Guyana Times - Thursday, March 21, 2024

Pres

Rights Committee commends Guyana on measures promoting gender equity

…raises

Venezuelans among 3 remanded for Chinese businessman’s murder

2 arrested for robbing 15-year-old

6 weeks after burial “They cut off his head” – sister says, as tomb raiders desecrate body, remove valuables

Miner jailed for robbing Essequibo Coast businessman

Almost $200M to be spent on extending ECD, EBD schools

The

Thursday,

Thursday,

metres.

Low Tide: 08:19h and 20:44h reaching minimum heights of 1.08 metres and 0.91 metre.

UN Human Rights Committee commends Guyana on measures promoting gender equity

…raises questions about Venezuela border controversy

Guyana was praised for implementing various legislative and policy measures to promote gender equality and ensure the equitable representation of women in public and political life.

This compliment was given at the United Nations 140th Session of the Human Rights Committee held in Geneva, Switzerland. On Wednesday, the Committee concluded its consideration of the third periodic report of Guyana on how it implements the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

During the session, Committee Experts commended measures promoting gender equity, and raised issues concerning the border controversy with Venezuela over the Essequibo territory and alleged corruption regarding oil exploitation permits.

Governance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Gail Teixeira appeared virtually before the Committee and responded to a question on how the State is encouraging the implementation of gender equality provisions in judicial and political decision making.

She informed the Committee that Guyana has made tremendous strides in the field of gender equality. According to the Minister, 39 per cent of Members of Parliament were women with 12 per cent being Indigenous. She added too that females were represented as heads of departments and agencies of the State.

In the Judiciary, Teixeira said there were eight female Judges and 21 female Magistrates. Additionally, over 5000 women had been trained in entrepreneurial skills and some 1000 women had been supported to gain employment and set up businesses.

Moreover, most people in teacher training courses were women while social welfare programmes had been set up to help women access childcare assistance, including day-care services, the Minister indicated.

Teixeira added that the State had one of the highest rates of women who owned property, thanks to support from the State housing programme. In fact, some 85 per cent of housing subsidies went to women.

Border controversy

Meanwhile, during the session, another Committee Expert asked the Guyanese

delegation to comment on the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ’s) provisional measures Order of December 1, 2023 and the December 3 referendum regarding the Essequibo territory, questioning whether the country imposed a state of emergency or undertaken other measures in response to the very tense political situation with Venezuela, which is claiming two-thirds of Guyana’s territory as its own.

On the exogenous threat to Guyana, Minister Teixeira informed the Committee that the border boundary between the two States was settled in 1899. With the Secretary General of the United Nations invoking the Geneva Agreement, Guyana had approached the ICJ to finally determine the controversy in the interest of the protection of the rule of law. A joint commission had been set up that aimed to improve relations between the two countries.

With regard to environmental questions based on Guyana’s oil and gas industry, the Minister declared that Guyana took seriously its responsibility to protect the environment and its rainforests. She noted that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had implemented increased fines for flaring, and the State party was not aware of allegations of preferential treatment for ExxonMobil, which, along with its co-venturers, is producing oil offshore.

Teixeira added that ExxonMobil had held several open consultations with the public and allegations of there being no consultation with villagers regarding the carbon credit scheme were untrue. Any business operating in an Amerindian community needed to engage with the community council, she noted.

In concluding remarks, Minister Teixeira said the

Government was striving to leave no one behind as it transformed the country. It aimed to enhance economic activities and jobs. Rights were critical, and the Constitution and legal framework provided for those rights. The State party had created rights commissions to provide redress for rights violations.

Accompanying Minister Teixeira on the Guyanese delegation before the UN Human Rights Committee were representatives from the Ministries of Health; Home Affairs; Human Services and Social Security; Natural Resources; Amerindian Affairs; and Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; Guyana Prison Service; Guyana Police Force; Guyana Geology and Mines Commission; Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions; and the Permanent Mission of Guyana to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

The Human Rights Committee’s 140th session is being held from March 4 to March 28, 2024.

During the first day of Guyana’s reporting session, controversy arose when United States-nominated candidate, Laurence Helfer, asked about public frustration over the alleged failure on Guyana’s part to investigate reports of corruption against the Vice President,

Police Officers, and members of the Judiciary.

President Dr Irfaan Ali has called out the US candidate, saying that his question was not based on any evidence or facts, but was more or less a parroted position peddled by the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Opposition.

In response to Helfer’s question during the session, Teixeira had made it clear that there was no formal report made to the Guyana Police Force about allegations of corruption against Jagdeo.

“There is no follow-up, because there was no Police report made by VICE News or anybody else. So, the Police cannot investigate without some form of report or complaint,” Teixeira said at the UN meeting on Monday.

In 2022, United Statesbased media outlet VICE News aired a feature titled “Guyana for Sale” that contained allegations against Jagdeo, but while it was deemed an “exposé”, it failed to implicate Jagdeo in bribery.

Jagdeo has, on numerous occasions, denied the allegations and has said on several occasions that the documents he submitted to the Integrity Commission could dismantle any corruption allegations against him. (G8)

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Gail Teixeira appeared virtually before the UN Human Rights Committee

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Cash flow for micro-enterprises

Since taking office in 2020, Government has been very public in its drive to explore ways to create more opportunities for small businesses. This is crucial for persons with these types of businesses and those who want to start businesses, since they often have neither the cash flow nor collateral.

To quote President Dr Irfaan Ali on the issue, he had said some time ago: “We have to have a discussion on the apportionment of that risk, and how we can minimise or remove the collateral requirement and take the contract at face value, and then work out a mechanism through which a contract at face value is used to support those business operations.”

The issue of cash flow for micro-enterprises has been a topic of interest over the years, not only in Guyana, but in other countries around the world, especially as it relates to women. Debates have centred around the challenges many women face in getting access to equal opportunities, and, in a general sense, programmes and policies that could be implemented to ensure their economic and social advancement.

Women, over the years, have made tremendous progress, not only in terms of their own advancement, but by playing a key role in the development of their own communities, and by extension allowing other women opportunities to develop themselves. However, many challenges remain, and those must be tackled to ensure that women have access to the resources needed to allow them to lead more productive and fulfilling lives.

According to the United Nations, investing in women’s economic empowerment sets a direct path towards gender equality, poverty eradication, and inclusive economic growth. Women make enormous contributions to economies, whether in businesses, on farms, as entrepreneurs or employees, or by doing unpaid care work at home.

We believe that when women are allowed to develop their full potential, it is not only women who gain, but the entire society.

Women make enormous contributions to economies, whether in businesses, on farms, as entrepreneurs or employees, or by doing unpaid care work at home. According to the United Nations, investing in women’s economic empowerment sets a direct path towards gender equality, poverty eradication, and inclusive economic growth.

Here, in Guyana, women have made tremendous progress at every level of the society. This country deserves commendation for the advances it has made in ensuring that, in addition to women being protected under the law, they are given the relevant opportunities for their personal and professional advancement.

However, there is still a far way to go before we can safely say that women have access to the resources and opportunities they need to fully develop themselves. For example, our single-parent mothers have, over the years, found it very difficult to make ends meet. Many of them have found themselves in a position where they work from month to month and there seems to be no end to the financial hardships they experience. For some who would like to venture out into establishing their own small business etc, the strict criteria set by some banks and other lending institutions make it difficult to access the necessary loans. There are, however, indeed institutions which give grants and other forms of support, but most of them are Georgetownbased, making it a bit difficult for rural women to have easy access to them. The COVID-19 pandemic had also worsened the situation.

Certainly, the economic and social advancement of all women, including those in hinterland and rural communities, should remain a priority for this Government. Focus must be placed on providing access to financial resources, and protection from domestic and other forms of violence.

It’s a politically targeted attack on Vice President Jagdeo

Dear Editor, Please allow me a space in your letter columns to share my views on the recent new tune being sung by the APNU-AFC (PNC) cabal as if they are telling the truth on Guyana’s public affairs.

As a Guyanese, I understand that one would go very low to score cheap political points in saying anything and seeing nothing positive, like the ANPU/AFC (PNC) after they were thrown out of government in 2020. Those people forget that the world saw the attempt to steal an entire country and its re-

sources via the 2020 regional and national elections.

Editor, to the point in regard to their new tune, that Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo is corrupt and involved in corrupt practices, they wrote to human rights and said the same, while calling for an investigation into the allegations.

We must understand that the VP himself challenged the entire APNU/ AFC (PNC) on several occasions to bring the evidence that he is corrupt or involved in corrupt practices, and to date they cannot do so.

In the previous APNU/

AFC (PNC) Government, several ministers and high-ranking officials were publicly exposed for their corrupt practices, and those allegations were proven to the public, but the same Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) was quiet. GHRA shut up for all those years, and couldn’t open up to expose corruption at that time.

The entire Guyana Human Rights Association is wasting time, and should be replaced because its officials are targeting the Government hand in hand with the PNC and its allies.

The VP is being made a target for the PNC because of his weekly press conferences that are bringing out the truth, and nothing but the truth, of the damaged PNC party. The PNC is seeing that Guyanese are rejecting it on a daily basis, so its members are singing a hitand-run song and who fall for it get hit, and then they are going to run with another tune for people to somehow think they are relevant.

Never again, APNU/AFC (PNC).

Regards, Abel Seetaram

Lax safety practices will continue to result in injuries, deaths

Dear Editor, Another workplace accident at a wharf, with strands of similarity of another accident in the workplace (wharf) a while ago, when an off-duty employee was killed.

In this current case, it has to be wondered why the deceased employee was riding his bicycle in the work area.

It has to be reasoned that this might not have been the first time the employee had done this; only, this time,

he did it with deadly consequences.

It also has to be wondered how cognizant the operator of the machine/equipment was of the goings-on in the area in which he was operating.

Both parties had equal responsibility to observe safety practices in the work environment. Sadly, this was not the case.

Too often, employees in these work environments

take chances unnoticed by other employees, with a tangible lack of diligence and observation. These chances can be deemed reckless and careless. Now that a life has been lost, due diligence and investigations will now take hold. Now protocols will be reviewed and revised, where and as necessary. Too late shall be the cry.

Workplace accidents are too frequent, and speak of a poor understanding of safe-

ty and health practices in the work environment. This must be stamped out, or lax safety and health practices on work sites would continue to result in injuries and deaths, the brunt of which grieving families and loved ones would continue to bear.

I extend condolences to family members and colleagues of the deceased.

Sincerely, Shamshun Mohamed

President Dr Irfaan Ali met Deputy Prime Minister of Cuba, Jorge Luis Tapia Fonseca, at State House on Tuesday during a courtesy visit. Fonseca was accompanied by the Cuban Ambassador to Guyana, Jorge Francisco Soberón Luis, and discussions between President Ali and the delegation centred on expanding bilateral cooperation between the two countries (Office of the President photos)

2 caught with stolen phones after Zeelugt Superbet robbery

wo

TReports are that on Tuesday, at about 19:35h, these suspects invaded Natasha’s Superbet, owned by a 34-year-old businesswoman of Zeelugt New Scheme, East Bank Essequibo, and robbed the establishment of

$109,000.

Additionally, a 20-yearold cashier was robbed of his gold chain valued

at $100,000, one iPhone 8 valued at $80,000, and one black sports haversack valued at $5,000, totalling $185,000 in value.

The suspects also robbed a 34-year-old barber of one Samsung Galaxy cellular phone valued at $60,000, and $10,000 in cash, amounting to a total value of $70,000.

According to Police, a 42-year-old carpenter who was also at the Superbet

outlet was robbed of one Samsung Galaxy cellular phone valued at $42,000 and one Superbet ticket valued at $3,000, totalling $45,000 in value.

The other victim is a 34-year-old taxi driver, who was relieved of his iPhone 8 valued at $50,000.

It has been reported that the two suspects, both of whom had worn face masks and one of whom was armed with a handgun, entered the

Superbet outlet and began demanding personal articles from everyone in the establishment. After robbing the business place, the two made good their escape in a navy-blue Toyota Fielder wagon.

Police have said that ranks in Region Three arrested two suspects and recovered two of the stolen phones. Investigations are ongoing.

Dear Editor,

The PNC/APNU/PNCR, or whatever the name you would like to call them, love to invoke the "victim role" whenever they are caught in a lie; and they are doing it again through another fossil, Vincent Alexander.

For the record, Vincent Alexander is a PNC GECOM Commissioner who was the livewire behind the rigging scheme. During the 2015-2020 period, he played the role of the intellectual author behind all the plans of the Commission. He was the

spokesperson on anything concerning GECOM; he played the leading role for the unilateral appointment of Mr. Patterson to the chair, and for all the intervening activities, Vincent Alexander was the one to be consulted.

Even when the PNC lost the election, it was Vincent who said that Dr Ali should meet with Mr. Granger to sort matters out. Now, there was nothing to be discussed, the PNC had lost, and that was final; so, there was nothing to talk about. But it all shows the belligerent

attitude of this man and his party.

Another general election looms on the horizon, and this time Alexander is in the sidelines crying foul. He is making these outlandish statements that the voters’ list is bloated. Now, these are nice sounding words, but who are the listeners? It has to be Alexander and his party that is listening to that garbage.

When one speaks about a bloated voters' list, one is speaking of a dastardly act promulgated by the PNC party for decades

over. Rigging, having a bloated voters list, or ghost electors are all a signature statement of the PNC. You just have to log in to YouTube and the sordid account comes up.

We do not have overseas voting anymore; that has been outlawed. However, if one is registered to vote and, for some reason, one is living overseas (yours truly), one person has every right to vote if present in Guyana at voting time.

The problem with Alexander and others is that there is nothing to hide, so coming now play-

ing the victim card certainly won't get him anywhere. Rather, it creates laughter on the part of the readers.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

PNC love to play the victim game Development deniers are back

Dear Editor, This is a country whose folks have incredibly short memories. It is therefore necessary to remind them of the bad old days when development deniers ran amok.

Many of you will recall that when the Berbice Bridge was being built, top ‘civil society’ and PNC operatives said the bridge would fail. Rather than fail, the Berbice Bridge is a smashing success, not only for commuters, but also for investors like the NIS.

When the Hope Canal was being built to alleviate flooding, the critics were relentless in their at -

tacks. They were 100% sure that it won’t have any impact on flood relief. They have been proven wrong time and time again, because since the opening of Hope, there has been no flooding in the Mahaica region. Ironically, now the critics are attacking the PPP for not building more Hope-like canals at a faster rate!

When the Marriott was under construction, the APNU-AFC preached night and day that it would never be used. These days, those same folks can’t stay away from the place. They are there for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and yes:

late night drinks. You might think that the critics would have learnt some lessons by now. But we are sadly disappointed because, today, they are against the Georgetown Seafront Resort and Convention Centre, popularly known as the Qatari Hotel. I guarantee you that when the project is completed, the entire brigade of development deniers - from ‘civil society’ to the PNCR-led APNU+AFC - will be there morning, noon and night.

Sincerely,

Dr Randy Persaud

Hindu community ought to feel outraged

Dear Editor, The advertisement promises that the Phagwah Fete, billed for March 25, would be the “hottest party” of the season, with calls to paint the town “wet and wild”. Are “hottest party”

and “wet and wild” concepts of a religious observance? Just asking.

Do promoters even understand the religious significance of Phagwah? Is Phagwah an excuse to fete and get “wet and wild”?

Is the “wet” concept being misused and misunderstood?

From the poster online, it does not seem likely that the religious aspect of Phagwah would be observed with any decorum

and respect. The Hindu community ought to feel outraged at this affront to one of their significant religious observances.

Sincerely,

Shamshun Mohamed

Page Foundation

Changing from metric units to customary units

Use the chart below to help you convert metric units to customary units. The values may not be exact in all cases but approximations.

Example:

6 metres = how many feet?

Step 1: Find metres on the chart above: 1 metre = 39.37 inches

Step 2: Multiply 6 x 39.37 = 236.22 inches.

Step 3: Divide the number of inches by 12 to find feet: 236.22 ÷12 = 19.685 feet

So 6 metres = 19.685 feet.

BY ALGERNON CHARLES SWINBURNE

Exercises: Calculate

1) Which is larger a 4-litre bottle of Coca Cola or a 4-quart bottle of ginger beer?

2) A man weighs 79 kilograms. How many pounds is that?

3) The weight limit on a bridge is 12,000 kilograms. How many tonnes is that?

4) Which is more expensive: $1000 per gallon gas or $175 per litre kerosene?

5) Which is shorter: the 100-yard dash or the 100-metre sprint?

Creating electrical goo is an easy science experiment to try if you are looking for a fun way to explore static electricity.

Materials:

Vegetable oil

Cornstarch 1/4 cup measuring cup

Balloon

Spoon Bowl Instructions:

Mix ¼ cup of cornstarch with ¼ cup vegetable oil.

Blow up the balloon and rub it against your hair until it is electrically charged. Now take a spoonful of the gooey mixture and hold it near the balloon.

The goo should reach out toward the balloon and may even leap from the spoon onto the balloon.

How it works:

The balloon becomes negatively charged when rubbed against your hair. The cornstarch is positively charged. Since negative charges attract positive charges, the positively-charged cornstarch is drawn toward the negatively-charged balloon. The vegetable oil helps restrict

the movement of the cornstarch and thus creates the goo effect. Without the vegetable oil, the cornstarch powder would attract and attach to the balloon.

Make this a science project: Test to see if the electrical goo behaves differently at different temperatures by cooling it in the refrigerator. Substitute cornstarch for other items like baking soda or flour to see if there are any observable differences. Use different items like plastic utensils, a plastic comb, a piece of PVC pipe, or a Styrofoam cup to try and create the negative electrical charge. (sciencefun. org)

VI

For the breath of thy lips is freedom, and freedom’s the sense of thy spirit, the sound of thy song, Glad god of the north-east wind, whose heart is as high as the hands of thy kingdom are strong, Thy kingdom whose empire is terror and joy, twin-featured and fruitful of births divine, Days lit with the flame of the lamps of the flowers, and nights that are drunken with dew for wine, And sleep not for joy of the stars that deepen and quicken, a denser and fierier throng, And the world that thy breath bade whiten and tremble rejoices at heart as they strengthen and shine, And earth gives thanks for the glory bequeathed her, and knows of thy reign that it wrought not wrong.

CONTINUED FROM WEDNESDAY TO BE CONTINUED

WORD SEARCH

ERC calls on political parties to engage Commission ahead of 2025 elections

The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) on Wednesday issued a call to political parties, particularly those that sit in the National Assembly to engage the Commission before the commencement of the 2025 General and Regional Elections.

During a press conference, ERC Chairman Sheik Moeen-ul-Hack informed media operatives that the Commission has been successful in engaging members of two major political parties, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) and the Alliance For Change (AFC).

However, ERC’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Gomin Camacho disclosed that efforts to engage other parties have proven futile.

Among those still to accept the Commission’s invitation is the main Opposition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

“We have written to

those other parties that sit in Parliament we haven’t yet received a confirmation of date that we will meet with them, but that should be forthcoming,” Camacho disclosed.

ERC’s invitation of engagement is part of its efforts to garner the support of political leaders to assist it in the execution of its mandate, which is to promote harmony and good relations among all Guyanese.

On this point, Commissioner Norris Witter underscored the importance of preventing the reoccurrence of ethnic tension leading up to and after the holding of the 2025 General and Regional Elections.

“The racial/ethnic tension in Guyana is primarily based between these two ethnic groups (AfroGuyanese and IndoGuyanese) either fall within the PPP or PNC, therefore,

you cannot make any serious progress in terms of addressing the ethnic tensions unless you can get these two major parties on the table,” Witter said.

Code of conduct

The ERC hosted a Code of Conduct signing for parties contesting the Local Government Elections (LGE) 2023. The Code of Conduct aimed to ensure

that parties agreed to promote an election period that was free from hate speech, incitement, violence, discrimination, and provocation along racial lines.

The Code of Conduct will address the conduct of politicians in all public forums, including political rallies.

This is paramount since the Commission itself was birthed from electoral tension.

ERC Observation Mission

In addition, the ERC also fielded over 60 observ-

ers for LGE in Regions

Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara), Four (Demerara-Mahaica), Five (Mahaica-Berbice), Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and Ten (Upper DemeraraBerbice) respectively, canvassing over 250 polling stations to ensure a free, fair, and transparent election process.

According to the Commission, these principles of democracy are the foundation upon which unity and peaceful co-existence are developed. (G1)

Almost $200M to be spent on extending ECD, EBD schools …contract also issued to improve Yarrowkabra Secondary

Tworks to

tend three schools in Region Four (Demerara-Mahaica), with the aim of enhancing the delivery of education.

According to a tender issued by the Region Four Regional Democratic Council (RDC) inviting bids from eligible contractors, works to extend the Diamond Primary School on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) are pegged at $56.2 million, while the extension of the new DiamondGrove Primary School will cost $60 million.

Meanwhile, planned extension works on the Annandale Secondary School located on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) will cost $80 million. In all three of these contracts, the evaluation of the bids will be done by the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB).

Additionally, a tender was also issued for lot 2 of works on grilling the doors and windows to laboratories in the Yarrowkabra Secondary School, on the LindenSoesdyke Highway, to the tune

of $10.3 million. In this case, the bids will be evaluated by the Region Four Procurement and Tender Administration Board. All bids must be submitted by April 9, 2024.

The Government had an-

nounced it would be injecting $135.2 billion into the education sector for 2024, in furtherance of its drive to realise world-class learning opportunities. As he announced the sum in January, Finance

Minister, Dr Ashni Singh told the National Assembly that the education sector was critical to the realisation of national objectives, especially since every single Guyanese person of working age has an adequate opportunity to acquire the skills needed to acquire a job.

The 2024 budgetary allocation is a stark expansion from the $105 billion spent by the education sector to implement the sector’s various initiatives last year. Resources will be pumped in to expand access by upgrading and expanding infrastructure across the country.

In 2023, several new secondary schools across the country, including Abram Zuil, Good Hope, Yarrowkabra and St Rose’s High, and annexes at the Bishops’ High and Queen’s College, were completed. Works were also advanced at Christ Church, Hosororo, Karasabai, North

Ruimveldt, North West, St Mary’s, Tuschen and St George’s High. Construction will continue at these buildings in 2024, and new secondary schools will be built at Aishalton, Christianburg, Jawalla, Kopinang and Micobie. Sums totalling over $16 billion have been allocated for secondary school buildings.

With an allocation of $3.1 billion, construction of primary schools will begin at Augsburg, Kuribrong, Lake Mainstay, Pennack and Red Creek, among other places. And nursery schools will be built at Foulis, Mibicuri and Tuschen with the $3 billion allocated for nursery schools.

Moreover, rehabilitative works will be done on dormitories and teachers’ living quarters countrywide. In total, rehabilitation and maintenance of school buildings and educational facilities will cost some $28.7 billion. (G3)

Venezuelans among 3 remanded for Chinese businessman’s murder

Three men made an appearance at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday, facing charges related to the murder of 41-year-old Yang Lisong, a Chinese national. Yang was killed during a robbery that occurred on March 14 at Eteringbang Landing, Cuyuni River.

Darvy Diaz De Costa and Oscar Alcides Scanio, both Venezuelans, along with Pharrell Prince Adelph of Crane Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara (WCD), stood before Magistrate Faith McGusty on the murder charge. It is alleged that they committed the murder in the course or furtherance of a robbery.

The men were not required to enter a plea and were all remanded to prison. The case was transferred to the Kamarang Magistrate’s Court and will continue on April 2.

The Chinese businessman’s throat was slit, while his wife, Wen Shuping, sustained lacerations to her face during the suspected robbery at their supermarket at Eteringbang Landing, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

According to reports received, about 14:00h on Thursday, the officer in charge of the Eteringbang Police Station received a phone call from the owner

Remanded: Darvy

Murdered: Yang Lisong

of the building that houses the supermarket, who reported that an incident had occurred at the building.

Police Officers who were in close proximity responded and found the entrance to the supermarket locked. As they ventured to the back of the building, they allegedly found 19-year-old Adelph attempting to exit the building, and promptly arrested him.

Upon making further checks in the supermarket, ranks found the body of the

Chinese businessman leaning against a wall in one of the rooms with his hands bound. He was clad in a grey jersey and dark grey trousers, and a wound was visible on his neck.

His wife was found in another room alive with

two lacerations to her right jaw.

When Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum was contacted, he said that three suspects were arrested in connection with the crime and that the investigation was ongoing. (G8)

2 arrested for robbing 15-year-old

Two teenagers have been apprehended by law enforcement officers on Wednesday in connection with an aggravated robbery committed on a 15-year-old girl at Bel Air in Georgetown last weekend.

Reports are that at about 17:30h on Tuesday, officers of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) 4A and Impact Base conducted an operation at Independence Boulevard in Georgetown and arrested Neil Lynch, a 19-year-old mechanic of Curtis St. Albouystown, as a prime suspect in the robbery.

During interrogation, Lynch allegedly confessed to his involvement in the robbery, and disclosed the identities of five other individuals involved. He claimed he did not initiate the robbery, but received $10,000 from the stolen funds.

Acting on the information received, detectives proceeded to Cooper Street and Independence Boulevard in Albouystown, where they apprehended a 16-year-old labourer and another teen. Efforts to locate the remaining suspects are ongoing, as the investigation continues.

A video of the robbery that was seen by this publication showed the teen girl removing some items from a car, and as she was about to enter the yard at Bel Air, three motorcyclists drove past her, cir-

cled, and returned. There were two men on each motorcycle, and the video showed that upon realising it was a robbery, the driver of the motor vehicle sped away from the scene. The teen girl, who was al-

ready in the yard, tried to lock the gate, but the suspects pushed the gate open, and they began hitting her. At the time, she was holding one of the items she removed from the car, and the suspects relieved her of the

item, which appeared to be a bag, along with other items from her pockets, before making good their escape on their motorcycles. The traumatised teen was left lying on the ground. (G9)

Pushing…

…against PPP Government

As sure as the sun rises in the east – or the Pope will offer another apology for the church’s paedophile priests but won’t punish them – the TUC came out swinging against the PPP Government, supposedly in support of the GTU’s demand for greater salaries!! And trust this Eyewitness: that the TUC came out when the PNC and its camp followers are working themselves into a frenzy in preparation for selecting a new leader to manners the PPP is as coordinated as Hitler’s Waffen SS goosestepping in Berlin!! It’s all going down in Georgetown, baby!!

Shades of 1963, when they struck for 80 days and brought down the PPP Government to install the PNC in Government! Or 1999, when – after the PNC had ruled dictatorially for 28 years – the GPSU came out again for 55 days in tandem with a rampaging PNC and bludgeoned the PPP to a 36% wage increase against a background of widespread violence on perceived supporters of the PPP. Every time the PNC wants to shake-up the PPP the public service unions are always ready to do their bit!!

In 2020, the GPSU called out nurses in the midst of the covid pandemic to demand a bonus – which the PNC had reneged on just the year before, when they were in power. And here they are again screaming that the PPP’s ignoring the collective bargaining process and “imposing” wage increases.

Well, how is it that, when the PNC was in power between 2015 and 2020, the TUC was like a pussycat when “their government” reneged on their pre-election promise to give ALL Government employees SUBSTANTIAL pay raises. Which turned out to be ONE-QUARTER of the 50% raise the PNC gave itself!! And they never engaged in collective bargaining, but accepted unilaterally-imposed increases??

But we know - and the PNC knows - that because of its strategic control of the Government’s bureaucracy, the Government unions can always cripple PPP governments. If politics is war by other means, TUC threats and strikes are PNC’s politics by proxy!! It pays to occupy strategic arms of the state, and it’s why the PNC will never encourage its supporters to move out of the Public Service into, say, private enterprise; even though financially they’d do much better there!! Instead, they keep agitating and building resentment about being excluded! Gotta keep those grouses going, baby!!

Anyhow, the TUC – under its evidently Gen Sectyfor-life Lincoln – has been insisting that not only has the PPP Government “ignored collective bargaining” (a union matter) but “also charged that there was discrimination in the allocation of resources across the country” – a political matter!! They’ve gone to the courts and then…inevitablythey’ll take to the streets.

We know what to expect!! Forewarned is forearmed?

…for perpetrators?

We know that the Government’s introduced the Restorative Justice Bill back in 2022 for “repairing the harm caused by an offence”. Our justice system, of course, is guided by “punitive justice” – derived from the old “eye for an eye” perspective: “if someone does the crime, he should do the time”. Now, while punishing the perpetrator, the victim could possibly seek redress as a civil matter, but the state system didn’t bother with that angle.

So, your Eyewitness was thrown for a loop when he realized that this Bill on “Restorative Justice” was designed to “restore the PERPETRATOR” to the status quo ante as far as possible!! The Canucks - who funded our Restorative Justice Center - sez it’ll repair harm by providing an opportunity for those harmed and those who take responsibility for the harm to communicate about, and address, their needs in the aftermath of a crime.”

So, the recent 15-year-old victim will forgive the five thugs who brutalised her if they accept “responsibility”?

How does this repair “the harm of the offence”?

…the colonial narrative

The US Rep on the UNHCR committee grilled Gail Teixeira on corruption specifically against VP Jagdeo. Will Teixeira now be allowed to question him about Hunter Biden’s ties to his dad, Sleepy Joe?

Diaz De Costa, Oscar Alcides Scanio, and Pharrell Prince Adelph

Yang Lisong was found dead at the scene

The robbery that occurred in Bel Air

Neil Lynch, one of the suspects arrested by Police

Delays in writing decisions can lead to termination – AG reminds judges …says, “No one is above the law”

Local Judges have been put on notice that they need to comply with the law when it comes to the timely issuance of written judgements. Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, has said that no one in Guyana, even the Judiciary, is above the law.

Time limits for judges to issue written decisions are laid out in the Time Limit for Judicial Decisions Act (2009), while Article 197 (3) of Guyana’s Constitution states, “A Judge may be removed from office…for persistently not writing decisions or for continuously failing to give decisions and reasons therefor within such time as may be specified by Parliament.”

With complaints having been lodged by the Bar Association of Barbados against judges in that country, Nandlall has noted that Guyana has a chronic issue of its own with judicial delays, and he noted it is high time that judges adhered to the law and issue their written judgements in a timely manner.

“Now, delay has been a chronic problem in Guyana as

well. Guyanese from all walks of life are complaining against the sloth at which the legal and judicial system works. As a politician, I walk one end of this country to another, and whichever community I go, I meet with persons who raise with me their case or cases that are pending in the system here in Guyana, (complaining) that the matters are not being heard and determined quickly. Specifically, allegations have been and are being made that the judges are not writing their decisions in time,” the Attorney General has said.

Although acknowledging that Guyana has been facing a shortage of judges simultaneously with the delayed judgements, the Attorney General has emphasised that compliance must still be ensured, since there is a law on the books almost 15 years old.

“Barbados has it in its constitution, but we have a legislation that mandates judges to write decisions after hearing submissions and arguments in a case within a prescribed time. That prescribed time is four months, or 120

Miner jailed for robbing Essequibo Coast businessman

Jailed: Junior Williams

A28-year-old miner of Charity Back Street, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam) has found himself in legal trouble and has been charged with the offence of robbery under arms.

Junior Williams admitted that he robbed a 64-yearold businessman of Bounty Hall, Essequibo Coast at Charity Back Street.

The charges against Williams were brought under Section 222(c) of the Criminal Law Offences Act, Chapter 8:01.

On Monday, the case was brought before Magistrate Tamieka Clarke at the Charity Magistrate's Court.

After the Administration of Justice Act was applied, Williams pleaded guilty to the offence and the two-year

Fined: Vondhel Tobin

prison sentence was handed down.

In a separate case heard, also on Monday at the Charity Magistrate's Court, Vondhel Tobin, a 26-year-old unemployed man of Charity Back Street, faced charges related to the possession of narcotics. The court heard that he was caught with the drugs on Sunday last at Charity Back Street.

Tobin was charged under Section 4 (1ai) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Act, Chapter 10:10. He too appeared before Magistrate Clarke and pleaded guilty to the offence. He was fined $30,000,and failure to pay the fine will result in him serving one month’s imprisonment. (G9)

days; or let’s even say six months,” Nandlall has said.

“This law, The Time Limit for Judicial Decisions Act, has been passed nearly 15 years now, and it is not being complied with. Now, I know there have been shortages of judges and there have been many reasons and issues affecting the Judiciary; but there is a law, and this law must be complied with. Every other person in the country is expected to comply with the laws of this land,” Nandlall has said.

Nandlall emphasized that no agency is above the law, an essential ingredient of the rule of law. He noted that Guyana’s Constitution provides for a judge to be removed from office for not writing decisions in a timely manner.

“No agency is above the law. That is the essence of

what we call the rule of law. In Guyana also, like Barbados, our constitution provides that a judge can be removed from office for not writing decisions in a timely manner,” he explained.

“Parliament has passed a law prescribing the time within which decisions must be written by judicial officers.

That law is not being complied with. Like Barbados, Guyana has a bar association. We are going to have more judges appointed, and there will be an expectation that the law in relation to (timely) writing of decisions will be obeyed,” the AG said.

Efforts have already begun in earnest to fill judicial vacancies in Guyana, with interviews for vacant positions in the Judiciary and Magistracy being done by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), which was appointed last year.

The JSC had released job postings for the open positions at the end of last year. It is the constitutional body tasked with managing matters pertaining to the appointment, discipline, removal, and promotion of judicial officers. The Chancellor sits as Chairman of the Commission.

Reports had stated in January that an additional advertisement would be made for Appeal Court Judges, of which there are now just three in office, despite the law providing for nine. Given the small number of judicial officers and the growing workload, there had been rising calls for the JSC to be established prior to its official appointment.

Last month, nine new magistrates were appointed by the JSC. Among these new appointees were State Counsel in the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Tuanna Hardy, Teriq Mohammed, and Abigail Gibbs. The other six appointees were: Attorneys-at-Law Tamieka Clarke, Orinthia Schmidt, Shivani Lalaram, Michelle Matthias, Omadatt Chandan and Ravindra Mohabir. (G3)

Attorney General Anil Nandlall

Climate-smart agriculture among policies being pursued – Govt tells regional FAO conference

Climate-smart agriculture is one of several measures the Government is pursuing when it comes to sustainable agriculture, according to the report that the Guyana Government provided during day three of the Ministerial Session of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) conference.

The FAO is currently holding its 38th Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), in Guyana. On Wednesday, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha chaired a ministerial round table that featured Ministers of Agriculture and other officials from around the region.

During the session, Guyana through Director General of the Agriculture Ministry, Madanlall Ramraj provided an update on its efforts in agriculture. This update

included references to climate-smart agriculture and other resilience measures.

“We are promoting the adaptation of climate-smart agriculture

practices that enhance soil type, conserve water, and build resilience to climate change. We recognise the critical role of water resources in sustaining forest eco-systems,” Ramraj said.

According to Ramraj, efforts are being made when it comes to conservation of forests and water – both

of which are also at risk owing to climate change. He noted the importance of recognising the interconnectivity between water, biodiversity, and soil. The Director noted that an integrated approach was needed to tackle these challenges, and it was one that the Government was already pursuing.

“Guyana, like many other nations in the Latin America and Caribbean Region, grapples with the intricate interplay between water, forest, biodiversity, soil and the looming threat of climate change. Climate change has brought about unprecedented challenges as a result of extreme weather events, rising temperatures, and changing precipitation patterns.

“These events are costing the water cycle, impacting forest health and eroding soil quality. These changes threaten our biodiversity, eco-system services and ultimately, our ability to thrive as a nation,” Ramraj further said.

The 38th session of the FAO Regional Conference for the LAC community runs March 18-22. It had been announced that the conference would include field visits from top FAO officials to the Burma Rice Station, the Agriculture Ministry, and the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI).

Each year, Agriculture Ministers and other dignitaries from member states of the region convene at the FAO regional conference to deliberate on matters pertinent to food and agriculture. Guyana’s hosting of this significant event underscores its leadership in regional agriculture and food security ef -

forts. With 33 countries scheduled to participate in the high-level session at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), and an expected attendance of more than 100 delegates, including officials from various organisations such as the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), the conference promises to be a pivotal platform for shaping the future of agriculture and food security in Latin America and the Caribbean.

In 2022, Guyana signed a historic, multiyear US$750 million agreement with Hess Corporation for the purchase of 37.5 million carbon credits. Guyana is, in fact, the first country to conclude the Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART) process of certifying its forest carbon.

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

Guyana’s completion of the ART process paved the way for other Governments that are looking to receive carbon market finance for success in protecting and restoring forests. At the time Guyana was issued with the credits, 14 other countries and large sub-national jurisdictions were working towards their own issuances of TREES credits. (G3)

Director General of the Agriculture Ministry, Madanlall Ramraj

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, who chaired the meeting and the conference secretary, Eve Crowley

80 racial, religious complaints filed with ERC in 2023

Some eighty complaints founded in racial or religious issues were lodged at the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) in 2023, and the investigative unit of this body has made significant strides in achieving varying degrees of resolution of those complaints.

According to ERC Chairman Shaikh Moeen-ul-Hack, the ERC has been able to resolve most cases via softer means of dispute resolution, such as mediation and reconciliation, and to a lesser extent through forwarding cases to the police for prosecution.

As a result, 11 of those complaints were withdrawn, seven investigations were concluded, and three cases have been closed.

He said that 23 cases remain

open, five have required police intervention, and 10 have been directed to external agencies. A further 26 cases are yet to be investigated, and two cases have

been resolved through conciliation.

While the Commission’s investigative unit has been steadfast in its commitment to resolving issues of discrimination, ERC’s Chief Executive Officer Gomin Camacho explained that more work needs to be done to resolve cases involving overseas-based Guyanese.

“A number of those cases have been outside of Guyana, so the current position of the commission is that we have written for legal advice on how we treat with these cases,” he explained.

“As it is, the system in the media monitoring unit flag these cases and then forward them to our investigative unit, which then looks at the basis of the violation and

analyse those against the laws of Guyana,” Camacho explained.

Questioned about clearing the commission’s backlog of complaints, the CEO explained that ERC is treating fresh cases with priority, given that they are easier to resolve and require less investigation time.

“This new commission has inherited a backlog of cases, and we’re still in the process of going through and filtering through those. The newer cases that have come in have been treated with more expediency, that we are able to better get the information while it is still fresh and we’re able to investigate and close some of those cases,” Camacho said.

The Ethnic Relations Commission is mandated to pro-

mote equality, harmony, and good relations between persons of different ethnic groups, so as to eliminate all forms of discrimination on the basis of ethnicity.

It is also required to discourage and prohibit persons, institutions, political parties and associates from indulging in, advocating, or promoting discriminatory practices on the ground of ethnicity.

Through investigations, resolution facilitation and strategic collaborations, the ERC said, it remains dedicated to promoting an equitable society where every individual’s rights are safeguarded.

To confront any form of discrimination, the ERC’s Media Monitoring Unit plays a pivot-

al role in scrutinizing mass media content across platforms like social media, television, radio, and newspapers. In this regard, there were 105 instances of ethnically/racially offensive comments over the past year. These instances have been of varying magnitudes, many of which warranted warnings, while others of a more serious nature are forwarded to the investigative unit for future action.

On Wednesday during a press conference, the ERC reaffirmed its commitment to promoting harmony and good relations, recognizing the importance of sustained engagement and collaboration in achieving its vision for a harmonious Guyana. (G1)

ERC’s Chief Executive Officer, Gomin Camacho

GTU fails to produce minutes to

court from meetings with Education Ministry – AG …says Union’s VP admits financial matters were discussed during engagements

Vice President of the Guyana Teachers’ Union (GTU), Julian Cambridge on Wednesday admitted that financial matters were discussed between the Guyana Government and the Union.

After several hours of cross-examination in the High Court, Cambridge disclosed that several areas including duty-free concessions, housing revolving fund, and debunching of salaries according to scales, and the granting of scholarships for teachers that would eventually result in increased salaries were all financial matters.

The GTU Vice President also acknowledged that travelling and special teaching allowances, increased salaries for some categories of teachers were also financial matters.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC, told media operatives that Cambridge’s confession was made after the GTU failed to produce its minutes for the meetings between the two parties while Government’s minutes were already in the High Court Judge Sandil Kissoon’s possession.

He said that the minutes confirmed that GTU and the Education Ministry were constantly engaging until January 31, 2024, among other things.

“Out of the Vice President’s mouth it was confirmed that…coming out of those engagements dozens of those measures proposed by the union were implemented by the Ministry of Education. That dozens of those measures have a financial impact,” Nandlall said.

The Attorney General added that through the Vice President’s testimony Government was able to prove that many measures proposed by the Union were for the benefit of its members and not teachers.

“In the beginning, you would have heard how many times the witness had to admit that the proposals which came from the Union related only to members of the Union and not to other teachers.

The Government in granting those measures, did not only grant it to members of the Union but grant it to teachers across the board,” the

Attorney General explained.

Further, Nandlall explained that strike talks were not part of the two parties’ last meeting dated January 31, 2024.

“What the minutes established was that Mr Lyte thanks the Ministry for the productive engagements, that they would have had over the past few years and expressed hope and expectation that this will continue,” he added.

Jurisdiction

On Tuesday, Guyana Times reported that days after the GTU approached the High Court asking for the court, among other things, to order the Government to negotiate salary increases for teachers for the period 2019 to 2023, Justice Kissoon ruled that the court has no such jurisdiction.

The GTU approached the High Court last week with an application filed by its Attorney, Darren Wade, asking the court for a number of remedies, among which was ordering the Government to engage in collective bargaining for salaries for 2019 to 2023.

The Union had also asked the court that Chief Education Officer Saddam Hussain and Education Ministry Permanent Secretary Shannielle Hoosein-Outar be held in contempt of court, for “unwillingness and bad faith for refusing to discuss collective bargaining for the period 2019-2023”.

Government responded with an application to strike out that application filed by the Union.

Calling the application frivolous and an abuse of the process of the court, Attorney General Nandlall told this publication that there were many deficiencies which plagued the GTU’s application.

“The court quickly realised that we were right and that the application filed by [the GTU] was hopeless, misconceived, and utterly wrong. The court invited Wade to explain why he filed what he filed, seeking to expand the case. One can expand a case that is ongoing, but you have to follow the proper procedure. You have to apply for an amendment and amend your case to accommodate

the new reliefs that you’re seeking. That was not done. Secondly, you have to ask the court for reliefs that the court can grant. You can ask the court to make final reliefs in an interlocutory application,” the AG related.

The court granted Wade leave to withdraw his application, and highlighting ‘inconsistencies’ put forward by both sides, Justice Kissoon ordered both sides to produce documents of previous engagements between the Government and GTU.

Nandlall explained, “We have undertaken to produce the documents which the Judge is asking for, but, in my view, those documents do not advance the case. This is not a case where the factual collision will impact upon the law. The law is very simple. If you do not work, you do not get paid. And the Government is free not to offer voluntary service.”

In court documents filed by the GTU (applicant) in February 2024 against the Attorney General of Guyana (respondent), the Union disclosed that only non-financial matters were discussed with the Education Ministry regarding its multi-year proposal for the period 20192023 that was submitted to Government in September 2020.

However, Chief Education Officer Hussain, in his affidavit to the court, pointed out that from August 11, 2020 until January 31, 2024, the GTU and the Ministry met continuously – on average once monthly, sometimes as many as three times per month. Those meetings, he noted, dealt with the demands of the applicant as well as demands of the Ministry regarding the general welfare and well-being of teachers and the best interests of the education sector.

Hussain further explained that the Ministry “successfully and satisfactorily” addressed 30 of the 41 proposals made by the applicant in the past three years, and of the 11 outstanding requests, two are specifically only to benefit GTU executive members, while two others cannot be granted because they are contrary to the laws of Guyana. (G1)

Attorney General Anil Nandlall Justice Sandil Kissoon GTU Vice President Julian Cambridge

Pres Ali lauds “ever-deepening” ties with Brazil

…accredits new Ambassador to Guyana

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday received Letters of Credence from the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Maria De Castro Martins at the Office of the President.

During the accreditation ceremony, President Ali underscored the special relationship between Guyana and Brazil and their common values and principles, especially in

relations to people-centred development.

The Head of State also spoke of collaborations in areas such as energy, agriculture, forest management and infrastructure and about the “ever-deepening relations between the two nations”.

Ambassador Martins said that her mission was to work on ensuring that the agendas of both countries were fulfilled.

Guyana and Brazil established diplomatic relations on December 18,

1968. Only last month, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was in Guyana for the 46th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Caricom Heads of Government, which was held in Georgetown.

In bilateral talks during his two-day visit, President Lula invited Guyana to present its model for forest preservation at the upcoming 2024 Group of 20 (G20) Summit set for July in Brazil.

T&T delegation proposes 7-point plan to unlocking economic integration

As Trinidad and Tobago’s Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce began its trade mission to Guyana, Trinidad High Commissioner to Guyana, Conrad Enill has proposed a seven-point plan to sustain the existing business relations between the two countries.

The plan is set to span the years 2024 to 2030, and the points range from energy security collaboration, unlocking economic integration, learning from Trinidad’s management expertise, business opportunities, addressing challenges through cooperation, embracing sustainability, and investing in human capital. Amid all points, Enill gave great focus towards the energy security collaboration as he believes Guyana’s strategic location and abundant resources stand at the forefront of the regional movement.

Within that context,

has not set upon us as yet, but will soon come at some point in time. According to him, the conversation around fossil fuels needs to be considered with consideration lent towards coal.

6 weeks after burial

“They cut off his head” – sister says, as tomb raiders desecrate body, remove valuables

growth agenda.

“The collaborative efforts between Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Suriname hold immense significance in addressing the energy security concerns of our Region,” he stated as he then explained that Guyana and Suriname’s untapped energy potential presents an exciting avenue for Trinidad and Tobago businesses to explore partner -

Enill said that there were significant opportunities for Trinbago in that Trinidad and Tobago entrepreneurs have the chance to engage with Guyana’s developing economy, contributing to its

ships and investment opportunities, reinforcing our collective energy resilience. Further, he then highlighted an issue within energy security collaboration which was described by him as an issue which

“Coal still represents 30 per cent of our problem. We have coal, we have oil, we have gas, we have renewables. We need to get rid of the 30 per cent before we try to interfere with gas. And even when we get to gas, we need to understand that gas is a transition fuel and even if you go into renewables, gas is your backup in that context,” Enill said.

“What we need to do, is do what we are doing but better, more efficiently. We should combine resources, have less wastage, become more efficient, and basically control the market,” Enill expressed.

Meanwhile, Enill also highlighted that persons could learn from Trinidad’s expertise in management as he said that Trinidad and Tobago’s success in managing its hydrocarbon sector was something we should lend great focus to and learn from.

The trade mission will run for two days as part of business-to-business (B2B) meetings organised by the Together We Win Business Network. The event will take place at the Herdmanston Lodge in Georgetown, with Baldath Maharaj, the Chamber’s President, leading the delegation.

The mission includes professionals representing various sectors, such as mechanical engineering, private investigation, environmental management, event management, printing, architecture, and healthcare services.

The body of a fisherman was removed from his tomb at Rosignol Cemetery, West Bank Berbice, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) sometime between Monday evening and Tuesday morning, and beheaded.

The tomb raiders vandalised the tomb of Munishwar Jawahir almost six weeks after he was entombed.

The discovery of the corpse’s head was made by family members of a woman who was buried on Monday.

They had returned to their sister's final resting place on Tuesday morning when they saw the man’s head on top of a tomb.

The gruesome discovery was reported to persons in the community, including the pastor who performed the last rites for the woman the previous day.

The pastor had also performed the rites for Jawahir on February 9 and as such, he contacted family members of the 52-year-old man, formerly of Rosignol.

His sister, Niraini Khadir told Guyana Times that they were informed that the tomb was broken in.

She said when she and other siblings arrived at the cemetery, they realised that the tomb was broken and the casket was outside.

“My brother head on the tomb, they cut off his head and his belly turn at the bottom and his back on top. When we go there, the casket was open. That is really bad, because we put my brother there to rest,” she said.

According to Khadir, it seems as if the perpetrators were looking for something specific since the casket was tumbled.

“I don’t know if the family put money in the casket, but when we checked, everything was gone. He had a wrist watch and a ring but the ring was left and the watch gone. The porter checked and he see that they tumble up the casket. We suggest that they put the body on the tomb and they saw off my brother’s head. That is a saw they used and they throw back the body in the casket and my brother head left on top the tomb.”

After being integrally involved in the burial of five family members, Khadir says this was the first time something of this

nature has occurred.

She said they were able to get the assistance of the funeral parlour to entomb the body again.

However, she does not feel the matter is being properly investigated.

"We went to the Station and the Police came and see what is it... We think that the Police should do something better than that.”

She said no efforts were made to obtain any fingerprints.

“I think they should do their job more better. Nothing they went and do. I don’t know if they video or what. They told us to go to the Station when we are finished closing up the tomb,” she added.

One of the siblings did the necessary masonry work. (G4)

Trinidad High Commissioner to Guyana, Conrad Enill speaking at the event

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Maria De Castro Martins presenting her Letters of Credence to President Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday at the Office of the President (OP photo)

The tomb of Munishwar Jawahir that was broken into; his body was removed and beheaded

Tourism and Commerce Minister Oneidge Waldron (front row, far right) was among scores of persons at the event

Around the World

Oil slips as investors weigh Fed rate decision

Oil prices fell on Wednesday as the US Federal Reserve held interest rate steady and demand concerns continue to weigh.

Brent crude futures for May settled down US$1.43, or 1.64 per cent, at US$85.95 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures for April delivery , which expired on Wednesday, ended US$1.79, or 2.14 per cent, lower at US$81.68.

The more active May WTI contract settled down US$1.46 at US$81.27 a barrel.

Brent had settled at its highest since October 31 in the previous session at US$87.38 a barrel, while WTI hit its highest since October 27 at US$83.47.

On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve kept interest rates in the 5.25 per cent to 5.50 per cent range, but policymakers indicated they still expect to reduce them by three-quarters of a percentage point by the end of 2024.

The Fed's rate decision was within expectations and the impact on oil markets was limited, said Andrew Lipow, President of Lipow Oil Associates. The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) said crude oil stockpiles fell unexpectedly last week as exports rose and refiners continued to increase activity.

The draw in crude oil inventories was due to higher refinery runs and strong crude oil exports, said Matt Smith, lead oil analyst at Kpler.

The American Petroleum Institute (API) also reported crude oil and gasoline stockpiles fell last week, while distillate inventories rose, according to sources.

Elsewhere, Ukrainian attacks on Russian refining assets have helped propel crude prices higher as market participants assessed the impact on crude and fuel supply balances.

"If these disruptions are prolonged, it could eventually force Russian producers to reduce supply if they are unable to export all of this crude oil," ING analyst Warren Patterson said. (Reuters)

Venezuela arrests allies of Opposition Leader Machado

Venezuelan Attorney General Tarek Saab said on Wednesday two persons close to Opposition candidate Maria Corina Machado had been arrested and seven others, including Machado's righthand Magalli Meda, have warrants out for their detention.

The arrests are set to complicate an already-confused scenario ahead of the July presidential contest. Machado won the Opposition's October nominating contest by a landslide, but is barred from registering her candidacy.

Washington has repeatedly said Venezuelan par-

Israeli military says it killed 90 gunmen at Gaza's Al Shifa hospital

Israel's military said on Wednesday it had killed around 90 gunmen and arrested 160 in a raid on Gaza's Al Shifa hospital, an allegation the Islamist Hamas group denied.

Al Shifa, the Gaza Strip's biggest hospital before the war, is now one of the few healthcare facilities even partially operational in the north of the territory, and had also been housing displaced civilians.

"Over the past day, the troops have eliminated terrorists and located weapons in the hospital area, while preventing harm to civilians, patients, medical teams, and medical equipment," the military said in a statement.

It also published the names and photographs of two Israeli soldiers killed in the operation.

Israel's raid at the hospital began in the early hours of Monday. The military, which published videos of weapons stashes inside the facility, said it had sent in special forces supported by infantry and tanks, based on intelligence that the hospital was again being used by gunmen.

Ismail Al-Thawabta, Director of Gaza's Hamasrun Government media office, said all of those killed had been wounded patients and displaced persons inside the hospital.

"The Israeli occupation army practises lying and deception in spreading its narrative as part of justifying its continuous and law-breaking crimes, which violate international law, international humanitarian law," he said.

Reuters was unable to

(Reuters/Dawoud

verify either account.

Israel faced fierce criticism last November when troops first raided Al Shifa hospital. The troops uncovered tunnels there, which they said had been used as

command and control centres by Hamas. Hamas and medical staff deny that the hospital is used for military purposes or to shelter fighters.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Prosecutors charge Bolsonaro's son in money laundering probe,

Brazilian Prosecutors have charged Jair Renan Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, for alleged crimes including money laundering and falsifying documents for a bank loan,

newspaper O Globo reported on Wednesday.

Public Prosecutors in Brazil's federal district declined to comment on the case owing to confidentiality rules. Reuters could not immediately reach Jair

US-organised helicopter flights begin carrying Americans from Haiti

Sties must be able to select their own candidates and has threatened to reimpose frozen sanctions if the socialist Government of President Nicol s Maduro does not allow free and fair elections.

Henry Alviarez, the national coordinator of Machado's Vente Venezuela party, and Dignora Hernandez, the party's political secretary, had been detained for alleged involvement in planned conspiracies and street violence, Saab said on State television.

"The public ministry asked for nine arrests, two have been carried out," Saab said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Governmentchartered helicopter flights began carrying American citizens from the Haitian capital Port-auPrince on Wednesday amid rising violence, the State Department said, with a first flight transporting more than 15 persons to Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic.

A department spokesperson estimated that more than 30 US citizens a day would be able to depart Haiti on multiple helicopter flights.

Unelected Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry announced last week that he would resign, but a plan supported by Caribbean States and Washington to establish an interim presi-

dential council has yet to be implemented.

Heavily-armed groups have taken over much of the capital, and rights advocates have reported widespread killings, kidnappings and sexual violence. More than 360,000 persons are internally displaced in Haiti, according to United Nations estimates.

State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said the number of Americans who have filled in an online form asking for information about departing Haiti was approaching 1600. Not all of those people were requesting help to depart the country and some were inquiring about general safety information, Patel said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

O Globo reports

Renan's Attorney.

The news comes a day after the ex-President was formally accused by Federal Police of fraud on his vaccination records, opening the door to criminal charges.

O Globo reported that Public Prosecutors had filed the charges against the President's son after Police investigators found

he had exaggerated the revenue of his events business while applying for a company loan.

Jair Renan testified to Police that he did not recognise the signatures on the company paperwork in his name, but an expert, witnesses and images from his banking app undercut his statements, O Globo reported. (Reuters)

Russia says it is pushing Ukrainian forces back, will create 2 new armies

Russia said on Wednesday its soldiers were pushing Ukrainian forces back and that Moscow would bolster its military by adding two new armies and 30 new formations by the end of this year.

Russia, which invaded Ukraine in 2022, swiftly pulled back some of its forces in the east and south after over-extending, but has been slowly advancing after a Ukrainian counteroffensive last year failed to make significant gains.

Russia controls a little under one fifth of Ukraine and President Vladimir Putin ordered troops to push further forward after Moscow took the small eastern Ukrainian city of Avdiivka last month.

"Groups of Russian troops continue to squeeze the enemy out of their positions," Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told senior Generals. "The United States and its satellites are

extremely concerned about the success of the Russian Armed Forces."

"The combined grouping of troops will continue to build on the successes achieved and increase the live fire impact on enemy targets."

Russia, which has recruited hundreds of thousands of contract soldiers, will create two new armies and 30 formations, including 14 divisions and 16 brigades, Shoigu said.

Western spy chiefs say the war could be at a turning point as Kyiv needs more arms from its Western allies to avoid more battlefield setbacks. US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Tuesday Ukraine's survival was in danger.

Russia has since the 2022 invasion taken 65,000 square km (25,000 square miles) of Ukrainian territory, according to Harvard Kennedy School's Russia Matters project. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Smoke rises during an Israeli raid at Al Shifa hospital and the area around it, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Gaza City, March 20, 2024

Abu Alkas photo)

Jair Renan Bolsonaro, son of then President Jair Bolsonaro looks on during a protest in support of gun rights and his father, in Brasilia, Brazil, July 9, 2022 (Reuters/Adriano Machado file photo)

DAILY HOROSCOPES

(March 21-April 19)

(April 20-May 20)

(May 21-June 20)

(June 21-July 22)

(July 23-Aug. 22)

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Refuse to let what others do stop you in your tracks. Assess situations and work toward your goal. Strengthen your position. Take action, and others will take notice.

Check out who and what is available. Use your charm to gain ground. Being stubborn will lead to rejection, which will set you back and disrupt a meaningful connection. Take on only what you can handle.

Cross your fingers, hope for the best and verify information. Stick close to home and make room for what you want to do. Avoid overspending by doing things yourself.

Take pride in your work, and you’ll get the rewards you deserve. Lean into whatever you pursue with determination and the resolve to finish what you start. You’ll get the support you need.

Don’t mix emotions and money. A change of plans will conflict with your responsibilities. Your experience will help you devise a means to overcome any setback. Put your energy where it counts.

Keep everything the same. Focus on what’s already motivating you and direct your energy into expanding and exploring what you’ve already begun. An opportunity will present itself. Live and learn.

Share your feelings and intentions with someone you want to spend more time with. Maintaining balance will be crucial when it comes to a partnership.

Consider what you can accomplish, then get started. Make changes that will eliminate controversy. Clear up vendettas before you proceed. Deal with your emotions.

Use your energy before it gets out of control and takes you on a rampage. Take better care of yourself and refuse to let anyone goad you into a fight. Use intelligence, not brawn.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Let the past dictate how you handle upcoming changes. Change can be favorable but will require a fixed budget and discipline if you want to avoid debt. Your goal is financial independence.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Be a keen observer and pay attention to detail. If you are too open, someone will swoop in and take control. Choose your path for the right reason, not to appeal to someone else’s needs.

Getting along with others today will be difficult if you let your emotions interfere. A solid, direct approach will help you maintain leverage and encourage a positive response. Be true to yourself.

PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

PICKLES

ARCHIE

CWI T20 Blaze…

Jamaica cruise to victory over Guyana in Round 2

Rashada Williams was named player of the match

When the Cricket West Indies (CWI)

Women’s T20 Blaze continued on Tuesday, Guyana’s women suffered their first defeat of the tournament, at the hands of Super50 Champions, Jamaica, who prevailed by 5 wickets.

Nevis

night, and Guyanese Captain Shemaine Campbell won the toss and opted to bat first. Guyana posted 107-7 in their 20 overs.

After Shabika Gajnabi and Shanetta Grimmond had departed for 13 and 3 runs respectively, the duo of Campbell and Mandy Mangru produced a strong, 65-run partnership for the third

ONCACAF recently held its Executive Mentorship Programme (EMP) workshop in Guyana to update Guyana Football Federation (GFF) executives on the fundamental frameworks essential for fostering enhanced governance across all levels.Underscoring the intrinsic link between good governance practices and the sustainable development of football within the region, the seminar was held on March 16/17 at the GFF National Training Centre at Providence, East Bank Demerara.

Sessions saw strong representation from the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), with President Wayne Forde and other key council members, including First Vice President Brigadier General (Ret) Bruce Lovell, Third Vice President Dion Inniss, council members Magzene Stewart, Alden Marslowe, Andrea Johnson, Denneze Lovell and Rayan Farias committing to further enhancing the standards of football governance.

Also at the seminar were GFF General Secretary Ian Alves, Technical Director Bryan Joseph, and Accountant Marco Meredith.

Projects Head Howard McIntosh and Bermuda Football Association (BFA) General Secretary and Consultant David Sabir.

GFF President Forde has said the sessions gave the “executive team an opportunity to update CONCACAF on the Federation’s advancements since the initial good governance workshop in 2019. The team also identified challenges and acquired insights into regulatory amendments which will be disseminated among its nine associations, clubs, and affiliate members.

He again thanked CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani for introducing the initiatives, and affirmed that “Guyana consistently strives to set a shining example for initiatives introduced by the governing body.”

wicket. Mangru got to 36 in 39 balls before becoming a victim of Jamaican captain Stafanie Taylor, while Campbell hit 33 from 36 deliveries.

The remaining batters did little to trouble the score in the ensuing overs, with Cherry-Ann Fraser’s 5 runs being the highest of the lot.

The Jamaican bowl-

F

resh from a crushing win at the Kennard’s Memorial Turf Club last Sunday, the handlers of Stolen Money are confident of winning the Easter Cup Horse Meet at Port Mourant Turf Club on Sunday, March 31.However, Winston Appadu, veteran jockey and trainer of Stolen Money, has noted that the champion horse of the Simply Royal Racing Stables is cautious of Spankhurst and Bossalina, presently two of the top horses in Guyana.

“That win was perfect for us, because we did some good work on Stolen Money to get him fit. The win for Stolen Money was no surprise, we prepared them properly,” Appadu said after Sunday’s victory.

Looking ahead to the Easter Cup Horse Meet, Appadu said: “I think we have a good chance again. The horse is on good form.”

ers shared the wickets, as Chinelle henry picked up 2-22 in 4 overs while Taylor claimed 2-12 in her 4 overs.

Vanessa Watts, Neisha-Ann Waisome and a run-out were responsible for the remaining wickets. In turn, Jamaica took a responsible approach to the chase, getting to their target

Guyana

Guyana Women 107/7 BATTING R S Gajnabi RHB b CA Henry 13 SS Grimmond RHB lbw NA Waisome 3 M Mangru RHB st RS Williams b SR Taylor 36 SA Campbelle RHB b VN Watts 33 CS Fraser LHB c VN Watts b SR Taylor 5 A Munisar RHB b CA Henry 2 KC Schultz RHB run out KM Wilmott 3 RMAU Grimmond RHB not out 2 NM Barkoye RHB not out 1 Extras – 9 b: 5 lb: 2 wd: 2 nb: 0 Total 107/7 (20.0 overs) BOWLING O-M-R-W VN Watts 4.0-0-16-1 CA Henry 4.0-0-22-2 NA Waisome 3.0-0-18-1 KM Wilmott 2.0-0-16-0 SR Taylor 4.0-0-12-2 CN Nation 3.0-0-16-0 Jamaica Women 108/5 BATTING R RS Williams RHB b N Latchman 42 NY McLean RHB b PO Millington 0 CN Nation RHB lbw SS Grimmond 7 SR Taylor RHB c N Latchman b N Latchman 33 CA Henry RHB not out 7 K Ferron RHB b SS Grimmond 5 LW Scott RHB not out 1 Extras – 13 b: 0 lb: 3 wd: 10 nb: 0 Total 108/5 target reached (18.1 overs) BOWLING O-M-R-W CS Fraser 3.0-0-25-0 PO Millington 4.0-0-23-1 A Munisar 4.0-1-10-0 SS Grimmond 3.0-0-24-2 KC Schultz 1.0-0-8-0 N Latchman 3.1-0-15-2

“Spankhurst is a good horse, and so is Bossalina, but they still have to look out for Stolen Money; that is the horse to beat.”

and Guyana-bred horses.

The two-day programme was facilitated by One CONCACAF and Caribbean

The Executive Mentorship Programme delved into various topics, including Leadership and Governance, the Functions of Executive Committees, the Principle of Separation of Powers, Administrative Processes, Executive Committee Operations, Board Meetings and Congresses, as well as Strategic and Financial Planning and Risk Management.

640- 6396; Fazal, on 611-1141; Buju, on 658-7637; Shazeena/ Rose/ Vanessa on 322-0789, 5-and Ginjo, on 618-7278. Horse owners are asked to contact Ginjo on telephone 6187278 for any info or queries. The Easter Cup Horse Meet is being sponsored by KP Jagdeo General Contractors, Jumbo Jet, and Old Broom Longue. Easter Cup Horse Meet… – But cautious of Spankhurst and Bossalina Stolen Money confident of winning Stolen Money impressed on Sunday last with a victory CLASSIFIED ADS ASTROLOGY Are you suffering from Bad Luck, Loss of Job, relationship problems and depression. I have a solution for you. Call +5927044333 ACCOMMODATIONS Aracari Hotel. Vreed-en-Hoop, West Bank Demerara. AC. Fully Furnished. Secure Location. Free Parking. Restaurant, Bar, Swimming Pool, and Gym. Free Breakfast. For more info: 2642946-9; website – www.aracariresort.com. ENTERTAINMENT Aracari Resort. Vreed-en-Hoop, West Bank Demerara. Secure Location. Free Parking. Free WiFi. Restaurant. Bar. Games. Music. Crystal Clear Swimming Pool (Fee Applies). Kids and Adult Sections. Very Safe. Sunday ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFET 11 AM – 3 PM. Adults $3,000, Kids $1,000. For more info: 264-2946-9; website www.aracariresort.com. BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Aracari Resort has Restaurant Space for Rent. Formerly Macaw Restaurant. Secure Location. Free Parking & WiFi. Phone 264-2946; 626-5290. WANTED Furniture Maker. Experienced. For Aracari Resort, Vreed-en-Hoop. 264-2946; 626-5290. GFF hosts CONCACAF Executive Mentorship Programme in 18.1 overs with the loss of five wickets. Eventual player of the match Rashada Williams top-scored with 42 runs from 55 deliveries, inclusive of 5 boundaries. Captain Stafanie Taylor backed that up with 33 runs from 21 deliveries, while the next best score of 7 came off Chinelle Henry and Chedean Nation. Niya Latchman and Shanetta Grimmond each claimed two wickets for the Guyana side, for 15 runs in 3.1 overs and 24 runs in 3 overs respectively.

Presentations were also delivered by officials of the GFF.

It is important to note that the Port Mourant track is larger than the one at Bush Lot. Despite the difference in size, Appadu remains upbeat that Stolen Money can adapt to the different track and win.

“Port Mourant track is a good track for the horses. No complains. The track is a bit bigger, but it will suit Stolen Money. The turns are wider, and it will be a bit better,” he has said.

Asked about Stolen Money’s chances against greater opponents, Appadu said:

The Easter Cup Horse Meet is slated for Port Mourant, and G$10 million in cash and prizes will be up for grabs. According to the provisional programme, eight races are on the cards.

The feature event is the Easter Cup, which will be open to all horses and will be run over a distance of 1700 metres for a top cash prize of G$1,500,000.

Among the other races on the day’s card are the threeyear-old Guyana and West Indian-bred; H3 & Lower non-winners in Guyana five years and over; the ‘E’ Class, ‘L’ Class & J 3 maiden; the ‘G’ & Lower and first-time West Indies starters; J & Lower four years and above; and the race for four-year-old West Indies

All races are to be run under the guidance of the Guyana Horse Racing Authority rules, and races are subject to change. Only jockeys with less than five (5) wins for 2023 would be allowed to ride in the ‘L’ Class and J3 maiden. No non-Guyanese jockey would be allowed to compete.

Entries for the Easter Cup Horse Meet would be closed on March 25, 2024.

Mandy Mangru top-scored for Guyana with 36 (File Photo)

C

Guyana goes down to Argentina, USA on opening day

The Guyana men’s team have suffered two hard-fought defeats at the hands of Argentina and the USA on the opening day of the Indoor Pan American Cup, presently underway in Calgary, Canada.

In their morning match against Argentina, the Golden Arrows conceded early when a penalty corner resulted in a penalty stroke, which was converted by Juan Eleicegui. Argentina scored again in the 4th minute from a Facundo Navarro field goal, before Shakeem Fausette scored Guyana’s first goal from a penalty corner.

Argentina regained the two-goal cushion in the 6th minute through a Nehuen Ayala Gallo field goal, but Guyana capitalized on their one-man advantage after Juan Eleicegui received a green card (1 min suspension) with identical deflected goals scored by Robert France and Jamarj Assanah to tie the game at 3-3.

The two countries traded goals for the remainder of the game, but Argentina landed the more telling blows and eventually won 9-5.

In the afternoon game against the USA, Guyana conceded early again when Ajai Dhadwal converted a

penalty corner in the 3rd minute. USA went up 3-0 through field goals from Jeroen Dijkema and Jack Weitzman, before a composed Shaquon Favorite finish pulled one back for Guyana.

Both teams scored two additional penalty corner goals through Dhadwai and Aroydy Branford, which gave USA the 5-3 victory.

In his assessment of the team’s opening day performance, Head Coach Shane Samuels said, “We knew playing two matches on the same day would’ve been tough, especially against the two highest ranked teams in

the tournament. Argentina has a wealth of experience, with seven members of their players having competed in the 2023 Indoor World Cup in South Africa. However, I think our guys competed well. At one point, the game was actually tied at 3-3 before their experience took over. They were more patient than us, and capitalized on our mistakes, but I am really proud of our showing against this powerhouse.

“In the US game, the guys worked very hard defensively, resulting in a number of counterattacking opportunities, which we should have converted at a high-

GTT maintains solid support for Bartica Easter Regatta 2024

GTT, the largest provider of telecommunications services in Guyana, and a longtime partner of the Bartica Easter Regatta, has again thrown its unflinching support behind the organisers of the 2024 edition, which is being held under the theme ‘Is We Own’.

Chief Commercial Officer of GTT, Ms. Kerchelle Jn Charles, in the company of Marketing Manager-Mobile Ms. Diangelly Singh, recently made the presentation of the GTT sponsorship, valued at two million dollars, to the Bartica Easter Regatta Chairperson, Kenneth Williams, and his team.

“We are very thrilled to maintain our commitment towards this eagerly anticipated calendar event, that is attended by thousands of

Guyanese here and in the Diaspora,” Ms. Jn Charles informed in remarks during the handing over. “This falls within our corporate and social responsibility to give back to communities. It’s a responsibility that we take seriously, and have been doing so for decades. This event has made the Town of Bartica very popular, not only for the high level of Guyanese hospitality, but for the many sporting events, including the marquee powerboat races.

“We wish you the very best at this year’s event, and wish the many athletes taking part in the various disciplines every success,” she said.

Williams, also Chairman of Region 7, CuyuniMazaruni, commended GTT

er rate. We actually created much more scorings opportunities in this match, even hitting the crossbar on one occasion. Had some of our early chances gone in, I think we

could have won this one.

“Tomorrow is a must-win game, we have a short practice in the morning to finetune a few things. Hopefully, with a good night’s rest, we

can refocus and execute a game plan which will help us to win.”

Guyana was scheduled to take on Canada on Wednesday.

‘Best of the Best’ to compete at Kares CrossFit Caribbean Championships

…Grand launch expected today at Amazonia Mall

for its continued and committed support for the Easter Regatta activities, and has assuring Ms. Jn Charles and her team that 2024 would serve up the usual high-class events in the areas of sports and entertainment.

“The Bartica Easter Regatta Committee would like to express our appreciation to GTT for your tangible support over the years, and to let you know that you are one of the main corporate partners that have shaped this event into what it has become today; and for this we are extremely thankful,” he said.

Among the sporting activities planned for this year’s Regatta are football (male and female teams), grass track racing, athletics road race, and a river swim.

Some of the best names in CrossFit are set to descend on Guyana for the Kares CrossFit Caribbean Championships, to be held on April 6 and 7. Lead coordinator Jordana Ramsay-Gonsalves is excited about what looms for the fans, given that she is confident it would be gruelling action for high-calibre athletes.

“We know it is going to be a gruelling competition. The best of the best have applied, and they are all coming to our competition,” she declared.

This year’s event has already attracted the attention of top athletes from the Netherlands, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Trinidad

and Tobago, Barbados, Suriname, Bahamas and French Guiana; and interest has been coming from Dubai as well.

Kares CrossFit is collaborating with Competition Corner, a dynamic registration, planning, and scoring software built for functional fitness and weightlifting competitions globally. Ramsay-Gonsalves highlighted that this event would be the catalyst for them to be licensed by CrossFit, which will pave the way for significant development in the sport locally.

In August-September, the Kares CrossFit Caribbean Championship aims to host a scaled event in Trinidad and Tobago,

while the 2025 edition of its main event is headed to the United Kingdom.

Athletes are reminded that registration closes on March 24, and the fee is US$70. The link to registration is https://competitioncorner.net/

On April 6, athletes will head to the National Aquatic Centre at Liliendaal for a series of workouts, and will return to action on April 7 on the National Park tarmac.

General admission is G$1,000, while VIP tickets cost G$7,000 each.

The official launch is scheduled for today at 19:00h in the courtyard of Amazonia Mall at Providence, East Bank Demerara.

GTT Chief Commercial Officer Ms. Kerchelle Jn Charles (4th right), Marketing Manager-Mobile, Ms. Diangelly Singh (3rd right), and Bartica Regatta Chairman Kenneth Williams (right), among others savouring this Kodak moment during the presentation

Some of the best athletes worldwide are expected to compete at the championships on April 6 and 7

Jamarj Assanah on the attack against the USA

National Captain Robert France in action against Argentina

Sinclair powers Harpy Eagles to fighting first innings’ total

ing for a brisk 43-ball 46 runs in an innings that contained 3 fours and three sixes.

Kevin Sinclair has soared to the top of the run-scorers’ charts in the 2024 West Indies Championships, after hitting another half century that proverbially dug the Guyana Harpy Eagles out of a hole on day one of their fifth-round contest against the Windward Islands Volcanoes.

At the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua and Barbuda, Sinclair led the charge for Guyana with a classy 74 from 102 deliveries, while Vice Captain Kevlon Anderson fell heartbreakingly short of a half century. Anderson’s 48 from 83 has however helped the Harpy Eagles to get past the 150-mark.

For the second consecutive game, the tail-enders did the heavy lifting in the Harpy Eagles’ first innings, with Gudakesh Motie playing a loose shot and perish-

Prior to those solid showings, the Harpy Eagles did not have the best of starts, with the opening pair of Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Matthew Nandu returning to the dugout for 13 from 66 deliveries and 25 runs from 46 balls respectively, while Captain Tevin Imlach perished for 11 from 44 deliveries.

Veerasammy Permaul was good for another burst, contributing a quick 30 in 29 deliveries, while Ronaldo Alimohamed and Nial Smith added 22 and 20 runs respectively to the scoresheet. The harpy Eagles eventually got to 308 before being bowled out in 80.5 overs late on Wednesday afternoon.

Darel Cyrus was the

man of the moment for the Volcanoes, taking a 5-fer (5-67-12.5), while his teammates Shamar Springer and Darius Martin each claimed 2 scalps, for 75 runs in 19 overs and 63 runs in 17 overs.

SCOREBOARD

Guyana tried a mixed bag of bowlers in the final four overs before close of play, but found no success against the Windward opening pair of Kymani Melius and Jeremy Solozano, who remained unbeaten on 9 and

1 run respectively.

The Volcanoes currently have 12-0, trailing the Harpy Eagles by 296 runs with 10 wickets in hand.

The four-day game will continue today, Thursday March 21, from 10:00hrs.

‘No pressure’ – Cox

Guyana’s senior men’s national team the Golden Jaguars are on the verge of making their debut in Saudi Arabia, with their first FIFA series game scheduled for today, Thursday March 21.

For the Golden Jaguars, the FIFA Series comes right after their success-

ful unbeaten run in the CONCACAF Nations League and months before their World Cup Qualification journey begins. As such, Assistant Coach and former player Samuel Cox, during a recent training session in Saudi Arabia, shared that building on their recent successes and making the most

of their preparation time would be key for the national team.

“It’s a historic moment in time for our Federation, for our country, to be coming out here to the Middle East, to Saudia Arabia. And for me personally: to see how far we’ve come over the last 10 years since I’ve been in the programme, and to be

given an opportunity like this, is absolutely fantas tic for the programme, for everybody involved,” Cox shared.

He continued, “Good session on the grass today. I thought the boys were re ally good. Really intense session, obviously in prep for Cape Verde in two days’ time. We don’t have a lot of time on the grass, but we gave as much as we could with the time given, and done analysis session earlier in the day. So, we tried to give the boys as much information as possible; but, really, it’s just a case of building on what we’ve done over the last 6-7 months in the Nations League, and building on success that we had.”

Cox divulged that there’s no pressure on the team, given what’s at stake and the expectations of others.

“There’s no pressure,” Cox has declared.

The former Golden

Jaguars captain went on to divulge, “Obviously, I find myself in a position where I’m leaning more to a staff, as much as I don’t want to admit it, having coached during that Nations League period and seeing the success that we’ve had. But you know we’ve been clear to the players that there’s no pressure on them.

“We’ve given them a style of play, a methodology and a philosophy, the way we want to play going forward. So, there’s that continuity now. Every time the boys come in to the camp, this is what we’re doing, this is what we’re playing to, and it is at times risking

the way we want to play and progress the ball; but, as a staff, we’ve taken that pressure away from the players and almost allow them to enjoy, trust the process,” Cox went on to add.

The Golden Jaguars will be represented by a 24-member squad in the historic friendly series. Their first game today will come against Cape Verde at the Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Then they will play their second game in ‘Saudi Arabia Group A’ next Tuesday, March 26, against Cambodia. Equatorial Guinea is the fourth team in the Group.

Darel Cyrus has claimed a five-fer against the Harpy Eagles

Kevin Sinclair hit 74 runs to steady the GHE innings

Golden Jaguars Assistant Coach Samuel Cox

The Golden Jaguars preparing for action in Saudi Arabia