Guyana Times - Tuesday, January 24, 2023

Constitutional agencies’ budgetary allocations increase by 17% …GECOM, Supreme Court to get substantial sums from $13.8B

Voters’ List, for the upcoming LGE. Since then, doubt has been expressed about GECOM’s capacity to hold elections on March 13.

Another agency getting a sizeable allocation was the Supreme Court, which received a budgeted $2.5 billion in current sums (net)

meanwhile allocated $174.3 million. The Police Service Commission was appointed last year, with the commissioners taking their oath of office before President Dr Irfaan Ali.

The Ethnic Relations Commission was allocated $137.3 million, while

Procurement Commission. The Rights Commissions of Guyana (which includes the Rights of the Child Commission) was allocated $155.9 million. The Office of the Ombudsman was allocated $62.8 million and the Public Service Appellate Tribunal received an alloca-

By Jarryl Bryan

Constitutional agencies have been allocated a lump sum of $13.8 billion from budget 2023, an over 17 per cent increase that will be charged from the Consolidated Fund and partly funded by $208.9 billion from the Natural Resource Fund (NRF).

A motion to this effect was submitted by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh. In the motion. It was noted that the $208.9 bil-

lion in oil funds will be withdrawn from the NRF for the current fiscal year, in accordance with the Natural Resource Fund Act 2021.

Leading the way in allocations was the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM), which was allocated $5 billion in net current funds and $150 million in capital funds… a total of $5.1 billion.

GECOM is expected to hold Local Government Elections (LGE) this year. More than $750 million was set aside in Budget 2022 for the preparations to be un-

dertaken by GECOM for the hosting of LGE. This money was part of an overall $4.1 billion allocation to GECOM in Budget 2022.

In October 2022, Local Government and Regional Development Minister Nigel Dharamlall set Monday, March 13, 2023, as the date for hosting the long-overdue Local Government polls in Guyana. This was the earliest date that GECOM indicated the elections could be held.

But court action was subsequently filed, challenging the process used to compile the List of Electors, or

and $1.5 billion in capital sums… for a grand total of $4 billion. Meanwhile, Parliament office got a total of $1.9 billion in combined current and capital funds. And the Audit Office received $1.1 billion.

The Public and Police Service Commissions was

the Teaching Service Commission received an allocation of $147.6 million. The Judicial Service Commission was meanwhile allocated $10 million.

A sum of $355.7 million was allocated to public prosecutions and $261.8 million was allocated to the Public

tion of $69.8 million.

Last year, a lump sum of $11.7 billion was allocated by the Government to the Constitutional agencies. This therefore means that allocations to constitutional agencies have increased by 17.9 per cent in 2023.

The Guyana Elections Commission

The Supreme Court

BRIDGE OPENINGS

The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on: Tuesday, Jan 24 – 04:15h – 05:45h and Wednesday, Jan 25 – No closure.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Tuesday, Jan 24 – 06:10h –07:40h and Wednesday, Jan 25 – 06:50h – 08:20h.

FERRY SCHEDULE

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

WEATHER TODAY

There will be sunshine during the day. Expect clear skies at night. Temperatures should range between 19 degrees Celsius and 29 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-Easterly to Northerly between 1.78 metres and 4.91 metres.

High Tide: 06:27h and 18:44h reaching maximum heights of 2.68 metres and 2.77 metres.

Low Tide: 12:17h reaching a minimum height of 0.54 metre.

Oil and gas have “long future” in Caribbean’s energy security quest – Ali …as vision for renewables attracts high price tag

shared that to secure the energy requirement, the reality is that the Caribbean will need oil and gas resources.

The estimated renewable capacity of the Region is 1574 megawatts with a capital requirement of US$11 billion to achieve fundamental targets.

The President detailed, “We can safely say that in this Region, fossil fuel and natural gas has a long future ahead of us. It is not a big scientific analysis. It is based on what is before us. The conversation is how do

system and world that move towards net zero? How do we reduce our carbon footprint? How do we catalyse the revenue to open up new sectors, greener technology.”

He underscored that going ‘green’ is not a simple task without significant investments, which the Region does not have. As such, he urged countries with natural gas resources to aggressively pursue its natural gas to subdue the energy insecurity within the Caribbean, while working towards greener technologies.

Moving further away from a reality of energy security and lacking investments in the Region to support the renewable energy vision, President Dr Irfaan Ali has underscored that oil and natural gas have a long future ahead before this transition unfolds.

The Guyanese Head of State delivered his address at the Trinidad and Tobago Energy Conference 2023 in Port-of-Spain on Monday, where he stressed that battling an energy crisis is cre-

we take this reality in the context of building a global

“For the energy need security of this Region, I once again reinforce the call that every single country in the region with potential in natural gas should be allowed to explore that potential to its fullest, aggressively to ensure the energy security of this Region,” Ali positioned.

He cited the case of Trinidad and Tobago, where this opportunity exists and should be allowed to blossom.

The Guyanese President expressed that high energy prices mean high transportation, electricity and consumable costs, contributing to inflation.

Renewables have been touted to break the hefty carbon footprint, but Ali

President Dr Irfaan Ali at the Trinidad and Tobago Energy Conference 2023

President Ali with Trinidadian PM Dr Keith Rowley and other officials

A section of the attendees of the conference

Editor: Tusika Martin

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Opportunities for small businesses

Early in 2022, the Government had announced that it was exploring ways to create more opportunities for small businesses, which is crucial, as persons with this type of business and those who want to start businesses often have neither the cash flow nor collateral.

To quote President Ali: “We have to have a discussion on the apportionment of that risk, and how we can minimise or remove the collateral requirement and take the contract at face value, and then work out a mechanism through which a contract at face value is used to support those business operations.”

The issue of cash flow for micro-enterprises has been a topic of interest over the years, not only in Guyana, but in other countries around the world, especially as it relates to women. Debates have centred around the challenges many women face in getting access to equal opportunities, and, in a general sense, programmes and policies that could be implemented to ensure their economic and social advancement.

In his Budget 2022 presentation, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh said that over the past two years, Government, through the Small Business Bureau, has continued to support small business development through a suite of initiatives. Importantly, in 2023, $584.2 million was allocated to the Small Business Bureau and the Small Business Development Fund.

While there have not been specific statistics on how many women have had access to this support, it must be recognised that women make enormous contributions to economies, whether in businesses, on farms, as entrepreneurs or employees, or by doing unpaid care work at home. According to the United Nations, investing in women’s economic empowerment sets a direct path towards gender equality, poverty eradication, and inclusive economic growth.

Here, in Guyana, women have made tremendous progress at every level of the society. This country deserves commendation for the advances it has made in ensuring that in addition to women being protected under the law, they are given the relevant opportunities for their personal and professional advancement.

However, there is still a far way to go before we can safely say that women have access to the resources and opportunities they need to fully develop themselves. For example, our single-parent mothers have, over the years, found it very difficult to make ends meet. Many of them have found themselves in a position where they work from month to month and there seems to be no end to the financial hardships they experience. For some, who would like to venture out into establishing their own small business, etc, the criteria set by banks and other lending institutions make it difficult to access the necessary loans. This is where the Small Business Bureau will have to diligently review its role in helping women. We agree that the Bureau, along with a few other institutions, gives grants and other forms of support, but those are on a limited scale.

Certainly, the economic and social advancement of all women, including those in hinterland and rural communities, should remain a priority. Focus must continue to be placed on providing jobs, access to skills training, access to financial resources, and protection from domestic and other forms of violence.

Women, over the years, have made tremendous progress, not only in terms of their own advancement, but by playing a key role in the development of their own communities, and by extension, allowing other women opportunities to develop themselves.

We believe that when women are allowed to develop their full potential, it is not only women who gain, but the entire society.

Local small businesses and more so women having access to financing for their businesses will indeed play an integral part of the development of Guyana.

To quote Minister Singh: “…small businesses are essential to ensure a diversified and resilient Guyana, as well as for the sustainability of livelihoods for thousands of households.”

When will Putin give up Ukraine?

By Olga Chyzh

Almost a year on, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has lost little of its shock value. Last weekend, a targeted missile strike hollowed out a residential building in Dnipro, killing 45 citizens. Now, the UK, France and even ever-cautious Germany are talking about supplying Ukraine with Western tanks – something that seemed unthinkable even a month ago as Western allies remained stuck in a bureaucratic game of chicken, with none willing to be the first to send tanks.

So what has changed? Top defence officials in the US and EU have explained the recent development as a way to help Ukraine gain decisive battlefield success that would force Russia into peace negotiations. Yet Ukraine has been desperately pleading with the West to provide offensive weapons since the early days of the invasion. What has motivated this new resolve among Ukraine’s Western supporters?

The answer lies in the war’s timeline, a concept known among deterrence scholars as “the shadow of the future”. As Putin’s “three-day war” stretched into weeks and months, each party had to formulate a long-term plan. After some initial faltering, the West has eventually adopted the classic, textbook strategy of incremental escalation.

Escalating military assistance from small anti-tank devices to artillery, Patriot missile defence systems to tanks, is a signalling strategy akin to that of incrementally raising the bet to convey a strong hand in poker. As they cross Russia’s “red lines” one after another, the US and its allies are sending a message about their

resolve to provide Ukraine with the support it needs to repel Russia’s invasion. The idea is that, if Russia believed it would ultimately be unable to achieve its military goals, then its best response would be to cut its losses now rather than continue fighting a war it cannot win.

So why is Russia not folding? Because Putin operates under a different set of domestic institutional constraints from his opponents in the West. In contrast to democratic leaders, who stay in power by winning the support of a sizeable proportion of the voting-age population, Putin’s continuity in power is only predicated on the support of a handful of trusted elites, most of whom rely on him for their high-level positions in industry or government. While these elites often snipe at one another in order to increase their own influence, they depend on Putin’s favour for resources, and are in no position to oppose his policy actions, as their fortunes are directly linked.

This institutional context affords the Russian leader two important advantages. The first is temporal. Unconstrained by regularised electoral competition, Putin can afford to play the long game, to bide his time and wait until today’s proUkraine elites in the West are replaced by those that are less favourable.

While Western leaders congratulate one another on excelling at this game of poker, Putin and his elites are not even playing at the same table. From Russia’s perspective, its current adversaries in the West are but momentary blips on its way to achieving its military goals. In two years’ time, the US President, Joe Biden, may no longer be there to ensure Western unity in its

support for Ukraine. And even a small crack may be sufficient to turn the tide for Russia.

Putin’s second advantage comes in the form of policy latitude. With no requirement to answer to the public, who bear the brunt of the war’s financial costs, Putin’s policy range is determined by competing interests in his small inner circle. And those mainly military and intelligence elites are fully on board with the war: to them, the benefit of reuniting Soviet territories far outweighs what they perceive as temporary costs. Some of these elites have been clamouring for further escalation, such as the total military mobilisation of Russian society. The current concentration of power within Russia’s conservative elites points to the Kremlin’s imperialist foreign policy stretching far beyond Putin’s leadership.

The West acts as if it is unaware of this second advantage, mistakenly judging Russia by its own benchmark. In the minds of Western leaders, there exists a military cost threshold, in casualties or treasure, that would compel Russia to back down: if only Ukraine had one more breakthrough, Russia might just see the light and agree to make some compromises. What Biden and his European allies forget is that authoritarian leaders do not face the same public pressures as leaders of democratic regimes. Sobering images of troops returning home in body bags are detrimental for democratic Presidents, but are irrelevant for leaders who do not rely on public support to remain in power. No number of casualties will soften the Russian pharaoh’s heart.

What does this mean for Ukraine? It means that Russia will not relent.

There’s a Russian folk saying that the first crepe in a batch usually does not pan out – in other words, succeeding at something usually takes some trial and error. The same seems to apply to its military campaigns. From the SovietFinnish wars to Chechnya, Russia has a history of initially failed military campaigns that succeeded on the second go.

Even if Ukraine chases every last Russian soldier from its land, Russia’s aggression will not end. Russia will continue to make claims to Ukraine’s territory, and will back them up with threats, intermittent missile launches and border skirmishes. There is no such thing as a decisive victory for the defender. A decisive victory implies the destruction of the attacker, lest it come back after a brief reprieve. Destroying Russia’s will or long-term capacity to take its land is something that, for Ukraine, is not an option. With an aggressor impervious to international or domestic pressure, tenuous peace, backed by a state-of-the-art anti-missile defence system and a worldclass military on standby, may just be the best outcome Ukraine can hope to achieve.

Ukraine knows this, even though its Western supporters are still hoping for a good-faith negotiated settlement. What Ukraine needs is to prepare for the long haul, strengthen its relationships with additional potential allies, and further develop its own defence industry. The only way Ukraine can achieve lasting peace is by stockpiling the biggest guns it can find. (The Guardian)

(Olga Chyzh researches political violence and repressive regimes. She is an assistant professor in the department of political science at the University of Toronto.)

Aerial view of acting Commissioner of Police Clifton Hicken’s inspection of ranks on Monday at Tactical Services Unit (TSU) Drill Square, Police Headquarters, Eve Leary, Georgetown (GPF photo)

GECOM Commissioner’s quite ironic

Dear Editor, Esteem Commissioner of GECOM and former Minister of many portfolios, Mr Clement Rohee, has taken to the media, to ‘once again rebuff my efforts to dictate to GECOM’. His major contention is Mr Alexander consistently fails to make distinction between policy decisions made at the statutory meetings of GECOM and internal administrative matters in relation to staff at GECOM`s Secretariat with the organisation`s constitutional responsibilities. This accusation is quite ironic. Mr Rohee, during his tenure as Minister of Home Affairs insisted on personally interviewing every overseas applicant who required and applied for a Work Permit. Apparently, to determine whether an applicant meet the requirements was a policy determination, rather than an administrative determination. He certainly showed no appreciation then for his now proclaimed “internal administrative matters”. Against that warped experiential background, Mr Rohee arrogates to himself the authority to determine what is in the realm of policy engagement as opposed to administration. In doing so, he describes the Commission`s constitutional responsibility as an internal administrative/secretariat responsibility. This is quite apposite to his own

conduct as a Minister. He clearly embraces double standards aimed at serving his purpose in the specific circumstance.

Article 161A. (1) of the Constitution states: The Elections Commission shall be responsible for the efficient functioning of the Secretariat of the Commission, which shall comprise the officers and employees of the Commission, and for the appointment of all staff to the offices thereof …”

This article specifies three things: (1) It clearly states that the Commission is responsible for all staffing related matters of the Secretariat; (II) It specifies ‘ensuring efficiency’ as a key aspect of the Commission`s responsibility; and (iii) that reference to the Secretariat means staff and employees.

On November 9, 2022 the Chief Elections Officer wrote to the Chairperson of GECOM stating the following: “I hereby request your approval for Mr Aneal Giddings, IT manager, to be seconded, with immediate effect, as ‘Operations Coordinator’ within the Operations Department of the Commission`s Secretariat to carry out the responsibilities that would normally fall within the list of duties of the DCEO. In this regard, it is proposed that Mr Giddings be paid a monthly duty allowance of Three hundred Thousand Dollars (300,000). He also

stated that Mr Giddings is the most suitable Senior Manager who can be relied upon to manage … with the required level of efficiency. Any such correspondence should be addressed to the Commission through the Chairperson, especially since no such position and accompanying job description existed. However, the Chairperson signed granting approval on the said day, without any reference or deference to the Commission, which is responsible for staffing.

Since no such position existed in GECOM’s organisational chart, its creation can only be considered to be a matter of policy. To wit, the Constitution specifies that the Commission has the responsibility for the efficient functioning of the Secretariat, yet the Chairperson and now the Honourable Clement Rohee are deeming the action of the Chair to be an internal administrative matter. It also begs the question: Why did the CEO, the Administrative Head of the Secretariat find it necessary to seek the Chairman`s approval for what is now being described as an internal administrative matter? The Chairperson has no authority to determine policy matters, unless the law clearly specifies or the Commission delegates. Neither caveat is applicable, in this case. Even in the case of emergencies or expediency, if

the Chairperson acts on behalf of the Commission, such actions should be reported soonest, for ratification. In this instance, the Commission became aware two months after the illicit appointment. Many meetings and other opportunities were not taken to report on the matter.

Mr Rohee also cites a previously unauthorised appointment as the basis for turning a blind eye to yet another such act. It should be noted that the Commission at that time reprimanded the officer who perpetrated that act. Rohee`s resort to that case as justification flies in the face of all that Rohee and his ilk are saying about transformation of GECOM and the electoral apparatus. Clearly, they are unprincipled and embrace whatever suits their purpose. That such is the case will become manifest as this matter and related matters, such as the appointment of the DCEO unfolds, suffice to say that the position of DCEO was advertised in December, 2018. Four years have elapsed with no routine action taken, or urgency being attached, to filling the vacancy, notwithstanding shortlisting, and calls for the position to be filled. However, in the meantime, a job description is development, the position of Operations Coordinator (DCEO approximate) created, and a so-called ‘second-

Time for City Hall to step up and take its responsibilities seriously

Dear Editor,

Since the commencement of this year, I have learnt via the media of a number of events and occurrences in our capital city that leaves much to be desired and to which the Georgetown Municipality seems totally oblivious and unconcerned.

There was the flooding of the Princes Street area (and I note some of our reporters incorrectly referring to it as Princess Street when it is really Princes Street) due to a breach at the sluice in the area. It was then that I learnt that it is the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) and not the Georgetown Municipality that is now responsible for key drainage works in the city. This is a shocking revelation and leaves one to wonder where really is our property rates going and what does our city’s engineers have to do now that they have been relieved of that responsibility?

Additionally, I observed that it was the Minister of Agriculture who visited the scene to make an assessment

of the circumstances and to implement measures to have the situation corrected and not the Mayor of Georgetown. Why is this so?

Then we have had the unrestrained occurrences of violent crimes being perpetuated in the city such as the incident of the young man who was attacked and shot by suspected bandits at Third Street, Cummings Lodge, and then there was that video in circulation of two men choking and robbing another male on the pavement leaving him lying in a heap. The question to be asked is where is the City Police?

And to add insult to injury, there was the recent claim by the Mayor of Georgetown that his life and that of his family were put in danger by the removal of the City Police that are guarding one of his properties located at Pigeon Island. This is in spite of him having a retinue of bodyguards and static security stationed at another property of his located at Lamaha Street. It is no wonder City Policemen can hardly be seen

around the city.

It is time that the officials at City Hall step up to the plate and take their responsibilities seriously. Instead of moaning about the Central Government starving and marginalising them, they should seek to carry out their statutory duties and respon-

sibilities such as policing the city, maintaining the integrity of the drainage system, managing solid waste, providing public health services among other municipal duties.

Sincerely, Jermain Johnson

ment’ effected, under the radar, with no disclosure to the Commission for over two months.

Notwithstanding the irregularity surrounding this matter, Mr Rohee sees my enlightened position as an attempt to dictate. In that regard, he either does know of, or understand, the constitutional provisions; or intended to facilitate non-adherence while deeming justifiable reason, constitutional stipulations, and good governance practices to be dictatorial. His call for a vote on an irregular creation of, and appointment to, a position is his notion of democratic action.

Mr Rohee also raised unrelated matters, in his letter, in his attempt to have his position and himself gain public acceptance. For the innocent and non-partisans, here are some facts for your consideration.

1. He refers to unproven and an erroneous allegation against Mr Vishnu Persaud in his attempt to paint me as racist. Fortunately, no such allegations can be honestly and evidentially levelled against me, in relation to public offices that I have occupied. With specific reference to Mr Persaud, I said and maintain that when he was appointed to the position of DCEO, he was not the holder of a requisite first degree. The court never dealt with that matter. What the court dealt with

was whether I accused him of creating the pretext for his employment. I never did, nor intended to, since I was quite aware of who created the pretext. Go read the judgement. It will reveal either Rohee’s sinister use, or misinterpretation, of the judgement.

2. Similarly, I argued that Roxanne Myers’ academic qualification was superior to that of Mr Persaud, when they competed for the position of DCEO. Rohee references the ERC`s conclusion that M Persaud had a higher score. That is true, but politicised scores are no reflection of objective comparison. Ms Myers` average grade for her Master`s is B. Mr. Persaud`s is D. Those are not gradation of ethnicity; they are comparative academic performances. In that regard, Rohee did not reference the more fundamental conclusions of the ERC, that is there are no institutional rules or practices in GECOM which allows for ethnic discrimination in hiring, and the six Commissioners are all vigilant to ensure that no such discrimination can be practiced without challenge.

Rohee`s attempted spin cannot change any of the facts that are out there. Nor can it make his case for the illicit creation of a post, and an irregular appointment to that post acceptable.

Yours truly, Vincent Alexander

Page Foundation

R

CONTINUED FROM MONDAY

Finally, when he failed to return, she grew sad and transformed herself into a flower, thinking, "Someone will surely come this way and trample me down."

However, it happened that a shepherd who was herding his sheep in the field saw the flower. As it was so beautiful, he picked it, took it home with him, and put it away in his chest. From that time forth, strange things happened in the shepherd's house. When he arose in the morning all the work was already done. The room was swept, the table and benches cleaned, the fire on the hearth was lighted, and the water was fetched, and at noon, when he came home, the table was already set, and a good dinner served. He didn't know how this happened, for he never saw anyone in his house, and no one could have hidden himself in it.

He was, of course, pleased with this good service, but with time he became so afraid that he

esearch Amazonian wildlife and create a diorama and fact sheet on your research. A diorama is a model representing a scene with three-dimensional figures, either in miniature or as alarge-scale museum exhibit.

Instructions

1. Research facts about the Amazon rainforest, including the wildlife of the region.

2. Make a list of the ani-

mals indigenous to the region.

3. Choose one animal and make a diorama of a scene that shows the animal in its natural habitat, complete with a fact sheet.

By The BroThers Grimm

went to a wise woman and asked for her advice.

The wise woman said, "There is magic behind it. Be on the watch very early some morning, and if anything is moving in the room, if you see anything, no matter what it is, throw a white cloth over it, and then the magic will be stopped."

The shepherd did what she told him to do, and the next morning just at dawn, he saw the chest open and the flower come out. He quickly jumped towards it and threw a white cloth over it. Instantly the transformation came to an end, and a beautiful girl stood before him, who admitted to him that she had been the flower, and that she had been doing his housekeeping. She told him her story. He liked her and asked her to marry him, but she answered, "No," for she wanted to remain faithful to her sweetheart Roland, even though he had abandoned her. Nevertheless, she promised not to go away, and to continue keeping house for the shepherd.

The time drew near when Roland was to be married. According to an old custom in that country, it was announced that all the girls were to attend the wedding and sing in honour of the bridal pair. When the faithful girl heard this, she grew so sad that she thought her heart would break, and she did not want to go. But the other girls came and took her. When it was her turn to sing, she declined, until at last she was the only one left, and then she could not refuse.

But when she began her song, and it reached Roland's ears, he jumped up and shouted, "I know that voice. That is the true bride. I do not want anyone else." Everything he had forgotten, and which had vanished from his mind, had suddenly come home again to his heart.

Thus the faithful girl was married to her sweetheart Roland. Her grief came to an end, and her joy began. (THE END)

“Don’t distort facts!” – Govt MP to Opposition MP

Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy on Monday used his allotted time in the budget debate to rebut many of the criticisms that have been cast at the recently presented $781.9 billion national budget, by the parliamentary Opposition.

One of the often-repeated criticisms by the parliamentary Opposition is that enough is not being done to address cost of living. However, Minister McCoy emphasised that the Government is in touch with

the people and their needs at the grass roots.

In fact, he said that each Minister has been on over 200 outreaches across the country, since they came to office. Not only did McCoy make it clear that the Government is cognisant of cost of living, he even debunked some of the increases that were quoted.

“We’re being watched all over the world, on social media and other platforms. And anyone… not knowing what happens in Guyana, would go away with the impression that the cost-of-liv-

Oil and gas have...

The Caribbean Sustainable Energy Roadmap and Strategy, approved to support the energy policy of the Region, sets regional targets for renewable energy contribution to total electricity generation in Caricom, at 28 per cent by 2022 and 47 per cent by 2027. The reality is that as of 2020, only 11.5 per cent renewable energy was achieved.

The only known available financing to achieve this target is through the Caribbean Development Bank, with a loan portfolio of US$1.4 billion.

Dr Ali commented, “This is the reality. This is not skirting around the issue or intellectually tampering with the issue. We have a responsibility as policymakers to fit things in its realistic environment and construct.”

According to the World Energy and Consumption Yearbook 2021, global energy consumption rebounded by five per cent as compared to the 4.5 per cent fall in 2020.

The global primary consumption for 2021 was 176,431 terawatt hours with four main sources of power consumed being oil, coal, natural gas, and hydropower at 29 per cent, 24 per cent, 22 per cent and six per cent, respectively.

“This is the reality. This is not guesswork. This is the data. So, let’s have the con-

versation on how we first move away from coal. Why isn’t that conversation the priority? If coal is the worst form of energy, how do we transition? What is needed to make that first and immediate transition from coal?” he questioned.

The President shared that remarkable efforts have been taken by countries in the Region to cushion inflation. He focused on Guyana, where every cent of tax has been removed from fuel prices and there isn’t any more room to address increases in fuel prices. As such, he noted that Governments must create the mechanisms through policies for the private sector to be guided into making informed investments.

“Much of our inflation is imported. As political leaders and policymakers, we have to face that reality of an inflation that is not as a result of bad policies or mea-

ing issue is so damning and the most horrible situations exist in Guyana. And only Guyana. This is a worldwide phenomenon and we as a Government have owned this issue.”

“One of your MP’s said sugar… now is $400 (a pound). I sent to Mocha. A five-pound sugar is $800. She said one pound is $400. A pound of sugar (is) $160. Coming out of Mocha, I thought it best to buy it from Mocha because she lives there. The oil she said is $800, $400! We cannot come here and tell stories that

FROM PAGE 3

don’t represent the reality! And this is how you have succeeded and survived for many years!”

A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament Nima Flue-Bess castigated the Government for its handling of the Mocha, East Bank Demerara (EBD) squatters who refused to move into already built homes being provided by the Government.

“When we talk about destruction, these people were people who were farmers! This is just one example of a cow that lived in that area. They were told to sell it and move to an area where they cannot continue their farming,” Flue-Bess said.

However, McCoy disputed her claims and said that there is no evidence of animals being bulldozed –a claim that was made by some Opposition MPs when their turn came to give their

budget presentations.

“Where are the animals that were killed in Mocha? I would like to see them! I saw this thing on Facebook one Saturday. And I became concerned that this might actually be happening. And I enquired and we proceeded to the point of finding out that none of it existed!”

“None of it was true! Why are you doing this? To be an Opposition doesn’t mean you have to distort the facts! Doesn’t mean you have to misrepresent people. You don’t have to spread misinformation!” McCoy further said.

As recently as November 2022, Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal had called out the APNU Opposition for urging the persons occupying the Government reserves not to relocate. Croal had contended that extensive work was done to ensure the residents were relocated to developed housing schemes and were adequately com-

pensated based on the market value of their structures on the reserves. As such, he had said the Opposition was being ‘reckless’ and is not interested in the development and upliftment of the very people it claims to represent.

“Those persons [the squatters] would have never been able to be regularised or have a document for ownership, as well as to [be able to] apply for utility in terms of electricity and water…,” the Minister stated.

Croal further noted that the process to remove the squatters was done in a way to minimise living disruption of the families, while making sure that homeownership is legally achieved as a means of building generational wealth.

Some of the residents who were relocated to the Farm-Herstelling housing areas have begun construction of their new homes, while others have already completed their structures. (G3)

sures but an inflation imported as a result of global conditions. This has pushed many families into poverty and food insecurity,” the Head of State voiced.

At the centre of the food, climate and energy crises happening simultaneously around the world, he shared that energy is the backbone through which everything befalls. And in the middle of such crises, he noted that ‘strange movements’ have been driven by a few countries.

“We have seen an unwillingness to lend to companies related to oil and gas. We have seen the cost of capital increasing for companies related to oil and gas and my answer is a very simple one. If you increase the cost of capital and make capital less available for investors, whenever they get the capital, they will also increase the cost of the product.” (G12)

…APNU called out for quoting ‘fictitious’ cost-of-living price increases

APNU Member of Parliament Nima Flue-Bess

Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy displaying a 5lb pack of sugar and a bottle of oil, for which APNU MP Nima Flue-Bess in her presentation claimed the cost has skyrocketed

A section of the attendees of the conference

Piracy attack

Fishermen plead guilty to killing boat captain

offence carries a term of imprisonment.

The duo is charged with murder while committing piracy contrary to Section 7 of the Hijacking and Piracy Act. Satisfied that the pair’s pleas of guilty were unequivocal, Justice Singh recorded them in his minutes book and further remanded them to prison.

Their sentencing hearing is fixed for February 20.

Look out for…

…Carpetbaggers

Following their guilty pleas on Monday, in the 2017 murder of a Corentyne, Berbice boat captain, two fishermen have now been further remanded to prison to await sentencing.

Doodnauth Singh also known as “Rambo”, of Lot 348 Fifth Street, Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, and Khemraj Narsayah called “Antenna”, of Lot 108 B Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, had been on trial before Justice Navindra Singh and a jury for the murder of Mahadeo Ramdial.

Ramdial drowned after

his fishing boat came under attack by pirates.

When the case continued on Monday at the High Court in Berbice, the two accused, who had initially pleaded not guilty to the capital offence, opted to change their pleas to

guilty.

Before accepting the men’s new pleas, the presiding Judge asked them whether they had discussed their decision with their lawyers, if they agreed with the prosecution’s facts, and if they understood that the

It had been reported that on May 16, 2017, Ramdial and two of his crewmen, Arjun Permaul and Parmanand Nandan were attacked by two cutlass-wielding men while out in the Corentyne River.

The fishermen were beaten and relieved of their catch and boat engine before being tossed overboard by the pirates. Ramdial drowned while trying to swim ashore. (G1)

Sentencing hearing for wife killer deferred to next Monday

With Guyana grabbing headlines in all the major news agencies about our massive oil find and its concomitant “highest growth rate in the world”, your Eyewitness wonders why local businesses weren’t prepared for carpetbaggers and grifters to arrive like locusts!! With every story emphasising our backwardness and underdeveloped institutions, wouldn’t they see us as Walter Raleigh did almost five hundred years ago: “like a virgin that had not as yet lost its maidenhead”!?!

In other words, all the hustlers in the world of business –and in business, “hustler” is quite redundant!! – have been informed we’re a prime candidate to be ravished. Which with the dog-eat-dog morality in even the most famous multinationals – remember the contract Raphael brought back? – means we can be raped if we resist!! And Raphael didn’t even resist!! Ouch!!

But it would seem locals bend over willingly once we are approached by businesses from the “developed countries” – especially the US, Britain. Chalk it up to the remnants of the colonial mindset?? They’re on a higher plane of business ethics than ours aren’t they?? Aren’t they the ones who taught us the ropes over the years with all the rules and laws that they enacted?? Well, that’s the point, isn’t it?? Their con men – who exist in all societies – have been at it so much longer than we poor natives who were just the other day exchanging cows for wives!!

Take a look at the con that prompted this piece. Some Louisiana medical services company, RemoteMD – meaning they’ve been dealing with oil companies like Exxon that have huge operations there – got the contract during the COVID epidemic to vaccinate some workers of a sub-contractor. RemoteMD passed on the job to some local labs. All good up to now, isn’t it?? The US company uses its contacts and shares the take with local companies.

But that was just the beginning of the story. After RemoteMD declared bankruptcy in the States, the locals evidently had never been paid. But while US laws allow their companies to walk away from their debtors as they “reorganise”, the Guyanese companies were left holding the bag!! And that’s NOT the end of the story!! Turns out the RemoteMD had billed the oil company contractor at FOUR TIMES what they’d been charged by the locals!! And we thought we Guyanese were greedy!! The Question, of course, is why hadn’t the Exxon contractors deal directly with the local labs?? Kickback?

So, what does the US Embassy say about all of this?? Our Businessmen must do better “due diligence”!! And US businesses must visit Guyana, ‘cause here, “business is culturally done on a face-to-face basis”.

convene a sentencing hearing for a man who admitted to killing his reputed wife and stuffing her body in a barrel.

Initially indicted for the capital offence of murder, 34-year-old Suraj

Veersammy, called “Radesh”, during his arraignment, opted to plead guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter.

He unlawfully killed Devika Narinedatt, called “Vanessa”, 24, on April 9, 2020.

So, if RemoteMD had interacted with our locals, they wouldn’t have raped them??

…choke-and-rob bandits

Some say everything moves in circles…and there’s REALLY nothing new under the sun!! Is this why we’re suddenly experiencing a wave of “choke and rob” in our not-so-fair capital?? The phenomenon had exploded back in the 1960s when the PNC was in the throes of ousting the elected PPP Government. Perceived PPP supporters – read Indian Guyanese, esp rural – who ventured into the city were targeted for the condign treatment. And what was a random series of attacks exploded into a directed tsunami.

So, in this new season of PNC discontent – when they’re again trying to oust an elected PPP Government by any means necessary after their foiled rigging attempt – are we to expect the present wave of choke and rob to again explode into a mugging tsunami?? Now your Eyewitness doesn’t want to be an alarmist – but this upsurge is troubling.

In NY, for instance, an upsurge in street muggings precipitated new policing tactics. Why not in GY??

…Parliamentary intrigue

In parliamentary governance the Opposition gotta accept that the Government with a majority of MPs gonna always have their way – via the floor vote.

Unless they can persuade some Govt MPs to switch!! Or seize the Mace!?!

Next Monday, Berbice High Court Judge Navindra Singh will

Confessed killed: Suraj Veersammy

Dead: Devika Narinedatt

Guilty: Doodnauth Singh

Guilty: Khemraj Narsayah Dead: Mahadeo Ramdial

75% of 7500 persons trained by BIT now meaningfully employed – Hamilton

Budget Debates began on Monday with the Government side being led out by Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton, giving statistics on the impact his Ministry has had since its resuscitation when the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government returned to office.

In his presentation, Hamilton disclosed that from August 2020 to now, a total of 7500 persons have received training under the Board of Industrial Training (BIT). In fact, he revealed that in 2020 alone, 2000 persons were trained. Then in 2021, BIT trained some 3086 persons and last year another 4500 persons were certified after completing their courses.

He then noted that under the previous Government’s five years in office, only between 1300 to 1500 persons were trained. He argued too that little to no effort was made to include hinterland residents in the programme.

Moreover, he noted that of the 7500 persons who have received training under BIT, 75.1 per cent are now meaningfully employed. For the new year, provisions have been made to train an additional 7000 persons.

The Labour Minister not-

ed too that BIT has expanded its programme, forming collaborations with several oil and gas companies and having signed several Memorandums of Understanding with other agencies.

“We have expanded this programme…and we have already started collaborations with companies that are in oil and gas. We are about to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the aeronautic school in Ogle, we have just signed a MoU with the electrical inspectorate of the Public Works

Ministry to ensure that all people we trained as electrical installation personnel, they can be certified,” Hamilton added.

The Minister also announced that since the establishment of the National Job Bank in March last year, a total of 3300 job seekers were successfully employed whilst a total of 239 employers have since registered.

Scholarships

Meanwhile, Public Service Minister Sonia Parag expressed her optimism that with the continued success of the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) Scholarship programme, the PPP/C Government will exceed its target for scholarships to be distributed to Guyanese.

During her Budget Debate presentation, Minister Parag also lambasted the Opposition for its criticism of the programme, despite the thousands of Guyanese it is helping. This also includes the Public Service Ministry (PSM) scholarships.

“My realisation that the Opposition was barefaced, came when they started hurling criticism at our scholarship programme, including GOAL, which continues to see thousands of

Guyanese. And with the $1.8 Billion allocated in this year’s budget, we will surpass the target of 20,000 scholarships in 2023. Two

years early. So, by 2025, we will have substantially increased the number from 20,000. Promise delivered.”

“PSM scholarship, the

largest scholarship grant is given to the University of Guyana. So, it is boggling to me, that somebody would come here and say, oh you promised to give UG free. And you ain’t do it yet. Our plan was a five-year plan. It wasn’t a no plan, like they had. The University of Guyana will become free before 2025.”

Parag noted that in the meantime, scholarships will continue to be offered to ordinary Guyanese to go to the University of Guyana so they can enhance their skills. This, the Minister said, is important to fill the gaps in the public sector and continue to build human capacity. (G3)

Constitutional agencies’ budgetary...

On January 16, the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government presented its largest ever budget, a record $781.9 billion budget financed for the first time by both oil and climate funds, which contains a number of wide-ranging provisions.

At the time, Minister Singh had spoken about the functioning constitutional agencies, such as the Audit Office of Guyana and GECOM. But he had also assured that work is ongo-

ing to get other commissions functional, such as the ERC and the Women and Gender Equality Commission.

“Notably, the consultative process with civil society organisations for nominations to the Ethnic Relations Commission and the Women and Gender Equality Commission has been completed and the approval of the National Assembly is anticipated shortly after this budget is adopted. The work to complete the Rights of the Child Commission

FROM PAGE 2

and the Indigenous People’s Commission should be completed by mid-year.”

“Issues surrounding the appointment of the long-overdue Judicial Service Commission are on public record despite efforts by His Excellency the President to bring this to conclusion in 2022. The process for concluding the nominees to the Public Service Commission is in progress at the Committee of Appointment,” Dr Singh had further said. (G3)

Public Service Minister Sonia Parag

Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton

Top Cop warns against indiscipline by ranks

of their sworn duty to serve and protect. With this in mind, he charged those in attendance to maintain ethical standards at all times.

While inspection will be a monthly activity, Hicken said, “Every day should be an inspection day for all ranks of the Guyana Police Force.”

Punctuality, discipline, and absenteeism were areas that Commissioner Hicken spoke about during his remarks. He also spoke extensively on the steps that the GPF is taking when it comes

to modernisation and building the capacity of the Force to serve the nation.

Among the senior officers and members of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) present were: Deputy Commissioner ‘Administration’ Calvin Brutus; Deputy Commissioner ‘Operations’, Ravindradat Budhram; Deputy Commissioner ‘Law Enforcement’, Wendell Blanhum; and Head of Special Branch, Errol Watts, along with other senior and junior ranks.

Impressed with the turnout and bearing of the ranks, the Top Cop gave monetary awards to five ranks from various Departments of the Force.

Coming in at first place was the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), followed by the Tactical Services Unit in second place, while Immigration came in at third place, followed by Special Constabulary and the Felix Austin Police College, copping fourth and fifth places, respectively. (G12)

Linden miner busted with 14,900 grams of ganja

Commissioner of Police, Clifton Hicken on Monday conducted a general inspection for appearance and conduct with ranks from the Police Headquarters at Eve Leary, Georgetown, as he sounded warnings against indis-

cipline during the conduct of their duties.

The inspection was held at the Guyana Police Force’s Tactical Services Unit Drill Square.

The Top Cop, in his remarks, spoke about the direction the Force is heading

with regard to its reformation process, which has already begun.

“Your turnout and bearing speak volumes,” Commissioner Hicken said, as he reminded that professionalism and decorum are paramount in the discharge

A55-year-old miner of Victory Valley in Wismar, Linden, was on Sunday busted with 14,900 grams of suspected cannabis when ranks from the Ituni Police Station were on patrol.

The ranks, led by a Corporal, were on patrol within the vicinity of the Ituni Police Station at

about 21:45h when they stopped motor car PRR 4322, owned and driven by the 55-year-old man.

The ranks then searched the man and the motor vehicle. A search of the vehicle’s trunk unearthed a black garbage bag containing six bulky parcels with a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems suspected to be

cannabis.

The 55-year-old man, under caution, reportedly told the ranks, “Officer, is a man tell me about de hustle, and I pick it up.”

When weighed, the cannabis amounted to 14,900 grams. He was placed into custody pending charges. (G12)

Police Commissioner Clifton Hicken inspecting ranks of the Force

The suspected cannabis

Displaced Christ Church students resume classroom activities

sume classroom activities on Monday.

It was the first day students attended school in a face-to-face setting, following a fire on January 12, 2023, which destroyed the entire school. Previously, they were engaged through online mediums.

The decision to house the students at CPCE was taken following consultations with parents and teachers on the best way forward. After last week’s engagement with more than 450 parents, they unanimously chose space at CPCE to accommodate the education of their children.

The fire had left over 500 children displaced along with scores of teachers and

auxiliary staff.

On January 12, the Guyana Fire Service received the report of a fire at the school, which is located at the corner of Camp and Middle Streets, Georgetown, at about 17:22h. As such, water tenders from the Central, Alberttown, West Ruimveldt, and Campbellville Fire Stations were immediately dispatched to the location.

Upon arrival, firefighters observed smoke emanating from the two-storey wooden and concrete structure, and while getting into action, the building quickly became engulfed in flames.

Despite firefighting efforts, more than 80 per cent

of the building and its contents was destroyed, with the remainder suffering severe damage.

Additionally, the Fire Service added that three buildings in close proximity to the school were affected by the inferno and suffered damage to several AC units, PVC guttering, ceilings, windows, and curtains.

On Monday last, the Fire Service concluded in its investigation that the fire that devastated the Christ Church Secondary School was maliciously set. In addition, it stated that a previous fire that was successfully put out one week prior to the full destruction was also purposely set. (G12)

After a rocky week following the disastrous fire at Christ

Church Secondary School, students and teachers were comfortably settled

at the Cyril Potter College of Education at Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, to re-

Fire engulfed Christ Church Secondary School on January 12, 2023

Christ Church Secondary students engaged at the CPCE location

Deadly family outing

“Mommy dead?” – children ask father as mother’s body pulled from water

…grieving husband says he married his high school sweetheart

One day before she celebrated her 25th birthday, Akeesia Tryell, known as “Kiki”, drowned during a family outing at the popular Feather Beach, Lima Sands, Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), along with her 25-year-old friend, Kewattie Lallbacchan.

Tyrell’s husband, Joel Christopher Lead, is still struggling to come to grips with her death, and told this publication on Monday that his wife was the closest per-

son to him and they shared a strong bond, since they were high school sweethearts.

He said he was at the beach, under the benab when he heard a loud screaming from his sister saying that his wife gone down in the water.

“My sister start scream, saying ‘Joel, Joel yuh wife gone down’… I run with speed and plunge into the water searching for my wife… I come out and we see bubble in the water and I jump in back when I feel

and pick up the person is my wife friend. I went and search and search and after 45 minutes I find her…her skin was white white and I burst in tears knowing my wife is dead,” he related.

He added, “When the children see we pull out their mother from the water they started to cry asking if mommy dead? … My wife was the closest person to me and we had so many plans for the future…we buy car and so it’s coming a few days from now and my wife

Sentencing hearing for...

State Counsel Nafeeza Baig is prosecuting.

According to reports, the partially decomposed body of the woman was discovered in a barrel floating in a trench at Belvedere, Corentyne, Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne).

After interrogation, Veersammy told detectives that the woman had threatened to end their relationship, and this had angered him and he had retaliated.

Initially, he had claimed

that the late Narinedatt had hanged herself, but he later told Police that they had an argument, during which he had taken a bed sheet to hang himself.

However, in the process of doing so, the woman had continued arguing, and that had prompted him to hang her instead, but not before he had hit her in the head.

After committing the act, Veersammy had said, he had left the house; but he had returned later, cut down the

woman’s body, and stuffed it in a barrel which he later dumped in a nearby trench.

When the woman’s body was discovered, a bed sheet had been tied tightly around her neck, and her body had borne marks of violence on her left eye, left shoulder, left hand, and leg, and stomach. Police had arrested Veersammy at the Dharm Shala at Fort Canje in Region Six. Narinedatt, a Venezuelan national, had been born to Guyanese parents. (G1)

FROM PAGE 8 is gone. All my plan with her is scattered all I need was to get my wife all she wanted and we working and getting closer and now she can’t inherit anything she gone too soon.”

The distraught husband said that he tried eating but does not have the appetite. However, he added that

he has to stay strong for his three children. He added that he will never give up on his children. He said in his eight years of marriage, he and his wife never had any major dispute.

“My wife was so loving she make sure she look after my children, give them education while I go work to provide for them… she make sure my lunch is packed every day and my children be happy… she was so loving and caring, always want to build a happy family and open a business, buy house and land and car and we getting there and now she gone… my wife is gone,” the distraught husband said.

The lifeless bodies of 25-year-old Kawattie Lallbacchan of Anna Regina and 24-year-old Akeisha Tyrell of La Belle Alliance, Region Two, were pulled from Feather Beach at Lima Sands on the Essequibo Coast on Sunday.

Based on reports reaching Guyana Times, the women, who have three children each, were among family members who visited the popular location. However, after some time in the water, the women were not seen and an alarm was raised.

They were both rushed to the Suddie Public Hospital where they were pronounced dead on arrival (G14)

Dead: Akeesia Tyrell

Grieving husband: Joel Christopher Lead

CIOG provides assistance to pensioner whose home collapsed

The Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana (CIOG) on

Thursday last presented financial assistance to Abdool Raheem, a 68-year-old pen-

sioner of Lot 283 Fourth Field, Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara (ECD),

whose home collapsed due to the high winds on December 26, 2022.

Raheem, who lived alone, was at home cooking in his kitchen when the incident occurred, but luckily, he suffered no injuries.

The CIOG said it is working along with Imam Sanjay Persaud of Old Mosque in raising the necessary funds

required to repair Raheem’s home. The pensioner has nowhere else to stay but to reside in his broken home.

Anyone wishing to render assistance to Raheem can contact the CIOG on (592) 225-6167 or Imam Sanjay on (592) 621-5331.

The CIOG said it has remained committed to providing leadership for the de-

velopment of the Islamic community in Guyana in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah (way of life/conduct) of Prophet Muhammad (upon whom be peace) and to meet the spiritual, social, economic and general welfare needs of both the Islamic and non-Islamic communities over its 44 years of existence.

Over $3.9M injected to complete Kwebanna Water Supply System

720 lengths of 50mm and 300 lengths of 100mm PVC pipelines from the well to the storage tanks and along the distribution network; installation of 220 lengths of 19mm pipelines to accommodate service connections to each resident; installation of PVC pipe fittings; and the provision for a tractor or truck to transport pipes and materials to the project sites from the point of storage.

GWI will be supervising the construction of the storage facility and the installation of the distribution system. Overall, the Kwebanna Water Supply System is pegged at $20 million and will bring first-time potable water access to residents.

More than $3.9 million in contracts were presented to the Kwebanna Village Council for works on the Kwebanna Water Supply System, at Moruca, Region One (Barima-Waini).

Housing and Water Minister Collin Croal handed over the contract to Toshao Troy Peters in the presence of the Regional Chairman, Brentnol Ashley; Vice-Chairperson, Annansha Peters; Director of Hinterland Services at the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), Ramchand Jailal and residents during a village meeting last weekend.

The drilling of the well for the water supply project has already been complet-

ed. The contracts, therefore, provide for the construction of the storage facility and the installation of distribution systems to complete the project; while also providing employment opportunities for villagers.

Croal told residents that the Government will continue to make the necessary investments to ensure all Guyanese have access to potable water, in keeping with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

The works in the contracts will include: the construction of storage tanks’ concrete slab; construction of a 25×25 feet perimeter chain link fence around the well site; installation of

During the meeting, residents also raised several issues regarding agriculture, security, infrastructure development and education. Minister Croal committed to the installation of ten street lights within the next month, at strategic points along the community’s main roadway to enhance their security. More security measures for the community are in the pipeline.

Meanwhile, the Regional Chairman spoke to the extension of the Kwebanna Primary School, rehabilitation of the nursery school, incoming training programmes for nurses at Moruca and other interventions. The matters raised will also be forwarded to the relevant subject Ministers. (G12)

A representative of CIOG handing over the cheque to 68-year-old Abdool Raheem

Toshao Peters receives the contract from Minister Croal

1st phase of works commences at Silica City

Preliminary works at the Government’s model Silica City on the Linden-Soesdyke Highway has commenced to pave the way for the construction of the first 100 homes.

Silica City, Guyana’s first smart urban centre, is intended to be a smart city, powered by renewable energy and developed with the Administration’s revised Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and goal 11 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which speaks to building sustainable cities and communities, in mind.

Guyana Times was told that works at the site commenced on January 14, 2023, by one of two con-

tractors, Geraldo Alphonso. Another contractor is expected to start working today.

During a visit to the site by this publication on Sunday, an excavator operator was seen uprooting and removing large trees from the location in the vicinity of Laluni on the SoesdykeLinden Highway.

Silica City will initially cater for just over 3000 households in the first five years, and eventually grow to house more than 12,500 households when completed.

The first phase of the project will see an initial 400 young professional homes being constructed. It was previously reported that the Housing Ministry had already begun shortlisting persons for these homes.

President Dr Irfaan Ali, during a recent visit to

Kuru-Kururu, last week told the residents that soon construction will commence on the first 100 homes within the city and there will be

Deadly property dispute Brothers paid $85,000 to kill pensioner

employment opportunities for young people.

“[For those] who want to work in the construction sector, we are building a number of houses in this area… 100 homes we starting [to construct] very soon. They need workers. They need skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled workers,” he posited.

The Head of State had engaged residents from a number of communities and squatter settlements on the highway during which he announced three new regularised housing developments would be established along the major roadway – a move that will improve the lives of residents there.

One of the squatting areas that the President visited was “Circuit Ville”, where some 320 households

of about 700 persons are currently residing illegally. During a brief engagement with the occupants there last Wednesday, President Ali pointed out that there has to be a compromise on the way forward. This was after the residents expressed a desire the stay within the area or be relocated somewhere nearby.

In fact, they indicated that they are willing to make necessary adjustments to remain where they currently squat, which could include reducing the land space per household to regularise the area into one of the three developed settlements, but this is based on lands legally available.

The Guyanese leader explained to the residents that due to the development of Silica City along the Linden-

Soesdyke Highway, the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC) team will have to examine the plan for the project and ascertain whether the squatting area falls within the boundaries of it.

If that is the case, then an alternative location nearby will be looked at, he informed the residents.

“So, they can discuss with you what [lands you] have here and what are options close by… Let us work together in bringing some planned developments. In that way, you can get all the good facilities – water, electricity, proper roads and the value of these areas to improve tremendously,” he stated.

Furthermore, the Head of State reassured that Government will lend the necessary assistance to farmers who will be affected by this project and will have to relocate, to help them build up new lands to continue farming. He indicated too that a team will soon visit the area to meet with those affected residents after concerns were raised that they were never formally informed of the project.

Silica City is the brainchild of President Ali, who had proposed the establishment of a secondary city in the country while serving as Housing Minister in 2013. So far, there has been tremendous interest from countries and top international companies from around the world in the development of Silica City.

Brothers Orwin and Cleon Hinds were paid a total of $85,000, with the former only receiving $5000, to execute 72-year-old Clementine Fiedtkou-Parris, who was shot dead in front of her Robb Street, Georgetown home more than a decade ago, over a property dispute.

Last week, the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) overturned the 50-year sentence that was imposed on each of the siblings by the Court of Appeal of Guyana and instead resentenced them to the maximum penalty for this category of murder (murder-for-hire) which is life imprisonment.

The pair becomes eligible for parole after 20 years, including time spent on remand.

Orwin, in a confession statement, the CCJ said in its written decision, described the plan that was hatched with his brother and two other men, “Dutchie” and “Blackboy” to kill the elderly woman, for money. According to the court, Orwin said that he obtained a gun and gave it to Cleon, who then lent it to “Blackboy”. Cleon, in a similar statement, confessed to being told about the pay-

ment to murder FiedtkouParris, and his decision to lend the gun to the organisers to, “get in on the business”. He also said that he drove around the house after and collected money for the killing.

“He [Orwin] said that he and the other men went along with a driver to the deceased’s house and before the killing, he told the men that he wanted no part of it, but eventually was persuaded to go. He and ‘Dutchie’ entered the house where they passed a man on the stairs. He said that ‘Dutchie’ told him to restrain the man, which he did, and he then heard two shots. They left and heard the following day that Fiedtkou-Parris had died,” the regional court outlined.

In its decision, the CCJ noted that Orwin said that “Blackboy” gave him $80,000 and Cleon, $5000 to kill the elderly woman. The regional court noted that the convictions of the brothers were primarily based on their written and oral confessions, and additionally in relation to Orwin, on the evidence of an eyewitness who identified him in an identification parade.

The charge the men had

faced detailed that, on the night of June 30, 2011, at Lot 42 Robb Street, Georgetown, they murdered FiedtkouParris pursuant to an arrangement wherein money was intended to be passed from one person to another.

It was reported that three men had gone to the woman’s home asking for “Auntie”, and when she emerged from her bedroom, one of them pulled out a gun and shot her several times to her upper body. The men then fled the scene in a waiting motor car while the elderly woman was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where she was pronounced dead. It is believed that a bitter dispute over a property might have been the motive for her killing.

Besides the two brothers, two other men, Roy Jacobs and Kevin October were also convicted of Fiedtkou-Parris’ murder. While October died in jail, Jacobs did not further appeal his conviction and sentence to the CCJ. The trial Judge had initially sentenced the quartet to 81 years’ imprisonment each, with parole eligibility not before 45 years for the crime. (G1)

Jailed: Cleon Hinds

Jailed: Orwin Hinds

Dead: Clementine Fiedtkou-Parris

The lands being cleared for the first phase of Silica City

Housewife with wounds to head, abdomen found floating in canal

…Police searching for

The battered body of a housewife was found floating at Hope Lowlands, Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara, on Monday.

Dead is 47-year-old Nazaleen Mohammed, of Belfield Squatting Area, East Coast Demerara.

Police on Monday evening said the housewife’s body was seen by a neighbour in the canal with wounds about her abdomen. However, when Police arrived on the scene and turned the body, wounds

ex-lover

were seen on the head, ear, neck and abdomen, with her intestines protruding.

According to Police, the murder occurred sometime between 07:00h and 15:00h at Hope Lowlands Railway Embankment, ECD.

Enquiries disclosed that the woman was living with her daughter and reputed husband, who is presently at sea on a fishing boat. Mohammed was last seen alive at about 07:00h on Monday, by a neighbour, as she was leaving her home and heading toward her

brother's residence at Hope Lowlands, ECD.

“At about 08:05h, the victim's 32-year-old son received a call from her (his mother's) cell phone, where he heard a male voice whom he identified as the suspect, who had previously shared a relationship with Nazaleen Mohammed,” Police said in a statement.

At the time, he also heard his mother's voice, shouting for her phone but shortly after, the call ended.

However, at about 15:00h on Monday, the

$40M recovered by Labour Ministry for aggrieved employees

Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton, during his contributions to the 2023 Budget Debate on Monday, revealed that the Labour Ministry has been successful in recovering a total of $40 million for aggrieved workers following a large number of complaints received last year.

In 2022, the Labour Department received a total of 913 complaints, of which 85 per cent were successfully resolved.

While he did not reveal what the monies were recovered for, it was previously reported that the Ministry was in receipt of a wide range of complaints such as wages, overtime, severance, annual leave and payment in lieu of notice of termination.

It was also revealed that

of some 867 complaints received by the Ministry, more than 20 per cent were made

against security companies.

Meanwhile, during his Budget Debates presenta-

tion, Hamilton noted that the Government continues to take steps to ensure workers’ rights are respected.

In this regard, he noted that the Ministry has countersigned a number of collective labour agreements between 23 unions and employers.

Additionally, Hamilton disclosed that the Ministry recorded a significant decrease in workplace deaths last year when compared to the 32 deaths that were recorded in 2020.

“In 2022, the amount of workplace deaths…was decreased again by 20 per cent. In two years, we are moving from a place where in 2020, 32 persons lost their lives in workplaces, [in] 2022 that has decreased to 21 and the work continues,” Hamilton remarked.

neighbour, who did not see her return, left in search of her. While he was walking along Hope Lowlands Railway Embankment, he told Police he saw the motionless body of Nazaleen Mohammed lying in a canal.

The body was escorted to a funeral home, awaiting a post-mortem examination. Several persons were questioned in the area. Based on information gathered, Police are in search of the woman’s ex-lover. Investigations are ongoing, Police said.

KFC robbers in T&T shot dead by Police

Minutes after robbing a KFC driver in Mayaro last night, three suspects were shot dead during a shootout with the police. Their identities have not been released.

Police say shortly before 9 pm, the 41-year-old driver, went to Mischier Road to drop off an order.

He was approached by a man who claimed to be the customer. Three other men armed with guns, cutlasses and knives then approached and announced a robbery. The four suspects then ran off, along the shoreline.

The police responded and took up strategic positions at the scene. Two of the officers walked along the beach front and were confronted by the suspects. The suspects opened fire at the officers and began running alongside an abandoned beach house as they continued firing at the officers.

The officers returned fire hitting three of the men. They died at the scene.

The fourth suspect climbed over a wall and escaped. Police recovered a revolver with one live round and spent casings. (T&T Guardian)

Dead: Nazaleen Mohammed

Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton

57 Bills passed in 2 years – Teixeira

The PPP/C Administration since returning to office in August 2020, has been actively working to improve the Government’s legislative agenda. To this end, some 57 Bills were passed to improve the lives of Guyanese over the last two years.

This was highlighted by Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister, Gail Teixeira in a recent interview with NCN.

“The legislative agenda is actually very heavy and we have accomplished about 57 Bills from October 2020 to now. I think the breadth of Bills to be brought will make life easier for people, would make the business to be able to function better and in fact, as you know, we haven’t brought new taxes which is always a Bill themselves.”

Some of the Bills being amended in 2023 include

Evidence of “genocide” among Brazil's Indigenous Yanomami, says Minister

Following reports of Indigenous Yanomami children dying in Brazil of malnutrition and other diseases caused by illegal gold mining, there is strong evidence of "genocide", the country's Justice Minister, Flavio Dino said on Monday.

Late last week, the Health Ministry declared a medical emergency in the Yanomami territory, the country's largest Indigenous reservation.

In four years of former President Jair Bolsonaro's presidency, 570 Yanomami children died of curable diseases, mainly malnutrition but also malaria, diarrhoea and malformations caused by mercury used by wildcat gold miners, the Amazon journalism platform Sumauma reported, citing data obtained by a FOIA.

The Government announced food packages that will be flown to the reservation where some 26,000

Yanomamis live in a region of rainforest and tropical savanna the size of Portugal.

The reservation has been invaded by illegal gold miners for decades, but the incursions multiplied since Bolsonaro won office in 2018 promising to allow mining on previously protected lands and offering to legalise wildcat mining.

There are also signs that organised crime has become involved. In recent violent incidents, men on speed boats on the rivers have shot

with automatic weapons at Indigenous villages whose communities oppose the entry of gold miners.

Some gold miners have begun to leave, fearing enforcement operations by the Lula Government, and appear to be heading across the border into neighbouring Guyana and Suriname, said Estevao Senra, a researcher at Instituto Socioambiental, an Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) that defends Indigenous rights.

(Excerpt from Reuters)

US FDA proposes shift to annual COVID vaccine shots

The US health regulator on Monday proposed one dose of the latest updated COVID-19 shot annually for healthy adults, similar to the influenza immunisation campaign, as it aims to simplify the country's COVID-vaccine strategy.

The US Food and Drug Administration also asked its panel of external advisers to consider the usage of two COVID vaccine shots a year for some young children, older adults and persons with compromised immunity. The regulator proposed the need for routine selection of variants for updating the vaccine, similar to the way strains for flu vaccines are changed annually, in briefing documents ahead of a meeting of its panel on Thursday.

The FDA hopes annual immunisation sched-

ules may contribute to less complicated vaccine deployment and fewer vaccine administration errors, leading to improved vaccine coverage rates. The agency's proposal was on expected lines, following its announcement of its intention for the update last month.

The Biden Administration has also

been planning for a campaign of vaccine boosters every fall season.

Currently, most people in the United States need to first get two doses of the original COVID vaccine spaced at least three to four weeks apart, depending on the vaccine, followed by a booster dose a few months later. (Excerpt from Reuters)

the Trafficking in Persons Act, which will also see the Family Violence and Domestic Violence Acts being amended.

In addition, the Government, through the Housing and Water Ministry, has introduced a Single Window System Bill. The Bill caters for the establishment of a single window electronic processing system to increase business efficiency, as the housing and construction

industries are expanding rapidly.

“These are all little broad scope of intervention that are innovative, correcting what might be wrong, amending what needs to be upgraded or modernised,” said Minister Teixeira.

Some of the Bills passed last year for the development of Guyana and its people include the Hire Purchase Bill, the Condominium Bill, the

Suicide Prevention Bill, and the Mental Health Promotion Bill, among others.

This was a monumental moment for Guyana and the PPP/C Administration for surpassing usual regional standards.

The Minister also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to further strengthening Guyana’s legislation in the coming years.

7 dead in 2nd California shooting in 3 days

Agunman killed seven people before being arrested in California on Monday, just two days after a shooting claimed 11 lives at a popular dance hall.

The latest attacks occurred at two separate locations in the coastal city of Half Moon Bay, about 50 kilometres (30 miles) south of San Francisco.

The attacker was identified as 67-year-old Zhao Chunli, a local resident.

It comes as the state mourns the deaths in majority-Asian Monterey Park during celebrations for the Lunar New Year.

The suspect on Monday was filmed by news cameras turning himself in to the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office about two hours after the attack.

The first four victims were discovered at a mushroom farm around 14:22 local time (00:22GMT), while the other three were later found at a nearby trucking business.

Investigators have not yet provided a motive for this at-

tack.

San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus said at a news conference that the suspect was arrested after driving himself to a local Police Station around 16:40.

He was found with a semi-automatic pistol that may have been used in the attack, and is currently "co-operating" with Police, she added.

Corpus added that an eighth victim is being treated in hospital and is in critical

condition.

"This kind of shooting is horrific," she said. "It's a tragedy we hear about far too often, but today it's hit home here in San Mateo County."

In a news conference, the sheriff also confirmed that witnesses include children who had recently been let out of school and lived on the rural property.

"For children to witness this is unspeakable," she said.

(Excerpt from BBC News)

Mexico's anti-GMO farm policies raise concerns

US farm and trade officials raised "grave concerns" over Mexico's agricultural biotechnology policies in meetings with their Mexican counterparts on Monday, as lingering disagreements threaten decades of booming corn trade between the neighbours.

Washington's concerns centre on the Mexican President's push to ban so-called biotech corn, or varieties developed with genetically modified organisms (GMOs), from entering Mexico if it is destined for human consumption. The United States accounts for most of Mexican corn imports.

"We made it clear today that if this issue is not resolved, we will consider all options, including taking formal steps to enforce our rights under the USMexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)," the office of US Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai said in a statement on Monday.

"Mexico's proposed ap-

proach, which is not grounded in science, still threatens to disrupt billions of dollars in bilateral agricultural trade, cause serious economic harm to US farmers and Mexican livestock producers, and stifle important innovations needed to help producers respond to pressing climate and food security challenges," it added.

US officials travelled to Mexico to discuss Mexico's approach to agricultural biotech products.

Mexico's Agriculture Ministry declined to comment, while the country's Economy Ministry, which handles trade, did not immediately provide comment.

The countries have been at loggerheads over a decree issued by Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in 2020 that sought to phase out imports of genetically modified corn and the herbicide glyphosate by 2024.

Mexico decided to postpone its ban of GMO corn purchases from the United States until

2025, a decision deemed satisfactory by the US Government, Mexican Agriculture Minister Victor Villalobos said last month.

Mexico is one of the biggest buyers of US corn with American farmers sending about 17 million tonnes of mostly GMO yellow corn to Mexico annually, the majority of which is used for animal feed. Mexican officials have said they will keep importing GM corn for animal feed.

US officials are "making it crystal clear" that Mexico must abide by its USMCA commitments and this "is a significant development and good news for corn growers", said Tom Haag, President of the National Corn Growers Association.

Biotech industry group BIO said it appreciated US efforts to get Mexico to "maintain a science-based risk regulatory system", according to statement from Beth Ellikidis, Vice President for Agriculture and Environment. (Reuters)

Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Minister, Gail Teixeira

The suspect was seen being arrested at a local Police Station hours after the attack

Regional

Brazil-Argentina summit to focus on trade, economic integration

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has arrived in Argentina for a summit where the two countries will work to foster stronger trade ties.

Lula’s arrival Monday came after he and Argentine leader Alberto Fernandez had published a joint article saying their aim for greater economic integration included studies of a common South American currency.

Brazilian Finance Minister Fernando Haddad played down the idea of a single shared currency between Argentina and Brazil, saying late on Sunday that the countries were looking at ways to stimulate bilateral trade, but not extinguish their own currencies.

Haddad, who had floated the possibility of a common currency in an article last year, said removing trade barriers between the two largest economies in South America could involve using a single currency for commerce, given a lack of United States dollars in Argentina. But that does not

spell the end of the Brazilian real, he said.

“Trade is really bad and the problem is precisely the foreign currency, right? So we are trying to find a solution, something in common that could make commerce grow,” Haddad told reporters as he arrived in Buenos Aires.

Haddad said Argentina’s trade with Brazil had suffered due to a lack of dollars in the southern neighbour,

where an economic crisis has left the Government battling to replenish foreign currency reserves, with an inflation rate of nearly 100 per cent last year.

Haddad noted Argentina was an important buyer of Brazilian industrial goods and that “several possibilities” were being floated to circumvent its currency problems, though no decision had been made. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Trinidad and Tobago to hold national consultation on crime

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley says the Government will host a national debate on the crime situation in Trinidad and Tobago as the number of murders climbed to 36 so far this year, including the killings of three relatives on Sunday.

Rowley told reporters that the consultation would take place in early March as he reiterated an appeal for people to help law enforcement agencies deal with the spike in criminality by reporting wrongdoing to the Police.

“You have some responsibility You cannot continue to pretend that you don’t know who is doing and what is going on and to expect miracle from the Police to know who is doing, or thinking of doing it and who is hiding firearms…I am asking you to do the nation a favour in the house…and get that information to law enforcement,” Dr Rowley said.

He said in other countries, citizens play an important role in curbing crime by providing the relevant information to the law enforcement agencies.

persistent gun running, institutional corruption and facilitation, as well as the ever-present growth of gang activity in many parts of the country.

Venezuela Public Sector workers march for better salaries

Hundreds of Public Sector workers including teachers, nurses, and Retired Police Officers took to the streets in Venezuela on Monday to demand better salaries and pensions at a time when the government of President Nicolás Maduro faces growing inflation.

Workers in Venezuela's education and health sectors have held three peaceful demonstrations in a dozen cities so far this year to demand more money.

Venezuela's minimum wage of 130 bolivars a month – around just US$6 –was last adjusted in March 2022, when year-on-year inflation closed at 305 per

cent, according to non-governmental groups that monitor economic indicators in the absence of official data.

The Government says that US sanctions have made it impossible to control consumer price growth.

"Hunger doesn't know fear, when hunger arrives fear disappears," said teacher Nancy Hernandez, 60, during a march in Barquisimeto, referring to possible clashes with the Police.

In Maracaibo, the capital of the once-powerful oil-rich Zulia state in northwestern Venezuela, protesters marched to the governor's office.

"What we are experienc-

ing is more than abuse," Zulia reservist Policeman Gustavo Gonzalez, 60, said. "We are starving."

"We're going to have to close the Police hospital because (...) there isn't even one bandage. We Policemen from Zulia are forgotten, we don't have shoes or uniforms," Gonzalez added.

"I never thought I would reach 63 in this way, relying on garbage to eat," said Humberto Montiel, a pensioner who use to work on airport construction.

Montiel must clean patios and collect trash because "when my miserable pension runs out, I am still hungry", he said. (Excerpt from Reuters)

Cuba begins London court battle over unpaid Castro-era debt

Cuba began a high-stakes legal battle in London's High Court on Monday over unpaid Fidel Castro-era Government debt now held by one of the communist-run country's creditors.

The eight-day case will be closely watched by other creditors who between them have struggled to recoup an estimated US$7 billion of defaulted loan from Havana.

CRF I Ltd, the investment firm that brought Monday's case, says it is owed 72 million euros (US$78.18 million) on two loans that were originally granted to Cuba by European banks in the 1980s and denominated in German Deutschmarks.

Cuba's authorities have labelled CRF a "vulture fund" and said in their legal argument ahead of the case that the English Court had no jurisdiction to try CRF's claims.

CRF originally launched the claim almost three years ago after Havana refused

a debt relief offer made by CRF and some other bond holders back in 2018.

"We are still ready to talk to the other side – even at this late stage," CRF Chairman David Charters told Reuters.

The communist-run island has seen its finances deteriorate badly in recent years, made worse by the coronavirus pandemic and restrictions put in place by

In 2015, Havana reached a deal with members of the Paris Club of creditor nations that saw roughly three-quarters of that debt written off. But having not dealt with its commercial creditors in the so-called London Club, the country remains shut out of international capital markets. (Excerpt from Reuters)

At the start of the new year, Rowley said that in 2022, the country experienced the relentless assault of the criminal element, resulting in a record number of murders, facilitated, and bolstered by other alarming incidents of crime, such as

“It is against this background that the Government commits to making 2023 a year of public review and consequent overhaul and redoubling of our efforts aimed at increased focus on [crime reduction],” he said then. (Excerpt from CMC)

Brazilian police said Monday they planned to indict a Colombian fish trader as the mastermind of last year’s slayings of Indigenous expert Bruno Pereira and British Journalist Dom Phillips.

Businessman ordered killings of men in Amazon Call for fix to regional transport

Calling it a hindrance to regional integration, St Lucia Prime Minister Philip Pierre wants fellow Caribbean leaders to come together and fix the transportation woes “as a matter of urgency”.

Pierre, who was the special guest of the Democratic Labour Party, made the point while delivering

the annual Errol Barrow Memorial Lecture last Friday night.

“Travelling around the region today has become a nightmare both from the standpoint of high fares and reduced flight ability. It is having an undermining effect on economic prospects of the Region,” Pierre told the audience at the Errol

Barrow Centre for Creative Imagination, University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.

He said that travel across the Caribbean, both by air and sea, should be seen as an investment by the Governments “because it is a duty they owe the people of the Region”. (Nation News)

According to the Associated Press, Ruben Dario da Silva Villar provided the ammunition to kill the pair, made phone calls to the confessed killer before and after the crime, and paid his lawyer, Federal Police officials said during a press conference held in Manaus, Brazil.

“Fisherman Amarildo da Costa de Oliveira, nicknamed Pelado, confessed that he shot Phillips and

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Argentine President Alberto Fernandez attend a bilateral agreement signing ceremony, during Lula da Silva’s first official visit abroad since his inauguration, at the Casa Rosada presidential palace in Buenos Aires, Argentina [Agustin Marcarian/Reuters]

Pereira and has been under arrest since soon after the killings in early June. He and three other relatives are accused of participating in the crime. They all live in an impoverished riverine community inside a federal agrarian reform settlement between the city of Atalaia

do Norte and Javari Valley Indigenous Territory. Villar has denied any wrongdoing in the case. Before Monday’s announcement, he was already being held on charges of using false Brazilian and Peruvian documents and leading an illegal fishing scheme.”

former US President Donald Trump.

Students hold images of the late Cuban President Fidel Castro during an event commemorating the five-year anniversary of his death, in Havana, Cuba, November 24, 2021 (Reuters/Alexandre Meneghini file photo)

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister, Dr Keith Rowley

Oil settles mixed after hitting 7-week high on strong China outlook

Oil prices settled mixed on Monday, retreating as investors cashed in on a jump to a seven-week high on optimism about a possible recovery in demand of top oil importer China as the economy recovers this year from pandemic lockdowns.

Brent crude settled 56 cents higher at US$88.19 a barrel. The session high was US$89.09 a barrel, the highest since Dec 1. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude settled 2 cents lower at US$81.62 a barrel, off the session high US$82.64 a barrel, the highest since Dec 5.

Prices pulled back at the end of the session as investors took profits, said Phil Flynn, analyst at Price Futures Group.

Still, the market wants to preserve long positions in case Chinese growth resumes, said Sukrit Vijayakar, director of Mumbai-based energy consultancy Trifecta.

Data shows a solid pick-up in travel in China after COVID-19 curbs were eased, ANZ commodity analysts said in a note, pointing out that road traffic congestion in the country's 15 key cities so far this month is up 22 per cent from a year ago.

Crude oil prices in much of the world's physical markets have started the year with a rally as China has shown signs of more buying and traders have worried that sanctions on Russia could tighten supply.

"While the (China) reopening itself will no doubt prove to be complicated, particularly over the holiday season, early indications suggest there has been a rise in activity, meaning the economy could perform better," said OANDA analyst Craig Erlam.

Brent is expected to move back into a range between US$90 and US$100 as the oil market tightens, Erlam said.

Demand for products has lifted the oil market and refining margins, Flynn said. The 3-2-1 crack spread, a proxy for refining margins, rose to US$42.18 per barrel on Monday, the highest since October.

The European Union and Group of Seven (G7) coalition will cap prices of Russian refined products from Feb 5, in addition to the price cap on Russian crude in place since December and an EU embargo on imports of Russian crude by sea.

The G7 has agreed to delay a review of the level of the price cap on Russian oil to March, a month later than originally planned, to provide time to assess the impact of the oil products price cap.

In India, crude oil imports rose to a five-month high in December, Government data showed on Monday, as refiners stocked up discounted Russian fuel amid a steady increase in consumption in the country. (Reuters)

Around the World

It's 'now or never' to stop Japan's shrinking population, PM says

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio

Kishida pledged on Monday to take urgent steps to tackle the country's declining birth rate, saying it was "now or never" for one of the world's oldest societies.

Japan has in recent years been trying to encourage its people to have more children with promises of cash bonuses and better benefits, but it remains one of the most expensive places in the world to raise a child, according to surveys.

Births plunged to a new record low last year, according to official estimates, dropping below 800,000 for the first time - a watershed moment that came eight years earlier than the Government had expected.

That most likely precipitated a further population

decline in a country where the median age is 49, the highest in the world behind only the tiny city-state of Monaco.

"Our nation is on the cusp of whether it can maintain its societal functions," Kishida said in a policy speech at the opening of this

year's parliamentary session.

"It is now or never when it comes to policies regarding births and child-rearing - it is an issue that simply cannot wait any longer," he added.

Kishida said he would submit plans to double the budget for child-related policies by June, and that a new Children and Families Government agency to oversee the issue would be set up in April.

Japan is the third-most-expensive country globally to raise a child, according to YuWa Population Research, behind only China and South Korea, countries also seeing shrinking populations in worrying signs for the global economy. (Excerpt from Reuters)

France remains ‘very sexist’: Watchdog sounds alarm

Five years into the #MeToo movement, French society “remains very sexist in all of its spheres”, a Government-created equality watchdog says in its annual report.

The High Council for Equality between Women and Men also sounded the alarm on high rates of sexual violence reported by women as it called on Monday for a national “emergency plan” to combat “the massive, violent and sometimes lethal consequences” of sexism.

In a survey commissioned by the council, onethird of women said they have been badgered by their partners into sexual acts they did not want.

About one in seven respondents said men had forced sex on them, and a similar number report -

South Africa defends planned military drills with Russia and China

South Africa's Foreign Minister on Monday deflected criticism of joint military drills planned with Russia and China, saying that hosting such exercises with "friends" was the "natural course of relations".

Naledi Pandor made her comments during a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who was visiting South Africa 11 months after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

A South African official, who declined to be named because they were not authorised to speak, said Lavrov would af -

terwards visit Eswatini, Botswana and Angola.

South Africa is one of Russia's most important allies on a continent divided over the invasion and Western attempts to isolate Moscow because of its military actions.

Some Opposition parties and South Africa's small Ukrainian community have said that hosting Lavrov is insensitive.

South Africa says it is impartial on the Ukraine conflict and has abstained from voting on UN resolutions on the war.

It has close ties with Moscow, a friend of the governing African National Congress when

it was a liberation movement opposing white minority rule, and will host a joint exercise with Russia and China on its east coast from Feb 17-27.

"All countries conduct military exercises with friends worldwide. It's the natural course of relations," Pandor, alongside Lavrov, told reporters in the capital, Pretoria.

The exercise will be under way on Feb 24, the first anniversary of what Russia calls its "special military operation". Ukraine and its allies say Russia has launched an imperial land grab. (Excerpt from Reuters)

ed having been hit and shoved by their partners, the council said.

Sylvie PierreBrossolette, the council’s president, expressed particular concern about sexism among younger men who had “bathed in social media, digital [technology], pornography”.

She said sexism must be “fought from the youngest of ages”.

“Uprooting sexism is very hard,” she said.

The council found that at least 80 per cent of women believe they are treated worse than men on account of their sex.

It said the number and severity of these incidents were rising in the public, professional, private and digital spheres. It saw a paradox in public opinion, which recognised the exis -

tence of sexism but did not reject it in practice.

Among men aged 25 to 34, almost a quarter said they sometimes feel compelled to use force to be respected.

Across all age groups, 40 per cent of men thought it was normal for women to stop working to look after children. (Excerpt from Al Jazeera)

Ukraine war: Germany won't block export of its Leopard 2 tanks, Foreign Minister says

Germany's Foreign Minister Anna Baerbock has said she "would not stand in the way" of Poland if it were to send Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.

Ukraine has called on the West to provide the Germanmade tanks which they say will help them defeat Russia.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told the BBC that Germany had the power to "save the lives of many Ukrainian soldiers".

But Germany is yet to agree and its export laws have stood in Poland's way.

On Sunday, Baerbock said Poland had not yet

asked for export permission.

"For the moment the question has not been asked, but if we were asked we would not stand in the way," she told France's LCI TV.

Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said on Monday the Government would request authorisation from Berlin. But he said Poland would send the tanks to Ukraine, even if it was not granted.

"Even if, ultimately we did not get this consent, within the framework of a small coalition….we will still hand over our tanks, together with others, to Ukraine,"

Morawiecki said.

The European Union's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, said Germany would not stop other EU countries exporting Leopard tanks.

He added that discussions of support for Ukraine should not solely revolve around tanks.

In a BBC interview on Monday, Ukraine's Kuleba appealed to all countries willing to send Leopard 2 tanks to "immediately, officially request the German Government to allow delivery of these tanks to Ukraine". (Excerpt from BBC News)

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is seen on the monitor of a TV camera while he delivers his policy speech during the first day of an ordinary session at the Lower House of Parliament in Tokyo, Japan January 23, 2023

The Leopard 2 tanks were specifically designed to compete with the Russian T-90 tanks, which are being used in the invasion

DAILY HOROSCOPES

You’ll be eager to get things done. Push forward, fulfill your dreams and promote your goals. A challenge will have strings attached; find out what’s expected of you before you proceed.

(March 21-April 19)

(April 20-May 20)

Sort through emotional issues before you agree to something that may be compromising or uncomfortable. Find out where you stand and assess where to best spend your time and effort.

Gather information and put it to the test. What you discover and how you apply it will inspire others to pitch in and help. Before you accept help, find out what it might cost.

SUDOKU

(May 21-June 20)

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

Stick to the facts, and don’t take on the impossible. Reach out to someone you like to work alongside, and you’ll get an opportunity to do something that makes a difference.

An opening will become available. Try something new. A challenge will excite you and encourage you to fine-tune your skills to impress someone who can help you get ahead.

A trip, meeting or networking function will be enlightening. The information you receive will help you make necessary adjustments. Let your work be your calling card.

(Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

(Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

Dress for success. Pay attention to detail and take better care of your health and well-being. Hone your skills, add to your knowledge and keep up to date with what’s trending.

Get approval before you make changes that will affect those you live with. If you are transparent and open regarding your intentions, you’ll be granted the goahead.

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

SOLUTION FOR LAST PUBLISHED PUZZLE

(Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Nothing will be as it appears. Don’t act on assumptions; ask questions, explore possibilities and put your energy where it counts. Home improvements will pay off. If you love someone, show it.

An active mind will lead to answers that encourage you to follow your heart. Focus on improving money management and curbing costly habits. Domestic changes will turn out well.

Review each step required to reach your objective. Your colorful way of pitching your vision will make it difficult for your audience to reject your ideas.

(Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

Don’t share sensitive information. Focus on what you can do for others and how to solve a problem that can influence your position or income. Keep the peace, but leave nothing to chance.

(Feb. 20-March 20)

ARCHIE PEANUTS

CALVIN AND HOBBES

DILBERT

Lampard sacked as Everton Manager after West Ham defeat

Everton have sacked Manager Frank Lampard after less than a year in charge at Goodison Park.

Defeat at fellow strugglers West Ham United on Saturday was Everton's ninth loss in 12 Premier League games.

They are second from bottom of the table with 15 points from 20 matches, above Southampton on goal difference.

Former England midfielder Lampard, 44, replaced Rafael Benitez in January 2022 with the team 16th in the table and helped Everton avoid relegation.

Everton are now looking for their sixth permanent Manager in five years.

After a 1-1 draw at reigning champions Manchester City on December 31, Everton have lost 4-1 to Brighton at Goodison Park, were knocked out of the FA Cup with a 3-1 defeat at Manchester United and were then beaten by Southampton despite taking the lead, before the latest defeat by West Ham.

They have managed only three wins all season.

There have been wide-

spread and vocal protests from fans against the Board in recent games, and supporters staged a sit-in demonstration after the loss to Southampton.

Everton's Board of Directors missed that game because of what the club claimed was a "real and credible threat to their safety".

Merseyside Police said no threats or incidents had been reported to officers prior to the fixture before Everton announced "enhanced security procedures" would be put in place.

That was also in response to some supporters confronting defender Yerry Mina and midfielder Anthony Gordon as they left Goodison Park in their cars last weekend.

Everton owner Farhad Moshiri attended his first game in 14 months at West Ham, along with much-criticised long-serving Chairman Bill Kenwright. Moshiri suggested, when questioned by Sky Sports at the game, that it was not down to him decide on Lampard's future.

The club are yet to sign anyone in the January transfer window, but spent in excess of £80 million in the

summer, including the £33 million signing of Amadou Onana from Lille and the £20 million purchase of Dwight McNeil from Burnley, after receiving £60 million for Brazil forward Richarlison from Tottenham.

Lampard took his first steps in management with Derby in 2018. In his one season in charge, they reached the Championship play-off final, where they lost to Aston Villa.

He replaced Maurizio Sarri as Chelsea Manager in July 2019, but was sacked after 18 months.

Lampard took over at Goodison with Everton 16th in the table, six points above the relegation zone.

Everton had 10 defeats in the remaining 18 games of the season, but secured their survival with a 3-2 comeback victory against Crystal Palace on what Lampard called "one of the greatest nights" of his career.

Lampard won only 12 of his 44 matches in charge in all competitions, a win percentage of 27.27 that is far worse than his record at Derby (42.1 per cent) and Chelsea (52.4 per cent).

“Everton are staring the obvious in the face”

Former Everton Captain Alan Stubbs and forward Kevin Campbell both expressed sympathy for Lampard, but told BBC Radio 5 Live they understand the sacking.

"I feel for Frank Lampard because he's come into a situation where he's having to deal with a lot of problems from previous decisions from the Board and Managers," said Stubbs, who captained Everton to a fourth-place finish in 2004-05.

"Ultimately it got to the stage where it was inevitable. His record hasn't been great this season and unfortunately he's lost his job as a result of it."

Campbell added: "Results probably in the end got the better of Frank Lampard, but this sacking puts the magnifying glass on the football club, and the Board are going to be scrutinised for what they do next."

However, despite agreeing with the decision, both said the situation highlighted deeper issues at Goodison Park.

"There is no doubt [that the problems are deeper],"

said Stubbs.

"The problem that Everton fans find themselves with now is that the same people are going to be making the decision. There is certainly a vote of no confidence in the people that are making the decisions for Everton going forward.

"From top to bottom, there are things that are not right for the football club. Everton, I think, are staring the obvious in the face as we speak. Whoever comes in, and I have to be honest I don't know who it will be that can save them, they've got a monumental job

to keep them up this season."

Campbell, who played for the club between 1999 and 2005, added: "There has to be a plan. Everton Football Club having no footballing foundation is crazy.

"I just think to myself you cannot build anything on sand. The fans know it, ex-players know it, people in football know you have to build from a foundation. It is going to be interesting to see what the Board and owner do, because all the eyeballs are on them right now." (BBC Sport)

World Athletics proposes new transgender eligibility rules

World Athletics has proposed continuing to allow transgender women to compete in female international track and field events.

In a statement, it said its "preferred option" was to tighten the sport's eligibility rules, but still use testosterone limits as the basis for inclusion.

A policy document suggesting the amendments has been sent to World Athletics' member federations as part of a consultation process before a vote in March.

It comes despite other sports banning transgender women from participating in elite female competition amid concerns they have an unfair advantage.

World Athletics has faced some criticism over its stance, but said it was "the best way to gather constructive feedback" and insisted a final decision had not yet been made.

Background

In June 2022, World Athletics President Lord Sebastian Coe welcomed the move by Fina – swimming's world governing

body – to stop trans athletes from competing in women's elite races if they had gone through any part of the process of male puberty, insisting "fairness is non-negotiable".

Fina's decision followed a report by a taskforce of leading figures from the world of medicine, law, and sport that said that going through male puberty meant trans women retained a "relative performance advantage over biological females", even after medication to reduce testosterone.

Fina also aimed to establish an 'open' category at competitions, for swimmers whose gender identity is different than their birth sex.

At the time, Coe hinted

his sport could follow suit: "We have always believed that biology trumps gender and we will continue to review our regulations in line with this."

However in policy documents seen by the BBC, World Athletics has now told member federations that its "preferred option" is to allow transgender women – and athletes with differences in sex development (DSD) such as South Africa's Caster Semenya –to continue to compete in the female category in international track and field.

They would have to reduce their amount of blood testosterone from the current maximum of five nanomoles per litre to below 2.5, and stay below this permit-

ted threshold for two years rather than just one, as is the case now.

The proposal would also see such rule changes apply to DSD athletes in every track and field discipline, rather than just events ranging from 400 metres to a mile.

Studies have shown that male puberty results in increased muscle mass, bone density, changes to the shape of the skeleton, and the haemoglobin levels, all of which are significant contributors to performance.

Some sports scientists maintain that lowering the testosterone level has some effect on those systems, but is not complete, and performance advantages over females can be retained.

In a statement, World Athletics said: "We will follow the science and the decade and more of the research we have in this area in order to protect the female category, maintain fairness in our competitions, and remain as inclusive as possible.

"In reviewing a number of new and existing studies and observations from the field, we have put forward a

preferred option for consultation with our member federations.

"Once we have this feedback at the end of January, we will consult, in a targeted way, more widely.

"Putting forward a preferred option is the best way to gather constructive feedback, but this does not mean this is the option that will be presented to Council or indeed adopted."

The suggested changes are in line with amendments made last year by the UCI, cycling's world governing body.

What has been the

see. Make the male category open. Male athletes won't be affected whatsoever."

Last year British Triathlon become the first British sporting body to establish a new 'open' category in which transgender athletes can compete. The Rugby Football League and Rugby Football Union also banned transgender women from competing in female-only forms of their games.

reaction?

However, World Athletics' proposal has drawn criticism from British shot putter Amelia Strickler, who told the Telegraph: "If this happens I wouldn't be surprised if we saw a lot of world records fall to trans athletes.

"I am genuinely worried," she added. "This is about protecting women at the end of the day."

Meanwhile, British two-time European indoor 800m medallist Jamie Webb tweeted: "Lost a lot of faith in the sport. Sad to

It followed World Rugby becoming the first international sports federation to say transgender women cannot compete at the elite and international level of the women's game in 2020.

While such moves have been praised for protecting female sport, some critics have said that these rules are discriminatory. Olympic diving champion Tom Daley said he was "furious" at Fina's decision to stop transgender athletes from competing in women's elite events, saying: "Anyone that's told that they can't compete or can't do something they love just because of who they are, it's not on."

Frank Lampard lost his final four home league games as Everton manager

B/ball Associations to host “Bounce Back” tournament

…slated for Friday at Burnham Court

The basketball associations from Georgetown, Bartica, Berbice and Linden will host on Friday, January 27, an evening of basketball at the Burnham Court.

Dubbed “Basketball Bounce Back”, Bartica and Berbice will collide in a Under21 match-up from 18:00h (6:00 pm), while Linden and Georgetown will look to reignite their age-old rivalry in the sport.

Linden Amateur Basketball Association (LABA) President Rawle Toney and Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA) President Jermaine Slatter are the organisers of the event.

According to Slater, the idea is to highlight that basketball is making a return across the associations affiliated with the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF).

“Usually, you would see associations like Linden and Georgetown being in the spotlight, while others aren’t being recognised. Also, basketball was dormant for a while outside of Georgetown. Still, now all the associations are ready to return, we thought it was best to come together to announce a return of the game in the respective affiliates and areas,” Slater

said.

Meanwhile, Toney said LABA was happy to play its part in having the game take centre stage, adding “we can only grow the game in Guyana if we work together, and Friday’s event is the start to a series of collaborative events, geared towards helping basketball develop in Guyana.”

“Of course, we will focus on developing the game in

our respective areas, but it’s equally important to arrange regular competition outside of our Sub-association,” Toney said.

Berbice Amateur Basketball Association (BABA) Vice President Ojay Joseph said mostly youths play the game in the Ancient County. Joseph said BABA was grateful for the opportunity to have its

youths showcase their talent against their counterparts from Bartica.

Bartica Association Vice President Dion Ferrier welcomed the chance given to youths from the CuyuniMazaruni area to play outside of Region Seven.

Organisers said they planned on hosting a return leg in Linden, Berbice, and Bartica.

Mandhana, Harmanpreet bludgeon West Indies in dominant win

This was after wicketkeeper Rashada Williams dropped a regulation catch of Harmanpreet –when on 21 – in right-arm seamer Shabika Gajnabi's first over. Mandhana took on Gajnabi in her next over, striking her for three fours, including one to bring up a 39ball half-century. It was the 20th time she'd passed fifty, the third most by a player in T20Is.

Ahumongous, authoritative partnership followed by a clinical bowling display helped India notch up their second win in the women's T20 tri-series.

Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur added an unbroken 115 for the third wicket, both hitting half-centuries in the process, to power India to 167 for 2.

The Indian bowlers, led by Deepti Sharma's 2 for 29, then restricted West Indies to 111. Shikha Pandey, playing her first T20 International since October 2021, returned economical figures of 0 for 18 off her four overs. West Indies' only resistance came via a 71-run partnership between Captain Hayley Matthews and Shemaine Campbelle.

West Indies gain early control

Having been asked to bowl first, West Indies made a good first impression. After making her international debut for Barbados at the Commonwealth Games last year, Shanika Bruce –playing her first match for West Indies – kept openers Yastika Bhatia and

Mandhana quiet. She regularly beat Bhatia's outside edge and only gave away two fours in her two overs in the powerplay.

From the opposite end, Shamilia Connell, who was impressive against South Africa, barely gave away runs, bowling ten dots in her two overs. In all, West Indies bowled 21 dots in the phase and gave away only 37 – 12 of which came off a single Karishma Ramharack over in which Bhatia fell.

Mandhana, Harmanpreet change the narrative Harmanpreet was returning after missing the opening clash owing to illness and found herself in the middle with Mandhana with India devoid of much momentum. They were placed at 60 for 2 at the 10-over mark with Mandhana on 21 off 20.

Harmanpreet then bookended the 11th over with fours off Matthews to signal a change of gears. The three overs after drinks saw India plunder 28. They also used the sweep against the legspin of Afy Fletcher and delicate dabs against left-arm spinner Kaysia Schultz.

The pair took 18 off the 18th over bowled by Connell, with Mandhana and Harmanpreet hitting a couple of fours each. Harmanpreet also completed a fifty in the final over as India managed to score 50 off the last four overs.

Campbelle, Matthews save West Indies’ blushes

Deepti struck on her first ball in India’s defence of 167, trapping Britney Cooper lbw with the perfect offspinner where the ball beat Cooper on the inside edge before having Williams stumped in her next over. Having injured her ankle after the first innings, Matthews slid down the order with West Indies – opening with Cooper and Williams – sending Campbelle and Gajnabi in at number three and number four respectively. When Gajnabi was out lbw in the seventh over, the script seemed quite familiar.

But Campbelle and Matthews then steadied the ship and changed gears after the 10th over when they were 39 for 3. While Campbelle swept the first ball of the 11th off Devika Vaidya for four, Matthews hit her for three more in the over. Both Campbelle

and Matthews managed to find the boundaries regularly, but the target was never really within sight. They added 71 for the fourth wicket and it ended when Amanjot Kaur took a stunning catch after running to her left at deep midwicket and div -

ing forward to dismiss Campbelle for 47.

Matthews managed to stay unbeaten but West Indies fell short by 56. They will now need to win both their remaining games to stay in contention for the final. (ESPNcricinfo)

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

Shamilia Connell, Karishma Ramharack, Chedean Nation, Kaysia

Fall of wickets: 1-7 (Britney Cooper, 1.1 ov), 2-20 (Rashada Williams, 3.3 ov), 3-25 (Shabika Gajnabi, 6.2 ov), 4-96 (Shemaine Campbelle, 17.3 ov)

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LABA President Rawle Toney BABA President Ojay Joseph Bartica Association Vice President Dion Ferrier GABA President Jermaine Slater

mriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur added an unbroken 115 off 70

Guyana’s Shemaine Campbelle looked in fine touch, striking a 71run partnership with Captain Hayley Matthews

Meet Shamar Joseph: from quitting job at security firm to Guyana Harpy Eagles team selection

Arose that grew from concrete, a man who made sacrifices and maintained discipline. That's the description in a nutshell of Guyana Harpy Eagles’ latest selectee, Shamar Joseph.

The 23-year-old father of one left his job at a security firm to focus on cricket, and he has been rewarded after much hard work and determination.

Joseph, another proud product of the Tucber Park Cricket Club in New Amsterdam, Berbice, is beyond thankful for the selection he earned to the Guyana Harpy Eagles team that will play in the upcoming West Indies championships on February 1.

Interestingly, Joseph has never played for any Berbice or Guyana youth teams.

"I must thank God, for giving me strength and the ability to trust in myself," Joseph said.

I witnessed Joseph firsthand at a First-Division game in Berbice, where he claimed five wickets. His attitude and determination stood out, and his confidence.

"I started in Berbice with Tucber Park. I played a few First-Division and Second-Division matches. It is not much, but the experience was very important for me, where I can

Ramdhani begins ACAC campaign on high note

Guyana’s badminton sensation, Narayan Ramdhani continued his stellar run on the Canadian collegiate circuit, when the Alberta Colleges Athletics Conference (ACAC) tournament #2 returned on Sunday, January 22, 2023 at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), Alberta, Canada.

Representing The King’s University, Ramdhani enjoyed a bye to the quarter-final round, being the number one seeded player in the tournament. There, he defeated Gurmanjot Singh 21-12, 21-8. In the semi-finals, he defeated Anthony Olson 21-6, 2114, advancing to the final, where he came out victorious against Sanskar Chopra 21-10, 21-17.

Ramdhani racked up another first-place finish, after teaming up with King’s Eagles team-mate Cecilia Wolski for the mixed doubles category. The pair were the number one seeded team in that category.

In the ACAC Tournament # 1 for 2023, the top-ranking Guyanese badminton player had also placed first in the men’s singles draw and in the last season of 2022, Ramdhani had a great season, coming out first in the Men’s Singles Championship

and was adjudged ACAC Athlete of the Year, in addition to the All- Canadian Award.

Ramdhani’s next outing is expected to come next month when the ACAC Tournament #3 is held at The King’s University on February 3,

2023. Thereafter, over the weekend of February 1819, the ACAC Badminton Championships will be held to determine the athletes who will represent ACAC at the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (Nationals) to be held in March.

play and then come to Georgetown. I started at a tender age, I did not know much about the game. But I love the game of cricket so much," the rightarm fast bowler added.

Known for swinging the ball and being extremely fit, Joseph had claimed eight wickets in the two Guyana Harpy Eagles trial matches at Providence. He was also on the list of standbys last season. Despite not having previous national experience, Joseph was unfazed, as he believed in the formula of hard work. In fact, he ran 60 on the last yoyo test, and he breezed past the set mark of 40 in his maiden yoyo test, despite lacking previous knowledge.

When asked how confident he was on earning selection after putting in some good performances, Joseph said: "I was confident. This is always my dream. I focused on my

dream and I got there. I worked very hard to get to this level of cricket, and I must thank God once again for being there with me the entire time."

In addition to his bowling exploits, Joseph is an agile fielder and hard-hitting left-handed batsman. He showed his batting ability in the senior inter-county in Guyana where he scored a half-century.

"The [Guyana Cricket Board] GCB inter-county started well for me, where I scored a half-century, but I got an injury in the second game. The exposure was good for me," Joseph noted.

In recent times, Tucber Park has produced Romario Shepherd and Nial Smith. And now, Joseph is following in their footsteps. When asked about playing

with his clubmate Smith and national teammate Ronsford Beaton, Joseph said: "They are very experienced guys and they talk to me about the tour. The guys promise to work along with me in my journey and career onwards."

He further disclosed that he was seeking to maintain focus and puzzle out the batsmen. "I maintain focus on an area. I focus on the mistakes the batsmen make and I capitalise on that."

In closing, Joseph thanked his parents, the mother of his child who was there for him through all his struggles, Coach Esuan Crandon, Takeram George, Brandon Corlette, Damion Vantull, and Anthony D'Andrade among others.

Friendship, Swan clinch big wins in Tiger Rentals tourney

The East Bank Football Association (EBFA) hosted the second day of intra-association competition in the Tiger Rentals U13 tournament on Saturday. There, Friendship and Swan pulled off massive victories.

There were four matches on the cards for the EBFA leg of the tournament, hosted at the Guyana Football Federation’s National Training Centre (NTC) at Providence on Saturday last.

Swan FC had the largest win of the day, thumping Timehri B by an 11-0 margin. Young Kevin DeGoias was the marksman on show, netting a whopping seven goals for Swan.

Marko Andres’ brace

and one apiece from Mario DeSantos and Omesh Charles accounted for the

9-0.

Meanwhile, Timehri A faced some opposition from Agricola Red Triangle in their outing, but were able to pull off a comfortable 6-2 victory.

Herstelling Raiders bounced back from a heavy 8-0 defeat on the opening day, to rout Diamond 3-1, in the fourth and final game of the day.

On match day one of the EBFA’s competition, Diamond United defeated Agricola Red Triangle 4-3 while Timehri A beat Herstelling Raiders 8-0.

remaining goals.

In a similarly-lopsided contest, Friendship schooled Samatta Point

The GFF/Tiger Rentals Under13 developmental football programme continues this weekend at the NTC, likely with the inter-association portion of the league.

Narayan Ramdhani is continuing his stellar showing in Canada after being adjudged ACAC Athlete of the Year in 2022

Snippets from the Tiger Rentals U13 League EBFA leg

Shamar Joseph at a recent pool session

Shamar Joseph bowling during the Guyana Harpy Eagles trials

B y B randon C orlette