Guyana Times - Thursday, November 16, 2023

Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

Issue No. 5555

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023

Venezuela border controversy

“Biased, completely prejudicial” – AG Nandlall on Venezuela’s presentations to ICJ

Pages 3&8

...as Venezuela’s VP tells World Court "Nothing will stop Dec 3 vote on Essequibo"

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Large interP9 agency investigation still underway into gold smuggling – Minister

...assures action will be taken once enough evidence is gathered

Education, P10 economics vital to advancing gender equality – First Lady

CANU finds 21lbs of ganja at Charity P2 waterfront Over 300 ranks to be deployed in G/town for P14 Christmas season – Commander ...drones, road closures among efforts to bolster policing

President Dr Irfaan Ali met with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Climate Envoy, Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir on Wednesday in Riyadh, the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. President Ali is leading Guyana’s delegation to the first Caricom-Saudi Arabia Summit, which is scheduled to commence today

Man dies as trucks Jaguar is 6th FPSO, earmarked collide amid "thick smoke" along for Whiptail project

Police looking P2 for suspects who attacked, chopped taxi driver

Page 15

– UK firm Bayphase reviewing Field Development Plan WCB roadway

Page 2

133 murders recorded so far in ...25 more than last year 2023 – Crime Chief ...says serious crimes down by 17.8% Page 7

5 Reg 3 families receive new P16 core homes – houses range from $4.5 to $4.9M

2 NEWS Man dies as trucks collide amid ‘thick smoke’ along WCB roadway A THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

collision between two lorries on the Foulis Public Road, West Coast Berbice (WCB) on Tuesday has left 34-yearold Retaford Chittian of Williamsburg, Corentyne, Berbice dead and Mohamed Skakar and Nadir Ali injured.

The accident, involving motor lorries GTT 9027 and GZZ 2733, was reportedly cause by thick smoke from a brush fire that had engulfed the roadway, thus obstructing visibility in the West Coast Berbice area.

Motor lorry GTT 9027 is owned by Industrial Fabrications, and was at the time being driven by a 64-year-old man; and motor lorry GZZ 2733 was being driven by Shakar of South Public Road, Block 4, Last

Dead: Retaford Chittian

Street, Tain New Scheme, Corentyne Berbice.

According to the Police, motor lorry GTT 9027 was proceeding west along the southern drive lane when thick smoke was encountered across the road ahead.

The driver said this caused him to slow down, due to

poor visibility, and while continuing his journey, he felt an impact at the rear of his lorry.

The driver said he brought the vehicle to a halt, and he noticed that the other lorry had crashed into his lorry. He said the driver of this other vehicle and the two other occupants therein had sustained injuries.

They were assisted out of the vehicle and taken to the Fort Wellington Public Hospital, where Chittian was pronounced dead on arrival. The other two persons were treated and sent away.

Police say both drivers were taken to the Weldaad Police Station, where breathalyzer tests administered to them detected no

Back in 2022, when the roadway was engulfed in smoke

trace of alcohol in their system. They were nevertheless detained.

Back in October 2021,

several persons were injured in a three-vehicle collision at the said location at Foulis. On that occasion,

a farmer had set fire to his rice field, resulting in thick smoke reducing the visibility of road users.

Construction worker busted with cocaine Police looking for suspects who attacked, chopped taxi driver A 42-year-old construction worker from Lusignan, East Coast Demerara (ECD) has been taken into custody on Wednesday after he was found with a quantity of narcotics in his possession.

Police have said that at approximately 11:00h on Wednesday, ranks visited the suspect's home and contacted him about a report of domestic vio-

lence made against him on Tuesday. A search was conducted on his person, and a transparent plastic bag containing several pieces of a ‘creamish’ brick-like substance suspected to be cocaine was found in his front pants pocket.

He was arrested and taken to the Police station, where the narcotics were weighed and amounted to 8.1 grams. He remains in custody pending charges.

D

The cocaine that was found in the suspect’s pocket

CANU finds 21lbs of ganja at Charity waterfront

The cannabis found by the CANU officers

O

fficers of the Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) on Wednesday unearthed in excess of 21 pounds of marijuana at the Charity waterfront on the Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

CANU, in a statement, said the officers were acting on information received and conducted an

operation at the waterfront.

During the exercise, they observed a male with a bag acting suspiciously within the vicinity.

As officers approached the area, the suspect fled towards the Pomeroon River and managed to escape in a speedboat that proceeded down river.

The officers subsequently carried out a

search of the area where the man was seen, which led to the discovery of several bulky parcels of suspected cannabis.

The suspected illicit was transported to CANU Headquarters, where it tested positive for cannabis “Creepy Weed”. CANU said the cannabis carried a total weight of approximately 9.6 kilograms (about 21.16 lbs).

ays after 46-yearold taxi driver Shon Smith was attacked and brutally chopped by five Spanishspeaking men at Ruby Backdam, East Bank Essequibo, the Police have finally issued a press release stating that the suspects are being hunted.

In fact, the release stated that several raids have been conducted at Ruby Backdam, Greenwich Park, Peter Street and Parika First Koker, thus resulting in several male Venezuelan nationals being taken into custody for questioning in relation to the attack.

The victim, the Police have said, visited the Parika Police Station but was unable to stand up due to the injuries he sustained to his neck during the attack.

However, Smith was shown photographs of 41 male Venezuelans, and after carefully viewing the photos to see whether he could identify his attackers, he said he did not recognise any of the 41 men as his attackers. An entry was later made in the station diary to that effect.

As such, Police are continuing the search for the suspects.

Shon Smith, a 46-yearold Taxi driver of Naamryck, Parika, East Bank Essequibo, was attacked and severely beaten in the wee hours of Sunday, allegedly by five Spanish-speaking men.

According to the victim, at about 1:50h, he was driving along the Parika main road when he was stopped by the suspects, who requested to be taken

Injured: Shon Smith

to Ruby Backdam.

“He went on to say that while proceeding in Ruby Backdam, one of the men pulled out a knife and started to 'chop' him on his hand. The driver said he stopped the vehicle in the middle of the road and exited the car. The men also exited the vehicle and started to beat him and 'chop' him, after which they ran away,” the Police added in a release.

According to one Singh, a 49-year-old farmer of Ruby Backdam, at about 02:00h on the day in question, he was awakened by

a loud noise.

Singh said he got off his bed and went outside, where he saw the victim lying down under his house shed with his body covered in blood. As a result, he immediately alerted his brother-in-law, who is also a farmer, and the victim was transported to the Leonora Cottage Hospital, where he was admitted a patient and later discharged.

Since the report was made, several checks made for the suspects have all proved futile.

Triumph man remanded for possession of narcotics

F

orty-five-year-old Terrence Stewart of Triumph, East Coast Demerara (ECD) appeared before Sparendaam Magistrate Alisha George on Tuesday charged with two counts of possession of narcotics.

Stewart, a farmer called “Rasta Man”, pleaded not guilty to the charges, and has been remanded to prison.

His next court date is December 23.

Terrence Stewart

Stewart was arrested by ranks of the Beterverwagting Police Station last Thursday.

3 “Biased, completely prejudicial” – AG Nandlall on Venezuela’s presentations to ICJ A NEWS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

BRIDGE The Demerara OPENINGS Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, November 16 – 04:00h-05:30h and Friday, November 17 – 04:00h-05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, November 16 – 05:55h-07:25h and Friday, November 17 – 06:40h-08:10h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery showers are expected throughout the day, with late afternoon sunshine. Light rain showers with instances of thunder are expected at night. Temperatures should range between 24 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to East South-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 06:05h and 18:14h reaching maximum heights of 2.54 metres and 2.67 metres.

Low Tide: 11:48h reaching a minimum height of 0.72 metre.

ttorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, has described Venezuela’s presentations to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as “biased and prejudicial”.

Minister Nandlall made the comments shortly after the court on Wednesday concluded oral hearings on the request for the indication of provisional measures submitted by Guyana in the case concerning the Arbitral Award of October 3, 1899 (Guyana v Venezuela).

Presenting before the ICJ at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodrigues portrayed Guyana as an aggressor state that is seek-

ful and unfounded claims, questions three and five are the most detrimental.

Question three seeks to ratify Venezuela’s “historical position of not recognising the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice” as the final and binding means of settlement while question five brazenly seeks the approval of the Venezuelan people for the creation of a new Venezuelan State in Guyana’s Essequibo Region, which would be incorporated into the national territory of Venezuela, and the granting of Venezuelan citizenship and identification cards to the population.

“We are asking to rephrase the questions. Ask

Attorney General Anil Nandlall

questions. Because the enforcement of the referendum questions will involve an annexure, invasion, and occupation of territory that is lawfully Guyana’s,” the Minister further explained.

The Guyanese delegation at the ICJ on Tuesday

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ing ‘judicial colonialism’ by asking the court to intervene in the country’s internal matter – the national referendum scheduled for December 3, 2023.

“It’s a dialogue that is completely biased, completely prejudicial…with nationalistic and patriotic fervour directed obviously to the population of Venezuela and that has been their narrative from the inception,” the Minister expressed.

The Attorney General said Guyana was not attempting to halt Venezuela’s referendum. Rather, it is seeking provisional measures from the court that will prevent Guyana’s Essequibo region from being annexed by any means.

Minister Nandlall reiterated that Venezuela’s internal referendum could not seek to dictate action that would violate another country’s sovereignty and territorial rights, which is why the world court’s intervention is being sought.

On September 21, 2023, Venezuela’s National Assembly passed a resolution calling for a referendum regarding Venezuela’s unsubstantiated claim to two-thirds of Guyana’s territory. Subsequently, the National Electoral Council of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela issued five questions to be asked in the national referendum.

Among the questions, all of which are intended to further Venezuela’s unlaw-

questions that will not undermine and subvert not only the legal process but will interfere with our territorial rights and our territorial sovereignty. We are asking also that…At least the court must say something about their ability to enforce those referendum

Guyana presented its single round of oral arguments to the court on Tuesday, November 14 and Venezuela presented its case on Wednesday. The president of the court has indicated that the court would provide its decision to the parties as soon as possi-

ble.

On November 6, Guyana’s National Assembly unanimously passed a motion reaffirming the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and condemning Venezuela’s referendum.

The passage of this motion followed extensive meetings between President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton, as the Government and the Opposition presented a united front on an issue of national importance.

In 2018, Guyana applied to the ICJ, requesting that the court confirm the legal validity and binding effect of the 1899 Arbitral Award regarding the boundary between the then British Guiana and the United States of Venezuela.

The application also sought to affirm that the 1899 award was a “full, perfect, and final settlement” of all questions related to determining the boundary between the colony of British Guiana and Venezuela.

4

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Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Industrial Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Guyana, the "Land of Many Waters", is waiting to be explored

G

uyana – blessed with gold, bauxite, and numerous other minerals and other resources – has attracted the attention of tourists from across the world, and ever since it discovered that precious resource, oil, there has been an influx of tourists as well as business persons and entities, all excited and anxious to participate in the economic boom in Guyana.

Visitors to Guyana will obviously clamour for intimate knowledge of this country's rich diversities, its flora and fauna, and the many historic structures that decorate Georgetown and the other regions of this beautiful country.

We are now into November, designated “Tourism Awareness Month”. What has Guyana to offer?

Firstly, for the uninitiated, Guyana is divided into 10 administrative regions. Dubbed the “Land of Many Waters”, one’s thought is immediately directed to the Mighty Kaieteur Falls, the world's largest single-drop waterfall, which is four and a half times the height of Niagara Falls. Located in Region Eight (Potaro-Sip Aruni), the Kaieteur National Park sits in a section of the Amazon rainforest. The Falls, which lies in the Potaro River itself, has been a ‘must-see’ for thousands who have visited this beautiful country with notepads in hand and cameras strapped across their shoulders.

This majestic landmark can be accessed by land or plane.

By land, the journey starts with a nine-hour bus ride from Georgetown to the town of Mahdia. Many travellers have shied away from this route, since the undulating terrain along the trail can be treacherous.

Those opting for the overland trip upon reaching Mahdia will take a boat upstream, and from there, hike to the Kaieteur National Park and to the Falls. The return to Georgetown would most likely be by plane.

Guyana is noted for its biodiversity and even the uninitiated will agree that the wide range of attractions will encourage a second, third, and many other visits to this pristine place.

And with “Christmas is just around the corner”, Guyana is even more hospitable. Indeed, many carols already fill the air – “Jingle Bells”; “Jolly Ole St Nick”; “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, etc, but the season is mainly about the many fingerlicking delicacies. Every family will soon be busy preparing that pot of delicious pepper-pot, and garlic pork along with the black cake, fruit cake, and sponge cake. This is the time to be in Guyana. Our tourism planners were super smart to have thought up the idea to celebrate Tourism Awareness Month in November when the preparations for the jolly season are in full flow.

Tourists will also delight in a walk through the shopping areas along Regent Street; a visit to the Bourda Market or Stabroek Market in Central Georgetown will heighten the experience. Fresh fruits and provisions are available “abhar, abhar” (which means aplenty in Guyanese parlance).

One cannot visit Guyana and not own a piece of jewellery that could be had at the many jewellery stalls in the Stabroek Market. Fashionable gold chains, popular cricket bands, or a beautiful designer ring made of ‘Guyana gold’ heighten the experience.

Those visitors who have been fed a litany of adverse dogma of lax security can be comforted that the men (and women) in blue and black are out in full force at strategic points in the city.

Guyana, the Land of Many Waters, is waiting to be explored, and the anticipated droves of tourists are guaranteed an experience that will be awe-inspiring, to say the least!

Happy Tourism Awareness Month, everyone!

President Dr Irfaan Ali and several of his Caribbean counterparts have arrived in Riyadh, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for the first Caricom-Saudi Arabia Summit, which is slated to commence today

President Ali will not budge, despite Ambassador Silva’s declaration that Venezuela will not invade Guyana Dear Editor, When it comes to the border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela, President Dr Irfaan Ali is leaving no stone unturned as he deals with the erratic behaviour of the Maduro regime in the most serious manner. On several occasions, His Excellency has made it clear to all and sundry in the world that Guyana has always been, and will always be, a peaceful nation that respects the rule of law, but Venezuela’s claim to the Essequibo region poses a direct threat to Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as it is threatening the economic stability, tranquility, and peaceful existence of the Caribbean; which, unlike Venezuela, has never encroached on the territory of any other nation.

The border controversy between Guyana and Venezuela, which dates to the 1899 Arbitral Award, has shown how successive governments have tried but failed to settle this age-old controversy; but President Dr. Ali is determined and committed to settle it once and for all.

Not only has he elevated the controversy to the World Court, which is the highest legal body capable of settling controversys peacefully between and among countries, but he has also apprised members of the international community, chief among whom are the United States, as well as regional organizations, including the European Union, Commonwealth of Nations, the Organization of African Unity (OAU), and

our neighbours at Caricom and at the Organization of American States (OAS).

He told the world that Venezuela’s recent deployment of troops on its border with Guyana, and its latest threats to use force to unilaterally annex the Essequibo region are designed to undermine and disregard the rule of law and the impending case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

President Dr. Ali has always taken the threats from the Maduro regime very seriously, and so have the Government and Opposition lawmakers who, during a debate on the border controversy on Monday, November 6, have unanimously approved a parliamentary motion in the National Assembly against Venezuela. The lawmakers have noted that in addition to the deployment of thousands of troops by the Maduro regime on the Venezuela side of the border, Venezuela has placed several postings on social media declaring that Essequibo belongs to Venezuela, which is false.

The lawmakers have also reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to the ICJ, and have ruled out any bilateral talks between President Dr. Irfaan Ali and his Venezuelan counterpart, President Nicolas Maduro, to settle the controversy.

As a pragmatist, His Excellency realises that in terms of military prowess, Guyana is no match for Venezuela, whose National Bolivarian Armed Forces comprising the Army, Navy, and Air Force is the 4th

largest military in Latin America, behind Brazil, Colombia and Mexico, and is more than half the size of Guyana’s population.

Therefore, while Venezuela broods over military threats, it is inconceivable for Guyana to think that there is a military solution to settle the border controversy.

However, after a very careful assessment of the escalation of tension propagated by Caracas, and the misleading rhetoric disseminated by President Maduro to buttress his claim to the Essequibo, President Dr. Ali has sought, and received, solid support and meaningful partnerships with members of the international community and regional allies to condemn the reckless behaviour of Venezuela.

Despite the sabre-rattling from Venezuela, President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s eyes were firmly fixed on the prize, to thwart Maduro’s plans, because he knew he had options which he saved for the last.

To strengthen and expand relations with Brazil, given its historic position on the inviolability of borders, President Dr. Ali held discussions with the President of Brazil, Luis Inacio ‘Lula’ Da Silva, on a wide range of bilateral issues, including defence, military cooperation, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, the rule of International Law, the Venezuela border controversy, infrastructure, and economic cooperation, among other things.

The talks between President Ali and his

Brazilian counterpart were held amid repeated threats

by Venezuela to use force to annex the Essequibo region, which was of concern to Brazil. The Brazilian President has always been concerned about violence in the region, and has called for a diplomatic and/or legal settlement to the controversy.

If anyone had any misgivings about President Ali’s strategy on the border controversy, or his resolve to settle it peacefully through the ICJ, they should be cast aside. To the surprise of almost everyone, the Venezuelan Ambassador to Guyana, Carlos Amador Pérez Silva, declared on Sunday November 12, 2023, that Venezuela would not invade Guyana, even if its citizens vote ‘yes’ in the referendum on December 3, 2023 to annex the Essequibo region.

The Venezuelan envoy explained that the deployment of troops on the Venezuelan border with Guyana is part of an operation codenamed “Operation Roraima”, to tackle illegal gold mining, drug trafficking, trafficking in persons, gangs and other “internal security” matters. Despite Ambassador Silva’s proclamation, President Dr. Ali will not claim victory or budge from his position that Venezuela’s claim to Essequibo is false, groundless and illegal. He will continue to push for a peaceful and legal settlement at the ICJ. Sincerely, Dr Asquith Rose

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Urgent attention needed Say no to the "non-officials" to address illegal vending in Georgetown

Dear Editor, Upon reading recent press reports, it has come to my attention that yet another court order has been issued by the High Court against the Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown. This order specifically directs the City Engineer to remove all encumbrances placed by vendors from the pavements and streets surrounding a business entity.

This repetitive legal recourse, undertaken by numerous business owners over the years to restore civility, security, and structure to their surroundings, prompts me to question the City's commitment to ensuring the freedom of every business from such nuisances. Must every business owner have to resort to legal action to secure relief? How could the City, in good conscience, receive commercial property rates from these business owners?

The persistence of un-

lawful vending has fostered a belief among illegal operators that they have a right to encroach upon parapets, pavements, and business fronts. Some vendors erroneously assume that official approval and payment of a cleaning fee to the municipality legitimise their operations.

It is crucial to emphasize that such actions do not legitimise illegal vending. In fact, most pavement vending remains illegal, and therefore the City should not only act upon individual court orders, but should remove vendors from around all business places. As the saying goes, “What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander”.

The Georgetown City Council bears a significant responsibility for the current state of affairs in our capital. For decades, the municipality has failed to curtail illegal vending, inadvertently contributing more to its encouragement

than discouragement. The Council's claim that this issue extends beyond its capacity is questionable, especially when considering the successful restriction of vending around City Hall.

The fact that the perimeter of City Hall remains off-limits to vendors demonstrates that the City Council possesses the capability to control pavement and roadside vending.

As we anticipate a new era under the leadership of the recently-elected Mayor, there is an urgent need for proactive measures to reshape downtown Georgetown. It is my hope that the new municipal directorate, in collaboration with the municipal administration, will address this longstanding issue decisively, taking bold steps to rectify the current chaotic state of affairs in the city in time for Christmas.

Sincerely, Jermain Johnson

Dear Editor, The South-based USA individuals (impersonators?) “visiting” Guyana (not for the first time) on a “fact-finding” mission will not be privileged to meet the Guyana Government.

Rashawn Ray, a young American sociologist, wrote on January 12th, 2021, “Make no mistake, the Capitol insurgency was about making America great for white people.”

Is this group (offenders?) “touring” Guyana to be deemed “intellectual insurgents” and presenting itself as a veiled threat to make Guyana good for only one ethnicity? Let them be reminded that “One Guyana” is our resonated theme.

Ray continues, “In erecting a hangman’s noose, waving the Confederate flag and wearing white nationalist paraphernalia, including an Auschwitz Concentration Camp shirt, the domestic terrorists showed America they fundamentally believe in maintaining and enacting white supremacy.” Is the attire of this team (army?) a camouflage for something different, not yet revealed

publicly and waiting for the opportune moment to fly a different flag above parliament and the court to show who should be controlling this nation?

We’re already dealing with a threatened Venezuelan issue. Do we have to address another invasion? We are six plus races, but one person.

The sociologist added, “Donald Trump, and Trumpism as an ideology, has opened Pandora’s Box of hate into the American mainstream, giving the permission some racists needed to reveal themselves proudly and wreak havoc on symbols of American democracy that have withstood wars and attacks for centuries.”

The “fact-finding” visitors (intruders?) are non-officials who are now enjoying the peace, progress and prosperity which the people of Guyana pervade in. They are residing in the Southern States of the USA. They live and breathe the paradigm of racism populating and polluting the hearts and minds of a toxic society. Is this a premeditated plan to spread the nature of

such a disease? Our nation will not be divided.

Their “objective” certainly opens Pandora’s Box to delve into the history of past discriminative issues involving all ethnicities, and not just to concentrate on current issues of a particular ethnicity, if any! Many respected writers have already authored the narration of numerous incidents and events to guide the eyes and ears of those who want to indulge in “fact-finding.” But, of course, their agenda is completely different, and will not incur the involvement of any of the significant suggestions! They dare not tamper with anything that will not accommodate the wishes of their “sponsors.”

How cooperative will this “charade” be in concealing anything in contradiction to a calculated conclusion? Convoluted perpetrators will not be allowed to plot any plan that will prevent all Guyanese from participating in “One Destiny.”

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall

Foreign group imposes itself on Guyana's internal affairs?

Dear Editor, A non-government US team arrived in Guyana on November 13, 2023 on a socalled fact-finding mission.

Apparently the team was influenced by the emotional pleas of Opposition elements that there is rampant discrimination, marginalisation, extra-judicial killings, lack of inclusivity, and discrimination in the awarding of contract.

The team cited presentations (that were not based on evidence, but rather on rhetoric and platitudes) from David Patterson, Roysdale Forde, SC, Cathy Hughes and Dawn HastingsWilliams as providing the basis for its mission.

An immediate concern pops up! Is ‘fact-finding’ a code word for the surreptitious launch of an Opposition Commission of Inquiry (COI)? Doesn’t such an act violate the Guyana Constitution and undermine the state’s sovereignty?

Where was this team when its sponsors made an unthinkable assault on democracy by staging a 2020 electoral coup d’etat that failed?

Is the team aware of the Leader of the OAS Election Observer Mission, Bruce Golding’s famous quote?

“I have never seen a more transparent attempt to alter the result of an election.”

The fundamental right in any democracy is the right of citizens to choose a Government of their choice.

The aborted attempt by Opposition forces to steal that right in 2020 was not

only despicable and startling, but it also represented a combination of super-indulgence in discrimination, corruption, and constitutional aberration.

The APNU’s ousting from state power at the 2020 polls has caused them to embrace the Desmond Hoyte-style tactics of making the country ungovernable. Additionally, they have failed in their high-profile conference in Washington to impress the Congressional Black Caucus with their exaggerated and misleading allegations. They turned quickly to map out a new strategy by mobilizing the US Team to seek validation of what they already know, but also to subtly shake the foundation of the PPPC Government at this critical time in Guyana’s history: when Venezuela has threatened to annex 2/3 of Guyana, and when the need for the country’s social cohesion is pre-eminent. Why would the Opposition invite this team now?

What relief this team might bring to APNU that they could not get from the Washington engagement is uncertain. They must contend with the formidable record of a performance-driven PPPC Government, which is led by a charismatic leader who has shown a remarkable ability to transcend barriers of race, gender, region, and religion.

President Dr Irfaan Ali leads the most successful Government in the history of Guyana. Taking government to the people has not

only been innovative and highly productive for individuals/families, but also neighbourhood revitalization. The ‘One Guyana’ philosophy is leading towards ethnic tolerance and equity, while these measures have forced the Opposition to alter their strategy of street mayhem and incendiary rhetoric and replace those for now with extra-territorial engagement.

Guyana’s Prime Minister, Brigadier (retd) Mark Phillips, notes: “It is clear that Burke has not only determined the Terms of Reference of this fact-finding mission, but has also essayed the findings of this mission even before it has commenced… The Government of Guyana will not be engaging this delegation…it is a clear interference in Guyana’s domestic politics with a bias towards the political Opposition in Guyana.”

The Prime Minister says that any delegation that is interested in fact finding mission on problems that Guyana has faced historically must enquire into the rigging of the 1968, 1973, 1980 and 1985 elections, and into the economic mismanagement (the GDP plummeted by 24.5% from 1975 to 1992) and for making the country the second poorest in the Western Hemisphere after Haiti.

What about the notorious Jonestown mass murder-suicide that resulted in over 900 deaths of predominantly Black Americans? That trag-

edy “represented the largest number of American civilian casualties in a single non-natural event.” Would the Team investigate the adventures of House of Israel Leader Rabbi Washington and his rapacious “gang of thugs,” as well as the notorious X13 Plan to exterminate a certain ethnic group in the population?

Would they investigate the vulgar 1978 referendum (in which the PNC claimed they received 97.9% (or 419,936) of the votes cast?

The referendum was designed to abolish any future referenda to change the entrenched provisions (like the powers of the President) of the Guyana Constitution and allowed these to be changed instead by a 2/3 majority of Parliament.

The US team should learn from the official NY State delegation (NYSD) that visited Guyana last month. NYSD was very cognizant that they must not seem to be interfering in the internal affairs of the country. Thus, they made it clear that they went to Guyana to listen and learn, but not to investigate or fact-find.

The US team is doing the opposite. The US team is setting a dangerous precedent. Would the US team go to Trinbago that has almost similar challenges like Guyana? And would they go to Haiti to help solve their intractable problems?

Sincerely, Dr Tara Singh

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023 06:00 06:30 07:00 08:00 08:30 09:30 10:00 11:30 12:00 12:05 13:35 14:00 14:30 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 20:30 21:00 22:00 23:00 23:30 00:00

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6

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023

Foundation ◄

Page

Test Questions

BY WALT WHITMAN CONTINUED FROM WEDNESDAY

14 Allons! through struggles and wars!

The goal that was named cannot be countermanded.

Have the past struggles succeeded?

What has succeeded? yourself? your nation? Nature?

Now understand me well—it is provided in the essence of things that from any fruition of success, no matter what, shall come forth something to make a greater struggle necessary.

My call is the call of battle, I nourish active rebellion, He going with me must go well arm’d, He going with me goes often with spare diet, poverty, angry enemies, desertions.

15 Allons! the road is before us!

I

It is safe—I have tried it—my own feet have tried it well—be not detain’d! n this fun and easy weather science experiment for kids, we’re going to explore and investigate a cold front.

Materials:

Plastic cup Blue food colouring Glass Water

Instructions:

Fill the plastic cup about halfway with water.

Add a drop of blue food colouring.

Put the plastic cup in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

Fill a glass about halfway with room temperature water.

After an hour, pour the chilled water into the glass of room temperature water.

How it works:

The cold water should push to the bottom of the glass. A cold front will behave in a similar fashion and push warm air up and out of its way as it moves and squeezes under the warm air. A cold front is where a cold air mass replaces a warm air mass. Cold fronts typically move northwest to southeast and often bring gusty winds, heavy rain, temperature drops, and even thunder and lightning. Cold fronts are represented by a blue line with triangles pointing toward the direction warm air is being replaced on coloured weather maps.

Make this a science project:

Observe the local weather forecast and determine when a cold front is heading your way. Go outside and observe the weather. (sciencefun.org)

Let the paper remain on the desk unwritten, and the book on the shelf unopen’d!

Let the tools remain in the workshop! let the money remain unearn’d!

Let the school stand! mind not the cry of the teacher!

Let the preacher preach in his pulpit! let the lawyer plead in the court, and the judge expound the law.

Camerado, I give you my hand!

I give you my love more precious than money, I give you myself before preaching or law; Will you give me yourself? will you come travel with me?

Shall we stick by each other as long as we live?

The end

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

133 murders recorded so far in 2023 – Crime Chief – 25 more than last year – says serious crimes down by 17.8%

T

he Guyana Police Force (GPF) has recorded an overall reduction in serious crimes from January 1 to November 13, 2023, but according to Head of the Criminal Investigations Department, Wendell Blanhum, the number of murders in the country during this period has increased.

Blanhum, the Force’s Deputy Commissioner – Law Enforcement, made this revelation on Wednesday during the launch of the annual Christmas Policing Plan.

The Crime Chief disclosed that a total of 133 murders were recorded so far this year, compared to 108 for the corresponding period in 2022.

“The number of murders in Guyana increased by 25 [to 133] in the year 2023 when compared to the previous year, which is 108. In total, male victims amounted to 69.1 per cent, while 30.9 per cent of the victims were females,” he stated.

According to the Crime Chief, the Police Force is particularly concerned about the high murder rates in the country, especially in relation to disorderly killings by persons who take the law into their own hands.

In fact, the statistics show that 64 of the mur-

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum

ders recorded this year were disorderly in nature.

“Despite there being a reasonable decrease when compared with the previous years, it has been the most prevalent type of murder for this period,” he stated.

Blanhum further outlined that over the past five years, domestic-related murders peaked to an alltime high at 40 this year.

This, the Crime Chief explained, was due largely to the May 21, 2023 Mahdia School Dormitory Fire in which 19 female students and a five-year-old boy were killed. A teenager has since been charged for these deaths.

Serious crimes

Meanwhile, during his update on the crime situation in the country,

Blanhum also disclosed that as of November 13, serious crimes stood at 1149, compared to 1397 last year – a decline of 17.8 per cent.

With the exception of murders, seven of the 10 categories of crimes recorded a decrease. The other two categories – robbery with aggravation, and kidnapping – had no reports this year.

During this reporting period, ‘plain robbery’ declined by 15 per cent, with 17 cases; robbery under arms dropping by 23.1 per cent, with 319 cases; robbery with violence was reducing by 33.9 per cent, with 37 cases; and larceny from the person has gone down by another 33.3 per cent, with 34 cases.

Armed robbery with the use of firearms has been the most prevalent type

of robbery, with 189 reports. Regional Division 4 ’A’ (Georgetown) accounts for the highest number of gun-related robberies during this time.

The Crime Chief noted that a temporary analysis shows that the peak time for the commission of armed robberies is between 18:00h and midnight. This analysis, he noted, helps to determine when to deploy resources effectively.

Moreover, for the other categories of serious crimes, there were 54 cases of burglary reported to date, representing a 44.8 per cent decrease; while ‘break and enter and larceny’, which is the most prevalent crime occurring across the country, went down by 15.7 per cent, with some 362 cases.

“We do understand the valid concerns about the rate of street crimes, es-

pecially those caught on CCTV cameras and disseminated to the public via social media. On many occasions, these criminal elements are swiftly apprehended and prosecuted, [but] then subsequently they are placed on bail and they’re in the streets again,” the Crime Chief lamented.

Nevertheless, he added, “Our patrol ranks will continue to be vigilant in apprehending these suspects involved in robberies, as they have been doing in the past… Let me assure you that we will continue to address these issues with utmost priority.”

Firearms

On this note, Blanhum said efforts by the Police continued this year to crack down on illegal firearm networks across the country. Consequently, during

the reporting period this year, 128 illegal firearms were recovered from all 12 Policing divisions across the country.

Again, Georgetown has accounted for the highest seizures, 36 illegal firearms; followed by Regional Division Seven (CuyuniMazaruni) with 17 firearms; Regional Division 4 ‘B’ (East Bank Demerara) with 16; and Regional Division Six (East BerbiceCorentyne) with 15.

Pistols, according to the Crime Chief, are the most prevalent weapons recovered, and are the preferred type of firearm for criminals, given its capacity to hold more rounds of ammunition. So far this year, some 77 pistols were recovered, 30 shotguns, 17 revolvers, three rifles and one sub-machine gun.

TURN TO PAGE 13

8 NEWS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Nothing will stop Dec 3 vote on Essequibo – Venezuela’s VP tells World Court ...Guyana Govt upbeat ICJ will rule in its favour

By Feona Morrison

V

ice President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, informed the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Wednesday that nothing will prevent her nation from proceeding with its December 3, 2023 referendum about its claim to the oil-rich Essequibo County of Guyana.

Guyana, which sees the referendum as an "existential threat" that would allow Venezuela to acquire Essequibo, asked the United Nations top court on Tuesday to impose provisional measures to stop it.

…oil in our lamp

“M

ICJ Judges listening attentively as Guyana presents its case on Tuesday (Photo: ICJ/ 14 November 2023 - 15 November 2023)

Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodríguez addressing the ICJ on Wednesday (Photo: ICJ/ 14 November 2023 - 15 November 2023)

to

However, according Venezuela, Guyana’s

A little more…

demand obstructs that country's internal and historical affairs and constitutional order.

“It is unacceptable to attempt to abrogate the Venezuelan constitutional order by preventing the consultative referendum of December 3. Venezuela will not accept it,” a determined Rodríguez told ICJ Judges during her oral arguments.

“Nothing will prevent the referendum, scheduled for the 3rd of December, from being held. Today, we are going to demonstrate that Guyana’s request is unprecedented and unusual. It creates danger for the rest of the international community, in particular for those

states which have constitutional formulas for participating similar to those of Venezuela,” she declared.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ), formally known as the World Court, declared in April of this year that it possesses jurisdiction to determine the border dispute between the two South American neighbours. In the major case, however, a final decision might not come for years.

Venezuela maintains that the border with Guyana, a former colony of The Netherlands and the United Kingdom (UK), was fraudulently imposed by the British, which it has denounced as a "land grabber." Guyana, on the other hand, maintains that the line was determined on October 3, 1899 by an arbitration panel (Arbitral Award of 3 October 1899).

The Anglo-Venezuelan Arbitral Tribunal met in Paris, France, and on October 3, 1899 -122 years ago -- gave its award defining the border between Venezuela and then-British Guiana.

The Venezuelan Vice President made it clear on Wednesday that her nation’s participation in the court proceedings does not, in any way, mean recognition of the court’s jurisdiction.

“I would like to [emphasise] that our participation in this hearing does not, in any way, mean recognition of the jurisdiction of this honourable court on the territorial dispute concerning the Guayana Esequiba, or on the so-called provisional measures requested by Guyana, in flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations and the statuteTURN of this court.”

TO PAGE 17

o ile, mo ile, mo ile!” is the cry from all, excepting those Luddites who’d rather leave ours under the Atlantic, where it had been formed since Africa broke away from South America and all those ancient forests were squeezed into oil!! Did you even wonder, dear reader, why that part off Ghana where they struck oil - in their Jubilee Field - fits neatly into our shoreline?? Anyhow, Exxon and partners just announced they’ve started pumping oil from their third development into the FPSO Prosperity!

This gonna add another 220,000 bpd to the present production - taking the total up to 620,000 bpd in a few months!! Imagine that…little ole us, Mudland, pumping out 620,000 bpd of the sweetest oil you can find anywhere in the world!! Did you think it was a coincidence that even Mauritius – the most prosperous “African” nation in the middle of the Indian Ocean – just credentialed their Ambassador to Pres Ali?? In the modern world system, there’s only one way to make friends and influence countries – produce something they all want!! That’ll grab their attention!! And since plans are already floated (pun intended!) to produce 1.2 Mbpd by 2027 - from the Stabroek Block alone - you can bet we’ll be credentialising plenty more ambassadors for a long time!!

But you, being Guyanese, dear reader - and as such, by definition a sceptic - would be asking, “So what’s in it for us, the average Harry and Harilall?” Well, all your Eyewitness can do is point out the obvious – 14.6% of 1.2 Mbpd is a heckuva lot more than 14.6% of the 400,000 bpd we’ve been pumping to date. And we haven’t been doing too badly, have we?? And your Eyewitness ain’t talking just about various and sundry ambassadors traipsing up the steps of the Presidential Complex.

We’ve been able to begin funding so many of the infrastructural projects we’ve only been dreaming about for decades!! Have you noticed the slew of hospitals being built, and older ones being made “smart”?? Now, this mightn’t be as sexy as those fancy skyscrapers in Dubai, but think about it. Isn’t that more concrete development that’ll help the aforementioned Harry and Harrilall? And all those schools being built – especially in the interior – aren’t we securing our future by educating Harry and Harrilall’s young’uns??

Now, your Eyewitness can go on and on in this vein but he wants you to also know that with the guaranteed 14.6% of 1.2M bpd on the horizon, banks and countries are lining up to lend us money!! It’s the old rule in finance: “Them who has, gets!!”

So yes…a lot more ile… …strategy Your Eyewitness has been thinking about Hamas’s end game in their long-planned assault on Israel that was launched on Oct 7. They knew they’d draw Israel into a war – but would’ve also known they couldn’t win in a direct slugfest - against the former’s more formidable firepower. However, with the tunnels they have dug over the years, they figure they can fight an extended guerrilla war – even though they know they’ll take unmanageable casualties. Which they have.

But they’ve been suffering those same casualties since 1948 - when Israel expelled 900,000 of them from their homes. This has been overlooked because the casualties weren’t as dramatic as the present ones. So, they got the world’s attention - and change now gotta come. At this point, Israel is its own worst enemy as it dissipates all the goodwill it earned from the European Jewish Holocaust.

By backing the Palestinian cause, China and Russia have earned brownie points from even America’s erstwhile ally, Saudi Arabia.

Israel overplayed its hands, not expecting the Palestinians to hold on. …nous?

One lawyer’s second-guessing the tack our lawyers have taken at the ICJ on the Venezuelan Border Controversy. Now, she wasn’t taken up blocking oil production in 2018 when the case was filed – since oil started flowing in 2019. Sleeping?

The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

NEWS

9

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Value of Troy Resources’ assets seized by Govt still being assessed – Min Bharrat – land from Troy’s former holdings being redistributed to small miners

T

he value of the millions of dollars’ worth of Troy Resources assets that were seized by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government is still being assessed.

However, in an effort not to let the gold in the area go to waste, the Government has started allocating claims in Troy’s former holdings to small miners.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat spoke about the Troy Resources debacle that has seen the company exiting Guyana owing over $2 billion to the

Troy Resources' former holdings

state. At present, agencies such as the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) are dealing with the assets

left behind.

Bharrat noted that while a detailed assessment of Troy’s assets that have been taken over by the state has not yet been done,

Large inter-agency investigation still underway into gold smuggling – Minister ...assures action will be taken once enough evidence is gathered

The Guyana Gold Board

A

large inter-agency investigation is still underway to investigate gold smuggling, with subject Minister Vickram Bharrat assuring that a number of actions will be taken once the investigation has been wrapped up.

Reports of gold smuggling, costing the state millions in revenue, have reared their head throughout the year. At his end-of-year press conference, Bharrat addressed this and assured a multi-agency investigation is still underway.

“Yes, there are reports of alleged gold smuggling.

We have received some of the information, which the Ministry of Home Affairs and a number of other agencies have been engaging in an investigation. But I want to assure you that the people who are caught, or we can provide enough evidence that they are actually doing that, will have to face the full force of the law,” he said.

“And as was mentioned before, if people who own properties are involved in this, then it means that GGMC will be in a position where it will have to take

back those properties,” the Minister said.

Minister Bharrat noted that persons who were allocated claims by the Government cannot avoid declaring gold to the Government. He made it clear that once the agencies have concluded their investigations, actions will be taken.

“You can’t be given properties from the Government and you’re not declaring your gold through the rightful channel. So, once we have enough evidence when that investigation is concluded, then action will be taken in more than one forms,” he further explained.

Last month, the Government had announced that an investigation would be launched into reports of gold smuggling/illegal trade.

This came about in light of diminishing gold declarations that were at odds with the investments being made in the sector.

This was announced in a statement from the Ministry of Natural Resources, also reminding miners that they are required to sell all the gold they find to licensed

gold dealers/traders, or to the Guyana Gold Board.

The Ministry had further reminded them that it is illegal to purchase gold without the requisite licence.

According to the Ministry, the relevant agencies are tasked with ensuring the laws surrounding the selling of gold are upheld, and further, an investigation has been launched into the disparity in gold declarations and investments.

In July, there had been reports that Brazilian federal authorities had launched an investigation into a Guyanese businessman suspected of laundering millions worth of illegally mined gold into that country.

The probe was initiated after authorities discovered the involvement of an alleged Guyanese businessman who has ties to the gold mining industry in Guyana conducting business in Brazil under suspicious circumstances.

Reports are that Federal Police agents suspected that the Guyanese businessman has a Brazilian partner who aids in the movement of funds through the companies.

The Bank of Guyana (BoG), in its first quarter statistical report on the performance of the economy for the year, had said gold declarations decreased by 5.3 per cent when compared to the same period last year.

For 2022, the total gold declaration was 486,415 ounces; in 2021 it was 499,054 ounces; 2020 recorded 584,291 ounces, and 2019 some 634,905 ounces.

(G-3)

if one compares it with other large gold mining companies, it is likely to be hundreds of millions of United States (US) dollars.

“Troy Resources, in terms of the value of the property and what we would have acquired, again it’s a multi-agency approach.

GRA is involved in it. We know that GRA would have secured a number of assets on site, in containers. GGMC has taken over the site with the processing plant. But if you look at the establishment of a new (mine)…let’s take Zijin for example. Aurora Gold Mines was acquired by Zijin

from Guyana Goldfields.

Zijin acquired that property and processing plant and everything for over US$200 million in 2020. So, I’m just giving you an idea, I’m not telling you that’s the value of Troy’s property,” the Minister explained.

During his press conference, Bharrat also expressed worry about low gold declarations, and noted that there are several reasons for the low gold declarations. One such reason is the exit of Australian company Troy Resources from Guyana still owing billions.

“We have seen also the closure of Troy. And we mentioned that, you know what is the reason for Troy Resources (closing). And in our budgeted declaration for 2023, we were expecting Troy Resources to restart production and to offset liabilities to the Government.

However, we would have known what would have happened to the company.

However, what we are doing as a Government, we have identified an area within the formerly Troy

Resources property, and we’re allocating claims to small miners, Guyanese small miners. To date, we have awarded over 50 claims to over 50 local miners. And this process is being done by way of a lottery, so it’s a fair process,” the Minister said.

The Minister explained that many of these small miners have already moved into the area and started mobilization. He noted that with small miners constantly complaining about access to land, they now have that opportunity.

Troy Resources, the Australian company that was operating in Guyana since 2015 and at one point was one of the largest gold producers in Guyana, has exited Guyana while leaving behind billions of dollars in owed royalties.

In September, the Legal Affairs Minister had written a demand letter to Troy Resources, after its efforts to pack up shop with over $2.6 billion in royalties owed. At the time, the company was given 60 days to clear its debts.

10 NEWS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Education, economics vital to advancing gender equality – First Lady

First Lady Arya Ali addressing the gathering

A

dvancing education and economics among women is vital to promoting and accelerating gender equality, which is a critical pillar to economic growth and human progress.

First Lady Arya Ali made this assertion on Wednesday while delivering the keynote address at the opening of the Caribbean Gender Empowerment Forum at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, Kingston, Georgetown.

Acknowledging that it is one of the main Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030, the First Lady highlighted gender equality as a matter of social justice, which allows equal ac-

cess to rights, resources, and opportunities.

The Caribbean Gender Empowerment Forum brings together policymakers and experts to discuss how Government, civil society organisations, and the Private Sector can support gender empowerment in Guyana and the Caribbean.

It also aims to provide insight into the impact of climate change on women and girls and to advocate for gender-responsive policies and budgets.

“Today, the importance of advancing justice for women is more pressing than ever. Crises generated by challenges linked to, for example, the COVID-19

Some of the attendees at the event

pandemic, climate change, demographic and technological shifts as well as violence and insecurity, including gender-based violence and harassment, undermine our fundamental human rights and affect women’s chances of building a good life for themselves. This is a threat to economic growth and human progress,” the First Lady Ali stated.

Education, she added, lies at the heart of the call to action as it is a fundamental right and is critical to improving equality, voice, and the power of women and girls. However, many factors are still hindering women and girls

from accessing education.

The Menstrual Hygiene Initiative, which was launched two years ago, is now benefiting more than 30,000 school-aged females after it was found that in vulnerable families, girls were missing school sessions due to them being unable to afford sanitary napkins.

“Our intervention in this particular area must, therefore, be bold and so nothing less than transformational will be necessary to ensure we truly equip our girls for the future. And while we make progress for girls, we must not forget about the thousands of women who have

already missed out on education. They need different educational support as well as access to childcare services, technical and vocational training, training in life skills, and decent paid work,” she further underscored.

In relation to economics, First Lady Ali emphasised that unleashing the economic power of women must be high on the agenda, as it can lead to economic growth.

She also noted that stakeholders must work collectively to build and advance upon the gender equality initiatives that are already being implemented successfully.

The gender equality forum is being facilitated through partnership with the Atlantic Council and UN Women, and a recipient UN Organisation as part of the European UnionUnited Nations Spotlight Initiative programme.

Among the presenters at the event were Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Representative Gillian Smith; Women and Gender Equality Commission of Guyana Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Renata Chuck-ASang and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative in Guyana, Gerardo Noto.

2016 pirate attack

4 now plead guilty to murdering fishermen

From left: Hemchand Sookdeo, Munish Churman, Dhanpaul Ramphal and Dochan Sukra

T

he fourth man to enter a guilty plea in relation to the 2016 pirate attack that claimed the lives of four fishermen is Leon Sammy.

Sammy, originally of Number 75 Village, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), changed his not-guilty plea to guilty in relation to four counts of murder when he appeared before Justice Sandil Kissoon at the Berbice High Court on Wednesday.

Apart from Sammy, Ganesh Naidoo of Number 79 Village, Corentyne; Ramesh Singh of Liverpool Village, and Stephon Leacock of Number 77 Village, Corentyne have also pleaded guilty to murdering the fishermen during a piracy attack on May 28, 2016 on the Corentyne Coast.

The quartet’s sentencing hearing is set for Monday, December 4, following the pre-

represented by Attorney-atLaw Kevin Morgan.

Hours after the attack, Sookdeo's body was discovered entangled in seines with a chop wound to the back of his skull. However, his three other crew members: Churman, Sukra, and Ramphal, are still unaccounted for, and thought to have perished.

The three missing fishermen were reportedly tossed overboard while still tied to an

Fuel and other equipment, as well as the fishermen's daily catch, were taken by the bandits.

A few days later, Police visited No. 65 Village foreshore in Corentyne in response to information they had received, and they observed a boat that matched the description of the vessel used during the attack. On board, Police found the four confessed killers and Latchman.

cane harvester formerly of Hampshire Squatting Area, Corentyne, had been remanded on a murder charge in connection with the October 2013 murder of Davendra Deodat, a 34-year-old businessman of Hampshire Squatting Area, Corentyne.

After appearing in court on June 21, 2017, he had returned to his cell in the New Amsterdam Prison, where he was attacked by inmates

Last month, Ramchand Latchman and another man were each sentenced to life imprisonment, with the possibility of being paroled after 30 years, for their involvement in the killing of a fellow prison inmate. The sentence was imposed after a jury had found them guilty of murder.

Neshan Jagmohan, a

armed with homemade weapons.

Jagmohan was taken by ambulance to the New Amsterdam Public Hospital, where was immediately pronounced dead. A post-mortem examination determined that he had died from puncture wounds to the heart, lungs, and kidneys.

From left: Ramchand Latchman, Ganesh Naidoo, Ramesh Singh, Stephon Leacock and Leon Sammy

sentation of probation and other social reports to Justice Sandil Kissoon.

The men confessed to killing Dhanpaul Ramphal, also known as "Sunil," 38; Munish Churman, 26, also known as "Boyo," of Number 60 Village; Dochan Sukra, 54, called “Butcher"; and 45-yearold Hemchand Sookdeo, aka “Dread”, a father of five

from Number 55 Village, Corentyne, Berbice.

Meanwhile, the fifth accused, Ramchand Latchman, has entered not-guilty pleas, and his trial will commence next Monday before a mixed 12-member jury.

Singh and Leacock are being represented by Attorneyat-Law Tuanna Hardy, while Naidoo and Sammy are being

anchor. According to reports, one of the five men had admitted to the crimes and implicated Latchman.

Seepersaud Persaud was the captain of Rosana 664, the vessel which came under attack. In the attack, Persaud was hurled overboard, but he made it through the ordeal alive.

11

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

12 NEWS GDF welcomes 223 newly-trained private soldiers THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

F

The newly-trained PTE during their passing out parade

ollowing 16 weeks of rigorous induction training, 223 private (PTE) soldiers have officially joined the ranks of the

Guyana Defence Force.

This parade was the first of its kind to be conducted in battle order.

The recruits underwent

Commander of the First Infantry Battalion, Colonel Michael Shahoud, taking the salute

various training modules designed to transform them from civilians to loyal, fit, obedient, and disciplined soldiers with a high stan-

dard of infantry skills and marksmanship competency.

Commander of the First Infantry Battalion, Colonel Michael Shahoud, delivered the closing remarks and urged the soldiers to implement their training gains in all aspects of their lives.

He also reminded them that this stage marked both

an ending and a beginning, emphasizing that there are many more skills and much more knowledge to acquire throughout their careers.

PTE Junior Willis has been recognized as the Best Graduating Student, and he also received the Best Military Knowledge award, while PTE Javon Lynch has been adjudged the Runner-

Up Student.

The title of Best Shot was claimed by PTE Gabriel Lynch, while PTE Trevlon Sutton earned the distinction of Best Fitness.

PTE Thifiney Jacobs has been awarded Best Drill, and the Number Three Platoon has received the Best Platoon Trophy.

MoH to launch app to monitor persons with chronic noncommunicable diseases

Some of the PTE who completed the training

T

o effectively manage the growing number of chronic non-communicable diseases local-

Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony

ly, the Ministry of Health, through the Diabetes Comprehensive Centre (DCC), will soon introduce a mobile app to consistently monitor the habits of patients.

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony made the announcement at the opening ceremony of the DCC’s first-ever community health fair, held at Lusignan, ECD on Tuesday.

The medical exhibition is a collaboration between the Health Ministry and the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region Four that was held in observance of World Diabetes Day. The app aims to assist healthcare providers with monitoring and caring for diabetic patients, potentially influencing positive changes in patient outcomes. Dr Anthony strongly believes that data garnered from the app would

assist in decreasing the number of cases relating to non-communicable diseases in Guyana.

“One of the things that we’ll be doing at this clinic very soon is that we’ll introduce an app for smartphones that will help us in monitoring people: what they eat, how much they eat, the frequency at which they eat, and a lot of other prerogatives,” the Health Minister explained.

Individuals have been urged to adopt healthy, life-changing behaviours, and make regular checkups a practice, rather than seeking medical attention only when they are unwell.

The need for more men to undergo regular check-ups has also been underlined.

Dr Anthony has said this proactive approach can alter the dynamics of chronic diseases.

Meanwhile, Region Four Regional Health Officer Dr Gavinash Persaud has encouraged patients to maintain a healthy diet and engage in regular exercise to positively impact their conditions.

Director of NonCommunicable Diseases, Dr Latchmie Lall, disclosed that since the centre’s opening in April, it has facilitated over 2000 consultations referred for treatment. The $50 million Diabetes Comprehensive Centre provides a holistic approach to the care of diabetics.

NEWS

13

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Targeted approach needed for fisheries monitoring – Min Mustapha ...as IUU National Plan of Action presented to Fisheries Dept

A

griculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha handed over Guyana’s National Plan of Action to prevent, deter, and eliminate illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing to the Ministry’s Fisheries Department.

The event took place in the Ministry’s main boardroom, and saw attendance of representatives from the World Wildlife Fund-Guianas (WWF-Guianas), the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), and other officers from the Ministry’s Fisheries Department.

While offering remarks at the exercise, Minister Mustapha said the fisheries sector provides an essential source of food, employment, well-being, and trade globally and for many Guyanese.

“There is a continued demand for fish and fish products, owing to the massive expansion of our global population. Fish has emerged as an important commodity for the achievement of food security. However, we are cognizant of the fact that our efforts to ensure the sustainability of the fishing industry face significant threats, such as climate change, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. The Government of Guyana continues to invest heavily in proactive initiatives that ensure Guyana is on a sustainable path to being a food-se-

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha

cure nation. This plan of action, therefore, strives to promote long-term conservation and the sustainable use of our fisheries resources,” Minister Mustapha said.

Mustapha also said that with the framework, the Ministry would seek to improve the management of Guyana’s fisheries resources, which is supported by legislative reform.

“The framework also provides a targeted approach towards fisheries monitoring, control, surveillance, and enforcement, given the nature of the fisheries and the limited human and financial resources. The Government of Guyana continues to invest heavily in proactive initiatives that ensure Guyana is on a sustainable path to being a food-secure nation.

Guyana’s National Plan of Action against IUU Fishing strives to promote long-term conservation and the sustainable use of our fisheries resources, as we firmly be-

lieve that sustainable use of our fisheries resources starts with us,” he added.

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing activities are responsible for the loss of 11-26 million tons of fish each year, which is estimated to have an economic value of US$10–23 billion. In order to combat this, Sustainable Development Goal Number Four urges the international community to effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, and destructive fishing practices.

Meanwhile, a Representative of World Wildlife Fund- Guianas (WWF), Aiesha Williams, in her address, noted that a multi-stakeholder approach is needed to address IUU, as it is a global challenge.

“IUU is a global challenge. It is one that can be

133 murders recorded so...

The Guyana Police Force now has access to the United States-based Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms (ATF) database in order to conduct traces of illegal firearms. As a result, the GPF has determined that most of the illegal weapons found on the local streets originated from the US, that is, 29 or 22.7 per cent and neighbouring Brazil, that is, 26 or 20.30 per cent.

The origin of some 24 seized firearms or 18.8 per cent are unknown while the other emanate from mostly European countries such as Austria, Italy, Russia, Belgium and Germany.

Meanwhile, under this new partnership with the Bureau, several local investigators recently received training from an ATF expert and from the newly established CARICOM Gun Intelligence Unit on firearms related matters.

Narcotics

With regards to narcotics, between January 1 to November 13 this year, some 9.9 kilograms of cocaine were discovered by the police, reflecting a decrease. As it relates to cannabis, some 1425.7 kilograms were seized this year and the Crime Chief credited this to the Force’s drug interdiction efforts.

“Cannabis seizures were due to daily operations conducted, targeting known drug blocks, checkpoints and chokepoints, and this led to the highest cannabis seizures in five years,” he noted.

The police also destroyed the highest number of marijuana plants this year with some 131 acres of fields.

From these discoveries, 188 persons have been charged and placed before the courts for cannabis trafficking and/or possession, and another 26 per-

FROM PAGE 7

sons for cocaine-related offences.

On the issue of charges, the GPF continues to uphold its zero-tolerance for rouge elements. This is reflected in the fact that 14 police officers were charged this year for offences ranging from simple larceny, larceny by public officer, conspiracy to obstruct the course of justice, assault, causing bodily harm by wanton driving, obstructing the course of justice, corruption, and trafficking in narcotics.

In addition, it was also reported that there were no reports of piracy during this period.

Moreover, the GPF’s Combatting Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Unit continued to work with various stakeholders to prevent this crime through a series of activities including awareness campaigns and outreaches during this period.

(G-8)

Minister Mustapha handing over the document to the Ministry's CFO, Denzil Roberts

addressed through a combination of governance enforcement, technology, and engagement. WWF, across the network, has been working to reduce IUU fishing for years, and we recognize the crucial role the industry and other stakeholders need to play in effectively addressing IUU,” she explained.

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing is a broad term that captures a variety of fishing activities that are undermining sustainable fisheries management and the health of the marine environment.

Further, the minister disclosed that for the first time, Guyana was able to achieve a 100% pass for the Section 609 Turtle Excluder Device (TED) Inspection with the

United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), becoming only the 4th country to achieve this.

Back in 2021, the Fisheries Department began working with the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) to develop Guyana’s National Plan of Action for the fight against Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (NPOA-IUU) Fishing. This NPOA would be based on the principles of the Regional Plan of Action (RPOA-IUU) which seek to assist its member states in implementing the foremost measure in the RPOA-IUU. Over the next two days, the Fisheries Department and the WWF will also be hosting an inception work-

shop that aims to gather representatives from the entities responsible for fisheries management in Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana with the primary objective of exploring potential avenues for collaboration to combat IUU in our waters.

National delegates from the respective countries will have the opportunity to make presentations intended to foster a better understanding of each country's role in fisheries management and mandates, as well as ongoing and future initiatives to combat IUU fishing. The first phase of this initiative is expected to lay the foundation for a long-term collaborative effort by soliciting input from the fisheries management bodies of each country.

14 NEWS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Over 300 ranks to be deployed in G/town for Christmas season – Commander – drones, road closure among efforts to bolster policing W

ith the holiday season being imminent, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Wednesday rolled out its annual Christmas Policing Plan, which is aimed at controlling crime and traffic across the country. The key features of this plan are heightened Police presence in the streets and communities, and the limiting of traffic in busy commercial zones.

The strategy has taken effect from November 15, and will continue to be in effect until January 15, 2024. Among the main focus of this plan are: increase in the deployment of boots on the ground, including both uniformed and plainclothes ranks, during the day and night from Monday to Sunday; increased deployment of anti-crime patrols; fully operational Police booths being located at various areas across the 12 Regional Police Divisions, especially in the main shopping districts, with the aim of receiving crime reports and taking action); deployment of the Marine Patrol, Mounted Patrol and Canine Patrol; deployment of Police patrols to crime hot spots, especially during peak hours; and identifying known suspicious characters at busy shopping areas, commercial banks, car parks and nightspots to act as a deterrent.

Additionally, the strat-

Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh

egy entails maintaining a robust presence at choke points, check points, and border locations; increased deployment at the two airports – Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and Eugene F. Correia International (Ogle) Airport – as Guyana expects an increase in visitors; and the use of new recruits deployed to the various divisions to bolster the complement of ranks.

For effective policing across the country during this holiday period, all regional divisions will be divided into several sections, with focus being placed on the main commercial hubs.

Policing in Georgetown

In fact, Commander of Regional Division 4 ‘A’ (Georgetown), Assistant Commissioner Simon McBean, revealed that the capital city will be divided into 15 sections, and

heightened Police presence is already visible, and will be further increased over the coming weeks.

“We are planning to put 82 patrols on the road on a daily basis, which will account for 250 [anti-crime] Police officers; and in traffic, 51 patrols which will cater for over 90 Police officers,” the Commander noted.

Of these, there will be 28 foot patrols comprising 56 ranks throughout the city; 14 bicycle patrols comprising 28 ranks; another 14 patrols on motorcycle comprising 32 ranks; and 26 motor vehicle patrols with 135 ranks.

“We are continuing to work in collaboration with the City Constabulary, our [private] security agencies, our business communities, and other stakeholders to ensure we have a safe festive season. We intend to reduce crime, fear of crime,

and traffic accidents during this period,” McBean explained.

According to the Georgetown Commander, increased crime, traffic accidents and congestion are likely during this period; and as such, there will be heightened intelligence-led operations, focus on noise nuisance, special emphasis to be paid on all commercial and residential areas, heightened security of entertainment and public events, increased visits to key points and vulnerable points, heightened traffic enforcement, and special arrangements to facilitate late shopping on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Traffic in the city

“Specifically, for Christmas Even and Old Year’s Day, a need may arise, [and] Regent Street will be closed temporarily between Camp Street and Avenue of the Republic from 12:00h. This is to facilitate the extensive amount of shoppers and activities therein. For Robb Street, we’ll ensure there is a no-entry for articulated vehicles, but there is not a limitation for the movement of cargo from John Fernandes [Wharf]. On Robb Street itself, the eastbound traffic is the priority,” Head of the GPF’s Traffic Department, Senior Superintendent Mahendra Singh, explained.

During his presenta-

Regional Commander for Division 4 ‘A’ (Georgetown), Simon McBean

tion, he added, “There will be managed movement, not restricted, of containerized cargo, and support by us for the internal supply chain. CCTV support will come in the form of alerts for congestion, obstruction, and public order issues – all real time information, and that flow helps us to have our patrols diverted to address the area that is in need at the time.”

According to the Traffic Chief, the Force is available to work with businesses, including construction companies that need to move building materials but usually cause obstruction on the roadways. He urged them to reach out to the GPF for assistance, so that these movements can be regulated and not cause hindrances to other road users as well as create traffic congestion.

Other traffic concerns include speeding, and driving under the influ-

ence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs, among other things.

Similarly, Singh posited that the Police Force is not “anti-social and anti-entertainment”, and while they intend to enhance their presence at these events, they also need patrons to play their part.

“We will deploy to meet the demand of the day based on what we have, and we expect you to play your part too. And we will be looking at speeding and DUI, and at you – for your inattentiveness. I encourage you to pay attention to what you’re doing. Use the road with care and caution,” the Traffic Chief admonished.

Like Georgetown, similar arrangements are being put in place to have heightened Police presence at crime hot spots and main commercial zones such as markets and shopping areas in all the other regional divisions. (G-8)

Bourda Market vendor pleads for assistance after fire guts house

T

he Bourda Market vendor who lost her West Coast Berbice (WCB) home on Tuesday to fire is pleading with the public to assist her to rebuild, since she has nowhere to live.

Tuesday evening’s fire at Number 12 Village WCB has left 60-year-old Sukwatie Ramnarine, called ‘Indira’, and her two children homeless, the fire – of unknown origin - having completely destroyed the market vendor’s home.

The woman had reportedly left home at about 3:00h to travel to the market, and heard of the fire when she

Sukwatie Ramnarine

was returning home in the evening. By the time she arrived, the house in which she once lived was reduced

to ashes.

Her 29-year-old son Ramdeo told investigators that he and his brother had

left home at about 08:00h for a friend’s house, and before leaving, they had switched off all electrical appliances.

Ramnarine has said she lost everything in the fire.

“I does throw a lil box hand, because you don’t make anything much in the market.

I collect the box hand, over $200,000, the day before, and plus I had some other money. All burn up! Even my jewellery, all were in the house, and everything burn up! When I reached, nothing is there,” she said.

Neighbours had reportedly attempted to put out the blaze, but were unsuccessful.

Firefighters from the Onverwagt Fire Station who arrived on the scene were to put out the blaze. However, villagers were able to remove a bus which was parked under the house, preventing any damage to it.

Ramnarine on Wednesday told this publication that she is in need of somewhere to live. “Right now I don’t have a cent in my name, because every-

The aftermath of the fire

thing burn,” she said with tears in her eyes.

“I was standing up on the road, but because this rain came down just now, that is why I came back into the yard,” she added.

“I does work very hard to get what I had. When I sell, and if I have a little profit, I would go and buy something for the house, like how the Christmas is coming. Now

I don’t have anything; not even clothes,” she lamented.

She said the clothing she had on was the same she had gone to work in on Tuesday.

“I washed them at a neighbour last night (Tuesday) and put them back on this morning (Wednesday),” she said.

The vendor, who has been a widow for the past 20 years, says sums of money

she owed farmers were also in the house when it went up in flames.

While not being able to estimate her losses at this time, Ramnarine says, her main priority is to be able to get a roof over her head.

She can be contacted on telephone number 6759448. Meanwhile, the Fire Department is investigating the cause of the fire.

NEWS

15

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Jaguar is 6th FPSO, earmarked for Whiptail project – UK firm Bayphase reviewing Field Development Plan

T

he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government has confirmed that the sixth Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel earmarked for the Whiptail project, will be dubbed the Jaguar FPSO. According to Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat during a recent press conference, by the time this FPSO comes online in 2027, Guyana expects to be producing as much as 1.2 million barrels of oil per day.

“How will we achieve that? As I mentioned the third FPSO is producing now. Sometime early next year. And we will be at 620,000 barrels per day, the current figures right now.

We’ve already signed production licences for Uaru and Yellowtail. Yellowtail One Guyana FPSO is under construction,” he said.

“And that is expected to arrive in Guyana sometime next year. If possible, we can get a startup next year too.

That would be in our favour.

Hopefully by early 2025, we could get a startup of the Yellowtail One Guyana FPSO.” Following the One Guyana FPSO, the next

FPSO expected to come online for the Uaru project is the Errea Witte FPSO. This FPSO is named after a Warrau word that means abundance, according to the Minister, and is expected to start up in 2027.

“And then we expect, once everything goes well with the approval process and the process that we’re currently in with Whiptail, the sixth FPSO, the Jaguar FPSO. And [that] will be for the Whiptail development,” the Minister explained.

Meanwhile, he further explained that British consultant firm Bayphase, which played a key role in the crafting of the production licence for Uaru, will also be retained to work on the Whiptail Field Development Plan (FDP).

According to the Minister, “we already have the consultant who has worked on the last licence, which is Uaru, and who has been retained for the period to continue working on Whiptail”.

ExxonMobil had approached the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for approval of Whiptail, its sixth project in the Stabroek Block, early this year. According to the Environmental Impact

Assessment (EIA), the project will target between 33 and 72 wells. The documents further detailed that development drilling is expected to last from late 2024 or early 2025 through mid2030, with the possibility of extending it as late as 2031.

Installation of subsea components of the project is meanwhile slated to begin in the second half of 2025 or early 2026. The installation of the FPSO as well as commissioning and start-up, are expected to occur in 2027.

The life of the project is expected to last for at least 20 years.

According to the US oil company, the project will employ over 500 persons during drilling and installation. Additionally, between 100 and 180 persons will be employed during production. It was further explained that the Whiptail FPSO will be similar to the one for Yellowtail and will be designed to target 300,000 barrels per day.

When it comes to any potential impacts from the project, the EIA stated that the project would not disturb any natural onshore habitats since it is taking place over 195 kilometres off the coast. However, it stat-

International Day of Tolerance

Embrace, celebrate diversity of our nation – ERC

N

ovember 16 every year is set aside by the United Nations General Assembly for the observance of International Day of Tolerance.

As such, the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) has encouraged all Guyanese to embrace and celebrate the diversity of our nation as Guyana joins in observing this important day.

In a release issued by the ERC, it stated that tolerance is the respect, acceptance, and appreciation of the multifaceted diversity of human cultures, eth-

nicities, religions, and languages that make up the world. It is the foundation of peaceful and inclusive societies.

“Indeed, the success of the ERC is predicated upon the promotion and assimilation of tolerance within our plural society.

As outlined in our mandate under Article 212D of the Constitution, it is to “Foster a sense of security among all ethnic groups by encouraging and promoting the understanding, acceptance and tolerance of diversity in all aspects of national life…,” the constitutional body added.

Further it reiterated that Guyana was blessed with a rich heritage of cultures and traditions. This diversity, it stated, is one of our greatest strengths.

It makes our nation more vibrant, dynamic, and resilient.

“On this International Day of Tolerance, the ERC urges all Guyanese to learn more about and appreciate the different cultures and traditions that make up our nation; challenge stereotypes and prejudices; speak out against discrimination and intolerance and promote empathy and understanding.”

“Together, we can create a Guyana where everyone feels respected and valued, regardless of their background or beliefs. We invite all citizens to join us in celebrating this day by taking a stand for tolerance, respect, and unity.”

“Let us work together to create a more inclusive, harmonious, and tolerant society for current and future generations,” the ERC posited.

ed that the project may potentially have a meaningful impact on water quality, climate, and certain marine biological and socio-economic resources.

However, mitigation measures were included in the assessment for the EPA to peruse. Meanwhile, the EPA had issued a notice in August inviting citizens to submit any concerns they may have about the project, within 60 days.

The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres). Exxon, through its local subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), holds 45 per cent interest in the block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd had had

The sixth FPSO will be named after Guyana’s national animal

30 per cent interest, which it recently sold to Chevron.

CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds the remaining 25 per cent interest.

ExxonMobil has said it anticipated at least six projects offshore Guyana, in-

cluding the Whiptail project, will be online by 2027.

Production has already started on the Liza Phase 1 and 2 projects, as well as the third development, Payara.

Yellowtail and Uaru, Exxon’s fourth and fifth developments, have already received governmental approval. (G3)

16 NEWS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

5 Reg 3 families receive new core homes – houses range from $4.5 to $4.9M

Enduko Glenmore along with his family

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ive low-income families from Onderneeming and Lust-en-Rust in Region Three (Essequibo IslandsWest Demerara) have been presented with keys to new core homes by Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal.

Under the umbrella of the Adequate Housing and Urban Accessibility Programme (AHUAP), the Core Home Initiative is set to elevate the living conditions of vulnerable families.

The keys were handed over on Tuesday evening to Enduko Glenmore (Lot 2194 Onderneeming);

Nicola Thompson (Lot 2059 Onderneeming); Condica Eastman (Lot 2041 Onderneeming); Tricia Da Sivia (Lot 4026 Lust-enRust); and Desmond Cheong (Lot 172 Onderneeming).

In addition to receiving the keys to their new homes, these beneficiaries also received their Certificates of Inspection.

Minister Croal has said that approximately 30 homes had previously been delivered to residents in Region Three, and another set is currently in the construction phase. In emphasising the significant pos-

itive impact these homes have on the lives of the beneficiaries, he addressed the importance of the initiative by stating, “This activity is simple, but to the beneficiaries it means a lot. This is about bringing upliftment to our citizens; bringing upliftment to families, and to provide a better environment so we can all be happy”.

Minister Croal also disclosed that nearly $900 million has been expended for infrastructural development along the West Bank Demerara corridor, covering street and streetlight installation as well as drainage networks.

Recreational facilities are part of the ongoing project, with efforts underway to identify an area in Region Three suitable for such a facility.

Enduko Glenmore, one of the recipients, revealed that although he had owned his land for a decade, circumstances had prevented him from building a proper home. Consequently, he had resorted to erecting a makeshift shack in his yard.

“We could have survived in this little thing, and we’re much better in this one,” he remarked, indicating the structure he had formerly occupied and then pointing towards the new core home on his property.

Nicola Thompson collecting her Certificate of Inspection from Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal

Sharing that approximately two other family members would be joining him in the new residence, Mr. Glenmore expressed joy at the prospect of expanding the home in the future. He also expressed his gratitude to the Housing Ministry and the Dr. Irfaan Ali-led Government.

Another beneficiary, Nicola Thompson, recounted her struggle with mortgage applications, detailing how she had faced rejection from several banks because her salary as a merchandiser for a private company was small.

After finally securing approval from one bank, she received a call from CH&PA,

notifying her of her eligibility for the core home.

“I was so happy,” she said, recalling the moment she received the call. The mother of two continued, “I have no mortgage to pay, no debts to leave for my children. I am happy that I am comfortable, and [the] Government provided me with a home that my children can live in”.

Each of these homes comprises two bedrooms, along with kitchen and washroom facilities. With costs ranging from $4.5M to $4.9M, beneficiaries are only required to make a $100,000 contribution towards the home’s construction. As a stipulation, each beneficia-

ry must be the owner of the land on which the home is being constructed.

AHUAP is funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and executed by the Ministry of Housing and Water-Central Housing and Planning Authority.

The AHUAP boundary encompasses the La Parfaite Harmonie Housing Development in Region Three; Georgetown to Grove on the East Bank of Demerara in Region Four; and from Georgetown to La Bonne Intention and nineteen other select communities up to Victoria on the East Coast of Demerara in Region Four.

UN consults PWD, Govt about inclusion, freedom from violence

Persons with various disabilities posing with officials at the event

D

isability rights’ advocates and activists from across he region have sent the strong message that any decision pertaining to their human rights, inclusion, and freedom from violence must ensure they are seated at the table.

This was the tone as over 60 delegates from 10 Caribbean countries recently took part in a con-

sultation with the aim of shedding light on barriers and advances towards inclusion, participation, and freedom from violence for persons with disabilities.

Participants attending the hybrid forum at UN House in Barbados as well as online included representatives from governments and organizations of persons with disabilities, as well as renowned

regional disability rights’ advocates.

The all-day session provided a constructive environment to highlight barriers that limit persons with disabilities in the Caribbean from leading independent, productive lives, despite their multiple skills. It also served to explore steps towards true inclusion and enhanced participation, be it the es-

tablishment of quotas to ensure employment opportunities, increased access to assistive technology and devices, or systematic training of key workers in the health and social protection systems about disability rights and inclusion.

UN Resident Coordination for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Didier Trebucq, noted that

“this consultation served to better understand the lived experience of persons with disabilities, as well as to identify good practices, examples of measures undertaken or needed, and to envisage opportunities for enhanced UN’s work and support in the coming years”.

Special Rapporteur for Disabilities for Caricom, and member of the Committee on the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), Dr. Floyd Morris, highlighted that there are several rights enshrined in the Convention; such as rights to shelter, food, healthcare, or independent living. He noted that “the CPRD has strong human rights and developmental components – with emphasis on education and ensuring persons with disabilities are empowered to live their own lives without discrimination”.

In her virtual address to the forum, a Youth Disability Advocate from Grenada, Zinzee Noel, underlined that all persons with disabilities bring a unique understanding to these gatherings. She recognized that consultations

like this are a "powerful step towards a society that believes that all people are born equal.”

Noel cited the words of Nelson Mandela that “to deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity”, and invited participants to take action to ensure this is achieved.

This consultation was one of many global events commemorating the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). It was organized jointly by the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the Caribbean Regional Spotlight Initiative, UN Women, UNFPA and UNICEF. Participants came from Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname.

NEWS

17

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt promises to relocate all mining operations in Chenapau Village by year end T

he Government has assured residents of Chenapau Village that it will address the illegal mining activities in the Kaieteur National Park Protected Area (KNPPA) and the complete removal and relocation of miners from the Protected Area to village lands.

Only recently, a ministerial team led by Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat and Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai visited the village and engaged the residents on the issue.

This meeting was a follow-up to a previous engagement between a delegation from the village with

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo.

During the meeting, a commitment was made by both the Government and the villagers to curb illegal mining activities in the Kaieteur National Park Protected Area and to effect the complete removal and relocation of miners from the Protected Area to village lands.

The Ministers underscored that it was illegal for any mining activities to be carried out in the protected area, and it was agreed to collaboratively work to identify productive areas for mining activities within the village lands and during the transition phase the re-

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat and Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai addressing residents

location of all mining operations should be completed by year end.

“The Government recognises the economic situation of the villagers and hence the partnership for a long-term solution to mining in the KNPPA. As such, the Minister of Natural Resources has tasked the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission’s Geo Services Department to return to the village within two weeks to conduct prospecting activities to locate productive areas on village lands,” the Government stated in a release to the press.

The Minister also committed to identify five mining blocks outside of the vil-

lage lands for allocation to the Chenapau miners, and if necessary, support for development of access to the identified mining blocks.

The meeting also provided a platform for the Ministers to address all concerns raised by the residents including continued support for development projects.

Additionally, through both ministries, the Government will continue to work with Chenapau Village on developing additional livelihood opportunities with a focus on forestry, tourism and agriculture and the upgrade of infrastructure which would complement the investment in these new sectors.

Nothing will stop Dec 3 vote on Essequibo...

According to Rodríguez, following the attempted territorial dispossession undertaken against her nation through fraud perpetrated by the Paris Tribunal in 1899, Venezuela adopted, from this historical position, a doctrine of not submitting the resolution of disputes related to its vital interests, including independence and territorial integrity, to the decision of third parties.

“This is a doctrine that does not refer only to this honorable court. It aims to safeguard the most sacred interests of our nation in all international spaces and mechanisms,” she added.

Rodríguez pointed out that within the United Nations (UN), since its creation until today, Venezuela has expressed its position on 12 occasions against the compulsory and automatic jurisdiction of the court, thus showing its consistency in this regard.

The Venezuelan Vice President maintained that the organisation of a consultative referendum is an exercise of sovereignty and self-determination of the people, and that nothing authorises Guyana to restrict the rights of the Venezuelan people to freely establish their political status or intervene in their internal affairs.

“The organisation of this referendum plainly falls within Venezuela’s reserved domain, whereas no international law obligation could impact its holding or content. Guyana invokes no basis for any limitation to this reserved domain. This is because nothing in international law allows Guyana,” Professor Makane Mbengue submitted on Venezuela’s behalf.

He added, “Importantly, the consultative referendum, the main substance of Guyana’s request, was announced by Venezuela at a meeting held by the President of the Court with

the representatives of the parties on 26 February 2021.

Whilst Guyana requested nine months from the date of the order fixing the time

court’s President, Justice Joan Donoghue.

Following Wednesday’s hearing, the Government of Guyana, in a state-

30, 2018, then SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres, following a careful analysis of developments in 2017, chose the ICJ as the means

ment, said it is pleased that “Guyana was provided a full opportunity to present its case before the court, and remains optimistic that the court will render a decision in our favour in accordance with international law.”

After abiding by the 1899 Arbitral Award for almost half a century, Venezuela in 1962 claimed that the Essequibo area of Guyana belonged inside its borders.

The debate has heated up after ExxonMobil found oil in Essequibo in 2015. Because of this, Guyana launched a World Court case against Venezuela in 2018, to confirm that the border was established in an arbitration between the then-colony of British Guiana and Venezuela in 1899.

Within the framework of the 1966 Geneva Agreement between the two countries, the Secretary-General conducted Good Offices processes from 1990 to 2017 to find a solution to the border controversy. On January

to be used for the solution of the controversy.

In its most recent complaint, Guyana condemned what it described as “Venezuela’s sinister plan for seizing Guyanese territory”, and asked the ICJ to provide urgent protection. It requests an order from the ICJ prohibiting Venezuela from carrying out the referendum as planned.

Guyana contended that the sole goal of the referendum was to "obtain responses that would support Venezuela's decision to abandon" the ICJ pro-

International Court of Justice

limits for the preparation of its Memorial, Venezuela indicated that it was required by its Constitution to conduct popular consultations on the matter.”

Upbeat

On Tuesday, Guyana’s agent in the case and Advisor on Borders, Carl Greenidge, reminded the ICJ that it has already twice affirmed its jurisdiction to mediate the boundary controversy between Guyana and Venezuela. Among other things, he pointed out to the court that Venezuela, by attempting to pre-empt the court’s ruling and take extra-judicial action, is challenging the court’s authority; and, by extension, the United Nations’ ability to ensure a resolution of the matter.

The ICJ has committed to rendering its decision on Guyana’s request for provisional measures “as soon as possible”, according to the

ceedings in order to "formally annex and integrate" Essequibo into Venezuela.

The proposed referendum proposes giving Venezuelan citizenship to the residents of an annexed Essequibo.

In April 2023, the ICJ ruled it had jurisdiction over the long-running border dispute between the South American nations.

In so doing, it rejected Venezuela’s argument that the United Kingdom should be involved, as Guyana was a British colony in 1899.

The Essequibo accounts for almost two-thirds of Guyana's territory, with around 125,000 of the country’s 800,000 inhabitants living there.

Crude is produced in the offshore Stabroek block of Guyana by a consortium comprising the Chinese corporation CNOOC Ltd, the American oil giant ExxonMobil, and Hess Corp. Nearly 11 billion barrels of oil have been discovered, and a portion of this block is situated in waters that Venezuela claims.

The Spanish-speaking nation is under international sanctions due to an unrecognized election and crackdown on antigovernment rallies.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has accused the Guyana Government of being a puppet of ExxonMobil and the US Southern Command, and has called on President Dr Irfaan Ali to engage in bilateral discussions with Venezuela, mediated by

FROM PAGE 8

the Caribbean Community (Caricom) to settle the longstanding border controversy.

The Guyana Government has made it clear that it has no intention of abandoning the legal process that has already begun and engaging Venezuela outside of the court. This position was also reaffirmed by Guyana’s National Assembly in a unanimous vote earlier this month.

Over the past few weeks, Guyana has been informing regional and international partners of Venezuela’s planned referendum, which has been criticised by the United States, Caricom, the Commonwealth of Nations, and the Organization of American States (OAS), as well as several other nations in the Region, including Brazil.

It is feared that Venezuela’s referendum will threaten the peace, security, and stability of the Region. In the past few weeks, Venezuela has been conducting military drills near Guyana’s borders and mobilising more troops.

In the case, Guyana seeks to obtain from the ICJ a final and binding judgement that the 1899 Arbitral Award, which established the location of the land boundary between then-British Guiana and Venezuela, remains valid and binding, and that the county of Essequibo belongs to Guyana, and not Venezuela, as is being argued by the Spanishspeaking nation.

18

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023

guyanatimesgy.com

Regional

Brazil: Health warnings Cuba blames US sanctions as country gripped by for fomenting irregular “unbearable” heatwave migration amid exodus C

The authorities have attributed the heatwave to the El Niño phenomenon and climate change

R

ed alerts have been issued for almost 3000 towns and cities across Brazil, which have been experiencing an unprecedented heatwave.

Rio de Janeiro recorded 42.5C on Sunday – a record for November – and high humidity on Tuesday meant that it felt like 58.5C, municipal authorities said.

More than a hundred million people have been affected by the heat, which is expected to last until at least Friday.

Officials have attributed it to the El Niño phenomenon and climate change.

The city of São Paulo saw average temperatures of 37.3C on Tuesday afternoon, the National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) re-

ported.

"I'm exhausted, it's hard," Riquelme da Silva, 22, told AFP news agency on the streets there.

"When I get home, it's cold water, otherwise I can't even get up because I'm so tired. It's even hard to sleep."

Dora, a 60-year-old street vendor, described the heat as "unbearable" for those who worked outside.

Inmet has issued red alerts for a large part of the country. These indicate that temperatures may be 5C above average for longer than five days and could pose a serious danger to health.

The heatwave, which comes more than a month before the beginning of sum-

mer in the southern hemisphere, has seen Brazil's energy consumption soar to record levels as people try to keep themselves cool.

Inmet research released last week showed that the average temperature in the country had been above the historical average from July to October.

Extreme weather is becoming more frequent and more intense in many places around the world because of climate change.

According to scientists, heatwaves are becoming longer and more intense in many places and this is expected to continue whilst humans keep releasing planet-warming greenhouse gases. (Excerpt from BBC News)

uban and US officials met Tuesday in Havana to discuss migration, the second such meeting this year as both countries grapple with how best to slow the record-breaking flow of Cubans north to the United States.

The United States – the top destination for Cuban migrants – in 2022 renewed talks with Cuba and has since increased legal pathways to migration for Cubans, including visa access in Havana, family reunification and humanitarian parole programmes aimed at stemming illegal migration.

A

Crown Prince and Prime Minister His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and other Government officials on issues of mutual importance at the bilateral, inter-regional and global levels.

Some of the issues down for discussion area deepening Caricom-Saudi Arabia relations designed to support the sustainability of the Community’s development objectives through the coordinated use of financial, technical and human resources, to promote economic and social development among Member States; World Expo 2030, the strengthening of relations between Caricom and the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC); Agriculture and Food Security, Transportation, Renewable Energy and Climate Change and Finance.

Tourism, Investment, Education and Health will also form part of the discussions.

(Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

tions for humanitarian purposes.

The US State Department said in a brief statement that the Tuesday talks were "consistent with our interest in fostering family reunification and promoting greater respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in Cuba".

Cubans are among the tens of thousands of people from several Latin American and Caribbean nations that have crossed into the US from Mexico in recent weeks, alarming officials in US border cities and prompting delays to trade.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

TSTT Board axes CEO Agard after massive cyberattack

T

heTelecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT) Board yesterday fired Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lisa Agard in the wake of the recent cyberattack on the stateowned company.

Guardian Media understands the board took the decision yesterday after receiving advice from Senior Counsel. The board subsequently communicated to Agard that it had lost confidence in her based on how the company responded to and

Prime Minister Browne Paraguay to re-establish anticipates productive ties with Venezuela 1st Caricom-Saudi after extended pause Arabia Summit ntigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne is looking forward to a productive and successful meeting as he leads an Antigua and Barbuda delegation to the First Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Member States of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on November 16 with an Investment Forum on November 17.

Prime Minister Browne; Works and Housing Minister Maria Browne and Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance, Senator Dwayne George along with Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell of Grenada, Prime Minister Dr Terrance Drew of Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Prime Minister Philip Pierre of Saint Lucia departed the VC Bird International Airport Tuesday afternoon for Riyadh where they will join other Caricom Heads who will actively engage with His Majesty Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and

But the problem won't go away, said Cuban Vice Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio, until the United States eases sanctions on the island, which Cuba blames for devastating its already-ailing state-run economy.

"For the United States, the priority of destabilising Cuba continues to take precedence over its interest in protecting its borders in terms of migration," de Cossio told reporters following the talks.

The US says the sanctions are necessary to promote human rights and fundamental liberties in Cuba and that it makes excep-

handled the October 9 cyberattack.

Contacted on the decision, TSTT Chairman Sean Roach said, “It is not our policy to discuss any matter involving company personnel publicly. I can, however, say that the former CEO’s departure was in accordance with the terms and conditions of her contract. As Chairman of the Board of TSTT, I would like to wish her well in all her future endeavours.”

In a statement yesterday, the TSTT Board announced the appointment of Kent Western as CEO effective immediately. Prior to his appointment, Western was TSTT’s General Manager, Customer Experience and Marketing.

The cyber breach on TSTT was only made public

on October 27, after Falcon Feeds, an India-based technology security company, reported on its X social media account that ransomware group, RansomExx, had added TSTT (http://tstt.co.tt) to its victim list. It claimed to have access to 6GB of organisation data.

Agard, an attorney with over 23 years’ experience in the telecommunications industry, was appointed TSTT CEO on May 24, 2021. At the time of her appointment, the company noted she was the first woman to be confirmed in the leadership role of the only national communications solution provider.

Agard had been TSTT’s acting CEO since September 23, 2020.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Jamaican landlord reportedly confesses to killing 2 tenants, girlfriend in New York Paraguay's President-elect Santiago Pena speaks during an interview with Reuters ahead of his inauguration, in Asuncion, Paraguay, August 7, 2023 (Reuters/Cesar Olmedo photo)

P

araguay and Venezuela have decided to reestablish diplomatic ties, the Paraguayan foreign ministry said in a statement on Wednesday, after the South American countries broke off relations nearly five years ago.

Formal diplomatic ties were severed in January 2019, when Paraguay recognised Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó as Venezuela's interim President.

Following talks between Paraguay's recently-elect-

ed President Santiago Pena and his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolás Maduro, the Ministry said Ambassadors should be formally accredited in the coming days.

"Both parties have committed to restart bilateral relations with complete respect to the fundamental principles of equal rights, the self-determination of peoples, non-intervention in internal affairs of other States and of solidarity," according to the statement.

(Reuters)

A

Jamaican landlord in Queens, New York is facing murder charges after reportedly confessing to stabbing to death his girlfriend and two of his tenants.

According to the New York City Police Department, the 54-yearold man walked into a Police Station Tuesday morning and told officers he had been “having issues” with tenants at his home before telling the cops he "did something bad" at the house.

The cops then rushed to the address and, upon their arrival at the two-storey house around 07:00h, officers found two tenants – a man and a woman – dead in

the basement, and the suspect’s girlfriend deceased in an upstairs bedroom, the Police said, noting that all the victims suffered multiple stab wounds.

The man, whose identity Observer Online is withholding as he has not been charged, is facing charges of murder and criminal possession of a weapon, according to the police.

Neighbours reportedly described the suspect as a nice person who mostly kept to himself.

The suspect has no criminal history, according to the Police.

He is a native of Kingston, Jamaica.

(Jamaica Observer)

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023

19

Around The World

Israeli troops deepen search at main OILNEWS OIL NEWS Gaza hospital for evidence of Hamas Oil prices dive on big US crude stock build, record output

O

il prices tumbled more than 1.5 per cent on Wednesday on a bigger-than-expected rise in US crude inventories and record production in the world's biggest producer, along with mounting worries about demand in Asia.

Brent futures settled down US$1.29, or 1.6 per cent, at $81.18 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell US$1.60, or two per cent, at US$76.66.

WTI's front month contract was also lower than the second month, or in contango, for the first time since July.

Prices for oil six months ahead also looked poised to rise above front month contract.

US crude stocks rose by 3.6 million barrels last week to 421.9 million barrels, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), far exceeding analysts' expectations in a Reuters poll for a 1.8 million-barrel rise.

The weekly Government data, which was not published last week due to systems upgrade, also showed US crude production was holding at a record 13.2 million barrels per day that it hit in October.

"US supply activity is headwind for the market, and US is a problem for OPEC+," said John Kilduff, partner at Again Capital LLC in New York, adding he does not think Saudi Arabia can cut more output to boost prices.

Top oil exporters Saudi Arabia and Russia, part of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (OPEC+), said this month they would continue with their additional voluntary oil output cuts until year end.

US gasoline stocks showed strong demand with a surprise draw of 1.5 million barrels last week. Diesel inventories fell more than expected at 1.4 million barrels.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) on Tuesday joined OPEC in raising oil demand growth forecasts for this year, despite projections of slower economic growth in many major countries.

China's oil refinery throughput eased in October from the previous month's highs as industrial fuel demand weakened and refining margins narrowed. Still, its economic activity perked up in October as industrial output increased at a faster pace and retail sales growth beat expectations.

Japan's economy contracted in July-September, snapping two straight quarters of expansion on soft consumption and exports.

US retail sales fell in October for the first time in seven months.

European Union diplomats said Russian oil tankers are not targeted in the European Commission's proposal for tightening implementation of a price cap on the country's crude oil.

Earlier, the Financial Times reported that Denmark will be tasked with inspecting and potentially blocking Russian tankers sailing through its waters under new EU plans as a way of enforcing a US$60 per barrel price cap on Moscow's crude. (Reuters)

I

srael said its forces were operating in and around Gaza's biggest hospital, a chief objective in its campaign to destroy Palestinian Hamas militants that the army says stored weapons and ran a command centre in tunnels beneath the buildings.

Israeli troops forced their way into Al Shifa hospital in the early hours of Wednesday and spent the day deepening their search, the army said. An army video showed automatic weapons, grenades, ammunition and flak jackets it said were recovered from an undisclosed building within the complex.

"The troops continue to search the hospital in a precise, intelligence-based, manner," army spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel

Israeli soldiers inspect the Al Shifa hospital complex, amid their ground operation against Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Gaza City, November 15, 2023 in this handout image (Israel Defence Forces/Handout via Reuters)

Hagari said at a press briefing late on Wednesday. "We will continue to do so, in order to gather further information, to discover additional assets, and to expose the terror activities within the

hospital."

The military made no mention on Wednesday of finding any tunnel entrances in Al Shifa. It previously said Hamas had built a network of tunnels under the

hospital. Hamas has denied it and dismissed the latest army statements.

"The occupation forces are still lying ... as they brought some weapons, clothes and tools and placed them in the hospital in a scandalous manner," Qatarbased Hamas senior member Ezzat El Rashq said.

"We have repeatedly called for a committee from the United Nations, the World Health Organisation and the Red Cross to verify the lies of the occupation."

Israeli forces raided the Shifa complex on Wednesday evening "for the second time in 24 hours", WAFA, the official Palestinian news agency, reported. Bulldozers and military vehicles were used, the agency said, citing local sources.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Plane forced to return Aniston leads final to airport after horse Friends' tribute escapes crate to “our Matty”

The horse, not pictured here, escaped as the plane cruised at 30,000ft (file photo)

A

Boeing 747 cargo jet has been forced to turn around, after a horse escaped from its stall and caused chaos as the plane cruised at 30,000ft (9,144m).

The plane was headed to Belgium from New York, but did a U-turn roughly 90 minutes after its departure when the animal got loose.

Air traffic control audio recorded the pilot saying: "We have a live animal, a horse, on board the airplane. The horse managed to escape."

"We cannot get the horse back secured."

The pilot flying Air Atlanta Icelandic flight 4592 told air traffic control the plane was fine, but that the horse on the loose was the concern.

He then requested a veterinarian meet the aircraft once it landed back at John F Kennedy International Airport.

As the plane made its way back during the incident last

Thursday, the pilot said he needed to dump 20 tonnes of fuel, "east of Nantucket", a popular enclave for the rich near Massachusetts.

The plane had to dump the fuel due to the plane's weight.

It remains unclear how the horse Houdini-ed its way out, but it was unrestrained when the plane landed at the airport.

"Do you require assistance?" air traffic control asked the pilot after the plane arrived.

"On the ground, negative" the pilot replied. "On the ramp, yes. We have a horse in problem, in difficulty."

The flight took off later in the same day and successfully arrived at Liege Airport on Friday morning, according to FlightRadar24.

Air Atlanta Icelandic did not immediately respond to the BBC's request for comment.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Matthew Perry and his Friends co-stars at the People's Choice Awards in 1995

F

riends actors Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer and Lisa Kudrow have paid tribute to their co-star Matthew Perry following his death last month.

Schwimmer, who played Ross in the US TV sitcom, shared a picture on Instagram of himself alongside Perry as Chandler.

"Thanks you for ten incredible years of laughter and creativity," he wrote.

Aniston, who played Rachel, posted a clip of her and Perry from the sitcom and wrote: "We loved him deeply. He was such a part of our DNA." Kudrow, who was Phoebe in the sitcom that ran on NBC from 1994 to 2004, wrote in an Instagram post: "Thank you for making me laugh so hard at something you said, that my muscles ached, and tears poured down my face EVERY DAY." Perry, 54, was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home at the end

of October.

"Having to say goodbye to our Matty has been an insane wave of emotions that I've never experienced before," Aniston wrote on Wednesday.

"He made all of us laugh.

And laugh hard. In the last couple weeks, I've been pouring over our texts to one another. Laughing and crying then laughing again.

"Matty, I love you so much and I know you are now completely at peace and out of any pain."

In his message, Schwimmer wrote: "I will never forget your impeccable comic timing and delivery. You could take a straight line of dialogue and bend it to your will, resulting in something so entirely original and unexpectedly funny it still astonishes.

"And you had heart. Which you were generous with, and shared with us, so we could create a family out of six strangers." (Excerpt from BBC News)

Biden, Xi meet amid disputes over military, economic issues

U

S President Joe Biden met Chinese leader Xi Jinping for the first time in a year on Wednesday for talks aimed at easing friction between the two superpowers over military conflicts, drug-trafficking and artificial intelligence, and said they had

made "real progress".

Biden welcomed the Chinese leader at the Filoli estate, a country house and gardens about 48 kilometres (30 miles) south of San Francisco, where they will move later for a summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.

Biden said the US and China had to ensure that competition between them "does not veer into conflict" and manage their relationship "responsibly". He said issues such as climate change, counter-narcotics and AI demanded their joint attention.

After a morning session of talks and before heading into lunch with Xi, Biden said on social media platform X, it was vital they understood each other "leader to leader".

"There are critical global challenges that demand our joint leadership. And today,

we made real progress," he said, without elaborating.

A White House statement said the leaders "held a candid and constructive discussion on a range of bilateral and global issues and exchanged views on areas of difference".

Xi told Biden as they be-

gan their talks a lot had happened since their last meeting a year ago in Bali. "The world has emerged from the COVID pandemic, but is still under its tremendous impacts. The global economy is recovering, but its momentum remains sluggish."

(Excerpt from Reuters)

20

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Use your intelligence to utilize your skills, and you'll find a lucrative and fulfilling path. Refuse to let emotional factors impact your pursuits. Take responsibility for your happiness.

(March 21-April 19)

PICKLES

(April 20-May 20)

Don't fear change if it can catapult you to a position that offers clout. Let your ambition take over and your experience and knowledge lead the way. Put your energy where it counts, and prosper.

Someone will mislead you. Offering false information will compromise your reputation. Self-improvement will encourage you to listen to experts before you embrace change.

(May 21-June 20) Get out and talk to people in the know and you'll discover what you want to pursue. Preparation will help you overcome any pitfall and ensure you reach your target and make a difference.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Weigh the pros and cons, and be sure to discuss your plans with those affected by your decisions. Share your vision and make decisions you can live with mentally, emotionally and financially.

(July 23-Aug. 22) It will be worthwhile to accommodate complaints if you want to maintain peace and finish what you start. Learn from the experience and be open to suggestions, and you will make headway.

CALVIN AND HOBBES (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Expect opposition from those who play by different rules. Don't let your integrity slip away when honesty and compassion are necessary if you want your charm to carry you to victory.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

If you want something, it's up to you to make it happen. Trust and believe in yourself and follow through with your plans. A change of heart will help you resolve issues holding you back.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Make the most of your time and put forth an innovative effort, and you'll attract positive attention. Don't dwell on what you cannot change when you should be embracing what life has to offer.

A disciplined approach to exercise and maintaining an energetic routine will result in confidence and leadership qualities that will help you advance. Don't let controversy get to you.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Be aggressive in your approach to investments, and you'll make your money stretch. Update documents, contracts and legal matters that need an adjustment. Physical issues will require thought.

Let discipline lead the way, and you'll figure out how to use your skills, knowledge and experience to reach your goal.

Listen to your inner voice, not someone trying to sell you something.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023

21

ICC ODI World Cup 2023…

India waltz into World Cup final by defeating New Zealand

– Shami produces 7-for; Iyer, Kohli produce centuries

N

ew Zealand had no business giving India the nervous moments they did in a defence of 397, but India eventually made a mockery of the supposed knockout pressure as they waltzed into the final, now one step from possibly the most dominant World Cup campaign.

The average victory margin for them now is 175 runs, 6.4 wickets and 64.4 balls remaining. Australia's 2007 triumph was 147.67 runs, eight wickets and 89.2 balls remaining.

In so doing, Virat Kohli went to a mindboggling 50th ODI hundred in front of his wife, in front of the man he surpassed, Sachin Tendulkar, and at a ground where the torch was metaphorically passed 12 years ago when he carried Tendulkar on his shoulders.

Shreyas Iyer scored a second straight century from 67 balls, the third-fastest by an Indian in a World Cup. All three of those fastest centuries were scored in this edition of the World Cup. One of those three centuries belongs to the selfless Rohit Sharma, who set India up with yet another blazing start of 47 off 29, the ninth time this year that he got out in 40s, 80s or 90s, the joint-highest number for a calendar year.

It is no surprise that India scored the highest total in a World Cup knockout match, which was always going to be plenty at a ground that has shown the most variance in bowling friendliness from afternoon to evening this tournament. As expected, it went from no swing

Daryl Mitchell brought up the third ton of the semi-final

or seam in the afternoon to appreciable movement in the air and off the surface, followed by surprising prodigious turn and no dew.

Daryl Mitchell scored a scarcely believable 134 off 119, only for Mohammed Shami to thwart them with 7 for 57.

You can't begrudge India any of the breaks they got with the conditions; this was only the second toss they had won in nine knockout matches in limited-overs World Cups since the Mohali semi-final against Pakistan in 2011. On a used pitch, that advantage was negated a little as it would mean marginally more assistance for the slower bowlers during the afternoon, and marginally less assistance for the quicks under lights.

However, Rohit converted this marginally smaller advantage into a proper headstart even before spectators had settled in. He already has the m o s t

runs, highrate, highage, most fours in plays in Cup. In on a u n h e coubut ing

est strike est aversixes, most the powerthis World a semi-final slow pitch, it wouldn't be reasonable if had himself a ple of sighters, he started goin the first over, flam-

Virat Kohli scored his 50th ODI hundred off 106 balls

Mohammed Shami finished with 7 for 57

boyantly flicking a length ball over midwicket in order to create his own momentum into the shot.

As early as the third over, Trent Boult was around the wicket, suggesting no movement for the fast bowlers. To Boult's first ball from that angle, Rohit danced down the wicket and lofted over mid-off for his first six of the

day. He added three more in his brief innings, to go two each past Chris Gayle's record for most World Cup sixes and most in a single World Cup: 49 and 26.

India's top five now average more than any side in a single World Cup, but it is in sticking to their roles that they have been the most impressive. Rohit's job has been to maximise; accumulation can be left to Shuman Gill and Kohli. Rohit's personal score doesn't matter. He fell on 47 in trying to hit a fifth six, but was undone by a Tim Southee slower ball.

Twelve years after Kohli carried Tendulkar on his shoulders to thank him for carrying the team, Gill, heir apparent to Kohli, took on the aggressor's role to allow Kohli time to get into his work. Now these are only relative terms, because 29 off 39 is not a bad start, knowing how Kohli can accelerate, but in the same time, Gill added 59 off 45.

However, with a century there for the taking, Gill retired hurt with what looked like cramps, presumably so as to not jeopardise his participation in the final.

For New Zealand, though, this retirement was like jumping from the pan into the fire. Iyer batted with ferocity and touch, taking down Rachin Ravindra after just six sighters. Now in the second half of the innings, Kohli, too, began to up his intent. He went after the returning quicks, Boult and Southee. Iyer made sure they had to take the part-timers out of the attack.

The only reason Iyer

didn't get the fastest World Cup century for India was a maiden bowled by Mitchell Santner in the 35th over.

Santner was the only bowler who held his own, going for just 51 in his 10 overs.

India took 110 off the last 10 overs, with KL Rahul's 39 off 20 providing the finishing touches.

You wouldn't have guessed at that point that India would need all those runs, which makes all the starts from Rohit and the intent the new team management has insisted on even more crucial. Those extra runs provide a cushion if the bowlers have half an off day.

Jasprit Bumrah had just that kind of a start, which proves he is human: 22 runs in three overs, plenty of width, a set of five wides.

First-change Shami, though, emerged as the nightmare for the batters.

Immediately around the wicket, he toyed with the two left-hand openers, nibbling it just enough to have them caught at the wicket in his first two overs.

It gave India some relief and the freedom to introduce Ravindra Jadeja early should there be dew later. Both the spinners found turn from the pitch, but incredibly, Mitchell kept hitting them down the ground, including the biggest six of the tournament. Mitchell and Kane Williamson added 181 for the third wicket, a catch went down, a pos-

Shreyas Iyer scored back-to-back World Cup tons

sible run out was missed as Rahul broke the wicket too soon, faces grew tense, meetings got longer. And when the returning Bumrah was off-driven for six by Mitchell, you knew things had got serious.

Shami, though, returned with a double-strike: a slower ball to have Williamson caught at deep square leg, and an absolute peach to seam in and hit Tom Latham's kneeroll second ball. With Glenn Phillips in, India could go back to the spinners and mount the asking-rate pressure. It went past 12 in the 37th over, and with Mitchell cramping and India smartly keeping the ball out of his reach, it just became a losing battle for New Zealand.

Shami came back to take three deserving wickets in the end, becoming the quickest to 50 wickets in World Cups, moving to most five-fors and also registering India's best figures in the tournament.

(ESPNCricinfo)

SCOREBOARD India (50 ovs maximum) BATTING R B Rohit Sharma (c) c Williamson b Southee 47 29 Shubman Gill not out 80 66 Virat Kohli c Conway b Southee 117 113 Shreyas Iyer c Mitchell b Boult 105 70 KL Rahul † not out 39 20 Suryakumar Yadav c Phillips b Southee 1 2 Extras (b 1, lb 1, w 6) 8 TOTAL 50 Ov (RR: 7.94) 397/4 Did not bat: Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj Fall of wickets: 1-71 (Rohit Sharma, 8.2 ov), 1-164, 2-327 (Virat Kohli, 43.6 ov), 3-381 (Shreyas Iyer, 48.5 ov), 4-382 (Suryakumar Yadav, 49.1 ov) • BOWLING Trent Boult Tim Southee Mitchell Santner Lockie Ferguson Rachin Ravindra Glenn Phillips

O-M-R-W 10-0-86-1 10-0-100-3 10-1-51-0 8-0-65-0 7-0-60-0 5-0-33-0

New Zealand (T: 398 runs from 50 ovs) BATTING R B Devon Conway c †Rahul b Mohammed Shami 13 15

Rachin Ravindra c †Rahul b Mohammed Shami 13 22 Kane Williamson (c) c Yadav b Mohammed Shami 69 73 Daryl Mitchell c Jadeja b Mohammed Shami 134 119 Tom Latham †lbw b Mohammed Shami 0 2 Glenn Phillips c Jadeja b Bumrah 41 33 Mark Chapman c Jadeja b Kuldeep Yadav 2 5 Mitchell Santner c Sharma b Mohammed Siraj 9 10 Tim Southee c †Rahul b Mohammed Shami 9 10 Trent Boult not out 2 2 Lockie Ferguson c †Rahul b Mohammed Shami 6 3 Extras (b 4, lb 5, nb 1, w 19) 29 TOTAL 48.5 Ov (RR: 6.69) 327 Fall of wickets: 1-30 (Devon Conway, 5.1 ov), 2-39 (Rachin Ravindra, 7.4 ov), 3-220 (Kane Williamson, 32.2 ov), 4-220 (Tom Latham, 32.4 ov), 5-295 (Glenn Phillips, 42.5 ov), 6-298 (Mark Chapman, 43.5 ov), 7-306 (Daryl Mitchell, 45.2 ov), 8-319 (Mitchell Santner, 47.5 ov), 9-321 (Tim Southee, 48.2 ov), 10-327 (Lockie Ferguson, 48.5 ov) • BOWLING Jasprit Bumrah Mohammed Siraj Mohammed Shami Ravindra Jadeja Kuldeep Yadav

O-M-R-W 10-1-64-1 9-0-78-1 9.5-0-57-7 10-0-63-0 10-0-56-1

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023

Babar Azam resigns as Pakistan Swan, Conquerors, Vengy, Eagles, Den captain in all formats NSC/EBFA/Ralph Greene U-11 League

Amstel, Santos take full points on day 1 B

Fruta Conquerors FC U11 Team with Coach Sampson Gilbert (left) and Tournament Coordinator Franklin Wilson

W

hen competition in the 2022 edition of the National Sports Commission/East Bank Football Association/Ralph Green Under-11 League got cracking at the Agricola Community Ground on Saturday last, six of the 16 teams walked away with full points.

The biggest win of the day was recorded by Fruta Conquerors, who defeated home team Agricola Red Triangle 8-0. Dane

Vancooten and Gilbert Frank led with a brace each for Conquerors, while one each was contributed by Fabio Kowlessar, Levon Croft, Dontay Kowlessar and Dazell Fernandes.

Swan, based on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway, along with Vengy and Santos, both based in the city, were winners via the walkover route. West Demerara’s Den Amstel and Eagles FC were both winners by identical scores of 2-0.

Den Amstel, led by Akroy Dos Santos, who scored both goals, took care of the challenge from Timehri Panthers, while Eagles flew past Diamond United, compliments of Trevaughn Henry’s double.

Pouderoyen and Riddim Squad battled to a 1-1 draw, the result in the opening game was similar between Herstelling Raiders and Friendship All-Stars. Action will continue at the same venue, this weekend.

NSC/EBFA/ Ralph Green U11 League Points Table

Windies Rising Stars to play 5 matches in Trinidad

T

he West Indies Rising Stars Men’s Under-19 Selection Panel has named 15 players for a two-week training camp in Trinidad. This will form part of the ongoing preparations for the ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup. During the camp, players will have five matches at the National Cricket Centre at Couva. Three matches will be against the Trinidad and Tobago Under-23 team, while the other two will be against the USA Under-19 squad, who will also be participating in the World Cup. The West Indies will again be led by Stepan

Pascal, and the squad includes several members who toured Sri Lanka for the four-day “Tests” and Youth One-Day Internationals in August and September.

The next ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup will be played in Sri Lanka in January and February 2024. The West Indies squad for the tournament will be named in early December.

FULL SQUAD

Stephan Pascal (captain) Jewel Andrew Mavendra Dindyal Joshua Dorne Nathan Edward Tarrique Edward

Reon Edwards Deshawn James Divonie Joseph Zishan Motara Tamarie Redwood Nathan Sealy Raneico Smith Steven Wedderburn Adrian Weir

MATCH SCHEDULE

(all matches at National Cricket Centre, Couva) November 16: vs Trinidad and Tobago Under-23 November 18: vs Trinidad and Tobago Under-23 November 20: vs Trinidad and Tobago Under-23 November 23: vs USA Under-19 November 25: vs USA Under-19

abar Azam has resigned as Pakistan captain in all formats following their poor 2023 ODI World Cup campaign, wherein they failed to qualify for the semi-finals, earning just four wins in nine matches.

“I vividly remember the moment when I received the call from PCB to lead Pakistan in 2019. Over the past four years, I’ve experienced many highs and lows on and off the field, but I wholeheartedly and passionately aimed to maintain Pakistan’s pride and respect in the cricket world,” Babar said in a statement announcing his decision.

“Reaching the #1 spot in the white-ball format was a result of the collective efforts of players, coaches, and management, but I’d like to express my gratitude to passionate Pakistan cricket fans for their unwavering support during this journey.

“Today, I am stepping down as the captain of Pakistan in all formats. It’s a difficult decision, but I feel it is a right time for this call.

I will continue to represent Pakistan as a player in all three formats. I am here to support the new captain and the team with my experience and dedication. I want to express my sincere thanks to the PCB for entrusting me with this significant responsibility.”

Babar scored 320 runs in nine matches during the World Cup - the third highest for Pakistan - at an average of 40 and strike rate of 82.90.

No official statement has been made about a potential replacement, but Shan Masood is the overwhelming favourite to take over the Test captaincy with immediate effect. Masood is understood to have been at the Gaddafi Stadium today.

Shortly after the resignation, the PCB issued a statement saying Babar was offered the option to continue as Test captain, while the decision to remove him as white-ball skipper was presented to him as fait accompli.

“After consultation with his family, Babar decided to step down, and PCB stands behind his decision. PCB respects his decision and continues to support him as a player. Babar Azam is truly a world-class player, and we want him to continue to thrive as a player,” Ashraf said. “He is one of the best batters Pakistan has ever produced. He is our asset, and we will continue to support him.”

Speculation around Babar’s future had been mounting since Pakistan’s exit from an indifferent World Cup was confirmed, though there is understood to have been little consensus on a potential replacement.

The situation was further complicated by uncertainty around whether the current PCB setup had the authority to sack the Pakistan captain. That prerogative nor-

Babar Azam quit as Pakistan captain following their 2023 World Cup campaign

mally rests with the PCB chairman, and while Zaka Ashraf is currently performing that duty, he is the head of the PCB Management Committee on a temporary basis, a role he had extended for three months by the Pakistan caretaker Prime Minister.

A court in Pakistan ruled the committee did not have the power to make significant changes during their tenure, and were to operate only on a caretaker basis. The removal of a Pakistan captain was widely understood to fall outside the ambit of the committee. However, after a lengthy meeting at the PCB headquarters, where deliberations on the fate of the Pakistan captain, as well as the coaching staff, took place, Babar resigned. He did not offer a specific reason beyond saying he felt it was the right time.

ESPNcricinfo understands Pakistan team director Mickey Arthur and head coach Grant Bradburn will not be sacked - another action this Management Committee likely lacks the authority to take. However, they will find their roles reduced significantly; neither is expected to be part of the travelling contingent for Pakistan’s next tour, a three match Test series in Australia starting next month.

There has been no official word on who will replace them in the coaching setup for that tour, though Mohammad Hafeez, Wahab Riaz and Younis Khan have all been speculated to form part of the travelling contingent in some managerial capacity or another. Zaka Ashraf met all three yesterday, though no reason was officially given for the meeting. Should any of them be tasked with coaching or managing the team in Australia, it is expected they will do so on an ad-hoc basis; permanent coaching appointments are likely beyond the scope of this Management Committee.

Pakistan depart for Australia on November 30, and play a warm-up game against the Prime Minister’s XI at the Manuka Oval from December 6 to 9. The first Test begins in Perth on December 14. After the three Tests, the side would

also play five T20Is in New Zealand.

There is no word yet on a T20 captain, but ESPNcricinfo understands Shaheen Afridi is the favourite. (ESPNCricinfo)

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023

A

C r i c k e t Commentators’ Workshop, being hosted to widen the pool of commentators in the Land of Many Waters, was this morning officially opened.

The brainchild of renowned Broadcaster Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira, who will also be a facilitator, the workshop is scheduled to be hosted across two days: Wednesday November 15 and Friday November 17, at the Georgetown Cricket Club at Bourda.

During this morning’s simple opening ceremony, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Kashif Muhammad, spoke to the workshop’s necessity since the evolution of commentary, and urged participants to grasp as much as they can over the two days.

“While I’m sure that much of what he [‘Reds’ Perreira] has to say may well be prejudiced towards the sport that has probably done the most to build his reputa-

ipants, the NSC Chairman encouraged, “I believe that the value of this sports commentator with us this morning is that we’ll be learning from the best. I believe that if the Minister was here with us this morning, he would want to urge you to seek to extract as much as you can from the mind of this national icon. I say this out of my own conviction, that in the course of the encounter with Reds, you will be sitting at the feet of the best.”

GCB Secretary Ronald Williams emphasized the timeliness of such a workshop, which hasn’t been hosted in over two decades, in reference to the GCB’s plans for the growth of the sport. Williams divulged, “I want to refer to the Guyana Cricket Board’s programme of cricket. We have taken a position where all cricket played under the auspices of the Guyana Cricket Board will now be live-streamed.

What goes with live-stream-

N

ing is commentary. As much as there is action to be seen, it has to be supplemented with outstanding cricket commentary and cricket comments.

“We, at the Guyana Cricket Board, are profoundly pleased that we’re having this Commentators’ Workshop, and moreso that it is organized and we have the benefit of the experience and expertise of our very own Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira,” the GCB Secretary added.

Kashif Muhammad

tion, and that is cricket, I’m sure that he will also share with you pointers on sports commentary as a whole,” the NSC Chairman shared.

Muhammad went on to explain, “Since Reds has commenced his long and illustrious career in broadcasting, we have seen the advent of new tools and new approaches to delivering media reports on sport. Reds, I am sure, will be the first to admit the world of sport broadcast-

ing has undergone considerable and remarkable transformation over the years.

Delivery has advanced from its humble beginnings on the radio waves and graduated to the digital era on streaming platforms. The way we consume sports content has changed dramatically, and I expect that part of your engagement with Reds will explore the evolution of sports broadcasting.”

In a word to the partic-

H

ead Coach Andre Coley has said the West Indies “A” team tour of South Africa is important to defining and developing the depth of talent in the red ball format.

The team, led by wicketkeeper/batsman Joshua Da Silva, left on Tuesday for a trip on which they will play three “Tests” against South Africa “A” between 21 November and 8 December in Benoni, East London, and Bloemfontein.

“It will give us an opportunity to boost our redball opportunities outside of the Caribbean.

Earlier this year, we went to Bangladesh, and we did well there, and now we are going to another part of the world – South Africa,” Coley said in an interview with

Guyana’s Tevin Imlach is Vice-Captain of the ‘A’ team been a place where the spinners have excelled, so it’s also an opportunity for our spinners to learn to be effec-

The Jai Signs team celebrating their Championship win

ine 7-a-side Hockey Teams converged on the Everest Cricket Club Ground on Monday last for the return of the Hikers Hockey Club Demerara Mutual 7-A-Side Mixed Festival.

Although the matches required 7 players, each team included 10 players from various clubs across Guyana, with a minimum of two women on each team.

At the end of a packed day of hockey action, Jai Signs prevailed in the keenly contested final to champion the Hockey Festival.

The tournament opened on Monday morning with Jai Signs edging INet 1-0, while, on the second court, Coles got past Germans by the same margin. Muse defeated Brand-It 1-0, Sensodyne got past Dyrock 2-1, Jai Signs enjoyed a second win over Coles by a 3-0 margin, while Gift-Box

23

thumped Germans 3-1.

Next, Muse got past Dyrock 1-0, Brand-It edged Sensodyne 2-1, Germans and Inet held each other to a 1-1 draw, Gift-Box eased past Coles 2-1, Dyrock and Brand-It drew 2-2, and Sensodyne narrowly got past Muse 3-2.

As the day went on, Inet and Coles played to a 1-1 draw, while clashes between Jai Signs and Gift-Box, Germans and Jai Signs, and Gift-Box and Inet all finished 2-1 in favour of the former.

In the Top Six playoffs, Jai Signs thumped Sensodyne 4-1, Germans defeated Brand-It 3-0, GiftBox overcame Germans 3-2, Gift Box defeated Sensodyne by a similar 3-2 margin, while Muse and Gift- Box had a 1-all draw.

Eventually, it was Jai Signs and Gift-Box who booked their spot in the fi-

nal. There, Jabez Walters netted in the 14th minute for Jai Signs, while Randy Hope made it a 2-0 game 3 minutes later.

With Gift-Box failing to find the back of the net, Jai Signs secured the Hikers Championship with the 2-0 win.

Lennox Carrol of the GiftBox team was adjudged the most valuable player (MVP) of the tournament, while Jai Signs Captain Kareem McKenzie was named best keeper/defender.

This was the third staging of the tournament by the Hikers Hockey Club.

Demerara Mutual, Banks DIH’s Guinness, Trophy Stall, Jai Signs, INET, Gift-Box, Coles Printing, Sensodyne, Muse, Germans, Dyrock, Brand-It, Mother's Kitchen, C Mobile and LeZo Logistics were among the tournament’s many sponsors.

Joshua DaSilva will lead the ‘A’ team once again

CWI Media.

“It will give us an opportunity to explore the brand of cricket that we want to play. Our next international assignment is in Australia, and six months after that, we go to England; so, this “A” team is positioned to offer red-ball playing opportunities on the back of the just-concluded CG United Super50 Cup.” “The South Africans are a team that want to play a specific way, and they always look to challenge you, but they respect our players. The pitches have offered pace, have offered bounce, so you will have pitches on which you can trust the bounce. Players can therefore express themselves, whether they are batting or bowling,” Coley added.

“But it has never really

tive in those conditions, and I am looking forward to being there.”

Coley added that the main objective is to come away with wins under the team’s belt, but there are other goals that would be equally important for the development of the West Indies squad.

“You learn to win over time. We want to see our primary batsmen scoring loads of runs, as well as the all-rounders and bowlers averaging above 20 or 30 and building lower order partnerships that will help to expand our batting options,” he said.

“Once we are able to tick the boxes that we have agreed upon, 75 per cent or more of what we have aimed for, that will help to define success.”

Tevin Imlach, the other wicketkeeper/batsman, has been named vice-captain, and the squad includes five players with senior Test experience: Da Silva, left-handers Tagenarine Chanderpaul and Kirk McKenzie, and fast bowlers Jayden Seales and Shermon Lewis.

Three players who made their first-class debuts this year have also been named in the squad – batsman Kevlon Anderson, fast bowler and fellow Guyanese Shamar Joseph, and spin bowling all-rounder Abhijai Mansingh.

FULL SQUAD: Joshua Da Silva (captain), Tevin Imlach (vice-captain), Kevlon Anderson, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Kavem Hodge, Akeem Jordan, Shamar Joseph, Shermon Lewis, Jair McAllister, Zachary McCaskie, Kirk McKenzie, Abhijai Mansingh, Jayden Seales, Kevin Sinclair.

Team Management: Andre Coley (Head Coach), Dwain Gill (Team Manager), Jimmy Adams (Assistant Coach), Shaun Tait (Assistant Coach), Barrington Gayle (Physiotherapist), Asia Joseph (Strength & Conditioning Coach)

Match Schedule

November 21 to 24: vs South Africa “A” at Willowmoore Park, Benoni November 28 to December 1: vs South Africa “A” at Buffalo Park, East London December 5 to 8: vs South Africa “A” at Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2023

Sport is no longer our game, it’s our business

NSC’s Muhammad lauds

Cricket Commentators’ Workshop Pg 23

NSC/EBFA/Ralph Greene U-11 League

Swan, Conquerors, Vengy, Eagles, Den Amstel, Santos Pg 22 take full points on day 1

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