Guyana Times - Thursday, November 30, 2023

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

Issue No. 5569

THE BEACON OF TRUTH THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023

Venezuela border controversy

"Violence has no place in modern world, int’l relations" – Finance Minister tells Canadian forum Page 3

...says controversy should also foster solidarity among Diaspora

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Army Chief P11 engages Brazil's Defence Ministry on issues of national security PGS security officer accused of stealing gun, ammo gets P8 $150K bail

Charity to get new $286M market in 2 months P15

On Wednesday, 1796 teachers graduated from the Cyril Potter College of Education making them the largest cohort of teachers to graduate in Guyana and by extension the Caribbean at one time. The graduation ceremony was held at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, EBD, where Prime Minister Mark Phillips, who is executing duties as President, addressed the graduates

Govt makes additional withdrawal of $20.8B from oil fund – withdrawals for 2023 total US$850M

11-year-old Strathspey P18 Primary student dies from fractured skull – after sustaining injuries during altercation at school

See story on page 7

US in Guyana’s corner against Venezuela's threats to its sovereignty – Ambassador

Children among Page 40 Venezuelan 13 migrants Page 10 intercepted ...as Guyana’s FS meets with top US officials during Washington trip at Moruca Single mother found dead in Unity home

DNA samples collected from ‘close family friend’ as probe continues Page 16

– suspect was rearrested 1 day after being released

Eccles woman wins brand new Toyota Rush in KFC’s "Rush for a Bucket" promotion P14

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Venezuela border controversy

BRIDGE OPENINGS

BRIDGE The Demerara OPENINGS Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Thursday, November 30 – 04:00h-05:30h and Friday, December 1 – 04:00h-05:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Thursday, November 30 – 06:15h-07:45h and Friday, December 1 – 07:00h-08:30h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY Sunshine and thundery showers are expected during the day. Expect clear skies followed by light rain showers with instances of thunder at night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly between 2.68 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 18:05h reaching a maximum height of 2.57 metres.

Low Tide: 11:39h reaching a minimum height of 0.80 metre.

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‘Violence has no place in modern world, int’l relations’ – Finance Minister tells Canadian forum

…says controversy should also foster solidarity among Diaspora

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ortifying the Government’s stance that Venezuela’s aggression to annex Essequibo should be condemned, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh told a Canadian forum that there was no place for violence in this modern world.

Dr Singh appeared on CSTV Canada's “Guyana Today” Show, where he apprised the Diaspora on the Venezuela border controversy.

As he delved into the ongoing issue, Dr Singh positioned that no responsible Government would wage war against its neighbours.

“Violence, the threat of violence, and provocative actions in relation to your neighbours have no place in the modern world and in modern international relations. No responsible Government should be engaging in violence and the threat of violence and in provocative actions against their neighbour,” he declared.

Dr Singh drew attention to the fact that there was strong regional, hemispheric and global solidarity and that many law-abiding countries have condemned Venezuela’s actions. The Caribbean Community (Caricom); the Commonwealth and the Organisation of American States (OAS) have also thrown their support behind Guyana.

The senior Minister further highlighted that every Guyanese, both locally and in the Diaspora, should arm themselves with detailed information on the controversy.

President Dr Irfaan Ali has already positioned that information should only come from official channels, such as the official Government pages and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

He disclosed, “It’s absolutely essential that all Guyanese, including those in the Diaspora, stay fully informed and abreast in relation to this matter…What this moment requires of us is to ensure that we’re all acquainted with the facts of the matter and knowledgeable on the facts of the matter so that we are able to speak authoritatively.”

It was opined that Guyana’s Diaspora has always played a tremendous role in advancing the country’s interests, through the preservation of democracy and advancement of economic interests. This controversy should also foster solidarity among the Diaspora.

“Certainly, no other matter should gen-

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh appearing on CSTV Canada's “Guyana Today” programme

erate more solidarity amongst the Guyanese Diaspora than this matter of Guyana’s territorial integrity…On the matter of Guyana’s territorial integrity, there is unanimity politically. There is no political divide. Successive Governments and both major parties in the Parliament are of one position in relation to this matter,” Dr Singh outlined.

He clarified that there was no fear whatsoever and that Guyanese citizenry was calm, despite the outrage at reports coming out of Venezuela.

“That is very clear that there is calm in Guyana. I would not say it is business as usual, because there is a renewed, doubled resolve in the Guyanese people.

There is understandable outrage at the absolutely repugnant pronouncements that are being made

by Venezuela and the aggressive tone used by the political leadership in Venezuela,” he noted.

After abiding by the 1899 Arbitral Award for more than half a century, Venezuela in 1962 claimed that the Essequibo area of Guyana belonged inside its borders. Guyana has noted that the boundary between the then-colony of British Guiana and Venezuela was determined by the Arbitral Award as a “full” and “final” settlement.

Last month, the Venezuelan National Electoral Council had published a list of five questions that it plans to put before the Venezuelan people in a referendum set for December 3, 2023.

The referendum will seek the Venezuelan people’s approval to, among other things, annex Essequibo and create a Venezuelan

state. It also seeks the citizens’ approval for Venezuela to grant citizenship and identity cards to residents of Essequibo.

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

The Guyana Government has, however, already declared its commitment to resolving the longstanding border controversy with Venezuela through the legal process at the World Court.

This position was also reaffirmed by Guyana’s National Assembly in a unanimous vote. (Rupa Seenaraine)

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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

Dithering while the earth burns

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f your family home is on fire, do you sit around arguing who lit the fire or do you put out the fire? The answer seems obvious, doesn’t it? If you don’t first put out the fire, you won’t have a house to live in, much less assign blame over. And if the situation is that all of your family members – save for the seven in space – are trapped in the house, many will be killed if you fail to act.

This analogy is very much the case when it comes to the world’s handling of the issue of climate change, which since the adoption and implementation, in 1987, of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, the landmark multilateral environmental agreement that regulates the production and consumption of nearly 100 manmade chemicals referred to as ozone depleting substances (ODS) has seen 30-plus years of much talk and little action.

The climate change our world is undergoing has deteriorated into a climate emergency, with wildfires, heatwaves, droughts and storms of ever-increasing intensity wracking the planet.

Much of our attention and energies have been devoted to determining who caused the problem and for how much of the problem each State is responsible instead of the problem itself and actually solving it. The truth is mankind collectively created the climate change that we see today, by polluting Earth, our collective home.

Climate scientists have shown that humans are responsible for virtually all global heating over the last 200 years. Human activities, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels, are causing greenhouse gases that are warming the world faster than at any other time in at least the last two thousand years.

The average temperature of the Earth’s surface is now about 1.1°C warmer than it was in the late 1800s (before the Industrial Revolution) and warmer than at any other time in the last 100,000 years. The last decade (2011-2020) was the warmest on record, and each of the last four decades has been warmer than any previous decade since 1850.

The consequences of climate change now include intense droughts, water scarcity, severe fires, rising sea levels, flooding, melting polar ice, catastrophic storms, and declining biodiversity.

In Paris, in 2015, in a much-delayed attempt to finally comprehensively address the issue, 196 parties agreed to hold “the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels” and to pursue efforts “to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above preindustrial levels”.

The ink had barely dried on the Paris Agreement when many countries, including the United States and other developed countries, began to baulk at what they had committed themselves to, with several effectively backtracking. And so the chasm between the developed world and the developing world over tackling climate change further widened, particularly over the failure of the former to provide US$100 billion per year as promised for climate mitigation efforts to the latter.

Throughout the implementation of the Montreal Protocol, which was universally ratified and almost 98 per cent achieved , the United Nations Environment Programme noted, “developing countries have demonstrated that, with the right kind of assistance, they are willing, ready, and able to be full partners in global efforts to protect the environment”.

As the 28th edition of the annual Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) opens today in Dubai, the global body is calling on all parties to accelerate global climate action.

It said “as the climate crisis worsens around the world, COP28 must be a decisive moment to act on climate commitments and limit global warming to 1.5°C”.

Can we, humanity, please take action to realise the goal of the UNFCCC to “stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic (humaninduced) interference with the climate system”, and then apportion blame? Please!

A temporary platform is being constructed as works intensify on the new US$260 million Demerara Harbour Bridge. The China Railway and Construction Corporation (International) Limited has been awarded the contract to build the new bridge

Towards a Brighter Tomorrow: India's G20 Presidency and the Dawn of a New Multilateralism T

Message by Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi

oday marks 365 days since India assumed the G20 Presidency.

It is a moment to reflect, recommit, and rejuvenate the spirit of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future.’

As we undertook this responsibility last year, the global landscape grappled with multifaceted challenges: recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, looming climate threats, financial instability, and debt distress in developing nations, all amid declining multilateralism. In the midst of conflicts and competition, development cooperation suffered, impeding progress.

Assuming the G20 Chair, India sought to offer the world an alternative to the status quo, a shift from a GDP-centric to human-centric progress. India aimed to remind the world of what unites us, rather than what divides us. Finally, the global conversation had to evolve - the interests of the few had to give way to the aspirations of the many. This required a fundamental reform of multilateralism as we knew it.

Inclusive, ambitious, action-oriented, and decisive—these four words define our approach as G20 president, and the New Delhi Leaders' Declaration (NDLD), unanimously adopted by all G20 members, is testimony to our commitment to deliver on these principles.

Inclusivity has been at the heart of our presidency. The inclusion of the African Union (AU) as a permanent member of the G20 integrated 55 African nations into the forum, expanding it to encompass 80% of the global population. This proactive stance has fostered a more comprehensive dialogue on global challenges and opportunities.

The first-of-its-kind 'Voice of the Global South Summit,' convened by India in two editions, heralded a new dawn of multilateralism. India mainstreamed the Global South's concerns in international discourse and has

ushered in an era where developing countries take their rightful place in shaping the global narrative.

Inclusivity also infused India’s domestic approach to G20, making it a People’s Presidency that befits the world’s largest democracy. Through "Jan Bhagidari" (people's participation) events, G20 reached 1.4 billion citizens, involving all states and Union Territories (UTs) as partners. On substantive elements, India ensured that international attention was directed to broader developmental aims, aligning with G20's mandate.

At the critical midpoint of the 2030 Agenda, India delivered the G20 2023 Action Plan to Accelerate Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), taking a cross-cutting, action-oriented approach to interconnected issues, including health, education, gender equality and environmental sustainability.

A key area driving this progress is robust Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). Here, India was decisive in its recommendations, having witnessed the revolutionary impact of digital innovations like Aadhaar, UPI, and Digilocker first-hand. Through G20, we successfully completed the Digital Public Infrastructure Repository, a significant stride in global technological collaboration. This repository, featuring over 50 DPIs from 16 countries, will help the Global South build, adopt, and scale DPI to unlock the power of inclusive growth.

For our One Earth, we introduced ambitious and inclusive aims to create urgent, lasting, and equitable change. The Declaration’s ‘Green Development Pact' addresses the challenges of choosing between combating hunger and protecting the planet, by outlining a comprehensive roadmap where employment and ecosystems are complementary, consumption is climate-conscious, and production is planet-friendly. In tandem, the G20 Declaration calls for an ambitious tri-

Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi

pling of global renewable energy capacity by 2030. Coupled with the establishment of the Global Biofuels Alliance and a concerted push for Green Hydrogen, the G20’s ambitions to build a cleaner, greener world is undeniable. This has always been India’s ethos, and through Lifestyles for Sustainable Development (LiFE), the world can benefit from our age-old sustainable traditions.

Further, the Declaration underscores our commitment to climate justice and equity, urging substantial financial and technological support from the Global North. For the first time, there was a recognition of the quantum jump needed in the magnitude of development financing, moving from billions to trillions of dollars. G20 acknowledged that developing countries require $5.9 trillion to fulfil their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by 2030.

Given the monumental resources required, G20 emphasised the importance of better, larger, and more effective Multilateral Development Banks.

Concurrently, India is taking a leading role in UN reforms, especially in the restructuring of principal organs like the UN Security Council, that will ensure a more equitable global order.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

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Guyanese will not defect from, but defend Essequibo

Dear Editor, Make no mistake about it, Guyana is united at the front, middle and back to face a common, potentially “threatening situation”, whether it’s a workin-progress, an infancy stage, or rapid-fire development due to Venezuela’s military aggression and political proactiveness, regardless of who says what, when, where, why or how! ‘United we stand, divided we fall’ is the song all races of this nation wake and sleep to. Guyanese are undivided as ‘One Guyana’ in all the regions of Guyana, hoping for a ‘blow hot-blow cold’ issue to blow over as soon as possible, contingent upon the ICJ’s reaction and resolution and Venezuela’s response and responsibility.

A hotly debated topic, and one that occupies the minds

of all at home and abroad, inclusive of the diplomatic and international communities, the momentum is building with the swing of the pendulum, as each second ticks away and Friday approaches to herald the crescendo of the ICJ’s voice over the inferno of Maduro’s December 3rd referendum. The silent sound of Venezuela’s marching army is not mistaken, but this country will not take this matter ‘lying down’. Yet, the soberness of the ICJ’s dictum is keenly anticipated to curb the anxieties of stakeholders in this geo-political drama.

While an anti-climax is preferred to Venezuela’s negative innuendos, in particular those narrated by the illusive President and supported by his errant Vice President,

Guyana remains cool, calm, and collected in the heat of the night. Guyana’s President is restrained by remaining on the right side of history, and is subdued by the legal process, choosing the wisdom of the ICJ to prevail over any “don’t get mad, get even” reaction. Guyanese sons and daughters will not defect, but defend every square inch of this mudland, their Mother Land, although Guyana pursues the path of peace prevailing to Venezuela’s preference to pierce the provision of peace.

The days of dictatorship are over in this land of many waters, since the timely intervention of the US in 1992 and also in 2020. Guyana is progressing with an economic engine, empowered by the oil and gas sector and supported

by other natural resource industries and an agriculture drive. The IMF has projected Guyana’s 38.4% growth for 2023 to be the fastest-growing country this year. Guyana has some 11 billion barrels of oil in reserve, possibly understated, as more oil continues to be uncovered. More investors from a global market continue to seek opportunities perpetually, and overseas companies want to do more business with this Government. This did not happen overnight, but the successful track record of a progressive Government over the past three years has attracted the engagement for business, commerce and tourism. No wonder Venezuela’s greed is eying the richness of Essequibo!

This country has always been a peaceful nation towards

PUC mourns loss of Justice Prem Persaud

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he Chairperson, Commissioners and staff of the Public Utilities Commission are deeply saddened at the passing of Justice (ret’d) Prem Persaud, CCH, former Chairman of the Commission, and extend condolences to his wife, children, and other family members.

Justice Persaud, the longest-serving Chairman of the PUC, was appointed as Chair of the Commission on June 27th, 2000, and completed his tenure at the Commission on June 20th, 2017. Prior to his appointment, Justice Persaud served as Puisne Judge of the High Court of Guyana, acted as Chief Justice, and retired as a Justice of Appeal.

Justice (ret’d) Prem Persaud was appointed under the 1999 version of the PUC Act, which empowered the Commission to exercise its independence by delivering its own decisions and creating its own internal structure. He was instrumental in the Commission’s transition from its telecommunications regulatory mandate to the existing multi-sector regulatory environment, which now includes the water and electricity sectors.

During his time at the Commission,

Justice Persaud presided over seminal matters as those relate to the expansion of the sectors, the first-rate setting for Guyana Water Inc., and numerous hearings and negotiations into the quality of services of the Guyana Power and Light Inc., together with the entry of competition within the mobile sector. This included the critical interconnection of parties in the telecommunications sector to facilitate seamless communication/connectivity between subscribers of the two networks.

Landmark PUC decisions included the introduction of “calling party pays”, ordering “per second billing”, and setting floor and ceiling rates for the mobile sector.

Persaud’s judicial acumen and affable manner were always on display as he mediated the cause of both operators, be it in the telecommunications, water or electricity sectors, and that of the Guyanese consumer. He was instrumental in expanding the reach of the Commission to the ancient county of Berbice in the year 2012.

Justice Persaud was one of the persons who strongly advocated the estab-

lishment of the Organisation of Caribbean Utility Regulators(OOCUR), and was one of the signatories of the agreement at Laughing Waters, Ocho Rios, Jamaica in 2002 which resulted in the formation of OOCUR, a non-profit organization to enhance utility regulation by promoting training, information sharing, transparent regulation through independent regulators, and understanding regulatory issues amongst its member countries in the Caribbean. Justice Prem Persaud served as its chair on a number of intervals.

In paying tribute to Justice Persaud, a member of the Executive Council of OOCUR noted, “He was a steadfast supporter of building regulatory capacity in the region, and generously gave his time and energy into ensuring the success of OOCUR”.

His esprit de corps within the Commission remains today as part of his rich legacy, as we continue to strive for excellence on behalf of the utilities and consumers of Guyana.

May he rest in peace.

Public Utilities Commission

her neighbours, and is quite contented and humble. On the contrary, Venezuela is ranked in 72nd place with its 4.3% GDP growth. “Transparencia Venezuela” reported in 2022 that illegal activities make up 21% of its GDP. Despite being the 8th largest member of OPEC and the 25th largest oil producer in the world, with 300 billion barrels of oil in reserve, the country is plagued by dictatorship, political instability and corruption, with a ruined economy and people living in poverty. Over six million Venezuelan citizens from a population of thirty million ran for their lives to seek greener pastures and the refuge of safety and security in other lands, including over thirty thousand right here in Guyana. Guyana’s border is open to shelter Venezuelans, not shame them; but suspicion cannot be overruled in this sensitive situation.

Being the only ‘Englishspeaking’ country in South America, Guyana is regarded as much West Indian in the Caribbean as any of the islands. Guyana remains an integral part of Caricom, and plays a significant part in its welfare. Guyana will chair the next phase for Caricom, and also, come January 2024, Guyana will occupy a seat as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, contributing towards the maintenance of world peace and security. Guyana is famous as a friendly and favourable nation, and tourists are flocking to this land to enjoy its beauty and tranquility. This country makes peace, not war.

Venezuela, on the other hand, is a suspect as a potential threat to disrupt this peace zone.

Only recently, Guyana housed a delegation of

The National Day of Prayer

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n observance of The National Day of Prayer, on December 3, 2023, The Guyana's TM Organization (Maharishi Foundation of Guyana) invites all practitioners of the Transcendental Meditation Technique and its advanced Techniques (Sidha) to join as one in collective meditation to create coherence, order, and peace in national consciousness, and avoid the dangerous threat caused by Venezuela. In the presence of Light, darkness dissipates.

Suggested daily meditation times: 6am and 6pm, or at your convenience.

For more information, please contact: Jodha Samaroo Tel. Number: 592 662 9450 Dr. Clive Jagan Tel. Number: 592 641 7308.

Towards a Brighter Tomorrow: India's G20...

Gender equality took centre stage in the Declaration, culminating in the formation of a dedicated Working Group on the Empowerment of Women next year. India’s Women's Reservation Bill 2023, reserving one-third of India’s Parliament and state legislative assembly seats for women epitomizes our commitment to women-led development.

The New Delhi Declaration embodies a renewed spirit of collaboration across these key priorities, focusing on policy coherence, reliable trade, and ambitious climate action. It is a matter of pride that during our Presidency, G20 achieved 87 outcomes and 118 adopted documents, a marked rise from the past.

During our G20 Presidency, India led deliber-

ations on geopolitical issues and their impact on economic growth and development.

Terrorism and the senseless killing of civilians is unacceptable, and we must address it with a policy of zero tolerance.

We must embody humanitarianism over hostility and reiterate that this is not an era of war.

I am delighted that during our Presidency India achieved

FROM PAGE 4

the extraordinary: it revitalised multilateralism, amplified the voice of the Global South, championed development, and fought for the empowerment of women, everywhere.

As we hand over the G20 Presidency to Brazil, we do so with the conviction that our collective steps for people, planet, peace, and prosperity, will resonate for years to come.

Canadian Members of Parliament (MPs). They have been vociferous in praising Guyana, the Government and the citizens. Throughout the year, Guyana found itself having to play host to many international platforms seeking economic alliance and fraternal allegiance. Guyana has been invited to all of the global gatherings, and has been privy to speak as an invitee while chairing many secessions.

While Guyana has been subjected to a few selected spurious claims, those unnecessary attacks have been found to be unwarranted, unmerited, and without any evidence of conviction. A couple of prejudiced groups have unsuccessfully attempted to malign the integrity of Guyana, but they have been unable to penetrate the armour of honour as sustained by the PPP/C Government.

Guyana has survived the days and nights of colonialism, slavery, indentureship and independence, and has crafted a future as a republic. This is because Guyana has paid its dues and unshackled itself from dictatorship to democracy. Ingrained in the fertility as ‘One Guyana’, this nation has moulded a national motto with pride as “One People, One Nation, One Destiny.”

Guyana’s sovereignty is sustained by generations of ancestors who have sacrificed their blood, sweat and tears for this land of 83,000 square miles, which belongs to all Guyanese.

Guyanese will not entertain parting with an inch.

Essequibo belongs to Guyana. Guyana enjoys the support of Caricom, the OAS, the Commonwealth, and the UN. Venezuela cannot stake this claim!

Yours respectfully, Jai Lall

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 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 30, 2023

Foundation ◄

Page

Test Questions

By G eorge H erbert

Sweet Peace, where dost thou dwell? I humbly crave, Let me once know.

I sought thee in a secret cave, And ask'd, if Peace were there, A hollow wind did seem to answer, No: Go seek elsewhere.

I did; and going did a rainbow note: Surely, thought I, This is the lace of Peace's coat: I will search out the matter.

But while I looked the clouds immediately Did break and scatter.

Then went I to a garden and did spy A gallant flower, The crown-imperial: Sure, said I, Peace at the root must dwell.

But when I digged, I saw a worm devour What showed so well.

At length I met a rev'rend good old man; Whom when for Peace I did demand, he thus began: There was a Prince of old At Salem dwelt, who lived with good increase Of flock and fold.

Supplies:

Empty boxes (cereal boxes, etc) A glass or other round object Scissors A pencil White glue A hole punch Yarn Guyana map Photos of landmarks (find images online) A computer, printer and printer paper (or old travel magazines and atlases) Step 1: Flatten a cracker box

and trace circles onto the cardboard.

Then, cut the circles out.

Step 2: Search online for Guyana maps and images of local landmarks.

Step 3: Resize and print the images. Then, place and trace the circles and cut them out.

Step 4: Using a scrap piece of cardboard (or old paintbrush), cover one side of a cardboard circle with glue and lay a map cutout on top.

Optional: Cover the map with another layer of glue as a protective coating. Once dry, repeat the process on the opposite side with the landmark photo.

Step 5: Glue a piece of yarn around the outside of the map and allow it to dry. Then, glue yarn around the outside of the landmark. Don’t worry if the yarn is too long as it can be trimmed later.

Step 6: Punch a hole at the top of the circle.

Step 7: Cut a length of yarn, fold it and push it through the hole. Run the end pieces through the loop and tie into a necklace.

Step 8: Wear your map and landmark pendants separately or together. You can also give them out as gifts!(Adapted from littlepassports.com)

He sweetly lived; yet sweetness did not save His life from foes.

But after death out of his grave There sprang twelve stalks of wheat; Which many wond'ring at, got some of those To plant and set.

It prospered strangely, and did soon disperse Through all the earth: For they that taste it do rehearse That virtue lies therein; A secret virtue, bringing peace and mirth By flight of sin.

Take of this grain, which in my garden grows, And grows for you; Make bread of it: and that repose And peace, which ev'ry where With so much earnestness you do pursue, Is only there.

WORD SEARCH

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt makes additional withdrawal of $20.8B from oil fund – withdrawals for 2023 total US$850M T

he People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government has withdrawn an additional US$100 million from the Natural Resource Fund (NRF), making it the seventh such transfer for the year so far.

The withdrawal was made on November 23, 2023, to finance the Government’s developmental projects.

This was announced by the Finance Ministry in a statement reminding that since the NRF Act was implemented in 2021, it now includes the requirement for the Government to seek parliamentary approval for any withdrawals.

“Pursuant to that provision, as part of its consideration of the Budget Process, the Parliament approved US$1.002 billion (equivalent to G$208.9 billion) to be withdrawn from the NRF in 2023.

“In accordance with the NRF Act 2021 and the approved Budget 2023, the Government of Guyana has made its seventh transfer, totalling US$100 million (equivalent to G$20.8 billion) from the NRF on November 23, 2023, to the Consolidated Fund,” the Ministry said.

With this withdrawal, it means that approximately US$850 million (G$176.8 billion) has been withdrawn

from the Fund for the year.

This would leave US$150 million (G$32 billion) remaining to be withdrawn for 2023.

It was only earlier this month that the Guyana Government made its sixth withdrawal from the NRF to the tune of more than $20 billion, to finance its aggressive national development priorities.

Back in December 2021, the Government amended the NRF Act to bring greater transparency and accountability in the management of Guyana’s oil resources, including the requirement for the Government to seek annual parliamentary approval for withdrawals from the NRF as stated in Section 19 of the NRF Act 2021.

The PPP/C Administration had previously said it would continue to work aggressively through “sound and transformative investments of oil resources” from the NRF by utilising these funds in a clear and transparent manner to the benefit of present and future generations of Guyana.

Only in September, the Government reported its fifth withdrawal from the NRF, totalling G$10.4 billion (equivalent to US$50 million).

Earlier that month,

it was announced that in August and September, amounts totalling US$200 million or G$41.6 billion had been transferred from the NRF to the Consolidated Fund to finance national development priorities.

These withdrawals followed another US$400 million or G$83.2 billion being taken out of the NRF in February and May of this year.

The funds in the NRF have their origins in the oil-rich Stabroek Block offshore Guyana, where United States oil major ExxonMobil and its partners are producing light sweet crude using the Liza Destiny and Liza Unity Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels.

Last year was the first time Guyana had used oil funds to finance a national budget. In fact, in 2022, the Government withdrew a total of $126 billion (US$607.6 million) in three tranches from the NRF which went towards financing Guyana’s national development plans.

This year’s $781.9 billion budget was financed for the first time by both oil and climate funds, earned from selling Guyana’s high-quality carbon credits to Hess Corporation. Since the passage of the NRF Act in 2021, the Guyana Government

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York

has gone on to establish the Natural Resource Fund Board.

In January of this year, the Bank of Guyana signed an agreement to officially hand over control of the NRF to the Board of Directors appointed by the President.

According to Section 5 (6d) of the Act, the Board is required to enter into an operational agreement with the Bank, so that management of the Fund can change

hands. This agreement was signed two days after the reading of the 2023 Budget.

The NRF Board is chaired by Major General (Retired) Joe Singh. Other members of the Board are Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Carolyn RodriguesBirkett; Private Sector Executive Ramesh Dookhoo; former People’s National Congress (PNC) parliamentarian Dunstan Barrow;

and former Chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Compton Bourne.

In August, Chairman Singh submitted the first NRF Report for 2022 in which he indicated that the NRF Secretariat is slated to be established in the second half of this year. With the establishment of the Secretariat, he noted that the operational needs of the Board would be met. (Jarryl Bryan)

8 NEWS PGS security officer accused of stealing gun, ammo gets $150K bail THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

S

ecurity officer Horace Thomside appeared on Wednesday before Chief Magistrate (ag) Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus in the Georgetown Magistrates' Courts charged with stealing a Taurus .38 revolver and five live rounds of matching ammunition, property of Professional Guard Service (PGS), with whom he was employed as a security officer.

Represented by legal counsel, the 23-yearold defendant entered a not-guilty plea to the charge, and defence attorney requested that the Magistrate grant his client reasonable bail due to his mental state.

The lawyer told the Chief Magistrate that his client is willing to abide by any condition imposed by bail.

And while the lawyer did not offer any evidence in support of his client’s mental state, a probation official disclosed that the

Mamma Mia!

M

Horace Thomside

accused had undergone mental health treatment.

According to the Probation officer, Thomside told her that he had stolen the gun to protect himself because he had felt threatened.

The Police prosecutor opposed Thomside's release on bail, pointing out the gravity and prevalence of the crime, the discovery of the gun under his bed, and Thomside’s admission to the Police that he had taken the

“Feting King” granted bail on rape charge

S

ocial media personality Nikosi Bruce, popularly known as “Feting King”, appeared on Wednesday before acting Chief Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs-Marcus at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer a charge that accuses him of raping a woman.

Represented by an attorney, Bruce, of South Ruimveldt, Georgetown, was not required to plead to the indictable charge.

The proceedings were held in-camera, and Bruce was

Rape accused Nikosi Bruce

placed on $150,000 bail.

The matter has been postponed to a later date.

The highest penalty for rape is life in prison.

The firearm and ammunition that were found under the defendant’s bed

firearm. However, the Chief Magistrate overruled those objections by saying that prison might not be the best place for Thomside, given his mental health.

In the end, the defendant, a Charlestown, Georgetown resident, was granted $150,000 bail with the condition that he must receive therapy at the mental health clinic at the Georgetown Public Hospital, and report to the Kitty Police Station once every two weeks while his trial is pending.

The Chief Magistrate was reassured by Thomside's father that he would make sure his son follows the court's orders.

This case has been postponed until January 2024.

Background to this case It has been reported that Alton Mars, a driver with the Professional Guard Service, had reportedly signed and collected eight .38 revolvers and two shotguns from the company’s duty officer last Friday, and had placed them under the mat in the front passenger seat of the

motor car he was driving.

He then proceeded to Pradoville at Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD), where he picked up Horace Thomside of Adelaide Street, Charlestown to take him to his workstation at Saffon Street, Charlestown; but instead, he ended up at Case Diamond, located on East Street, Georgetown, where he issued a .38 revolver to a guard on duty.

He and Thomside then travelled to the New Building Society (NBS) and Caribbean Airlines on Avenue of the Republic in Georgetown, where again he issued one revolver each to the guards on duty at the two sites.

The driver then drove to Saffon and Broad Streets, Georgetown, where he dropped off Thomside and issued him with a .38 revolver.

According to the Police, Mars then went to another site, this time in Agricola, Greater Georgetown, to issue another .38 to a guard; but on checking, he discovered that a .38 revolver and five rounds of ammunition were missing. As such, he immediately contacted the duty officer and informed her of the missing firearm.

This prompted a probe, during which several checks were made at the various worksites where Mars had made drop-offs during the morning session, but the firearm and ammunition were not located.

The matter was reported to the Police, thus resulting in the arrest of both the driver and Thomside the following day. During interrogation, Thomside admitted to stealing the firearm and hiding it under his bed.

He reportedly took the Police to his home in Charlestown, where the firearm and five matching rounds of ammunition were found wrapped in a sock hidden under the bed.

…Mia??

ama Mia! is an Italian ejaculative expression that expresses stupefaction. Our Guyanese equivalent would be to burst out, “Oh me Mumma!” – whilst holding our heads - if we heard something shocking. Like if Mad Maduro had ordered the Venezuelan army to invade our Essequibo!! Mamma Mia!! But recently, our Opposition Leader claimed Bajan PM Mia Mottley had betrayed our cause against Venezuela and made common cause with Mad Maduro!! Mamma Mia!!

Mia Mottley?? The same Mia who won 30 out of 30 seats in the Barbados Assembly?? The one who’s widely tipped to be the next Secretary General of the UN?? The Mia who recently pioneered real, practical linkages with Mamma Africa when she declared, “I was not born in Africa; Africa was born in me” at the Caricom-African Union Summit??

The one who dumped the Monarchy in “Little England”??

The one who spoke truth to power when she asked the UN General Assembly in September, “Will we be too late to save as many as we can from the climate crisis; too late for us to save as many as we can from the ravages of war; too late to provide the food that so many need?” Yup…the same one!!

What’s going on?? Let’s start with what Mia said that raised our Opposition Leader’s hackles – and also the Barbados Opposition leader’s!! Addressing her Party Congress, she claimed, “(Venezuela) has been a good sister to us, and we pray therefore…persons will allow maturity to attend all their actions and conversations”. Then, making it clear who she was talking about, stated: “I hope that the rhetoric and the noise between Venezuela and Guyana does not turn our Caribbean into anything that is not a zone of peace, because it matters to us that this Caribbean remains a zone of peace.”

Now, at a time when Maduro’s spouting flames from his nostrils as he holds a referendum - essentially on whether he should go ahead to annex Venezuela - should she be drawing some sorta equivalence between our cause and Maduro’s??

Well, at the aforementioned UNGA presentation, she also asked, “How is it possible for Chevron and the European Union to access the oil and gas of Venezuela, but the people of the Caribbean cannot access it at the 35 per cent discount offered by the people of Venezuela?”

That Petrocaribe discount!!

The bottom line is Mottley’s putting Barbados’s interests first – as is HER duty. And WE must always put OUR interests first in similar situations – no permanent enemies or friends. Your Eyewitness understands the Bajan Opposition Leader - he couldn’t get a single seat in their elections!! But Norton? Well, consider his ire against Mia and her denunciation of the PNC’s rigging in March 2020!!

Mamma Mia!! …Maduro’s drug connection The Venezuelan drug lord Carlos Orense Azocar – “El Gorgo (the Fat Man)” - is on trial in NYC. This is one connection Guyanese oughta know about Maduro - as he poses as a saviour of the poor!! The Fat Man’s charged with partnering with leftist FARC Colombian guerrillas and high-ranking officials and military officers of Maduro’s regime to export ONE TON OF COCAINE A WEEK - FOR A DECADE - to the US!! Can you imagine the profits @ US$170,000 per kilo - wholesale??

The Venezuelan Directorate of Intelligence and Prevention Services, a General of the National Guard, and head of the Venezuelan Directorate of Military Intelligence were identified as “bought”. That Maduro has to know what’s going on with drugs was revealed in 2016. Two of his wife’s nephews were found guilty on US charges that they tried to smuggle 800kg of cocaine to obtain a large amount of cash to help their family stay in power in the 2015 elections.

Which Maduro rigged, as usual!! …COP28?

Once again, world leaders are meeting – this time at COP28 in Dubai – to save the planet from global warming.

So, we’ll be hearing more promises that are never kept by the rich countries - which created the problem!!

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

9

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

10 NEWS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Children among 40 Venezuelan migrants intercepted at Moruca A

boat carrying 40 Venezuelan migrants, including women and children, was intercepted on Wednesday in the Moruca Subdivision of Region One (BarimaWaini) by Police ranks stationed at the Kumaka Waterfront in Moruca.

Guyana Times understands there were 12 females and four children among the 40 passengers.

It is suspected that they were heading to the Waini area, where there are settlements for Venezuelan migrants.

This publication understands that the migrants were subsequently escorted to the Mabaruma Police Station, where they were expected to be screened and processed before being deported.

Recently, there has been an increase in the number of Venezuelan migrants coming into Guyana in search of betterment, after fleeing harsh living conditions in their homeland.

On November 2, a total of 19 Venezuelans in two boats – eight in one boat and 11 in the other, with only one female among them - were intercepted in the same area, Moruca.

Most of the migrants were

The boat with the Venezuelan migrants at Moruca on Wednesday

between the ages of 25 and 30 years, and none of them had any proper documentation.

It has been reported that the boats were captained by Guyanese who were hired to transport the Spanish-speaking persons to Charity on

the Essequibo Coast in Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

Reports are that one of the boats had stopped at the waterfront at Moruca to buy rations (groceries). At the time, Police officers from the Moruca Station, which is located

nearby, were at the waterfront, and they observed the vessel. The ranks intercepted the vessel, and upon realising that it was populated by Venezuelan nationals, contacted the Divisional Headquarters in Mabaruma. The officers were then informed that, based on intelligence received, there were two vessels transporting Venezuelans.

Based on that information, the Police officers teamed up with ranks of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and went out into the Moruca River, where they intercepted the second vessel that was in the water awaiting the return of the other boat.

The two Guyanese boat captains told investigators that they were hired to transport the Venezuelans to Charity. The two captains along with the 19 Venezuelans were transferred to the Mabaruma Police Station, where they were processed and interrogated.

A few days prior, another set of Venezuelan migrants arrived in Essequibo in three buses, and made a stop in Anna Regina, where they disembarked and were reportedly processed by Police.

The migrants that were intercepted on November 2

In recent weeks, Venezuelans have been entering Guyana’s territory in droves, fleeing harsh economic conditions in their homeland in search of betterment here. However, the increased influx of

Venezuelans in Guyana is sparking widespread public concern here, especially as it relates to security, given the heightened tensions between Guyana and Venezuela over the ongoing border controversy.

NEWS

11

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Army Chief engages Brazil’s Defence Ministry on issues of national security

C

Chief of Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, meeting with Brazil’s Ministry of Defence

hief-of-Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Omar Khan, recently met with top officials of the Brazil Ministry of Defence in an aim at expanding and solidifying relations between the two nations.

The GDF, in a statement, detailed, “The purpose of this visit went beyond routine military exchanges and

Guyana and Brazil, taking those ties beyond conventional military cooperation.

Brigadier Khan also participated in discussions that explored new avenues for collaboration, emphasizing the shared interests and mutual benefits of a strengthened partnership.

“Brigadier Omar Khan’s involvement in this initiative underscores the commitment

engagements with several high-profile military personnel from various countries. In fact, Khan recently hosted a Military Partners Day to recognize the invaluable support from esteemed

GDF Chief of Staff Khan and military officials from several countries during the Military Partners Day

from France, the United States, Brazil, China, India, the United Kingdom, and Canada in attendance. The pivotal role played by these

Khan and a top brass of the Brazil Ministry of Defence

international allies, and it saw military collaborators

Ranks of the GDF and US Army during the exchange recently

training, focusing instead on a strategic discourse aimed at expanding and solidifying relations between the two nations.”

In light of the recent aggression shown by Venezuela in its attempt to annex Essequibo, which is 2/3 of Guyana, this meeting marked a crucial step in diversifying the ties between

of the Guyana Defence Force to fostering positive and multifaceted relations with Brazil,” the GDF has stated.

In addition, the visit serves as a testament to the importance of diplomacy and dialogue in navigating the evolving landscape of international partnerships.

Over the past few weeks, the Chief of Staff has had

nations in enhancing the ca-

pabilities and fortitude of the Guyana Defence Force has been acknowledged.

As part of the activity, several officers who have benefited from training opportunities facilitated by these partnerships conducted presentations that acknowledged the diverse areas of training received.

The event also emphasized the collaborative endeavours undertaken by the GDF alongside its international partners.

Representatives from each collaborating nation were present, fostering diplomatic ties and deepening the understanding of shared objectives.

Brigadier Khan also recognised the unwavering com-

mitment of these nations to fostering international cooperation and mutual assistance in defence and security matters.

Meanwhile, a few days ago, the leaderships of the United States Army’s 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) and the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) met as part of the United States and Guyana’s strong military-to-military partnership. The two military partners discussed upcoming engagements to include strategic planning sessions and processes to enhance both countries’ military readiness and capabilities to respond to security threats.

TURN TO PAGE 16

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

NEWS

US in Guyana’s corner against Venezuela's threats to its sovereignty – Ambassador …as Guyana’s FS meets with top US officials during Washington trip

R

ecently-appointed United States Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot has reaffirmed that the US would continue to stand in Guyana’s corner when it comes to threats to its territory and sovereignty, as she urged belligerent Venezuela to respect the International Court of Justice (ICJ) process.

On Tuesday, the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) held its award dinner and ceremony amid the backdrop of the latest flaring up of the Venezuela border controversy, which has seen Venezuela threaten to annex Essequibo.

In an interview on the sidelines of the event, Theriot had firm words when asked about US support for Guyana against Venezuela, making it clear that the US respected Guyana’s territory as she urged Venezuela to do the same.

“We support and respect the 1899 Arbitral Award, that established the current boundaries of Guyana. And we believe that those should be respected until they are determined to be different by an international body such as the ICJ... so we support the current territorial sovereign-

US Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot

grow and prosper together,” the Ambassador said.

Meanwhile, members of the GMSA started off the awards ceremony by saying the Pledge. Afterwards, GMSA President Ramsay Ali reminded the membership of the importance of standing firm against Venezuela.

“We started off with the pledge… and it’s important that we understand where we are today. I think all the members of this association are fully aware and fully understand the role we have to play here in this country.

And we know what we have

Acting Deputy Secretary of State, Victoria Nuland, met with Guyana's Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud during his official trip to Washington, DC, where the nations continue to advance talks in trade and cooperation

ty of Guyana and we call on Venezuela to do the same,” Theriot said.

During her presentation to the attendees at the GMSA awards, Theriot reminded them of the importance of ensuring continuity in the country even while threats such as the one Venezuela poses to Guyana, are present.

“We find ourselves at a really unique time in Guyana’s history. And while we see international conflicts and malign actors seek to disrupt the global marketplace, I remain confident and optimistic for the future.

“We remain laser-focused on advocating for and implementing sound policies and are intentional about having our companies collaborate. I have no doubt that our two countries will continue to

to do. There’s a threat, it's real. It’s not imagined. But as Guyanese, we understand that this country belongs to us,” Ali said.

At present, members of the US military from the US Army 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) are currently in Guyana helping the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to build capacity against any territorial threats.

SFAB, which is a specialised unit of the US army that has assisted allies of the US in the past, arrived in Guyana this week. It is expected that SFAB personnel will conduct several joint training exercises with the GDF to strengthen its capacity and capability at the tactical and operational levels.

The US and Guyana en-

joy a longstanding security partnership marked by strong collaboration between SOUTHCOM and the GDF that has historically been focused on disaster preparedness, humanitarian assistance, maritime security, human rights, professional development, defence and public security missions, and countering transnational crime.

It was only earlier this year that Guyana once again hosted Exercise Tradewinds, which saw more than 1500 security force personnel from 20 nations participating. Since its establishment in 1984, the Tradewinds Exercise, organised by SOUTHCOM, has symbolised unity and collaboration in the face of security challenges.

Only recently, Guyana's Foreign Secretary, Robert Persaud met with US Acting Deputy Secretary of State, Victoria Nuland and Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Brian Nichols during an official trip to Washington that also took him to the White House.

On December 3, Venezuelans will go to the polls in a public referendum to tell their Government if they agree with Caracas’s position to incorporate Essequibo as a state of Venezuela, rename the state Guayana Esequiba, and grant its population Venezuelan citizenship.

Guyana’s Spanishspeaking neighbour has laid claim to more than twothirds of Guyana’s landmass in the Essequibo region, and to a portion of its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in which nearly 11 billion barrels of oil have been discovered largely by US oil giant ExxonMobil.

After years of a failed good offices process via the United Nations, Guyana is seeking a final and binding judgement to reinforce that the 1899 Arbitral Award remains valid and binding on all parties, as well as legal affirmation that Guyana’s Essequibo region, which contains much of the country’s natural resources, belongs to Guyana. (G3)

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

14 NEWS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Eccles woman wins brand new Toyota Rush in KFC’s “Rush for a Bucket” promotion

An elated Tyrrell in her new vehicle

the happy ones. I had no idea that’s why when the call came through, I could

A

ised this was actually happening,” she related.

To participate in the pro-

Manassen encouraged potential customers not to miss out on the opportunity to win the other prizes that are still up for grabs.

These include an overhead microwave, a fourdoor refrigerator, a washing machine, a 75-inch television set, and a leather sofa.

“All you need to do is turn up at any of our locations and buy a 9pc, a 15pc or a 20pc mega meal… collect your coupons, fill them out and throw them in any of the boxes at the KFC outlets,” Manassen explained.

Meanwhile, Devon

Tiffiny Tyrrell with KFC's Marketing Manager, Pamella Manassen and KFC’s CEO

marketing professional drove out of the KFC Vlissengen Road, Georgetown outlet on Wednesday with a brand new 2022 Toyota Rush which she won by participating in the “Rush for a Bucket” promotion.

Tiffiny Tyrrell of Eccles,

East Bank Demerara (EBD), who is employed at Recertifying Gas Cylinders and Services (RGCS), was one of the hundreds who were eligible for the weekly draw and a chance to win one of the two grand prizes.

The promotion offers customers a chance to win

a range of exciting prizes, including the 2022 Toyota Rush grand prize.

Tyrell explained that she had plans to purchase her very first car next year, but, now, she no longer has to.

“There's a lot of emotions that are rushing, those are

The brand new Toyota Rush

not believe it. I actually went to bed the night, woke up and said if that was a dream… then I went to social media (FB), and real-

motion, customers have to purchase any bucket meal.

As the promotion continues, KFC Marketing Manager Pamella

Gounga won himself a Samsung microwave. The “Rush for a Bucket” promotion runs until December 23, 2023.

NEWS

Demerara Bank leads charge in shaping future of banking on digital frontier

15

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Charity to get new $286M market in 2 months

– to install ATMs at new, strategic locations

Minister Anand Persaud and the Regional Chairman and PS of the Ministry

M

Chairman of Demerara Bank Limited, Komal Samaroo

I

n this age of technological advancement and innovation, Demerara Bank (DBL) is leading the way in transforming the banking landscape of Guyana with a strong emphasis on customer convenience and satisfaction.

As part of its transformation and commitment to improving customer experience, DBL has formed a strategic partnership with the globally renowned Salesforce, a leader in Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and cloud computing solutions. Sharing this exciting news, Chairman of the BBL Board, Komal Samaroo, emphasised the critical role this part-

nership plays by stating, “This investment will reduce downtime and allow for faster transaction processing, while ensuring security and reliability of our services”.

Customers are expected to experience these benefits in the new year, where they will have the convenience of submitting their application for new accounts, loans, or credit cards online and easily track the status of their applications.

He further pointed out that embracing technology allowed for more accessibility and convenience.

The online platform is geared towards becoming the trending accepted method of payment,

as more customers prefer digital channels for banking transactions, and this adaptation ensures that the bank remains relevant and aligns with the evolving needs of its customer base.

Remaining committed to providing excellent customer service, DBL will be expanding its ATM fleet in the new year to include additional machines at high-traffic and new locations.

These machines, designed with customers in mind, feature user-friendly interfaces coupled with improved functionality and security, such as cash recycling and simple & secure deposits, and will provide a hassle-free and

safe banking experience.

This expansion of ATMs will allow customers to have greater convenience and accessibility to banking services.

In alignment with the Chairman’s vision, DBL’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pravinchandra Dave reiterated that DBL remains dedicated to achieving excellence in every aspect of its operations, and is fully dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition for customers throughout this journey.

He added that the bank is set to unveil a range of new interfaces, including mobile banking, and userfriendly portals will provide unmatched comfort for customers.

onths after a fire had devastated the Charity Market and left millions in losses, plans are afoot to construct a modern facility at the same location to the tune of $286 million.

The market was ravaged by fire in July last, and the artistic impression of the new facility was on Friday revealed to vendors and residents of Charity by Local Government and Regional Development Minister Anand Persaud.

The contract to build this new facility has been awarded to Builders Hardware and General Supplies Construction, and the project is expected to be completed within two months.

The project was awarded through the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board (NPTAB), and the construction phase will be supervised by the Administration of Region Two. In his address at Charity on Friday, Minister Persaud said fast-tracking of the project signals Government’s commitment to addressing the plight of the affected vendors.

“Last Saturday I was in the region, and I came to Charity and met with the vendors there. We decided

that I return on Wednesday to meet with vendors on a way forward," Persaud disclosed.

The Minister acknowledged the delay in action, but shed light on the intricacies of governmental processes, highlighting the absence of allocated funds in the 2023 budget for the reconstruction following the inferno.

Regarding the timeline for the market's reconstruction, Minister Persaud assured that the contractor has secured most of the necessary materials to commence work, while adding, "It is very good that we envision the market in about two months or so."

Further, Persaud promised to ensure that the work is expedited, even if it means extending the working hours, in order to ensure that vendors regain their market spaces at the earliest. The vendors will, however, be relocated on a temporary arrangement with the necessary security in place.

Meanwhile, Regional Chairperson Velma Da Silva thanked the Government for the prompt response to the vendors’ plight, and called on the contractors to provide quality work. (Raywattie Deonarine)

16 NEWS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Single mother found dead in Unity home

DNA samples collected from ‘close family friend’ as probe continues – suspect was rearrested 1 day after being released alleged suspect and two of his employees had been arrested soon after the woman’s body was discovered. The source stated that when this suspect was arrested, his body was covered with scratches and bruises.

However, this man, a businessman, and his two employees were released on Sunday on station bail after the 72-hour detention period had expired. Nevertheless,

he was rearrested on Monday after detectives unearthed additional evidence as the probe into the woman’s death continues. The source has disclosed that the man in custody is known for his frequent visits to the woman’s home.

When contacted on Tuesday, the late Chooromanie Tulsie’s sister, Chandrowatie Persaud, expressed the firm belief that

Murdered: Chooromanie Tulsie, also called Anita

A

s investigations intensified into the murder of 38-year-old Chooromanie Tulsie, whose body was found in her home at Unity, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara last week, Police have rearrested one man who is said to be close to the family.

This has been confirmed by a source close to the investigation, who added that the

Sister of the late Chooromanie Tulsie pointing to the spot where her body was found

the man in custody is responsible for her sister’s death.

She noted that upon his arrest, his body had several scratches for which he could not account.

“He told the Police one thing to the other…is like when you tell lies to cover up, your story does swing in all directions…Up to now, with all the lies he telling, he can’t say where he got the scratches…From what we know, is my sister put up a fight, and we believe that the marks were from that encounter,” Persaud added.

She noted that the Police had taken DNA samples from the man in custody.

“We are waiting on the results of the DNA samples, and I guess when that comes back, the Police will have a clear idea as to who the perpetrator is…”

Persaud added that the suspect is a close family friend, who has access to the

The house in which Tulsie’s body was found

house where her sister was residing.

Tulsie, a former accountant at CAMEX Restaurants Inc, was found stabbed to death in the lower flat of her home at Lot 26 Unity, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara. The mother of one had resided at the family house with her 5-year-old son while her mother and brother are residing overseas.

Tulsie had reportedly last been seen alive at about 19:30h on Tuesday, November 22, after she had

collected her son from a family member in the same village. The gruesome discovery was made at about 8:00h the following morning in the lower flat of the house.

She was found lying on the ground with a piece of cloth stuffed inside her mouth and a knife stuck in the centre of her throat. She was clad in a multi-coloured ‘night dress’ which was reportedly pulled up to reveal her body. Her five-year-old son was subsequently found locked in his room.

Army Chief engages Brazil's Defence...

FROM PAGE 11

The SFAB Advisors stated, “We are thankful for the opportunity to train with the Guyana Defense Force as our partners and friends. We look forward to deepening the partnership in the weeks and months to come.”

On the other hand, Lieutenant Colonel Andy Pompey stated, “The last iteration of U.S. military training here in Guyana has been of tremendous benefit to the Medical Corps and the 4 Engineers Battalion. The transfer of knowledge and expertise from our U.S. coun-

terparts under the auspices of the SFAB has equipped our members with invaluable skills that are directly applicable to the dynamic nature of our modern security environment.

As we witness the positive outcomes of this training, we are confident that the benefits will be enduring, impacting not only our force’s operational capabilities but also the professional growth of individual members. The SFAB program, with its focus on enhancing the capabilities of partner forces, is a testament

to the collaborative efforts between our nations. We look forward to seeing the continued positive impact of the U.S. SFAB training on our force.”

The U.S. and Guyana enjoy a longstanding security partnership marked by strong collaboration between SOUTHCOM and the GDF that is focused on disaster preparedness, humanitarian assistance, maritime security, human rights, professional development, defense and public-security missions, and countering transnational crime.

NEWS

17

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Govt practises no acts of discrimination – PM Phillips tells IACHR delegation …says Govt has respect for human rights, respect for rule of law

P

rime Minister, Brigadier (Retired) Mark Phillips who is performing the duties of President, met with a visiting delegation from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR), on Tuesday at the Office of the Prime Minister on Camp Street.

The IACHR representatives were led by President, Commissioner Margarette May Macaulay and included Second Vice President, Commissioner Roberta Clarke; Senior Advisor, Caribbean Affairs, Paul Spencer; Specialist (Technical Cooperation and Public Policies) Wendy Singh, and Press and Communications official Ana Paula Suarez.

Commissioner Macaulay outlined that the visit represented a vital element of the IACHR’s regional engagement approach initiated in January 2023. Since then, the Commission has pursued technical cooperation trips focused on best practices and evaluating human rights challenges from governmental and civil society lenses.

The objectives are to establish cooperation agreements, prioritise ratifying rights instruments, and deliver training on the Inter-American framework.

In his remarks, Prime Minister Phillips underscored Guyana’s constitutional commitments to safeguarding the rights of all citizens equally.

He stated: “I can assure you that we have a constitution

Prime Minister Mark Phillips and members of the IACHR in discussions

– the Guyana Constitution – and enshrined in our constitution is the respect for rights of all majorities and minorities in the Guyanese society.

“As a Government, we practise no acts of discrimination."

The Prime Minister outlined the Administration’s comprehensive policies and strategies pertaining to the foundational pillars of inclusiveness and non-discrimination across all of society.

This encompasses Indigenous peoples’ rights, protections for the elderly and persons living with disabilities among other minority and majority groups.

“So, we have respect for human rights, respect for the rule of law, both international law and laws indigenous to Guyana. Inclusivity is very important.

“We have a country of six different ethnic groups, so,

the whole issue of being inclusive is important to us. Our Government, in our manifesto, we made it clear that once we win this election, we don't care who you voted for, we are bringing development to everyone, every community,” he noted.

Climate security

Emphasis was also placed on the Government’s prioritisation of three key policy areas – climate security, energy security and food security.

On climate security, he stressed Guyana’s acute vulnerability to intensifying climate change impacts and the resultant need to boost resilience and preparedness capabilities. Accessing climate adaptation funding was also raised as essential for infrastructure hardening and community readiness systems.

Regarding energy security, the Prime Minister noted

The IACHR delegation and Prime Minister Phillips after the engagement

balanced policy goals aligned with both energy security and climate security interests. This includes working towards 60 per cent renewable energy integration by 2030, alongside the utilisation of natural gas as a transitional fuel source.

On food security, he said Guyana strove to become the leader in food security in the Region with its increase in production and productivi-

ty for sustainability. He also noted the regional challenges related to food security and Caricom’s effort to decrease food imports by 25 per cent by 2025. Domestically, a hunger-free population was listed as a key human rights aim underpinning the country’s central food security policy ambitions.

He also discussed the policies and efforts to bridge the divide of Information

Communication Technology with education and e-health.

The acting President stated that the IACHR's visit would galvanise accelerated progress across the outlined areas to bring Guyana’s institutions and policies up to date with the latest human rights standards and best practices.

The broader IACHR delegation engagements in Guyana will run from November 28 to December 1.

18 NEWS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

11-year-old Strathspey Primary student dies from fractured skull – after sustaining injuries during altercation at school

M

ark Harrypaul, an 11-year-old student who died following an altercation at the Strathspey Primary School, suffered from head injuries and a fractured skull, an autopsy confirmed on Wednesday.

The incident occurred at about 15:00h on Monday at the Strathspey Primary School, which Harrypaul attended. This publication understands that a 14-year-old student who attends the Buxton Secondary School was loitering at the Strathspey Primary School when the fatal incident unfolded.

He reportedly slammed the school’s gate into the deceased child’s head, resulting in that child sus-

Deceased: Mark Harrypaul

taining serious injuries.

Reports are that the teen had snatched Harrypaul’s rag and run away, prompting the child to run after him to retrieve his personal item. However, the teenager responded by slamming the gate into Harrypaul, thus causing him to receive a cut to the left side of his head.

The injury was dressed at school, and the child was sent home by the headteacher. However, when Harrypaul arrived at home, he relayed what happened and cried out in pain. He was given painkillers and retired to bed.

Later in the evening, his parents went to check on him, and realized that his condition had worsened.

They then decided to rush him to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where, upon arriving, he had already become non-responsive despite efforts to resuscitate him. Doctors later pronounced him dead.

This publication understands that a report has been filed at the Vigilance Police Station, and statements have been taken from family members.

Efforts made by Guyana Times to contact the Education Ministry have proved futile.

The Education Ministry has, in recent months, reiterated its disapproval of any form of violence within schools, and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that students can learn in

a safe and conducive environment. This was in light of recent incidents involving students, teachers and parents.

The Ministry had declared that it would take all appropriate actions to ensure that all teachers continue to work in a safe and secure environment.

Such actions include prohibiting violent parents or guardians from having access to school premises, transferring out of a school any learner whose parents commit acts of violence on teachers, or any other sanction deemed necessary; while encouraging the Police or any other institution or authority to take whatever action the law prescribes.

Judge orders NIS to pay pension to former TPL worker

A

fter proving to the court that he had worked with Toolsie Persaud Limited (TPL) for a number of years, and that contributions had been taken from his salary for social security, 60-year-old Shariff Zainul has been deemed eligible to receive the National Insurance Scheme’s old age pension, and High Court Justice Damone Younge on Monday ruled that the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) must pay him old age pension.

In the case he filed against the NIS, Shariff Zainul, a former carpenter with Toolsie Persaud Limited (TPL), said he had been employed in an insurable capacity constantly from 1969 to 2001, and that he had made more than 750 contributions to the NIS, making him eligible for the Scheme’s old age pension.

He said that on attaining the age of 60, he made an application to NIS for the payment of his old age pension, but was informed by the agency that he did not qualify for the payment of pension because he did not have sufficient contributions. He said he was informed further that there was no record of any contributions for him for the period 1992 to 2000, and that he had amassed only 374 contributions, which enti-

Justice Damone Younge

tled him to the payment of an old age grant.

Zainul said he appealed to the Appeal Tribunal against the NIS decision not to pay him a pension, and was advised by the NIS to obtain his record of employment from TPL. His attempts to do this proved futile, and he was then advised to obtain testimonies from two of his former work colleagues who had worked with him during the unaccounted-for period of his employment.

To this end, he obtained a letter from the former Personnel Officer of TPL, Krishendatt Sahadeo, and statutory declarations from two former employees of the company, attesting to the fact that he had been employed with TPL for the years in question.

Moreover, pay slips from TPL evidencing NIS deductions for the years 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997,

and 1998 were submitted.

He said he submitted those documents to the Tribunal, but was informed orally that his appeal was still unsuccessful. No reasons for the Tribunal's decision were provided to him, but he was told that his total contributions had been updated to 453.

In her ruling, Justice Younge declared that the letter submitted by Zainul’s former Personnel Officer at TPL, Sahadeo, substantiating that he worked with the company from May 4, 1992 to December 31, 2000, is “good and sufficient proof of his employment there”.

Also, she declared that statutory declarations dated May 7, 2019 from two former employees of the company, Surjupaul Danpaul and Kenneth Gordon, “attesting” that Zainul worked there from 1992 to 2000, were also “good and sufficient evidence” that he was

Shariff Zainul (centre) flanked by Attorneys-at-Law Christopher Ram (left) and Christopher Thompson

employed there.

Considering this, Justice Younge ruled, Zainul was entitled to be credited with the 354 contributions for that period, which TPL failed to remit to the NIS as is required under the law. She therefore found that he is qualified for NIS pension.

“The applicant [Zainul] should not be made to suffer for failure of NIS and TPL to reconcile their records, or to have an accurate record of the contributions made by the applicant; for the failure of TPL to pay over the applicant’s contributions made by the applicant, or for the failure of TPL to pay over the applicant’s contribu-

tions to the respondent,” the Judge said.

The Judge expressed that she finds it disturbing that NIS, despite being empowered to do so, does not take a more robust approach to ensuring that employers comply with the law as it relates to the deduction and payment of NIS contributions on behalf of their employees. Instead, she said, NIS seemingly allows employees to flout the law to the detriment of the employees.

In the end, the Judge granted an order for NIS to forthwith pay Zainul his old age pension effective October 16, 2011, the date of his 60th birth-

day. She further ordered that there be interest on Zainul's arrears of pension due calculated at the rate of six per cent per annum from October 16, 2023, to November 27, 2023, the date of judgement, and thereafter at a rate of four per cent per annum until fully paid.

It has also been ordered that the sum received by Zainul as old age grants be deducted from his arrears of pension. Zainul has also been awarded $150,000 as costs. NIS has to pay him these costs on or before December 29.

Attorneys-at-Law Christopher Ram and Christopher Thompson represented the pensioner.

19

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

20

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023

guyanatimesgy.com

DAILY HOROSCOPES

ARCHIE

(March 21-April 19)

Keep your thoughts to yourself.

Focus on monitoring your finances, health and any contractual dealings that need attention. Don't believe everything you hear or mix business with pleasure.

Look for an opportunity and follow your plans. Be open regarding your intentions and be open-minded about suggestions. Think big, but stick to a budget. Avoid indulgence of any kind.

PICKLES

(April 20-May 20) Take care of pressing matters and talk through any conflicts you face openly and honestly. Verify any information you receive and put your heart and soul into what makes you happy.

(May 21-June 20)

PEANUTS (June 21-July 22)

Monitor your progress. Let your imagination lead you in a direction that helps you stand out and surpass any competitor. Let your experience be your guide, and you'll make a valuable connection.

Keep life simple. Take care of your responsibilities without letting drama get out of hand. Focus on progress, getting things done and building a solid base.

Don't deny yourself love and happiness.

(July 23-Aug. 22) Use your imagination and come up with plans that address concerning issues. Working with others will help you bring about positive change and opportunities if you are willing to compromise.

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

Don't put up with mind games, especially when money or legal issues are involved. A third party will help you navigate your way to a fair deal. Overdoing it will cost you.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

SUDOKU

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Be clear when talking about your thoughts and feelings. An open discussion will provide insight into how to move forward. A relationship can prosper from a shake-up if handled appropriately.

Don't give anyone the chance to take advantage of you. Keep an open mind and a closed wallet until you are sure you want to participate in something that involves money or joint ownership.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21) Don't sign up for something strenuous or put yourself in a vulnerable position. It's better to be safe than sorry regarding illness or injury.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19) You'll gain momentum if you don't take an emotional detour. Stay focused on your objective and walk away from uncomfortable situations. Stick to what you know and do best.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

(Feb. 20-March 20)

Use your imagination, be creative and refuse to let anyone pressure or push you to do something you don't care to do. A change will spark your interest or bring you in contact with someone who can help you.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023

21

BCB 2023 cricket season…

RHT NAMILCO defeat Port Mourant to emerge Zone C winners P

owerhouses Rose Hall Town NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour on Saturday emerged winners of Zone C in the Berbice Cricket Board’s Premier T20 Cricket tournament, easily defeating arch-rivals Port Mourant by 58 runs at the Area H Ground to advance to the quarter- finals along with Port Mourant.

Captain of the Rose Hall Town NAMILCO Thunderbolt Flour, Clinton Pestano, won the toss and elected to bat first. The weather was hot, the air was humid, and the fair size crowd was partisan for both RHT and Port Mourant.

The aggressive Vidal Crandon and national under 17 vice-captain Matthew Pottaya added 34 for the first wicket, before Pottaya was caught off the bowling of Vinod Samaroo for 14 in the 4th over.

Veteran batsman Jason Sinclair joined Crandon, and they added 14 for the second wicket, before Crandon, who

10th over.

Promising 16-year-old Ramesh Bharat and Sinclair then added a crucial 39 for the 6th wicket, before Bharat was caught off Madan Budhram for 19. Sinclair made 38, and all-rounder Keith Simpson made 7 not out as they guided the home team to 128 for seven off their allotted 20 overs.

Bowling for Port Mourant Cricket Club, Vinod Samaroo took two wickets for 31 runs, Madan Budhram took 2 for 10 from 4 overs, while Joshua Ramsammy, Josh Harrichand and Yogindra Harrinarine each took one wicket.

Needing to score 129 from 20 overs, Port Mourant

Jason Sinclair

Sylus Tyndall

struck 4 boundaries, was brilliantly caught by Ravin Budwa off the bowling of Samaroo for 22.

National player Clinton Pestano made 6, but former

national all-rounder Eon Hooper and West Indies female vice-captain Shemaine Campbell were dismissed cheaply, and the home team was left at 70 for 5 in the

were in a rocking boat early in their innings. Pestano took the wicket of Andy Mohan for 2 runs off the second ball of the innings; Madan Budhram and Rampersaud Ramnath added 22 for the second wicket before pacer Keon Sinclair had Budhram caught and bowled for 8; and the Port Mourant team never recovered and were eventually dismissed for 70 off the fifth ball of the 20th over.

This is how the Port Mourant batsmen were dismissed: Ramnath for 14, Navin Budwa for a duck, Samaroo for a duck, Williams for 4, Permaul for a duck, Harrinarine for 2, Ramsammy for 8, while

Khan was unbeaten on 7 not out.

Senior inter-county fast bowler Slyus Tyndall took three wickets for five runs from three hostile overs; leftarm spinner Simpson took two wickets for 16 runs, and Clinton Pestano took 2 for 13. Keon Sinclair, Ramesh Bharat and Eon Hooper each took a wicket.

The fixtures for the quarter finals, to be played on a date set by the Berbice Cricket Board, are as follows: 1. Rose Hall Town NAMILCO vs Blairmont @ Area H 2. Albion vs Port Mourant @ Port Mourant 3. Tucber Park vs Rose Hall Canje @ Canje

Man Utd let 2-goal lead slip against Galatasaray

Rahul Dravid to continue as India's head coach

R

ahul Dravid will continue as India's head coach, after accepting the BCCI's offer to extend his term. While the BCCI did not specify the duration of the extension, it will be at least until the 2024 T20 World Cup in June.

Dravid became the head coach in November 2021 for a two-year term, which ended at the conclusion of the 2023 ODI World Cup earlier this month.

While India have risen to the top of the Test, ODI and T20I rankings under Dravid as coach, they were unable to win any ICC trophies, having finished as semi-finalists in the 2022 T20 World Cup, and as runners-up in the 2023 World Test Championship and the 2023 ODI World Cup. India's run in the ODI World Cup was particularly impressive: they won all nine league games and the semi-final, before losing the final to Australia.

ESPNcricinfo learned that the BCCI wanted Dravid to stay on to ensure continuity to the structure he had put in place over the past two years, which might otherwise get disrupted under a new coach.

"The last two years with Team India have been thoroughly memorable," Dravid said in a statement announcing his contract extension. "Together, we have witnessed the highs and lows, and throughout this journey, the support and camaraderie within the group have been phenomenal. I am genuinely proud of the culture we have set in the dressing room. It's a culture that stands resilient,

Manchester United have won just one of their five games in the Champions League this season

M

The exact duration of Rahul Dravid’s second term is not yet known

whether in moments of triumph or adversity. The skills and talent that our team possesses are phenomenal, and what we've stressed is following the right process and sticking to our preparations, which has had a direct impact on the overall result.

"I thank the BCCI and the Office Bearers for placing their trust in me, endorsing my vision and providing support during this period. The demands of this role necessitate considerable time away from home, and I deeply appreciate my family's sacrifices and support. Their instrumental role behind the scenes has been invaluable. As we embrace new challenges post the World Cup, we remain committed to the pursuit of excellence."

Dravid's first assignment in his second stint as head coach is India's tour of South Africa, which starts with three T20Is and three ODIs from December 10; followed by two Tests, in Centurion (from December 26) and Cape Town

(from January 3). India then play a five-Test series against England at home, before the T20 World Cup in June.

Jay Shah, BCCI secretary, said Dravid had the board's "full backing". "Team India is now a formidable unit across formats, and our top ranking in all three formats directly reflects his vision, guidance, and the roadmap he charted for the team," Shah said. "Having won 10 consecutive games before the final, our World Cup campaign was nothing short of extraordinary, and the head coach deserves appreciation for setting up the right platform for the team to flourish.

The head coach has our full backing, and we will provide him with all the support needed for sustained success at the international level."

The BCCI have also extended the terms for India's support staff: Vikram Rathour (batting coach), Paras Mhambrey (bowling coach), and T Dilip (fielding coach).

(ESPNcricinfo)

anchester United's Champions League hopes suffered another setback as a horror show from goalkeeper Andre Onana allowed Galatasaray to earn a draw in a classic match in Istanbul.

Erik ten Hag's side did so much right, and twice held a two-goal lead, but errors from Onana threw Galatasaray lifelines to leave United bottom of Group A, with their hopes of reaching the knockout phase in the balance before their final game at home to Bayern Munich.

If Copenhagen beat Bayern Munich at Allianz Arena later on Wednesday, Manchester United will be knocked out of the competition with a game to spare, although they could still qualify for the Europa League.

United, as they did in their last Champions League game in Copenhagen, were in a commanding position early on, after superb strikes from Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes inside the first 18 minutes.

Onana's poor attempt to stop Hakim Ziyech's free-kick got Galatasaray back in the game before half-time, but United looked to have gained control again, in what was a hostile atmosphere, when Scott McTominay turned in

Aaron Wan-Bissaka's cross 10 minutes after the break to make it 3-1.

However, Ziyech was gifted a second goal from another free-kick after an even more stark blunder from Onana, who made a hapless attempt to keep the ball out before Galatasaray substitute Kerem Akturkoglu's explosive finish brought them level with 19 minutes left.

In a dramatic end-toend finale, Wilfried Zaha missed a glorious chance for Galatasaray, and Fernandes struck the upright as United's Champions League destiny was taken out of their own hands.

Onana’s blunders

United saw history repeat itself - and not in a good way - as they were left to regret squandering yet another strong Champions League position to leave their hopes of reaching the last 16 in serious jeopardy.

They ended up losing 4-3 in Denmark, after scoring two early goals to assume control against Copenhagen.

This time, the finger of blame is directed at goalkeeper Onana, who understandably looked disconsolate as the final whistle sounded on a stormy night on the pitch

and overhead in Istanbul.

United were looking composed with those early goals from Garnacho - with another spectacular finish to add to his moment of genius at Everton - and Fernandes, before Onana got his positioning hopelessly wrong to allow Ziyech's routine free-kick to slide in after 29 minutes.

So much of United's work on the night was good though, and they responded well when McTominay slid in their third.

Only Onana will know what he was doing with his attempt to keep out another Ziyech free-kick just after the hour mark, the keeper merely helping his straightforward delivery into the net, to give Galatasaray the impetus for Akturkoglu's blistering equaliser.

In a chaotic and highly entertaining conclusion, both sides streamed forward in search of the winner that could have proved vital, and it was incredible there was not another goal, given the number of opportunities.

Instead, United were again left to regret their failure to see out a game they were in command of, with another poor display from the goalkeeper they signed from Inter Milan principally at fault. (BBC Sport)

22

GUYANATIMESGY.COM

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023

Matarkai Schools’ U13 Tape ball Cricket Competition…

Sebai Primary crowned champions of inaugural tourney

In Photo: Sebai Primary School with the Champion’s Trophy. In front row, from L-R: Ricardo Moses - Most wickets; Captain Dwayne John, and Rayaad Hutson - Most runs

In Photo: Canal Bank Primary, “runners-up”, and Sebai Primary, along with officials, spreading public awareness that Essequibo belongs to Guyana

S

ebai Primary have defeated Canal Bank Primary by 10 wickets in the finals of the inaugural Matarkai Schools U13 Tape ball Cricket Competition, held in Sebai Village last Sunday under overcast weather conditions, although watched by a good representation of Sebai team supporters.

The competition was organized by Sebai Primary School Parent-Teachers Association, in collaboration with BarimaWaini Cricket Committee, Matarkai Sport Council, and Matarkai District Education Department.

Canal Bank Primary won the toss, and decided to bat on a pitch with lots of mois-

ture. They managed a paltry 21 runs before being shot out in 8 overs. Their opening batsman Chavez Harry managed to score 6, while Jonathon Joseph made 4, and Kevron Thomas chipped in with 2. All other batsmen struggled against very consistent line and length bowling from Sebai bowlers.

Ricardo Moses of Sebai Primary bowled a maiden over, and picked up 4 wickets for 4 runs from his 2 overs. Rupheldo John bowled 2 overs, one of which was a maiden, while 3 wickets were reaped for 1 run in the other over. Randolph Hutson picked up 2 wickets for 4 runs off his 2 overs, while Dwayne John chipped in with 1 wick-

et for 3 runs from his lone over.

Sebai Primary, in reply, managed to overhaul the target in 2 overs, their opening batter Rayaad Hutson making a quickfire 11 not out while Dwayne John contributed 12 not out to seal a comfortable 10-wicket victory that enabled them to lift the Champion Trophy donated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Ricardo Moses, who put the Canal Bank Primary batsmen on the back foot early in their innings, was adjudged the man of the match for his 4 wickets for 4 runs from 2 overs. He won himself a trophy sponsored by IOM.

Raayad Hutson of Sebai Primary scored the most runs (36) in the competition, while his team mate Ricardo Moses finished the competition as the leading bowler with figures of 8 for 15 from 5 overs.

Canal Bank Primary received the runners-up trophy, while both teams received medals for their excellent performances.

The four schools: Port Kaituma Secondary, Port Kaituma Primary, Canal Bank Primary and Sebai Primary, participated in

spreading public awareness that “Essequibo is we own, Essequibo belongs to Guyana” throughout the competition.

Sebai Primary School Chairman, Mr. Sherlon Rodrigues, expressed his gratitude to the sponsors, who made the competition a reality and success.

“Firstly, our sponsors: International Organization for Migration; Hon. Collin Croal MP, Minister of Housing and Water; Mr. Orlando Rogers of Sky West

Antetokounmpo, Lillard help Bucks clinch quarterfinal spot

Diors Bits and Pieces U23 tournament…

Rain affects majority of opening round, but RHT Pepsi, Albion victorious

H

Jeremy Sandia

Shiv Harripersaud

eavy rainfall throughout the day affected the opening round of the Berbice Cricket Board’s Diors Bits and Pieces Under23 tournament on Sunday last. With a record 20 under-23 teams participating in the tournament, ten matches were scheduled for the opening round, but heavy rainfall throughout the county affected eight of them.

Cricket was possible only at the Jai Hind cricket ground and the Area H ground.

Matches scheduled for Skeldon, Goed Bananen Land, Rose Hall Canje, Lochaber, Blairmont, Bush Lot, Cotton Tree, Kennards Memorial and D’ Edward grounds were all washed out. They will now be played on Saturday.

At the Area H ground, Rose Hall Town Pepsi defeated a spirited Kendalls Union Sports Club by 5 wickets after the match was reduced to

25 overs from the original 40.

Batting first after winning the toss, Kendalls Union were bowled out for 128 in 24.3 overs, as the Rose Hall Town Pepsi bowlers maintained a good length and line throughout the innings.

Khemraj Parmangal top scored with an attractive 41 before he was brilliantly caught off the bowling of Ramesh Bharrat. His innings included two sixes and five boundaries. Mark Baker supported with 30.

The best bowlers for the home team were: Arthur Lucas, with 3 for 24; Jeremy Sandia, with 3 for 27; and Matthew Pottaya, with 3 for 24. Rose Hall Town Pepsi, in reply, reach 135 in 17.2 overs, with Ramesh Bharrat scoring 15, Ramzan Koobeer 20, Tyree Sealy 30, Jeremy Sandia 29 not out, and Sohil Mohammed 12 not old, all having batted

well.

Hemchan Harris took 2 for 38 for Kendall’s Union.

At the Jai Hind ground, Albion Community Center easily defeated Edinburgh by 8 wickets to advance to the second round. the visitors were restricted to 55 all out in 15.4 overs, as another promising Berbice fast bowler produced a good spell.

Berbice Under-17 pacer Shiv Harripersaud took six wickets for 18 runs from six overs, while Naeem Khan, Govrav Ramesh, Kelvin Omrao and Kumar Deopersaud each took a wicket. Albion raced to 56 for 2 in 5.3 overs, with Berbice youth players Ari Arizal Kadir making 40 not out and Damian Cecil making 10 not out.

The BCB has rescheduled the following matches for Saturday 1. Achievers vs D’ Edward @ D’ Edward 2. Blairmont vs Woodley Park @ Blairmont 3. Cotton Tree vs Bush Lot United @ Bush Lot 4. Guymine vs Mt. Sinai @ Lochaber 5. Tucber Park vs Police @ Goed Bananen Land 6. Port Mourant vs Skeldon @ Skeldon The tournament is being sponsored by Sandie Ross of Diors Bits and Pieces Boutique on the West Coast of Berbice.

Charter Service; Mr. Roshan Rampersaud; Mr. Eon James; Mr. Peter De Freitas of Frontier Pharmacy; Officer in Charge of Matarkai Police Division, Mr. Kooldeep; Ms. Maureen Rebeiro, District Education Officer, Matarkai; and Mr. Deelep Singh, President, Essequibo Cricket Board, among others…”

Mr. Rodrigues is also appealing to corporate Guyana to kindly join Sebai Primary School to sponsor more sporting activities for the youths in the future.

T

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 33 points

he Milwaukee Bucks got big performances from their two brightest stars in a 131-124 win over the Miami Heat on Tuesday. It has caused them to clinch a quarterfinal spot in the In-Season Tournament.

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 33 points, and Damian Lillard added 32 to help the Bucks win East Group B with a 4-0 record.

Milwaukee will host wild-card New York on either Dec. 4 or 5, with East Group C winner Boston going to Group A winner Indiana for the other quarterfinal, before the Final Four in Las Vegas.

Miami, which was without second-leading scorer Jimmy Butler, dropped its second straight following a 9-1 stretch. Bam Adebayo scored 31 points and Kyle Lowry had 21, including a 3-pointer with 3:25 remaining, to put the Heat up 118115.

The Bucks, though, finished on a 16-6 run, going 5 for 6 from the field and 5 for 5 from the line. Lillard made two free throws with 63 seconds to play to help put it out of reach.

Milwaukee lost forward Pat Connaughton to a sprained right ankle in the second quarter.

Kings rally past Warriors to advance

Malik Monk sank a fade-

away with 7 seconds remaining, and the Sacramento Kings rallied from 11 down in the fourth quarter for a 124-123 win over the Golden State Warriors.

De’Aaron Fox scored 29 points, and Monk and Kevin Huerter each added 21 for the Kings, who won their group with a 4-0 record, and will host New Orleans next week in the quarterfinals.

Sacramento needed a win or a loss by 11 points or fewer to advance, but erased a 21-point deficit to win for the seventh time in nine games.

Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins led the Warriors with 29 points each, but Golden State dropped to 2-8 in its last 10 games.

Timberwolves star Edwards injured in win

Rudy Gobert had 17 points, 16 rebounds and four blocks as the Minnesota Timberwolves overcame an injury to star guard Anthony Edwards in a 106-103 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in the In-Season Tournament.

Edwards had 12 of his 21 points in the third quarter, before landing hard on his right side during a dunk attempt and leaving with a bruised right hip.

Coach Chris Finch had no more details on the injury, or whether Edwards would miss time.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 32 points on 13-of-22 shooting, but his 37-foot try at the buzzer, his only 3-point attempt of the night, was well off the mark.

Reserve Troy Brown Jr. scored 17 points, and Naz Reid added 15 for Minnesota, which improved the West’s best record to 12-4. (Sportsmax)

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GUYANATIMESGY.COM

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023

West Indies ‘A’ tour of South Africa…

23

Piedt’s 5-fer stifles Windies ‘A’ on Day 2 R

esuming the second day of the fourday ‘unofficial’ Test match, South Africa ‘A’ produced a stellar bowling performance to bundle out West Indies ‘A’ for less than 200 and seize control of the second match in the series.

After closing the first day on 266-6, South Africa ‘A’ were able to add only 32 runs to their overnight tally, as Akeem Jordan showed up with the ball in the morning session. Jordan, who had

Moreki to finish with figures of 3-43 from 23.2 overs.

Guyanese Shemar Joseph meanwhile claimed another wicket to end with figures of 3-57 from 23 overs.

With a target of 298 to get past, West Indies’ batting line-up failed to produce, and Zachary McCaskie became the only batsman to hit a half century.

Tagenarine Chanderpaul went for 3 runs from 23 balls, while Kirk McKenzie added 7 from 25 balls.

together, but Hodge fell to Piedt’s bowling for a 35-ball 25. McCaskie was unable to hold on any longer after hitting 62 from 95 deliveries, while Tevin Imlach and Joshua DaSilva went respectively for 3 and 7.

This time around, Kevin Sinclair was unable to play

South Africa ‘A’ bundled out the West Indies ‘A’ for 154 (CSA Photo)

Zachary McCaskie was the only West Indian batter to stand up to the bowling on Day 2

Dane Piedt spun a web around the West Indies ‘A’ (CSA Photo)

no wickets on the first day, cleaned up Ruan de Swardt, Dane Piedt and Tshepo

McCaskie partnered with Kavem Hodge to repair the innings. They put on 52 runs

hero. He added only 7 runs to the scorecard, while Abhijai Mansingh (31 balls) and Akeem Jordan (19 balls) each contributed 14 runs before falling prey to South Africa’s well-oiled bowling machine.

Dane Piedt claimed a 5-wicket haul for 28 runs from his 12.2 overs, while Moreki was the next best bowler with figures of 3-66 from 15 overs. In addition,

Dane Paterson took 2-28 from 13.

South Africa got in a few overs before close of play, in which Sinclair was able to remove Neil Brand for 4 from 19 balls. However, Tony de Zorzi and Raynard van Tonder persisted, adding 61 more runs to the tally. de Zorzi currently has 34 runs in 92 balls, including two boundaries, while van Tonder has guided the ball to the ropes on the same number of occasions for a 39ball 20.

South Africa ‘A’ lead by 209 runs heading into the third day’s play, with 9 wickets in hand. Play resumes at 4:00hrs today at Buffalo Park, East London, South Africa.

SCOREBOARD West Indies A 154 BATTING R B Tagenarine Chanderpaul LHB c C Fortuin b D Paterson 3 23 Zachary McCaskie RHB c T de Zorzi b D Paterson 62 95 Kirk McKenzie LHB lbw TL Moreki 7 21 Kavem Hodge RHB b DL Piedt 25 35 Tevin Imlach RHB c C Fortuin b DL Piedt 3 23 Joshua Da Silva RHB c K Zondo b DL Piedt 7 17 Kevin Sinclair RHB lbw TL Moreki 7 15 Abhijai Mansingh RHB b TL Moreki 14 31 Akeem Jordan RHB c C Fortuin b DL Piedt 14 19 Shamar Joseph RHB c R de Swardt b DL Piedt 0 7 Jair McAllister RHB not out 4 3 Extras – 8 b: 0 lb: 3 wd: 0 nb: 5 Total 154 all out (47.2 overs)

BOWLING O-M-R-W Dane Paterson PACE 13.0-4-28-2 Ruan de Swardt PACE 4.0-1-14-0 Tshepo Moreki PACE 15.0-3-66-3 Mihlali Mpongwana PACE 3.0-0-15-0 Dane Piedt SPIN 12.2-2-28-5 South Africa A 65/1 BATTING R B Neil Brand LHB c KSA McKenzie b K Sinclair 4 19 Tony de Zorzi LHB not out 34 92 Raynard van Tonder RHB not out 20 39 Yet to bat: Keegan Petersen, Khaya Zondo, Ruan de Swardt, Clyde Fortuin, Mihlali Mpongwana, Dane Piedt, Dane Paterson, Tshepo Moreki Extras – 7 b: 0 lb: 7 wd: 0 nb: 0 Total 65/1 (25.0 overs) BOWLING Akeem Jordan PACE Shamar Joseph PACE Kevin Sinclair SPIN Jair McAllister PACE

O-M-R-W 7.0-3-10-0 5.0-1-18-0 9.0-1-19-1 4.0-0-11-0

19th Diamond Mineral Water Hockey Festival serves off today

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he 19th edition of the Diamond Mineral Water Hockey Festival is set to serve off today, November 30, at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue in Georgetown.

Fifteen teams are set to compete across 4 divisions.

This year’s tournament will see competition in the Men’s, Women’s, Veterans Over-35 and Masters Over-45 categories, each carrying its own sponsor.

At the simple launch on Wednesday morning at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC), Bourda, Guyana Hockey Board (GHB) VicePresident Tricia Fiedtkou addressed the absence of some teams from the competition, but disclosed the international flare the festival would carry.

“We understand that circumstances can change, and teams may need to make difficult decisions. This has not dampened our spirits; we will, however, remain optimistic that the participating teams will showcase their skills and determination to make this tournament a memorable one,” Fiedtkou shared about the late withdrawals of a number of teams.

Turning her attention to the international competitors, she revealed, “Furthermore, we are privileged to have the Trinidad & Tobago Police women's team and the Trinidad & Tobago combined Over-45 Masters team joining us from overseas. The Masters Over-45 are quite a new addition, and we have been quite excited how this will go in fu-

we strive to direct our sponsorship in specific (focal) areas that are targeting youth throughout our country, and we are especially grateful to the Guyana Hockey Board for allowing us this opportunity.”

The festival will bully off at 17:00hrs today, with GCC Vintage and Old Fort Generals in action in the first game, a

DDL Brand Manager Larry Wills

GHB Vice-President Tricia Fiedtkou

ture. Their presence adds an international flair to the competition and enriches the camaraderie among players from various backgrounds.”

The Demerara Distillers’ Limited (DDL), under their Diamond Mineral Water brand, have been with the festival since its inception, and will continue to do so, given its successful trajectory, according to DDL Brand Manager Larry Wills.

Wills shared, “We’re very thrilled and happy to be here as a platinum sponsor, Diamond Mineral Water, for this tournament for the 19th year. We have been with this tournament from the inception, and we are pretty happy and comfortable with the way the tournament is organized and executed.

“The Diamond Mineral Water Hockey tournament gives local teams the opportunity to showcase their skills against those international teams from across the

Caribbean and so forth. So, it helps to build our Hockey here in Guyana, and it’s something we’re very, very happy about,” the DDL Brand Manager went on to state.

Sharing remarks on behalf of the women’s sponsor, ExxonMobil Community Relations Advisor Ryan Hoppie revealed that the festival fits into the company’s investment target areas.

“It’s great to be supporting Hockey once again.

ExxonMobil is especially proud to be a sponsor of this event once again, as it fosters the camaraderie we have seen throughout the various initiatives that we’ve had with youths across Guyana, but also it creates a platform to showcase the athletic excellence of our sportswomen in Guyana as they compete against peers in other parts of the Caribbean,” Hoppie remarked.

He divulged, “This is part of our ongoing social investment in communities as

part of the Masters Over-45 category. That will be followed by a Women’s division clash between Spice and TT Police, while Antonio’s Hikers and Old Fort Expendables go headto-head in the Over-35 category next.

Then GBTI GCC and Saints will duke it out, while Pepsi Hikers and YMCA Old Fort

battle in the Men’s division.

The final match scheduled for the night will be a face-of between Bounty GCC and Saints, also in the Men’s Category.

The tournament is set to conclude on Sunday, December 3, with games commencing at 13:00hrs on Friday and the weekend.

GRFU team lands in Grenada ahead of Rugby World 7s

The National 7s team prior to its departure on Tuesday evening

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12-member Guyanese Rugby 7s team, representing the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU), has landed in Grenada and has even had its first practice session ahead of the commencement of the Grenada Rugby World 7s tournament, scheduled for tomorrow, December 1.

The team will be led by Captain and experienced campaigner Jamal Angus, while Vallon Adams has assumed

the role of Vice-Captain. The remainder of the team reads: Kelvin Grant, Scott Garraway, Tyrese Prescod, Akino James, Jonathon Garnett, Ronaldo Niles, Lionel Holder, Sean Phillips, Leon Cole and Godfrey Broomes.

For the likes of Grant, Garraway, James, Niles, Phillips and Cole, this is their first campaign with the National 7s team. Meanwhile, Garnett is a replacement for an injured Owen Adonis.

The team is being accompanied by Claudius Butts, Team Coach and former National player; and Ryan Dey, Team Manager and GRFU President.

The Guyanese 7s outfit are in Group A, with USA Atlantis, RFN UK, the UK/USA Misfits, and the Trinidad & Tobago Defence Force.

The tournament will be played across December 1st and 2nd at the Kirani James Athletics Stadium in St. George’s, Grenada.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2023

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

National Cycling, Swimming and Track and Field Championships 2023…

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t the end of Day Four, action in the 61st National Cycling, Swimming, and Track and Field Championships have seen District 3 on top of proceedings at the Leonora Training Centre.

District Eleven were out to dominate, and Tianna Springer and Javon Roberts were phenomenal in copping gold in the U18 Boys and Girls 800 metre races, forc-

ing Joseph Hannah (District 10) and Jamal Sullivan (District 4) into second place, while Ian Bancroft (District 13) and Vannyetta Francis (District 9) had to fill third position.

Naressa McPherson (District 11) and Thomas Kosi managed to come out on top of the competition in the U20 Girls and Boys 800m races, with Samuel Henry and McAndrew Lerissa settling for second place

and Akandy Vammaalson and Tameka Whittaker in third place.

Persaud Kaidon(District 10) and Marissa Thomas (District 4) were phenomenal in copping first in the U16 Boys and Girls 800m races, with Blucher Alikila (District 10) and Jonathon Bristol(District 11) filling the position of second, and Leron Henry (District 4) and McKinnon Ester(District 3)in third

place.

The District One duo of Orlando Thomas and Smith Telecia despite their small appearance, managed to come out on top of the proceedings as they clinched gold in the U14 Girls 800m in which they went in to force Byonce Pedro and Ackel Henry (District 2) into second place and Adams Javainte (District 10) into third.(Omar third.(Omar McKenzie)

Pg 23 Guyana’s senior women’s national football team the Lady Jaguars got one step closer to sealing their CONCACAF Gold Cup Preliminary spot with an emphatic 9-0 victory over Dominica on Wednesday night.

Forward Otesha Charles led the charge for the Lady Jags with a hat trick. A detailed report of Wednesday evening’s game will be published in tomorrow’s edition of the Guyana Times Sport

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