Guyana Times - Thursday, May 18, 2023

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, May 18 –03:00h-04:30h and Friday, May 19 – 04:00h-05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, May 18 –15:40h-17:10h and Friday, May 19 – 16:40h-18:10h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Thundery to light rain showers are expected during the day, with sunny conditions in the late afternoon hours.

Partly cloudy skies are expected at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to East SouthEasterly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 15:48h reaching a maximum height of 2.61 metres.

Low Tide: 09:22h and 21:34h reaching minimum heights of 0.49 metre and 0.63 metre.

“We want you to be active participant in Guyana’s transformation” –Pres Ali to Diaspora in Qatar

of humanity. Qatar is showing by example through investment, technology, commitment, and the training of their human resource potential.”

Qatar, the President added, has many “good examples” that Guyana could learn from; including the ways that the country’s resources were invested to diversify the economy, expand its reach, and promote the prosperity of its people.

LOTTERY NUMBERS

As Guyana embark on an unprecedent development trajectory, President Dr Irfaan Ali has lobbied the small Guyanese Diaspora in Qatar to participate in their homeland’s transformation.

The Head of State made this plea during a re-

our country and every single Guyanese, whether you are in Qatar or any other part of the world, we want you to be an active participant in this transformation,” President Ali said according to a brief statement on the Office of the President’s Facebook page.

According to the Head of

similarities, including promoting peace, stability, and sustainability.

According to the Guyanese Leader, the Embassy opening was “significant because it symbolised the physical existence of the bond of friendship, love and commitment between two countries, who share common values to secure the prosperity of humanity and to advance a cause through which we create a better environment for the people of our countries and the people of this world”.

President Ali also highlighted Guyana’s current development path and the country’s global leadership drive in climate, energy and food security, adding that Qatar was leading by example in these areas.

“The core issues of food security, climate security, and energy security are paramount to the existence

Meanwhile, Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, HE Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi spoke about the Embassy opening as a starting point in the advancement of relations between the two “friendly” countries.

“We at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirm our provision of all possible assistance that would contribute to supporting and strengthening bilateral relations at all levels, especially in the economic, political and cultural fields…,” he said.

During his visit, President Ali and Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh met with the Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and members of his Cabinet.

The Guyanese officials were also given a guided tour of the Baladna Farm in Al Khor, which is one of the largest cattle farms in the region.

Guyana and Qatar established diplomatic relations in 1996. (G8)

cent engagement with the Guyanese community in Doha at the recently-established Guyana Embassy.

President Ali updated the Guyanese Diaspora living in Qatar about Guyana’s development drive, its leadership quest in the areas of climate, energy and food security, and on plans to make the country a global provider of education and health services.

He also spoke about the country’s standing forest and the preservation measures implemented while highlighting the availability of arable land for agriculture and the partnerships being developed with Guyana’s neighbours, including northern Brazil, to create an energy corridor.

On this note, the Guyanese Leader invited the Diaspora to become a part of the developmental process.

“We are at a very critical stage of the development of

State, Guyana is advancing its global reach and its relationship with Qatar has been bolstered. He further noted that very soon there would be a “great deal of activism” from the Private Sector in Qatar in the areas of hospitality, eco-tourism, energy services, and infrastructure.

Cooperation, the President added, will also take part at a Governmentto-Government level.

President Ali is currently on an Official Visit to Qatar, where he has been engaging high-level Government and Private Sector officials in the Middle Eastern country.

On Tuesday, President Ali commissioned the Guyana Embassy in Doha, calling it a “momentous occasion” and a direct link to enhancing bilateral relations between the two nations.

He said Guyana and Qatar shared a number of

President Dr Irfaan Ali addressing the Guyanese community at the Guyana Embassy in Doha, Qatar

President Ali engaging with members of the Guyanese Diaspora in Doha

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Live Longer: World Hypertension Day

Today Guyana joins with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to observe World Hypertension Day, themed “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer”.

In his message, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony said that locally, “stroke and ischemic heart disease, arising from hypertension, are consistently among Guyana's top causes of death”.

Commonly called high blood pressure, hypertension affects an estimated 1.13 billion persons globally.

Dr Anthony, in his message, said that high blood pressure is considered the “silent killer”, since it has vague or no symptoms. According to statistics provided by the Ministry, about 18.4 per cent of Guyanese were found to have high blood pressure, but were not on medication.

When the COVID-19 pandemic was at its peak, it became a stark reminder that both the health authorities and citizens must continue to take the issue of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) very seriously.

Based on what the medical professionals had found, the majority of the persons who died as a result of contracting COVID-19 had some kind of underlying health complications, many of which are related to NCDs.

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

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

Health experts say that chronic diseases result largely from bad food choices and low levels of physical activity. Reducing the risk of developing chronic illnesses, including Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and various cancers is associated with living a healthy lifestyle, which includes such factors as non-smoking, a healthy diet, regular physical activity, moderate alcohol intake and a sense of mental well-being. For example, evidence suggests that half of all cancers could be prevented by following a healthy lifestyle.

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

What is noteworthy is the realisation that most cases of chronic non-communicable diseases are avoidable and it is within our individual powers to prevent these diseases from affecting our lives.

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

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

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

The Government, even though it must take the lead as it relates to policy drafting and implementation, etc, cannot do it alone. The entire society must be actively involved. Perhaps the temples, mosques, and churches can take up a more active role in educating their congregations about the need to adopt healthier lifestyles in order to live longer, more fulfilling and happier lives.

Consumer bodies, schools and other educational institutions, civil society groups, and more importantly the media, also have a role to play, as when we lose our citizens due to premature deaths, the entire country is robbed of its most valuable resource.

Everyone should, therefore, aim to live a healthy and full life and to avoid becoming trapped by NCDs.

Dear Editor,

On July 1, 2020 – in the midst of what Bruce Golding referred to as the most transparent attempt to alter the results of an election he had ever seen – an article appeared in the Guyana Chronicle titled ‘Six lawyers in agreement – that CCJ has no jurisdiction to hear PPP’s claim’. I will spare the convoluted nonsense that was proposed by these six wise men (all conveniently aligned with the pseudo-legal arguments of APNU/AFC campaign’s efforts to rig the elections) who pronounced so profoundly upon the elephantine issue facing the country at the time, suffice to say that the CCJ quickly proved them to be utterly in the wrong.

The author of that enlightening piece of political pseudo-journalism, Svetlana Marshall, seems to have found herself once more on the easily rebuttable side of an electoral conflict, this time one in which she is a more active participant. Her letter, ‘Mr. [Neil] Marks clearly appears to be part of a wider campaign to discredit the GPA’, (May 17) defending the conduct of the recently concluded Guyana Press Association elections, has about as much substance as the legalistic contortions of those six gentlemen from 2020.

First of all, Ms. Marshall signs her letter as “Former Secretary” to the Association – she is more accurately the current Treasurer of the Association, meaning that as ‘Secretary’ (a position that does not exist within the GPA constitution) she presided over the conduct of an elections process in which she, as incumbent, intended to run for executive po-

sition.

In defence of her conduct and that of the wider council, Ms. Marshall makes the excuse that “With the Executive comprising only four persons in the lead up to the May 14, 2023 Elections, it was impractical for the small group of Executives to verify the status of the 223 members and process their dues on the same day of the Elections, while at the same time processing applications for new members.”

The GPA Constitution allows for nine council members, not four; this means that, at the time of the elections, the GPA was knowingly working with a vastly diminished council, making decisions in an election that was two cycles overdue, and without a quorum of five, as stipulated by 19.1. Article 18.2 allows the Council to fill a vacancy in its membership if the council is reduced to less than the prescribed quorum, and Article 15.4 confers powers on the council to co-opt [full] members or associates of the council

in the furtherance of its duties – why was this not done to facilitate an election several years overdue?

Secondly, the issue raised by Neil Marks was about the departure from the previous practice of allowing registration and payment of dues up until the day of voting, not exclusively on that day, as Ms. Marshall disingenuously implies. That departure from previous practice constituted a de facto regulatory change that a council of four could not legitimately make under the constitution.

Even the account of her heroic efforts to register members raises more questions than provides answers. For example, I served as editor at Kaieteur News until October, 2021. I challenge any claim that says KN has “17 existing members of the Association, all of whom have been in the field of journalism for well over three years”.

Ms Marshall claimed, “Based on legal advice sought, the membership list or the list of eligible persons could not

have been provided beforehand to a third party.” There is, once again, a diminished council making a regulatory decision based on absurd and unpublished legal ‘advice’ from an unidentified lawyer (perhaps one of the six quoted in her 2020 elections article). As a member of the Press Association and a candidate in its elections, Mr. Marks could not logically be considered a third party to a list that incumbent executive candidate Marshall and at least two other (now reelected) executive incumbents were not only privy to, but involved in the construction and verification of. That the said list, which Mr. Marks has challenged, was only read out during the election smacks of Mingo’s Spreadsheet on a Bedsheet, no offence to my esteemed friend, Returning Officer Ronald Burch-Smith, who thankfully afforded Mr. Marks an opportunity to take pictures of the list of voters after the polls.

Notably, on Marks’s “claims that persons who were not qualified to vote – a taxi driver, a farmer and a handyman – voted”, Ms. Marshall does not directly answer the claim, but engages in the sophistry of “many media workers not only engage in their core responsibilities of gathering and dissemination of news, but also produce and host other programmes, even while serving as a full-time member of a media house.” It’s either at least three people – a taxi driver, a farmer, and a handyman – who were not eligible to vote, voted or not. I’ve attached a picture of Articles 3, and 4(i) of the GPA Constitution which speaks to eligibility.

Made in Guyana: Guyanese products on display at the Guyana Embassy in Qatar. The Embassy was officially opened on Tuesday by President Dr Irfaan Ali, who is on an official visit to the Middle Eastern country (Office of the President photo)

GPA’s diminished council's decisions not legitimately made under its constitution

Response to Neil Marks on GPA election

Dear Editor, Former President of the Guyana Press Association (GPA), Mr Neil Marks, in a Letter to the Editor published on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, sought to discredit this noble body and undermine the credibility of the just concluded elections by peddling blatant lies intended to misinform the populace about the electoral process and the eligibility of members. So, please permit me an opportunity to set the record straight, since I served as the Secretary of the Press Association, and was integrally involved in the preparation of the elections held on Sunday, 14th May, 2023.

In his letter, Mr Marks alluded to the 2015 and 2018 Elections, contending that because the presidential nominees for those elections were not challenged, there was no need for a challenger to demand to see the list of members eligible to vote. But the records would show that, prior to May, 2023, such a demand was never made, nor was a list produced ahead of the association’s elections.

According to Mr Marks, in the past, persons were allowed to sign up for membership and pay their dues on the day of elections – and vote. But, could that have been a realistic option this time around with an ever-expanding media fraternity?

The answer is simply no. In the GPA database, there are a total of 223 persons listed, and though the records show that more than half of them are actively engaged in journalism as set out by the Constitution of the Press Association, a significant percentage has transitioned to other professions within the field of Communication, and are therefore no longer full members, but rather associate members. It should be noted that only full members are eligible to vote, according to the Constitution of the GPA.

With the Executive comprising only four persons in the lead up to the May 14, 2023 Elections, it was impractical for the small group of Executives to verify the status of the 223 members and pro-

cess their dues on the same day of the Elections, while at the same time processing applications for new members. Hence a deadline was set for new and existing members to register and have their dues paid.

On April 27, 2023, Mr Marks made representation for persons practising journalism for three or more years to be allowed to register, and to have their applications processed. Taking Mr Marks’s concerns into consideration, the Executive agreed to open the process to new members as well. However, as prescribed in the Constitution, those applications would first have to be vetted by the Executive before approval could be granted, as the process is not automatic. In the past, the association received applications from social media commentators, and even drivers. In some cases, applicants failed to provide any details to aid in the processing of their applications.

Mr Marks continued his assault on the association with his untruths by contending that the Secretary of the Press Association at the time “simply walked into media houses, they presumed they had support and signed up new members.”

Editor, it is clear that Mr. Marks is a stranger to the truth. On World Press Freedom Day, May 3, 2023, journalists from NCN, News Room and Kaieteur News indicated that they were prepared to have their dues updated. However, because the Secretary did not have the association’s receipt book in her possession at the time, she indicated that on the morning of May 4, 2023, she would visit their respective media houses and uplifted same. No votes were solicited.

In keeping with that commitment, I first visited NCN, where I received dues from three members, all of whom were members of the press association, each practising journalism for more than a decade.

Given that the deadline for the payment of dues was quickly approaching, as

Secretary, I made contact with the Chief Reporter at the Guyana Chronicle and indicated that I would be visiting that media house to uplift dues. Upon doing so, six persons had their dues updated, one of whom has been a practising journalist and editor for well over two decades, and had served on the Press Association in years gone by. Another five have been in the profession for well over eight years. Importantly though, GPA’s financial records show that all of them, prior to May 2023, had updated their dues in 2017, 2018 and 2019, and therefore could not be deemed new members.

At the News Room, dues were paid for three members, two of whom had served on the Executive of the Press Association. The other person has been a long-time member of the association and has participated in many of our training programmes and awards.

In fact, Mr Marks was present when the dues were uplifted, and he would agree that dues for no new member were received.

At the Kaieteur News, the company paid for 17 existing members of the Association, all of whom have been in the field of journalism for well over three years, some stretching to decades, and the records would show that no new member was registered during that visit.

Guyana Times was subsequently visited, and there, dues for four editors were uplifted – all of whom are existing members of the asociation.

It is important to note that of the 110 members who were listed to vote on May 14, 2023, there were no new members included.

Mr Marks alleged that, during the AGM, the Secretary admitted that she signed up members on the spot, meaning new members. This claim is nothing but baseless. At the General Members Meeting, I explained that, while at NCN, an editor who is no stranger to the media fraternity, having practised for many, many years, indicated that she was a member and had participated in previous elections.

Though the document in my possession did not include her name, the editor’s dues were received solely on the ground that she was an existing member. The Executive was informed, and subsequent checks confirmed that the editor joined the association on March 1, 2015.

Mr Marks claimed that while the ‘outreach’ was done at some media houses, it was not done at others, where the Executive believed members would have voted for him.

Again, I would like to point to the fact that only five media houses were visited by the Secretary – NCN, Guyana Chronicle, Guyana Times Kaieteur News, and the News Room, where Mr Marks works as an editor.

It should also be noted that a purported petition issued by Mr Marks was signed by four of the five media houses visited by the Secretary. No editor signed, or was part of any petition. It just stated "editors" so we could not even verify whether those unnamed “editors” are currently financial, non-financial, or aspiring members. There was absolutely no evidence upon which to act.

In his letter, Mr Marks made claims that persons who were not qualified to vote –a taxi driver, a farmer and a handyman – voted. It is clear that Mr Marks has made a total mockery of himself by making such wild allegations.

Importantly, many media workers not only engage in their core responsibilities of gathering and dissemination of news, but also produce and host other programmes, even while serving as a full-time member of a media house.

The GPA is a voluntary professional organisation. Membership is voluntary, and so it is the onus of members of the media to be registered and become financial. No sitting executive is required or compelled to go anywhere to collect dues.

Based on legal advice sought, the membership list, or the list of eligible persons, could not have been provided beforehand to a third party. However, any member is free

GPA’s diminished council's decisions...

Further, the admission that legal counsel was sought on the issue of the voters’ list but not on the issue of term limits, which faces the current council with Nazima Raghubir as President, shows a deliberate avoidance of that clear constitutional conflict. In my previous letter on this issue, I pointed out that there were two pathways for the GPA to still preserve the sanctity of term limits in the wake of Raghubir’s incumbent candidacy – have her not contend in the recently concluded election, or contend, and, on winning, hold an election in which she will not contend in January 2024, the sixth anniversary of her first being elected President of the GPA, the constitution of which clearly and explicitly provides a six-year con -

secutive term limit. I’ve discovered, on closer reading, another option existed – 13.4 provides for amendments to the Constitution at an AGM, with a requisite two-thirds majority. For some strange reason, even with the term limits issue raised in the public domain, this was not put on the agenda of the recently concluded meeting.

Of course, all questions about adherence to the Constitution of the GPA are moot within the larger scheme of things, considering that “the second oldest media membership and advocacy body in the Englishspeaking Caribbean” does not, in a functional legal sense, exist, having no legal registration of any kind, in keeping with its constitution.

One of the challenges I

suspect facing Ms Marshall in her new role as Treasurer is to reconcile the requirements of Articles 20.1-3 and 21.1 with the fact that while a registered private entity with presumably a bank account named the Guyana Press Association exists under the sole control of Raghubir (a GPA convention that preceded her), it has no legal fiscal connection to the GPA that held elections on Sunday.

I maintain that a credible, independent and transparent Guyana Press Association is invaluable in holding both Government and Opposition accountable. If there were a country which Government conducted a long overdue election in which a small group of incumbents illegally changed voting regu -

to call and ask about his or her membership status.

The decision not to disclose the list prior to the elections was further reinforced after the GPA received additional information and confirmation from Executives at its last executive meeting about prevailing fears by a number of State Media operatives about their membership of the association being known prior. Indeed, the fear is so deep that a number of State Media workers had in the past requested their participation in workshops and other training exercises be kept strictly confidential. We are advised that State Media journalism practitioners have been prevented from participating in GPAorganised training sessions and workshops. Similarly, practitioners from a number of privately-owned media houses have not participated.

Mr Marks knows all too well that electoral victory never comes on a platter. That said, no election is perfect, but clearly, the numbers were stacked against Mr Marks. The electorate rejected him resoundingly. Based on the results of the elections, 25 members voted for Mr Marks while the majority, some 70 members, voted for Ms Nazima Raghubir to be re-elected President. There was one spoilt ballot.

Mr Marks clearly appears to be part of a wider historical campaign to discredit the GPA as the alternative to certain defeat and independence.

Repeated claims were made in various types of communications that media workers were not allowed to register, or that the list was padded. However, no evidence has been provided to substantiate these claims pre, peri

and post the Electoral process. There was absolutely no evidence upon which to act.

The GPA Executive, and indeed the wider membership, are severely constrained not to conceive that Mr Marks is part of a grand design not merely to hoodwink Guyanese into believing his naked falsehoods, but to engage in a certain type of subliminal messaging that has diseased Guyana for decades.

Despite his deep-seated concerns about electoral malpractice, he must be commended for contesting the elections and participating in the meeting after the results were declared. Had he won the elections with the same arrangements that he challenged before balloting, would he have challenged his own victory with such worn out and baseless arguments?

In conclusion, as former Secretary of the Press Association, I reject Mr Marks's baseless claims that the members register/voters list was padded, and that the Association's elections were rigged. This is a mischievous lie.

Yours sincerely,

Svetlana MarshallAbrams

Former Secretary, Guyana Press Association

Editor’s note:

The petition referred to in this letter that was sent on May 10, 2023 to the Guyana Press Association by Mr Neil Marks was genuinely signed by the Editor-in-Chief of Guyana Times, iNews, TVG (Evening News) Guyana. Our Editor-in-Chief is a financial member of the Guyana Press Association.

THURSDAY, MAY 18, 2023

06:00 (Sign on) Inspiration Time

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07:00 Evening News (RB)

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FROM PAGE 4

lations and produced an inscrutable voters list which not only returned those people to power, but put in place a President whose reelected tenure is bound to surpass constitutionally bound term limits, who was up for yet another term after the renewed incumbency, and who had sole legal control of the Treasury, that country would not fulfil even the minimum governance requirements of a functional democracy. The GPA is presently the organizational equivalent of just such a polity. If there is any campaign to discredit the Guyana Press Association, its executive (immediate past and current) is conducting it.

Yours faithfully,

Ruel Johnson

08:30 Top Chef

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10:00 Stop Suffering

11:30 Divorce Court

12:00 Movie - The Curious Case of Dolphin Bay (2022)

13:30 Wheel of Fortune

14:00 Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir S1 E7

14:30 Star Wars: The Clone Wars S4 E4

15:00 From the Pavilion

16:00 Power Rangers: Super Ninja Steel S2 E6

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17:00 The Young & The Restless

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00:00 Sign off

CXC Questions: Maths

Orchids

By Hazel SimmonS-mcDonalD

I leave this house

Box pieces of the five-week life I’ve gathered. I’ll send them on to fill spaces in my future life.

One thing is left a spray of orchids someone gave from a bouquet one who makes a ritual of flower-giving sent. The orchids have no fragrance but purple petals draw you to look at the purple heart.

I watered them once when the blossoms were full blown like polished poems. I was sure they’d wilt and I would toss them out with the five-week litter. They were stubborn. I starved them They would not die. This morning the bud at the stalk’s tip unfurled. I think I’ll pluck the full-blown blooms press them between pages of memory. Perhaps in their thin dried transparency I’ll discover their peculiar poetry.

Questions: What type of poem is it? What is it all about? How did you know what it was about?

Guyana can learn from Qatar’s diversification of economy – Ali

…says Guyana on path to being among most competitive global economies

Notwithstanding its oil and gas sector, Qatar also has significant manufacturing capabilities and is a regional powerhouse in the production of steel. And according to President Dr Irfaan Ali, there is much Guyana can learn from Qatar on diversifying its economy.

On Tuesday, Guyana’s Embassy in Doha, the capital of Qatar, was officially opened. While addressing attendees, President Dr Irfaan Ali said that there was much Guyana could learn from Qatar.

For one, President Ali said that Guyana, which is on its own path of using its gas reserves to develop industries through the gas-to-energy project, could learn from the way Qatar diversified its economy.

“For us, Qatar has a lot of good examples that we can learn from. The way in which the resources was invested to diversify the economy and expand the reach of Qatar into not only a State of influence but a

State of prosperity, is one that provides a good example of sound leadership.

“We are on a path of converting the revenues of the oil and gas sector to advance our economy, diversify the economy and make it one of the most competitive economies globally,” the President further said.

The President also spoke about the strides Guyana was making right now, such as in the areas of the environment. He noted that Guyana’s forest cov-

er, which stores some 19.5 gigatons of carbon, makes it the country with the second largest forest cover globally.

“The core issues of food security, climate security, and energy security are paramount to the advancement of humanity. Qatar, showing by example through investment, technology, commitment and the training of their human resource potential, their commitment on all three fronts.

“Guyana is leading on the issue of climate change,

globally. We’re the first country to deploy largescale carbon on the international market. We’re the first country to sign an end-user agreement with Hess Corporation and a bilateral agreement on the sale of carbon with the Kingdom of Norway,” he explained.

Gas-to-energy

The gas-to-energy project, on which work has already started, will see 50 million cubic feet of gas per day being pumped ashore for domestic usage. The gas will be utilised by a Natural Gas Liquid (NGL) and a 300-megawatt powerplant.

Qatar has already been providing technical assistance to Guyana to create a gas utilisation and monetisation plan. However, the Government has already signalled areas of opportunity for Guyana to earn revenue from its gas supply.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo had recently revealed that Guyana already has both domestic and in-

ternational demand for gas even before the gas-to-energy project is complete. Among the areas gas can be used for is in the creation of fertiliser and cooking gas. Excess cooking gas can also be exported.

According to Jagdeo, cooking and propane gas can also be used for industries. He gave the example of the hinterlands, where power is being generated using fossil fuel. According to Jagdeo, they may be able to put propane in tanks and transport them to the hinterland regions for use.

Additionally, there has been talk of a protein powder plant being established in Region Three (West Demerara-Essequibo Islands) , which would be used to process gas into protein for animal feed. This would help in Guyana’s agricultural ambitions and goals of being the bread basket of the Caribbean.

Agriculture tour in Qatar

When it comes to agriculture, President Ali was

meanwhile given a guided tour of the Baladna Farm in Al Khor, Qatar, on Tuesday. During the tour, the President was joined by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh; Guyana’s Ambassador to Qatar, Safraz Shahood; Presidential Assistant and Personal Envoy to Greece, the Middle East and Africa, Ambassador George Hallaq and Director of Presidential Affairs, Marcia NadirSharma.

Baladna is a 100 per cent Qatari-owned business and is one of the largest cattle farms in the region. The farm can house up to 24,000 cows in a comfortable and well-conditioned environment, allowing them to reach their production capacity comfortably. It is open to the public and features the region’s most advanced rotary milking parlour, as well as a restaurant, a carefully manicured garden, a children’s play area, and a petting zoo. (G3)

President Dr Irfaan Ali and Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh during a guided tour of the Baladna Farm in Al Khor, Qatar

Woman jailed for 8 years for raping young girl

Twenty-year-old

Gabriella Allen, who was found guilty in February of the offence of rape of a child under the age of 16, has been sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment for the crime.

Allen, otherwise known as “Gabby”, had been on trial for the offence before Justice Priya SewnarineBeharry and a mixed 12-member jury at the Sexual Offences Court in Demerara. She was initially charged in December 2021, and following proceedings in the Magistrate’s Court, she was committed to stand trial at the Demerara Criminal Assizes.

This publication is not privy to the circumstances under which the young girl was molested. Allen, who had pleaded not guilty, was convicted by the jury, which returned a unanimous

guilty verdict. The offence for which she was indicted is contrary to Section 10 (1) of the Sexual Offences Act. According to this section, an accused person commits the offence of rape of a child under 16 years of age if the accused (a) engages in sexual penetration with the complainant or (b) causes the complainant to engage in sexual penetration with a third party.

The Sexual Offences Act defines penetration as any intrusion, however slight and for however short a time, of any part of a person’s body by any object inserted into the vagina or anus of another person; and any contact, however slight and for however short a time, between the mouth of one person and the genitals or anus of another, including but not limited to sexual intercourse, cunnilingus,

fellatio, anal intercourse, and female-to-female genital contact…

The verdict was delivered on February 22 but the felon’s sentencing hearing was adjourned to facilitate the compilation of certain social reports. Having been convicted, her bail was revoked and she was remanded to prison.

In a victim impact statement, the rape survivor’s mother shared that the incident has affected her child psychologically, resulting in changes in her behaviour, including her constantly touching her vagina. 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 related that she was physically and verbally abused

by her mother while growing up. She shared that as a result of the bad treatment at home, 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”.

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 pending the hearing and determination of her trial.

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. The now-convicted woman was represented by Attorney-at-Law Adrian Thompson, while Attorneys-at-Law Simran Gajraj, Latifah Elliot and Rbina Christmas prosecuted the matter. (G1)

…for Sarah-Ann

She’s the first American Ambassador to be known across the land by her first name – Sarah-Ann!! And we know there’s been a host of US Ambassadors since we caught Kennedy’s eye back in 1961. Does anybody even remember, say, “Delmar”?? Well, we had our 15 minutes of fame and then disappeared from the US radar while Burnham strutted around in a 2-star General’s outfit!! The coming of the age of oil after Exxon struck the black gold in 2015 marked another uptick for our US visibility.

And surely it wasn’t a coincidence that, with the oil scheduled to start flowing in late 2019, Sara-Ann Lynch wasconfirmed by the U.S. Senate on January 2, sworn-in on January 11, and presented her credentials to Granger on March 13, 2019. By then the PPP had moved their NoConfidence Motion on Dec 20, 2018 and the PNC/APNU/AFC was living on borrowed time on a “33 is not the majority of 65” wing and a prayer!!

She’d told the confirming Senate Committee on Foreign Relations she was planning to “work with the Guyanese Government and people to build upon gains in democratic governance, the rule of law, and citizen security.”

And work on democratic governance here she certainly did!! From the “Mingo moment” of March 3 with the SOP spreadsheets, through the soiled bedsheet two weeks later - until Sanctimonious Gangster Granger finally conceded on Aug 2, 2020! There’s that iconic picture of her leading the Western diplomats out of the Ashmin’s Building into the streets in protest against the shenanigans inside!! That’ll forever be emblazoned in the minds of all right-thinking Guyanese!!

But that certainly wasn’t the case with the Opposition!! They and their enablers from New York to Timbuktu cussed out Sarah-Ann as the very essence of “stink and dutty” for her role in and after the March 2 elections!! They claimed she was the one responsible for “regime change” and “the illegally-installed cabal” – said so often they pronounce it practically as one word!!And enabling that “emerging apartheid state” for good measure!!

There were strident demands on the Biden Administration to fire her!! And we know Congressman Hakeem Jeffries of the Congressional Black Caucus, and now the Democratic Leader of the US House of Congress, was their go-to guy!! Seems he frequents the SDA Church of one PNC NYC extremist even though he's a Baptist!! But that’s all in the family, aint it? And for sure, he’s a brother!! Later they roped in NY AG Leticia James into the fray!!

In 2021, the President promised his Government would be officially recognizing those who defended our democracy when it came under attack by the PNC between May 3 and Aug 2.

He’d better hurry up before Sarah-Ann leaves!!

…Marriott bid

For a while, your Eyewitness thought NICIL might be left holding the bag for the Government on ownership of the Marriott!! Your Eyewitness remembered that the cost was in the vicinity of US$57 million, so when the first set of bids were opened and the top bid was US$58 million, he wasn’t surprised the Govt pulled the plug! They restarted the process with a floor of US$85M, and the old top bidder came back with US$90 million!! Guess he was just tryin’ a t’ing!! Caveat emptor!!

So, why’s your Eyewitness pleased?? Well, for starters, he doesn’t think Governments should be running hotels!! Especially when we’re also trying to attract tourists. Governments put staid bureaucrats in charge, who just crunch numbers – without an ounce of creativity in their bones!! This particular investor with the top bid is nothing if not creative!! And not just with stocks and bonds!!

Your Eyewitness predicts he’ll set a torrid pace for all the other hotels that are in the works!!

…for desert culture

Your Eyewitness just learnt that we just opened up an embassy in Qatar, and among the benefits is that we’ll be deepening our cultural ties.

Your Eyewitness can’t wait for us to start riding those camels!!

Child rapist Gabriella Allen

LGE 2023

GECOM receives numerous applications for observer status

…as Joint Services commence training ahead of local elections

Ahead of the Local Government Elections

(LGE) being contested next month, the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has received almost a dozen applications from local groups seeking observer status.

Last month, in accordance with Section 145 B of the Local Authorities (Elections) Act, Chapter 28:03, GECOM had put out a call for local groups and organizations to apply for observer status ahead of Local Government Elections 2023. Accordingly, GECOM has received those applications, and the application window has since closed.

GECOM Public Relations Officer (PRO) Yolanda Ward confirmed to this publication on Wednesday that 11 applications were received during that application period, and these are currently being processed.

There are a number of criteria that groups wishing to observe elections must follow. Among them is familiarity and experience with electoral laws and processes. Groups should have previous experience in election monitoring, and be able to maintain impartiality while conducting their duties.

Other criteria are the presence of interpersonal skills (e.g. capacity of bal-

anced judgement, ability to work in teams, ability to cope with difficult situations, respect for diverse attitudes, good communication skills, readiness to work in a multi-cultural environment); Ability to maintain professional independence and strict impartiality in the conduct of duties; and demonstrated commitment to democracy and human rights.

Meanwhile, the Guyana Police Force, in a statement on Wednesday, also provided an update on their own preparations for LGE. It was explained that the Joint Services Training Committee conducted training at Eve Leary for the upcoming June 12 elections. The training focused on a command post exercise for ranks to better be able to handle possible scenarios. These scenarios will

be discussed and tested in the Regional Police Division 4. As such, the public was urged not to be alarmed by increased Joint Services’ presence throughout the region.

“Members of the Joint Services Training Committee are conducting a Command Post Exercise 1/2023 at the Police Officers' Mess, Police Headquarters, Eve Leary. This training is facilitated for members of the Joint Services to be better equipped to handle possible situations during the upcoming Local Government Elections period. Possible scenarios would be discussed and tested in Regional Police Division 4 (A, B, C),” the Police Force explained.

In February of this year, Local Government and Regional Development

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

GECOM has already been in preparation mode over the past few months as it gears up for the long overdue elections. The Commission had previously indicated that its approved work plan entails, among other things, that the Elections Secretariat would immediately move to roll out a robust civic and voter education programme, appoint Electoral Registrars and Assistant Electoral Registrars, and extract the Preliminary List of Voters

(PLV). These activities, it noted, are directly linked to the preparation of Registers of Voters for each of the 80 Local Authority Areas (LAAs).

In this regard, the GECOM Secretariat had already completed the training of management and polling day staff for all of the Local Authority Areas, and the receipt of applications for and approval of symbols submitted by political parties, voluntary groups, and individuals who intend to contest the elections.

In fact, the Elections Commission had extended the process to provide a fur-

ther opportunity for political parties, groups or individuals wanting to contest the upcoming LGE to submit their applications for approval of their symbols by March 1, 2023.

LGE, which are constitutionally due every two years, was last held in 2018. At the November 2018 local government polls, the then People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Opposition had secured 52 of the 80 Local Authority Areas (LAAs). This had followed the holding of the LGE in 2016, during which the PPP/C also claimed the majority of the LAAs. (G3)

Participants at the Joint Services training that was conducted on Wednesday

GECOM Public Relations Officer Yolanda Ward

Accused rapist jumps over courthouse banister in daring escape bid

gave chase after George, but were unable to apprehend him.

The source related that, to everyone’s surprise, George showed up at court the following day, and explained to the Judge that his actions were a mistake.

Justice Singh, after considering the serious nature of the offence, revoked George’s bail and remanded him to prison, pending the hearing and determination of his trial. (G1)

Rape accused Warren George made a daring dash for freedom on Tuesday, jumping over the very high western banister of the High Court in Georgetown, where he is facing trial.

This publication understands that George, who is on cash bail, is on trial before Justice Navindra Singh and a mixed 12-member jury at the Sexual Offence Court in Georgetown.

During Tuesday’s hearing, he requested to use the washroom, and his request was granted by the presiding Judge. A Policeman was instructed to escort the accused to the washroom, but as the Policeman was escorting him back to the courtroom, George sprinted from him and then jumped over the banister.

After landing in a small pool of water, he immediately got back up and ran away in the direction of Avenue of the Republic, Georgetown.

Accused persons who are

on bail pending their trials are not usually secured by handcuffs and foot shackles.

A reliable source told this publication that Police ranks stationed at the court

The rape accused then got up and ran out of the courtyard

Rape accused Warren George (white shirt) and his Police escort on the corridor of the High Court on Tuesday

The rape accused landed in a pool of water after scaling the courthouse banister

Consultations to start soon on revamping Local Content laws – AG

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, has indicated that the consultation process to update the Local Content Legislation will commence soon, as Government seeks to strengthen the laws which ensure that Guyanese adequately benefit from the burgeoning oil and gas sector.

“The Government has commenced a review of the Local Content framework…So I want to assure

Teen motorcyclist dies in Enmore accident

Joshua Woodrosse, an 18-year-old resident of One Mile Extension in Linden, died on Tuesday while receiving medical treatment at the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), a day after he sustained injuries in an accident that occurred at Enmore on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD).

The accident occurred at about 10:30h on the Enmore public road, and involved three vehicles - minibus BWW 2571, owned and driven by a 48-year-old man of Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara; minibus BAD

5584, driven by a 39-year-old

of Enmore, and the motorcycle ridden by Woodrosse.

According to investigations, minibus #BWW 2571 was travelling east at a high speed along the northern side of the Enmore Public Road while Woodrosse was heading west along the southern side.

Reports are that minibus BWW 2571 allegedly veered south into the path of the motorcycle, causing Woodrosse to lose control and collide with the back of this minibus. The motorcycle then struck the right-side bumper of minibus BAD 5584, which was also travelling west.

As a result of the collision, Woodrosse sustained severe injuries and fell on the road in an unconscious state. He was immediately picked up and rushed to Georgetown Public Hospital, where a doctor examined him.

Tragically, the young motorcyclist had suffered internal bleeding and remained unconscious. He was admitted to the Critical Bay but never regained consciousness.

The body of the teen is currently resting at the GPHC's Mortuary, awaiting a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.

Meanwhile, the driver of minibus BWW 2571 has been arrested and is in Police custody as investigations into the accident continue. (G9)

our viewers that that is an undertaking that is ongoing, and the review will involve consultations which we will embark upon very shortly,” Nandlall said during his recent programme, Issues In The News.

After being passed in the National Assembly in December 2021, the Local Content Laws were enacted in January 2022. The Act lays out 40 different services that oil and gas companies and their subcontractors must procure from Guyanese companies. These including 90 per cent of office space rental and accommodation services; 90 per cent of janitorial services, laundry and catering services; 95 per cent pest control services; 100 per cent local insurance services; 75 per cent local supply of food; and 90 per cent local accounting services.

The Local Content Act mandates penalties, such as fines ranging from $5 million to $50 million, for oil and gas companies and their sub-contractors who fail to meet the minimum targets of the legislation, as well as those who are in breach of the Act.

Fair opportunity

But according to the Attorney General, Government continues to receive complaints about Guyanese still not being afforded a fair opportunity to participate in the oil and gas and related sectors.

“We have said, as a Government, that one of our first priorities is to ensure that Guyanese interests are advanced and are accorded the highest of priority… [But we’ve received complaints that] they are being denied fair opportunities to participate [in the oil and gas sector],” the minister noted.

To this end, AG Nandlall underscored the need for the continuous revision of the local content laws in order to ensure that Guyanese are also able to reap the benefits from this blooming in-

dustry.

“We did say, when that bill was being promulgated, that is it the first legislation of its type in the Caribbean, and that we will have to go back to the drawing board very quickly to adjust it as we become acclimatised to this new and emerging sector. And with every day passing, we are gaining more and more experience in the sector, and our attention is being drawn to issues that require us to address in ensuring that the policy and purpose of the Act is being achieved; which is to ensure that Guyanese interests are protected foremost in this new oil and gas sector,” he posited.

Only last month, the first ever Local Content Summit in Guyana was hosted by private stakeholders. However, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo had said that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government will use the occasion to begin planned consultations on revamping the local content laws.

“We thought that the summit is sufficiently narrowly-focused that it could allow us to bring great value in the discussions to the people of this country. And it could also kick-start the review that we ourselves plan to amend the Local Content Legislation, as promised in the past…

“From the Government’s perspective, as we discuss policies and the certification programme and the legislation that was passed, we’re here to listen, since this is the first of a series of meetings that we’ll be having over the next several months,” Jagdeo stated.

The Vice President pointed out that coming up with amendments for the Local Content Act requires a joint effort between Government and stakeholders. And similar to the Act that was passed in 2021, amendments must be practical in Guyana’s context and strike a balance between securing

more for locals without driving away investors.

“We would once again have to pursue the same balancing as we move to update and reform and change the current legislation,” he noted. Since the Local Content Act was enacted, the Government has described the law as a gamechanger when it comes to how foreign companies deal with local suppliers of goods and services, as well as how they employ locals.

Recommendation

A review of the First Schedule of the Local Content Act was conducted at the end of last year. Former President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Timothy Tucker, disclosed last month that the Private Sector had recommended 25 new areas to be added to the list of 40 that were ring-fenced for Guyanese. He added that another 10 areas were to be proposed soon.

“We started with 40 areas, and now you’re seeing an additional 25 areas being up. Guyanese have the capacity to now do 65 things and even more. I think the Chamber has identified another [10] more. So, you’re at, all in all, [over] 70 areasAlmost doubling the 40 areas that we’ve recommended,” Tucker stated.

However, the former GCCI Head pointed out that even as Guyanese expand their businesses to capitalise on these opportunities in the oil and gas sector, there are a lot of loopholes, that need to be closed, that are placing locals at a disadvantage. These include foreign companies exploiting the definitions surrounding a “local company”, whereby they “rent” a citizen to meet the requirements for a Guyaneseowned company. He noted that these infractions and more are things the private sector must support the Government in tackling. (G8)

Cane harvester acquitted of 2011 killing

Acane harvester has been acquitted of unlawfully killing a man over a decade ago, after a Berbice High Court jury found him not guilty of manslaughter.

Inderjeet Ramjeet, also known as ‘Couzo’, a 45-yearold resident of Albion, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), was accused of killing Mahendar Ally on July 4, 2011. But following deliberations on Wednesday, the jurors found Ramjeet unanimously not-guilty of the crime, resulting in his discharge by trial Judge Simone Morris-Ramlall.

State Counsel Muntaz Ali

Freed: Inderjeet Ramjeet

prosecuted this matter.

It had been reported that an intoxicated Ramjeet had gone uninvited to a bush cook at Topoo Village in Albion, Corentyne, where Ally and

his friends were celebrating. While there, he allegedly began behaving disorderly and was asked to leave. He reportedly continued behaving disorderly, and this led to an argument between him and some other men. At this point, Ally intervened, ordering Ramjeet to leave his yard.

An annoyed Ramjeet then allegedly armed himself with a knife, and stabbed Ally in the chest before escaping. He was subsequently arrested by the Police.

A post-mortem gave Ally’s cause of death as shock and hemorrhage due to stab wounds. (G1)

Dead: Joshua Woodrosse

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC

Construction begins on US$260M new Demerara River bridge

…mariners warned to be extremely cautious around works

metres. The bridge, which features a bicycle lane, will bring an end to closures to vehicular traffic with a 50-metre fixed-high span to cater for the free flow of vessels uninterrupted. The river will be dredged along a 13.5-kilometre stretch to accommodate large vessels.

Construction has started on the landmark new Demerara River Bridge that will link the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) and the West Bank of Demerara (WBD); and once completed within the two years’ timeline previously quoted by the Government, it will alleviate traffic woes often felt by West Side and East Bank commuters. This was made known by the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), which announced in a notice that an exclusive work zone has been set up as construction activities started on Tuesday, May 16, 2023.

“As a result, an exclusive zone is being effected, with two transit sections for vessels in the vicinity of the retractor and high spans of the existing Demerara Harbour Bridge,” MARAD said in the notice.

“Construction activities will be conducted south of the Demerara Harbour Bridge, in the vicinity of the West Bank to East Bank of the Demerara River… the exclusive work area will be piled off and bounded…” MARAD further announced, urging mariners to navigate with “extreme caution” when in the vicinity.

Back in February, Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal had met with residents of Peter’s Hall on the EBD to begin the process of relocating 20 structures in the path of the alignment.

With $5.2 billion set aside in this year’s budget to advance works on the new Demerara River Bridge, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill had revealed earlier this year that all the persons who were residing along the pathway of this massive infrastructural development have agreed to relocate without any resistance.

In January, Mohamed’s Enterprise had announced that it had gifted the Government its US$3 million prime waterfront property at Providence, EBD to facilitate the construction of the new Demerara River crossing.

A US$260 million contract was signed in May 2022 with a joint venture led by China Railway and Construction Corporation Limited to construct the new bridge, which will land aback Nandy Park on the East Bank of Demerara and at La Grange, West Bank Demerara.

Back in 2022, $21.1 billion was allocated to-

wards work on the bridge. The China Railway and Construction Corporation (International) Limited-led joint venture outbid four

This new bridge will replace the ageing floating Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB), which has outlived its lifespan by several decades. At 1.25 miles (2.01km), the current Demerara Harbour Bridge is a strategic link between the East and West Banks of Demerara, facilitating the daily movement of thousands of vehicles, people, and cargo.

Specifically, it will provide better connectivity to the EBD road, the

other pre-qualified international companies that submitted proposals for the project. In the months prior to the contract being awarded, the Guyana Government, through a team of specialists – legal and engineering – was in negotiations with the Chinese company to finalise the terms of the contract.

The new bridge will be a fixed 2.65-kilometre, four-lane, high-span, cable-stayed structure across the Demerara River, with the width of the driving surface being about 23.6

Diamond-to-Ogle bypass road on the eastern side of the river, as well as the WBD roads, including the Parika-to-Schoonord road on the western side of the river.

In September 2022, some $11.8 billion in contracts were signed for the construction of the Schoonord -to-Crane fourlane highway, a project that is part of a much larger initiative to establish a secondary road link to Parika, East Bank Essequibo (EBE). (G3)

CXC probing alleged leak of exam paper

Controversy has hit the ongoing Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination after the Math Paper 2 was reportedly leaked on Wednesday.

In a brief statement, the Barbados-based Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) said it was investigating reports of the examination breach.

“The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) is aware of the concerns that the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Math Paper 02, which was written today (Wednesday, 17 May 2023) was leaked,” the regional body stated.

According to the Council,

“This matter is of great concern to us, we have commenced our investigations and will make a definitive statement once the investigation is completed. In the meantime, candidates can rest assured that this matter is being treated with the highest urgency.”

Efforts to contact Guyana’s Education Minister, Priya Manickchand, were futile. However, Chief Education Officer at the Education Ministry, Saddam Hussain, told Guyana Times, when contacted on Wednesday evening, that he was only aware of the issue through the CXC-issued statement.

“As far as I know, I don’t know of any breach. I just

saw the CXC statement which is saying there was a breach… We’re not aware of anything like that locally… [But] I stand committed that our examination machinery is among the best in the Caribbean,” CEO Hussain related to this newspaper.

While CXC did not mentioned in which country the breach occurred, there were several reports from various media entities in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) that indicate that students there had access to the paper after it was leaked.

According to an article by the Searchlight newspaper in St Vincent, the CXC Paper was leaked prior to the exam to some students.

“Searchlight has confirmed that photographs of the pages of the CXC Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Mathematics Paper 2 were shared in a chat app the night before the exam and were seen by some students of at least two secondary schools in St Vincent and the Grenadines,” the newspaper reported.

The article quoted a source who said that some of the students saw the leaked paper on Tuesday night and others just before the exam. The source also confirmed that the questions circulated were the same as those that appeared in Wednesday exam. (G8)

The site on the eastern bank earmarked for development

Artist’s impression of what the new Demerara River bridge will look like once finished

Flooding hits New Amsterdam again

Several communities in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) were inundated following a continuous downpour in the wee hours of Tuesday morning.

Amsterdam Market.

Among the communities affected was New Amsterdam, where, at one school compound, caimans came out to play in the water just next to a classroom with lower-grade students.

According to the Hydrometeorological Department of the

Agriculture Ministry, some sections of Region Six received between 20 and 50 millimetres of rainfall. Two of the areas impacted in a negative way were New Amsterdam and sections of East Canje.

Many of the stores were closed in the main shopping area at downtown Pitt Street, as more than eight inches of water covered sections of that street. Adjacent streets were also inundated. The downpour resulted in water getting into sections of the New

Only last week, President Dr Irfaan Ali commissioned a drainage pump in Tucber, New Amsterdam, to assist with drainage in Vryman’s Erven and surrounding communities.

Mayor and Town Council Housing Scheme as well as Bermine Housing Scheme, which are prone to flooding during prolonged rainfall, were not impacted by the downpour, which lasted for about eight continuous hours. Residents there expressed delight at the development, noting that the recently-installed pump had prevented a buildup of water on the land, even though the sluice door was closed because of the high tide.

However, in Vryman’s Erven Housing Scheme, the water remained in some yards and covered some sections of the road network all day.

Apart from New Amsterdam, the affect-

ed areas in the region were Canefield New Area, Adelphi, Ordnance Fort Lands and Palmyra; but the Regional Vice Chairman, Zamal Hussain, said it was only a buildup of water, and not flooding.

“We have some work ongoing in New Amsterdam, whereby we installed a new pump there several days ago. Right now, as I speak to you, the pump is not working because the tide is down, and we have opened the sluice door; but as soon as the tide is up and we have to close the sluice door, we will start the pump again,” he said.

Meanwhile, a second pump will be installed in Stanleytown by Friday to assist with quick drainage to sections on New Amsterdam. The pump will throw water into the Berbice River. Additional, work is being done in the township to clear the main waterways.

“There is still some amount of work to be done in

Stanleytown and central New Amsterdam. We could not do much to prevent the buildup of water; it is because of the heavy rainfall. Climate change, and the effect it has had on the weather pattern

ly.”

Meanwhile, at two schools in the town, small caimans were allegedly seen in the compound in the water. Despite the several hours of continuous rainfall in the

are causing these problems. Hopefully, we will try to resolve some of these problems. The pump that we are going to install in Stanleytown will not eliminate the problem, but it will assist tremendously to ensure that we drain the system quickly and efficient-

Region, none of the major agriculture communities was severely impacted. According to the Vice Chairman, there were no reports from the East Bank of Berbice, Black Bush Polder, the Central Corentyne and Crabwood Creek. (G4)

Suspected bandit in Linden double murder identified …man wanted for questioning surrenders

The Police have made another breakthrough in investigation of the double-murder that shocked Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) on May 13.

The suspected bandit, who was found dead with multiple chop wounds, has been identified as Anthony Dennis. He was found at a residence at Block 22 Wismar, Linden.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, Troy Bruce, one of the two individuals for whom a wanted bulletin was issued, surrendered himself to investigators. Thirty-year-old Bruce, known as 'Blacka' a resident of Lot 26 Wismar Hill, Linden, turned himself in on Tuesday.

Currently, the Police are seeking legal advice on the appropriate charges to be brought against the individuals in custody.

However, John Ross, also known as 'JR', who was the subject of a wanted bulletin, remains at large. His

last known address was reported to be Five Corner, Linden. These two suspects, along with others, are believed to be linked to the home invasion that took place on Saturday at Block 42, Wismar, resulting in the tragic deaths of Johnson Bowen and Manuel De Santos, while Denzil Roberts sustained severe injuries.

Major Crimes Division of the Guyana Police Force is leading the ongoing investigation. It has been revealed

that one of the suspected gang members had previously faced charges related to a series of armed robberies in the Soesdyke/ Linden area and in other locations.

According to reports, the family fell prey to armed bandits wearing black masks during the terrifying incident. Dos Santos's wife provided a harrowing account, recalling being abruptly awakened by disturbing sounds emanating from the living room. Rushing to investigate, she was confront-

ed with the distressing sight of her elderly father being forcibly handled by the intruders, while one of her sons lay defenseless on the floor.

Showing remarkable courage, Roberts, Dos Santos's nephew, a resident of the neighbourhood, swiftly responded to the commotion, rushing to the aid of his family members. Against all odds, he managed to overpower one of the attackers, while Manuel Dos Santos

and Valdeir Dos Santos, Manuel's son, armed themselves with cutlasses and fearlessly confronted the remaining assailants.

A fierce struggle ensued, resulting in serious injuries inflicted upon the suspects. The situation rapidly spiralled into a chaotic bloodbath as the invaders resorted to indiscriminate gunfire, plunging the scene into panic and chaos.

Tragically, the lifeless

bodies of Dos Santos and Bowen were later discovered. Amidst the violence, Roberts sustained injuries and was swiftly transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital in critical condition, where he continues to receive medical attention.

The day after the incident, a wanted bulletin was issued for John Ross and Troy Bruce, both residents of Linden, as the Police intensify their efforts to bring all involved parties to justice. (G9)

Murdered: Johnson Bowen Injured: Denzil Roberts John Ross and Troy Bruce (suspects)

Dead: Manuel Dos Santos

Pitt Street, New Amsterdam

Kent Street, New Amsterdam

Oil settles up US$2 on optimism about US debt ceiling, demand

Oil prices settled up about US$2 on Wednesday as optimism over oil demand and US debt ceiling negotiations outweighed worries about abundant supply.

Brent crude futures settled up US$2.05, or 2.7 per cent, to US$76.96 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude settled up US$1.97 or 2.8 per cent to US$72.83.

"Today’s strong oil trade was all about the expectation of a debt ceiling agreement, likely by the end of this week, that appeared to lift a negative burden across most asset classes, including oil," said Jim Ritterbusch, President of Ritterbusch and Associates in Galena, Illinois.

President Joe Biden and top US congressional Republican Kevin McCarthy on Wednesday underscored their determination to reach a deal soon to raise the federal Government's US$31.4 trillion debt ceiling and avoid an economically-catastrophic default.

The optimism outweighed a crude inventory increase of five million barrels in the week ended May 12 reported by the Energy Information Administration (EIA). Analysts polled by Reuters had expected a 900,000-barrel drop.

The crude inventory build added to concerns about US growth after data showed retail sales rose 0.4 per cent in April, short of estimates for an increase of 0.8 per cent.

However, gasoline stocks drew down by 1.4 million barrels as the four-week gasoline product supplied – a proxy for demand – rose to its highest level since December 2021.

The International Energy Agency on Tuesday predicted demand would outpace supply by 2 million barrels per day (bpd) in the second half of the year, with China making up 60% of oil demand growth in 2023.

In China, April industrial output and retail sales growth undershot forecasts, suggesting the economy lost momentum at the beginning of the second quarter.

Markets are in a "wait-and-watch mode" over the outcome of the debt ceiling negotiations, said Vandana Hari, founder of oil market analysis provider Vanda Insights.

"A bunch of Chinese macro-economic data for April released on Tuesday confirmed the narrative of a patchy and slow recovery in the country and continue to weigh on oil market sentiment." (Excerpt from Reuters)

Around The World

Russia says hypersonic missile scientists face “very serious” treason accusations

Three Russian academics who have worked on hypersonic missile technology face "very serious accusations", the Kremlin said on Wednesday, in a treason investigation that has spread alarm through Russia's scientific community.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said he was aware of an open letter from Siberian scientists in defence of the men, but that the case was a matter for the security services.

In the letter, published on Monday, colleagues of Anatoly Maslov, Alexander Shiplyuk and Valery Zvegintsev protested their innocence and said the prosecutions threatened to inflict grave damage on Russian science.

"We know each of them as a patriot and a decent person who is not capable

of doing what the investigating authorities suspect them of," they said.

President Vladimir Putin has boasted that Russia is the global leader in hypersonic missiles, capable of travelling at speeds

of up to Mach 10 (12,250 kph) to evade enemy air defences. On Tuesday, Ukraine said it had managed to destroy six of the weapons in a single night, although Russia disputed this.

Notices of academic conferences stretching back over many years show the arrested scientists were frequent participants.

In 2012, Maslov and Shiplyuk presented the results of an experiment on hypersonic missile design at a seminar in Tours, France. In 2016, all three were among the authors of a book chapter entitled "Hypersonic Short-Duration Facilities for Aerodynamic Research at ITAM, Russia".

The open letter from their colleagues at ITAM –the Khristianovich Institute of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics in Novosibirsk – said the materials the scientists had presented in international forums had been checked repeatedly to ensure they did not include restricted information.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Brazil boosts bird flu defence to protect world's top chicken industry

Brazil is taking extra precautions to protect the world's largest poultry export industry from a highly pathogenic avian influenza virus that was this week detected among wild birds in the country after previously hitting neighbouring nations.

statement.

A case of bird flu on a farm usually results in the entire flock being killed and can trigger trade restrictions from importing countries, while detection among wild birds does not spark bans under WOAH guidelines.

Montana

to become 1st US state to ban TikTok

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte on Wednesday signed legislation to ban Chineseowned TikTok from operating in the state to protect residents from alleged intelligence gathering by China, making it the first US state to ban the popular short video app.

Montana will make it unlawful for Google and Apple's app stores to offer TikTok within the state, but will not impose any penalties on individuals using the app. The ban is to take effect January 1, 2024, and is almost certain to face legal challenges.

TikTok, owned by Chinese tech company ByteDance, did not respond to a Reuters question asking if it planned legal action.

Earlier, TikTok issued a statement saying that the

new law "infringes on the First Amendment rights of the people of Montana by unlawfully banning TikTok", and said it will "continue working to defend the rights of our users inside and outside of Montana".

TikTok, which has over 150 million American users, has faced growing calls from US lawmakers and state officials to ban the app nationwide over concerns about potential Chinese Government influence over the platform.

The app has become wildly popular with teens.

According to the Pew Research Center, 67 per cent of US teens ages 13 to 17 use TikTok, and 16 per cent of all teens say they use the app almost constantly.

TikTok has said that the "vast majority" of its users are over the age of 18.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Nearly US$10 billion of chicken exports would be at risk if H5N1 bird flu infects commercial flocks in Brazil, which has taken on a growing role in supplying the world's poultry and eggs as importing nations ban chicken and turkey meat from countries with the virus.

On Monday, the only World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) accredited lab in Latin America confirmed detection of H5N1 in two wild Thalasseus acuflavidus birds, or Cabot's terns, and

one Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster) captured in Espirito Santo state.

Per protocol, local veterinarians in Espirito Santo took samples from the birds on site and sent them to the

reference lab in Campinas, Brazil.

"The entire industry is mobilised to monitor the situation identified in Espirito Santo," national meat lobby ABPA said in a

Brazilian officials say they do not expect the cases in wild birds to have any trade impact, and noted Espirito Santo on Brazil's central Atlantic coast does not border any of the country's main poultry producing states in the far south.

In other countries, avian flu outbreaks in wild birds have frequently been followed by transmission to commercial flocks.

Bird flu outbreaks have contributed to higher prices of poultry and eggs, normally an affordable source of protein.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Biden, McCarthy push forward towards deal on US debt ceiling

President Joe Biden and top US congressional Republican Kevin McCarthy on Wednesday underscored their determination to reach a deal soon to raise the federal government's US$31.4 trillion debt ceiling and avoid an economically-catastrophic default.

After a months-long standoff, the Democratic President and the Speaker of the House of

Representatives on Tuesday agreed to negotiate directly on a deal. An agreement needs to be reached and passed by both chambers of Congress before the federal government runs out of money to pay its bills, as soon as June 1.

"We're going to come together because there's no alternative," Biden told reporters at the White House, saying he would cut short his trip to Asia and return to

Washington on Sunday, but staff-level discussions would continue in Washington.

"To be clear, this negotiation is about the outlines of the budget, not about whether or not we're going to (pay our debts)," Biden said. "The leaders (of Congress) have all agreed: We will not default. Every leader has said that."

Republicans, who control the House by a 222-213 majority, for months had been

insisting that Democrats agree to spending cuts in exchange for a deal to raise Congress's self-imposed debt limit. The limit needs to be lifted regularly because the Government spends more than it takes in taxes.

Asked by reporters at the Capitol whether it's possible to reach a debt ceiling deal by the time Biden returns from Asia on Sunday, McCarthy replied, "It's doable." (Excerpt from Reuters)

A Russian armoured personnel carrier and S-400 surface-to-air missile systems drive past the Kremlin wall after a military parade on Victory Day, which marks the 78th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two, in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2023 (Reuters/Maxim Shemetov file photo)

An employee dilutes poultry serum samples for ELISA test for the detection of antibodies to the avian influenza virus at the Reference Laboratory of the World Organisation for Animal Health

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Slow down, note every detail, adjust what doesn't fit your lifestyle and go about your business. The less interference you allow, the quicker you'll advance. Fend for yourself.

(March 21-April 19)

Choose your path and start moving. Opportunity comes to those who make things happen. Size up your situation and replace whatever isn't to your advantage with something beneficial.

(April 20-May 20)

You must be open-minded if you expect others to include you in events. The more knowledge you gather, the easier it will be to figure out how to use your skills to gain momentum.

(May 21-June 20)

Build a team to help get your plans up and running. Choose people you can trust to get the job done without supervision. Use your skills and intuition; you won't be disappointed with the outcome.

(June 21-July 22) (July 23-Aug. 22)

Keep busy. The less time spent calculating what to do next, the better. Refuse to let outside interference slow you down. Keep your eye on the finish line. Rely on your experience.

Choose a path, and don't stop until you reach your destination. You'll learn from whatever situation you find yourself in today. Don't hesitate to confront problems and make changes.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Assess what's happening in your life. Go over your essential documents to ensure everything is updated. Take care of debts, clutter and emotional situations that take up too much of your time.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

You have the right moves and expertise to reach your goals. Speed up and trust your instincts, and you'll come out on top. Put your best foot forward; personal growth will follow.

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

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

A time-out will help you put things in perspective. Don't feel threatened by anyone or believe in what someone tells you without verifying the facts. Put your cash in a safe place.

Compromise and work alongside others, and you'll get your way. An enthusiastic attitude will position you for leadership. A partnership will help you get things done faster.

Stop, look and listen, and you'll prevent a falling-out with a friend, loved one or relative. Understanding what others want will help you make good decisions. Don't compensate for others' mistakes.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Your drive will outshine anyone who wants to compete. Sign up for events or competitions that excite you. A little love will go a long way. Reach out to someone you want to get to know better.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

KFC/GFF Elite League…

Santos, GDF FC bag first-round wins

Two exciting matches were witnessed on Tuesday evening as the KFC–sponsored Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Elite League continued with first round action.

The first game on Tuesday at the Police Sports Club Ground, Eve Leary Georgetown, saw Santos Football Club pulling off a resounding 7-0 victory over Victoria Kings FC. The East Coast outfit looked lackluster in their approach, and it was not long before Santos found their rhythm amidst the intermittent showers.

Earl Gill was the first player to find the back of the net - in the 12th minute.

Akil Plass did the same in

the 20th. Captain Stefan Reynolds came to the party in the 32nd minute, while David George got the better of the goalkeeper in the 43rd, to ensure a 4-0 score at the half.

When the second seg ment resumed, Shane Jones quickly added his name to the scoresheet - in the 57th, however, Santos seemed to have lost their intensi ty, missing crucial scoring opportunities. Eventually, only two more goals were witnessed in the game, com ing off the boots of Shane Jones in the 68th and Jamal Coddington in the 75th.

The second game of the night looking promis ing in the initial minutes of an upset of the dominant

Guyana Defence Force (GDF) team. However, fate would not have it, as the soldiers went on to storm Ann’s Grove FC 4-0.

The second East Coast

Ryan Hackett (C) also added to the GDF tally

feature brought the intensity to the lawmen, challenging their keeper early on. After 27 minutes of the high-intensity contest, GDF’s Kelsey Benjamin found the back of the net to break the ice.

A signature long-shot from Ryan Hackett result -

Tata IPL 2023: Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals…

A look at the action between Santos FC (white) and Victoria Kings

ed in a controversial second goal for GDF in the 33rd. the score remained 2-0 until the second half, at the beginning of which Daniel George made it a 3-0 affair in the 48th.

Benjamin found the back of the net once more in the 64th to bring up GDF’s fourth and final goal.

The Elite League resumes tonight at the same venue with a solitary contest between Den Amstel FC and Buxton United Football Club. Kick-off is set for 19:00hrs, after which the second round of the league will begin on Sunday, May 21st.

Rossouw blitz puts Punjab Kings on brink of elimination

Adazzling

display of boundary hitting all around the ground from Rilee Rossouw in his unbeaten 82 off 37, combined with useful contributions from the other Delhi Capitals top-four batters, handed Punjab Kings a 15run defeat and severely dented their playoff chances.

Kings got close to the finish line in the end, thanks to a belligerent 94 off 48 from Liam Livingstone, but he fought a lone battle. The loss kept Kings on the eighth spot with 12 points. They now depend on many other results going their way to stay alive in the playoffs race because they have only one match to go, and three teams are already above 14 points, which is the most Kings can get to.

Kings were mostly behind the asking rate right from the start because their only other batter who scored over 25 was Atharva Taide, who struggled for fluency and retired out on 55 off 42 balls. Livingstone’s pursuit of boundaries in the end kept Kings’ slim hopes alive, whether they needed 79 off 24 or 38 off 12. In the last over too, when they needed 23 from the last three balls, they got a lifeline when Ishant Sharma sent down a no-ball which Livingstone sent for six, making it 16 required from three with a free hit coming. But Livingstone failed to connect with the subsequent full toss and holed out to long-off on the last ball.

Warner, Shaw flick the switch on In the first IPL game in Dharamsala in ten years, David Warner and Prithvi

Shaw saw out the first 16 balls for no boundaries before racing away. Warner broke the shackles with consecutive fours off Sam Curran before pulling Kagiso Rabada for two sixes. Shaw too got going when he saw Arshdeep Singh’s short balls didn’t have much pace. He pulled and glanced him for 4, 4 and 6 in a 16-run over. When Warner also put away Nathan Ellis’ slower balls for fours, Capitals ended the powerplay on 61 and soon brought up their highest opening stand of this IPL.

Rossouw’s fifty takes it up a notch Rahul Chahar wasn’t having a good day. Soon after he was put away for three fours in his first two overs by Shaw, he dropped a tough chance to give Warner a life on 39. Warner continued to attack because Capitals had all ten wickets in hand at the halfway mark. But when he skied one more, Shikhar Dhawan completed a spectacular catch at mid-off to remove him for 46 off 31.

Capitals kept the left-

right combination by sending out Rossouw at #3, and he attacked literally from ball one. That he pulled his first ball for four and drove his third for four more showed how good the pitch was for batting. The range he showed in the 13th over off Rabada epitomised his innings; a length ball hit straight for six, another length ball placed just wide of short third for four, and yet another length ball dispatched over square leg with a lovely pick-up shot for six in a 17-run over. Not long after Rossouw also punished Chahar and Curran for sixes, Shaw holed out for 54 in the 15th over.

Kings trust Brar for death overs Rossouw had raced away to 45 off 21, and Capitals to 148, with five overs to go when Dhawan bravely brought on Harpreet Brar, who gave away just 14 runs in the 16th and 18th overs combined, before Phil Salt and Rossouw made up for it in the last two. Salt smoked Ellis for two sixes over longon while also edging one delivery for four.

For the final over, Dhawan once again trusted Brar instead of the designated death bowler Arshdeep, who had been expensive in his first two. Rossouw mercilessly muscled Brar, who also gifted two wides, for two sixes and a four on the leg side. A misfield on the last ball from Rabada at fine leg gave Capitals their first 200plus total of the season.

Kings also start slow

The Capitals quicks hardly gave any freebies early on. Khaleel Ahmed started with a maiden to Prabhsimran Singh, Ishant had Dhawan caught at slip for a duck, and Khaleel nearly bowled another maiden to keep Kings on 10 for 1 after three. Prabhsimran then hit the pedal with three consecutive fours before Taide also collected boundaries to get out of the hole of 1 off eight balls. Prabhsimran and Taide also enjoyed a fair share of luck. Their leading edges fell safely, and Capitals missed a few direct hits. Taide’s edges even fetched him some boundaries. Kings finished the powerplay on 47 for 1, with the asking rate almost 12 an over.

Livingstone stands tall but alone

As soon as Prabhsimran holed out to long-on off Axar Patel, it was all a Livingstone show. It started with Livingstone getting a life on 3 off Kuldeep Yadav when Anrich Nortje put him down at deep midwicket, and Taide too got dropped off Kuldeep in his next over. Taide, however, could not score freely as he struggled to find the gaps or go over the

fielders. Livingstone, meanwhile, made use of his big bat swings for plenty of hits in the ‘V’ down the ground when the bowlers missed their lengths even marginally. He hit a boundary nearly every over and was only beaten by Kuldeep a couple of times. In the 15th over, he dispatched two full tosses from Mukesh Kumar for fours but Taide was labouring at the other end and he retired out when Kings needed a stiff 86 from 30 with their hitters Jitesh Sharma, Shahrukh Khan and Curran yet to come.

Despite the firepower in

the dugout, the heavy lifting was left for Livingstone. Jitesh holed out to long leg for a duck in the 16th and Shahrukh found longon in the 17th. Meanwhile, Livingstone blasted two sixes and a four off Khaleel, and three sixes came off Mukesh in the 18th to make it 38 required from 12. Nortje then rattled Curran’s leg stump with a yorker and when 33 were left from the last six balls, Ishant started with a dot to all but seal it. His no-ball was thwarted for six, but he finished the game with three dots and send Kings’ hopes crashing. (ESPNCricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Delhi Capitals (20 ovs maximum)

BATTING R B

David Warner (c) c

Dhawan b Curran 46 31

Prithvi Shaw c Taide

b Curran 54 38

Rilee Rossouw not out 82 37

Phil Salt †not ou 26 14

Extras (w 5) 5

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 10.65) 213/2

Did not bat: Axar Patel, Aman

Hakim Khan, Yash Dhull, Kuldeep Yadav, Anrich Nortje, Ishant

Sharma, Khaleel Ahmed

Fall of wickets: 1-94 (David Warner, 10.2 ov), 2-148 (Prithvi Shaw, 14.6 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Sam Curran 4-0-36-2

Kagiso Rabada 3-0-36-0

Arshdeep Singh 2-0-21-0

Nathan Ellis 4-0-46-0

Rahul Chahar 4-0-35-0

Harpreet Brar 3-0-39-0

Punjab Kings (T: 214 runs from 20 ovs)

BATTING R B

Prabhsimran Singh c

Dhull b Patel 22 19

Shikhar Dhawan (c) c Aman

Hakim Khan b Sharma 0 1

Atharva Taide retired out 55 42

Liam Livingstone c Patel b Sharma 94 48

Jitesh Sharma †c Ahmed b Nortje 0 3 M Shahrukh Khan c Patel b Ahmed 6 3

Sam Curran b Nortje 11 5

Harpreet Brar run out (†Salt/Nortje) 0 1

Rahul Chahar not out 0 0

Extras (lb 6, nb 2, w 2) 10

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 9.90) 198/8

Did not bat: Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh

Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Shikhar Dhawan, 1.1 ov), 2-50 (Prabhsimran Singh, 6.4

Kelsey Benjamin netted a double in GDF’s 4-0 win

Rilee Rossouw bashing the ball

Developments in local football…

FIFA-standard floodlights for GFF’s Training Center

Guyana Football Federation (GFF)

President Wayne Forde has confirmed that floodlights will be installed over the next six months at the Federation’s National Training Centre in Providence, East Bank Demerara.

The US$1.1m floodlight installation project is being funded through the FIFA FORWARD programme, which was launched back in 2016 by FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The project will be undertaken by United States-based company Musco Sport Lighting between May and October of 2023, following a transparent and complete tender process. The lighting specialist company, which have completed similar projects in Guyana, was the successful bidder in the FIFAcentralized international procurement process. They will engineer, manufacture, and install a four-pole, energy-efficient floodlighting structure designed to produce the appropriate lighting quality and standards for international matches and withstand a wind speed of 85 mph.

GFF President Wayne Forde has said it is a significant step forward in the advancement of football infrastructure standards in

Guyana, which is a key priority of the Forde-led administration.

“This is truly a watershed moment for the development of football in Guyana, and a tremendous source of pride for our entire fraternity and the nation. We have already experienced huge benefits of having the first home of football – our National Training Centre (NTC) - which is evidenced by the outstanding performances of our male and female national teams,” Forde said.

The floodlights will make it possible for the GFF to stage and televise international matches for all na-

tional teams, extend the training hours of the Golden Jaguars and Lady Jags, and host and televise night matches for the upcoming Elite League, Women’s Development League, and Regional Association Leagues on the FIFA+ digital platform.

“Through the Forward Programme, FIFA initiated in 2016 a new era of global football development. The FIFA Forward Programme is intended to provide tailormade support for the growth of football in each of our member associations based on three pillars: more investment, more impact, and

Regional Women’s Super50 tournament…

more oversight. The aim is to make football truly global by providing an opportunity to every player, coach and referee to develop and excel on the pitch,” emphasised the FIFA Director of Member Associations Americas, Jair Bertoni.

In this sense, he added that “Infrastructure is a fundamental means and a key element to achieve this objective. Adequate training and playing facilities are decisive to enable football to develop in-country, and technical centres are the ideal preparation ground for future generations of talented footballers. Therefore, we are very

Six-star Soogrim hat-trick destroys Guyana

Guyana Women ended their 2023 Regional Women’s Super50 campaign with their third defeat in St Kitts and Nevis. Led by a masterclass spin spell from left-arm spinner Steffie Soogrim, Trinidad and Tobago defeated Guyana by 76 runs at St Paul’s, Saint George, Basseterre.

Soogrim ended with 6-14 from 10 overs, including a hat trick which helped Trinidad bowl out Guyana for 56. Earlier, Trinidad and Tobago posted 132-8 from their allotted

50 overs, after Guyana had won the toss and opted to bowl.

Trinidad were reeling at 11-4, but a 48-run stand between Britney Cooper (18) and Anisa Mohammed revived the innings. Mohammed was the top-scorer with a composed 54 from 118 balls. Her unbeaten innings had two fours, while Karishma Ramharack supported with 19 and Soogrim scored 11 not out.

Guyana were already a batter short, as Shabika Gajnabi was injured.

Plaffianna Millington (15) and Realeanna Grimmond (10) were the only Guyanese batters to reach double figures in a poor batting display. In addition to Soogrim’s 6-14, Ramharack had 2-9 in 7.4 overs.

Soogrim’s hat trick included Shenata Grimmond, Tilleya Madramootoo and Kaysia Schultz. Guyana ended the Super50 Cup with two wins, (against Jamaica and Leewards) and three defeats, (against Windwards, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago).

The T20 tournament

Young Guyanese Adrian Allicock shines in Canadian track and field events

In an extraordinary display of talent and determination, 11-yearold Adrian Allicock, a young Guyanese residing in Canada, has triumphed in not just one, but seven track and field events at his school, Dr. S.J Phillips Public School, in Ottawa, Canada.

Adrian’s outstanding achievements, both on the field and in his academic pursuits, serve as an inspiration to fellow Guyanese youth, demonstrating the power of hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence.

Adrian competed in a series of 7 track and field events – 100 metres, 200 metres, 400 metres, High Jump, Long Jump, Triple Jump and Shot Put, and placed first in all of them, showcasing his exceptional athletic abilities. With sheer

determination and unwavering focus, he emerged victorious in all seven events, leaving a lasting impression on spectators and fellow athletes alike.

Adrian, who wants to become an engineer, expressed his love for sports, with football and soccer at the top of the list and athletics coming in third. He is also a

very good artist and loves to build things. He has adjusted well since moving to Canada with his parents, and has also made significant strides academically. His unwavering dedication to his studies has propelled him to academic excellence, further proving that, with passion and perseverance, one can achieve greatness in multiple domains. Adrian’s academic achievements highlight the importance of a balanced and well-rounded approach to personal growth.

The Guyanese community, both at home and abroad, is encouraged to celebrate and support Adrian’s accomplishments. By recognizing and championing his achievements, we pave the way for other young Guyanese to pursue their dreams and fulfill their potential in various fields.

will be played in St Kitts, and Guyana will play Windward Islands on May 20 from 10:00h at Warner Park in St Kitts.

Barbados Women were crowned champions again in the Super50 Cup. Jamaica are defending champions of the T20.

pleased to join efforts with the Guyana Football Federation to accomplish this vision, and particularly in its endeavour to take the Technical Centre in Providence to the next level.

“The GFF and the FIFA MA Americas Sub-division have been working together to design a far-reaching general infrastructure plan for the construction of all the necessary components at these facilities, with the installation of floodlights as the next important step”. He finally stat-

ed FIFA’s expectations about this project: “We are sure that the implementation of this project will be a great success, providing more playing hours and use to the Technical Centre as well as allowing the GFF to host and broadcast international games. It will definitely benefit all national teams, and contribute to domestic football to create a great atmosphere to enjoy our beautiful game in Guyana”.

President Forde, in expressing gratitude to FIFA and the Government of Guyana for supporting the Federation’s football vision, said: “I would like to thank the FIFA Member Association Division for supporting us throughout the bidding process, and the Government of Guyana, through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, for providing the much-needed tax waivers for the importation of the lighting system.

I look forward to inviting all our stakeholders to the official commissioning of the floodlights and a memorable night of exciting football.”

The GFF National Training Centre is Guyana’s first exclusive football facility, which is being constructed by the Wayne Forde-led administration and is funded through the FIFA Forward Programme. The facility has an all-weather regulation size artificial grass pitch, dorms for youth teams, along with other facilities, and is classified as the official home of football in Guyana.

SCOREBOARD

Trinidad Women

Reniece Boyce (wk) c Kaycia

Schultz b Shabika Gajnabi 1

Shunelle Sawh c Sheneta Grimmond b Shabika Gajnabi 3

Djenaba Joseph c Mandy

Mangru b Plaffianna Millington 0

Lee Ann Kirby c Mandy

Mangru b Plaffianna Millington 0

Britney Cooper c Nyia

Latchman b Kaycia Schultz 18

Anisa Mohammed (c) not out 54

Selene Oneil c Realeanna

Grimmond b Nyia Latchman 0

Karishma Ramharack run out Nyia Latchman � †

Shemaine Campbelle 19

Shalini Samaroo c Kaycia

Schultz b Shabika Gajnabi 1

Steffie Soogrim not out 11

Extras (wd 18, b 4, lb 3) 25

Total (8 wkts, 50.0 ov) 132

(CRR: 2.64) Did not bat : Kirbyina

Alexander, Samara Ramnath

Fall of wickets: 9-1

(Reniece Boyce, 5 ov), 10-2

(Djenaba Joseph, 5.5 ov), 10-3

(Shunelle Sawh, 6.2 ov), 11-4

(Lee Ann Kirby, 7.2 ov), 59-5

(Britney Cooper, 26.2 ov), 61-6

(Selene Oneil, 28 ov), 106-7

(Karishma Ramharack, 44.4 ov), 114-8

(Shalini Samaroo, 46.2 ov)

Bowlers O-M-R-W

Shabika Gajnabi 10-3-17-3

Plaffianna Millington 8-1-20-2

Ashmini Munisar 5-0-11-0

Sheneta Grimmond 10-0-34-0

Kaycia Schultz 10-2-27-1

Nyia Latchman 7-1-16-1

Guyana Women

Mandy Mangru b

Karishma Ramharack 1

Realeanna Grimmond

b Steffie Soogrim 10

Katana Mentore c&b

Steffie Soogrim 4

Shemaine Campbelle

(c & wk) c&b Steffie Soogrim 6

Sheneta Grimmond c Anisa

Mohammed b Steffie Soogrim 9

Ashmini Munisar lbw b

Shalini Samaroo 3

Tilleya Madramootoo b

Steffie Soogrim 0

Kaycia Schultz lbw

b Steffie Soogrim 0

Plaffianna Millington b

Karishma Ramharack 15

Nyia Latchman not out 6

Shabika Gajnabi not out 0

Extras (b 1, wd 1) 2

Total (9 wkts, 35.4 ov) 56

(CRR: 1.57)

Did not bat : Cyanna Retemiah

Fall of wickets: 1-1

(Mandy Mangru, 1.1 ov), 10-2

(Katana Mentore, 12.1 ov), 20-3

(Shemaine Campbelle, 16.1 ov), 25-4

(Realeanna Grimmond, 18.5 ov), 30-5

(Sheneta Grimmond, 20.3 ov), 30-6

(Tilleya Madramootoo, 20.4 ov), 30-7

(Kaycia Schultz, 20.5 ov), 34-8

(Ashmini Munisar, 23.5 ov), 56-9

(Plaffianna Millington, 35.4 ov)

Bowlers O-M-R-W

Anisa Mohammed (c) 8-3-10-0

Karishma Ramharack 7.4-4-9-2

Steffie Soogrim 10-6-14-6

Samara Ramnath 5-1-12-0

Shalini Samaroo 5-1-10-1

Stephie Soogrim destroyed Guyana

GFF president, Wayne Forde

The FIFA Forward Project will be funding the massive undertaking at Providence

11-year-old Adrian Allicock

Deoroop calls for unity in horse racing

“United we stand, and divided we fall”, this statement was echoed by Dennis Deoroop, spokesman for the ‘interim’ Horse Racing Committee set up last year to prepare horsemen for impending Rules of Racing regulations.

Deoroop, in his message, stated, “Behind all your stories is always your mother’s story, because hers is where yours begins.”

Deoroop cited, “Democracy is alive when criticism (sentiments) expressed is published, but not when a(‘shadow person’) question is their answer. Respect from our end is for all, and we will not hide when making a statement.

“This Government, most importantly through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS), are adamant horse racing must be properly regulated. The Government have

to be congratulated for mandating the relevant arms of Government to draft the necessary regulations for the sport.”

Deoroop pointed out, “Horse racing is not a one-

man sport; it is a team sport. Those now charged with certain responsibilities are working as a team, and have initiated the proposed changes that horsemen will have to abide with. Change is a feared medium, but as the country is developing, we have to accept change for the betterment of all.”

Deoroop recognised, “We hold the greatest respect, regardless of age, gender, religion, financial standing or ethnicity. So that all will enjoy a level playing field. We call on all who love the sport to join hands with us. For the sport will be as strong as its weakest link, if they do not join hands. This interim body started outreach programs for horsemen since last year, to inform them and promoters as to what change will be when regulations become law”.

He continued, “A registration drive for horses,

Digicel continues support for Special Olympics team

owners, trainers and jockeys have started. Therefore, the statement that horsemen are not consulted is misleading. All family will have issues, but we as family are here to listen.”

Deoroop, an active owner/ breeder/trainer/ executive, ended by saying: “We have to thank Minister Charles Ramson jnr for his dedication, and commitment to deliver. As

this draft document is expected to be ready shortly, this drive to regulate the sport is grabbing the attention of Government officials at the highest level of the country.”

WI ‘A’ Team tour to Bangladesh… Sinclair, Da Silva stand tall after Chanderpaul’s 83

An unbroken century partnership between captain Joshua Da Silva and allrounder Kevin Sinclair has kept West Indies ‘A’ Team in a dominant position over their hosts. Da Silva ended the second day on 73 not out, Sinclair on 47 not out, and West Indies ‘A’ on 417-6. This day saw another interruption by rain in Sylet, Bangladesh.

Digicel Guyana have lengthened their relationship with Guyana’s Special Olympics Committee, once again supporting the team that will be jetting off to the Special Olympics in June.

During a press briefing at the Georgetown Club on Wednesday morning, Special Olympics Guyana’s Wilton Spencer spoke of the fruitful relationship the committee shares with the corporate giant.

“Digicel has been with us for approximately ten years. We’ve been getting support from them, and over the years, I must say, we were really pleased with their support,” Spencer shared about their collaboration with the company.

He further revealed, “Special Olympics Guyana, because of the input we get from Digicel, we were able to accumulate 45 medals at international events. This consist of 12 gold, 20 silver and 13 bronze.”

Spencer went on to list the competitors that will be representing Guyana in the sport of Bocce (boch-ee), namely: Daniel Ramsundar, Stephanie Ramotar,

Rachel Mortley and Keston Knights.

Meanwhile, Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) President Godfrey Munroe spoke of the key role that the Special Olympics is now taking on.

Munroe remarked, “On behalf of the Executive Committee of the Guyana Olympic Association, we want to wish the athletes the best of success in Germany. You guys are truly special. Special Olympics and Paralympics is now playing a key role in the international realm, and, more particularly, we would have to support these athletes and para-athletes as we move forward. So, as

part of the GOA’s mandate, we will be looking to work with our national federations in that regard to ensure that they establish and institute programmes along that line.”

In a word from the sponsors, Digicel’s Communications Manager Vidya Sanichara expressed the company’s commitment not only to sport, but other aspects of Guyanese society. Sanichara said, “At Digicel, we always strive to be involved in our community, whether it’s through sports, education, or special needs; and this event is just one example of our dedication. We will continue to support them and back them whenever they are playing in any sport or competing in any world event that they have. Digicel believes in the power of sports and what it can do to bring together people and their community.”

The Special Olympics are set for Berlin, Germany from June 17th to 25th. The Guyanese team is expected to arrive in Berlin on June 12. Accompanying the team will be Coach Lavern LeeAllen, while Spencer will be the head of the mission.

Da Silva has so far faced 116 balls and hit five boundaries and a six, while Sinclair has kept the scoreboard ticking with six boundaries off 70 balls. West Indies resumed on 220-2 and added 197 runs for the loss of four wickets. The pair came together at 317-6 in the 100th over, when Yannic Cariah fell for 14.

Earlier in the day opener Tagenarine Chanderpaul made 83, and fellow lefthander Alick Athanaze scored 85. The pair took the score from 160-2 to 281-3. Chanderpaul again showed great defiance and kept the Bangladesh bowlers at bay as he faced 236 balls and hit seven fours. Athanaze played a number of attractive shots on both sides of the

as he faced 98

of

Dennis Deoroop

Horse-racing

Digicel’s Communications Manager Vidya Sanichara

Republic Bank CPL 2023…

with 124 victims in his 97 matches. Bravo is also the leading wicket taker for the Knight Riders, with more than 100 wickets for his home franchise. Bravo represented the Trinidad franchise from 2013 to 2020, claiming the title four times in that period. With five CPL titles, Bravo is the most successful player in the tournament’s history, and he is synonymous with Trinidad cricket, so his return to his home

the Draft Show which will be broadcast at the end of June 2023.

Kieron Pollard, TKR captain: "Very exciting times. The champion DJ Bravo is coming back to his home franchise, TKR. Our relationship and our friendship is second to none, and this is a very good opportunity for us both to represent TKR together once again, in the upcoming season. We are very happy to have him back in red and black."

Venky Mysore, TKR Team Director: “DJ (Champion) Bravo has been one of the key pillars on which TKR has been built. We are delighted to welcome him back home, & look forward to another enjoyable season.

Dwayne Bravo has returned to the Trinbago Knight Riders ahead of the 2023 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Bravo returns to the

Knight Riders after two seasons with the St Kitts & Nevis Patriots, having won the title with them in 2021. Bravo is the leading wicket taker in T20 history, and has more wick-

ets than any other player at the CPL,

National footballer Jeremy Garrett pays it forward

By Jemima Holmes

In a grand gesture of ‘paying it forward’, national footballer Jeremy Garrett on Wednesday donated a quantity of football gear to his two alma maters.

Garrett, who attended the North Ruimveldt Multilateral and Chase’s

during his time at ‘Multi’, captained the school’s football team; and while at Chase’s Academy, he captained the school’s team in their famous backto-back victories in the Milo Schools’ Football tournament and the Digicel Schools’ Football tournament.

In brief remarks during the simple presentation, Garrett revealed that this is just a portion of what he wants

“The presentation today is just a tip of the iceberg of what Mr. Chase would’ve done for the school. It’s more so a small gesture in me giving back to the institution that I’ve played for for 3 to 4 years, where we dominated school football. This is just me showing my appreciation to Sir Chase, and me giving the youths the equipment and some of the resources that they may need,” Garrett remarked.

The current Slingerz FC defender went on to state, “This is something that I would look to expand upon. This is just the start; going forward, I may

look to get shoes for the players, helping them with training ses sions, myself going and volunteer to coach them when I can. The sky is the limit from just this.”

The donated equip ment includes full kits for each member of the team, 6 balls, two pairs of gloves, hurdles, flat and high cones, ladders and training poles.

At Chase’s Academy on Parade Street, Kingston, Georgetown, Headmaster Henry Chase commended Garrett’s move and expressed hope for further collaboration.

The CAF Headmaster shared, “Obviously, this has been something very special, and I really want to commend Jeremy. This is a classic example of planting seeds, and this is my vision for education. Education is not just writing CSEC and you get your CSEC subjects and your CAPE subjects. This is a classic example, Jeremy demonstrated when you would’ve achieved or you start to achieve, that you always remember where you come from. So, I really want to thank him, and I really hope that this could be a progressive thing that our school and Jeremy can collaborate in the future,” Chase further expressed.

On the other hand, at North Ruimveldt Multilateral, located on Mandela Avenue, Graduate Deputy Headmaster Lokesh Persaud revealed how the equipment would assist the school’s endeavours in the sport.

“I want to say thanks, on behalf of the HM, students and staff of North

Dwayne Bravo is returning to the TKR camp for CPL 2023

Ruimveldt, to Mr. Jeremy for the kind donation towards our football team,” Persaud noted.

Jeremy Garrett making a presentation to Chase’s Academic Foundation Headmaster Henry Chase in the presence of the school’s football players

A look at some of the equipment donated by the Golden Jaguars defender

Jeremy Garrett making a presentation to North Ruimveldt’s GDHM Lokesh Persaud in the presence of the school’s football players