Guyana Times - Thursday, January 5, 2023

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 2023 |

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, January 5 –04:00h-05:30h and Friday, January 6 – 04:15h-05:45h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, January 5 –15:10h-16:40h and Friday, January 6 – 15:50h-17:20h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Cloudy skies in the morning are expected to give way to rain showers, sometimes accompanied by thunder, in the afternoon and evening hours.

Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North North-Easterly to East NorthEasterly between 1.78 metres and 4.92 metres.

High Tide: 15:29h reaching a maximum height of 2.47 metres.

Low Tide: 09:03h and 21:33h reaching minimum heights of 0.91 metre and

Election CoI

Fmr Top Cop testifies he instructed TSU ranks to secure not evacuate Ashmins Building

The Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the events that followed the March 2020 elections resumed on Wednesday, with former acting Police Commissioner Leslie James taking the stand to testify that he never instructed any rank of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to vacate the Ashmins Building as was done on March 5, 2020.

James was summoned by the CoI Secretariat and agreed to testify. He recalled that two years ago on March 5, he was following the events unfolding at the Ashmins Building, which housed the Office of the Returning Officer for Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) – Guyana’s largest voting district.

According to the former Top Cop, he observed and was informed of “mayhem” and “total disorder” taking place there hence he gave directives for order to be restored at the building. The then Police Chief said in addition to looking at live coverage of the events at Ashmins Building, he was being updated by Deputy Commissioner (Operations) Maxine Graham, who was directly liaising with ranks on the ground as well as officials of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM).

James noted that he deployed the Police Force’s Tactical Services Unit (TSU) to “secure” Ashmins Building.

“I told [them] that there was a breakdown in law and order, and there are potential damage to prop-

erty and perhaps persons might have been injured, so I have given that directive for [them] to go there and secure the building… [that is, for them] to take all necessary steps to secure the personnel, the ranks there [who] were being assaulted verbally and physically… and ensure that law and order is maintained, and generally secure that location,” he explained.

However, James said he never ordered that the building be vacated. On March 5, Police ranks started to clear out Ashmins Building, including senior GECOM officials.

During his testimony, the former Police

Commissioner (ag) was then asked whether having persons vacate the property was his instruction to the TSU, to which he responded “No”.

Unaware of Myers’ instruction

He further informed the CoI that he was unaware that it was the then Deputy Chief Elections Officer at GECOM, Roxanne Myers, who wanted to have Ashmins Building vacated on March 5, 2020. The former Top Cop disclosed too that he could not recall being told that Myers had complained to DC Graham that Thomas was not complying with her (Myers’) instructions to have the

building vacated.

According to James, he only saw the ranks clearing out the building much later via video footage. Despite this, however, the then Top Cop disclosed that he did not take any action against those ranks who went against his instructions.

“I didn’t do nothing. There was no need for me to do anything at that point,” he told the CoI.

Removal of Edgar Thomas

At the time when the TSU showed up to the Ashmins Building, then Police Commander of Georgetown, Edgar Thomas was in charge on the ground. But he was subsequently replaced by his deputy at the instructions of James.

The former Police Commissioner (ag)testified that while he had contact with the Commander earlier in the day, there was a breakdown in that communication sometime around midday on March 5, 2020.

As a result, James said he had Thomas removed after not being able to get into contact with him – something which, he admitted, the commander was unaware of.

…says there was “no need” to discipline officers for violating order

Former Police Commissioner (ag) Leslie James

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Healthy behaviours

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony recently called out Guyanese on our bad eating habits.

To quote the Minister: “There are a number of bad habits that we have. They include consumption of alcohol and smoking cigarettes. We eat the wrong food, and move away from fresh, healthy foods. We eat a lot of fast foods and drink a lot of sugar-sweetened beverages. These contribute to diabetes, and we have to change them. In addition, a lot of our population has moved to an inactive way of living.”

Every year, Guyana joins with regional countries as part of a unified response to promote health, and prevent and control the epidemic of non-communicable diseases, or NCDs.

The COVID-19 pandemic and its devastating impacts on individuals and communities as a whole are yet another stark reminder that both the health authorities and citizens must continue to take the issue of NCDs very seriously.

Based on what the medical professionals have found so far, most of the persons who died as a result of contracting COVID-19 had had some kind of underlying health complication, many of which were related to NCDs.

According to PAHO/WHO, people with underlying health conditions such as NCDs, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and cancer, have a higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease, and are more likely to die from COVID-19. Risk factors for NCDs can make people more vulnerable to becoming severely ill. For example, smokers may have reduced lung capacity, which would greatly increase risk of serious illness.

Even before the pandemic, poor lifestyle choices, such as tobacco use, alcohol abuse, unhealthy diets, and physical inactivity, had resulted in large numbers of people falling sick and dying.

It is also believed that around 40 per cent of Guyanese are either overweight or obese, and of that number, the majority are women.

Health experts say that chronic diseases result largely from bad food choices and low levels of physical activity. Reducing the risk of developing chronic illnesses, including Type 2 Diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and various cancers, is associated with living a healthy lifestyle, which includes such factors as nonsmoking, a healthy diet, regular physical activity, moderate alcohol intake, and a sense of mental well-being.

For example, evidence suggests that half of all cancers could be prevented by following a healthy lifestyle.

Further, NCDs come at a high cost to individuals and nation states in terms of human suffering, expensive treatment, and loss of production. It is estimated that the direct and indirect costs of treating NCDs in Guyana are over 10 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

What is noteworthy is the realisation that most cases of chronic NCDs are avoidable, and it is within our individual power to prevent these diseases from affecting our lives.

So, how do we make the breakthrough when it comes to getting our citizens to adopt healthy lifestyles, considering the fact that some persons still operate with a high degree of ignorance?

To begin with, we believe that there is need for greater awareness and knowledge in the society about the dangers of chronic illnesses. On this basis, we urge that there be continuous public education and awareness campaigns across the country to address various health issues.

Research has shown that the numerous media campaigns on HIV/AIDS prevention and care, stigma and discrimination have impacted positively on attitudes and lifestyle changes; and messages in a similar fashion should be created towards addressing NCDs such as hypertension and diabetes, or dealing with overweightness and obesity.

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

It is well accepted that better health is central to human happiness and well-being. It also makes an important contribution to economic progress, as healthy populations live longer, are more productive, and save more. Everyone should therefore aim to live a healthy and full life, and to avoid becoming trapped by NCDs.

We agree with the Health Minister when he said, “The earlier they (children) learn healthy behaviours, then they would have lifelong benefits from this type of behaviour. If we teach children the right thing, more than likely they would go through life using these techniques”.

The menace lurking in Palestine’s beautiful green spaces

By Jalal aBukhater

To the northwest of Ramallah, near the village of Jibiya, there is a large, green space that has long provided Palestinians living in the area a rare escape from the hustle and bustle of the dense population centres of the occupied West Bank.

In recent years, however, Palestinian families visiting this forested space for picnics and nature walks started to be harassed and pushed out by armed settlers backed by Israeli soldiers.

According to locals, the harassment began some four years ago, after settlers established an illegal “farm outpost” in the area. The outpost, called Havat Zvi, is supposedly for cattle herding but, in practice, serves to keep Palestinian locals and visitors from freely accessing the green spaces of Jibiya.

Over the past few years, a few incidents of settler violence in Jibiya’s forest made it into Israeli newspapers. In February 2021, Haaretz reported on a Palestinian family with Israeli citizenship being ejected from the area by soldiers after facing harassment from settlers. A few weeks later, a similar incident was reported where settlers harassed another Palestinian family, demanded to see their ID cards despite having no authority to do so, and pressured them to leave.

In October of the same year, my friend Noor was targeted by settlers as she tried to enjoy a Friday picnic with three others in the forest. She told me that, just as they started eating, a settler emerged from the bushes, pointed an assault rifle at them, and demanded they “leave immediately”. She said the settler followed them for six whole minutes, with his rifle pointed at them, as they rushed out of the forest.

And last year, after reading

and hearing stories like these for months, I got to experience the menace lurking in Jibiya’s beautiful green spaces myself.

In late November, I travelled to Jibiya with a group of journalists and volunteers to assist and document a Palestinian farmer’s olive harvest. Less than half an hour after the olive picking began, eight armed settlers, backed up by four Israeli soldiers, surrounded us. The settlers accused us of “causing trouble” by attending the harvest and demanded that we leave. As they failed to make us move from the land officially owned by the farmer accompanying us, the masked settlers went up a hill and started throwing stones at us. They also smashed parked vehicles belonging to farmers, journalists and volunteers who came there for the harvest.

As I sought cover from the stones thrown by settlers, I fell off a ledge and impaled my leg on a metal rod. Thankfully, I managed to reach my car and escape the scene without sustaining more serious injuries. I later learned that a total of 11 vehicles were seriously damaged by settlers that day.

It is important to note that Israeli soldiers were present throughout the masked settlers’ attack on us. They chose not to intervene because they were clearly there not to keep the peace, but to provide cover for the violent, immoral and illegal actions of the settlers.

Indeed, settlers who reside in so-called “farm outposts” like Havat Zvi and try to push Palestinians out do not act alone. Their actions are fully supported by the Israeli state and its armed forces. B’Tselem detailed how Israel allows settlers to live on farmland stolen from Palestinians to legitimise and expand its illegal settlement enterprise in a 2021 report titled State Business: Israel’s misappropriation of land in the West Bank through settler violence. The report ex-

plains how these farm outposts, despite being unauthorised under Israeli law, thrive with the help of Israeli authorities.

“Israel has ordered the military to defend the outposts or paid for their security, paved roads, and laid down water and electricity infrastructure for most of them,” the report states. “It has provided support through various government ministries, the Settlement Division of the World Zionist Organization and regional councils in the West Bank.”

Since 2010, at least 65 illegal “farm outposts” have been set up in various locations across the West Bank. And, according to the B’Tselem report, just four of these outposts took more than 20,866 dunams (2,086 hectares) of Palestinian land between 2016 and 2021, by “employing systemic violence and terror”, aided and protected by the Israeli military.

In February 2021, in an incident that is emblematic of settler and state behaviour, residents of the illegally constructed Sde Ephraim farm outpost in the occupied West Bank shot and killed an unarmed Palestinian man local to the area. Settlers claimed the man they killed, named Khaled Nofal, trespassed onto their (illegally occupied) land and tried to break into their home. Despite there not being any evidence of an attack beyond the testimonies of the settlers, the military quickly accepted the break-in story and branded Nofal, a tax clerk for the Palestinian Authority and father of a four-year-old girl, a “terrorist”. There has not been any further investigation into the incident and the settlers who shot Nofal in cold blood remain free to this day. Last Friday, Israel’s parliament swore in Benjamin Netanyahu as prime minister, inaugurating the country’s

most far-right, religiously conservative government to date. Under this new extremist government, settlers are expected to speed up their continuous theft of Palestinian lands and attacks on Palestinian locals.

Indeed, to convince Itamar Ben-Gvir’s Jewish Power Party to take part in his coalition, Netanyahu promised the new government would legalise (under Israeli law) dozens of illegally established outposts within its first 60 days in power. Furthermore, he agreed to hand over Israel’s administration of the West Bank to another far-right partner, Bezalel Smotrich’s Religious Zionism, which seeks not only to legalise all outposts but also to stop all Palestinian construction in Area C of the occupied West Bank. All this means that under the new government, we will likely witness not only the formation of many new “farm outposts” but also an unprecedented increase in the demolition of new and old Palestinian properties in the occupied West Bank. The beautiful forests and fields of Jibiya are symbolic of what Israel has stolen and continues to steal from us, Palestinians. Violent settlers, who feel entitled not only to our lands and properties but also to our lives, are constantly growing in number and power thanks to the support they receive from Israel’s occupation forces. They are hell-bent on taking everything that is ours and confining us to dense, suffocating population centres that serve as prisons. But they will not win. The fields, forests, rivers and lands of Palestine are our home and we are not going anywhere –no matter how menacing the settlers, or the state that feeds them. (Al Jazeera)

(Jalal Abukhater, a Jerusalemite, holds an MA in International Relations and Politics from the University of Dundee.)

Flamingoes perform in a show at Jurong Bird Park, during its final day of operations before the aviary closes and the birds are moved to a new park called Bird Paradise, in Singapore (AFP)

Ferguson should provide to Housing Ministry evidence of illegal sale of house lots

Dear Editor, The Ministry of Housing and Water takes note of a letter written by Coalition member Annette Ferguson, “Half of the PPP/C’s house lots’ allocations were inherited from the Coalition Government.”

These are the facts: During its lethargic tenure in Government - from 2015 to 2020 –the Coalition developed three housing schemes: at Peter’s Hall, Prospect Track ‘E’, and Providence 125, where 279, 186 and

1258 house lots were developed. In its five years in Government, the Coalition allocated a total of 7,534 house lots and regularised no new areas.

When we assumed Government, we inherited a backlog of 75,509 applications. There was a dire need for new housing areas, for infrastructural development of existing housing areas, and urgent need for house lots. Therefore, the PPP/C’s manifesto promise, and the subsequent mandate of the Ministry of Housing and

Water, sought to bring immediate relief to this burden.

From August 2020 to end of December 2022, we have:

1. Allocated over 20,500 house lots.

2. Established 44 new housing areas.

3. Upgraded and installed infrastructure in 43 existing housing areas.

4. Built 827 houses (low and moderate-income and young professional), with a further 527 in progress. The investment cost for these houses is pegged at

more than seven billion dollars.

5. We have regularized six areas, and reduced squatter settlements from nineteen to thirteen.

6. We have processed and distributed 4256 certificates of title and transports.

These are indisputable facts.

We also note with concern the allegation and accusation made by Ms. Ferguson regarding the illegal sale of house lots. We ask Ms. Ferguson to provide the Ministry of

True story of vendors who were blocking hospital’s entrance

Dear Editor, The clearing of the roadway leading to the Public Hospital has been given a racist spin by the PNC and its supporters, like Dr David Hinds of the USA. For the PNC to take such a position weakens the credibility of the party, since people who live here know that there is nothing of the kind.

The true story is as follows: (i) About 20 vendors have been illegally occupying the roadway leading to the entrances of the Georgetown Public Hospital. This illegal occupation of New Market Street and East Street has

blocked ambulances with sick persons and accident victims who were bleeding or had heart attacks and could have died before receiving medical help.

The Hospital Administration had been writing the Mayor and City Council for over a year, pleading with them to clear the streets, as it was their legal duty. The M&CC instead brazenly began to collect rent from the vendors, and ignored the Hospital. No one knows in whose pockets this rent money has been placed.

(ii) The ambulance medics have bitterly complained that accident victims and

other emergency patients could bleed to death, since it only takes 4 minutes for one to die from bleeding, and those with heart attacks are usually at death’s door.

Dr Hinds and the PNC should show some compassion, concern and sympathy for these suffering sick people, since these are mostly poor African Guyanese people who cannot afford the private hospitals, instead of supporting the law-breaking vendors and attacking the Police by saying the Police are harassing African-Guyanese vendors!

(iii) At the Xmas season, the roads became more con-

gested with cars and people crowding the stalls, and the Police had to act in this emergency; it was different during non-holiday season. At the Xmas season, many would have died because they could not reach the hospital.

(iv) The PNC, Dr Hinds, and other PNC supporters should stop the hypocrisy and cease defending those who reject the rule of law; and stop losing political support when they support 20 vendors against 2000 suffering.

Housing with evidence that she has in her possession, so that we can launch an investigation into her claims. In the interim, we wish to remind applicants that there is no intermediary needed or authorised

by the Ministry of Housing, or the CHPA, to facilitate ownership of a house lot.

Yours sincerely, Collin D Croal Minister of Housing and Water

No complaints in Wakenaam about dirty water, use of trench water

Dear Editor, A customer survey by GWI field and office staff has found no complaints about dirty water, or customers using trench water for domestic purposes at Wakenaam.

Indeed, customers at Wakenaam understand there is a high iron content in the water, above WHO standards, and that GWI would shortly commence construction of a water treatment plant on the island. Customers have also expressed satisfaction with the level of service being received across the island, which is 15ft to 20ft high.

GWI CEO Mr Shaik Baksh has condemned allegations made by Mr Glen Lall about dirty water being supplied to residents, and sees this as part of an agenda to mislead and distract the public on important developments taking place in the country, in-

cluding at GWI.

A new well was completed in 2022, and His Excellency President Dr. Irfaan Ali addressed the community by saying, “Water quality and treatment is major on our agenda, and, as such, residents will receive the best quality”.

In relation to water quality plans, programmes have been outlined to improve same over the next two years. During a press briefing, CEO Mr. Shaik Baksh announced, “GWI has improved access to water to 97 percent, owing to investment by the Government of Guyana, where over 15,000 persons along the coastland and hinterland have benefitted in the year 2022”.

Sincerely, Public Relations Team Guyana Water Inc

Your sincerely, Paul Validum Ramlochan

DIY Hydrophobic Sand

Learn how to make magic sand called hydrophobic sand in this fun and easy science experiment.

Materials: Coloured sand

Water-repellent fabric protector

Disposable plate or container

Plastic spoon Fan

Clear plastic cup Water

Instructions:

Pour a thin layer of coloured sand in the disposable plate or container.

Spray water-repellent fabric protector on the coloured sand until the sand becomes moist.

Use a plastic spoon to mix the coloured sand.

Apply another coat of wa-

ter-repellent fabric protector.

Place the sand in front of a fan to dry. Use the plastic spoon to stir the sand every few hours until completely dry.

Once your hydrophobic sand is dry, fill the clear plastic cup with water.

Place a spoonful of your DIY hydrophobic sand into

the water and observe.

Once you are finished with your DIY hydrophobic sand, pour off the water and save your sand to enjoy again at a later time.

How it works:

The water-repellent fabric protector coats the grains of sand and causes them to adhere together underwater. This creates a pocket of air around the sand that keeps it from getting wet.

Make this a science project: Try coating other fine grained substances. Try testing your hydrophobic sand in liquids other than water. Use different brands of water-repellent fabric coating to create different batches of DIY hydrophobic sand and observe any differences.

(Sciencefun.org)

The Little Peasant

There was a village where all the peasants were rich except for just one poor one, whom they called the little peasant. He did not own a single cow, and had even less money to buy one with, but he and his wife would have liked to have one ever so much.

One day he said to her, "Listen, I have a good idea. Our kinsman the cabinetmaker should make us a calf out of wood and paint it brown so that it looks like any other calf, and with time it is sure to grow big and be a cow."

His wife liked this idea, and their kinsman the cabinetmaker skillfully put together the calf and planed it, then painted it just right. He made it with its head hanging down as if it were grazing.

When the cows were being driven out the next morning the little peasant

called to the herder and said, "Look, I have a little calf here, but it is still small and has to be carried."

The herder said, "All right," and taking it in his arms he carried it to the pasture where he set it in the grass.

The little calf stood there like one that was grazing, and the herder said, "It will soon be walking by itself. Just look how it is already grazing."

That evening when he was about to drive the herd home again, he said to the calf, "If you can stand there and eat your fill, you can also walk on your four legs. I don't want to carry you home again in my arms."

When the herder drove the cows through the village the little peasant was standing outside his door waiting for his little calf. It was missing, and he asked

By The BroThers Grimm

where it was.

The herder answered, "It is still standing out there grazing. It would not stop and come with us."

The little peasant said, "Oh, I must have my animal back again."

Then together they went back to the pasture, but someone had stolen the calf, and it was gone.

The herder said, "It must have run away."

The little peasant said, "Don't tell me that," and he took the herder before the mayor, who condemned him for his carelessness, and required him to give the little peasant a cow for the lost calf.

The little peasant and his wife now had the cow that they had long wanted. They were very glad, but they had no feed for it, and could give it nothing to eat, so it soon had to be slaughtered.

Guyanese have equitable access to all Govt programmes – Teixeira

Debunking accusations being flung the Government’s way by the political Opposition, Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister Gail Teixeira is emphasising that at the Government level, all Guyanese have equitable access to taxpayer-funded programmes.

In an interview on Global Indian Series podcast with Rajan Nazran, Teixeira took to the programme to address any misconceptions about the Government. One of those misconceptions she was asked about was the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) claims of discrimination.

“The country’s on the move. We have not solved all our problems. But there’s a mood in the country that we can change our lives. We can make Guyana a model of a developing country that is able to solve the inequities and disparities in the society between urban and rural and hinterland, between classes, between different religions or gender issues and stuff like that.

“These are the big-ticket issues and all the social programmes are geared at access and equitable access to the programmes. There is no programme (Guyanese are blocked from accessing). When the Opposition talks about apartheid, I think it’s just words they are throwing around that are emotive, because apartheid means institutionalised racism. And there’s no institutionalised racism in Guyana,” the Minister further explained.

Teixeira noted that racial discrimination has become the Opposition’s rallying cry to drum up support and according to her, it use it to gain the attention of the international community. According to her, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government is focused on ensuring Guyanese get equitable access to Guyana’s development.

“We don’t want to live in that world, where you’re dealing with the ethnic issue as if it’s the number one issue in Guyana. It is not. The number one issue is ensuring that our people have

access to health services, to education, to jobs, to businesses,” Teixeira sad.

“Do our children have an opportunity to be able to go to get trained in university, etc ? And an opportunity for us to be able to create economic opportunities, including for investors, etc? But the idea of us looking at everything from an ethnic eye can be very debilitating, in terms of second-guessing everything we do.”

According to Teixeira, building trust with the people is an important is-

sue. She said that the Government was seeking to do this through a number of measures including policies and ensuring constitutional bodies were functional and independent.

Last year, Guyana was favourably ranked on the Global Gender Gap Report 2022 produced by the Switzerland-based World Economic Forum, with the report listing Guyana at 35 out of 146 countries and second in the Caribbean for reducing gender inequality.

According to the report,

Fmr Top Cop testifies he instructed...

“[Thomas] would’ve been unaware that his command was taken, because he was not contacted… The DC –Ops [Maxine Graham] was instructed to communicate the decision that he was no longer in command, because we didn’t want a conflict between himself and the person who was stood up as the commander,” James explained.

He added, “In all fairness to Mr Thomas, he may have been ignorant of the change in command that was made.”

Deputy Commander

Phillip Azore, who worked under Thomas, was put in charge of the Division.

While the former Top Cop admitted that it would have been an awkward situation to have Azore take over control as Commander while Thomas was not aware of the change, he maintained that it was a necessary decision.

“Based on what was happening, based on the need for somebody to be there in command, that decision was made… I was a bit concerned [that I couldn’t get onto Thomas] because this

is the Commander. We, we were in a crisis situation and he was unavailable. I had to take action,” James posited.

In addition to unsuccessful calls to Thomas’ cellphone, the former Top Cop revealed that he also tried contacting the Commander via the Police Force’s internal radio network. It was for this reason, according to James, and in the interest of security that Thomas was relieved of his command.

“It was purely in the interest of security of the personnel there, the property

Guyana received a score of 0.752. The report notes that Guyana’s score is a 0.024 improvement on its 2021 index score. Barbados, ranked at number 30 with a score of 0.765, was the only Caribbean country to be ranked above Guyana.

Meanwhile, Jamaica, which was ranked at 38 with a score of 0.749, was the next closest country. When it comes to the entire Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region, Guyana is ranked number six.

The report notes that in Guyana, men and women have near equal rights when it comes to access to financial services, as well as access to land and nonland assets. Meanwhile, there are equal rights to inheritances for widows and daughters.

When it comes to education and skills, there were only three categories where more men than women existed in the workforce. It was disclosed that 38.2 per cent of the workforce in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries and veterinary sciences are women, compared to

61.7 per cent men.

In Information and Communications Technology (ICT), 73 per cent of the workforce are men and 26.5 per cent, women. And in engineering, manufacturing and construction, 77.6 per cent of the workforce are men and 22.3 per cent, women.

However, in health and welfare, the report lists the workforce as 84.4 per cent female and 15.5 per cent male. In education, the workforce was listed as 88.5 per cent female and 11.4 per cent female. Business, administration and law had a 68.7 per cent female to 31.2 per cent male workforce, and in arts and humanities, the workforce was 89.6 per cent female and 10.3 per cent male.

The social sciences, journalism and information sectors meanwhile have a workforce that was 81.7 per cent female and 18.2 per cent male. And significantly less skewed was the natural sciences, mathematics and statistics sector, with 53.3 per cent of the workforce female and 46.6 per cent male. (G3)

FROM PAGE 3

and the general activity, he was relieved… What I was seeing [happening] there required action by the person who was in command of that location, but that was sadly lacking,” the former Top Cop contended.

“Mayhem”

Since there was “mayhem” unfolding at the Ashmins Building, the former Police Chief was asked whether he did not think that Thomas was actively trying to control the situation on the ground, hence he could not be contacted at

that point. In response, the former Top Cop said “No, it wasn’t a thought.”

Nevertheless, James went on to relate that he eventually received calls from Thomas later in the day, but he declined to take those calls since a decision was already taken to have him replaced and it was not necessary to talk to him at that point.

However, James recalled that a few days later he had summoned Thomas to the Police Headquarters for an inquiry into why he could not be contacted on

March 5 and for abandoning his command.

The then Top Cop also confirmed that he had Thomas, who was an Assistant Commissioner of Police at the time, reposted to patrol duties, because he could not have been contacted on March 5, among other things.

The CoI resumed its work on Wednesday after nearly a month-long hiatus. The public hearings will continue on this morning with another witness who was summoned set to take the stand. (G8)

Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister Gail Teixeira

Judge quashes committal of cop accused of killing miner

fence, but upon indictment by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), the charge against him was reduced to manslaughter.

Through a battery of lawyers, led by Attorney-at-Law Dexter Todd and comprising Attorneys Dexter Smartt, Jevon Cox, Shercola Exeter, and Aliyyah Abdul Kadir, the interdicted Policeman challenged his committal on the ground that Sections 12, 13, and 14 of the Police Complaints Authority Act had not been complied with during the investigation of the matter.

According to the lawyers, these sections provide for the Police Complaints Authority (PCA) to supervise any investigation of an allegation of death of a person caused by a Police rank. The lawyers submitted that Section 14 of the Act explicitly states that the PCA “shall supervise the investigation of every complaint or information of the nature referred to in Section 12.”

a charge against the Police rank, his lawyers added.

Playin’…

…politics at Mocha

Nowadays, when most people aross the world hear the word “mocha”, they think about that delectable coffee (espresso) and chocolate concoction served in the fashionable coffee-houses and restaurants – here, springing up everywhere in our Georgetown-on-Venice!! But in PNC circles it brings up a Maginot Line they’re fortifying on the East Bank of Demerara after it was breached a few months ago by President Ali!! In Guyana, like in Jamaica, politics is taken VERY seriously and the vocabulary of war extends into our geography.

High Court Justice Navindra Singh has quashed the committal of manslaughter accused Police Constable Robert Daniels, who had been charged in relation to the death of Brazilian gold miner Estevao Marques Costa. The Judge has upheld submissions that Daniels’s committal was bad in law.

Constable Daniels, 27, had been charged with the murder of Costa, which occurred on August 11, 2018 at Puruni Backdam in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), and had been committed to stand trial in the High Court for the capital of-

“There was no supervision by the Police Complaints Authority of the investigation of an allegation of murder against the accused Robert Daniels… The provisions of Section 14 of the Police Complaints Authority Act are mandatory, and not discretionary,” argued the cop’s counsel.

Sections 12, 13 and 14 of the Police Complaints Authority Act offer protection to members of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) from unfair investigations and charges, Constable Daniels’s legal team contended. Without the provisions of the Act being complied with, the DPP recommended that their client be charged with murder. On advice from the DPP, the Police instituted

They explained that a Preliminary Inquiry (PI) was held, and that on October 23, 2019, Constable Daniels was committed to stand trial in the High Court of the Supreme Court of Judicature. The DPP, they added, indicted him for the lesser offence of manslaughter on February 21, 2022.

Considering this, the lawyers argued, their client’s right to a fair hearing by virtue of the provisions of Article 144 of the Constitution of Guyana was breached by the Police’s non-compliance with the mandatory provisions of Sections 12, 13 and 14 of the Act.

“The investigation into the allegation of murder by the accused Robert Daniels was not properly executed, and it was on this improper investigation that the accused was charged and indicted,” they advanced.

Justice Navindra Singh, upholding the lawyers’ submissions, granted an order quashing the committal of Constable Daniels by the presiding magistrate; and

further, ruled that the DPP’s order of indictment was void, while stressing the need for authorities to comply with the laws.

Reports are that Constable Daniels and a subordinate officer – both of whom were attached to the Kurupung Police Station –had abandoned their post and left the premises on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). They subsequently left the area via boat, and went to Puruni Landing.

Upon arrival there, Police Constable Robert Daniels reportedly went to a shop, while the subordinate officer remained at the landing. Upon hearing a loud explosion, this subordinate officer rushed to the scene, and was allegedly told that the miner had shot at the Police Constable, and he, in response, had returned fire that mortally wounded the miner.

Other Police ranks who were in the area investigating another matter had proceeded to the scene, and they took possession of the .30 carbine rifle which had allegedly been used by Constable Daniels. (G1)

DPP Chambers appeared in 16 Full Court matters last year

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has said it had appeared in 15 matters for criminal offences at the Demerara Full Court in 2022.

Seven of those matters concerned the possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking, three were for trafficking in narcotics, and there was one matter for each of the following offences: unlawful possession, murder, affiliation, assault causing actual bodily harm, and operating a civil aircraft without an airworthiness certificate.

Of these 15 matters, the applications of five appellants were allowed. One of these will have a new hearing, two others have had their convictions and sentences set aside, and the other two have been granted their applications to appeal and to file for an extension of time to file Notices of Appeal.

Another five appellants were granted their applications in part, in that their appeals against conviction have been dismissed, but their sentences

have been varied.

In regard to the matters of the last five appellants, the Demerara Full Court dismissed four of these applications, while one appellant discontinued his Notice of Appeal.

During this time, the Berbice Full Court heard one matter: regarding the offence of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking. The application to file a Notice of Appeal has been granted. (G1)

In Jamaica the two major parties have “garrisons” –yes garrisons!! – in various locales, which they control EXCLUSIVELY – and woe be unto a party member straying into “enemy territory”. It’s worse than the Bloods and Cripps of the Los Angeles gang scene!! While WE haven’t become as advanced as the Jamaicans – they’re so Avant Gard, aren’t they??! - we’ve been territorial political-wise ever since the segregation of the 1960’s!! Enmore was recognized as PPP and Linden as PNC, no??

In that vein, it was always assumed that Mocha on the EBD was PNC. So when Pres Ali waltzed in one fine day bearing gifts - and the residents booed the PNC’s NDC Chair - it was like the world was turned upside down!! Heck, didn’t the Mochaians (??) understand the protocols?? As the President continued his forays into other “PNC villages”, the PNC and its allies saw this as a declaration of war!! How dare the conventions of half a century be violated just like that?!!

And so they decided a line would be drawn at Mocha! The government had announced a year ago that some SQUATTERS near the village would have to move to facilitate a new Eccles to Great Diamond Four-lane Highway. Now to the PPP this was “development”: better road connections move people and goods faster and money and jobs are created!! So they gave notice to the 35 squatters who’d built houses and businesses etc over two decades.

As is normal across the world in such circumstances –even when the folks in the path of highways aren’t squatters –compensation and alternative housing areas were identified. Twenty-nine were processed and compensated and right now TWENTY-EIGHT of then have already moved into their new homes in nearby Farm and Herstelling!! But seven of them refused to move and were encouraged to do so by Opposition Leader Norton!!

And we now see the beginning of the Garrisionising of Guyana’s political enclaves!! When the Govt workers arrived to demolish the last structures, one PNC MP and seven holdouts threw their bodies into the fray – and onto the ground - to block their equipment!!

So where do we go from here?? Downwards, that’s where!! Sooner rather than later guns gonna be pulled!!

…the

Caribbean Man

Well, on the way back from Lula’s inauguration St Vincent’s PM Ralph Gonsalves dropped by. And in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Region, Pres Ali conferred on him Guyana’s second highest national award, the Order of Roraima!! We don’t have to go down memory land to know of Ralph’s credentials – Ali said it all when he called him a “Caribbean Man”!!

Now this was quite interesting since when Ralph was a bright eyed and bushy tailed young radical, Black Stalin – who just passed – had belted out his calypso “Caribbean Man” earning him his first Calypso Monarch Crown!! But your Eyewitness is sure Ralph would’ve raised the same objections now, as was done then. Having his ancestors come from Madeira – and so many from India and China etc - everyone in the Caribbean didn’t come “in the same boat”!!

But today Ralph’s the real Caribbean Man because he knows that we all in the same boat NOW!! And we can’t afford to be a rigging state!!

…both ends

Well after Biden’s sanctions’ waiver, and Chevron getting its license to return to Venezuela, they’ve now shipped the first 800,000 boe!! With the Venezuelan very heavy crude joining our very light Brent Crude, the US is sitting pretty!!

Police Constable Robert Daniels at his first court appearance in 2018

High Court Justice Navindra Singh

Dead: Estevao Costa Marques

GECOM unlikely to hold elections by March 13 – AG

…calls attention of int’l community to APNU’s delaying tactics

While a date was set for Local Government Elections (LGE) last year, Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, has revealed that based on what has been taking place at the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), the agency is unlikely to be able to hold elections by this date.

During his latest edition of “Issues in the News”, Nandlall spoke about GECOM and its readiness to hold the LGE. In fact, Nandlall noted that GECOM was not likely to be able to hold the polls by March 13, 2023, the date appointed by Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall.

“Unfortunately, based upon the way events are unfolding at that agency, we have had constant delays. Though the Minister has appointed a day for elections to be held, from all indications it appears that GECOM will not be in a position to hold those elections. That is highly regrettable and unfortunate.”

The Attorney General pointed out that Government has given GECOM all the finances it would need to carry out its mandate and hold the elections. According to

Nandlall, however, one of the key reasons for the delay is the political dynamics of GECOM, where the Commissioners have been unable to find a consensus.

“I want to make it absolutely clear that the blame for this cannot be put at the Government’s feet. We have budgeted the money and have done everything possible, including fixing the date for the elections,” Nandlall said.

“It is the Opposition members of the Commission, who have been raising one objection after another to delay this election. We have been compromising on every occasion they raise these objections. And every time we compromise, they shift the goalpost and raise another

objection,” he stated.

He also expressed hope that the international community was observing what was happening at GECOM and that as the Government was “ready, willing and anxious” to hold and participate in LGE, blame for failing to hold the polls would not lie with the Government.

More than $750 million was set aside in Budget 2022 for the preparations to be undertaken by GECOM for the hosting of the LGE this year. This money was part of an overall $4.1 billion allocation to GECOM in Budget 2022.

In October 2022, Dharamlall set Monday, March 13, 2023 as the date for hosting the long-overdue local government polls in

Guyana. This was the earliest date that GECOM indicated the elections could be held.

But in December, the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Chief Scrutineer, Carol Smith Joseph filed legal action against the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), challenging the process used to compile the List of Electors, or Voters’ List, for the upcoming LGE. Joseph, through her Attorney Roysdale Forde, SC, sought a series of declarations: that GECOM acted ultra vires and unlawfully in compiling the List of Voters for LGE; that the action of the Chief Elections Officer and/or the Commissioner of National Registration in extracting a List of Electors pursuant to GECOM’s order is similarly ultra vires and unlawful; that GECOM acted in dereliction of its duty under the relevant electoral laws; and that GECOM has a constitutional duty to ensure that registration of electors is conducted in accordance with the law.

“The process employed by the Commission to prepare a Register of Voters for use at the next Local Government Elections has deprived the

electors and/or voters of the opportunity to object to persons on the Register of Voters in the manner provided for in, and contemplated by, Local Authorities (Elections) Act Cap. 28:03” is one of the grounds stated in the legal document.

Another outlined that “The process employed by the Commission to prepare a Register of Voters for use at the next Local Government Elections has not been in accordance with the Local Authorities (Elections) Act.”

To this end, Joseph has asked the court to grant orders setting aside GECOM’s order to extract a List of Electors for Local Government Elections “…on the ground and for the rea-

son that the said Order, No. 55 of 2022, is ultra vires and unlawful.”

She also wants the court to set aside the extraction of the List of Electors by the Chief Elections Officer and/or the Commissioner of National Registration; as well as for an order to be granted compelling the Elections Commission to comply with the relevant sections of the Local Authorities (Elections) Act, Cap 28:03.

Another order was also sought to direct and/or compel GECOM to compile a register of voters in accordance with the provisions set out in the Local Authorities (Elections) Act, Cap 28:03 before conducting any LGE in Guyana. (G3)

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

Carjacking suspect arrested with stolen car doors

A26-year-old man from Kuru Kuru, LindenSoesdyke Highway, who is currently before the court for a carjacking charge, was arrested on Tuesday on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) with four car doors that are suspected to be from stolen cars.

The suspect was identified as Romaine Travis Watson.

It was reported by Police that on Tuesday about 16:00h a party of ranks from Vigilance Police Station were on a mobile patrol within the vicinity of Annandale Market, ECD when they observed a heavily-tinted silver-grey Premio bearing registration number PVV 3945, that is owned by a Kuru Kururu, LindenSoesdyke Highway resident, driving off at a fast pace.

The ranks said they pursued the car and it eventual-

ly came to a stop, and they later found out that Watson was the driver of the vehicle.

A search was carried out on his person, and the motor vehicle and four silver Premio car doors were found: two in the back seat and two in the trunk. Watson was told of the offence, cautioned, and arrested. The four doors were taken to the Vigilance Police Station. The suspect remains in custody as the investigation continues. (G9)

Elderly man chopped to death at Moruca, NWD

81-year-old Stanley Williams was on Wednesday chopped to death at Moruca, Region One (Barima-Waini), by a man who is said to be mentally ill.

According to a village councillor, at around 07:30h on Wednesday, January 4, he received a call from a female, who informed him that Williams had been attacked.

“They said Chavez chopped Uncle Stanley just before day-clean,” this councillor related.

He said Williams had lived with his partner in an isolated area within Cabora, and they did not have any close neighbours. They were caretakers of the property of another family. Cabora is one of several satellite villages of the more populated Santa Rosa village, which is within the Moruca sub-region.

Reports are that the victim’s body bore multiple chop wounds, including in the region of his abdomen.

A resident of the com-

munity noted that the assailant lives in another village, called Haimacabra, but would frequent the village of Cabora, since he is the nephew of Williams’s spouse.

It has also been reported that, several days ago, this suspect had allegedly stolen several items from the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) hub at Cabora. The matter was reported to the Police at Santa Rosa, and the items were recovered from another resident, who related that the suspect had

sold them to him.

Guyana Times has further been informed that after the chopping incident, a report was made to ranks at the Acqueiro Police Station at about 09:10hrs on Wednesday, and Police had immediately been deployed to the area to investigate the incident.

Residents have noted that, of recent, there has been an increase in the number of mentally-ill persons within Moruca, and they have attributed this to the increasing use of drugs by mainly young men in the area.

Arrested: Romaine Travis Watson

The car doors that were found

State House attacker still hospitalised, being questioned – Benn

It has been almost three weeks since an unprecedented attack on State House and the prime suspect, a Nigerian national, remains hospitalised at the Georgetown Public Hospital, as investigators continue to question him in relation to the incident.

After days went by with no updates from the Guyana Police Force regarding the investigation, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn was on Wednesday, who quizzed by Guyana Times regarding the probe into the December 15, 2022 attack on State House.

“I know that the assailant and the Police rank who was severely injured,

they’re both still in hospital and there have been attempts at questioning…I think those are still underway as they recover and remember and when we get that information, along with the… investigation, we’ll get better updates,” Benn told reporters on the sidelines of an event on Wednesday.

The attacker, 25-yearold Nigerian Bethel Ikena Chinezie was shot thrice by presidential guards after he attempted to infiltrate State House in an apparent attempt to assassinate President Dr Irfaan Ali.

He had to undergo surgery.

Also, in relation to a recent allegation made by

Chinezie’s wife in another section of the media that she was being prevented from seeing her husband by the Police, the Minister said that this should not be so.

“I don’t think as of now, there is really any reason why she couldn’t visit…she would have to, more or less, meet him in the presence of a police rank,” the Minister explained.

In the article in which the suspect’s wife allegedly made the allegations, the woman was reportedly demanding answers from the authorities about the suspect’s health.

On the day of the attack, Chinezie approached the security detail at a

Labourer handed 3 months’ jail for theft of oil

The labourer Raphael Manttooes, called “Tag”, has been found guilty of simple larceny of four five-gallon pails of oil, and has been sentenced to three months’ imprisonment over the theft.

The 45-year-old Manttooes, of Better Success Public Road on the Essequibo Coast in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), had been on trial before Magistrate Esther Sam at the Suddie Magistrate’s Court in Region Two. During his trial, Magistrate Sam overruled a no-case submission and called on him to lead a defence. In so doing, he gave sworn testimony and was cross-examined by the prosecutor.

In the end, Manttooes was

found guilty as charged, and the 3-month custodial sentence was imposed on him.

The items he stole on November 12, 2022 at Bounty Hall, Essequibo Coast have been valued at $62,000, and they belonged to Yesu Deonarine.

Late last year, Manttooes was charged with stealing 24 ducks, 50 chickens, two bags of fertilizer and one pig, valuing a total of $371,000.

Police have said those items are the property of 63-year-old Isaac Persaud, a farmer of Better Success, Essequibo Coast. This alleged theft occurred between October 3 and 4, 2022.

Now convicted on the November larceny allegation, Manttooes had pleaded not guilty to the October larceny allegation, and had been placed on bail. (G1)

southern guard hut in the compound of State House, located near Carmichael Street, with a demand to see the President.

He was cautioned about having to be processed before entering the compound, but he resisted being processed, whipped out a knife from a pouch he was carrying and stabbed Teon Perreira, one of the guards, five times about his body and to his neck. After injuring Perreira, Chinezie relieved a female guard of her firearm and retreated from the guard hut.

It was then that shots rang out in the usually quiet neighbourhood.

Meanwhile, the injured presidential guard was promoted to the rank of Corporal. He received his new stripe from the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Ali, from his hospital bed. (G9)

Nigerian national Bethel Ikena Chinezie, who attacked State House

Jailed: Raphael Manttooes

$88.8M in equipment given to Fire Service to boost fire-fighting

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn on Wednesday handed over to the Guyana Fire Service several new vehicles and bicycles to the tune of $88.8 million, all of which was purchased by the Government of Guyana.

The vehicles include two excavators, three double-cab pickup vehicles, one Fortuner SUV, and one motorcycle. Five bicycles were also included in the purchase, and distribution of these would be made to each division.

The two excavators would remain in Region

Four (Demerara-Mahaica) to assist in the planting of fire hydrants and to support firefighting efforts.

Of the three double-cab pickup vehicles, one each would be placed in Regions Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), and Six (East BerbiceCorentyne).

The Fortuner SUV will be used to transport the Chief Fire Officer and other senior officers, while the motorcycle will be sent to Lethem in Region Nine (Upper TakutuUpper Essequibo).

During brief remarks, Minister Benn said the dona-

tion represents a continuous improvement of the GFS. In a stern address to the ranks, the Minister charged them to take their positions seriously, and told officers that they should lead by example.

“(The Guyana) Fire (Service) has to deal with the outing of fires and the rescuing of people who are in difficulties… If you are the first set of people to run at the officer’s level, there will be no use for you. The posture must change”, he told the firefighters.

He also said the reason for the donation is that the Fire Service is usually chal-

lenged with clearing debris to advance into flames at fire scenes. As such, he said, he hopes that as of now, the GFS would be in a better position to overcome such challenges.

“We’ve had the large bond fire at Le Ressouvenir and you’ve had a couple others even in Georgetown, where the question of creating access was a problem. We tried to get some excavators from the neighbourhoods…this is to get to a position where you can advance into a situation where you can improve firefighting”, Minister Benn has said.

Corriverton fisherman found dead in neighbour's yard

Afisherman was on Wednesday morning found dead inside his neighbour's yard at Corriverton, Berbice.

The dead man has been identified as Ryan Mangal, called “Capoon”, 30, a fisherman of Lot 63 Princetown, Corriverton, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

According to the neighbour, Chandanie Sukram, the now-dead man and her husband were imbibing the evening before in the yard.

According to the Police, it was reported that it was not unusual for the man to visit the home of his neighbour and on Tuesday the two men were consuming alcohol.

The neighbour, Vijay Hemchand told investigators that during their drinking spree, Mangal began crying and stated that nobody liked him.

The woman also said that during Mangal’s visit, he started to cough and she enquired if he was okay. She said it was not strange for him to react that way when consuming alcohol on an empty stomach.

“Around 6 o’clock my husband done drink and he went on the road and I went to the shop and when I come back he was coughing and I ask him what happen and if he want some water and I go upstairs.”

The woman said he asked another neighbour to call the fisherman’s father, explaining that “Capoon” seemed to be unwell.

“My husband ask him what wrong and he just shake his head, so he tell him to go home. We knew that he drink on an emp -

ty stomach. He is good to us, but me and he Mummy have problem, but he never disrespect me or tell me wrong words. Normally, when he drink he does lie down and we would wake him up and he would go home, but I don’t know last night what happen and if he drink anything,” the woman said.

According to Sukram, both she and her husband went upstairs leaving Mangal under the house.

However, it was Wednesday morning when the neighbour was discovered lying motionless and

she raised an alarm.

Police reportedly found what is believed to be a bottle containing a poisonous substance in the man’s bag.

His mother with whom he lived, Izola Farley said she was clueless about how her son ended up with a poisonous substance in his bag.

“He don’t deal with poison…if my son had drink poison, he would have froth and nothing like that didn’t happen to him,” the mother revealed.

Farley is also questioning the fact that the neighbour, who left home at 04:00h, is claiming that he did not notice Mangal lying in the walkway. However, his wife said that area was dark since they do not have electricity connected to their house.

The man’s mother and the neighbour reportedly had an ongoing rift.

According to Farley, even though she lives next door ,no one informed her that her son was lying motionless on the ground. She said she left home and went to work where she received the news of her son’s death.

Family members are awaiting the post-mortem examination. Mangal celebrated his birthday on

December 28. He leaves to mourn his three-year-old daughter and other relatives.

Fire Chief Gregory Wickham has said he is elated by the Government’s continuous support. He has also

committed to using the vehicles in an efficient way to enhance firefighting efforts. (G9)

The equipment being handed over to the Guyana Fire Service by Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn on Wednesday

Dead: Ryan Mangal, called “Capoon”

The man lying in the walkway

Fire erupts at Christ Church Secondary

… school closed until Monday

Asection of the Christ Church Secondary school was destroyed by fire on Wednesday afternoon.

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) said that it received a call at 16:29h and subsequently dispatched four water tenders from locations across Georgetown.

According to Fire Chief Gregory Wickham, preliminary investigations have revealed that the fire was chemical in nature, and it was quickly identified and contained.

“As they (fire officers) arrived and they were able to gain entry, they recognised that it was not generally smoke, but it was some chemicals. And so they entered the prep room and… were able to identify the

“Anything that destroys a school really hurts a lot of children for a long time,” she posited.

She also acknowledged that many other schools

Over the past years, we have seen many schools destroyed by fire across the country. These include North Ruimveldt Multilateral School; North

Hill, Mabaruma, was in his guard hut on his cellular phone when he heard three loud explosions. The sounds emanated from a room on

Fire Service’s arrival on the scene, the fire was extinguished – but most of the building was damaged. That fire was ruled as ar-

“electrical in nature”, the Guyana Fire and Rescue Service said.

Following the blaze, the Education Ministry com-

area where the chemicals were,” he explained.

He added that although fires caused by chemicals were not something that the GFS regularly responded to, officers are well-trained and equipped to handle such situations.

Meanwhile, Education Minister Priya Manickchand revealed

have labs with the same chemicals and in this regard, noted that this was a cause for concern.

“We’re very concerned about anything that could destroy a school… we’re in that process right now, looking at all high schools and how we can make sure we dispose safely of chemicals that may have expired,

West Secondary School; Diamond Secondary School; Essequibo Technical Institute (ETI); Amelia’s Ward Primary School and St George’s School.

The fire at North Ruimveldt Multilateral School occurred in June of 2021, leaving 512 students and 39 teachers displaced during the time

the second floor of the eastern side of the building.

Checks were made and he observed the room engulfed in flames. On the

son.

In July of last year, a massive fire destroyed St George’s High School in Georgetown. That fire was

menced a registration process for displaced students to ensure that they were placed in a school for the new academic year.

that at the time of the fire, teachers were still in the building. However, no injuries have been reported.

Manickchand further expressed her satisfaction that the school was saved from total destruction as she applauded the firefighters’ prompt response to the fire.

and I’m not suggesting that that’s what happened here, I’m just saying that’s one of the processes we’re engaged in currently,” the Minister said.

Manickchand told reporters that as a result of the situation, the school will remain closed this week and will reopen on January 9.

when 65 of those students were scheduled to write the 2021 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations.

The North-West Secondary School fire, on the other hand, occurred in September of 2021. Inquiries disclosed that a security guard of Baranobo

Prime Minister Mark Phillips at the scene of the fire

Smoke emanating from the side of the building

Education Minister Priya Manickchand speaking with firemen after the fire was extinguished

Firefighters outside the Christ Church Secondary School

Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn along with firemen inspecting the damage

Newly-promoted GDF ranks badged

Some 31 newly-promoted Warrant Officers (WOs) and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) were on Wednesday decorated with their new badges of rank.

This was done by Chiefof-Staff (ag), Brigadier Godfrey Bess during a badging ceremony conducted at the auditorium of the GDF’s headquarters at Base Camp Ayanganna in Georgetown.

This batch of ranks is among the more than 790 Other Ranks whose promotions took effect from January 1, 2023.

Among those badged

duction

During

significant ceremony, the newly-promoted NonCommissioned Officers recited the Senior NonCommissioned Officers Creed, which is an oath and a pledge and also serves as a reminder of the many responsibilities and expectations bestowed upon them by virtue of their elevation in rank.

Brigadier Bess, during congratulatory remarks, charged the WOs and SNCOs to stay focused, to remain committed, and to be disciplined in support of their commanders and the Force.

“You have crossed a significant threshold in your military career. You have transcended to the rank that holds the responsibility in peacetime and war time. Your responsibility has evolved and you must evolve with it, or you will forfeit

what you have earned. The way in which commanders, WOs, and SNCOs communicate with each other has a direct bearing on the cohesion and morale of your unit regardless of the size of the unit. I urge you to maintain the type of relationship with your commanders that will send a message that you are a team player,” he charged.

Brigadier Bess also reminded the WOs and SNCOs that elevation in rank was

not automatic but earned by demonstrating commitment and professionalism in completing their tasks.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Colonel General Staff, Colonel Kenlloyd Roberts also decorated five of the newly-promoted ranks under his command with their new rank badges.

Colonel Roberts congratulated the ranks and urged them to continue their pursuit of excellence.

On December 31, 2022, the GDF announced the promotion of some 791 Other Ranks.

Heading the 2022 promotion list was Acting Warrant Officer Class One, Paul Gomes, who was confirmed in his rank.

In addition, Acting Warrant Officers Wavelyn Allicock, Delroy Gibson and Monique Skeete were also confirmed in their positions. Five Substantive Staff Sergeants – Odell Skeete,

In his announcement of the 2022 promotions, Brigadier Bess explained that these 791 GDF ranks have been promoted in accordance with Part III Section 16 of the Defence Act 15:01 of 1977. (G8)

Police arrest suspect in neck stabbing incident

Police in New Amsterdam, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) have arrested the suspect in a New Year’s Day stabbing incident in the town.

The incident occurred about 03:50h at Mai Mai Dam, Mount Sinai, which is considered a suburb of the town.

According to the Police, 21-year-old Desmond Valdor and the suspect were on their way home from a party when they had a misunderstanding.

Valdor and the suspect are friends.

Police say the misunder-

standing escalated into an argument and the suspect pulled out a knife from his pants pocket and stabbed Valdor to his neck.

Valdor was picked up by public-spirited citizens, who rushed him to

New Amsterdam Public Hospital, where he was admitted as a patient. His condition is listed as stable.

The suspect was arrested on Wednesday and was expected to make a court appearance today. (G4)

were six Warrant Officers (inclusive of one Reservist), eight Staff Sergeants, and 17 Sergeants.

The Sergeants included those who are new to the Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Corps and will undergo in-

as part of the “backbone” of the Force.

the simple but

Crandston Andrews, Maurees Skeete, Cordel Hector, and Sherwin Whinfield – are the newest Acting Warrant Officers Class Two, the GDF had stated.

Colonel Kenlloyd Roberts of General Staff with the five newly-decorated ranks

Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess with some of the newly-promoted GDF ranks

Brigadier Bess and another GDF official badging one of the promoted ranks

Eccles-to-Great Diamond Highway Project

Mocha squatters attempting to squeeze hundreds of millions from Govt

…refusing

to move, as APNU instigates them to hold on to Govt’s lands

As Government continues with efforts to have the squatters removed from the Cane View/Herstelling (Mocha), East Bank Demerara area, it has been revealed that some of these persons continue to make “spurious and unreasonable” demands as compensation, including cash several times the value of the property they are illegally occupying.

In a Notice published in today’s edition of Guyana Times by the Housing and Water Ministry, it has been indicated that seven individuals remain non-compliant and continue to stall the development of the Ecclesto-Great Diamond Highway – a road project that seeks to ease traffic congestion for thousands of commuters along the East Bank Demerara corridor.

Some 28 persons who

were squatting on reserves have already been relocated from the path of the highway, and have rebuilt new homes in nearby residential areas through Government compensation. However, the Ministry has disclosed that while it stands ready to make available move-inready, single-flat, two-bedroom housing units in the Little Diamond Housing

Scheme for these seven non-compliant persons, these efforts have been met with harsh and irrational resistance.

“The seven squatters have been offered full compensation for their existing illegal property, a free residential house lot, a grace period to facilitate construction of their new homes, and 5 acres each of lease lands

River View fire caused by child playing with matches – GFS

by the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission. These offers have been rejected on all fronts,” the Ministry detailed in the Notice.

One of these persons is Lovella Doris, whose property has been valued at $7.2 million but she is demanding $100 million from Government, along with the condition that she remains in the Cane View area despite being offered a two-bedroom, move-in-ready home. The Ministry said documentation is being processed in the courts in relation to her case.

Squatter Joyann Alexis Ellis is also asking for $100 million in farm lands in exchange for her relocation from her property, which has been valued at $8.6 million. According to the Ministry, an offer of farmland at Long Creek, Soesdyke-Linden Highway, has been made to her.

Another valuation was done at the property of Leon Liefde, but he is not satisfied with the $11.5 million being offered.

less.

The Guyana Fire Service on Wednesday said the fire which occurred on Monday at Lot 7C River View, Ruimveldt, Georgetown was caused by a child playing with matches.

On Wednesday, the Fire Service said it received a call at 15:12h on January 2, and was alerted to a fire at Lot 7C River View, Ruimveldt, Georgetown. Water tenders from the Central, West Ruimveldt and Alberttown Fire Stations were immediately dispatched to the location.

The structure involved was a two-storey wooden-and-concrete building owned by Gavin Joseph, who occupied the building along with 11 others. Despite firefighters’ best efforts, the building and its contents were destroyed, leaving 12 persons home-

Following investigations, the GFS said, it was discovered that the fire was the result of a child left unattended playing with matches. The child lit the match and the flames came into contact with, and ignited, a chair cushion.

Three other buildings were also affected by the inferno, with the first one, located at Lot 6 River View, suffering severe damage to the southern external walls and the loss of a quantity of louvre panes. Additionally, three solar lights, one camera, four sash windows, 10 metres of roof rafters, 50 drink cases, and 30 water bottles were destroyed at another building located at Lot 8 River View, Ruimveldt, the GPF added.

Also affected was a two-storey wooden-and-concrete building located at Lot

4529 River View, where five sash windows, 16 metres of PVC guttering, one antenna and two water tanks were severely damaged, while one pressure tank and one water pump were slightly damaged.

According to the Fire Service, due to the magnitude of the fire, a sub-officer who is attached to the Central Fire Station was injured during firefighting.

Three jets working from tank supply were used to extinguish the fire.

The Guyana Fire Service has issued many warnings and advisories about the dangers of fires. “Citizens are once again reminded to exercise caution, and to ensure children understand the seriousness of playing with matches and other fire starters, in order to avoid these tragedies and preserve life and property,” the GPF said on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Junior Ellis had his property valued at $5.5 million, but is demanding $150 million, along with farmlands from Government.

In relation to squatter Anneita Beaton, she signed the settlement agreement with the Housing Ministry but has not uplifted the cheque, and is now asking for $45 million in addition to farmlands. Her property was valued at $14.3 million.

Sheldon Eastman, whose property was valued at $3.4 million, is demanding an additional $3.5 million to complete his house at Plantation

Farm, EBD and $100 million as a final settlement.

The Ministry has since hired a contractor to carry out the remaining works on his new home.

According to the Housing Ministry, Liefde, Ellis, Beaton and Eastman were all served their final relocation notice since June 27, 2022.

Nevertheless, the Notice further stated, the Ministry, and the Government by extension, stands ready to work with all Guyanese in their best interest, but will no longer stand by and allow the nation’s development to be held hostage by illegal activities of any sort.

“Should the last offer be rejected by these illegal squatters, the Ministry will have no other choice but to proceed with a demolition exercise,” the Notice detailed.

Confrontation

In fact, the Ministry attempted to resume a demolition exercise on Tuesday, but the situation developed into a standoff with the squatters for several hours. During the confrontation, members of the APNU/AFC Opposition, including Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton, Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine, and several Coalition Members of Parliament, were present.

According to reports, the squatters are maintaining that they are not being adequately compensated, and Norton has been quoted in another section of the media as saying that the Government only wants the squatters to move in order to facilitate its own supporters

on the land.

Moreover, the squatters, along with the Opposition Members, are claiming that they are not in the path of the road project.

Government reserves

As recently as in November 2022, Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal had called out the APNU/AFC Opposition for urging the persons occupying the Government reserves not to relocate.

Croal had contended that extensive work was done to ensure the residents were relocated to developed housing schemes and were adequately compensated based on the market value of their structures on the reserves.

As such, he had said the Opposition was being ‘reckless’ and is not interested in the development and upliftment of the very people it claims to represent.

“Those persons [the squatters] would have never been able to be regularised or have a document for ownership, as well as to [be able to] apply for utility in terms of electricity and water…,” the Minister stated.

Croal further noted that the process to remove the squatters was done in a way to minimise living disruption of the families, while making sure that homeownership is legally achieved as a means of building generational wealth.

Some of the residents who were relocated to the Farm-Herstelling housing areas have begun construction of their new homes, while others have already completed their structures.

The house on fire at River View, Ruimveldt, Georgetown

The area at Cane View/Herstelling (Mocha) that is being occupied by squatters, who are hindering the Eccles-to-Great Diamond Highway Project

New Demerara River crossing

Mohamed’s Enterprise gifts US$3M waterfront property to Govt to facilitate construction

Mohamed’s Enterprise on Wednesday announced that it has gifted the Government its US$3 million prime waterfront property at Providence, East Bank Demerara, to facilitate the construction of the new Demerara River Crossing.

Preparatory works have already begun to facilitate the construction of the new

Demerara Harbour Bridge, the contract for which had been awarded last year by the Government to a joint venture led by China Railway and Construction Corporation Limited.

In a statement on Wednesday evening, one of the Directors of Mohamed’s Enterprise, Azruddin Mohamed, said the bridge would pass over the company’s Providence water-

front property on the eastern side of the Demerara River, and on the western side at La Grange, West Bank Demerara.

“In light of this, and as its commitment to nation building, Mohamed’s Enterprise and Hadi’s World Inc. will donate 1.4 acres of prime land, worth about US$3 million, towards the construction of (the) bridge,” Mohamed

said in the statement.

The land, he explained, will be used to store equipment and building materials during the construction phase of the new facility.

“Mohamed’s Enterprise is extremely happy to be a part of Guyana’s transformational process, which will benefit generations to come. To transform Guyana’s landscape has been a vision of President Dr. Irfaan Ali. Over the years, we have seen this transformation, and we remain resilient in our efforts to support this cause,” he noted.

Speaking on the decision to gift the land, Mohamed said, “The Mohameds believe that Muslims are not supposed to hoard their wealth, but rather give freely, since all things belong to, and come from, God.”

Back in May 2022, the Government signed a US$260 million contract for the new bridge across the Demerara River as part of its plans to expand and

modernise Guyana’s transport infrastructure and significantly reduce the traffic woes on the East Bank of Demerara.

Last Friday, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh signed a loan agreement with the Bank of China for 160.8 million Euros, to be injected into the construction of the major new bridge.

Dr Singh told Guyana Times that this loan would finance the majority of the cost to advance the bridge construction. He also indicated that the Guyana Government would put up the remaining funding to complete the critical infrastructure.

Already, some $21.1 billion in the 2022 Budget has been allocated towards work on the bridge.

The hybrid bridge across the Demerara River will feature a modern four-lane structure (two carriageways), cycle lane, with a 2.65-kilometre length, driv-

ing surface of about 23.6 metres, or 77.8 feet; and will have a lifespan of some 100 years. The DHB is a vital link for the transport of agricultural goods from Regions Two (PomeroonSupenaam) and Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) into Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica) and beyond. Easier and more efficient transport links will support agricultural development and food security for Guyanese.

The construction of the new bridge across the Demerara River is expected to last for several years upon the commencement of work.

The current Harbour Bridge is over 40 years old, and has outlived its lifespan. It connects the East Bank and the West Bank at Peters Hall and Meer Zorgen respectively, with an estimated 40,000 to 45,000 persons and more than 20,000 vehicles traversing each day (11,000 per direction).

Pharmacy technician allegedly assaulted by senior medical staffer at Psychiatric Hospital

Apharmacy technician attached to the National Psychiatric Hospital at New Amsterdam, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), has reportedly been assaulted by a senior medical staffer attached to the same facility. Reports are that the incident occurred on Wednesday morning.

The matter has since been reported to the Guyana Public Service Union (GPSU) and the Police. According to the Union, the staff member reported that after she had signed the time book - which had to be replaced, since the previous one had disappeared - the senior official removed the time book and tore it up in her presence, and reported-

ly told her that she was no longer attached to that institution.

According to the union representative, the technician is also alleging that she was pelted with the book, and had to seek medical attention.

This newspaper was told that the Police went to the medical facility but could not speak with the senior hospital official, who was reportedly working.

According to the Police, the matter is being dealt with at the level of the Regional Democratic Council.

Back in November, following a verbal exchange between this technician and a senior official at the hospital, the technician was issued with a letter of

transfer, and asked to report to the New Amsterdam Health Centre.

This had prompted a sit-out by staff attached to the National Psychiatric Hospital, who demanded that the transfer letter be recalled after they alleged that it was an unfair decision. This technician has been working at the institution for the past sixteen years.

Meanwhile, the issue of transfer is currently being dealt with by the GPSU. The Union representative has said the Union is in receipt of several other reports of assault on junior staff by a senior official at the said institution, and, as a result, the Union is engaging the administration on the issue.

A portion of the prime waterfront land at Providence that was gifted to Government by Mohamed’s Enterprise for the construction of the new Demerara River Bridge

The design of the new bridge across the Demerara River

“No Afro-Guyanese contractors left out” – Edghill on misleading info

Public Works Minister

Juan Edghill has said Wednesday that Afro-Guyanese contractors have been equally benefitting from projects awarded by the Government.

The Minister was as the time responding to a misleading article circulating online, claiming corruption by central Government and regional executive officers in the awarding of contracts “to family, friends, and favourites of the PPP/C Government.”

“The first way I would respond to that is by letting the people of Guyana be the judge and jury on this matter. When you have more than 1,000 contracts only in roads that are being executed simultaneously…

“We are proud to announce that since we came to office, there are dozens of new contractors who have been engaged, and I can dare say every established contractor that has tendered for work and has engaged in the procurement process has been engaged, once they met the criteria,” he told the Department of Public Information (DPI).

The Minister related that works are being accelerated due to the PPP/C Administration’s progressive development agenda,

which is being dubbed “family and friends” to blindside the people of Guyana.

The Minister noted that no contractor can invalidate the Government’s effort to contract Guyanese from various ethnic groups or backgrounds. “AfroGuyanese contractors are having their fair share of work. As a matter of fact, I don’t think there is an AfroGuyanese contractor that could come forward and say, ‘I have been left out, I have been neglected and

not getting work’. I don’t believe that that is the reality.”

To ensure AfroGuyanese contractors were gainfully employed, the Minister said, the Government deployed representatives from the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and National Insurance Scheme (NIS) to help register and process their compliances. This was done in the community of Buxton following an outreach led by Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Anthony Phillips in September 2022.

Through a similar initiative, Government awarded ten contracts to the tune of $84 million for infrastructural development in Victory Valley, Linden. Some 76 persons from the community were employed. However, the Minister reported that a Member of Parliament who represents the people of Linden urged residents not to execute the works.

“These projects are completed, but a Member of Parliament told the people not to do the work. You know why? Because then they can’t go back and tell the people that the PPP/C did nothing for them, because the roads will be

Widow seeking assistance to rebuild home destroyed by fire

right in front of their eyes.”

Edghill reiterated that all Guyanese are ‘family and friends.’ “So yes, the people in Buxton are now our friends and family. The people in Mocha are now our friends and family. The people in Linden are

now our friends and family, and the people in South Georgetown are our friends and family.

“The people in Leopold Street are our friends and family, and the people in Tiger Bay are our friends and family. The people in

Albouystown are part of our friends and family. So the PNC is admitting that people who used to be their supporters are now friends and family of the PPP/C, and that’s the way I will respond to this,” the Minister added.

GPF gets pistols, ammunition from private security firm

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Wednesday morning received an additional boost to its operational capacity in the form of 10 brand new 9mm pistols and more than 3000 matching rounds of ammunition from private security firm VxL Security South America Inc.

The guns and ammunition were handed over to acting Deputy Commissioner (Operations) Ravindradat Budhram at his office at Force Headquarters, Eve Leary, by representatives from VxL Security South America Inc, Kerry Crain (Project Manager) and Joseph Holligan (Guard

Force Commander).

“The firearms and ammunition were donated to the Police Force as part of the continued collaborative effort between the Force and private security firms in enhancing and boosting operational capacity and crime-fighting efforts countrywide,” a statement from the Police said.

Sixty-two-year-old Tiwatty Nandalall

of Jib, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), is now counting her losses after a fire completely destroyed her two-storey building on Sunday January 1.

Reports are that Nandalall, who is living alone, was attending a religious function at Hampton Court, Region Two, when she received a message that her home was on fire.

The elderly woman told this publication that her husband and son passed away recently, and she was living alone in a two storey, two-bedroom, wooden

house. She revealed that she was threatened by a relative, who told her that he would set her house on fire, and, as such, she believes that fire was an act of arson.

“My entire house is destroy… everything inside is damaged…I don’t have a home anymore. I have to stay by my daughter for the time, cause I don’t have anyone else to stay by…my husband and son passed away, and only me alone went living. I really need help getting back my house.” Nandalall said.

However, Nandalall, whose home was ravaged by fire on New Year’s Day,

is seeking the public’s assistance to rebuild, in order to provide a shelter for herself. (G14)

The house engulfed in flames

62-year-old Tiwatty Nandalall

Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations’ (ag) Ravindradat Budhram receiving the guns and ammunition from representatives of VxL Security South America Inc., Kerry Crain (Project Manager) and Joseph Holligan (Guard Force Commander).

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill

RegionalIn Peru, protests over Castillo's ouster resume with partial blockades

Protests in Peru over the ousting of former President Pedro Castillo, which left almost two dozen dead in December, resumed on Wednesday with blockades of some highways following a two-week pause.

The country's Prime Minister, Alberto Otarola, told reporters that overall situation was "normal" although blockades had been detected early in the regions of Cusco and Puno, affecting the movement of tourists and merchants.

Otarola said people had the "right" to protest, but called for peaceful demonstrations.

Representatives of civil groups and unions from 10 historically leftist regions in Peru's south had announced the resumption of protests demanding the resignation of current President Dina Boluarte, the closure of Congress, changes to the Constitution, and Castillo's release.

Peru saw a wave of protests last month after the impeachment and arrest of Castillo, which left 22 dead

in clashes between demonstrators and the Army and another six dead in accidents linked to the blockades.

Some 2062 tourists were evacuated Tuesday from the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, according to authorities, and its train service was suspended Wednesday in anticipation of the protests.

Castillo, who was in power for nearly 17 months, had tried to illegally dis-

solve Congress and reorganise the Judiciary. Boluarte, the Vice President at the time, assumed power and proposed bringing forward the general elections.

Television footage showed Police and the Army guarding headquarters of public institutions in some areas where protests have been announced, including Ayacucho, a region with the highest number of victims in the recent demonstrations. (Excerpt from Reuters)

US court sentences former Bolivian Interior Minister to nearly 6 years behind bars

Afederal US court sentenced former Bolivian Interior Minister Arturo Murillo to nearly six years behind bars on Wednesday for conspiracy to commit money laundering, the US Department of Justice said in a statement.

Murillo pleaded guilty in October to receiving at least $532,000 in bribes from a Florida-based company in exchange for helping the company secure a lucrative tear gas contract with Bolivia's Defence Ministry.

Murillo was sentenced to 70 months in prison in the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

Four co-conspirators were sentenced in the United States last June, after they also plead guilty to roles in the same scheme, the department said.

A former Senator, Murillo served as Interior Minister between 2019 and 2020 during the interim Government of President Jeanine Anez.

He fled after former President Evo Morales' party retook power in 2020 and

was arrested in Florida in May 2021.

Bolivia's Government has requested Murillo's extradition to Bolivia, where he faces a host of criminal charges.

Anez is serving a 10year prison sentence for her role in what Bolivian authorities say was a coup that forced Morales out of office in 2019.

Meanwhile, hundreds of trucks lined highways in Bolivia's farming region of

Santa Cruz on Tuesday, as protesters blockaded routes out of the region following the arrest of the local Governor, and hard-hit local businesses urged a return to order.

Protests have gripped the lowland region since the December 28 arrest of right-wing local leader Luis Camacho on "terrorism" charges related to an alleged 2019 coup against then President Evo Morales. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Grenadians told to brace for tough 2023

Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell has warned Grenadians that 2023 will not be easy as his administration, which was elected to office in June last year, starts laying the foundational structures for a resilient country where citizens will be more equipped to face both internal and external challenges.

“The next 12 months will not be easy. Our team has set ambitious targets in year one, because we have a clear vision for the future of our beloved nation,” Mitchell said in his New Year’s message.

“We are also mindful that 60 months, or five years, may seem like a long time but, in

the scope of governance, it can go by very quickly,” he added.

Mitchell, who led his National Democratic Congress (NDC) to a 9-6 victory over the New National Party (NNP) that had previously won all 15 seats in the last two general elections, said that there is much to be done as the Government seeks to set the island on a path toward sustainable development and self-sufficiency.

“As we embark on this journey of transformation and positive change, our success, as a country and as a people, requires us to also trans-

form our thinking. To move Grenada forward, at the pace that we would like, we need every Grenadian, at home and abroad, to be a part of our

US Embassy in Cuba resumes full immigrant visa services

The United States has resumed full immigrant visa services at its embassy in Cuba’s capital, five years after Washington closed consular services in Havana due to a spate of unexplained health incidents.

In a statement last week, the Embassy confirmed that it would begin processing immigrant visas on Wednesday, including permits for Cubans reuniting with family in the US and others chosen through the diversity visa lottery.

Since 2017, many Cubans have been forced to travel to third countries – notably

Guyana in South America –to submit US visa requests.

“Everything went very fast,” said Melissa Vazquez, 18, after submitting her application on Wednesday. She explained that she had been waiting seven years to be reunited with her father, who lives in the US.

“I have to come [back to] fetch my visa, and I can travel,” she said.

The resumed services come amid record migration from Cuba to the US, which has fuelled calls for US President Joe Biden’s Administration to open more legal pathways to Cubans and start a dialogue with

the Cuban Government, despite a historically tense relationship.

In April of last year, representatives from the two countries held the highest-level diplomatic talks since ties deteriorated under Biden’s predecessor, Donald Trump, in an effort to address the migration issue.

But with the Caribbean island beset by economic and political crises, Cubans are now the second-largest nationality after Mexicans appearing on the US border, according to data from US Customs and Border Protection.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

nation’s progress”.

He called on all citizens to contribute towards the de-

velopment and transformation of the island, saying that among the threats facing the

nation are climate change and the increasing cost of living. (Excerpt from CMC)

4 quakes shake Haiti on Wednesday

Haiti has been rocked by four earthquakes within a five-hour period on Wednesday, but the Civil Protection Directorate (DPC) reported there were no loss of life or damage.

It said that the first quake occurred at 07:31h local time with a magnitude of 4.0, followed six minutes later with a quake of 3.6 and one with a magnitude of 3.9 at 09:11h

local time.

The last quake, with a magnitude of 2.5, occurred at 13:41h.

According to the DPC, the epicentre of the four earthquakes was located at 18.82 degrees north latitude and 74.15 degrees west longitude, north of Jérémie, de la Gonâve, Miragoâne and northwest of Port-au-Prince at a depth of four kilometres.

The earthquakes on Wednesday were in the same area where on December 28, last year, an earthquake with a magnitude of 4.20 rocked Jérémie. As had been the case on Wednesday, there was also no loss of life or damage.

In January 2010, Haiti was rocked by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake that killed 220 000 people. (CMC)

Public fury over New Year’s fireworks abuse in T&T

Head of the Fireworks Action Coalition of Trinidad and Tobago (FACTT), Roger Marshall, is again calling on the Government to act on legislation for the use of fireworks. He made the call on Tuesday as he reported that they had received the most reports and complaints about the abuse of fireworks usage in their existence.

He said following New Year’s fireworks celebrations, around 12 dog carcasses were identified on the highway from Barataria to Chaguanas, and all were believed to have been linked to fireworks usage near the animals.

In addition to this,

Marshall, who is also the founder of the Animals 360 Foundation, said many citizens complained about the loud noise of fireworks disturbing their neighbourhoods.

He referenced videos circulating on social media which showed young men using fireworks to fire at houses and at one another in Port-ofSpain during the New Year’s Day festivities. In one video, a young man appeared to be tied to a lamppost, while other men launched fireworks at his hands to loosen the ties.

Marshall said this is the sort of activity that breeds criminal behaviour.

“I’m sure you have seen the videos of what I would

refer to as gang warfare on Duncan and New Streets, and Charlotte Street, over the new year period. People are literally shooting each other with fireworks. I mean this has just gone too far, and what makes it worse, is this is a conversation that has been going on for 19 years. For 19 years, the citizens have been complaining about the use of fireworks, about the hurt fireworks create, the trauma it creates, and nothing is done year after year,” Marshall said.

He said by not implementing stricter measures, the Government was protecting fireworks distributors instead of citizens. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

People participate in a demonstration demanding the dissolution of Congress and to hold democratic elections, rather than recognise Dina Boluarte as Peru's President, after the ouster of former President Pedro Castillo, in Lima, Peru, January 4, 2023 (Reuters/Angela Ponce)

Bolivian Government Minister Arturo Murillo speaks during a news conference at the Police headquarters, after operations against drugs trafficking in La Paz, Bolivia January 23, 2020 (Reuters/David Mercado file photo)

Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell

Oil falls more than 5% on global economy worry, China COVID cases

Oil fell by more than US$4 a barrel on Wednesday, posting the steepest percentage loss in the first two trading days of any year for over three decades, as investors worried about fuel demand as the global economy slows and COVID-19 cases grow in China.

Brent futures settled at US$77.84 a barrel, falling US$4.26, or 5.2 per cent. US crude settled at US$72.84 a barrel, shedding US$4.09, or 5.3 per cent.

Brent has fallen by about 9.4 per cent this week, its steepest two-day loss at the start of the year since January 1991, according to Refinitiv Eikon data.

"Crude oil is trading lower on concerns around China COVID-19 and the Fed forcing a global recession... both demand destruction events," said Bob Yawger, director of energy futures at Mizuho in New York.

Data from China showed that while no new coronavirus variant has been found there, the country has underrepresented how many people have died in its recent, rapidlyspreading outbreak, World Health Organisation (WHO) officials said.

The state of the global economy and central bank rate hikes also weighed on crude prices.

US manufacturing contracted further in December, dropping for a second straight month to 48.4 from 49.0 in November, in the weakest reading since May 2020, the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) said.

At the same time, a survey from the US Labour Department showed job openings fell less than expected, raising concerns that the Federal Reserve would use the tight labour market as a reason to keep rates higher for longer.

The Chinese Government increased export quotas for refined oil products in the first batch for 2023, signalling expectations of poor domestic demand.

Top oil exporter Saudi Arabia could cut prices for its flagship Arab Light crude grade to Asia in February, having been set at a 10-month low for this month, as concern about oversupply continued to cloud the market.

Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) oil output rose in December, a Reuters survey found on Wednesday, despite an agreement by the wider OPEC+ alliance to cut production targets to support the market.

OPEC pumped 29 million barrels per day (bpd) last month, the survey found, up 120,000 bpd from November.

US crude oil stockpiles are likely to have risen by 1.2 million barrels last week, with distillate inventories expected to have fallen, a revised Reuters poll showed.

US crude oil inventories likely rose by 3.3 million barrels last week along with gasoline stocks jumping 1.2 million barrels, while distillate stocks fell, according to market sources citing American Petroleum Institute (API) figures.

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) will release its figures this morning. (Reuters)

Around the World

Putin deploys new Zircon hypersonic cruise missiles to Atlantic

President Vladimir Putin sent a frigate to the Atlantic Ocean armed with new generation hypersonic cruise missiles on Wednesday, a signal to the West that Russia will not back down over the war in Ukraine.

Russia, China, and the United States are in a race to develop hypersonic weapons which are seen as a way to gain an edge over any adversary because of their speeds – above five times the speed of sound – and manoeuvrability.

In a video conference with Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Igor Krokhmal, commander of the frigate named "Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Gorshkov", Putin said the ship was armed with Zircon (Tsirkon) hypersonic weapons.

"This time the ship is equipped with the latest hypersonic missile system – 'Zircon'," said Putin. "I am sure that such powerful weapons will reliably protect Russia from potential external threats."

The weapons, Putin said, had "no analogues in any country in the world".

More than 10 months since Putin sent troops into Ukraine, there is no end in sight to the war which has descended into a grinding winter artillery battle that has killed and wounded tens of thousands of sol-

diers on both sides.

Russia has also used hypersonic Kinzhal (Dagger) missiles in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden on Wednesday said that sending Bradley Fighting Vehicles to Ukraine was being considered to help the that country fight Russia's

invasion.

"Yes," Biden said when asked if the option was on the table.

The armoured vehicle with a powerful gun has been used as a staple by the US Army to carry troops around battlefields since the mid-1980s.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

China “under-representing” severity of COVID outbreak – WHO

ularly in terms of death,” WHO’s emergencies director, Mike Ryan told reporters on Wednesday.

The comments came as more countries are imposing travel restrictions on visitors from China in the wake of a steep rise in COVID infections in the country. Hospitals and crematoriums are overwhelmed since Beijing last month abruptly lifted more than three years of hardline restrictions.

A senior doctor at one of Shanghai’s top hospitals said 70 per cent of the megacity’s population may now have been infected with COVID-19, State media reported on Tuesday.

International health experts have predicted at least one million COVID-related

deaths in China this year if no urgent action is taken.

Yet China has only recorded 22 COVID deaths since December and has dramatically narrowed the criteria for classifying such fatalities. It counts only those cases that involve COVIDcaused pneumonia or respiratory failure – meaning that Beijing’s own statistics about the unprecedented wave are now widely seen as not reflecting reality.

Ryan, the WHO official, pointed out that the definition Beijing is using “requires a respiratory failure” associated with a COVID infection for a death to be registered as a COVID death.

“That is a very narrow definition,” he said.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Architect of US college admissions scam receives prison sentence

The central figure in a criminal conspiracy to influence admissions at United States colleges and universities has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison, the longest sentence handed down so far in what has been dubbed “Operation Varsity Blues“.

William “Rick” Singer of Newport Beach, California, was accused of using bribery and other illicit tactics to help the children of celebrities and other wealthy clientele gain acceptance to elite schools like Yale, Stanford, and Georgetown University.

Prosecutors had sought a six-year sentence for the

62-year-old

US.

“It was a scheme that was breath-taking in scale

and audacity,” assistant US Attorney Stephen Frank told the Boston courtroom where Singer was sentenced on Wednesday. “It has literally become the stuff of books and made-for-TV movies.” (Excerpt from)

McCarthy allies struggle to save his bid for US House speaker as losses mount

Kevin McCarthy's

Republican allies worked frantically behind closed doors on Wednesday to save his bid to become speaker of the US House of Representatives, as he suffered defeat after defeat from 20 hardline conservatives from his own party.

McCarthy fell short in six consecutive ballots in two days, as Republican holdouts deemed him ideologically unreliable and defied a call for unity from former President Donald Trump. It was unclear whether he could overcome hardline opposition that could force the

party to pick another candidate.

"We've either got to get some real conversations going with a select group of people, or we've got to get everybody back in the caucus room and start beating the daylights out of each other," Republican Representative Jeff Van Drew, a McCarthy supporter, told reporters.

The leadership fight has provided a dismaying start for the new Republican majority in the House after the party managed to secure a slim 222-212 majority in November's elections.

The internal struggle underscores the challenges

the party could face over the next two years, heading into the 2024 presidential election.

The last time the House failed to elect a speaker on the first ballot was in 1923, during a contest that took nine ballots to resolve.

McCarthy maintained an optimistic persona. "We'll get to 218 when we solve our problems and we all get together," the California Republican told reporters.

"At some point, there will be a Speaker, and it will be a Republican," Representative Tom Cole predicted.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Russian President Vladimir Putin listens to the report by Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Commander of the Admiral Gorshkov frigate, Igor Krokhmal before a ceremony to launch the frigate to the combat mission, via video link in Moscow, Russia, January 4, 2023 (Sputnik/Mikhail Klimentyev/Kremlin via Reuters)

China’s official data is under-representing the true impact of the coronavirus outbreak in the country, a senior World Health Organisation (WHO) official has said, criticising its “very narrow” definition

of COVID deaths.

“We believe that the current numbers being published from China underrepresent the true impact of the disease in terms of hospital admissions, in terms of ICU admissions, partic-

Singer, whose cooperation in the Varsity Blues investigation helped expose the largest academic fraud case ever uncovered in the

WHO’s emergencies director, Mike Ryan

Former college admissions consultant William Singer arrives for his sentencing hearing at a federal courthouse in the US city of Boston [Brian Snyder/Reuters]

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Be careful what you wish for. Rethink your strategy to ensure you understand what’s involved. Keep your thoughts and opinions to yourself until you are ready to initiate your plans.

(March 21-April 19)

(April 20-May 20)

When in doubt, sit tight, look for signals and maintain your integrity. Educate yourself in areas where you lack knowledge, and you’ll soon discover what’s best for you.

Keep your money safe. Emotional spending or contributions to questionable organizations should be avoided. Turn your focus to something that benefits you. Strive to be cutting edge.

(May 21-June 20)

(June 21-July 22)

Emotions will surface quickly. Contain how you feel before you do or say something you will regret. Change can be beneficial. Give others a chance to voice their opinions.

Consider what’s happening and seek ways to benefit. It’s up to you to turn a negative into a positive. Take control of your life and adjust to whatever comes your way. Go with the flow.

(July 23-Aug. 22)

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Lending a helping hand will connect you to people who can make a difference in your life. Ask questions and implement suggestions into your daily routine. Use your charm to get ahead.

Pay more attention to your health and well-being. Educate yourself about nutrition, fitness and what your body needs to stay strong. Make changes at home. Romance is favored.

SUDOKU

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22) (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Set the record straight and be honest about what you want from others. Don’t expect everyone to honor your wishes. It’s up to you to follow through with your plans and make your dreams come true.

Draw on your emotions, and you’ll know what to do next. Evaluate relationships and the give-and-take factor that equality depends on before you agree to something.

Revisit your goals. Restructure whatever isn’t working for you and eliminate the cause of your anxiety or frustration. It’s up to you to make suitable changes that enhance your life.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Invest in yourself, your home and your meaningful relationships. Take the initiative and adapt your surroundings to meet your needs. A quiet space in which to work will pay off.

Stick to protocol and avoid emotional drama. A personal situation will escalate if you aren’t reasonable or you let someone goad you into an argument. Pace yourself and choose your words carefully.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

ARCHIE PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

DILBERT

Cristiano Ronaldo should use his platform to speak about human rights’ issues in Saudi Arabia, says Amnesty International.

Ronaldo, 37, has signed a lucrative deal, reported-

Damar

Ronaldo should address Saudi issues, says Amnesty International

Saudi Arabia an "amazing country" as he was unveiled by Al Nassr on Tuesday.

Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in sporting events, backing the breakaway LIV Golf series, hosting world title boxing fights and a Formula One Grand Prix, while the country's Public Investment Fund has backed a takeover of Premier League club Newcastle United in 2021.

Arabia, Ronaldo should use his considerable public platform to draw attention to human rights’ issues in the country," Dana Ahmed, Amnesty's Middle East researcher, said. "Saudi Arabia regularly executes people for crimes including murder, rape, and drug smuggling. On a single day last year, 81 people were put to death, many of whom were tried in grossly unfair trials.

British Horseracing Authority revises changes to whip rules

-after jockeys voice concerns

Hamlin's

American football player

Damar Hamlin is still in critical condition, but is showing some improvement, his team has said.

The Buffalo Bills player suffered a cardiac arrest on the field during a primetime Monday night US National Football League game in Cincinnati. On Wednesday, the Bills issued the brief update on his status.

Tributes for Hamlin have poured in from the Buffalo community, the NFL, and from across the sports world. The Bills said in a post on Twitter that Hamlin showed "signs of improvement noted yesterday and overnight".

"He is expected to remain under intensive care as his health care team continues to monitor and treat him."

Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest during the game after tackling Cincinnati Bengals receiver Tee Higgins, whose helmet appeared to hit Hamlin in the chest. After initially getting to his feet, Hamlin fell on his back.

His injury during the game came as a shock to his family and loved ones, his uncle Dorrian Glenn has said.

"I've never cried so hard in my life," Mr Glenn told CNN. "Just to know like my nephew basically died on the field and they brought him back to life. I mean, it's just heartbreaking."

Mr Glenn told CNN that Hamlin had to be resuscitated twice, once on the field and again in the hospital, though

ly worth more than £177m per year, with Saudi club Al Nassr until 2025.

Amnesty International has said Ronaldo's signing is part of a "wider pattern of sportswashing". The Portuguese striker called

condition

However, Saudi Arabia has also been accused of human rights’ abuses, and women's rights’ campaigners have been imprisoned, despite some reform under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, such as an end to the ban on women driving.

Western intelligence agencies believe the Crown Prince ordered the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, but he denies this.

"Instead of offering uncritical praise of Saudi

"The authorities are also continuing their crackdown on freedom of expression and association, with heavy prison sentences handed down to human rights’ defenders, women's rights’ activists and other political activists.

Cristiano Ronaldo should not allow his fame and celebrity status to become a tool of Saudi's sportswashing. He should use his time at Al Nassr to speak out about the myriad of human rights’ issues in the country." (BBC Sport)

shows improvement - Buffalo Bills

where he played college football. Pittsburgh coach Pat Narduzzi posted a tribute to Hamlin on Twitter, writing that he is "far more than just a football player".

"He's a loving son, brother and friend," Mr Narduzzi wrote. "Damar is a hero to thousands of Pittsburgh kids."

the player's friend and marketing agent Jordon Rooney later said the uncle misspoke.

"Damar's only been resuscitated once," Mr Rooney clarified.

The BBC has reached out to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, where Hamlin is receiving treatment, for an update on his health, but has not yet received a response.

Mr Glenn said his nephew is showing encouraging signs of improvement, such as doctors lowering the level of oxygen he needs. But he added Hamlin is on a ventilator and is still sedated.

"They just want him to have a better chance of recovering better," Mr Glenn said. "So, they feel that if he's sedated, his body can heal a lot faster."

In a separate interview with ESPN outside the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Mr Glenn said the family is grateful for the many tributes that Hamlin has received since

his injury, including from players and fans - some of whom laid flowers, candles and signs, with well-wishes being outside the Cincinnati hospital.

"It really means a difference for my family to see that, and I know it'll mean a difference to Damar when he sees that," Mr Glen has said.

On Tuesday night, players from the city's ice hockey team, the Buffalo Sabres, wore "Love for 3" shirtsfeaturing Hamlin's jersey number - as they arrived for their game against the Washington Capitals. That same evening, Niagara Falls, located near Buffalo, was lit up blue in honour of Hamlin.

And on Twitter, the Buffalo Bills changed their display picture to a blue backdrop with the words "Pray for Demar" and the number three.

The league's 31 other teams soon followed suit.

Hamlin, 24, was drafted to the NFL in 2021 out of the University of Pittsburgh,

Tributes to Hamlin have hailed his extensive charity work, including annual toy drive fundraisers he has organised ahead of Christmas over the last three years.

An online GoFundMe page for one toy drive has since been reshared after Hamlin's cardiac arrest, and has surpassed $6m (£4.97m) in donations as of Wednesday morning.

Following Hamlin's injury, the NFL has indefinitely postponed the game between the Bills and the Bengals, with the league saying it has made "no decision" on whether the game will be resumed at a later date.

Hamlin's team, the Buffalo Bills, is scheduled to play the New England Patriots on Sunday. On Wednesday, the team said they will be holding meetings and a walk-through ahead of Sunday's game, but will not be providing further updates to the media.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame also postponed its planned Tuesday announcement of finalists for the Hall's Class of 2023 to Wednesday evening, out of respect for Hamlin. (BBC Sport)

Jockeys

will still be allowed to use the whip in the forehand position under revised changes to riding rules of the British Horseracing Authority, but the number of times a rider may strike his mount would be further reduced, with effect from February.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) set out a raft of alterations to the rules in the summer, with jockeys allowed only to use the whip in the backhand position, and serious breaches of the regulations resulting in disqualification from races, and possible 28-day bans for riders in major races.

However, a number of riders registered their disquiet over the proposed changes last month, particularly the implementation of the backhand-only position, and the BHA had announced further consultation to “explore options that address the concerns being raised”.

further discussion has led to another set of revisions, with the backhand-only edict being rescinded, although that change has resulted in a reduction to permitted strikes in a race.

Flat jockeys had been allowed to use their whip a maximum of seven times, with jump jockeys allowed eight instances. Both numbers have been reduced by one under the new regulations.

Under the initial set of revisions, a jump jockey who used their whip 12 or more times – with 11 strikes or more for flat jockeys – in any race could be disqualified, and those numbers have also been reduced to 11 and 10 respectively.

Following further consultation, it was felt that jockeys who had suffered from shoulder or collarbone injuries may find use of the whip solely in the backhand position more challenging.

The removal of “discretion” by the stewards has also been announced; meaning that every use of the whip shall count towards the threshold, unless clearly used for safety purposes. Penalties for going above the new thresholds would also be further increased from those announced previously.

Implementation date for the new rules remains 9 January, for a four-week bedding-in period. The rules would then come into full force for jump jockeys on 6 February. Flat counterparts begin with a bedding-in period on 27 February, with full implementation from 27 March.

The BHA board insists the changes do not “reflect a dilution of the package of rule changes” in their view, but is “a method of achieving the same outcomes through a different approach”. BHA Chair Joe Saumarez Smith said: “The BHA board had previously endorsed the clear set of objectives set out by the Whip Consultation Steering Group in the summer. They included that the perception of whip use must be improved by ensuring that its use is more judicious and better controlled.

“It became clear through the views raised in the last few weeks, and which were presented to the BHA board, that the backhand-only rule could potentially have caused difficulties for some riders. However, in considering making changes, it was essential that the BHA board were not doing anything to dilute the outcome of the whip report.

“The BHA board has therefore agreed these further changes, which resolve the issues with the backhand-only rule, but retain the objective of making whip use visibly more palatable to the public, therefore helping to safeguard engagement with the sport amongst our fans, present and future.

“We now hope and expect to see these new rules being respected, and a visible change in whip use to be brought about amongst our jockeys and those riding over here.

“The board also expressed the view that the sport should try to avoid any situation arising again whereby, following the conclusion of an extensive consultation process, further pertinent information comes to light. This point has been strongly emphasised to the PJA, and we are pleased that the PJA has agreed to review its consultation processes in the light of this.” (Guardian Sport)

Cristiano Ronaldo has embarked on a stint with Saudi Club Al Nassr

The British Horseracing Authority has revised the whipping rules

Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin

International football…

4 to represent Guyana at Golden Belt series in Morocco

the four-member Guyanese boxing team to Morocco are coaches Terrence Poole and Lennox Daniels.

While the team has been in constant preparation mode, with their last competitive outing being the Terrence Ali National Open Championships held in December 2022, Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) President Steve Ninvalle has said a few more proverbial boxes need to be ticked before the team departs for Morocco.

“Right now, we’re dealing with the visa aspect of that (trip); we’ve already selected the team of 4 and two coaches,” Ninvalle told Guyana Times Sport

The Golden Belt series is a fairly new competition; this is its third edition, after two successful events were held in Slovenia and Mexico in 2022. This time, the competition will run from January 31 to February 11, 2023, and according to the IBA, the competition has seen some

245 main boxers and 84 reserve boxers registering from 33 countries across the world. The likes of Morocco, Spain, Algeria, Russia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Mozambique and Chinese Taipei will be in action at this competition. The men’s and women’s categories would each have 13 weight classes.

According to the IBA, the World Boxing Tour (WBT) consists of a series of events that are classified into four categories: the Diamond Belt, Golden Belt, Silver Belt and Bronze Belt tournaments. The WBT tournaments will contribute to the new IBA ranking system, which would allow boxers to collect valuable points in each tournament. These points would help define not only the most successful boxers at the end of the year, but also the most successful National Federations, having generated the highest results throughout the season.

Cape Verde renames national stadium in honour of Pele

Cape Verde's National Stadium -- the 15,000-seater Estadio Nacional de Cabo Verde, located just outside the capital Praia, is to be renamed after Brazilian football legend Pele, the country's Prime Minister has said, and will become the Pele Stadium.

News of this development has come after Fifa President Gianna Infantino, while speaking at Pele's memorial service in Brazil, said every country should name a stadium after the footballing legend, who died on 29 December 2022 at age 82.

"As a tribute and recognition to this figure that makes us all great, I man-

Rishabh Pant airlifted to Mumbai for surgery

After being airlifted from Dehradun early on Wednesday, January 4, Rishabh Pant has been admitted to a hospital in Mumbai, for immediate intervention on one of the two ligament tears in his knee. He was examined by doctors upon reaching the Mumbai hospital on Wednesday evening, and was in a stable condition.

"Rishabh will undergo surgery and subsequent procedures for ligament tears, and will continue to be monitored by the BCCI Medical Team throughout his recovery and rehabilitation," the BCCI said in a statement on Wednesday. "The Board will make every effort to aid and expedite the recovery process of Rishabh, and will provide him with all the support he needs during this period."

In Mumbai, Pant will be under the care of Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala, who has previously worked with Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja, as well as with other athletes. Pardiwala is Head of the Centre for Sports Medicine, and Director of Arthroscopy & Shoulder Service at Kokilaben Hospital in Andheri, a suburb of Mumbai.

Although appreciative of the immediate treatment given to Pant at the two hospitals in Uttarakhand, the BCCI preferred to have his injuries treated by the board's own empanelled medical team. Pant's medical insurance covers his treatment, and the cost of the air ambulance was borne by the board.

Pant has not yet had MRI scans for his leg injuries, but

after two or three rounds of meetings between the BCCI panel doctors and the doctors at Max Hospital in Dehradun, the assessment was that one of the tears needed urgent treatment.

On December 30, Pant was on his way to see his mother in Roorkee, in Uttarakhand, when his car crashed into a road divider at around 5.30am. He miraculously got away without life-threatening injuries, even as his car went up in flames.

After immediate emergency care at Saksham Hospital in Roorkee, Pant was moved to Max Hospital in Dehradun, where he had plastic surgery on the laceration wounds, facial injuries, and abrasions. MRI scans done on his brain and spine that evening re-

turned normal results, but scans of the knee and foot were postponed because of pain and swelling.

It is too early to put a timeframe on Pant's return to athletic activity, and then top-flight cricket. He hasn't started walking yet. India's three big assignments in 2023 are the four Tests against Australia at home in February-March, a possible World Test Championship final in England in June, and the ODI World Cup in India in October-November.

Pant's chances of playing the Test series against Australia appear to be slim, though it can't be ruled out. The other big event is the IPL in April-May, when Pant captains Delhi Capitals.

(ESPNCricinfo)

ifest the intention of naming our national stadium as ‘Pele Stadium’ in an initiative that, I believe, will be followed by several countries around the world," Ulisses Correira e Silva wrote on Facebook. "With the physical disappearance of Edson Arantes de Nascimento, King Pele, who soon became a planetary figure, an icon of the masses, showing that sport has the power to unite the world, it is now our wish to pay tribute to him," added Mr Silva in a statement that stressed the importance of Pele to Portuguese-speaking countries like Cape Verde.

"Cape Verde and Brazil have a history and culture that go hand in hand, considering they are two sister countries, linked by language and very similar identities.

Pele was, and always will be, a reference in Brazil, in our Portuguese-speaking countries, and in the rest of the world; being an idol that links several generations," he said.

Pele is credited with scoring a world record 1,281 goals in 1,363 appearances during a 21-year career. This figure includes 77 goals in 92 matches for his country, and Pele was named Fifa's Player of the Century in 2000.

At Monday's memorial to Pele in Santos, the city where he played club football, Infantino said Fifa would be asking "every country in the world to name one of their football stadiums with the name of Pele".

However, South Africa Football Association President Danny Jordaan has since raised concerns that this could cause potential issues with stadium-naming rights. (BBC Sport)

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Four Guyanese boxers are slated to jet off later this month for Marrakech in Morocco, where they will compete in the International Boxing Association’s (IBA’s) World

Boxing Tour Golden Belt series.

The Guyanese team consists of Keevin Allicock, Colin Lewis, Desmond Amsterdam and female boxer Abiola Jackman. Accompanying

This trio of Keevin Allicock, Colin Lewis and Desmond Amsterdam will represent Guyana in Morocco

Cape Verde's National Stadium was built in 2010, and the Blue Sharks have played there since 2014

Pant survived a fiery crash last week

Indian batsman Rishabh Pant

National Sports Awards to return on January 29

Guyana’s national athletes have been starved of proper recognition for a few years now. This will soon change, however, with the return of the National Sports Awards at the end of this month.

This highly-anticipated event which serves to recognize athletes, officials and organisations across Guyana for their stellar performances and contributions to sport will make a grand return on Sunday, January 29, at the National Cultural Center in Georgetown.

This disclosure was made on Wednesday afternoon, January 4, by Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr., who further disclosed that consideration for the awardees would span 2021 and 2022.

In explaining the urgency of hosting the awards, Ramson noted that

Guyana’s steady post-pandemic progression in sport has played a huge role in this regard.

“It’s been two years since we’ve had the awards, mostly because of COVID; in fact, really because of COVID, and we had a pretty successful year coming out of COVID. We’ve been one of the countries that, I think, have really progressed our sport activity as early as possible. In fact, we recognise that as one of the ways in which we can combat COVID, and the Ministry has been doing a lot of aggressive work to get folks back into activity,” the Sport Minister divulged on Wednesday. He added, “With a successful year, everyone has to be recognized.”

The Sport Minister has detailed the importance of rewarding the country’s athletes. “It’s important that people are rec-

ognised, and it’s important that everybody that’s involved in sport, that they’re recognised. So, the Sports

Guyana Harpy Eagles commence 'late' Regional Four-Day preparation

Awards (activity) is something that has existed for a long time, and there’s a reason why it existed for a

long time: it always makes sense,” Ramson Jr has said.

The National Sports Conference will be hosted

one day before the Sport Awards activity is held on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at the same venue.

Paul and Shepherd to play in South Africa T20 League

Guyanese duo Keemo Paul and Romario Shepherd will be heading to South Africa to play in the 2023 SA T20 League, which begins on January 10 and runs until February 11, with a break of one week between January 24 and February 2 in order for the bilateral ODI series between South Africa and England to take place.

The Guyana Harpy Eagles are in preparation mode ahead of the 2023 season of the West Indies Championships, the Regional Four-Day, which starts on February 1st in Antigua/Grenada.

On Tuesday, January 3, the Harpy Eagles men had the yoyo test at the Leonora Track and Field Centre, and the first of three practice matches was set for today, January 5, at

As compared to Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana is lagging in preparation, as the Jamaicans and Trinidadians have already been playing practice matches. With Keemo Paul and Romario Shepherd set to play in the South Africa T20 league between January 10 and February 11, new players would be eager to be drafted into the Harpy Eagles set-up. With the West Indies

Championships.

Guyana has not won the last two seasons, which were cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic. Barbados Pride are the defending champions.

In the 2022 season, Guyana Harpy Eagles finished third. The 2023 season will be a five-round affair, with the opening two rounds to be played in Antigua and Grenada.

(Brandon Corlette)

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULES

West Indies Championship 2023 (for Headley-Weekes Trophy)

1 to 4 February: 1st round in Grenada and Antigua

8 to 11 February: 2nd round in Grenada and Antigua.

15 to 18 March: 3rd round in Trinidad

22 to 25 March: 4th round in Trinidad 29 March to 1 April: 5th round in Trinidad

Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Odean Smith, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Johnson Charles and Ramon Simmons would also be playing in this league.

This tournament has received a lot of media attention and scrutiny, with all six teams owned by IPL franchise owners. The opening fixture of the tournament will be played between MI Cape Town and Paarl Royals.

This tournament has attracted many top players from around the world, including Jos Buttler of Paarl Royals and Rashid Khan of MI Cape Town. Jofra Archer is also among the big names to be featured in this tournament, the final of which would be played on February 11 at the Wanderers Stadium.

The six competing teams are: MI Cape Town, Paarl Royals, Pretoria Capitals, Sunrisers Eastern Cape, Joburg Super Kings, and Durban Super Giants. Below are the full squads:

Dilshan Madushanka and Junior Dala.

Johannesburg Super Kings

Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Faf du Plessis (c), Leus du Plooy, Donovan Ferreira, George Garton, Lewis Gregory, Reeza Hendricks, Alzarri Joseph, Janneman Malan, Aaron Phangiso, Caleb Seleka, Romario Shepherd, Malusi Siboto, Maheesh Theekshana, Kyle Verreynne and Lizaad Williams.

MI Cape Town

Providence but has been pushed back to January 11. And with the weather having to be factored into consideration, the Guyana Harpy Eagles are behind the eight-ball. After the practice matches are concluded, the Guyana Harpy Eagles squad will be selected for the Regional FourDay.

touring Zimbabwe and South Africa starting late in January, Guyana Harpy Eagles would surely be without the services of opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul. Formerly known as the Guyana Jaguars, the Guyana Harpy Eagles are five-time winners of the Professional Cricket League Four-Day

Full fixtures to be announced soon.

Headley-Weekes TriSeries (to be played at CCG) 19 to 22 April: Team Headley vs West Indies Academy

26 to 29 April: Team Weekes vs West Indies Academy

3 to 6 May: Team Weekes vs Team Headley

Durban Super Giants

Kyle Abbott, Matthew Breetzke, Johnson Charles, Quinton de Kock, Akila Dhananjaya, Simon Harmer, Jason Holder, Christian Jonker, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Kyle Mayers, Wiaan Mulder, Keemo Paul, Dwaine Pretorius, Reece Topley, Prenelan Subrayen,

Ziyaad Abrahams, Jofra Archer, Dewald Brevis, Sam Curran, Beuran Hendricks, Duan Jansen, Rashid Khan, George Linde, Liam Livingstone, Wesley Marshall, Delano Potgieter, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Grant Roelofsen, Waqar Salamkheil, Odean Smith, Olly Stone and Rassie van der Dussen.

Paarl Royals

Ferisco Adams, Corbin Bosch, Jos Buttler, Bjorn Fortuin, Evan Jones,

Wihan Lubbe, Obed McCoy, Imraan Manack, David Miller, Eoin Morgan, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Jason Roy, Tabraiz Shamsi, Ramon Simmonds, Mitchell van Buuren, Dane Vilas and Codi Yusuf.

Pretoria Capitals

Eathan Bosch, Theunis de Bruyn, Shane Dadswell, Cameron Delport, Daryn Dupavillon, Will Jacks, Josh Little, Marco Marais, Kusal Mendis, Senuran Muthusamy, Jimmy Neesham, Anrich Nortje, Wayne Parnell, Migael Pretorius, Adil Rashid, Rilee Rossouw, Phil Salt and Shaun von Berg.

Sunrisers Eastern Cape

Tom Abell, Marques Ackerman, Ottniel Baartman, Brydon Carse, Mason Crane, Jordan Cox, Junaid Dawood, Sarel Erwee, James Fuller, Aya Gqamane, Marco Jansen, Jordan Hermann, Sisanda Magala, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Adam Rossington, Jon-Jon Smuts and Roelof van der Merwe.

Flashback: The last National Sports Awards were held in 2019 for the year 2018

Romario Shepherd

Guyana will be aiming to improve on their third-place finish last season

Tagenarine Chanderpaul, who had a breakthrough season in 2022, will be doing West Indies Test duties in Zimbabwe and South Africa