Guyana Times - Thursday, March 30, 2023

British Chamber of Commerce launched to foster stronger economic ties with Guyana

… mutual interest to advance bilateral relations – UK official

The British Chamber of Commerce (BritCham) has been launched in Guyana, continuing a trend of increased collaboration between the two countries only days after British Airways made its inaugural flight to Guyana and months after visa restrictions were removed for Guyanese visitors to the United Kingdom (UK).

The launch of the British Chamber of Commerce occurred on Tuesday evening during a reception at the British High Commissioner’s residence. According to Prime Minister Brigadier (retired) Mark Phillips, the launch of the British Chambers will help foster stronger economic ties with Guyana.

“The establishment of BritCham represents another important development in fostering stronger and closer economic ties between Britain and Guyana. These economic bonds build on the strong ties of history and shared interest between Britain and Guyana. Guyana remains wedded to the values of democracy, respect for the rule of law, respect for international law, and respect for human rights,” the PM said.

“The launch of BritCham solidifies the economic partnership between Great

Britain and Guyana. From our perspective, it is also a recognition of our country’s rapidly growing economy and the growing trade and investment between Great Britain and Guyana. We now have a Chamber of Commerce that will allow advantage to be taken of opportunities for the expansion of trade and tourism,” the Prime Minister further said.

Present at the launching of BritCham was the

UK’s Parliamentary UnderSecretary of State for the Americas, David Rutley. He noted that there is mutual interest on both Guyana and the UK’s part to advance their bilateral relationship. This is especially since he, Rutley, met with President Dr Irfaan Ali on Tuesday.

“When I met with the President, it was really clear to me that he has really high ambitions, like we do, on how we can take this relationship

forward. Of course, there are growth opportunities, but our relationship is built on shared values, shared history, and people-to-people relationships. So, together we can do a huge amount of other things,” he said.

“I’m very proud to be here for many reasons, but particularly to be able to launch this Chamber of Commerce. It’s a key moment in time. It’s a logical time for this to launch. It’s a great day to do

it,” the Parliamentary UnderSecretary further said.

The establishment of BritCham Guyana was first announced by British-born Guyanese businessman and Chief Executive Officer of Guysons K+B Industries Inc, Faizal Khan, on the sidelines of the International Energy Conference 2023 at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown in February.

It was revealed at the time that the Chamber has close to 30 member companies, with some 50 verbal commitments. It was also revealed that BritCham Guyana would be launched in London, England, and Aberdeen, Scotland.

The Chamber will act as a support for other Chambers of Commerce that exist in the countries in which it operates. British and Guyanese companies were also encouraged to sign up as members with BritCham Guyana to enjoy the full benefits of its support in exploring and accessing each market.

The independent, non-profit Chamber will serve as a leading promoter and enabler of trade and investment between the UK and Guyana, one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. BritCham Guyana

will also work closely with the British High Commission in Georgetown and UK Government departments to support their advocacy work in Guyana.

In addition to being chaired by Khan, the new Chamber of Commerce would also be supported by a board of leading business executives with close ties to both countries. It will operate out of an office at Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre in Georgetown.

It was reported that, in 2021, Guyana accounted for 21.6 per cent of all the UK’s trade with the Caribbean, and, to date, there has been a 45.9 per cent increase in trade between the two nations for 2022.

The move to establish the new business Chamber comes on the heels of the announcement of visa-free travel to the UK, direct British Airways’ flights from the end of March, and the signing of a partnership arrangement by Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, and His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Latin America and the Caribbean, Jonathan Knott, CMG, in November 2022. (G3)

Prime Minister Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips along with UK High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller; UK Under-Secretary David Rutley; BritCham Chairman Faizal Khan and some members of the BritCham at the reception

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Thursday, March 30 –00:30h-02:00h and Friday, March 31 – 01:30h-03:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, Mar 30 –10:55h-12:25h and Friday, March 31 – 12:20h-13:50h

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Light to thundery showers and sunshine are expected during the day. Expect partly cloudy to clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly between 2.68 metres and 5.36 metres.

High Tide: 10:56h reaching a maximum height of 1.98 metres.

Low Tide: 17:24h reaching a minimum height of 1.21 metres.

Govt to clamp down on subletting State

lands in MMA scheme

…as overseas-based holders exploiting local farmers with high rental rates

LOTTERY NUMBERS

The Agriculture Ministry will be moving to crack down on the subletting of State lands in the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary/ Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA) scheme in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) after it was found that overseas-based holders of these lands are exploiting local farmers by charging exorbitant prices thus driving up the cost of production.

During a recent meeting with MMA farmers, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha reminded farmers and others individuals in possession of leases that under the laws governing the leasing of State lands, no person leasing land from the Government is allowed to sublet to a third party unless written permission is sought and granted to the lessee for this to take place.

This was after complaints were made that leased land holders who are residing overseas have been subletting lands in the MMA scheme to local farmers and imposing high rental prices – as much as $30,000 per acre. This is way above the low $3500 per acres for both land rental and draining and irrigation cost that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration had set after taking office in 2020.

Speaking with Guyana Times on Wednesday, Minister Mustapha explained that this gross exploitation of local farmers in the MMA, which is primarily used for rice cultivation, is driving up the cost of production.

“When you look at the people living in Guyana and producing, they are paying a tremendous amount of money to produce a bag of paddy. These things are sending up the cost and then you have these farmers now having to sell their paddy to the millers, and not getting [a profitable] amount of money. That is why [the Government] had to make an arrangement

with the millers… so that they can pay the farmers a decent price for the rice – at least $4000 per bag of the paddy,” the Minister noted.

According to Mustapha, this arrangement is causing the State to lose almost $300 million in revenue.

Nevertheless, in order to stop the practice of subletting leased lands, the Agriculture Minister has since instructed the MMA/ ADA Board to conduct an audit which will include taking stock of those lease holders who have sublet their lands. The Board will be writing those lease holders to inform them that subletting is illegal and give them an opportunity to respond.

Among the issues that the Board will have to examine and come up with recommendations for is ways of stopping the subletting of lands in the MMA scheme.

“We have to write these people and inform them of the clause in the lease that prevents subletting unless permission is granted… Those are the things that we have to do, but we can’t go arbitrarily and take away people land without giving them a notice or a chance to respond,” the Minister explained.

In fact, one of the mechanisms being considered is reassigning leased lands especially those held by persons living overseas

who are taking advantage of local farmers.

Further, Mustapha indicated that legal advice would have to be taken from the Attorney General before any such action is taken since there could be legal ramifications.

“It’s not a case we’re going to take back people’s [leased] lands. The case is that we have to look at it and discuss it and get all the clarification and then respond… So, we’ll be looking at that very carefully and hopefully, I can have a recommendation soon and then I will come up with a decision,” he posited.

Moreover, in an effort to reduce the need for local farmers to sublet lands

at exorbitant prices, the Agriculture Ministry is working on making another 10,000 acres of land in the MMA scheme available to farmers.

“We’re working on development [of] 10,000 more acres of land, where we will be doing new D&I work and dams’ construction… [For] the second crop of 2023, we can take the amount of acreage to up about 105,000 acres at the end of the year. There are a lot of applications pending there for lands at MMA and these lands will be given to those persons but we will have to ensure strict measures are put in place to prevent subletting,” Mustapha stressed. (G3)

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha

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Editor: Tusika Martin

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Young mothers

The world has changed and the social dynamics have degraded alarmingly, with the juvenile population paying a heavy price. Fallout of the low threshold of the moral levels of current day society includes the high statistics on incidents of teenage pregnancy.

Often, when a school-aged girl falls prey to the raging libido of adolescence and becomes pregnant as a result, both expectant mother and child are shunned by peers, school authorities, society in general, and sometimes even their own families; and this consequently spells poverty and the direst future for mother and child. However, awareness of the plight of these misled young girls is gaining momentum, and constructs are being put in place to facilitate their empowerment, to enable a good life and a future of promise for mother and child, with education being the key component.

Some years ago, the then PPP/C Administration initiated a programme whereby pregnant teenage girls were reintegrated into the school system. The Government’s project was supported by the United States Embassy, which donated a quantity of baby and hygiene kits to 20 teenage mothers who had been allowed and facilitated by the Ministry of Education to continue their academic studies. The assistance — which included diapers, blankets, bonnets, socks, soaps and towels — was in support of the Ministry of Education’s programme to afford school-aged girls of teenage pregnancy an opportunity to continue their secondary education.

The students were placed at the schools they last attended. However, if they indicated discomfort, they were placed at another school of their choice.

Those above 16 who did not desire to continue academic studies were enrolled at the Adult Education Association, the Carnegie School of Home Economics, or the Sophia Training Centre.

Young expectant mothers came to the attention of the Schools’ Welfare Department following the officers of that department undertaking outreach visits to health clinics, schools and communities.

Girls were interviewed to assess their education level as well as to ascertain what plans they had for their future as parents.

Parents of the young mothers were also interviewed in an effort to make the initiative a holistic rehabilitative effort, with educational sessions done with the teenage expectant mothers with the focus on empowering them to have a future that provided financial security for both mother and child.

These sessions covered several areas, including life skills, building self-esteem, literacy and numeracy, parenting and child care, skills training, stress and anger management, and basic Information Technology.

The objective of the programme was to identify the needs of the targeted individuals; collect, collate and disseminate information on their experiences; empower them to perform their roles as parents; and provide services to enhance and support their well-being.

These efforts were aimed at helping the young mothers to adjust to their new roles as parents.

A representative of the Ministry of Education has said the Government had recognised that drastic changes in people’s lifestyles over the past three decades precipitated such occurrences in the social dynamics, and the programme to reintegrate teenage mothers in schools was one of the measures it had taken to ensure a progressive society for the vulnerable.

The ministry official averred that education is a basic human right, and a child who had become pregnant at 14 should not lose that right.

Head teachers were encouraged to develop a sense of appreciation for teenage parents, as some are victims of broken homes and various other unfortunate circumstances.

According to the Ministry official, the findings of a research done countrywide on the subject revealed that teen mothers have an interest in continuing their education, but need various forms of intervention and support to succeed in this area. These include an education environment that respects and understands their situation.

It is wise to continue programmes in the school system to prevent such occurrences as teenage pregnancy, because the cost in dislocated lives of families and the young mothers themselves is too high.

Irresponsible politicians, barefaced lies

Dear Editor,

When irresponsible politicians spew barefaced lies to deceive the people of Guyana, we need to expose their dishonesty and hypocrisy for all to see. In his recent tirade on social media, the disgraceful Leader of the Opposition took aim, in a very personal way, at the man he and the PNC fear most -- the Hon. Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo.

Last Sunday, at Babu Jaan, Jagdeo was critical of former Mayor Hamilton Green, for suggesting that Forbes Burnham, not Cheddi Jagan, was the real “Father of the Nation”. Of course, Hammie would like us to forget that Burnham’s legacy is carved in stone as the man who raped the Constitution by rigging every general election he participated in, and whose policies bankrupted the nation, causing tremendous hardship on our people.

Even knowing this to be true, Aubrey Norton shamelessly defended the myth that Burnham was a great leader, and proceeded to glorify 28 years of tyranny under the PNC. Thankfully, we live in an era when lies and distortions can easily be exposed with a few clicks on the internet; and while I wouldn’t waste precious space here debunking the obvious, there are two topics that need exposure. And so, I present the facts here that no one can dispute.

At Babu Jaan, Bharrat Jagdeo informed the massive crowd that the Guyanese people would soon benefit from 12 state-of-the-art hospitals and 7 additional schools equipped with computer labs. Now, any normal person with interest of our people at heart would rejoice and commend this young Ali

Administration on such a magnificent achievement in just two and a half years. Any normal person, that is, except Aubrey Norton, who has never acknowledged anything the PPP/C Government has done to transform the lives of Guyanese, including his own supporters, so he quickly labelled these projects “a scheme for corruption”.

Norton said, “Now you’re talking about building 12 hospitals. You have to first improve the health system. Hospitals don’t make a health system work, it’s the human resource in there and the systems to deliver in health…”

Now, let’s see how the PNC managed the nation’s healthcare system while they were in office. The following extract was taken from the 1992 World Bank Report, and reflects the dismal conditions in the healthcare sector prior to 1992, when the PNC were in office. The World Bank is no friend of the PPP, it is a world-renowned financial institution that provides loans and grants to Governments of low- and middle-income countries for the purpose of pursuing capital projects. In this report, the World Bank reported on the conditions that existed in the healthcare and education sectors under the PNC Government prior to 1992:

“13.73. The quality of health care provided in Guyana has declined markedly over the past decade. Although Government allocation to the sector dropped sharply over this period, high levels of inefficiency, the fragmented organization of the sector, an inability to identify and prioritise objectives, and the limited coordination between the rel-

evant agencies has greatly contributed to this decline. Deterioration in care has been most severe in smaller urban and rural areas, where health facilities are severely understaffed and lack even the most basic drugs and diagnostic equipment.”

“13.74 The health referral system in Guyana was designed to include five different levels of facility. However, the extremely poor quality of care offered at lower levels of the referral system has caused patients to bypass these services and seek care directly from Georgetown Public Hospital, the highest referral level. The breakdown of the referral system has greatly increased inequities; it is the poor and rural population who have access to the poorest quality facilities, and who are least able to afford the costs of travel to Georgetown to obtain better care. The consequences of these inequalities are reflected in the low health indicators reported in poorer and more rural regions, such as Regions 9, 8, and 5.”

“13.76 From the late 1960s, Government has provided fully subsidised public health care to all citizens. In an effort to equalise access to health care across all groups, the Government severely restricted the development of the Private Sector and prohibited public employees from working outside public facilities. Resource constraints, however, have meant that the Government has been unable to fulfil its objective of providing high quality, free health care to all its citizens. Funding and manpower shortages have led to

sharp declines in the quality of service offered, and the Government has been forced to relax constraints on Private Sector activity.”

The Infant Mortality Rate in 1991 was 46.799 deaths per 1,000 live births, compared to 25.120 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2022. Then Norton said something that I consider to be absolutely outrageous. He said, “In power, Forbes Burnham delivered the most to the people of Guyana. When Forbes Burnham came to power in 1964, he didn’t have 6 secondary schools in this country. When he left power, there were secondary schools all over this country.”

So, let us examine what the 1992 World Bank Report said about those schools that Norton said Burnham left:

“13.25 In the 1960s, Guyana’s educational system was considered one of the best in the Caribbean. Today, it is very probably the weakest. Learning in the schools, as measured by national and Caribbeanwide examinations, is extremely low, a large proportion of the teaching force is unqualified and untrained, and textbooks and other teaching aids are seldom available. Guyana’s success in achieving universal access to primary school in the early 1970s appears to be eroding, and is accompanied by rising repetition and dropout rates. The sector’s problems are further exacerbated by educational subsidies which tend to be regressive, favouring wealthy rather than poor children, and tertiary rather than primary education.

Literacy picnic: Students of Kamarang Primary School, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) portrayed a character to the class and read a story before answering questions about the story and character of their choice during a literacy picnic (Education Ministry photos)

Reply to Mr Hamilton Green – Part 2

Dear Editor,

When the PNC lost those elections, he switched again. This time, he aligned himself with Bookers (Sir Anthony Tusker, who was the first person to call for Proportional Representation), the British, and by then the Americans. Those forces were determined not to grant real independence to Guyana. Any “independent” state had to be neo-colonial. Burnham was already working with the colonial power and the US to stop Independence.

At the talks in London, Burnham and the UF began to demand Proportional Representation, a campaign they began immediately after the 1961 polls.

Remember PR or CR?

According to Jane Sillery, who wrote her doctoral thesis on US foreign policy and

B.G., Burnham was told by the Americans not to make any compromise with Jagan. They assured him that the British would have given him all he wanted. That is why he behaved the way he did, even rejecting Cheddi’s 50% offer of the cabinet.

Now Hamilton Green, like others, are criticising Dr. Jagan for signing the agreement to allow Sandys to arbitrate, because Burnham had refused to compromise then, he preferred working with US and the UK against the PPP.

What is forgotten in all of this is that both Burnham and D’Aguiar signed the same document! Green and some anti-Jaganites like to present this as Cheddi Jagan being outsmarted. This was not so.

Cheddi Jagan was betrayed!

What considerations Dr. Jagan must have had when

Day 9: Ram navami: Birth of Sri Ram

Ram Navami marks the birth anniversary of Shri Ram, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It falls on the last (ninth) day of Chaitra Nauratri, and is commemorated at noon, when his mother Queen Kausaliya gave birth to him.

Lord Rama represents the ideal human being “Maryada Purusuttam), and is a symbol of truth, righteousness, virtue, bravery, courage, and devotion to his duty.

he signed that document?

In 1962, when Trinidad and Tobago was going towards Independence, PR was proposed as the electoral system. The British rejected it. They agreed with Dr. Eric Williams that PR would balkanise T&T and entrench racism in the society.

The situation described by Mr. Green, i.e. the PPP had 20 of the 35 seats with less than 50% of the popular votes, was the same situation that existed in the UK in that period. The Conservative Party had the majority of seats with less than 50% of the votes. Moreover, the British rejected PR for all the colonies in the Commonwealth.

On the question of voting at 18, that was always the position of the PPP. Moreover, Barbados had passed a bill for voting at 18 in its colonial parliament, so it was reasonable for Dr. Jagan to assume that the British would grant that.

Dr. Jagan obviously thought that even if the British conceded PR to the Opposition, it would give him voting at 18. He did

not expect such a great betrayal from the “honourable gentlemen”. He maybe did not want to believe that his once “Marxist” colleague, Burnham, would have descended so low as to rob the people of this country of real substance of independence.

Mr. Green then went on to deliberately and dishonestly misrepresent what Dr. Jagan said when he realised the extent of the betrayal. Green misquoted Jagan as saying that he would create a “hurricane of violence”. Totally untrue! What he did say was that he would have begun a “hurricane of protests”. This is totally different.

Mr. Green seem still to be in alliance with the colonial masters who used that statement to violently attack the PPP in 1964. It was an excuse they created to unleash violence against the PPP. Hammie is still steeped in the colonial version of events.

He then spoke about the PPP boycotting the 1965 Independence Conference. Well, it is important to understand why. Firstly, many PPP leaders were

still in detention for almost two years without trial, and the colony was under a state of emergency.

Secondly, the Burnham-led PNC Government, just at the time of the conference in 1965, arrested and detained other PPP leaders, including Comrade Cedric Vernon Nunes, former Minister of Education in the 1961 to 1964 PPP Government. They refused to release the political prisoners and to lift the state of emergency! The PNC, working in alliance with the colonial powers, were making it impossible for the PPP to attend.

The British and PNC refused to release them, or to end the state of emergency!

Yet, the PPP did not oppose Independence; it welcomed it, but began to wage a fight for real freedom, which was won on October 5, 1992.

It is apposite to recall that Guyana was the only country in the Commonwealth which the British granted Independence with a state of emergency in place.

Finally, Mr. Green credited Mr. Burnham for granting Muslims and Hindus holidays in 1965. That is not

the whole truth.

During the PPP term in office in 1964, a Select Committee of the Legislative Council was set up to look at holidays. Those holidays came as a recommendation of that body.

I suspect that even if Mr. Burnham wanted to reject them, the British would have overruled him to save their own faces, due to the racial division they encouraged and were being criticised for by many people in various parts of the world.

Mr. Green and other of his ilk have a habit of lifting dishonesty and treachery and trying to make them virtues! Instead of apologising for his role and that of his party in their betrayal of the Independence Movement in this country, he objectively continues to defend the colonialist role and his own party’s collaborationist position.

At this stage of our lives, it’s time to come clean, Hammie!

Sincerely,

Donald Ramotar Former President of Guyana

Irresponsible politicians...

“13.54. The percentage of primary students passing the SSEE is exceedingly low; in 1990, only 19 percent passed English, 18 percent Mathematics and 19 percent Social Studies. If scores on this multiple-choice test are adjusted for guessing, almost half of these students scored less than one sixth of the marks available. Inefficiency and the failure to learn basic skills at the primary level translates into poor student preparation for secondary school, and ultimately very low pass rates on the secondary level examinations.”

Chaitra Nauratri 2023: Maa Siddhidatri

Day 9, Maha Naumi

Siddhi means supernatural power, or the ability to achieve a sense of the ultimate source of creation and existence, and datri means the giver. On this day, she killed Mahishasura.

Siddhidatri Devi is depicted wearing a red-coloured saree. She holds a lotus in the lower left hand, a shankha in her upper left hand, a chakra in her upper right hand, and a gadha in the lower right hand. She sits on a lotus flower or a lion. Sits on a lotus and rides a lion.

Mantra

“Om Devi Siddhidatryai Namah”

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa

Siddhidatri Rupena Samsthita | Namastasye Namastasye Namastasye Namo Namah || Colour: Purple

“13.57 The quality of the teaching force in Guyana is extremely low, both at primary and secondary levels. Data for 1990 show that 38 percent of teachers in primary schools and 42 percent of teachers in secondary schools were either untrained or unqualified. The situation is considerably worse in poorer and more rural regions; 76 percent of primary teachers in Region 8 and 90 percent of secondary teachers in Region 7 are unqualified and untrained.”

“13.61. Limited capital investment in the sector has meant that very few schools have been constructed during the past two decades. Much of the capital stock is extremely old and dilapidated; Ministry records show that approximately 35 percent of schools in use were constructed before 1920.

In addition, facilities are often severely overcrowded. Visits to schools revealed, for instance, that facilities built to accommodate 150 stu-

dents may house as many as 420. Learning is probably seriously impeded in these crowded conditions, especially since most schools consist of one large room divided into classes only by blackboards. Limited investment in infrastructure maintenance means most structures are severely dilapidated. A limited survey of infrastructure in the sector in 1991 showed only 10 percent of schools to be in satisfactory condition. Forty percent need significant repairs, and the remaining 60 percent require substantial rehabilitation. Many schools lack doors and windows, and have inadequate sanitation facilities without running water. Steps and floors are often shaky and have large holes.” (https://documents1. worldbank.org/curated/ en/339231468750549645/pdf/ multi-page.pdf).

Editor, as you can see, the conditions under which our students and teachers existed were absolutely deplorable, just like the rest of the country at that time. The entire infrastructure was in a state of disrepair. The treasury was empty, and all of the country’s foreign and gold reserves were gone. And from the mouth of the then Finance Minister Carl Greenidge, Guyana was bankrupted.

It took sheer brilliance and the prudent leadership of Bharrat Jagdeo, ably assisted by another brilliant economist, Dr Ashni Singh, to navigate Guyana through turbulent times with an Opposition that was hostile, non-cooperative and violent. Those who were too young to experience the rape

and theft of a nation under Forbes Burnham’s PNC had a snippet from Granger’s APNU+AFC and voted them out.

This World Bank Report should be compulsive reading for all APNU Parliamentarians, for them to play a supportive role in

FROM PAGE 4

nation building and turn away from the destructive path that their leaders are hellbent on pursuing.

Regards, Harry Gill Former Member of Parliament

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2023

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NGSA Math Questions

“I will plead guilty” – Ogunseye on inciting comments

…says will treat any charges as a "political matter" to spur civil disobedience protests

In his first public response following the furor caused by his statements at a public meeting in Buxton a few weeks ago, Working People’s Alliance (WPA) executive member Tacuma Ogunseye has shown defiance, and has even said he would plead guilty “with explanation” if charges are brought against him.

During a virtual press conference, Ogunseye, with the support of the WPA party, doubled down on his previous comments. In fact, the party said they have “nothing to apologise for or retreat from,” with Ogunseye also affirming that he is ready to face any potential charges.

“We are prepared to use civil disobedience as an effective political weapon…

When we look at the lineup of charges they have been

uttering, treason seems to be the most severe of the threats,” Ogunseye said.

“WPA publicly resolved that once they come with treason charges, we will not treat it as a legal matter. We will see it as a political matter, and I would go to court and plead guilty with explanation. That is our attitude to the charges.”

However, he noted that he has not been contacted by the Guyana Police Force (GPF). As it relates to his choice of words, Ogunseye was adamant that they were appropriate in the context of “street corner” politics.

“In terms of whether the Police have made contact with me, the answer is no. And as far as I know, they have not made contact with any WPA person who spoke on the platform…our choice of language, we’re not in Parliament,” he said.

“We’re at the street corner, and our understanding of the Guyana street corner politics is: when you go to the street corner, you gotta roll up your sleeves.

Our language was appropriate for the street corner,” Ogunseye said.

The statements made at the WPA meeting have already faced widespread

condemnation from a wide cross-section of civil society and Government, including some Opposition Members such as Geeta ChandanEdmond, Ganesh Mahipaul, Daniel Seeram and Georgetown Mayor Ubraj Narine. Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton, while questioning Ogunseye’s choice of words, had also defended the politician’s right to free speech.

At a recent press conference, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had said the Guyana Police Force should take action once it determines the law was breached. However, he had also pointed out that the Police often get intimidated in cases that involve political players. But he maintained that the Police have to act impartially.

“If they (politicians) breached the law, then the Police have to act swiftly on

these matters that can cause a rift among our people. We have to fight racism with every bit of tool that we have in this country. That’s the only way this country can have a sustainable future,” he declared.

“We have to fight racism. We’ve equipped the Police with the tools. They have the Racial Hostility Act; they have a whole range of tools at their disposal. They have to move swiftly, and not be intimidated, and have to prove that they’re acting impartially or partially,” Jagdeo further posited.

He went on to note that some politicians deliberately accuse the Police of being partisan, so that the Force becomes cautious and would tiptoe around taking condign action against them. This way, he noted, these individuals are allowed to perpetuate their illegalities. (G3)

Cousin accused of shooting cop in head facing murder charge

Following the death of his cousin, 27-yearold Fawazz McRae has been slapped with a charge for the capital offence of murder when he made another appearance on Wednesday before Magistrate Wanda Fortune at the Linden Magistrate’s Court.

While his cousin, Police Sergeant Jermain Semple, had remained hospitalised on a life support machine, McRae, of Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), was initially charged with attempted murder. That charge has since been withdrawn, and the upgraded charge instituted based on advice from the Chambers of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

McRae, a building contractor, was not required to plead to the indictable charge, and was remanded to prison by the presiding magistrate until April 14.

Sergeant Semple, 32, of Hopetown, West Coast Berbice (WCB), died without regaining consciousness on Friday, March 17 at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC). He was stationed at the Tactical Services Unit (TSU).

Reports are that on Sunday, March 12, the Policeman, his brother Dervon Semple and his cousin were imbibing at the Crown and Anchor Grill and Bar in Linden. At about 21:00h, a fight ensued between the cop and his brother, and during the altercation, the cousin went to make peace, and a fight then ensued between the Police Sergeant and his cousin.

Police, in a release, said that as a result, the cousin

took out his licensed handgun, a .32 pistol, at about 21:30h, and discharged two rounds in the victim’s direction.

One struck the cop in his head, causing him to receive severe injuries.

He was then rushed to the Linden Hospital Complex, but, due to the severity of his injuries, was transferred to the GPHC.

Police, in a statement, said the cousin was arrested and the firearm was retrieved, which contained four live rounds in the magazine

and one live round in the chamber.

According to the Police, McRae received injuries to his left elbow and right ear during the fight, and was escorted to the hospital for medical attention. He was subsequently discharged from that hospital, and charged. Two .32 spent shells were found at the crime scene.

On Wednesday, March 15, he appeared in court charged for the offence of attempt to commit murder. Sergeant Semple was laid to arrest on Tuesday. (G1)

WPA Executive Tacuma Ogunseye

Dead: Police Sergeant Jermain Semple Murder accused Fawazz McRae

Woman convicted of raping girl claims she was “set up”

…sentencing further deferred

A20-year-old woman who was found guilty last month of raping a young girl has maintained her innocence, telling a Senior Probation Officer that she was “set up”.

Twenty-year-old Gabriella Allen, called “Gabby,” of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), made another appearance before Demerara Sexual Offences Court Judge Priya Sewnarine-Beharry on Wednesday, the day scheduled for her sentencing hearing.

However, after the child’s mother’s impact statement was read aloud by the prosecutor and the presentation of Allen’s probation report, the hearing was postponed until next month to allow for a psychological evaluation to be done on the convict, and for the findings to be presented.

In the statement, the victim’s mother related that, since the incident, she cannot leave her daughter with-

out underwear, because she constantly touches/ inserts her fingers into her vagina. According to her, the child tells people on the streets about what Allen did to her. She said she leaves her daughter only with her mother, because she does not trust anyone to care for her.

Meanwhile, during an interview with a Senior Probation Officer, Allen claimed that she was physically and verbally abused by her mother while growing up. She shared that as a result of this, she dropped out of school at age 15, and ran away from home.

In relation to the sex offender’s attitude toward the offence, the Probation Officer told the court that she has continued to maintain her innocence, and claimed that she was “set up”.

Allen was found unanimously guilty by a jury of the offence of rape of a child under 16, contrary to

Section 10 (3) of the Sexual Offences Act. The verdict was delivered on February 22. As such, her bail was revoked and she was remanded to prison pending her sentencing hearing, which was initially fixed for March 27, but which was later put off until March 29.

Reports state that Allen was first charged with the crime on August 18, 2021, and when she appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan, she was remanded to prison. She was eventually granted cash bail.

Looking back...

…at Cheddi

According to reports, Allen was arrested on August 15, 2021 after a rape allegation was made against her to the Police, prompting an investigation to be launched.

Prior to her incarceration, Allen was employed at a daycare centre.

She was represented by Attorney-at-Law Adrian Thompson, while Attorneysat-Law Simran Gajraj, Latifah Elliot and Rbina Christmas were the prosecutors. (G1)

NA man slapped with attempted murder charge

A36-year-old labourer of King Street, New Amsterdam, Berbice has been slapped with a

charge of attempted murder, and has been remanded to prison.

Ronald Romney was

nection with the attempted murder of Steffon Barron on Matthew Allen Road in New Amsterdam, and has been charged under Section 103 (c) of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act, Chapter 8:01.

He appeared at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday before Magistrate Renita Singh and was not required to plead to the indictable charge, but was remanded to prison. The case will continue on May 20.

At the commemoration of Dr Cheddi Jagan’s 105th birthday, his daughter Nadira gave a very poignant account of the great man as a father. It was a view from within that offered another perspective on this great Guyanese patriot, who many believe is the “father of the nation”. The fact that “Cheddi” was never called anything but that name by young and old signals his refusal to “big up” himself to ordinary folks. He was, of course, a country boy - all the way from Port Mourant on the Corentyne – who came to town as a teenager to complete his high school education at Queen’s College. While he then went away to college in the US for five years, it’s clear from Nadira’s account that he never lost the simplicity of the villager origin he described so well in his book “The West on Trial”! Fishing and swimming in the estate canals! Playing Phagwah!! He still retained in Bel Air - where he finally built a house in 1966 - the gardening skills he’d inculcated as a boy assisting his mother to supplement the family’s income! So, while he was in the city – he was not OF the city, and could relate directly with the concerns of his mainly rural supporters. His frugality was legendary… he insisted on mending his clothes, and refused new clothes or shoes that he regarded as “extravagant”!!

But some will say that his personal life had nothing to do with his politics – which affected the country’s wellbeing. And your Eyewitness will say that’s a very shallow and superficial conclusion. As explained above, Cheddi’s concern for the “working class” didn’t come out from the pages of a book; it came out of what’s nowadays called his “lived experience”. Growing up on a sugar plantation in the 1920s and 30s, Cheddi experienced the living conditions that Jock Campbell – later to be the Chairman of Bookers – epitomised when describing the stables of the estate mules as better than the logies of the sugar workers. In the words of his mother - which he quoted - “Bhaiya, life prappa hard”.

Charged: Ronald Romney

arrested on Sunday in con-

The facts of the matter were not disclosed in court, and the Police did not release an official statement on the matter. (G9)

At Queen’s, like Burnham, he experienced the intersectional snobbery of the whites, coloureds and Africans, as an Indian, a rural “coolie” and a Hindu pagan. All these factors had to’ve played a role in the ideology he adopted and worked towards - a utopia where the motto’d be “from each according to his ability – to each according to his need”. But, unlike Burnham, he didn’t nurse any grudges for the day he’d be able to take revenge.

No, as in his family life, Cheddi strove to create a society where we’d all be our brothers’ keepers. We’d all be “One Guyana”!!

…at flying out

Back in the day, British Airways (BA) - which just resumed flying here - had a strong presence. But pedantically, it was only in 1974 that it was created through the merger of British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) and British European Airlines (BEA). Before that, it was BOAC that was flying out the last of the British Colonials “home” –and thousands of Guyanese “British Subjects” flying to the “Mother Country’. Only to find that we natives weren’t even considered “stepchildren”!!

But as Burnham destroyed the economy after nationalising 80% of the economy - and running the country as his personal fiefdom, to indulge his various peccadillos - BA threw in the towel, and hasn’t flown here for the past 42 years!! So, what caused them to return?? We don’t really have to guess, do we?? And it certainly has nothing to do with making up for the two hundred years of treating us like dirt!! It’s all about our oil, baby!!

Mother wants a piece of the action!!

…at old violence

Hamilton Green said it was the PNC in 1964 that ended the murders, madness and mayhem that characterised the 1960s. But that’s because – as Burnham said – “Who owns the dog can call off the dog”!!

Rape convict Gabriella Allen

Damage to utility poles, infrastructure disrupting GPL's electricity distribution – PUC hears

…company pursuing compensation from reckless drivers, contractors

these accidents which cause the destruction of properties along the roadways, while pointing out that GPL has become a “major victim” of road accidents.

According to Dr Gopaul, these accidents disrupt consumers’ lives. In light of this, he said, a message has to be sent to road users that they will be held accountable for damaging GPL’s property.

He asked whether insurance companies would stand the cost to repair/replace damaged property, and if there are provisions governing road operation to allow GPL to go after reckless drivers.

The Guyana Power and Light (GPL) is not at fault for every occurrence of power outage; sometimes an outage is a result of external forces: damage to the power company’s utility poles and other infrastructure.

The destruction of these items during traffic accidents, building construction and other activities is affecting GPL’s electricity distribution. As such, the company has been going after the perpetrators, including reckless drivers and companies, to have them stand the costs of repair/replacement, but this has not been very fruitful.

This is according to GPL’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Support Services), Renford Homer. He was part of the company’s management team which appeared before the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) on Wednesday at the Herdmanston Lodge in Georgetown for a review of GPL’s 2022 Operating Standards and Performance Targets (OSPT).

PUC Commissioner Dr Nanda Gopaul interrogated

the power company’s management about the mechanisms in place to surcharge persons responsible for

“I have been affected several times, not because of GPL, but because of people moving in a reckless manner and causing accidents”, Commissioner Gopaul high-

lighted. In reply, Homer admitted that these kinds of accidents affect GPL’s services.

Traffic accidents, construction

In response to the increase in disruption of service caused by traffic accidents and construction, Homer explained, as of

September 2022, GPL commenced a procedure that involves persons from its Transmission, Legal and Loss Reduction departments and the Guyana Police Force (GPF).

“In this process, we have the evidence to support that this particular vehicle or this particular equip-

ment owned by this particular contractor…Our Legal Department reaches out to whoever is the individual or company that has caused the disruption. We look at basically, for that period [of disruption], what is the cost of the service and the cost of the bill…,” Homer outlined.

TURN TO PAGE 11

GPL’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Support Services), Renford Homer

PUC Commissioner, Dr Nanda Gopaul

A 24-year-old taxi driver from Tain, Corentyne, Berbice died last month after crashing his car into this utility pole along the Auchlyne Public Road, Corentyne, Berbice

In April 2022, private contractors operating excavators behind Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara damaged power distribution lines, causing a total shutdown of the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS)

Draft legislation on electric bikes awaiting Cabinet’s approval – AG

ner in which these electronic bikes or electric bikes are going to operate on our public roadways. So, amendments to our traffic laws and regulations are already in draft for Government’s approval, and once they are approved, the procedure would have to be followed for them to be promulgated and become enforceable,” the Minister stated.

Only last month, the Guyana Revenue Authority

Revenue Authority has since clarified that it is not registering or licensing electric bikes, electric cycles or electric golf carts until the relevant laws are implemented.

Nevertheless, the Police Force has since embarked on a sensitisation campaign to educate persons on the dangers of these bikes on the roadways. Moreover, the Police have called on persons under the age of 16 to desist from riding these bikes.

been released on bail as the Police await legal advice on the matter. According to local reports, however, there were some seven road fatalities recorded last year that involved electric bikes.

“We already have a traffic accident problem in this country. We already have a high incidence of road carnage. We already passed legislation to deal with drunken driving and the way people

Intoxicating Liquor Licensing (Amendment) Bill, were approved by the Cabinet in March of last year with the aim of toughening up the penalties for drunk drivers and the bars that serve them.

The Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act amended the principal Act and put in place a new Section, 35A, which now makes causing the death of someone through drunk driving a case of vehicular manslaughter.

In light of mounting concerns about the use of electric bikes on the country’s roadways, the Guyana Government is moving to amendment the current legislation to regularise this new mode of transportation, which has a growing presence across the country.

This is according to Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, during his weekly programme – Issues In The News.

Given the influx of electric bikes in Guyana, Nandlall has disclosed that increased complaints are pouring in from various stakeholders on the danger these bikes pose on the local roadways.

“We are receiving complaints wide and far that these electric cycles are being

used in a manner dangerous to the public; that they present a traffic hazard; that the persons who are riding these bikes are not equipped with helmets or any other protective gear; that they are riding recklessly, and it is a dangerous situation,” the Attorney General posited.

Currently, there are no laws in Guyana to govern the use of electric bikes on the roadways, something which local authorities have been grappling with when it comes to regularising their operations.

However, AG Nandlall disclosed that steps have been taken to amend the relevant laws in order to regularise the use of these bikes.

“The Government has decided to bring a legislative regulatory framework into place to address the man-

(GRA) said it was working along with sister agencies, such as the Guyana Police Force (GPF), regarding the requirements for importation, registration, licensing and related liability insurance for electric bikes. This was after the Police has issued a statement to say that the GRA was registering all electric bikes. But the

On February 17, Bibi Sophia Mohammed, a 17-year-old resident of Non Pareil, East Coast Demerara, died after her electric bike collided with a truck on the Coldingen Public Road, ECD. At the time of the accident, the teen was the pillion rider while her 16-year-old sister, who was also injured, was riding the bike.

Up to two weeks ago, Commander of Police Division 4 ‘C’ (East Coast Demerara), Senior Superintendent Khali Pareshram, told this publication that the truck driver has

or operators of bars are to conduct themselves vis-à-vis selling of liquor to drivers… The need has arisen for us to make another change, and we are prepared to do so,” AG Nandlall stressed.

In November 2022, the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill was passed in the National Assembly to toughen existing laws to prevent drunk driving and the resulting carnage on the roads.

Draft amendments to the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, as well as the

The draft Bill also amends Section 39A of the Principal Act – the penalty for driving while over the alcohol limit – replacing the $7500 fine with $200,000, and the sentence of 12 months with 24 months.

It has also amended the penalty for driving under the influence and losing control of your vehicle, to be increased from its current $30,000 to $60,000 fine/imprisonment for 12 months, to $200,000 for first-time offenders and $300,000 for second-time offenders.

Attorney General & Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC

Over $1.1B in contracts signed to advance agri sector

Five agencies attached to the Agriculture Ministry on Wednesday signed 21 contracts totalling $1,130,817,572 to advance the Government’s agricultural agenda.

Of the contracts signed, Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) is set to receive $532 million; National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) will receive $504 million, Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) will get $1 million, Mahaica- Mahaicony-Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA/ADA) will receive $27 million, and the Fisheries Dept will get $15 million.

Seven contracts were signed by GuySuCo for the supply of critical equipment

and other materials, while NDIA signed 13 contracts that will see the construction and rehabilitation of infrastructure. Other contracts were signed by the New GMC, the Fisheries Department, and the MMA/ ADA for the supply of materials, construction, and the

provision of services.

“Let us ensure that the projects commence on time. Let us do it to the standard that is in the contract. Let us ensure that we abide by all the rules, so that everyone will be satisfied,” Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha said

Damage to utility poles...

Although the bill would be handed over to the company/ individual for them to compensate the power company,Homer confessed that GPL has not been very successful in receiving compensation, and said that the company has intensified its efforts in this regard.

“What we have been doing (is): recognising that this appears to be something on the increase, we have been issuing notices. As a matter of fact, every time in recent times, when we have had a disruption to the network as a result of these incidents, we en-

sure that we have that up on our Facebook, in the media.” These notices, he added, always include the tagline that those responsible for the disruption would be held liable.

GPL has also been working with the Public Works Ministry to enforce this policy, and to even sensitise that Ministry’s contractors on the issue. According to this senior official, GPL and the Public Works Ministry have collaborated to review contracts to see whether there is special mention of the consequences of coming into contact with the com-

FROM PAGE 9

pany’s network. He asserted that GPL wants to curb this trend.

Private contractors and/ or Government agencies executing infrastructural works within close proximity (approximately 20 feet) to GPL’s network are required to notify the company within 72 hours prior to commencing work, so that the actions deemed necessary to facilitate the safe execution of work can be determined and undertaken. In addition, the electricity company has been imploring road users to exercise caution on the roadways. (G1)

during the signing on Wednesday.

The Agriculture Minister added that this is the Ministry’s second contract-signing for the year, and he anticipates the early commencement of the listed projects, as they received no objections when brought forth to the Cabinet in the previous week.

Among the projects are the NDIA-led $43,916,800 rehabilitation of 16 pontoons; 10 pumps and 10 excavators for Regions Two to Ten. This is aimed at assisting over 25,000 farmers and residents countrywide.

Also signed was a contract for the $69,875,000 rehabilitation of Access Road at Onderdeeming Phase 11, Essequibo Coast, Region Two, that will benefit over 12,000 households and open up access to new areas

which can be cultivated.

Seeking to tremendously increase rice production in the latter half of the year, MMA received $26,971,000 for the supply and delivery of crusher run, a construction material.

“With the additional support that we are putting into MMA, we are hoping that for the second crop of 2023, we can increase acreage [from 75,000 acres] to 105,000 acres,” Mustapha said.

Contractors under GuySuCo have received the bulk of the Ministry’s contract, with Game Equipment receiving $165,882,569 for the supply and delivery of tractors, and General Marine Company receiving $224,291,049 for the procurement of drainage tubes aimed at improving drainage on the fields.

Aiming to expand the aquaculture industry, Engineering Construction Company received the $3,500,604 contract to construct the eastern fence at the Satyadeow Sawh Aquaculture Station, while Mohamed Ramjohn Contracting received the $12,679,391 contract to construct the external bond, washroom, guard hut and Access Road for the Fisheries Department in Anna Regina.

The Agriculture Minister reiterated the Government’s commitment to improving food security across the country, highlighting the aforementioned efforts to advance the agricultural sector.

“We are working very seriously to enhance production of traditional crops and activities, and at the same time, we are going into new areas,” Mustapha said.

These new areas include the recent expansion of corn and soya bean production, increase of shade house activities, and swine production and the “revolution” within the livestock industry of rising embryo transplants and artificial insemination.

The Agriculture Ministry was allocated $33.2 billion in Budget 2023.

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha, along with Ministry officials and contractors, on Wednesday following the signing

NDC’s lorry purchased, registered in senior official's name

…blames GRA for ‘mistake’

name. However, a copy of the vehicle’s registration seen by this publication suggests otherwise. The registration certificate seen by this publication is for GAD 4804, which is the same number on the NDC vehicle.

When contacted, the official said he represents the NDC as the signing officer, and noted that it was the Guyana Revenue Authority that made a mistake. However, when asked about the two-month period that had elapsed without the ‘mistake’ being corrected, the official did not offer any comment.

Alorry which was purchased by the John's-Port Mourant Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) was not purchased in the name of that entity, but rather as the private property of a senior official.

The vehicle, which is being used for garbage collection,

was bought with the NDC’s 2022 $3M subvention from Central Government. The lorry was registered on January 19, 2023 to an official at the John’s Port Mourant Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).

When contacted, the official said it was not purchased in his

It was only last week the discovery was made that the lorry was not in the name of the NDC. This received the attention of officials at the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), and the NDC was instructed to have it transferred to the NDC.

Further enquiry by this publication revealed that after the matter was brought to the fore, the process to change the reg-

istration began this week. This publication was not been able to verify who will be paying the cost for the transfer. (G4)

The lorry that was purchased

The GRA registration for the NDC-purchased lorry in the name of a senior official

Siblings open shop featuring exotic plants from around the world

The young entrepreneurs had also explored the idea of cultivating some of the plants locally, but given the climate requirements, it may not be possible.

“It is easier to maintain [the plants] with appropriate care,” Amrita said. “From the beginning stages of these plants, it needs the climate and weather that it originates from, which is way different from our climate; but a mature plant can easily adapt here, with proper caring.”

Some of the unique plants available at the Gordon Street, Kitty, Georgetown shop are sunflowers, monsteras, fruit trees, roses, bonsais, cacti, palms, olive trees, and much more.

By Tassia Dickenson

Alove for plants among three siblings has led to the formation of a unique store featuring exotic plants from around the world – from countries as far as Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, and The Netherlands.

Vickram Persaud, 27, an accountant; Amrita Ramsingh, 22, a pharmacist; and Vickram Ramsingh, 21, an architect, decided to ditch their day jobs and pour their love and energy into carefully curating the perfect store, “Nature’s Touch”, as a paradise for Guyanese who similarly have a passion for plants.

Having travelled to different countries and experienced a wide variety of rare flora, the siblings birthed the idea to open the plant shop, which was officially

founded in June 2022.

“We are plant lovers. We came across plants that were rare, something that you wouldn’t see in a normal plant shop in Guyana…,” Amrita explained to this publication.

After firmly deciding on the pathway towards entrepreneurship, the trio faced one of their initial challenges, which was finding suppliers capable of importing to Guyana. As with any other startups, more obstacles popped up, but the trio were determined to realise their dream.

“Some of the plants being damaged upon arrival in the country, the cost to import…because of the plants we bring in, some people are not familiar with them, so we put a lot of effort in marketing and getting the word out there. It’s draining sometimes, but it’s worth it at the end,” Amrita noted.

The trio are confident that their products would elevate anyone’s homes and surroundings.

“With the global need for [an] eco-friendly environment, Nature’s Touch decided that its aim in the business community was to ensure that people have accessibility to a variety of high-quality plants in every home, with prices to fit each consumer’s pocket,” the founders shared. “We are here to help reconnect people with the natural world, and to inspire them to build and maintain more beautiful spaces, whether you know nothing about owning plants or are an experienced green thumb.”

Nature’s Touch intends to promote its sales division through aggressive internet marketing and local cable advertising, with a goal to opening another location.

“We plan to lead the

way by renewing our visions and strategic focus of adding value to our target customers. We are aiming to bring [something] new, [something] rare, and something vintage to the table as new expansion is underway to establish more than two stores,” the founders explained.

Apart from selling plants, the store sells craft pots, nibbi furniture and other knick-knack items. Nature’s Touch would also import plants upon customers’ request.

Interested persons can reach them via Instagram @naturestouch.gy or on WhatsApp at +592 6343599.

The three siblings who opened Nature’s Touch

US Embassy heightens security after threats against “interests”

The United States Embassy in Georgetown has heightened security at its Kingston headquarters after receiving threats against “US interests” and is working with local authorities to monitor the situation.

This is according to a security alert issued by the Georgetown Embassy on

Wednesday.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we want to inform US citizens that the Embassy has increased security protocols due to receiving threats against US interests,” the Embassy said on its website.

Additionally, the US is also urging its citizens in Guyana to “stay alert” and

“exercise heightened caution”.

When contacted on Wednesday for more details on the matter, Public Affairs Officer at the US Embassy, Kelly McCray, indicated that she could not divulge any additional information regarding this issue.

However, she did relate that “We are working with

With almost US$1B in bauxite reserves, Govt exploring alumina plant

local authorities to monitor the situation.”

Calls to Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn for a comment proved futile.

Previously, the US

Embassy in Georgetown has issued security alerts, advising its citizens here to avoid specific public spaces like the Stabroek Market area and certain events

such as planned protest actions. Travel advisories had also been issued in the past, warning US citizens to avoid travelling to Guyana during specific periods.(G8)

While he did not pronounce on a timeframe, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat has indicated that Government is still exploring the possibility of establishing an alumina plant, taking into consideration the country’s vast and lucrative bauxite reserves.

Currently, there are two bauxite operators: Bosai Minerals, which is operating at Linden, Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice) and Guyana Industrial Minerals Inc. (GINMIN) which is mining from Bonasika, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

Minister Bharrat, during a recent broadcast programme, noted that Bosai has about 14 more years of deposit, while GINMIN has about 12 more years. In addition, he revealed that there are unexplored deposits in various locations across the country, including in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), close to the Suriname border.

It was previously reported that Guyana’s bauxite reserves stand at US$1 billion. With this in mind, the Natural Resources Minister emphasised, an alumina plant is practicable.

“We do have a large reserve in-country that could be adequate for the realisation of an alumina plant,” he said. “Originally, there was an agreement with BOSAI that an alumina plant would have been established for their operation…an alumina plant would require certain amount of electricity to power that plant, and that has been one of the hindrances again…But I wouldn’t say that it is off the table, it is something that we are still considering and something that we are working with the company to ensure that there are some amounts of progress or realisation on that part (at) sometime in the near future,” Bharrat noted.

Last year, Guyana Office for Investment (GOInvest) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Peter Ramsaroop had revealed that Government is looking at the possibility of setting up an alumina plant in Guyana by 2025. He made this statement while participating in a China-Guyana investment opportunities seminar.

According to Dr Ramsaroop, an alumina plant would utilise Guyana’s rich bauxite resources and create value-added products.

There was once a functional alumina plant in Mackenzie, Linden, that ended up being closed in the 1980s.

Meanwhile, in May last year, President Dr Irfaan Ali had held talks with Brazil on being offered help with the further development of the bauxite industry here.

In a joint statement following a high-level caucus between Guyanese officials and the delegation from the Portuguese-speaking nation, it was revealed that, “President Ali invited Brazil to consider cooperating with Guyana in the development of the bauxite industry, in light of the changed energy situation and the importance of alumina in clean technology applications”.

This is not the first time the Guyanese leader has brought up the subject of bauxite with his Brazilian counterpart. During a teleconference between the two Heads of State back in January 2022, President Ali had pointed out that expanding opportunities in other non-oil natural resources, such as bauxite, would create the prospect of a direct link to northern Brazil and the Atlantic, that can “create an excellent platform for us to develop an integrated project.” (G11)

An artist's impression of an alumina industrial plant

Shootout at Wismar

Robbery suspect remanded to prison

Ronaldo Chapman, also known as 'Packie', of Half Mile Wismar, Linden, has been charged with a series of offenses following his arrest on Wednesday last.

Chapman appeared in court on Wednesday, and faced charges of possession of firearm without a license, possession of ammunition without a license, and possession of narcotics for trafficking.

Additionally, Chapman was charged with robbery under arms. It is alleged that on March 16at Block 22 back road, he robbed Marlon David.

On Wednesday, the 23-year-old unemployed man appeared at the Linden Magistrate's Court before Magistrate Wanda Fortune.

Following the hearing, Chapman was remanded to prison. Additionally, in a separate case, the man was committed to serve an 18-month sentence for possession of narcotics for trafficking, for which he was found guilty and sentenced in absentia. The new cases will continue on April 28.

Reports last week had stated that, Police conducted an operation in Phase Three Wisroc, Wismar, Linden, after receiving information that Chapman was among other suspects were hiding out in a house at Wisroc New

Scheme, Wismar, Linden.

Upon arrival, police said

Another man charged with animal cruelty

…seen in video beating dog

that they observed three men, one of whom discharged rounds at them while attempting to flee.

During the incident

Randy Ronald Jerome, who was wanted by Police for armed robbery was shot and killed. Chapman, Police said, was seen pointing a firearm at a rank and was shot in the lower right thigh.

Police recovered two firearms and 458 grams of suspected marijuana from the house, while five suspected 9mm empty casings were found in the area.

In December 2021, Chapman appeared in the Linden Magistrate’s Court charged for trafficking 121 grams of cannabis. He was released on bail. (G9)

Another man has been charged under the Animal Welfare Act after a video emerged of him beating a dog.

Indar Bhagwant, a 42-year-old driver of Logwood Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was arrested on March 21 and appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Cove and John Magistrate's Court, ECD on Wednesday.

Bhagwant pleaded guilty to the charge of "Prohibited Act and Protection of Animal", contrary to Section 4 (1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2018, and was fined $50,000, with an alternative sentence of three months’ imprisonment. The incident has sparked outrage among animal rights activists, who are calling for stricter enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act.

The case involving Bhagwant is not the first case of animal cruelty in recent times in Guyana.

One of the most recent cases involved 22-year-old Johnathan Layne, who was arrested by the Police at his West Ruimveldt, Georgetown home after being seen in vi ral videos on social media beating a dog. He was later charged with animal cruelty.

Layne pleaded not guilty and was placed on $5000 bail until his case was recalled.

With the assistance of the Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA), Police were able to track down Layne after the videos first surfaced on Facebook. The incident of animal cruelty also caught the attention of Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat

Indar, who shared the videos on his Facebook page. The dog in question was examined by a vet and is now in the care of the GSPCA's shelter.

In addition to these incidents, there have been reports of dogs being poisoned, cats being burnt, and other instances of animal abuse.

(G9)

2 ECD men slapped with DUI charges

Two East Coast Demerara men, who were allegedly caught driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), in separate incidents have been charged.

Anandjeet Pokhan, a 25-year-old resident of Hope West Enmore, East Coast Demerara (ECD) was stopped by Police along the Success Railway Embankment, ECD, after his vehicle was observed swerving on the road.

Police said that upon administering a breathalyzer test, an officer of the Guyana Police Force found Pokhan's blood alcohol content (BAC) to be 71% during the first reading, and 69% during the second reading.

Pokhan was subsequently charged and processed to attend the Sparendaam Magistrate Court on April 5.

In a separate incident, Dave Narinedai, a 38-yearold resident of Annandale Railway Embankment,

ECD, was also charged with DUI after he was stopped by Police on the La Bonne Intention Railway Embankment, ECD, for

driving erratically.

Narinedai's BAC, Police said, was found to be 98 per cent during both the first and second readings. He too

was charged and processed to attend the Sparendaam Magistrate Court on April 5.

In several road safety campaigns, police have been urging motorists to refrain from driving after consuming alcohol and to seek alternative means of transportation. Only a few days ago, three men from the Essequibo Coast, Region Two were charged with driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI). They were Allan Baharally, Govindra Gobin and Fazal Andrews. Baharally pleaded not guilty and was granted bail. Gobin and Andrews both pleaded guilty and were fined $60,000 and $50,000 respectively. Andrews was also disqualified from driving for 24 months. (G9)

Charged: Ronaldo Chapman

Charged: Anandjeet Pokhan

Charged: Dave Narinedai

NGSA Science Questions NGSA S.Studies Questions

Brazil's Bolsonaro says he will not lead Opposition, but will work with his party

Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro said on Wednesday he will not lead the Opposition to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, but will collaborate with his political party, the conservative Liberal Party.

Bolsonaro spoke to a CNN Brasil journalist at an airport in Florida before boarding a flight to Brazil, where he is returning to for the first time since losing reelection in October.

"I will not lead any Opposition. I will help my party as a person with experience," he said.

Jair Bolsonaro, former President of Brazil, arrives to speak at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) at Gaylord National Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, US, March 4, 2023 (Reuters/Evelyn Hockstein)

Bolsonaro added he plans to travel across Brazil in an effort to help his party in local elections next year. (Reuters)

Rescue under way as tourist injured while

Arescue effort is under way in Tobago after a German woman fell and injured herself while hiking at Campbleton, Charlotteville.

In a press release, the Tobago Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) said it received an emergency call from 211 around 15:20h about the woman, who had been exploring nature and the waterfall.

The tourist was able to share her location through

hiking in Tobago

WhatsApp and reported that she had injured her head, right arm, and legs when she fell in rugged terrain, roughly 250 metres south of the Suckhole Restaurant.

The Tobago Emergency Operations Centre (TEOC) coordinated a search and rescue with the fire service, police, Radio Emergency Associated Communications Teams (REACT), and local villagers.

TEMA said it was in

Video of deadly fire at Mexico migrant centre causes outrage

Outrage is growing in Mexico following a fire at a migrant centre in Ciudad Juárez that killed 38 migrants.

Footage has emerged which shows the moment the fire started at the centre run by Mexico's National Migration Institute (INM).

Uniformed officials seem to walk away as the blaze erupts in a corner, leaving a group of men behind in what appears to be a locked cell.

The men unsuccessfully try to open the barred door

as smoke quickly spreads.

It also spoke to Alejandra Corona, a coordinator for the Jesuit Refugee Service in Ciudad Juárez, who visits the facility weekly.

She said the view seen on the video was consistent with the location of a security camera at the entrance to the men's detention area.

Corona explained that the migrant centre – located just south of the bridge which links Ciudad Juárez with the city of El Paso in Texas – houses offices where migrants are processed, as

well as areas where they can be detained.

She described the area behind bars that can be seen in the footage as "a cell".

"The door has always been locked when we have visited [this area], and even when come to speak to the migrants, they can't come out, we have to stay on the outside," she explained.

"I am not aware of an emergency exit, as far as I know the door you can see in the video is the only exit. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Tragedy at sea: Boat carrying African migrants from Antigua capsizes near St Kitts

The saga surrounding African migrants left stranded in Antigua after arriving there on charter flights took a tragic turn on Tuesday, after three persons were confirmed dead off the coast of St Kitts.

constant communication with the injured woman, who, despite serious injuries, remained in good spirits and was grateful for the ongoing support en route to her.

TEMA said respondents have been briefed on her exact location, and was confident she would be rescued and stabilised.

The TEOC has notified the Division of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities, and Transport and the German Embassy. (Trinidad Newsday)

T&T Minister: Police Cybercrimes Unit investigating SEA leak online

Some sections of the 2023 Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) exam were leaked on social media on Wednesday – the day the crucial exam was held in primary schools across Trinidad and Tobago.

However, in commenting on the leak when Newsday called her about it, Education Minister Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly said she wanted to assure all that the exam was in no way compromised.

She said the Police service's Cybercrimes Unit was investigating to determine the source of the initial posting of the papers.

A total of 18,889 students were registered to do the exam which began at 08:30h.

Around noon, docu-

ments with the maths and creative writing components of the exam began circulating on social media.

Asked about this, Gadsby-Dolly said the leaked documents "would not have been accessible to students writing the SEA, as they were already engaged in the examination

process; and based on the rules enforced by assessment supervisors and centre managers, would have had no access to their cellphones or other devices.

"Therefore, the integrity of the SEA 2023 has not been compromised."

Asked to elaborate further, she said it was likely the original post with the papers came from "the limited category of personnel exposed to examination papers on the opening of the secure packages, which could only have taken place upon their unsealing on the day of the examination.

"If this is indeed so, it is highly regrettable."

In 2018, personal data of SEA students were leaked online via a document.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

Early Tuesday morning, the Observer received reports of a capsized vessel named Jenna B which had been carrying around 30 people. Of the 16 rescued, two were Antiguan, Defence Force officials confirmed, with the rest believed to be African migrants in search of a new life.

Around a dozen more passengers were still missing up to Tuesday night.

The 30ft vessel, believed to have originated from one of the nearby French territories, was reportedly cleared by the Antigua Port Authority for travel to St Thomas with its captain and

two other persons.

However, the boat allegedly took a detour to Urlings on Antigua’s southwest coast.

The Observer travelled to Urlings, but was unable to confirm whether any Africans or the boat had been seen by local fishermen or residents in the area.

However, fishermen in Urlings did allude to the fact

that the shores in the area are often unsupervised, especially late at night, and thus they are widely considered to be “free ports”.

Meanwhile, St Kitts media revealed that the boat was found capsized 12 nautical miles south of St Kitts, near the east coast village of Conaree, around 40 nautical miles from Antigua. (Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

Peruvian prosecutors are investigating President Dina Boluarte and former President Pedro Castillo for allegedly laundering money as part of a criminal organisation.

The probe into the alleged crimes by Boluarte and Castillo is part of a continuing investigation into alleged campaign finance crimes committed during Peru’s 2021 presidential race.

The announcement by the Attorney General’s office on Tuesday comes after a former adviser to Castillo told local media that he had financed part of Castillo’s presidential campaign in 2021, as well as trips for

Boluarte when she was running to be Castillo’s Vice President.

“The alleged commission of these crimes would have occurred during the electoral campaign of Peru Libre,” the Attorney General’s office said, referencing the Marxist party that led Castillo to the presidency of the Andean country.

Over the weekend, Boluarte denied receiving illegal campaign contributions and said corruption accusations were a “political manoeuvre” seeking to undermine her government.

Castillo was removed from office in December after attempting to dissolve Congress before an impeachment vote. Boluarte ascend-

ed to the presidency in the wake of his removal and arrest.

Peru has been embroiled in a political crisis since then. Boluarte took over as President, but has faced calls to resign by protesters also demanding new elections.

Boluarte is also currently under investigation for her alleged role in the deaths of protesters killed in clashes with security forces in the months after she took office.

Forty-nine civilians and seven members of the security forces have died in the clashes since the protests started in December, according to the ombudsman’s office.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Colombian rebels kill 9 soldiers in blow to peace talks

An attack by the Colombian rebel group known as the National Liberation Army (ELN) has allegedly killed nine Government soldiers, in a blow to the Government’s efforts to ne-

gotiate a truce with armed groups and curb violence in the country.

The attack, one of the deadliest to occur in the last several months, took place on Wednesday in the rural state of Norte de

Santander, near the border with Venezuela. It came more than two weeks after the Government and the ELN held a second round of ceasefire negotiations in Mexico City.

“A peace process should

be earnest and accountable to Colombian society,” Colombian President Gustavo Petro said on Twitter, noting that he had called a meeting with the Government’s delegates and a number of countries

involved in the truce efforts. The ELN has yet to comment on the attack.

Petro has promised to pursue “total peace” and turn away from the militarised approach of his predecessors. When he took

office, he pushed for negotiations to end the fighting between the Colombian Government and armed groups that have been active in Colombia for decades. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Peru’s President, ex-President probed for alleged money laundering

Education Minister Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly

The coast of Urlings where a 30-foot vessel named Jenna B reportedly picked up around 30 Africans in order to smuggle them into St Thomas, USVI (Photo by Robert A Emmanuel)

Oil dips on profit taking, markets debate supply tightness

Oil edged lower on Wednesday in choppy trading as investors looked to pocket profits from two straight days of gains, and as markets debated supply tightness.

Brent crude closed 37 cents, or 0.5 per cent, lower at US$78.28 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell 23 cents, or 0.3 per cent, to US$72.97.

"The markets are trying to find equilibrium," said Dennis Kissler, Senior Vice President of trading at BOK Financial, noting heavy fund buying over the last two days.

On the supply side, worries of tightness after an unexpected draw in US oil stockpiles and a halt to some Iraqi Kurdistan oil exports were partially offset by a smaller-than-expected output cut in Russia.

US crude oil stockpiles fell unexpectedly last week, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) said, as refineries ramped up operations after maintenance season and US imports fell to a two-year low.

EIA data also showed a larger-than-expected draw in gasoline stocks, implying strong demand heading into the summer season.

"Today's EIA report was bullish, but the broader story is much more challenged right now," said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital LLC in New York, citing economic fears and supply concerns.

News of the surprise drop in inventories came on top of a 450,000-barrels-per-day-(bpd) halt in crude export on Saturday from Iraq's semi-autonomous northern Kurdistan region following an arbitration decision.

Norwegian oil firm DNO said it had begun shutting down production at its fields in Kurdistan. The company's Tawke and Peshkabir fields averaged output of 107,000 bpd in 2022, a quarter of total Kurdish exports.

US oil and gas activity stalled in the first quarter as production gains slowed and drillers' outlooks turned negative, a survey released by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas showed.

Supply concern were, however, eased by reports that Russian oil production fell by around 300,000 bpd in the first three weeks of March, less than the targeted cuts of 500,000 bpd.

Meanwhile, markets also awaited clarity on the banking crisis and US Federal Reserve's plans for rate hikes. Oil prices had plunged to a 15-month low on March 20 after global financial markets were roiled as investors balked at the collapse of two US lenders and the rescue of Credit Suisse.

The dollar edged higher against most major peers , pausing its recent declines. A stronger greenback hurts oil demand as crude becomes more expensive for buyers who hold foreign currencies. (Reuters)

Around the World

Ukraine says Russian forces make progress in frontline city of Bakhmut

Russian forces have had some success in the eastern frontline city of Bakhmut, Ukrainian military officials said on Wednesday evening, adding that their fighters were still holding on in a battle that has lasted several months.

In southern Ukraine, the United Nations nuclear watchdog chief said he was putting aside plans for a security zone around the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia power plant so he could propose specific protection measures acceptable to both Moscow and Kyiv.

The mining city of Bakhmut and surrounding towns in the eastern industrial region of Donetsk have been the focal point

A

of assault for much of the 13-month-long invasion by Russia of neighbouring Ukraine. Neither side yet has full control with heavy losses suffered by both.

"Enemy forces had a

degree of success in their actions aimed at storming the city of Bakhmut," the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said in its regular nighttime report. "Our defenders

are holding the city and are repelling numerous enemy attacks."

The average number of daily Russian attacks on the front line reported by Ukraine's general staff has declined for four straight weeks since the start of March, to 69 in the past seven days from 124 in the week of March 1-7. Just 57 attacks were reported on Wednesday.

Reuters journalists near the front lines west of Bakhmut and further north also reported a notable decline in the intensity of Russian attacks last week.

Russian officials say their forces are still capturing ground in street-by-street fighting inside Bakhmut.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Taiwan President starts sensitive US stopover; China warns against meetings

Taiwan will not let external pressure prevent it engaging with the world, President Tsai Ingwen said on Wednesday as she headed for the United States after China threatened retaliation if she met US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

China, which claims democratically-ruled Taiwan as its own territory, has repeatedly warned US officials not to meet Tsai, seeing it as showing support for the island’s de-

sire to be seen as a separate country.

China staged major war games around Taiwan in August when then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taipei. Taiwan’s armed forces say they are watching for any Chinese moves when Tsai is abroad.

Tsai is travelling to Guatemala and Belize, stopping in New York on Wednesday and Los Angeles on her return. She is ex-

pected to meet McCarthy in California, although this is not officially confirmed.

“External pressure will not hinder our determination to go to the world,” Tsai said at Taiwan’s main international airport at Taoyuan, ahead of her New York stop later on Wednesday.

“We are calm and confident, will neither yield nor provoke. Taiwan will firmly walk on the road of freedom and democracy and go into the

world. Although this road is rough, Taiwan is not alone,” Tsai said.

Taiwan has gradually lost official recognition from more countries as they switch to Beijing. Honduras shifted loyalty on Sunday, leaving just 13 with formal ties with Taiwan. Beijing says Taiwan belongs to “one China” and, as a Chinese province, has no right to state-to-state ties.

Taiwan disputes this. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Netanyahu rejects Biden's call to drop Israel judicial overhaul

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reacted angrily to comments by the US President, who urged him to walk away from his controversial judicial reform plans.

"They cannot continue down this road," Joe Biden told reporters.

Netanyahu later tweeted that Israel would make its own decisions, "not based on pressures from abroad".

It comes after protests this week brought Israel to

a standstill, forcing him to pause the proposals.

The protests have intensified since Netanyahu returned to power at the end of last year, leading the most right-wing, nationalist government in Israel's history and promising to curb the powers of the Judiciary.

His plans would give the Government full control over the committee which appoints Judges and would ultimately strip the Supreme Court of crucial powers to strike down leg-

Elon Musk and others urge AI pause, citing “risks to society”

Elon Musk and a group of Artificial Intelligence experts and industry executives are calling for a six-month pause in developing systems more powerful than OpenAI's newly launched GPT-4, in an open letter citing potential risks to society.

Earlier this month, Microsoft-backed OpenAI unveiled the fourth iteration of its GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) AI program, which has wowed users by engaging

them in human-like conversation, composing songs and summarising lengthy documents.

"Powerful AI systems should be developed only once we are confident that their effects will be positive and their risks will be manageable," said the letter issued by the Future of Life Institute.

The non-profit is primarily funded by the Musk Foundation, as well as London-based group Founders Pledge, and

Silicon Valley Community Foundation, according to the European Union's transparency register.

"AI stresses me out," Musk said earlier this month. He is one of the co-founders of industry leader OpenAI and his carmaker Tesla uses AI for an autopilot system.

Musk, who has expressed frustration over regulators critical of efforts to regulate the autopilot system, has sought a regulatory authority to ensure that develop-

ment of AI serves the public interest.

"It is ... deeply hypocritical for Elon Musk to sign on given how hard Tesla has fought against accountability for the defective AI in its self-driving cars," said James Grimmelmann, a professor of digital and information law at Cornell University.

"A pause is a good idea, but the letter is vague and doesn't take the regulatory problems seriously."

(Excerpt from Reuters)

islation that it saw as effectively unconstitutional.

Netanyahu says they would stop the courts over-reaching their powers and that they were voted for by the public at the last elec-

tion. But most legal scholars say they would effectively destroy the independence of the Judiciary, while Opposition figures describe them as an attempted "regime coup".

(Excerpt from BBC News)

First Lady Jill Biden visited Nashville on Wednesday to join a memorial vigil for the three children and three adults shot to death this week at a Christian day school, including two educators who were close friends of the Tennessee Governor's wife.

The outdoor ceremony was scheduled to start about 90 minutes before sunset, at a public park in the heart of Nashville, the state capital and Tennessee's largest city, several miles from the scene of Monday's massacre.

Three nine-year-old students of the Covenant School in the city's Green Hills neighbourhood were fatally shot along with custodian Mike Hill, 61; the school's headmaster, Katherine Koonce,

60, and substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, 61.

The slain children were identified as Evelyn Dieckhaus, William Kinney and Hallie Scruggs, whose father is Head Pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church, where the school is housed.

The assailant, a former Covenant School student identified as Audrey Elizabeth Hale, 28, was shot to death by Police minutes after the attack on the school had begun. A motive for the killings remains undetermined.

Monday's shooting, the latest of dozens in US schools this year alone, has touched a particularly raw nerve, in part because three victims were so young.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Ukrainian tank unit crew takes cover and waits for shelling to cease in a bunker, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, near the bombed-out eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, in the eastern Donetsk region, Ukraine, March 29, 2023 (Reuters/Violeta Santos Moura)

Nashville mourns victims of school shooting, Governor speaks of “need for hope”

ARCHIE

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Undesirable behavior will lead to emotional setbacks. Choose your words and path carefully. A step in the wrong direction could prove costly. Stay poised, focused and true to yourself.

PICKLES

(March 21-April 19)

Monitor what you agree to and know how to draw the line when necessary. A change of plans will encourage you to entertain the thought of hosting something that can benefit you and your friends.

(April 20-May 20)

PEANUTS

(May 21-June 20)

Address situations carefully to avoid an uncomfortable outcome. You’ll get a better reception if you use your charm and offer incentives to those who have something you want in return.

Stop before you make a mistake. Listen, reflect, keep what you hear in perspective and remain calm. Poor behavior won’t solve problems. Protect yourself and avoid conflict.

(June 21-July 22)

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(July 23-Aug. 22)

You’re on a roll, but you should rethink your strategy before you take on too much. Let an expert handle what you don’t have time to complete. Protect your health, reputation and emotional well-being.

Take a chance and try something new and exciting. Surround yourself with people and projects that excite you and participate in events that help you connect with like-minded individuals.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Embrace the positive and walk away from negativity. You have so much to gain if you make it clear what you are trying to achieve and why. Channel your energy into finishing what you start.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Keep your thoughts to yourself. Focus on exploring your creative ideas and maintaining the status quo, regardless of what others do or say. Nurture the important relationships in your life.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Concentrate on your home, lifestyle and the people you love. Personal growth will occur if you keep interference at arm’s length. Work to make your immediate environment safer.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

A change of scenery will lift your spirits. Rearrange your furniture or clear a space for a project you want to pursue. Keep your thoughts to yourself and curb any impulse to overdo or overspend.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Brainstorming will lead to progress. Turn your thoughts into something concrete. Refuse to let an emotional incident come between you and your plans. Slow down and do things right the first time, and success will follow. Don’t take unnecessary risks.

Clear a space and sink your teeth into something you must get done. A few changes to your everyday routine will help you save money. Sharing expenses will ease stress. Romance is favored.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

TUESDAY'S WORD --

GCB Women’s Inter-County tournament set to bowl off today

The Guyana Cricket Board’s (GCB’s) Women’s InterCounty Tournament is set to commence today: Thursday, March 30, 2023. It will give players the opportunity to showcase their talent and skills as they vie for selection to the Guyana team to play in this year’s Cricket West Indies Regional tournament, which is set to be played in St. Kitts and Nevis from May 7-30, 2023.

Defending Champions

Berbice have named a strong team to defend both titles, after they totally dominated the four-team tournament last year to win the double. West Indies player Shabika Gajnabi has been appointed captain, while West Indies under-19 captain Ashmini Munisar will serve as her deputy.

Demerara will be captained by West Indies leftarm spinner Kaysia Shultz, while Heema Singh had

been named her vice-captain. Essequibo has named the experienced Kumarie Persaud as captain, and Navka Narine as vice-captain.

faces Essequibo from 14:00 hours. On Friday, March 31, Essequibo will play Berbice from 09:30 hours, then the top two teams will play the Final from 14:00 hours.

as Manager.

This year’s tournament will begin with the T20 format. In the T20 tournament, two matches will be

Kevin Joseph U23 Basketball…

played on March 30, and two matches, including the final, on March 31. The Super50 (50 overs) format will commence on April 4 and conclude on April 9, 2023.

Today, Thursday, March 30, 2023, Berbice will play Demerara from 09:30 hours, then Demerara

Berbice squad: Shabika Gajnabi (Captain), Ashmini Munisar (Vicecaptain), Erva Giddings,

Sheneta Grimmond, Devona Frank, Marian Samaroo, Plaffina Millington, Oma Matadin, Kentana Mentore, Realeanna Grimmond, Trisha Hardatt, Tia Isaacs, Sherica Campbell, Denellie Lindee, Gaytri Sanichara. Winston Smith will serve as Heach coach, while Rosaline Haniff will serve

Demerara squad: Kaysia Shultz (Captain), Heema Singh (ViceCaptain), Saleena Khan, Lynda Sylvan, Letisha Jordan, Anita Hendricks, Rushell Roberts, Roshanna Gerrard, Naomi Barkoye, Tilleya Madramootoo, Melanie Dover, Emalissa Whyte, Latoya Garraway, Sarah Amin, Chelsea Latiff. The Manager is Yolande Abenia Klass Parker, and Head Coach is Clive Grimmond. Essequibo squad: Kumarie Persaud (Captain), Navka Narine (Vice-captain), Analesia D’Aguiar, Varuni Pitamber, Divine Ross, Lavina Ragobeer, Sonia Benn, Rhana Jones, Nafeeza Sabar, Cyanna Retemiah, Leurene Williams, Roxanne Hendricks. The Manager is Mirenda Cornelius, and the Head Coach is Rayon Da Costa.

Kid Rock Blazers start on winning note

…Raiders, Royals have mixed results

Two wins and a perfect start was how

Kid Rock Blazers began their hunt, but Retrieve Raiders and Victory Valley Royals had mixed fortunes when the Kevin Joseph Under-23 Basketball competition began last weekend at the Retrieve Community Hard Court in Linden, Region 10.

To bounce off the tournament last Saturday, Victory Valley Royals scored a 64-59 win against Retrieve Raiders, and in game two, Kid Rock Blazers were 52-40 winners

Royals

Guyana’s Beaton reported for suspect action, suspended

Guyana Harpy

Eagles fast bowler Ronsford Beaton has been reported for a suspect bowling action during the ongoing West Indies Four-Day Championship.

Beaton’s action was cited by match officials during the fourth-round match between Guyana Harpy Eagles and Jamaica Scorpions at the Guyana National Stadium.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) confirmed that the Opinion Report by the Independent Assessor at Loughborough University

Beaton has been reported for a suspect action, and has been suspended with immediate effect has found Beaton’s bowling action to be illegal, and as such, he has been

suspended from bowling with immediate effect. (Sportsmax)

over Block 22 Flames.

The next day, Retrieve Raiders scored a 42-37 win against Kings, thanks to 26 points from Neil Marks (Jr). Shamar Savoury contributed 13, as Jamal Semple, with 12 points, was the top

scorer for the Kings.

KidRock Blazers then won for the second time, beating Victory Valley Royals 51-48, with Jennis Benjamin getting a gamehigh 23 points and Leon Benjamin and Tieshawn

Kitt each netting 10 points. Rakin McDonald and Kobe Tappin jointly topscored for the Royals with 15 points each. The competition continues this Saturday and Sunday with double-headers.

Kaysia Schultz

Shabika Gajnabi

Ashmini Munisar

Kumarie Persaud

and Raiders battling it out

West Indies 4-Day Championship 2023…

Hurricanes take slim lead

-after blowing away Guyana for 122

Guyana Harpy Eagles were pegged back on the opening day of their fifth-round match of the West Indies 4-Day Championship against Leeward Islands Hurricanes at Providence.

Led by a four-wicket haul from Rahkeem Cornwall, Guyana were bowled out for 122 in 44.1 overs. In reply, Hurricanes took an 11-run lead, heading into day two on

133-5 after 43 overs. In reply to Guyana's 122 all out, Leeward Islands lost Larry Audin, trapped at the crease by a sharp Nial Smith inswinger at 4-1. Keacy Carty and Kieran Powell survived some close calls, and went into tea with Hurricanes on 9-1 after five overs.

Carty and Powell looked to rebuild with a 69-run second- wicket stand, but Powell forced the ball into mid-on,

and Guyana clawed back. Powell made 39, the top-score of the day, while captain Jahmar Hamilton is unbeaten on 35. Carty, who also got a start, scored 23.

Veerasammy Permaul was the pick of the bowlers for Guyana with 2-31 in 12 overs, while Nial Smith, Kevin Sinclair and Antony Adams had one wicket each.

Guyana batting meltdown

Guyana end CONCACAF Nations League with stalemate against Montserrat

Emerald Boys’ backline, but his attempt in the 67’ was intercepted by goalkeeper Corrin Brooks.

Emery Welshman looked to be the hero off the bench, but was denied in stoppage time, as the match ended in a stalemate.

The draw, however, was inconsequential, since Guyana have already sealed their spot in the CONCACAG Gold Cup 2023, set to kick off on June 16. While the Golden Jaguars remain in League B for the next CNL, they await the revelation of their opponent for the Gold Cup Preliminaries in June 2023.

Earlier, Guyana Harpy Eagles won the toss and opted to bat first. Gudakesh Motie was out due to a back injury, while Ronsford Beaton was suspended from bowling with an illegal action. Shamar Joseph and Antony Adams were the changes from the

last match.

Left-handed opener Matthew Nandu and Tagenarine Chanderpaul added 32 runs for the opening stand. The duo negotiated 8.5 overs, but left-arm seamer Colin Archibald found the

SCOREBOARD

Guyana 1st Innings

Tagenarine Chanderpaul c Hamilton b Archibald 12

Matthew Nandu c Hamilton b Cornwall 22

Kevlon Anderson c

Audain b Cornwall 16

Kemol Savory c Hamilton b Louis 4

Leon Johnson c James b Cornwall 8

Tevin Imlach lbw b Spencer 6

Kevin Sinclair c

Carty b Cornwall 12

Veerasammy Permaul b Spencer 2

Anthony Adams not out 12

Shamar Joseph run out 6

Nial Smith c Louis b Archibald 0

Total (10 wickets, 44.1)

(22 extras) 122

FOW: 32/1 (8.5) Tagenarine

Chanderpaul 41/2 (11.1)

Matthew Nandu 56/3 (20.2)

Kemol Savory 63/4 (21.5)

Kevlon Anderson 85/5 (31.4)

Leon Johnson 85/6 (32.1)

Tevin Imlach 90/7 (34.2)

Veerasammy Permaul 112/8 (41.1)

Kevin Sinclair 122/9 (42.6)

Shamar Joseph 122/10 (44.1)

Guyana’s senior men’s national football team, the Golden Jaguars, played to a scoreless draw against Montserrat on Tuesday night to conclude play in Group C of League B in the CONCACAF Nations League 2022-2023.

Playing at the Wildey Turf Stadium in Wildey, Barbados, Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz opted for a starting line-up which read: Kai McKenzie-Lyle, Jeremy Garrett, Colin Nelson, Bayli Spencer-Adams, Jonathan Grant, Leo Lovell, Daniel Kadell, Liam Gordon, Omari Glasgow and Kelsey Benjamin, while Elliot Bonds was named captain.

Monserrat opted to start with Corrin Brooks, Dean Mason, Nathan Pond, Craig Braham, Jernade Meade, Brandon Barzey, Alex Dyer, James Comley, Kaleem Strawbridge, Jamie Allen and Adrian Clifton.

The Guyanese were locked in second place heading into this encounter, but

were searching for a fourth victory to put together their best CNL campaign yet. Montserrat were searching for their second victory of the tournament, to finish third in the group.

Guyana were on the offensive early, and almost had an early goal in the second minute, but Kelsey Benjamin was well covered by the Montserrat defence.

Elliot Bonds tried his luck with a shot from distance, but was just off the mark in the 6th minute.

The visitors tried to break through just seconds later, but Jamie Allen could not penetrate the wall of defenders. Allen did earn a free kick, but the attempt in the 7’ from Brandon Barzey was off the mark.

Guyana continued to push forward with one of their better build ups in the 22’, only to see Leo Lovell blocked by defender Jernade Meade.

Benjamin looked to have gotten the better of the

Nial Smith

Bowling

Jeremiah Louis (7-1-25-1)

Javier Spencer (11-1-35-2)

Colin Archibald (9.1-3-27-2)

Rahkeem Cornwall (17-6-27-4)

Leewards 1st Innings

Kieran Powell c

Chanderpaul b Sinclair 39

Larry Audain lbw b Smith 0

Keacy Carty lbw b Permaul 23

Devon Thomas c

Sinclair b Permaul 2

Jahmar Hamilton not out 35

Karima Gore c Johnson b Adams 10

Total (5 wickets, 43.0) (12 extras) 135

FOW 4/1 (2.5)

Larry Audain 73/2 (23.2)

Kieran Powell 74/3 (24.2)

Thomas 85-4 (28.1)

Keacy Carty Karima Gore 104-5 (34)

Bowling

Nial Smith (7-0-12- 1)

Shamar Joseph (8-1-36-0)

Kevin Sinclair (8-1-24-1)

Veerasammy Permaul (12-1-31-2)

outside edge of Test opener Chanderpaul for 12. He was caught at the wicket, and, seven runs later, Nandu was dismissed in similar fashion, but by the turn and bounce of Cornwall. Nandu made 22, which was the top-score for Guyana.

Wickets continued to tumble as Jeremiah Louis induced Kemol Savory to a loose shot. The Essequibian Savory made four, and Guyana were 56-3. Kevlon Anderson, who continues to find it difficult at First-Class level, made 16, and he was caught under the bat for 16, handing Cornwall his second wicket.

Guyana went to lunch at 75-4, and it was Leon Johnson who was the man removed before the interval. He chipped one into the hand of Kofi James for eight, after facing 41 balls. Johnson also fell to Cornwall.

Upon resumption, wickets continued to crumble. Kevin Sinclair (12) and Antony Adams (12) were the other batsmen in the lower-order to reach double figures, as Hurricanes completed the top bowling effort. Guyana folded for 122 in 44.1 overs.

Cornwall ended with 4-27, while Javier Spencer and Archibald had two wickets each. Shamar Joseph was run out in a poor error with himself and Adams.

Day two continues from 10:00h today at Providence. (Brandon Corlette)

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Adams playing his first game since 2018 (Brandon Corlette photos)

Permaul led the fightback for Guyana

Matthew Nandu top-scored with 22 for Guyana

Guyana’s Omari Glasgow trying to fend off Montserrat’s Lucas Kirnon in the stalemate

RBCPL set for August 16th to September 24th

…Republic Bank replaces Hero as title sponsor

Republic Bank

Limited, the largest indigenous bank in the English-speaking Caribbean, has been announced as the new Title Sponsor and Official Bank of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

The announcement was made by CPL Chief Executive Officer Pete Russell in a press conference held today in Port of Spain to launch the 2023 season of the T20 cricket tournament. Having previously sponsored the CPL as the Official Banking Partner since 2015, the Bank will now assume the League’s highest sponsorship profile for the next three (3) years.

Republic Bank has also been confirmed as a partner for the Women’s Caribbean

Premier League (WCPL), which will return in 2023 for its second edition. The WCPL sees the best female cricketers from across the region and around the world showcase their skills in front of a huge global audience.

Pete Russell, CEO of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League, said: “Republic Bank are the perfect partner for the CPL and WCPL, a company that shares our passion for cricket and Caribbean culture. The CPL is a driver of economic growth and the creation of jobs, so having a financial group like Republic Bank as the title sponsor makes perfect sense.

“In addition, Republic Bank has a great track record of spreading the love of cricket across the region,

Caribbean Youth table tennis Championships…

Guyana’s U19 Boys reap silver

something that is important to all of us at the CPL.”

Nigel Baptiste, Group President and Chief Executive Officer of the Republic Group, said: “We are excited to be the Title Sponsor and Official Bank of the Caribbean Premier League. Cricket is hugely important to Caribbean heritage, culture, community, and youth development; and as the Caribbean’s largest sporting event and one of its most significant sport entertainment exports, the CPL demonstrates to the world the Caribbean’s capability and prowess, illustrates our talent and future potential, and showcases our joyous and incomparable spirit.

“As a result, the Bank deemed it essential, as a

Caribbean corporate citizen with operations in fourteen (14) territories, including CPL franchise countries Barbados, Guyana, Trinidad and

Tobago, Saint Lucia and St Kitts and Nevis, to expand its partnership with the League”.

The 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier

League will run from August 16 to September 24. This year will also see the return of the Women’s Caribbean Premier League. (CPLT20)

CPL 2023 Players’ Draft set for June 5

- Women's tournament to be played in Barbados and T&T

The 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (RBCPL) is set to bowl off on August 16, and will conclude on September 24 in Guyana.

According to RBCPL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pete Russell, the CPL Draft is set for June 5, 2023. Russell has explained that, in 10 days, the full schedule of the 2023 CPL will be announced.

& Tobago, and Guyana, with large crowds turning out in all four countries.

The CPL continues to be at the apex of cricketing innovation, and 2022 saw the introduction of two new tournaments: the Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League and the SKYEXCH 6IXTY, both of which further increased interest in cricket in the Caribbean.

The Guyana Under-19

Boys’ Table Tennis team, comprising Jonathan Van Lange, Colin Wong, Krystian Sahadeo and Umar Percival, had to settle for silver on Wednesday afternoon during the Boys’ U19 Team finals at the Caribbean Youth Championships.

Coming up against the Dominican Republic, Guyana’s team had the crowd support they needed at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown, but their spirited efforts were overcome by their Spanish counterparts.

In the first match of the team final, Guyana’s Colin Wong faced Rafael Cabrera, and went down 1-3. Cabrera won 11-8, 11-7, 11-8, which was punctuated by a set victory from Wong, 12-10.

In the second match, Jonathan Van Lange led for the first two sets, but his opponent Ramon Vila pulled off a spectacular comeback. Van Lange won 12-10 and 11-7, but Vila won the last three matches 11-4, 11-8, 119.

When the third and eventually final game was played, Eduardo Darley won the first three sets on the trot to seal the gold medal. Darley defeated Guyana’s Krystian Sahadeo 11-5, 11-7, 11-6.

Following the game, Sahadeo expressed satisfaction with their silver medal finish.

“Quite happy with the silver medal, but I’m also disappointed with my performance,” Sahadeo shared.

The youngster went on to divulge, “Glad that we came out to pass the semi-

This year's CPL will be played in St Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana. And the Women's CPL, which was held in St Kitts last year, will be played in two countries this year: Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago.

Based on reliable sources, the CPL will start on August 16 in St Lucia. Again, the finals will be played at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence. (Brandon Corlette)

Fans will return to Guyana for the finals

finals, knowing that we lost to Trinidad last year and we beat them in the semifinals this year. So, I’m glad about that. Losing the finals, that’s okay, because none of us have been training that much. So, we’re pretty happy with our performance.”

Sahadeo voiced his optimism for the upcoming singles’ events. “With the singles, we should get podium places. Yeah, I’m feeling confident about the singles,” Sahadeo said on the matter of the Singles’ competition.

The Caribbean Youth Championships will continue for the remainder of the week, and are set to conclude on April 1.

Last year's CPL was successful, with Jamaica Tallawahs clinching the title at Providence. The economic impact also surpassed US$200 million. In addition to the on-field success, CPL had a combined broadcast and digital viewership of 721.8 million. That was a new record for the tournament, and the third year in a row when the total viewership has surpassed half a billion.

The 2022 viewership figure represents a 39% increase on the 2021 audience, as the CPL’s broadcast and digital footprint continues to have a massive global reach, with the tournament being the second most watched T20 league in the world.

2022 saw the return of fans to the Biggest Party in Sport, with full stadiums adding to the carnival atmosphere that has become synonymous with the CPL. There were matches in St Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, Trinidad

Republic Bank has previously been involved with the CPL, sponsoring the ‘Fan Stand’ at venues around the Caribbean

A look at the match between Krystian Sahadeo and Eduardo Darley

Jonathan Van Lange in action