Guyana Times - Tuesday, April 25, 2023

2 remanded for cop’s murder

15,268 students to sit NGSA 2023 …papers to be translated for Spanish learners DJ succumbs to injuries after car crashes into koker

Ice-cream vendor shot during robbery in Sophia Winston Jordan opts for paper committal in misconduct case

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Tuesday, Apr 25 – 04:15h –05:45h and Wednesday, Apr 26 – 22:00h – 23:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, Apr 25 – 06:40h –08:10h and Wednesday, Apr 26 – 07:20h – 08:50h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

There will be thundery showers during the day and night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: South-Easterly to Easterly between 1.34 metres and 2.68 metres.

High Tide: 07:18h and 20:53h reaching maximum heights of 2.44 metres and 2.22 metres.

Low Tide: 13:24h reaching a minimum height of 0.81 metre.

Intelligence Agency Bill presented in National Assembly

…Bill for recovering cross-border court judgements also laid

Two new Bills, one that will see the creation of legislation for the National Intelligence and Security Agency and the other that will allow for the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgements, were on Monday introduced to the National Assembly.

After the 63rd sitting of the National Assembly got underway, the National Intelligence and Security Agency Bill, was presented to the House by Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall.

“I rise to request that Bill number five of 2023, National Intelligence and Security Agency Bill 2023, be read for the first time,” the Attorney General said. Bills have to go through at least three readings before they can be passed.

When it comes to the National Intelligence and Security Agency Bill, provision is made for the creation of an Intelligence Agency that will, among other things, protect Guyana against espionage, terrorism and sabotage.

The agency will also protect against agents within or outside of Guyana, as well as against foreign powers seeking to undermine the state. There is also scope for the agency to collaborate with other foreign agencies in the interest of national security.

The Bill spells out the agency’s functions, which include to “collect information of national intelligence and se-

curity interest that provides a basis for decision making and preventative actions; gather, store, process, analyse and disseminate information that is relevant to national intelligence and security; conduct analysis of information of national interest and security interest.”

Additionally, the agency’s functions are to “maintain a national database of information of national intelligence and security; conduct relevant research to enhance efficiency in information management and all matters relating to national intelligence and security; provide national intelligence estimates and intelligence and security advise to the President… provide support to investigations of mat-

ters pertaining to threats to national intelligence and security.”

In 2012, under the Donald Ramotar Administration, the Central Intelligence Unit (CIU) was established and there were calls for there to be legislation to govern this body. However, in 2015, under the David Granger presidency, this unit was integrated into the National Intelligence Security Agency established by the then APNU/AFC Government.

Reciprocal Enforcement Bill

The other legislation, the Foreign Judgements (Reciprocal Enforcement) Bill, was also introduced by the Attorney General. In this Bill, the Government will be

clarifying the process for enforcing court judgements for or against persons overseas.

For instance, clause four specifies the list of judgements covered by the Act, including monetary and non-monetary judgements and civil court orders. Clause nine also allows for persons against whom a judgement is made, to seek to set it aside.

The grounds under which the foreign judgement can be set aside, include if the original court did not have the jurisdiction. Another ground for the foreign judgement to be set aside is in cases where the judgement was obtained by fraudulent means.

Last month during his “Issues in the News” show, the Attorney General had said that this Bill will be important in helping Guyana to recover payments for judgements that have been passed against companies outside of this jurisdiction.

“Soon we will pass a modern Reciprocal Enforcement of Foreign Judgement Bill in the National Assembly; we are updating our current legislations… the legislation will allow judgments from one country to be enforced in another country.”

“And once that company has assets in that country, then you recover the proceeds of your judgement in the same way as if the company had assets in the country in which the judgement was granted,” Nandlall had said. (G3)

Govt seeking approval for $31B in supplementary funding

…as allocation process for carbon credits' payments advances

Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister, Gail Teixeira on behalf of Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh on Monday presented a Supplementary Bill to the National Assembly relating to programme components of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 to be financed from carbon credit inflows.

The Finance Ministry said on Monday that work began in 2009 with the original Low Carbon Development Strategy – the first such strategy from any developing country in the world.

“A national consultation from October 2021 to July 2022 saw the original LCDS expanded and enhanced, culminating in the endorsement of the National Assembly and then the finalisation of LCDS 2030.

In November 2022, Guyana issued the world’s first jurisdiction-scale, sovereign carbon credits as the next phase in Guyana’s creation of a global model for forest climate services,” the

Finance Ministry said in a statement.

This, the Ministry said, was followed shortly afterwards by the world’s first sale of such credits in global carbon markets.

These carbon credit inflows, the Ministry said, are being allocated to programme components of the Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030 and come on the heels of the Government’s engagement in further consultation over the last three months to determine the structure of the two disbursement channels outlined in the LCDS 2030.

Advancing low carbon development while addressing the impacts of climate change is a core focus of this investment, and attention will be aimed at supporting the strong stance that Guyana has maintained nationally and globally on forest governance and management, and forest legality.

Guyana’s exemplary forest management systems, the Ministry said, strong codes of practice, and maintenance high forest cov-

er and low deforestation rates have been recognised by programmes such as the European Union’s Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade Initiative. The Ministry said that the Government will continue to work with all stakeholders in the im-

plementation of these programmes – implementation that will see this first series of investment made under LCDS 2030, bringing about impactful results on sustainable livelihoods and low carbon development across all spheres of society.

Attorney General Anil Nandlall, SC

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Children & reading

On Sunday, Guyana joined in celebrating World Book Day 2023. Each year, this day is observed on April 23.

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), this date was chosen as great writers have their birth anniversary and death anniversary on this date, including William Shakespeare, Garcilaso de la Vega, and Miguel de Cervantes. The significance of this day lies in its ability to introduce new authors and emphasise the importance of books in our lives. UNESCO also seeks to promote reading, publishing and the protection of intellectual property through copyright on this day.

Here in Guyana, there have been numerous book mobile libraries, and more so, there was one donated by Rotary Club to the National Library. A few decades ago, book mobile libraries, an extension service of the National Library, were scheduled fixtures in parts of the country. The targeted age group of children from out of town, who didn’t have access to the National Library, looked forward once a week in many instances to the arrival of the vehicle, laden with a variety of reading materials, be it a pop-up fairy tale, a simple fiction, or something considered more intense for that grouping.

Entering the vehicle evoked a tremendous sense of excitement, after having waited patiently in the orderly lines. The process, accommodated by courteous and helpful staff, was very simple: borrow a book, read and return by the next visit. Crucial to the success of the service was an interest in reading, developed by both the parents and children. Then there was a prevailing passion for reading, which was serviced by various bookshops within the city and by paid book-lending stalls in some municipal markets.

Access to books was, therefore, not a major issue; affordability was a different matter. Also, for many during that period, most, if not all, high school text books needed were provided free by the Government, making it easier for the children, and allowing for more focus. Friendly reading competitions became popular, and probably can be equated to a social media challenge today.

One can argue that the children then were not exposed to the plethora of technological devices evident today. A similar argument can be made about evolutionary advances and the impact on all, including children, and their passions. Some have put it bluntly: that as a result of these advancements, more distractions are, therefore, created today when compared to the past, citing the lack in variety then.

Others would posit that despite the absence of technologyrelated activities, the children in the past played a variety of folk games as part of the process of enjoyment and passing time. Obviously, while there are compelling arguments from both sides, there is the general concern that the passion for reading has drastically waned, and that today’s children are not reading – either enough or at all – when they do appear to be confined to just what needs to be done school-wise.

Again, this is not suggesting every child, as clearly some are involved in extensive reading. Technology, however, does facilitate reading, and even the option of listening to a book. Of course, many would be financially challenged to access these options, but the bottom line is: the option to read is part of the technological evolution. That said, some are adamant in their belief that the very technology is responsible for the seemingly scant interest in reading.

Many are of the opinion that one consequence of that said evolution is the reduction in the number of bookstores and book stalls in some markets. Given that it may not be inaccurate to state that fewer books are now available today for access, one can easily state that’s an indication of the decline of interest in reading; however, it may be as a result of the impact of technological advances on related businesses.

Whatever the reasons, the book mobile library is important, not just to reach persons who may not have access to books, but to inspire and drive interest in reading. While the library would be challenged by the more attractive technological options, it needs to be encouraged for possible expansion.

We should aim to encourage children to explore the pleasures of reading books.

Sunak’s wealth isn’t an image problem for voters – except when he refuses to talk about it

By Rafael BehR

People don’t generally go into British politics for the money, although the money isn’t bad. The basic annual MP’s salary of £84,144 is more than double the UK average. Ministers earn even more. But there are quicker ways to get rich.

There are careers where greed can go naked. In politics it has to skulk in itchy robes of public service. Bankers and hedge fund managers don’t need to explain what principle called them to global finance. When Rishi Sunak did those jobs, I doubt he was ever asked why. By the time he switched to politics, he had earned heaps of cash and married Akshata Murthy, the daughter of a billionaire. Cupidity was not the reason he sought office.

Likewise, the Prime Minister’s failure to declare a conflict of interest over Government childcare subsidies probably doesn’t expose venal machination. Only in the flickering bunker light of Internet conspiracy theory does it look like a devious diversion of budget resources. Carelessness is the plausible explanation. But it is the cultivated carelessness of an unusually rich politician who is desperate to look normal.

Sunak has a reputation in Government for nerdy attention to detail. It would be surprising if he forgot that his wife owns shares in a company that trains childminders, or that this company stands to benefit from new Government childcare subsidies, when discussing the policy with a parliamentary committee. The Prime Minister was asked if he had anything to declare. He said no, adding that his interests were declared “in the usual way”.

Downing Street says the spousal connection was re-

corded in the register of ministerial interests, which hasn’t been published. The MPs’ code of conduct asks members to be “always frank and open” about such matters, which suggests Sunak should have flagged it to the committee.

The parliamentary standards commissioner is investigating, which is embarrassing for a Prime Minister whose first pledge on taking office was to govern with “integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level”.

It isn’t much of a challenge to govern more competently than Liz Truss and break fewer rules than Boris Johnson. Sunak paid a fine for attending one of the illegal Downing Street parties during lockdown, but something about his geeky persona meant the smell of reckless wrongdoing didn’t stick. It was the same when he was busted for not wearing a seatbelt in a moving car. Sunak’s uptight manner suggests the kind of person who is mostly fastidious in buckling up. So the Prime Minister is not in danger of being reviled as a reprobate. His brand can still be tarnished by hypocrisy. It doesn’t help that his efforts to sound authoritative come across as preachy and his blokeish affectations for the campaign trail are cringemaking.

That is where the money could get awkward, not as a question of probity but authenticity. Wealth is no obstacle to electoral success in Britain. Labour kept wanting David Cameron’s poshness to be a problem for him and it never was, despite austerity, despite shrinking real wages and rising energy bills. Cameron was accused of being out of touch. Opinion polls proved the charge was resonating with voters all the way up to the 2015 election, when the Tories won a majority.

Since then, the cost of liv-

ing crisis has got much worse, and the Tories have driven the economy into a ditch. But there has been collateral damage to the whole of Westminster, regardless of party affiliation. Voters may doubt that Sunak feels their pain from the comfort of his swimming pool, but they also don’t want lectures on the subject from Labour. And, to the perennial frustration of the left, plenty of people see “millionaire” as a badge of success, a desirable status, not an insult or a target for expropriation.

But they still think dues should be paid, which is why Labour’s attack on the Sunak family finances focuses on the non-domicile status that Murthy enjoyed while her husband, as Chancellor, was scrapping revenue from everyone else. The most revealing feature of that story when it broke was Sunak’s tin-eared response. He was reluctant to engage with questions. When pressed, he turned prickly and self-righteous, as though his wife’s honour and not his judgment were the object of scrutiny.

It was around the same time that Sunak was filmed failing to operate a contactless card payment device. It was part of a bungled publicity stunt in which he put petrol in a mid-range car that turned out to be borrowed for the purpose, because it was humbler than any vehicle in his personal fleet.

These are the sorts of details that stick in voters’ minds. They can make the difference between casual acceptance that a Prime Minister is rich – aren’t they always? –and the suspicion that he lives far away on Planet Money, squinting down on the little people below scurrying around trying to make ends meet in their dinky cars, with their insufficient maths qualifications.

The investigation into whether Sunak should have declared a conflict of interest to Parliament is not going to reveal anything we don’t already know about the Prime Minister. Nor, I suspect, will it suddenly shift opinions about him. Labour can’t make too big a thing of it, not least because last year Keir Starmer had to apologise for failing to update his entry in the MPs’ register of interests. But the episode points to an insecurity in the Conservative leader: not his fortune, but his resentment of the way it defines him.

Sunak isn’t in politics for the money, but it isn’t obvious what drives him instead. He launched his first leadership bid last summer with a personal film about family and opportunity, making a parable of his immigrant background. When that didn’t win the hearts of Tory grassroots, he rewrote his pitch as a crusade against “woke nonsense”. To woo fanatical Eurosceptics away from Truss, he promised to shred every legacy EU regulation in British law within 100 days of taking office – a commitment as dangerous as it was unrealistic.

When Sunak did eventually become leader, his mandate was to clear up the mess left by the person his party had trusted more than him to believe what they believed.

The circumstances made a virtue of stability under a Prime Minister who wouldn’t move fast or break things. But as time goes on, and stability shades into stagnation and decay, there will have to be some sense of direction, of purpose at the top. Then living on a remote planet made of money could be a real problem for the Prime Minister; not because he is rich, but because he isn’t anything else. (The Guardian)

(Rafael Behr is a Guardian columnist)

World Book Day 2023: As Guyana joined the rest of the world in observing World Book Day, there were several Literacy Extravaganzas across the 10 administrative regions in Guyana. In photo (left) are students of Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) at the Bartica Boardwalk and (right) Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) students at the La Jalousie Family Park partaking in activities to help them read (Education Ministry photos)

Figueira should influence colleagues to improve quality of debates

Dear Editor, Reference is made to two letters in the media authored by Opposition Member of Parliament, Jermaine Figueira.

Editor, first I would like to commend Jermaine Figueira for these two letters which were clean and academic?and void of the usual politically inspired typological leanings. I would even venture to say that he should consider swapping portfolios with his colleague, Elson Low, who is the Economic Advisor to the Leader of the Opposition.

In the first letter, he wrote about the need to pursue economic diversification among other things to mitigate the impact of the dreaded Dutch disease. I concur with all of the initiatives highlighted by the Opposition MP. It is important to note, however, that all of the initiatives that were referenced by the MP, are being pursued

within the framework of the incumbent Government’s overarching development agenda for the country.

Worthy of note is that a crucial investment to support the economic diversification agenda of the country is the gas-to-energy project which is part of a broader energy strategy for the country aimed at reducing energy cost by 50% and ensuring reliable supply of energy. This major investment is paramount to enable greater competitiveness of industries, especially the manufacturing sector within a global context.

Within the broader overarching framework, the Government is focusing on food security not only locally but regionally. There are notable investments in agro-processing and in creating new industries in the agricultural sector. The eco-tourism sector is another major focus, complemented by the education

and the private health sectors where corporate taxes were removed with the view to attracting more private investments in these sectors.

That said, without belabouring all of the many different ways in which the Government is pursing the diversification of the economy, the direction in which the country is being positioned in these respects, will inevitably transform the economy from a predominantly primary producing economy to a tertiary sector producing economy. That is to say, transforming Guyana to become a net exporter of tertiary (value-added) goods and services, thereby moving the non-oil export trade balance from a deficit position to a surplus position. These, altogether, cannot be achieved if the infrastructure deficit of the country is not tangibly resolved. And again, the infrastructure gaps of

the country are being addressed by virtue of the requisite investments on the part of the Government in an aggressive manner.

Not only the infrastructure gap but every other development constraint?whether it is the human capital deficit, the high energy cost and unreliability of electricity supply, the bureaucracies inhibiting the ease of doing business, the political economy, etc, all are being addressed in the interest of achieving the developmental goals of the country?that in turn would lead to greater prosperity of the nation and the people.

Against this background, I would like to encourage Mr Figueira to influence his colleagues positively to improve the quality of their debates on these fronts. Also, to support the Government’s development agenda albeit there may often times be divergent views in how

Towards a critical theory of being critical

Dear Editor, One of the finest aspects of Guyanese intellectual culture is the unabashed tendency to be critical. The columns and letters in Guyana Times, Kaieteur News, Guyana Chronicle, and Stabroek News, regardless of their political slant, are marked by unremitting efforts at critical analysis. The techniques, methods, and epistemologies of our critical turn take many forms including, but not limited to pointing out factual and empirical contradictions, deconstruction, hermeneutics (interpretation), discourse analysis, counterfactual analysis, semiotics, and plain-old internal criticism, meaning here contradictions in the logic of argumentation. These approaches are not always explicit.

Yet, a symptomatic reading of our broadsheets does reveal traces of attempts to go beyond mindless deposits of remonstration. Yes, we have a good deal of irresponsible criticism for criticism’s sake, but most writers try to make a meaningful contribution to our ongoing debates. It is this context that I offer nine points on the art of being critical.

1. People write with theoretical assumptions even though they do not use words associated with theorising, words that are often abstract. In this sense, we are all theorists. Most columns and letters are concerned with issues of justice, the rule of law, democratic governance, and economic, cultural, racial, gender, and political equality. Writers use theories to make sense of the empirical world. Data do not speak on their own behalf. Data are mere raw materials

that must be classified, analysed, interpreted.

2. According to Robert W Cox, a professor of international political economy at York University in Toronto, the world of theory may be divided into problem-solving and critical theory. The former takes the world it finds; the latter investigates how the world and society we write about, came into being.

3. The task of problem-solving criticism is to make things better for society without having to embark on a revolution. On the other hand, critics who want a complete overhaul of everything existing, demand all the institutions of society to be reconstructed from afresh. The problem of radical critics is they know how to break things up, but have no viable ‘theory’ for reconstruction.

4. Criticism, including those by columnists and letter writers, are never politically neutral. All critics in the newspapers have some kind of political interest. That said, they try to make their arguments appear to be apolitical, or better yet, in the interest of all regardless of political affinities. For instance, Randy Gopaul in a recent Village Voice piece, refers to Milton Freidman and Ludwig von Mises to justify his claims about race politics in Guyana. Mr Gopaul knows that the Austrian School of economics is the fount of radical free-market ideology where equality is irrelevant. Yet he uses the names of Freidman and von Mises to lend intellectual credibility to his arguments about race and inequality in Guyana. PS: Hayek, instead of von Mises would have been more effective.

5. Many critics try to make their arguments ‘scientific’. They think that loads of data constitute the grounds for making law-like (nomothetic) statements. Critics need to be careful here. The attempt to be make arguments scientific in the natural science sense, assumes that the subject (writer) and the object (problem addressed) could be compartmentalised, separated from each other. But this is scientistic, not scientific. The former is a mere pretention towards science.

6. Instead of trying to be scientific, good social science criticism must be historical and holistic. The historical approach allows us to see how things came about, rather than assuming the current situation is ‘natural.’ Further, it is best not to divide up society into discreet parts because, in fact, the thing called society is a structured totality.

7. Most critics want change but change from what to what is deeply contentious. At this point we need to understand that ideology shapes how we see the world, and influences the type of change we want, and how to go about it. While I do not mean to over-politicse this piece, the point is illustrated with reference to the WPA’s ideology of bringing about change through “all means necessary,” rather than via electoral competition. By contrast, the PNCR and PPP/C believe in winning hearts and minds, and in winning elections at the polls. “All means necessary” often refers to political violence.

8. Good critics do not separate the domestic, regional, and international/global.

to pursue these goals. Notwithstanding, having divergent views does not negate the importance of the Opposition’s role in debating public policy scholastically in the interest of contributing to the policy-decision making process at the national level, and/ or presenting compelling alternatives.

Finally, with respect to Figueira’s postulations regarding the second referenced letter, I will address

those?as well as extend on the contents of this letter in a comprehensive and in-depth manner in a series of subsequent articles. In so doing, it is the intention of this author to stimulate a different/higher level of quality debate on issues of national importance and public policy across the political spectrum.

Yours sincerely, Joel Bhagwandin

Unfounded public statements

Dear Editor,

The Public Procurement Commission (PPC) has noted the unfortunate, misguided and ill-informed statement in the local media under the headline “AFC blasts procurement body, tells it to get to work” and which alleges that the commission is “… not executing its constitutionally enshrined functions and addressing complaints.”

dependent and impartial constitutional body established pursuant to Art. 212W of the Constitution of Guyana. The functions of the commission are set out in the Constitution and are enabled by the Procurement Act, Cap 75:03 which sets out the procedure and processes for the execution of the enshrined functions.

To do so it to underestimate the ways in which world order pressures (interstate system and global economy) shape the limits and possibilities of domestic behaviour. A good example of this is the ways in which the global politics of climate change has become a fetter on Guyana’s oil & gas sector. The great powers have been moralising climate change economics to preserve their built-in privileges they enjoy in the current world economic order.

9. For a long-term programme of critical engagement to be effective, the critics must become consciously self-reflective. They must think about the consequences of their writing and must review the extent to which they are contributing to deepening the institutionalisation of pluralism and the democratic ethos, or detracting from it.

The French philosopher M Foucault once stated that “people know what they do” and “they frequently know why they do what they do; but what they don’t know is what it is what they do does.” We know that intended actions have unintended consequences, and that is always a worry for responsible writers. My concern today is that many of today’s critics knowingly cultivate disunity as part of their political strategy. It is time to reflect on this even if you accept Carl Schmitt axiom that the political world is divided between enemies and friends. Tentanda via.

Sincerely,

Dr Randolph Persaud (Randy)

The impression is given that complaints are being ignored, particularly the matters as therein detailed. The unfounded nature of such contentions is exposed by the acknowledgement of being aware that the matters in issue are awaiting legal advice (albeit not accurately represented) and are therefore under the active consideration of the commission.

The Public Procurement Commission (PPC) is an in-

The commission wishes to assure the public that it is executing its functions, at all times maintaining the highest standards and ensuring that it is so doing within the ambit of the law.

We further wish to urge restraint in unfounded public statements which could undermine public confidence and in turn undermine the effectiveness of such bodies.

Sincerely, Public Procurement Commission (PPC)

Improving ease of doing business

Single Window System Bill to be sent to Special Select Committee

…Bill “good” – Opposition, but raises specific concerns

ers did.”

Notwithstanding this delay, Croal committed to having the Bill sent to a special select committee for further examination.

In their presentations, Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) stressed that they support the Bill in principle and lauded the Government for agreeing to have the Bill re-examined. In fact, Croal’s predecessor, Annette Ferguson, said that the Bill was a good one.

However, the Opposition noted that they have specific concerns. Among the concerns raised by the Opposition is a provision in the Bill that determines how persons are to appeal decisions against them.

veyors. We are simply proposing to add to this list a nominee from the Leader of the Opposition. And we do so against the backdrop of talking about inclusivity,” Mahipaul said.

The single-window process is a strategy implemented by the Government to integrate agencies’ approach to services, efficiency, and to significantly reduce the processing time for planning and building permission.

During the 63rd sitting of the National Assembly, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) in a concession to the parliamentary Opposition and concerns they have expressed, committed to having the Planning and Development Single Window System Bill (2022) sent to a special select committee for further examination.

In his presentation, Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal spoke of the importance of the Single Window Bill. It is a Bill, he noted, that will revolutionise the way Guyanese do business with Government agencies and will allow persons to submit their applications and/or documents from anywhere in the world, safe in the knowledge that there are timelines agencies must adhere to in processing them.

However, Croal also chided the parliamentary Opposition for the length of time it took them before they submitted recommendations on the Bill, after most stakeholders had submitted theirs. This resulted in

Croal, on very short notice, calling together a meeting over the weekend between him and his technical staff and representatives of the Opposition.

“In preparation for the launch of the portal, we had committed to consultations with all stakeholders. And those consultations have been ongoing, even as the portal is being constructed. We are just two months away from the launch. And I wish to note that just a few days ago, the Opposition issued a press release which claimed to have concerns about this Bill and made assumptions about the consultations and the effectiveness of this Bill.”

“But for more than five months, my friends across the aisle did nothing, said nothing about this Bill. And now, two months before the launching of the online portal, they seem to have now awaken from their slumber. But this Government has not closed of enquiries from the Opposition at any time. They could have sent concerns or suggestions to us, just like all other stakehold-

Opposition MP Amanza Walton-Desir said that the Opposition is against the Cabinet having the right to review tribunal decisions.

Other amendments

Meanwhile, Opposition MP Ganesh Mahipaul elaborated on other amendments they wish to make to the Bill. This includes having Opposition-nominated representatives on the committee that will be overseeing the single window system.

“Section 18 (2), currently reads that the committee shall comprise the following members. A chairperson appointed by the Minister, the director of the unit, one person appointed by the Minister from the private sector, having knowledge and experience of matters relevant to land development and drawn from the areas of business, finance, law, physical planning, natural science, surveying, architecture.”

“And two persons appointed by the Minister after consultations with the professional bodies representing professional land use planners, architects, engineers and land sur-

The legislative framework now paves the way for, among other things, standardised application forms and checklists, as well as minimising the time for completing a transaction. Further, the electrical portal will enable investors to submit planning and building permits and check the status from anywhere around the globe, as this new mechanism forms part of the Government’s attempt to increase the ease of doing business and foster a business-friendly environment.

In December 2022, a $202 million contract was signed with Global Services – a Guyanese-led consortium

with global experience – to make the issuance of planning and building permits hassle-free. The company was tasked with providing a server and network infrastructure; security solutions; and hardware and software maintenance and repairs.

The single-window system will feature five key elements including one-window access to allow the CH&PA to be the point of entry for

planning and building applications; as well as a dashboard to show the status of individual applications and generate progress reports, which can also be accessed by applicants. Another feature of the system is a timebound element by which the relevant agencies will have to respond to applications otherwise they would automatically be considered approved. (G3)

Opposition MP Ganesh Mahipaul

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal

remanded for cop’s murder

They are believed to be the masterminds behind the Policeman’s murder.

After almost three years of mystery, detectives unearthed skeletal remains believed to be those of Constable Lewis in a shallow grave in a sandpit at Madewini, along the Soesdyk-Linden Highway on Wednesday, April 12.

The following day, wanted bulletins were issued for Samaroo and his wife.

…upgrade??

Two men were arraigned on Monday for the murder of Police Constable Quincy Lewis, whose skeletal remains were unearthed in a shallow grave last Wednesday, almost three years after he went missing after leaving home for work.

Charged are Shafeek Vernom, also known as “Profit”, 25, of Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD), and Jamel Van Lewis, a 35-yearold of D’Urban Street, Georgetown.

They were not required to plead to the indictable charge for the capital offence of murder.

Senior Magistrate Leron Daly remanded them to prison until May 24.

Based on the information received, they are both out of the jurisdiction, and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) is using all legal avenues available to ensure that they are extradited to Guyana to answer allegations made in relation to the death of the cop.

The breakthrough in the Policeman’s disappearance came after intensive interrogation of Vernom and Lewis, who allegedly admitted that they had known about the killing of the cop.

They reportedly cooperated with investigators and pinpointed the location where Constable Lewis’s body was buried.

According to Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum, the missing Policeman was reportedly lured to a house on the East Bank of Demerara, where he was allegedly shot dead.

Constable Lewis was reportedly in a relationship

Skeletal

Linden-Soesdyke Highway, and buried.

On June 19, 2020, Lewis had visited his home at La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara (WBD), to uplift a few pieces of clothing before boarding a vehicle.

Family members became aware that he was miss-

phone, but they were all in vain. Closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance recordings later revealed that Lewis had crossed the Demerara Harbour Bridge, which is less than a 10-minute drive from where he was stationed at Agricola. He was last seen entering

Your Eyewitness got very excited when he read on one of the online news sites that we’re setting up our own spy agency – National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) – which was gonna be deploying agents to foreign capitals!! Now he’d grown up with James Bond as his hero and followed 007’s sex-ploits from Sean Connery to Daniel Craig through David Niven, George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton and Pierce Brosnan!! His favourite, of course, was Connery. He learnt to take his martini “shaken not stirred” and his women “stirred not shaken”!!

While your Eyewitness might now be a tad long in the tooth, he figured there HAD to be the need for a silverhaired man-about-town who could wangle info from various and sundry femme fatales about who’s trying to get their hands on our new-found oil wealth!! He was just about to send off his application to the President – since the report claimed the buck stopped with him – but decided to do some background checks. After all, he was applying to become a SPY!!

What a bummer it was to discover that the so-called “spy agency” had been launched since Donald Ramotar’s presidency back in 2012!! Remember that Central Intelligence Unit (CIU) that was housed at the back of Castellani House – and had access to security cameras being deployed around Georgetown?? Yep!! The Opposition also claimed THAT was spying then!! “Spying through cameras”!!! They probably saw the similarity of the name to “Central Intelligence Agency”!! In 2013, APNU’s security maven Winston Felix screamed that there ought to be legislation governing this agency. Guess the PPP listened to him?!!

As soon as the APNU/AFC coalition got into office in 2015, the head security honcho, David Granger announced, “we are going to establish a National Security Agency (NSA) and the CIU will be incorporated into the NSA”. Now, if “CIU” evoked the CIA – what’d you say about the NSA?? Isn’t this IDENTICAL to the body that gathers and curates intelligence for the US President, daily?? After their criticism about the lack of legislative imprimatur, it should be pointed out that Granger made no move to secure same for his NSA!!!

The reason why the PNC have their drawers in a knot about NISA is because back in the day, Burnham used to send over plainclothes CID personnel to spy on overseas Guyanese in Toronto and New York. With good reason, he felt opposition to his dictatorship would originate from there. So now that they’re bleeding support from their old base at home, they are paranoid their geriatric support abroad might follow suit – and the PPP would find out!!

Oh what a pathetic state the PNC has been reduced to!! Dead Meat??

…and phones

Our local media – mostly from the Opposition side of the fence – are all agog about the seizure of that young MoHA Permanent Secretary’s phone. Some insist she had some sorta incriminating info on the said phone that triggered the seizure – and also led to her visa being cancelled. Your Eyewitness knows this storm in a teacup will blow over in the next news cycle – now that the young lady is back in old mudland.

Guyana Times understands that Vernom and Lewis were charged jointly along with 56-year-old Thakurdyal Samaroo and his wife Youseef Zahid, also known as Naqueeba Zahid Zafarali, both of Lot 7 Ogle Front, ECD. While the Police have issued wanted bulletins for the couple, Magistrate Daly, on Monday, issued warrants for their arrest.

with Samaroo’s wife.

While at the house, he was reportedly shot by Samaroo, after which his body was bound with plastic cable. The killer(s) then reportedly placed a black plastic bag over his head, and secured it with duct tape. The grave was already dug, according to the information reaching Guyana Times

His body was then transported to Madewini, on the

ing when the owner of the car in which he had left approached them four days later to collect his car.

The family had been under the impression that the Policeman was on duty at the Agricola Police Outpost and became alarmed when they were told he did not turn up for work.

Several efforts were made to contact Lewis by

Greenfield Park, EBD.

Months after he disappeared, Lewis’s cell phone was found in the Timehri, EBD area with the screen cracked. The Police will be sending samples from the skeletal remains for DNA testing.

The case was solved by ranks of the GPF’s Major Crimes Investigations and Cold Case Units. (G1)

But to show how prepared he is for any openings that might appear in any future spy outfit that might be necessary as we move up the world rankings, your Eyewitness only travels with burner phones when he travels. “Burner phone?”, you ask, Dear Reader. Yep, it’s a cheap phone with a prepaid sim that only allows him to take and receive calls. Doesn’t store no data – incriminating or otherwise!) – and he’s anonymous since he can create his own number!!

And being cheap, your Eyewitness can dump them without depleting his (very thin!) wallet!!

…lacking

Britain’s Opposition Labour Party felt they had to suspend high-profile lawmaker Diane Abbott. Seems she said that while discrimination against Jews just for being Jewish was bad, it wasn’t “racism”.

So gassing six million of them was what??

Police Constable Quincy Lewis

remains believed to be those of Police Constable Quincy Lewis were found in a shallow grave at Madewini, along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway on April 12

With rising road accidents Govt again warns of harsh penalties for drunken driving

fence of driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of drink or drug has been increased to not less than $200,000 or imprisonment for 12 months for the first offence. For a second or subsequent conviction, the fine has been increased to not less than $300,000 and imprisonment. The penalty for driving or attempting to drive or being in charge of a vehicle while breath or blood alcohol levels exceed the prescribed limit has been increased to $200,000.

The Attorney General’s Chambers has noted that Police officers must ensure that the breathalyser instrument is in satisfactory condition and properly calibrated before administering breath test.

The Amendment Act places an obligation on the Constable operating a

breath-analysing instrument to ensure that it is in satisfactory condition and that it is properly calibrated. Further, it places an obligation on the Constable to certify that the instrument used was in a satisfactory condition and properly calibrated in accordance with the Act.

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) is continuing with its countrywide campaigns aimed at encouraging drivers to practice safe road use.

During the campaigns, Police ranks would lecture drivers on the road safety theme: “Arrive Alive, Stop Speeding, Don’t Drink & Drive”; obeying traffic officials, signs, and functions of the traffic light; adherence to the speed limits, and maintenance of motor vehicles.

They are also advised against using handheld devices while driving and driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Drivers are also encouraged to ensure that their driver's licence and other documents are up to date before using a motor vehicle; and to practice the five Cs—care,

caution, consideration, common sense, and courtesy when using the roadways.

Police statistics show that driving under the influence of alcohol and excessive speeding are the leading causes of accidents, including fatal ones, in Guyana. (G1)

In response to the high incidences of drunk driving resulting in road traffic accidents, including fatalities, the Government has seen this as an opportune time to remind the public of the sweeping changes to the country’s driving laws, which, among other measures, provides for much harsher penalties for some offences that could result in up to 10 years’ imprisonment.

Drivers are being reminded of the provisions of the Motor Vehicle and Road Traffic (Amendment) Act 2022, which creates new criminal offences of motor manslaughter and causing grievous bodily harm when driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

A person will be found guilty of motor manslaughter where that person causes the death of another person while driving under the influence of drink or drugs to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of the vehicle. The penalty for conviction of this offence is not less than 10 years. Where the person causes grievous bodily harm to another person while driving under the influence of drink or drugs to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of the vehicle, the penalty for conviction is not less than five years.

Additionally, a person convicted of motor manslaughter or causing grievous bodily harm while driving under the influence of drink or drugs will be disqualified from holding or obtaining a licence for three years. These three years will start to run from the time the person is released from prison. Moreover, a person convicted for a second time for a similar offence will be permanently disqualified from holding or obtaining a licence.

A person who is convicted of the offence of driving a motor vehicle under the influence of drink or drug will be disqualified from holding or obtaining a licence for 12 months.

Where a person is convicted of two consecutive offences of driving under the influence of drink or drug, he or she will be disqualified from holding or obtaining a licence for 24 months.

And where there is a third conviction, the person will be permanently disqualified from holding or obtaining a licence. A person charged two consecutive times with the offence of driving or being in charge of a vehicle while breath or blood alcohol levels exceed the prescribed limit will be disqualified from holding or obtaining a licence for 24 months.

Also, the Amendment Act gives the court the discretion to temporarily suspend the licence of a person who has been charged for a second time with any of the following offences: motor manslaughter and causing grievous bodily harm while driving under the influence of drink or drugs; driving under the influence of drink or drug or; driving or attempting to drive or being in charge of a vehicle while breath or blood alcohol levels exceed the prescribed limit.

Moreover, where a person is charged for a third time with any of the said offences, the court must order the suspension of their licence pending the determination of the charge.

Where a person’s licence is suspended under this section, he is required to surrender his or her licence to the court, failing which he or she shall be guilty of an offence which attracts a fine of $100,000 or imprisonment for three months.

The penalty for the of-

In February, 21-year-old Derindra Sitaram was granted $2M bail after he was charged with motor manslaughter over the deaths of two people, and other traffic offences stemming from an accident at Devonshire Castle Public Road, Essequibo Coast

Fire Service to focus heavily on training, public education

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) will be placing greater emphasis on training for officers and increased public education, as it seeks to better the level of performance in times of emergencies.

This was announced during the Annual Officers’ Conference on Monday, held under the theme: “Enhancing and Modernising the Guyana Fire Service through Training, Re-Tooling, And Public Education.”

The conference was attended by Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Brigadier Godfrey Bess; Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken; Director of Prisons, Nicklon Elliott; Head of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU), James Singh; Chief Fire Officer, Gregory Wickham and senior officers of the Fire Service.

During his opening re-

marks, CFO Wickham highlighted that, in keeping with the theme, the administration has placed heavy emphasis on training.

He mentioned that over 200 ranks have recently received training in various areas, including middle management, heavy-duty training, and defensive driving courses, to name a few.

Wickham further noted

that there is a great need for public education, which the Fire Service is working assiduously to satisfy.

He said the deliberations coming out of the twoday conference are expected to provide the administration with a guide towards achieving the ten-point improvement plan, which will ensure that the Guyana Fire Service is enhanced and

strategically placed in a position where it can protect the nation against all loss and destruction by fire.

Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister Robeson

Benn outlined that it is necessary to recognise the current gaps within the service in order to remedy them.

Benn also emphasised the expansion of the service in order to address the national challenge of protecting against fire, loss of life, destruction, and injuries related to fire. The administration was encouraged to utilise its resources in the most effective way possible and to be prepared for the vast developments in infrastructure and the overall country as the oil and gas sector continues to flourish.

The objectives of the conference fall along the line of the ten-point improvement plan which are to modernise new and existing fire sta-

tions to create an enabling environment; implement fire safety codes; expand emergency medical services; establishing a new fire station alerting system and new Computer Aided Dispatching (CAD) System; update policies and standard operating procedures; improve the current training centre; facilitate external communication and public education; embarking on a station remodel for firefighter health and safety; and establish promotions, development and training opportunities.

During the two-day conference, senior officers will benefit from several presentations that will aid in the enhancement of the Guyana Fire Service.

Ice-cream vendor shot during robbery in Sophia

Armed bandits on Sunday shot an icecream vendor during the course of a robbery, as he was plying his trade in the vicinity of D Field Sophia (Red Road).

The 33-year-old vendor of Canal Number Two, West Bank Demerara (WBD), was driving a red ice-cream truck bearing registration, GSS 7271, in the company of his employer, 53-yearold Surujpaul Dhanpaul of Anna Catherina, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

They stopped to sell ice cream to a customer when they were confronted by two perpetrators who rode up on an XR motorcycle. One was armed with a firearm.

The driver was relieved of $10,000 and a Samsung Galaxy cell phone valued at $25,000. The men were then

ordered out of the truck and told to lie on the road. As the victim did so, the armed bandit discharged a round at him, hitting him in his left upper thigh.

Both perpetrators then returned to the motorcycle. While making their escape south along the said street, the armed perpetrator discharged another round in the air.

The victim was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) for medical attention. His condition is stable. A 9mm spent shell was found at the scene. Several persons were questioned, but Police indicated that no useful information was received. A probe is still in progress. (G12)

Pensioner found dead in Norton St home

The decomposed body of a man, suspected to be 71-year-old Albert Callender, was on Sunday discovered at his Norton Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown home, after a pungent smell emanated from the dwelling place.

Callendar resided at Lot 33 Norton Street, Wortmanville.

Police from the Alberttown Station visited the home at about 16:00h

after receiving a call from a neighbour, who resides in the upper flat of the building.

The neighbour reported that she last saw Callendar alive on April 19 and he did not make any complaints to her of feeling unwell. However, she did not see him again but observed his apartment door locked.

On April 22, a pungent smell started coming from the pensioner’s apartment,

and as such the woman contacted the Police.

Ranks from the Alberttown Fire Service opened the door to the apartment and the body of the deceased was observed lying face-up on a bed, in a partially decomposed state.

The body was escorted to Memorial Gardens Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem.

Investigations are continuing. (G12)

Winston Jordan opts for paper committal in misconduct case

APaper Committal (PC) will be conducted into the misconduct in public office charge against Finance Minister under the previous APNU/ AFC Government, Winston Jordan to determine whether there is sufficient evidence for him to stand trial by a jury before a Judge.

When the matter continued before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday, Jordan’s lawyer, Dawn Holder-Cush, made a request for a PC to be conducted into the indictable charge. With no objections raised by Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) Prosecutor Neville Jeffers, Magistrate Daly granted the defence counsel’s request.

The PC, which involves witnesses’ statements and documentary evidence being tendered to the court without the witnesses being present, inventoried, and marked as exhibits, is likely to commence on May 2.

Jordan is currently out on $3 million bail after being charged by the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) — an arm of the Guyana Police Force (GPF)

— for misconduct in public office. He was first arraigned at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on December 28, 2021.

The former Finance Minister is adamant that the charge against him is politically motivated.

It is alleged that Jordan, being and performing duties of Finance Minister, and being the concerned Minister for the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), a company owned by the Government, between February 26, 2020 and July

31, 2020, at Main Street, Georgetown, wilfully misconducted himself by acting recklessly when he signed a NICIL Transfer of Property Order which was published in the Official Gazette transferring to, and vesting to BK Marine absolutely, all buildings, erections, stellings, platforms and further appurtenances; that is to say, Mudlots 1 & 2F of Mudlot 3A, B & D, situated at North Cummingsburg, Georgetown, being over 2.553 acres for payment of $20,260,276, the property being valued at over $5 billion.

The charge further states that the property was sold at a price that was grossly undervalued to such a degree that it amounts to an abuse of the public’s trust without reasonable excuse or justification.

Back in December 2021, Jordan was arrested by SOCU, an arm of the GPF that specialises in white-collar investigations, as part of investigations into alleged instances of corrupt governmental transactions between 2015 and 2020.

According to SOCU, BK Marine’s principal, Brian Tiwarie, had paid only 10

per cent of the purchase price; that is, $20 million, and Jordan had gone ahead to issue a vesting order, passing the title to the purchaser without the purchaser making payment of any further sums of money.

According to SOCU, the vesting order stated that the property is being sold free from encumbrance and liabilities, and no further sum of money is owed by the purchaser.

It said that the transport was subsequently issued for the property, and the value strangely stated on the

transport was $400,000,000. Further, SOCU said, the agreement of sale stated that the title must be passed only upon full payment of the purchase price.

SOCU contended that investigators have evidence to establish that a facility located some seven miles upriver, being a mere fraction of the size of the State property under investigation, was sold by a private company for US$17 million. It had pointed out that this was only one of several investigations that implicated former Minister Jordan.

While Jordan had previously denied any wrongdoing regarding this transaction, Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, had announced that there were active investigations into a number of suspected shady dealings under the former APNU/AFC Government and the former Finance Minister had been implicated in a number of “nefarious transactions”.

On behalf of the State, the Attorney General had also filed civil proceedings against Jordan at the Demerara High Court over the sale of the river front-

age to BK Marine. In that case, Nandlall was seeking to overturn the contentious sale of the State property.

To this end, he had asked the court to declare the agreement of sale between BK Marine and NICIL illegal, unlawful, null, void, repugnant, and contrary to public policy.

However, last September, Justice Brassington Reynolds dismissed the lawsuit on finding that while the Attorney General is authorised to bring an action for misfeasance in public office against Jordan, he did not, in the case at bar, satisfy the elements of the tort. Referencing a plethora of case law, he held that the pleadings in Nandlall’s Affidavit in Support were misconceived, and therefore ruled that the case was an abuse of the court’s process, before striking it out. As such, he had awarded costs of $2 million each to Jordan and BK Marine.

Describing it as “one of the most shocking decisions I have ever witnessed in my brief career at the Bar”, Nandlall had signalled his intention to appeal the decision of the High Court Judge. (G1)

Former Finance Minister Winston Jordan

Senior Magistrate Leron Daly

Dr Asha Kissoon sworn in as new MP

…TNM leader vows to be agent of change

Dr Asha Kissoon, leader of smaller party

The New Movement (TNM), has officially taken her seat in the National Assembly to replace former Deputy Speaker Lenox Shuman as part of the agreement the joinder parties made to rotate their one seat. At the start of the 63rd sitting of the National Assembly, Dr Kissoon was sworn in to replace Shuman, who leads the Liberty and Justice Party (LJP). Shuman resigned from the National Assembly last month and accordingly, TNM wrote the Guyana Elections Commission

(GECOM) requesting Dr Kissoon’s name be extracted from the list of candidates.

The process for replacing an MP involves the National Assembly writing to the head of the party list to whom the seat belongs, once its occupant has submitted a formal resignation. The head of the list is tasked with informing GECOM which party candidate name to extract and submit to the National Assembly.

It is a process that was followed last year when former A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) MPs Joseph Harmon and

Nicolette Henry were replaced by current Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton and Volda Lawrence.

Dr Kissoon, who was declared an MP effective from April 1, 2023, but had to wait until Monday’s sitting to take her oath of office, will serve in the National Assembly for 80 days in accordance with the agreement between her party, LJP and A New and United Guyana (ANUG). After being welcomed by both sides of the house, Dr Kissoon vowed to be an agent of change in politics.

“I do give my word and my dedication that I will represent my office with

much dignity and honour going forward. I’d like to give a reminder to the persons at home and who are here present that with all the international uncertainty going on, Guyana needs to lead by example on an international scale.”

“And I urge our leaders, myself included, that we put the people of Guyana first. We must remember that even though we say we are one Guyana, one people, we need to value and appreciate our unity and our diversity. Appreciate the different ethnic groups in Guyana, as we go forward. I not only aim to enforce change, but much improve-

15,268 students to sit NGSA 2023 …papers to be translated for Spanish learners

Some 15,268 students will be writing the National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA) on May 3 and 4 this year, the Education Ministry has announced.

As part of the Ministry’s efforts to support pupils writing the assessment, several measures have been taken and were shared on Monday.

In a social media announcement, Education Minister Priya

Manickchand underscored that pupils writing NGSA will now have more time to complete their exams. Tested across four core subject areas: Mathematics, English, Science and Social Studies, each exam will last 70 minutes.

“We believe you will be ready. Go in there and do your best. Whichever school you get, we’re going to make sure that school offers you a high-quality secondary education that prepares you for

life in this thriving Guyana

that we have now.”

She also noted that for the first time, the examination papers will be translated for the Spanish-speaking learners.

“We are translating the papers in Spanish for Spanish-speaking children. That’s a first in Guyana also,” the Minister shared.

In addition to this, the number of examination centres has increased to 517. This means pupils will no

ment where it’s needed,” Dr Kissoon further said.

The three joinder parties

collectively won a single seat in the 65-seat National Assembly following the 2020 General and Regional Elections. LJP secured the most votes with 2657, while ANUG and TNM secured 2313 and 244, respectively. The duration of the terms, according to the joinder agreement, had stipulated that LJP, in the form of Shuman, would occupy the seat for two years, six months, and 20 days, while ANUG would serve for two years five months, and TNM for 80 days. The three parties had previously committed to acting as a broker between the Government and the main Opposition. (G3)

Guyana to soon appoint Ambassadors to Venezuela, Brazil

longer have to travel far distances to complete their examinations.

Minister Manickchand noted that the Ministry is aware of the challenges faced by pupils as they were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. To this end, she highlighted that the Ministry has made significant investments in support of learners to prepare them for the upcoming examinations.

Some of these were the distribution of textbooks to all primary school pupils, broadcasting curriculum-centred programmes on the Guyana Learning Channel and YouTube platforms, development of the Quiz Me platform and making NGSA past papers available on the Ministry’s website.

“We took a lot of measures to ensure that you are prepared for these assessments, including giving all the textbooks you need to every single child across the country, putting all the topics on video and showing them on the Guyana Learning Channel and YouTube…,” she identified.

Manickchand further expressed confidence in the pupils’ abilities to excel at this year’s examinations. The results from the 2023 sitting of the placement examination is due by July 11, 2023. (G12)

The Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry is currently in the process of appointing Ambassadors to Venezuela and Brazil.

This was expressed by subject Minister Hugh Todd in response to questions asked by members of the APNU/AFC parliamentary Opposition.

“The Government of Guyana intends to appoint an Ambassador to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and will soon seek the agreement of

In March this year, Todd had assured that “the appointments of Ambassadors to all the nations that are vacant right now is a priority”.

Guyana’s last Ambassador to Brazil was George Talbot, who was appointed to the post in March 2016. He held that post until April 2021 when he was appointed Guyana’s Ambassador to the Caribbean Community (Caricom) – a post he still holds along with being the Director of the

the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for its nominee to fill the position of Ambassador to that country,” a written response by Todd stated.

“The Government has taken its time to review a number of potential candidates in order that a suitable nominee could be presented,” expressed the Government’s written response to questions posed by the Opposition.

A similar response was given in the case of Brazil.

Department of the Americas at the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry.

With regards to Venezuela, Guyana’s last Ambassador to Caracas was Cheryl Miles, who was removed from the post since December 2019 by the previous A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government. Miles was appointed as Guyana’s Head of Mission in Venezuela back in 2016.

TNM Leader and new MP, Dr Asha Kissoon

India’s External Affairs Minister’s visit “Fruitful outcome”: Guyana, India express readiness to advance relations – joint communiqué

ment is cemented. This is part of economic development plans and in accordance with international commitments to reduce carbon footprints, for the benefit and well-being of citizens in both countries and the region.

In addressing food security, the missive noted, “Guyana recognises India’s contributions in deepening the India-Caricom relationship through capacity building, promotion of bilateral trade, increased people-to-people contact and cooperation in regional and multilateral issues.”

Guyana also applauded India for its G20 presidency and its bold approach to addressing issues such as in-

As talks wrap up between Guyana and India following a four-day visit by External Affairs Minister of India, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, both countries are now ready to bring their decisions into fruition.

The External Affairs Minister engaged Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Hugh Todd with discussions circling around bilateral, regional, and multilateral issues of mutual interest, and

ical dialogue, and collaboration in areas of mutual benefit to the two peoples and countries.

Both parties also expressed commendation for the transformative visions of their respective leaders, President Irfaan Ali and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the establishment of a new mechanism for cooperation through Joint Working Groups in areas of mutual interest. This spans agriculture, health and pharma, ayurveda and well-

fered by India to public service officials, technical capacity, human resource, cultural ties, and friendship between the peoples of both countries have been bolstered.

Moreover, the parties recognised that climate change continues to threaten the livelihood and sustainability of all countries worldwide. Guyana, like many other countries around the world, has taken steps to mitigate and adapt to this phenomenon through its Low Carbon

clusive and resilient growth, green development, technological transformation and public digital infrastructure, reforming multilateral institutions, women-led devel-

opment, and international peace and harmony.

“The signing of an Air Services Agreement to facilitate direct flights between Guyana and India as well as a Declaration of

Intent to conclude a Mobility Partnership Agreement demonstrated the commitment of Guyana and India to further solidify the relations between the two countries.” (G12)

reaffirmed the strong and dynamic ties between both nations.

A joint communiqué on Sunday positioned that both Ministers “expressed satisfaction with the fruitful outcome of the visit and their readiness to advance Guyana-India relations in all areas agreed upon by the two countries”.

It was recognised that President Irfaan Ali’s visit in January 2023 to India gave the bilateral relationship a new impetus through increased cooperation, polit-

ness, energy, infrastructure development, technology and innovation, human resource and capacity building and defence.

It was highlighted that the signing of the bilateral agreements in the fields of hydrocarbons, health, pharmaceuticals, mobility, agriculture, extradition, among others, will serve as a catalyst for further strengthened cooperation and collaboration between Guyana and India.

Since the introduction of scholarship programmes of-

Development Strategy 2030, which aims to transform the country’s economy onto a low carbon, sustainable development trajectory while simultaneously combating climate change.

On the other hand, India sowed the seeds of Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) in 2015, at the United Nations General Assembly.

The significance of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) was also recognised as commitments to advance renewable energy develop-

(From left) Foreign Affairs Minister Hugh Todd, President Dr Irfaan Ali; India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar; Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo and Indian High Commissioner, Dr KJ Srinivasa

President Ali speaking at a dinner hosted in honour of India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar

Local coffee houses must “up their game” – President Ali

American multinational coffeehouse chain Starbucks has officially opened its first location in Guyana in a move that is expected to challenge local cafes to up their games. Located at Amazonia Mall, Providence, East Bank Demerara, Starbucks Guyana will officially open to the Guyanese public today.

Speaking at the opening ceremony on Monday, President Dr Irfaan Ali said the opening of this international franchise should encourage local coffeehouses to up their games.

“I do not see the arrival of Starbucks Coffee here as competition to our local coffee shop. It is actually com-

plimentary, it adds value, and that is what is important. We must understand that we live in a different Guyana and a different

world, every brand is going to come, we have to improve, we have to get better, [and] we have to make our own brand and our own sys-

tem more efficient. That is what is important and global brands have the tendency of pushing local brands to up their game,” the Head of State remarked.

President Ali also spoke of the significance of this investment in the country, specifically, the service industry as he urged Starbucks to introduce some local cuisine items on its menu.

“And perhaps the local private sector should engage you as to how we can get our pine tart and cheese straw into Starbucks in the USA…[and] Starbucks in Trinidad and Tobago, because these are unique taste, unique products, that is fresh and that is what global brands allow you to

coffee market can enjoy because of its rareness, can be shared with the rest of the world, from Guyana. This is

Harding shared that every Starbucks café partners with a local organisation within the community to

a project that I would challenge Starbucks Guyana to work with us on,” the Head

give back.

“Every Starbucks café partners with a local organisation in the community. I’m pleased to say that we are partnered with the Save Abee Foundation as our community partner for the first Starbucks at Amazonia Mall. The Save Abee Foundation aims to improve the quality of life for children in Guyana by providing free lessons, medical outreach as well as community outreach programmes,” Harding shared.

do. Global brands must be able to utilise their market presence to build new products and to take new products from their market presence wherever they are, to global standards,” President Ali shared.

Additionally, he said that while much of the world is enchanted with coffee, the likes of Arabica, Ethiopian coffee, Colombian coffee and otherwise, Guyana is home to a rare, fruity and floral type of coffee that is smoky in taste.

“Grown in the Pomeroon, niche, unique, and set aside from all others. Classic, only for the best of coffee drinkers and markets. I welcome you, then, Starbucks, to the land of Liberica, and I hope that in your brand, this unique coffee will be sold, and this unique coffee will be grown in commercial scale. With your support, this coffee that only one per cent of the

of State said. He expressed hope that expatriates would be able to experience the one per cent rarity in Guyana through Starbucks, noting that the introduction of Guyana’s coffee would enable the franchise to set itself apart in

It was previously reported that the popular coffeehouse chain expressed interest in opening five outlets in Guyana. Tourism Minister Oneidge Walrond is quoted as saying that the company also wants a presence in Georgetown and along the East Coast of Demerara.

the world market.

Partners with local organisation

Meanwhile, the CEO of Prestige Holdings, Simon

Starbucks started its expansion in the Caribbean nearly a decade ago. And as of November 2021, the company had 33,833 stores in 80 countries, 15,444 of which were located in the United States.

…urges brand to introduce Guyana’s “unique taste” on global menu …as Starbucks officially opens in Guyana today

Staff and representatives of Starbucks along with President Dr Irfaan Ali and Prestige Holdings Chief Executive Officer Simon Hardy at the ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday at the Amazonia Mall

President Dr Irfaan Ali speaking at the opening of Starbucks on Monday

DJ succumbs to injuries after car crashes into koker

Just after he celebrat ed his birthday this weekend, DJ Shawn Lee called “Gaza Prince” has succumbed to his in juries following an acci dent at Friendship, East Bank Demerara (EBD), on Sunday.

The 25-year-old resident of Timehri Base Road, EBD, succumbed to his injuries at around 08:19h on Monday morning.

Reports are that Lee was the driver of motor car PTT 1796, which was proceed ing south along Friendship Public Road at a fast rate of speed at about 15:20h on Sunday afternoon. Kimberly Agard, a 23-year-old female from Timehri, was an occupant in the car at the time, seated in the front passenger seat of the vehicle.

It is alleged that the driver lost control of the vehicle as he was negotiating a bend in the road. As a result, he

collided with a concrete culvert and the vehicle flipped before ending up in a trench.

The driver and occupant both received injuries to their heads and about their bodies.

Venezuelan nabbed with cocaine in mouth

They were pulled out of the submerged vehicle by public-spirited citizens and rushed to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, East Bank Demerara, where they were examined and subsequently referred to the Georgetown Public Hospital.

The driver, who sustained a fractured left leg and head injuries, was admitted to the ICU in critical condition where he spent a few hours before succumbing. The body was taken to the GPHC’s Mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Meanwhile, the female occupant, who received head injuries, was also admitted at GPHC. Her condition is listed as stable. Further investigations are in progress.

In light of his passing, several personalities from the entertainment industry shared their condolences.

A30-year-old Venezuelan man was arrested at the Takutu International Bridge in Lethem, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo), after he attempted to smuggle a quantity of cocaine by concealing it in his mouth.

Guyana Diaspora Investment Conference set for October in UK

Eleo Geveiro was arrested at about 22:30h on Saturday night by Joint Services ranks who were on duty at the Takutu Bridge.

Geveiro, a Venezuelan national and handyman of Tabatinga, Central Rupununi, was stopped by the ranks who conducted a search on him.

The suspect’s mouth was observed to be stuffed, and he was asked to open it. When he did, he spat out 21 small black plastic parcels, which were all tied.

Upon inspection, each of

the small parcels contained a whitish substance suspected to be cocaine.

The suspect was told of the offence he had committed, cautioned and arrested. He was escorted to the Lethem Police Station where the suspected cocaine was weighed in his presence and amounted to 11.4 grams.

He remains in Police custody pending charges. (G12)

Caribbean-led United Kingdom (UK)-based company, Henley Caribbean Sustainable Ventures Limited (HCSVL) is set to host a Guyana Diaspora Sustainability & Investment Conference (GDSIC) later this year in the UK.

This event is planned for the benefit of Guyanese in the diaspora in general, but small to medium sized businesses wanting to trade or invest in Guyana are expected to showcase the best of Guyana’s products and services in the United Kingdom while discussing the many factors that affect the trade and investment possibilities within a burgeoning oil-rich economy.

The efforts of HCSVL in delivering the GDSIC 2023, while involved with the Government of Guyana, have so far resulted in High Commissioner of Guyana in the United Kingdom, Dr Rajendra Singh confirming his attendance. The Guyana Diaspora Sustainability & Investment Conference hopes to attract large num-

bers of UK-based Guyanese nationals and friends who may seize the opportunity to display their wares including arts and craft items and other products and services at the event.

The conference is intended to be an annual event, with the inaugural conference billed for Tuesday 3rd and Wednesday 4th of October 2023 at a UK venue which will be announced at a later date.

The international planning committee of the conference brings over forty (40) years of combined experience and comprises members such as David F Roberts, Founder/Chief Executive Officer of Henley Caribbean Sustainable Ventures in London; Cristina Caus, International Oil & Gas Consultant in Miami and Joel Bhagwandin, Director, Spherex Professional Services in Guyana. CEO of Henley Caribbean, David F Roberts said, “I’m particularly delighted that Henley Caribbean Sustainable Ventures with our stra-

tegic partners are able to bring a much-needed forum to enable diaspora-based Guyanese to participate in the development conversation of Guyana where they can speak directly to and network with their Government leaders and private sector executives in a friendly and congenial environment. This is a golden opportunity for both the Guyana Government and the diaspora to explore avenues for mutual growth and development.”

GDSIC was conceived following the successful Guyana Energy Conference held in Georgetown, February 14 to 17, 2023, where the GDSIC organisers recognised a significant opportunity to bridge the inadvertent information/knowledge gap between Guyana and the Guyanese Diaspora in the United Kingdom and by extension, Europe.

Essentially, GDSIC will strengthen linkages and build alliances that will help Guyana’s growth and development globally.

The suspected cocaine weighed 11.4 grams

Arrested: Eleo Geveiro

L-R: HCSVL CEO David F Roberts, International Oil & Gas Consultant Cristina Caus, High Commissioner of Guyana in the United Kingdom, Dr Rajendra Singh and Spherex Professional Services Director Joel Bhagwandin

GPF hosts debate competition to foster better relationship between cops, citizens

The Guyana Police Force (GPF), in an effort to foster better relationships between Police and communities across the country, launched its Zara Computer Centre debate competitions that saw both Police officers and community members forming teams and competing with each other.

The competition began on March 22 and saw ten teams, each consisting of four persons, competing for the title.

Each centre was responsible for building a team of four (4), consisting of both past and present students of GPF Zara Computer Centre to compete in a friendly battle

against each other. This allowed Police and civilians to work together on the same team to achieve one goal. This partnership is believed to transcend Police and citizens working together to solve and prevent crime.

The most recent competition was held on Friday last at the Officers'

ed debate, the FAPC Computer Centre emerged victorious and was sent straight to the finals, awaiting their opponent.

Dr. Tariq Jagnarine Family meDicine, enDocrinology/DiabeTes

Aconcussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can occur after an impact on the head. Concussions can also happen during a whiplash-type injury that causes the head and brain to shake quickly back and forth.

Not every bump to the head will cause a TBI, but concussions can cause noticeable symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored. These include headaches, an altered mental state, and even loss of consciousness.

Concussions are usually not life-threatening, but they can cause serious symptoms that require medical attention. Treatment may include rest, taking a break from specific activities, and pain medication.

Head injuries - whether caused by a fall at home or in a car accident - can affect anyone. If you participate in impact sports such as football or boxing, you have an increased risk of getting a concussion.

CAUSES

Concussions are caused by some type of impact inju-

Training Centre, Eve Leary, Georgetown. The Leonora Computer Centre and the Felix Austin Police College (FAPC) were the two teams competing in that competition which was also the quarter-final round, under the moot "The use of technology has reduced crimes."

After a night of heat -

Coordinator of Guyana Police Force Zara Computer Centres, Assistant Superintendent Gladwin Hanover in his brief remarks, mentioned that while it's a friendly debate, the aim is to foster better Community relations. Hanover thanked the participants for their performance and added that he is anxiously awaiting the debate finals scheduled for May 2023.

The competition consisted of three rounds; for round one, the team with the most points heads to the quarter-finals and

HEALTH TIPS CONCUSSION (PART 1)

ry to the head. Our brains float in a jelly-like fluid inside our skulls. This fluid is called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). A head injury can cause our brain and its surrounding membrane (meninges) to hit the sides of our skull. This kind of impact can damage the brain’s tissues, and even cause our CSF to leak.

Causes of a concussion include:

* Falling

* Getting hit in the head (especially when playing sports)

* Being in a car accident

* Being injured in a blast or explosion

In a severe head injury, part of our skull can fracture. Skull fractures can cause jagged edges of bone to poke at our brain and cause harm. Some traumatic brain injuries involve more than an impact of the brain against our own skull. TBI and concussion can also occur if a foreign object enters the skull, such as a bullet or shrapnel.

CONCUSSION SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of a concussion vary, depending on both the severity of the injury and the person injured. It’s not true that a loss of consciousness always occurs with a concussion. Some people do experience a loss of consciousness, but others don’t.

Concussions can be painful, but most are not life-threatening. Consult a doctor after a possible head injury, as medical treatment may be necessary.

Here’s a breakdown of different symptom categories for concussions:

* Physical symptoms (somatic): Persons can experience sensitivity to light, dizziness, fatigue, headache, nausea and vomiting, and trouble seeing.

* Emotional: Feeling particularly anxious, irritable, moody, or sad

* Thinking and remembering (cognitive): Having difficulty paying attention, problems with short- or long-term memory, feeling groggy

* Sleep: Irregular sleeping patterns (too much or too little), trouble falling asleep.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms persons may experience during a concussion include:

* Headache

* Nausea or vomiting

* Confusion or feeling disoriented.

* Drowsiness or feeling sluggish.

* Dizziness

* Double vision or blurred vision

* Sensitivity to light or noise

* Balance problems

SYMPTOMS OF CONCUSSION IN A LOVED ONE

Sometimes other people can observe signs of a concussion more clearly than the concussed person. Signs of a concussion observed by others include:

* Memory problems

awaits the other teams, whereas in round two the team with the highest point heads to the finals, and the remaining team battles the team in the quarter-finals. The winner of the quarter-finals then qualifies for the finals.

Presently, team FAPC is already in the finals, and teams OTC and Bartica battle in the semi-finals on Thursday, May 4, 2023.

Meanwhile, the GPF in collaboration with Men on a Mission (MoM) had also launched a dance competition called “Flava De Stage” in an effort to build better relations with youths around the country.

According to the GPF’s Public Relations Officer, Stan Gouveia, “One

of the things that the Commissioner of Police seeks to, is to build partnerships with young people, to be able to get them to be meaningfully occupied in things that they enjoy and to be able to take them away from the temptation of other things. Which is going to help us also to build better relations with our vulnerable youths…so that they could see the Police in a different light.”

He also informed that the winning team of “Flava De Stage” will be chosen to represent Guyana at the official Caribbean Dance Competition (CDC) which is expected to host its first competition in Guyana sometime in August.

* Dazed look

* Sudden mood, behaviour or personality changes

* Losing consciousness

* Slow reflexes and responses

These symptoms may begin immediately, or they can be delayed for hours or days following the injury. It’s important to consistently check on someone, if they may have a concussion, to monitor any symptom changes.

RECOVERY SYMPTOMS FOR CONCUSSION

During the recovery period after a concussion, you may still experience uncomfortable symptoms.

These include:

* Irritability

* Sensitivity to light or noise

* Difficulty concentrating

* Mild headaches

CONCUSSION SYMPTOMS IN BABIES

Concussion symptoms can vary when it comes to babies. These may not be as noticeable at first. Babies don’t exhibit slurred speech, walking difficulties and other hallmark symptoms that can be seen in concussed children and adults. Some common signs of a concus-

sion in babies include:

* A visible bump or bruise on the baby’s head

* Crying when you move the baby’s head or neck.

* Vomiting

* Irritability

* Drowsiness

* Seizure

* Dilated pupils

In rare cases, concussions can cause permanent brain damage in infants. While most babies recover from concussions, it’s important to have them checked out by a doctor. Seek immediate medical help if the baby is unconscious.

CONCUSSION SYMPTOMS IN CHILDREN

As children get older, they may show clearer behavioural signs of concussion, and be able to express their symptoms themselves.

According to a 2020 study, common symptoms reported in children aged 5-11 with concussions were:

* Trouble sleeping

* Vision problems (including eye pain, and double vision)

* Headache

* Dizziness

* Other signs to look for in younger children include:

* Excessive crying

* Staring into space

* Behavioural changes

* Trouble concentrating

Because children’s brains are still developing, they are uniquely at risk of TBI, especially if they play sports. It’s important that children are promptly evaluated after a potential TBI, and provided necessary accommodations at school during their recovery. Kids recovering from a concussion may need time away from sports teams and classes. They may also require extra breaks during the day, or assignment extensions.

EMERGENCY SYMPTOMS:

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

See a doctor if it is suspected that you have a concussion. While most concussions resolve on their own, it’s important to evaluate the severity of the injury.

Concussions may be accompanied by injuries to the spine. If a person has a neck or back injury, avoid moving them, and call an ambulance for help. If the person absolutely must be moved, do so very carefully. Keep the person’s neck and back as stationary as possible. This will avoid causing further damage to the spine.

According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), seek immediate medical assistance if someone with a concussion has:

* Slurred speech

* Trouble waking up, or you can’t wake them.

* Seizures

* Consistent vomiting

* A history of multiple concussions

In general, someone with a concussion should absolutely see a doctor if their symptoms aren’t getting better after a few days, or are getting worse.

NGSA Science Questions NGSA S. Studies Questions

Answers for last published Science questions

Answers

Haiti crisis: Mob burns suspected gang members to death

Agroup of 13 suspected gang members has been beaten and burned to death by a mob in Haiti's capital after being seized while Police were searching their vehicle.

The suspects were reportedly beaten with gasoline-soaked tyres before being set alight in Port-au-Prince on Monday.

Police say they confiscated weapons from them just before the incident.

They have not explained how members of the public got hold of the suspects.

Haiti has descended into increasing lawlessness since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021.

The United Nations said in a report published on Monday that insecurity in the capital has reached levels similar to countries at war.

Armed gangs continue to compete to expand their territorial control, and clashes with Police and rival gangs have "become more violent and more frequent", claiming many civilian lives, it added.

Gang violence led to the death of nearly 70 persons,

including 18 women and two children, between April 14 and April 19 alone, according to the UN.

Many schools and health centres have been forced to close and the violence has also affected access to many goods and services.

"The people of Haiti continue to suffer one of the worst human rights crises in decades and a major humanitarian emergency," the report reads.

Since Moïse's assassination, the Caribbean nation has been led by Prime Minister Ariel Henry, who has failed to rein in the gangs that now

control an estimated 60 per cent of the capital.

Henry and UN officials have repeatedly called for the deployment of an international force to help Police in their fight against the criminal gangs.

So far, no country has offered to lead such a force. The United States has been trying to convince Canada to take on the role, but Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has so far resisted.

Henry has said it is key to providing security so that long-postponed elections can be held.

(BBC News)

The descendants of some of the most prominent names in the history of British slavery today called on the British Government to begin long-requested talks on reconciliation and reparative justice for the descendants of the 3.1 million enslaved African people transported across the Atlantic by Britain.

Authors, Journalists, businesspeople and a direct descendant of the Victorian Prime Minister William Gladstone are among the members of a new group set up to support campaigns to address “the ongoing consequences of this crime against humanity”.

“British slavery was legal, industrialised and

based entirely on race,” said Alex Renton, one of the group. “Britain has never apologised for it, and its after-effects still harm people’s lives in Britain as well as in the Caribbean countries where our ancestors made money.”

The group includes David Lascelles (the Earl of Harewood), retired social worker Rosemary Harrison, businessman Charles Gladstone, the former BBC correspondent Laura Trevelyan, author and publisher Richard Atkinson, retired schoolteacher Robin Wedderburn, film director John Dower and Journalist Alex Renton, who is son of a former Conservative Cabinet Minister.

Members of the group

have publicly acknowledged that their ancestors’ wealth was in part derived from plantations worked by enslaved Africans, and for whom the slave-owners received compensation at British slavery’s abolition in the 1830s. Harrison’s ancestor was a slave-owner and Attorney General in Jamaica in the late eighteenth century. “We encourage the hundreds of thousands of people in Britain with similar family histories to explore and acknowledge them. Until the painful legacy of slavery is recognised by the descendants of those who profited from it, there can never be healing,” said Richard Atkinson.

(Excerpt from Antigua Observer)

Johnson Smith confident she will be absolved in lawsuit

Senator Kamina

Johnson Smith is confident that she will be vindicated in a lawsuit filed against her and the Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Ministry, which alleges that a US$99,000 gift towards her failed 2022 Commonwealth Secretary General bid was mishandled.

The Senator, in a social media post last Thursday, called the allegations “baseless, untrue and defamatory” while reminding her followers that defamation, even on social media, can result in suits.

Johnson Smith's defence

team in a release on Monday stated that the Senator “is committed to defending herself against the allegations purportedly made in the lawsuit and is confident

that the legal process will reveal the truth of the matter and will ultimately vindicate her.”

In September 2022, the Government named GraceKennedy Limited, the Musson Group and Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica Head Keith Duncan as corporate Jamaica members that helped to finance the US$99,000 contract awarded to Finn Partners to provide international communication services for Jamaica's candidature for the Commonwealth Secretary General post.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

People living in Honduras are facing "war-like levels of violence", the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has warned.

During a visit to the Central American country, the organisation's Head Jan Egeland spoke to "people whose suffering was on the level with what you would find in any armed conflict".

Entire communities were being forcibly displaced by gangs, he said.

He urged Governments around the world not to neglect the crisis.

Egeland said that the number of killings in

Honduras – as well as in neighbouring Guatemala and El Salvador – was on par with that in armed conflicts, turning thousands of people into refugees.

Women in particular often become victims of sexual violence and femicides there, with an average of one woman murdered every 28 hours.

Children are not immune to gang violence either. Egeland told the BBC that he visited a school in the city of La Lima, which had seen student numbers drop from 5000 to 1200 over the past five years.

"There's been a cata-

strophic drop out. Students either migrate north [to the US] or they are too afraid to even attend school, they stay home out of fear of being recruited by armed gangs."

He said he had met one family whose 13-year-old son had been approached by a gang.

When the father forbade the boy to join, the family was given 24 hours to leave their home.

"They went into hiding with the NRC," Egeland, whose organisation provides shelters for those fleeing violence as well as funding for schools, said. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Honduras gang violence at “war-like levels” – NGO Indigenous leader from Brazil wins top environmental prize

When Alessandra Korap was born in the mid-1980s, her Indigenous village, nestled in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, was a haven of seclusion. But as she grew up, the nearby city of Itaituba crept closer and closer, with its bustling streets and commercial activity.

It was not just her village feeling the encroachment of non-Indigenous outsiders. Two major federal highways paved the way for tens of thousands of settlers, illegal gold miners and loggers into the region’s vast Indigenous territories, which cover a forested area roughly the size of Belgium.

The influx posed a grave threat to Korap’s Munduruku people, 14,000 strong and spread throughout the Tapajos River Basin in Brazil’s Para and Mato Grosso states.

Soon illegal mining, hydroelectric dams, a major railway and river ports for soybean exports choked their lands — lands they were still struggling to have recognised.

Korap and other Munduruku women took up the responsibility of defending their people, overturning the traditionally all-male leadership. Organising in their communities, they orchestrated demonstrations and presented evidence of environmental crime to Brazil’s Attorney General and Federal Police.

And they vehemently opposed illicit agreements and incentives offered to the Munduruku by unscrupulous miners, loggers, corporations

and politicians seeking access to their land.

Korap’s defence of her ancestral territory was recognised with the Goldman Environmental Prize on Monday. The award honours grassroots activists around the world who are dedicated to protecting the environment and promoting sustainability.

Korap is one of six recipients of the 2023 Goldman Environmental Prize for grassroots activism.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Venezuela’s Guaidó in Colombia ahead of summit

Venezuelan Opposition figure Juan Guaidó says he has travelled to Colombia, a day before a meeting organised by Colombian President Gustavo Petro seeking to find a way out of the longstanding political crisis in Venezuela.

In a statement on Monday, Guaidó said he had crossed into Colombia “on foot” and intended to request meetings with international delegates attending today’s summit in the capital, Bogota.

He also said he hoped the summit would result

in a commitment from the Government of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to resume negotiations with the Opposition, which began in Mexico in 2021, but have been on hold since November.

“I hope this summit can ensure that the Maduro regime returns to the negotiating table in Mexico and agrees to a credible timetable for free and fair elections to solve the current situation,” Guaidó said.

After the re-election of Maduro in 2018 was deemed a sham by dozens of countries, Guaidó declared himself Venezuela’s interim

President in 2019.

However, his popularity has since waned and Opposition lawmakers voted in January to strip him of that role and instead appoint a committee to run what they call their “interim government”.

Petro, who took office in August last year as the first left-wing president in Colombian history, has sought to mend relations with the country’s neighbour, reopening key border crossings with Venezuela and resuming diplomatic ties between the two nations.

(Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

A Police Officer stands guard near a site where alleged gang members were set on fire by a crowd of people in Port-au-Prince

Alessandra Korap, winner of the 2023 Goldman Environmental Prize, has fought against illegal mining and encroachment on her Munduruku people's traditional territory [Eric Risberg/AP photo]

Heirs of Slavery – new group of people whose ancestors profited from British slavery – launched

Jamaican Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Kamina Johnson Smith

Around The World OIL NEWS

At UN, Russia's Lavrov warns world at "dangerous threshold"

Oil prices settle higher on optimism about fuel demand in China

Oil prices settled higher on Monday, reversing losses as investors grew optimistic that holiday travel in China would boost fuel demand in the world's largest oil importer.

Brent crude settled up US$1.07, or 1.3%, at US$82.73 a barrel while US West Texas Intermediate crude settled up 89 cents, or 1.1%, at US$78.76.

Last week, both contracts fell more than 5% for their first weekly declines in five as US implied gasoline demand fell from a year earlier.

China's bumpy economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic has clouded the oil demand outlook, though Chinese customs data on Friday showed record volumes of imports in March.

Bookings in China for trips abroad during the upcoming May Day holiday point to a continued recovery in travel to Asian countries, but the numbers remain far off pre-COVID-19 levels with long-haul airfares soaring and not enough flights available.

"There's a lot of optimism around Chinese holidays as it relates to jet fuel demand, the first genuine numbers on Chinese demand construction," said Bob Yawger, director of energy futures at Mizuho.

Supply tightness owing to additional supply cuts planned by the OPEC+ producer group from May could also lift prices.

"Planned output cuts by the OPEC+ alliance and a strong demand outlook from China could provide a fillip to prices in the coming days", said independent oil analyst Sugandha Sachdeva.

Iraq's northern oil exports also showed few concrete signs of an imminent restart after a month of standstill, as aspects of an agreement between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) have yet to be resolved, according to four sources.

Refining margins in Asia have weakened on record production from top refiners China and India, curbing the region's appetite for Middle East supplies loading in June. (Reuters)

India to surpass China as world's most populous country in April – UN says

India’s population is expected to match China’s by the end of April and then to surpass it as the world’s most populous country, the United Nations said on Monday.

The announcement by the UN’s Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) comes days after the UN Population Fund said last week India would have 2.9 million more people than China by the middle of 2023.

India’s population is expected to reach 1,425,775,850 by the end of this month, DESA said, based on the latest UN estimates and projections of the global population.

“China will soon cede its long-held status as the world’s most populous country,” it said, adding that “due to the uncertainty associated with estimating and projecting populations, the specific date on which India is expected to surpass China in population size is approximate and subject to revision.”

Last year, some pop-

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said on Monday that the risk of conflict between global powers was at an "historic high" and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned the world was at a threshold "possibly even more dangerous" than during the Cold War.

Guterres, seated next to Lavrov in the UN Security Council, criticised Russia's invasion of Ukraine for causing massive suffering and devastation in the country and fuelling global economic dislocation caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

"Tensions between major powers are at an historic high. So are the risks of conflict, through misadventure or miscalculation," Guterres told the meeting of the 15-member body on multilateralism and

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres shakes hands with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during a meeting

the founding UN Charter. Lavrov chaired the council meeting because Russia holds the council's monthly rotating presidency for April. "As during the Cold War,

we have reached the dangerous, possibly even more dangerous, threshold," Lavrov said. "The situation is worsened with the loss of trust in multilateralism."

"Let's call a spade a spade. Nobody allowed the Western minority to speak on behalf of all of humankind," Lavrov said.

A string of Security Council members, including the United States, France and Britain, condemned Russia for its war on Ukraine.

"Our hypocritical convenor today, Russia, invaded its neighbour Ukraine and struck at the heart of the UN Charter," US Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, told the council.

Thomas-Greenfield also accused Russia of violating international law by wrongfully detaining Americans, calling for the release of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and ex-Marine Paul Whelan. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Jerusalem: 5 injured in Palestinian car ramming attack

Five people have been injured in a car-ramming attack by a Palestinian in central Jerusalem, Israeli Police say.

The vehicle hit pedestrians near the busy Machane Yehuda market.

The attacker was shot and killed at the scene by a civilian. Police say the assailant was a 39-year-old man from occupied East Jerusalem.

It came as Israel began to mark Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and victims of attacks - one of the most solemn days in the national calendar.

Speaking at a Memorial Day event, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the attack

was "another attempt to murder Israeli citizens".

Footage from the scene just moments after the incident shows a dark-coloured Chevrolet hatchback, its front crumpled and windscreen cracked, at a standstill on a

office

ulation experts had used UN data to project India’s population would touch 1,425,775,850 on April 14, 2023.

But UN population officials had said it was not possible to pinpoint a date because of uncertainty relating to data from India and China, with India's last census held in 2011 and the next, which had been due in 2021, being delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“China’s population reached its peak size of 1.426 billion in 2022 and has started to fall. Projections indicate that the size of the Chinese population could drop below 1 billion before the end of the century,” DESA said.

“By contrast, India’s population is expected to continue growing for several decades.”

Between 2023 and 2050, the number of people aged 65 or over was expected to nearly double in China and to more than double in India, DESA said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Two explosions have rocked a counterterrorism facility in northwest Pakistan, killing at least 12 people and injuring more than 50 others, Police said.

Sharifullah Khan, a Police official in Kabal, told Al Jazeera that at least 12 people died in the blasts on Monday at the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province’s Swat Valley while more than 50 were reported injured.

He added that he doesn’t believe the blasts were caused by “terrorism”. The “explosions occurred after explosive material in the CTD building’s basement caught fire”, he said.

The building complex also houses the Kabal District Police Station and headquarters of a reserve police force, but the main damage was done at the counterterrorism department building.

Provincial police chief Akhtar Hayat said there was an old ammunition store in the office, and Police were probing whether that caused the explosions or if it was an attack.

Two attacks on large Police bases have been linked to the Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) since the start of the year.

Most of those killed on Monday were Police Counterterrorism Officers, Hayat said, adding that a woman and her child who were passing by the building were also killed.

Bilal Faizi, spokesman for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s provincial rescue service, said the search for more wounded was still in its initial stages.

The regional hospital administration said it received several wounded people, some of them in critical condition. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

zebra crossing between Kiah Street and Agrippas Street.

A man in a dark blue T-shirt and black jeans is seen slumped over the bonnet, not moving, as Police and civilians mill around.

Israel was on heightened

alert ahead of Memorial Day, which commemorates soldiers and civilians who have been killed in conflict and attacks since 1860.

The sombre occasion leads into Independence Day tonight and Wednesday. The day is celebrated with patriotic events, with this year marking Israel's 75th anniversary.

Palestinians, however, consider Israel's formation in 1948 as a catastrophe which led to the displacement of up to 750,000 of their people in the Arab-Israeli war that followed.

Monday's attack comes amid a surge in IsraeliPalestinian violence this year.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Australian defence review plots pivot from armour to missiles

Australia will speed up efforts to buy longer range missiles to counter the growing threat from China, a major defence review says. It warns the country can no longer be protected by its geographic isolation in the "missile age".

The Government will spend some A$19bn (US$12bn, £10bn) to deliver the report's immediate recommendations.

The 110-page study is described as the biggest overhaul of Australian defence since World War Two.

The Defence Strategic Review (DSR) comes amid increasing regional tension over China's stance towards Taiwan, which it has repeatedly vowed to take by force if necessary.

The Chinese navy has also established a major presence in the South China Sea, claiming parts of it as its own territory, contrary to international law.

"China's military build-up is now the largest and most ambitious of any country since the end of the Second World War. This build up is occurring without transparency or reassurance to the IndoPacific region of China's strategic intent," the report states.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the review would "shape the future rather than waiting for the future to shape us", and its recommendations would make Australia "more self-reliant, more prepared and more secure".

It recommends that Australia's armed forces switch focus from land-based armour to "longer-range strike capability, with munitions built in Australia", Defence Minister Richard Marles said.

The minister said the acquisition of "precision strike missiles" with ranges in excess of 500km (310 miles) would give the army "the firepower and mobility it needs into the future". (Excerpt from BBC News)

of the United Nations Security Council on "Effective multilateralism through the defence of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations," at the UN headquarters in New York, US, April 24, 2023

The car hit people near the busy Machane Yehuda market area

At least 12 killed in blasts at Pakistan counterterrorism

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Take a moment to examine your plans before you begin. A couple of tweaks will make the difference between OK and spectacular. Aim to open a window of opportunity.

(March 21-April 19)

Do your part and everything else will fall into place. Make the time to visit someone who both grounds and inspires you, and you'll devise a plan that stimulates your mind. Pamper yourself.

(April 20-May 20)

PEANUTS

(May 21-June 20)

Don't settle for less or live in someone's shadow. Consider what makes you happy, and strive to incorporate what you enjoy most into your everyday routine. Only you can choose the right path.

Stop struggling and proceed down the path of least resistance. Unleash your spirit and follow your dreams. Take a passionate approach to everything you do.

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

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

You'll face opposition if you try to do things your way. Rethink your strategy, and you'll discover how to incorporate your ideas into what's already in place. Your methods will be important today.

Reach out and offer your skills, knowledge and ideas to an organization or someone in need of assistance, and you'll make exciting connections. Listen, share and adjust to what's trending.

Slow down and take everything in before you decide what to do next. Reflect on the past and question the future. Rethink your work ethic and goals, and consider how to change course.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

You'll have plenty of options, but before you make a decision, do your homework. Invest more time in learning and exploring the possibilities and what's available.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Distance yourself from trouble or anyone pushing you in a direction you don't want to go. Concentrate on personal growth, physical well-being and happiness. Peace of mind will prevail.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Don't hesitate when an opportunity presents itself. Changes to your living arrangements or space will positively impact your state of mind and important relationships. Share your thoughts.

Stick close to home; if you venture out, you'll face resistance from someone who doesn't share your views. Self-improvement projects will bring the most satisfaction.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

You've got the stamina to do something spectacular. Attend meetings, upgrade your resume or enhance your skills. Participate in events that encourage networking.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

Grandmaster Nigel Short forges path to elevate chess in Guyana

International Chess Federation (FIDE) Director for Development, Grandmaster Nigel Short, MBE, has made strides to boost chess in young and developing chess federations across the globe.

The visit by the Grandmaster to Guyana was included in a tour of Belize and Suriname. He has already met officials in the Cayman Islands, Dominica, St Kitts-Nevis, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda to reinforce chess development, and in most cases, to start new chess associations in those territories.

His recent stop in Guyana was no different. He has succeeded in strengthening partnerships, improving awareness, and bringing valuable discussions to the attention of high-level officials.

Grandmaster Short was granted an audience with President Dr Irfaan Ali, whose contribution of $1 million for chess development in Guyana was well received.

Additionally, he met with Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Dr KJ Srinivasa,

and Deputy British High Commissioner to Guyana, Judy Kpogho. Both promised their support in working with the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) to bring chess to a higher level in Guyana.

The GM also complimented the management of the Chess Federation for its work in promoting chess and its organisational structure. He expressed these sentiments at a dinner hosted by the senior

management of Demerara Distillers Limited. The Topco brand of DDL, whose support has been invaluable in the past, has renewed its commitment to championing the development of chess in Guyana.

The GM’s trip was not all business, however. As an avid cricket fan, he had the opportunity to visit the famous Everest Cricket Club guided by Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir. The

Club has a rich history, with the first cricket match played in 1915; it continued to the present day hosting many regional and international fixtures. GM Short also paid a quick visit to the Georgetown Cricket Club and was given a guided tour of the Uitvlugt Estate, thanks to GuySuCo Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sasenarine Singh.

During his visit, the Grandmaster also engaged four schools in Georgetown with

very active chess communities. Through these meetings, he pulled from his vast experience in his decades playing chess at the highest level to impart advice and game analyses to young minds.

Furthermore, scores of chess fans and players attended his meet-and-greet at the Amazonia Mall, where they discussed tactics and chess puzzles and picked the brain of England's brightest chess mind. Fans were

allowed to pose for memorable pictures with GM Short. His visit inspired many parents to contact the Federation to get their children involved in the game and be part of the rapidly-developing sport. GM Short has promised support in planning initiatives regionally in collaboration with other national chess federations in the Caribbean that share similar goals.

Capitals hang on to defend 144 against SRH

For a large part of the contest, Sunrisers Hyderabad seemed to have a hold on Delhi Capitals.

Like when Washington Sundar picked up three wickets in an over. When Bhuvneshwar Kumar gave away almost nothing in his four overs. When Mayank Agarwal laid a solid platform for Sunrisers’ chase of 145.

It came down to Sunrisers needing 13 off the last over, with Washington and Marco Jansen in the middle. But Mukesh Kumar exuded calmness as he nailed his yorkers and gave away only five runs, sealing a seven-run win for Capitals. It was the lowest total the Delhi franchise had successfully defended in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Capitals’ spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel had combined figures of 8-0-43-3 to stifle Sunrisers in the chase. It was Capitals’ second successive win, but despite that they stayed at the bottom of the standings, thanks to their net run rate of -0.961.

Washington, Klaasen take Sunrisers close

Capitals’ spinners had done well to leave Sunrisers needing 51 off the last four overs. But Heinrich Klaasen displayed his power-hitting skills, taking on fellow South African Anrich Nortje. From being on 9 from 8 at the start of the 17th over, Klaasen raced to 31 off 18, launching Nortje for a six over deep midwicket and then hitting two fours off Mukesh in

the 18th over. At the other end, Washington first ramped Nortje through deep third before playing a tumbling scoop off Mukesh. He then heaved Nortje through deep midwicket to get the equation down to 13 off 6. But Washington could not get the big hits away in the final over.

Sunrisers get stuck

After changing their opening combination once again, Sunrisers got off to a sedate start. Harry Brook struggled to get the measure of the surface and fell for seven off 14 balls trying to scoop Nortje. Agarwal started more positively, but Sunrisers managed only 36 for 1 in the powerplay.

Rahul Tripathi, brought in as the Impact Player for T Natarajan, tried everything he could – dashing down the track, getting inside the line to play the scoop, using the depth of the crease – but he could not put the ball away either.

Agarwal, meanwhile, found the occasional boundary, but the

runs came at a premium. Their 38-run stand for the second wicket ended when Agarwal looked to hit out off Axar, against whom he does not have a favourable match-up. Off the 54 balls Agarwal has faced from Axar in the IPL, he has managed to score only 43. On Monday, he fell for 49 off 39 balls and that opened the floodgates. Tripathi was caught behind off Ishant Sharma in the next over, Kuldeep deceived Abhishek Sharma in the following over before Axar had Aiden Markram chopping on in the 15th over.

In the middle overs (7-16) Sunrisers could muster only 58 and lost four wickets. In the corresponding phase, Capitals had managed 64 for 3.

Washington’s triple-strike

In 13.4 overs in IPL 2023 before Monday, Washington had gone wicketless. His first over against Sunrisers went for 13 with David Warner hitting a four and a six. Washington then stepped up in his next over, the eighth of the innings, putting

the skids on Capitals.

Warner went for a slogsweep and only found deep midwicket. A ball later, Washington had Sarfaraz Khan top-edging a sweep to deep backward square leg. And then, off the fifth ball of the over, Aman Khan fell top-edging an attempted slog across the line to covers. From 57 for 2, Capitals had slid to 62 for 5 in eight overs.

Capitals’ batting wobbly again

As Prithvi Shaw was benched, Phil Salt opened for Capitals, but nibbled at an outswinging length ball from Bhuvneshwar on his first ball, the third of the match, to be caught behind for a blob. Warner hit his first six of the season, but was not fluent. Sarfaraz Khan had one lofted extra cover drive for six to write home about. But barring Mitchell Marsh, Manish Pandey and Axar, Capitals’ batting left a lot to be desired again.

Marsh got going with four fours off Jansen’s first over. He first flicked a length ball over midwicket before tickling one down to fine leg. Jansen went wide and was duly thrashed through cover-point before being caressed through extra covers. But Natarajan managed to see the back of Marsh in the final over of the powerplay, getting one to swing into him off a length. It struck Marsh on the back pad and the umpire ruled the lbw appeal in the batter’s favour, but Sunrisers got their man via the DRS.

With Pandey and Axar

joining hands in the eighth over, Capitals were in danger of falling way short on a surface that had enough in it for the spinners. But the duo added 69 together off 59 balls to give them a semblance of a platform for the final flourish.

Both scored 34 apiece with Pandey taking 27 balls and Axar taking 34 for his.

But Bhuvneshwar cleaned

up Axar with a seaming ball that dipped on the batter to bowl him. Pandey was runout in the following over as Sunrisers slid into the driver’s seat. Capitals lost four wickets in the last 19 balls to finish at 144 for 9, a total that did not seem enough at the halfway stage. But their bowlers ensured it was. (ESPNcricinfo)

SCOREBOARD

Delhi Capitals (20 ovs maximum)

David Warner (c) c Brook

b Washington Sundar 21

Phil Salt † c †Klaasen b Kumar 0

Mitchell Marsh lbw b Natarajan 25

Sarfaraz Khan c Kumar b

Washington Sundar 10

Manish Pandey run out (Washington Sundar/†Klaasen) 34

Aman Hakim Khan c Abhishek Sharma b Washington Sundar 4

Axar Patel b Kumar 34

Ripal Patel run out (†Klaasen) 5

Anrich Nortje run out (Umran Malik/†Klaasen) 2

Kuldeep Yadav not out 4

Ishant Sharma not out 1

Extras (lb 2, w 2) 4

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 7.20) 144/9

Fall of wickets: 1-1 (Phil Salt, 0.3 ov), 2-39 (Mitchell Marsh, 4.4 ov), 3-57 (David Warner, 7.2 ov), 4-58 (Sarfaraz Khan, 7.4 ov),

5-62 (Aman Hakim Khan, 7.6 ov), 6-131 (Axar Patel, 17.5 ov),

7-134 (Manish Pandey, 18.2 ov),

8-139 (Anrich Nortje, 19.2 ov),

9-139 (Ripal Patel, 19.4 ov) •

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Bhuvneshwar Kumar 4-0-11-2

Marco Jansen 2-0-27-0

Washington Sundar 4-0-28-3

T Natarajan 3-0-21-1

Mayank Markande 4-0-34-0

Umran Malik 2-0-14-0

Aiden Markram 1-0-7-0

Sunrisers Hyderabad (T: 145 runs from 20 ovs)

Harry Brook b Nortje 7

Mayank Agarwal c Aman

Hakim Khan b AR Patel 49

Rahul Tripathi c †Salt

b Sharma 15

Abhishek Sharma c & b Kuldeep Yadav 5

Aiden Markram (c) b AR Patel 3

Heinrich Klaasen †c Aman

Hakim Khan b Nortje 31

Washington Sundar not out 24

Marco Jansen not out 2

Extras (nb 1) 1

TOTAL 20 Ov (RR: 6.85) 137/6

Did not bat: Mayank

Markande, Bhuvneshwar

Kumar, Umran Malik

Fall of wickets: 1-31 (Harry Brook, 5.1 ov), 2-69 (Mayank

Agarwal, 11.3 ov), 3-75 (Rahul

Tripathi, 12.3 ov), 4-79 (Abhishek Sharma, 13.3 ov), 5-85 (Aiden

Markram, 14.1 ov), 6-126 (Heinrich Klaasen, 18.3 ov) •

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Ishant Sharma 3-0-18-1

Anrich Nortje 4-0-33-2

Mukesh Kumar 3-0-27-0

Axar Patel 4-0-21-2

Kuldeep Yadav 4-0-22-1

Mitchell Marsh 2-0-16-0

Grandmaster Nigel Short illustrates moves to students at Queen’s College

A look at the meet-and-greet hosted at the Amazonia Mall

West Indies A to play 3-match First-Class series in Bangladesh

Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Monday announced the match schedule for the upcoming men’s A Team series in Bangladesh.

The West Indies A Team will arrive on May 11 and play three fourday “Test” matches at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium (SICS) in Sylhet. These matches will have full First-Class status.

This will be the second

West Indies Men’s A Team series since 2020, when COVID-19 caused major disruptions. It is a reciprocal tour by West Indies A following the Bangladesh A team’s visit last August,

when they played two fourday First-Class matches and three 50-over List A matches at the Daren Sammy Stadium in Saint Lucia.

West Indies Men’s A Team matches are an important development opportunity for players pushing for selection to the West Indies senior team and for emerging players to build their FirstClass international experience. Roland Holder, CWI’s Manager of Cricket Operations, reiterated

London defends LTW Cycling Classic title

…with driving finish in Open category

In a thrilling finish, Nigel London nudged out Orville Hinds to successfully defend the Linden Town Week Cycling Classic open category title he won one year ago, when the final 10-lap race was held Sunday afternoon downtown in the heart of Linden.

All the races were staged in the central Mackenzie circuit beginning outside Gregory’s Grocery Store on Republic Avenue and ending there in front of an appreciative crowd.

In the first veterans race for eight laps, London came out on top beating Garfield Lorrimer into second place and Andy Spencer into third.

Then London returned in the 10-lap open category race where he outsprinted Hinds to win and Lorrimer was a distant third.

Other race results were:

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Caption: Evin Lewis and Rashid Khan were teammates at St Kitts & Nevis Patriots last season

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Junior Males 5-lap race: 1) Kevin Stephens; 2) Joshua Waldron

Boys’ 6-9 years: 1 Kenvil Desouza. Boys’ 9-12 years: 1) Javin Henry; 2) Raphael Anderson

Boys’ Under-16 six-lap race: 1) Meshach Sutton; 2) Reshad Mingo; 3) Shaplon Douglas

Girls’ 18 & Under: 1) Shaunna Hyles; 2) Reshona Knights.

Deputy Linden Mayor Wainwright Bethune was there to witness the races and presented the many winners with trophies and incentives as he thanked GTT for coming on board with the Linden Town Council and Bauxite Flyers Cycling Club to stage another successful race. Contributors who played key roles for the staging of the 2023 edition were Region 10 Tourism Committee, Guyana Breweries Inc, Guyana Lottery, Destinations Tours, Sister to Sister’s Beauty, and Hyacinth’s Bed and Breakfast

that the series would provide exposure for several players and noted it was a significant part of CWI’s commitment to continually develop talent and prepare them for the demands of international cricket.

Holder said: “We are again pleased to work closely with the BCB as we confirm the match schedule for this upcoming Men’s A

Team series. Last summer, we had a competitive fivematch series with red ball and white ball matches in Saint Lucia. This time around, our players will get to experience foreign conditions and this is a vital part of their development in the pathway toward full international selection and provides a platform for further exposure and prog-

ress following the recent West Indies Championship and new Headley Weekes Tri-Series.”

Match Schedule

All matches at SICS, Sylhet May 16-19: 1st “Test” May 23-26: 2nd “Test” May 30 to June 2: 3rd “Test”

GBF National Women’s 3x3 Championship dampened by rain …Tournament rescheduled to April 29

The rain had the final say on Saturday when the Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) attempted to host its inaugural National Women’s 3x3 Championship in Linden.

The Retrieve Hard Court was set to host the GBF’s first competition for 2023, and scores of players had travelled to the mining town to compete at the first 3x3 tournament organised for the senior women in Guyana.

With Guyana’s women’s side qualifying to compete at the June 23-July 8 Central American and

Caribbean (CAC) Games in El Salvador, the tournament is being held as part of team selection and preparation.

GBF President Michael Singh said: “It was unfortunate that the women didn’t get to hoop in Linden over the weekend, but we (the GBF) appreciate their eagerness to play. I admire their commitment, and it’s encouraging to the Federation.”

According to Singh, the tournament will be played on Saturday, April 29, at a venue to be announced in the coming days by the GBF.

“We will look at several

options and make a formal announcement. We have to keep the players engaged as much as possible. And, as I mentioned before, the GBF will emphasise female participation during this Administration’s tenure,” Singh said.

The University of Guyana Trojans (two squads); President’s College (two squads); Kwakwani (two squads) and Linden are the teams competing in the tournament that will be played in a round-robin format.

Trophies, other prizes, and bragging rights will be up for grabs.

Nigel London (left) collects his trophy from Deputy Linden Mayor Wainwright Bethune

Some of the women who were geared up to compete on Saturday

1-month timeline given for first phase of GFF’s D’Urban Park facility

Story and photoS By Jemima holmeS

What will either be the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) National Technical Centre or the GFF Football Stadium, situated at D’Urban Park in the heart of the capital city Georgetown is now taking shape; with work currently ongoing to clear the land and prepare mini football pitches.

This is according to GFF President Wayne Forde, who, during a site visit on Monday afternoon, updated One CONCACAF and Caribbean Projects Head Howard McIntosh, on the state of the project.

The facility at D’Urban park, which the GFF is still mulling an official name for, will not only see mini pitches that will be opened to players from around the community and further afield, but also a fullfledged football stadium and technical centre.

“The plan is to build a stadium that can have a seating capacity between 12 to 14,000. The plan is also to have mini pitches that will allow us to have community grassroots football activity 24 hours a day. The plan is to have some elements of the GFF Administration relocated to this site. We are actively

pursuing as we would have announced a while ago a genuine professional league project in Guyana and this venue here has been identified as the venue, that this will be the home of the Pro League.,” Forde detailed about the GFF’s plans for the facility.

The project has commenced with the portion of the land that will house the mini pitches being prepared by McGregor’s Real Estate Development. A project which is being fully funded by One CONCACAF and will cost approximately $18 million-$25 million.

The GFF boss shared about the current works, “The project that the contractor is undertaking is levelling the land, clearing it, taking out all the stumps and all the boulders and disposing of that and

then half of the property is going to be sand-filled and compressed to a 12-inch finish. After we would have done that, we're going to be mounting a couple of goals on that half of the pitch. So, while the engineering and other design processes are taking place, the youngsters from the community will be able to come out here and play football in the evenings.”

The contractor has given an initial one-month timeline for the completion of what is Phase One of the project.

When it comes to the larger project, that is the stadium, etc, Forde has given a four-year timeline and has said that the Federation will be seeking

corporate assistance and other income streams to complete such a magnanimous project, that is set to bring pride to the nation’s football fraternity.

“Just the pride that the football fraternity will feel, because as we all know football as a sport, has not had the benefit of having the best of facilities, more so its own facility. So, I think that would be a watershed moment for our sport,” Forde said, in remarking on what the completion of the project would mean for Guyana’s football.

When probed about the way the pitches, especially

the stadium pitch, would be constructed, Forde revealed that the verdict was still out on whether AstroTurf would be utilised.

He noted, “Well, there is a lot of debate by the technical staff as to whether the main pitch will be a natural grass, artificial pitch or a hybrid, I think we will give the engineers that decision and that challenge, because they will have to have a census to the level of usage, which I want to imagine will be high, because not only will we be playing the professionals here, it will also be suited for international games as well.”

Meanwhile, CONCACAF’s McIntosh marvelled at the progression he has seen in Guyana football as compared to yesteryear.

“You know, when I used to visit Guyana, we used to talk about, at one stage, normalisations and politics of football, but now we're talking about facilities and we're talking about development. And that is so, so important to us all...,” McIntosh remarked.

The GFF first acquired the land at D’Urban Park through a lease with the Government of Guyana back in February 2019.

Santa Rosa come from behind to clinch 1st Milo title

Story and photoS By Jemima holmeS

Pandemonium broke out on Sunday night when a Santa Rosa player sporting the number 20 jersey walked up to the penalty mark and successfully executed his team’s fifth penalty. That decisive strike meant that Santa Rosa had bested former threetime Milo schools’ football champions Chase’s Academic Foundation in only their first outing in the competition.

The spraying beverages and smiling faces that ran giddily onto the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground’s football pitch were testaments to the hundreds of spectators who turned out on Sunday night to witness what was ‘a game fit for a final’.

The colours on the pitch [light and dark blue] intriguingly resembled the team colours in the enthralling World Cup 2022 final that was witnessed last December. Oddly enough, even the 3-3 score at the end of regulation and extra time was the same, but the Region One (Barima-Waini) team ensured that this time, it was the darker blues who would prevail.

The fascinating tale of Santa Rosa’s spirited comeback in the wildly-entertaining final all started with two quickfire goals from Chase’s Academy in the first half.

It was Chase’s Captain, Seon Cato, who executed a fine header for the first goal in the 22nd minute, while Matrim Martin followed up with a simple tap-in in the 24th for Chase’s two-goal advantage.

The score remained the same until the second half, where Santa Rosa seemingly returned with a vengeance. Their Captain, Roy Vansluytman finally broke the ice in the 50th minute with a well-placed free kick. Then, in the 73rd minute, Vansluytman, the eventual Most Valuable Player (MVP), made it a 2-2 game with a header.

Much to the delight of the boisterous fans, the scores remained locked until the 83rd minute, when Chase’s Justin

Alcindor converted a set piece for their third goal. However, their lead did not last for long. Just a minute later, Santa Rosa’s Nelson Lucas capitalised on the goalkeeper’s misjudgement of an incoming shot to level the scores again.

When extra time bore no fruit, the game went down to penalties, from which Santa Rosa prevailed 5-3.

Also gracing the Milo final was Housing and Water Minister Colin Croal , who was rather impressed with what he witnessed.

“Before I talk about the finalists, I think we need to start off by saying and giving a big round of applause for football, because the winner for this tournament is actually football in Guyana,” the Minister shared in brief re-

marks.

Croal went on to add, “And so, what we’ve learnt over the last few weeks is that if opportunity is created equally for everyone, it doesn’t matter where you come from, you will find persons being able to compete and I want to use that as an instrument and a motivation.”

Meanwhile, in the third-place playoff, Carmel Secondary easily overcame Mackenzie High 3-0. Goals from Samuel Ferguson, Shem James, and Ian Daniels in the 34th, 46th and 85th minutes respectively did the trick for Carmel.

When it came to individual prizes, Carmel’s Ian Daniels

was the tournament’s highest goal scorer with 13 goals from 7 games. Santa Rosa’s Enrique Williams and Roy Vansluytman were named best goalkeeper and MVP respectively. The Region One outfit was adjudged the most disciplined team in the tour-

nament.

The ninth edition of the tournament was supported by Massy Distribution through the Nestle Milo brand; Guyana Industrial Minerals Inc (GINMIN); General Equipment Guyana (Genequip) and MVP Sports.

GFF President Wayne Forde Head of One CONCACAF and Caribbean Projects, Howard McIntosh

Land-clearing work being undertaken at the GFF’s D’Urban Park facility

Eventual MVP Roy Vansluytman executes a shot from the penalty mark

A glimpse of the final action

Milo’s highest goal scorer for 2023, Ian Daniels of Carmel Secondary