Guyana Times - Tuesday, January 10, 2023

Teen drowns during outing at Blue Lake with friend

– now-dead teen insisted they go to the lake

Ateenager attached to the Linden Technical Institute is said to have drowned while swimming at the Blue Lake, Kara Kara, Mackenzie, Linden on Sunday.

Dead is 18-year-old Cam Thomas of Central Amelia’s Ward, Linden in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice). At the time of his demise, he was in the company of four friends.

Police stated that the

teen went under the water between 16:20h and 16:46h.

Based on reports received, Thomas and four friends – a 20-year-old construction worker, a 15-yearold schoolgirl, a 17-year-old boy, and a 23-year-old taxi driver – went for an outing at the lake.

According to the construction worker, while at the lake, he and Thomas went into the water and started to swim from the

eastern to the western side of the lake.

Police stated that at about 20 feet from the eastern shore, the friend observed Thomas going underwater and immediately attempted to rescue him, but his efforts were unsuccessful.

The friend raised an alarm and the Police were contacted. Upon arriving at the location, the lawmen and others went in search of the teen but came up

empty-handed.

On Monday, the friend and relatives of the young man, including his mother, were at the lake in hope of retrieving his body from the water.

The friend claimed that on Sunday, there were plans to go somewhere else to hang out, but Thomas insisted that they should take an outing to the lake.

“All plans were already made to go somewhere else, but at the last minute, he (Thomas) suddenly changed plans unknowing to us and insisted that we go to the lake."

Contrary to the Police report, the friend stated, “We were trying to cross, but we couldn’t go farther because it was deep… we turned back and somehow

I make it out… he was still in the water, so I jumped back inside to pull him out, but by the time I reach, he already went down.”

Thomas’s mother, who was visibly distraught, made a public appeal for assistance in the form of a diver to assist them in finding her son’s body. An investigation and a recovery mission are underway.

Drowned: Cam Thomas

The spot in the lake where Thomas went down

The friend who attempted to save Thomas

BRIDGE OPENINGS

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

Tuesday, January 10 –04:15h-05:45h and Wednesday, January 11 – no retraction.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, January 10 –06:30h-08:00h and Wednesday, January 11 – 07:00h-08:30h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

Cloudy skies are expected during the day and evening, interrupted by light to heavy rain showers in the mid-morning to mid-afternoon hours and late evening. Temperatures should range between 22 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius.

Winds: North-Easterly to East South-Easterly between 1.78 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 06:30h and 18:42h reaching maximum heights of 2.41 metres and 2.53 metres.

Low Tide: 12:16h reaching a minimum height of 0.80 metre.

Pres Ali pitches investment opportunities in Guyana to Indian Private Sector

President Dr Irfaan Ali, who is leading a Guyanese delegation to India where he will be presented with the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, also used the opportunity to pitch Guyana’s investment opportunities to the Indian Private Sector.

In his address to attendees at the Inaugural Session of the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (2023) on Monday, President Ali spoke about the ties between the two countries. According to him, Guyana has benefited from robust cooperation

with India since diplomatic relations were established in 1965.

Noting that Guyana is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world due to the rapid expansion of its oil and gas sector, President Ali made a pitch to Indian investors to explore opportunities in Guyana.

“Guyana is now a much stronger economy than it has ever been. It is now the fastest-growing economy

in the world, registering a real GDP [Gross Domestic Product] growth of 19.9 per cent in 2021 and growth for 2022 estimated at more than 50 per cent.

“On this note, Prime Minister Modi, I assure you that the economic opportunity and growth and potential of Guyana is open to the entire Private Sector of India to participate fully and to be involved in the transformation that is taking place,” the President said.

According to the President, his Government’s intention is to position Guyana to be among the leaders in the world in energy, climate and food security and other areas. He also spoke about the model the Government is pursuing, to best integrate the Diaspora into the development of the country.

“They are part of us and not apart from us. As such, it is necessary when crafting policies that we seek to integrate our Diaspora into the process of national development. Policies, therefore, should be tailored to make our Diasporas integral rather than incidental to nationhood.

“Our diaspora is integral to the One Guyana agenda… the forging of a strong sense of national identity within the Diaspora is therefore central to the model of Diaspora relations that we are pursuing,” the President further said.

President Ali pointed to ways in which the Diaspora can be integrated into na-

tional development, including through the provision of accurate and updated information. The Diaspora integration model, President Ali added, also embraces a role for Guyana’s Diaspora as an instrument of soft power.

Brain drain to brain gain

He said too that the country was keen to transform “brain drain into brain gain” using technology to tap into “our highly-skilled Diaspora”. Notwithstanding, he stressed that Diaspora policies should not be cast in stone but remain flexible and adaptable to changing realities.

“The Diaspora possesses the skills and expertise that are needed for the modernisation of our economy. We hope to be able to use ICTs [Information and Communications Technology] to be able to make greater use of the wealth of skills available within the Diaspora, including in providing educational and health services.”

President Ali during his address to the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

– says Guyana wants to transform “brain drain into brain gain” – PM Modi acknowledges personal connection with Guyana

President Dr Irfaan Ali (left) shares a light moment with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Also in picture is Surinamese President Chan Santokhi (right)

Editor: Tusika Martin

News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761

Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707

Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown

Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

No longer a taboo topic

In Monday’s edition, this newspaper published a story which detailed that three women will soon be facing a judge and jury at the Demerara Criminal Assizes which begin today.

In all the instances, the women – one of them is accused of disarming her partner of a knife and stabbing him to death; the other strangled her reputed husband to death; the third allegedly beat her partner to death – all alleged that they were abused by their now-dead partners.

Last month, the Bar Association of Guyana made an interesting point when it said “Family violence continues to scourge our society and no doubt sets us back” in reference to the murder of young Attorney Asasha Ramzan, who was killed at the hands of her husband, who himself died by suicide.

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) manifests itself in many forms and in Guyana there are too many instances which results in death.

Interestingly, only in November, Guyana observed International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and more so 16 days of activism against GBV. Every year, the day served as a global advocacy effort aimed at preventing and eliminating violence against women. Last year’s theme was “UNITE! Activism to end violence against women and girls”.

It is no secret that women worldwide, including those in Guyana, continue to face unacceptable levels of violence in various forms. The World Health Organisation has estimated that nearly 1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced physical and/or sexual violence, mostly by an intimate partner.

Over the years, we have seen countless stories reported in the media of some form of Gender-Based Violence, with women especially being at the receiving end of the beatings; and, in some cases, even ending up dead. Even though the Government and other stakeholders have been engaged in various efforts to bring the situation under control, it seems as if the violence is far from over.

However, not many women admit to being victims of violence. According to the Human Services and Social Security Ministry, “Domestic violence remains a taboo, shuttered behind closed doors and only emerging as bloody faces, bruised limbs, broken spirits and dead bodies. Fear of societal judgement, insecurities about children and finances, family pressure and manipulation keep this a hushed conversation, or results in an overwhelming silence”.

As pointed out previously by the Human Services and Social Security Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud, “Violence against women is a heinous crime and a pervasive breach of human rights, yet it continues to be one of the longest, hardest challenges to the world, and involves psyches, attitudes, poverty, cultures, emotional manipulation, substance abuse, and lack of education”.

We had previously called for urgent action to be taken by the Government and other partners to end violence against women. We are pleased that some steps are being taken in this regard. For example, the 914 emergency hotline, which links survivors to agencies, advocacy programmes, referral pathways, microenterprise industries, and public-private skills employment database matching, offers immediate help to extricate women from violent situations.

It was also revealed that social workers have been trained through the Survivors Advocacy Programme to offer emotional support and crisis counselling to victims of domestic and sexual violence, and act on the victims’ behalf when necessary. These are all good initiatives.

Added to these, the EQUAL Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) CDN $2.25 million project, which seeks to safeguard women and girls against GBV by empowering them to make decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, was launched.

This particular programme will target vulnerable women and girls in our hinterland regions – Regions One, Seven, Eight, and Nine – in addition to women and girls who are Venezuelan migrants.

We also support the Bar Association’s statement when it said, “as Guyanese, we owe a duty of care to be each other’s keeper, we must remain vigilant to look for the signs of GenderBased Violence.”

Funding of Wales gas pipeline not illegal or unconstitutional

Dear Editor, Economic Advisor to the Leader of the Opposition, Elson Low has contended that the funding of the gas-to-shore pipeline is unconstitutional/illegal. Low, however, failed to justify his contention by citing which provision in the Guyana Constitution the funding has breached other than to cite a few out-of-context examples in Venezuela and Trinidad and Tobago. Low’s argument is based on the notion that the cost of oil is not subject to parliamentary scrutiny and, therefore, this aspect of the funding for the pipeline is unconstitutional.

Contrary to Low’s argument, the financing of the gas-to-shore pipeline from cost oil which is cost recoverable is not in any way unconstitutional or illegal. The financing of the gas pipeline from cost oil is part of the petroleum operations which are covered under the Petroleum Act, the Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), and the Production Licence. Monies that are subject to parliamentary approval are from the Consolidated Fund (CF) and Extra Budgetary Funds, as per the Fiscal Management and Accountability Act (2003). The onshore infrastructure, nonetheless, will be financed through a different mechanism which would include loan proceeds – these will be presented to the National Assembly. Additionally, at the appropriate time, all of the reports on the financing of the project are most likely to be laid out in the National

Assembly.

Moreover, I would like to point Low to Annex C, section 2 of the PSA which speaks to the classification, definition, and allocation of costs and expenditures. The financing of the gas pipeline comes under section 2.2 (d) which deals with development costs which, according to this clause in the PSA, shall consist of all expenditures incurred in “the cost of field facilities such as pipelines, flow lines, production and treatment units, wellhead equipment, enhanced recovery systems, offshore platforms, petroleum storage facilities, export terminals and piers, harbours and related facilities and access roads for production activities.”

It is under this clause that the financing of the gas pipeline is legitimately covered, which is treated as a development cost or capitalised expenditure that is cost-recoverable.

For the sake of argument, however, by Elson Low’s logic, it would, therefore, mean that the financing of all of the FPSOs and all other development costs to produce the oil and gas resource would be unconstitutional or illegal, which is most certainly not the case. It should be pointed out too, that all of the costs are subject to various audits, including internal audits by the oil companies’ auditors, GRA’s audit as well as the cost oil audit. And I am also sure that these audit reports are most likely to be laid in the National Assembly at the appropriate time.

As such, there is noth-

ing unconstitutional, illegal and/or lacking transparency and accountability with respect to this major transformational project for Guyana.

That said, Elson Low ignores the slew of tangible benefits that this project, once materialised, will accrue to the country and the people. It is commendable on the part of the Government which managed to have the oil companies agree to finance this project from cost oil which has a direct positive impact on the economy. This is a major way in which the Government has successful-

ly sought to maximise the in-country value through the financing of this project from cost oil – something that the Opposition will never acknowledge.

I can also say this much that it wasn’t an easy task to get ExxonMobil to agree to finance the gas pipeline since this is a major cost that would reduce profit oil for the oil companies, but at the same time, aid in deriving substantial direct and indirect economic benefits for Guyana.

Yours faithfully, Joel Bhagwandin

President Ali and his employment strategy

Dear Editor, In reference to the statement: “Guyana’s economy has enough jobs for everyone... anyone right now who don’t want a job is lazy”—

President Ali (Sunday Times, January 8, 2023: page 3), I completely concur with President Ali’s statement for a long time now, although we may not have full employment of all citizens. Here in Guyana, we have a situation of underemployment concomitant of persons being employed at jobs for which their qualifications are not suited. But jobs are available until the right jobs turn up.

All sectors have jobs: the Private Sector, the agriculture sector, the min-

ing sector, cane harvesting (the sugar industry), education sector, energy sector, etc – jobs are bountiful – especially now with Guyana emerging as an oil and gas powerhouse. Former President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo once stated that you needed an additional half a million people to satisfy all the jobs that are available in the different sectors of Guyana. If we are not very prepared with a very good migrant employment system, imagine what will become of us Guyanese when this influx of migrants arrives at our shores – we as a people will surely disappear.

Prime Minister of India Narrendra Modi, President Dr Irfaan Ali and President of Suriname Chand Santoki along with other officials at the 17th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) Convention held in Indore, India on Monday

Controversial GECOM data clerk refuses to testify at election CoI

– former Deputy Commissioner distances self from Ashmins fiasco

Data clerk attached to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), Enrique Livan, who has been embroiled in much controversy in relation to the March 2020 General and Regional Elections, on Monday opted to remain silent when he appeared before the ongoing elections Commission of Inquiry (CoI).

At the beginning of the continuation of the election CoI, Livan was called to the witness stand. When reminded by Commissioners that his right to remain silent is a constitutional right, Livan, who is being represented by Attorney-at-Law Eusi Anderson, invoked that right and departed the stand without testifying.

Livan’s name has been repeatedly cited during the course of the CoI over the past weeks. The data clerk, who is already facing a number of election fraud-related charges for the 2020 elections, was involved in the infamous flashdrive incident at GECOM Command Centre in the Ashmins Building at High and Hadfield Streets, Georgetown.

He was embroiled in controversy for leaving the main

tabulation room with a laptop during the verification process for Region Four. He has also been accused of working along with others to unlawfully inflate figures from the 2020 polls to sway the elections in favour of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) coalition.

A number of persons who have been slapped with similar charges as Livan have already exercised their right to not give evidence during the CoI. These persons include

former Region Four Returning Officer Clairmont Mingo, former Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, and former Health Minister Volda Lawrence.

TSU Meanwhile, former Deputy Commissioner in charge of operations, Maxine Graham, was also called to the stand on Monday. Unlike Livan, she willingly testified. However, during her testimony, she contradicted testimony previously given by

the likes of former Region Four Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police Edgar Thomas.

In November of 2022 when Thomas was called to the stand, he testified that on March 5, 2020, Graham told him that everyone, including party representatives and GECOM Commissioner Sase Gunraj specifically, should leave the GECOM command centre in Ashmins building. This is even though the official Statements of Poll (SOPs) were in the building.

Thomas also testified that on March 5, 2020, he heard embattled former GECOM Deputy CEO Roxanne Myers on the phone with Graham complaining that police ranks were not clearing the Ashmins Building fast enough. But when her alleged involvement in the March 5 fiasco was put to Graham on the stand, she vociferously denied Thomas’ testimony in both instances.

“That is untrue. A total untruth. We (Graham and Thomas) had no discussion about (safety of Statements of Poll) … Miss Myers never spoke to me on that day… not true. That is totally untrue. In what form? Did she write (to complain)? That is untrue,”

President Ali and his employment...

In Canada, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, you have to wait often for a long time for the right job to start off with. Guyana has a repertoire for the skilled and unskilled labour force. Guyanese on the other hand when they migrate to other countries have to work at low-paying jobs such as cleaners, bartenders, hospital porters, cooks, etc, until the right job comes along. In countries like Malaysia and Singapore; skilled and unskilled labour have to be imported from places such as Ghana, Zimbabwe, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Philippines, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and some Caribbean territories.

The Philippines is very important and special in that it provides skilled and unskilled persons for the labour force of the countries above. In the Philippines, there are special Trade Schools, etc, that train persons to be labourers for the countries above. Security persons to be employed in the security services sector are trained to be honest, decent, kind, efficient, etc. It

is often the case that in the countries where these immigrants come to work, they stay as workers but cannot become citizens. Under no circumstances are they allowed to be owners of businesses. The Government of Guyana likewise should take an example of this employment strategy, but create areas where employers would construct residential blocks specifically for the migrant workers because housing issues in Guyana are complex problems.

My advice to President Dr Ali and the committee he is creating for the new Employment Strategy is that he should pattern his Imported Employment Programme after the country of Dubai/United Arab Emirates which has a very excellent and extensive migrant employment system along with a world-class economic system. When I was in Dubai, I was advised by a foreign long-haul driver of a luxury vehicle that if they do not work through a citizen of Dubai who owns commercial businesses in Dubai, the penalty is 10 years’ imprisonment.

I am willing to offer my services to sit on any com-

mittee that is set up to structure or restructure such migrant laws and processes.

My commendations to His Excellency, President Dr Irfaan Ali for the work done so far in the creation of job opportunities for all Guyanese. Much more remains to be done, of course. In addition, for being “straight up” for saying that “there is no unemployment issue in Guyana because there is enough capacity in the system to take off anybody who wants a job. And wanting a job is different from having a job you think you don’t want”

FROM PAGE 4

(Sunday Times, January 8, 2023: page 3).

Let this employment strategy be an example to Mr Glenn Lall aka “Mango Man”, who proposed his strategy for Guyanese “to be given one million dollars per person per month.” Even if it is fifty thousand dollars, many people will prefer to stay at home instead of going to work. The President of a country cannot overnight turn “Father Christmas”.

Sincerely, Haji Dr Roshan Khan (Sr)

Graham said. Graham further testified that even though she was in charge of Police operations, she had no knowledge of what Tactical Services Unit (TSU) ranks were doing at the Ashmins Building on March 5. She said it was only a day or two afterward, that then Commissioner of Police Leslie James had revealed during a meeting with his subordinates that it was he who ordered the Police to Ashmins.

The former Deputy Commissioner also testified that it was she who complained to James that she had been unable to reach Thomas on his cell phone throughout most of March 5, even while the Ashmins Building was being overrun with persons.

She said that when she subsequently got on to him, he was in his office and she

had ordered him to go to Ashmins. Graham claimed that following her complaint to James, the Commissioner told her to convey to Thomas that he would be relieved of his duties.

Last week, James confirmed that he had Thomas reposted to patrol duties because he could not have been contacted on March 5, among other things. James also claimed during his testimony that he never instructed the TSU ranks to clear the building but rather to “secure” it, implying that the TSU ranks went rogue on March 5.

The CoI resumed its work in the new year last Wednesday after nearly a month-long hiatus. The public hearings will continue today with another witness who was summoned set to take the stand.

Former Deputy Police Commissioner Maxine Graham

Data clerk Enrique Livan

Page Foundation

Question 1:

the mayor and ordered to tell where his wealth came from.

He answered, "I sold my cow's hide in the town for three hundred talers."

When the peasants heard this, they too wanted to benefit from this favorable exchange. They ran home, slaughtered all their cows, and stripped off their hides in order to sell them in the town at this great profit.

The mayor, however,

What’s your favourite family birthday recipe?

For this writing prompt, you’ll need a kitchen partner — your mom, dad,

grandparent, or older sibling — to help you cook this delicious dish. Write up the recipe, the directions, and one descriptive sentence about the experience of cooking and sharing the food with others. Include a drawing if you like.

Elements:

• Title of Recipe

• List of ingredients and amounts needed

• Steps in the recipe

• Descriptive sentence (Adapted from startwithabook.org)

By The BroThers Grimm

said, "But my maid must go first."

When she came to the buyer in the town, he did not give her more than three talers for one hide, and when the others came,

he did not give them even that much, saying, "What am I to do with all these hides?"

TO BE CONTINUED

PNCR overseas chapter files noconfidence motion against leader

– Norton says “not worried”; motion cannot be filed outside of Congress

Reports have surfaced that the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) Florida chapter has compiled a no-confidence motion against PNCR leader Aubrey Norton, who is little over a year into his tenure as the party leader.

According to the reports, the motion is seeking Norton’s resignation for failing to unite the party and keep the party vibrant. It also claims that Central Executive Committee (CEC) meetings have not been regularly kept and said that under Norton’s leadership, the PNCR has regressed.

“The party’s image has been severely tarnished and a large number of our mem-

bers, supporters, and sympathisers have lost interest in this party. The business community from whom we got significant support has been withholding that support,” the motion states.

Contacted on Monday, Norton professed not to have personally seen the motion. While he admitted he was aware of reports of the motion, Norton noted that he was not worried since according to the party’s laws, a no-confidence motion can only be brought at the party’s Congress.

“I know that the party constitution does not provide for that. When you’re going to change the leader of the party, you go to a congress. Only a congress can

change the leader, as far as I know,” he said.

“I’ve seen it (the reports) all about the place. But the amount of things I’ve seen… I wouldn’t worry. But the party constitution doesn’t provide for that,” Norton said, reiterating that he was not worried about the motion.

The party has in recent times been accused by its former Treasurer, Faaiz Mursaline, of not doing anything when he brought complaints of being racially attacked by a well-known party member, to the attention of leaders.

Mursaline, who is of East Indian descent, resigned as Treasurer of the PNCR in December 2022

Pres Ali pitches investment...

The President lauded India’s management of its Diaspora relations, while the commonalities between the two countries, including through culture and religion, were also highlighted. He also bemoaned cases when misinformation is fed to the Diaspora, who are led astray by destructive elements. But Ali noted that the Diaspora was also strategically placed to be a positive force for the country.

“Many of the members of our Diaspora are strategically placed in positions of influence to help protect and promote Guyana’s national interests overseas. We look to our Diaspora to project our external interests, including to protect our democracy and to defend our territorial integrity and sovereignty, particularly from external threats.

“We look to our Diaspora to champion the international causes which are germane

to our national interests, including arresting climate change. Indeed, we also look to our Diaspora to wield its influence in attracting and unlocking markets for our products,” the President said.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Convention, the President said, is an essential platform for not only exchanging ideas but also for fostering deeper and stronger ties among states which have significant Diasporas, such as India and Guyana. He wished the Convention every success.

President Ali, who will be conferred with the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award – India’s highest honour for overseas Indians – today, is leading the delegation on an Official Visit to India.

PM Modi, Guyana and Pres Ali

Meanwhile, President Ali clearly struck an emotional chord with PM Narendra Modi when he referred to

FROM PAGE 3

the latter's obvious devotion to his mother who recently passed away at the age of one hundred. The Guyanese President made it clear that such filial devotion is shared in the Indian Diaspora.

He made the connection between PM Modi and Guyana even more explicit when he reminded that the Indian Prime Minister had visited in 2000 when he was not even a Minister of Government.

In his response, in addition to promising to work closely with Guyana, PM Modi said, "I am very grateful to the President of Guyana that he shared great memories today. Because when I went to Guyana, I was nothing, not even the Chief Minister, and he recalled the relationship then. I am very grateful to him. Once again, I have come to this function for Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, I have got a chance to meet you after a gap.”

after just one year in the position. In a damning letter to party executives, he levelled a number of accusations, including that he was forced to sign multiple blank cheques with no supporting documents. The party subsequently denied that there were no supporting documents, though it admitted that Mursaline did sign a number of blank cheques.

“Firstly, from the time I took office as the elected treasurer of this great party, I was signing blank cheques with no supporting documents. I am always called to sign cheques and whenever I share an opinion of dislike towards this, I am met with hostility. In the month of November, it got worse.

“I was told by the confidential secretary to the General Secretary that all I am needed for is to sign the cheques and in that month, I signed about 20 blank cheques. I do not know what are the amounts of money written on any of those

cheques and I don’t know for what reasons the money, if any, were spent on,” Mursaline said in his letter.

Mursaline also detailed other transgressions, such as when he submitted a workplan for the party to attract more finances and made suggestions that a financial audit of Congress Place be done. According to the former executive, PNCR leader Norton did not take any action on either of these matters.

Nor is Mursalin’s the only resignation. The party was also recently rocked by the resignation of former General Secretary Geeta Chandan-Edmond, who was only appointed in January of 2022. Prior to her resignation, she was on a leave of absence from the party.

PNCR leader Aubrey Norton

Electoral fraud case

Chief Magistrate rejects application to stay charges against 6 accused

– rules CoI has nothing to do with defendants’ criminal trial

half of the 31 charges are being dealt with by Chief Magistrate McLennan.

Late last year, the lawyer for the defendants, Nigel Hughes had asked the Chief Magistrate to stay the charges before her and send the matters to the High Court for there to be a determination on if the fundamental rights provisions had been breached.

Hughes’s application was made pursuant to Article 153 (3) of the Constitution of Guyana which states: “If in any proceedings in any court subordinate to the High

Assaulting...

…democracy in Brazil

Brazil has a long history of right-wing dictatorships –especially with the involvement of the army. They overthrew the elected government in 1964 and ruled continuously until 1985. It was a very brutal rule that saw thousands killed, tortured, and ‘disappeared”. And yes… that era exactly matches the dictatorship established here under Burnham – which was only different in scale, not substance!! Several of our GDF officers received training in Brazil…and used that training to help Burnham subvert democracy here. They helped give the region the reputation of being derisively dubbed “banana republics” – where the rule of law degenerated into the law of the jungle!!

An application by those charged with electoral fraud, including two Opposition members, to stay the criminal proceedings against them until they ask the High Court to determine whether there has been a breach of the fundamental rights provisions has been rejected.

This is according to the lead prosecutor, King’s Counsel Darshan Ramdhani. Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) clerks Denise Babb-Cummings and Michelle Miller and GECOM Elections Officer Shefern February and its Information Technology Officer Enrique Livan along with Opposition members Volda Lawrence and Carol Smith-Joseph were charged back in 2020, for attempting to rig the March 2020 election in favour of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC).

They appeared before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts on Monday where the amended charges were read to them which stated that between March 2 and August 2, 2020, at Georgetown, they conspired with former GECOM Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield and Region Four (DemeraraMahaica) Returning Officer (RO) Clairmont Mingo to defraud the electors of Guyana by declaring a false account of votes cast.

Each of the six defendants pleaded not guilty.

Miller, on the other hand, was charged separately with conspiracy to defraud. It is alleged that between March 3 and march 5, 2020, at High and Hadfield Streets, Georgetown, together with others, with intent to defraud the people of Guyana, she did not use the figures from the Statements of Poll (SoPs) for ascertaining the figures to make the declaration of the results for the said District Four, thereby resulting in a false declaration being made for the said District.

She denied the allegation.

The accused were all granted bail. More than

Court, any question arises as to the contravention of any of the provisions in Articles 138 to 151 (inclusive), the persons presiding in that court shall refer the question to the High Court unless, in his opinion, the raising of the question is merely frivolous or vexatious.” According to Ramdhani, Hughes’s submission was made on two grounds.

First, he had contended that the charges were filed in 2020 and that more than two years later in 2022, his clients’ trial is yet to commence. This, he had argued, breached their right to a fair hearing within a reasonable time as guaranteed by Article 144 (1) of the Constitution of Guyana.

For his second ground, Hughes had submitted that the Presidential Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the March 2020 national elections has begun and that its commissioners have the power to summons anyone, including his clients, to testify before those proceedings.

If they were so summoned, Hughes contended that the State was seeking to criminally prosecute them, and at the same time, compel them to give evidence before the CoI –which would jeopardise their right to remain silent and protection against self-incrimination.

The King’s Counsel, however, had argued that there was no merit in Hughes’s submission, pointing out that these cases are “highly complex” matters that involve volumes of evidence and several witnesses.

Ramdhani had also said that

the prosecution had to move to the High Court to get copies of the SoPs. An order was made by the Chief Justice (ag) to this effect.

He had advanced that the matters have been an ongoing process and given the factors highlighted, there could arise no questions about them not being handled expeditiously. The Prosecutor had noted, too, that the CoI is an entirely separate proceeding from the charges in the Magistrates’ Courts. “If they [the defendants] were summoned, they can go and give evidence or raise the question of self-incrimination,” he said.

According to him, if the CoI insists on them giving evidence, even though they have refused to do so, all of this would be on the record. In light of this, he explained that the defendants can tell the Magistrate that they had refused to speak before the CoI, but were compelled to and that whatever they said was not given freely and voluntarily. “The law has very clear principles to prevent you from falling foul to that,” the King’s Counsel pointed out.

The Chief Magistrate, in her ruling on Monday, refused Hughes’s application on finding that there was no contravention of Article 144 (1) of the Constitution. She accepted the prosecution’s position that these are complex charges, stating that both the court and prosecution were proceeding along with the matters in a reasonable way.

She also agreed with the prosecution that the proceedings before the CoI had

nothing to do with the defendants’ criminal trial. Consequently, she dismissed the application as being frivolous and vexatious.

The cases have been adjourned until March 13.

Thus far, the six defendants, during their appearance before the CoI, invoked their right to remain silent. Former CEO Lowenfield’s election report claimed that the APNU/AFC coalition garnered 171,825 votes while the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) gained 166,343 votes.

How he arrived at those figures is still unknown, since the certified results from the recount exercise supervised by GECOM and a high-level team from the Caribbean Community (Caricom) pellucidly showed that the PPP/C won with 233,336 votes while the coalition garnered 217,920.

The recount exercise also proved that Mingo had heavily inflated the figures in Region Four—Guyana’s largest voting District, in favour of the then caretaker APNU/AFC regime.

In August 2021, GECOM voted to terminate Lowenfield, Deputy CEO Roxanne Myers, and Mingo.

The firing of these officials was met with much satisfaction by the Government, which hailed it as a step in the right direction to restoring public confidence in GECOM.

Myers, Mingo, and Lowenfield are also facing criminal charges related to their official duties at GECOM in the conduct of the 2020 national elections. (Feona Morrison)

Slowly Brazil clawed its way back into the democratic fold after its economy – like Guyana’s – tanked and inflation became a runaway train in the 80s – leaving the countries on the rails!! But the right-wing politicians and their supporters in the military remained potent forces. And the reformers there and here had to drink the bitter neo-liberal brew!! When the leftist-leaning Lula was elected in the new millennium, many felt that Brazil had shed its unsavoury flirtation with fascism. Especially when he repaired Brazil’s economy and stood on the world stage. The man became a star!! Sadly, he faltered – showing that democracy has its own challenges of corruption. And up stepped Bolsonaro as the man on horseback to “save” Brazil.

The former Army Officer saw himself as a Latin American Trump and not surprisingly, he was slavishly racist, misogynic, homophobic, a climate change denier, and neo-liberal. Like Trump, he fell victim to the COVID pandemic where the US suffered the highest number of deaths and Brazil came in second in that sweepstakes!! Like Trump, he was voted out – but by a mere whisker and he and his supporters insisted they were “cheated not defeated”!! Then last Sunday came the supreme imitation that flattered Trump – Bolsonaro’s supporters invaded the country’s Congress, the presidential palace, and the Supreme Court, in a grim echo of the US Capitol invasion two years ago by Trump’s supporters.

All of these institutions are in the capital Brasilia – which is run by a supporter of Bolsonaro!! The Bolsonaroans exhorted the army to repeat their 1964 coup d’état –- and this remains a strong possibility! While Bolsonaro himself didn’t scream that he was cheated, he never conceded defeat and filed a case to nullify millions of votes. This was swiftly thrown out!! In the meantime, two days before Lula's Jan 1 inauguration, he flew to the US and took up temporary residence in Orlando. While he didn’t meet Trump at Mar a Lago, his former security advisor did that chore.

In the meantime, Brazilian Federal troops restored order and Lula promised retribution. Your Eyewitness hopes the Guyanese Opposition doesn’t get ideas!!

…idealism

There’s a school of thought that evil is something lurking outside of us – always ready to pounce on folks and make them do bad things. “The Devil made me do it” summarises that perspective. Well, your Eyewitness doesn’t know about that. After meditating on the Germans who killed six million Jews – mostly German citizens – the philosopher Hannah Arendt concluded that it’s very ordinary folks who can be moved to do the most gruesome acts to their “fellow” man.

And the reasons they do so don’t have to be earthshaking…sometimes just not wanting to make waves. As we have folks running all over the place screaming slogans like “emerging apartheid state” and yanking incidents bereft of their contexts to express outrage over “genocide”, your Eyewitness reminds our very ordinary citizens of our own history in the 1960s.

We’d lived peacefully among each other and yet in a mere split second, we were hacking away at each other.

Let’s all take a deep breath.

…common sense

All of the players who were charged criminally for the 2020 rigging attempt have chosen to remain silent in front of the CoI into the affair.

What about the power of truth to set us free??

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

The views expressed in this column are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Guyana Times’ editorial policy and stance

King’s Counsel Darshan Ramdhani

Denise Babb-Cummings

Michelle Miller

Shefern February

Volda Lawrence

Carol Smith-Joseph

Monday, January 16 is Budget Day

– Budget to focus on Govt’s transformational agenda

Senior Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh on Monday announced that Budget Day will be Monday, January 16, 2023.

Dr Singh has been, over the last several months, meeting and consulting with various stakeholders including the Private Sector, Government Ministries, other agencies, and civil society.

Only last week, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government, led by President Dr Irfaan Ali hosted another consultative meeting at State House with representatives of the Private Sector and other

agencies to listen to their concerns and receive suggestions for Budget 2023. These all form part of possible inclusions as the Budget 2023 planning process continues.

As with Budget 2022, this year’s Budget is expected to see critical development programmes for Government being fast-tracked and many more expanded to reflect Government’s continued transformational agenda for the country which has been taking it forward at a rapid pace over the last two years and five months since the PPP/C’s return to office in August 2020. It will be the

Guyanese man injured in driveby shooting outside NY nightspot

AGuyanese man is hospitalised after a drive-by shooting outside the Impulse nightclub in Queens, New York, reports have stated.

Laurex Fraser, popularly known as “Polo Boss”, and another man were standing outside the nightclub when gunmen in a BMW motor car opened fire on them.

According to reports, Fraser was shot in his back, while the other man was shot in his leg.

Law enforcement suspect that Fraser was the target.

The gunmen, in their bid to escape, crashed the car into a utility pole, forcing them to abandon the vehicle. Both men remain hospitalised as investigations continue.

Back in May 2022, New

York-based Guyanese artiste Curt “Ceejay” Johnson was gunned down during a robbery as he was leaving a party in New Jersey. The singer/producer, according to information received, was shot multiple times.

He migrated to the US in 2002 and got involved in the music industry almost immediately, launching his own record label and a number of singles over the years.

fourth Budget presented by the current Administration and the third by Dr Singh, who commenced his current tenure as Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance in November 2020.

Prior to this, Government’s first Budget for its current term was presented in August 2020. In that first Budget, Government reversed a large number of harsh taxes instituted on citizens by the former A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government.

The second Budget in 2021 was presented under the theme “A Path to Recovery, Economic Dynamism, and Resilience” while the third was unveiled under the theme “Steadfast Against All Challenges, Resolute in Building Our One Guyana’. Budget 2021 comprised a number of developmental measures and also included funding for the construction of a number of housing schemes and expansion of existing ones along with investment in the revitalisation of the country’s sugar industry.

There were also programmes that the Government implemented in partnership with Private Sector bodies and oth-

er stakeholders, especially with regard to the tourism, hospitality, and agriculture sectors. Several relief cash grant measures were also implemented and saw thousands of citizens across the country benefiting. A number of areas had been devastated by flooding and Government also provided relief for affected persons especially those who had suffered the loss of crops and livestock. The health, infrastructure, and education sectors also saw major injections in Budget 2021 as the COVID-19 pandemic was ongoing.

Budget 2022 also saw major injections in a number of sectors, including more expansion of the Government’s housing drive, the infrastructural sector catapulted with an increased number of roads and bridges constructed, energy expansion and diversification, provisions for persons with disabilities, several injections toward Amerindian and hinterland development as Government proved its commitment to bettering the lives of the Indigenous people. It also saw large injections in the health, education, and security sectors.

The last budget was $552.9 million.

Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh

Shot: Laurex Fraser

Local DJ chopped to death while protecting father-in-law

Alocal Disc Jockey (DJ) was on Sunday evening chopped to death while trying to protect his father-in-law from three men at Laluni on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway.

The dead man has been identified as 28-year-old Brian Pitam, also known as “DJ Viper”, of Good Hope, East Coast Demerara (ECD).

When contacted, Crime Chief Wendell Blanhum told <<<Guyana Times>>> that based on initial reports, Pitam and his father-in-law, 51-year-old Kumar Bacchus were at Laluni when they were attacked by three men on Sunday evening about 21:00h.

The trio dealt Pitam several chops to the head, almost severing it from his body. The men then turned their attention to Kumar, who sustained a wound to his left wrist.

Further investigations revealed that Bacchus was imbibing at a shop when the three suspects confronted him and dealt him a lash to his face.

Pitam who was also there intervened and was

dealt several chops about his body. The trio then rode off on their motorcycles.

Pitam was picked up by public-spirited citizens and rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Police stated that Pitam’s left thumb, index finger and middle fingers were severed while the left wrist was partially severed and a deep

chop wound was sustained to the back of the neck.

Divisional Commander Mahendra Singh, when contacted on Monday, stated that a team of investigators was dispatched to the area to conduct further investigations. He also confirmed that one of the three suspects was arrested and he is assisting with investigations.

Vendor slapped with possession of gun, ammo charges

to prison until February 17, 2023.

Colwin Barnwell, also called "Timmo", a vendor of Vigilance, East Coast Demerara (ECD), was on Monday, charged with the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The 34-year-old man appeared before Magistrate Fabayo Azore at the Vigilance Magistrate’s Court where he pleaded not guilty to both charges. Bail was refused and he was remanded

Police stated that ranks from Regional Division 4 ‘C’, on Saturday, nabbed Barnwell with a Glock 17 (9mm) Pistol with no serial number, along with two matching rounds of ammunition.

At the time, the ranks were on mobile patrol duty in Friendship, ECD, where they saw him standing with a black plastic bag in his hand. On seeing the Police ranks, Barnwell started to walk away. He was told to “stop”, but instead, he ran away. The ranks gave chase,

and he was caught.

A search was conducted on him and the Glock 17 Pistol (9mm) with no serial number, along with two 9mm matching rounds of ammunition, was found in the crotch of his pants. He was asked if he was a licensed firearm holder, and he said “no”. As such, he was told of the offence committed and cautioned.

He claimed that he bought the firearm when he was in the interior, in Aranka. He was arrested and escorted to Vigilance Police Station along with the firearm and ammunition.

Dead: Brian Pitam, also known as DJ Viper

Remanded: Colwin Barnwell

The gun and ammunition that were found on Colwin Barnwell

Leopold Street man executed while on way to buy booze

…body

Thirty-three-year-old Anthony Charles, also known as “Skiddle”, was on Monday killed execution style along D’Urban Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown by occupants of a motor car.

Preliminary investigations revealed that on the day in question about 11:30h, Charles, of Leopold Street, Georgetown was in the company of Dexter Lawrence, 43, when a silver grey old-model Allion motor car, bearing registration number PVV 5906, ap-

hoodie exited, walked up to Charles, and discharged several rounds at him.

After doing so, the man entered the car and it sped off the scene. Lawrence received a bruise to his right lower hand, which he said was caused by a bullet.

As detectives arrived at the scene, Charles was seen lying in a pool of blood on his back, clad in short blue pants and a white vest with a pair of red and blue puma boots on his feet, and a red, white and blue jersey was seen under his head.

Now dead: Anthony Charles, also called “Skiddle”

scene.

Police have since ascertained that the registration number of the car is fake. The body was escorted to the Memorial Gardens Funeral Home to await a post-mortem. Several persons were questioned as Police continue their investigations.

Charles is no stranger to law enforcement. Originally from Albouystown, Georgetown, he was charged and remanded to prison back in 2017 for armed robbery.

He was accused of robbing Bibi Nizan of $105,000 cash along Water Street in March of that year. It was reported that on the same day, he robbed Elizabeth Narine of a cell phone and $20,300 in cash.

On both occasions, he was armed with a pair of scissors.

proached the duo from behind.

The two men were reportedly heading to a shop to purchase alcohol. The occupants of the car reportedly opened fire, but Lawrence started to run and managed to escape while Charles fell to the ground.

Lawrence told detectives that when he looked back, he saw the car has stopped, and a male wearing a dark-red

His body bore three bullet wounds to his neck, one to his right jaw, one to his left jaw, one to his left-side forehead, one to his rightside forehead, one to his left hand, two to his right-side lower back, and two to his right shoulder.

Police discovered several 9mm spent shells, five warheads, and a metal fragment at the scene. Charles was pronounced dead at the

Additionally, in the same month, this time on the 25th, along North Road, being armed with a knife, he robbed Janice Jordon of a cell phone. Further, on March 28 of the same year, in Werk-en-rust, he robbed Mohan Persaud of $20,000, US$500 and a mobile phone.

During his court appearance, Charles pleaded not guilty and was remanded.

bore 12 bullet wounds, suspects used car with ‘fake’ number plate – Police

Anthony Charles back in 2017 at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts

The body of Charles lying at the scene

4 Guyanese accepted in this year’s Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative

The US Embassy has announced the 2023 cohort from Guyana for the US Department of State’s Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship Programme.

Launched in 2015, YLAI empowers emerging entrepreneurs from the Western Hemisphere to enable the full economic potential of the region’s citizens.

This year’s YLAI fellowship programme launched in December 2022 and will continue through June 2023, bringing together 280 young leaders from 37 countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, and Canada.

“We are pleased to announce that four young leaders from Guyana have been accepted out of over 1800 applicants,” the US Embassy said.

The first person is Akeem McDonald, who works in the business services sector leading the Professional Janitorial Services. During the host placement, Akeem hopes to build new relationships, network with people that share common interests, and learn about the operations of different systems and sectors, marketing, e-commerce, product

development, admin, and management. Coming into the YLAI Fellowship, his top business challenge is finance.

The second person is Onicak Hinds, who works in the education sector at Step-by-Step Foundation, leading as a senior tutor to provide intervention services for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). During the host placement, Onicak hopes to learn how to further establish and expand Step by Step Foundation as well as

increase the business’ impact in society. Coming into the YLAI Fellowship, her top business challenge is finance.

The third person is Pearlita Richardson, who is an experienced creative designer who works in the artisan products sector, leading La Vie Guyana and carving a niche for ready-made clothing in the Guyanese fashion industry. During the host placement, Pearlita hopes to learn how to employ the right principles in the com-

pany and brand, hire the right people, and create the right products and environment to have a lasting positive impact on the lives of women, whether they are

employees, customers, or beneficiaries of the community. Coming into the YLAI Fellowship, her top business challenge is finance.

And lastly, there is Shondell Rodrigues, who works in the agriculture and animal care sector, leading Alana’s Fresh Organic Produce. Shondell is a kitchen garden and smallscale vegetable farmer with six years of experience.

During the host placement, Shondell hopes to learn about strengthening business and leadership from successful entrepreneurs to improve business ideas and contribute to her community’s economic development.

Coming into the YLAI Fellowship, Shondell’s top business challenge is marketing and sales.

The 2023 YLAI Fellowship Programme,

sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the US Department of State, launched in December with a virtual Fellowship Leadership Curriculum and orientation. In May, fellows will split into cohorts and travel to 19 cities across the United States for fourweek professional placements with US businesses. They will collaborate with their peers to address shared business challenges, as well as engage in virtual and in-person events and cross-cultural activities.

Since 2015, more than 1240 YLAI Fellows have built connections with 900+ US fellowship placement organisations; 84 per cent of these Fellows attracted new resources within one year of completing the program.

BACIF – 1st to join GNBS Made in Guyana Certification Programme in 2023

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) on Monday certified the first company for 2023 – Brass Aluminium and Cast Iron Foundry Limited (BACIF) –under the Made in Guyana Certification Programme.

Joining the twenty-one companies already certified in 2022, BACIF is now certified to use the Made in Guyana Standards Mark on its locally manufactured fire hydrants, manhole cover with frames, test masses and saddle straps. A brief handing over ceremony was held at the GNBS Head office at Flat 15, Exhibition Site, Sophia, Georgetown.

During the handing over ceremony, Quality Manager at BACIF, Adrian Barkoye thanked GNBS for the opportunity to be a part of the highly regarded programme.

“We

customers. This Made in Guyana Mark will serve as a complimentary mechanism to our ISO 9001 Certification,” he said, adding that the company will work assiduously to maintain the requirements of the programme.

Head of the GNBS’ Certification Department, Andrea Mendonca who handed over the certificate, extended congratulations to the company for achieving this milestone. “This programme was launched with the aim of giving locally manufactured Guyanese products brand recognition, among other benefits,” she noted.

The Made in Guyana Certificate was handed over by Head of Certification Services, Andrea Mendonca

The Certification is valid for 1 year and the GNBS will conduct surveillance visits to ensure the approved quality is maintained throughout the certification period in keeping with the respective terms and conditions.

The Made in Guyana Standards Mark is a registered mark that aims to provide recognition to locally manufactured products on a national, regional, and international level. It focuses on creating competitiveness for authentic Guyanese products certified under the Programme while creating a framework for the development of quality systems within our local content.

continuously strive to enhance what we do so we can better serve our

to BACIF Quality Control Manager Adrian Barkoye and Operations Manager Rondel Ali, in the presence of GNBS Technical Officer Orlando Sturge.

L-R: Shondell Rodrigues, Akeem McDonald, Onicak Hinds and Pearlita Richardson

(L-R) BACIF's Operations Manager Rondel Ali and Quality Manager Adrian Barkoye receivethe certificate from Head of GNBS Certification Dept. Andrea Mendonca and Technical Officer Orlando Sturge

Scenes of the Inaugural Session of the 17th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2023, which President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali addressed in India on Monday. He will be bestowed with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award – India’s highest honour for overseas Indians today. The president and his delegation are in India for a seven-day official visit (OP photos)

Technical programmes under GOAL will empower remote communities – Min Parag

Residents of the hinterland and rural areas of the country can look forward to more technical programmes under the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) to enhance their skills and make contributions to their respective communities.

The Government over the weekend launched the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) certificates programme at the St John the Baptist Primary School in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).

Public Service Minister Sonia Parag expressed that no formal education is needed to apply for certificate programmes. Last year, the number of applications from the region was quite low and she urged a turnaround in these figures for 2023.

“I think for the hinterland and rural areas in our countries, it is more programmes that will help you to develop a technical skillset that you can use in your community, that you can use to empower yourself, whether it be financially or you just want to be able to have something higher than CXC,” the Minister asserted.

Parag added that as the year progresses, more undergraduate and

post-graduate programmes will become available, as well as those in the technical areas. In providing access to educational programmes across the country, the Ministry will be closing gaps while people will be utilising the tools to develop themselves.

“The majority of the [certificate] programmes do not require any qualifications. I think these programmes are in keeping with the Government’s commitment and the President’s vision to narrow the gap in inequality as it relates to education and higher education.”

With the rapid pace at which Guyana is developing, the Minister stressed that skill sets will be need-

ed in greater demand, and the country must be able to satisfy such.

“It is something that not only moves you to higher education but it’s an all-round development for the country. It does not obligate you to the Government like the Public Service Ministry’s scholarships…This allows you to be self-employed. It allows you to work in the Private Sector. It allows you also to apply for jobs in the public sector,” she underlined.

Parliamentary and Governance Affairs Minister Gail Teixeira encouraged persons within the communities to take the opportunities.

“The GOAL programme

is trying to make sure you have skills, that you’re qualified, marketable and can get jobs. It is no shame on anybody if you didn’t finish secondary school. That’s okay. We can fix that. People must never be ashamed that they never finished school,” Teixeira underscored.

In keeping with the PPP/C Government’s commitment to delivering 20,000 online scholarships to Guyanese, a total of 7410 GOAL scholarships were awarded to citizens as of December. The GOAL programme is a collaborative effort between the Education and Public

Service Ministries.

Last year, $1.3 billion was allocated in the budget for the GOAL scholarship programme. This programme is aimed at improving the relevant skills required to support Guyana’s rapid development. In 2023, more funds will be injected.

Several unaccredited institutions must meet NAC standards – Dr Hutson

Educational institutions which remain unaccredited by the National Accreditation Council (NAC) should act immediately to have such implemented, amid the country’s rapid development that will call for proper standards.

The National Accreditation Council (NAC) hosted its annual staff retreat on Monday, where Executive Director, Dr Marcel Hutson pointed to the needs which institutions should try to meet. At present, he shared that there are a number of entities which are unregistered.

“We have a number of institutions that are unregistered and they are not accredited. I believe when we take into consideration, the developmental trajectory that Guyana is on at this time, it is critical that our institutions operate, add certain standards to meet the needs of a nation that is on its way to development,” the Executive Director disclosed.

According to Dr Hutson, maximum output is required of these bodies, which can be achieved through the NAC.

“We have a fundamental, critical role to ensure that these institutions function to the maximum in terms of output…We are going to be moving with some level of alacrity. I think it is only fitting that we move in this direction so that we can develop some kind of unison in our thinking and in our approach.”

The official charged staffers to spend more time plan-

ning, avoiding pitfalls, developing relationships, and recharging.

“We must focus on the important, not on the urgent, because the urgent ultimately will weary us out and sometimes you don’t get anything done,” he noted.

Chairman of the NAC, Mohandat Goolsarran underscored that there are 21 standards that an institution must demonstrate before they are accredited.

Independent evaluators would check records and examine the facility based on the existing standards.

Once the standards are satisfied, then they are recommended for first registration. A certificate of registration is provided after a fee is paid. Thereafter, the programme accreditation process would follow.

“Your institution may be offering a number of programmes so we will look at the programme to be accredited, quality of staff, the curriculum that describe that programme, your assessment procedure, and we measure that against inter-

national comparable institutions,” Goolsaran stated.

Once these are satisfied, those programmes for an institution will be accredited. An institution may offer numerous programmes, but only a few can be accredited.

Accreditation means that the programme is meeting national, regional and international standards.

“It also allows us to assure the public as to the quality of programmes being offered. So, when a certificate is issued by the institution and tendered anywhere, very few questions can be asked.”

The National Accreditation Council was established by Act 12 of 2004: The National Accreditation Act. This Council is the principal body in Guyana for conducting and advising on the accreditation and recognition of educational and training institutions, providers, programmes and awards, whether foreign or national, and for the promotion of the quality and standards of education and training in Guyana.

Parliamentary and Governance Affairs Minister Gail Teixeira

Minister Parag engaging residents during the launch of the GOAL Programme

Chairman of the NAC, Mohandat Goolsarran

NAC Executive Director Dr Marcel Hutson

World Bank representative Diletta Doretti confirmed for Energy Conference 2023

The International Energy Conference and Expo Guyana 2023 on Monday announced the participation of Diletta Doretti, Resident Representative for Guyana and Suriname at World Bank in Guyana, as a speaker at the second edition of the event in February.

Doretti is responsible for maintaining the day-today dialogue and solid partnership around the World Bank’s programs in both countries. Since joining the institution in 2002, Doretti has held various positions at the World Bank, the most recent, being Senior Private Sector Development Specialist for the World Bank West Africa region, based in Mali.

Doretti has strong and diversified World Bank experience in leading teams and in corporate assignments, including country

engagements and developing the World Bank’s strategies around the private sector, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

Major fire averted at Vivaanta Ayurvedic Spa

– GFS praised for quick response

The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) came in for high praises after its members responded promptly to a late Sunday evening fire at Vivaanta Ayurvedic Spa and Hair Salon at Church Street, Georgetown, saving the building from complete devastation.

The Guyana Times understands that smoke was seen billowing from the middle part of the five-storey building. As such, an alarm was raised and the GFS was contacted.

In a Facebook post on Monday, the company’s director Karan Mehra said the fire did not affect any buildings as it was swiftly contained and put under control by the GFS with assistance from the community.

“Fortunately, there were no injuries or major materi-

al loss resulting from the incident. Operations will continue to take place as usual”, he informed.

The statement added: “We say a very big thank you to the Guyana fire service, Police, and the community for their swift response and assistance in containing the fire. We also thank everyone who was supportive and reached out to us during the incident.”

Just recently, Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn pointed out that there has been an upsurge in fires on both commercial and residential buildings, resulting in the loss of properties and loss of life. He had called for awareness and better equipment to conduct firefighting in Guyana, noting the use of fire sprinkler systems, highrise systems, and quality electrical installations.

Meanwhile, over the

past two years, at least six schools have been affected by fires.

These include North Ruimveldt Multilateral School and St George’s High School in Georgetown; Essequibo Technical Institute (ETI); Amelia’s Ward Primary School in Region 10 (Upper DemeraraBerbice); and North-West Secondary School in Region One (Barima Waini).

Last week, a fire broke out in the science laboratory at the Christ Church Secondary School at Middle and Camp Streets, Georgetown; the blaze was, however, quickly contained by the GFS.

The North Ruimveldt Multilateral School, St George’s High School and North-West Secondary School, which were completely destroyed, are being rebuilt.

Chief Executive Officer of the International Energy Conference and Expo Guyana 2023, Kurt Baboolall, related, “The World Bank representative, Ms Doretti will give all stakeholders present at the conference a glimpse of how the US$44 million allocated to Guyana last year will be spent on skills development in the emerging energy sector. We are pleased to welcome Ms Doretti onboard for this year's conference."

Doretti is among a num-

ber of speakers slated to deliver addresses at the Conference and Expo which includes world-renowned Professor in economics, Jeffrey D Sachs; CEO of the Hess Corporation, John Hess.

There are a number of Heads of Governments expected to deliver remarks; these are HE Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana, HE Chandrikapersad Santokhi, President of Suriname and Dr Keith Rowley, Prime

Minister of Trinidad and Tobago.

The Conference and Expo this year is being hosted under the theme “Harnessing Energy for Development” and will be held from February 14th17th, 2023, at the Marriott Hotel in Georgetown, Guyana.

It is expected to assemble Heads of State, Government officials, policymakers, academics, industry professionals, and global energy thought leaders.

Commuters welcome upgrade at Vreed-en-Hoop stelling

Commuters using the Vreed-en-Hoop ferry stelling will no longer have to brave harsh weather conditions to get to the water taxis, with the construction of new amenities.

Previously, passengers had called for the structure to be enhanced, adding features to ease their way to the speedboats. Now, the area has been covered with a shed, allowing ease of travel. In addition to the scope of work upgrade to the current stairs.

Works were undertaken by the Public Works Ministry through the Maritime Administration (MARAD) and Transport and Harbours Department (THD). Upgrades are to also follow for the Georgetown Stelling.

The Guyana Times spoke with a few commuters on Monday morning, who welcomed this change, especially in wake of the current rainy weather.

One man, Peter Singh expressed, “I am happy they

do it. Every day I come here and when the rain fall, it was hard to get into a boat even with an umbrella. The breeze blowing and my whole clothes would wet up. Now that they close it off, look how easy people can go in the boat.”

Another shared, “This was much needed…It looks nice and I think they are doing a good job. I used to always say this is what we need. Since the steps fixed and this is done, I can say it is a much better experience.”

Meanwhile, one operator told this publication that the wooden structure would become slippery amid continuous rainfall. Now that the area is covered, people can disembark safely and go about their business. As of Monday, works were still in progress and will take a few weeks to be completed.

About one month ago, boat operators plying the Vreed-en-Hoop/Georgetown route took strike action, demanding an increase in fare

from $100 to $120, leaving thousands of persons stranded.

The Guyana Defence Force was tasked with deploying buses to assist in shuttling passengers across the Demerara River, while boats from the Parika service were also added to the route to complement the relief efforts of the MARAD, Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard, Guyana Police Force and Sheriff Security.

A few days after, President Dr Irfaan Ali met with members of the Demerara River Speed Boat Association, after which the public was notified that going forward, persons using the Vreed-en-Hoop to Georgetown speedboat service will pay the usual fare of $100.

The President has also committed to helping to improve the service of the speedboat operators and the stellings.

Improved conditions at the Vreed-en-Hoop stelling

Resident Representative for Guyana and Suriname at World Bank in Guyana, Diletta Doretti

Vivaanta Ayurvedic Spa and Hair Salon’s director, Karan Mehra

Guyana maintains Tier 1 status in US State Department TIP report for 2022

The Ministerial Task Force on Trafficking in Persons (TIP) spearheaded by the Home Affairs Minister, Robeson Benn advanced its work and achieved key milestones in the year 2022.

One such achievement includes Guyana maintaining its Tier One status in the US Department of State 2022 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report.

According to the report, “The Government of Guyana fully meets the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking.”

“The Government continued to demonstrate serious and sustained efforts during the reporting period, considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its anti-trafficking capacity; therefore, Guyana remained on Tier 1,” the report stated.

The Home Affairs Ministry stated that, “This consistent result highlights the deliberate work deployed by the Government of Guyana, the TIP Ministerial Task Force and the collaboration of all stakeholders.”

In addition, the task force established an interviewing and screening centre for suspected victims of TIP.

To date, 179 persons

have been interviewed and screened including Venezuelan migrants. Also, a gender-responsive and socially inclusive TIP training manual has been developed and is 95 per cent completed.

Moreover, a TIP Migrant Assessment was conducted in Leguan, in the Essequibo River, and a spot inspection at Buck Hall in Region Two.

On top of that, 10 anti-TIP operations were carried out in Regions Four, Five, Seven and One. One case is presently before the court.

The Task Force also conducted outreaches, sensitisation and awareness ses-

sions in Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Seven, Eight, Nine and Ten.

In addition, 230 migrants in various communities received sensitisation on the issue of TIP in 2022.

Stakeholders from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, Guyana Police Force, Maritime, and Airport security officials, medical professionals, and education, welfare, and guidance officers received training in TIP in the various communities.

The PPP/C Administration remains committed to the prevention of human trafficking in Guyana.

1st 100 low-income homes underway in Reg 3

In keeping with the Government’s manifesto promise to deliver 50,000 house lots to Guyanese within its first term in office, the first 100 low-income homes are already underway in Leonora, Region Three.

This is according to Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal, who highlighted that the region is no exception to the Ministry’s aggressive housing programme.

“We have a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Republic Bank for the construction of 500 houses here in Region Three. Already the first 100 are ongoing within Leonora, Edinburgh, and Cornelia Ida where we are about 40 per cent complete.

“So, in another few months, one can see persons who are going through our system and that is to be able to pre-qualify with the bank being able to take up occupancy on those houses, here in Region Three,” the Minister stated.

The Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) and Republic Bank Limited (RBL) signed the MoU for the financing of 500 low-income houses in Leonora in July 2022.

The 20 x 30 (625 square feet) two-bedroom flat units will be constructed at a cost of $5.5 million each.

The projects involve

building access roads, bridges, culverts, and drainage networks in addition to installing water and electrical supply networks.

As the region remains poised for massive developments, Minister Croal also cited other large-scale infrastructure projects, such as the $11 billion four-lane Schoonord to Crane fourlane highway, which will open up opportunities for residential and commercial development.

Croal noted that this will help to generate income for the residents and create job opportunities.

“Right now, we have

over 1100 community roads that have been awarded for which almost all communities in Region Three, you will see concrete or asphaltic concrete works taking place…Very shortly, you will works commencing across the region like is happening on the entire coastland,” he highlighted.

For 2022, some 2800 house lots were allocated in Region Three. To date, over 4660 new lots were allocated in the region.

The Government’s national housing programme caters to all sections of society regardless of geographic location.

Due charged for firearm, ammunition possession –

1 remanded, other granted bail

ABerbice rice farmer was on Monday remanded to prison for allegedly being in possession of a firearm and ammunition while another who was jointly charged was granted bail in the sum of $200,000.

Raymond La Fleur, 46, of West Canje, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) and Roshan Alie, 42, a farmer of Johanna North, Black Bush Polder, Corentyne appeared at the Whim Magistrate’s

Court before Magistrate Renita Singh and were jointly charged with possession of firearm without licence.

They both plead not guilty. La Fleur was remanded to prison and Alie was released on $100,000 bail for each charge.

Additionally, Alie was charged with threatening behaviour committed on Ajai Raghunauth which occurred on January 6, at Cookrite Savannah, Johanna, Black

Bush Polder. For this, he pleaded not guilty and was placed on a further $30,000 bail.

All of the cases have been transferred to Mibicuri Magistrate’s Court and will come up on January 31.

Lafleur has been before the court previously on a series of matters including robbery, possession of arms and ammunition and throwing marijuana over the prison fence.

Roshan Alie

Raymond La Fleur

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal

Guyana to benefit from higher energy prices, levels of oil production – IDB

…soya bean production also favourable

Guyana continues to be in a favourable position as it relates to its oil and gas sector, as the country is not only benefitting from higher energy prices but also from higher levels of oil production.

According to an InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) report titled “Headwinds facing the PostPandemic Recovery”, specific commodities such as oil and aluminium are projected to have relatively high prices through 2024.

The price of oil is expected to remain over US$80 through 2024. These price trends and Guyana’s higher levels of oil production have significantly affected the profile of the country’s net trade in agricultural products and mineral fuels with the rest of the world.

The report highlighted that Guyana rapidly moved from being a net importer of agricultural products and mineral fuels, representing 8 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2018 and 2019, to being a net exporter of the same commodities, with a trade surplus of 16

per cent of GDP in 2020 and 31 per cent in 2021 with the rest of the world.

Prior to oil production, Guyana’s main suppliers driving the trade deficit in these products were the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries.

The share of net exports to these countries increased through 2021, reaching 17 per cent of GDP for net exports to North America and 14 per cent of GDP to other countries.

As oil production continues ramping up, these trade surpluses are likely to con-

tinue growing, the report states.

In December 2022, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali officially launched the first auction for the development of 14 oil blocks, as part of efforts to develop Guyana’s oil and gas resources. The competitive bidding round is expected to close by April 14, 2023, and new contracts will be awarded by the end of May 2023.

The oil blocks on auction are for shallow and deep-water areas. There will be a minimum signature bonus requirement of US$10 mil-

New childcare, development facility opened

The Pennie Bears Gym Bearie – a new premier children’s development facility opened its doors on Saturday to encourage children to explore their creativity through a range of development activities.

Owner of Gym Bearie, Miriam Andrew-Ming shared that the institution will not only be a space for the development of children but also for parents.

“I understand that there’re issues with plan-

ning for parenthood and afterwards, so I saw the need for support groups. Groups that will enhance family time, that will allow us to speak openly and freely and deal with issues that we know we are being faced with. We have two medical persons who will guide our family classes. Those classes would include, mommy and me groups, daddy and me groups as well as plan-

ning for parenthood groups,” Andrew-Ming explained.

Human Services Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud, who was also present at the launch, shared that this initiative aligns well with the Ministry’s vision for all children across Guyana. She also stressed the importance of early childhood development.

“The idea of having a space within the first few years of childhood develop-

ment concept, where we focus on children zero to five years old and ensure 1) they are able to be in an environment where creativity knows no bounds, no limits, but they are also in an environment where they could be observed and, on some level, screened for many of the things we want to be aware of very early in their lives,” the Minister expressed.

“Giving a child the opportunity to just look beyond the mundane and the routine ways of learning really creates the kind of foundation that we want every child to benefit from,” she added.

The Peenie Bears Gym Bearie will also be providing night care services for parents who work at night and need childcare assistance. Additionally, Gym Bearie is currently offering two nights free of cost for persons registering within January 7-10, 2023.

lion for shallow water and US$20 million for deep water blocks. Stronger qualifications and requirements are set for deep water exportation as against shallow water.

There is a participation fee of US$20,000 that will see contractors gaining access to the virtual data room and participate in the competitive bidding process.

The President noted that Guyana’s offshore basin has captivated the attention of the global oil market participants, being called the world’s fastest-growing super basin over the last four years.

Offshore Guyana is estimated to have potential resources in excess of 25 billion barrels of oil equivalent and an estimated reserve in

excess of 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent.

Further, the IDB report noted that soybean prices are expected to remain around 40 per cent higher than the pre–pandemic level in the medium term.

In 2022, 366 acres of corn and 495 acres of soya beans were sowed. Over 400 tonnes of soya beans have been produced at Tacama in 2022.

CARICOM joins Pres. Ali, world leaders in condemning Brazil anti-democracy mobs

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has joined President Dr. Irfaan Ali and other world leaders in denouncing the anti-democracy mobs in Brazil, who have targeted institutions of state including the Presidential palace to protest the removal of far-right former President Jair Bolsonaro.

In their statement. CARICOM registered their strong condemnation of the protests by what they called a “misguided mob”. They went on to urge the quick restoration of order and that those responsible be held accountability.

“The Caribbean Community strongly condemns the violent invasion of government buildings that occurred in Brasília today by a misguided mob refusing to accept the results of free and fair democratic elections.”

“Those involved should be held to account. We welcome the quick restoration of order. CARICOM reaffirms its unwavering commitment to democracy and the rule of law,” the secretariat said.

On Sunday, President Ali joined a number of world leaders in condemning the anti-democracy attacks. In his statement, Ali made it clear that those who use violence to subvert democracy must be brought to a swift justice.

The President went on to call on all stakeholders to be responsible and not be part of such unacceptable behavior. He also made it clear that Guyana stands with the law-abiding people of Brazil, as well Brazilian institutions.

“We condemn every attempt and attack against the Presidency and democratic institutions of Brazil. Those who utilize violence to subvert democracy must be brought swiftly to Justice. We call on all stakeholders to be responsible and not be part of this unacceptable behavior. Guyana stands with the law-abiding people of Brazil and the institutions of the state in defense of democracy,” the President said in the statement.

Following the attacks on Brazilian institutions, President Da Silva at a press conference had blamed his predecessor. For his part, Bolsonaro flew to Florida 48 hours before his mandate ended. He was absent from da Silva’s inauguration.

Ali had previously joined other regional leaders in Brasilia on January 2 for the inauguration of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The President has also publicly said that he will be seeking to meet with da Silva in the coming months, to discuss Guyana’s shared development trajectory with Brazil.

“I have already request-

ed through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a bilateral letter with the new President [elect] of Brazil because we have to start very early to ensure that timelines are not missed,” President Ali had said, during the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) awards ceremony and dinner in December.

Among the topics expected to be discussed is the construction of a deep-water harbour linking Guyana with Brazil that will boost trade and logistics. President Ali had previously discussed the project with then President Bolsonaro when he visited Guyana last year. And he made it clear that the deep-water harbour is still high on the agenda.

“We’re now working, very actively, on ensuring that Guyana will have and must have our own deep-water harbour. That deep water harbour must be connected to Brazil. And must be built as the premier logistics and trans-shipment hub, for the Caribbean, going up North connecting Brazil. That is the business model,” President Ali had said.

A scene from the riots in Brazil on Sunday

Owner of Gym Bearie, Miriam Andrew-Ming

Human Services Minister, Dr Vindhya Persaud

Regional Brazil: Mass arrests as Lula condemns “terrorist” riots

About 1500 persons have been held in Brazil after supporters of ex-President Jair Bolsonaro stormed Congress, the presidential palace, and the Supreme Court in the capital Brasília.

The rioting came a week after President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was sworn in.

He condemned the "terrorist acts" and vowed to punish the perpetrators.

Bolsonaro has not admitted defeat in October's tight election that divided the nation, and flew to the US before the handover on January 1.

On Monday, he was admitted to hospital in Florida with abdominal pain.

Tens of thousands of people are now demonstrating in Brazil's largest city São Paulo in support of democratic values.

The new President – widely known as Lula – and the heads of Congress and the Supreme Court said they "reject the terrorist acts and criminal, coup-mongering vandalism that occurred" during Sunday's riots.

The dramatic scenes saw thousands of protesters clad in yellow Brazil football shirts and flags overrun Police and ransack the heart of the Brazilian State.

Lula was forced to declare emergency powers.

On Monday morning, heavily armed officers started dismantling a camp of Bolsonaro's supporters in Brasília – one of a number that have been set up outside army barracks around the country since the presidential election.

Authorities arrested 1200 people on Monday – in addition to 300 detained a day earlier.

Justice Minister Flavio Dino said some 40 buses which had been used to transport protesters to the capital had been seized.

Bolsonaro condemned the

attack and denied responsibility for encouraging the rioters in a post on Twitter some six hours after violence broke out.

Meanwhile, Brasília Governor Ibaneis Rocha has been removed from his post for 90 days by the Supreme Court.

Justice Alexandre de Moraes accused him of failing to prevent the riot and of being "painfully silent" in the face of the attack. Rocha has apologised for Sunday's events.

Video shared by the Brazilian outlet O Globo showed some officers laughing and taking photos together as demonstrators occupied

Bolsonaro in hospital

Former Brazilian President Jair

Bolsonaro has been admitted with abdominal pain to a hospital in Florida, his wife said.

It comes a day after thousands of his supporters stormed Government offices in the Brazilian capital.

Bolsonaro was taken to a hospital near Orlando on Monday, according to reports.

The former President was stabbed in 2018 and has since struggled with abdominal pain on occasion.

On Instagram on Monday,

Michelle Bolsonaro confirmed that her husband was under observation due to abdominal discomfort.

A source close to the family said his condition was "not worrying", according to Reuters. The story was initially reported by Brazilian news outlet O Globo.

Bolsonaro left Brazil for the United States about 10 days ago. He refused to take part in the handover of power to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva last week.

US President Joe Biden is facing pressure from mem-

bers of his party to remove Bolsonaro from the country.

"Bolsonaro should not be in Florida," Democratic Representative Joaquin Castro told CNN. "The United States should not be a refuge for this authoritarian who has inspired domestic terrorism in Brazil. He should be sent back to Brazil."

Alexandria OcasioCortez, another Democrat in Congress, in a tweet called on the US to "cease granting refuge to Bolsonaro in Florida". (Excerpt from Reuters)

Chile, Colombia call for extraordinary OAS meeting after Brazil riots

Chilean President Gabriel Boric called for an extraordinary meeting of the Organisation of American States (OAS) on Monday to address riots in Brazil where supporters of far-right former President Jair Bolsonaro stormed top Government buildings.

Boric, speaking alongside Colombian President Gustavo Petro outside La Moneda presidential palace in Santiago, called Sunday's riots "unacceptable" and also condemned "complicit silence".

"This situation is worrying for our countries, our region has to have a clear position," Boric said, adding that the meeting's goal is that the "rest of the countries in the region can take a stance".

Petro and Boric, both leftwing Presidents who took power last year, have emphasised

their support for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who took office on January 1 after defeating Bolsonaro.

Petro, a former rebel and Colombia's first leftist President, compared the attack to the 1973 Chilean coup against Salvador Allende.

"Today there are those who'd like to bring us back

to the times of Allende," Petro said, noting a historical resistance to left-wing Governments in the region.

"We just saw it in Brazil, but it's not just in Brazil," Petro said. "It's time to say what happened here in this place 50 years ago won't happen again." (Excerpt from Reuters)

Some protesters smashed windows, while others reached the Senate chamber, where they jumped on to seats and used benches as slides.

Protesters had been gathering since the morning on the lawns in front of the parliament and up and down the kilometre of the Esplanada avenue, which is lined with Government Ministries and national monuments.

Despite the actions of the protesters, in the hours before the chaos, security had appeared tight, with the roads closed for about a block around the parliament area and armed Police pairs guarding every entrance into the area.

Demonstrators were quick to defend their actions when approached by reporters.

Lima, a 27-year-old production engineer, said: "We need to re-establish order after this fraudulent election."

"I'm here for history, for my daughters," she told AFP news agency.

Others in the capital expressed outrage at the violence and said the attack marked a sad day for the

country.

"I voted for Bolsonaro, but I don't agree with what they're doing," Daniel Lacerda, 21, told the BBC. "If you don't agree with the President, you should just say it and move on, you shouldn't go hold protests and commit all the violence like they're doing."

Bolsonaro supporters created camps in cities across Brazil, some of them outside the military barracks. That is because his most ardent supporters want the military to intervene and make good elections that they say were stolen.

It looked like their movement had been curbed by Lula's inauguration – the camps in Brasília had been dismantled and there was no disruption on the day he was sworn in.

But Sunday's scenes show that those predictions were premature.

Some protesters are not just angry that Bolsonaro lost the election – they want President Lula to return to prison.

He spent 18 months in jail after being found guilty of corruption in 2017. His convictions were later annulled, af-

ter he was initially sentenced to more than nine years.

Heads of State around the world have also denounced the violence, with the leaders of the US, Canada and Mexico issuing a joint statement on Monday condemning "attacks on Brazil's democracy and on the peaceful transfer of power".

Late on Monday, President Joe Biden "conveyed the unwavering support of the United States for Brazil's democracy" during a phone call with Lula, the White House said in a statement. It added that the Brazilian leader had accepted Biden's invitation to visit Washington in early February.

Comparisons have been drawn with the storming of the US Capitol on January 6, 2021 by supporters of Donald Trump, an ally of Bolsonaro. Biden was sworn in that day after defeating Trump in presidential elections the previous November.

Colombia, Germany, the United Kingdom, China and Turkey are among other countries that have also condemned the rioters' actions. (Excerpt from BBC News)

Venezuelan court issues warrants for new Opposition Leaders

Acourt in Venezuela has issued arrest warrants for three Opposition Leaders who have publicly denounced the socialist Government of President Nicolás Maduro, accusing them of treason, money laundering, and impersonating public officials.

The warrants come after the three legislators were named last week to the head of Venezuela’s Opposition Government, which re-

fuses to recognise the authority of Maduro’s presidency. Dinorah Figuera was appointed President of Venezuela’s Opposition legislature alongside two Vice Presidents, Auristela Vasquez and Marianela Fernandez.

All three live abroad to avoid what they describe as harassment from Maduro and his supporters.

Speaking on television on Monday, Venezuela’s

Attorney General Tarek Saab said that Maduro’s Government has asked the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) for assistance in apprehending the three legislators.

“These three citizens live abroad — two in Spain and one in the United States. We are going to see what the Governments of those countries do with our requests,” Saab said. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Tobago to host Caribbean Youth Leaders’ Summit

Tobago’s J’nae Braithwaite, the Regional Junior Minister of Tourism will represent the island on a panel at the first plenary session of the 7th Caribbean Youth Leaders’ Summit.

From Thursday, young leaders from across the region will assemble in Tobago as the Caribbean Regional Youth Council

(CRYC) – in partnership with the THA’s Division of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transportation; the Commonwealth; the Tobago Youth Council and the Trinidad Youth Council – is set to host the 2023 summit.

The event, scheduled for the Shaw Park Cultural Complex, runs until Sunday and will feature discussions on practical solutions and

strategies for youth to contribute and add value to advancing global development in a post-covid19 world.

The CRYC comprises regional national youth councils and represents the collective voice of Caribbean youth. Its objectives include fostering opportunities for youth to address issues affecting them.

(Excerpt from Trinidad Newsday)

Chile's President Gabriel Boric and Colombia's President Gustavo Petro show an agreement during their meeting at the La Moneda government palace in Santiago, Chile, January 9, 2023

the congressional campus in the background.

Security forces detain supporters of Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro during a demonstration against President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, outside Brazil’s National Congress in Brasilia, Brazil, January 8

Oil rises over 1% on demand optimism as China reopens borders

Oil prices rose over one per cent on Monday after China's reopened borders boosted the outlook for fuel demand and overshadowed global recession concerns.

The rally was part of a wider boost for risk sentiment supported by both the reopening of the world's biggest crude importer and hopes for less-aggressive increases to US interest rates, with equities rising and the dollar weakening.

Brent crude was up US$1.08, or 1.4 per cent, at US$79.65 a barrel. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 86 cents, or 1.2 per cent, to US$74.63.

"The gradual reopening of the Chinese economy will provide an additional and immeasurable layer of price support," said Tamas Varga of oil broker PVM.

The rally followed a drop last week of more than eight per cent for both oil benchmarks, their biggest weekly declines at the start of a year since 2016.

As part of a "new phase" in the fight against COVID-19, China opened its borders over the weekend for the first time in three years. Domestically, about two billion trips are expected during the Lunar New Year season, nearly double last year's and 70 per cent of 2019 levels, Beijing says.

In oil-specific developments, China issued a second batch of 2023 crude import quotas, according to sources and documents reviewed by Reuters, raising the total for this year by 20 per cent from the same time last year.

Despite Monday's oil rebound, there is still concern that the massive flow of Chinese travellers could cause another surge in COVID infections while broader economic concerns also linger.

Those concerns are reflected in oil's market structure. Both the near-term Brent and US crude contracts are trading at a discount to the next month, a structure known as contango, which typically indicates bearish sentiment.

Meanwhile, US households see weaker near-term inflation and are expecting notably less spending, even as they foresee their incomes continuing to rise, the New York Federal Reserve said Monday in its December Survey of Consumer Expectations.

The bank reported that respondents to its monthly survey said they see inflation a year from now at five per cent, from 5.2 per cent in November, for the lowest reading since July 2021.

"The NY Fed data should be supportive for oil prices, as it suggests that inflation is peaking," said Phil Flynn, analyst at Price Futures group. (Reuters)

US House to vote on rules that will constrain McCarthy's power

The US House of Representatives will vote on Monday on the rules that will govern it for the next two years, in a first test of newly-elected Republican Speaker Kevin McCarthy's ability to wrangle his caucus.

The legislation includes several changes that will limit McCarthy's power, including allowing a single lawmaker to call for his removal at any time and changes meant to sharply limit spending, concessions that McCarthy agreed to win support from rightwing hardliners for his leadership bid.

Republicans have a narrow majority of 222-212 in the House, after winning fewer than expected seats in November's midterm elections. This has amplified the hardliners’ power, and raised questions about how the divided

Congress, where President Joe Biden's Democrats still control the Senate, will function.

Lawmakers face critical tasks in the year ahead including addressing the Federal Government's US$31.4 trillion debt limit. Failure to do that, or even a long standoff, would shake the global economy.

Other changes include a 72-hour waiting period between when a bill is introduced and when it can get a vote, a cap on Government spending at 2022 levels and the creation of a committee to investigate the Justice Department.

At least one Republican, Representative Tony Gonzales, has said he plans to vote against the package due to proposed limits on defence spending, which he told CBS on Sunday was "a horrible idea". (Excerpt from Reuters)

Around the World

Russia intensifies assaults on Ukrainian salt mining town and eastern front

Russia has stepped up a "powerful assault" led by the Wagner contract militia on Soledar in eastern Ukraine, Kyiv said on Monday, describing a difficult situation for forces repelling waves of attacks around the salt mining town and nearby fronts.

Soledar, in the industrial Donbas region, lies a few miles from Bakhmut, where troops from both sides have been taking heavy losses in some of the most intense trench warfare since Russia invaded Ukraine nearly 11 months ago.

Ukrainian forces repelled an earlier attempt to take the town, but a large number of Wagner units quickly returned, deploying fresh tactics and more soldiers under heavy artillery cover, Ukrainian Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Malyar said on Telegram.

"The enemy literally step over the corpses of their own soldiers, using massed artillery, MLRS systems and mortars," Malyar said. She said the attackers were drawn from Wagner's best reserves.

Russia's Defence Ministry did not mention either Soledar or Bakhmut in a regular media briefing on Monday, a day after facing criticism for an apparently false claim of a missile strike on a temporary

Ukrainian barracks.

Wagner was founded by Yevgeny Prigozhin, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Drawing some recruits from Russia's prisons and known for uncompromising violence, it is active in conflicts in Africa and has taken a prominent role in Russia's war effort in Ukraine.

Prigozhin has been trying to capture Bakhmut and Soledar for months at the cost of many lives on both sides. He said on Saturday its significance lay in a network of cavernous mining tunnels below the ground.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in nightly video remarks on Sunday that Bakhmut and Soledar were holding on despite widespread destruction, but that in Soledar "things are very difficult".

(Excerpt from Reuters)

Ozone layer may be restored in decades – UN report

Human action to save the ozone layer has worked as hoped, and it may recover in just decades, the United Nations says.

An international agreement in 1987 to stop using the harmful chemicals that were damaging the layer has been successful, the major assessment says.

The ozone layer is a thin part of the Earth's atmosphere that absorbs most of the ultraviolet radiation from the Sun.

When it is depleted, this radiation can reach the surface – causing potential harm to humans and other living things.

Ultraviolet rays can damage DNA and cause sunburn, increasing the long-term risk of problems such as skin cancer.

The ozone layer began

depleting in the 1970s.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which were commonly found in spray cans, fridges, foam insulation and air conditioners, were blamed for eating away at the ozone layer.

A gaping hole in the layer was discovered by scientists in 1985. Just two years later, the Montreal Protocol was signed – with 46 countries promising to phase out the harmful chemicals.

The deal later became the first UN treaty to achieve universal ratification, and almost 99 per cent of banned ozone-depleting substances have now been phased out.

The Antarctic ozone hole continued expanding until 2000, after which its area and depth began improving slowly.

Now, a report co-pro-

Pope Francis meets Benedict's top aide as memoir rattles Vatican

Pope Francis on Monday privately met Archbishop Georg Ganswein, former Pope Benedict's closest aide, who has rattled the Vatican with a book describing what he says were the strains while two men wearing white lived within its ancient walls.

The Vatican's daily bulletin listed Ganswein in the Pope's schedule of audiences, but as is customary gave no details.

Hours after Benedict was buried on Thursday, an Italian publishing house sent some news outlets including Reuters advance copies of Ganswein's 330-

page "Nothing But The Truth – My Life Beside Benedict XVI".

Ganswein, 66, was Benedict's personal secretary from 2003, when Benedict was still Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, and remained as his side for nearly 20 years until his death on December 31. He was also Francis' gatekeeper until the two had a falling out.

The main question now facing Francis is what position to give Ganswein. Many are waiting to see if he will get another job in the Vatican or be assigned somewhere else in the world.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

duced by UN, US and European Union agencies says the Montreal Protocol is working as hoped.

It says that, if current policies are maintained,

the ozone layer will be restored to 1980 values – before the ozone hole appeared – at different points in different places: (Excerpt from BBC News)

North America leaders to discuss economy, drug gangs and migration at summit

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and his US counterpart Joe Biden was scheduled to discuss economic integration, immigration, climate change and combating drug cartels on Monday, Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said.

Ebrard was speaking at a news conference alongside Lopez Obrador after Biden's arrival in Mexico City on Sunday evening for a North American leaders' summit this week.

Lopez Obrador accompa-

nied Biden in a limousine from the airport to his hotel and said the two during the journey touched on some of the issues they would discuss on Monday, including regional economic integration and migration.

"Integration needs to be strengthened," said Lopez Obrador.

Lopez Obrador is hosting Biden and Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau between Monday and Wednesday for the first summit between the three since late 2021. (Excerpt from Reuters)

A building burns at the site of a market hit by Russian missiles, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in the town of Shevchenkove, Kharkiv region, Ukraine, January 9, 2023 (Governor of Kharkiv region Oleh Sunehubov via Telegram/Handout via Reuters)

US President Joe Biden walks with Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador as he arrives at the Felipe Angeles International Airport, to attend the North American Leaders' Summit, in Santa Lucia, Mexico, January 8, 2023 (Reuters/Henry Romero)

DAILY HOROSCOPES

Negotiate on your behalf. What you propose will lead to success and financial gain. Paying attention to detail and going the extra mile will impress people who can help you advance.

(March 21-April 19)

(April 20-May 20)

Sit tight and let the dust settle. Check out ways to keep up with trends and ensure you have the latest technology working for you. A meeting with someone will help you solidify your plans.

A partnership may entice you, but be wary. Put greater emphasis on how you present yourself. If you communicate your thoughts, someone unexpected will back you.

(May 21-June 20)

(June 21-July 22)

Help someone going through a rough time. Your kindness and patience will help you recognize something valuable. Rethink a certain plan to ease stress. Don't overextend yourself.

Your choices will be up for review, and the outcome will impact your next move. Be true to yourself. A networking event will lead to a tempting deal. Don't invest cash; offer your services.

(July 23-Aug. 22)

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

If you follow your heart, something good will transpire. Criticism will distance you from what you want. Focus on dealing with people openly and incorporating suggestions offered.

Emotions will spin out of control if you don't address issues head-on. Listen to the input offered and do what's best for the majority. A short trip or meeting will point you in the right direction.

SUDOKU

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

(Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

Work quickly, leave nothing to chance and shoot for the stars. Make your plans known. Establishing yourself in a community that welcomes cutting-edge ideas will boost your ego and promote success.

When you think you have everything in place, someone will offer profound insight into something you must consider. Honesty will be necessary if you want to put uncertainty to rest.

(Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Broaden your horizons and see what others offer. Look at your investments and consider the best place to put your money. A change at home may not please everyone. Stop talking and start doing.

Discover possibilities through trial and error. Listen to the experts, then develop a plan that follows the rules and links you directly to someone who can make your dreams come true.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Your imagination will lead to ideas that capture the attention of someone who can see your vision and help you realize it. Don't be offended by suggestions or advice; you might learn something!

(Feb. 20-March 20)

ARCHIE PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

DILBERT

Bumrah to miss Sri Lanka ODIs, doubtful for Australia Test series

Jasprit Bumrah is set to miss the majority of the Test series against Australia as he will need at least another month of rehabilitation for stiffness in his right glute.

Bumrah was on his way back into the India One-Day International (ODI) side having recovered from the back injury he suffered prior to the 2022 T20 World Cup when he sustained this new injury.

Bumrah had cleared a match simulation test at the NCA in Bengaluru, but experienced discomfort on the second day of building up to higher workloads in Mumbai. If everything goes right in his rehabilitation, Bumrah can be in contention for the second half of the Test series against Australia.

Bumrah was withdrawn from India's ODI squad on Monday, on the eve of the first match against Sri Lanka. The development comes exactly one month before the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy that begins in Nagpur on February 9.

The Indian team management was optimistic about Bumrah playing

against Australia after the selectors added him belatedly to the squad for the three ODIs against Sri Lanka, but it emerged on Monday morning that Bumrah had not travelled with the rest of the team to Guwahati for the series opener. The management is also being cautious about Bumrah's fitness because of the ODI World Cup in India in OctoberNovember.

"It's an unfortunate incident with him [Bumrah]," Rohit Sharma said on the eve of the first ODI. "The poor guy had been working very hard at the NCA all this time. Just when he got back to full fitness, he started bowling and everything,

the last two days I think this incident happened where he felt a little bit of stiffness in his back. It's nothing major, it's just stiffness. [But] when Bumrah says anything we have to be very cautious about it. I thought it was important for us to make that decision then, to just pull him out. When we named him [in the squad], he was in the process of getting his workload done. We need to be very careful with him. He had a major injury before the [T20] World Cup. So, we just need to be careful."

Bumrah has been out of action since September last year because of a stress reaction in his back and was rehabilitating at the Board of

Portugal appoint former Belgium boss Martinez as Santos' successor

Portugal have appointed Roberto Martinez as their new Head Coach.

Fernando Santos called time on his eight-year stint at the helm last month, a decision which followed Portugal's surprise World Cup defeat to Morocco.

Santos led Portugal to the quarter-finals in Qatar, where he benched Cristiano Ronaldo for the Selecao's two knockout games – a comprehensive 6-1 win over Switzerland and the 1-0 loss to the Atlas Lions.

Martinez, who was presented as Portugal's new Coach on Monday and has reportedly signed a four-year deal, became a free agent shortly before Santos' exit, leaving his role as Belgium Coach after the Red Devils slumped to a dismal groupstage exit in Qatar.

Former Wigan Athletic and Everton boss Martinez led Belgium to their best World Cup campaign when they clinched third place at Russia 2018, though his failure to deliver silverware with a crop of players said to be the country's "golden generation" has attracted criticism.

Martinez oversaw 61

games during his six-year spell in charge of Belgium, winning 47 (77 per cent).

Belgium beat Canada in their opening match in Qatar, but a defeat to Morocco and draw with Croatia saw them slump eliminated from a World Cup group for the first time since 1998.

They entered the World Cup second in FIFA's world rankings, but dropped to fourth after their failure to reach the knockout round.

Upon taking the job, one of Martinez's foremost challenges will be to make a decision on the international future of Ronaldo, who has

joined Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia following the termination of his contract with Manchester United.

Though Ronaldo recognised his "most ambitious dream" was over after failing to inspire Portugal to glory at his fifth World Cup, the 37-year-old is yet to retire from international football.

Portugal will begin their qualification campaign for Euro 2024 at home to Liechtenstein on March 23, having been drawn into a group also containing Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Slovakia, and Luxembourg.

(Sportsmax)

Control for Cricket in India's National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. He had been advised to get rehab for a minimum of six weeks and was making gradual progress; he resumed training on November 25 and bowling on December 16 at the NCA. He was not part of India's original ODI squad against Sri Lanka, announced on December 27, but was included on January 3.

As per the plan, Bumrah underwent match-simulation tests at the NCA before being declared fit for selection. After clearing those tests at the NCA last week, Bumrah had fresh bowling tests in Mumbai under the supervision of Nitin Patel, the head of NCA's sports science wing and the final authority on a player's fitness clearance. It was after those tests, combined with the scan results, that it was determined Bumrah would need more rehab time.

Both the BCCI and the newly-formed selection panel, led by former India seamer Chetan Sharma, were told Bumrah would not be able to handle a heavy bowling workload based on his current fitness.

The BCCI subsequently announced the delay in his return as a "precautionary measure", and that Bumrah was being withdrawn from the ODIs against Sri Lanka, because he needed "some more time to build bowling resilience".

ESPNcricinfo has learnt Bumrah has been advised to get at least three more weeks of rest before he starts to bowl. The news is a setback to India's planning for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, because the series carries a lot of significance for both teams who are frontrunners to qualify for the World Test Championship final in June.

With several key players, including Rohit, all-round-

er Ravindra Jadeja, and Bumrah not having played Test cricket since the oneoff Test against England in Birmingham last July, the team management has scheduled a preparatory camp in Bengaluru starting February 1. Bumrah was meant to be part of that camp, but he will now focus on building his match fitness and is almost certainly out of the ODI and T20I series against New Zealand that begins on January 18.

India's squad for Sri Lanka ODIs: Rohit Sharma (Captain); Shubman Gill; Virat Kohli; Suryakumar Yadav; Shreyas Iyer; KL Rahul (wicketkeeper); Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper); Hardik Pandya (Vice Captain); Washington Sundar; Yuzvendra Chahal; Kuldeep Yadav; Axar Patel; Mohammed Shami; Mohammed Siraj; Umran Malik and Arshdeep Singh. (ESPNcricinfo)

Australian Open: Players can compete if they have COVID-19

Players at the Australian Open will not need to take COVID-19 tests and could play if they have the virus.

"We just wanted to follow what's currently in the community," tournament director Craig Tiley said.

"We have gone a step further by making a recommendation around staying away when you're ill."

Last year players had to test daily and isolate if positive and also had to be vaccinated, while in 2021 the event took place in a bio-secure bubble.

Nine-time champion Novak Djokovic, who is unvaccinated, was deported last January just before the tournament because of his COVID-19 status.

"We've made it clear to our players, as well as our

staff, if anyone is feeling unwell, stay home; our medical staff will continue to monitor that, with the players individually as well." Tiley added.

"It's a normalised environment for us and, not dissimilar to the cricket, there will potentially be players that will compete with

COVID-19."

Last week, cricketer Matt Renshaw continued to play for Australia in a five-day Test match against South Africa in Sydney after testing positive for COVID-19.

The Australian Open starts on Monday, January 16 and runs until Sunday, January 29.

The Australian Open starts on Monday, January 16 and runs until Sunday, January 29

Roberto Martinez

Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of India’s ODI series versus Sri Lanka

Jasprit Bumrah is likely to miss India’s Test series against Australia

should consider former Coach “Go back for Pybus”

– former Windies bowler believes

Former West Indies

fast bowler Daren Powell believes serious consideration should be given to attempting to retrieve the team's former Coach Richard Pybus for the recently-vacated position of Head Coach.

Pybus was sacked in controversial circumstances four years ago as part of a raft of changes made by the then-incoming Cricket West Indies administration of President Ricky Skerritt and his Vice President Kishore Shallow.

The move had proven to be particularly unpopular at

the time, given the fact that under his leadership, West Indies had only just put together an impressive performance in a Test series win against England and showed plenty of good qualities in a battling 2-2 tie in the OneDay International (ODI) series between the teams.

In addition to that, several stakeholders and even some players advised the administration against making so many changes with the 2019 World Cup less than two months away.

With the post once again vacant following the resignation of Phil Simmons,

CWI

Powell believes the opportunity could exist to correct what many consider to have

Wales Captain Bale retires from football aged 33

Wales Captain Gareth Bale has announced his retirement from football at the age of 33 after a glittering career.

The nation's most-capped male player and record men's goal scorer announced his decision on social media.

Bale, a five-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, is arguably Wales's finest ever footballer.

"After careful and thoughtful consideration, I announce my immediate retirement from club and international football," Bale said.

"I feel incredibly fortunate to have realised my dream of playing the sport I love."

Cardiff-born Bale's club career took him from Southampton to Tottenham Hotspur and a world record transfer to Spanish giants Real before his move to Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC in June 2022.

He was his country's talisman as they reached the 2016 and 2020 European Championships before he led Wales at their first World Cup since 1958 at Qatar 2022, ending his international career with 41 goals in 111 appearances.

Bale was twice named footballer of the year while at Tottenham, in 2010-2011 and 2012-2013, and moved to Real for what was then a world-record fee of more than £80 million in September 2013.

During his time in the Spanish capital, Bale helped Real win three league titles and five Champions League titles – a number no other British player has matched –along with three Club World Cups, three Uefa Super Cups and a Spanish cup.

"It [football] has truly given me some of the best moments of my life," added Bale.

"The highest of highs over 17 seasons, that will be impossible to replicate, no matter what the next chapter has in store for me."

From St Mary's to the Bernabeu Bale had joined Tottenham in a deal worth a reported £10 million in 2007 having played 45 times for Southampton, scoring five goals.

Having been used primarily as a left-back in his early career, he really began to thrive in a Spurs shirt when operating further forward, catching the eye especially with a scintillating hat-trick in the Champions League at the San Siro against European champions Inter Milan.

Bale's scintillating Spurs form secured the move to Real, where his spell was not always positive despite the fact he scored 104 goals in more than 250 appearances for the club, including two in a match-winning performance in the 2018 Champions League final against Liverpool.

That was one of five European titles with Real, but injuries and inconsistent form led to fewer first-team opportunities as his time in Spain went on.

In 2019, Bale looked on the verge of moving to Chinese club Jiangsu Suning, but the proposed transfer broke down, with the forward saying at the time that Real had "blocked"

the move.

His relationship with the Spanish giants was further impacted after he celebrated Wales' qualification for Euro 2020 with a Welsh flag emblazoned with the words 'Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order'.

He returned to Tottenham on loan in 2021-2022 – and scored 17 goals to give him an overall Spurs record of 72 goals in 237 games at a club where he is still adored – before making just seven club appearances for Madrid in the following campaign, his last as a Real player.

After his Real contract expired, Bale joined LAFC on a 12-month deal, though his spell in the US was blighted by fitness issues.

Bale managed 13 appearances – including only two starts – for LAFC, though he did help the club lift the MLS Cup for the first time in November by scoring a last-minute equaliser in extra time to set up a penalty shootout which his side won.

“Opportunity for a new adventure”

"To show my gratitude to all of those that have played their part along this journey

been a grave error in judgment. As to whether the

54-year-old Pybus, who is reportedly shortlisted for the South Africa job, would be interested in returning after a departure in such acrimonious circumstances, or whether the CWI would be willing to make such a drastic reversal is another thing entirely.

"Why can't we go back for him (Pybus)? He was doing a good job and we have tried another way and it seems as if things didn't go down the right road," Powell told the Mason and Guest radio programme.

As part of their election platform, the SkerrittShallow administration had promised to give priority to

Caribbean-born individuals for top leadership positions.

"If you look at Pybus and what he did with the West Indies, I would have been willing to cut off my nose to spite my face for him...how do you know why a man becomes a man? When he can accept that he was wrong, apologise and move on," Powell added.

Prior to his appointment as Coach of the team, Pybus endured somewhat of a rocky tenure, serving as High Performance Director in February 2018, having previously served as West Indies director of cricket from 2013 to the end of 2016. (Sportsmax)

Hamlin leaves hospital 1 week after cardiac arrest

feels like an impossibility," Bale said.

"I feel indebted to many people for helping to change my life and shape my career in a way I couldn't have ever dreamed of when I first started out at nine years old.

"To my previous clubs Southampton, Tottenham, Real Madrid and finally LAFC, all of my previous managers and coaches, backroom staff, team-mates, all the dedicated fans, my agents, my amazing friends and family, the impact you have had is immeasurable.

"My parents and my sister, without your dedication in the early days, without such a strong foundation, I wouldn't be writing this statement right now, so thank you for putting me on this path and for your unwavering support.

"My wife and my children, your love and support has carried me through. Right beside me for all the highs and lows keeping me grounded along the way, you inspire me to be better and to make you proud.

"So, I move on with anticipation to the next stage of my life, a time of change in transition and opportunity for a new adventure." (BBC Sport)

Buffalo Bills safety

Damar Hamlin has been discharged from a Cincinnati hospital one week after suffering cardiac arrest during an NFL game.

The 24-year-old, who had to be resuscitated on the pitch, was released from University of Cincinnati Medical Centre on Monday.

He will continue his recovery at a hospital in Buffalo, doctors said.

"He is doing well and this is the beginning of the next stage of his recovery," said Dr William Knight.

Hamlin collapsed after making a tackle on Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins, and received more than 30 minutes of medical attention on the field before being moved to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

He was put on a ventilator to help his breathing, but just days later doctors reported "remarkable progress".

The American football community rallied in support, raising millions of dollars for charity in Hamlin's name.

The NFL later announced that the Bills game at the Bengals, which had key implications for the end-of-season play-offs, would not be replayed and owners approved changes to the AFC play-off structure as a result.

Tributes were made over the weekend as play in the

regular season resumed.

And Hamlin posted on social media for the first time since his collapse on Sunday to thank fans for their "overwhelming" love.

The Bills later made an emotional show of support for Hamlin as they won their first NFL game since his collapse, beating the New England Patriots at home to clinch second seed in the AFC for the play-offs. (BBC Sport)

688-1569. Address Georgetown.

Damar Hamlin was released from hospital on Monday

Gareth Bale has won five Champions League titles, more than any other British player

Richard Pybus is no stranger to the West Indies set-up

Ninvalle optimistic of another successful year for NSC

2022 was quite the successful year for the National Sports Commission (NSC), according to Director of Sport (DoS), Steve Ninvalle.

The Director of Sport made this revelation during a chat with Guyana Times Sport last week.

Atop the list of the NSC’s major achievements in 2022, of course, is the implementation of the Sports Academies for Guyana’s 12 core sports; but Ninvalle has also placed value on the relationships established with sport associations across the country.

“If it’s one thing that stands out in my mind as Director of Sport, I think it would be the fact that we were able to start the academy. The academy has had a great impact on sport and the direction of sport in Guyana. But even though we were able to start that and it will continue, we were also able to reach out to 1) the 12 core sport disciplines and 2) every other association,” Ninvalle reflected.

He continued on the topic of establishing meaningful relationships with sport associations, “I’ll tell you what, it’s the first

time, I think, that associations enjoyed or were able to have this sort of accessibility. The National Sports Commission has been extremely accessible and we’ve been extremely generous to associations. What that did, it allowed associations, whether local or overseas, to breathe with a little more ease and from the desk of the Director of Sport, I would want to say that we did extremely well.”

Still on the topic of engaging associations, Ninvalle went on to explain to this publication why the NSC’s relationship with associations was important

and how he intended to improve on such this year.

“There’s a lot of work that we’ll be doing, but the most important thing for me is that we’ve established such a relationship with all associations, that the associations now feel comfortable that they can come to the National Sports Commission and say ‘hey, we have an issue, how could we work to rectify that? And I’m saying this with associations across the board.”

Ninvalle further stated, “We’ve been extremely generous and we expect to continue being generous with the associations. Of course,

FIFA referee Sherwin Johnson retires

One of Guyana’s most highly-respected referees, Sherwin Johnson has announced his retirement after 13 years on the field.

Johnson called time on his top- level career, having officiated in matches for the Caribbean Football Union (CFU), CONCACAF and FIFA. The FIFAaccredited official refereed his final match on January 1t at the Leonora Track & Field Stadium, West Demerara.

“Being a referee for 13 years was an honour. I genuinely enjoyed those years and I officiated with pride and dignity. Even as I retire as a referee, I will be available to render my services in any way possible which will aid in the development of football in Guyana,” Johnson said.

The 43-year-old has controlled a total of 285 matches – 228 regional and 57 international games between 2012 and 2022. He regards the CONCACAF Caribbean Club Shield tournament in 2019, where he refereed two matches and was a part of the officiating team in the finals, as the highlight of his career.

“I wish to express my sincere gratitude to President Wayne Forde and the Council of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and the Guyana Referees' Council for affording me the opportunity to represent Guyana both locally and internationally. I would also like to thank

the Secretariat staff for their support during my tenure,” Johnson said.

GFF President Forde congratulated Johnson on his career and thanked him for the significant role he played in the professionalisation of refereeing in Guyana over the last 13 years.

“Mr Johnson served his fraternity with a measure of dignity and professionalism that I have come to truly admire. He represented the GFF with distinction in his international duties as a FIFA match official and has consequently paved the way for those that are willing to follow his example of hard work, discipline, and sacrifice. On behalf of our

football fraternity, I wish him every success in his future endeavours.”

In an invited comment, GFF Council Member and former FIFA Assistant Referee Dion Inniss said Johnson exemplified dignity and professionalism at all times on the pitch.

“Thanks to Sherwin for the contribution he has made not only to officiating in Guyana, the Caribbean and the hemisphere for the last 13 years, but to football in general. Many times referees are not given the necessary words of kudos for the sacrifices they make for the game as foot soldiers of football. He has done a yeoman service to the game over the years.”

they have their part to play also, in making sure they’re accountable and we’ve been having continuous conversations with them. Because for some people, this is new for them.”

Turning his attention to plans for the months ahead, the Director of Sport went on to share several that the NSC and Government were focused on for 2023, including the laying of synthetic

tracks in Regions Six and 10 and mini sports halls across the country.

Ninvalle divulged to Guyana Times Sport, “2023, we have a lot of things planned. You know, we would have started works at the track in Linden and in Region Six. More work will continue in 2023, we’ve done the asphalting in Region 10, the asphalting of Region Six is expected and

GMR&SC AGM, elections on today

also the laying of the synthetic material. We already have that synthetic material.”

“Government is building mini stadiums, all-purpose facilities like Sports Halls in several regions that I think is being built to the tune of $80 million each. That’ll say that sport can be held in all of these regions in a comfortable environment,” he further disclosed.

…9 events listed in 2023 calendar

Incumbent President Mahendra Boodhoo is likely to contest for the top spot in the Executive Committee of the Guyana Motor Racing and Sports Club (GMR&SC) when elections are hosted today, January 10, 2023.

Today’s elections will come during the GMR&SC’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), at its hall on Thomas Lands and Albert Street, Georgetown.

On the GMR&SC’s agenda is the presentation of Management Accounts for 2022, treasurer’s report, election of Auditors and the election of the Executive Committee.

According to the club’s rules, only financial members will be entitled to attend and later, vote.

While reports indicate that the incumbent Boodhoo is likely to run for President once again, his executive is likely to include Mohamad Shairaz Roshandin (Vice President); Azim Jaffar (Secretary); Chetram Singh (Treasurer); Azaad Hassan (Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer); Rameez Mohamed (Captain); Joel Evans (Technical Adviser) along with Committee Members Mark Vieira, Gavin Guyadin, Roshan Ali and John Chin – Boodhoo’s slate when he last contested the GMR&SC presidency.

Meanwhile, the GMR&SC has released a schedule of its 2023 activities, which include nine events. Of those events, two will be international meets in August and November respectively.

The first GMR&SC event of the year is set for

January 29, 2023 at the recently-improved South Dakota Circuit. There, round one of the Endurance

Series will kick off while round one of the Dragracing series is next up on February 19, 2023.

Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle

Now retired referee Sherwin Johnson