Guyana Times - Thursday, November 2, 2023

P7

Guyana boasts more female contractors, business owners Nationwide coverage from the best news team in Guyana guyanatimesgy.com

THE BEACON OF TRUTH

Issue No. 5541

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023

“We stand resolute in our determination to vigorously defend our country” – Ali on threats from Venezuela Page 11

PM Phillips tells OAS Venezuela building landing strip near Essequibo

PRICE $100 VAT INCLUDED

WHAT'S INSIDE:

Over $1B in P16 contracts signed for road works in Region 2 Duo pleads guilty to murdering phone card P8 vendor

Pages 12 & 13

…says increased military personnel, equipment near border aimed at “driving fear” in Guyanese …as Brazil, other regional nations denounce Venezuela’s planned referendum

US declares support for Guyana against Venezuela’s planned referendum Page 3

No bail for taxi driver charged with drug P8 trafficking

302 traffic P15 violation cases recorded in 1 day

…as Commonwealth expresses steadfast support for sovereignty, territorial integrity of Guyana Venezuela border controversy

Special Guyana parliamentary sitting set for Nov 6 See story on page 10

Guyana calls for ceasefire in Israel"Ray of Hamas conflict sunshine", filled Page 9

P14

with ambition, talent – family describes Amit Singh

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

BRIDGE OPENINGS

BRIDGE The Demerara OPENINGS Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, November 2 – 04:00h-05:30h and Friday, November 3 – 04:00h-05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, November 2 – 07:15h-08:45h and Friday, November 3 – 08:05h-09:35h.

US declares support for Guyana against Venezuela’s planned referendum …as Commonwealth expresses steadfast support for sovereignty, territorial integrity of Guyana

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Thundery showers are expected for most of the day, followed by late-afternoon sunshine.

Thundery showers and partly-cloudy to clear skies are expected at night. Temperatures should range between 24 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to East South-Easterly between 2.23 metres and 4.47 metres.

High Tide: 06:56h and 19:03h reaching maximum heights of 2.37 metres and 2.46 metres.

Low Tide: 12:37h reaching a minimum height of 0.89 metre.

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US Permanent Representative to the OAS, Frank Mora, declaring his country’s support for Guyana on Wednesday

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upport continues to mount for Guyana against Venezuela’s planned referendum that seeks to annex Guyana’s territory in the Essequibo region to itself.

The United States of America has declared its support for Guyana’s sovereign rights. US Ambassador to the Organization of American States (OAS), Frank Mora, has informed the hemispheric body of his government’s support for Guyana’s sovereign rights.

He was addressing the Permanent Council of the OAS at a special session called following a request

by Guyana.

At that session, Guyana’s Prime Minister Mark Phillips highlighted the country’s concerns regarding Venezuela’s planned referendum on the Essequibo region, and also of the Spanish-speaking nation’s increase of military troops near the border.

Sharing remarks afterward, Ambassador Mora expressed, “My Government supports Guyana’s sovereign right to develop its own natural resources.”

The US representative said his Government finds the efforts by Venezuela to infringe upon Guyana’s sovereignty unacceptable.

“The United States supports a peaceful resolution to this issue, whether through the decision of an international judicial body, or agreement of the parties. With this in mind, we call on Venezuela to respect international law, including the 1899 Arbitral Award as well as the ongoing International Court of Justice process between Guyana and Venezuela,” Ambassador Mora declared.

Venezuela renewed its claim to Guyana’s Essequibo region back in 2015, mere days after it was announced that US oil giant ExxonMobil had discovered oil in commercial quantities in the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, where there are now proven reserves of more than 11 billion oil-equivalent barrels.

Commonwealth’s deep concern

Meanwhile, the Commonwealth on Wednesday also joined in supporting Guyana against Venezuela’s claim over Guyana’s Essequibo region.

In a statement, Commonwealth SecretaryGeneral, Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland, KC, expressed “deep concern” at the September 21 decision of the Venezuelan National Assembly to undertake a referendum on December 3, 2023 to claim Essequibo region, which is part of the sovereign territory of Guyana.

“The Commonwealth stands with the Government and people of Guyana and with our partners in Caricom in expressing our concern over the questions in the planned referendum,” SG Scotland said. “And the Commonwealth continues to stand for the rule of law, and reaffirms its firm and steadfast support for the maintenance and preservation of the sovereign and territorial integrity of Guyana, and the unobstructed exercise of its rights to develop the entirety of its territory for the benefit of its people.”

According to the Commonwealth, the five questions approved by the Venezuelan National Electoral Council to be included in the referendum undermine Guyana’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. It has added that the Spanish-speaking nation’s intent is also contrary to international law.

Question 5 proposes the creation of a Venezuelan state of Guyana Essequibo and an accelerated plan for giving Venezuelan citizenship and identity cards to the Guyanese population.

But the Commonwealth contends that international law prohibits the seizure and annexation by one country of the territory of another.

It said, “The language in these questions contributes to heightened tension, and is a threat to peace

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland

and stability in a member state of our Commonwealth Family, and indeed in the wider Caribbean region.”

The international body further reminded that at the last meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Group on Guyana, held on September 17, 2023, unwavering support was reaffirmed for the judicial process underway before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to settle the border controversy between the two countries. The group also continues to encourage Venezuela to participate in that judicial process.

Back in April of this year, the ICJ determined that it had legal jurisdiction over this longstanding issue.

The Commonwealth supports the use of the ICJ to adjudicate on the matter, noting that the referendum to be held one month before Presidential elections in Venezuela goes against the spirit of peaceful dispute resolution.

ICJ Injunction

On Tuesday it was revealed that the Guyana Government has sought the World Court’s intervention to prevent Venezuela from taking actions through its planned referendum to annex Guyana’s Essequibo region.

One of the questions in the referendum that Guyana is seeking an order against is the very first one, which asks the Venezuelan people to reject the boundary between the two countries that was set in the 1899 Arbitral Award following a process of arbitration.

Guyana is also seeking the court’s intervention against question three, which asks the Venezuelan people not to recognise the ICJ’s jurisdiction, even though the court had thrown out Venezuela’s previous attempt to get the court not to accept jurisdiction over the case.

Finally, the court’s intervention is being sought for question five. Question five asks the Venezuelan people to agree to the annexation

of Essequibo and the creation of a Venezuelan state.

Additionally, Question five seeks the citizens’ approval for, among other things, Venezuela granting citizenship and identity cards to residents of Essequibo.

According to the ICJ, Guyana is also seeking an order from the court that “Venezuela shall not take any actions that are intended to prepare or allow the exercise of sovereignty or de facto control over any territory that was awarded to British Guiana in the 1899 Arbitral Award”; and further, that “Venezuela shall refrain from any action which might aggravate or extend the dispute before the Court, or make it more difficult to resolve.”

The Guyana Government on Tuesday explained that the ICJ’s protection against Venezuela’s “sinister plan for seizing Guyanese territory” is urgent. It added that because of the urgency of the matter, Guyana has asked the Court to schedule oral hearings on its request at the earliest possible date in advance of December 3.

In the interim, an extraordinary sitting of the National Assembly in Georgetown is set for Monday, November 6, 2023, where Members of Parliament from both the Government and Opposition are expected to denounce the recent actions by the Government in Caracas.

Over the past few weeks, several regional bodies, including the Caribbean Community (Caricom) and the Organization of American States (OAS) Secretary-General Luis Amalgro, who has already condemned Venezuela’s actions, have called for the Spanish-speaking country to adhere to a peaceful settlement of the border controversy and desist from any aggressive actions.

Moreover, Guyana has been meeting with diplomats from bilateral partner nations in Georgetown to formally inform them of the escalated situation with Venezuela. (G8)

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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

Empowerment, educational, skills training

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he vulnerability of women without formal education, which severely constrains their income generation/ wealthcreation capabilities, has been the primary causative factor of women remaining in abusive relationships, especially where providing requisite necessities for offspring is of major consideration.

Successive People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Governments have tried to ameliorate the social dislocations of families caused by such dysfunctional family constructs in multiple ways. The Women of Worth economic initiative, launched by then Social Services Minister Priya Manickchand, was established as a loan programme that provided lowinterest and collateral-free loans to single-parent women from lower-income brackets who wished to start up or expand their businesses.

As former and current Education Minister, Priya Manickchand formulated systems in the academic arena that levelled the educational playing field and fructified in top students at all levels emerging from not only the elite schools, but in schools countrywide.

On September 5, 2020, she launched the Workforce Recovery Initiative programme in Guyana that offered free online courses from reputable universities through Coursera and the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) , and the number of Guyanese that had registered on the Coursera platform was tremendous. She had, unsurprisingly, been selected as a mentor on the Commonwealth Wise Woman Mentoring Project.

Her continuous activism in formulating programmes and advocating for girls and women to recognise their value and achieve their full potential has been refreshing and inspiring.

She first became a Member of Parliament in 2006, serving initially as Human Services and Social Security Minister, and she had used the platform presented by that portfolio to address the disadvantages of the vulnerable in society, primarily the scourge of violence against women and children. She published a National Policy on Domestic Violence, and piloted legislation that provide for protective and developmental landscapes for children to thrive and grow in safe environments.

For her proactive initiatives in educating/empowering the vulnerable in society, then Education Minister Manickchand was conferred with an honorary doctorate from the Lesley University in Boston, Massachusetts, USA in 2014.

To foster empowerment and build skillsets for women and girls, especially school drop-outs, the Human Services Ministry launched a women empowerment programme on May 7, 2021.

The Women’s Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN), which seeks to help women and girls become financially independent, was piloted in Baramita, Region One (BarimaWaini). However, the programme, which offers free training in information and communication technology, decor and design, graphics, beauty and wellness, professional care, garment and hospitality, and administration et al, to be delivered both inperson and online, is open to women from all across Guyana.

WIIN is an offshoot of WE LIFT, an empowerment exercise for women that was held at the Guyana Conference Centre.

Persaud had said that people have to be able to see, seize and create opportunities in preparation of where our country is going, and be very creative so that they have a competitive edge in promoting their skills. Plans are also afoot for a series of technical vocational training programmes to be rolled out across the country. People can access these through online applications, hard-copy applications at Ministry locations, and through community outreaches that have already commenced.

Education/skills training and development are primary factors in cultivating economic independence for vulnerable persons, and to further this, the Ministry has set up a femalecentric business incubator at the Guyana Women’s Leadership Institute, where WIIN and other programmes are activated, with correlating centres throughout the country.

Mental health issues mainly stem from depression, primarily caused by helplessness and hopelessness. The empowerment/ educational/skills training programmes may catalyse a surge of hope in lives long existing in physical subjugation, emotional despair, and mental bondage.

Afghan refugees arrive with their belongings on trucks from Pakistan at the Afghanistan-Pakistan Torkham border in Nangarhar province. Hundreds of thousands of Afghans living in Pakistan faced the threat of detention and deportation on November 1, as a Government deadline for them to leave sparked a mass exodus (AFP)

From my hometown in Gaza, the unthinkable news: 36 of my family members are dead

By Ghada Ageel

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y family home was supposed to be in the safe zone in southern Gaza. But last week the bombs came anyway, without warning. They fell at around 10 o’clock on Thursday morning in four or five big explosions. An entire residential quarter of the Khan Yunis refugee camp, where I was born and raised, was reduced to rubble. Everyone there experienced it as an earthquake; a human-made earthquake. The whole camp was shaking.

I’ve counted 49 dead – among them are 36 members of my family. Another dozen or more are still missing under the rubble of eight homes, I’m told, and more than 100 are injured.

I now reside in Canada, but my family home still stands in that same Khan Yunis camp, metres away from where the bombs fell, and it is where much of my extended family still live. This home is all we have left from our late parents and grandparents after they were driven out of Beit Daras village and into the Gaza Strip during the 1948 Nakba – the mass expulsion of Palestinians. Thousands of people were forced to leave our village back then and many made their way to Khan Yunis. Initially intended as a temporary stop until they could return to their homes, families from Beit Daras preferred to live in close proximity to one another. Over time, this temporary arrangement evolved into an enduring one.

These homes were packed with additional people who had fled from the Israeli bombardment of Gaza City when the bombs started to fall – one family to each room. I want to tell you about some of the lives cut short.

Two-year-old Julia Abu Hussein, my sister’s granddaughter, was in the living room of my family home eagerly awaiting the arrival of my niece, Rasha, to take her to the shop to buy sweets. When the first bombs fell, Julia’s mother, Rawan, grabbed her daughter and ran into the kitchen with the rest of the family. But a piece of shrapnel blasted into the kitchen and killed Julia in her mother’s arms.

Just two weeks ago, Julia’s parents – my nephew Amjad and his wife, Rawan –followed the Israeli military’s orders to get out of Gaza City, leaving their home and moving south in search of safety.

Together with my sister’s family, it took them three days to travel less than 20 miles to Khan Yunis – for three days we believed they were dead. It’s 2023 but it’s like we woke up to 1948. People running again in search for safety. When they arrived in the “safe zone”, they realised that no place in the Gaza Strip was actually safe.

My 79-year-old great-uncle, Nayif Abu Shammala, a retired teacher, and his wife, Fathiya, were among the survivors of the Nakba. They lived right across from us and died there under the bombs.

Their three daughters and four sons were killed, too.

When she was young, one of them, Aisha, was known as the cutest face in the camp. She was one of those people who radiated happiness. Her sister Dawlat had been living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and was on a visit home to see her family when the bombs fell. She leaves behind two children and a husband who did not even get the chance to bid her a final farewell. The youngest of the sisters, Umaima, and her daughter Malak had also fled the bombardment in the north. But the bombs caught up with them anyway.

Nayif and Fathiya’s sons – Zuhair, Hassan, Mahmoud and Mohammed – all died alongside their wives. The lives of Hassan’s three children were sacrificed to the bombs as well. These children are not distant strangers; they were beautiful souls I knew well. Children whose character-filled faces I can still see. Children who told me of their dreams for the lives ahead of them. All now ground into the dust.

Why did Israel kill them? The family has no political affiliations. Nothing can justify this heinous crime of killing three generations unless being Palestinian is the crime. My great-aunt, Um Said, lived a long life, at least. She was 92 and was at home with her daughter, Najat, when the bombs fell. They both now find their resting place under the rubble.

Last summer while I visited Gaza, Um Said kindly gave me an embroidered dress that she once wore. She insisted that I take it back to Canada with me. I am grateful that I did. It’s all that I have left to remember her by.

I am struggling to find new ways of describing death – gone, taken, dead,

under the rubble, their souls in heaven.

The Israeli propaganda machine tells me that they aren’t dead at all because Palestinians must be lying about the numbers of deaths even as we mourn. Or, if they are indeed dead, then they must be “terrorists”.

In truth, the list of dead innocents is so long and so painful. So many children.

So many who led good lives. Um Said’s daughter-in-law, Suhaila, was a teacher. So was Imtiyaz, the wife of Asa’ad, my first cousin once removed, who ran a small grocery shop that was a favourite place for my own son, Aziz, to visit when we returned to our homeland.

Asa’ad was known throughout the Khan Yunis camp as a gentle soul who sold goods for little money. He kept a thick ledger of the names of people who owed him payment, but often forgot to call in his debts or he simply wrote them off. His beaming face, his shop, his kindness and his family were all stolen from us in broad daylight. When the bombs fell, Asa’ad’s shop was packed. I counted at least six children who died there. Asa’ad’s sons, Hussein and Abdelrahman, a third year medical student, were among the dead.

I want to ask President Biden why he supports this. Does he believe that the pain of an Israeli mother is different from that of a Palestinian mother? Is her blood more valuable than the blood of those in Gaza? This is the only explanation that I can find for what Biden is encouraging in Gaza.

Surviving family members send me pictures from Khan Yunis. Of Julia’s bloody body wrapped in a white sheet and carried by my cousin Jameel. Of destroyed homes. This is just one small slice of the suffering being served up in Gaza. I understand that in a war civilians die. But this is a pattern. Israel talks of Hamas-run schools and Hamas-run hospitals to continue the dehumanisation of Palestinians and to set the stage for more crimes. It’s just an excuse to kill more civilians. This is targeting the very existence of the Palestinians. To me, this is genocide. (The Guardian) (Ghada Ageel, a third-generation Palestinian refugee, worked as a translator for the Guardian in Gaza from 2000 to 2006. She is currently visiting professor at the department of political science at the University of Alberta.)

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You can send your letters with pictures to: Guyana Times, Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown, Guyana or letters@guyanatimesgy.com

Skeldon Sugar Factory Quit playing semantics Dear Editor, For more than a decade, many letter writers and the political Opposition have cast the blame on the PPP/C Government for failure of the Skeldon Factory project, and by extension the entire industry. However, recent research by reputable individuals into the historical facts on this subject, and our findings, show a very different picture. In fact, it was Booker Tate and the APNU/AFC Government that were ultimately responsible for the dire situation of the Skeldon project, and by extension the sugar industry.

The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) was formed in 1976, when the Government of Guyana nationalized and merged the sugar estates operated by Booker Sugar Estates Limited, Tate and Lyle and Jessels Holdings. GuySuCo initially lacked needed experience and the financial capital needed to maintain the sugar plantations and processing mills during economically difficult periods.

In the late 1980s, it was President Desmond Hoyte who asked Booker Tate to take over the management of GuySuCo. This eventually manifested into a contract by an agreement between the Government of Guyana and Booker Tate Limited dated October 12th, 1990, renewed on March 7th, 1994 and March 26th, 1996. The new research shows that Booker Tate was delinquent in the performance of its duties. The sequence of events can be summarised as follows: • In 2000, GuySuCo approached Booker Tate for assistance with sugar industry development; Booker Tate then conducted feasibility study, from which the Skeldon Sugar Factor project was birthed.

• In 2004, GuySuCo entered into a written agreement with Booker Tate for the provision of Project Management Services in respect of the implementation phase of the Skeldon Modernization Project.

• In 2005, GuySuCo began construction of a new

sugar cane factory and electricity cogeneration plant at Skeldon Sugar Estate; and in 2008, the factory was commissioned.

The relationship between GuySuCo and Booker Tate deteriorated due to substandard performance

by Booker Tate in their oversight role of the Skeldon Project. To this end, under the Chairmanship of Dr. Nanda Gopaul, GuySuCo withheld payment of Booker Tate’s management fees, which eventually led to Booker Tate taking court action against GuySuCo for same to be settled. Based on sound legal advice, GuySuCo filed a counterclaim against Booker Tate for alleged contractual breaches in relation to the Skeldon Project.

However, the APNU/AFC Government withdrew the appeal in 2015 when they assumed office, thereby allowing Booker Tate to exit without any liability to the State.

Yours respectfully, Joel Bhagwandin & Dr Randy Persaud

Dear Editor, I write on the subject of the GPF using the Spanish word "Policia" instead of Police on the Force's vehicles. This, as the Vice President said, marks a misguided caption by the Police. I would go on to say it was an ill-advised caption, and one that should not have been used in the first place.

We are an Englishspeaking country, hence our official language of communication, our norms and operations, should be in English. We may have labels in other languages used to accommodate the other language speakers, but that is the exception to the rule.

Let me tell you a story, a true story. Recently, I walked into one of the clothing stores on Regent Street to purchase a belt.

I purchased that belt and, shortly after, enquired if the store provided service in putting additional holes on my belt. A gentleman

then approached me, and in broken English asked if I am the person who needed help. I immediately recognized him as a Venezuelan national, wherein I replied in Spanish - I told him exactly where and cuantos how many holes to put. He replied in English. When he was finished, I asked him in Spanish how much was the cost? Throughout our encounter, he never spoke a word of Spanish.

I do not know why the evasion in not speaking in his native tongue, probably he did not want me to detect him as a foreigner, maybe thinking I would report him to the authorities as an illegal immigrant. But the message I would like to convey is the people’s ease of blending in to our English-speaking Guyanese society.

So, again I repeat: the explanation the GPF gave as regards non-nationals being able to recognize law enforcement is weak. Anyone, national or

non-national, hearing a siren, or better still seeing the written word "Police", knows fully well that it is the Police, the two words are too close in resemblance. And from the story I outlined above, they pretty well know and understand.

Further to the GPF's clumsy move is the fact that here we have a Spanish-speaking neighbour that is hostile towards our country, one that lays claim to two-thirds of our territory. In this regard, the GPF should be ever cautious and vigilant in the message they are sending to Venezuela. We cannot make mistakes at this late hour.

Quit playing the semantics game, it is dangerous and misleading, to say the least, at this time in our history, when our territorial sovereignty is at stake.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

Guyana remains a peaceful nation Dear Editor, Venezuela is brewing a storm in a teacup, while Guyana briefs the international community about the actions taken by Venezuela.

The brazen, bold and bullish behaviour of a barefaced braggart behooves diplomacy’s last bastion of public bureaucracy. Reports of increased Venezuelan military activities close to Guyana’s borders have raised eyebrows and are viewed as having “the potential to incite violence and to threaten the peace of Guyana, and by extension the Caribbean Region.”

Essequibo, known as the “Cinderella County,” is home to some 290,000 people stretching across 700 villages and communities. They make a living by being involved mainly in agriculture industries and mining for gold and other precious minerals. The rich Rupununi Savannahs unfold their virgin plains, and fishes of various species are found, including the largest sweetwater fish, the Arapaima. The prestigious climatic rainforests are pristine for their carbon credits and lumber values.

Guyana’s hinterland is the scenery of towering mountains unfolding her majesty to boast the likes of Mount Roraima. Kaieteur Falls bedazzles visitors as the world’s largest single-drop waterfall. Domiciled in the interior are the Indigenous people, Guyana’s first born original inhabitants of this land of many waters.

The response from Venezuela’s representative as “curbing illegal mining,” with their equipment movement is an affront for their military exercises at

Eteringbang, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), and should be taken with a grain of salt and perceived as premeditated manoeuvring.

Guyana remains steadfast to the validity of the Arbitral Award of 1899. Venezuela pursues a claim of void, and refuses to recognize that the ICJ has jurisdiction to hear this case.

Guyana’s massive oil finds and selling of the recent oil blocks found in sovereign territory only inflamed an already infuriated Venezuela to instigate a communique protesting the sales, which threatens Guyana as an independent nation.

Venezuela’s National Electoral Council has further undermined the security of Guyana, threatening peace and inciting violence with a planned National Consultative Referendum slated for December 3, 2023.

It purports to seeking the permission of the people to simply “annex” Essequibo by creation of a state comprising the Cinderella County.

In October 1966, the Venezuelan army seized the eastern half of Ankoko Island, situated at the confluence of the Cuyuni and Wenamu Rivers, and forming part of the boundary between Guyana and Venezuela. A couple of days prior to Guyana becoming a Republican State on 23rd February, 1970, Venezuelan soldiers on Ankoko opened fire with guns and mortars on the Guyanese military outpost at Eteringbang. The firing continued intermittently throughout the next day, but there were no reports of injuries, even though buildings were damaged.

Despite these military

aggressions, Guyana has remained calm, and has sought diplomatic channels to resolve her border issue.

Harry Innis Perkins and Charles Wilgress Anderson of Great Britain, and Abraham Tirado and Elias Zoro of Venezuela made up the Mixed Venezuelan-British Boundary Commissioners.

The Commission drew a line passing through the island, and dividing it from north to south in roughly equal parts.

The eastern part of about three square miles falling on the British Guiana (Guyana) side of the boundary, and the western part falling on the Venezuelan side. A boundary map showing these details was signed on January 7, 1905 by the Boundary Commissioners.

The 1905 map was reissued in 1911 and 1917, and was published under the authority of General Gomez, then President of Venezuela, and signed by F. Alicantara, the Venezuelan Minister of Internal Affairs.

Despite the border dispute, both nations have cooperated on trade, health, and other sectors. For example, the Guyanese Government had signed a rice compensation agreement with Venezuela in 2009 wherein Guyanese rice exports were accepted in partial payment for imports of Venezuelan oil. During the days of dictatorship under the Kabaka, many Guyanese sought refuge for greener pastures in foreign countries, including in the land of Venezuela.

There was also brisk trading for foreign banned foodstuff and other items.

Now we are attesting to the vice versa situation as Nicolás Maduro bankrupts a

once prosperous nation, leaving the food shelves empty in the supermarkets, depriving the peaceful lives of people, and impoverishing the nation as he rules by controlling the military forces.

The US has frozen Venezuelan assets in the US, and there is an oil embargo. Millions of Venezuelans have been forced to flee their homeland. Refugees are arriving by the hundreds in Guyana, home to over thirty thousand Venezuelans, seeking food, cloth and housing as they scramble for work in order to maintain their families, forced to live together under one roof, bundled by the dozens. Most Guyanese have left Venezuela and have already returned home since Maduro became president.

Venezuela wants to withdraw from the present judicial proceedings, despite the ICJ still processing the case. Guyana enjoys the full support of Caricom, the Secretaries-General of the United Nations and the Organization of the American States, the Commonwealth Nations and the entire international community.

Venezuela, as it is, stands alone, and risks being accused of criminal aggression should they invade or seize any land belonging to Guyana.

Guyana remains a peaceful nation, but like Dave Martins said, Guyanese “ain't giving up no mountains, no tree, no river that belongs to we, not one blue saki, not one rice grain, not one cuirass, not a blade of grass.”

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 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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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023

Foundation ◄

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Test Questions

Continued

I

n this environmental engineering science experiment, you will design and build an aquaponics system. As a proof-of-principle you can chose to use fish from your local pet store, like goldfish, rather than trying to find a source of edible fish. To get started, you will need to read up on aquaponics and look at systems other people have built, or use the model below as an ideagenerator. Your project can focus on just the engineering of your home aquaponics system, or you can take it a step further by growing your own produce (lettuce is a good choice) in an aquaponics system compared to a soil-based system.

This will allow you to compare many things including how the crop grows in each farming method, cost of each system, amount of water and fertiliser used in each system, or any other variable you can think of!

Build a mini aquaponic system

What you’ll need A tank for the fish: 3-20 gallon,

glass or plastic container Gravel: 2.5 lbs. of gravel for every 5 gallons of water in the fish tank Water pump: 3-4 watt pump capable of lifting 18” – 54” at 30 – 100/gal/hour (small circulation or fountain pump is ideal) 3 ft. of plastic tubing that fits the outlet on your water pump Aquarium air pump sized for the number of gallons in your fish tank Air stone (1” – 3”) 3 ft. of air tubing to connect the air pump to the air stone (must fit the air pump outlet) Grow Bed: must sit on top of fish tank and be 3” – 8” deep Growing Medium: enough pea gravel, perlite, coconut coir, expanded clay pebbles or peat moss to fill the grow bed pH test kit and, depending on the pH of your water, pH down or pH up Fish and plants Drill with 1/4” or 3/16” bit and 1/2” bit

Scissors Electrical tape

Instructions

Step 1: Thoroughly wash the gravel and place in the bottom of the fish tank.

Step 2: Drill 1/8” or 3/16” holes in the bottom of the grow bed every 2 square inches so the water can drain into the tank. In one of the back corners of the grow bed, drill a 1/2” hole for the tubing from the water pump to pass through.

Step 3: Place the water pump in the fish tank then set the grow bed on top of the tank. Feed the tubing from the water pump through the 1/2” hole. Leave enough tubing to extend about 3/4 the height of the grow bed and to loop around the inside of the grow bed. Cut off any excess tube and fold the end over.

Seal the folded piece with electrical tape.

Step 4: Fill the grow bed with the growing medium to just under the top of the tube.

Step 5: Puncture small holes every 2 inches in the section of tubing that loops in the grow bed.

Step 6: Cover the loop of tubing with an inch or two of growing medium.

Step 7: Fill the fish tank with water. Plug in the pump to ensure that the water is pumped into the grow bed, trickles down through the growing medium and continuously back into the tank. Depending on the size of your tank, grow bed and pump, you may have to adjust the flow.

Step 8: Connect your air pump to the air stone with the air tubing.

Place the air stone in the tank and plug in the air pump. A steady stream of bubbles should rise through the water, providing fresh air.

Step 9: Check the pH of your water using litmus paper, a pH test kit or pH meter. The ideal pH is 7.0 for an aquaponic system. If it is higher than 7.2 you should lower it with a “pH down” product and if it is lower than 6.8 you should raise

it with a “pH up” product, both of which are available from aquarium stores.

Step 10: Allow the unit to sit for 24 hours to be sure all chlorine has dissipated from the water. If you want to stock your fish right away, you’ll need to add a chlorine remover, which is available from aquarium shops and pet stores.

Step 11: Add your fish to the fish tank. Initially, you should lightly stock your tank with no more than 1/2” of fish per gallon of water. Once your system has been established for over a month you can increase to fish density to 1” per gallon of water.

Step 12: Ideally you should wait approximately four weeks to add plants to your system, but if you are eager to plant it, add just a few plants or seeds and increase plant density in a month or so when your system is well established.

Fish and plant selection

In selecting your fish, choose hardy species like goldfish and other

common varieties available from your local aquarium or pet store.

Most desktop aquaponic gardens do not include food fish because there is not enough space to grow them to maturity. If you do want to raise food fish or a local species, be sure to provide adequate water temperature and feed.

A desktop aquaponic garden will support most varieties of house plants, lettuce, spinach and herbs.

If you must transplant from soil, thoroughly wash away all of the dirt surrounding the roots and wash the leaves being sure to remove any pest insects.

You will have the most success with leafy vegetables like lettuce, spinach and herbs or houseplants such as anthodium, dracaena, dieffenbachia and philodendron.

You can also plant aquatic plants in the fish tank. They will provide a more natural habitat for the fish and aid in purifying the water. (Excerpt from aquaponics. com)

WORD SEARCH

NEWS

7

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana boasts more female contractors, business owners …Govt committed to creating environment for women empowerment – Pres Ali

President Dr Irfaan Ali during the Ministerial Forum on Gender Empowerment and Equality

A

s Guyana conducts a Ministerial Forum on Gender Empowerment & Equality, President Dr Irfaan Ali revealed the strides being made locally when it comes to empowering women, including the increase in fe-

ly that four women came together and tendered for an oil block and were allocated an oil block. First of all, there had to be confidence in the system, that allowed four women to believe that they could have come together and bid and

Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud

Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud was optimistic that Guyana was well on its way to achieving this goal, with the help of local and international funding. For instance, there is the Spotlight initiative which deals with family violence. Guyana has received assistance from the UN and European Union (EU) on the project.

“Guyana will be able to integrate all of the programmes that have been started under the Spotlight Initiative, under the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.

That simply

Persaud said.

The Minister further provided details on other programmes being conducted by the Ministry, including the Women Innovation and Investment Network (WIIN) initiative. So far, more than 12,000 women have benefited from training under the programme, after which Government will provide them with support for businesses and even cash grants.

Another initiative is the COPSQUAD initiative, which graduated some 1000 Police Officers earlier this year. Police Officers received training to better

means that there will be budgetary allotments to everything that was started under Spotlight and I think that is significant, because it means we have continuity for everything started under this programme,” Dr

equip them to handle cases of women who are victims of gender-based violence.

The Minister committed that the Government would continue to fund these initiatives. (G3)

more and more female contractors. Not only entering the system, but winning major contracts. Building competence. Yesterday I was at the Afriexim Bank exhibition. And there were four local contractors there exhibiting.”

“Out of the four, two

male contractors and business owners.

The three-day forum on gender empowerment and equality is being held by the Human Services and Social Security Ministry at the Marriott Hotel. President Ali, who was the keynote speaker at the opening day of the event, used the oppor-

had an equal opportunity.

“It does not come in an automatic manner. That’s the first point I want to make. There must be a level of confidence in the system, that allow these women to come together and believe they could achieve.

So, there’s two words: confidence and belief,”

were female-owned contracting businesses. One of them proudly told me they are employing close to 120 persons. And this is replicated. A high percentage of the small contractors in the communities, doing the small roads, are led by females,” President Ali said.

Goal five of the United

tunity to apprise attendees of the Government’s efforts to promote gender empowerment.

He drew attention to Sispro Incorporated, the company led by four women that was able to raise millions of US dollars and successfully bid for two oil blocks. According to the Head of State, these women would never have invested had they not had confidence in the system.

“We must not take light-

President Ali said.

According to the President, it is important for a government to be honest with itself in examining its systems and ascertaining whether it generates confidence. President Ali further made reference to the growth in female contractors, who have been tapping into the infrastructural boom currently underway in the country.

“Similarly, over the last three years, we’ve seen

Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which Guyana and the rest of the world are working to achieve, speaks to gender equality. The ministerial gender and equality forum will, among other things, feature regional delegates who will share experiences and strategies to tackle gender inequality.

Ministers from Trinidad and Tobago, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, St Lucia, and Belize are

also in attendance, underscoring the regional commitment to this crucial agenda. Together, they are working towards robust national and regional models for the 2030 agenda.

In her remarks at the event, Human Services and

8 NEWS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Businessman gets $300,000 bail on illegal gun, ammo charges

Regrets…

K

Luis Moreno

L

uis Moreno, the 34-year-old businessman who was arrested last Sunday with an unlicensed firearm, was on Wednesday placed on $300,000 bail after appearing before Principal Magistrate Faith Mc Gusty at the Vreed-en-Hoop Magistrate’s Court to answer two charges.

A resident of School Street in Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara, Moreno has been charged with illegal possession of a firearm and a quantity of ammuni-

The unlicensed gun and ammunition that were found at the businessman’s home

tion, but he has denied the charges.

Reports are that at about 00:30h on October 29, acting on information received, Police ranks went to School Street, Goed Fortuin, WBD and contacted Moreno, who was standing in his yard. One of the ranks told Moreno that he was suspected of having an unlicensed firearm on his premises, and requested that the Police be allowed to carry out a search

on his person and premises.

The businessman permitted the Police to carry out the search, and nothing of evidential value was found on his person. The ranks then proceeded to the upper flat of Moreno’s two-storey building, and searches were conducted on the back verandah in his presence.

Inside a barrel with clothing, the ranks found one .38 revolver (with the serial number filed off) and six

live matching rounds of ammunition. A further search revealed a small black rectangular box containing 65 rounds of live 9mm ammunition and one black 9mm magazine.

When Moreno was cautioned, he reportedly replied that the ammunition was his, but not the gun. He was then arrested and escorted, along with the gun and ammunition, to the La Grange Police Station. (G1)

Duo pleads guilty to murdering phone card vendor A lexander La Cruz and Mark ‘Biggs’ Welch, two 30-yearold co-defendants who have admitted to killing phone card vendor Ron Mansfield on June 19, 2018 in the course or furtherance of a robbery, will know their fate on November 16, 2023, when Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall would be pronouncing sentence on them for this murder at the Demerara High Court.

At their recent arraignment before this Judge, La Cruz of Lot 179 Meten-

Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara (WCD) and Welch of Lot 2743 Recht-doorZee, West Bank Demerara (WBD) pleaded guilty to the joint murder indictment presented against them by the State, thereby acknowledging that they killed the 37-year-old father of two, who had lived at Lot 772 Westminster, WBD. State Prosecutors in this matter were Rbina Christmas, Caressa Henry, and Delon Fraser.

On June 19, 2018, Mansfield was attacked

outside his home and shot in his chest by gunmen.

He succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH).

“The victim, who was discovered with a suspected gunshot injury to the body, was reportedly returning home from selling phone cards on his motorcycle,” Police had said. His bag containing his phone cards and money was not found, according to the Police.

The attack had occurred at around 20:30h. (G1)

Dead: Ron Mansfield

No bail for taxi driver charged with drug trafficking

R

ollox Roberts Harry, known as Anthony Roberts, a 54-year -old taxi driver of Toucan Drive, South Ruimveldt Georgetown, appeared before Georgetown Magistrate Rhondell Weever on Monday to answer to a charge of possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking.

According to the allegation, on October 29 last, he had in his possession 571 grams of cannabis, 86 grams of hashish, two grams of ecstasy, and

six grams of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking.

Harry pleaded not guilty to the offence, and his defence attorney Patrice Henry requested bail on the ground that his client has a medical issue, but he failed to provide any supporting evidence.

At that point, Harry began to belch and groan loudly in court, but the prosecutor contended that Harry should not be given bail, as he cited the gravity of the

offence and the penalty it attracts. The prosecutor also submitted that Harry was apprehended by the Police between Lombard and Princes Streets in Georgetown, where he was found in possession of the drugs in his bag.

Given the lack of medical documents to prove the defendant’s illness, Magistrate Weever expressed her disinclination to grant Harry bail, and he was thus remanded to prison.

…but no apologies!

ing Charles III was always an earnest and affable fella – even though his interminable 70-year-long wait as the Prince of Wales to succeed his mom Elizabeth II would’ve tested the patience of Job!! So, now that he’s King at last, how’s he doing?? Well…he’s certainly pierced the veil that the Monarchy have tried to place between us and them, to create the illusion that they aren’t mere mortals!!

Just think of how he defied all odds to marry his present wife, Camilla!! The course of true love never runs smooth for King or Commoners!!

Anyhow, Charles just visited his former African colony of Kenya – where his mother had been visiting when she heard she’d become Queen!! And it should be of great interest in the Caribbean, where we’ve taken the lead in demanding reparations for that “crime against humanity” – slavery. Now, we should remember that, a decade ago, Britain paid out some £20M to 5200 Kenyans who’d been imprisoned and tortured during the 1950s in the Mau Mau Rebellion to recover lands seized by them. But what we have to note is that the British Government merely said they “deeply regretted” what had occurred then, and they were compensating persons who’d actually been hurt.

Like the Caribbean, the Kenyan Governments – including that of the present President, William Ruto – insists that Britain should actually APOLOGISE and pay REPARATIONS. Regret ain’t enough – either morally, and evidently legally to justify reparations. And so we witnessed Charles III telling his Kenyan hosts, at a lavish State banquet in his honour in Nairobi, of his ‘greatest sorrow and deepest regret’ at Britain’s ‘abhorrent and unjustifiable acts of violence’ during the Colonial era.

He continued gushingly and earnestly, “It is the intimacy of our shared history that has brought our people together.

However, we must also acknowledge the most painful times of our long and complex relationship. The wrongdoings of the past are a cause of the greatest sorrow and the deepest regret. There were abhorrent and unjustifiable acts of violence committed against Kenyans as they waged, as you said at the UN, a painful struggle for independence and sovereignty – and for that there can be no excuse.”

Sounds quite contrite, doesn’t it? But there wasn’t that full apology demanded by survivors of the brutal incarceration, torture and killings to justify the reparations from the British Government!! Pres Ruto, however, pointed out that Britain and Kenya could not ‘live in denial of history’, and highlighted the ‘displacement, dispossession and disenfranchisement of native Africans, paving the way for a brutal colonialism’.

He made it clear that the £20 million so far paid out by Britain in compensation to victims of torture and repression was inadequate. £1 billion’s more like it!! Hell, yeah!! …over a grand banquet!!

The British might’ve granted independence to Kenya, but at the state banquet for Charles III and Camilla, the Kenyans demonstrated they were still adept at things British!! The royal couple were treated to a lavish eight-course menu: *Beetroot and goat cheese foam with hazelnut crumble/ *Cream of roasted butternut, chestnut and truffle soup/ *Malindi lobster and seared seafood ravioli-flavoured bisque/*Watercress and stilton salad with candied apples and walnuts/*Palate cleanser: lemon and raspberry sorbet/*Panseared salmon with Champagne beurre blanc/*Beef Wellington, chateau potatoes and minted asparagus (with chicken Wellington for the high table)/*Dessert symphony: A visually stunning dessert platter with miniature portions of Kenyan and British-inspired honey cake, carrot and walnut square, Earl Grey tea crumble and sarova chocolate cake!!

While Ruto sported a spiffy suit with a bow-tie, his wife, First Lady Rachel, had a gown inspired by the Kenyan flag!!

As was gushingly reported, she “effortlessly rocked” in the gown tailored perfectly for her!!

Ah, well… …on mistreating Venezies Your Eyewitness has been very forthright to insist we gotta be wary of the Venezies landing here - possible fifth columnists!! But that doesn’t give us any right to mistreat them, as was seen in a video.

Remanded: Rollox Roberts Harry

The case will continue on November 20. (G1)

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 2, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Guyana calls for ceasefire in Israel-Hamas conflict …“no space” for leaders who preside over slaughtering of innocent people – Ali

C

alling attention to all the incidents of war and violence around the world, particularly the recent violence in Israel and Palestine, President Dr Irfaan Ali has added his voice to the calls for ceasefire, while contending that there can be no justification for the slaughter of innocent people.

At the time addressing local and regional policy-makers during the opening day of a three-day forum on gender empowerment and equality, being held by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security at the Marriott Hotel, the President noted the urgency of bringing light to the situation, and questioned why more countries were not calling for a ceasefire.

“It would be a great injustice that such a high-level forum is being held and we don’t recognize the single most global crisis that women and children are facing in Palestine, Ukraine and Haiti -- one in our own region; and to understand the prospect the next generations will face as a result of this,” President Ali said.

“Just like the war in Ukraine -- senseless war, taking so many lives -would have brought hardship on us, and we in this region face the hardship in a disproportionate manner, this one too will bring hardship. We don’t know where the prices for fuel will end up. We don’t know where this war will end up. At a minimum… why can’t this world collectively call for a ceasefire?” he declared.

Smoke rising in Gaza following Israeli strikes on October 9, 2023 (Source: Mohammed Salem/Reuters)

The Head of State made it clear that there can be no justification for acts of terror. And in a poignant statement, he emphasised that “there is absolutely no space globally for anyone to be considered a leader who presides over the suffering of men, women and children.”

President Ali also made reference to the recent resignation of the Director of the United Nations’ (UN) New York office, Craig Mokhiber, whose letter criticizing the UN’s handling of the Israel/ Palestine conflict was widely publicised. According to President Ali, this is a case that is symptomatic of a system that is failing the people.

“The system is failing us. And if we don’t recognize the system is failing us, then we are in serious problems. Recently I did an analysis, over the aid over 60 years to Haiti versus the aid over two years to the war

in Ukraine and 20 years of hardship in Palestine. I received many calls from around the world,” he said.

“The system is failing us.

Not the people in the system; the people in the system are taught to follow the system. But recently I saw the resignation of one person in the system. I think he was the Director of Human Rights from the UN. That is making global news. One person in the system decides he will not be shaped by the system,” the President said.

The Caribbean Community (Caricom) had called for a ceasefire in the ongoing Israel/Palestine conflict in the early days of the conflict: last month, when fresh fighting had broken out and claimed thousands of lives on both sides of the border. Caricom had condemned the Hamas attacks on Israel, as well as Israel’s counter-attacks on Palestinian territory in Gaza.

Pensioner facing fraud charge S

eventy-five-year-old Vishnu Mungal has been charged with obtaining money by false pretense, contrary to Section 194 of the Criminal Law (Offences) Act. The Peter's Hall, East Bank Demerara resident is accused of collecting $14,040,000 from 48-yearold Karan Singh on March 2, 2023; but when the pensioner appeared before Senior Magistrate Sunil Scarce at the Diamond/ Golden Grove Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday, he

Vishnu Mungal

pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Singh told Magistrate Scarce that he is interested in reaching a settlement with Mungal, and suggested that the magistrate give Mungal until November 14 to make restitution. Given this disclosure, the magistrate placed Mungal on $100,000 bail and instructed that he lodges his passport with the court.

The matter has been adjourned to November 17.

(G1)

The attacks and counter-attacks were described in a statement by Caricom as “the antithesis of civilized life and living.”

“Innocent lives are being lost amidst the fervour and violence of the actual combatants. Caricom thus joins the responsible members of the international community in calling for an immediate ceasefire and end of hostilities by all parties,” Caricom had said.

“The recent round of hostilities reflects the pain and suffering of ancient quarrels. The ongoing harsh conditions under which the Palestinians live in veritable colonialism, and Israel’s sense of insecurity, will contribute to a cycle of violence until those realities are definitively addressed,” Caricom had said.

Further, Caricom had

President Dr. Irfaan Ali

thrown its support behind the United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution 242. Resolution 242 was adopted in 1967, and it calls for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the occupied territories.

Additionally, it acknowledges the claim of sover-

eignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of every state in the region, while calling on the UN Secretary General to appoint an envoy to facilitate an acceptable solution to the conflict.

The violence between Israel and Palestine this year flared up in January, when Gaza militants fired rockets after an Israeli raid in the West Bank. Israel responded with air strikes.

A ceasefire that took effect in May ended, and in September, Israel attacked Hamas in a series of drone strikes after their troops were fired on.

On Tuesday, reports coming out of Gaza had put the death toll of Palestinians well over 8000. On the other hand, the death toll of Israelis has been put at 1400. (G3)

10 NEWS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Venezuela border controversy

Special Guyana parliamentary sitting set for Nov 6 N

ovember 6th has been settled on as the date for the extraordinary sitting of Guyana’s National Assembly to discuss developments on the Venezuela border controversy, following a meeting between representatives of the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government and the parliamentary Opposition.

It was announced on Wednesday that Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister Gail Teixeira had met with Opposition Chief Whip

Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister Gail Teixeira

Christopher Jones and shadow Foreign Affairs

Minister Amanza WaltonDesir, earlier in the day.

According to a statement from the Minister, both sides amicably agreed to change the previously determined November 3 date for the extraordinary sitting of the National Assembly, to November 6 at 10:00h. The National Assembly has been on its annual recess since August 10, 2023.

The extraordinary sitting, according to the Minister, will be “to discuss a motion of support for the Government and people of the Cooperative Republic

of Guyana and reaffirming recognition of the 1899 Arbitral Award and the 1966 Geneva Agreement”.

Last week, a notice had been sent out to Members of Parliament (MPs) indicating that a special sitting would be held on Friday, November 3. Subsequently, however, Jones had raised concerns over this announcement, noting that there had been no prior meeting between the two sides to come up with a date – even though the opposition has been consistently calling for an extraordinary session of Parliament on the border controversy.

Following Jones’ airing of the Opposition’s concerns, Teixeira had responded indicating the Government’s willingness to meet, and she urged the Opposition not to seek to “split hairs” over an issue that they should be united on. According to her, there had never been an agreement for a meeting with the Opposition before setting a date for the extraordinary sitting.

“It was agreed that this sitting would be held as soon as possible and within the first week of November.

Further, Minister Todd, as Deputy Chair, and Minister of Foreign Relations and International Cooperation, would convene a meeting of the Foreign Relations Committee to brief the members,” Minister Teixeira said in her response.

Tensions with our west-

Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister Amanza Walton-Desir

Opposition Chief Whip Christopher Jones

ern neighbour Venezuela have escalated after its recent proposed referendum which seeks its population’s approval to seize Guyana’s Essequibo county.

In Venezuela, the National Electoral Council had issued five questions to be asked in a national referendum scheduled for December 3, 2023, including a question that seeks the approval of the Venezuelan people to create a new Venezuelan state out of Guyana’s Essequibo region – which the Guyana Government has already lambasted as “brazen” and “pernicious”.

“In particular, question three of the set of questions to be placed before the people of Venezuela speaks to the “historical position” of Venezuela “of not recognising the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice to resolve the territorial controversy…” a statement from the Guyana Government had said.

“Question five seeks the approval of the Venezuelan people for the creation of a new Venezuelan State consisting of Guyana’s

Essequibo region, to include “the granting of citizenship and Venezuelan identity card in accordance with the Geneva Agreement and international law”.

This is a deliberate misinterpretation of the Geneva Agreement and a clear violation of international law.”

Since then, several regional bodies including the Caribbean Community (Caricom) and the Organisation of American States (OAS) have condemned Venezuela’s actions, calling for the Spanish-speaking country to adhere to a peaceful settlement of the border controversy and to desist from any aggressive action.

Caricom has already stated that the conduct of a popular referendum on Venezuela’s claim to the Essequibo has no validity in international law and also reaffirmed its support for the border controversy between the two countries to be settled via the judicial process currently before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Meanwhile, Guyana has approached the ICJ seeking an injunction from the world court to prevent Venezuela from taking actions through its provocative referendum over Guyana’s territory.

According to the ICJ in a statement on Tuesday, Guyana is also seeking an order from the court that “Venezuela shall not take any actions that are intended to prepare or allow the exercise of sovereignty or de facto control over any territory that was awarded to British Guiana in the 1899 Arbitral Award” and further that “Venezuela shall refrain from any action which might aggravate or extend the dispute before the Court or make it more difficult to resolve”.

Meanwhile, the Government sent out a statement of its own on Tuesday explaining this approach to the ICJ. In its statement, the Government said that the ICJ’s protection was urgent, adding that Guyana has asked the Court to schedule oral hearings on its request at the earliest possible date in advance of December 3. (G3)

NEWS

11

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

“We stand resolute in our determination to vigorously defend our country” - Ali on threats from Venezuela …as army celebrates 58 years of service

I

Message by President and Commander-in-Chief, Dr Irfaan Ali, to the Guyana Defence Force:

am profoundly honoured to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the remarkable men and women of the Guyana Defence Force as the Force commemorates its 58th anniversary.

I express our nation’s gratitude to the brave men and women who have gallantly served the Force with distinction and out of a sense of duty. I want to assure you that your selfless service and sacrifice have not gone unnoticed. The people of Guyana are appreciative of your dedication and sacrifice in safeguarding and defending our Motherland.

Today, our beloved Guyana finds itself facing menacing threats emanating from the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. Guyana has always aspired to, and remains unwaveringly committed to, peace and the peaceful resolution of disputes.

However, no one should misconstrue this commitment as a sign of weakness. We stand resolute in our determination to vigorously defend our country and its people, safeguarding our territorial integrity and sovereignty. In the face of extant challenges, we stand united, steadfast and unyielding in ensuring the safety and well-being of our nation and its citizens.

The Guyana Defence Force remains central to our nation’s comprehensive defence strategy, meticulously crafted to protect our homeland’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. When summoned, you have never wavered in executing your duties with the utmost professionalism and efficiency. I want to assure you all of Guyana stands beside you.

On this 58th anniversary, let me extend, not only on my behalf, but on behalf of every citizen of our nation, our sincerest and warmest congratulations to the members, past and present, of the Guyana Defence Force.

Happy 58th anniversary!

Photos by Corporal Joshua Forrester and Private Omaly Cort of the Guyana Defence Force

12 NEWS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 20

PM Phillips tells building landing str G

…says increased military personnel, equipment n …as Brazil, other regional nations deno

uyana on Wednesday updated the Permanent Council of the Organisation of American States (OAS) on the recent escalated situation with neighbouring Venezuela, highlighting concerns regarding the planned referendum to annex the Essequibo region and also of the Spanish-speaking nation’s increase in military troops near the border.

Prime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips, appeared before the OAS Permanent Council on Wednesday morning during a Hybrid Special Session that was called following a request by Guyana.

In his address, PM Phillips voiced Guyana’s concerns about the planned referendum, set for December 3, that seeks the Venezuelan people’s approval to, among other things, annex Guyana’s territory of Essequibo.

“Instead of complying with its international obligations, Venezuela has further embarked on what appears to be an intensified campaign of intimidation and threats to force Guyana to concede to its wishes. Perhaps the most concerning of these is the planned consultative referendum of the Venezuelan Parliament,” the PM indicated.

On September 21, there was a decision of the Venezuelan National Assembly to

Chairman of the OAS Permanent Council, Sir Ronald Sanders

undertake a referendum on December 3 on the status of the Essequibo region, part of the sovereign territory of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. This move has already been widely condemned by the international community.

Despite this, however, the Venezuelan National Electoral Council went ahead on October 23 to publish a list of five questions that it plans to put before the Venezuelan people in the referendum next month.

Question Five proposes the creation of the Venezuelan State of Guyana Essequibo and an accelerated plan for giving Venezuelan citizenship and identity cards to the Guyanese population.

According to the Guyanese Prime Minister, these questions were obviously drafted to obtain responses that would support the Venezuelan Government’s decision to abandon the current judicial proceedings before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and resort to unilateral measures to resolving the border controversy between the two South

Prime Minister Mark Phillips addressing the OAS Permanent Council’s special meeting alongside OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro (R)

American nations through the annexing and the integration into Venezuela of two-thirds of Guyana’s territory.

“Venezuela has not been shy of using force or the threat of the use of force against Guyana in the past. We are, therefore, vigilant of the intentions and implications of the impending referendum,” PM Phillips stated.

He further outlined that, “Venezuela could be seeking to establish the foundations for actions aimed at the annexation of two-thirds of Guyana’s territory, although the matter of the resolution of the controversy is quite properly before the ICJ.” Phillips went on to inform the OAS Permanent Council that, “coupled with the decision to conduct this referendum, it is confirmed that Venezuela has significantly increased its military forces and equipment on its border with Guyana.

While the position of the Government of Venezuela, which was communicated to Guyana, is that the security forces have been mobilised on the border to curb illegal mining, there have also been reports of the Venezuelan military building a landing strip in a zone near to the Essequibo region. No explanation about the airstrip has been provided to the Government of

Barbados Representative to the OAS, Noel Anderson

Guyana, but it is clear that it is the intention of that State to increase rhetoric on the controversy and drive fear in the Guyanese population.”

OAS support

Meanwhile, the PM said Guyana was also grateful of the efforts of the Secretary General of the OAS, Luis Almagro, including his continued advocacy for a peaceful settlement of the border controversy in

Ambassador Steve Ferrol of Dominica

accordance with international law.

SG Almagro recently expressed that Venezuela’s recent actions are an irrefutable violation of Guyana’s territorial rights.

During Wednesday’s special session, the OAS Head reiterated that Venezuela’s actions are threatening the peace of the region and called on Caracas to engage in a peaceful settlement of the border controversy.

“We expect Venezuela… to stop provocations, to stop intimidation and to stop concentration of military forces in the border. There should be no ambiguity concerning the facts with Venezuela’s contention with Guyana, and I wish to make clear that the October 3, 1899 arbitral award, which has determined the boundaries between the Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela continue to be the legally-binding instrument that remain in effect today,” While the determination of this matter is pending before the World Court, SG Almagro says Venezuela must respect Guyana's territorial integrity and sovereign rights. He said the planned referen-

dum not only threatens the peace and security in Guyana but in the region as well and is further proof of the Venezuelan regime’s attempts to undermine and breach international law.

“The referendum seeks to avoid the ICJ determination to settle the matter peacefully and equitably, and unilaterally attempts to make null and void the citizenship of Guyana who rightly have existed in the Essequibo region... There is no evidence to indicate or suggest that Indigenous communities in the Essequibo region want to have anything to do with Venezuela citizenship; to impose such a thing, is identity theft, and borderline human trafficking due to forced displacement of a peoples from their place of origin,” the OAS Secretary General posited.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the OAS Permanent Council, Sir Ronald Sanders of Antigua and Barbuda, described the escalated situation with Venezuela as “troubling” and further underscored the need for a peaceful settlement of the border controversy in keeping with interna-

Jamaica’s Alternate Representative to the OAS, Delita McCallum

tional law.

“It is imperative that the legal and diplomatic mechanisms established for conflict resolution are respected and allowed to proceed without undue influence or pressure. We empathise with the concerns raised [by Guyana] and we advocate for a resolution that is fair, and just for

NEWS

023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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s OAS Venezuela rip near Essequibo

near border aimed at “driving fear” in Guyanese ounce Venezuela’s planned referendum

Alternate Representative of Antigua and Barbuda to OAS, Joy-Dee Davis-Lake

both countries, in accordance with international legality, including the charter of the Organisation of American States, which unequivocally affirms respect for the principles of non-aggression, respect for sovereignty, and territorial integrity,” Sir Ronald stated.

Regional solidarity

Meanwhile, hemispheric members of the OAS Permanent Council also joined in showing solidary towards Guyana against Venezuela’s heightened aggression.

Among the countries declaring their support for Guyana was Brazil, through its Representative at the OAS, Ambassador Benoni Belli. The Portuguese nation borders both Guyana and Venezuela.

While the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Secretariat has already stated that the conduct of a popular referendum on Venezuela’s claim to the Essequibo has no validity in international law and also reaffirmed its support for the border controversy between the two countries to be settled via the judicial process currently before the ICJ, several Caribbean nations individually denounced Venezuela’s actions during Wednesday’s OAS Permanent Council meeting.

Dominica’s Representative at the OAS Permanent Council, Steve Ferrol, speaking as the Coordinator of the Caricom Caucus, reiterated the regional bloc’s position.

Saint Lucia’s OAS Representative, Elizabeth Darius-Clark

“Caricom earnestly hopes that Venezuela is not raising the prospects of using force or military means to get its own way in this controversy over territory.

After all, it has been a long-standing position of Latin America and the Caribbean

countries, including Venezuela, that our region must remain a zone of peace.

Meanwhile, Parliament says that a referendum imposed by Venezuela has no validity, bearing or standing in international law in relation to this controversy.

The referendum is a purely domestic construct, but its summary effect is likely to undermine peace, tranquillity, security, and more in our region. Caricom reiterates its support for reducer process, and expresses the hope that Venezuela will engage fully in that process before the International Court of Justice,” Ferrol stated.

Jamaica’s Alternate Representative to the OAS, Delita McCallum also indicated that Guyana can count on her Government’s support.

According to the Jamaican representative, “my government remains fully committed to the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of States as enshrined in the United Nations Charter. Jamaica fully supports the work of the ICJ and its ability to deliver justice where there is a breach of the United Nations founding principles, in an impartial, transparent and independent manner. In this regard, Guyana can continue to count on Jamaica support in defence of their sovereign rights and territorial integrity.”

like to see a legal and peaceful settlement of this border matter through the international legal process in the interest of peace and prosperity of both nations,” Davis-Lake posited.

Belize’s Permanent Representative to the OAS, Lynn Raymond Young declared his country’s “…resolute and unwavering support for Guyana in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity…

The actions of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on this particular issue are of

Ambassador Chet Donovan Neymour of The Bahamas

Trinidad and Tobago’s OAS Representative, Anthony Phillips-Spencer

paramount concern and we call on both parties to uphold the principles of international law and the inviolable rights of nations to maintain their sovereignty and territorial boundaries.”

Ambassador Chet Donovan Neymour of The Bahamas reminded that Latin America and Caribbean is a zone of peace, something which he noted must be

Belize’s OAS Representative Lynn Raymond Young

In addition, Barbados Representative to the OAS, Noel Anderson underscored the need for a peaceful and mature solution.

According to him, “in a world that has become so uncertain and so unpredictable, we must have peaceful equitable outcomes in accordance with international law. We must also respect our reputation as a zone of peace. This is one of the few remaining areas that we can boast of, as a zone of peace. Therefore, maturity must prevail. But just let me say, Barbados stands with Guyana and on the side of international law.”

Joy-Dee Davis-Lake, the Alternate Representative of Antigua and Barbuda to the Permanent Council, expressed her country’s deep concern over Venezuela’s planned referendum, which she urged the OAS to monitor.

“It is imperative to underscore that international law unequivocally prohibits any State from unilaterally seizing, annexing or incorporating the territory of another sovereign State… We would

make it the ideal forum for resolving the Venezuela-Guyana conflict, assuring that both nations will be given a fair opportunity to make the case and present the evidence. We are aware that Venezuela is no longer a member of this august body and is, therefore, not represented here.

However, St Lucia's message here today is consistent with our country's desire to keep our region as a zone of peace,” Ambassador Darius-Clark stated.

Moreover, Trinidad and Tobago’s OAS Representative, Anthony PhillipsSpencer said his country recognised that Guyana has consistently adhered to the fundamental principles of international law.

“Trinidad and Tobago will continue to stand as an interlocutor of peace on this issue which the International Court of Justice, the ICJ, has determined to be within its jurisdiction. To that end, Trinidad and Tobago looks forward to each party's full engagement in the ICJ process, until a resolution that is in accordance with the principles of international law,” he asserted.

Grenada’s OAS Representative, Ambassador Tarlie Francis said his country “…does not support actions that would undermine the principles contained in the United Nations and OAS Charters. The main purpose of these charters and insti-

Brazil’s Representative at the OAS, Ambassador Benoni Belli

upheld by all member states.

“These commitments are not merely words on paper, but are principles that must be upheld in order to secure the future of the region that we want and must guide the settlement of the GuyanaVenezuela border dispute,” Neymour stated, while also “…reiterating The Bahamas’ commitment to supporting efforts towards a peaceful, equitable outcome of this dispute in accordance with the rule of law”.

Additionally, St Lucia’s Representative at the OAS, Elizabeth Darius-Clark relayed her country’s belief that the long-standing border matter between Venezuela and Guyana should be resolved through the ICJ. “[The ICJ’s] neutrality and expertise

Grenada’s OAS Representative, Ambassador Tarlie Francis

tutions that they establish is to maintain peace, stability and ensure a better world.

Grenada, therefore, insists that reliance is placed on the legal proceedings of the International Court of Justice and would discourage any deviation from these proceedings. Our support for Guyana and integrity of Guyana is unwavering.” (G8)

14 NEWS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

"Ray of sunshine", filled with ambition, talent – family describes Amit Singh

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n a sombre gathering on Wednesday, family and friends bid farewell to Amit Singh, the 21-year-old whose life was brutally taken by his friend and business associate a week ago.

The emotional last rites took place at the family's premises on Delph Street, Campbellville, where loved ones gathered to pay their final respects to the young man, whose promising future was cut short.

Dead: Amit Singh

The ceremony culminated in Singh's cremation at the Good Hope Crematorium on the East Coast of Demerara, where his cousins delivered heartfelt tributes, describing him as a "ray of sunshine" within their family.

Singh's cousins shared memories of his warm and outgoing nature, highlighting his social spirit and his ability to connect with everyone around him.

“We took it for grant-

ed that he will always be around…you created in us a feeling of a warm ray of sunshine that comes after a stretch of cloudy days…for this past year Amit made sure he travelled the world making sure that he spent time with his cousins and friends… almost as though he knew he was saying goodbye,” one cousin said.

Penitence, Sukhdeo killed Singh during a robbery.

He was represented by Attorney Gordon Gilhuys, who claimed that his client was beaten and not taken for medical attention.

However, Special Prosecutor Latchmie Rahamat informed the court that the accused had sustained injuries on his body

They remembered him as a young man filled with ambition and talent, always eager to learn and grow.

Singh's family expressed their deep sorrow, mourning the loss of a beloved son and cousin who had brought joy and laughter into their lives.

“He was a social butterfly always acknowledging everyone. But what made him stand out the most was his ambition, his talent, and that he acted upon every opportunity to learn something new,” the cousin added.

Singh's father, Shivnarine Singh, also known as “Vinod”, acknowledged the strength that these friendships provided during this difficult time for his family.

Singh was laid to rest just one day after his accused killer, Yogeendra Sukhdeo, appeared before Chief Magistrate (ag), Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court.

According to the charge, it is alleged that on October 24 at Middle Road, La

during a scuffle with Singh on the day of the murder.

She explained that during the altercation, Singh was overpowered by the suspect, who proceeded to hit him with a piece of wood, thus leading to his demise.

In her submissions to the court, Rahamat said that Singh was last seen in the presence of the suspect about 13:30h on October 24 and about 16:00h, after calls to Singh’s cellphone went unanswered, the family made a missing person’s report to the Police.

As such, she told the court that an investigation was launched and Sukhdeo was arrested. Upon his arrest, he took the Police to the house at Middle Road, La Penitence, where the bludgeoned body of Singh was lying in a pool of blood wrapped in a sheet.

Further, Sukhdeo was cautioned after which he took the investigators to his Diamond, East Bank Demerara (EBD) home where he handed over $7,790,000 in cash and ad-

mitted to taking the money from Singh following the murder.

The suspected murder weapon and several pieces of clothing with bloodstains were also found at Sukhdeo’s home.

Rahamat added that the accused was taken to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters where he was formally told of the offence and cautioned again.

During an interview, he reportedly provided the Police, with video and audio statements, admitting to bludgeoning the victim to death and taking his money.

He also indicated to investigators that he received some injuries from a scuffle with the victim, who had put up a fight.

Sukhdeo will make his next court appearance on November 28.

Three other suspects were initially in Police custody over the murder of Singh.

The other three suspects are Sukhdeo’s three employees, who have since denied their involvement in the crime.

Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum has told Guyana Times that the Police were able to confirm their alibis and as such, they were released from custody.

As family and friends of the young entrepreneur grapple with the loss of a

Remanded: Accused murderer Yogeendra Sukhdeo

promising young soul, questions linger about the senseless violence that took him away. Singh's memory lives on in the hearts of those who knew him, a reminder of the vibrant life that was tragically extinguished too soon.

NEWS

15

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

302 traffic violation cases recorded in 1 day

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he Guyana Police Force (GPF) reported a total of 302 traffic violation cases on

Traffic officers carrying out traffic enforcement

Monday, Among these cases were 59 instances of exceeding the speed limit and six

cases of Driving Under the Influence (DUI).

The number of violations has prompted intensified enforcement measures, coupled with sustained education programmes aimed at instilling a sense of responsibility and compliance with traffic laws.

The Police Force has been conducting lectures in schools, educating drivers, and engaging with bar owners, as well as individuals gathered at entertainment spots across the country.

The education programmes stress that

Man arrested after attempting to smuggle drugs into Lusignan Prison Attempts to smuggle items into the prisons have prompted the Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliot, to re-emphasise that the prison authorities have seen an increase in attempts by civilians to smuggle prohibited items into the prison.

Elliot said smuggling contraband into a correction-

speeding is never the answer and driving under the influence is never an option. Road safety, as reiterated in the campaign, is everyone's business.

The Force is urging all citizens to take road safety seriously. By adhering to speed limits, avoiding driving under the influence, and respecting fellow road users, individuals can

contribute significantly to reducing accidents and saving lives.

Just days ago, the GPF announced that 494 traffic cases were recorded across all Regional Police Divisions in Guyana in a single day.

Among those cases were 120 for speeding violations, and 10 drivers were apprehended for DUI.

The Police Force has also announced that it has set up suggestion boxes, and collaboration with members of the Regional Road Safety Councils and other partners is ongoing.

These initiatives are all aimed at fostering a positive shift in the mindset of motorists and enhancing public safety on the roadways.

“My dad always helped him” – son after father shot, robbed by acquaintance

ficers at the location to remain alert and observant while on duty, and noted that all the correctional facilities face formidable threats from contraband smuggling.

Elliott has said that while there is increased monitoring and surveillance at all prison locaThe suspect pointing the gun in the direction of the victim

A

Arrested: Teron Cameron

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resident of Patentia, West Bank Demerara who attempted to smuggle ganja into the Lusignan Prison for his friend who is an inmate, was on Tuesday handed over to Police.

Reports are that 25-year-old Teron Cameron was caught with 24.01 grams of cannabis concealed under his slippers, and remains in custody pending charges.

Less than a week ago, Tiffany Grant of Prince William Street, Plaisance, East Coast Demerara was caught with 9.7 grams of cannabis which she had attempted to smuggle to a prisoner in the Lusignan Prison. She was likewise caught and handed over to the Police.

The ganja that was found in Cameron’s possession

al facility is an offence that has serious consequences.

He has called on civilians to recognise the dangers to which they place themselves, society, inmates and officers by engaging in the trade of contraband within the walls of the prison.

On Saturday last, during his quarterly muster and general inspection of officers, the Director of Prisons advised prison of-

tions, over the past weeks, it was observed that several attempts were made by members of the public to smuggle contraband into the various prison facilities. This, he said, continues to pose significant challenges to the service.

However, he warned that there will be no ‘let up’ in bringing down corrupt officers and family members of inmates who are bent on breaking the law. (G9)

bandit shot and robbed a Brazilian national on Wednesday last at his Alberttown home, after he had begged him for some money.

Injured is 53-year-old Damião Berchiol Araújo, who was shot twice at around 22:00h in front of his wife and two daughters. The entire ordeal was captured on CCTV cameras.

Guyana Times was informed that Araújo arrived at his gate in his car, one of his daughters opened the gate, and he drove in while she locked the gate. A few seconds later, the suspect was seen approaching the gate.

Footage seen by this publication shows that the bandit seemed to be calling out to Araújo, who was still in his yard. The Brazilian man responded by walking towards the gate and meeting the man. The duo had a brief conversation, and Araújo was seen reaching into his pockets and taking out what appeared to be money, which he handed to the suspect.

However, as he was walking away from the gate, the bandit whipped out a gun and pointed it at Araújo, who began backing away, but the bandit shot him in the leg and scaled the fence.

Family members said that after he scaled the fence,

the bandit grabbed Araújo’s gold jewellery and made good his escape from the scene.

Araújo was later taken to a city hospital for medical attention.

Meanwhile, in a post on Facebook on Tuesday, the Brazilian national’s son shared that the suspect is no stranger to their family.

“A couple of days now, I realized that no matter how good and kind you are to people, they will always try to take advantage of your kindness. This individual was around my dad for years; my dad always helped him in many ways,” the post read.

The suspect remains on the run. (G9)

16 NEWS Over $1B in contracts signed for road works in Region 2 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

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he Public Works Ministry on Wednesday signed 33 contracts for road works across Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) to the tune of $1.047 billion.

The roads will be constructed in Charity, Better Success, Adventure, Rivertown, Suddie, Pomona, Queenstown, Affiance, Huis t’ Dieren, Hibernia, Good Intent, Zorg, Onderneeming and

A contractor signing their agreement

La Union.

Speaking at the simple signing ceremony, hosted at the Regional Democratic Council's Boardroom, Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar said that in the coming month, the region would see massive developments of roads in various communities.

Indar added that the projects was awarded through the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board

Some of the contractors at the signing ceremony on Wednesday

(NPTAB), which will be monitored by the regional administration. Approval of the project was granted

by Cabinet.

Meanwhile, Regional Chairperson Velma De Silva thanked the

Government for delivering on its commitment to enhance Region Two. She also called on the contractors to ensure that they deliver quality work.

Witnessing the contract signing along with

Minister Indar were Public Works Ministry Permanent Secretary Vladim Persaud; De Silva; Regional Executive Officer (REO) Susana Saywack along with several contractors. (G14)

EBD man in custody for inhumane treatment of 2 migrants – Police …admits to forcing duo to strip

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37-year-old man of Peters Hall, East Bank Demerara, is in Police custody following the inhumane treatment of two migrants he accused of being thieves and bullied into stripping and walking the road.

Police on Wednesday evening said that their attention was called to the incident following a video circulating on social media.

According to Police, following a public appeal urging anyone with information about the incident or the individuals responsible to come forward, the man turned himself in about 13:30h at the Providence Police Station, accompanied by his lawyer.

Police said he was arrested and escorted to the Golden Grove Police Station, where he was video-interviewed in the presence of his lawyer.

“He admitted during the interview that he indeed had a cutlass in his hands, instructed the victims to say that they were thieves and ordered them to take off all their clothing and walk na-

The Venezuelan nationals

ked down the street. The suspect claimed that he never assaulted the victims, nor was he aware of who made the video,” Police said in a statement on Wednesday

evening.

According to Police, the man was confronted with the victims, and they maintained he made the video with a red phone. The suspect was searched and according to Police a red phone was found on his person. Police said that it was checked, but no video recording of the incident was found. The phone was nonetheless lodged and will be sent to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) headquarters to check for deleted videos, Police said. The man remains in custody as the investigation continues.

Guyana Times reported on Tuesday that the incident captured on video and widely circulated on social media has sparked outrage among the Guyanese community.

17 Tourism Month launched with focus on preserving cultural heritage NEWS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

GTA Director Kamrul Baksh, THAG President Omadele George and Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai at the launch of Tourism Awareness Month 2023 (DPI photo)

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ith a keen focus on strengthening the link between cultural heritage and tourism appeal, the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry, in col-

laboration with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), on Wednesday launched Tourism Awareness Month 2023 under the theme: “Cultural Tapestry: Investing in Our People,

Enriching Our Heritage”.

The theme speaks to a collective effort to embrace and celebrate the diverse makeup of Guyana’s cultural landscape and use these vibrant elements to position the country as a premium tourist destination.

The launching was held at the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology, Georgetown.

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond told attendees that, “Tourists across the globe continue to seek out authentic experiences that allow them to explore the way of life of others.

“That is why the experiences within our Amerindian communities form such a strong component of Destination Guyana.

It is, therefore, vital that as

35 persons graduate from Civil Aviation Training School

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill handing over a certificate to one of the graduands

fic controllers had to travel overseas to get them done.

Now they are being done right here, and thanks to the Minister, the Chairman, and the Administration who keep improving the deliverance of those courses,” the Director General said according to the DPI report.

He said the training that they have received has given them the tools and information to make the skies safer.

Principal of the school, Clifford VonDoimen expressed the need for more persons to be trained in the aviation industry.

total of 35 persons are now qualified in various aviation disciplines after graduating from the Civil Aviation Training School on Tuesday.

During the convocation ceremony at the Air Navigation Services Control Tower, Timehri, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill stressed that the Government would continue to make the necessary investments to ensure citizens become skilled personnel.

“The 35 persons who are graduating this afternoon, who have completed their courses in various fields in aerodrome control training, flight information and alerting services training, area control training, and the ab initio general training courses are adding to the stock of what we already have,” Edghill is quoted in a Department of Public Information (DPI) report as saying.

He stressed that air service training was necessary for Guyana to remain efficient in the management of

“We are in an era where with the advent of the oil industry, aviation is growing tremendously and we will need that type of capacity locally. We will need trained personnel. I believe the school has a very important role to play in training persons locally, both entry-level and advancement programmes,” the principal expressed.

The 35 graduates are now expected to be employed at various air services across the regions where they will fully function to ensure safe operations.

A

Some of the graduands during the convocation ceremony

its air navigational operations.

The Public Works Minister emphasised the need for the training school to evolve into an institution capable of educating individuals from across the Caribbean.

Meanwhile, Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Egbert Field charged the graduates to be efficient in their work as they are now considered professionals.

“The courses you have just covered, these are courses where years ago air traf-

Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond

a destination, we position our culture and religious festivals as an integral part of our tourism offering.”

According to a Department of Public Information (DPI) report, she added that Guyana’s tourism appeal is further heightened through the invigorating cultural fusion that emanates from the Cricket Carnival events, and these ventures demonstrate the vast potential that lies in merging cultural heritage and tourism.

“There is a link between our cultural heritage and tourism. Therefore, going

forward, we can expect to see a wider integration of culture within our tourism thrust, and it is with this end that we have started a working group to explore how we can fully integrate our objective of preserving our heritage and hence celebrating our tangible and intangible heritage to promote tourism,” she stressed.

According to the Minister, this year’s theme also reflects the Government’s push to invest in building human capacity and local talent.

“We will enrich the awareness of culture by creating a greater cultural identity with a consistent promotion of the arts through events like these, and investing in our cultural groups. The Ministry of Tourism will continue to collaborate with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport to ensure that there is a deeper involvement of cultural performers, artistes, and entertainers at major events,” the Tourism Minister pledged.

Meanwhile, GTA Director Kamrul Baksh emphasised that culture was a core pillar of tourism in Guyana, and the aim this year was to ensure that the country’s culture was equi-

tably highlighted.

National Toshaos Council Vice Chair Sonia Latchman pointed to the importance of tourism in Indigenous communities, noting that the carbon credit funds have been instrumental in enabling many communities to merge tourism into economic activities through the development of tourism infrastructure.

“Our Amerindian villages play a crucial role in positively impacting tourism in Guyana. Our villages provide visitors with an authentic cultural experience, allowing them to immerse themselves in the traditions, customs and way of life of our people. Tourism initiatives support local livelihood, provide employment opportunities, and empower Indigenous people to showcase our traditions,” she said.

Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai and Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) President Omadele George were also in attendance at the event.

This month’s activities will see an exciting series of events aimed at highlighting and appreciating Guyana’s rich cultural tapestry.

18

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023

guyanatimesgy.com

Regional

Lula militarises Brazil's Honduran lawmakers main ports, airports elect interim prosecutor, amid rising crime Opposition cries foul

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razilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Wednesday temporarily militarised security at some of the country's most important ports and airports, as he seeks to tame rising crime after several deadly incidents in Rio de Janeiro state.

Lula said soldiers will work with federal police officers to manage security operations at Latin America's largest port and airport: the port of Santos, in Sáo Paulo, and its main airport Guarulhos. Soldiers will also be deployed to the port of Itaguai in Rio de Janeiro state and Rio's Galeao airport.

Those ports and airports are key logistical hubs for booming cocaine exports to Europe, while also receiving contraband like high-calibre weapons that contribute to street violence.

Lula added that the army and air force will strengthen the border with neighbouring nations from where cocaine and weapons flow into Brazil, with a particular focus on the western states of Parana, Mato

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Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul. The temporary measure, which will end in May 2024, comes amid a series of violent flare-ups across Brazil. The situation has got particularly bad in Rio de Janeiro, where powerful drug lords, violent vigilante mafias known as "militias" and deadly cops have contributed to a highly-complex security dynamic that is feeding a perception Lula is soft on crime.

"The situation in Rio de Janeiro has reached a very

serious point," Lula said at a ceremony after signing the decree. "We took the decision for the federal government to participate actively in combating organised crime. Hopefully it works."

Brazil has become a key launchpad for moving cocaine to Europe, strengthening local criminal gangs and contributing to a deteriorating security situation which is being felt across South America, such as in gang-scarred Ecuador.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Antigua celebrates 42nd anniversary of independence

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ntigua and Barbuda celebrated its 42nd anniversary of political independence from Britain on Wednesday, with Prime Minister Gaston Browne saying that the past four decades have been “nothing short of extraordinary, marked by a myriad of challenges and continued progress.

“Our advancement amid these challenges is a result of our people’s resilience, determination, and their capacity never to surrender to natural and other forces; but to battle on, with “Each endeavouring, all achieving,” Browne said in a radio and

television broadcast to mark the occasion.

Browne said that the population of Antigua and Barbuda were all aware of the numerous powerful and destructive storms that have rocked the country over these last four decades.

“We are all cognisant of the external economic shocks to our economy, including the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020; the numerous hurricanes we have suffered; and the impact on commodity prices of the Russian war on Ukraine,” Browne said, adding that the country has been able to overcome such setbacks.

“Collectively, we have never given up and we shall continue to labour unrelentingly, amidst the various challenges for the advancement of our nation. Just a few short years ago, we faced the daunting spectre of the COVID-19 pandemic, which wreaked havoc on our economy, causing us to lose a staggering 18 per cent of our GDP. “It was a trying time for our nation, but we banded together, and with prudent economic stewardship, we have accomplished nothing short of a miracle.” (Nation News)

uling party lawmakers in Honduras elected an interim Attorney General on Wednesday, but Opposition legislators accused the allies of leftist President Xiomara Castro of engineering an unconstitutional power grab.

Lawmakers with Castro's Libre party muscled through the election of the new interim prosecutor, Johel Zelaya, with a committee vote where their members make up a majority, even though they represent a minority in the Congress overall.

The Central American

country's constitution stipulates that 86 votes from the 128-member unicameral legislature are needed to elect the Attorney General, but it also gives the committee the power to pick an interim chief prosecutor if the post is vacant.

Libre party lawmakers also argued that former Attorney General Oscar Chinchilla played a role in covering up corruption during the Government of Castro's predecessor, conservative President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who is awaiting trial in the United States on drug trafficking charges following his extra-

dition last year.

Last December, Castro declared a state of emergency in the country's most violent cities and towns in an anti-gang push often compared to the controversial policy of her Salvadoran counterpart Nayib Bukele.

The declaration will remain in place until at least November 17.

On at least four previous occasions, Libre lawmakers came up short with the votes needed to elect Zelaya.

The committee vote to elect him also took place at a time when the Congress is in recess.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

El Niño drought: Panama Canal cuts ship numbers further

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he Panama Canal will make more cuts to the number of ships using the waterway owing to the worst drought in over 70 years, authorities say.

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) says it has been forced to make the decision due to the driest October since records began in 1950.

The El Niño weather phenomenon has contributed to the severe drought, the ACP says.

It is expected to increase the cost of shipping goods around the world.

The Panama Canal greatly reduces the time and distance for ships to travel between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, between 13,000 and 14,000 ships use it annually, according to the canal authority.

A naturally occurring El Niño climate pattern associ-

A ship transits through the Miraflores locks in the Panama Canal, near Panama City, Panama, September 11, 2023

ated with warmer-than-usual water in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean is contributing to Panama's drought.

Water levels in Gatun Lake, the rainfall-fed reservoir that is the main source of water used in the canal's lock system, have "continued to decline to unprecedented levels for this time of year", according to the ACP. Starting from November 3, booking slots will be cut to 25 per day from an already reduced 31 per day, the ACP said.

That number will be further reduced over the next three months to 18 slots per day from the start of February 2024.

In recent months, the ACP has imposed various passage restrictions to conserve scarce water.

Earlier this year, authorities cut the number of ships passing through the canal for the first time ever.

The measures already in place have caused long delays, with tens of ships having to wait to use the canal.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

people have been murdered in T&T so far this year.

Rowley released a statement early Monday notifying the public that Government was redoubling efforts to curtail acts of violence.

The Prime Minister said, “Notwithstanding the persistent efforts of the various State machinery, the selection of violence as a way of life, the love affair and glamourisation of firearms and the wanton disregard for human life in Trinidad and Tobago has now gone beyond concerning to the ridiculous.

“This intractable situation now demands that the

law-abiding citizens be given the right to their peace and safety above the freedom of the lawless and the violent few who operate with impunity.”

Rowley, who heads the National Security Council, warned, “The current violent crime spree will not be tolerated. The State will redouble all efforts to curtail these violent outbursts, will hunt down and disarm the perpetrators and will make operational adjustments so that the State security services can act with dispatch against the violent cohort of our national population.”

(Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Child cancer deaths linked to soy farming, study finds T&T Army Reserves called out to fight crime; PM: We will hunt and disarm perpetrators S

oy farming has been linked to a rise in child cancer deaths in Brazil, the world's biggest producer and exporter of the oilseed and one of the top users of pesticides for protecting crops from disease and pests, according to a study in the South American country.

The peer-reviewed study published on Monday in PNAS, the journal of the US National Academy of Sciences, found that as soy cultivation expanded in Brazil, "agricultural pesticide exposure was associated with increased childhood cancer mortality among the broader population indirectly exposed to these chemicals".

The US researchers found a relationship between soy production and related community exposure to agro-

chemicals including glyphosate, a widely used weedkiller that some genetically modified soybean seeds are designed to tolerate.

"We find a statistically significant increase in paediatric leukaemia following expanded local soy production," the PNAS article said, based on Brazilian childhood cancer incidence and disease mortality data spanning 15 years.

Greater pesticide use is likely contaminating water supplies near soy farms, the researchers speculated.

Specifically, the study found a correlation between soy farming and childhood blood cancers, especially acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), the most common blood cancer in children.

There were 123 additional deaths of children under age

10 from 2008 to 2019 from ALL following the expansion of soybean production in Brazil, the researchers found.

That number would have been higher were it not for the country's high-quality cancer treatment centres, the researchers said.

With the use of GMO soy on increasingly larger areas, Brazil's production nearly doubled over the last decade, to a record 154.6 million metric tons this year, according to Brazilian government data.

The country sells most of its soybean exports to China and for years has been competing with the United States, where chemicals such as glyphosate are also widely used, in global soy markets. (Reuters)

P

rime Minister Dr Keith Rowley has announced that the State would redouble efforts and hunt down perpetrators of violence.

And President Christine Kangaloo has called out 100 members of the T&T Volunteer Defence Force to boost support for the T&T Police Service from October 30 until Carnival 2024.

Rowley’s terse warning and Kangaloo’s proclamation for more Defence Force assistance followed the recent spate of eight murders in 24 hours in Arima, Belmont and Diego Martin between Sunday and Monday night. Some 481

guyanatimesgy.com

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023

19

Around The World

OILNEWS OIL NEWS Oil falls to settle at 3-week low as Fed policy stance lifts dollar

O

il prices eased about one per cent to a three-week low on a rising US dollar and after the US Federal Reserve kept interest rates steady as expected, but noted it would keep the door open to possible future rate hikes due to a strong US economy.

Interest rate hikes can slow economic growth and dampen oil demand. A strong dollar makes it more expensive to buy fuel using other currencies, pressuring prices.

Brent futures fell 39 cents, or 0.5 per cent, to settle at US$84.63 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell 58 cents, or 0.7 per cent, to US$80.44.

That was the lowest settlement for Brent since October 6 and WTI since August 28. Both contracts settled below their 100-day moving averages, a key level of technical support since July.

Trade was choppy, with both benchmarks up over US$2 a barrel early on Middle East worries.

The Fed, which started raising interest rates in March 2022, held rates steady, but left the door open to a further increase due to a strong US economy.

The US dollar rose to a four-week high against a basket of other currencies. Crude futures were also pressured by an increase in US crude stocks and gasoline inventories last week as refiners undergoing seasonal maintenance restarted units more slowly than expected to avoid even larger gasoline stock builds.

In Europe, October inflation in the eurozone was at its lowest in two years, a Eurostat flash reading showed, stoking the view the European Central Bank is unlikely to hike interest rates soon. The Bank of England is expected to meet today.

In China, the world's largest oil importer, factory activity unexpectedly contracted in October, a private survey showed, adding to downbeat official figures from a day earlier.

"The oil market will remain fixated with the deteriorating demand outlook and if any of the latest developments with the Israel-Hamas war will lead to any supply disruptions," Moya at OANDA said.

In Gaza, the first group of injured people were evacuated to Egypt, a source and Egyptian media said, as Israeli forces pressed their battle against Hamas militants.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called on Muslim states to cease oil and food exports to Israel, demanding an end to its bombardment of the Gaza Strip, State media reported.

Iran, a member of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), produced around 2.5 million barrels per day of crude in 2022, according to US energy data.

Callum Macpherson, head of commodities at Investec, said that if there was no threat to output from the war, "oil may struggle to sustain prices around recent highs without support from OPEC+ into 2024, making their meeting later this month crucial". (Reuters)

Israel says new strike on Gaza refugee camp kills 2nd Hamas leader, 1st evacuees reach Egypt

I

sraeli forces killed another Hamas commander on Wednesday in their second strike on Gaza's Jabalia refugee camp in two days, the military said, as the first group of civilian evacuees from the besieged enclave crossed into Egypt.

Pressing an offensive against Hamas militants, Israel again bombed the densely-populated Gaza Strip from land, sea and air in its campaign to wipe out the Islamist group after its deadly cross-border rampage into southern Israel on Oct. 7.

Palestinians sifted through rubble in a desperate hunt for trapped victims after Israel's strike on Jabalia, Gaza's largest refugee camp.

"It is a massacre," said one witness of the strike.

The Israeli military said its fighter jets struck a Hamas command and control

Palestinians with dual citizenship at the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, in the hope of getting permission to leave Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, November 1, 2023 (Reuters/Arafat Barbakh photo)

complex in Jabalia "based on precise intelligence", killing the head of the Islamist group's anti-tank missile unit, Muhammad A'sar.

"Hamas deliberately builds its terror infrastructure under, around and within civilian buildings, intentionally endangering Gazan civilians," an Israeli

statement said.

United Nations human rights officials said the operation could be a war crime.

"Given the high number of civilian casualties & the scale of destruction following Israeli air strikes on Jabalia refugee camp, we have serious concerns that

Ukraine war: Russia hits most settlements in one day, says Kyiv

R

ussia bombarded 118 Ukrainian towns and villages in 24 hours, more than on any other day this year, says Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko.

He said 10 of Ukraine's 27 regions had come under attack and the onslaught had caused deaths and injuries.

Many of the communities hit were near the front lines in the east and south.

Russia has for weeks trained much of its military firepower on Avdiivka, a strategically significant town in the eastern region of Donetsk. "[Avdiivka] is being

erased, shattered. There have been more than 40 massive shelling attacks against the territorial community in the past day," said local leader Vitaliy Barabash.

He said two civilians had been killed and warned that Russia was building up to a third wave in its offensive. Ukraine says Russia has been pouring reinforcements into the area in a bid to encircle and capture the town.

Twenty attacks in the Avdiivka area alone were repelled on Tuesday, Ukraine's armed forces general staff said.

Russia has also ramped up attacks on the town of

Kupyansk in the north-eastern Kharkiv region and sought to stop Ukrainian forces from recapturing territory around Bakhmut.

Ukraine's counter-offensive has so far made little headway in recapturing land occupied by Russian forces in the south and east, prompting fears of Western fatigue with the war.

Ukrainian President

T

Trump Jr is the first of the Trump children to give evidence in this case.

Earlier this week, he appeared on the conservative Newsmax network to call the trial a "sham" in a "kangaroo court".

He and Eric Trump are co-defendants in the case, alongside their father. The brothers are both Executive Vice Presidents at the Trump Organisation.

Dressed in a blue suit and bright pink tie, Mr Trump testified for a little over an hour. His testimony will resume today.

The outset of his evidence focused on Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) – the standardised practices and guidelines that businesses use to ensure financial records are accurately maintained. (Excerpt from BBC News)

C

hina and the United States will discuss nuclear arms control next week, the first such talks since the Obama Administration, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday.

China's Foreign Ministry said on Monday after a visit

by Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Washington that the two countries would hold "consultations on arms control and non-proliferation" in the coming days, as well as separate talks on maritime affairs and other issues.

Those arms talks would be led on Monday by Mallory Stewart, a senior State Department official, and Sun Xiaobo, the head of the arms-control department at China's Foreign Ministry, the Wall Street Journal report said.

The US State

Department and China's Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests by Reuters for comment on the timing or format of the talks.

U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in 2021 that the Chinese and US Presidents had agreed to "look to begin to carry forward discussion on strategic stability", a reference to Washington's concerns about Beijing's nuclear weapons build-up.

But the White House was quick to say at the time that the discussions would not resemble formal arms reduction talks, like those the US has had with Russia.

Since then, US officials had expressed frustration that China showed little interest in discussing steps to reduce nuclear weapons risks. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Volodymyr Zelensky has admitted the slow progress, repeatedly urging Kyiv's allies to urgently provide more advanced weapon, and also stay united.

On Wednesday, Ukraine's chief military commander Zaluzhny warned that the war was now moving to a "positional" or static stage. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Pope says two-State solution needed for Israel-Palestine

Donald Trump Jr P testifies in New York China agrees to civil fraud trial nuclear arms-control talks with US – WSJ

he eldest son of former President Donald Trump has said he did not work on the financial statements at the centre of a civil fraud trial that threatens the family's property empire.

Donald Trump Jr, 45, appeared relaxed in the New York City court as he cracked jokes and denied wrongdoing.

His siblings, Ivanka and Eric Trump, are due to testify in the coming days.

The Judge has already found the Trump Organisation exaggerated its wealth and falsified business records.

The civil trial will determine what penalty should be imposed. New York Attorney General Letitia James, a Democrat, is seeking a fine of US$250 million and a ban on the former President doing business in his home state.

these are disproportionate attacks that could amount to war crimes," the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights wrote on social media site X. There were no immediate figures from Gaza authorities on casualties from the explosion at the camp on Wednesday. Palestinian health officials said the first Israeli airstrike on Tuesday killed about 50 people and wounded 150.

Israel said Tuesday's strike killed Ibrahim Biari, who it described as a ringleader of the October 7 attack on Israel.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Israel and Jordan on Friday, the State Department said. He will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for an update on Israel's military objectives, it said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

ope Francis said on Wednesday a twoState solution was needed for Israel and Palestine in order to put an end to wars such as the current one and called for a special status for Jerusalem.

In an interview with Italian state television RAI's TG1 news channel, Francis also said he hoped a regional escalation could be avoided in the conflict that began when Hamas militants entered Israel, killing some 1400 Israelis, mainly civilians, and taking about 230 hostages. "(Those are) two peoples who have to live together.

With that wise solution, two states. The Oslo accords, two well-defined States and Jerusalem with a special status," Francis said in an interview with Italy's RAI broadcaster.

In 1993, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestine Liberation Organisation leader Yasser Arafat shook hands on the Oslo Accords establishing limited Palestinian autonomy.

US President Bill Clinton, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Arafat took part in the Camp David summit in 2000, but failed to reach a final peace deal.

Israel captured Arab East Jerusalem in 1967 and in 1980 declared the entire city its "united and eternal capital". Palestinians see the eastern part of the city as the capital of an eventual future state.

Israel has consistently rejected suggestions that the city, which is sacred to Christians, Muslims and Jews, could have a special, or international, status.

"The war in the Holy Land frightens me," Francis said. "How will these people end this story?"

An escalation, he said, "would mean the end of so many things and so many lives".

The war between Israel and Hamas, he said, should not make people forget other conflicts, including in Ukraine, Syria, Yemen and Myanmar. (Excerpt from Reuters)

20

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

Handle others with care. You will not get what you want if you aren't sensitive to people's needs. Someone will use manipulative tactics to take advantage of your enthusiasm.

(March 21-April 19) Seek out friends and family. Share your thoughts and feelings, and you'll get meaningful feedback. An unexpected opportunity will give you something to consider.

PICKLES

(April 20-May 20) Don't judge others, or you'll face similar circumstances. Bide your time, do your best to keep the peace and don't make impossible promises. Say less and do more.

(May 21-June 20) Let your imagination run wild today.

Your insight will increase your profile.

Your compassion will change how others feel about you. Don't shy away from taking charge.

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Collect your thoughts and go over your plan. There is no room for error or sloppiness. If you don't have everything in order, postpone your plans. You can expect to face opposition.

(July 23-Aug. 22) Don't be shy; call the shots and make things happen. Speak up and share your intentions, and the input you receive will help you plan your next move.

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

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

Refuse to let anyone play with your emotions. Set high standards and make your position clear. If you give someone the upper hand, they will take advantage of you. Protect your home and heart.

Talk to experts, get the lowdown and develop a strategy that promotes your vision. The option to work alongside someone who understands your viewpoint will inspire you.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Pay attention to cash flow. It's OK to help others, but don't leave yourself short. Think outside the box to devise a plan that will lower your overhead.

Keep up with professional trends.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

A positive change is within reach.

Consider what's important to you and how much you can achieve. Take control, and bring about changes that offer opportunities to use your skills meaningfully.

Focus on learning, self-improvement and opportunities that align with your dreams. Put a plan and timeline in place, and don't stop until you reach your goal. Don't fall prey to temptation.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Plan to have fun. Socialize, take part in an event, attend a reunion or invest time and money in yourself. Don't wait for things to come to you; create opportunities yourself.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023

21

Former international cricketers among invitees to commentators’ workshop A t the request of His Excellency President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Legendary cricket broadcaster Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira will conduct a workshop for cricket commentators from November 16 to 18 at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC).

The 3-day event will seek to cover the fundamentals of cricket commentary under the theme ‘taking it to another level.’ Among the areas to be covered are preparation, voice training, audience attentiveness, and the significance of match officials. Reon King, former Test player, now

international Match Referee, Regional Umpire Shannon Crawford and international scorer Trevor Hussain are scheduled to make presentations on the opening day.

For the workshop, Perreira has secured discussion papers and notes from a number of cricket personalities in the Region, including former West Indies cricketers Richard ‘Prof’ Edwards and Michael Findlay, along with contributions from Barbadian-born England batsman Roland Butcher, former Windward Islands and Combined Islands player Lockhart Sebastian, for-

Joseph ‘Reds’ Perreira

mer Jamaica cricket administrator Pat Terrelonge, former Cricket West Indies Chief Executive Officer Bruce Aanensen, commentators Alexis Jordan, Colin Murray and Sunil Ramdeen, and journalists Guyanese Tony McWatt, Trinidadian Nasser Khan.

‘Reds’ has also acquired a written discussion that was put out by the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (Barbados) with inputs from the late Tony Cozier and journalist Adriel ‘Woody’ Richards. Additionally, contribution is expected from respected Caribbean journalist

Lance Whittaker.

Perreira, a Guyanese who have called over 150 Test matches around the world in a career that spanned over five decades, would also use footage of matches to steer the knowledge sharing workshop.

Invitees are Clyde Butts, Leon Johnson, Christopher Barnwell, Devendra Bishoo, Inderjeet Persaud, Neil Barry, John Ramsingh, Matthew Kissoon, Naim Chan, Steven Jacobs, Edwin Seeraj, Sean Devers, Jonathan Foo, Avenash Ramzan, Brandon Corlette, Shemroy Barrington, Jermaine Neblette, Lennox Cush, Brandon Bess, Akeem

Greene and Andy Ramnarine.

Local media houses are invited to the opening session, and may wish to utilise the services of the trainees thereafter. In fact, it is the hope of the facilitator, Perreira, that radio stations add cricket coverage to their programming in 2024 and beyond.

‘Reds’ said, “It is important that after such a workshop, more opportunities are given for cricket reports from all three counties.”

The last cricket commentators’ workshop was conducted by ‘Reds’ for the Guyana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) in 1997.

ICC World Cup 2023…

South Africa top the points table

-as New Zealand slump to third straight defeat

O

ne of the advantages of a long-drawn league phase is that teams have opportunity to make up for indifferent starts. New Zealand are finding out that the converse can be true as well. A third straight loss amid a series of injuries in the camp threatens to throw their World Cup campaign off the rails.

If the loss to Australia in Dharamsala was heartbreaking, this one to South Africa in Pune was simply demoralising. The bowlers were sent on a leather hunt as Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen plundered centuries, and David Miller added more salt to the wounds with a blistering 30-ball 53 not out as South Africa posted 357 for 4 -- the last 10 overs alone bringing them 119 runs.

In reply, New Zealand's top order unravelled against South Africa's quality pace attack under lights. Marco Jansen's extra bounce accounted for Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra; Will Young was out nicking behind off Gerald Coetzee, and Kagiso Rabada had Tom Latham chipping one to cover.

Daryl Mitchell kept hope flickering, oozing class and confidence as he played a couple of gorgeous on-drives, but his dismissal while looking to hit out against Keshav Maharaj in the 19th over opened the floodgates.

The game became staggeringly one-sided as New Zealand petered to 167 all out, with only Glenn Phillips offering any resistance to make 60.

The defeat, and the quantum of it, was massive from a tournament's standpoint, with New Zealand now slipping back to potentially enter a logjam for fourth place, which Pakistan, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka are all eyeing. Few would have expected New Zealand to cave in in the manner they did, even after South Africa had set them 358.

New Zealand's capitula-

Aiden Markram, Keshav Maharaj and Temba Bavuma celebrating Daryl Mitchell's wicket

tion was a sharp contrast to how things panned out for South Africa after they were put in to bat. Temba Bavuma was the early aggressor, crunching two cover drives off Matt Henry in the fourth over to kick the innings into gear. De Kock was largely subdued and fidgety early on, and even copped a blow to the shoulder from a Trent Boult bouncer in the ninth over.

At that point, South Africa's innings had barely gotten out of second gear.

Having roughed up de Kock, Boult had sent Bavuma back with a sucker ball, a full one that had him nicking low to Mitchell at slip. It could have been wickets in back-toback overs for New Zealand had Phillips latched on to a screamer at backward point off Tim Southee. That we're even talking about it being a chance was down to his brilliance - anticipating de Kock's cut and taking two steps to his right before flinging himself full-stretch to go one-handed. De Kock was on 12 off 24 at that point.

At the other end, van der Dussen helped himself to a pull to begin proceedings as Southee, coming in for the first game of his fourth World Cup, seemed erratic and down on pace, to begin with. For much of the first 100 runs in their 200-run stand, de Kock and van der Dussen

were steady and calculating, playing themselves into a position from which they could tee off in the back 15. It's a plan that worked to the T for them, and perhaps much more easily than they may have anticipated because New Zealand had a massive hole to fill midway through.

Henry pulled his hamstring halfway through his sixth over, the 27th of the innings, to leave Ravindra, James Neesham and Phillips to bowl 14.3 overs between them. De Kock and van der Dussen accelerated, knowing fully well that New Zealand needed to back-load their part-timers.

The first sign of de Kock breaking the shackles came in the 16th over, when he got stuck into Southee. He followed an imperious pull in front of square for four by walloping a six over the bowler's head. De Kock had another slice of luck soon after, when he chipped Phillips into the leg side, with the ball falling between three fielders. De Kock soon brought up his half-century off 62 deliveries, and van der Dussen followed suit, getting there off 61.

New Zealand's cup of woe was far from over. Neesham, one of the part-timers called on to make up overs, suffered a blow of his own when he was struck flush on the thumb by a de Kock straight drive. On 95, de

Kock should have been run out off the same delivery, when he was sent back even as the ball deflected to Mitchell Santner at cover. The batter had given up hope when Santner fired a throw at the bowler's end, but it missed the stumps.

De Kock soon brought up his hundred - his fourth of this World Cup, which left him one behind Rohit Sharma's record of five in a single edition - by getting inside the line and helping a pull deep beyond the fine leg fence for six. He reached the century off 103 balls, and seemed to be revving up for a big finish.

At the other end, the industrious van der Dussen brought out cute reverse paddles and sweeps to throw New Zealand's spinners off gear. The second-wicket pair had added 200 at better than a run-a-ball when de Kock picked out point to give Southee a wicket in the 40th over. It's at this point that South Africa pulled out a surprise move, pushing Miller up the order, seemingly to keep the left-right combination going, and he tore into the bowling at the death to get to his half-century in 29

The leap of celebration - Rassie van der Dussen celebrating his century in style

balls. Neesham went for 69 off his 5.3 overs, and conceded 18 in the 50th.

While New Zealand walked off knowing they had a big chase, there was a sense that the game was still in the balance, given how well they had batted in big chases against England and Australia. But their hopes were dashed by a South African attack that made you wonder if this was the same surface New Zealand had bowled on.

After the top order was blown away, Phillips delayed the inevitable, getting in some batting time amid a lower-order collapse. By the end, New Zealand were so desperate to minimise the damage to their net run rate that an injured Henry hobbled out to bat, and gave Phillips company for 5.1 overs, in the process adding 34 for the final wicket. However,

Quinton de Kock pulling one off Tim Southee

even that didn't quite diminish the magnitude of the defeat, which, all told, was a proper pasting. (ESPNCricinfo)

SCOREBOARD South Africa (50 ovs maximum) BATTING R B Quinton de Kock † c Phillips b Southee 114 116 Temba Bavuma (c) c Mitchell b Boult 24 28 Rassie van der Dussen b Southee 133 118 David Miller c Mitchell b Neesham 53 30 Heinrich Klaasen not out 15 7 Aiden Markram not out 6 1 Extras (lb 4, w 8) 12 TOTAL 50 Ov (RR: 7.14) 357/4 Did not bat: Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi Fall of wickets: 1-38 (Temba Bavuma, 8.3 ov), 2-238 (Quinton de Kock, 39.6 ov), 3-316 (Rassie van der Dussen, 47.1 ov), 4-351 (David Miller, 49.5 ov) • BOWLING O-M-R-W Trent Boult 10-1-49-1 Matt Henry 5.3-0-31-0 Tim Southee 10-0-77-2 Mitchell Santner 10-0-58-0 Glenn Phillips 7-0-52-0 Rachin Ravindra 2-0-17-0 James Neesham 5.3-0-69-1 New Zealand (T: 358 runs from 50 ovs) BATTING R B Devon Conway c Markram b Jansen 2 6

Will Young c †de Kock b Coetzee 33 37 Rachin Ravindra c Coetzee b Jansen 9 16 Daryl Mitchell c Miller b Maharaj 24 30 Tom Latham (c)† c Maharaj b Rabada 4 15 Glenn Phillips c Rabada b Coetzee 60 50 Mitchell Santner b Maharaj 7 18 Tim Southee lbw b Jansen 7 11 James Neesham b Maharaj 0 8 Trent Boult c Miller b Maharaj 9 14 Matt Henry not out 0 9 Extras (b 4, lb 1, nb 1, w 6) 12 TOTAL 35.3 Ov (RR: 4.70) 167 Fall of wickets: 1-8 (Devon Conway, 2.6 ov), 2-45 (Rachin Ravindra, 8.6 ov), 3-56 (Will Young, 10.3 ov), 4-67 (Tom Latham, 15.2 ov), 5-90 (Daryl Mitchell, 18.3 ov), 6-100 (Mitchell Santner, 22.4 ov), 7-109 (Tim Southee, 25.1 ov), 8-110 (James Neesham, 26.4 ov), 9-133 (Trent Boult, 30.2 ov), 10-167 (Glenn Phillips, 35.3 ov) • BOWLING O-M-R-W Marco Jansen 8-1-31-3 Lungi Ngidi 6-1-28-0 Kagiso Rabada 6-2-16-1 Gerald Coetzee 6.3-0-41-2 Keshav Maharaj 9-0-46-4

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023

KFC Elite League Cup…

Santos, Western Tigers pick up 3 points

S

antos Football Club have clinched their first victory, while Western Tigers Football Club have defeated Victoria Kings to maintain their lead in Group B of the Guyana Football Federation’s KFC Elite League Cup tournament.

Western Tigers Football Club registered a resounding 4-0 victory over Victoria Kings Football Club on Sunday, October 29th, at the Police Sports Club ground in Kingston, Georgetown.

Randolph Wanger found the net in both the 25th and 39th minutes, while Jermain Beckles added a third goal in the 31st minute to give Western Tigers Football Club a 3-0 lead at halftime.

The final goal of the night was delivered by Daniel Wilson in the 73rd minute.

This victory means Western Tigers Football Club maintain the lead in Group B after amassing six points from two matches.

In the first match of

the night, Santos Football Club clinched their first cup win by defeating Milerock Football Club

ing in the 3rd minute, and Darron Niles, who secured the second goal just before halftime, followed in the

A Victoria Kings striker being challenged by an opponent from Western Tigers

by a 3-1 margin. Stefan Reynolds opened the scor-

26th minute.

Milerock Football Club

attempted a comeback with a goal from Quacey Cadogan in the 63rd minute, but Darron Niles struck again in the 73rd minute of the game.

Santos Football Club have accumulated three points in Group A, with one win and one loss. They currently trail table leaders Guyana Defence Force and second placed team Buxton United, both of whom have three points from one played game.

However, Guyana Defence Force lead in terms of goal difference.

The KFC Elite League Cup features ten participating teams which are divided into two groups.

Group A includes Guyana Defence Force, Santos, Buxton United, Fruta Conquerors, and Milerock.

Group B comprises Western Tigers, Guyana Police Force, Den Amstel, Victoria Kings, and Ann’s Grove.

The champions will earn a substantial prize of $1.5 million, while the second- placed team would re-

Santos on the attack against Milerock

ceive $1 million. The clubs finishing in third and fourth place would also be recognized with prizes of $500,000 and $250,000 respectively.

Every weekend, the league delivers an exciting

CG United Regional Super50 tournament…

Red Force looking to extend lead, Scorpions chasing first win

Chadwick Walton

W

hile the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force would be looking to extend their lead on the CG United Regional Super50 points table, the Jamaica Scorpions would be aiming to acquire their first win of the season when these two teams clash today at the Queen’s Park Oval.

With 37 points in 5 games, Red Force sit comfortably at the top of the table heading into the business end of the competition, and are currently the only undefeated team of the competition.

Defending c h a m p i o n s Scorpions are winless in five matches, having accumulated only five points to date. Their dilemma rests squarely at the feet of their batsmen.

In four of their five innings, Scorpions have been bowled out, with their highest total of 263 being the only instance when they put up a fight as it were, and they lost that match by n i n e wickets.

In the other innings, they managed 211, 198, 158 and 123.

Chadwick Walton is their only batsman with over 150 runs coming from two half-centuries. But despite scoring 94 and 50, Walton has scored 17, 16 and duck in his other three innings.

Similarly, Kirk McKenzie struck his career-best score of 84, but in his other four innings, accumulated 25 runs. Bonner, like his countrymen, is the only other batsman with over 100 runs and a half-century under his belt.

Scorpions are desperate for their skipper Rovman Powell to come to the party. He

has accumulated only 81 runs in five innings, including a best of 53.

Much like Powell, Jermaine Blackwood, Fabien Allen and Odean Smith would need to step up if Scorpions are to hand Red Force their first loss.

Shalome Parnell continues to enjoy success with the ball, and leads the Scorpions’ bowling with five wickets. Smith has four wickets, but support has not been enough.

Scorpions’ bowling tactics would need to be up to par to counter the Red Force.

Red Force’s t o p order have done the heavy lifting, scoring more than

showcase of outstanding talent, skill, and intense competition, captivating fans and enthusiasts alike.

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Yannic Cariah Kjorn Ottley

250 on three occasions, and only once scoring under 200; but that was in a chase which they won. Their batting lineup will be boosted by the inclusion of shotgun Nicholas Pooran, who is replacing Evin Lewis in the squad.

Kjorn Ottley leads the batting charts for Red Force with 223 runs, while Jason Mohammed has also chalked up 200 runs. This duo has been supported

by Darren Bravo with 184

runs. However, Joshua Da Silva is the only other batsman to bat in all five matches, and his scoring 90 runs with a best of 48 underscores the role of their top order.

Similarly, Yannic Cariah has done the job in the bowling department with 14 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls. He is supported by Sunil Narine with nine wickets. Together, this pair is expected to cause trouble for the Scorpions batting.

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023

CG United Regional Super50 tournament…

23

WI Academy school the Eagles

Y

outh had the better of experience yesterday at the Sir Frank Worrell Memorial Ground, as the supposedly experienced Guyana Harpy Eagles team were proverbially taken to school by the ‘young’ West Indies Academy team, and lost their encounter by a hefty 92 runs in the latest fixture of the CG United Regional Super50 tournament.

Having won the toss, the Academy opted to bat, and posted 263 all out in their 50 overs. As for the Harpy Eagles, they responded with a paltry 171 all out in 35.1 overs.

The Academy opened their innings with a horrid start, Kevin Sinclair removing Kimani Melius and Leonardo Julien in successive deliveries during his double-wicket maiden first over. He ended with figures of 2-36.

Teddy Bishop and Matthew Nandu, however, consolidated with a 54-run partnership for the third

Matthew Forde scored a half century (CWI photo)

West Indies Academy celebrating their victory over the Guyana Harpy Eagles (CWI photo)

wicket. This partnership was eventually broken by Gudakesh Motie (2-39), who bowled Nandu for 15 runs.

His 37-ball innings was highlighted by two boundaries.

Teddy Bishop made 48

runs from 46 balls as he hit eight boundaries before edging to Kevlon Anderson at first slip off the bowling of Motie. But this only laid the foundation for Matthew Forde and Nyeem Young to put on 59 runs for the

7th edition of Fitness Expo set for November 4 rollout

eighth wicket.

Forde, who top-scored with 52 from 54 balls, punctuated his innings with two sixes and four fours, while Young contributed 42 from 44 balls. Both batsmen were dismissed by Shamar Joseph (2-59).

Joshua Bishop chipped in with 37, while Ackeem Auguste scored a 17-run cameo before being dismissed by Veerasammy Permaul (2-38).

Guyana’s chase was riddled with low scores, their batters again failing to acquit themselves as the young bowlers proved too much for them to handle, despite a decent opening partnership.

Anderson and Chandrapaul Hemraj post-

Nyeem Young scored 42 and took three wickets (CWI photo)

ed 45 for the opening stand, with Anderson scoring 27 and Hemraj 16, before both were dismissed by Young (3-18).

Sinclair returned to hit a top score of 46 runs from 56 balls, which contained six fours and one six, before being trapped leg-beforewicket by his countryman

Ashmead Nedd.

Permaul tried valiantly to save his side, but eventually fell for 32 runs after hitting five boundaries.

Tevin Imlach was the only other batsman to hit a double-figure score, with 17.

Auguste was the pick of the bowlers, taking 4-47 with his leg spin.

16th annual MACORP Golf Tournament for November 4 play

Officials along with sponsors at the launch of the 4th edition of the Fitness Expo

W

ith fitness being a prerequisite for good health, the Guyana Fitness Games will be hosting the 7th edition of the Fitness Expo on Saturday, November 4th, 2023 at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue in Georgetown.

The Fitness Expo kicks off precisely at 6:30pm, and persons are invited to participate in the “Soca Fitness Fete”, a rhythmic dance party that would have them grooving to the pulsating beats of Soca music while torching calories like never before.

The excitement doesn’t stop there. At 8:30pm, the Ultimate Schools Basketball Grudge Match would see Bishops’ High taking on Saint Stanislaus College in a thrilling showdown that is anticipated to leave spectators on the edges of your seats as they cheer for their favourite team.

Event Organizer Noshavyah King, speaking at the launching ceremony, has encouraged persons to witness the event on November 4 for the thrill of their lives.

She said, “Our exhibition area will be teeming with innovative fitness equipment, nutrition tips and expert advice to help you on your journey to a healthier you. Join us at the Fitness Expo 2023, where the spirit of fitness and camaraderie will soar high. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just looking to experience an unforgettable weekend of enjoyment, this event is tailored for you.”

The action starts at noon on Sunday, November 5th. It promises to be a day of sweat, strength, and sheer determination as the Fitness Challenge is staged.

Participants will engage in a series of heart-pound-

ing exercises that would test the limits of their strength and push their fitness boundaries. The Fitness Challenge includes the Elite Teams Competition for both males and females, where top athletes would showcase their prowess. For those who are new to the fitness game, there’s the Scaled Competition that is designed for less seasoned athletes of both genders, offering a challenging yet accessible experience for all fitness enthusiasts.

Prizes have been increased, with each scaled athlete upon registration receiving $10,000 and each team entering the contest bagging $80,000 and inclusive of $100 per event won by team. Tickets for this event are available at MVP Sports and Genesis Fitness Gym at the cost of $2000. A weekend pass costing $3500 pertains to entry for all the events.

Lusignan Golf Club President, Patanjilee Persaud

T

HE Lusignan Golf Club would be partnering with MACORP to host the 16th annual MACORP Golf Tournament, the one-day event being set for a November 4 rollout.

This tournament will see groups placed in different flights - the lower handicappers being 0 – 9 years old; the middle class being 10 – 18 years old, and the final flight being 19 -28 years old.

General Manager and President of MACORP, German Consuerga, expound on this partnership with Lusignan Golf Club and spoke of expectations of

General Manager and President of MACORP, German Consuerga

a friendly tournament.

“I believe that to have another edition of this tournament is a true testimony of the camaraderie and partnership that we have had over the years. Next Saturday, we expect (them to) come showcase their skills on that prestigious golf course; but furthermore, their participation will be a reflection of the friendly competition that unites us all,” he said.

Lusignan Golf Club President Patanjilee Persaud has applauded MACORP for their investment in development of the sport. He said MACORP has

given much assistance to the Lusignan Golf Club to make sure the high standard of these events is maintained in Guyana, even though there are many challenges with the weather.

“You know, we at Lusignan Golf Club would like to say a big thanks to MACORP for always caring about what goes on in society. Golf is a very rapidly growing sport…”, he declared.

Prizes would be given to winners of the following categories: the longest drive, nearest to the pin, best gross and best net, which is the Champion.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2023

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

Abrams misses 400M podium; Archibald bags 200M final spot

I

Aliyah Abrams (right) came up short in the 400M final

t was a night of mixed results for Guyana’s Pan American Games Athletics team on Thursday, as Aliyah Abrams and Emanuel Archibald went into action.

After bagging a bronze medal in the Men’s 100M event, Archibald tried his hand at the longer sprint, the 200M. In semifinal 1, the

Guyanese clocked 21.08s to finish third, behind Dominican Republic’s Jose Gonzalez in 20.81s and Nadale Buntin of St. Kitts and Nevis in 20.97s, who both qualified automatically for the final.

Archibald eventually qualified on time as one of the two fastest non-automatic qualifiers, and will lace up his shoes for tonight’s final

at 19:10hrs local time.

Meanwhile, it was heartbreak for Aliyah Abrams as she crossed the line fifth in the Women’s 400M final.

Abrams clocked 52.66s for the top five spot. The gold medal was won by Chile’s Martina Weil, who had the home crowd advantage, in 51.48s. Ecuador’s Nicole Caicedo took silver in 51.76s, while Colombia’s

Emanuel Archibald (C) taking on the 200M semifinal 1

Evelis Aguilar was third in 51.95s.

While Archibald competes today, the final Track and Field athlete to compete at the 2023 Pan Am Games in Santiago, Chile will be Leslain Baird, as he takes on the javelin throw on Saturday.

President Dr. Irfaan Ali has extended a congratulatory message to Guyana’s

two Pan Am 2023 medalists thus far, Archibald and Jasmine Abrams, who both clinched their silverware on Tuesday night.

President Ali wrote, “On behalf of all of Guyana, I extend congratulations to Jasmine Abrams (Silver in Women’s 100m) and Emanuel Archibald (Bronze in Men’s 100m) who are the first Guyanese ath-

letes in the women’s and men’s 100m to medal at the PanAm Games since 2003.

“Guyana is immensely proud of your outstanding performance. Continue to keep the Golden Arrowhead flying high.”

It is the first time in 20 years that Track and Field has brought Guyana a medal at the Pan American Games.

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