Guyana Times - Tuesday, February 28, 2023

No bail for Brazilian pilot, miner found at illegal mining camp

ed to prison when they appeared before Magistrate Alan Wilson at the Lethem Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

Felix, a father of two and a pilot of Eccles, East Bank Demerara (EBD), was charged with operating a civil aircraft without an airworthiness certificate, operating an aircraft without insurance, interfering with an aircraft, and illegally entering Guyana. To these three charges, he pleaded not guilty.

Two Brazilian nationals, identified as Alexander Felix and Luan Ricardo Braga Silva,

who were found at an illegal mining camp last week were charged and remand-

Silva, on the other hand, was charged separately with entering Guyana illegally.

Felix, 54, was represent-

ed by Attorney-at-Law Kezia Williams, while Silva, a father of one and a miner, was unrepresented. Their trial will commence on March 16 and will continue on March 18.

During a bail application for Felix, his Attorney told the court that her client has an unblemished record and would abide by any conditions attached to bail.

But the Police Prosecutor raised serious objections to the defence counsel’s bail application, alluding to the serious nature and penalty attached to the charges Felix is facing. The Police

until their trial.

When the trial gets underway, the prosecution intends to call a total of seven witnesses. According to reports, the men were arrested on February 19 after illegal mining sites were found at the New River Triangle, South Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo).

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) reported that its ranks destroyed an illegal mining camp and seized a helicopter and several other items in the New River Triangle.

According to the report,

Prosecutor submitted that because Felix did not have strong ties to Guyana, he was a flight risk. In the end, the defendants were refused bail and remanded

the soldiers had gathered intelligence on the mining operation, launched a search of the New River Triangle, and arrested Felix and Silva.

Upon seeing soldiers, several others fled the camp into the surrounding jungle.

The illegal mining camp was secured and cleared by members of the GDF. A shotgun, 10 cellular phones, a generator, mining equipment, passports, identification cards, and a bank card were recovered. A quantity of equipment was seized, and mining tunnels were destroyed.

The GDF had said that the operation was conducted over a period of four days, involved two officers and 27 of their ranks, and was supported by the Air Corps.

Remanded: Alexander Felix Remanded: Luan Ricardo Braga Silva

The camp that was destroyed by the GDF ranks

The helicopter that was seized by GDF ranks

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Tuesday, Feb 28 – 10:30h to 11:15h and Wednesday, Mar 1 – 01:00h – 02:30h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, Feb 28 – 10:05h – 11:35h and Wednesday, Mar 1 – 11:45h – 13:15h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

There will be thundery showers during the day and night. Temperatures should range between 23 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

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

High Tide: 10:16h and 23:10h reaching maximum heights of 2.13 metres and 1.97 metres.

Low Tide: 16:32h reaching a minimum height of 1.12 metres.

Vreed-en-Hoop shore base will usher in major economic shift in Reg 3 – Pres Ali

Work on the Vreeden-Hoop Shore base Inc (VEHSI) continues on schedule, with President Dr Irfaan Ali touring the facility on Monday and reminding everyone of the massive importance and economic shift that the historic venture will usher in.

During his visit, the President was assured that work is on schedule to be completed. The first phase of the project is expected to be completed by December 2023. Lauding those participating in the historic project, President Ali noted the benefits the project will result in for those living in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

“I don’t have to tell you that this is historic work for

LOTTERY NUMBERS

the country. This is work you can be proud of. I’m sure your families, and children can say you worked on the first man-made island offshore. That is something historic. Something to be proud of. That is an experience and opportunity that many would love to get.”

“So, I’m glad that you are involved and are part of this historic, transformative and historic moment in our country… this is going to bring a major shift in terms of economic activity in Region Three,” President Ali said, also lauding the developers for their commitment to local content.

During the tour, National Hardware Guyana Limited’s Nicholas DeygooBoyer – part of the VESHI consortium investing in the shore base – explained that they have received interest from other potential clients who are interested in commercial shipping, among other things. He also spoke

about the number of people who will be employed on the island.

“From our side, we’re probably looking at about 25 to 50. That’s as shore base maintenance. As Exxon, they’re probably going to employ between 50 and 100, depending on the scale of the fabrication activities,” Deygoo-Boyer said.

“As of December, you’re probably going to see a workforce of around 150 people. And that is only in the first phase. As they expand operations this will increase. And this is not also considered an indirect workforce. The drivers, caterers.”

This new island is part of the reclaimed land that will be transformed into the estimated 44-acre mega-project to create the shore base facility for ExxonMobil and forms part of Port Vreed-enHoop.

A view of the man-made island

...150 people to be employed during 1st phase

President Dr Irfaan Ali during the tour of the Vreed-en-Hoop shore base

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Helping the victims

Over time, numerous cases of domestic violence have been reported in the Guyanese media. Many persons were brutally killed in some instances. Unfortunately, it continues, despite awareness efforts and the much-touted training of law enforcement officers who are expected to be the first step of recourse with regard to the lodging of complaints.

There is more than a subtle irony in the continuance of this societal scourge in spite of the relentless efforts and the plethora of available mechanisms to inform and educate. The problem is much larger than what appears in the news, including the social media outlets, as many cases go unreported. This, therefore, gives much credence to the appearance of an underestimated reality.

Many reasons have been promulgated for what can deter an abuse victim from seeking the intervention of the law. Among them, in no specific order of impact, are aspects of culture; shame; dependency and its redounding lack of empowerment for some; and the lack of confidence in law enforcement itself, precipitated from the reported trivialising of the issue in some instances.

One may posit that education is a primary concern. On the other hand, one can argue that education has been more profound in recent times. Pertinent would be to ask the question of whether the other factors subvert the heeding of educational messaging; while the answer may be assumed, it would make for interesting and informative research.

As that is contemplated, the magnitude of the impact on children cannot be underestimated. Many have cruelly been made witnesses to the horrific assaults on their mothers and, to a lesser extent, their fathers. Those ghastly images, especially for some who watched as life was snuffed out, are not only lasting but profoundly traumatising.

When young minds are so broadsided, the impact, if not managed, lingers for life. Not that it is erasable, but with meaningful and sustained interventions, the trauma can potentially be mitigated, thereby aiding in better shaping lives. The entire spectrum of what therefore constitutes counselling then becomes vital. This naturally raises the question of the availability of adequate intervening mechanisms.

While it is always heartening to hear that surviving victims and witnesses to such horrific incidents would be counselled, it would be very informative, for the benefit of all, to know the extent of what is available and offered. Realistically, expectations cannot be for what obtains in the developed nations. However, there must be something tangible, in keeping with available resources, with upgrades foremost in planning.

This is not in any way suggesting that there is no effective mechanism. However, counselling can be an extensive process for some, depending on the circumstances. Given the plethora of incidents that unfortunately continue, and which would make added demands on the system, the question of the adequacy of trained staff, needed facilities, and support systems become more pertinent.

Not too long ago, the country had the unenviable tag of having the highest rate of suicide per capita. Prior to that categorisation, some aspects had made news internationally, prompting a local organisation to call for suicide to be made a national priority, given its impact on society and the trauma it imposes on surviving relatives.

It was stated that the declaration would not only bring additional focus, but would have positioned the issue to be afforded the necessary resources for its mitigation.

It was not going to be a panacea to stop suicide, but effectively structured, it increases the potential across the country, with the assistance of stakeholders, to maximise the effectiveness of information-gathering for targeted intervention. It would also increase confidence in the support system, help break social inhibitors where necessary, and to better edify.

It is no different from domestic violence. While there is a disadvantage in being unable to accurately quote figures, based on extensive research, if available, on the number of people lost, injured and disfigured, and those scarred for life as a result of domestic violence, it must be extremely high in proportion to our population. Clearly, the highest number would be those who are left traumatised.

This, therefore, must be seen as a serious cause for concern and a compelling reason for consideration to be declared a national priority. This is an apolitical issue and is not confined to any one group, thereby making it less difficult to garner national support. In such small societies, the impact permeates throughout and away from just the families.

Children reading and learning about incidents through television and social media are in many ways impacted too, especially if one of their own is affected. In the context herein, the pervasiveness and impact of trauma cannot, and must not, be underestimated. Road accidents must also be taken into account, for too much is at stake for the nation and its people.

We commend the Cop Squad Initiative under which some 500 ranks were trained and are now equipped to handle domestic and gender-based violence reports. While the trauma cannot be erased for victims, the impact can be cushioned at the initial step where law enforcement officers have been properly trained to help persons who report these incidents.

By: Christopher s Chivvis

Events surrounding the first year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine have had a cold war-esque feel, with America and its allies lined up on one side and China and Russia on the other. Some politicians in Washington – and perhaps Beijing – seem comfortable with this. But they should be careful. There’s no reason to believe a cold war re-run in the 21st century would turn out well for anyone, above all the US.

This past week, President Biden paid a dramatic visit to Kyiv and then addressed a crowd in Warsaw, pledging unwavering US support for Ukraine. President Putin gave a speech of his own in which he stubbornly insisted that NATO was to blame for the war and suspended Russia’s participation in a vital nuclear arms control treaty. The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, meanwhile confronted his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, in Munich, warning China not to supply Russia with weapons. Yi then flew to Moscow and stood alongside President Putin for a photo opportunity.

Dangerous currents are carrying us toward a new, and very different, cold war. This time, China and Russia would be pitted against a US-led coalition of European and close Indo-Pacific allies like Japan, South Korea and Australia. The Biden Administration, and some of their Chinese counterparts, probably hope to steer out of these currents, but it’s getting harder and harder. This week’s events come against the backdrop of the crackup over China’s spy balloon, an ongoing US-China trade and technology war, and several years of deteriorating diplomatic relations between Washington and both Beijing and Moscow. Time is not on the side of those who favour detente.

In Washington, the US political system seems to be priming itself for a new cold war. Some Republican leaders, for

example, are keen to use nostalgia for Ronald Reagan to unite their divided party and conjure up the memory of a prouder era in the party’s foreign policy, one before the messiness of the George W Bush and Trump years. Tellingly, Representative Mike Gallagher, who chairs the new House select committee on China, has made explicit his belief that the cold war should guide US policy toward China.

Anti-China rhetoric also plays well with a Republican party that now draws many votes from lower income, predominantly white areas, where people are down on their luck and ready to blame the Chinese for their hardships. This helps drive Republican arguments for “decoupling” the US and Chinese economies, recognising Taiwan’s independence, and other measures that needlessly intensify the clash with Beijing. Democrats, who are already angered by China’s poor human rights record and vocal support for Putin, are reacting with more aggressive positions of their own.

Beijing’s impatient nationalism, military expansionism, and irascible diplomacy is obviously not helping. The prospect that Chinese leaders were seriously considering providing lethal assistance to Russia – as Blinken charged in Munich – is especially worrisome because it indicates that Beijing may not fully understand how deep the pool of animosity against it is in America today. Whether or not China’s autocratic leaders grasp the role of public opinion in US foreign policy is uncertain.

Superficially, a return to the bipolarity of the old east-west standoff might seem advantageous for the west. After all, the free world won the last time, and despite the Strangelovean gloom, avoided nuclear war. The cold war also had the advantage of simplifying things. At least we knew who the enemy was. It also helped keep a lid on some of the major security problems that have menaced the world since, such as

failed states, terrorism and the spread of weapons of mass destruction.

But a mid-21st-century cold war would be very different from its 20th-century precursor. To begin with, it is too easy to forget that American economic power then outstripped the Soviets three times over. In contrast, the Chinese economy now rivals America’s.

During the cold war America was able to use its huge economic advantage to spend heavily on defense while simultaneously building a social welfare system that soothed the inevitable strains of the liberal system. In a new cold war, America and its allies might hope their liberal economic and political model will give them the technological and economic edge that would make this possible, but China is not a command economy like the Soviet Union and will almost certainly be far more successful economically. In the last century, the onset of the cold war also required no process of economic decoupling. But this time around, the dislocations of economic decoupling would almost certainly cause domestic political volatility. This would make both sides’ foreign policies more unpredictable, and probably more belligerent.

Meanwhile, America would have to finance an arms buildup not just in Europe, but also in Asia. This would create an even heavier fiscal burden in America, hence higher taxes and more inflationary pressure. If China divested from its massive dollar holdings, which seems likely, the fiscal situation would get even worse.

Yet another difference is that many US allies would struggle to pay their own defence bills and still maintain economic separation from China. In fact, they might not even want to. Whereas Soviet ideology called for an overthrow of their liberal political systems and the appropriation of bourgeois property, China’s ideology today poses no such threat.

Especially in the early years

of a new cold war, the risk of an accidental war would be high. Early cold war crisis, for example over Berlin in 1948, almost led to war before cooler heads prevailed. There is no guarantee that a crisis today would also be resolved peaceably. Both sides’ uncertainty about military redlines and capabilities would increase the chance of misunderstandings and create incentives to take military risks, especially if communication has broken down. In this environment, defensive military measures aimed at preventing war could accidentally bring it on. The costs of war would be devastating: even conservative estimates of a standoff over Taiwan point to trillions of dollars in losses.

The United States and the Soviet Union managed to avoid global thermonuclear war in the 20th century, but this shouldn’t lull us into overconfidence about what might happen in the future. The 20th-century world had more than one brush with fate, for example, during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis and the 1983 NATO “Able Archer” exercise. Creating strategic stability – a situation in which neither side has an incentive to start a nuclear war – is already going to be complicated enough in a world where China and Russia are both likely to have superpower-sized nuclear arsenals. The political and security competition of a new cold war could make it impossible.

Sometimes confrontation between world powers is necessary. It can even be constructive. But I doubt that the Biden Administration is happy about the trend toward a new bipolar standoff and hope that Beijing is more concerned than it lets on.

The cold war may be the model of great power competition that Washington is most comfortable with, but it’s a dangerously misleading one and should be resisted. (The Guardian)

(Christopher S Chivvis is the director of the American Statecraft Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace)

President Dr Irfaan Ali on Monday received a painting from one of NRG Holding Inc's directors, Nazar "Shell" Mohamed, depicting the making of the artificial island, during a visit to the Vreed-en-Hoop shore base facility. Also in photo are other directors of the Guyanese consortium and officials of Vreed-en-Hoop Shorebase Inc (VEHSI)

Some politicians seem comfortable with the idea of a new cold war. They shouldn’t

Is IDPADA-G a political organisation?

Dear Editor, The pointed question is asked, is the IDPADA-G a political organisation? I am putting forward the question to the directors of this organisation. I further question, what are the primary functions of this organisation or grouping, whatever you would want to call it? Is this grouping meant to be what the name suggests, that is, an organisation that receives public funds earmarked to benefit or uplift peoples of African descent? Which is it?

If it is an organisation for Coloured Peoples, then it behoves us to believe that it should be a philanthropic organisation, or an apolit-

ical non-profit, organisation that utilise donated assets and income to provide socially useful services to a specific race. An institution such as this operates for specific purposes to augment or help in the affairs of those peoples of African descent, which means that it is also exempt from taxes from the Central Government.

Seeing it as a public non-profit organisation and a user of public funds means that all work done for and by this organisation must be publicly accounted for. And herein lies the problem, when questions are asked of their stewardship, what the public gets in return is political hop-

scotch of reasons why they cannot legally fulfil the requirements of their responsibilities. Such political verbiage would lead anyone to the conclusion that there are many flaws associated with this institution.

Since its inception in 2018, there are a number of glaring anomalies that can be attributed to this organisation. From its early beginnings, the foundation and leadership have much to be desired, it is headed by an active political figure heavily aligned with the PNC/ APNU party. This is a definite no-no when it comes to the leadership of a supposedly apolitical organisation. As such, there is no doubt

the intentions of the likes of Vincent Alexander being installed there.

Another instance where this so-called institution oversees the affairs of People of African Descent is their actions pre- and post-national Elections 2020. Soon after those elections, the Chairman of IDPADA-G wrote to the Chairwoman of Caricom to come to Guyana to look into the results of that election.

Prime Minister Mia Mottley then gathered 5 prime ministers of Caricom who came to Guyana to quell the dispute. But before I speak to the coming together of 5 Prime Ministers of Caricom, per-

mit me to peruse certain excerpts of Alexander’s letter. In his diatribe, “He beseeched them to look beyond elections,” a clear call for the leaders to ignore the results of the March 2020 Elections and support Alexander’s rigging plan. He goes on to say “our lives are in your hands,” another dog whistle call for the Caricom Leaders to support a racist agenda.

In short, he wanted the Esteemed Leaders to do his dirty work and support the Loser and help his party to retain power. When a man can have such a vested interest in the affairs of his party you may well imagine what he is capable of doing

being the head of an Afrocentric Institution such as IDPADA-G.

I shudder to think what would become of our reparation proceeds if this falls into the hands of an organisation led by Alexander. I say no more! The fact is neither the PNC nor its extension IDPADA-G are representatives of the Black Race in Guyana, and I do not want them to come remotely close to anything Black or representation of the Race. I must make this point abundantly clear! I think I am not alone in this call as I rest my case.

Respectfully,

Neil Adams

Let subsidy to farmers be paramount

Dear Editor,

It is nice to have another oil conference with other topics in Guyana.

When one examines Guyana’s contribution to the oil explorers of the world, Exxon, the irresistible conclusion is that Guyana, bearing the costs of Exxon’s wealth, is a subsidy and alms given to a neo colonial economic investor.

The billions of dollars rendered to Exxon and its associates leave the farmers of Guyana as mud rats seeking to eke out a living from mother Earth whilst facing the disaster of flood, drought and low market price of their products; yet there is articulated policy

of food security in Guyana and the Region.

May it be pointed out that the rice farmers are at the mercy of the monopolistic rice millers who arbitrary fix prices in order to bolster their profits to the detriment and pain of rice producers.

The farmers for example; loans are given by the millers to farmers at high interest rate. The inputs, that is, fertiliser and all the accompanying necessary treatment for pest control are purchased at astronomical prices, yet the GRDB, the RPA, remain impotent in their aid to these unfortunate body of farmers in Guyana who continue to dwell in debt and lean in-

come.

To correct this pain and shame it is herein suggested:

1. That the Government have feasible prices and purchase the farmers goods in order to create a food bank in preparation for times of disaster.

2. Like the USA, the Government ought to subsidise substantially, the farmers as is done in the oil industry of Guyana.

3. Cold storage systems for cash crops farmers and cottage industries therefor ought to be set up at the instance of the Government that has the required capital, so to do to aid in the manufacturing and storage of farmers’ crops that go to

waste in times of plenty.

4. The farmers must be encouraged to continue to cultivate the conventional crops in which they are knowledgeable and have market value, for example, aloe vera - now in world demand, neem, Sijan and cash crops, the various nuts, pineapples, the seeds of pumpkin are now in world demand due to its now known nutritional value, cassava – sweet and bitter.

5. It is herein suggested that the abandoned sugar plantation with its drainage and irrigation system should be harnessed for artisanal fishing, shrimp and other aquatic food.

6. The land should be

Vreed-en-Hoop shore base...

Phase one of the project is meant to be the special purpose vehicle to serve as a SURF (Subsea Umbilicals, Riser and Flowlines) Shore base for ExxonMobil subsidiary Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited’s (EEPGL) projects.

To date, the deepening, widening and dredging of the access channel as well as the removal of wreckage were completed. A total of 30km at a 9m depth was dredged starting from the shore base at Vreed-enHoop.

Previously, the Channel had a 5m depth at the lowest tide compared to 9m now. Further, the width of the channel was dredged to a whopping 100m which will now accommodate two vessels – one coming out and

one going in.

This phase has been hailed a success by the project managers and the upgraded channel has been handed over to the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD). Nevertheless, the project managers have warned that the site remains an active construction zone and landing on the island is prohibited. As such, the public is urged to remain clear of the construction zone and to adhere to the previously issued notices.

According to the project directors, the support and encouragement given by the Government of Guyana have been reassuring and augur well for additional investment and the future of Guyana. The project is ex-

pected to become operational in 2023, with the second phase set to commence in 2024.

In April 2022, ExxonMobil Guyana and Vreed-en-Hoop Shore base Incorporated (VEHSI) signed a 20-year agreement for shore base services to be provided at the port of Vreed-en-Hoop facility to support the US oil giant’s operations offshore Guyana. The sod was subsequently turned in June on the US$300 million facility.

VEHSI is a joint venture between a fully-owned Guyanese consortium –NRG Holdings Incorporated, and Jan De Nul Group, the Belgium-based company undertaking the project that specialises in offshore, marine, civil, environment, and

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project development.

The consortium includes Hadi’s World Inc, owned by businessmen Nazar “Shell” Mohamed and Azruddin Mohamed; Nicholas Deygoo-Boyer and Eddie Boyer of National Hardware Guyana Limited; and Andron Alphonso of ZRN Investments Inc. NRG holds a majority stake of 85 per cent in VEHSI, while the remaining 15 per cent is owned by Jan De Nul – the company that will construct the facility.

The multi-million port, when completed, will feature an offshore terminal; fabrication, umbilical and spooling yards; a dry dock facility; a wharf and berths, and administrative buildings, among other facilities spanning 65 hectares.

given out to farmers and youths that are trained, or being trained with farmers, to cultivate coconuts, cash crops, peas, beans and lentils as the coconut plants are growing. This will create jobs and all of the villages and neighbourhoods of Guyana will contribute substantially to the food security goals that is now ad-

umbrated with the frequent articulation and publicity.

Let subsidy to the farmers be paramount, harness the potential energy of the youths who do not have capital, then Guyana will attain the status of an agrarian democracy.

Respectfully, JT Kissoon

NGSA Math Questions

No due diligence followed before purchasing COVID-19 supplies under APNU/AFC

– masks bought at inflated prices; no proper evaluation done of suppliers

es for masks were averaging about $7.50 per mask. This is the KN-95 mask. In November when I took over, we did a public tender for masks and we paid ?83.”

“So, you’d have to consider scarcity. But it’s a very big difference in cost, versus what we paid. For example, 10,000 masks were $15 million at $7.50 a mask. And we bought more of course. But we only paid ?83 in a competitive process,” Watkins further explained.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Monday heard from officials in the Ministry of Health, that notwithstanding the COVID-19 pandemic, due diligence was not done under the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government when they purchased Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

During the statutory sitting of the PAC, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Malcolm Watkins was asked about the findings of a performance audit. Auditor General Deodat Sharma had conducted a performance audit into the procurement, storage, and distribution of COVID-19 supplies.

It was found that PPE was purchased at exorbitant prices. And while they were purchased at the height of COVID, the Permanent Secretary said that no due diligence was done to find the best price. By the end of

the year, at which time the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) had entered office, they were able to purchase PPE in a competitive process, at a significantly lesser price.

“We found no evidence of due diligence or any form of checks being done to properly evaluate the suppliers. But we would have to go case by case, but from my research, we did not find any first layer of due diligence,” he said.

According to Watkins, more effort could have been made to seek the best price.

In fact, the Permanent Secretary opined that a strategic effort was made not to do a public tender. Further, he gave a breakdown of the price at which they purchased PPE, versus how much it was purchased before the change of Government in August 2020.

“We can confirm that the items purchased during that time, the COVID related, we know that some were delivered beyond the contract period. If we use the example of the mask, which were the main items, we see the pric-

The first case of COVID-19 in Guyana was recorded in March 2020. During the Performance Audit, the Auditor General had found that approval from the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board

(NPTAB) was not sought to sole source supplies in several instances.

Despite requirements that entities can only sole source if they do due diligence on the supplier and approach NPTAB for approval, after which they would get an acceptance letter, the audit had found that 18 of the sole-sourced contracts did not go through this process.

It was also found that nine of the contracts for COVID-19 suppliers, which were prepared by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) did not have a start and end date by which time the supplier was required to deliver the items. According to the report, this would have made it difficult for the CDC

to enforce the law should the supplier be delayed.

Last year when the Auditor General presented his 2021 report to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, five performance audit reports had also been handed over. They include the reports on the management of medical waste at hospitals; management of drugs and medical supplies at the ministry of public health and regional health facilities; receipt, storage, and distribution of textbooks at schools; review of training programmes established and developed by the council of technical and vocational education and training; and Guyana’s preparedness for marine oil spill response.

Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Malcolm Watkins (centre), flanked by two officials

Judge orders T&T company to pay NDMA $6M for breaching contract

Makeover...

…of Guyana

Judgement was granted in favour of the National Data Management Authority (NDMA) in a lawsuit it brought against Trinidadian company Davis Ecolife Ltd after that company failed to file a defence within the timeframe prescribed by the Civil Procedure Rules.

The judgement, which orders the company to pay over $6 million to NDMA, was handed down on February 22, 2023 by Justice Gino Persaud, according to a statement from the Attorney General’s Chambers.

The NDMA is a body corporate established under the National Data Management Authority Act and is responsible for data processing and information systems in the Public Sector.

On the other hand, Davis Ecolife is a company incorporated under the Companies Act 1995 of Trinidad and Tobago. By way of a letter dated November 7, 2018, the company held itself out to be the sole distributor and creator of the Eco Pod building system, a system that combines energy-ef-

ficient building systems with solar technology to offer one complete product.

The National Procurement Tender Administration (NPTAB) granted its approval for the contract provision of two Eco Pods for NDMA to be awarded to Davis Ecolife for the tendered/corrected sum of US$66,941 on November 30, 2018.

On December 4, 2018, NDMA executed a written agreement with Davis Ecolife at an agreed price of US$66,941 for the supply of two prefabricated enclosures (Eco Pods) to house ICT hubs to be installed at two sites identified by NDMA.

A deposit of US$28, 449.54, which is equivalent to $6, 159, 325, was paid to the company via wire transfer. Despite the agreement having a completion date of January 25, 2019, Davis Ecolife Ltd failed and/or neglected to perform the contract in accordance with the agreed completion date.

As such, on January 31, 2023, the NDMA through the Attorney General’s Chambers filed an amended Fixed Date Application (FDA) seeking the follow-

ing reliefs: a declaration that the company breached the contract that was executed on January 4, 2018; damages in excess of $100, 000 for breach of contract; a declaration that the company has been unjustly enriched $6,159,325 as money had and received; an order for restitution from the company in the sum of $6,159,325, constituting an advance payment made by the NDMA to Davis Ecolife for which there were no works done; interest; such further orders the court deems just and costs.

The Trinidadian company, however, failed to file an affidavit in defence to NDMA’s FDA and failed to attend court on two occasions. The court, therefore, granted judgment of $6,159,325 and costs of $500,000 in favour of the NDMA. The NDMA was represented by Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, and State Counsel Teakaram Singh.

Davis Ecolife Ltd was initially represented by Attorney-at-Law Javed Shadick and thereafter by Marissa Nadir.

Both lawyers eventually withdrew from the matter.

Your Eyewitness likes to amble through neighbourhoods in his dear, ole Mudland. Of course, with our villages stretched across more than 200 miles of coastland, his ambling has to be done vehicularly, thank you!! But what he can report, Dear Reader, is that in two years, any one visitor from foreign who’s been away for a while won’t be able to recognise even the street they grew up in!! That’s how fast (and furious) the changes wrought by the new PPP Administration are kicking in at the grassroots!!

The said Government just signed $56.8B contracts for infrastructure to fulfil their commitments to distribute 50,000 house lots by 2025! What this means is that in addition to completely new housing areas being opened up like Silica City on the Linden Highway, almost every existing housing scheme is being doubled or tripled in size!! Take villages that were part of the historic movement of labourers out of the logies – directed by the colonial government to the sugar industry back in the 1950s – trying to address the criticisms of Cheddi and the PPP.

Within a decade, 125,000 houses had been built along the Public Road bordering the Atlantic – in what was to be the largest resettlement in the British Caribbean!! But what’s unfolding now will see each of those villages extended deep into the coast – utilising lands on which sugar cane once flourished!! So for instance at Leonora –from where the President hails, incidentally – part of that $56 billion will double this venerable settlement where the factory had been shuttered as far back as the 1970s! Some felt Burnham had done that because Leonora had been one of the most resolute villages opposing his dictatorship!!

Some of these old housing schemes had already exploded in size – like Parfaite Harmonie across the Demerara Harbour Bridge that had merely been an adjunct to the sleepy strip called Plantation La Grange!! Now we’ll see Palmyra – the rustic setting for Mittelholzer’s “Corentyne’s Thunder” –exploding into a city after the planned development already begun across from the Berbice Bridge!! And so on and so forth.

But that’s not the only change stumbled upon by your enterprising Eyewitness. Nah!! Even more transformative is the makeover of present settlements – signalled by mounds of sand and stones blocking almost every street in the settled, sleepy villages. These old 20x20 wooden structures are being replaced by huge, concrete, Floridastyle houses that completely fill the old, 50x90 house lots!! You wouldn’t believe the latest development unearthed by your Eyewitness – guest houses in these old housing schemes!!

Seems so many relatives are coming from foreign they overwhelm their hosts accustomed to providing our famed Guyanese hospitality!! Hence the guest houses!!

It’s gonna be a bright, bright sunshiny future!!

…at Telecoms provider?

While your Eyewitness is as excited as the next man about our booming, frontier-type development, we gotta be aware of risks in this go-go world. Take the excitement occasioned by the PPP’s early liberalisation of the communications sector by removing GTT’s monopoly. That opened up the competition – and competition’s good, right?? Well, yes and no!! It’s good for us consumers who get cheaper services but what about the companies that now have to shell out billions trying to secure a technological edge to compete in the new market??

Well, that’s the heart of the capitalist development path – which carries well-recognised risks. Take, for instance, one of our companies, Digicel plunged in to take advantage of the new opportunities.

Globally, they’ve ended up with US$4.55 billion of bonds and corporate loans – all dunned “junk” – due to mature by the end of 2025.

Right now, they’ve asked their bondholders to defer cashing in US$925 for 30 days. It’s gonna take a miracle for them to avoid a haircut!!

…in vanishing?

Billionaire Chinese venture capitalist Bao Fan had been reported “missing” by his firms. Now we hear he’s “cooperating with the authorities” – a euphemism for “grilling”.

So what made one of our high-rankers “missing” for four months??

Squatters continue to stymie development of new Amelia’s Ward Housing Scheme – actions hamper legitimate landowners from starting construction

The Housing and Water Ministry has sounded a warning to residents of Amelia’s Ward – Phase 4 that squatting is illegal and as such, encouraged them to desist from erecting structures in the area.

This call was made during a visit by Chief Executive Officer of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA), Sherwyn Greaves, on Monday who conducted a site inspection of the developing housing scheme in Amelia’s Ward –Phase 4, Linden.

Presently, the infrastructural works are ongoing to facilitate the 400 Lindeners who were allocated lands by CH&PA in the scheme.

Additionally, over $300 million was set aside for infrastructural works to ensure that allottees can live in wholesome communities.

Contractors have been working to clear the land for the construction of access roads, however, the emergence of new structures by squatters continues to stymie this development and affect the ability of legitimate landowners to begin the construction of homes for their families.

The agency reminded persons that squatting is illegal and to desist from erecting structures. During

the visit, the CEO was accompanied by the regional housing officer, engineers, and other technical staff attached to CH&PA.

Back in July 2021, 400 house lots and 144 land titles and transports were issued to residents in Linden during a Housing and Water Ministry “Dream Realized” initiative.

In addition, the construction of some 40 homes has commenced and caters to young professionals. These are being constructed along a main access road at Amelia’s Ward, Linden, under the 1000 Homes Initiative previously announced by President Irfaan Ali.

This exercise has proven that the PPP/C Government has allocated more house lots within the region over the two-day period than what the previous Administration had allocated over the period of five years in office.

Earlier in the year, several residents in Mocha Arcadia protested their removal from an area where works on the ongoing Ecclesto-Great Diamond four-lane highway are underway.

It was reported that back in 2021, the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) engaged 35 families from Mocha/Cane View

Newborn baby found abandoned in Mahaicony

An investigation has been launched following the discovery of a male newborn near a canal in Mahaicony, Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice).

Based on reports received, the child, which is presently receiving medical attention at the Mahaicony Hospital, was found on Monday by a group of farmers who were making their way into their farmlands.

As such, the Police were immediately contacted and the baby was rushed to the hospital. Speaking with Guyana Times, Public Relations Officer of the Health Ministry, Shabana Shaw confirmed that the

on their relocation to prepare for the four-lane road.

Extensive consultations were done to ensure the residents were relocated to developed housing schemes at Farm and Herstelling on the

EBD, equipped with all the amenities that would lead to their enhanced livelihoods.

To date, some $250 million has been expended as compensation to those persons along with over $6 mil-

lion compensation for crops. Additionally, lands, assistance, and titles were also made available to the residents free of cost.

However, several persons remained on the re-

serves over the past months after rejecting Government’s offer while making excessive demands totalling some $590 million for properties that were valued at just $56 million.

baby doing well and was responding to treatment.

She could not confirm the age of the baby. She, nevertheless, stated that a social worker was contacted as an inter-agency investigation was launched to ascertain what really occurred.

“As of now, we do not have much information, but all I can say is that the Police and other agencies are working to find the mother of the baby… once she is located, all the other information will follow,” Shaw added.

When contacted, the Police stated that they were continuing their investigation.

CH&PA CEO Sherwyn Greaves and other officials inspect works at the site

One of the roads being done in the new housing scheme

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2023 | GUYANATIMESGY.COM

Norton Street building goes up in flames

Just one month after a fire ravaged a house on Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown, another building was in the wee hours of Monday gutted.

The Guyana Fire Service in a release reported that the fire started at Lot 6971 Norton Street, Lodge, Georgetown, at about 00:21h on Monday.

As such, water tenders and carriers from the Central, West Ruimveldt, Campbellville, and Alberttown Fire Stations were dispatched to the scene, where firefighters saw a one-story wooden and concrete building engulfed in flames.

Meanwhile, three buildings, all located on the northern side of the building of origin, were affected by radiated heat, resulting in damage to two walls, ceilings, guttering, pipes,

four plastic tanks, a washing machine, and a television.

Three jets working from tenders, along with a water relay from a water carrier and a water bowser,

were used to extinguish the fire. However, the building of origin and its contents were destroyed. Investigations are ongoing.

Just about a month ago, a man was left homeless after a fire erupted at his Lot 24 Norton Street home. The fire engulfed the wooden-and-concrete structure at a time when the lone occupant – who reportedly occupies the bottom half of the building – was not at home.

However, investigations revealed that the fire was the result of illegal electrical wires and wiring, which caused arcing and sparking, resulting in the fire, which spread to nearby combustibles and the entire building.

Taxi driver on $1.2M bail for causing death of Police Corporal

– Top Cop vows that errant road users will face full force of law

The driver who caused the accident which resulted in the death of a Police Corporal and the hospitalisation of a Sergeant has been granted bail in the sum of $1.2 million.

Troy Henry was on Monday charged in relation to the death of Police Corporal Alden Reynolds, who succumbed to injuries following the accident on Mash Day.

Henry, of Edinburgh village, appeared at the New Amsterdam Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Renita Singh where he was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and causing death by dangerous driving.

He was granted bail in the sum of $1.2 million - $1 million for causing death by dangerous driving and $200,000 for driving under the influence of alcohol. He will have to return to court on March 27.

Reynolds succumbed to his injuries one day following the accident which occurred at Greater New Amsterdam. Also injured in the accident was Sergeant Javon Thomas.

Meanwhile, Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken called on road users to be more careful when using the roadway and promised that more stringent

measures will be instituted against errant road users.

“And it is not every time we would lock somebody up, we would keep reminding you that there are ways to use the road to get from point A to point B safely but if we see that you are driving recklessly you are going to face the brunt of the law. Driving recklessly with no consideration has resulted in people grieving now and the loss of a policeman and another hospitalised.”

The Commissioner along with the Commanders of both Regions Five and Six met with relatives of the late Corporal. He added that whenever an officer is lost, it creates a gap in the system.

“Recently we had a Police officer who died by gunshots from his colleague and now we have two Police officers being struck down by an errant road user. We are doing everything in our power to ensure that we create a contemporary Police Force and so traffic enforcement while it is ongoing, we are trying to work closely with road safety associations,” Hicken pointed out.

There are consequences for not using the road correctly, the Top Cop pointed out, while noting that it is better to arrive late rather than to never reach a destination.

Dead: Police Corporal Alden Reynolds

Making mention of the incident which resulted in last week’s accident which resulted in the death of the Police Corporal, Hicken said it was raining and the driver was speeding, which may have resulted in him losing control of the car he was driving.

“People ought to be more responsible. We are going to do everything that we can do. There is now harsher punishment for driving under the influence,” the Top Cop said while adding that people are not taking heed.

At the time of the accident, both Reynolds and Thomas were on official duty.

Hicken said the Force will stand the expenses for the funeral and has promised to provide other support to the family. Meanwhile, Thomas remains hospitalised and his condition is regarded as serious but stable.

One of the houses that were destroyed by the fire

Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken along with Region Five Commander Kurleigh Simon and Region Six Commander Shivpersaud Bacchus meeting with the wife of the late Corporal Alden Reynolds on Monday

The aftermath of the Norton Street fire

British Airways to commence operation in Guyana on March 27

which will accommodate the code D and code E type aircraft we can now accommodate these huge white body carriers bringing 332 passengers on board at a time.”

Meanwhile, a few months after the announcement of British Airways coming to Guyana, a deci-

The inaugural flight for British Airways to Guyana is set for March 27, 2023, according to Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation, Lt Col (Ret’d) Egbert Field.

During a telephone interview with Guyana Times Colonel Field related that all systems are in place to welcome British Airways’ first flight to Guyana. The announcement about the airways entering the Guyanese market was made in August 2022, soon after which tickets went on sale.

However, Col Field explained that the approved route for the new airline will be from London to St Lucia and then to Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).

“This will be the same route going back… what you will see happening is that the aircraft will spend about an hour at the Hewanorra International Airport in St Lucia.”

This will be done twice weekly.

In addition, Field not-

ed that with this new route and the new airline coming on stream, it will provide competition among the other carriers.

“As you know presently, the fares are very exorbitant and with airlines coming to Guyana, it definitely will attract competition which will ultimately force airlines to lower their fares,” Field added.

The bond and other financial contractual agreements between Guyana and British Airways will be handled by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and other agencies.

“What we are responsible for is that the airline must be in compliance with international standards since safety comes first… and from all indications, the Boeing 777 aircraft has passed all inspections,” Col Field told Guyana Times

The aircraft has the capacity to transport 332 passengers and crew.

At the launch back in August, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill had

stated that British Airways operating out of Guyana is a “game changer” since it will double the number of passengers other carriers that operate out of CJIA.

He also stated that the cost of fights is also expected to be cheaper due to the size of the aircraft that will be plying this route.

In the past, the Boeing 777 aircraft could not have operated out of CJIA but with the recent upgrades they can now comfortably land.

“This puts into perspective exactly why we did not accept the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) the way it was being envisaged and constructed when we came into Government because a plane using a 200ER equipment would not have been able to operate out of CJIA because the boarding bridges would not have been able to accommodate that.”

He had stated that with the extensions “we were able to get China Harbour to put in place at their cost

sion was taken by the UK Government to remove visitor visa requirements for Guyanese to travel to their country, for up to six months.

This agreement was lauded by both the Guyana Government and the private sector since they have

been pushing for the removal of visa restrictions for Guyanese to travel to the UK for some time. Nevertheless, with the new service, new opportunities will be forthcoming between the two nations which will ultimately strengthen bilateral relations.

British Airways at the CJIA during a test flight

Road widening works at Diamond/Grove moving apace –

Edghill

Road widening works are progressing rapidly along the Diamond/Golden Grove Public Road on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD) to relieve road users of the daunting traffic congestion, and Public Work Minister Juan Edghill has expressed that he is “extremely happy” with the upgrades.

Speaking to the media on Sunday evening when he inspected the construction site, Minister Edghill explained that traffic congestion along this stretch is a result of the road being narrow and because of encumbrances at the edge of the roadway.

Edghill noted that he believes that everybody in Guyana would have experienced some amount of discomfort and delays when they are traversing this section of the EBD highway; and as such, immediate works had to be carried out on the roadway.

In addition to widening the thoroughfare, he disclosed that the Government has awarded 16 contracts for the building of drains on both sides of the road to ensure drainage and water flow.

The good news, according to Minister Edghill, is that

the traffic is flowing day and night in the Grove/Diamond area, and “we have to keep and we have to keep doing so improvement.”

He has extended gratitude to business owners and motorists for their patience during this time.

“Businesses had to take temporary access while construction was going on.”

Last year September, the Public Works Ministry urgently facilitated rehabilitative work along the

Diamond/Grove area. It had said that these works are not only to ease traffic congestion but also to improve transportation efficiency and road traffic safety at

these locations.

Works include milling and resurfacing of the existing roadway, widening of the roadway, and construction of a bridge link-

ing Third Avenue, Diamond into Grove. These works will aid in providing a smooth and uninterrupted flow of vehicular traffic through Diamond/Grove area, and provide an alternative route for drivers who are using the Mocha/Diamond road link.

The construction of the bridge will eliminate the need for drivers to connect to the public road in the vicinity of Diamond Main Access Road but rather at Jimbo Bridge, Grove, which is after the severely congested section of the public road. In Budget 2022, an allocation of $2.1B was made for the widening and paving of the East Bank highway from Grove to Timehri.

“extremely happy” with upgrades

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill and one of the Ministry’s engineers

Construction works along the Diamond/Grove area

Silvie's newest location in Reg 2 to create job opportunities

that the store is the one in Guyana that finds a solution to customers’ problems. He added it was a tough decision to move to Essequibo but during customer interactions, the demand for their products in the region was very high.

“Customers socialised and said that whenever they need a part they have to travel to Georgetown and get a small part and the travelling does be plenty and hectic for them... So, we decided to open our new branch because of customer demand. I can see that the burden of going to Georgetown will be eliminated…”

Silvie's Industrial Solutions on Saturday opened its newest location at Henrietta Village, Essequibo Coast in Region Two, (PomeroonSupenaam) - an investment that is expected to create employment among other benefits.

Speaking at the launch, Director of Business and Entrepreneur Development at the Ministry of Tourism, Industry, and Commerce, John Edghill applauded the company for its wise move to Essequibo, adding that it is the right develop-

ment for the region.

“This is the right development for the region and is known as the best... There is a saying that the best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago and the best to plant a tree also is today... I am overwhelmed that Silvie's has invested and extended its business from the capital into Region Two,” Edghill related.

Edghill further told the gathering that the Government of Guyana will be opening an industrial estate that will create

employment for hundreds, and as such the machinery and equipment, tools and assets needed for the estate will be available at Silvie's.

Meanwhile, Company Chief Executive Officer Bramanand Persaud said that the business was named after his mom. Initially, the establishment was once called Silvie's Variety Store but was renamed Silvie's General Store and only recently rebranded Silvie's Industrial Solutions.

The reason for the rebranding, he explained, is

Persaud further added that with the new location, it will open new opportunities for Essequibians with respect to employment.

Silvie's Industrial Solutions is a generation of greatness. The business has been in operation since 1972 providing products such as automobile and motorcycle parts.

They are now diversified into hardware, electrical, and industrial products. The Henrietta branch attracts customers in the gold mining, construction, vulcanising, and manufacturing industries.

Residents in the store on Saturday

Director of Business John Edghill speaking at the opening

Silvie's Industrial Solutions CEO Bramanand Persaud

Staff and CEO of the company after cutting the ceremonial ribbon

ExxonMobil, GCOPD to establish National STEM Club for children living with disabilities

Children with disabilities were able to channel their problem-solving abilities on Monday in the form of robotics, which has sparked plans to establish a National STEM Club to cater to this group.

The Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD) in partnership with ExxonMobil Guyana launched its Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) Robotics Exhibition for children with disabilities.

It is a platform for children with disabilities to showcase their skills and interact with the public.

GCOPD Programme

Manager Ganesh Singh shared that this first robotics event is a stepping stone,

where over 200 children have been assisted for over three years from nine special education needs schools.

He noted that they were able to reach persons who were neglected under the special educational needs system while adding that 130 participated in this programme.

“We were able to teach the children basic robotics, basic coding to help them to develop critical problem-solving skills, expose them to science, technology, engineering and math concepts, and also at the same time, raise the level of environmental awareness…And with this project, we're able to get more in-depth. We did not achieve all our goals as yet because we have a lot more plans in the not-toodistant future to build on

what was done,” Singh outlined.

Moving forward, Singh announced that a National STEM Club for children with disabilities will be formed where they will be given a chance to perform in competitions locally and further afield. He said new concepts and an introduction to STEM along with a new club for children within the autism spectrum are in the works.

“We’re also working to establish a National STEM Club for children with dis-

abilities. This is something we wanted to do since last year but there were a number of factors why we couldn’t. But very soon, we will select persons from the different clubs and have some other persons join and we will have a National STEM Club.”

President of ExxonMobil Guyana, Alistair Routledge, who was present at the event, noted that Guyana is at a pivotal time in its history, where success and sustainability will rely on inclusion.

“The STEM programme is one of ExxonMobil's Corporate Social Responsibility focus areas…I'm pleased to say we've been able to provide STEM learning to young people in Regions Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven and 10 centred on inquiry-based science education. I'm confident that the young people who took part in the programme discovered exciting, different ways to learn and enjoyed creating new things.”

He further stated that if

everybody plays their part, resilient communities will be created.

“We recognise that supporting youth promotes the development and the empowerment of children with disabilities have been prioritised through this STEM education programme…It is through the support of such organisations and our partners in these initiatives that people with disabilities are empowered to make important contributions to their families and our communities,” he added.

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal addressing residents in Mabaruma

The Government has set aside some 17 acres of land in Mabaruma, Region One (Barima-Waini), for the construction of homes targeting young professionals in the area.

This was announced by Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal, who explained that the initiative is part of the Government’s turn-key programme which aims to provide Guyanese with opportunities for affordable housing.

“Many of the young peo-

ple and many of the persons who are working within the mainstream of the region can pay for a house through the banking system. We will start that this year,” he said.

Croal was at the time speaking at the flag-raising ceremony in Mabaruma last Tuesday evening to commemorate Guyana’s 53rd Republic Anniversary.

He said infrastructure projects, including land clearance, are included in the recently passed budget.

ExxonMobil Guyana President Alistair Routledge engaging exhibitors at one of the booths

Some of the projects created by participating children with disabilities

17 acres of land set aside for construction of homes in Mabaruma

Literacy, robotics programme launched at Den Amstel Primary School

...initiative aimed at advancing use of technology – Education Minister

Ministry hopes that with consistent, quality instructions, continuous tracking of performance, and prescriptive methodologies, the learners who start this intervention will begin to see improvements and get closer to reading at their age levels within six weeks of the inter-

The Education Ministry on Monday launched its Literacy and Robotics Programme at the Den Amstel Primary School, West Coast Demerara (WCD), with the aim of advancing the use of technology.

The programme was launched by the Ministry’s National Literacy Department and the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD) and will see Den Amstel Primary School as the first school that will benefit.

The programme provides intensive remedial intervention to fast-track the learner’s literacy skills, especially his or her ability to read.

The two-fold intervention, which is aimed at accelerating the reader’s lit-

eracy level in the shortest possible time, will be delivered through an in-school mechanism and an after-school reading club.

A literacy diagnostic assessment was conducted at the school which revealed that 45 out of the 67 learners enrolled at the school are reading below their age and grade level which represents 70 per cent of the school’s population.

Delivering remarks at the launch, Education Minister Priya Manickchand underscored that a strict literacy programme which includes phonics, sight words, and reading, among others is necessary.

The robotics aspect will help the students to fix various robotics kits.

The Minister further underlined that the COVID-19

pandemic, which caused many students to endure learning loss owing to the schools being closed for more than two years, exacerbated the situation.

“Our estimation says that in six weeks all of these children could be at a significantly higher level. So, this is a programme we are starting here because we believe there is nothing more important that you can do than to produce readers from the school system,” the Minister noted.

A documentary will be done by the Guyana Learning Channel which will help to track the students’ progress. Additionally, every pupil at the school will receive the required textbooks.

Meanwhile, ACEO for Literacy, Samantha Williams stated that the

GRPA now offers HIV care and treatment services

vention.

Assessments will be conducted weekly at the school to track the students’ progress.

This programme forms part of the Government’s aim to ensure that every student has equitable access to education and the skills they

need to become innovative and productive.

Regional Chairman Ishan Ayube, Regional Executive Officer Jagnarine Somwar, NCERD Curriculum Department Head Omwattie Ramdin, and other officials of the Ministry were present at the event.

MWG launches project to educate youth on financial literacy

The Guyana Responsible Parenthood Association (GRPA) recently launched its new HIV care and treatment services for People living with HIV (PLHIV).

The GRPA joins the host of other healthcare entities across Guyana to become an HIV care and treatment site with the support of the Ministry of Health -

National AIDS Programmes Secretariat (MOH - NAPS).

“We are pleased to do our part to support the World Health Organisation’s Sustainability

Developmental Goal to eliminate the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030,” the NGO stated in a release to the press.

However, it stated that persons who are newly diagnosed and are ready to

commence treatment and persons who have been diagnosed can join its private and family-oriented clinic to access this treatment and other services.

The HIV care and treatment service will be accessible through appointments and walk-ins during opening hours (Monday-Thursday, 8:00h to 16:00h and Friday from 8:00h to 15:00h).

Reigning Miss World Guyana, Andrea King has launched Project FLO under her Beauty with a Purpose project, focused on financial literacy orientation among Guyanese youth and making informed decisions where their money is concerned.

Sharing some insight into this initiative, Miss World contended, “Project FLO aims to educate young people about the importance of financial literacy and empower them with the right knowledge and skills, and attitudes and behaviours they need to make informed decisions when managing finance. This is particularly important given the trajectory of Guyana’s economy as an oil-producing nation. In any economy where rapid economic growth is projected, the expansion of the gap between the rich and the poor is also expected.”

Beauty with a Purpose is the official charity of Miss World and is a key component of the competition. King shared that she has the opportunity to use her influence to make a positive impact in her country and the world at large.

“It is against this backdrop that I have decided to launch a project that ad-

dresses the ongoing absence of early financial literacy orientation in schools. I believe that financial literacy is a necessary life skill that plays an integral role in disrupting generational poverty cycles and preventing economic abuse.”

With a syllabus that was provided by the Central Bank of Guyana, the young woman said they have an answer to the much-needed orientation in personal financial management principles among Guyanese youth.

Project FLO’s rollout will include a range of activities and initiatives, including financial education workshops, financial literacy school tours, and community events. As of Monday, the first Financial Literacy Orientation school tour was set to commence, with three schools in Region Six benefitting from classroom workshops on money management and responsibility.

“As I continue this mission, I will work with local schools, youth organisations, and community groups to raise awareness about the importance of financial literacy while advocating for the inclusion of a sound financial literacy syllabus in our educational system. In the coming weeks, I will be launch-

ing a non-profit organisation that will be the vehicle for Project FLO and the continuation of all activities in keeping with our mission. I am also partnering with leading financial institutions, organisations, and experts to introduce innovative programmes and tools that will make financial education and information more accessible, engaging, and effective.”

Speaking of online learning, King announced that Project FLO’s official website is live, at www.projectflo.gy. The website is currently in its initial phase with general information about the project. You can expect to see further development to host digital learning tools and a resources section that will provide information on financial institutions in Guyana with respective links to get in contact with them.

“I want to emphasise that financial literacy is not just about money. It is about empowerment, responsibility, and the ability to make informed decisions about our lives. By investing in financial education, we can help young people build a better future for themselves and their communities and create a more equitable and prosperous world for all.”

Miss World Guyana Andrea King and her parents at the launch

Officials of GRPA and NAPS at the launch

The well-equipped space set aside for the programme

The ceremonial ribbon was cut by a pupil of the school in the presence of Education Minister Priya Manickchand and other officials

Ex-media worker gets 4 years, fined $14M for attempting to smuggle cocaine

Twenty-six-yearold former media worker, Zanneel

Nirmala Williams was on Monday sentenced to four years in prison and fined

$14,442,000 for attempting to smuggle cocaine to the United States of America (USA).

Williams, who was em-

ployed as a Communications Officer and as a Reporter, had made her initial court appearance in April 2022, where she pleaded guilty to a drug trafficking charge. However, the following month, she changed her

plea to not guilty, and had been refused bail, and was further remanded to prison.

Her trial was scheduled to commence on Friday, February 10, before Diamond/Golden Grove Magistrate Sunil Scarce, but

when Williams, of Lamaha Gardens, Georgetown, appeared in court then, she again, changed her plea to guilty.

On April 22, 2022, at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport at Timehri, East Bank Demerara, she had 9.628 kilograms (21 pounds) of cocaine in her possession for the purpose of trafficking.

Following the drug bust, she was arrested, along with Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) officer Anil Sookhoo, 33, of Kuru Kururu, Soesdyke-Linden Highway; and Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) officer Shameka Caesar, 27, of D’Urban Street, Wortmanville, Georgetown. Sookhoo and Caesar have also been charged with drug trafficking, but have each been released on $750,000 bail, after pleading not guilty. It has been

Region 2 man jailed for 4 years on new drug trafficking charge

for trafficking 117 pounds of marijuana. He was later sentenced to three years’ imprisonment.

reported that on the day in question, Williams was an outgoing passenger on a JetBlue flight destined for JFK International Airport in the USA when CANU of-

ficers found a quantity of cocaine inside her hand luggage.

As a result of that find, she was arrested and taken to CANU Headquarters at Homestretch Avenue in Georgetown, where another set of cocaine was found strapped to her body.

The cocaine found in her luggage amounted to 7.962 kilograms, while another 1.666 kilograms of cocaine was found strapped to her body. The narcotic had a total street value of over GY$5 million, and upon arrival in the US, it would have been worth US$300,000 (GY$60 million).

Based on investigations, Police later arrested Sookhoo and Caesar.

Fisherman nabbed with ganja

ALusignan, East Coast Demerara (ECD) man was sentenced to four years and four months’ imprisonment on Monday, for trafficking cocaine.

Eduardo Moore, 44, was arraigned before Principal Magistrate Sherdel IsaacsMarcus at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts.

He admitted that on February 24 at Albert Street, Georgetown, he had 5.3 pounds of cocaine worth $2.3 million in his possession for the purpose of trafficking. In addition to the four-year prison sentence, he was fined $3,573,000.

It was reported that on

Additionally, under the Hinterland Housing Programme, 100 houses will be constructed, targeting vulnerable families from 10 communities across Region One. Minister Croal said the homes will be constructed free of cost and beneficiaries will only be required to provide some of the labour during the construction phase.

“Here within the Mabaruma Sub-Region, we have three communities that have been identified and I can name one tonight, for example, we have started the process in Smith Creek because we need to rectify that area,” he informed the

the day in question, CANU ranks conducted an operation at Albert Street between Regent and Charlotte Streets, Georgetown, where they intercepted a man carrying a backpack. A subsequent search of the bag led to the discovery of two brick-like parcels, one labelled “V.L.V” and the other “Bobby”, containing a whitish substance that later tested positive for cocaine. The suspect was then arrested and taken to CANU’s Headquarters.

The narcotic has an estimated street value of GY$2.3 million. Moore is no stranger to CANU, having been arrested and charged in 2019

At that time, he was reportedly living at Devonshire Castle, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam). At the end of a trial at the Leonora Magistrate’s Court, Moore was jailed for three years and also fined $41,224,560 for the crime he committed on April 15, 2019.

It was reported that on April 15, 2019, at Anna Catherina Public Road, West Coast Demerara (WCD), he trafficked 52.852 kilograms of Cannabis sativa (marijuana).

The Customs AntiNarcotics Unit (CANU) prosecutor had stated that ranks from the unit acting on information intercepted motor car PVV 9817 at Anna Catherina, WCD.

A search was conducted, and two suitcases containing several transparently wrapped parcels containing a quantity of seeds, leaves,

and stems, which tested positive for marijuana were found. As such, Moore was told of the offence, cautioned, and charged.

During his sentencing, Moore had begged the Magistrate not to send him back to prison.

“Do not send me back to prison. Prison is a really bad place, and it’s not for me. I don’t want to go back there because I could serve society better outside of prison than inside.”

Afisherman of Good Hope Squatting Area, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was in the wee hours of Monday arrested after he was found to be in possession of 27 grams of cannabis.

Police stated that on the day in question between 04:00h and 04:30h, a team of Police ranks conducted a cordon and search exercise on the home of the fisherman for drugs, ammunition

and wanted persons.

On arrival, the fisherman was contacted and a search was carried out on his home during which a quantity of ganja was found on his bed.

The fisherman was arrested, cautioned, and taken to the Sparendaam Police Station where the narcotic was weighed and amounted to 27 grams. He remains in custody pending charges.

Uitvlugt man wanted for rape

The Guyana Police Force (GPF) on Monday issued a wanted bulletin for Sachin Sukaram of Uitvlugt Pasture, West Coast Demerara (WCD) for ques tioning in relation to a sex ual assault allegation.

While the particulars of the allegation were made available, the Police stat ed that the act was commit ted on October 6, 2022, at Golden Grove, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

residents.

In December last year, 31 persons who were allocated lands at Kokerital Hill received their Certificates of

Title after several years of waiting.

These initiatives are a part of the Government’s plan to guarantee an equi-

table opportunity for hinterland residents. Similar initiatives are underway in Bartica, Region Seven, and Lethem, Region Nine.

The Police are asking anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of Sukaram of Lot 91 Uitvlugt Pasture, WCD, to contact them on telephone numbers 225-6940, 227-1149, 911, or the nearest Police station.

The ganja that was found on the suspect’s bed

The quantity of cocaine in question

Drug trafficker Zanneel

Nirmala Williams

Senior Magistrate Sunil Scarce

The bricks of cocaine that were found in the backpack Eduardo Moore was carrying

Jailed: Eduardo Moore

Holness leads Caricom mission to

Haiti

Ecuador, Belgium sign deal to fight crime after mega cocaine bust

Prime Minister Andrew Holness left Jamaica on Monday morning to lead a special Caribbean Community (Caricom) mission to Haiti.

Representatives from The Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago and the Caricom Secretariat are part of the delegation.

A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister says as part of this mission, members of the Caricom delegation are expected to have discussions with several critical Haitian stakeholder groups.

Monday’s mission comes ahead of a planned stakeholder meeting in Jamaica in the coming weeks to discuss the situation in Haiti which is confronted with political turmoil and corruption, and unrelenting gang violence, with armed groups

committing murder, rape, as well as kidnappings.

At the end of the 44th regular summit of Caricom Heads of Government in The Bahamas less than two weeks ago, Caricom Chairman and host Prime Minister Philip Davis said the regional grouping had taken its moral obligation

seriously as it relates to resolving the issues in Haiti.

He dismissed the idea of boots on the ground at this stage, saying that the first step would be to see how Caricom can strengthen the Haitian National Police to enable them to restore order and curb the criminal activities. (CMC)

Mexico’s President calls Peruvian counterpart

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has hit out at his Peruvian counterpart, Dina Boluarte, describing her as a “puppet” of oligarchs in the latest escalation of tensions between the two countries.

Relations between Mexico and Peru have been strained since December’s removal of former Peruvian President Pedro Castillo.

On Monday, Lopez Obrador continued his criticism of Castillo’s arrest and imprisonment, calling the situation a “total farce” and a “great injustice”.

He speculated that the “end goal” of Castillo’s removal is “an oligarchy plundering the country’s natural resources”.

“They need to have a puppet, a dummy governor of their own,” Lopez Obrador told a news conference.

Castillo was removed

a “puppet” amid row

Obrador’s interference in “Peru’s internal affairs and his repeated unacceptable questioning of the constitutional and democratic origins” of her government.

Boluarte said the two countries’ relationship would continue at a business-only level.

Earlier on Friday, the Mexican President said his country “will continue to support [Castillo] who was unjustly and illegally removed from office”.

from office by legislators late last year after he attempted to dissolve Congress. He was replaced by his then Vice President, Boluarte.

On Friday, Boluarte announced the “definitive” withdrawal of Peru’s Ambassador to Mexico after Lopez Obrador branded her Government as unconstitutional. She also decried what she called Lopez

Ecuador and Belgium on Monday agreed to increase bilateral cooperation in their fight against international organized crime, a day after Ecuadorean Police seized nearly nine tonnes of drugs bound for the European country.

The Interior Ministers of both countries signed an agreement in Quito to promote the exchange of information, methodology, procedures and experiences, as well as technology to combat organized crime.

Ecuadorean Police found some 8.78 tonnes of cocaine hidden in a container with bananas, the organisation said on

Sunday.

The drugs were to be exported from Ecuador's coastal city of Guayaquil to Belgium, Police said, adding the shipment was valued at about US$330 million in Europe.

President Guillermo Lasso, a conservative former banker, has pushed for Ecuador to ramp up efforts to fight gangs that use the country as a transit point for shipping cocaine to the United States and Europe.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hold a news conference at Windsor Guildhal

The size of the seizure

over the weekend makes it necessary for Ecuador to further strengthen cooperation with the Belgian Government, Ecuador's Interior Minister Juan Zapata told reporters.

Of the 201 tonnes of drugs seized in Ecuador last year, almost 18 per cent was destined for Belgium, specifically Antwerp, Zapata said.

"It's undeniable that we need new transversal responses against organised crime," he said.

So far in 2023, Ecuador has seized some 39 tonnes of drugs, especially cocaine, according to Police data.

(Reuters)

Massive forest fires rage on in eastern Cuba

Forest fires raged on in Cuba's eastern region on Monday, inching toward more populated ground more than a week after sparking near a national park.

More than 2000 hectares of forest, including plantations and coffee crops, have been devoured by the flames, authorities said, as firefighters, park employees and soldiers battled the blaze.

The fires have moved away from the Mensura-Piloto National Park and toward the province of Santiago de Cuba, home of the populous city of the same name, according to officials.

On Saturday, Mexico’s Foreign Ministry said it regretted Peru’s decision to bring its Ambassador home from Mexico.

The diplomatic spat started soon after Boluarte took office, with Lopez Obrador denouncing the impeachment and imprisonment of Castillo, who is in pre-trial detention for 18 months on charges of conspiracy and rebellion. Castillo has denied the charges. (Al Jazeera)

Mexican soldiers kill 5 in border town, sparking protests

Areport indicates members of the Mexican army opened fire on a pickup truck in city of Nuevo Laredo, near US border.

Security forces patrol a highway near Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, looking for missing people.

A shooting by Mexican army soldiers has left five people dead in the border city of Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, igniting a clash between the soldiers and residents who came to the scene to protest.

The soldiers were investigating gunshots from

the area and opened fire on a pick-up truck early Sunday after it failed to obey their orders to stop, according to a State crime scene report obtained on Monday by The Associated Press.

The report said five bodies were found in or near the bullet-riddled truck in Nuevo Laredo, which is opposite Laredo, Texas.

The incident provoked a scuffle between soldiers and a large group of angry residents who believed the “victims were not armed and that there was no reason to arbitrarily kill them

in this way”, the group Human Rights Committee of Nuevo Laredo said in a statement.

Videos of the incident posted on social media show residents scuffling with soldiers on a street near the bullet-ridden pick-up truck, with civilians throwing punches, knocking one soldier to the ground and repeatedly kicking him. Gunfire can be heard towards the end of that incident, sending people running, but it is not clear who fired the shots. (Al Jazeera)

The fires are actively spreading through "a wide area, not just one focal point", said local Communist Party leader Ernesto Santiesteban on State television.

Officials have struggled to

put out the fires since they began on February 18. Obstacles include "adverse conditions" and difficult terrain, Santiesteban said.

The economic effect has already been considerable, and recovery of the area could take years, officials say.

The latest fires add to the dozens in January, which authorities said was a higher-than-average figure. Pinar del Rio and Artemisa, in western Cuba, and Camaguey and Holguin, in the central-eastern region, were the areas most affected. (Reuters)

UNC files complaint with Florida Bar Association on Piarco case in Miami

Trinidad and Tobago Opposition Leader Kamla PersadBissessar has complained to the Florida Bar Association about the conduct of Florida-based law firm, Sequor Law, which represented the Government in the multimillion-dollar civil asset forfeiture case linked to the construction of the Piarco Airport terminal building 22 years ago.

Sequor Law and Attorney General Reginald Armour, SC, were disqualified in April 2022 because of the latter’s previous conflict of interest as he once represented former Minister Brian Kuei Tung in the criminal proceedings in the TT courts also related to the airport fraud case.

Earlier this month, a US appeal court affirmed the disqualification of Armour and Sequor Law.

On February 24,

Persad-Bissessar wrote to the President of the FBA, Gary Lesser, “as a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago and on behalf of the United National Congress”. Her complaint was of misconduct and breach of the code of ethics and conduct of members of the Florida Bar. Her complaint was specifically against the Attorneys from the law firm which represented the

Government in the Miami case – Edward Harrison Davis Jr, Christopher Allen Noel, and Arnoldo Benjamin Lacayo of Sequor Law. Her complaints were provided to the media on Monday, and her letter to Lesser said the facts and judgments of the Miami Judges, gave “rise to some very serious and troubling issues”. (Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

Smoke from burning vegetation rises in Pinares de Mayari, Cuba, February 23, 2023 (Reuters/Juan Pablo Carreras)

Jamaican PM Andrew Holness

T&T Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has complained to the Florida Bar

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has been an outspoken critic of Peru's Dina Boluarte [File: Henry Romero/Reuters]

Oil futures slip 1% on worries about more US interest rate hikes

Oil prices slid about 1% on Monday as strong US economic data had investors bracing for more interest rate hikes from the US Federal Reserve to fight inflation, which could slow economic growth and oil demand.

Losses were limited by oil supply concerns after Russia halted exports to Poland via a key pipeline.

Brent futures fell 71 cents, or 0.9%, to settle at US$82.45 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell 64 cents, or 0.8%, to settle at US$75.68.

New orders for key US-manufactured capital goods increased more than expected in January while shipments rebounded, suggesting that business spending on equipment picked up at the start of the first quarter.

That positive economic data helped global stock markets to rebound, yet shares remained near six-week lows as investors braced for interest rate hikes in the United States and Europe.

US Fed Governor Philip Jefferson said inflation for services in the United States remains "stubbornly high."

Adding to global oil demand worries, rising Sino-US tensions hammered equity markets in China and Hong Kong while investors awaited policy signals from the upcoming National People's Congress.

On Sunday, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said China has not moved toward providing Russia with lethal aid for use against Ukraine and added Washington has made clear behind closed doors that such a move would have serious consequences.

Also weighing on oil, the US Energy Information Administration reported last week that US crude stockpiles rose to their highest since May 2021.

Bob Yawger at Mizuho, a bank, said in a note that "another big build likely this week."

Russia, meanwhile, halted supplies of oil to Poland via the Druzhba pipeline, Polish refiner PKN Orlen said on Saturday, a day after Poland said it had delivered its first Leopard tanks to Ukraine.

On Monday, Russian oil pipeline monopoly Transneft said it started pumping oil from Kazakhstan to Germany via Poland through the Druzhba pipeline, while halting deliveries to Poland.

Russia announced plans this month to cut oil exports from its western ports by up to 25% in March versus February, exceeding previously mooted production cuts of 5%.

Still, most analysts see a European Union (EU) ban on Russian seaborne oil imports and an international price cap having only a small impact on overall global supply.

"Russian oil output has exceeded expectations in recent months due to lax EU/US sanctions," Bank of America said in a note. (Reuters)

Around the World

"Massive" violations in Ukraine a focus as UN rights body meets

Russia faced strong criticism over its invasion of Ukraine on Monday as the top United Nations rights body and a global disarmament forum met, amid warnings that human rights worldwide were backsliding.

Days after the United Nations General Assembly in New York voted overwhelmingly to demand that Russia withdraw from Ukraine immediately, Moscow’s war also dominated the opening of the UN Human Rights Council and Conference for Disarmament sessions in Geneva.

“The Russian invasion of Ukraine has triggered the most massive violations of human rights we are living today,” UN chief Antonio Guterres told the rights council on the first day of a record six-week session.

Seventy-five years af-

ter the signing of the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights, UN rights chief Volker Turk meanwhile decried the re-emergences of

“the old destructive wars of aggression from a bygone era with worldwide consequences, as we have witnessed again in Europe with the

senseless Russian invasion of Ukraine”.

Montenegro’s President Milo Djukanovic, among nearly 150 Ministers and Heads of State and Government set to address the Human Rights Council this week, cautioned that “Russian aggression is a test for the entire world.”

“It is Ukraine today, but tomorrow it might be some other neighbouring country. We cannot be neutral.”

Roughly half of the 50 or so dignitaries who took the floor on Monday mentioned Ukraine.

Echoing the alarm expressed by many, French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna decried “rapes used as a weapon of war, torture, executions” in Ukraine, insisting that “those responsible for such crimes must be held accountable”. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Rishi Sunak strikes post-Brexit Northern Ireland deal with EU

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak struck a new deal with the European Union on post-Brexit trade rules for Northern Ireland on Monday, saying it would pave the way for a new chapter in London's relationship with the bloc.

Standing alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at a news conference in Windsor, Sunak said the two sides had agreed to remove "any sense of a border" between Britain and its province - a situation that had angered politicians on both sides.

He immediately won

Ethiopia seeks to end UN-ordered probe into Tigray war abuses

Ethiopia is courting support for a motion to cut short a UN-mandated inquiry into atrocities in the Tigray war, five diplomats said, in a move that could divide African and Western nations.

The Ethiopian Government's two-year conflict with forces in the northern Tigray region ended last November with thousands dead and millions uprooted. Both sides blamed each other for widely-documented atrocities, including massacres, rape and detentions without trial.

Though the Genevabased UN Human Rights Council has never end -

ed a probe before its mandate, Addis Ababa has circulated a draft version of a resolution calling for the Tigray inquiry to stop some six months early. That would also block publication of findings and a final debate at the council.

Ethiopian Government spokesperson Legesse Tulu and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's spokesperson Billene Seyoum did not respond to requests for comment.

Addis Ababa has opposed the investigation from the outset, calling it politically motivated and trying to block funding.

Ethiopia's proposed motion has not yet been formally submitted to

the 47-member rights council, which meets from Monday until April 4. Two of the diplomats familiar with the matter said there were ongoing efforts to dissuade Addis Ababa.

"It would be a terrible precedent," said a Western diplomat in Geneva.

Diplomats said any vote on a possible Ethiopian motion would be tight and would pit Western countries, including the European Union that helped set up the investigation, against African partners. The West needs allies against China in the divided council and against Russia over the Ukraine conflict. (Excerpt from Reuters)

plaudits from business groups who welcomed the easing of trade rules, and an EU promise that it would be willing to allow British scientists to join its vast research programme if Sunak's party accepts the deal.

The agreement marks a high-risk strategy for Sunak just four months after he took office. He is looking to secure improved relations with Brussels - and the United States - without angering the wing of his party

most wedded to Brexit.

His success is likely to hinge on whether the deal convinces the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) to end its boycott of Northern Ireland's power-sharing arrangements. These were central to the 1998 peace deal known as the Good Friday Agreement which mostly ended three decades of sectarian and political violence in Northern Ireland.

The issue of Northern Ireland has been one of the most contentious regarding Britain's 2020 departure from the European Union. A return to a hard border between the province and Ireland, an EU member, could have jeopardised the peace deal. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Winter storm hits California with snow and central US with tornadoes

Awinter storm that brought unprecedented snow to southern California has moved eastward, bringing with it tornadoes and powerful winds.

Residents in Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri and Texas were asked to seek shelter as severe weather makes its way to the region through Monday.

There were reports of damaged homes and knocked down power lines, leaving thousands without power.

At least 12 people have been reported injured as a result of the storm.

Severe weather is expected to continue to the upper Midwest later in the

week.

Californians have already faced mass power outages, flooding and the closures of both motorways and beaches as the storm swept the US state.

More than 120,000 people - many of them in the Los Angeles area - lost electricity after days of fierce winds.

As of Monday, around 46,500 homes in California remain without power. An additional 28,300 were without power in Texas and Oklahoma.

In Oklahoma, seven tornadoes were reported to have hit the state late on Sunday. Officials reported at least 12 weather-related injuries.

A wind speed of 114 mph (183 km/h) was recorded in northern Texas near the border with Oklahoma - the equivalent of a Category 3 hurricane.

Severe weather is expected to continue through Monday, said the National Weather Service, which forecasted a "deep mid-latitude cyclone" to hit portions of the Midwest, bringing with it showers and thunderstorms.

Parts of Michigan, where more than 147,000 people remain without power after a winter storm last week, are also expected to be hit again with yet another storm. (Excerpt from BBC News)

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres speaks during a Security Council meeting at United Nations headquarters in New York City, on Friday, February 24, 2023

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen shake hands as they hold a news conference at Windsor Guildhall, Britain, February 27, 2023

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Play to win. The more beguiling you are, the more interest you’ll receive. A chance to up your game or meet someone who can help you get ahead is in the stars. Set up meetings and attend reunions.

(March 21-April 19)

Don’t make promises until you understand what you will have to deliver. Letting someone intimidate you will weaken your position. Be observant, direct and knowledgeable.

(April 20-May 20)

Put your plans in motion. Think matters through, precisely execute your actions and ensure things get done right the first time. Reconnect with someone you miss.

(May 21-June 20)

PEANUTS

(June 21-July 22)

Someone will try to charm you into doing something unwise. When in doubt, ask an expert in order to avoid a mistake or loss. Pay attention to the changes others make.

Get together with someone you enjoy working alongside. You’ll find it easy to pick up where you left off and drum up interest regarding something you want to pursue. Lead the way and reap the rewards.

CALVIN AND HOBBES

(July 23-Aug. 22)

Change begins with you. Do not depend on others to do things the way you like. Take care of what’s important to you before anyone can interfere. Work alone, if possible.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Get out, explore what life can offer and discover something that excites you. Gather information and follow your heart. Finding the path that brings you joy will give you peace of mind.

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Passing along embellished information will put you in a precarious position. Make sure you can live up to your promises. Handle your finances carefully and find ways to save money.

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Someone colorful and charming will take advantage of you if you are naive or too trusting. Do your homework, ask pertinent questions and verify facts before you say yes to something.

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

Have fun with your peers. By mixing business with pleasure, you’ll win over someone beneficial to your cause. Keep your money safe, and prepare to declutter.

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Spend time at home, and you’ll accomplish more than anticipated. Work diligently to get your house in order. Once you feel comfortable with your surroundings, everything will fall into place.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Don’t share secrets or gossip. Focus on applying your skills to something that makes you feel good. Don’t fold under pressure or let someone take advantage of you.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

The West Indies Test team arrived in Centurion after a disappointing tour of Australia and then a series win in Zimbabwe, and will now come up against a changed-up South Africa side. But Captain Kraigg Brathwaite insists that his team will not be focusing on the past –that of their own or their opponents' – or look too far ahead into the future, laying emphasis on "controlling every hour".

"I think Australia is obviously history and the Test series in Zimbabwe, obviously a different calibre team, it was good to get a series with them. I think looking here at the South African team, they still have a lot of experience," Brathwaite said at the press conference before the first Test. "They have got world-class bowlers and some quality batsmen, so we have to play some very good Test cricket and it is important that we take control of every hour and we don't think about the big picture. If we take control of every hour, every session, I think we can do well."

West Indies' batting was a concern against Australia, but they put up a much better show against Zimbabwe, with Brathwaite himself getting a big century and his new opening partner, Tagenarine Chanderpaul notching his

maiden Test ton, which he went on to convert to a double.

Raymon Reifer also hit two half-centuries, and there were fifties from Jermaine Blackwood and Roston Chase in the series. And in the practice game in Benoni ahead of the South Africa series, Joshua Da Silva and Jason Holder also hit halfcenturies.

"We are really looking forward to challenging ourselves. Australia not being the best of tours, so we know what we have to do to improve as batsmen. We look forward to this series,"

Fazia’s Collection rides with 2nd “One Guyana” Cycling Classic

Cyclists from around Guyana will be invading the town of Bartica this Sunday when the second edition of the Bartica Cycling Classic is contested, under the “One Guyana” brand.

Organised by We Stand United Cycle Club (WSUCC), Sunday’s event will also see races being held for prominent persons of the community.

Corporate support for the event has already begun to flow with Fazia’s Collection Variety Complex, located at Anna Catherina, West Demerara, stepping forward to sponsor the junior and juvenile categories.

Handing over the prizes was Sales Representative Marcia Ragnauth, in the presence of her colleagues, to WSUCC President Franklin Wilson.

Ragnauth, in brief comments, said that Fazia’s Collection had no hesitation in acquiescing to the club’s request to come on board and took the opportunity to sponsor the junior and juvenile categories as these cyclists were the future of Guyana.

WSUCC President Wilson expressed sincere thanks on behalf of the club to the

management and staff of Fazia’s Collection Variety Complex, noting that they have always been very supportive of the club and its activities.

“The fact that Mr and Mrs Anderson did not have any second thoughts on being a part of this activity, which would help build the community, speaks for itself. They have always been supportive of sports and the development of young athletes.”

The first edition of the Bartica

Cycling Classic was held in 2019, and then cycling, like all other sports, was put on hold owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year’s race is expected to be bigger and more exciting as the cream of the nation’s cyclists, including defending champion, WSUCC’s Briton John, who has been enjoying a fabulous start to this season, will face starter’s orders.

John’s fellow team-mates, Aaron Newton and Alex Leung,

Brathwaite said.

"It's important obviously as openers to set the foundation for the team. We look forward to doing it. Tage [Chanderpaul] had a fantastic start and we want to continue and make West Indies proud," he said about West Indies' new opening partnership.

"It is important that we have a team effort in South Africa. So, it's good to see the top order getting some scores in Zimbabwe and the middle order in the practice games before the first Test. It's great. It's important we put all the pieces

together in this series."

He said that Reifer, who is looking to lock down the number three spot in the West Indies team, will be wanting to add more big scores to his name after his success against Zimbabwe.

"It is great to have him get some scores and I know he will be hungry for more success. Hope he can get to spend some time at the crease and it is important for him to carry on with those starts."

Brathwaite was optimistic about his bowling attack, but said that maintaining discipline with the ball was imperative, brushing away suggestions that South Africa's batting line-up is a vulnerability they can expose.

"I do think we have some very good bowlers. And I think we look forward to bowling at any batting line-up in the world," he said. "We won't be focusing on what the teams have done in the past. It's important that we hit our straps and discipline is very important. Before we go thinking about too many things in terms of their batting line-up, I think we need to stick to our plans and the results will take care of itself."

Brathwaite was also excited about the two new players in West Indies' squad – all-rounder Alick Athanaze and fast bowler Akeem Jordan.

"Very exciting to have two guys who have done well in our First-Class season. It is great to have them and they are also looking forward to the experience," he said.

In the West Indies Championship, their domestic First-Class tournament, Athanaze is second on the run-charts with 244 runs in two games, while Jordan leads the wicket tally with 12 scalps in two games. (ESPNcricinfo)

Assistant Superintendent Beaton poses

will also be in contention, as, while they are still in the junior category, they have been very competitive among the seniors. There will be no registration fees for ladies, juniors, and juveniles while seniors and masters will pay $1000.

Meanwhile, the ladies, juniors, and juveniles will pedal off the day’s action from 09:30h and will be riding for 45 minutes with an additional two laps.

Masters, Under-45, and Over-45 will be riding together for 60 minutes with an additional two laps while the seniors will be riding for one hour 45 minutes with an additional two laps.

Ahead of Sunday’s race, registration can be done at the Professional Key Shop, Carmichael Street, or Chin Chan Cycle Store, Robb Street.

The organisers are also hoping to run off a race involving only Barticians, with the likes of Mayor Gifford Marshall and Regional Chairman Kenneth Williams along with their respective deputies; the Regional Executive Officer (REO) and club leaders.

with 2 new medals

…cops 2nd place at 2023 National Karate

Well-known sportsman Assistant Superintendent Keith Beaton sparred with his rivals in the dojo and finished second place in the recently-concluded 40-49 Male Adult Kata and Kumite Tournament. The tournament was held on Sunday, February 12, 2023 at the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) Headquarters.

The talented karateka participated in this event which is the first of its kind after a four-year hiatus owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sensei Beaton has won numerous accolades for his outstanding performances. Back in 2018, he competed at the third International Karate Daigaku, which was held in Barbados from August 16-19, where he also copped second place in the

Individual Male 40-49 category and also second place in the Male 40-49 team fighting, securing silver medals in both categories.

The second-degree black belt holder encouraged people to join the dojo and use the opportunity to learn kata, which involves practising choregraphed moves, and kumite, which is freestyle fighting.

Kraigg Brathwaite and Tagenarine Chanderpaul will want to continue their impressive partnership at the top

WSUCC President, Franklin Wilson accepts the sponsorship from Fazia’s Collection’s Marcia Ragnauth in the presence of other staff members

Mobile Money Guyana has partnered with the Guyana Chess Federation (GCF) for the execution of the organisation’s National Under-14 Chess Tournament in the open and girls’ categories.

The tournament, which was conducted in the Queen’s College Compound from 09:00h to 15:00h on Saturday, February 25, saw fierce competition among the young contenders. Seven rounds of play were held under a time control of 20 minutes per player, with 5 seconds added to the clock after each move.

mmg+ Product Marketing Manager Diana Gittens said that the partnership with the Federation was part of the company’s commitment to youth development.

“Chess is an important sport that plays a vital role in the cognitive development of children and young people and we are supporting the activities of the Chess Federation in promoting the game among youth,” she said.

Gittens added that the company believed that the GCF continued to underscore the importance of chess in teaching concentration, evaluation, patience, and calculated risk-taking.

“It’s an honour to be associated with the development of this sport and

its positive characteristics. This tournament indicates commitment to the game and we are immensely proud of all the young participants,” she added.

Emerging successful was 13-year-old defending champion Kyle Couchman from Queen’s College with 6.5 points after seven matches. Couchman, who holds the 2022 National Open Under-14 and Under-16 titles, skilfully outmanoeuvred his opponents once again, to

Back Circle thump Bent St for ‘Legendary Cup’ title

come out ahead of 12-year-old Alexander Zhang, of the same school, who earned second place with 5.5 points, and 13-year-old Micaiah Enoe of Marian Academy, who placed third, also with 5.5 points.

While Alexander and Micaiah finished on the same points, Alexander was ranked higher owing to the Buchholz tiebreak system, which takes into account the scores of the opponents that a player has defeated. The player with the highest total Buchholz score (highest sum of the scores of the opponents that player has defeated) is ranked higher.

An elated Couchman received the top trophy from mmg+ Product Marketing Manager Gittens, during a simple ceremony at the end of the game. He had moments before gracefully conceded a draw in his final game against Enoe, after dominating the tournament from the beginning. Couchman said that he aspired to go on to represent Guyana at the international level.

Couchman managed to defeat Arush Ramnarine, Vivek Persaud, Ethen Pompey, Julian Mohabir, and siblings Alexander and Nicholas Zhang.

Notable performances from Ethan Thakurdin, Nicholas Zhang and Vivek Persaud who all finished on 5.5 points, and were given medals for fourth, fifth and sixth place respectively. Julian Mohabir won the trophy as the Best U10 player while Aquilani Swaminadha, who is notably this year’s Under-12 Open Champion earned the second-place U10 trophy. Arush Ramnarine was third among the U10, Landon Mohabir earned the Best U8 trophy while Vir Narine was second in the U8 and Lester Thomas third.

Olympiad, and she is also the only Guyanese to have competed in the World Chess Championship for People with Disabilities.

Kataleya Sam took home two trophies; one for second place in the Girls’ Championship and one for best U10 player. She finished on six points, with her only loss being against the champion, Lall.

Ciel Clement finished third on 5 points. Nemisha Jagmohan was the secondplace U10 while Chelsea Harrison was third.

GCF President Anand Raghunauth said that the competition, which had more than 70 participants, was the largest the Federation has organised at the junior level.

“We had a serious competition and the winners were very skilful. We have 12-year-old children challenging top junior players in a very competitive way. This is something new and it shows that our training programme is working,” he declared.

Raghunauth was happy to see such a tremendous turnout for the tournament, and expressed that the GCF has made great strides in encouraging children across the country to engage in the game of chess and it is the hope that more schools will come on board to establish chess clubs as part of their extra-curricular activities.

level so that the intangible benefits of chess would be realised as more involvement can only result in the greater good for future generations.

The tournaments were supervised by FIDE Arbiter and Head of Development of the GCF, John Lee, with assistance from National Arbiter Jessica Callender along with Roberto Neto, and Candidate Master (CM) Taffin Khan and Fide Master (FM) Anthony Drayton.

The tournaments saw participation from students of Queen’s College, Marian Academy, School of the Nations, Mae’s School, The Bishops’ High, Richard Ishmael Secondary, Westfield Prep, Georgetown International Academy, St Rose’s High, St Joseph’s High, New Guyana School, Tuschen Deaf Academy, Wisburg Secondary, Academy of Excellence, Parfaite Harmonie Primary, St Stanislaus College, and Valmiki Vidyalaya Primary.

The Board of Directors of the GCF expressed its immense gratitude to mmg+ for supporting this auspicious event. mmg+ has consistently supported the advancement of chess among youth across Guyana, and the GCF looked forward to a continued partnership in the future.

The GCF also thanked Queen’s College for providing the venue once again to facilitate the U14 Chess Championships.

Back Circle’s Captain, Selwyn Williams, on Wednesday last, spoke of his confidence in his team’s ability to win the inaugural edition of the Rock Auto Trans and Spare Parts ‘Legendary Cup’ Futsal Tournament, and it was ‘so said, so done’ on Saturday last at the National Gymnasium, Mandela Avenue.

Futsal fanatics at the venue erupted in excitement and at times swarmed the playing area, as Back Circle thumped Bent Street in a riveting, come-frombehind game.

For a chance to clinch

$500,000, eventual champions

Back Circle and Bent Street found themselves locked in a stalemate close to half time, but a Daniel Wilson strike into the top corner of the goal, sent spectators mad, as he handed Bent Street the lead in the 20th minute.

Back Circle were slow with their response, but the equaliser eventually came in the dying minutes of the game, off the boots of Amos Ramsay, sending the spectators into a frenzy once again.

Ramsay’s strike plunged the clash into extra time, where the Back Circle staple once again played hero, adding a second to

his and his team’s tally in the 44th minute.

Before Bent Street could find their bearings, Stephon Reynolds found the back of the net a minute later to seal Back Circle’s 3-1 victory.

The third-place play-off was equally as entertaining, with Sparta Boss pipping Tiger Bay 5-4. On Sparta’s end, it was a team effort as Pernell Schultz netted a hat-trick in the 26th, 29th and 34th minutes respectively, while Darron Niles (30th) and Nicholas McArthur (37th) each added one apiece for their tally of 5.

Meanwhile, Tiger Bay’s 4 came off the boots of lone wolf Deon Alfred in the 32nd, 38th, 39th and 50th minutes, but the one-man show was not quite enough.

While Back Circle pocketed $500,000, Bent Street settled for $250,000. Sparta Boss got their hands on the $150,000 thirdplace prize while Tiger Bay took home $100,000.

Additionally, Back Circle’s Azariel Davis copped the Most Valuable Player (MVP) accolade and a new motorcycle. One lucky fan was also rewarded with a motorcycle, compliments of the tournament’s title sponsors.

“I’m happy about winning, because there were some really challenging points, but I was able to get over it. My dream is to go on to represent Guyana at really big international tournaments”.

In the Girls’ Tournament, national deaf chess player Anaya Lall earned the Under-14 Girls Chess Championship title. Lall amassed wins against Ciel Clement, Aditi Joshi, Atalya John, Kataleya Sam, Parnita Kishun, and Jahzara Jackson before earning a half point in her final round owing to a stalemate with Nemisha Jagmohan. It is worth mentioning that Lall is the youngest player to have ever qualified and represented Guyana at a FIDE Chess

Emelia Ramdhani is new GBA President

The Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) on Friday last elected a new Management Committee to spearhead all things badminton in Guyana; the first such exercise since the untimely passing of former President Gokarn Ramdhani.

The Biennial General Meeting was hosted at the Guyana Olympic House, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, on February 24, 2023.

While other association business was on the cards, the election of the new Management Committee saw Emelia Ramdhani being elected as President of the GBA. It was especially fitting since Ramdhani had taken over the reins of the association in the past year.

Meanwhile, Ayanna Walcott was elected Vice President,

while Darrell Carpenay will serve as Treasurer and National Badminton Champion Priyanna Ramdhani will serve as Secretary.

According to the GBA, the new Management Committee will serve for 2023-2024.

The full GBA Management Committee:

President – Emelia Ramdhani

Vice President –Ayanna Watson Treasurer –Darrell Carpenay

Assistant Treasurer

– Marlon Chung

Secretary - Priyanna Ramdhani

Assistant Secretary

– Shivannie Persaud

Committee Members

– Ernestoo Choo-A-Fat Ryan Chang

He said that the GCF was focused on raising the quality of competition among children. Girls especially are encouraged to participate and grow in strength, and the GCF believes in training the younger generation to be involved in the sport at every

The next upcoming tournament, the National U16 Rapid, promises to be even more fiercely contested.

All of the contestants received certificates of participation and tokens of appreciation from mmg+.

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Tournament coordinator Wayne “Harry” Griffith presents the first prize to Back Circle Captain Selwyn Williams

The winners’ row after the National U14 Rapid tournament

GCB Senior 4-Day Inter-County..

Junior Sinclair stranded on 92 as rain ends day 3

Junior Sinclair ran out of partners on day three of the opening round of the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) senior inter-county four-day tournament at Providence. The Berbician was left stranded on 92 as he ran out of batting partners when Berbice were bowled out for 330 all out.

Veteran Christopher

Barnwell was the star with the ball for Demerara with 4-54 in 19 overs on a rain-affected day. In reply, Demerara were 61-3 when rain forced an early stumps. Sachin Singh was unbeaten on 37 while Leon Johnson was on one, with Demerara leading by 13 runs. Shamar Joseph, Kevin Sinclair, and Nial Smith had one wicket each.

Berbice resumed the third day on 312-8 in 83

overs. Junior Sinclair was unbeaten on 84 while Smith was on 15. Smith looked comfortable for a short period, but the probing Barnwell came and bowled an inswinger to destroy Smith's furniture for 24.

Joseph also fell for a duck to Barnwell, when he was trapped at the crease. Junior Sinclair, who was dropped on 86 by Akshaya Persaud, was left stranded at the crease on 92 not out

when the Berbice innings closed on 330 all out in 93 overs. The young Sinclair struck nine fours and four sixes in his 207-minute innings.

Barnwell was the pick of the bowlers with 4-54 in 19 overs, with three maidens. Richie Looknauth and Ronaldo Ali-Mohammed had two wickets each.

Demerara began their second innings trailing by 48 runs. Joseph got his first wicket of the match

when he found the outside edge of Matthew Nandu’s bat. Joseph followed with a moving delivery and was pouched at second slip in Joseph's first over of the second innings. Demerara were 14-1 in 7.3 overs.

Tevin Imlach and Singh batted through the new ball and took Demerara to lunch at 23-1 in 15 overs. Singh was on 12 and Imlach was on three. Upon the resumption, Smith produced a

beauty of an inswinger to remove Imlach for three at 33-3. Akshaya Persaud was trapped leg-before to Kevin Sinclair after the umpire raised the dreaded finger belatedly.

Johnson and Singh then played on cautiously and rain stopped play at 13:11h. The fourth and final day will begin from 08:55h, as the umpires are aiming to make up overs.

GCB Senior Inter-County 4-Day Tournament continues tomorrow …as postponed Essequibo v Select XI clash commences

Essequibo and the Select XI will clash in the second match of the first round in the Guyana Cricket Board (GCB) Senior Inter-County 4-Day Tournament, 2023, at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 to Saturday, March 4, 2023.

Berbice and Demerara are currently engaged in a competitive first-round match, during which the promising Berbice top-order batter and CWI Emerging Player Kevlon Anderson stroked a brilliant century.

The second and third rounds of the GCB Senior Inter-County 4-Day

Tournament 2023, will be played respectively from Thursday, March 9, 2023 to Sunday, March 12, 2023 and from Wednesday, March 15, 2023 to Saturday, March 18, 2023.

The second match in the first round of the GCB Senior Inter-County 4-Day Tournament between Essequibo and the Select XI will commence from 09:30h on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. The final XI for each of these two teams will be selected from:

Essequibo: Antony Adams (Captain); Kevon Boodie; Sheldon Charles; Kemol Savory; Neland Cadogan; Ricardo Adams; Keemo Paul; Quentin Sampson; Ronaldo Renn; Leon Swamy; Avinash Persaud; Malcolm Hubbard; Wazim Mohamed and Ronsford Beaton. The Manager is Yogeshwar Lall and the Head Coach is Ryan Hercules. The reserves are Ricardo Peters, Rajendra Ramballi, Shane Wong,

Carl Gilgeous, Beesham Moses ,and Garfield Phillips. Essequibo’s talented youth player Bruce Vincent will also travel with the team for exposure.

GCB Select XI squad:

Rajendra Chandrika (Captain); Alvin Mohabir; Jeremiah Scott; Carlos La Rose; Zachary Jodah; Rajendra Ramballi; Nathan Persaud; David Williams; Mark Gonzales; Demeter

Cameron; Jonathan Rampersaud; Zeynul Ramsammy; Sylus Tyndall and Kevin Umroa. The Manager is Ravindranauth Seeram while the Head Coach is Clive Grimmond.

B y B randon C orlette at P roviden C e

Junior Sinclair bats during his 92 (Brandon Corlette photos) Barnwell was probing during his spell

Leon Johnson and Christopher Barnwell celebrate a wicket

Rajendra Chandrika returns to the fold to captain GCB’s Select XI

Keemo Paul is set to feature for the Essequibo team