Guyana Times - Tuesday, December 20, 2022

Land surveyor chopped to death during robbery

of the late Ricky Ambrose, and calls on the authorities to have a proper investigation into this incident”, a GGDMA press release has said. In the meantime, the GGDMA has called on the relevant authorities to put proper systems in place at the borders, in order to negate all criminal activities.

Asurveyor attached to the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) was on Sunday found chopped to death during a robbery at Arumu Backdam in the Cuyuni riverine community of Region Seven (CuyuniMazaruni).

Dead is Ricky Ambrose, who had also been a ranger for the past 20 years. His body, bearing lacerations, was found some distance away from the all-terrain vehicle (ATV) he had been using at the time. Reports are that his licensed firearm and a quantity of raw gold and cash are also missing. Ambrose had been well known to all in that populated area and in other mining districts in the country.

The GGDMA has also learnt that Police visited the area only on Monday, to process the scene and remove the body. The GGDMA has since lashed out at the GPF’s response efforts, claiming that the area where the incident occurred is not far from Bartica.

“The GGDMA would like

to express its condolences to the family and friends

It was reported only last week in a section of the media that members of the Joint Service have intensified security efforts at Five Star Backdam in the North West District (NWD) of Region One, following reports of the presence there of a marauding Venezuelan gang. Five Star Backdam

is a mining community located close to the GuyanaVenezuela Border and the community of Imataka in Venezuela.

The report stated that miners and other business persons working in the community are being forced to leave, after a marauding Venezuelan gang invaded the area on November 30, 2022.

“Miners and business persons alike have called on the law enforcement authorities to intervene and protect them from the heavily armed gang of more than 30 persons,” the report added.

State House attacker remains on life support – Crime Chief

Crime Chief Wendell

Blanhum on Monday confirmed that Bethel Ikena Chinezie, the 25-year-old Nigerian national who invaded State House last Thursday in an attempt to assassinate President Ali and was shot thrice, remains in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Georgetown Public Hospital. He is on life support, battling for his life, and as such, detectives have been unable to question him.

Blanhum also clarified that investigators are still trying to put the pieces together in order to figure out Chinezie’s motive for the invasion.

Last Thursday, at about 7:30h, Chinezie approached the security detail at a southern guard hut in the compound of State House, located near Carmichael Street, with a demand to see the President. He was cau-

tioned about having to be processed before entering the compound, but he resisted being processed, then whipped out a knife from a pouch he was carrying and used same to stab Teon Perreira, one of the guards present, five times about his body and to his neck. After injuring Perreira, Chienzie relieved a female guard of her firearm and retreated from the guard hut.

It was then that shots rang out in the usually quiet neighbourhood, much to the alarm of those residing in the environs. Civilian videos of the ordeal on Thursday morning captured Chinezie walking backwards from the guard hut while continuing to exchange gunfire with the Presidential Guards and other ranks. The severely injured Nigerian national was later surrounded, intercepted, and disarmed by ranks.

Both the injured guard and the attacker were rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) for immediate medical attention. Perreira was rushed into surgery at the GPHC, and President Dr. Irfaan Ali showed up to check on his well-being. Perreira later regained consciousness, and is reportedly alert. He, however, remains hospitalised at the Georgetown Public Hospital.

At the scene of the shooting, Police ranks retrieved a 9mm pistol and seven 9mm spent shells. While there were no other injuries reported, there was visible damage to nearby business entities.

Information on Chinezie has revealed that he is employed with a cleaning service company. He arrived in Guyana on March 13, 2020, and was previously employed with a security company.

Shot Nigerian national Bethel Ikena Chinezie

Dead: Ricky Ambrose

BRIDGE

$125B to be spent in 3 years to upgrade hinterland health facilities – Pres Ali –

as Mabaruma smart Hospital commissioned

healthcare services.”

FERRY

The President highlighted that such investments will directly influence the transformation of society and better quality of life for all Guyanese. He added that every region will be supported so that patients acquire better care regardless of their location.

“Whether you are in Region One or Region Nine

In building the vision of having a ‘world-class’ healthcare system in Guyana, President Irfaan Ali on Monday announced that $125 billion will be expended to upgrade hinterland facilities within the next three years.

The Head of State made this announcement at the commissioning of the Mabaruma Hospital under the Smart Hospital project – part of an $835 million funded initiative by the UK Government through UK Aid for the upgrading of five regional facilities.

This project was implemented by the Pan American Health Organisation’s

Department of Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Relief with support from the Health Ministry.

Moving forward, he said Government has major plans to revamp hinterland health facilities, which will come to full fruition by 2025.

“In the hinterland, outside of the main investments and big facilities, we’re going to spend $125 billion in the next three years at Lethem, Kato, Mahdia, Kamarang, Mabaruma, Moruca, Bartica and Port Kaituma. More than $125 billion will be invested in these facilities, giving the best working condition, giving the population the best possible access to

or Region Four, you will have access to facilities. Very important to us also is the whole modernisation of the healthcare system. That requires that there is a basic level of equipment at every level – community healthcare, regional healthcare, and national healthcare,” President Ali underscored.

The Mabaruma smart Hospital facility

President Dr Irfaan Ali delivering the feature address at the commissioning of the Mabaruma smart Hospital

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony addressing the gathering

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Cultural influences

One of the characteristics of the post-modern world is a quest for “authenticity”: as the young say, “We gotta be real”. The first problem with this much-vaunted “authenticity” is that the very nature of the human self is artificial, and shaped by its surrounding culture. However, by the West’s enlightenment, individualistic premises – to the extent that cultural influences are important – are often seen as sources of alienation, coercion, and manipulation. The “true” self is touted to be that which is not a product of society, that which resists conformity, and makes individuals “unique”. As a result, the influencer is obsessed with novelty in all aspects of life – from art to lifestyles – touting the new simply because it is new.

But this romantic conception of the self is simply wrong. We are not plants or toads, whose development is largely an unfolding of prespecified potential. We are profoundly social animals, with brains wired to absorb and assimilate our surrounding culture, beginning most germanely with language. A person without culture is an abstraction-like form without content. The well-documented cases of “feral children” – that is, children who grew up with little human contact – are tragic testimonies to the indispensability of social learning. They were literally “non-human”.

Even a person’s most profound beliefs – those about God and the relationship between humans and the cosmos – are inextricably connected to culture. Hence the saliency of our ethnic ties in Guyana. However, we know what it is like to bow to social conventions, and mask our feelings and opinions from others. More poignantly, we know the painful dissonance of dissembling crucial components of our identity, our political beliefs, our sexuality, and so on. Does this not suggest an authentic self that persists behind our everyday social self, impervious to cultural accidents and influences, although it can remain forever hidden? And is it not to this self that we owe our loyalty?

Arguments like this can feel compelling because they fit in with our daily experience, even though traits and tendencies are different from what most of us would call a “self”. Humans are complicated and complex; capable of sublimating impulses to lying about them. This can be frustrating, debilitating, and, in some societies, tyrannically oppressive. But paradoxically, this is what also makes civilisation possible. Because we are both cooperative and highly competitive, our thoughts and impulses can be prosocial or antisocial. Some of those antisocial thoughts and impulses are relatively benign, though potentially offensive. We cannot give in to unmediated impulses from our id. Some of our thoughts and impulses are coercive, violent, or destructive.

Few people are so virtuous that they have never wanted to humiliate, hit, or even kill another person. Some people are filled with rage and hate, and would happily dominate others if they were in a position to do so. One of the crucial functions of civilisation is to curb these inclinations, so that we can cooperate (and compete) without constant violence. Democratic politics and the institutions that make it work are one such innovation. Although this might be frustrating on occasion, it leads to wealth, comfort, and cultural achievements that would otherwise be impossible.

The celebration of authenticity is premised, often only half-knowingly, on a quasi-Rousseauist belief that humans are naturally good, and only corrupted by society. But this belief is patently false: humans are not “naturally” good or evil, but created, as Kant phrased it, “out of this crooked timber”. As such, they are flawed, limited, and contradictory creatures, capable of envisioning a peaceful, cooperative society of abundance but thwarted in achieving it because their efforts are undermined by selfishness and rivalry.

Although we cannot fully achieve our moral goals in a utopia, we can, with the guidance of wise norms and institutions, create a lively and flourishing civilisation. And the function of these wise norms and institutions such as democracy and its institutions is to suppress, discipline, and reshape our natural inclinations. Let us all commit to building a democratic One Guyana.

PNC/APNU+AFC failed the people of Region 10

Dear Editor, History has shown clearly, without a doubt, that the PNC/APNU/AFC regime, which had enjoyed majority support in Region 10, had miserably failed this Region. The facts are there, and cannot be erased, but even though their supporters know the facts, many of them refuse to accept reality.

It must be noted that the PNC had control of this country and Region #10 from 1964 to 1992, and their PNC/APNU/AFC coalition had control from 2015 to 2020. Even though they lost Government by way of a No Confidence Motion in 2018, due to their very poor performance, they refused and failed to give up power, although our Constitution mandated them to do so.

Their record of rigged elections, well documented, kept them in power until 1992, and they made attempts to rig the 2020 elections in the face of the whole world. What a shame! The APNU/AFC must stop blaming the PPP/C for their failure.

It was, and is, the PPP/C Government who brought - before and again - a better life to all the Guyanese people. It must be remembered that the PPP/C Administration had taken Guyana when it was

a bankrupted country in 1992, with over US$2.1 billion in external debt, which had caused Guyana to be rated as the second poorest country in this hemisphere. At that time, the state of the country was in a deteriorated condition, unemployment was high, and both the state-owned bauxite companies had lost most of their markets during that period. We saw the closure of many bauxite mines and the Alumina Plant, and the dismissal of over 1000 workers in 1982.

Gratitude must be given to the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan, who, in the first instance, fought for debt relief; and former President and now Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, who is well known as the architect of modern Guyana, moving it from being the poorest country to now being a middle-income country.

Presently, a young, dynamic Leader, President Dr. Irfaan Ali, is in the process of taking this country to a higher level. I am so proud of the leadership of our President, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and we all should be. The young people of Region 10 should review the development done by the PNC in Region 10 during their period in office and that of the PPP/C,

and they would see clearly which of the two political parties had done more to improve the livelihoods of the people of Region 10, so they can make proper political decisions and don’t be misled by propaganda being peddled by the PNC/ APNU/AFC.

The youths, meanwhile, would not know about the failed period from 1964 to 1992, of which I will discuss more in a subsequent letter. However, let’s just look at the performance of the APNU/AFC coalition, which is mostly the PNC, in Region 10 during the period 2015 to 2020.

(1) We witnessed the closure of the Call Centre in 2015, where over 100 young people were sent home and no effort was made to put those youths back to work.

(2) We saw the closure of RUSAL (BCGI) due to total ignorance, causing the closing of the Bauxite operation in Sub-Region Two, resulting in over 360 workers being sent on the breadline with no effort being made to get those workers back to work.

(3) We saw that rampant squatting was encouraged, without any regularisation of the layout of housing areas.

(4) We saw the taking away of the “Because

We Care” cash grant of $10,000, which was given by the PPP/C Government for each school child.

(5) Over 200 food items and other items were taxed, which resulted in hardship for the citizens of the country. We also witnessed no kind of development work done, but a lot of promises being made to fool the people.

They started the construction of an athletics track (synthetic track) in 2017, and could not finish that project within three years. It was only about 20% completed when the PPP/C returned to office in August 2020, after waiting for over 5 months to take up office. This Region, and Guyana as a whole, is breathing again.

Within the first two years of the PPP/C being in office, far more people had benefitted than those who had benefitted in the 5 years of the APNU/AFC regime. Let me just highlight some of the benefits we have received to date:

(1) The return of the “Because We Care” cash grant to all school children, including those from private schools. Presently it is worth $25,000 + $5000 for school uniform, and this grant will go up to $50,000 by the end of our first term.

President Dr Irfaan Ali, First Lady Arya Ali, and Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo posed for the camera on Sunday evening at the annual Christmas Ball hosted by the First Lady at the Marriott Hotel in Kingston, Georgetown

Dear Editor,

After the immense clean-up exercise undertaken by His Excellency, extensive flooding continues. It is becoming clearer every time flooding recurs that we are in need of a new capital city. Unless there is a plan for re-engineering of our sea defence and drainage system to compensate for the expected sea level rise and increased rainfall, the in -

Flooding continues

vestments in our city roads and infrastructure would be short-lived.

There have been several discussions about Bartica and the technology hub on the Linden Highway, but maybe we should also consider the centre of the country, from where it would be easier to administrate the entire nation.

In the near-term, Bartica appears to be the

most viable option, and previous study of the area supports the establishment of a major city that can facilitate the current population of Georgetown. The altitude is just over 20 metres above sea level, and its position being near the Essequibo River would allow for cruise ships to experience our ecotourism offering.

Given its proximity to Kaieteur Falls, further

development of Mahdia would also help strengthen the tourism sector and lead to increased growth in the hinterland of the country. This area is over 400 metres above sea level, and can be a place of enduring development.

These are important long-term considerations that our Parliament must discuss as we lay plans to transform and develop the country. There is so much

hard work and effort going into improving our nation, let’s ensure that no one’s efforts go to waste.

The first step would be a feasibility study on whether redesigning our sea defence and drainage system would be sufficient to manage the new normal that would come as a result of climate change. If it is determined that this is not feasible, then Parliament must agree to

move further inland.

The urgency of such a study cannot be understated. The funds are becoming available, and should be spent where it matters most. Let’s build and transform our beautiful country upon solid ground, so that the legacy of this generation would endure long into the future.

Best regards, Jamil Changlee

Overworked offshore workers PNC/APNU+AFC failed...

Dear Editor, The oil & gas sector of Guyana has provided countless jobs to our locals, whether onshore or offshore. However, some offshore workers, particularly those employed by G-Boats Inc., are given an “all work no play” schedule.

Workers on G-Boats’ vessels are currently working a 28-56 days’ rotation, whereas they had signed on for a 28-28 rotation. simply put, these seafarers are working 56 days offshore, and are home for 28 days. Per year, it’s equivalent to less than four months home and eight months offshore.

It may be argued that this is the “offshore life”,

but the fact of the matter is this isn’t what they had initially signed on for. The rotation is mentally and physically strenuous, and can compromise the safety of offshore workers. It also means they are having less time to spend at home with their families or to undertake any sort of personal development, due to being at sea for such a long period of time.

These concerns were raised with those in authority, but nothing has been done to rectify the issue. Lost money can be recouped, but lost time cannot.

Sincerely, Concerned wife & mother

(2) Over 16,600 households have received a $25,000 cash grant, totalling over $400 million in Region 10. That has never happened under the APNU/AFC.

(3) Over $50 million has been distributed as flood relief to farmers within the Region.

(4) Pensioners now receive $28,000 per month, and this would be increased to $40,000 within the PPP/ C’s first year. Also, pensioners have received two one-off cash grants.

(5) Over 400 house lots were distributed to the people of Linden, and the first 40 of 1,000 houses promised by his Excellency President Dr. Irfaan Ali are under construction and are near completion.

(6) The establishment of a new Call Center which employed over 100 young people.

(7) Over $175 million was spent on the development of a

conservancy dam in the West Watooka farming area.

(8) Agriculture production has been expanded in Berbice riverine areas and in the Intermediate Savannahs.

(9) An agro-processing plant has been set up at Watooka.

These are only some of the things done during this period. I have not even touched on the projects that were done by RDC, the Minister of Public Works, and other Ministries in Region 10. This alone gives you an idea of the commitment of the PPP/C to the people of Region 10, as compared to commitment of the APNU/AFC.

Just imagine, massive projects have already started, such as the first leg of the highway to Mabura. This road would continue to Lethem, linking us with northern Brazil. Resurfacing of the Linden Highway to

the tune of over US$120 million would commence shortly. The $364 million infrastructural works to be done in Phase 4 of Amelia’s Ward, in which 500 new house lots would be created; playfield, area for school, health centre, shopping centres, new tourist sites to be developed, such as the Kara Kara Blue Lake site and many others. New Private Sector businesses and more investors would

FROM PAGE 4

be coming to Region 10. PPP/C Government Ministers spend more of their time in the various towns and villages, and in the field, listening and working with the people to develop a better life. Let us work together to achieve a “One Guyana”, so all can benefit.

Sincerely, Andrew Forsythe

Foundation

(a) In Sunflowers 6, there are 26 students. All students study Mathematics and English. No student failed.

Only 50 per cent got 70 per cent and above in Mathematics or English

Ten students got 70 per cent and above in both Mathematics and English with an unknown number getting 70 per cent and above in English only and half that number doing the same in Mathematics only

(i) Complete a Venn diagram where:

U = {all the students in the class}

P = {students who got 70 per cent and more in Mathematics and English}

M = {students who 70 per cent and more in Mathematics only}

E = {students who got 70 per cent and more in English only}

(ii) Determine the unknown number

Fingerprint lights holiday card

Make this season merry and bright with a fingerprint lights holiday card! Whether you’d like to hand-deliver the card to family and friends or send some happy mail to loved ones far away, this holiday card is the perfect craft to light up the season! While crafting, practice your fine motor skills with the thumbprint stamping technique used to create the bulbs on your string of lights! Simply grab your finger paints and white cardstock to get started!

Materials Finger Paint White Cardstock Pen/Pencil/Marker

Instructions

Step 1: Fold your cardstock in half horizontally (like a hotdog!).

Step 2: Use a marker to draw a squiggle from either side of the cardstock. Loop it in the middle to make it look like a light strand for your bulbs. Step 3: Press your thumb

into the finger paints, then make the impression along the black strand on the cardstock. Repeat this step with other colours to create a fun string of fingerprint lights. Let it dry completely before moving on.

Step 4: Open the inside of the card and write a message like “Happy Holidays” or “Merry Christmas!”

Now your fingerprint lights holiday card is ready to be hand-delivered or sent to your loved ones!

(craftprojectideas.com)

CONTINUED FROM MONDAY

By The BroThers Grimm

New DHB on track for completion within 2 years – VP Jagdeo

– timeline will coincide with gas-to-shore, other

The new Demerara River bridge (DHB) being built by China Railway and Construction Corporation (International) Limited, is still on track for completion within the twoyear timeline, according to Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo.

In a recent broadcast interview, Jagdeo explained that work on the US$261 million new bridge has already started. In fact, he noted that the timeline for the bridge will coincide with several of Guyana’s other major transformational

transformational projects

projects.

These projects include the gas-to-shore project from the West Coast Demerara (WCD) shore, to Wales, West Bank Demerara (WBD) and the new four-lane highway from Schoonord to Crane.

According to the Vice President, there has so far not been any time slippages in any of these major projects.

“Apparently, they’re doing work now, because they have to test the work. They’re doing boreholes now, where each one of those structures will go.

$125B to be spent in...

of the gathering on Monday

Recently, Ali announced sweeping increases for persons working in the health sector to complement their eight per cent overall wage hike. But on this end, he noted that service must also be up to par.

“We have to deliver service that gives people hope, not despair; that gives families comfort. We’re capable of doing that. We have shown time and time again that we have the capabilities. We must commit to this.”

On the other hand, Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony explained that this sets the stage for upgrades and standards for other facilities, in creating climate-resilient and sustainable operations across the health sector.

“We will use this as a demonstration of what we can do with other facilities in the country. It will ensure that whatever the weather might be like, that we will not be flooded and can continue our services. Over the last few years, the health sector would have received an extremely generous allocation from the Government of Guyana to ensure that the health and welfare of the people of this country is well taken care of,” he underscored.

The other facilities upgraded under this project are Leonora, Diamond, and Lethem hospitals, while works are still ongoing on the fifth at Paramakatoi.

According to Dr Anthony, the Health Ministry has been putting adequate hu-

man resources and equipment in Region One, and especially bolstering systems to address endemic issues such as malaria.

“In every health centre and health post in Region One, we can comfortably say that we have at least two community health workers and we’re extending services. Before, people were unsure of what services are provided at the health post, health centre, and at the district hospital. People were unsure of that.”

He added, “We have been able with the help of PAHO, to map out at each level, what are the services that we will be delivering. We have started to put staff, equipment in place to make sure that we can deliver these services.”

They have to understand the geology there. And so that work is being done to ensure the final designs are ready. But we still believe it will be done within a twoyear timeframe.”

“And that will coincide with the four-lane completion from Crane to the bridge, the gas-to-energy project, the four lanes from Ogle that has a two years’ time too. So far, we haven’t had any major slippages on timelines on any one of these projects. And this is very important for us,” Jagdeo said.

The new bridge will be a fixed 2.65-kilometre fourlane high-span cable-stayed structure across the Demerara River with the width of the driving surface being about 23.6 metres. It will feature a bicycle lane, will bring an end to closures to vehicular traffic with a 50-metre fixed high span to cater for the free flow of vessels uninterrupted. The river will be dredged along a 13.5-kilometre stretch to accommodate large vessels.

A contract for the

bridge was awarded to a joint venture led by China Railway and Construction Corporation (International) Limited, which outbid four other pre-qualified international companies that submitted proposals for the project. Prior to the signing, the Guyana Government, through a team of specialists – legal and engineering –was in negotiations with the Chinese company to finalise the terms of the contract.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill described this as the largest contract for a transport infrastructure project ever financed by the Guyana Government. He pointed out that the daily traffic across the Demerara River increased by 62 per cent over the past decade, and it contributed to heightened congestion, discomfort and frustration among the public.

Moreover, Minister within the Public Works Ministry, Deodat Indar had described this as a fulfilment of a manifesto promise

of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration.

Back in November 2021, Cabinet had granted its no-objection for the Chinese company to construct the bridge using a DesignBuild-Finance (DBF) model. The bridge will land aback Nandy Park, East Bank Demerara (EBD), on the eastern side and at La Grange, West Bank Demerara (WBD) on the western side.

Already, the Guyana Government has allocated some $21.1 billion in the 2022 Budget towards work on the bridge. It will have a lifespan of 100 years. This new bridge will replace the ageing floating Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB), which has outlived its lifespan by several decades.

At 1.25 miles (2.01km), the current Demerara Harbour Bridge is a strategic link between the East and West Banks of Demerara, facilitating the daily movement of thousands of vehicles, people, and cargo.

A section

A preliminary design of the new Demerara River bridge

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

Appeal Court upholds life sentences for man who raped girl, 8 Endgame…

The Court of Appeal (CoA) of Guyana on Monday ruled that a father of five convicted of raping an eight-year-old girl was properly sentenced to serve two concurrent life sentences.

According to information disclosed in court, 37-yearold Micah Williams engaged in sexual penetration with the minor between January 1 and December 31, 2016, and then again on January 6, 2017, at a location in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

He sexually penetrated the child both vaginally and anally. He was found unanimously guilty on the two counts after a trial before Justice Jo Ann Barlow at the Demerara High Court in April 2018.

In the end, he was sentenced to life imprisonment on each of the two charges, with the Judge ordering that the jail terms be served concurrently. He becomes eligible for parole after 20 years.

Williams, a former trade unionist, in his appeal against his convictions and sentences, had contended that the trial Judge did not fairly put his defence to the jury.

In this regard, he submitted that this was more of a “narrow issue”, that had to do with the victim being

“prompted” to respond to questions while she was testifying.

Despite the jury’s verdict, he had argued that he was not the one who had abused the girl and had claimed that it was a 14-year-old boy. To this end, he had argued that two persons had “guided” the girl to implicate him, to cover up for the boy who had actually committed the act.

Williams’s lawyers, Nigel Hughes and Ronald Daniels had further submitted that the sentences were manifestly excessive and are not in keeping with established sentencing guidelines.

In dismissing Williams’s appeal, the CoA led by Chancellor of the Judiciary (ag) Yonette CummingsEdwards found that the trial Judge had analysed the strengths and weaknesses of

the case and had asked the jury to determine whether they were satisfied that he committed the crimes.

The convict’s ground of appeal that his defence was not sufficiently put to the jury was rejected as the appellate court ruled that it was satisfied that his defence was adequately put.

His appeal against his sentence was also dismissed. According to the CoA, sentencing is at the discretion of the trial Judge, in this case, Justice Barlow had considered all the necessary factors, including Williams’s age at the time, his background, him being a firsttime offender, and the serious nature and prevalence of the offence.

In light of this, the CoA held that it would not interfere with a sentence unless it was wrong in princi-

ple which was not so in this case.

Williams’s appeal against his convictions and sentences was therefore dismissed. Justices of Appeal Dawn Gregory-Barnes and Rishi Persaud also deliberated on this matter.

During the hearing of the appeal, Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Natasha Backer had argued that the trial Judge “more than sufficiently” put Williams’s defence to the jury.

While referring to aspects of the records of appeal, Backer had pointed out, “Here, the Judge would have reminded the jury about the alleged conspiracy that [Williams] was relying on as the crux of his defence. The trial Judge reminded the jury of [Williams’s] insistence that it was not he who would have committed the acts in question.”

Reacting to the jury’s verdicts in the High Court, Williams had called them “strange”, while professing his innocence. “I find it strange this would be the position of the jury,” the convict had said as he described that day as the most terrifying day of his life.

In her sentencing remarks, Justice Barlow had reprimanded an unremorseful Williams, whom she had called out for shifting the blame on the teenage boy. While telling the convict he could not play ignorant to the evidence, Justice Barlow had highlighted the severe damage the abuse had caused to the young girl’s body.

She had told Williams that although he fought for the rights of workers, he had violated the trust the child had in him. The High Court Judge had also ordered that the convict must undergo counselling tailored for sex offenders.

…in Ukraine??

In the post-WWII era that was supposedly a “Cold War”, Henry Kissinger was one of the biggest warmongers, who ensured that things got pretty hot in several parts of the world – especially in the poorer nations.

As Assistant to President Richard Nixon for National Security Affairs straight outta a Harvard professorship, he pushed anti-Indian buttons in 1970 when the latter intervened following Pakistan’s massacre of 1 million Bengalis. He was similarly aggressive as the Secretary of State at the far end of the Vietnam War, which backfired and saw Americans forced to abandon their embassy in scenes of unbelievable panic.

He was there when Allende in Chile was overthrown in 1972, and must’ve raised an eyebrow when Burnham allowed Cuban troops to be ferried to Angola!! Nothing happened here, however, since Burnham was their client, and was only posturing and playing to the Third World gallery!!

And imagine, Kissinger received a Nobel Peace Prize!! Anyhow, despite his string of failures over the decades, Kissinger – who’s now NINETY-NINE – is still considered an international relations maven, and his advice is taken seriously in some (hawkish) circles.

Now, your Eyewitness ain’t gonna begrudge a ninetynine-year-old curmudgeon his opportunity to dole out advice to those who still think he’s relevant. Well, this time it was passed on in the form of an article in a British news magazine – the Spectator. In it, he suggests a “path to peace” in the Ukraine war that’s disrupted the world in so many ways.

So, what’s the old warmonger suggesting?? Well, right up front, he’s insisting that Russia accept that Ukraine must be a member of NATO – the military alliance that was formed to contain Russia/the USSR during the Cold War!! And which suggestion – according to Putin – made him invade Ukraine in the first place. He sees the US-led NATO driving a stake straight into the heart of Mother Russia!!

And why should Russia accept any of this?? “The alternative of neutrality is no longer meaningful, especially after Finland and Sweden joined NATO,” said Kissinger!! That is, Russia should accept what’s been done as a fait accompli!!

And what does Russia get if it goes along with Kissinger’s plan?? Well, after retreating from all the eastern areas of Ukraine it presently controls – including 2014-annexed Crimea – it must accept the result of a referendum in those areas on whether they want to join Russia!! The citizens will now enjoy the right of “self-determination”. So, what does Ukrainian President Zelensky think about this “peace plan”?? Well, lucky for us, Kissenger had already presented the plan earlier this year at Davos – and Zelensky pretty much went ballistic!!

As one of his advisors told Elon Musk, who suggested something similar, “F*** off”!!

…for Dutch Slavery??

Well…well…well!! The Dutch PM just apologised for their role in the African Slave Trade and slavery in their colonies. Now, while we in the Caribbean are obviously familiar with their crimes in our neck of the wood, they also plied their (slave) trade in the Indian Ocean!! But back to us, where they started out plantations back in 1616 over in Essequibo, and soon started using enslaved Africans. They discovered that the trade in human flesh was even more lucrative than the plantations, and pretty soon they had one of the most developed navies schlepping millions of Africans in chains across the Atlantic.

Well, all of it should be known to all and sundry – since it’s even in elementary school textbooks. And for over a decade, Caricom OFFICIALLY has been demanding reparations –following the lead of African activists and academics who’d compiled the statistics on the horror. But the Dutch PM didn’t even mention the word “reparations”!!

So, what does this verbal apology really mean?? Zilch!!

…for justice in SA??

Two years ago, there was a robbery on a farm owned by South African President Ramaphosa - and US$4 million was recovered. The question was: Where did the never-declared money come from??

Never mind…he was just re-elected leader of ANC!!

Child rapist Micah Williams

Finance Minister reiterates Govt’s commitment to improving lives of pensioners

to support vulnerable communities

ing every single Guyanese person playing a meaningful part and participating fully in and benefitting fully from the modern Guyana that we’re building.”

However, Dr Singh praised the Salvation Army for its excellent work and initiatives over the years, including its programme to help rehabilitate persons suffering from drug and alcohol addiction, which has helped hundreds who were “brought back from the brink of addiction”.

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh on Monday stated that the PPP/C Government intends to continue working towards improving the lives of all Guyanese as it forges ahead with building a modern Guyana.

He was at the time delivering the feature ad-

the gathering that he has been spearheading National Insurance Scheme (NIS) outreaches across the country in several regions to deal with various matters that affect vulnerable groups.

The Minister noted that this initiative will continue and that Government is committed to resolving all of

“I am proud as a representative of this Government to publicly associate myself and my Government with the excellent work that is being done by the Salvation Army.”

Dr Singh lauded the elderly for their contributions to the country over the years and posited that now is the time for young Guyanese to stay in school as mod-

ern Guyana being built will require certain types of skills and this is why the Government is building more schools all across the country.

“Those of you who have

children and grandchildren, you have the responsibility to say to them “aspire to get a good job, aspire to get a good income and work and develop yourselves,” he advised the elderly.

Also, present and de-

livering remarks at the event was Advisory Board Chairman Edward Boyer, who expressed gratitude to the PPP/C Government for its significant support over the years.

dress at the Salvation Army’s Christmas Hamper Distribution exercise where many gathered to collect hampers and to sing Christmas carols as they enjoyed the season of goodwill.

The Minister highlighted the Government’s initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of pensioners, which include a nearly 40 per cent increase in Old Age Pension since the PPP/C returned to office, as well as investment in public healthcare such as six regional hospitals and various telemedicine centres in hinterland regions across the country.

The Minister reminded

the problems.

Dr Singh alluded to President Ali's ‘One Guyana’ initiative which he noted has a deeper meaning to include each citizen of every religion and from every location in the country whereby they must be included in Guyana's development and benefit from the country's resources.

“This is not by accident and our President has adopted a philosophy to characterise all that we do, a philosophy of One Guyana…. the One Guyana that President Ali has adopted as the special theme of his presidency is a philosophy that will see and is committed to see-

Dr Singh in conversation with one of the pensioners on Monday

– applauds Salvation Army’s excellent work done

Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh during his address at the event

Pensioners at the annual Salvation Army Christmas Hamper Distribution exercise

$3.8M to rebuild 3 dilapidated bridges at Sophia

The Housing and Water Ministry is investing $3.8 million to reconstruct three dilapidated bridges between Section B and C Turkeyen (Sophia), Georgetown, which lead to the Bright Futures Day Care, Pre-School and Nursery School.

Minister within the Housing and Ministry Water Susan Rodrigues, visited the site on Monday, along with a team from the Central Housing and Planning Authority and representatives from Four Js Construction Services.

Minister Rodrigues stated that education delivery and adequate infrastructure play a fundamental role in

the development of children and is therefore a key part of the Government’s programmes and policies.

“In the coming years we want to ensure that all of the bridges and the accesses to schools, [including] footpaths and so on to schools across the country will be fixed, as a priority for our children,” she stated.

Materials are already on the ground and construction of the three new timber bridges will commence immediately. The Minister stated that these works are expected to be completed within the next two weeks.

Minister Rodrigues first visited the site on December 9, 2022, following the com-

teachers and other residents.

During Monday’s visit, the Principal of Bright Futures Day Care, PreSchool and Nursery School, Sohodra Stephenson expressed satisfaction with the quick response from the Minister. She said the school, which currently has over sixty (60) students, was established in 2003.

Over time, the bridges became deplorable and she and her teachers explored several avenues to have the matter addressed to no avail.

“We’re very very grateful for this because the bridge doesn’t only serve the school but it serves the entire environment,” she said, noting that parents and students hail from various parts of Georgetown.

missioning of the $51 million multi-purpose facility in the area. She was made aware of the issue by some of the

Some of the materials already at the site

One of the dilapidated bridges that are on the list to be reconstructed

Minister within the Housing and Water Ministry, Susan Rodrigues, visited the area on Monday

Guyana’s economy being ‘supercharged’ by oil – Bloomberg

lots by this year-end.

According to the midyear report, 1843 house lots were distributed in the first half of the year. This means that since the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) entered office in 2020, they have allocated 11,680 house lots.

“We see the transfer of that wealth to our infrastructure system and to our housing investment, where we have seen the housing allocation increase by 300 per cent from the previous years. There is a lot of investment taking place,” Rodrigues pointed out in the panel discussion.

Guyana Government’s intense capital expenditure on infrastructure and housing developments has been cited by the United States (US) based media outlet, Bloomberg, as the “supercharging effect” that Guyana’s oil wealth has had on the country’s economy.

In a recent report, Bloomberg pointed out that Guyana’s economy has grown by approximately 50 per cent in the last year. This is unparalleled growth that has resulted in Guyana becoming known as the world’s fastest-growing economy.

“So, this is a magnificent supercharging effect that oil has had on Guyana’s economy. Capital expenses grew by 107 per cent last year. They’re building a lot of roads and a lot of houses. So especially housing developments and things like that, there’s always been a backlog of people in Guyana who’ve wanted to build houses, but there just hasn’t been the infrastructure.”

“So, someone might want to build a house, but there’s no electricity or sewage service. So now the Government is building new residential areas, paving the way with the infrastructure that’s needed for that. So, there’s a lot of people building houses,” Bloomberg also said.

Three years after oil production began, Guyana is currently the fastest-growing economy in the world, with a growth of over 50 per cent now forecasted for 2022 and medium-term average annual growth projected at 25 per cent.

It was revealed in September by the mid-year report that Guyana’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 36.4 per cent for the first half of 2022, on the back of growth in a number of economic sectors such as the agricultural and mining sectors.

According to the report, in addition to Guyana’s GDP growth, non-oil economic growth was 8.3 per cent. This, according to the Finance Ministry, reflects the Government’s supportive policy. In addition, the

outlook for the rest of the year will continue to be favourable.

“For the full year, real GDP growth in 2022 is now projected at 56 per cent overall, and non-oil GDP growth at 9.6 per cent, maintaining Guyana’s position of the global leader in economic growth,” the Ministry of Finance said.

The report noted that the agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors are estimated to have expanded by 10.9 per cent in the first six months of 2022. These figures were driven by higher production from the other crops, forestry and livestock, in spite of weaker performances in the sugar, rice and fishing industries. The sector is now expected to grow by 11.9 per cent.

With respect to mining and quarrying sectors, these are estimated to have grown by 64.6 per cent in the first half of the year, with a revised 2022 forecast of 99.9 per cent driven by growth in the petroleum and other mining industries.

Meanwhile, the construction sector is estimated to have grown by a strong 20.4 per cent in the first half of 2022. And as reflected in the Bloomberg report, this is reflective of intensified activity in both the public and private sectors.

While on a panel discussion at the Housing Forum 2022, hosted by the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) Group in Washington, DC, in October, Minister within the Housing Ministry Susan Rodrigues revealed that the house lot allocation programme has increased by a whopping 300 per cent since Government took office.

At that time, there was a backlog of over 70,000 applications pending, dating back years. Out of the total applications in the system, 75 per cent are from low-income households. The Government, through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), distributed almost 2000 house lots during the first six months of the year and is projected to distribute a further 8000 house

“Our low-income population is our women, people with disabilities, young people, our Indigenous community. When we invest in our housing programme, these vulnerable groups are the main beneficiaries in our

House lot allocation has grown by 300 per cent since the current Govt took office

housing programme,” she had added.

Turning to the housing sector, she asserted that

Guyana has a heavily subsidised programme that is primarily designed to cater for vulnerable groups. A break-

down shows 82 per cent of house lots being subsidised by the Government for low affordability.

– capital spending, massive infrastructural & housing drives cited

$13M in contracts inked to commence construction of homes in Reg 1

– 31 residents from Kokerital receive land titles

in like building the houses [and] cutting the material, so they will earn money.”

Each home is expected to have three bedrooms and measure approximately 20x25ft. The community has approximately sixty-four (64) households, however, the CDC Chairman noted that through community consultations, the most vulnerable persons will benefit from the programme.

Through the Hinterland Housing Programme, one hundred housing units are expected to be constructed across Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine.

The Housing and Water Ministry through the Central Housing & Planning Authority (CHPA) on Saturday inked $13 million in contracts to kickstart construction of the first ten wooden elevated homes under the Hinterland Housing Programme at Smith Creek, Region One (Barima-Waini).

The contracts were presented to the Chairman of the Community Development Council (CDC), Sherman Lewis, during an outreach at the Mabaruma Learning and Resource Centre.

Subject Minister, Collin Croal stated that the contract signing is the fulfilment of President Dr Irfaan Ali's commitment to resolve issues in the community. This promise was made by the President during a visit to the area in 2019, while on the 2020 elections campaign trail.

“As a result of that, today we have three contracts that will be signed; one for the supply of labour that will come from the community; one is for the supply of sand and stone and one is for the

supply of the timber,” the Minister said.

“The environment of Smith Creek cannot continue as to how it is and similarly, we will be making interventions to ensure that they have a proper source of water and that we eliminate some of the health and other concerns.”

Meanwhile, the CDC Chairman related, “The people feel proud to know that the commitments and the promises will come to reality and the majority of the community will be involved

Meanwhile, 31 persons who were allocated lands at Kokerital Hill in the Mabaruma sub-district of Barima-Waini (Region One) received their Certificate of Title over the weekend, after several years waiting.

The residents were presented with the ownership documents by Minister Croal, who stated that the exercise is intended to bring happiness and satisfaction to the residents so that they can move forward. He also said that it is important for hinterland and riverine communities to receive equal access to the housing opportunities present on the coastland.

Allocations at Kokerital began in 2000, with some 113 persons – primarily low-income earners – receiving house lots. However, the processing of Titles was affected due to land ownership issues and the area recorded a low occupancy rate.

In April 2021, Croal committed that CH&PA would work with the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC) on the legal framework to rectify the issue. While 20 of 31 individuals were issued with titles on Saturday, 11 persons were re-issued following rectification.

Additionally, 21 persons were also able to register for their Titles. New applications for house lots and the Steel and Cement Housing Subsidy programme were also processed at the activity.

Overall, Region One has a backlog of over 170 applications. As such, the Minister noted that the Ministry of Housing & Water is pursuing land acquisition to address the housing demands of the region. Moreover, a Regional Housing Officer is expected to be appointed in 2023.

One of the residents receiving her title from Minister Croal

Community Development Council (CDC) Chairman Sherman Lewis receiving the contracts in the presence of Regional Chairman Brentnol Ashley and Senior Engineer attached to CH&PA, Cy Rodrigues, and Minister Croal

Sophia man gets life sentence for raping teen with Down Syndrome

A36-year-old man who broke into a house one night and raped a girl with Down Syndrome at knifepoint has been jailed for life with the possibility of being paroled after 20 years by Demerara High Court Judge Sandil Kissoon.

Last month, Rondell Chappel, called “Devil”, of

Section A Sophia, Greater Georgetown was found guilty by a jury on one count of engaging in sexual penetration with a child under the age of 16. He raped the 15-year-old girl between September 5 and 6, 2020.

It was reported that the accused escaped from his trial during the week of

November 20, causing the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to issue a wanted bulletin for him.

Chappel, while under the influence of drugs and alcohol, broke into the girl’s home, while she was at home alone, held her at knifepoint, and then raped her. At the time of the inci-

Man gets 14 years for raping woman while she slept

A14-year jail sentence was on Monday, handed down to Rudolph Williams, the 36-year-old man who broke into a woman’s house and raped her while she slept.

After about two hours of deliberations on November 7, a 12-member jury panel found Williams unanimously guilty of the act which was committed between September 29 and 30, 2021.

The victim was 22 at the time.

Justice Sandil Kissoon, who presided over the trial, reprimanded the convict for his involvement in this gruesome crime while delivering his sentencing remarks on Monday.

dent, the girl’s mother was at work.

Delivering his sentencing remarks on Monday, Justice Kissoon declared that the law has a very long arm and that Chappel would be found and punished for his unlawful actions.

At the time of the incident, the Judge recalled that the girl’s mother had left for work, securing their home with a chain and a lock. Given the settings of this case and the aggravating factors, Justice Kissoon

said that the maximum sentence for the offence, which is life, was warranted.

Chappel was represented by Attorney-at-Law Ravindra Mohabir, while three State Counsel, namely, Cecilia Corbin, Caressa Henry, and Marisa Edwards prosecuted the matter.

Anyone who has information on the whereabouts of Chappel is asked to contact the Police at: 225-6940, 225-8196, 225-2317, 2267476, 227-1149, or at the nearest Police Station.

From the jail sentence, the Judge ordered that the Prison Service must deduct whatever time Williams has already spent in pre-trial detention.

According to the prosecution, sometime between the dates mentioned in the charge, Williams unlawfully entered the woman’s home and raped her while she was sleeping in bed. Attorney Ravindra Mohabir represented the convict.

The prosecution’s case was presented by State Counsel Cicelia Corbin, Caressa Henry, and Marisa Edwards. Williams’s trial was held in-camera at the Sexual Offences Court in Demerara.

Child rapist Rondell Chappel

Convicted rapist Rudolph Williams

H&J spread Christmas cheer to 200 families with annual Christmas Drive

Christmas is a season for giving and this was certainly emphasised when Hits and Jams Entertainment brought the holiday cheer to several families in need on Saturday last.

In the lead-up to Christmas Day, Hits and Jams distributed two

hundred (200) hampers in D’Urban Backlands, Georgetown, to culminate their annual Christmas Drive.

The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for the assistance extended to them by the company. Amid the festivities, they related that this gesture

will certainly assist in ensuring that they have food on their tables this holiday season.

The hampers were generously packed with a wide array of dried and canned food products. The food supply is expected to last the families a few weeks.

In addition to the dis-

tribution of the food hampers, Hits and Jams went a step further and gave away toys to all children present. This was well received by the little ones.

HJ's Director, Kerwin Bollers, was quoted as saying that he was very pleased with the initiative and thanked his staff

and sponsors for joining in on the programme which benefitted residents of the D’Urban Backland area.

“It’s just a great feeling to share the joy of the season with the people in need,’’ Bollers said.

This venture was made possible due to the kind assistance of corporate vol-

unteers such as Fireside Grill and Chill, Food for the Poor, DeSinco Limited, Singh’s Confectionery, Stove Top Restaurant, and Pro Graphics. Bollers thanked the organisations for their continued generosity and support over the years.

Rotary Club spreads Christmas cheer to communities, elderly homes

The Rotary Club of Georgetown Central (RCGC), commenced its fourth annual holiday distribution project geared at spreading Christmas cheer and supporting households within vulnerable communities and the elder-

ly.

On Saturday last, Rotarians distributed more than 180 grocery hampers to residents of the Yarrowkabra and Long Creek communities along the SoesdykeLinden Highway.

Each of the 350 hampers

that will be distributed comprises groceries, catering to the needs of families this holiday season. Additionally, special toys and gift items are being distributed to children of the selected communities.

Other communities to

benefit from the goodies this year include Kimbia and Sophia.

Meanwhile, in keeping with tradition, RCGC continues to cater to senior citizens and distributed care packages to the elderly on

December 19.

Residents of Uncle Eddie’s Home, Archer’s Home, and the Catholic Women’s Home benefitted from these special care packages.

The Rotary Club of

Georgetown Central extends gratitude to its collaborating partners and sponsors who continue to come onboard year after year to make these community service projects of the club successful.

HJ Director Kerwin Bollers and popular radio announcer “Casual” at the Annual Christmas Drive Children at the Christmas Drive

Distribution at Long Creek

Rotarians distributing hampers to Yarrowkabra residents

MoU signed to assist persons in attaining electrical contractor’s licence …to

The Ministries of Labour and Public Works will collaborate to train and assess persons wishing to attain an electrical contractor’s licence.

On Monday, both Ministries, via their agencies – the Board of Industrial Training (BIT), and the Government Electoral Inspectorate (GEI) – signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to this effect.

Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton shared that they are trying to ensure that persons are trained and certified, having found that many persons in the field are not properly certified.

“What we have in Guyana is that a lot of people run wires in the construction industry but in large measure, most of them are unable to sign off on a building. They have to go look for some man in the village to sign the doc-

ument. For young and upcoming contractors, sometimes they have to pay heft costs from the money they make,” he identified.

With this collaborative approach, Hamilton said this issue will be tackled to reduce such cases. Going forward, persons trained by BIT will acquire their certification under this partnership.

“We’re attempting collaboration to bring that to an end, to see how the inspectorate department can help us regarding accreditation, certification of persons we’re training in electrical installation.”

In his remarks, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill expressed his Government has at the centre of its mandate, to make the lives of Guyanese easier. The partnership comes at a time when the Ali-led Administration is distrib-

uting 50,000 house lots, Edghill said, adding that those with existing homes are also upgrading.

“There is a great demand in this area…Essentially,

there are some middlemen who are eating away at the livelihoods of some of the guys who actually do the work, because of the lack of certification and accredita-

tion. Once we have a middle-man eating away at the profit, prices to get things done rise,” the Minister recognised.

In attempting to crush

such monopoly, he added, “I am pleased that the Ministry of Public Works is engaging with the Ministry of Labour to participate in improving the service delivery to people by ensuring that they have more qualified, certified, and quality control.”

This move also comes amid concerns raised by Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn on removing the hazards of electrical fires. To do this, the Ministers agreed that standardisation and quality control during installation becomes paramount.

“I have actually asked the Government Electrical Inspectorate to get out in a proactive way and start inspecting all Government buildings. That’s an instruction they had from me since we had the St George’s School fire,” Edghill disclosed.

Agriculture Ministry commences flood assessment at Mocha farmlands

receive a report from NDIA to implement a system and see how we can manage it. We already have some machines in this area.”

The Hydrometeorological Service of the Agriculture Ministry has forecasted wetter than usual rainfall conditions across all regions of Guyana for the months of November 2022 to January

2023, otherwise known as Guyana’s secondary rainfall season.

The usual secondary rainfall season will be augmented by persistent La Nina conditions during the season. Rainfall is expected to increase considerably from mid-November and continue at least to January 2023.

During the upcoming rainy season, water levels in conservancies, reservoirs, and inland rivers across Regions One to Eight and 10 are likely to increase with a high risk of flooding.

On the other hand, Region Nine would continue to be dry but can expect more than the usual amount of rainy days.

Agriculture

Monday kickstarted a flood assessment exercise in the Mocha Village area on the East Bank of Demerara, where he met with several farmers and residents.

A team, including National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) Chairman, Lionel Wordsworth, and other officials and engineers from the Ministries of Agriculture and Housing and Water, were present to hear the concerns of stakeholders.

The visit was prompted after persistent rainfall over the past few days resulted in flooding in the farming areas. Minister Mustapha told farmers that the Ministry will work to ensure immediate measures are in place to assist with flooding in the farming areas.

The Minister stated,

“They relayed their complaints that they were flooded out…They’re saying that the housing development that is taking place is causing the water to back up. Our engineers and the Housing Ministry’s engineers will be visiting all of the areas, including the housing areas, to see what we have to do to reduce flooding.”

Engineers from the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority along with officers from other

agencies attached to the Ministry are currently visiting the affected areas to determine the way forward.

Last Friday and Saturday, the high intensity of rainfall would have caused some degree of flooding in the community and other villages across the country.

Mustapha explained, “We will try to see as much as possible, what measures we will place here. By this afternoon (Monday), I should

Minister Zulfikar Mustapha on

eliminate ‘middlemen’ arrangements …inspection of all Govt buildings requested – Edghill

Ministers Juan Edghill and Joseph Hamilton at the signing ceremony on Monday

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha listening to the issues raised by farmers

93% of persons living with HIV in Guyana know their status – Dr Jagnarine

Programme Manager of the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS), Dr Tariq Jagnarine said 93 per cent of persons infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) know their status.

Speaking recently with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Dr Jagnarine said Guyana is close to meeting its 95-9595 goal, set out by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS.

“There is the 95-95-95 goal that most countries are trying to achieve. We’ve been doing well. We have closely met our first 95. We’re currently at 93 per cent where persons living in Guyana who are HIV positive know their status, 93 per cent of them know their status.”

For 2021 and 2022, there was a slight increase in infection in men, which was some 1.5 per cent overall, and 1.3 per cent for women.

He said the 15 to 25 age

group is predominantly affected by HIV.

Deaths were minimal for the year which were directly related to tuberculosis, HIV, and mother-to-child transmission. “There is a lot of work that needs to be done,” Dr Jagnarine said.

He said there is a rapid increase in cases of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) including Syphilis, Hepatitis B, and Gonorrhoea.

Interventions are being put into place to sensitise persons about HIV, prevention, treatment plans, getting tested for HIV, and much more.

He noted that a lot more needs to be done regarding prevention, risks, and getting tested for HIV. These include access to condoms, safe sexual practices, and HIV self-testing.

Dr Jagnarine said the face of HIV is changing as it is no longer life-threatening. Free treatment plans are also available.

“As long as you know your status, you can go on treatment, and stay on treatment… You can get as much as four to six months of supply of drugs. Home de-

livery is available. A family member can uplift the medications for the person as well,” the programme manager explained.

He

living with HIV should not be ashamed of their status.

“I hope that one day, we can have a society where we will have zero stigmas and discrimination. A lot of people are afraid to go to the health facilities within their communities. When you go, people see them and once people see them, that’s when they leave the clinic.”

The guidelines for HIV and other STIs were changed by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organisation last year.

The programme manager highlighted that new treatment options for HIV are available in Guyana which includes Tenofovir, Lamivudine, and Dolutegavir (TLD).

TLD is a dilutable-based drug that has faster viral load suppression and is more convenient to take. It is a smaller tablet that is taken once per day and is associated with fewer drug in-

teractions. This means that compared to other regimens, it is easier to administer TLD with the most commonly used medications.

“Your immune system is boosted rapidly and you start recovering faster. Most importantly, there are no major side effects… If you ask any person out there that has been in the fight who gets HIV four decades ago, when you took tablets for HIV, sometimes you had to take 11 or 12 huge tablets. Now, we have tablets that are a lot simpler, one tablet, simple, no side-effect,” Dr Jagnarine added.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (or PrEP) is a medicine taken to prevent HIV infection. PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV when taken as prescribed. PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV from sex by about 99 per cent.

Dr Jagnarine indicated that male circumcision can also help to reduce a male’s chances of acquiring HIV.

Important strides made to enhance Caricom’s integration movement in 2022 – SG

…says all hands on deck in Ali-led agri drive

As the year winds down, the Caribbean Community’s integration movement and strides to improve the lives of people within the Region saw favourable results – all credited to strenuous efforts.

This was the position shared by Secretary General of Caricom, Dr Carla Barnett in her end-of-year message, adding that on the cusp of the 50th Anniversary of

the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas in July 1973, there is much to look back on and celebrate about the integration movement.

“Being the longest existing economic integration movement among developing countries, it is with pleasure we have been hosts to African and Pacific regional organisations seeking to learn from and about our operations, systems, and struc-

ture. The agreement, earlier this year, on a Protocol to Amend the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas to Allow Enhanced Cooperation among Member States was a clear demonstration of the dynamic nature of our integration movement,” Dr Barnett penned.

This year, Heads of Government would have agreed to review the governance systems within the

Community to facilitate more effective decision-making and to ensure follow-up on the Community agenda. One of the key actions in that regard has been to increase the regularity of virtual meetings of the Heads of Government while maintaining two face-to-face meetings annually.

This year, an important aspect of advancing the Caricom Single ICT Space as well as the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME), and of immense value to citizens of the Community, was the signing of the Declaration of St George’s Towards the Reduction of Intra-Caricom Roaming Charges.

“Although the new roaming arrangement did not provide for complete elimination of roaming charges within the Caricom space, operators indicated that savings would be in the order of 70-98 per cent depending on the service and the market. This is an interim measure, but a significant milestone with respect to the Single ICT Space in our Region.”

The SG also relayed that the initiative to reduce Food Import Bill by 25 per cent by 2025 also gained momentum, with two fora in Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago designed to encourage investment in the agrifood sector being successfully staged.

She acknowledged, “All hands are on deck in this drive led by the President of Guyana, His Excellency

Dr Barnett was keen to note that the people of Haiti also need all hands on deck as they seek to resolve the multifaceted crises facing the country. The Community has been actively involved in seeking a solution and has stressed the importance of including civil society in the process of dialogue to ensure good governance, and respect for the rule of law and human rights as set out in the Caricom Charter of Civil Society.

This approach was reiterated at meetings of the United Nations Security Council by our representatives in that Forum and emphasised to the UN Secretary General during

his meeting with the Heads of Government in July, in Suriname. That exchange of views also included discussions on climate change and COP27 in Egypt.

“Even though that Conference agreed to the establishment of a Loss and Damage Fund, which is yet to be fully defined and established, Small Island and Low-lying Coastal Developing States (SIDS) were disappointed with the little or no commitment by major emitters to do what is necessary to keep the rise in global temperature below 1.5 degrees.”

She concluded that it is the youth who will bear the responsibility of carrying the integration movement beyond the next fifty years, as there is still much to be done to consolidate and advance the process.

Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and including the private sector, the agricultural community and with emphasis on encouraging youth participation.”

Caricom SG, Dr Carla Barnett

noted that persons

Programme Manager of the National AIDS Programme Secretariat (NAPS), Dr Tariq Jagnarine

Global economic disruptions

Cost of living will come down as world continues to normalise – VP Jagdeo

Worldwide crises have over the past few years disrupted supply chains and driven up commodity prices, but Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo is optimistic that as the world, and particularly, China, normalises, so too will commodity prices in Guyana.

During a recent broadcast interview, Jagdeo spoke about how disruptions to supply chains have impacted commodity prices. He also referenced China, which is in the middle of lifting its COVID-19 restrictions following public outcry.

“We’ve seen an abatement in global prices a bit now because oil prices have come down. And supply chains are getting better, with the opening up of China. China will go through a difficult period. They’ve just removed COVID restrictions. They’ll have to go through what we went through, with a mas-

sive overload of hospitals, before they normalise.”

“But once they normalise and it becomes like they have herd immunity, we should see like a massive return back to the reliable supply chains that we had before COVID, which kept the prices down. So, we’re hoping that a lot of these things will be addressed soon.”

Jagdeo noted too that the Government has been focused on the development and the welfare of the people from multiple perspectives… not just the cost of living.

“We’re very pleased about the big policy changes we’re making too. And getting these major things that require a lot of technical work, going. Whilst we’re not forgetting the concerns of our people. The roads, the water and so. The electricity and all of that.”

“So, it’s not just focusing on those things. It is focusing on balance. The big

things that will transform, whilst trying to improve lives and adjust to unexpected things. Like the cost of living,” he said.

During the first half of 2022, global oil prices surged more than 50 per cent. In fact, oil prices rose

as high as US$137 per barrel primarily as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine earlier this year.

The Government has made efforts to address oil prices and as of October, prices at the pump had been brought down to $215 a li-

tre. Other efforts to cushion the rise in food prices have included the distribution of $1 billion in fertilisers to farmers countrywide.

Since taking office in 2020, the President Dr Irfaan Ali-led Administration has introduced several measures to put more disposable income in the pockets of Guyanese. From the onset, Value Added Tax (VAT) was removed from water and electricity. There has also been an increase in old-age pension and public assistance, putting $2.3 billion and $432 million, respectively, into the pockets of Guyanese.

Additionally, the PPP/C Government reinstated the “Because We Care” cash grant and school uniform cash grant which stands at $30,000 per child in both public and private schools.

In addition, a $25,000 per household cash grant was rolled out to assist fam-

ilies struggling during the pandemic.

Moreover, the Government announced a one-off cash grant of $25,000 to all pensioners and almost 65,000 persons benefitted; this measure placed a total of $1.6 billion in disposable income into the hands of the elderly population.

A one-off grant of $25,000 was also given to all public assistance recipients and persons living with disabilities. This grant benefited about 25,000 persons and placed more than $600 million in additional disposable income in their hands.

Furthermore, a onemonth free electricity for households consuming not more than 75 kilowatt per hour a month was announced – a measure that was intended to benefit some 40,000 households. In total, these measures provided $2.6 billion worth of additional support to vulnerable groups.

Professionalism must be hallmark of GPF – Top Cop – as Division 3 rewards outstanding ranks

Scores of Police

Three were on Monday awarded for their outstanding performances and diligent effort shown throughout the year.

The Traditional Christmas Luncheon and Awards Ceremony was held at the Leonora Technical and Vocational Institute, West Coast Demerara (WCD).

Amongst those who received prizes were the ranks from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID); Best Traffic Ranks; Officer in Charge No 1 Sub Region;

Special awards were also handed out to five ranks, of which they received certificates and trophies. Lance Corporal Edmonson, on the other hand, received a plaque and $40,000 cash.

The Community Policing Groups received Certificates of Appreciation and hampers in recognition of their hard work and dedication.

However, the Best Cop award was presented to Sergeant Douglas. He received $100,000 in cash

and

Assistant Commissioner Mahendra Siwnarine, while delivering his remarks, noted that this is the time of year the Guyana Police Force recognises the efforts and dedication of ranks.

The Top Cop in his feature address noted that he was honoured to be a part of the transformation the Guyana Police Force is undergoing.

“I am honoured and privileged to be speaking to you as the Commissioner of Police, especially during this time when we look forward to the recognition you

truly deserve after working all year round, beyond the normal call, and so it is only fitting at the headquarters level that we recognise outstanding performances,” the Top Cop posited.

Hicken thereafter commended the Commanders for maintaining the partnership approach, noting that their expansion is quite noticeable. He noted that in an effort to strive for excellence, there must be a modernisation process, which is currently being enforced.

The Top Cop reminded the ranks that demands will always be great, noting that “excellent work gives you more”. He also charged

the ranks to maintain discipline, and professionalism despite challenges faced in or out of the line of duty.

Being satisfied with the work/progress done thus far, the Top Cop further allocated $300,000 to the Division.

In closing, the vote of thanks was given by the Best Cop, Sergeant Douglas.

Also present at

Monday’s event were Deputy Commissioner –Administration – Calvin Brutus; Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum; SOCU Head, Assistant Commissioner, Fazil Karimbaksh; Special Branch Head, Assistant Commissioner Errol Watts; 4A Commander, Assistant Commissioner Simon McBean and other officials.

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo

Ranks within Regional Police Division

Station Sergeants; Staff of Commander

Registry; Scouts; Ranks from the Operations Room; Court Staff; Ranks from Vreed-enHoop Police Station; Best Sports Woman and the Best Cop for the Division.

a trophy from Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken.

Best Cop Sergeant Douglas receiving his award

Top officials of the Guyana Police Force with awardees on Monday

Regional

US preps for more migrant crossings as COVID-era restrictions set to end

Federal, state and local authorities along the US-Mexico border have been readying for a possible rise in the already record numbers of migrant crossings if COVID-era restrictions are lifted this week, with some estimating tens of thousands of people are waiting in Mexico for news of the policy change.

US Representative Henry Cuellar, a Democrat whose South Texas district borders Mexico, has said - citing US border authorities - that an estimated 50,000 people are waiting in Mexico for the chance to cross if the restrictions are lifted Dec 21 as ordered by a federal court.

Those waiting include about 200 Venezuelans who have been sleeping at a church in Ciudad Juarez, a Mexican city across the border from El Paso, Texas, in recent weeks in anticipation of the possible end of an order known as Title 42 that has barred many asylum seekers since early 2020.

The Democratic administration of US President Joe Biden is preparing for the possibility of 9000-14,000 mi-

grants per day trying to cross the border if Title 42 is lifted, Reuters and other outlets have reported, about double the recent daily rate.

On Monday, White House Press Secretary Karine JeanPierre said at a press conference that the Administration was "surging resources" to the border to prepare and stressed that "the border is not open" since migrants entering illegally could still be removed via other means if the order is

no longer in place.

But because of an ongoing legal battle, it remains unclear whether Title 42 will end on Wednesday.

The public health order aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19 was issued in March 2020 under Republican former President Donald Trump, an immigration restrictionist, and kept in place for more than a year by the Biden administration. (Excerpt from Reuters)

T&T, China sign on new Forensic Science Centre for St Joseph

Minister of National Security Fitzgerald Hinds and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Trinidad and Tobago, Fang Qiu have signed an agreement for the construction of a new Trinidad and Tobago Forensic Science Centre in St Joseph.

The construction of a new centre is being made possible through the provision of funding, as appropriated via a series of Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreements between the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and the Government of the People’s Republic of China.

The letters outline the obligations of each party in the execution of this project.

Minister Hinds noted that the construction of a new TTFSC continues to be a priority of the Government.

The new facility is envisioned to be modern, with adequate storage, and required amenities for TTFSC staff to conduct their duties efficiently, in support of law enforcement and the criminal justice system.

It will be located on Farm Road, St Joseph and will have dedicated spaces and laboratories for biology, chemistry, toxicology, documents, ballistics, motor vehicles, patholog-

ical anatomy and other technical inspections, storage rooms, administrative office rooms, electrical and standby power rooms and other supporting facilities.

Both the Minister and the Ambassador noted the signing was an example of the existing longstanding bilateral relationship and ongoing cooperation between Trinidad and Tobago and China.

The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of National Security’s Office at Tower C, International Waterfront Complex, 1 Wrightson Road, Port of Spain. (Excerpt from Trinidad Guardian)

Brazilian Presidentelect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva scored two key victories on Monday, after the Supreme Court granted an injunction allowing him to increase social investment, while also outlawing an opaque congressional spending programme.

Colombia’s largest remaining rebel group has announced a unilateral ceasefire over the endof-year holiday period, a week after the National Liberation Army (ELN) and the Colombian Government concluded a first round of peace negotiations.

An ELN spokesperson said in a video shared on social media on Monday that the ceasefire would last from 6am (11:00 GMT) on Saturday, which is Christmas Eve, to the same time on January 2.

The ceasefire only covers the “military forces and the state police” said the spokesperson, saying ELN fighters reserve the right to defend

themselves if they are attacked.

The United Nations special representative to Colombia, Carlos Ruiz Massieu, welcomed the announcement, saying on Twitter that he trusts the ceasefire will help “alleviate suffering and improve the humanitarian situation”.

Representatives of the leftist rebel group and the Government began peace talks in neighbouring Venezuela last month in an effort to end a decades-long conflict that has killed more than 450,000 people.

The South American nation has seen an uptick in violence in recent years, espe-

cially in areas where armed groups are battling for control over drug trafficking routes and other illicit activities.

The talks were held after Gustavo Petro – Colombia’s first left-wing President, who took office in August –had promised to pursue a “total peace” plan for the country, including holding talks with armed groups.

Petro’s right-wing predecessor, Ivan Duque, broke off negotiations with the ELN, a group that is believed to have about 4000 fighters in Colombia and neighbouring Venezuela, in 2019 after a car bombing killed 22 Police cadets. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

In a decision late on Sunday, Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Gilmar Mendes granted an injunction that removes a 600-reais monthly allowance for poor families from the constitutional spending cap, giving a temporary green light for the payment to be extended into next year.

Then, in a Monday ruling, the full bench of the court ruled that the so-called "Secret Budget" programme, which gives Congress greater control over public resources, was illegal.

Those two decisions are a boost for Lula, allowing him to fulfil a campaign pledge to increase social spending while also giving him greater negotiating power over congressional leaders by limiting their ability to extract conces-

sions through untransparent means.

The "Secret Budget" programme was used by far-right incumbent Jair Bolsonaro to win support in Congress. It distributed funds to lawmakers through amendments to Bills, but was criticised for its lack of transparency.

Supreme Court Justice Roberto Lewandowski cast the deciding vote making the measure illegal, in a defeat for lower house leader, Arthur Lira, and Senate President Rodrigo Pacheco.

Mendes' decision, which still needs to be ratified by the full bench of the Supreme Court, takes the pressure off a constitutional amendment Lula is seeking to pass to allow him to fulfil a campaign pledge and invest more on the country's poor.

The central component of the Bill was raising the ceiling of the spending cap to include Lula's social package. The Bill has passed the Senate and now awaits a vote in the lower house. (Excerpt from Reuters)

More than a hundred new designs discovered in and around Peru's ancient Nazca plain and surrounding areas could bring new information to light about the mysterious pre-Columbian artworks that have intrigued scientists and visitors for decades.

Following two years of field surveys with aerial photos and drones, Peruvian and Japanese researches from Yamagata University earlier this month reported the discovery of 168 new designs at the UNESCO World Heritage site on Peru's southern Pacific

coast.

The geoglyphs, huge figures carved into the South American desert, date back more than 2000 years and represent humans, cats, snakes, killer whales, birds and native camelids - animals such as llamas, guanacos and alpacas.

Jorge Olano, head archaeologist for the Nazca Lines research programme, said the new figures averaged between two and six metres (6.56 to 19.7 feet) in length. The purpose of the Nazca lines, which could only be seen from the air, remain a mystery.

This month's findings, however, are smaller and can be seen from the ground, Masato Sakai, a professor from Yamagata University who led the study, told Reuters.

The figures, iconic vestiges of Peru's rich history, are about a three-hour drive from the capital Lima.

Researchers had already discovered 190 figures in the area since 2004. But the vastness of the terrain they cover has complicated efforts to study and conserve the heritage site. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Consumers are being urged to safeguard their personal information when shopping online during the Christmas season to avoid becoming victims of scamming and identity theft.

Information Technology Manager at the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC), Christopher Martin, said that shoppers must recognise that they are the first line of defence against cyberattacks and they must take steps to protect themselves.

“Be very careful [and] ensure that the device and browser you are using are secure. Also, do not save your password on your browser.

It is not safe. Anybody who goes on your browser after you can access your information,” he pointed out.

Martin, who was speaking at a recent Think Tank held at the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) headquarters here, is advising online shoppers to use complex passwords instead of familiar names that persons with nefarious intentions can guess.

“Be very strategic in how you create your password. It should be simple for you but strong for the hacker or scammer who wants to get [into your account],” he said.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of the

CAC, Dolsie Allen, is encouraging consumers to be intentional in their shopping.

This involves staying away from impulse buys, being mindful and purposeful in spending, making a budget and sticking to it, and keeping track of how much is being spent.

The CAC is an agency of the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce and has a responsibility to protect consumers. It carries out its mandate through consumer education, the handling of complaints and by conducting market surveillance.

(Excerpt from Jamaica Observer)

A Texas National Guardsman watches as a group of migrants wades across the Rio Grande as US border cities brace for an influx of asylum seekers when COVID-era Title 42 migration restrictions are set to end, in Eagle Pass, Texas, US December 18, 2022

Brazil's President-elect Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva speaking during a Christmas reunion with waste pickers, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, December 15, 2022

Oil rises on hopes for China's economy; recession fears limit gains

Oil prices rose on Monday, as optimism around China relaxing its COVID-19 restrictions outweighed fears of a global recession that would weigh on energy demand.

China, the world's top crude oil importer, is experiencing its first of three expected waves of COVID-19 cases after Beijing relaxed mobility restrictions but said it plans to step up support for the economy in 2023.

"There is no doubt that demand is being adversely influenced," said Naeem Aslam, analyst at brokerage Avatrade. "However, not everything is so negative as China has vowed to fight all pessimism about its economy, and it will do what it takes to boost economic growth."

Brent crude gained 76 cents to settle at US$79.80 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude rose 90 cents to US$75.19.

Prices pared gains earlier before rising again in a volatile session.

"The reality here is that we still have a fear of a great recession looming on the horizon that has not gone away," said Bob Yawger, director of energy futures at Mizuho. "It's going to be difficult to make big gains here."

Oil surged toward its record high of US$147 a barrel earlier in the year after Russia invaded Ukraine in February. It has since unwound most of this year's gains as supply concerns were edged out by recession fears.

European Union Energy Ministers on Monday agreed to a gas price cap, after weeks of talks on the emergency measure that has split opinion across the bloc as it seeks to tame the energy crisis.

The cap can be triggered starting from Feb 15, 2023, the document detailing the final deal showed. The deal will be formally approved by countries in writing, after which it can enter into force.

The US Federal Reserve and European Central Bank raised interest rates last week and promised more. The Bank of Japan, meanwhile, could shift its ultra-dovish stance when it meets on Monday and today.

"The prospect of further rate rises will hit economic growth in the new year and in doing so curb demand for oil," said Stephen Brennock of oil broker PVM.

Oil was supported by the US Energy Department saying on Friday that it will begin repurchasing crude for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve - the first purchases since releasing a record 180 million barrels from the reserve this year. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Turbulence injures dozens on Hawaiian Airlines flight

At least 36 people have been injured, 11 seriously, after a Hawaiian Airlines flight from Phoenix to Honolulu was hit by severe turbulence.

One passenger said the shaking became so severe they were "pretty much floating off of our chairs".

Twenty people were taken to local hospitals with injuries ranging from lacerations, bruising and loss of consciousness to head injuries.

Thunderstorms were reported in the area at the time of the turbulence.

On Monday, the US National Transportation Safety Board announced it is investigating the incident.

There were 278 passengers and 10 crew on board the Airbus A330-200.

The incident on Flight HA35 happened on Sunday morning, shortly before the plane came in to land at Honolulu's Daniel K Inouye International Airport.

A statement from Hawaiian Airlines read: "Medical care was provided to several guests and crew members at the airport for minor injuries while some were swiftly transported to local hospitals for further care."

Of the people taken to hospital, about 17 were passengers and three were crew members. A 14-monthold baby and a teenager were among them.

Hawaiian Airlines' chief operating officer Jon Snook said he was "grateful" for the support provided by emergency services and that "it looks like everybody's going to survive".

He added there had been unstable weather conditions in Hawaii recently that created challenges for airlines.

One passenger told Hawaiian broadcaster KHON2 that the severe turbulence only lasted a few seconds, but it was enough to injure the passengers. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Around the World

Six dead including 73-year-old suspect in condo shooting near Toronto

Six people, including a 73-year-old suspect, died and one person was wounded in a shooting at a residential building in the Canadian city of Vaughan on Sunday in an incident the city's mayor described as horrifying and shocking.

Police were called about an "active male shooter who had shot several victims" at a condominium in Vaughan, less than 50 km (31 miles) north of downtown Toronto, at about 7:20 pm local time on Sunday (0020 GMT on Monday).

Police found and fired at the suspect in a hallway and he was pronounced dead about 40 minutes later, a spokesperson for Ontario's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) told reporters on Monday.

Authorities then recovered dead bodies from several floors as well as a semi-automatic handgun that is suspected to be the weapon used in the shooting, SIU spokesperson Kristy Denette said.

Canada has much stricter gun laws than the United States, but Canadians are allowed to own firearms providing they have a licence. Restricted or prohibited firearms, like handguns, must also be registered.

Denette said the suspect had been identified as a resident of the building but his next of kin had not consented to releasing his name. No information was shared about any potential motive.

The York Regional Police Department said it was working to confirm the identities of the victims and inform their families. Vaughan is located in Ontario's York region and has a population of about 320,000.

Canada's gun homicide rate is a fraction of the United States' rate, 2020 data showed, but is still higher than other wealthy countries and has been rising, with handguns the main weapon used in the majority of firearm-related violent crimes between 2009 and 2020. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Russian 'kamikaze' drones hit Kyiv, Putin has talks with ally Belarus

Russian "kamikaze" drones hit key energy infrastructure in and around Kyiv on Monday and President Vladimir Putin visited Belarus for the first time since 2019, fuelling Ukrainian fears he will pressure his ally to open a new invasion front.

But Ukraine was hardly mentioned by Putin and his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko after their talks, with remarks to reporters dwelling instead on bilateral and economic cooperation.

The Ukrainian military high command said their air defences had shot down 23 of 28 dronesmost over the capital Kyiv - in what was Moscow's third air strike in six days and the latest in a series since October targeting the Ukrainian power grid, causing sweeping black -

outs amid sub-zero temperatures.

No casualties were reported as a result of the drone strikes, it said in its evening update, though nine buildings were damaged in the Kyiv region.

The Ukrainian atomic energy agency accused Russia of sending one of the drones over part of the South Ukraine Nuclear Power Plant in the Mykolaiv region.

"This is an absolutely unacceptable violation of nuclear and radiation safety," Energoatom wrote on Telegram.

Invading Russian forces now occupy the Zaporizhzhia nuclear reactor complex, Europe's largest, in south eastern Ukraine near the front line.

The "kamikaze" drones used in the attacks are cheaply produced, dispos -

able unmanned aircraft that fly towards their target before plummeting at speed and detonating on impact.

A Reuters witness said a fire raged overnight at an energy facility in the often-targeted Shevchenkivskyi district

of central Kyiv, a city of 3.6 million people.

The Solomianskyi district in the western part of Kyiv, a busy transport hub and home to a train station and one of the city's two passenger airports, was also hit. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Ghana to default on most external debt as economic crisis worsens

Ghana on Monday suspended payments on most of its external debt, effectively defaulting as the country struggles to plug its cavernous balance of payments deficit.

Its Finance Ministry said it will not service debts including its Eurobonds, commercial loans and most bilateral loans, calling the decision an "interim emergency measure", while some bondholders criticised a lack of clarity in the decision.

The Government "stands ready to engage in discussions with all of its external creditors to make Ghana's debt sustainable", the Finance Ministry said.

The suspension of debt payments reflects the parlous state of the economy, which had led the Government last week to reach a $3-billion staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Ghana had already announced a domestic debt exchange programme and said that an external re -

structuring was being negotiated with creditors. The IMF has said a comprehensive debt restructuring is a condition of its support.

The country has been struggling to refinance its debt since the start of the year after downgrades by multiple credit ratings agencies on concerns it would not be able to issue new Eurobonds.

That has sent Ghana's debt further into the distressed territory. Its public debt stood at 467.4 billion Ghanaian cedis (US$55

billion as per Refinitiv Eikon data) in September, of which 42 per cent was domestic.

It had a balance of payments deficit of more than US$3.4 billion in September, down from a surplus of US$1.6 billion at the same time last year.

While 70 per cent to 100 per cent of the Government revenue currently goes toward servicing the debt, the country's inflation has shot up to as much as 50 per cent in November. (Excerpt from Reuters)

The scene after a fatal mass shooting at a condominium building in the Toronto suburb of Vaughan, Ontario, Canada December 19, 2022

Firefighters working at a site of a critical power infrastructure object, which was hit during Russia's drone attacks in Kyiv, Ukraine, in this handout picture released December 19, 2022 (Press service of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine/Handout via REUTERS)

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Emotional spending won’t solve the problem. Step back, look over your financial situation and plan to save more next year. Helping others will encourage you to handle your dilemmas with patience.

(March 21-April 19)

(April 20-May 20)

Share your thoughts and feelings, and find out where you stand. You’ll be surprised by the response you receive, and it will help you put your life in perspective and your plans in place.

You can agree to help, but don’t sign up to take over a project that doesn’t belong to you. Put your time and effort where they will do the most good and make you feel satisfied.

(May 21-June 20)

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

Plan to get together with people who put a smile on your face and pique your imagination. An exciting idea will capture your attention and encourage you to take on a new project.

Impulsive acts will lead to trouble. Slow down, and don’t try to buy someone’s love. Helping a cause you believe in will lift your spirits. What you do for others will offer the greatest reward.

Home is where the heart is. Work with the people you care about most to make a warm and comfy environment where you can catch up and discuss longterm plans. The input you receive will be important.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Be careful about approaching sensitive issues with family and friends. You will likely start a feud if you don’t choose your words wisely. Shared expenses or joint ventures will take a turn.

Let your creative imagination take the reins, and you’ll come up with ideas and plans that will change your life and the lives of those you encounter. Speak up and share your thoughts.

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

Don’t take a risk or get involved in someone’s dubious scheme. Do what feels right and don’t look back. Don’t let uncertainty stand in your way. It’s time to get things moving!

Change will brighten your day. Look at each situation as a project and adjust what doesn’t fit your plans. Don’t wait for life to come to you. Take control, listen to reason and show strength.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

An emotional incident will change your plans. Don’t let trivial matters ruin your day or stop you from taking care of last-minute chores. Choose to be original and practical, not flashy.

Changing how you handle your money will set the stage for a bright future. Offer to contribute to a worthy cause or endeavor. Spending time helping others will get you in the festive spirit.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

ARCHIE PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

DILBERT

France striker Karim Benzema retires from international football

France striker Karim Benzema has announced his retirement from international football on his 35th birthday on Monday, a day after Les Bleus lost to Argentina on penalties in the World Cup final.

Ballon d'Or winner Benzema, who scored 37 times in 97 appearances, was expected to lead the line for France in Qatar, but missed the World Cup after suffering a thigh injury in training the day before the start of the tournament.

Karim Benzema, who made his international debut in 2007, played at the European Championship in 2008 and 2012, as well as the 2014 World Cup, but was omitted from the next two major tournament squads over a blackmail scandal. He was recalled for Euro 2020 last year, when Didier Deschamps' side suffered an early exit, and helped France win the

Nations League in October 2021.

Benzema enjoyed a stellar campaign with Real Madrid last season, scoring 44 goals in 46 games in all competitions, as he inspired them to a LaLiga and Champions League double.

Since his return to the international team, Benzema had scored 10 goals in 16 appearances, but was forced to sit out France's defence of the World Cup, which ended in a 4-2 defeat on penalties to Argentina in Sunday's final. (Reuters)

Rehan Ahmed is the real deal

Rehan Ahmed's performance in taking 5-48 on the third day of England's final Test against Pakistan was remarkable. He is 18 years old, and in only his fourth first-class match. I know just how inexperienced and raw I felt after so few matches. And yet, there he was, bowling England into a position from which they will surely win the series 3-0. In the process, he became the youngest man to take a five-wicket haul on his Test debut.

Ollie Pope, whose hands must still be stinging after taking such a sharp catch.

That is what leg-spin can do. Even poor balls can be dangerous, because of the natural variation in speed, bounce and skid. They can be hard to attack with a cross-bat. Yes, it was a lucky way to pick up a wicket, but Ahmed also bowls plenty of good balls that go unrewarded.

ary Australian, even if he is clearly a long way off from matching his quality as a bowler.

At the age of 42, Venus Williams has been awarded a wildcard to compete in January’s Australian Open tennis tournament.

The American will be back in Melbourne to participate in the tournament, which begins on 16 January, some 25 years after her debut therein.

Williams won just three matches in 13 tournaments last season, but is yet to show any inclination of following her sister Serena into retirement. A seven-time Grand Slam champion in singles, she was beaten in the Australian Open final in 2003 and 2017.

“I am very excited to be returning to Melbourne. It will be an honour to play for the fans again,” said Williams, who has won five doubles titles in Melbourne.

“I’ve been competing in the country for over 20 years now, and the Australian community has always supported me wholeheartedly.

I’m looking forward to making more memories at

the tournament this year.”

Williams is ranked 1,007th in the world, and her last competitive singles match was a first-round defeat at the US Open in August, having played just four tournaments in 2022.

The Grand Slam in New York was the last for her sister Serena Williams, who had announced she was “evolving away” from tennis before the tournament.

Nine-time champion Novak Djokovic is also set to compete in Melbournea year after being deported

from Australia because of his COVID-19 vaccination status.

Meanwhile, 17-year-old British player Ben Bartram has been given an Australian Open men’s wheelchair wildcard, after being named the International Tennis Federation’s (ITF’s) Junior Wheelchair Tennis Player of the Year.

Bartram has won six senior titles since June, and will join Britain’s Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid in the tournament.

(BBC Sport)

It is very un-English to fast-track a player into Test cricket, but it was absolutely the right thing to do with Ahmed. At 2-0 up, it was the perfect opportunity to see what the leg-spinner can do in conditions similar to those England will face in India next winter. They will have certainly learned more about him in one Test than they would have done watching him play for Leicestershire next summer.

We wondered if Ahmed might be overawed by the occasion, but there was not a bit of it. In fact, he revealed himself to be a showman that revelled in playing on the biggest stage.

After Ahmed took two wickets in the Pakistan first innings, it was odd that captain Ben Stokes held him back until the 42nd over of the third day in Karachi. Then again, everything that Stokes touches turns to gold at the minute, and so it proved with Ahmed. In a spell of 12.5 overs, Ahmed sparked a spectacular collapse and made himself the youngest leg-spinner to claim a five-wicket haul in a men's Test.

He will be the first to admit his first victim, Babar Azam, fell to a terrible delivery. It was a rank long-hop that Babar should have hit for six. Instead, the Pakistan captain hit it straight to

In contrast, his second wicket, that of Mohammad Rizwan, was near-perfect. There was lovely bounce and turn to take the outside edge, which is exactly what you want from a legspin bowler. From there, Ahmed was off and running, and by the time he was walking off, showing the ball to the crowd, we all knew England had found someone special.

English cricket has long been fascinated by legspin, partly because of what Shane Warne regularly did to us in the Ashes. England isn't the best place to produce leg-spinners; the conditions aren't particularly conducive to it. In the bid to find the next Warne, a few have been tried and discarded. In Ahmed's case, he encountered the great man in the nets at Lord's, so for him to now put in a performance that Warne would have purred over completes that circle.

There is always something happening when a leg-spinner is bowling. They bring an energy and theatre to the game. They are the magicians, always looking to pull a rabbit out of the hat. Part of Warne's act was to get the batsmen believing the ball was doing things it wasn't. I used to think of him as a pantomime dame. Ahmed certainly has that aspect to his character, so in that sense has already mimicked the legend-

It is now England's job to protect him, to make sure he doesn't get put in situations that will dent his confidence. I don't think we will see him against Australia next summer; England will want the control offered by Jack Leach, but we can already pencil Ahmed in for the tour of India in early 2024. Either way, it's absolutely fine for England fans to get excited about him. He looks like the real deal.

As for England, the idea of them coming to Pakistan and winning 3-0 would have been laughable after their defeats to Australia in Hobart or West Indies in Grenada earlier this year. No-one has ever done this to Pakistan, because it is incredibly difficult. Yet, here we are, with Pakistan the latest side left scratching their heads, wondering if it is possible to stop the way England play. Yes, Pakistan have been below their best, and missing a couple of key fast bowlers, but Stokes's side could only beat what was in front of them.

Now we will all be looking towards next summer, because the Ashes Series against Australia is the one. England will play the same way, and the ruthless Australians will not take a backward step.

When England were hammered by Australia at the beginning of this year, I was pondering the prospect of 2023, and came to the conclusion that England's proud, unbeaten home record stretching back to 2001 was under severe threat. Now I'm not so sure.

(Jonathan Agnew was speaking to BBC Sport's chief cricket writer Stephan Shemilt in Karachi) (BBC Sport)

Venus Williams will compete in her 22nd Australian Open in January

Rehan Ahmed is the youngest man to play a Test for England

-says English cricket broadcaster Jonathan Agnew

England vs Pakistan Test 3 of 3…

St Benedict’s score victory

CWSS draw 2nd game

Trinidad & Tobago schools football champions St Benedict’s College have received their first taste of Guyanese competition on Sunday, December 18, but have nevertheless opened their account in this KFC Goodwill International Schools Football tournament on a high note, by thumping Golden Grove Secondary 5-1.

Playing at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Ground on Carifesta Avenue in Georgetown, Jerell Griffith got the Trinidadian team off to a stellar start with a brace in the 16th and 24th minutes, and Jeremiah Ottaway netted his first goal in the 33rd minute, to push St. Benedict’s tally to 3-0.

Just before the half expired, Shamar Warton evinced hope in the Golden

Grove camp by scoring a goal in the 44th minute. However, St. Benedict’s took possession of the game upon resumption of play, when Ottaway made it a 4-1 affair in the 59th minute and St. Benedict’s Raheem Nelson underscored his team’s dominance by scoring their fifth goal in the 67th minute. Thus the 5-1 win.

In the other game of the day, Suriname’s SVB Academy and Christianburg Wismar Secondary School (CWSS) played to a draw –the second such for CWSS.

After near-misses on both ends for much of the first segment, Amani King of CWSS eventually found the back of the net in the 40th minute to put CWSS in the lead.

However, CWSS could hold on to the 1-goal lead for only so long, as Darrel

Sijpenhof found the equalizer for SVB in entertaining fashion in the 60th minute of play.

Despite their individual best efforts, neither side could produce the game-winning goal, and these teams were forced to share points.

The round-robin stage of the KFC Goodwill tournament concluded on Monday evening. Results therefrom would be published in tomorrow’s edition of Guyana Times Sport Meanwhile, the tournament’s semifinal stage is expected to

take flight on Wednesday, December 21, before the grand finale and third-place playoff are held on Friday, December 23, 2022.

All remaining games are likely to be played at the MoE Ground on Carifesta Avenue in Georgetown.

The KFC Goodwill tournament is also supported by MVP Sports, Guyana Beverages Inc, Tiger Rentals, Trophy Stall; the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS); and the Ministry of Education (MoE).

It is no secret that Jamaica women have put on an impressive show at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Oregon, USA in July.

Led by Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Shericka Jackson, Jamaica women pretty much stole the show, despite being upset by the United States in the final of the 4x100m relay.

It is no surprise, then, that the Jamaican superstars topped the table for most points accumulated during the Championships. Jamaica women topped the table with 75 points, one

more than United States’ 74. Ethiopia was third with 60 points.

Great Britain (39), Kenya (39), Netherlands (20), Nigeria (13), Kazakhstan (12), Bahamas (10) and the Dominican Republic (10) round out the top 10 nations. Eight points are accumulated for first place, and a point for eighth.

At the Championships, Fraser-Pryce led a Jamaica 1-2-3 finish in the 100m. Shericka Jackson won silver and Elaine ThompsonHerah won the bronze medal. Shericka Jackson

turned the tables in the 200m event, winning in a Championship record of 21.45s, the second fastest time in history. She was followed by Fraser-Pryce who won silver. ThompsonHerah was seventh.

Britany Anderson won silver in the 100m hurdles, which Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan won. Danielle Williams finished sixth.

Meanwhile, Rushell Clayton finished sixth in the final of the 400m hurdles, won by the USA’s Sydney McLaughlin in a world-record time of 50.68s.

Antigua and Barbuda’s only living National Hero, international cricket icon Sir Vivian Richards, is stressing the importance of sports and encouraging young people to get involved in meaningful activities surrounding

their favourite game, given the many benefits to be derived.

“This is why I think the golf course is so important too. With all the youngsters out there, and what they have been doing in a positive way, sports can

play such a huge part. And I guess all the other things that are of interest, people can try and get them involved with. We try our best at the golf course with the kids, and they are magnificent in terms of their manners; and being involved in a sport that is positive can basically help them also to gain scholarships to go to the States (USA) for them to fulfill their goals. Whether they come through in the sport or not, there is an opportunity for them to get an education in whatever field is best,” he said.

His plea comes amidst increased violence among youth, and as the nation prepares for the yuletide season, schools across Antigua and Barbuda have closed their doors in observance of the holidays.

Sir Viv has reminded

that crime and violence do not pay. “There is no winner in that particular situation, because when you get caught in whatever you’re doing, you’re going to get institutionalized, and your life will be taken away. When you kill and hurt other people, there’re families you put through the pain, not just yours but the other people who suffer. So, let’s

hope we can clean up our act along these particular lines, and look for the more positive things in life,” he said.

Sir Viv, former West Indies captain and one of the most devastating batsmen to have ever played the game, has urged all to be safe throughout the season.

“Just wishing everyone the very best, and to stay as safe as possible. Look out for your friends and neighbours and everyone that is involved, because we all have to play our part. We can all help the law fraternity in a big way, so let’s be vigilant, everyone,” Sir Viv has said.

There has been a number of stabbing and chopping incidents over the past few weeks, reportedly involving young people belonging to rival gangs. (Antigua Observer)

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Glimpses of the KFC Goodwill 2022 action (File Photos)

The Jamaica women were a regular sight on the podium Jamaica also won silver in the 4x100m relay and bronze in the 4x400m relay. (Sportsmax)

Six goals coming off the boots of Kelsey Benjamin paved the way for a dramatic 16-0 victory for New GPC Inc’s Region 4 team when the One Guyana President’s Cup tournament resumed on Sunday night, December 18, at the National Track and Field Center (NTFC) at Leonora, West Coast Demerara.

It was a masterclass performance from the New GPC Region 4 players as they mauled Region 8 (Potaro-Siparuni) by a 16goal margin. After opening the scoring in the 19th, Benjamin continued to lead the charge with regular goals, netting in the 34th, 40th, 45th, 85th, and 90th +1 minutes for his mammoth tally.

Benjamin wasn’t the only one displaying his ‘unique’ skills; Nicholas McArthur followed close be-

hind with a helmet trick, having found the back of the net in the 57th, 75th, 76th and 78th minutes.

Omari Glasgow and Ryan Hackett each registered a brace in the 30th and 45th+1 and the 33rd and 44th respectively.

Curtez Kellman and Tyrese Dennis ‘got involved in the action’ later in the game, striking in the 68th and 83rd minutes respectively for the big win.

After a draw in their first outing at the President’s Cup, Region 10 rebounded with a 4-0 victory over Region 2 in a match also played on Sunday night.

Tyric McAllister first scored for Region 10 in the 26th minute; and with a 1-0 score at the half, Andre Mayers pushed the score to 2-0 in the 54th, then Kendolph Louis made it 3-0 in the 81st minute.

McAllister returned to complete his brace in the dying minutes of the game, while Region 2 was left searching for at least a consolation goal. The One Guyana

Messi vows to keep playing for Argentina post-Qatar 2022

Lionel Messi has promised he would play on for Argentina, to experience "a few more games being world champion", after inspiring their triumph in Qatar.

The World Cup belongs to Messi and Argentina after Sunday's spectacular final that saw Kylian Mbappe hit a hat-trick for France but still end up on the losing side.

A 4-2 victory on penalties after a 3-3 draw gave Argentina their third World Cup success, after lifting the trophy in 1978 and 1986, and means Messi's final appearance on the biggest stage of all ended in a fairy tale manner. This was the trophy he had been striving to win before the end of his career, and the 35-year-old finished the tournament with seven goals and three assists and by becoming the first player to score in every round and in the group stage.

He took the Golden Ball Award as the best player, but Mbappe pipped him to the Golden Boot with eight goals.

Messi told TyC Sports: "Obviously, I wanted to close my career with this. I can't

ask for anything anymore. Thank God! He gave me everything. Closing almost my career like this, it's incredible."

Messi knows his career is winding down, and he put in the work to make sure he was in prime shape for one last shot at the World Cup. His emotional reaction after the final whistle, kissing the trophy at the first opportunity, reflected how dearly Messi wanted this moment.

A double in the final meant Messi became the highest-scoring South American player in major international tournaments with 26 goals - 13 in the World Cup as many in the Copa America. That took him one goal ahead of Brazil great Ronaldo, who previously held the record.

"After this, what will there be? I was able to get the Copa America, World Cup… It came to me almost at the end," Messi said. "I enjoy being in the national team, the group, I want to continue living a few more games being world champion, it's every little kid's dream. I was lucky to have achieved everything, and what I was missing is here." (FIFA)

Even before the GBBFF’s Seniors National Championships had begun, local “Hulk” Darious Ramsammy was confident he would successfully defend bodybuilding’s most prestigious title – Mr Guyana - conferred on him after intense competition in 2021.

He entered the Seniors National Championships for 2022 with the conviction that, having done his homework, in a manner of speaking, he would take to the competition with a package that had hitherto NEVER been seen on the local stage. And as the curtains came down on the highly-anticipated event, Darious Ramsammy

The crowd was obviously itching for something extraordinary at the beginning of the show, the anticipation and hunger being so palpable. The first category contested was the Masters category, in which Collin Chesney, Donald Lindie and Selwyn Grogan went head-to-head in competition. In the end Grogan, of Barbell Intense Fitness Gym, walked away victorious, while Chesney and Lindie came in second and third respectively.

The Under-143 contest was next, and Donald Lindie obtained the victory, with Kadeem Bowen settling for second place. In the Under165 category, Joel Caldeira was the winner, and Selwyn

Nicholas Albert was the victor, with Michael Sampson and Collin Chesney in respective second and third positions.

In the Men’s Physique battle, Emmerson Campbell became a six-time champion, while Tariq Dahkil came in second and Jonathan Jeffery came in third. In the Miss Bikini category, Hannah Rampersaud came out on top, while Christina Ramsammy and Alejandra Vieira copped second and third place respectively.

The Miss Bikini Wellness saw Rosanna Fung pitted against Ashanti Conway. However, in the end, Fung bagged third and Conway took second.

President’s Cup will continue today, Tuesday December 20th, with three games being played at the Leonora venue. At 15:00h, Regions Three and Two will resume the clash that was stopped by bad weather last week. Then, at 18:00h, Region One would battle Region 10.

The final game of the night is expected to kick off at 20:30h with Region 7 and Region 9 clashing.

The tournament’s sponsors include the Government of Guyana (GoG), KFC Guyana, GTT, New GPC Inc, Caribbean Airlines, Bank DIH, Digicel, E-Net, BACIF, JAPARTS, MVP Sports, Ansa McAl, Slingerz Family, JS Engineering Services and Supplies, Guyana Beverages Inc, Hardware Depot, Rudisa Motor Company, Marics and Company Ltd and Puran Brothers Inc.

was proven correct in his prediction.

Also winning in their respective categories were Emmerson Campbell, Selwyn Grogan, Donald Lindie, Joel Caldeira, Nicholas Albert, Rosanna Fung, and Hannah Rampersaud.

Grogan copped second. In the Under-176 category, Darious Ramsammy was the lone contender, and this saw the big man bagging first place and a position in the Overall Category to do battle for the Mr Guyana Title. In the 177-and-over division,

In the final showdown of the evening, the Overall division, Darious Ramsammy, whose package looked much better than in 2021, gave the judges what they “wanted”, as he fulfilled the appetite of the hungry crowd. And when the proverbial dust had settled, Ramsammy stood on

the pinnacle of his game, having successfully defended his title, with Nicholas Albert copping second and Joel Caldeira copping third.

Asked after the competition to comment on his win, the magnificent Darious Ramsammy said, “Like I said, the competition was easy; the closest competition have a number of years before he reaches to the level I am at. So, it was a relatively easy competition. To be Mr Guyana again, the feeling is ecstatic, as there is always a strife to prove that you did it once and you can always do it again. So, I am very excited to prove I do have what it takes to reclaim the title.

“I'd like to express thanks to Twins Manufacturing, Fitness Express, BM Soat, Bad Monkey merch, GT&T, CTLS and Guywill Shipping. I’d also like to thank the organizer of the show, the GBBFF, and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport for their unwavering support towards bodybuilding.”

Kelsey Benjamin (burgundy) in action

Darious Ramsammy striking a pose

Ramsammy fraternising with his friends and family members

One Guyana President’s Cup…