilised for Sports Academy this year

- says Ramson Jr. …reveals 2023 plans for Academy

The Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF’s) sports resources are a part of several plans that the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport have in order to ensure the success of the National Sports Academy this year.

This was disclosed by subject Minister Charles Ramson Jr during the National Sports Conference on Saturday last. Ramson Jr, in brief remarks, spoke about this year’s plans for the academy, which was started in 2022, highlighting that the GDF has numerous resources that can be utilised.

“What you will know

this year is that we’re going to be collaborating with the army, because we’ve already had some very fruitful discussions. They have a lot of built-in resources right there in the army, and they’re very keen to support the work that we’re doing at the Sports Academy, because many of them come from a sports background, and many of them have training in that area as well,” the Sport Minister has disclosed.

Continuing, he said, “So they’re going to be coming to assist each of the sports that fall into that category, so that they can support the work of the Sports

Academy.”

Ramson did not hold back on details of other plans that are in the pipeline for the National Sports Academy this year, which includes his Ministry’s focus on tournaments and an avenue through which they can be publicized.

Ramson Jr. revealed, “This year, however, since we’ve started the nurseries last year, this year our focus is on the tournaments. What you will see coming out of the Ministry in a very short space of time - maybe in the next few days - is a sports calendar; a sports calendar that will be published for every sin-

gle month. You’ll get all the main and major activities or events that are related to sport. You will have that in one calendar, and every month we will be publishing it in the newspapers,” the Minister clarified.

The Sport Minister went on to share why the focus has evolved to tournaments this year, as compared to nurseries last year.

“This is to help in raising the kind of awareness for the tournaments, be-

cause the tournaments are going to be very critical this year. And that’s one of the reasons that we asked the Sports Associations to provide to us, before the start of 2023, a list of main events for tournaments.”

According to Ramson Jr, 2024 will see focus shifting to developing elite programmes for athletes. He stated on the topic, “This is going to be our focus for next year, and I’m putting the National Sports Commission on notice, so that they can plan for this. Next year is when we focus on our elite training programme.”

The Sport Minister further divulged that if the opportunity presents itself to begin the elite programmes for certain sports this year, then the step will be taken earlier than planned.

Moore appointed strength and conditioning coach of GHE West Indies name squad with 3 U19 Rising Stars players

Jaryl Moore has been appointed strength and conditioning coach with the Guyana Harpy Eagles (GHE). This is according to a release from the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB).

Moore is a fitness trainer certified by the International Sports Science Association. Moore recently worked at the Ministry of Education, attached to Queen’s College, where he taught Physical Education and Sports. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy; a Graduate Diploma in Computer Science; Psychology at the Cambridge A Level; and CXC subjects in the area of science.

The appointment of Jaryl Moore as the strength and conditioning coach with the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) is in keeping with CWI Sports Medicine and Science Strategy for the development of players.

CWI Manager of Sports Medicine and Science, Dr. Oba Gulston, has expressed gratitude to the territorial boards for their commitment shown in the appointment of physiotherapists and strength and conditioning coaches.

Moore’s selection complements the appointment in December 2022 of Angelica Holder as a physiotherapist attached to the Guyana Cricket Board, with her main responsibility being that of the Guyana Harpy Eagles.

On the implementation of this new regional medical team, Dr. Gulston has indicated that “The assignments

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup; SA 2023…

The Cricket West Indies (CWI) Selection

Panel has announced a 15-member West Indies Women squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa, starting on 11 February.

of the physiotherapists and strength and conditioning coaches will greatly improve the medical support for all players in our system, and the communication between our medical professionals, teams, and players.”

Further, Dr. Gulston mentioned that, “CWI will centrally train all the strength and conditioning coaches and physiotherapists to ensure compliance with operating procedures for testing. The territorial board’s assigned strength and conditioning coach and physiotherapist will now be able to work collaboratively to carry out the relevant tests locally for all players: men, women, and youths within their territory. Given this fact, it is necessary that each territorial board has access to the correct equipment, with the initial equipment purchases including timing gates, jump mats, dynamometer (muscle tester) with an expansion pack, and software and IT support for all equipment.”

Jaryl Moore has said he is happy to be appointed as the strength and conditioning coach for the Guyana Cricket Board, and that he is keen on using his knowledge and experience to improve players by getting them to match readiness.”

Jaryl indicated that thorough planning on mental skills and decision-making will be necessary for player growth. This approach will help to realise improved performances and so help the players to transition to higher competitive levels.

The squad sees the inclusion of three West Indies U19 Rising Stars players who recently competed in the first ever ICC Women’s U19 World Cup: Zaida James, Trishan Holder and Djenaba Joseph.

Shemaine Campbelle, the wicketkeeper/batter, has been named as vice-captain. Experienced allrounder Stafanie Taylor has been named in the squad, subject to a final fitness assessment.

Lead Selector Ann Browne-John has said: “The selectors have opted for a blend of youth and ex-

have been making great progress, and have been included in the squad. Zaida brings both left-hand batting and left-arm orthodox bowling, both of which the team has been missing in recent time. Djenaba is a batting allrounder, and Trishan (is) a powerful striker and wicketkeeping option. They have all proven that they can hold their own at this level.

el to Cape Town on Friday 3 February ahead of the start of the tournament, which will begin on Friday 10 February with hosts South Africa taking on Sri Lanka.

Newlands, Cape Town; Boland Park, Paarl and St. George’s Park, Gqeberha are the host venues for the tournament, with both semi-finals and the final being played in Cape Town on 26 February.

T20 World Cup match schedule

Monday, 13

February: West Indies vs England, Boland Park, Paarl, 3pm (9am Eastern Caribbean/8am Jamaica)

Wednesday, 15

February: West Indies vs India, Newlands, Cape Town, 3pm (9am Eastern Caribbean/8am Jamaica)

perience for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Four senior players who have been out through injury have returned – Stafanie Taylor, Shakera Selman, Chinelle Henry and Chedean Nation. We continue the developmental pathway to grow women’s cricket in the region, hence we feel the time is right to include three of the Under 19 Rising Stars in the squad.”

Browne-John added: “Zaida James, Djenaba Joseph and Trishan Holder

“We believe the 15 players consist of a good allround mix, and we expect them to be able to compete in this World Cup.”

The West Indies squad features six players, Hayley Matthews, Shemaine Campbelle, Stafanie Taylor, Shamilia Connell, Shakera Selman and Afy Fletcher, who became World Champions in 2016.

West Indies have been drawn in Group 2, alongside England, India, Pakistan and Ireland, and will trav-

Friday, 17 February: West Indies vs Ireland, Newlands, Cape Town,7pm (1pm Eastern Caribbean/12noon Jamaica)

Sunday, 19

February: West Indies vs Pakistan, Boland Park, Paarl, 3pm (9am Eastern Caribbean/8am Jamaica)

FULL SQUAD

*Hayley

Matthews (Captain)

* Shemaine Campbelle (Vice Captain)

* Aaliyah Alleyne

* Shamilia Connell

* Afy Fletcher

* Shabika Gajnabi

* Chinelle Henry

* Trishan Holder

* Zaida James

* Djenaba Joseph

* Chedean Nation

*Karishma Ramharack

* Shakera Selman

* Stafanie Taylor

* Rashada Williams.

Dr Oba Gulston

The three Rising Star (U19) players who have made the team: Zaida James, Trishan Holder and Djenaba Joseph

West Indies’ Women will play their first game on February 13, 2023 against England

Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr. addressing the sports conference on Saturday last

WI 4-Day Championships…

Nandu stands tall on debut with unbeaten half-century

By Brandon Corlette in antigua

Opener Matthew Nandu has stood tall at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in his debut innings, scoring an unbeaten 71 to lead Guyana Harpy Eagles to 205-5 from 76.4 overs on day one.

Playing against defending champions Barbados Pride in this first-round clash of the West Indies 4-Day Championships, the 19-year-old Nandu displayed the skill of playing late and leaving the ball.

Delay and discussion surrounded the opening day at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. Guyana Harpy Eagles were asked to bat by Barbados Pride. The Eagles have three debutants in the team: Matthew Nandu, Shamar Joseph and Kemol Savory.

pitch at 8-0. Some players and management from both teams expressed dissatisfaction at the state of the surface, but play resumed at 11:20h.

Nandu took 14 balls to get off the mark in FirstClass cricket, but when he did so with a boundary towards fine-leg, he looked solid. The duo went to lunch at 29-0 with Nandu on 14 and Chandrapaul Hemraj on 11.

In the second session, Pride bowlers came out with purpose. Nandu's opening partner Chandrapaul Hemraj was struck on the gloves, as he looked uncomfortable during his 11. The left-handed Hemraj was dismissed by pacer Zachary McAllister at 30-1.

Tevin Imlach came and went for a duck, as he was adjudged leg-before by Akeem Jordan. The two debutants Matthew Nandu

and looked positive during his strokeplay, driving and punching in finesse. The Essequibian struck three fours in his 25, after adding 45 runs with Nandu for the third wicket.

Nandu was then partnered by skipper Leon Johnson at 80-3. The 19-year-old Nandu was dropped on 40 at first slip off the bowling of Keon Harding, but he continued to build his innings. He eventually reached his 50 from 124 balls.

At tea, Guyana reached 122-3, with Nandu and Johnson at the crease. The youngster Nandu, who played most of his cricket in Canada and is the son of former National player Arjune Nandu, became the first Guyanese to score a half-century on First-Class debut since 1987. Nandu joined Sudesh Dhaniram who recorded a similar feat

ed for 26 Anthony Bramble came and went for 20, as he became another Guyanese batsman who failed to capitalise on a start. Kevin Sinclair joined Nandu, and the duo took Guyana to stumps without further hiccups. Sinclair is unbeaten on 28, while Nandu will resume on 71.

Nandu faced 222 balls and struck nine fours in his solid innings. Off-spinner Chaim Holder, who extracted bounce and turn, had 2-36 from 25 overs, while seamer Akeem Jordan had 2-34 from 16 overs. Play for day two is set for 9:30am

Eastern Caribbean Time after overs being lost on day one.

Summarised scores of the other two matches

At Coolidge Cricket Ground: Leeward Hurricanes vs Jamaica Scorpions

Leeward Hurricanes: 163-6 from 90 overs (Jahmar Hamilton 40, Montcin Hodge 37, Rahkeem Cornwall 29*, Jeremiah Louis 17*; Abhijai Mansingh 2-27, Marquino Mindley 1-11, Jamie Merchant 1-23)

At Grenada National Stadium: Windward Volcanoes vs Trinidad and Tobago Red Force

Players left the field after a delivery bowled by Keon Harding

in his maiden match.

After Johnson depart-

Windward Volcanoes: 243 all out from 63.1 overs (Tevyn Walcott 87*, Sunil Ambris 55, Alick Athanaze 41, Ryan John 36; Bryan

Charles 4-46, Terrance Hinds 4-72) & 60-0 from 16 overs (Kimani Melius

92.1 overs (Amir Jangoo 86, Tion Webster 79, Hinds 52, Darren Bravo 38, Jeremy

39*, Jerlani Robinson 19*) trail Trinidad and Tobago Red Force 315 all out from

Solozano 34; Ryan John 5-18, Darius Martin 2-80) by 12 runs

SCOREBOARD

Guyana 1st Innings

Chanderpaul Hemraj lbw b McAllister 11 Matthew Nandu not out 71

Tevin Imlach lbw b Jordan 0

Kemol Savory c Dowrich b Holder 25

Leon Johnson c Jordan b Holder 26

Anthony Bramble c

Kirton b Jordan 20 Kevin Sinclair not out 28 Total (5 wickets,

flew off the

and Kemol Savory joined forces at 35-2. Savory came

Chaim Holder bowled tight for Pride

Akeem Jordan had two wickets

Hemraj and Nandu are the new openers for Guyana in the absence of Tage Chanderpaul