Guyana Times - Tuesday, February 14, 2023

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Tuesday, Feb 14 – 23:30h to 01:00h and Wednesday, Feb 15 – 11:30h – 13:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, Feb 14 – 10:10h –11:40h and Wednesday, Feb 15 – 11:40h – 13:10h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

There will be thundery showers during the day. Expect thundery showers at night. Temperatures should range between 24 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 10:32h and 23:25h reaching maximum heights of 2.3 metres and 2.16 metres.

Low Tide: 16:46h reaching a minimum height of 0.91 metre.

Int’l Energy Conference & Expo 2nd edition opens today with 1200 participants

– PM Rowley, Gonsalves & fmr Colombian President to address gathering – other Heads of State to make virtual appearance

The International Energy Conference and Expo Guyana 2023 continues to garner support, both locally and internationally. The conference and expo has already received endorsements from a range of public figures including Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat.

This year, the conference and expo is being hosted under the theme “Harnessing Energy for Development” and is expected to assemble Heads of State and Government, Government officials, policymakers, academics, industry professionals, and global energy thought leaders.

LOTTERY NUMBERS

The Guyana Energy Conference, which is slated to kick off today, February 14, will see the attendance of over 1200 people including high-profile guests such as Trinidadian Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and St Vincent and the Grenadines Head of State, Dr Ralph Gonsalves.

On Monday, the organisers of the Guyana Energy Conference held a press briefing just one day before the event. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kurt Baboolall revealed some of the big names to attend, including current and former Heads of State. Baboolall also gave a breakdown of the over 1200 attendees expected for the conference.

“We have, for the first time, Prime Minister Keith Rowley. We also have Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves. Our Excellency (President Dr Irfaan Ali). And we also have spoken, the ex-President of Columbia, Ivan Duque,” Baboolall said.

“So far in total, we have over 1200 participants, which include exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, and our delegations. We have approximately 200 exhibitors, 30 sponsors, and just over 800 delegates, the CEO added.

In addition to the expected signing of agreements, there will also be a session dedicated to young professionals. Baboolall explained what this session will entail.

He also explained that the exhibition tickets are being sold at GY$5000.

“Something different, we did this year, we have a young professionals forum or session which runs from 9 to 12. And the purpose of that session is to give young professionals who are both entrepreneurial and career-minded, an opportunity to have an overview of the energy sector and it will also be a networking event.”

“They will have an opportunity to walk with their proposals, and their CVs and gain great insight into what’s happening in the energy sector. From announcing it last week to now, the numbers are currently at

350 registrants for that particular day.”

The conference will run from Tuesday, which will feature the opening ceremony and presentations from the most high-profile guests, until Friday, February 17. The final day will see a youth engagement forum being held.

Invited speakers, young professionals and Government agencies will come together and discuss opportunities as well as specific challenges that exist for youth. Presentations will be centred around management skills, entrepreneurship, mentorship and energy sector skills development.

Following the main session, participants at the youth engagement forum will be provided with opportunities to learn from and engage with leading experts in these areas, while being allowed to ask questions and network.

In line with the goals and objectives of the Local Content Policy, it is anticipated that the conference and expo will promote Guyana as an oil and gas investment destination, establish and strengthen productive industry relationships, and offer a platform for local businesses to access collateral and joint ventures.

The last time the conference and expo was held, it was able to attract over 30 sponsors and 150 exhibitors. This year, the conference will have more delegates, sponsors, and exhibitors. In the short to medium term, the conference plans to promote its portfolio of spinoff oil and gas assets in addition to national infrastructure projects.

T&T Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley

St Vincent & the Grenadines PM, Dr Ralph Gonsalves

Former Colombian President Ivan Duque

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Love & affection for each other, for Guyana

Today, as we celebrate Valentine’s Day, most Guyanese would exchange tokens and expressions of affection and love with others, especially couples.

Valentine’s Day has its origin as a Christian feast day which honours one or two early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine, but, through later folk traditions, it has become a significant cultural, religious and commercial celebration of romance and love in many regions of the world.

But how do we relate to each other as Guyanese? Nowadays, especially in the public sphere, some of our relations are characterised by rancour and bitterness, precipitated by those emotions dominating our political relations.

We would like to remind all Guyanese of a message we first offered during the Jubilee Year of our Independence. Our country is our mother, and, going forward, it is hoped that we would each spare her a thought, and act in a manner that expresses some “love and affection” for her. What can we do? Having achieved Independence from Britain 57 years ago, there cannot be a Guyanese who has not recited the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag, the Golden Arrowhead. We have all therefore taken the following vow, with our hands across our breasts to emphasise our seriousness about the words recited:

“I pledge myself to honour always the flag of Guyana/ and to be loyal to my country;/ to be obedient to the laws of Guyana; to love my fellow citizens, and to dedicate my energies towards/ the happiness and prosperity of Guyana.” Today, following Valentine’s Day, let us repeat and try to put into effect our promises in our “Pledge of Allegiance”.

There is that promise to “honour always” our flag – which, of course, is a symbol of our nation. In making the promise, we are asserting that Guyana must be honoured, and, as such, we must never let its flag be sullied. In the end, we would only be allowing our individual selves to be dishonoured. We are not sure that enough has been done to inculcate into our citizens the respect of flag and country that, for instance, was insisted on in reference to the Union Jack of Britain during the colonial era.

The prior question is whether Guyanese citizens have a deep sense of loyalty to their country – which is the second promise. Would they react positively to JFK’s famous exhortation: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country”? While one cannot speak conclusively on this issue, anecdotal evidence suggests that it does not take much for Guyanese to “bad-mouth” their country, and even to “shake the dust off their feet” from it. We are reminded of some Guyanese who would actually advise investors to avoid our country.

Obeying the laws of a country is the sine qua non of peace and stability, and is summarised in the phrase “rule of law”, which exhorts all that they are “under” the law equally. There are troubling signs that this is being violated. But equality of treatment under the law is one of the most important practices that must be adhered to if the country is to be honoured and loyalty inspired. And since we have taken an oath to obey the laws, we must help in insuring that others also do the same. This does not mean that there may not be “bad” laws, but that the law itself would encompass procedures that would allow the people to deliberate on and change them, if that is the general consensus.

And we arrive at our promise to love each other as citizens. That is an important distinction: we have not promised to love someone in general, but as “citizens”. We, Guyanese, are all citizens of this country, and, as such, are endowed with particular rights and responsibilities towards each other and the country. To “love” another citizen, we each have to ensure that we do not infringe on their rights, and that we assist them to fulfil their obligations. In that sense, we are our brothers’ (and sisters’) keepers.

The final promise is that we do all within our power towards “the happiness and prosperity of Guyana”. We commend this to our politicians, officials, legislators, and all our office bearers.

Re: Mahadeo Shivraj’s Brown Sugar too Bitter for Me, Part II. “Where

Dear Editor,

I write with great concern on the above. This movie, and all the movies made by Mahadeo Shivraj -- Guyana’s acclaimed movie-maker -was not recognised by any Government in power ever in this country. This is a painful, depressing and annoying reality of Mr. Mahadeo Shivraj’s, and even another famous movie-making Team of Ssignal Productions (Bunny Alves and Sharmain Blackman).

These people get no recognition by our Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport; our Government in general; and they get no sponsorship from the Private Sector, large or small businesses. It is not easy to get financing.

These movies are made from blood, sweat and tears, usually personal earnings from jobs and a few snippets of support from friends, which is neither here nor there.

The movies made by Mahadeo Shivraj -- and I must also give credit to the Bunny Alves Team -- are all local films with an entire local Guyanese cast. Sometimes these persons were just born with a talent; they had no training in the arts or theatrics or acting. All they have is a skill, a flare, a blessing by birth, as I feel for myself, the undersigned. Acting is a hobby for me, and it was a childhood ambition when I would go to Radio City Cinema in Corriverton (Skeldon) and see certain stars on screen, such as Rajendra Kumar, Sean Connery, Dillip Kumar, Sunil Dutt, Rock Hudson, etc. I would actually see myself acting instead of them.

Unfortunately, Guyana is bereft of institutions that

Caribbean?”

would help budding actors and those who would mentor young actors. That is precisely why I would applaud persons like Mahadeo Shivraj and Bunny Alves. These are iconic personalities that need to be recognised and supported, and awarded by real recognition.

Brown Sugar, too Bitter for me, Part Two (The Oil Dream) is a most topical movie. It is filled with action, comedy, and the realism of Guyanese life that has to do with a variety of human issues that we need to face.

The acting that I saw by people without any kind of training has been such an inspiration to me. Freddie Kissoon of the Freddie Kissoon/Gildarie Show was in total amazement at what he saw: the production skills; the directing skills of Mahadeo Shivraj; the acting skills of us, the local actors, has truly exposed the reality that Guyana can become what would be called the “Guyawood.” And with some support from Government -- encouragement from the Government, financial and otherwise -- we could create our “Guyawood” in Guyana.

This is the dream of Mahadeo Shivraj and of my friend Bunny Alves. I have worked with both producers and directors, and I know their dedication and skill; how they would take little and go far. I know Bunny Alves would start with zero dollars, as I would say, and create a production of class. At times very educational, as for example in the case of Bunny Alves: “The Unbelieving Mon.” Which brought out the problem of child abuse by stepfathers, which is a reality in this country.

At that time, I had suggested to the Minister of Home Affairs, Hon. Clement Rohee, and Chairman of the National Commission of Law and Order that the Government should buy the rights to this movie. It is a movie of just half an hour’s duration, and could be taken around this country to be shown publicly and in schools. Persons could also have been given the right and freedom to just copy it, view it, and sell it. The Minister was very interested, but the group never got the chance to view the movie, sadly!

Above, I asked: “Where are your Heroes, Caribbean?” and this is the name of a song by the Caribbean Superstar Mighty Sparrow. And so I am asking both the current and former Government of Guyana, “Where are your heroes, Guyana?”

We need to extol our people Look at the applause and the recognition extended to Letitia Wright of the Wakanda Forever Film. I applaud her. I am proud of her. I am joyful that she got the recognition of our President and the Government, being a Guyanese citizen who has done so well overseas. What about our Mahadeo Shivraj? What about us local actors here in Guyana, who are sacrificing and giving of our talents, and many times for free, just to create this industry.

Brother Freddie Kissoon suggested that the Government of Guyana should buy some rights into the movie, and should show it throughout the country, so people could see the movie, get entertainment, and become patriotic. I am sug-

gesting that one day they could show it in the Stabroek Market Square, another day by the Band Stand, where Hon. First Lady did a miracle overhaul and create a beautiful atmosphere. It could be a beautiful, pleasant atmosphere of joy, peace, love and harmony. The Police Band could play some music in the beginning; there could be an introduction; and First Lady, at this showing, could be the Honoured Guest.

Mr. Freddie Kissoon shared his idea, but I am extolling the idea and taking it to another level. It could be shown in Linden, in the Big Park opposite Town Hall one evening. It could be shown in Essequibo, two places at the two ends of Essequibo. Let the people see the skills of Guyanese. Let us develop the acting dreams of our youths, whether it be for a hobby or a career. Let us bring opportunities in Guyana, so that we can have these kinds of ambitions for our youths. An ambition through which they could survive and live – all across the Caribbean. It could also be shown in Corriverton, Upper Corentyne; in Port Mourant, in the Public Square; Black Bush Polder; one in New Amsterdam, to cater for the persons in the country, to showcase our skilled stars. The Government can pay a certain amount to Mahadeo Shivraj to compensate him for his actors, his costs, and to give him some profitability. Governments spend all kinds of money on all sorts of ventures; sometimes, in my opinion, in areas that are unnecessary. This is something that could really be good for Guyana.

are your heroes,

The Maipaima Falls is found in Monkey Mountain, nestled beautifully in the North Pakaraima Mountain Range. Monkey Mountain is located in Region Eight: Potaro-Siparuni, in the vicinity of the Brazilian border, where it lies seventeen hundred feet above sea level. The village is inhabited by two main tribes - Patamona and Macushi. The surrounding villages include Paramakatoi, Kato, Kurukubaru, Maikwak and Tuseneng, where mostly Guyana’s First Peoples live

President Irfaan Ali’s respected, trusted leadership

Dear Editor, Growing up in Guyana, the Caribbean and elsewhere, one of the lessons we were taught by our parents, teachers and elders is to always tell the truth, under any circumstance.

Telling the truth is one of the most important lessons known worldwide. It is a value that should be cherished and respected by all, and His Excellency President Dr. Irfaan Ali certainly respects it. Since being sworn in as President on August 2, 2020, President Ali has told the nation that, no matter the situation, he would always be honest and respectful, not only to those who elected him to office, but to all, regardless of race, ethnicity, or party affiliation.

Few can deny that President Ali has been honest to the people, and dedicated to the cause of improving their lives. In return for his honesty and dedication, Guyanese from coast to coast and in the diaspora have placed their trust and confidence in him to make Guyana a prosperous nation.

His style of governance, his “One Guyana” initiative, and his 1000-Man programme are geared towards uniting the people, bridging the poverty gap, and inspiring our youths to become

law-abiding, decent and productive citizens. His outreach tours to the people in the rural areas of the country, especially his recent visit to Berbice, where he was greeted by thousands, is a clear indication that the people believe in him, and trust him to do the right thing for them and the country.

It has become natural for the citizens to trust President Ali; because, during his campaign for the Presidency, he ran on a mainly economic platform that cited declining growth, increased joblessness, and high crime rate under the Granger Administration. As a result, he promised to create 50,000 new jobs over five years, provide house lots to those who need, construct houses for vulnerable Guyanese, rebuild the economy, increase the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and reduce crime.

After two and a half years in office, President Dr. Ali is on his way to fulfilling the promises outlined in the PPPC 2020 manifesto. His Administration has already created more than 30,000 jobs, awarded more than 20,000 house lots to the citizenry, built more than 200 houses, reduced crime; and the country’s GDP is hovering around 35 percent, which is perhaps the highest in the

world.

In the area of housing, President Ali has promised other initiatives, which are being implemented across the country to meet Guyana’s housing demand. These are: free building materials for select categories of new home builders, low interest rates, and long-term mortgages and low-cost housing.

President Ali has also stuck to his promise to reopen the sugar estates that were closed by the APNU/AFC Government, even though they had promised not to close the estates in their 2015 campaign. During the 2020 campaign, Dr Irfaan Ali had made it abundantly clear to all and sundry that, except for Wales Estate on the West Bank of Demerara -- where sugar cultivation has been discontinued, the infrastructure dismantled, and lands sold -- a PPPC Government would ensure the three other estates closed by the APNU+AFC Government are reopened.

And while many in APNU+AFC had criticized his plans to reopen the shuttered sugar estates as unrealistic, President Ali has once again proven them wrong. He has not shied away from the PPPC pre-election commitment to reopen sugar estates. In fact, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha,

on February 1, 2023, stated that the Rose Hall Estate would be reopened by the end of September this year.

On the international scene, President Ali has undeniably positioned Guyana as the leader of the Caribbean and the Global North (First World) countries in several areas, including climate change, energy, and food security. According to His Excellency, “Government is managing the country in a way that will ensure sustainability, resilience and prosperity.” He said, “We want to position Guyana through the leveraging of our natural assets and through the leveraging of our natural competitive advantage; position Guyana at the front seat of all three of these areas.”

After two and a half years in office, many of President Ali’s counterparts in the Caribbean and elsewhere have come to respect and trust him, and have commended him for his strong leadership and dedication towards climate change, energy, and food security, all of which have existential economic, political and social outcomes for all nations, especially those in the Global South (Third World).

Sincerely, Dr

Asquith Rose

Dear Editor,

I read that Letitia Wright, the 29-year-old Guyaneseborn actress, was honoured with an Honorary Doctorate Causa by UG, presumably for acting in movies. Is the university cheapening honorary doctorates? Does just being born in Guyana and becoming an actress qualify one for an honorary doctorate?

Ms. Wright was born in Guyana, but went to school in the UK. While a British citizen pursuing schooling in England, and in her acting career, it will be useful to know what she did for Guyana. I am curious to know whether she was active in Guyanese organizations in the UK. Was she involved in Guyanese-inspired humanitarian activities overseas and in Guyana? Did she socialise with the diaspora? Did she contribute to charities in her former homeland? Did she offer help to potential actors in Guyana who may want to pursue a career in acting? Has she done any promotion for Guyana, or anything from which the country reaped dividends?

Does simply being an actress for a few films qualify someone for an honorary doctorate?

There are several outstanding Guyanese organisations in the diaspora and at home who made immense contributions to the homeland: cultural, political, social, and otherwise. Also, the country produced outstanding writers and other distinguished achievers in the arts, sciences, and social sciences.

A Guyanese from Leguan worked on producing the vaccine to combat COVID-19; millions of lives were saved. How about the people who feed and care for the poor, underprivileged, hungry, and homeless? Their contributions and those of others were never recognised. They were not honoured by UG with a doctorate. What is it about Letitia Wright that makes her so deserving of recognition with an Honorary Doctorate? And why not others who made greater contributions in their chosen fields?

Yours truly,

Gregory Massiah

Kudos to the Government for its SEN initiatives

Dear Editor, That “SEN (Special Education Needs) classrooms will be accessible in every region” across Guyana is news to get all of us excited. We are all aware, and as emphasised by Education Minister Priya Manickchand, that “disability is one of the most serious barriers to education across the globe.” So, these SEN classrooms that will be accessible in every region are a necessary and most welcome step.

Let me remind the nation that SEN is of global concern, and according to UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund), “… children's education is built upon our strong commitment to ensuring that all children, regardless of gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic background or circumstances, realize their right to a quality education.” And UNICEF has always been at the forefront of issues such as the one that is

now touted by the Education Minister.

Currently, there are some 240 million children with disabilities worldwide. And like all children, those with disabilities also have ambitions and dreams for their futures. Like all children too, they need quality education to develop their skills and realise their full potential. This, I guess, sets the basis for what is about to unfold in Guyana. More so, too many times and in too many places, children with disabilities are often overlooked in policymaking, thereby limiting their access to education and their ability to participate in social, economic and political life.

Worldwide, these children are among the most likely to be out of school. They face persistent barriers to education stemming, from discrimination, stigma, and the routine failure of decision-makers.

But now I can safely say that Guyana will not be trapped in a neglecting and denial mode.

I note that the word from Minister Priya Manickchand is that the People’s Progressive Party Civic Government is committed to improving the quality of life of persons with Special Education Needs in schools across the region. She stated in her 2023 Budget presentation that, “We plan to put an SEN classroom accessible in every region.” And to cater for this kind of infrastructure, the planning is wonderful, as she explained that, “We also started, for the first time, a specialisation at CPCE [the Cyril Potter College of Education] where, for the first time, they have teachers specialising in Special Education Needs.”

Editor, I can go on to such things as the more-than-300 teachers already registered under the programme, as well

as the current 13 SEN classrooms in the region, but I think I have made my point; and by way of reiteration, it is that Guyana, under its current leadership, is manifesting unprecedented maturity in being an all-accommodating nation. No one is left out or behind, and everyone is being treated with dignity.

In closing, I point our people to the fact that the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities defines living with a disability as having a long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairment that, in interaction with the environment, hinders one’s participation in society on an equal basis with others. So, this must always be catered for at all times. It will do all of us well to take cognizance of the reality that children and adolescents with disabilities are a highly diverse group with wide-ranging life

Re: Mahadeo Shivraj’s Brown Sugar too...

Mr. Freddie Kissoon had also spoken of what the Jamaicans would do with local movies such as these. The Jamaican Government, with the Private Sector, would saturate the Jamaican societies and communities to bring excitement in the country and applause for the movie-makers and the local actors.

I wish to take this opportunity to applaud the former President, now Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo. Before he

came out of office, he brought a group from London who gave Guyanese the opportunity to learn how to make movies with simple instruments. One of those persons who really uses it well is Ssignal Productions (Bunny Alves and Sharmain Blackman). Another is Dr Poloma Mohamed, now Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana. So I applaud my brother and friend Freddie Kissoon for that idea. And I applaud our pioneers in the mov-

ies, such as Bhaichandeen, Freddie Sanchara, and there were some others as well that worked in the early form of movies decades back.

At this time, I say to the Government of Guyana: Let us support this movie. Let us come out, Government of Guyana, His Excellency the President, Vice President Dr. Jagdeo, Opposition Leader, for the opening of this movie. The production crew is hoping to get the support of a wide cross-sec-

experiences. They live in every community, and are born with or acquire distinct impairments that, in relation to their surroundings, lead to functional difficulties like seeing, walking, communicating, caring for oneself, or making friends.

Yet they are full-fledged human beings. Thus, when it comes to them, nothing must

be left to chance in ensuring that children with disabilities are able to function, participate in society, and lead fulfilling lives. No matter their story, every child has every right to thrive, and not merely eke out a living.

Yours truly,

H Singh

13:30

14:00

14:30

FROM PAGE 4

tion of the Guyanese population. The World Premier is slated to be at MovieTowne at 3pm (the real big, recognised screen in the Caribbean). Government of Guyana, Excellencies, and members of the Cabinet, let us support Mahadeo Shivraj and the cast of actors with some kind of recognition and hearty applause.

Sincerely,

Hajji Dr Roshan Khan (Snr)

Others who contributed to Guyana were not honoured as Wright was

Nominees for ERC received from religious, cultural bodies –

report for appointing members adopted after

The nominees for the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) have been received and adopted by the National Assembly after months of consultation between the parliamentary committee of appointments and various stakeholder bodies.

This is according to the 7th report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Appointments, which was chaired by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Chief Whip and Minister of Governance and Parliamentary Affairs, Gail Teixeira.

According to the report, various clusters of religious, cultural, and ethnic bodies were given a timeframe to come up with nominees. In fact, various extensions had to be granted. The deadline for submission of nominees had to be extended from September 20, 2022, as by October 18 only the Hindu and Indigenous bodies had completed the election process.

However, by January 18, 2023, nominees had been received from all clusters.

They included Reverend Rodwell Porter (Christian bodies), Pandit Krishna Sharma (Hindu bodies), and Moeen-ul Hack (Islamic bodies).

Meanwhile, Norris Witter (labour movement bodies), Charles Ogle (private sector bodies), Dwayne Adams (youth bodies) and Chandrowtie Sarran (women bodies) were nominated to the committee.

months

of consultation

(Amendment) Act.

In budget 2023, the Ethnic Relations Commission as a constitutional agency was allocated $137.3 million. At the time, Finance Minister Singh had spoken about the functioning of these constitutional agencies, such as the Audit Office of Guyana and GECOM. But he had also assured that work is ongoing to get other commissions functional, such as the ERC and the Women and Gender Equality Commission.

When it comes to the cultural and ethnic organisations, Ashton Simon (Indigenous group), Deon Dick aka “Ras Khafra” (African group), and Neaz Subhan (Indian group) were also nominated to join the ERC.

“Thereafter, members considered and adopted the committee’s seventh report and motion on the appointment of mem-

Fisherman crushed to death after falling in path of vehicle

Forty-nine-year-old Rooplall Rukhdeo, a fisherman of Peter Street, Annandale, East Coast Demerara, was killed after he reportedly fell into the path of a moving car in an accident that occurred at about 19:00h on Saturday.

Based on information received, motorcar PLL 4752 was being driven by a 22-yearold man along the Annandale Access Road, East Coast Demerara while a group of persons sitting on a wooden stand at the side of the road were imbibing alcohol. This driver alleges that as he was passing those men, one of the men fell on the roadway and

Dead: Rooplall Rukhdeo (Newsroom photo)

into the path of the vehicle. As a result, the left-side front wheel ran over him.

The man was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC), where he was subsequently pronounced dead.

A breathalyzer test conducted on the driver returned a reading of .004% micrograms. He has been taken into custody to assist with the investigation.

A post-mortem examination conducted on the body of Rukhdeo by Dr Nehaul Singh has given the cause of death as multiple crush injuries to the head.

bers to the Ethnic Relations Commission and therefore, reports to the National Assembly that it has meaningfully consulted the entities in accordance with Article 212 B (1) (a) of the Constitution,” the report stated.

Under Article 212D of the Constitution of the

Co-operative Republic of Guyana, the ERC has 24 functions – one of which is a mandate to investigate complaints from citizens across the country where acts of alleged ethnic discrimination have been committed. Also, the Commission is mandated to enforce the Racial Hostility Act and the Representation of the People

“Notably, the consultative process with civil society organisations for nominations to the Ethnic Relations Commission and the Women and Gender Equality Commission has been completed and the approval of the National Assembly is anticipated shortly after this budget is adopted. The work to complete the Rights of the Child Commission and the Indigenous People’s Commission should be completed by mid-year,” he had said.

CIOG Chairman Moeen-ul Hack was one of the nominees to the ERC

General Workers Union President Norris Witter was also nominated

Former Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle

NCN CEO Neaz Subhan

Jury acquits duo charged with attempted murder over shooting of guard

Two men who had been charged with attempted murder over the shooting of a security guard have been cleared of the charge. Last week, a jury unanimously found them not guilty of the crime.

Thirty-two-year-old Kevin France, of East Ruimveldt, Georgetown and 26-year-old Jason Howard, called “Smelly”, of East La Penitence, Georgetown had been on trial for the offence before Justice Simone Morris-Ramlall at the High Court in Demerara. The pair had been accused of unlawfully and maliciously wounding Quacy Joseph with intent to murder him on October 20, 2016 at Water Street, Georgetown.

Upon their arraignment before the presiding Judge on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, they had both pleaded not guilty to the charge, and an alternate count of discharging a loaded firearm with intent had also been presented against them by state prosecutors.

France had been out on $500,000 bail pending the determination of his tri-

al, while Howard had been on remand, since he is still awaiting trial for the capital offence of murder.

Howard was represented by Attorneys Kiswana Jefford and Edrianna Stephens, while France was represented by Attorney George Thomas. State Counsel Muntaz Ali, in association with State Counsel Marisa Edwards and Abiola Lowe, had appeared on behalf of the prosecution.

According to reports, Joseph, a security guard,

was shot in his abdomen after he attempted to foil a robbery being committed on a man in the Electronics City branch store located in the Fogarty’s Building on Water Street, Georgetown. That man was eventually relieved of $1.2M.

France, a former murder accused, was previously charged with a series of offences involving armed robbery and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. According to reports, France and another man were found in possession of a gun that had been stolen from Kaieteur News during a robbery in October 2022. In this regard, they have been slapped with charges involving the illegal possession of a firearm.

Meanwhile, Howard and three others are awaiting trial for the murders of Mohamed Munir and his wife Bibi Jamila Munir, a rice-farming couple that had resided at Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo. Munir, 75, and his wife, 70, had secured themselves in the bedroom of their heavily grilled house during an attempted inva-

Taking on...

…Exxon with Norton??

sion by bandits on April 17, 2016, but the house had been set on fire by those bandits.

Back in 2019, Howard had been sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment after a city magistrate had found him guilty of robbing a fruit vendor in 2016. On October 12, 2016, at Church Street, Georgetown, while being armed with a gun, he had robbed Bibi Bacchus of $100,000 cash. Howard had also been charged with several counts of robbery under arms. Guyana Times is, however, unaware of the legal status of those robbery charges.

Aubrey Norton is caught between a rock and a hard place. He’s desperately trying to live up to the “thug” image foisted on him by the middle-class snobs who control the PNC, and elected him leader. Unfortunately, he became an object of derision when he decided he wasn’t gonna shake President Irfaan Ali’s hand!! At a function at the British High Commission, he complained that Ali “bullied” him into shaking hands!! Rather than buttressing his claim that Ali wasn’t legitimately elected, and was “oppressing” his constituents, it just made him seem petty and puerile -- not exactly qualities to boost his credentials as a President-in-waiting!!

Well, the cartoons and snickers over that stance have dissipated, so it appears that Norton’s been searching for some alternative posture that would signal his macho image - and hold on to his purse strings holders’ support. He’s been holding weekly press conferences in which he bats softball questions from a party hack. He decided on a stern visage that he absolutely refuse to vary with even the hint of a smile. But all it does is make him look very desperately constipated!! Again, not signalling Presidentin-waiting” material!!

But you gotta hand it to the Opposition Leader; he ain’t giving up on his tough guy pose. And this week - if the unmentionable rag is to be believed – he’s decided to take on Exxon on the oil contract his party - in the person of Raphael Trotman - had signed!! He declared he’d make changes – not even “renegotiate”! – to impose “ring-fencing” and higher royalties on the contract!! Now, Norton’s a student and follower of his PNC’s founderleader, Burnham. He, faced with a similar situation back in the day, had decided – according to his biographerthat he gotta choose whether “To survive sensibly or to court heroic death”. It would appear Norton had decided to differ from the Comrade Leader, to court heroic death by yanking Tony the Tiger’s tail!!

His predecessor as PNC leader – then President Granger - had decided otherwise; but what does he know? He’s just a historian who’d studied the Burnham era and given over his home to the Burnham Foundation!! Ex“twelve-year” President Jagdeo – presently in charge of the energy portfolio - has decided otherwise. But what does he know? His founder-leader had decided to court heroic death, and was, not surprisingly, consigned to the political wilderness for twenty-eight years!! And right next door, Chavez had seen his 300 billion barrels of oil reserve become mud after he got the (dubious) satisfaction of twitching Exxon’s tail!!

So, does Norton know something his peers don’t?? Or has he been pushed into this foolhardy move to avoid a PNC palace coup??

…true love?

So today’s Valentine’s Day? Now, we all know (irony of ironies!) that we’ve been brainwashed into believing, even though we may treat our “significant other” like dirt for three hundred and sixty-four days of the year, if we bring home some flowers and chocolate today, all will be forgiven!! Now, think about this for a minute – ain’t this sick?? Especially here in Guyana, when nary a day goes by without us reading about some poor woman or girl being chopped up, raped, or killed by someone who’s supposed to “love” her!

Your Eyewitness has a suggestion for the powers that be. They should declare it unlawful for any male to take home a present on Valentine’s Day if he had dared lift a finger against his significant other during the previous 364 days!! Now while this may be seen as draconian - and depriving the abused female of “love” for even one day of the year - we can’t allow those creeps to “buy out” their abusive behaviour!!

…FIFA World Cup

The Yanks like to believe whatever they do is the “best and biggest”!! Yes, they equate the two!! But their football “Superbowl” pales in comparison with FIFA World Cup. Viewership of 115 million vs 1.5 billion!!

Kevin France

Jason Howard

Guyanese, Canadian companies sign US$5M IDB credit agreement for solar power

– Farfan & Mendes to expand solar power-installation operations

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) investment arm has inked a US$5 million credit facility agreement with local company 2020 FMCG (Farfan and Mendes and Canadian company, Crosbie Group Limited) Incorporated, with the end goal of advancing renewable energy in Guyana.

In a statement, IDB explained that a revolving fund for a five-year duration would be created to develop and expand the commercial and utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) energy being installed by the company.

“The US$5 million facility with a five-year tenor will finance the company’s working capital needs to advance the use of renewable energy in Guyana. IDB Invest’s revolving working capital facility will allow 2020 FMCG Inc to optimise its cash-conversion cycle, strengthen the relationships within its value chain and mitigate foreign-exchange risk by bridging the cash-flow gap between payments made to suppliers and payments received from clients.”

According to the institution, the financing deal

is aligned with Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, which calls for the generation and usage of clean-energy resources.

“It also strengthens IDB Investment’s commitment to working with the private sector to increase investments in renewable energy in Guyana and across Latin America and the Caribbean, driving action on climate change.”

“The project is expected to contribute to five of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, No Poverty (SDG 1), Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9) and Climate Action (SDG 13),” IDB further said.

IDB Invest is a member of the IDB Group, which is a multilateral development bank that finances the economic development of its member countries in Latin America and the Caribbean through the private sector.

“IDB Invest finances sustainable companies and projects to achieve financial results and maximise eco-

nomic, social, and environmental development in the Region. With a portfolio of $15.3 billion in asset management and 375 clients in 25 countries, IDB Invest provides innovative financial solutions and advisory services that meet the needs of its clients in a variety of industries,” the financial institution said.

Meanwhile, Farfan and Mendes is established in

providing equipment and services to various sectors, including agriculture, forestry, renewable energy, oil and gas, and mining. In fact, Farfan and Mendes was the contractor responsible for the $600 million solar farm project in Bartica, on behalf of the State. Established in 1967, Farfan and Mendes subsequently formed a joint venture with the Canadian company, Crosbie Group Limited to become 2020

FMCG.

“Its partnerships with leading companies such as Crosbie Group, Soventix Caribbean and Concrete Canvas etc have enabled it to offer a wide range of products and services to clients,”

IDB said.

“Through the company’s Sustainability Strategy and a proven track record of success, Farfan and Mendes is helping to realise the Low Carbon Development

Strategy ambition that renewables will account for over 70 per cent of installed generation capacity by 2040 in Guyana.”

There are a number of policy decisions the Government has taken towards realising its renewable energy ambitions in keeping with Guyana’s commitment to reduce its carbon emissions by 70 per cent in 2030 through a progressively cleaner energy mix. These decisions are also interlinked with the renewed and expanded LCDS 2030.

And IDB has been involved in a major way in some of these initiatives, such as the $362.4 million IDB-funded contract that was signed last year for a solar farm at Mahdia, Region Eight, that will benefit close to 3000 residents and significantly reduce the State’s expenditure on heavy fuel oil.

The 0.65MW Mahdia solar farm is being financed through a loan from the IDB, under the Energy Matrix Diversification and Strengthening of the Department of Energy (EMISDE) programme. There is also a 1.5MW Bartica solar farm, which will cost $625 million.

The 1.5-megawatt solar farm in Bartica that was worked on by Farfan and Mendes

Teenage breadwinner dies after colliding with motor lorry

Amother is now crying in anguish after losing one of her three children to a vehicular accident on Sunday along the Little Alliance Public Road, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam).

Eighteen-year-old Nyol Gittens, a security officer of

Henrietta, Essequibo Coast, at the time of his demise, was driving a motorcycle bearing registration number CL 9333 when it collided with a motor lorry, GTT 4207, Police in a media release confirmed that the accident occurred at about 11:39h

and involved the lorry which was driven by a Reliance, Essequibo Coast resident and the motorcycle that was driven by Gittens.

At the time of the accident, the lorry was reportedly proceeding north along the roadway at a normal rate of speed while the mo-

torcycle was speeding and heading in the same direction.

The teen, however, attempted to overtake the lorry and while in the process of doing so, pulled back to avoid a collision with an oncoming vehicle but instead collided with the rear rightside portion of the lorry, causing him to fall onto the roadway.

As a result, the teenager sustained multiple injuries to his body and was picked up in an unconscious state and taken to the Suddie Public Hospital where he was admitted in critical con-

dition.

He reportedly suffered from a fractured skull and lacerations to his body. He later succumbed to his injuries.

The driver of the motor lorry was detained and he is assisting with an ongoing investigation.

Meanwhile, the teen’s sister, Nadasia Gittens, related that her brother left home to drop off his cousin to Supenaam and it was while he was returning home, the accident occurred.

“My brother leave home to take his cousin Supenaam and when he was coming

home he get accident... We didn’t know until 1 o’clock when his girlfriend call us to tell us... We immediately leave home and went to the hospital and see him,” she said.

The grieving sister added that contrary to reports that her brother was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, his helmet was found in a nearby trench at the scene.

“I know when my brother left home he and his cousin had on their helmets... When we visited the scene we find his helmet in the trench corner and took it to the Police station,” Gittens said She also told Guyana Times that her father passed away several years ago and her brother worked as a security officer to provide for her mother and sister.

“He was the sole breadwinner of the family, he make sure he work every night to provide for his sister and mother but now he is no more... My brother was such a kind person, always have a smile on his face,” she cried.

Sister of the dead teen, Nadasia Gittens, being consoled

Dead teen Nyol Gittens

Deadly fire at Windsor Forest was caused by fluctuations in electricity – GFS

The fire at Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara (WCD), that claimed the life of Rajindra Mohabir, was caused by fluctuations in electricity that led to arcing and sparking at the breaker panel box which subsequently ignited nearby combustibles.

This was revealed by the Guyana Fire Service (GFS) in its preliminary investigation into the deadly fire which occurred on Sunday.

The Fire Service also reported that a wooden one-storey building was also affected by the blaze.

Due to radiated heat from the building of origin, a GPL meter and two meters of PVC piping were destroyed, while a staircase

and western wall were damaged.

Additionally, a wooden

and galvanised shed was slightly damaged along with a wooden fence.

It was reported that Mohabir, popularly known as “Slowie” met his demise after being trapped in the fire which started at about 14:00h.

The two-storey concrete building housed a grocery store, and the Building Your Life Ministries International Church on the bottom flat, while the top flat was the living quarters.

Mohabir’s son is the pastor of the church, and members were all preparing for their afternoon service when the area experienced low voltage followed by a power outage.

Shortly after, the electricity was restored, and

Over 10,000 units of blood donated in 2022

In 2022, the National Blood Transfusion Services (NBTS) achieved just over 10,000 units of donated blood, which was utilised to save lives.

This was shared by NBTS Director, Dr Pedro Lewis, who said that Guyana practices voluntary donations and every year aims to have approximately 10,000 to 12,000 units of blood donated.

He was speaking at their annual Blood Drive at Marian Academy, Carifesta Avenue, Georgetown. He stated that if more schools, organisations, and other companies can collaborate to facilitate such blood drives, it will help to educate the younger population, who will further educate their community and have an expansion of voluntary donations

that will assist the NBTS.

“The younger people you donate to; the country will be able to benefit,” he stated.

The two agencies have been working closely for the last 16 years to organise annual blood drives where students, families and friends

can voluntarily donate blood.

Principal of Marian Academy, Marine Harper highlighted that the school has been participating in blood donations since 2008, when their first partnership was with the Red Cross Society. Harper further ex-

plained that while COVID-19 made it difficult to organise the blood donation drives, they were able to resume this project just last year, hosting yet another successful event.

While appealing for other agencies to organise similar drives, she highlighted that every unit of blood donated will be beneficial to save as many lives in Guyana.

The Government of Guyana bears 100 per cent of the cost for blood product transfusion in the public health sector. This means that anyone receiving care at the GPHC or any of the public hospitals is entitled to receiving blood products at no cost to them and their families.

Guyana adopted since 2001, a 100 per cent voluntary donation programme for blood. Since that time, family

members are not asked to donate blood before blood products are provided for transfusion.

For more than two years, the coronavirus pandemic has directly impacted the number of persons donating blood in Guyana. PreCOVID, some 12,000 to 14,000 units of blood were donated every year. In 2021, only 9000 units were reportedly contributed to the Blood Bank.

The Health Ministry had announced last year that it was working to have blood donation and transfusion services in all regional hospitals while maintaining mobile operations. The process of blood transfusion takes about 15 minutes, and a unit of blood can only be kept for 35 days, after which it must be disposed of.

they heard an explosion in the building, followed by flames. The fire quickly began to spread throughout the building. All of the occupants successfully rushed out of the house, however, Mohabir thought his grandchild – who was visiting –was trapped inside.

As such, the businessman rushed into the burning building to rescue the child. The grandchild, however, was not in danger.

The businessman was eventually trapped inside the building, which began to collapse from the inferno.

The Guyana Fire Service was called to the scene and managed to extinguish the blaze. They spent hours rummaging through the debris to locate the missing man. His charred body was later found and taken to Dawn and Ezekiel’s funeral home.

An individual donating blood during the annual drive

The aftermath of the fire

Dead: Rajindra “Slowie” Mohabir

MoE launches Mash Band 2023

As Mashramani 2023 draws closer, the Education Ministry took the first jump in launching its band un-

der the theme, “Wheels of Progress – Creating and Promoting Diversity and Inclusion for all”. The band was designed by Neilson

Indrani Ramnarine highlighted that after two years of being unable to participate in a costume and float parade due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s band is going to be better than previous years.

She remined that the Education Ministry’s Children’s Mashramani Competition 2023 is already underway and will culminate at the end of this week.

The competition will be held at the National Cultural Centre from February 16 to 17, 2023, while the Children’s Mashramani Costume and Float Parade will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2023, from Parade Ground

all the way to the Everest Cricket Club Ground.

However, the designer stated that the Ministry always has the most eye-catching band during the road parade on Mash Day and has always been dominating the small band category.

During the launch, the audience was treated to performances by the Buxton Steelpan Orchestra, Guyanese Soca artiste, Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts who gave the audience a peak into what to expect on Mash Day, a dance by students of St Stanislaus College and a poem entitled “A Proud Mother” performed by a student of Tutorial High School.

Nurse. Delivering brief re-

marks, Deputy Permanent Secretary – Administration,

Vanilla performing her song “Soca Pon Replay”

Deputy Permanent Secretary – Administration, Indrani Ramnarine addressing the gathering

Some of the costumes being displayed

XCMG Group, Jumbo Jet Auto ink multimillion MoU

signed at the office of XCMG Brazil Industria LTDA, the South American headquarters of the XCMG Group in Districto Industrial Pouso Alegre, MG, Brazil.

Representing XCMG Group were Li Hanguang, General Manager and Head of XCMG South American countries, Wu Shuxin, Commercial Director of XCMG South American Group and Justo Abelardo Santos Expinosa, Manager of International Business Department.

AMemorandum of Understanding

(MoU) for exclusive import and distribution rights was signed between XCMG Brasil Industria LTDA and N.M Trucking Auto Sales and Agri Machinery, popularly known as Jumbo Jet Auto Sales, on Thursday last.

The agreement will pave the way for Jumbo Jet Auto Sales to increase its capacity while providing various

heavy-duty construction, mining, lifting equipment and machinery manufactured by XCMG. Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group (XCMG) was founded in 1943 and has since stood at the forefront of construction machinery and has grown significantly into one of the world’s largest and most influential enterprise groups with its global annual sales exceeding US$14 billion for

three consecutive years. XCMG is ranked 3rd worldwide for quality, service and reliability in the construction, lifting and heavy machinery sector.

Because of the overwhelming demand for reliable heavy-duty equipment in Guyana, the Jumbo Jet Auto Sales Group has decided to expand its brand and diversify into new markets. After intense negotiation ensued, a MoU was

Jumbo Jet Auto Sales was represented by a team led by Nasrudeen Juniour Mohamed, Attorney-atLaw Manoj Narayan; Sales Manager for Parts/Spares, Navendra Ramnauth; Company Engineer and Project Manager Sohan Bridjlall; and, Logistics Manager, Sanjeev Caimraj.

The XCMG Group and Jumbo Jet Auto Sales also signed their inaugural purchase order for the supply and delivery of 125 pieces of various construction equipment and machinery including amphibious excavators. The multi-million USD purchase was mutually agreed upon by the parties and the shipment is ex-

pected to arrive in Guyana in the month of April, 2023.

Jumbo Jet Auto Sales will provide full after-sale service and maintenance with original parts manufactured by XCMG for all equipment, and machinery imported into Guyana.

Group Director Nasrudeen ‘Juniour’ Mohamed, after the signing of the MoU stated, “Jumbo Jet Auto Sales is pleased to continue to play its part in the development and modernisation of Guyana by providing construction and mining equipment and ma-

chinery of the highest quality, durability, and reliability. This MOU with XCMG is the first of many major franchise deals that Jumbo Jet Auto Sales has earmarked for Guyana in the near future. We will continue to play an integral role in providing heavy-duty equipment and specialised machinery to contractors in Guyana. In keeping with the ‘One Guyana’ vision, we are willing to work together with new contractors to boost their current capacity and build a better Guyana.”

Group Director Nasrudeen ‘Juniour’ Mohamed and General Manager of XCMG, Li Hanguang, during the signing of the MoU

Officials from Jumbo Jet and XCMG after the signing of the MoU

Digicel Business to launch Deep Blue One to connect Southern Caribbean

– to showcase products, technology aimed at driving efficiency on back of regional oil and gas boom

energy sector continues to grow in prominence in the global landscape. The sector has also increased in significance to the national economy, leading to unprecedented economic growth, with real GDP per capita expected to reach US$26,000 by 2024, and oil and gas accounting for approximately 74 per cent of that. This makes Guyana one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

Digicel Business is the Diamond Sponsor of the 2nd annual International Energy Conference and Expo slated for the Guyana Marriot Hotel from February 14-17, 2023, under the theme “Harnessing Energy for Development”.

Digicel Business will engage with energy professionals to facilitate discussions related to fundamental advances in the energy sector as the country gears up towards more robust economic development activity.

Having made a substantial investment in international submarine capacity with the installation of its

Deep Blue One subsea cable infrastructure, Digicel Business will supercharge connectivity in this area of the Caribbean and South America.

Deep Blue One, which is expected to come on stream in the first quarter of 2024, will provide best-in-class connectivity to French Guiana, Suriname, Guyana and Trinidad & Tobago, and connect offshore oil and gas platforms on the back of industry developments in the Region.

However, the conference in Guyana will offer an opportunity to build and enable strategic relationships and collaborations as the

Commenting on Digicel Business’ significant investment, Head of Oil & Gas

GA-FDD

at Digicel Business, Kevin Beckett elaborated, “Oil and gas requirements in the Region and the need for connectivity is going to be very significant and Deep Blue One is perfectly placed to support those requirements. A great example of this is the connectivity options we will be able to provide, both onshore and offshore, to the oil and gas industries in countries like Guyana and Suriname as they capitalise on the boom in the Region.”

Beyond connectivity, this

cable system will bring added economic benefits for all. In a 2019 report published by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), entitled “The economic contribution of broadband, digitisation and ICT regulation: Econometric modelling for the Americas”, it was suggested that an increase of 10 per cent in fixed broadband penetration would result in an increase in 1.9 per cent in GDP per capita.

Head of Business Solutions, Mark Shoebridge

added; “It’s important to have the right partnerships on board to assist in the journey as Guyana continues to see consistent growth in the oil and gas sector. The Digicel Business team will be ready and available to discuss with current and prospective customers how they can leverage Digicel Business’ end-to-end fully managed solutions, robust network, expert resources and cutting-edge technology to achieve efficiencies across businesses, large or small.”

recalls Fabuloso cleaning products

The Government Analyst-Food & Drug Department (GA-FDD) has cautioned the general public that there is a recall of certain Fabuloso multi-purpose cleaners, owing to the risk of exposure to bacteria.

Importers and consumers are advised that the first eight digits of the lot code of the recalled products are 2348US78-2365US78 and 3001US78-3023US78.

“The recalled products

can contain Pseudomonas spp. bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Pseudomonas fluorescens, which are environmental organisms found wildly in the soil and water,” the GA-FDD has advised.

People with weakened immune systems or underlying lung conditions who are exposed to the bacteria face a risk of serious infections, and may require medical treatment. The bacteria can enter the body through inhalation, through the eyes, or through a break in the skin.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections are generally treated with antibiotics. Unfortunately, in people exposed to healthcare settings like hospitals or nursing homes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections are becoming more difficult to treat, because of increasing antibiotic resistance.

The recalled products are Fabuloso Original Multipurpose Cleaner, Lavender Scent, 22 ounces; Fabuloso Multi-Purpose Cleaner 2x Concentrated Formula, Lavender Scent, 56/128/169 ounces; Fabuloso Multi-Purpose Cleaner Lavender Scent, 210 ounces; Fabuloso Professional All Purpose Cleaner & Degreaser,

Lavender Scent, one gallon; Fabuloso Original MultiPurpose Cleaner, Refreshing Lemon Scent, 22 ounces; Fabuloso Multi-Purpose

Cleaner 2x Concentrated

Formula, Refreshing Lemon Scent, 33.8/56/128/169 ounces; Fabuloso Multi-Purpose Cleaner 2x Concentrated Formula, Passion of Fruits Scent, 33.8/56/128/169 ounces; Fabuloso Multi-Purpose Cleaner Bleach Alternative 2x Concentrated Formula, Spring Fresh Scent, 56 ounces; and Fabuloso Professional All Purpose Cleaner and Degreaser, Ocean Scent, one gallon.

Consumers are urged to be on the lookout for these implicated items. Persons who have purchased the recalled Fabuloso products are urged to immediately stop using the affected cleaners, and to make contact with the GA-FDD on telephone numbers 222-8857 and 222-8859, or WhatsApp

at 222-8011.

“The recall, conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, encompasses 4.9 million bottles produced from December 14, 2022 through January 23, 2023, when the manufacturing issue was corrected. Some 3.9 million of these bottles -- or about 80 percent -- were never released for sale,” Fabuloso said in a statement on its website.

The Government Analyst–Food and Drug Department (GA-FDD) falls under the purview of the Ministry of Health. This Department was initially established to aid in performing analyses of the sugar industry. Later, its role was expanded with the enactment of the Food and Drug Act of 1971, and the Food & Drug Regulation of 1977, to address safety and trade-related issues for food, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices.

Pres Ali’s agriculture youth innovation programme earns over $10M

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha has announced that the Government’s Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP) has earned more than $10 million to date.

The initiative was launched by President Dr Irfaan Ali in January 2022, at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC).

The President had stated that the flagship undertaking would stimulate and

Man allegedly drowns during outing with friends

A28-year-old man has lost his life after he allegedly drowned in a creek along the SoesdykeLinden Highway on Sunday.

Dead is Kester Guillians of Bent Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown. While the Police did not release any information about the incident, the late Kester Guillians’s brother, when contacted, recalled receiving a telephone call at about 15:00h on Sunday, informing him that his brother had drowned.

This brother related that Kester had been taken to the Diamond Hospital, but doctors had refused to “touch” his body until a family member arrived. Further, he explained that up to late Monday, Police have not properly updated the family on the matter. “All we are hearing is hearsay,” this brother has lamented.

Reports are that Kester Guillians had left home at around 14:00h on Sunday to go to the creek with friends.

Last January, 31-yearold Patrick Lord of Vive-LaForce, West Bank Demerara had reportedly drowned while swimming in the Kamakabra Creek at Ituni in Region 10.

It was reported that on the day in question, Lord, his brother Paul Lord,

and their co-workers had gone to the Silicone Green Sawmill at Yarrowkabra, on the Soesdyke- Linden Highway. Later, they left for UNAMCO Road, Upper Berbice River, but stopped in Linden for fuel and food.

They reportedly arrived in Ituni and made another stop, at Rankin Shop to get supplies, where they also consumed some alcohol. On their journey, they made another stop at Kamakabra Creek, where they went for a swim.

The late Patrick Lord was reportedly swimming near a koker when he went under and never resurface. He was eventually pulled from under the water, but later succumbed.

Knife-wielding bandit attacks, robs woman outside New Thriving Restaurant

The Human Resource Manager of a prominent hotel on the East Bank of Demerara was on Sunday attacked and mugged in front of the New Thriving Restaurant on Main Street in Georgetown.

The Police have said that on Sunday, at about 11:00h, the victim – a resident of Cummings Lodge Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara - was at the junction of Main and Hope Streets in Georgetown, awaiting transportation to be taken home when she was suddenly approached by the suspect.

The man whipped out a

promote significant economic growth to the benefit of young agriculturists.

During an outreach at Black Bush Polder, Corentyne, on Saturday last, Mustapha stressed the success of the innovative venture, and shared several plans for its expansion.

“The project already earned more than $10 million. On a monthly basis and a weekly basis these crops are being sold to the oil and gas industry, to the hotel chains in our country,” the Minister said.

More than 100 young graduates of the University of Guyana and the Guyana School of Agriculture are en-

gaged in the shade house farming initiative, growing crops such as broccoli, cauliflower, carrots and romaine and iceberg lettuce.

Initially, about 25 shade houses were to be established for the cultivation of three high value crops. However, the success of the programme prompted the Government to invest further in the initiative.

By the end of 2022, 120 shade houses were constructed to support the production. The Administration aims to engage a further 100 new young agri entrepreneurs and increase the pro-

duction of the crops by 50 per cent.

The ambitious goal will benefit young people by providing them with employment opportunities, and boost the country’s economy by increasing food security and exports of high-value crops. The AIEP is a game-changer for Guyana’s agricultural sector, and it is expected to have a significant positive impact on the country in the short and long term.

The Government’s commitment to investing in the programme is a clear indication that it is dedicated to

revolutionising the agriculture sector and positioning Guyana as a major player in the global market.

“When you look at the agriculture sector, the prospect is very bright, we must not have a tunnel vision and just concentrate on cash crop and rice production and believe that is all. We have to move on, consolidate, expand and diversify,” Mustapha told residents.

Looking to the future, the Government has allocated $200 million in its 2023 budget for the expansion of the youth farming programme this year.

knife from the right side of his pants waist before holding on to this woman and taking away her purse, which contained an undisclosed sum of cash, one blue Samsung S10 cellular phone, several ATM cards, and other personal documents.

The Police have said that the victim put up a fight, resulting in her sustaining injuries to her right knee.

She was taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital for medical attention before being sent away.

CCTV cameras were seen in the area, and will be viewed by investigators as investigations continue.

Dead: Kester Guillians

A section of the residents at the meeting on Saturday

One of the shade houses at NAREI

Over 7500 vehicles use “Ferry Pass” online ticket booking

Since the launch of the Transport and Harbours

Department’s (T&HD) online ticket booking service, “Ferry Pass”, over 7500 ve-

hicles have utilised the service. The platform, which cost

some $6.8 million, was developed by the local technology company, V75 Inc, and launched in October 2022.

It aims to mitigate issues encountered by ferry passengers as it relates to securing a place on the vessels.

In an interview with the Department of Public Information (DPI), Founding Director and CEO of V75 Inc, Eldon Marks highlighted how the platform works and how many users were captured utilising the app.

“On the web interface, we have applied Google analytics and it’s been tracking the traffic that comes through the ferrypass.gy since it launched. This shows a live readout of users or usage of the Ferry Pass system. 26 users per minute are interacting with the Ferry Pass, making bookings and looking at future bookings.

“I reported on the 5th of October, when it was

launched to January 4th

and we see that 13,000 users have hit up the site. The Parika to Supenaam route from the 5th of October shows the vehicles that have been booked and recorded that have paid via MMG and we see across the various classes, it has been 7500 vehicles,” he said.

Marks noted that the interface of Ferry Pass is simple to use and has a system manifest that allows T&HD staff to see all the departures as per the schedule and identify other reports, such as how many individuals were booked per departure and it gives a great collection of data.

It also enables workers of T&HD to see future bookings ahead of time and the recorded number of passengers booked versus reserved, the recorded numbers of vehicles booked, and the various classes of vehicles boarded.

Meanwhile, Marks said the Ferry Pass project captures the essence of “software with an impact” as he highlighted the importance of public-private partnership.

“The idea with the public-private partnership in this particular case is that within the private sector, there is a specialist and those specialists are knowledge workers and they are able to exercise the competence that they bring to the trade and that when married with a vision brought forth by the Government can do wondrous things for the population. So, this is why we believe public-private partnerships are crucial to the advancement of any society.”

The online booking platform will soon offer other payment options such as credit and debit payments for smoother, cash-free payments.

Digicel Guyana donates to NGOs as part of 16th anniversary celebrations

In addition, The Least of These Foundation reached out to Digicel for assistance to purchase furniture to facilitate English classes be-

As such, a quantity of furniture, whiteboard, backpacks, and stationery were handed over to the foundation.

Digicel Guyana continues to celebrate its 16th anniversary by giving back to the community and most importantly its loyal customers.

The celebration kicked off by making 16 customers millionaires. Thus far, 14 customers have won themselves one million dollars each, with two more millionaires to be crowned.

As the celebrations continue, Digicel donated to three Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO)Gifted Hands Special Needs School, The Least of These Foundation, and the Open Door Community Alliance of

Tiger Bay. Gifted Hands Special Needs School received lap-

tops for its teachers, tablets for the students, a Samsung Smart TV, and stationery.

Muslim scholar facing second child rape trial

Nezaam Ali, the Muslim scholar who, in 2019, was jailed for 45 years for raping a nine-year-old boy, is once again on trial for a similar offence at the Sexual Offences Court in Demerara.

Accompanied by his lawyer Dexter Todd, he was arraigned before Justice Priya Sewnarine-Beharry, before whom he pleaded not guilty to a charge alleging that he had engaged in sexual activity with a child by abusing a position of trust, contrary to Section 18 (3) (a) of the Sexual Offences Act.

It is alleged that between December 2 and 31, 2011, in the county of Demerara, he engaged in sexual activity with a six-year-old boy by penetrating his anus with his penis while being a teacher—Imam at the Muslim Association Masjid at Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown.

The charge further alleges that Ali, called “Mufty”, “Mufti” or “Muffie”, knew, or could reasonably be expected to have known, of the position of trust he had held in relation to the said boy.

Attorneys-at-Law representing the prosecution: Simran Gajraj, Latifah Elliot and Rbina Christmas, have also presented an alternative count against Ali,

Convicted child rapist

Neezam Ali

for the offence of rape of a child under 16 years old, contrary to Section 10 (3) of the Sexual Offences Act. That charge states that he engaged in sexual penetration of the child between the aforementioned dates.

The trial of this accused is currently ongoing before a mixed 12-member jury.

On March 13, 2019, Ali was unanimously found guilty of sexual penetration of a nine-year-old boy by abusing a position of trust between December 5 and 31, 2011. In his defence, he

had denied committing the crime, claiming that he suffers from erectile dysfunction.

In sentencing the convict, trial Judge Navindra Singh had, among other things, considered the fact that Ali had taken advantage of an underprivileged boy, and that the sexual abuse had occurred within the walls of a Masjid.

Ali had appealed his conviction and sentence, and had also applied for bail pending the hearing and determination of that appeal, but was denied bail by the Chief Justice.

In his notice of appeal, Ali has asked the Court of Appeal of Guyana to set aside his conviction and sentence, alluding to several misdirections given to the jurors by the Judge.

In one of his grounds of appeal, he claimed that Justice Singh had failed to adequately put his defence to the jury, and that the Judge had misdirected the jury with regard to the medical evidence.

As it is, he is still to face trial for six more counts of child rape. Besides the boy he was convicted of raping, he is accused of sexually molesting the six-year-old boy and seven other boys.

ing taught to children of Venezuelan immigrants and to aid in integrating them into the public school system.

Further, the telecommunications giant donated laptops to the Open Door Community Alliance of Tiger Bay to assist children to access digital resources for their after-school and inclass lessons.

Chief Commercial Officer Simone Pierre emphasised that “Digicel will continue collaborating with NGOs or individuals who are passionate about community development. Numerous success stories have been shared with us and we do anticipate many more in the near future.”

The staff members of Gifted Hands Special Needs School expressed their gratitude for the donation and thanked Digicel for remem-

bering them, not only on their birthday, but throughout the year. “We have had a long-standing relationship with Digicel, and we appreciate their continued support,” said Marcia Smith, founder of Gifted Hands school.

On the other hand, The Least of These Foundation Project Coordinator, Sharon James stated, “This is more than what we bargained for, we are so blessed and thankful for this donation as it will go a very long way in helping us with our work. Such a heartfelt thank you, Digicel,” remarked Sharon James,

Finally, the members of The Open Door Community Alliance of Tiger Bay related that the initiative has helped bridge the digital divide and provided essential learning resources to children in the community.

Mon Repos man charged with conspiring to kill business partner remanded

Amale resident of Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara has been arraigned before Senior Magistrate Leron Daly on a charge of conspiracy to commit murder.

Thirty-six-year-old Gansham Boodram, a father of one, was on Monday not required to plead to the indictable charge, which alleges that between December 30, 2022 and January 30, 2023, in Georgetown, he conspired with a person or persons to kill Bryan Ogle. Guyana Times understands that Boodram and Ogle are business partners.

Boodram has been refused bail and has been remanded to prison until March 8, 2023.

Attorney-at-Law Jevon Cox, who represented Boodram, has contended that his client was charged only after allegations that he had paid to have Ogle killed were made on a social media show. He told the court that after Boodram became aware of the accusations, he immediately informed the Crime Chief.

According to the court prosecutor, there is a recording of the plot to kill Ogle, and even though Boodram has denied that it is his voice in the recording, the individual with whom he had conspired has since confirmed that the voice is Boodram’s.

The Police had issued a wanted bulletin for Boodram on February 13, and according to his lawyer, within 48 hours thereof, his client had surrendered himself to the Police.

The prosecutor has also said that searches had been carried out for Boodram for close to three weeks, and after he had not been located, the wanted bulletin was issued for him.

Accordingly, the prosecutor objected to Boodram being released on bail, citing that he poses a risk of flight, and that he might tamper with the investigation and the prosecution’s witnesses, given his financial ability.

Those objections were upheld by the presiding magistrate.

Open Door Community Alliance

Gifted Hands Special Needs School

The Least of These Foundation

Gansham Boodram at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2023| GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Duo shot during private function at Canje

Two men are now nursing gunshot injuries following an incident at a private gathering at New Forest, East Canje, Region Six (East BerbiceCorentyne), in the wee hours of Monday.

The injured men are Luke Persaud, 41, and Rafeek Khan, 49 – both of Betsy Ground, East Canje.

Police confirmed that the men who pulled the trigger were “Spy” and “Boi”. They were also part of the gathering. After the shooting incident, the injured men were taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital where Khan underwent emergency surgery. He was reportedly shot in the abdomen and had injuries to both arms.

Regional Commander, Senior Superintendent Shivpersaud Bacchus when contacted stated that six men were at the location

imbibing and an argument subsequently ensued over a firearm.

“Apparently like one of the persons was there with a firearm. We are investigat-

ing at this time if the firearm is licenced... One of the persons who were among them took the firearm and put it away. Upon discovery, one of the suspects recognised

that the firearm is not where he would have left it and an argument ensued.”

According to the Commander, the firearm was subsequently found and several shots were fired indiscriminately which hit the two men.

However, Persaud’s sister, Gail Persaud, told Guyana Times that she was able to speak with her brother following the incident while adding that he had been working with a poultry farmer only for a few months.

“Well, normally he would go up there to work with the guy that reared layers and sold the eggs. So, they were busy for a few days selling the eggs and selling out the layers that lay out already. As the hard work finish, they decided to have a little ‘nice time’. They carried a grill and were doing a barbeque. These other two guys does hunt, they went up there and they saw them and they go in probably to take a couple of drinks with them and they started to be-

have bad.”

The woman said she was told that the suspects were in possession of a firearm when they arrived at the location but it was taken away by the owner and thrown into a clump of bush. He also asked them to leave since they were behaving badly.

After the firearm was found, the suspects started to shoot indiscriminately, thus resulting in the two victims running for cover.

er guys ran into the house and lock up doors and put chairs behind the door so the two men wouldn’t get in. These guys still want to go in the house. One of them picked up a cutlass and start chopping the door and trying to break down the landing and everything.”

While the poultry farmer, Devin Bissoon, had refused to provide information to the media, the injured man’s sister said when the bullets were fired her brother was inside the building.

“One of the bullets pass through the chair and the fragments pitch up in my brother’s face,” the woman said, while noting that Persaud suffered injuries to his face, eyes and arms.

Meanwhile, according to the Commander, all those who were at the function were taken into custody.

He said the Police found five live 12-gauge cartridges along with spent shells at the scene. Both Persaud and Khan are said to be in stable condition as the investigation continues.

“My brother and the oth-

Luke Persaud

Injured: Rafeek Khan receiving medical attention

Russian forces bombard Ukraine's Bakhmut in major new offensive, NATO Chief says

The eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut endured heavy artillery fire on Monday as the NATO chief backed reports from local officials that a major new Russian offensive had begun, days before the first anniversary of Moscow's invasion.

Ukrainian defenders, who have already held out for months, were braced for new ground attacks, Ukrainian military officials said.

Positions in Bakhmut have been fortified and only people with a military role

were being allowed in, a deputy battalion commander said.

Any civilians who still wanted to leave the city would have to brave the incoming fire, he said.

Bakhmut is a prime objective for Russian President Vladimir Putin, and its capture would give Russia a new foothold in the Donetsk region and a rare victory after several months of setbacks.

The Donetsk and Luhansk regions make up the Donbas, Ukraine's industrial heartland, now partially occupied

by Russia which wants full control.

The Russian assault on Bakhmut has been spearheaded by mercenaries of the Wagner group, who have made small but steady gains. The renewed Russian bombardments made the situation there even more acute.

"The city, the city's suburbs, the entire perimeter, and essentially the entire Bakhmut direction and Kostyantynivka are under crazy, chaotic shelling," said Volodymyr Nazarenko, dep-

U-Haul van driver strikes pedestrians in Bay Ridge, New York

Eight people have been injured after they were struck by a driver in a U-Haul rental van, in the Bay Ridge neighbourhood of New York City.

Two people are in a critical condition, two in serious condition, and four have minor injuries.

New York Police Department said the suspect was evading a Police stop before he hit bystanders and fled.

The incident happened around 11:00 local time (16:00 GMT). A male suspect was arrested in nearby Sunset Park.

He is reportedly a 62-year-

old man with no fixed address, according to ABC News.

Police called the incident a "violent rampage" during a news conference. They do not believe it is terrorism-related.

Surveillance footage showed the U-Haul van swerving onto a wide pavement and speeding as it was chased by a Police car, prompting at least one pedestrian to leap out of the way.

Police tried to stop the van by boxing it in, but the suspect rammed two Police cars and escaped, CBS reported.

Eyewitnesses said the truck hit pedestrians and people on two-wheel vehicles.

One of those struck was a Police officer, authorities said.

Josephine Lubarno, who works nearby, told the BBC that she was leaving a Chase bank branch when she noticed the U-Haul speeding down the street.

The van, she said, hit several cars in its way and struck a man who was putting on his helmet and getting ready to mount his bike.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said she had been briefed on the incident and that her office was ready to provide support to the New York Police Department.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Cyclone Gabrielle lashes Auckland: homes evacuated, flights disrupted, power cut

Residents in New Zealand's largest city of Auckland and the surrounding area are being told to brace for more heavy rain, flooding and gale-force winds, and some homes are being evacuated, as Cyclone Gabrielle nears the country's coast.

Gabrielle, is currently sitting 200 km (125 miles) northeast of Auckland and is forecast to move close to the east coast over the next 24 hours.

"We expect the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle to get, unfortunately, worse before they get better," said Rachel Kelleher, Deputy Controller Auckland Emergency Management on

Monday.

The cyclone is the second significant weather event to hit Auckland and the upper North Island in just a few weeks. Last month Auckland and surrounding areas were hit by record rainfall that sparked floods and killed four people.

New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins on Monday announced a NZ$11.5 million (US$7.25 million) package to support community groups such as food banks and to groups impacted by the floods.

On Monday, many schools and local government facilities across Auckland and the up-

per North Island were closed and people were being asked not to travel if possible.

States of emergency are in place in Auckland and at least six other regions. Around 50 apartments in Auckland have been evacuated because of fears a century-old steel framed tower could collapse.

Further evacuations have been ordered at beachside communities on the east coast ahead of an expected storm surge in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Air New Zealand has cancelled 509 flights and said flights will resume today when the weather is expected to improve. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Panama rejects allegations it violated migrants' rights

Panama's Government rejected accusations it violated the human rights of US-bound migrants who cross into the country irregularly through the dangerous jungle of the Darien Gap, the country's security ministry said on Monday.

El Pais newspaper said late last week a United Nations document sent to Panama's Government alleged that the country's officials sexually abused migrants crossing the Darien.

The document included accusations of forced labour and people deprived of their liberty at migration checkpoints, it said.

Panama's Security

Ministry in a statement rejected "in the strongest terms" the allegations it said were attempts to "undermine" the humanitarian work of Panamanian agencies and international organisations to help migrants crossing into Central America from Colombia.

The Ministry said the Government would "carry out the pertinent investigations."

Panama has requested help from other countries in Latin America in recent years to deal with organised crime and human smugglers profiting from the growing flow of migrants traveling from South America.

Last year, a record 248,000

migrants crossed the Darien Gap, largely Venezuelans. New, stricter US migration policy has resulted in many being returned to Panama, where they often cannot afford transportation back to Venezuela.

In a clarifying statement, the United Nations said the document cited by El Pais was a "letter of allegations" from various sources. It said it typically presents such claims to the relevant states asking for clarification.

"Competent authorities may be sought to take measures to prevent or put an end to the alleged violations," the UN statement added. (Excerpt from Reuters)

uty commander of Ukraine's Svoboda battalion.

Nazarenko said that, although no fighting was taking place in the city centre, the defenders were prepared to meet any assault.

The Ukrainian military reported Russian shelling all along the frontline and said 16 settlements had been bombarded near Bakhmut. It said that over the past day, its forces had repelled attacks near Bakhmut as well as assaults in the Kharkiv, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia regions. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Ukrainian servicemen exit an armoured personnel carrier, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in the frontline town of Bakhmut, in Donetsk region, Ukraine, February 9, 2023

Mandhana gets the biggest bid at WPL auction …Matthews,

India batter Smriti Mandhana has been the most expensive buy at the inaugural Women's Premier League auction in Mumbai. She has gone to the Royal Challengers Bangalore for INR 3.4 crore (USD 415,000 approx). She was also the first player to come up for bidding at the auction on Monday.

RCB spent nearly 50% of their INR 12 crore purse on three players in the first marquee set, also buying allrounders Sophie Devine at her base price of INR 50 lakh (USD 61,000 approx) and Ellyse Perry for INR 1.7 crore (USD 207,000 approx). They then added big-hitting 19-year-old wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh, who featured in India's victorious Under-19 World Cup campaign last month, for INR 1.9 crore (USD 232,000 approx).

"Everyone knows Mandhana and Perry. We were pretty committed to the couple of people we wanted to get," RCB Director of Cricket Mike Hesson has said. "We're very happy to get such quality players. It's a dream result for us to get Mandhana, Perry and Devine. Smriti has got plenty of captaincy experience, and is familiar with the Indian conditions. So, highly likely [she'll be captain]."

Mumbai Indians, who failed to buy Mandhana, beat off competition from RCB and Delhi Capitals for Harmanpreet Kaur, and bought the India captain for INR 1.8 crore (USD 220,000 approx). Among Mumbai's other big-ticket Indian signings were allrounder Pooja Vastrakar for INR 1.9 crore (USD 232,000 approx) and Yastika Bhatia for INR 1.5 crore (USD 183,000 approx).

Allrounder Deepti Sharma was the second-most expensive Indian at INR 2.6 crore (USD 317,000 approx). She will line-up for UP Warriorz, who will be based in her home state of Uttar Pradesh. Warriorz also spent big on Tahlia McGrath and India allrounder Devika Vaidya at

Dottin are West Indian picks

South Africa.

Sciver-Brunt, a hard-hitting middle-order batter and seamer, was the third highest run-getter in the 2022 Women's Hundred. Her 228 runs in six innings for Trent Rockets came at a strike rate of 122.58.

INR 1.4 crore (USD 171,000 approx) each, and Shabnim Ismail at INR 1 crore (USD 122,000 approx).

Gardner, Nat Sciver-Brunt most expensive overseas buys Ashleigh Gardner, the #1 allrounder in women's T20Is, attracted the joint second-highest bid of INR 3.2 crore (USD 390,000 approx) from Gujarat Giants, alongside England's Nat Sciver-Brunt, who was bought by Mumbai for the same price.

Gardner's strike rate of 133.62 is the highest among all batters with over 1000 T20I runs. On Friday, she picked up a five-for in Australia's resounding win over New Zealand in their opening game of the Women's T20 World Cup in

Her England teammate and left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone went to Warriorz for INR 1.8 crore (USD 220,000 approx), while Beth Mooney, who was the highest run-scorer during Australia's Tour of India in December, was bought by Giants for INR 2 crore (USD 244,000 approx).

Australia wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa Healy, who wasn't part of the two marquee sets, and came up only in set five, was snapped up by Warriorz for a steal at INR 70 lakh (USD 85,000 approx), while Meg Lanning, Australia's previous ODI and T20 World Cup-winning captain, was signed by Capitals for INR 1.1 crore (USD 134,000 approx).

Capitals continued their overseas buying spree when they bought South Africa allrounder Marizanne Kapp, who attracted the highest bid among allrounders outside the marquee set at INR 1.5 crore (USD 183,000 approx).

West Indies batter Hayley Matthews was the only player unsold from the first marquee set, but she was eventually bought by Mumbai during the accelerated phase at the end of the auction for INR 40 lakh (USD 49,000 approx).

Among other surprise overseas omissions before the start of the accelerated phase of the auction were former New Zealand captain Suzie Bates, Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu, South Africa captain Sune Luus, and the Australian pair of Megan Schutt and Jess Jonassen. Jonassen was also bought during the accelerated phase, by Capitals for INR 50 lakh (USD 61,000 approx), while RCB eventually picked up Schutt for INR 40 lakh (USD 49,000 approx).

Capitals sign India's Gen Z Capitals bought India batters Jemimah Rodrigues (INR 2.2 croreUSD 268,000 approx) and Shafali Verma (INR 2 crore - USD 244,000 approx), alongside Australia captain Lanning, giving them plenty of leadership options.

"No, it's too early for that; but, of course, there are captaincy options in those names," Parth Jindal, the co-owner of Capitals, said. "One is an

India Under-19 captain [Shafali], another is a legend of the game in Meg Lanning. Jemimah, too, is a wonderful reader of the game. But it all depends on the coach at the end of it, also depends on who else we pick up."

Rodrigues got India off to a winning start over Pakistan at the T20 World Cup with a half-century on Sunday, while Shafali, who was part of that XI, captained India to their inaugural Women's Under-19 T20 World Cup last month.

Under-19 World Cup winners who got picked Shafali and Ghosh, by virtue of being internationals, were grouped in the capped sets of players, and predictably went for big money. With all five teams having established a core group of players by the time the uncapped players came up for bidding, it was only a select few from the victorious India Under-19 squad that got picked. Among those to get bought were Bengal's Titas Sadhu (Capitals), Delhi's Shweta Sehrawat (Warriorz), UP's Sonam Yadav (Mumbai Indians) and Parshavi Chopra (Warriorz), Andhra's Shabnam MD (Giants) and Mumbai's Hurley Gala (Giants). (ESPNCricinfo)

Nagasar edges out Banwarie 22-19 for GCUA Presidency

The Biennial General Meeting and Elections of the Guyana Cricket Umpires Council (GCUC), held on Sunday at the world-famous Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC) Pavilion, commenced just after 10:00hrs and concluded just after 13:00 hrs.

A fairly large gathering of delegates from Berbice, Demerara and Essequibo

turned out to cast their vote for a new Executive body of the GCUC which was formed in 1971. When the ballots were completed, Essequibian Dawcha Nagasar, who took over as acting President from Shannon Crawford after he had resigned from the post, edged out DCUA’s President Ryan Banwarie 22-19.

Nagasar, who will serve

as President for the next two years, thanked all the members for their continued support, and welcomed all the members who were elected to the executive.

“Although an executive has been elected, I would like all the umpires to be involved in the decision-making through their respective Associations, for there is a lot of work to be done,” he

said. “The GCUC interests and business come first, and, as such, we must come together and be prepared to make sacrifices, and be available to serve the GCUC; for this is the only way the Association will move forward,” continued Nagasar, who also served as Secretary during the last term, which coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Motion has been passed by majority vote to

change the name of the entity to reflect the Council’s responsibility to incorporate Scorers and Match

Referees, but President Nagasar has said the present name will be used until the new one has been registered.

The following individuals were elected as officer bearers. President: Dawcha Nagasar; Vice-

President: Berbician Zaheer Moakan; Honorary Secretary: Moses Rampaul;

Treasurer: Javed Persaud. He has retained his spot unopposed, and is now serving for eight consecutive years, or four two-year terms.

The Asst. Secretary/ Treasurer is Ingram Johnson, while the Committee Members are Chaitnarine Persaud, Trava Valaidum Ritney, Zaber Zakhir and Stephon Joshia. Sean Devers has been elected the Public Relations Officer.

Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin were the West Indians scooped up in the auction

President Nagasar (2nd from left) and VP Moakan (next to him) with the new GCUA Executive body just after the elections on Sunday

Some of the delegates at GCC on Sunday for the GCUA Biennial GM and Elections

WI Tour to Zimbabwe 2023: Test 2 of 2…

West Indies put Zimbabwe under pressure

Heavy rain brought an early close to the second day's play in Bulawayo, but not before the West Indies had put Zimbabwe under pressure with a 175-run first innings’ lead.

Roston Chase hit 70, and Joshua Da Silva got a patient 44 in capitalising on Raymon Reifer's half-century from the first evening. Play didn't resume after what was the second rain interruption of the day at 4.45pm, barely 35 minutes following a restart, after bad weather had first halted the match for two and a half hours. But until

– Chase hits half-century

Indies racked up 103 runs in the first session.

then, Chase and Da Silva's 85-run partnership for the sixth wicket had ensured the visitors ended the day well ahead of the hosts' total of 115.

Only 49 overs and four balls were possible on the second day, which had begun with overnight batters Chase and Kyle Mayers at the crease, as Zimbabwe started with

Mayers into driving and slashing by pitching the ball into the rough from around the wicket.

And as Mavuta kept it relatively tight, he was rewarded with Mayers's wicket, when the batter found midwicket while swiping at a full toss angled in and dipping on him.

Play in the afternoon even began when Chase clipped Mavuta wide of midon for four, before the hosts quietened things down. Chase and Da Silva's partnership stretched the lead beyond 150. Zimbabwe also took the new ball, with Nyauchi and Masakadza sharing it; and in the 85th over, Nyauchi angled one into Chase, hitting the middle stump as the batter drove forward and was beaten.

Rain arrived two balls after that, and when play resumed, Nyauchi removed Da Silva,

who was also cleaned up. The ball hit the top of middle stump as Nyauchi pitched it on the shorter side of a length wide of off, only for it to dart back in sharply to slide past Da Silva's defence.

New batter Alzarri Joseph whipped the first ball he faced for four, before falling on the very next delivery. This time Nyauchi banged it in short, getting it to climb rapidly on middle and off, as Joseph's pull came off the higher side of the bat, and went only as far as midwicket, where Tanunurwa Makoni moved to his right while keeping his eyes on the ball all through to

SCOREBOARD

West Indies 1st Innings

TOTAL 90.4 Ov (RR: 3.19) 290/8

complete the grab.

But the day still belonged to West Indies, who will be wary of more rain forecast for the coming days. (ESPNCricinfo)

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Victor Nyauchi's pace and Brandon Mavuta's legspin. The ball turned and often stopped on the slow surface for Mavuta, who invited

Soon after, Zimbabwe replaced Mavuta with the left-arm spin of Wellington Masakadza against righthanders Chase and Da Silva, but both batters found the occasional boundary off him, while also keeping the scoreboard ticking. Chase brought up his 11th Test fifty, to start the 68th over, as he pushed Masakadza to the off side. Da Silva looked particularly impressive with the pull and the whip across the line each time the spinners went short, as West

Kraigg Brathwaite (c) lbw b Masakadza 7

Tagenarine Chanderpaul c Tiripano b Mavuta 36 Raymon Reifer run out (Chivanga/†Tsiga) 53

Jermaine Blackwood c Nyauchi b Mavuta 22

Kyle Mayers c Masakadza b Mavuta 30 Roston Chase b Nyauchi 70 Joshua Da Silva † b Nyauchi 44 Jason Holder not out 3 Alzarri Joseph c Makoni b Nyauchi 4 Gudakesh Motie not out 11 Extras (lb 3, nb 5, w 2) 10

Yet to bat: Shannon Gabriel Fall of wickets: 1-13 (Kraigg Brathwaite, 7.5 ov), 2-86 (Tagenarine Chanderpaul, 27.1 ov), 3-117 (Raymon Reifer, 35.3 ov), 4-124 (Jermaine Blackwood, 37.3 ov), 5-184 (Kyle Mayers, 53.1 ov), 6-269 (Roston Chase, 84.5 ov), 7-270 (Joshua Da Silva, 86.1 ov), 8-274 (Alzarri Joseph, 86.3 ov)

BOWLING O-M-R-W

Victor Nyauchi 6.4-1-56-3

Wellington Masakadza 20-5-58-1

Tanaka Chivanga 13-0-57-0

Donald Tiripano 13-2-26-0

Brandon Mavuta 24-3-73-3

Milton Shumba 4-0-17-0

Usual suspects prevail as Legendary Cup futsal continues

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There were thrills galore at the National Gymnasium on Mandela Avenue in Georgetown last Saturday when the Rock Auto Trans and Spare Parts’ “Legendary Cup” futsal tournament resumed with nail-biters on the cards.

The usual suspects: Back Circle, Sparta Boss and Gold is Money, were among the victors, and booked their tickets to the quarterfinal segment of the tournament.

Gold is Money was the first team to make it to the quarterfinal round, by virtue of an easy 2-0 victory over Kitty. However, it was not that simple for Bent Street and Sparta Boss.

For Gold is Money, Darren Benjamin and Dexroy Adams

found the back of the net in the respective 12th and 30th minutes for their 2-0 win.

In game 2, Tiger Bay booked passage by a similar 2-0 margin over Alexander Village. Goals from Deon Alfred (22nd) and Wendell Austin(35th) were responsible for that win.

Another lopsided game saw Stabroek Ballers defeating Future Stars 3-0. It was only until the second segment that Stabroek got to scoring, but when they did, Lennox Cort (24th), Mark Jhallu (28th) and Sean Taylor (29th) each found the back of the net before time expired.

A scoring frenzy ensued when Back Circle opposed Leopold Street in the following encounter. Doubles from Stephon McLean (1st

and 2nd), Stephon Reynolds (3rd and 25th), Simeon Moore (14th and 28th) and Shemar Koulen (6th and 26th) were topped off with another goal from Akil Plass in the 30th minute for their 9-0 win.

Bent Street dug deep to get past Beterverwagting in a 1-0 game. Tyrese Dennis’s 11th minute goal was the eventual game winner. Meanwhile, Vengy FC took the experienced Sparta Boss to the penalty mark.

Sparta were up first by virtue of a Jermin Junor strike in the 4th, but Vengy’s reply, which came in the 13th from David Escobar, levelled the scores. Vengy took the lead in the 17th as a result of a Joheis Mendoza strike, but it was not long before Sheldon Shepherd equalized in the 22nd. Mendonza netted another in the 34th, while Shepherd did the same in the 37th for a 3-3 game at the end of regulation time.

At the penalty mark,

Sparta Boss prevailed 3-1.

Adding to the 6 winners, Vengy FC and BV gained passage to the quarterfinals by being the best two losing teams.

The tournament is set to continue this evening at the same venue. The ‘Legendary Cup’ champion will cart off $500,000 and the championship trophy. Second, third, and fourthplaced finishers will receive $250,000, $150,000 and $100,000 respectively.

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

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Kyle Mayers and Roston Chase added 60 together

The ground staff got into business after rain stopped play at the Queen's Sports Club

The ‘Legendary Cup’ futsal tournament in full swing

9th edition of Milo tournament to be bigger, better

By Jemima Holmes

48 secondary school football teams, not limited to the Coastland, will lace up their boots in a little over a week’s time for the 9th edition of the Nestle Milo Schools Under-18 Football tournament.

This year’s tournament will bring together schools from the hinterland regions; the Essequibo Coast; West and East Coast Demerara; Berbice, Linden, and Georgetown in what would inevitably be a grand display of this country’s youth talent.

At a simple launch at Milo distributor Massy’s Montrose, East Coast Demerara location, Massy’s Nestle Senior Business Unit Manager Teisha Milner spoke of the company’s commitment to the tournament, and by extension the production of well-rounded students.

“As stated earlier, we recognize the need for sport in our schools today, and we are committed to supporting events that afford each student the opportunity to engage and participate in extracurricular sporting activities,” Milner told the gathering on Monday afternoon. “We are optimistic that events of this nature, combined with holistic academic and extracurricular (activities), will certainly help in transforming and grow our future generation.”

The Milo tournament has also garnered the support of the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Guyana Football Federation (GFF), whose representatives: Africo

Selman - Advisor to the Minister of Education, and Keeran Williams - Marketing Officer, touched on the successful attributes of the schools’ football tournament.

Expansion and inclusion

With 48 teams scheduled to compete initially, the Petra-organized tournament has noticeably grown and is set to reintroduce private institutions to the tournament.

Regarding the expansion of the Milo U18 tournament, Petra’s Co-Director Troy Mendonca indicated that it has been the intention of the organization for some time.

“We, over the years, have tried our best in terms of having this tournament competed at a nationwide level; but, of course, that goes with an enormous cost. And so, bit by bit, we are trying to achieve that,” he explained. “So, this year, you would have noticed that we would have extended the invitation to 48 teams on a wider spread.”

Quizzed by sports

media operatives about the reintroduction of private schools to the competition, after their omission back in 2019, Mendonca explained that the organization has moved to iron out the issues that they encountered when including private school teams.

“Over the years, they would have been engaging the Ministry of Education in terms of systems and structures that we want to put in place in terms of them coming back into the tournament. We would have had several meetings with senior officials from both the Ministry of Sport and Ministry of Education,” Mendonca explained.

He further elucidated, “Two of the requirements (are): that they must have kids register at the beginning of the school year, and they must show evidence that they’re writing at least 2 CXC subjects. So, to the Massy Group, and Nestle, through the Milo brand, we want to congratulate you and say a

big thank you to you, (for endorsing) this tournament for the ninth year,” Mendonca concluded in a bid at gratitude.

The team taking home the Milo U18 Championship would be rewarded with a $300,000 grand prize, to be received in kind for their school. 2nd, 3rd and 4th place winners would be rewarded with $200,000, $100,000 and $75,000 respectively.

List of participating teams:

East Coast Reg #4

1. Annandale Secondary

2. Ann's Grove Secondary

3. Golden Grove Secondary

4. President's College

East Berbice Reg #6

5. Berbice Educational Inst

6. Canje Secondary School

7. Berbice High School

8. New Amsterdam Sec

Qayyim Academy registers second school club under Archery Guyana

Archery Guyana’s Head Coach Nicholas Hing has presented to the Principal of Qayyim Academy, Bibi Romena ConstantineMohamed, an official certificate of registration and affiliation, together with a bow and arrow set. This was done at a simple ceremony on Saturday, February 4, in the school’s compound.

“Qayyim Academy”, also the name of the school’s archery club, has been quite active for a few months now, under the instruction of Archery Guyana member Saeed Karim, who is also a teacher there. Support has been forthcoming from Archery Guyana’s head coach and other members from time to time; and Miss Romena, as she is normally addressed by her students and teachers, is very enthused at having the students involved in sports, and is excited to have archery as one of the sports developed in that school.

The club has already built its own targets and quivers, and has also acquired some equipment in the form of bows and arrows.

This is another step in

Archery Guyana’s vision of developing the sport at the grassroots level, beginning in the schools, with the aim of discovering and encouraging athletes from the primary to the university level.

That would ensure the widest possible participation in Archery Guyana’s efforts

to find the best Archers to represent Guyana both regionally and internationally, specifically at the Olympic Games.

Archery Guyana is committed to providing the necessary training for instructors and certified coaches and judges, both

Windward Islands Volcanoes fires Head Coach Shirley Clarke

Shirley Clarke has, with immediate effect, been relieved of his duties as Head Coach of the Windward Islands Volcanoes franchise. Clarke will be replaced on an interim basis by South African Russel Sising.

Chairman of the Windward Islands Cricket Board (WICB), Dr Kishore Shallow, has confirmed Clarke’s dismissal to Sportsmax.TV on Monday, citing the team’s lack of performance.

“I can confirm that we have separated from Mr Clarke. The board thought that we were not necessarily on the same wavelength,” Dr Shallow has said.

junior and senior. With this in mind, Archery Guyana sees archery as an additional event at school sports; interhouse, inter-schools and at Nationals, thereby fostering a competitive spirit among students and the camaraderie that archery is internationally known for.

The decision was not a knee-jerk reaction, but stemmed from concerns the board had had since last year, during the Regional Super 50 tournament, wherein the Windward Islands Volcanoes won only two matches, both against the Combined Colleges and Campuses team.

Dr Shallow has said that a comprehensive review was done after the tournament, and the Board had consequently met with Clarke on several occasions to discuss concerns.

In the West Indies Championship, the Volcanoes have not won either of their two games, despite playing well. It is thought that they have simply not played well enough.

Dr Shallow, who is also the Cricket West Indies Vice President, has pointed out that the Volcanoes have not won any of their last seven first-class matches, hence the decision was made to move in another direction.

“Given the investments that were made, we were not getting the results,” he said.

Dr Shallow has described Clarke as a good individual, has said the parting was amicable; and further, that he wishes Clarke the best going forward. (Sportsmax)

…"We did not believe we were getting results," says WICB boss Dr Kishore Shallow

Petra Co-Director Troy Mendonca

Nestle Senior Business Unit Manager Teisha Milner

Some of the students engaging in their regular Saturday practice session

From left, GFF’s Keeran Williams, MoE’s Africo Selman, Massy’s Teisha Milner, Massy Distribution Guyana CEO Navin Thakur, COO Troy Beharry, Petra’s Troy Mendonca and Jackie Boodie